The sister of a man found dead in his home over two years ago has pleaded not guilty to his murder.
Helen Jones, 54, of 27 Cahergal Avenue, Mayfield, Cork, appeared before the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork charged with murdering Paul Jones, 52, on September 4 2019 at 108 Bandon Road, Cork.
Miss Jones was also charged with entering 108 Bandon Road as a trespasser on September 4, 2019 with intent to cause serious harm having at that time a knife.
Her co accused 43-year-old Keith O’Hara also pleaded not guilty to the same charge of murdering Paul Jones.
He entered a not guilty plea to a charge of entering as a trespasser 108 Bandon Road on September 4, 2019 with the the intent to cause serious harm.
Mr Justice Michael McGrath told the jury of seven men and five women that the case could last in the region of three weeks to a month. Over 150 witnesses are due to be called over the course of the lengthy trial.
Justice McGrath asked that the jury refrain from discussing the case with family, friends or acquaintances.
They were also ordered not to look at social media or read/watch newspaper or television reports about the case.
“The case might attract publicity and in so far as it does, do not read anything or listen to anything that might emerge on the media. That is no criticism of the media — but just not be unduly influenced by something you might have read or head or seen in relation to the case.”
Justice McGrath added that it was vital that the jurors decide the case on what they “hear in court.”
“You should not discuss this with anyone. It is very very important that the integrity of the system is maintained and that you decide the case on the basis of what you hear in court.”
Prosecuting Senior Counsel Siobhan Langford will give an outline of the State’s case on Tuesday morning with the witnesses anticipated to start giving evidence in the afternoon.
A foreman of the jury was selected with the case getting underway at 10.30am on Tuesday.
