A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of his estranged wife in Bailieborough, Co Cavan, last week.
Oliver Kierans (57), Drumbannon, Bailieborough, was before Judge Seán MacBride at a special sitting of Cavan District Court yesterday evening charged with murdering Patricia Kierans (54,) The Willows, The Gallops, Cavan town, at his address last Thursday.
Mr Kierans also faced a charge of possession of a shotgun at The Square Bar, Bailieborough.
He was remanded in custody to Friday's sitting of Harristown District Court at Castlerea Prison in Co Roscommon awaiting further direction from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Returned home
He arrived by car at the front of Cavan Courthouse at 6.30pm flanked by gardaí, who shielded him outside the court.
The couple's four children, Oliver jnr, Shane, Ger and Julie attended the hearing, having returned home from Australia.
Det Sgt Ann Marie Lardner, Bailieborough, said she arrested Mr Kierans at 3.20am last Friday at Thomas Street, Bailieborough, on suspicion of murder.
She said he replied: “I will admit I’m sorry.”
Det Sgt Lardner told Judge MacBride that he was charged at 5.15pm yesterday. To the charge of murder he made no reply, while to the charge of possession of a shotgun he replied: “ Not really, I have to speak to Joanne [Kangley]”, his solicitor.
Mr Kierans was remanded in custody to appear at Harristown District Court at Castlerea Prison, Co Roscommon this Friday.
Legal aid
Ms Kangley was successful in obtaining legal aid for her client. Judge MacBride pointed out to the court that only the High Court could deal with any application for bail.
“Whilst in custody I recommend a suicide watch as there is a risk of self-harm,” said Judge MacBride.
At the request of Garda Insp Gordon Englishby, the judge also recommended that Mr Kierans undergo a physical and psychiatric examination.