Woman not gulity of partner's murder

A 40 year-old Kildare woman has been found not guilty of murder by a jury at the Central Criminal Court this morning.

After almost five hours of deliberations, the jury of seven men and five women found Ms Helen Vaughan, of St. John’s, Eyre St, Newbridge, Co Kildare, not guilty of the murder of her partner Mr Patrick Galvin (50) at their home on July 23 2001.

Ms Vaughan showed no emotion as the not guilty verdict was read out but smiled with visible relief as Mr Justice Iarflaith O’Neill formerly discharged her. She left the dock and was surrounded by several family members who hugged and kissed her.

Speaking outside afterwards, Ms Vaughan told reporters: "I don’t know how I feel, I’m shocked, I’m just glad it’s all over".

The trial sat for four days with the jury failing to reach a verdict yesterday. They were sent to a hotel by Justice O’Neill last night and resumed their deliberations at 10 am this morning, reaching a not guilty verdict within the hour.

Over the course of the trial the jury heard a history of abusive behaviour and alcohol addiction on the part of thedeceased Mr Galvin, who had been living with Ms Vaughan and her two youngest daughters Marian (9) and Victoria (7) since 1999. Ms Vaughan also has three older daughters and one grandson. She had been on continuous bail since the incident in 2001.

The jury were thanked for their service and excused from jury service for the next 10 years by Mr Justice Iarflaith O’Neill.