Cork man accused of murdering Ukrainian father remanded in custody

Jonathan Hennessy: Accused of murdering Ukrainian man in Cork city centre. File picture: Larry Cummins

The 42-year-old man accused of murdering a Ukrainian father of one who lost his life following a violent incident near his home in Cork city centre last month has been remanded in custody until May 18.

Jonathan Hennessy appeared at Cork District Court by video link from prison on Tuesday morning.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis said there were no DPP directions in the case yet. 

Judge Mary Dorgan remanded the accused in custody until May 18 at Cork District Court for formal DPP directions, noting there was consent from the defence to an adjournment longer than two weeks.

Jonathan Hennessy, aged 42, of 15 Dr Patrick O’Sullivan Terrace, Upper Aghada, Co Cork, was charged by Detective Garda Kevin Motherway with a single count stating: “On March 16, 2023, at Knapp’s Square, Cork City, in the District Court area of Cork City in District area 19, 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.

Oleksandr Zhyvtskyi: Stabbed just metres from his home in Cork city centre.

Sgt John Dineen previously said it was alleged that on March 16 at Knapp’s Square at 7.50pm, the deceased sustained a stab wound to his chest during an altercation. 

He made his way home and subsequently died, with death formally pronounced at 8.35pm.

It was reported that the Mr Zhyvytskyi, who was in his early 30s, was stabbed just metres from his home at Camden Court apartments on Carroll’s Quay 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.