Cork man facing murder trial admits attempted murder on city centre street

Aaron Babbington (pictured) was arraigned at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork on Thursday where he appeared in person and pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of Jason Butler on June 14, 2023, at Grand Parade, Cork, contrary to Common Law. File picture: Larry Cummins

A 31-year-old Cork man facing the prospect of a murder trial by judge and jury next month pleaded guilty instead to a charge of attempted murder in the same case.

Aaron Babbington, formerly of Churchfield Avenue, Churchfield, Cork, was arraigned at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork on Thursday where he appeared in person and pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of Jason Butler on June 14, 2023, at Grand Parade, Cork, contrary to Common Law.

Prosecution senior counsel Ray Boland said that a trial date for the murder trial of January 13, 2025, could now be vacated.

Mr Boland said that a victim impact statement would be required from the family of the late Mr Butler.

Defence senior counsel Tom Creed applied for a probation report on the accused in advance of sentencing.

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

Detective Garda Pat Russell formally arrested Aaron Babbington last year and charged him at Cork District Court with the murder of Jason Butler on June 14 at Grand Parade, Cork, contrary to Common Law. 

At the time of his arrest last year, Mr Babbington, formerly of Churchfield Avenue, Churchfield, Cork, was asked he if had any reply after being charged and cautioned and he made no reply to the murder charge.

It was previously alleged that the late Mr Butler was slashed in the throat during the daylight incident on Grand Parade at around 7.30pm that Wednesday and died two days later. The late Mr Butler was originally from Castleredmond in Midleton, County Cork.