Courts / Kildare / Report
Woman tells murder trial that she lived in 'constant fear' of being killed by abusive husband
Summary
Ryan Kearney, 39, of Leixlip, Co Kildare, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, having pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Jeffrey Jackson, 50, at The Lamps, School Street, Kilcock, Co Kildare, on February 8, 2024. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Burns and a jury. Witness Emma Farrell, the deceased's partner, testified via video-link from the UK that she lived in a "constant state of fear" of being killed by Jackson, who was an alcoholic and physically abusive when drunk. She described his violence as spontaneous and unprovoked, including incidents of throttling and physical aggression. Farrell stated she separated from Jackson in 2020 after he moved back to Ireland, though they never divorced. In his garda interviews, Kearney alleged he took a knife from Jackson after a scuffle and gave him "a few jabs," claiming self-defence and stating he had no intention to kill. Prosecution counsel Brendan Grehan SC argued that the 16 knife injuries sustained by Jackson did not align with Kearney's self-defence account. The matter is currently at the trial stage and has not been finalised.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Woman tells murder trial that she lived in 'constant fear' of being killed by abusive husband. Charges or matters: murdering Jeffrey Jackson (50) at The Lamps, School Street, Kilcock, Co Kildare on February 8, 2024. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- February 8, 2024 Other
- February 2024 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-06-26 Publication
Why: She said Mr Jackson was an alcoholic and would use his illness benefit to fund his drinking. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murdering Jeffrey Jackson (50) at The Lamps, School Street, Kilcock, Co Kildare on February 8, 2024 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- School Street
Topics
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