Day of legal argument in murder trial

There has been a day of legal argument in the absence of the jury at the trial of a man accused of murdering an 83-year old pensioner in Westmeath last year.

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 at his home on Bridge St, Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath, on May 21 last year.