Courts / Cavan / Report
Woman had no motive to kill former lover, defence tell jury
Summary
At the Central Criminal Court, defence counsel has urged a jury to acquit Nicola Brennan of murdering Juris Viktorovs in Ballyconnell, County Wicklow, on 10 February 2022. Colman Cody SC submitted that the evidence against his client does not establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt and that she had no motive to kill the deceased. He highlighted inconsistencies in the prosecution's main witness, noting that Brenda Kane made no mention of seeing Ms Brennan stab Mr Viktorovs during three initial interviews, only describing this during a later cognitive interview. Mr Cody also contended that forensic evidence, including blood on Ms Brennan's clothing, could be explained by her assisting in moving the body. He submitted that the level of intoxication present, together with the chaos of the circumstances, meant the jury could not be satisfied that Ms Brennan possessed the necessary intent for murder. Mr Justice Paul McDermott will continue his charge to the jury. Ms Brennan, aged 33, has pleaded not guilty to murder.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Woman had no motive to kill former lover, defence tell jury. Charges or matters: the murder of her housemate, Latvian native Juris Viktorovs (36), at Shillelagh, Ballyconnell, County Wicklow, on February 10, 2022. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- February 10, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2023-12-13 Publication
Why: A woman accused of stabbing her former lover to death after a day of heavy drinking had no motive to kill and had no animus towards the deceased, her defence barrister has told a jury at the Central Criminal Court. Defence account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the murder of her housemate, Latvian native Juris Viktorovs (36), at Shillelagh, Ballyconnell, County Wicklow, on February 10, 2022 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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