Courts / Cavan / Report

Cavan man who killed his wife at their family home is jailed for 12 years

Date
2015-04-20

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Bailieborough

County
Cavan

Summary

Oliver Kierans, aged 57, from Drumbannon in Bailieborough, County Cavan, has been sentenced to twelve years imprisonment following proceedings at the Central Criminal Court. A jury returned a majority verdict finding him guilty of manslaughter, but not guilty of murder, in the death of his wife Patricia Kierans on 5 September 2013 at their family home. He was also convicted of unlawful possession of a sawn-off shotgun and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly imposed concurrent sentences of nine years for manslaughter, eight years for unlawful possession, and twelve years for possession with intent to endanger life. The court heard that the couple had been married thirty-three years when marital difficulties arose in 2013. The judge noted that Mr Kierans, who has no previous convictions, subsequently attended a public house in Bailieborough where a protracted incident involving gardaí ensued, which was resolved peacefully. Oliver Kierans was acquitted.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Cavan man who killed his wife at their family home is jailed for 12 years. Charges or matters: murdering Patricia Kierans (54) on September 5th, 2013 at the same address. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Acquitted

When:

September 5th, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
June 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
September 5th Hearing Or Sentence
September 5th 2013 Other
2015-04-20 Publication

Why: "The reason for this is that Mr Kierans had already accidentally picked up the shotgun and shot and killed his wife. CNI source report

Case subjects

Oliver Kierans

Convicted Person

Charges: murdering Patricia Kierans (54) on September 5th, 2013 at the same address (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Finding: Acquitted

Outcome: Acquitted; There are two tragedies." Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly sentenced Kierans to nine years for manslaughter, eight years for unlawful possession of a firearm and 12 years for possession with intent to endanger life to run concurrently.