Thug boxer 'killed girlfriend by hurling beer cans at her head'

A violent thug boxer allegedly killed his girlfriend by hurling beer cans at her head during a ferocious two-hour fight.
A court heard how Ray Gralton attacked 28-year-old mum-of-two Sara Staunton at her home after a drinking session.
The 23-year-old was charged with murder but admitted manslaughter in advance of the trial, reports the Irish Mirror.

His plea was accepted by the Director of Public Prosecutions at Dublin’s Central Criminal Court.

Trial: Dublin’s Central Criminal Court

Gralton, from Mount Prospect, Co Roscommon, told the court the fact that he killed Sara “will haunt me for the rest of my life”.
Det Sgt Gary Walsh said the accused, who had 12 previous convictions including public order offences, had been in a “turbulent relationship” with Sara for 12 months before her death in December 2013.
He added: “There had been instances of domestic violence during the course of the year.
"There was also a strong culture of alcohol abuse and intoxication on both sides.”

Accused: Ray Gralton arriving was initially charged with the murder of Sarah Staunton

Prosecution lawyer Paddy McCarthy told the court Sara’s best friend Grace McKenna was in her friend’s home in Claremorris, Co Mayo, on the night of her death and was concerned about her behaviour.
Recounting her evidence, Mr McCarthy said: “Sara was fairly drunk at the time, she was grand on beer but couldn’t handle spirits.”
Mr McCarthy told the court a computer was thrown by Sara and a row erupted between her and Gralton.
Grace said they were arguing for around two hours with two to three physical fights during that period of time.

Tragedy: Sara Staunton

She added she thought Sara kicked her boyfriend before he threw cans of beer at her head.
Mr McCarthy said Sara later went to sleep but the following morning she would not wake up and Gralton tried to resuscitate her but couldn’t.
The court heard she was pronounced dead on December 14, 2013.
Mr McCarthy said Gralton admits “hitting” Sara and “using his fist” but the strike of the beer cans was the likely cause of death.
Mr Justice Paul Carney remanded him in custody until April 13 for sentencing