Murder accused made no reply when charged

A jury has heard that a man accused of murdering his former girlfriend's new boyfriend made no reply after he was charged with the crime.

Alex Freiberg (aged 30), of Bridgewater House, Clonmel, denies murdering 45 year-old Mr Cambridge at Carrigeen Close, Clonmel, Co Tipperary on August 16, 2007.

The prosecution say Mr Cambridge was in a relationship with Catherine Shanahan and that Mr Freiberg was Ms Shanhan's ex-boyfriend. It is alleged that the accused was unhappy about the new relationship and sent a number of threatening text messages to Ms Shanahan. He then entered her house in the early hours of the morning and fatally stabbed Mr Cambridge, who was in bed.

The jury heard that gardaí went to an address were the accused was in the hours after Mr Cambridge's death. Gardaí were left waiting ten minutes at the door before being allowed into the house.

It was explained to the accused that gardaí were investigating the murder of Mr Cambridge. He was cautioned but made no reply. He was then arrested and taken to Clonmel Garda Station. He was charged with murder at 2pm that day but again made no reply.

The hearing continues at the Central Criminal Court before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of seven men and five women.