A three-year-old mother describes how a "young boy" shot and killed his partner at the front door during a murder trial

A three-year-old told a murder trial that his partner was shot dead at the door of their home by a "boy" dressed in black.

Michelle Usher told the Central Criminal Court that she thought it was a joke until she heard a third blow and her partner, Alan O'Neill, was yell.

The witness appeared at the trial of Warren Nolan, 22, of Clondalkin, who pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mr. O'Neill in Tallaght on May 27, 2015.

Nolan also pleaded not guilty to damaging a car in Tallaght on the same day.

Ms. Usher told the court that she was preparing to complete a university degree in May 2015, while Mr. O'Neill, painter and decorator, was to begin a personal training course.

That night, Mr. O'Neill went to the gym, went home, and then went out again to take his brother home.

PA: Press Association

Mrs. Usher was in her living room and Mr. O'Neill's car came back, followed by a transport of people.

The court heard a "dark character" who looked like a "young man" entered the garden before hearing "a very loud bang". Mrs. Usher thought that he was a "young boy" or a "teenager", but she did not see his face.

She said: "Everything happened so fast and I did not believe what was happening."

Earlier, the jury learned that the accused had been arrested after a woman on his balcony in another part of Tallaght had alerted Gardai of a suspicious car.

Gardai reacted quickly and spoke to the driver of this car when they saw, close by, another car in flames.

Two people who were in the now burned car made their way to where Gardai was talking to the driver of the suspect car but, when they noticed Garda, they ran.

One of them escaped but the other, Mr. Nolan, was arrested.

The jury will hear evidence that Mr. Gardai found gloves on Mr. Nolan's person that, when badyzed by a forensic expert, were found to be covered with bullet residue.

The trial continues before Judge Paul McDermott.