The date set for a high-profile Donegal murder trial could be put back for several months due to the current pandemic.
Richard Burke (28), with an address at Forest Park, Killygordon, is charged with the murder of Castlefin mother-of-two, Jasmine McMonagle, at the same address on January 4, 2019. Burke has been granted free legal aid.
Richard Burke leaving Sligo Courthouse after a previous hearing. (North West newspix)
The Donegal town native was due to go on trial on July 5 at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, alleged to have murdered his former partner, also aged 28, at the home they shared.
Last week, it emerged that a number of murder cases in the same court were being adjourned for trial in March 2023. This is due to a backlog caused by the pandemic.
However, a legal source told Donegal Daily, the Burke trial might be delayed for between five and six months, as it has already been listed for hearing.