Courts / Kilkenny / Report

Accused claimed woman he stabbed to death had stolen a "vile of his blood"

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing, 29‑year‑old Shane Smyth pleaded not guilty to the murder of 26‑year‑old Mairead Moran on 8 May 2014 at Kilkenny's Market Cross Shopping Centre. The jury was told the facts were undisputed and that two consultant psychiatrists reported Smyth was suffering from psychosis at the time. Witnesses, including his cousin Rosemary Grogan, his partner Christy Fahy, and others, testified that Smyth claimed Moran had stolen a "vile of his blood," installed hidden cameras, and placed black‑widow spiders in his house. He also alleged that he had been bitten by spiders and that he was forced into a gang war. Smyth was arrested at his cousin's home at 10:05 pm that night, and the trial continues. The prosecution presented evidence of a blood sample taken while Smyth was in custody, which showed no detectable substances. The case remains in progress.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Accused claimed woman he stabbed to death had stolen a "vile of his blood". 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 Incident
• May 8, 2014 Incident
• 2016-02-03 Publication

Why: A 29-year-old man told his cousin he stabbed a Kilkenny woman to death because she had stolen a "vile of his blood", "installed hidden cameras" and put "black widow spiders" in his house, a jury has heard. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Theft Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report