A Kerry man has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his mother, by reason of insanity.
Billy Burns, who is in his fifties, formerly of Arlington Lodge, Church Street, Tralee, was arraigned at the Central Criminal Court today.
He’s accused of the murder of his mother Miriam Burns, in 2022.
The body of 75-year-old Miriam Burns was discovered at her home in Ardshanavooley, Killarney, on August 15th 2022.
Her son, Billy Burns, is charged with the murder of his mother at her home, on a date between 12th and 15th August 2022.
His trial began today at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, where he is represented by Anthony Sammon SC with barrister Kate O’Connell, instructed by Eimear Griffin of Pádraig O’Connell solicitors.
The prosecution is led by Senior Counsel Sean Guerin, with barrister Ronan Prendergast.
Mr Burns was formally arraigned, and entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity.
Before empanelling the 12 jurors, Ms Justice Karen O’Connor told the jury pool that the trial is expected to conclude by the end of next week but could extend one or two days beyond that.
A jury of eight men and four women were sworn in, and will begin hearing evidence in the trial tomorrow morning.
