Courts / Kilkenny / Report

Widow suffered a "callous and violent death", prosecution tell jury

Date
2017-04-11

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Kilkenny City

Summary

In a 2017 murder trial, a 69‑year‑old woman was killed in a "callous and violent death" when she was strangled and her house set on fire. The prosecution, led by Sean Gillane SC, argued that the victim's injuries were consistent with strangulation and blows to the head and mouth, and that the accused, 53‑year‑old John Joseph Malone, had confessed to the crime to church members. Witnesses placed Malone at the victim's home around 12:30 am, where he allegedly argued with her and was seen acting suspiciously. Malone denied the killing and the arson. The defence, represented by Colman Cody SC, contended that the case was pursued because of later confessions, not because of forensic evidence, and that the police had focused on Malone for years. The jury was instructed to decide only whether the prosecution proved Malone's guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The judge would give his charge the following day. John Joseph Malone pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Widow suffered a "callous and violent death", prosecution tell jury. Charges or matters: the murder of 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
October 2012 Other
2017-04-11 Publication

Why: Defence counsel, Colman Cody SC, told the jury that the only reason this trial has gone ahead is because of the claims that John Joseph Malone had confessed to various people that he killed Ms Smyth. Defence account reported by CNI