Poisoning trial reaches final phase

The trial of a nurse accused of poisoning two elderly patients has reached its closing stages at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Ms Noreen Mulholland (aged 35), now living in Park Road, Portadown, County Armagh and previously of Runabeg Close, Kildare, has pleaded not guilty to assault causing harm to Mr John Gethings (aged 77), of Baltinglass, County Wicklow on March 1, 2003 and Mr Seamus Doherty (aged 80), Rathcoffey, Naas, County Kildare, between June 18-19, 2003.

She also denies intentionally or recklessly administering a substance, Serenase, to both men, knowing it was capable of interfering substantially with their bodily functions without their consent on the same dates.

Ms Orla Crowe BL, prosecuting, has told the jury that Mr Gethings died on March 2, 2003 but emphasised that it was not the State’s case that Ms Mulholland was responsible for his death.

Both the prosecution and defence counsel have addressed the jury of six women and six men and Judge Frank O’Donnell is expected to begin his charge tomorrow afternoon.