Accused planned to strangle ex-wife, prosecution claims

The jury in the trial of a man accused of the attempted murder of his ex-wife heard the prosecution closing speech today say the intention of the accused was to "strangle her to death".

Dymphna (Kiernan) McDaid, aged 35, is claiming Mr McDaid attempted to murder her at her horseriding school at Surgalstown, Swords on March 29, 2000.

Mrs McDaid claims that her former husband arrived at her riding school between 10am and 11am, on a motorbike, dressed in black leather gear including a motorbike helmet, asked for directions to a Lees Cross nursing home, then proceeded to kick and punch her in the head before dragging her into a stables where it is alleged he tied baling twine around her neck.

David McDaid, aged 39, of Sillogue Avenue, Ballymun, Dublin, denies the charge of attempted murder.

The accused also denies assault causing serious harm and engaging in conduct causing a substantial risk of death.

Mr Ciaran O'Loughlin, SC, prosecution counsel, said that Mrs McDaid told the jury that "a rope was tied around her neck, she was dragged across and lifted up, this creates a substantial risk".

"I suggest to you that Diane Garvey gave evidence that a dark motorcycle called on two occasions before the attack, and on one occasion the motorcyclist asked for directions to Lees Cross nursing home," Mr O'Loughlin told the jury.

"Logically that motorcycle was the same motorcycle that came to the stables and attacked Mrs McDaid. I suggest to you that this attack was planned in advance and the attacker was waiting to attack," Mr O'Loughlin said.

The closing speeches are continuing before Mr Justice Paul Carney.