RETIRED MEMBER of the Defence Forces, Jimmy Devaney, has been found not guilty of the murder of Marie Green but guilty of her manslaughter four years ago.

The 67 year old, from Millbrook Avenue, Monksland, Athlone, had pleaded not guilty to the murder of Marie Greene on 13 February 2011.

He admitted to manslaughter, saying he lost control and stabbed her. He said that Greene, who worked as a prostitute, had been blackmailing him.

The 11-member jury returned its verdict at the Central Criminal Court this afternoon after over four hours of deliberations.

Devaney has been remanded in custody until 2 November when sentencing will take place and a victim impact statement read.

Earlier, the court heard that Ms Greene lived at St Mel’s Terrace for a number of years with her mother and sister and that she was a prostitute in Athlone. Mr Devaney was one of her clients, the jury was told.

The prosecution claimed Ms Greene was murdered by Mr Devaney because she was blackmailing him. He had already given her up to €40,000.

Night of the murder

On 13 February 2011, Ms Greene was seen walking up Grace Park Road towards the Social Welfare Office that evening, the court heard. Her body was found nine days later on 22 February.

She had been stabbed a number of times.

More: Trial told that client killed Westmeath prostitute because she was blackmailing him