Jimmy Devaney's murder trial reaches closing speeches

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

The jury was hearing closing speeches in Jimmy Devaney’s murder trial at the Central Criminal Court. The proceedings were reported on 29 July 2015.

Jimmy Devaney, aged 67, of Millbrook Avenue, Monksland, Athlone, was charged with murdering Marie Greene in Westmeath on 13 February 2011. He has pleaded not guilty.

Alex Owens, prosecuting, told the jury it would be asked to decide whether it was reasonably possible that the accused had killed her following a sudden and temporary loss of self-control caused by provocation. He said provocation was only a partial defence, allowing a verdict of manslaughter to be returned.

Mr Owens argued that Jimmy Devaney had not lost control and that the killing pointed to revenge, forward planning and calculation. He said finding oneself in a difficult situation did not excuse the accused.

Giollaiosa Ó Lideadha, defending, said there was no evidence that Jimmy Devaney had planned the killing. He said provocation and manslaughter had not been mentioned in the prosecution’s opening speech, although it was clear that the defence was relying on the accused’s garda interviews. His closing speech was continuing on 29 July 2015.