Man charged with the murder of mother of two Paula Canty in Cork

Olivia Kelleher

A 42-year-old man has been charged with the murder of mother of two Paula Canty in Mallow, Cork on January 3rd, 2025.

Joseph Butler (42) appeared before Midleton District Court on Thursday charged with the murder of Ms Canty (31) at the Belfry, Bridewell Lane, Mallow, Co Cork. Ms Canty, who is a native of Kinsale, Co Cork died three days before her 32nd birthday.

Dt Sgt Michael O’Regan of Mallow Garda Station gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution. He said that Mr Butler made no reply when the charge of murder was put to him under caution at Mallow Garda Station.

However, defence solicitor Joseph Cuddigan asked whether the garda had had  a second subsequent interaction with his client at the station.

Det Sgt O'Regan told Judge Colm Roberts that after the charge was formally put to Mr Butler, he returned to his office before subsequently going back to the defendant. At this stage, Mr Butler told him: "I am not f**** guilty."

Mr Cuddigan stated that Mr Butler planned to contest the murder charge. Dt Sgt O’Regan said he would try his best to have the matter ready for referral within the statutory 42 day period.

As the charge involved is murder, bail must be sought at the High Court.

Judge Roberts remanded Butler in custody to appear by video-link before Mallow District Court on January 14th next. Free legal aid was granted.

Judge Roberts offered the condolences of the court to Ms Canty's mother relatives.

Meanwhile, Ms Canty is survived by her mother Sinead, her children Alyisha and Aoibhe and her five siblings.

She was pronounced dead in an upper storey rented flat in the Belfry Complex in Bridewell Lane in Mallow last Friday morning.

A postmortem examination was carried out on Saturday at Cork University Hospital by Assistant State Pathologist, Dr Margaret Bolster.

The results of the postmortem examination were not released for operational reasons. However, the investigation was upgraded to a murder probe.

Paula’s mother Sinead has set up a memorial fund in honour of her “beautiful” daughter Paula.

“The organisation I have chosen to be the beneficiary of the funds is Street Angels in Cork who provides a brilliant service to all those in need.

"Our beautiful, kind Paula has gained her wings this week. She was taken from us way too soon in a sudden and tragic way without any goodbyes. Paula was looking forward to a fresh, bright new year start with her loving family and with her good friends.

"The community, our family, relatives, neighbours, and a large circle of friends are just heartbroken.

"We thank you from the bottom of our heart for all your support, thoughts and love shown to us throughout this very hard time.”

Funeral arrangements are being finalised for Ms Canty who is sadly missed” by her “heartbroken” mother, children, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, relatives and her large circle of friends.

Mourners are assumed to donate to the Street Angels Go Fund me page or to Coolmine Drug Treatment Centre page in lieu of funeral flowers.