An elderly woman was found dead with her legs tied with electric flex, a jury heard yesterday as the trial of a man charged with her manslaughter opened at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.
Ms Margaret Murphy (73) was found dead at her home at Barrett's Buildings, Cork, on August 1st, 1997. Mr Ralph Sutton SC, prosecuting, said Ms Murphy died from fright after being tied up during a burglary. "She had a heart condition, and the shock of the incident caused her death," he said.
Mr Sutton was opening the case against Mr John Arundel (26), from Baker's Road, Gurranabraher, Cork, who denies the manslaughter of Ms Murphy and theft of £320 in cash and other items on August 1st, 1997.
The trial continues today.