A 72-year-old woman, who was found partially naked and severely beaten at her home, died of blunt-force trauma to the head, chest and abdomen, a murder trial jury at the Central Criminal Court heard yesterday.
Mr Richard Kearney (19), of Finglas Place, Dublin, has pleaded not guilty to the charge that, on dates unknown between November 23rd and 25th 1998, he murdered Ms Mary Dillon (72), of Beneavin Road, Finglas, at her home.
He denies trespassing at Ms Dillon's home on March 17th 1998 while attempting to steal her car.
He also denies trespassing on Ms Dillon's premises on November 23rd 1998 with the intent of stealing a car radio.
The Deputy State Pathologist, Dr Marie Cassidy, told the court Ms Dillon had suffered extensive injuries to her torso and head, including fractures to the skull. Death had been caused by blunt-force trauma to the head, chest and abdomen.
The court heard previously that Ms Dillon was last seen alive by a friend on November 23rd 1998. Two days later, another friend, who had arranged to meet Ms Dillon, failed to get any response after knocking repeatedly at Ms Dillon's door.
This was reported to Finglas gardai, who found Ms Dillon in her garage. She was pronounced dead that morning.
The jury of eight men and four women was sent away until tomorrow to enable legal argument to be heard.