Dylan Scannell, 31, of O’Rahilly Street in Cobh, Co Cork, is on trial for the murder of 33-year-old chef and father of two, Ian Baitson. Mr Baitson died at Cork University Hospital on March 19, 2024 — four days after suffering a catastrophic leg injury in an altercation at a local Eurospar car park.
Mr Scannell has pleaded not guilty to murder but has admitted to manslaughter.
Giving evidence on Tuesday, Scannell expressed remorse over the incident, stating: “I just wanted to scare him. I didn’t want to hurt anyone. I didn’t think that by hitting him in the leg I would cause him any damage. I want to say I’m sorry. I would do anything to take it back.”
Scannell told the court he had known Baitson since they were teenagers and described their relationship as a friendship strained by shared involvement in drug use. He claimed that shortly before the incident, he had been hospitalised following a fall from a roof, and had discharged himself despite concerns about possible brain injuries.
According to Scannell, the confrontation was rooted in a drug-related debt. He said Baitson owed him money, and that he, in turn, was under threat from others over his own unpaid debts. He claimed to have brought the sword — a gift from a former tattoo client — for self-protection after receiving a text from Baitson that made him paranoid.
The prosecution, led by senior counsel Donal O’Sullivan, challenged Scannell’s account, highlighting text messages sent by the accused to Mr Baitson in the lead-up to the attack. These included threats of violence and explicit messages. One message referred to “smashing” Baitson, while another spoke of chopping off his fingers.
“You are sorry — but only for yourself,” Mr O’Sullivan said, suggesting Scannell acted with violent intent.
Mr O’Sullivan also pointed out that Baitson had €185 on him at the time of the meeting, money allegedly intended to settle the debt. Instead of accepting the payment, Scannell struck him with what was described as a “savage-looking” sword.
Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster testified earlier in the trial that Mr Baitson died from haemorrhagic shock and brain damage caused by rapid blood loss. She described a severe wound behind the knee that severed arteries, bone, and muscle — resulting in near-instantaneous, profuse bleeding.
“He would have bled very rapidly and very profusely,” she said, noting the force of the blow fractured the knee and severed both the tibia and fibula.
Dr Bolster confirmed Mr Baitson was otherwise in good health and had recently stopped drinking alcohol.
The deceased’s mother, Helen Goggin, also gave emotional testimony. She said Ian had told her he would return home shortly on the evening of March 15. Just twenty minutes later, she heard sirens. Four days after the attack, doctors informed the family that Ian would not recover, and life support was withdrawn.
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