Cork man admits killing mother of two Paula Canty in Mallow flat last year

The manslaughter of a mother of two in a flat in Mallow in January last year was admitted on Monday by a 43-year-old man who wrote a letter of apology to the victim’s family.

Joseph Butler of the Belfry, Bridewell Lane, Mallow, pleaded guilty to the unlawful killing of 31-year-old Paula Canty at the Belfry, Bridewell Lane, Mallow, County Cork, on January 3, 2025.

He was arraigned at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork today and replied ‘guilty’ when the manslaughter charge was read to him.

Mr Butler, who is originally from Midleton, County Cork, had been charged initially with the murder of Ms Canty. However, prosecution senior counsel Donal O’Sullivan said if the accused was arraigned on the manslaughter charge, his plea of guilty would be acceptable to the State.

Once that was done, Mr O’Sullivan said: “In light of that plea my application would be to put it back to the June sessions for sentence.” 

Defence senior counsel, Ray Boland, said: “My application is for a probation report. He is a 43-year-old man with a history of substance abuse.

"He is very remorseful about events of that night… He has written a letter of apology to the family of Ms Canty which is in court to be forwarded to the State."

Ms Justice Siobhán Lankford adjourned the case until June 3 but this will only be for the purpose of setting a date later that month for the sentencing hearing. 

It is anticipated that the family of the late Ms Canty will have an opportunity to present their victim impact statement at the time of the hearing.

In initial reports of the investigation it was reported that the body of the late Ms Canty was found at a flat in Mallow with stab wounds.

Joseph Butler’s next appearance in court will be by video link from prison when the matter will only be for mention to set the sentencing date.

Fr Robert Young told mourners at the requiem mass for the deceased in January 2025, in St John the Baptist Church in Kinsale, that that no parent should have to suffer the loss of a child.

“To lose a son or daughter is a particular kind of grief. It is not the natural scheme of things that a son or daughter would die before their parent. It is certainly not the natural scheme of things that a parent would have to experience the [killing] of a son or daughter.

"It is heartbreaking to think about it and to see you carrying your pain. We want to acknowledge your grief, your sadness, your heartbreak.” Fr Young went on describe the late Ms Canty, who was a native of Kinsale, as having a kind heart and good nature and being gentle, likeable, courteous and artistic.