24/10/2013
Accused Won't Testify In McShane Trial
A man accused of attempting to murder Co Tyrone woman Natasha McShane will not testify at his own trial, it has been revealed.
Heriberto Viramontes, 34, is accused of trying to kill Ms McShane and her friend in Chicago three years ago. On Wednesday, however, Mr Viramontes told Cook County Criminal Court that he would not testify.
McShane, who is now 27, and her friend Stacy Jurich were attacked and robbed in the American city in the early hours of 23 April 2010.
The Co Tyrone woman was left brain-damaged in the attack. She is unable to speak and struggles to walk or carry out simple tasks as a result of the injuries she sustained.
A jury is to begin deliberating on Viramontes charges today (Thursday) following closing arguments. They must decide on each of the 25 charges facing the accused, with the most serious being two counts of attempted murder. He is also charged with two counts of aggravated battery and two of armed robbery.
Earlier in the day, without the jury present, Judge Alonso dismissed a defence application to dismiss the attempted murder charges for lack of evidence, claiming there was no intent to kill. He said he would leave it to the jury to decide.
(JP/CD)
Heriberto Viramontes, 34, is accused of trying to kill Ms McShane and her friend in Chicago three years ago. On Wednesday, however, Mr Viramontes told Cook County Criminal Court that he would not testify.
McShane, who is now 27, and her friend Stacy Jurich were attacked and robbed in the American city in the early hours of 23 April 2010.
The Co Tyrone woman was left brain-damaged in the attack. She is unable to speak and struggles to walk or carry out simple tasks as a result of the injuries she sustained.
A jury is to begin deliberating on Viramontes charges today (Thursday) following closing arguments. They must decide on each of the 25 charges facing the accused, with the most serious being two counts of attempted murder. He is also charged with two counts of aggravated battery and two of armed robbery.
Earlier in the day, without the jury present, Judge Alonso dismissed a defence application to dismiss the attempted murder charges for lack of evidence, claiming there was no intent to kill. He said he would leave it to the jury to decide.
(JP/CD)
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Simon Tang: Second Murder Charge Withdrawn
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Simon Tang: Second Murder Charge Withdrawn
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25 October 2013
Man Guilty Of Natasha McShane Attack
A man has been found guilty of the attempted murder of Co Armagh woman Natasha McShane. Heriberto Viramontes, 34, was also found guilty of the attempted murder of Ms McShane's friend, Stacy Jurich. The two women were attacked and robbed in the US city of Chicago in the early hours of 23 April 2010.
Man Guilty Of Natasha McShane Attack
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Antrim man charged in connection with German bombing
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Antrim man charged in connection with German bombing
A Northern Ireland man has today been charged with an IRA bomb attack on a British army base in Germany in 1989. Leonard Joseph Hardy, 45, from Antrim, was also charged by German federal prosecutors with attempted murder in relation to the attack on the base in Osnabruck 17 years ago. The accused could face life imprisonment if convicted.
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