A man has gone on trial for the 'tragic' murder of Dublin mother of two, Anna Finnegan.

Garage owner Vasel Jahiri, who is originally from Kosovo, denies stabbing his partner of nearly ten years at their home at Allendale Glen, Clonsilla on the evening of September 21st, 2012.

Opening the case for the prosecution, barrister Patrick Marrinan SC told the jury that the couple's relationship 'deteriorated quite dramatically' about a month before her death and they stopped living together.

The Central Criminal Court heard access to their two young children became 'much more than a thorny subject' and may even have been central to events on the night in question.

It is alleged Anna Finnegan (25) was having a cup of tea in the kitchen at around 8.30pm with her brother Karl when Vasel Jahiri, forced his way into the house.

The jury heard there was a row and that Karl Finnegan was stabbed in the head and chest.

The prosecution says Anna Finnegan ran from the house and collapsed on the road side.

It is alleged Vasel Jahiri bundled her into the back of his car and brought her to James Connolly Memorial Hospital where she died at 10.30pm that night from a single stab wound to her left chest.

The jury heard there will be evidence Vasel Jahiri presented himself to gardai the following day and admitted that he had forced his way into his former home. He told detectives that when he arrived in the kitchen, Karl Finnegan was in possession of 2 knives and that he managed to wrestle a knife from him before stabbing him in self defence.

Mr Marrinan said Mr Jahiri maintained he 'had no hand, act or part in stabbing his former partner Anna Finnegan'.

Vasel Jahiri denies murder and a second charge of assault causing harm to Karl Finnegan.

The trial is due to last around 2 weeks.