Murder charge reduced to manslaughter

A charge of murder against the man accused of killing 83-year-old pensioner Christy Hanley in Westmeath last year has been reduced to manslaughter.

At the outset of the trial, Noel Cawley (aged 47), of no fixed abode, but with a previous address at Castleblaney, Co Monaghan, pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Hanley at his home on Bridge St, Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath, on May 21 last year.