Courts / Westmeath / Report

Retired member of defence forces told witness he killed "girl" who was "blackmailing him", trial hears

Date
2015-07-16

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Athlone

Summary

In the Central Criminal Court, Jimmy Devaney, 66, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Marie Greene, a prostitute who vanished on 13 February 2011 and whose body was found nine days later in a bog near Ballykieran, Athlone. Devaney, a retired defence forces member, was seen playing cards at the Lighthouse Casino that night and later returned to the club. Alan Kavanagh, the casino owner, testified that Devaney claimed a woman was blackmailing him and that he killed her to protect his family. Kavanagh also noted Devaney's request to remove CCTV cameras. Witnesses, including Greene's sisters and mother, described phone calls and the victim's last known movements. Prosecutor Alex Owens argued that Devaney's motive was the alleged blackmail and that he had recently obtained money from friends and relatives. The trial proceeded with a jury of twelve.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Retired member of defence forces told witness he killed "girl" who was "blackmailing him", trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering Marie Greene in Westmeath on February 13, 2011. Procedural stage: trial

When:

February 13, 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
February 13 Hearing Or Sentence
2015-07-16 Publication

Why: He said the accused had told him there was a girl blackmailing him and said that he had killed her because she might tell his wife and children. CNI source report