Courts / Westmeath / Report

DNA on knife found in murder accused's car matched that of prostitute, trial hears

Date
2015-07-23

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Athlone

Summary

In a 2015 trial, Jimmy Devaney, 66, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Marie Greene, 37, a prostitute who disappeared on 13 February 2011 and whose body was found nine days later in a bog near Ballykieran. The court heard that a knife with a green handle, recovered under the boot cover of Devaney's car, bore blood that DNA testing matched to Greene. Detective Garda Lynn Johnson presented evidence of items recovered from the bog, including Greene's social services card and a rosary bracelet. Phone records showed 60 contacts between Devaney and Greene from January to February 2011. Forensic scientist John Hoade confirmed the DNA match, and State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy described the fatal stab wounds, noting multiple injuries to the chest, ribs, and heart that caused death. The case proceeded before Justice Margaret Heneghan and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: DNA on knife found in murder accused's car matched that of prostitute, trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering Marie Greene (37) in Westmeath on February 13, 2011. Procedural stage: trial

When: