Courts / Kilkenny / Report
Pensioner beaten and mutilated, had cardboard in mouth, pathologist tells murder trial
Summary
The murder trial of Trevor Rowe, 30, of Abbey Street, Kilkenny, continued before Justice Karen O'Connor and a jury. Rowe, who pleaded not guilty to the murder of 71-year-old Ann Butler at her Maudlin Street home on March 20, 2020, is alleged to have beaten, stabbed, and mutilated the victim. Chief State Pathologist Linda Mulligan testified that Butler's cause of death was asphyxia associated with blunt force trauma to the head, a fatal incised wound to the neck, and stab wounds to the trunk. She noted a 25cm piece of cardboard obstructing the airways and an incised wound to the ear. Forensic evidence presented included a male DNA profile from a cider can matching Rowe and female DNA from Butler found on blood-stained gloves in Rowe's apartment. Rowe allegedly admitted to gardai that he killed Butler, stating he slit her throat. The court heard that Rowe was arrested on March 26, 2020, following 999 calls. The trial is ongoing, with closing speeches expected next, and the matter has not been finalised.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Pensioner beaten and mutilated, had cardboard in mouth, pathologist tells murder trial. Charges or matters: murdering 71-year-old Ann Butler at her home at Maudlin Street, Kilkenny on March 20, 2020. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- March 20, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 25, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 26 Incident
- 2022-03-10 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murdering 71-year-old Ann Butler at her home at Maudlin Street, Kilkenny on March 20, 2020 (Alleged Or Contested)
Defendant
Charges: murdering 71-year-old Ann Butler at her home at Maudlin Street, Kilkenny on March 20, 2020 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Abbey Street
- Kilkenny
- Maudlin Street
- Abbey Street
- doctor's room in Kilkenny Garda Station
- Kilkenny
Topics
Related court reports
- Former Christian Brothers accused of breach of duty to be named in national newspaper
- High Court to consider publishing names of 340 former Christian Brothers
- Judge should have convicted drivers caught like 'fish in a barrel' in 'unjust speed zone'
- Disabled snooker player acquitted of assaulting Carlow gardaí
- Mayo jury returns insanity verdict in telecoms damage case
- Musician gets 16.5 years for repeatedly raping then-wife and her sister
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request