Fracas outside court as husband charged with murder
A fracas ensued on the steps of the courthouse as a small group shouted “murderer” and “bastard” and tried to get at Oliver Kierans as he was led from an unmarked silver Ford Mondeo.
The Kierans’ children — Oliver Jr, Shane, Ger, and Julie — stood shoulder to shoulder outside the courthouse.
A reinforced Garda presence was enough to restore peace after Mr Kierans had his glasses knocked from his face in the scuffles.
Inside, the court heard from Detective Garda Sergeant Anne-Marie Lardiner that Mr Kierans, aged 56, was arrested on Thomas St, Bailieborough, at 3.20am on Friday, Sept 6, and held under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act.
Mr Kierans did not speak during the course of the 15-minute hearing yesterday.
When arrested with the suspected murder and use of a firearm at 31 Drumbannon, Bailieborough, the day before, Thursday, Sept 5, and cautioned, Mr Kierans replied: “I will admit, I’m sorry.”
Judge Sean MacBride heard detectives released Mr Kierans at 4.09pm yesterday to later formally charge him with illegal possession of a firearm and the murder of 54-year-old Ms Kierans.
He made no reply to the charges other than “need to speak with Joanne” — a reference to solicitor Joanne Kangley.
Inspector Gordon Englishby requested Mr Kierans remain in custody and appear at the next sitting of Harristown District Court.
Ms Kangley was told by Judge MacBride that any application for bail would have to be lodged in the High Court.
Insp Englishby said Mr Kierans “may need medical attention when admitted in custody”.
He recommended “urgent medical treatment” and asked if there was a need for psychological attention while in custody, to which Ms Kangley said there was.
The judge asked Insp Englishby if Mr Kierans was at risk of self-harm, and was told: “Yes, judge, there have been several references to it.”
He ordered that Mr Kierans be put on suicide watch in custody because of the risk of self-harm.
After the brief hearing, Mr Kierans’ three sons and daughter, bending down around him, talked quietly with their father in a huddle around him, who was still sitting, while those who had earlier abused him made their way quietly from the court.
Mr Kierans was remanded to Castlerea Prison to appear again in Harristown court at 10.30am on Friday.
