Cork man sent forward for trial accused of murdering Ukrainian father of one

Detective Sergeant Kieran O’Sullivan served Jonathan Hennessy, aged 42, of 15 Dr Patrick O’Sullivan Terrace, Upper Aghada, Co Cork, with the book of evidence through his solicitor on Thursday

Jonathan Hennessy is charged that, on March 16, 2023, at Knapp's Square, Cork city, he murdered Oleksandr Zhyvytskyi, contrary to common law. File picture: Larry Cummins

The Cork man accused of murdering a Ukrainian father of one in Cork city last March has been served with a book of evidence.

Detective Sergeant Kieran O’Sullivan served Jonathan Hennessy, aged 42, of 15 Dr Patrick O’Sullivan Terrace, Upper Aghada, Co Cork, with the book of evidence through his solicitor Eddie Burke on Thursday.

A change to the strike by free legal aid solicitors in Cork allowed the case to proceed. Solicitors represented existing clients in custody at Cork District Court and Cork Circuit Criminal Court, but continued to withhold services from clients who were on bail.

Mr Hennessy is charged that, on March 16, 2023, at Knapp's Square, Cork city, he murdered Oleksandr Zhyvytskyi, contrary to common law.

Judge David Waters returned Mr Hennessy for trial to the Central Criminal Court, where a trial date will be fixed.

Sergeant John Dineen previously said it was alleged that at Knapp’s Square at 7.50pm on March 16, 2026, Mr Zhyvytskyi sustained a stab wound to his chest during an altercation. He made his way home but subsequently died, with death formally pronounced at 8.35pm.

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 pronounced dead at the scene. 

An investigation was launched immediately.