Oliver Kierans denies murdering wife as trial continues

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Oliver Kierans, 57, of Drumbannon, Bailieborough, Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to murdering his wife Patricia Kierans, 54. The alleged murder occurred at the same address on 5 September 2013. He also pleaded not guilty to unlawful possession of a 12-gauge double-barrel shotgun and possession of the same shotgun with intent to endanger life.

The proceedings were reported on 17 February 2015. The trial was continuing before Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly and a jury of five women and seven men.

Detective Garda Jerome Crawford confirmed with Garret Baker BL, prosecuting, that during a Garda interview on 9 September he asked where the shotgun had been adapted. The accused replied: “In the shed”.

The detective also confirmed that the accused denied having the gun when he first met Patricia Kierans at Thomas Street carpark before they both drove to the family home. Asked about their conversation there, the accused said “there was no screaming or shouting”.

The court heard that a gunshot went off while the accused was in The Square Bar in Bailieborough on the afternoon of 5 September. Detective Garda Jerome Crawford said the accused explained that “the gun slipped and fell” and that he had turned it towards his chest to shoot himself for peace of mind.

The detective said that, when asked whether this was because he had killed Patricia Kierans and could not live with it, the accused replied: “I’d say so, I was hurting, I knew wee Pat was gone”.