Murder accused is a 'big soft teddy bear', trial hears

A man accused of murdering his partner has been described as a "big soft teddy bear" and a gentleman by a friend of the couple giving evidence in his trial.

Lois Farrell told defence counsel Caroline Biggs SC that she knew the accused Desmond 'Des' Duffy (aged 70) and the deceased Desmond 'Dessie' Sullivan (aged 59) for about eight years and was friends with both men. When they were drunk she often noticed that Mr Sullivan would put Mr Duffy down, interrupt him and talk over him.