Woman’s body found next to cot

A murder trial has heard that the body of a Cavan woman Patricia Kierans was found by gardai lying on the floor of a bedroom next to a cot at her family home.

Oliver Kierans, aged 57, of Drumbannon, Bailieboro, in Cavan has pleaded not guilty to murdering Patricia Kierans on September 5, 2013. He also pleaded not guilty to unlawful possession of a 12 gauge double barrel shotgun and not guilty to possession of the same shotgun with intent to endanger life.

Garda Adrian O’ Hanlon of Virginia Garda Station testified at the Central Criminal Court yesterday.

He confirmed with Michael O’Higgins, prosecuting, that he was made aware on the evening of September 5 that his colleagues were investigating a missing person and that there was also a critical incident at The Square bar in Bailieboro.

The court heard that Garda O’Hanlon was then directed to go to the Kierans family home where upon arrival, he knocked loudly on the door and called out Patricia’s name and saying “is anybody home”.

Garda O’Hanlon confirmed that after removing glass from the back door of the house, he entered with a colleague at 7pm and searched the sitting room quickly.

He then went upstairs to a room with “a cot and dolls”.

“You found there the body of a female lying on the ground with her legs and feet close to the cot,” said Mr O’Higgins to which the garda replied “correct”.

Garda O’Hanlon confirmed he recognised her as Patricia Kierans, and that his colleague had checked for a pulse but that there was none present.

The court heard that two empty naggin bottles were found downstairs in the sitting room beside a note written in blue pen by Oliver Kierans to his children outlining some of the problems between him and Patricia Kierans.

Garda Tommy Fay told the court he had known Oliver Kierans for 28 years.

He confirmed with Mr O’Higgins, that on September 5, 2013, at 7pm, he had volunteered to go down to The Square bar.

Upon entering the premises, the court heard that Garda Fay called out “Olly, Olly, it’s Tommy Fay - can I have a word with you” to which there was no reply.

Garda Fay confirmed that as the lights came on, he remembered seeing the accused with a shotgun pointed towards him and that he doesnt remember exactly what was said as a result of the fright he got.

The jury heard that he then instinctively raised his hands and backed off, clearing the pub and seeking further assistance.

The court also heard that a trained negotiator was called to deal with the incident and that the accused was eventually arrested at 3.20am on suspicion of murder.

.Under cross examination by Anthony Sammon, defending, Sgt Ronan Carey confirmed that emergency response were called at the conclusion of the “siege”.

The trial resumes evidence on Friday.