After seven weeks of probation, Crown’s attorney dismissed the case today (Tuesday) for trial in the Jennifer Dornan murder trial.
Raymond O’Neill is currently on trial in Belfast Crown Court after being charged with his murder.
A 30-year-old mother of three died on Saturday 2 August 2015 in the bedroom of Hazel View House in Lagmore, West Belfast.
The defendant, 43, who was living at the time on Amcomrie Street in Beechmont, denied killing Ms. Dornan and setting fire to her bedroom.
As the prosecution’s argument ended earlier, the jury heard the crown prince’s last witnesses.
The six men and six women were also provided with “Agreed Facts” detailing the attacks on Jennifer’s home and O’Neill’s criminal record.
Reading the facts agreed with the jury, Crown attorney David McDowell, QC, revealed that Ms. Dornan’s family home had been repeatedly targeted prior to moving to Hazel View.
Mr. McDowell spoke of several incidents in his former home and threatening problems in 2012 and 2013 that he said were directed at his former partner, the father of his three children.
(Photo: PA)
In addition to the assaults on Ms. Dornan’s home and car, dissident Republicans threatened her ex-partner, who spends most of his life in and out of prison.
Ms. Dornan denounced the criminal threat and damage to PSNI. O’Neill’s criminal record, which consists of burglaries and assaults, was also brought to light before a jury. The record covers the period from 1994 to 2012 and includes several family robberies, carjackings and attacks on both sides of the border.
The crimes led to convictions of O’Neill both in the judges, the Crown Courts of Northern Ireland, and the County Court of Dundee. After the facts were read before the jury and witnesses completed their testimony, Mr. McDowell told trial judge Mr. Justy Schofield: “Sir, this is the case for the prosecution.” Then the chief justice turned to the jury and asked them to return to court tomorrow morning when the defense intends to hear the case.
Source: Belfastlive
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
