A 59-year-old woman replied 'I'm innocent' to criminal charges relating to the death of her first husband in 25 years ago, Dublin District Court has heard.

Philomena Coton, with an address at Stoke Aldimoor in Coventry has been extradited from England following a cold case review by gardai into the attempted murder of Christopher Payne at Rutland Grove in Crumlin in May 1988.

The father-of-two received treatment but died 6 months after he was attacked with an axe by a group of masked men at his home.

Two teenagers were subsequently jailed.

His wife is accused of assault with intent to murder her husband and of causing him grievous bodily harm.

Daughter is also facing trial

The 59-year-old, who has remarried, was dressed in a heavy black overcoat and wiped away tears as Detective Sergeant Daniel Kelly gave details of her arrest at Dublin Airport last night and her replies of 'I'm innocent' when charged and cautioned at Sundrive Garda Station.

Judge Victor Blake has remanded her in custody until next Wednesday when the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is to give reasons for its view that due to the nature of the case bail should be determined by the High Court.

State Solicitor Vincent Moloney said Philomena Coton is facing trial on indictment but that the book of evidence may take time to prepare as it is a very old case.

Her daughter Sharon Cullen who was 15 at the time her father was attacked is also facing trial on the same charges as her mother.

Now in her 40s and living in Ballyjamesduff, Co. Cavan, she has taken a High Court review of her prosecution on the grounds that there was undue delay in bringing a case against her.