A man has gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court accused of strangling a pensioner in Kilkenny and setting her house on fire almost 30 years ago.
John Joseph Malone, 53, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Ann Nancy Smith on 11 September 1987.
The court was told today that the original investigation "ran into the sand" but was re-opened and witnesses came forward with information following an appeal five years ago.
The jury heard that the prosecution's case is that John Joseph Malone was heard to threaten Ann Nancy Smith that night before he strangled her and set her house on fire.
