Man accused of murdering his wife "said a prayer" after she was shot, jury hears

A jury at the Central Criminal Court has heard evidence in the trial of a fifty-seven-year-old man from Bailieborough, County Cavan, who has pleaded not guilty to murdering his wife. The accused is charged with the death of a fifty-four-year-old woman at their family home on 5 September 2013. He also denies unlawful possession of a shotgun and possession of the same firearm with intent to endanger life. Detective Garda evidence indicated the accused told gardaí he had brought his wife to a bedroom to show her he intended to harm himself, and that the gun discharged while in the room. The court heard the accused subsequently told gardaí he had said a prayer following the incident. Additional garda testimony described the accused as distressed in hospital two days later, stating he had argued with his wife before the firearm discharged. The trial continues before Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly and a jury.