Courts / Kilkenny / Report

Cold case murder accused told gardai he argued with widow over pigeon

Summary

During the cold‑case trial of John Joseph Malone, the accused told the Central Criminal Court that he had argued with the widowed pensioner, Ann 'Nancy' Smyth, over a pigeon hours before she was found strangled. Malone, 53, was charged with murdering the 69‑year‑old on 11 September 1987 at her Wolfe Tone Street home in Kilkenny City. He had initially denied approaching Mrs Smyth early that morning, but later interviews admitted he had met her outside her house at about 12.40 a.m., arguing about a pigeon that he claimed was in her loft. He said the dispute lasted about 30 minutes, that he did not touch her, and that he then went home. The trial continues on Monday.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Cold case murder accused told gardai he argued with widow over pigeon. 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
• 2017-04-07 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report