Man accused of murdering his wife tells jury her death was an accident

A man accused of murdering his wife in County Cavan in 2013 has told the Central Criminal Court that her death was accidental. Oliver Kierans, aged 57, from Drumbannon, Bailieboro, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Patricia Kierans on 5 September 2013, as well as charges relating to unlawful possession of a shotgun and intent to endanger life with it. Giving evidence, the accused stated he had shortened the shotgun barrels intending to take his own life after his remaining child emigrated to Australia. He told the jury that on the day in question, his wife discovered the gun and was shot when she attempted to stop him from using it. The prosecution contended the accused had deliberately created the circumstances of the incident and was an angry man at the time. The trial before Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly continues.