Courts / Wicklow / Report

Woman accused of murder denied housemate died after 'fit of jealousy and rage'

Summary

A woman standing trial for murder has denied allegations that her housemate died following a fit of jealousy and rage. Nicola Brennan, 33, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Juris Viktorovs, 36, at Ballyconnell, County Cavan, on 10 February 2022. At the Central Criminal Court, the jury heard that Ms Brennan initially told gardaí her boyfriend carried out the attack, later suggesting it may have been the deceased's partner. Forensic evidence presented showed blood belonging to the deceased on the cuff of Ms Brennan's pyjamas. The court also heard testimony regarding fake pink fingernails found at the scene and in garda custody. Ms Brennan maintained she was asleep at the time of the incident and had no reason to harm the deceased, whom she described as a good friend. The trial, before Mr Justice Paul McDermott, continues with a jury of twelve.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Woman accused of murder denied housemate died after 'fit of jealousy and rage'. Charges or matters: the murder of Latvian native Mr Viktorovs at Shillelagh, Ballyconnell, County Wicklow, on February 10, 2022. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• February 10, 2022 Incident
• February 11 Incident
• July 19, 2022 Other
• February 13, 2022 Other
• 2023-12-06 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

Related court reports

• Mum-of-three gets eight years for stabbing one-time lover to death
• Mum-of-three who stabbed former lover to death wants to reenter society, lawyers tell court
• Woman whose trial for murdering former lover ended in disagreement admits to manslaughter
• Murder accused in tears as jury fail to reach verdict
• Jury to continue deliberating in trial of woman accused of murdering former lover
• Jury deliberating in trial of woman accused of murdering former lover

Read the original CNI report