Mayo man denies murdering mother

The trial of a Co Mayo man accused of murdering his mother heard today that she suffered multiple stab wounds.

Celyn Eadon (aged 22) of Derrycrieve, Islandeady, Castlebar has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Noreen Kelly but denies murdering the 46-year-old at their home on March 9, 2011.

In an opening statement to the jury, the prosecution said there would be evidence that Mr Eadon was using various drugs at the time of the killing, including amphetamines.

His younger brother is expected to testify that he was woken during the night by the sound of muffled screaming.

The prosecution says he will give evidence that he found his mother slumped on the floor of the living room and that her face was covered in blood.

The jury heard he will also say that he had earlier seen his mother throw a plastic re-sealable bag containing white powder onto a fire in the sitting room and that his brother had been shouting after that.