Father of two found guilty of manslaughter

A 38-year-old father of two has been found guilty of manslaughter of Mr James Hand in Dublin at the Central Criminal Court today…

A 38-year-old father of two has been found guilty of manslaughter of Mr James Hand in Dublin at the Central Criminal Court today.

James Morgan with an address at Rathmines in Dublin denied the murder of Mr Hand at the Meeting Pint pub on Dorset Street on or between the 22 August and 5 September 2002. Mr Hand was stabbed on 22 August 2002 and died two weeks later in hospital.

The court heard that Morgan who is now separated from his former partner and has two young children was allegedly not allowed see his daughter for her fourth birthday on the day of the fatal stabbing.

Morgan had been asked to leave the Meating Pint pub but had returned on three occasions where an altercation broke out and Mr Hand was stabbed.

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During evidence Morgan said told the court that he believed his life was in danger during a fight with the deceased.

After deliberating for eight hours and 17 minutes the jury reached a majority manslaughter verdict of ten to two.

Morgan will be sentenced on 30 May before Mr Justice Paul Carney.