Man accused of murdering Ukrainian in Cork city remanded

Jonathan Hennessy of Dr Patrick O’Sullivan Terrace, Upper Aghada, Co Cork is charged with the murder of Oleksandr Zhyvytsky. Picture: Larry Cummins

The 42-year-old man accused of murdering a young Ukrainian father-of-one who lost his life following a violent incident near his home a fortnight ago in Cork city has appeared in court by video link from prison.

Sergeant John Kelleher said there were no DPP directions in the case yet. Defence solicitor Eddie Burke said it was obvious where the case was going. Murder charges must be dealt with at the Central Criminal Court.

Judge Mary Dorgan remanded the accused man – Jonathan Hennessy – in custody until April 21 at Cork District Court for formal DPP directions.

Last week the parents of the late Oleksandr Zhyvytskyi who had travelled from Ukraine for the funeral of their son in Cork came to Cork District Court to view proceedings.

However, when Jonathan Hennessy of 15 Dr Patrick O’Sullivan Terrace, Upper Aghada, Cork, was called, a prison officer at the video link from Cork Prison said there was a sick note stating that the accused could not appear in person. He did attend in person for Wednesday's video link.

Detective Garda Kevin Motherway gave evidence of arresting and charging Jonathan Hennessy on the first day in court. The charge stated that: “On March 16, 2023 at Knapp’s Square, Cork City in the District Court area of Cork City... he did murder one Oleksandr Zhyvytskyi, contrary to Common Law.” 

When cautioned that he did not have to say anything but that whatever he might say would be taken down in writing and could be given in evidence, he made no reply to the charge.

Eddie Burke solicitor was appointed to represent the accused man on free legal aid, after saying Jonathan Hennessy was on disability allowance and had no other income. 

Mr Burke said when the accused was first before the court: “I would ask that he would get medical attention on entering Cork Prison.” 

Sgt. John Dineen said it was alleged that on March 16 at Knapp’s Square at 7.50 p.m. the deceased sustained a stab wound to his chest during an altercation. He made his way home and subsequently died.

It was reported that the father of one, who was in his early 30s, was stabbed just metres from his home at Camden Court apartments on Carroll’s Quay, Cork, when he went out to buy food nearby. 

He made it back to his apartment where his partner called for help. Despite paramedics working to save his life, he was later pronounced dead at the scene. An investigation was launched immediately after the fatal stabbing.