Courts / Cork / Report
Woman (75) died from strangulation, suffered multiple blows, pathologist tells murder trial
Summary
The Central Criminal Court trial of Billy Burns, 55, who is accused of murdering his mother, Miriam Burns, 75, by reason of insanity, continued before Justice Karen O'Connor. Mr Burns has pleaded not guilty to the charge. State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster testified that the deceased died from asphyxia by manual strangulation associated with blunt force trauma to the head. She reported extensive trauma, including bruises on the head, face, neck, back, and legs, a fractured nasal bone, and bruising consistent with multiple blows. Evidence of petechial haemorrhages and neck bruising indicated manual strangulation, while abrasions suggested defensive injuries or suffocation. Dr Bolster stated that no significant natural illness, drugs, or alcohol contributed to the death. The prosecution alleges the fatal injuries were inflicted on August 12 or 13, 2022, while the body was found on August 15. Defence psychiatrist Eugene Morgan stated Mr Burns meets the criteria for the special verdict due to bipolar affective disorder, whereas prosecution psychiatrist Dr Stephen Monks argued he understood the nature of his actions. The matter is ongoing and has not been finalised.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Woman (75) died from strangulation, suffered multiple blows, pathologist tells murder trial. Charges or matters: his mother's murder by reason of insanity. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- August 15, 2022 Other
- August 12 Other
- August 16, 2022 Other
- 2025-11-17 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: his mother's murder by reason of insanity (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Defendant
Charges: his mother's murder by reason of insanity (Alleged Or Contested)
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Cork
- Cork Prison
- Central Mental Hospital
Topics
Drugs Stage Trial Violent Crime
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