22-year-old charged with manslaughter following fatal one-punch attack at Tyrella Beach

by Q Radio News

A man was today (thurs) charged with the manslaughter of a man he allegedly punched in a Co. Down beach.

A month ago Joseph Dorian (22) was freed in police bail accused of causing grievous bodily harm to Darren O’Neill on 27 June but he sadly passed away a few days after the assault and today (thurs) at Downpatrick Magistrates Court, that offence was replaced by manslaughter. 

Before Dorian entered the court room, District Judge Amanda Brady warned Mr O’Neill’s friends and relatives they "should conduct themselves with dignity,” as it was a court room.

Standing in the dock with friends and relatives of Mr O’Neill looking on from the packed public gallery, many of them wearing white teeshirts, saying “The One That Got Away RIP Darren O’Neill,” Dorian, from Lakeview in Crumlin, confirmed his personal details and that he understood the single charge against him.

While none of the facts surrounding Mr O’Neill’s death were heard in open court, a police officer gave evidence that he believed he could connect Dorian to the offence.

It was reported at the time how Mr O’Neill had gone with friends to Tyrella Beach that hot summers day when he was assaulted in what was described as a “one punch attack.”

Rushed to hospital with a serious head injury, the popular Belfast man tragically died two days after the incident.

Appealing at the time for information and witnesses to come forward, Detective Chief Inspector McCartney said: “These ‘one punch’ incidents have a hugely destructive impact on both victim and perpetrator and the consequences can be devastating, completely altering the lives of all concerned.
“I would like to offer my sympathy to the family and friends of Darren at this very sad time.
“Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding Darren’s death and I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who has any information to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference number 1913 27/06/19.”

In court today (thurs) Judge Brady freed Dorian on his own bail of £500 but also imposed numerous bail conditions including a curfew and a ban on alcohol and illicit drugs.

Dorian was also ordered to be electronically tagged, must report to police three times a week and was barred from contacting any prosecution witnesses.

The alleged killer will appear again on 5 September.