A JURY at the trial of a Laois man accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend has heard closing speeches by the prosecution and defence.
Gordon Molloy (24), Ballinakill, Ballickmoyler, Co Laois, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Ciara Ní Chathmhaoil (Campbell) (22) at her home in Ardmore Gardens, Carlow, on November 12th, 2007.
It is the prosecution’s case that Ms Ní Chathmhaoil’s death was the “culmination of drink and jealousy”. The court had heard the couple separated five weeks prior to her death. Mr Molloy found out she had met another man the evening before her death. He told gardaí he went to Ms Ní Chathmhaoil’s house after drinking, and that she came home at about 8am.
They had an argument and he picked up a knife and stabbed her, the court has heard. A consultant psychiatrist told the jury the accused suffers from a borderline personality disorder which was enough to “substantially diminish” his responsibility for the killing.
Patrick McCarthy SC, prosecuting, yesterday told the jury Mr Molloy killed Ms Ní Chathmhaoil in a “jealous, drunken rage”. Patrick O’Connell SC, defending, said there was evidence to find Mr Molloy was “substantially suffering from a mental disorder, and that his responsibility was substantially diminished at that time”.
The jury will retire on Monday morning to consider its verdict.