A Longford man found guilty of a 2018 stabbing in the Town is to be remanded in custody until his sentencing in May.
Denis Hannifin of Curry, Athlone Road, Longford was found guilty today of the assault and intentional harm of Denis McGinley as well as to charges of affray and possession and production of a weapon at Longford Shopping Centre on the 7th of December, 2018.
Mr McGinely suffered chest, face, back and arm wounds during the altercation that also saw him plead guilty to a charge of affray in 2021.
It took just 2 and a half hours for a jury of 7 women and 5 men to find Mr. Hannifin guilty of all charges following a week long trial at Longford Circuit Criminal Court.
The defence had argued that the injuries received by Mr. McGinley were in self defence following his claimed assault against Denis Hannifin at the doors of Longford Shopping Centre 4 years ago.
Counsel for Mr Hannifin suggested that the knife used in the incident was taken from Denis McGinley in the course of the struggle.
However, following the dispute of this from both the victim and the prosecution, the defence also argued that it is possible for someone to carry a knife in self defence.
On day two of the trial, the defence produced a phone they claimed belonged to Denis McGinely that contained recordings suggesting that he entered the centre planning to attack the accused.
According to a statement given to Gardaí, Mr Hannifin had admitted to taking the phone from the scene following the incident thinking it was his own before dumping it that evening near the Cathedral.
Extensive CCTV footage of the incident was played to the jury from both the Longford Shopping Centre and Lloyds Pharmacy, followed by testimony from investigating Gardaí.
In closing arguments made yesterday evening, counsel for the Prosecution had suggested to the jury that any action taken in self defence must be proportional, which he said this was not.
According to the prosecution Denis Hannifin had 'made shreds' of the victim's jumper and 'made shreds of his body.'
While closing the Defence, counsel said Mr Hannifin had been caught in the 'agony of the moment' following a what he called a vicious assault on him by Denis McGinley.
This afternoon, the jury ruled the defendant guilty of all charges, with Judge Francis Comerford remanding him in custody until sentencing on the 9th of May.
A victim impact statement and probation report were also requested to be compiled before the case is heard again.
