Brandishing a slash-hook in one hand and plastic bottle filled with ammonia in the other, the footage captured Joyce engaging in a “street battle”
A man awaiting sentence for murder is “profoundly sorry” for causing the young victim’s death, a court heard on Friday.
Brandishing a slash-hook in one hand and plastic bottle filled with ammonia in the other, the footage captured Joyce engaging in what the Crown described as a “street battle” with Gerard, John and Jimmy McDonagh. He also told police at the time that he was sorry for what happened and never intended to kill anyone. The case was back before Belfast Crown Court on Friday, where Joyce’s barrister again apologised on his client’s behalf for the loss of life.
Mr Fahy also submitted several characters references written on behalf of Joyce, telling the Judge: “Joseph Joyce is not defined by the verdict of the jury.” Mr McCrory also asked the Judge to consider “the impact on Mrs McDonagh, who witnessed the killing of her son”.