Courts / Westmeath / Report

Murder accused gave "cock and bull story" to gardai about knife, prosecution tells jury

Date
2015-07-28

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Athlone

Summary

In the Central Criminal Court, retired defence forces member Jimmy Devaney, aged 67, pleaded not guilty to the murder of prostitute Marie Greene on 13 February 2011. The prosecution argued Devaney planned the killing, bringing a knife to Anagorta Bog where Greene was found. Defence counsel contended Greene regularly visited the bog and the knife might have been stolen from Devaney's jeep. Prosecutor Alex Owens highlighted Devaney's "cock and bull story" to Gardaí about the knife, suggesting an attempt to distance himself from the weapon. Owens urged the jury to consider whether Devaney's alleged provocation could have caused a sudden loss of self‑control, potentially leading to a manslaughter verdict. Defence lawyer Giollaiosa O'Lideadha denied any planning, emphasizing the seriousness of manslaughter and questioning the knife's role in the alleged plan. The jury, composed of six men and six women, was instructed to remain impartial and was later informed that one juror had been discharged.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused gave "cock and bull story" to gardai about knife, prosecution tells jury. Charges or matters: murdering Marie Greene in Westmeath on February 13, 2011. Procedural stage: trial

When:

February 13, 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
2015-07-28 Publication

Why: It is the State's case that Mr Devaney murdered Marie Greene because she had been blackmailing him for money or she would tell his wife. CNI source report