Pensioner had exchanged cash on day of killing

A pensioner who was found dead in his home in Co Westmeath last year exchanged €400 worth of coins for notes in a pub on the day he was allegedly robbed and murdered, the Central Criminal Court heard today.

Noel Cawley (aged 47), of no fixed abode, but with a previous address in Castleblaney, Co Monaghan, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Christy Hanley (aged 83), at his home on Bridge St, Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath, on May 21st last year.