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Aoife Phelan not pregnant when she was strangled, trial hears
Summary
In a murder trial, the court heard that 30‑year‑old Laois nanny Aoife Phelan was not pregnant when she was strangled to death. State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy testified that Phelan's body was found buried behind the accused Robert Corbet's property. The autopsy revealed asphyxia with blood in the nose and ears, pinpoint haemorrhages in the eyes and mouth, fractured hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage, and blunt‑force trauma to the head. Cassidy noted multiple greenstick rib fractures and concluded that Phelan was first assaulted and then strangled, with no evidence of struggle in the barrel. She stated the cause of death was asphyxia due to strangulation, with blunt‑force trauma as a contributory factor. The trial also covered Corbet's admissions and the circumstances of the burial. The prosecution closed its case before the judge and jury. Robert Corbet pleaded not guilty. Aoife Phelan pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Aoife Phelan not pregnant when she was strangled, trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering Ms Phelan at Capoley. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- October 25th Hearing Or Sentence
- November 7th Hearing Or Sentence
- 2014-05-20 Publication
Why: He told gardai that he killed her because her pregnancy was going to scupper his relationship with his ex-girlfriend. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering Ms Phelan at Capoley (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Defendant
Charges: murdering Ms Phelan at Capoley (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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