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Patricia O'Connor murder: killer claims he suffered 'slow burn provocation' like domestic abuse victim

Summary

The Court of Appeal heard arguments in the appeal of Kieran Greene, who was convicted of murdering Patricia O'Connor at her home in Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14, on May 29, 2017. Greene's counsel argued that the trial judge erred by refusing to allow the jury to consider provocation, claiming Greene suffered a "slow burn provocation" similar to domestic abuse. Counsel also contended that Greene's trial should have been separate from that of Louise O'Connor, Stephanie O'Connor, and Keith Johnston, whose charges stated Greene was the murderer, causing prejudice. Additionally, counsel sought to admit hearsay evidence regarding Augustine O'Connor and call a psychiatrist to testify about Greene's low IQ. The Director of Public Prosecutions responded that the trial judge was correct in excluding the provocation direction and the hearsay evidence. The matter was adjourned, with the three-judge panel to deliver their judgement at a later date. In related proceedings, Augustine O'Connor pleaded guilty to reporting his wife missing while knowing she was dead and was sentenced to 18 months in prison before his death. Louise O'Connor was found guilty of acquiescing in her daughter Stephanie O'Connor disguising herself as Patricia O'Connor to conceal the death, and was sentenced to two-and-a-half years. Stephanie O'Connor was found guilty of disguising herself as her mother to conceal the death and was jailed for one-and-a-half years.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Patricia O'Connor murder: killer claims he suffered 'slow burn provocation' like domestic abuse victim. Charges or matters: reporting his wife missing to gardai while knowing that she was already dead; reporting his wife as a missing person to gardai at Rathfarnham Garda Station, Dublin 14 on June 1, 2017, knowing she was already dead; agreeing to or acquiescing in her daughter Stephanie O'Connor disguising herself as Patricia O'Connor to conceal the fact that Patricia O'Connor was dead at Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 on May 29, 2017; disguising herself as Patricia O'Connor to conceal the fact that she was already dead at Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 after her murder on May 29, 2017; murdering the gardening enthusiast at her home in Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 on May 29 2017 and had given two accounts of Mrs O'Connor's death; her mur

When:

• February 2020 Other
• June 1, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
• May 29, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
• June 10 Hearing Or Sentence
• May 29 2017 Incident
• June 2017 Incident
• December 2017 Adjournment
• 2022-07-21 Publication

Why: He explained that after admitting to killing Mrs O'Connor in his first garda interviews, Greene later retracted that statement, saying he had lied to protect Gus O'Connor, who he said was the real killer. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report