Woman alleged to have stabbed housemate in chest

A 33-year-old woman has pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 36-year-old man at a house in Ballyconnell, County Cavan on February 10, 2022. The Central Criminal Court heard that Nicola Brennan is alleged to have stabbed her housemate in the chest after her partner asked the deceased for a cigarette. The prosecution opened its case by outlining that a knife was recovered from the scene with the deceased's DNA on its tip, and that blood matching the victim was found on the accused's clothing. False nails allegedly linked to the defendant were discovered in both her room and the victim's room. The accused was arrested and subsequently released from detention before being rearrested. A jury of eight men and four women has been sworn in. The trial is expected to last a maximum of three weeks.