Cork man who slashed throat of man with broken vodka bottle apologises to victim's family

A 31-year-old man who was drinking vodka and having banter with another man in Cork city centre slashed his throat with the broken bottle and today he apologised to the family of the victim who died two days later.

“Aaron Babbington apologises to Jason Butler’s family, while that will be little solace to them,” Tom Creed senior counsel said today at the sentencing hearing for Aaron Babbington.

While he had faced the prospect of a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court he later pleaded guilty instead to a charge of attempted murder in the same case.

Detective Sergeant Colin Greenway outlined the background circumstances in the case against Aaron Babbington, formerly of Churchfield Avenue, Churchfield, Cork, on the charge of the attempted murder of Jason Butler on June 14, 2023 at Grand Parade, Cork, contrary to Common Law. He died in hospital two days later.

On June 14, 2023 Jason Butler met Aaron Babbington and his girlfriend by chance by Centra on Grand Parade at about 7pm. An eye witness working in the shop said they were in good spirits exchanging banter with each other.

The three of them were sharing a one litre bottle of vodka and sat down together on a concrete bench at Daunt Square and continued to drink, appearing to be in good form.

“However, in the following 40 minutes Mr Babbington became frustrated and angry at the attention his girlfriend was paying to Jason Butler – attention that was not reciprocated in any way.

“An eyewitness passing by heard Aaron Babbington saying he was going to stab him and making the comment, either, ‘you are going to die’ or ‘you are dead’.

“After these threats he hit his girlfriend twice in the face and kicked Jason Butler in the head.

“He picked up the bottle of vodka, drank its remaining contents, held it by the neck and attempted to smash it against the Argos building. He made nine unsuccessful attempts.

“His girlfriend and Jason Butler got up to try to escape. Unfortunately, Mr Butler fell to the ground and was unable to regain his feet and was helpless on the ground when Mr Butler returned and smashed the bottle off the concrete bench.

“He then turned to Jason Butler and with the sharp broken bottle he bent over him, wrapped his arm around his neck and pressed the bottle into his neck,” Det Garda Greenway said.

The victim impact statement was handed in on behalf of the Butler family but was not read out in court.

Defence senior counsel Mr Creed said both of the defendant’s parents had addiction issues and that the young man ended up homeless, having had little chance in terms of background.

Mr Creed said the accused indicated to the probation service that he wanted to address his addiction difficulties. 

“He realises now that his attempt to take the life of another human being has had a serious effect on him. 

“While an unstable environment cannot excuse his behaviour on the day it is something the court can look at,” Mr Creed said.

Ms Justice Siobhán Lankford said there was a lot for her to consider in the case and she would adjourn sentencing until Friday, April 11. The late Mr Butler was originally from Castleredmond in Midleton, County Cork. 

Addressing members of the Butler family who were present in court today, the judge said: “I wish to extend by deepest condolences to the family.”