Murder trial under way of man aged 70

A MAN aged 70 has gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court charged with murdering his partner two years ago.

Desmond Duffy today replied ‘not guilty’ when charged with the murder of 59-year-old Des Sullivan at the home they shared in Somerville Park, Rathmines, Dublin, on May 23, 2016.

The trial is expected to last two weeks.

Judge Paul McDermott told the jury of six men and six women to return today when the trial will begin.

He told the jurors they are the sole judges of fact in the case and that they should not discuss it with anyone else.

Mr Sullivan, who worked in a charity shop, was found dead at his home.

Mr Duffy was charged with the murder in December 2016.

He was arrested at home and taken to Rathmines garda station.