Courts / Mayo / Report

Valerie French Kilroy trial: accused described to gardai how he killed wife

Date
2023-03-08

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Westport

County
Mayo

Summary

James Kilroy, aged 49, of Kilbree Lower, Westport, County Mayo, stands trial at the Central Criminal Court charged with the murder of Valerie French Kilroy at their home between June 13 and 14, 2019. He has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, though his defence has formally admitted he killed his wife. The jury heard evidence that Garda Leanne Nallen discovered the accused naked and distressed in a field on the morning of June 14 and brought him to Westport Garda Station. Once informed of his transfer to psychiatric care, Mr Kilroy told gardai he had killed his wife. A body was subsequently located in a campervan at the property. The State Pathologist concluded Ms French Kilroy died from ligature strangulation in association with blunt force trauma and a stab wound to the neck. During four interviews, the accused demonstrated to gardai how he had killed his wife and sketched the knife used. The trial continues before Justice Mary Ellen Ring and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Valerie French Kilroy trial: accused described to gardai how he killed wife. Charges or matters: murder on June 16 at 5.45pm. Procedural stage: trial

When: