The trial of a man accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend has heard he messaged her just over a week beforehand asking if she was seeing someone close to him.

Daniel Murtagh, of Melrose Grove, Bawnogue, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, has pleaded guilty to her manslaughter, but denies the more serious charge of murder.

Yesterday, the jurors heard how Nadine Lott died in hospital on Dec 17th 2019 – three days after a “sustained and violent assault” in her home in Arklow, Co Wicklow.

Her ex, Daniel Murtagh, admits killing her but denies her murder. The issue of intent will be for the jurors to decide.

Today, they were taken through WhatsApp exchanges found on their phones.

A message sent from her phone to his just over a week beforehand read: “Nothing is ever going to happen with us again. I just want to make that clear.”

A reply from his phone, asking if she was seeing someone from Dublin, was also read out.

“I’m not seeing anyone,” was the reply sent from Nadine’s phone.