Courts / Ireland / Report
DPP drops charges against woman charged with intent to murder her husband 27 years ago
Summary
The Director of Public Prosecutions has decided not to pursue the case against 63‑year‑old Philomena Coton, who was charged in 1988 with intent to murder her husband Christopher Payne. Payne was severely injured when men struck his head with a hammer, axe and hatchet, and he died six months later. After a 2010 cold‑case review and extradition from England in 2013, Coton had been awaiting trial when a High Court halt was issued in June. The DPP's counsel entered a nolle prosequi at the Central Criminal Court, ending the prosecution.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: DPP drops charges against woman charged with intent to murder her husband 27 years ago. Charges or matters: causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder Christopher Payne at his Crumlin home on May 14, 1988. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial
When:
- May 14, 1988 Other
- February 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2015-07-20 Publication
Why: Ms Coton was extradited from the UK in January 2013 and had been awaiting trial but in the meantime she brought a High Court challenge seeking to prohibit it because of delay. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder Christopher Payne at his Crumlin home on May 14, 1988 (Alleged Or Contested)
Places mentioned
- High Court
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
Stage Charge Or Pretrial Violent Crime
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