Cork murder accused not in courtroom as victim's family travel from Ukraine

The parents of a young Ukrainian man who lost his life following a violent incident in Cork city last week attended Cork District Court on Wednesday to see the man accused of his murder appear by video link from prison.

However, when the case against 42-year-old Jonathan Hennessy, of 15 Dr Patrick O’Sullivan Terrace, Upper Aghada, Co Cork, was called, a prison officer at the video link from Cork Prison said there was a sick note stating the accused could not appear.

Eddie Burke, solicitor, said there was only consent for a two-week adjournment. Judge Mary Dorgan remanded Jonathan Hennessy in custody until April 8.

Sergeant John Dineen said the family of the late Oleksandr Zhyvytskyi had been present in court earlier but left after being informed the accused would not appear and that a sick note would explain his absence.

The funeral of the deceased was held in Cork on Tuesday, and members of the young man’s family travelled to attend.

Detective Garda Kevin Motherway gave evidence of arresting and charging Jonathan Hennessy last week. The charge states that: “On March 16 2023 at Knapp’s Square, Cork City in the District Court area of Cork City in District area 19, he did murder one Oleksandr Zhyvytskyi, contrary to Common Law.” When cautioned that he did not have to say anything but that whatever he might say would be taken down in writing and could be given in evidence, he made no reply to the charge.

Eddie Burke, solicitor, was appointed to represent the accused on free legal aid, after stating Jonathan Hennessy was on disability allowance and had no other income.

Mr Burke said when the accused was first before the court: “I would ask that he would get medical attention on entering Cork Prison.” Sgt Dineen said it is alleged that on March 16 at Knapp’s Square at 7.50pm the deceased sustained a stab wound to his chest during an altercation. He made his way home and subsequently died, with death formally pronounced at 8.35pm on Monday.

The father of one, in his early 30s, was stabbed just metres from his home at Camden Court apartments on Carroll’s Quay when he went out to buy food. He made it back to his apartment, where his partner called for help.

Despite paramedics’ efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at the scene. An investigation was launched immediately after the fatal stabbing.