Closing speeches in Westmeath murder trial

The jury has been hearing closing speeches in the trial of a retired member of the defence forces accused of murdering a prostitute.

Jimmy Devaney, aged 67, of Millbrook Avenue, Monksland, Athlone has pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to murdering Marie Greene in Westmeath on February 13, 2011.

Alex Owens, prosecuting, said anyone could find themselves in a difficult situation but that did not excuse Mr Devaney. Mr Owens told the jury they were going to be asked to decide if it was reasonably possible the accused could have killed her in circumstances where as a result of being provoked he had a sudden and temporary loss of self-control.

He told the jury that the defence of provocation was only a partial one which allows for a verdict of manslaughter to be returned.

He told the jury Mr Devaney did not lose control and the killing pointed to a desire for revenge, some forward-planning and calculation.

Giollaiosa Ó Lideadha defending said there was no evidence that Mr Devaney had planned the killing.

He said provocation and manslaughter were not mentioned in the prosecution’s opening speech even though it was clear that the defence were relying on the garda interviews with the accused.

His speech continues his closing today.