Courts / Kilkenny / Report
Bible study group member strangled widow, cold case murder trial jury to hear
Summary
In a cold‑case murder trial, John Joseph Malone, 53, is charged with strangling 69‑year‑old Ann (Nancy) Smyth on 11 September 1987 at her Wolfe Tone Street home in Kilkenny. The prosecution, led by Sean Gillane SC, argues that after a night at a local pub, Malone entered Smyth's house, strangled her, and set it on fire. Evidence includes a neighbour's account of a shouting altercation, a witness who heard a man with a speech impediment ask for a cigarette, and testimony from a bible‑study group member who claims Malone admitted the crime. The case notes that Smyth's death was caused by asphyxia from neck compression, not the fire. The trial is proceeding before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy with a jury of five women and seven men, expected to last over three weeks. John Joseph Malone pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Bible study group member strangled widow, cold case murder trial jury to hear. Charges or matters: murdering 69-year-old Ann (Nancy) Smyth on 11th September 1987 at her home on Wolfe Tone Street in Kilkenny City. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- 11th September 1987 Hearing Or Sentence
- 10th September Other
- 2017-03-22 Publication
Why: He explained that this was an old case or 'cold case', but that he couldn't take any advantage from that. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering 69-year-old Ann (Nancy) Smyth on 11th September 1987 at her home on Wolfe Tone Street in Kilkenny City (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Kilkenny
- Kilkenny house
- Wolfe Tone Street
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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