Dylan Scannell charged with murder following tragic incident in Cobh
In a solemn courtroom scene, 30-year-old Dylan Scannell faced charges over the heart-wrenching murder of Ian Baitson, a beloved father of two, in a brutal samurai sword attack in Cobh. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the local community, saw Scannell appearing before Midleton District Court, dressed in black, with visible tattoos covering his head and body, but without uttering a word throughout the proceedings.
Detective Sergeant Gerard O’Shaughnessy recounted the events leading to Scannell’s arrest and subsequent charging with the murder of Mr Baitson, an atrocious act that violated Common Law, at a special court session. The accused made no response when charged, leading his defence, Ken Murray, to note the impossibility of bail application in murder cases within the district court’s jurisdiction.
The court learned of the tragic assault on talented chef Ian Baitson, which occurred in the Eurospar car park in Newtown, Cobh, on March 15. The attack left Baitson with a nearly severed leg and catastrophic blood loss, propelling him into a fight for life that he tragically lost despite the heroic efforts of Arian Hanitzsch, an 18-year-old German exchange student and trained Red Cross volunteer, who provided emergency first aid at the scene.
Following the attack, Baitson was urgently transported to Cork University Hospital, where despite surgical intervention and intensive care, his battle ended just days later, surrounded by his family who faced the harrowing decision to turn off life support. In a final act of generosity, Baitson’s organs were donated, potentially saving others even in the wake of his tragic passing.
As the community reels from this senseless violence, funeral arrangements for Ian Baitson have been announced, with a viewing scheduled at Cahill’s Funeral Home and a Requiem Mass set to be held at St Colman’s Cathedral, Cobh. The service will also be live-streamed, allowing those unable to attend a chance to pay their respects to a man whose life was cut short too soon.
The case against Scannell is set to continue, with a remand in custody ordered by Judge Colm Roberts until the next court appearance via video link, as the legal process unfolds in this grievous matter that has left a community in mourning and a family without a father.
