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.