DPP orders Cork man to be tried in Central Criminal Court for alleged murder of Ukrainian man

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 in Cork City

Jonathan Hennessy (pictured) is charged with the murder of Oleksandr Zhyvytsky. Picture: Larry Cummins

Directions from the DPP have come through in the case against the 42-year-old Cork man accused of murdering a young Ukrainian father-of-one in Cork City last March.

Sergeant Aisling Murphy confirmed on Wednesday at Cork District Court that the Director of Public Prosecutions directed that the case be sent forward for trial at the Central Criminal Court on the single count of murder.

The DPP also consented to a signed plea of guilty being entered at the district court for sentencing at the Central Criminal Court.

Judge John King said to Eddie Burke, solicitor, who appeared on behalf of Jonathan Hennessy: “I presume you are looking for a book of evidence.” Mr Burke replied: “Absolutely. Looking for a book.” 

The judge said the State was allowed 42 days to prepare the book of evidence from the time that directions are given.

Sgt Murphy said the book would not be ready in two weeks and she applied for the maximum period of remanding the accused in custody — four weeks. Consent of the accused was required for that. 

However, this was not forthcoming and Mr Hennessy would consent to a remand in custody of two weeks only. The case was put back until July 1 when it is anticipated that it will be further adjourned with the accused again remanded in custody on that date.

42-year-old Jonathan Hennessy of 15 Dr Patrick O’Sullivan Terrace, Upper Aghada, County Cork, was charged by Detective Garda Kevin Motherway with a single count which stated that: “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.” 

Sgt 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, death being formally pronounced at 8.35pm on Monday.

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.