Man ‘carried out pub siege’ on day he shot his wife’

A jury has been told a man carried out a “siege” at a local pub the day he allegedly shot his wife.

Oliver Kierans, aged 57, of Drumbannon, Bailieborough, Co Cavan has pleaded not guilty to murdering Patricia Kierans on September 5, 2013 at the same address.

He also pleaded not guilty to unlawful possession of a 12-gauge double-barrel shotgun and not guilty to intent to endanger life with the same shotgun.

Michael O’Higgins SC, prosecuting, opened the trial at the Central Criminal Court yesterday.

He told the jury the accused had been married to Patricia Kierans for more than 33 years but that on the date of the alleged incident, they had been living apart.

He said Mrs Kierans had moved out of the family home to live with her sister and had started a relationship with another individual.

The court heard this did not sit well with the accused who had begun drinking again after abstaining for the summer.

“On the morning of the alleged murder, Patricia Kierans returned to Bailieborough to carry out various chores. Oliver Kierans was out and about quite early that morning.

“There was reference made to him buying some spirits that day.”

Mr O’Higgins said it is not an issue in this case that the accused discharged the shot that fatally injured Patricia Kierans, but the way it happened, with the accused, Oliver Kierans, telling gardaí in interview that it was accidental.

The trial continues.