A Belfast man accused of attacking his ex-partner so savagely she was left in a vegetative state has been formally charged with her murder.
Michael O’Connor (33) was not at Downpatrick Crown Court to hear Judge Piers Grant ruling that a charge of murder should be added to his indictment.
Judge Grant said Joleen Corr’s “tragic death” meant there had been “material changes” to the prosecution case against O’Connor, adding that “I’m satisfied that the prosecution have demonstrated there are exceptional circumstances and that the amended charges be put to the defendant.”
Since allegedly attacking the mother-of-one in November 2016, O’Connor has been in custody charged with attempted murder and causing the 27-year-old beautician grievous bodily harm with intent.
Ms Corr sustained horrific brain injuries and was left in a coma after being savagely attacked in a house in Thomas Russell Park in Downpatrick.
She was beaten so badly she was barely recognisable and having spent six months in the RVH and Musgrave Park Hospitals, she was transferred home.
Following a court ruling last year however, doctors withdrew treatment and she tragically died on April 26.
O'Connor, originally from Westrock Grove in Belfast but whose address is given as c/o Maghaberry prison, is understood to be Ms Corr's ex-partner.
Today's ruling comes after prosecuting QC David McDowell applied for the murder charge to be added to the indictment by way of a “voluntary bill.”
A voluntary bill is where, instead of having their case and charges processed through the Magistrates Court and then returned to the Crown Court, a defendant’s case goes directly to the Crown Court.
For murder to be added to O’Connor’s bill of indictment, the PPS had to satisfy the judge there is sufficient evidence to ground the new charge.
Adjourning the case to next Friday for arraignment, Judge Grant ordered O’Connor to be produced to court from prison, telling the court: "This case has been delayed for a number of tragic reasons. It now needs to be moved on."
