Man sentenced to 10 years for manslaughter of brother’s girlfriend

Joseph Butler, a 43-year-old man from Mallow, County Cork, has been sentenced to 12 years in jail with two years suspended for the manslaughter of his 31-year-old brother's girlfriend, Paula Canty. The incident occurred at her apartment in January 2025 following an argument between the two. Initially charged with murder, Butler pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Butler allegedly stabbed Ms. Canty once in the chest with a kitchen knife during the argument. He claimed the stabbing was accidental, stating she was family and that she was "grand" when he left the apartment. His defense lawyer, Ray Boland, highlighted Butler's troubled past, including growing up in an environment of violence and addiction.

Despite this, the judge, Ms. Justice Eileen Creedon, dismissed Butler's version of events and called his behavior callous due to his failure to call emergency services after the incident.

The judge emphasized the severity of the crime, noting that Paula Canty was a vulnerable individual who posed no immediate danger to Butler. She stated that the blood pooling at the scene indicated a heavy amount of blood loss, contradicting Butler's claims about the struggle. The judge imposed the 12-year sentence, suspending the final two years, contingent on Butler demonstrating good behavior.

The judge reduced the 14-year sentence recommended due to Butler's background, his apology, and his guilty plea. Ms. Canty's family members expressed their heartbreak and the profound impact of her death on their lives in victim impact statements.