Murder accused claims blackmail

A retired member of the Defence Forces accused of murdering a woman in Westmeath told gardaí he was being blackmailed by her for up to €40,000 or else she would tell his wife.

Jimmy Devaney, aged 66, of Millbrook Avenue, Monksland, Athlone, has pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to murdering Marie Greene in Westmeath on February 13, 2011.

The court has heard Ms Greene, who was working as a prostitute, was last seen alive on February 13 and her body was found in a bog near Ballykieran outside Athlone nine days later.