Belfast woman admits killing her husband

Kevin Doyle was stabbed to death at a house in Twinbrook 17 months ago

A mother-of-four who was facing trial for the murder of her estranged husband has pleaded guilty to his manslaughter.

Roisin Doyle, 27, from Henderson Avenue in Belfast, was due to go on trial for the murder of Kevin Sean Patrick Doyle.

The 30-year-old father died 17 months ago from a single stab wound to the chest.

The accused was re-arraigned at the request of the defence at Craigavon Crown Court. She pleaded "not guilty" to murder but "guilty" to manslaughter.

Mr Doyle was stabbed at a house in the Summerhill Grange area of Twinbrook on 27 September, 2008.

He was taken to hospital but died later from his injuries.

Prosecutor Gordon Kerr QC, who gave no details surrounding the circumstances of the fatal stabbing, said the guilty plea to manslaughter was acceptable to the Crown.

Mrs Doyle will be sentenced next month in Belfast when social inquiry reports on her and her family are completed.