A Kildare man has admitted killing a mother of one in Athy last year.
Michael McDonald (49) of Barnhill Road, Castledermot is charged with murdering Breda Cummins (31) on May 13th, 2010. When arraigned before the Central Criminal Court yesterday, he pleaded not guilty to her murder but guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility and provocation. This plea was not accepted by the prosecution.
Mr McDonald also pleaded not guilty to a second charge of assaulting John Lawlor, causing him harm.
A jury of six women and six men was sworn in to hear the trial, which will start tomorrow.