Cowen’s help sought in murder case

FOREIGN Affairs Minister Brian Cowen has promised to contact the prosecuting authorities in the Isle of Man with a view to speeding up the case of an elderly Irish fisherman who has been charged with murder there.

Benny Moore, 78, a native of Dingle, Co Kerry, has been unable to leave the island since October 28 last, when he was charged with the murder of a 38-year-old woman of South African origin. A date has not been set for a hearing and the case, which has been adjourned a number of times, is scheduled for mention in court again on March 4.

Mr Moore had been visiting Douglas, in the Isle of Man, at the end of October. He had been drinking with a female friend on the night of October 27. She accompanied him to his hotel room. When she became ill during the night and vomited, Mr Moore called an ambulance, but she died before reaching hospital.