Courts / Kerry / Report

Kerry man pleads not guilty by reason of insanity to murdering mother

Summary

A 55‑year‑old Kerry man, Billy Burns of Arlington Lodge, Tralee, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of his 75‑year‑old mother, Miriam Burns, at her home in Ardshanavooley, Killarney, between 12 and 15 August 2022. He was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court on 11 November 2025, where he answered the murder charge with the plea. The trial will be heard by a jury of eight men and four women, sworn in on the same day. Justice Karen O'Connor, presiding, informed the jury that the case is expected to conclude by the end of next week, with a possible extension of one or two days. Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions is Sean Guerin SC with Ronan Prendergast BL, while Burns is represented by Anthony Sammon SC and Kate O'Connell. The judge noted Burns' background as a native of County Kerry who had worked as a waiter some years ago.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Kerry man pleads not guilty by reason of insanity to murdering mother. Charges or matters: murdering Miriam Burns (75), on a date unknown between August 12 and 15, 2022, both dates inclusive, at an address in Ardshanavooley, Killarney. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• August 12 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2025-11-11 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report