Corbett killer trained in use of baton and self-defence

Thomas Martens, the man accused of murdering his son-in-law Jason Corbett, testified in court yesterday that, during the time of the Irishman’s marriage to his daughter, Molly Martens, Mr Corbett was not “his favourite person.”

At the trial in North Carolina, Assistant District Attorney Greg Brown asked Mr Martens about comments he is alleged to have made to a co-worker at Oak Ridge Laboratory in Tennessee where he worked. Joann Lowry testified that, two months before Mr Corbett died, Mr Martens said he hated him.

Mr Martens said he did not recall that specific instance and said he didn’t like using the word “hate”. However, Martens did agree he had made disparaging remarks about Mr Corbett in the past. Mr Martens said he would never say he hated someone, but it was true that he disliked him.