Courts / Mayo / Report
Valerie French Kilroy's husband found naked in field after killing her, jury hears
Summary
A 49-year-old man has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of his wife at their rural home near Westport, County Mayo, the Central Criminal Court heard today. The prosecution alleges that James Kilroy killed Valerie French Kilroy between 13 and 14 June 2019. Her body was discovered in a camper van on the couple's property approximately 6 kilometres from Westport. A post-mortem examination determined she died from ligature strangulation, blunt force trauma to the head, and a stab wound to the neck. The jury heard that Mr Kilroy was found naked in a field in the Westport area and was subsequently brought to Castlebar Hospital, where he stated he had killed his wife and children. The three young children were found unharmed. The defence is expected to present psychiatric evidence regarding Mr Kilroy's mental state. The prosecution contends he is guilty of murder. The trial, before Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring and a jury, is expected to conclude by month's end.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Valerie French Kilroy's husband found naked in field after killing her, jury hears. Charges or matters: murdering mother-of-three Valerie (41) at their home on a date unknown between June 13 2019 and June 14 2019, both dates inclusive; the offence of murder and the State says he is guilty of that offence. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- June 13 2019 Incident
- June 14 2019 Incident
- April 2008 Other
- June 14 Other
- 2023-03-08 Publication
Why: Ms Lawlor explained that the State's case at the end of the entire process would be that the offence of murder is made out. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murdering mother-of-three Valerie (41) at their home on a date unknown between June 13 2019 and June 14 2019, both dates inclusive; the offence of murder and the State says he is guilty of that offence (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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