19/02/2008

Kearney Trial Continues

The trial of Brian Kearney for the murder of his wife Siobhan continued at Dublin's Central Criminal Court today, with evidence from the emergency services.

Brian Kearney, 50, from Carnroe, Knocknashee, Goatstown, had pleaded not guilty to the murder of his 38-year-old wife at their home on February 28, 2006.

Her body was found in her bedroom.

On Tuesday, emergency medical technician John Fitzgerald from Dublin Fire Brigade told the court that Mrs Kearney's body was lying face down on its side, in almost a recovery or a foetal position, towards the wardrobe and that the flex of the nearby vacuum was wrapped around her and he had to untangle it.

He also told the court that there were obvious signs of death, such as rigor mortis, when they arrived at the scene, and that no attempt had been made at resuscitation as a result.

Billy McHugh, also from the Dublin Fire Brigade, also told the court that he noticed a toy gun, which looked like an air rifle, beside the body.

His colleague, Neil Hogan, told the court that he had not found a suicide note or medication or drugs in the room.

Station Officer Michael O'Reilly said that when he had spoken to Mrs Kearney's mother Deirdre who told them that Siobhan had been going through a rough patch and had been looking for tablets the night before.

Later on Tuesday afternoon, a sister of Siobhan's, Aisling McLoughlin, told the court that Siobhan had admitted herself to the St John of God hospital in 1999 because she was suffering from stress.

Ms Carol Summers also told the court that Mrs Kearney was not wearing her wedding ring a week before her death. She said that she had met with Siobhan on February 21 at Pebloes Wine Bar on Stephen's Green and said that she was in "great form", but was not wearing her rings.

The trial continues.

(KMcA)


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