Man accused of murdering his wife aimed shotgun at garda, trial hears

A barman has given evidence at the Central Criminal Court that the accused man aimed a sawn-off shotgun at a garda on the day his wife went missing. Oliver Kierans, aged 57, of Drumbannon in Bailieboro, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Patricia Kierans on 5 September 2013 at their home address. He also denies unlawful possession of a 12-gauge double-barrel shotgun and possession of the weapon with intent to endanger life. The witness testified that after the accused and his wife had separated, he had abstained from alcohol, but resumed drinking in early September. On 5 September, the witness described the accused as heavily intoxicated and recalled him saying there would be significant news in the town the following day. The court heard that when a garda arrived at a public house, the accused raised the shotgun and directed it at the officer while asking him to leave. A delivery man also gave evidence of seeing the accused that day. The trial continues before Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly.