Retired member of defence forces goes on trial accused of murdering prostitute over alleged blackmail

A retired member of the Defence Forces has gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court accused of murdering a woman in Westmeath in February 2011. Jimmy Devaney, aged 66, from Monksland, Athlone, has pleaded not guilty to the charge of murdering Marie Greene on 13 February 2011 at Annagorta bog near Ballykieran. The prosecution alleges that Mr Devaney killed Ms Greene, who had worked as a prostitute in Athlone, because she was blackmailing him. The court heard that Ms Greene's body was discovered nine days after she went missing. According to the prosecution, evidence will show Mr Devaney had been seeking money from various sources in the months preceding the alleged killing. The State Pathologist is expected to give evidence that death resulted from multiple stab wounds to the chest. The trial continues before Justice Margaret Heneghan and a jury of twelve.