THE TRIAL into the murder of Wexford woman Nicola Furlong (21) has been fixed for Monday, March 4th, running for three weeks in Tokyo, The Echo can exclusively reveal.
Nicola, (who was studying in Japan), was found strangled in a luxury hotel in Tokyo in May. 19-year-old American musician Richard Hinds has admitted being responsible for her death, but denies that he meant to kill her.
The Curracloe woman’s family were initially led to believe the trial may take place late this year. Nicola’s father Andrew told The Echo he only formally received a letter confirming the dates on Tuesday last week. The decision was reached at a meeting between the prosecution and defence teams in mid-October.
Mr. Furlong said: “We will have to get past her birthday on December 17th and Christmas. We have to make arrangements after.”
Mr. Furlong said he will be travelling to Japan with his daughter Andrea and ex-partner Angie in early March ahead of the trial.
He said the five months wait for the trial will be very difficult for him and the family.
For the full story see this week’s Wexford Echo newspaper.
