Courts / Cavan / Report
Murder accused told gardai in interview that he turned a gun on himself, trial hears
Summary
The Central Criminal Court in Dublin has heard evidence in the trial of Oliver Kierans, aged 57, of Drumbannon in Bailieborough, County Cavan, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Patricia Kierans on 5 September 2013 at their family home. He also denies unlawful possession of a 12-gauge double-barrel shotgun and possession of the firearm with intent to endanger life. Detective Garda Jerome Crawford told the court that during interview on 9 September, the accused stated he had turned the gun on himself for "peace of mind" hours after the fatal shooting. The garda confirmed the accused said the weapon had slipped and fallen while at a public house in Bailieborough that afternoon. When pressed on his state of mind, the accused replied he was hurting and knew his wife was dead. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly and a jury, continues.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Murder accused told gardai in interview that he turned a gun on himself, trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering Patricia Kierans (54) on the 5 of September 2013 at the same address; unlawful possession of a 12-gauge double barrel shotgun and not guilty to possession of the same shotgun with intent to endanger life. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- September 2013 Incident
- 2015-02-17 Publication
Why: When asked if it was because he had killed Patricia Kierans and couldn't live with that, the accused replied "I'd say so – I was hurting – I knew wee Pat was gone". CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering Patricia Kierans (54) on the 5 of September 2013 at the same address; unlawful possession of a 12-gauge double barrel shotgun and not guilty to possession of the same shotgun with intent to endanger life (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Thomas Street
- The Square
Topics
Related court reports
- Symbiotic: how Ruth Lawrence became a double murderer
- Woman accused of double lake murder asked about taking out boat, witness tells trial
- 'Family man' jailed for involvement with cross-border ATM gang
- All Ireland club champ gets bail on ATM theft charges
- Three time All-Ireland club champ charged over ATM thefts
- "Gross negligence" conviction for shooting wife dead is upheld
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request