Woman accused of assault with intent to murder husband refused bail

A woman extradited and charged nearly 25 years after the death of her husband has been refused bail at Dublin District Court.

Philomena Coton (aged 59) with an English address at Stoke Alsermoor, Coventry, is accused of assault with intent to murder Christopher Payne and causing him grievous bodily harm on May 13, 1988.

On that day, the 38-year-old father-of-two was attacked at his home in Rutland Grove, Crumlin, Dublin, by a group of men armed with a hatchet.

He never recovered and died six months later.

District Court Judge Victor Blake today informed his widow, who was charged last week, that he did not have jurisdiction to grant her bail and that it would be a matter for the High Court.