Courts / Derry / Report

Man who murdered pregnant ex-girlfriend must wait to hear outcome of conviction appeal

Date
2015-01-13

Stage
Appeal

Primary locality
Magherafelt

County
Derry

Summary

A man convicted of murdering his pregnant ex-girlfriend is awaiting the outcome of his appeal against conviction in the Court of Appeal. Stephen Cahoon, originally from County Derry, was found guilty of strangling Jean Teresa Quigley at her home in Derry in July 2008. She was ten weeks pregnant at the time. A jury unanimously convicted him of murder in April 2012, and he received a life sentence. His appeal, heard today, centred on whether the trial judge misdirected the jury regarding the defence of provocation. Cahoon's counsel argued the judge conflated provocation with insanity by suggesting a person cannot form criminal intent when provoked. The Director of Public Prosecutions' counsel contended the trial judge's direction was correct and characterised the case as a straightforward provocation matter. The Court of Appeal indicated it would reserve its decision. Cahoon was arrested in Donegal Town ten days after the killing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man who murdered pregnant ex-girlfriend must wait to hear outcome of conviction appeal. Charges or matters: murder. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

July 26, 2008 Other
April 30 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
April 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
2015-01-13 Publication

Why: The now retired Central Criminal Court judge then went on to state that the concept of provocation could not involve intention because a person is not a master of their own mind when they lose self control, counsel said. CNI source report