The state pathologist says a 75-year-old woman, killed at her home in Killarney, had injuries consistent with multiple blows, strangulation, and possible suffocation.
Billy Burns, formerly of Arlington Lodge, Church Street, Tralee, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his mother, Miriam Burns, by reason of insanity, on a date
between 12th and 15th August 2022.
His trial at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin continued today before Ms Justice Karen O'Connor and a jury of eight men and four women.
Ms Burns’ body of was discovered at her home in Ardshanavooley, Killarney, on 15th August.
State pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster carried out a post mortem examination on Ms Burns's body the next day (16th August).
She found Ms Burns’ death was caused by asphyxia by manual strangulation associated with blunt force trauma to the head.
She had experienced "very extensive trauma" including bruises on her head, face, neck, back and legs.
There with no other contributory factors.
Ms Burns' nose was fractured and there was bruising around both eyes.
Dr Margaret Bolster said the injuries were consistent with multiple blows.
She had experienced "very extensive trauma" including bruises on her head, face, neck, back and legs.
On Friday, the court heard that Mr Burns has a diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder.
A consultant psychiatrist at Cork Prison, Eugene Morgan told the court that the accused meets the criteria to be found not guilty by reason of insanity.
However, a consultant psychiatrist at the Central Mental Hospital, Dr Stephen Monks, said that despite Mr Burns's mental illness, he understood the nature and quality of his actions when killing his mother.}
The trial continues.
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