A MOTHER of two children who ran from her home in her nights dress died after she was stabbed, seven times, the Central Criminal Court heard yesterday. Earlier, a neighbour heard a shout from the woman's house: "Somebody help me, he is trying to kill me."
Prosecuting counsel, Mr Gregory Murphy, said it was the State's case that Mr Michael Halligan returned from England in premeditated fashion with a knife "with a view to getting rid of the problem, in his life - his wife Martina". He said Mr Halligan had told his, parents, on the day of Martina Halligan's death, that he had killed his wife and told a friend he used a knife.
He said former State pathologist, Dr Margaret Bolster, found Ms Halligan died from shock and haemorrhage due to stab wounds. Dr Bolster noted seven wounds, three of which went through Ms Halligan's body. One wound entered and exited her neck while two others penetrated her abdomen and exited through her back. Another entered her left eye and, penetrated through to the brain.
Counsel was opening the trial of Mr Halligan (38), formerly of Buttercup Park, Darndale, who has denied the murder of his wife, Martina (33), of the same address in Dublin last May 5th.
Mr Murphy said the accused man had married Ms Halligan in 1994 after a whirlwind relationship and they moved into Mr Halligan's home in Buttercup Park, Darndale. However, unhappy differences arose.
He said both had two children each from previous relationships. The mother of Mr Halligan's two children had died.
Ms Halligan brought assault charges against Mr Halligan in June 1995 but withdrew them, counsel said.
Mr Halligan took his two children with him to England in January 1996 at the request of his wife who wished to get a Deserted Wives Allowance, counsel said.
Mr Murphy said Mr Halligan always regarded the house as his, property. Mr Halligan returned briefly to Ireland on January 19th but went back to England and did, not return until May 5th, 1996.
Counsel said Mr Halligan and his two children went to Darndale early in the morning of that day. He said Mr Halligan tried to gain access to his house but one door, was padlocked and the locks of the other had been changed.
He said Mr Halligan cut the phone wire with a knife which he had brought with him, from England, "ostensibly to cut sandwiches". He said Mr Halligan then put the knife into the back pocket of his jeans, knocked on the door and was admitted by his wife.
Mr Halligan surrendered at Raheny Garda station later that morning and made a number of admissions.
The trial continues today before Mr Justice Morris and a jury of nine men and three women.