Airbnb guest was staying at Valerie French Kilroy's home when she was killed by husband, trial hears

A man charged with murdering his wife in County Mayo has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity at the Central Criminal Court. James Kilroy, aged 49, of Kilbree Lower, Westport, is accused of killing Valerie French Kilroy, aged 41, at their home between 13 and 14 June 2019. His counsel has made formal admissions that the defendant killed his wife. The prosecution has presented evidence including testimony from an Airbnb guest staying in a self-contained area of the property, who reported seeing a man in dark clothing near the house on the evening in question but hearing nothing unusual. A pathologist told the court the victim died from ligature strangulation, blunt force trauma to the head, and a stab wound to the neck. A medical practitioner assessed the defendant at Castlebar Garda Station and noted he had consumed cannabis and alcohol. The defence is expected to call psychiatric evidence on Wednesday. The trial continues before Justice Mary Ellen Ring and a jury.