Courts / Kilkenny / Report

Man who stabbed Mairead Moran to death was "so calm" and emotionless, witness tells trial

Summary

During the trial, a jury heard that on 8 May 2014, Shane Smyth, aged 29, stabbed Mairead Moran, aged 26, to death at the Market Cross Shopping Centre in Kilkenny. Witnesses described a chaotic scene in the Holland and Barrett shop where Moran was crying and upset. Security guard James Coffey confronted Smyth, who was calm and emotionless, and attempted to remove a blood‑stained knife from his hand. Smyth resisted, kicked Coffey, and fled while Moran was being attended to. Coffey later handed the knife to Gardaí. Witnesses also reported that Moran had previously been admitted to St. Luke's Acute Psychiatric Unit. Smyth pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The trial continues.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man who stabbed Mairead Moran to death was "so calm" and emotionless, witness tells trial. Charges or matters: murdering Mairead Moran (26) on May 8 2014 at the Market Cross Shopping Centre in Kilkenny City; murdering Ms Moran by reason of insanity. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• May 8 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• May 8, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• May 8 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2016-02-02 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report