The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Jury in Collins’ murder trial due to begin deliberations
THE jury hearing the Nicola Collins murder trial are expected to start their deliberations today (Wednesday).
Cathal O’Sullivan (45) of Popham’s Road Farranree, Cork – who is originally from Charleville, County Cork – is on trial at the central Criminal Court in Cork for the murder of Tralee woman Nicola Collins at his apartment at Popham’s Road on March 27, 2017.
He denies the charge. The 38-year-old mother-ofthree from St Brendan’s Park in Tralee was discovered at the Popham’s Road flat in the early hours of March 27 with 125 different injuries to her body.
She died from a serious head injury caused by blunt-force trauma, with a 117g blood clot found on her brain.
Closing arguments were made yesterday to Ms Justice Eileen Creedon and the jury of eight men and four women by Tom Creed SC, for the State, and Colman Cody SC for the defence.
The prosecution has maintained the defendant beat Ms Collins – his partner – to death.
Mr Creed urged the jury to consider the testimony of expert witnesses, Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster and Cork neuropathologist Dr Michael Jansen.
“The silent witness is Nicola Collins, and she speaks through the pathology,” Mr Creed said.
Mr Creed said the sheer extent of Ms Collins’ injuries, including bruising all over her face, head and body, was not consistent with the accidental causes claimed by the defendant.
The defendant has insisted throughout the trial that Ms Collins sustained a number of injuries during her three days at his flat through entirely accidental means.
Mr Cody said his client had not rang for an ambulance earlier at the insistence of Ms Collins who told him she did not want medical attention.
The jury is scheduled to retire to consider their verdict today once Ms Justice Creedon concludes her trial charge to them.