Man accused of slashing man’s throat pleads guilty to attempted murder

Olivia Kelleher

A Cork man who was set to go on trial for murder early next year has pleaded guilty to a charge of attempted murder in the same case.

Aaron Babbington (31), previously of Churchfield Avenue, Churchfield in Cork, appeared before a sitting of the Central Criminal Court in Cork on Thursday where he pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of Jason Butler on June 14th, 2023, at Grand Parade in Cork.

Ray Boland SC, for the prosecution, said the murder trial date of January 13th next year could now be vacated.

Mr Boland said a victim impact statement would be required from the family of the deceased following the entering of a plea of guilty to attempted murder.

Defence barrister Tom Creed SC made an application for a probation report to be prepared in advance of the sentencing hearing next year.

Mr Justice Paul Burns adjourned the case for mention on January 20th at a sitting of Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin. It is understood that sentencing may be further adjourned on that date.

Babbington was charged last year with the murder of Jason Butler contrary to common law.

Detective Garda Pat Russell said Babbington made no reply when the charge was put to him under caution. It was previously alleged that Mr Butler was slashed in the throat in the Grand Parade in Cork at about 7.20pm on June 14th, 2023.

Mr Butler died at Cork University Hospital on June 16th, 2023. He was predeceased by his parents and three of his six siblings.

He was living at SVP Deerpark House Hotel in Friars Walk in Cork at the time of his death, which is a support service which assists people as they attempt to move on from homelessness.