Northern Ireland

Man accused of attacking Joleen Corr could see charge upgraded to murder

Mother-of-one Joleen Corr died 17 months after she was found with a serious head injury in her home in Downpatrick in December 2016
Mother-of-one Joleen Corr died 17 months after she was found with a serious head injury in her home in Downpatrick in December 2016 Mother-of-one Joleen Corr died 17 months after she was found with a serious head injury in her home in Downpatrick in December 2016
By Marie Louise McConville

A MAN accused of attacking a young west Belfast mother who was left brain dead, surviving 17 months in hospital before she died, could see the charge against him upgraded to murder.

Michael O'Connor has been on remand in prison awaiting trial for the attempted murder of Joleen Corr, since December 2016.

The 32-year-old, who previously had an address at Westrock Grove in west Belfast but whose address is now c/o Maghaberry Prison, is believed to be Ms Corr's former partner.

The 27-year-old mother-of-one was found at a house in Downpatrick on December 1, 2016 having suffered a catastrophic brain injury. She also had a broken jaw, facial injuries, an ear injury and severe bruising.

The young woman, who was a trained beauty therapist, spent the following six months on a neurological ward in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast before she was moved in May 2017 to Musgrave Park Hospital where she was treated in a specialist brain injury clinic.

However, doctors told Joleen's parents that the left side of her brain was dead and its stem damaged, meaning it was unlikely she would ever recover from the head injuries.

Michael O'Connor, who is accused of attacking Joleen Corr, who was left brain dead, surviving 17 months in hospital before she died, could see the charge against him upgraded to murder
Michael O'Connor, who is accused of attacking Joleen Corr, who was left brain dead, surviving 17 months in hospital before she died, could see the charge against him upgraded to murder Michael O'Connor, who is accused of attacking Joleen Corr, who was left brain dead, surviving 17 months in hospital before she died, could see the charge against him upgraded to murder

In April this year, a decision was made to withdraw the treatment keeping the young mother alive.

She was later moved to the Northern Ireland Hospice where she died 10 days later in her mother's arms on April 26.

Following her death, prosecutors said they would be reviewing the charge again O'Connor.

Yesterday, the Public Prosecution Service said it would be applying to bring a murder or manslaughter charge against O'Connor.

David McDowell QC told Newtownards Crown Court: "A decision has been taken to prosecute Mr O'Connor for murder".

Mr McDowell told Judge Piers Grant that the PPS would be seeking a voluntary bill, to bring a murder charge or manslaughter charge in the alternative against O'Connor.

Defence barrister, Tom McCreanor told the court it would be opposed.

In order for the charges to be added to O'Connor's bill of endictment, prosecutors will have to satisfy a judge, either in the Crown Court or the High Court, that there is sufficient evidence to charge him with the new offences.

Judge Grant said he was anxious to try to avoid delay in the case.

He also re-issued an order for Ms Corr's medical records to be forwarded to the court from the Royal Victoria Hospital.

The case has been listed for review on November 22.

Joleen Corr, pictured with her family, died 17 months after she was found with a serious head injury in her home in Downpatrick in December 2016
Joleen Corr, pictured with her family, died 17 months after she was found with a serious head injury in her home in Downpatrick in December 2016 Joleen Corr, pictured with her family, died 17 months after she was found with a serious head injury in her home in Downpatrick in December 2016