Jury begins deliberations in case of Cavan man accused of murder

The jury has begun deliberating in the trial of a Cavan man charged with murdering his wife more than one year ago.

Oliver Kierans (57) of Drumbannon Bailieborough in Cavan has pleaded not guilty to murdering Patricia Kierans (54) on September 5th, 2013 at the same address.

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.

The jury were told earlier that the accused man is absent from court as he is “unwell”.

Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly told the jury of five women and seven men at the Central Criminal Court, that she would proceed with her charge.

“We are going to proceed. Mr Kierans is unwell and has given instructions that the charge may proceed. He is simply unwell.”

She told the jury that there are three possible verdicts for the first charge of murder consisting of guilty of murder, guilty of manslaughter or not guilty.

She added that she sought a verdict of guilty or not guilty for the unlawful possession of a 12 gauge double barrel shotgun and to possession of the same shotgun with intent to endanger life.

Ms Justice Donnelly completed her charge and asked that the jury return a unanimous decision.

The jury deliberated for more than half an hour on Tuesday and will resume their deliberations on Wednesday.