Inquest begins into death of Cork man who died following bottle attack

A 32-year-old man who was rushed to hospital following a bottle attack in Cork passed away of a brain injury coupled with alcohol and drug intoxication and sharp force injury, an inquest has heard.

An inquest into the death of Jason Butler who was originally from Castleredmond, in Midleton, Co Cork has been adjourned as criminal proceedings are ongoing. Mr Butler was predeceased by his parents and three of his six siblings.

Jason Butler passed away at Cork University Hospital on June 16, 2023. He had been the victim of an attack two days earlier.

Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster today told Cork Coroner’s Court that a post-mortem had indicated that the cause of death was a hypoxic ischemic brain injury coupled with alcohol and mixed drug intoxication and sharp force injury to the face and neck.

Garda Paul Delaney of Anglesea Street Garda station gave evidence as to identifying the body of Mr Butler to a doctor on June 22 last at the morgue in Cork University Hospital.

Sgt Fergus Twomey told Cork Coroner Philip Comyn that a man has been before the courts in relation to the death.

The case was adjourned pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings.

Last month (December) Aaron Babbington (30) of Churchfield Avenue, Cork appeared before Cork District Court charged with the murder, contrary to Common Law, of Jason Butler on the Grand Parade in Cork on June 14 last.

Mr Butler was living at SVP Deerpark House Hotel in Friars Walk in Cork at the time of his death. 

This is a support service that assists people as they attempt to move on from homelessness. Mr Butler is survived by three brothers and a sister.

His funeral mass took place at the Church of the Most Holy Rosary in his native Midleton, Co Cork. 

He was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. He was from the Castleredmond area of the town.