Woman guilty of staging housemate’s suicide

A woman has been found guilty at the Central Criminal Court of impeding the prosecution of her boyfriend following the death of a housemate at their residence in Kilnaleck, County Cavan, in June 2014. The 34-year-old accused admitted placing a cord around the neck of the deceased to simulate suicide, but pleaded not guilty to the charge of obstructing justice without reasonable excuse. The court heard that the woman's boyfriend strangled the victim in her presence. The accused subsequently reported the death as an apparent suicide. A second autopsy revealed evidence inconsistent with self-harm, prompting gardaí to investigate further. The defendant initially maintained her account that the victim had taken her own life, but eventually disclosed her boyfriend's involvement. The accused claimed she acted under duress, fearing for her safety. The jury deliberated for three hours and 47 minutes before returning a guilty verdict by majority. She was remanded in custody pending sentencing.