Courts / Kilkenny / Report

Murder accused made anonymous calls saying he'd killed woman, jury hears

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing, the State's barrister, John O'Kelly SC, presented evidence that Trevor Rowe (29) of Abbey Street, Kilkenny, had made three anonymous 999 calls claiming he had killed 71‑year‑old Anne Butler at her Maudlin Street home. The calls were traced to phones owned by others, leading Gardaí to Rowe's house where he admitted the calls and the location of the victim. Gardaí then directed Rowe to Butler's house, where they found her body in a state of decomposition on the couch, with injuries of asphyxia, blunt force trauma, an incised neck wound and multiple stab wounds. Forensic links included Rowe's DNA on a cider can, a pair of gloves with Butler's blood, and a crucifix fragment. CCTV footage showed Butler's last appearance at 9.30 pm on 20 March, followed by Rowe's arrival and departure from the house. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, is expected to last ten days. Trevor Rowe pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused made anonymous calls saying he'd killed woman, jury hears. Charges or matters: murdering 71-year-old Anne Butler at her home at Maudlin Street, Kilkenny on March 20, 2020. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• March 20, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
• March 25 Hearing Or Sentence
• March 20 Incident
• 2022-03-01 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report