Forensic scientist in wife assault trial confirms hair pulled out

The jury in the trial of a man charged with assaulting his wife, causing a stroke, brain injury and fractures, has heard from a forensic scientist that hair found in the property was consistent with having been pulled out.

Dr Alan McGee, of Forensic Science Ireland, examined clumps of hair recovered from the home of Siobhán Kelleher (36), whose husband Anthony is on trial for assaulting her in Curraheen, Macroom, Co Cork, on June 12th, 2014.

Mr Kelleher (42) has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Cork Circuit Criminal Court heard that three clumps of hair found at the house matched the DNA profile of Ms Kelleher. Dr McGee told Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin microscopic examination revealed it had been pulled out, rather than falling out naturally.

Bloodstains

The forensic scientist also said bloodstains on the washing machine and closet door matched the profile of Ms Kelleher. However, given that it was only a small amount of blood he was unable to say whether or not it was deposited as a result of an assault.

Dr Iomhar O’Sullivan, a consultant in emergency medicine, Cork University Hospital, treated Ms Kelleher. He found the mother of two had suffered a blunt-force head injury, liver lacerations, fractures, pulmonary contusions (bruises), and bruises in the left leg and buttock.

Det Garda Tom O’Sullivan said he took a voluntary statement from Mr Kelleher on June 13th, 2014. He told the garda his wife was suffering from depression and had been involved in a drink-driving incident. He also claimed she had fallen down the stairs on the day of the incident.

The court previously heard from Ms Kelleher, who refused to give evidence. Prior to the trial she had told gardaí she wanted to withdraw her statement. In her first statement to gardaí, she claimed her husband had assaulted her. The trial continues.