Stephen Mooney, 52, pled guilty to murdering his wife, Anna, 46, after gardai hacked his phone and found incriminating footage.
Anna Mooney was a mother of two and she suffered fatal stab wounds. The attack occurred in their kitchen. Mooney was supposed to have a trial.
Prosecutors mentioned a key update regarding Mooney’s phone, which gardai had at the scene. They couldn’t access it at first because they lacked the passcode to unlock it.
Gardai use Cellebrite software for phone analysis. A recent update bypasses passwords. After unlocking it, they found video and audio footage revealing details about the murder.
Mooney’s lawyer acknowledged this tech change, stating the impossible had now become real. He needed to speak with his client quickly because of the new evidence.
Mooney appeared in court on the original trial start date. He wore a suit and tie and pled guilty to murdering Anna Mooney. The crime happened at their family home.
He faces a life sentence. The judge postponed sentencing for family who might want to speak to the court. Mooney stays in custody for now, with the sentencing date to be set later.