Man pleads not guilty to murdering Joleen

Man pleads not guilty to murdering Joleen

3 April 2019

A MAN has appeared in court charged with murdering his ex-partner in Downpatrick almost two and a half years ago.

Michael O’Connor pleaded not guilty to the murder of Joleen Corr at her home in Russell Park on December 2, 2016, when he appeared at Downpatrick Crown Court last Friday.

O’Connor (33), originally from Westrock Grove in Belfast, but now in custody at Maghaberry prison, also denied a second charge of manslaughter.

Members of Ms Corr’s family, some of them visibly emotional, sat in the public gallery during the short hearing.

Ms Corr, who was 27, was left in a vegetative state following a savage beating which left her barely recognisable.

She spent six months in hospital before being transferred home. Following a court ruling last year, doctors withdrew treatment and she died on April 26, 2018.

O’Connor has been in custody since the attack charged with attempted murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Last week Judge Piers Grant ordered that in the light of Ms Corr’s death, the charges should be amended to murder and manslaughter.

Wearing a checked shirt, fleece and blue trousers, O’Connor replied “not guilty” as the charges were read out.

A prosecution lawyer said the case was complicated by issues which would require the assistance of experts.

He said full disclosure of the evidence would me made in the coming weeks and that the trial, which is expected to begin in September, would last for at least six weeks.

O’Connor’s barrister said the defence was still awaiting the disclosure of reports.

Judge Grant said Ms Corr’s family were “understandably upset” and that the defendant was entitled to a fair trial.

He added: “There have been delays in this case and I am not going to allow that to continue.”

O’Connor was remanded back in custody with a review date set for April 12.