A 46-year old Cork man was today charged with killing the mother of his 16 month-old daughter nearly 10 years ago. The body of Ms Michelle McCormack from Mayfield in Cork has never been found.
The trial of Mr Timothy O'Driscoll of New Street, Macroom, Co Cork got under way at Cork Circuit Criminal Court today, where he pleaded not guilty to three charges of assaulting and unlawfully killing his Ms McCormack (26) and disposing of her body in a manner so as to prevent her lawful burial in July 1993.
Prosecuting barrister Mr John Edwards SC said in his opening statement, that despite the fact the body of Ms McCormack was never found, the State's case was based on a series of confessions given by Mr O'Driscoll to Gardaí during interviews.
The State alleges that the couple had a turbulent relationship, and were on holiday with their daughter at a caravan park in at Owenahincha, West Cork in July 1993 when the incident occurred.
It is alleged that the couple returned to the mobile home on the night of July 20th, 1993 after having a few drinks in the Owenahincha Hotel, and were in bed, when a row broke out that caused Ms McCormack to attempt to leave the scene.
The State alleges that it was then the accused hit his partner in the left eye, causing her to knock against a partition in the caravan and that as a result of her injuries the young mother died.
It is alleged that Mr O'Driscoll subsequently wrapped Ms McCormack's body in a blanket and placed it inside a large plastic sack, into which he also put heavy stones before driving 20 miles to Kinsale Harbour where he dumped the body.
Despite an extensive search of the water by a Garda sub-aqua unit, the body of Ms McCormack was never found. The trial continues today at Cork Circuit Criminal Court and is expected to last up to three weeks.