MUM OF 2 JASMINE 'FOUND IN A POOL OF BLOOD'

Partner admits killing but denies murder

- FIONA MAGENNIS

MOTHER-OF-TWO Jasmine McMonagle met a "brutal death" in her own home and was found by gardai in a "pool of blood", a murder trial jury has heard.

Richard Burke, 32, of Killygordon, Co Donegal, was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court sitting in Monaghan yesterday where he pleaded not guilty to the murder of Ms McMonagle at Forest Park, Killygordon, on January 4, 2019 but guilty to manslaughter.

The jury has been told they will hear evidence from two psychiatrists who agree that Burke was suffering from a mental disorder at the time of the killing which substantially diminished his responsibility.

Opening the case for the State, Anne-Marie Lawlor SC told the jury Ms McMonagle had been in a relationship with Burke "on and off" since 2016.

She said the 28-year-old was at home with her two children on January 4 when she contacted gardai at around 4.20am with concerns about her own safety.

Ms Lawlor said when officers from Lifford attended the family home a standoff ensued after Burke wielded a meat cleaver at members of the force.

A crisis negotiator attended and following a three-hour standoff, gardai forced their way into the property at 7.30am.

Ms Lawlor said Ms McMonagle was already dead by the time officers entered the house but thankfully her two young children were found unharmed.

She said Burke was interviewed by gardai on three occasions and she told the jury they will hear evidence of what he told them and the admissions he made to officers that he killed Ms McMonagle.