Husband for trial on wife's murder

The husband of Siobhán Kearney, who was found dead in her home last year, has been sent forward for trial for her murder.

The body of Ms Kearney (38), a mother of one, was discovered by a relative in an upstairs bedroom of a house at Carnroe, Knocknashee, Goatstown, Dublin, on February 28th, 2006. She had been strangled.

Brian Kearney (50) appeared in Dún Laoghaire District Court before Judge Clare Leonard yesterday. He was charged with the murder of his wife last month.

The court was told that the book of evidence for the case had been prepared and the case would be sent forward for trial to the present sitting of the Central Criminal Court.

Mr Kearney's solicitor, Robert Eager, told the court that the defendant had been granted bail following an order from the High Court issued on June 5th.

Judge Leonard accepted the order and remanded Mr Kearney on bail. She told him that if he wished to use an alibi, he should notify the name and address of the person who would be providing the alibi to the court within 14 days.

Mr Kearney signed a bail bond of €100 before leaving the court and an independent surety of €55,000 was provided by his brother, Patrick.