Man takes stand at trial for murder of nanny in Laois

A man has taken the stand at his trial for the murder of Laois nanny Aoife Phelan, whose body was found in a barrel on his property.

Man takes stand at trial for murder of nanny in Laois

A man has taken the stand at his trial for the murder of Laois nanny Aoife Phelan, whose body was found in a barrel on his property.

Robert Corbet (aged 25) of Sheffield Cross, Portlaoise admitted strangling Ms Phelan in a row in October or November 2012, but denies her murder.

In the witness box this morning Mr Corbet described meeting Ms Phelan (aged 30) in a Portlaoise nightclub in June 2012 in the wake of his break-up with his long-term girlfriend.

He told the jury they had sex one night back at his house but used a condom, and so he was surprised and frightened when some weeks later Aoife texted to say she was late in menstruating.

The accused said he offered to accompany the nanny on her doctor visits for support but each time she would dismiss him which led to heated conversations.

He admitted that he called her a "psycho" to his best friend because of all the baby talk.

The jury heard Ms Phelan was not pregnant at the time of her death.

Mr Corbet told gardaí he strangled her during a row, when she threatened to "make his life hell if he walked away from her" and their future child.

The trial continues.

more courts articles

Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman
Coronation Street actor William Roache (91) given three months to settle tax debt Coronation Street actor William Roache (91) given three months to settle tax debt

More in this section

Investigation launched after discovery of woman's body in canal in Co Monaghan Investigation launched after discovery of woman's body in canal in Co Monaghan
Government examining payments to carers after referendum defeat Government examining payments to carers after referendum defeat
Drug death in Cork Prison could be linked to nitazene opiate Drug death in Cork Prison could be linked to nitazene opiate
War_map
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited