Woman died from stabbing not smoke, says witness

The defence in the case of a man who denies murdering his girlfriend at her home called evidence from a pathologist who suggested the victim died as a result of a stab wound and that smoke inhalation was not a factor.

Darren Murphy, aged 41, of Dan Desmond Villas, Passage West, Co Cork, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court sitting at Angelsea St, Cork, on a charge of murdering Olivia Dunlea, aged 36, at her home at Pembroke Crescent, Pembroke Woods, Passage West, on February 17, 2013. He admits manslaughter.

Tim O’Leary, defending, called one witness yesterday as the prosecution closed its case, and that was retired pathologist for Northern Ireland, Jack Crane, who gave his evidence by video link.