The trial of a man accused of murdering his former girlfriend’s new partner in a bedroom in her Tipperary home last year has begun at the Central Criminal Court.
Alex Freiberg (30), of Bridgewater House, Clonmel, denies murdering Kieran Cambridge (45) at Carrigeen Close, Clonmel, Co Tipperary on August 16th, 2007.
Prosecuting counsel, Michael Durack SC, told the jury in opening the case that the accused was unhappy about the relationship and, after sending an increasing number of irate and threatening text messages, arrived at Catherine Shanahan's home in the early hours armed with two knives and stabbed Mr Cambridge.
Mr Durack said Mr Cambridge was in bed upstairs when the accused arrived. Mr Freiberg came through the back door and threatened Ms Shanahan downstairs. The jury will hear he held a knife to her throat and then ran up to Mr Cambridge.
Mr Durack said Mr Cambridge suffered two very serious stab wounds and a number of other cuts. One wound to the side of his chest penetrated his lungs and killed him.
Mr Durack said Ms Shanahan raised the alarm with her neighbours but the deceased was dead by the time an ambulance arrived.
The hearing continues before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of seven men and five women.