A trial of Newry man, Mr Joseph James Moran (39), extradited from the Republic in May after a seven-year courtroom battle to face a charge of murdering his wife, has been moved to Belfast Crown Court.
Yesterday at Armagh Crown Court sitting in Newry, Mr Justice Brian Kerr granted an application by senior defence counsel, Mr Kevin Finnegan QC, to transfer the case.
In his application, Mr Finnegan pointed out that two previous trials received extensive coverage in the press. He submitted it may be difficult to get a jury which might not be prejudiced.
Mr Moran pleaded not guilty to murdering Ms Rose-Marie Moran on August 22nd, 1991, and conspiring to murder her between December 1989 and August 1991.