Courts / Cavan / Report
Man accused of murdering his wife tells jury her death was an accident
Summary
A man accused of murdering his wife in County Cavan in 2013 has told the Central Criminal Court that her death was accidental. Oliver Kierans, aged 57, from Drumbannon, Bailieboro, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Patricia Kierans on 5 September 2013, as well as charges relating to unlawful possession of a shotgun and intent to endanger life with it. Giving evidence, the accused stated he had shortened the shotgun barrels intending to take his own life after his remaining child emigrated to Australia. He told the jury that on the day in question, his wife discovered the gun and was shot when she attempted to stop him from using it. The prosecution contended the accused had deliberately created the circumstances of the incident and was an angry man at the time. The trial before Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly continues.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man accused of murdering his wife tells jury her death was an accident. Charges or matters: murdering Patricia Kierans on the 5 of September 2013 at the same address; unlawful possession of a 12-gauge double barrel shotgun and not guilty to intent to endanger life with the same shotgun. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- September 2013 Incident
- September 5th 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2015-02-19 Publication
Why: " When questioned about shortening the barrels of a shotgun, the accused said that the reason he did that was because his only child who had remained in Ireland was moving to Australia. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murdering Patricia Kierans on the 5 of September 2013 at the same address; unlawful possession of a 12-gauge double barrel shotgun and not guilty to intent to endanger life with the same shotgun (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
Related court reports
- Court refuses to reduce sentence for brothel keeper caught with child abuse material
- 'Wouldn't be out of place in a Tarantino movie': Lunney kidnappers challenge sentences for 'animalistic' torture and abduction
- 'A shocking, shocking tragedy': man must first serve six-year term for trying to murder father before starting life sentence for murdering mother, judge rules
- 'We never expected him to be grateful. But we never expected murder': man apologies to family for murdering mother and trying to murder father
- No jail for passenger who sexually assaulted Ryanair cabin crew member
- Former accountant went on 'nationwide tour' with bank card stolen from hospital patient
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request