Blow to chest likely caused death

A lethal disruption of heart rhythm occurring as a result of a blow to the chest directly over the heart at a critical time caused the death of an alleged victim of manslaughter, a court has heard.

Marie Cassidy, the chief State pathologist, told the jury in the trial of Paul Brannigan, aged 24, that the blow had to occur within a 30-millisecond window during the cycle of a heartbeat.

Mr Brannigan, of Ratoath Drive, Finglas, has pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to the manslaughter of Jason Saunders at Fassaugh Avenue, Cabra West, on March 18, 2014.

He has further pleaded not guilty to assaulting Mr Saunders causing him harm and to producing a golf club in the course of a dispute at the same date and location.

Patrick Kirby yesterday told the jury he was driving on Fassaugh Avenue when he saw a young man run between two cars and out in front of him. He said the man changed direction before falling on his face on the road.

Emergency services tried to resuscitate Mr Saunders. He was taken by ambulance to the Mater Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Prof Cassidy gave evidence of carrying out the autopsy that day. She said bruising to the chest wall and a rib fracture were likely caused by being struck to the chest by a blunt instrument.

The trial continues.