DPP refuses to accept manslaughter plea
A man accused of murdering a mother of one at a homeless shelter in Dublin City just more than a year ago, has been told that the DPP has refused to accept his plea of guilty to manslaughter.
Clive Butcher (aged 44), originally from the UK but with an address at Ranelagh Road in Dublin, has denied murdering Rebecca Hoban on December 17, 2008 at a flat in Ranelagh.
The 28-year-old was stabbed a number of times at the flat which was used to accommodate homeless people. She died shortly after being rushed to St Vincent's Hospital.
Mr Butcher was brought before the Central Criminal Court this morning, where he admitted killing Ms Hoban.
But senior counsel for the prosecution, Mr Brendan Condon SC, told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions had refused to accept the manslaughter plea.
A jury of three men and seven women was then sworn in for Mr Butcher's murder trial, which is due to get underway tomorrow morning, before Mr Justice George Birmingham.
The case is expected to last seven days.
