Man denies attempted murder of his ex-partner

A MAN has denied trying to kill his ex-partner, who was left in a coma after being attacked.

Standing in the dock of Downpatrick Crown Court, Michael O’Connor confirmed his identity and that he had been told about the level of credit a defendant obtains for an early guilty plea.

With the formalities completed, the court clerk put two charges to the defendant.

He is accused of the attempted murder of Joleen Corr on November 30 last year and of causing her grievous bodily harm with intent on the same date.

The 26-year-old mother-of-one — a trained beautician — was in a coma for a number of months and was left with life-changing brain damage after being attacked in a house in the Thomas Russell Park area of the town.

O’Connor (31) is originally from Westrock Grove in Belfast, but his address was given as c/o Maghaberry Prison.

Following the short arraignment, Judge Piers Grant remanded the defendant back into custody and said he would review the case next week.