A 34-year-old Dublin man has pleaded guilty to the murder of his wife at their home in Balbriggan, Co Dublin, in March 2001.
Colin Whelan from Clonard Street, Balbriggan, was due to go on trial in the Central Criminal Court this morning charged with the murder of his 27-year-old wife, Mary.
However, when the case was called his lawyer indicated that Mr Whelan would be pleading guilty to the charge.
He will now receive the mandatory life sentence for murder when he appears before Mr Justice Carney tomorrow morning.
Whelan was due to stand trial in October 2003, but he fled to Spain and his car was found abandoned in Howth.
He was later extradited in July 2004 to face trial.
The family of Whelan’s wife issued a short statement after his guilty plea this morning.
They said that Mary was robbed from them and that the hurt will stay with them forever.
They said they were relieved that Whelan has finally admitted his guilt.
And they described the last four years as hell on earth hoping and waiting for justice to be done.
