Courts / Kilkenny / Report

Widow strangled before fire was set in her home, trial hears

Summary

In a cold‑case murder trial, the Central Criminal Court heard that 69‑year‑old Ann 'Nancy' Smyth was strangled and suffered head injuries before a fire was set in her Kilkenny home on 11 September 1987. The accused, 53‑year‑old John Joseph Malone of Newpark, pleaded not guilty. State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy presented evidence from the post‑mortem, noting burns on the left side of the body, bruising and hemorrhages around the eye, and a horizontal pressure mark on the back of the neck. Professor Harbison's examination confirmed fresh bleeding and no soot in the respiratory tract, indicating death by asphyxia due to manual strangulation before the fire. The court also heard testimony from first responders who observed the fire and the scene, noting suspicious circumstances and the presence of a dead dog. The trial continues before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Widow strangled before fire was set in her home, trial hears. 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
• 2017-03-24 Publication

Why: He explained that it was a break-in to a private residence, where somebody was inside, and would include violence or a person being put in fear. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report