A BELFAST man accused of attacking his ex-partner so savagely she was left in a vegetative state has denied her murder.
Standing in the dock of Downpatrick Crown Court Michael O’Connor (33) pleaded not guilty to the murder of Joleen Corr on 2 December 2016.
With many of Ms Corr’s family sitting in the public gallery, clearly struggling with emotion, O’Connor also denied a further charge of manslaughter.
Since allegedly attacking the mother-of-one in 2016, O’Connor has been in custody charged with attempted murder and causing the 27-year-old beautician grievous bodily harm with intent.
But following prosecution applications, Judge Piers Grant ordered that in light of her tragic death, the indictment should be amended to murder and manslaughter.
Nothing of the facts was heard in court today but there have been claims that Ms Corr sustained brain injuries and was left in a coma after being savagely attacked in a house in Thomas Russell Park in Downpatrick.
She spent six months in the Royal Victoria Hospital and Musgrave Park Hospital, and was later transferred home.
Following a landmark court ruling last year however, doctors withdrew treatment and she tragically died on 26 April 2018.
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.
Following his denials today prosecuting counsel Samuel Magee said “full disclosure” would be made in the coming weeks and that the trial, set to be heard in September, will last around six weeks.
He told Judge Grant the case is “complicated by issues so will require experts and will need a new pathologist report.”
Remanding O’Connor back into custody, Judge Grant said he would review the case on April 12.
He commented that Ms Corr’s family were “understandably upset” and that O’Connor “is entitled to a fair trial.”
“I’m keen for this matter to be progressed,” said Judge Grant who told the defence and prosecution lawyers, “there have been delays in this case and it’s not to be allowed to continue.”
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