Man and woman to face trial in connection with 2007 killing

A man and woman from Co Louth are due to go on trial at the Central Criminal Court next week, charged with the murder of Darren McKeown on Stephen's Day over two years ago.

Michael Cruise (aged 19), from Donore Avenue, Ballsgrove in Drogheda and Louise Wall (aged 21), from Cranmore, Clogherhead are charged with murdering the 29-year-old on December 26, 2007.

Mr McKeown, who was from Co Meath, died after being assaulted at a Christmas party he was attending in the Rowan Heights area of Drogheda.

Emergency services who arrived on the scene found him suffering from serious injuries and rushed him to hospital, but he died shortly afterwards.

Mr Justice Paul Carney has directed that a jury be sworn in for the trial next Tuesday.

The case is expected to last three weeks.