20/02/2008

Kearney Murder Trial Hears About Separation Letters

As the dramatic case against south Dublin man Brian Kearney continues, the jury has heard that Mr Kearney failed to reply to four letters and a fax sent by his wife's solicitors about a separation in the days and weeks before her death.

Kearney, who is accused of murdering his wife, is also alleged to have been putting pressure on her to return to the hotel in Spain which she had been running.

Fifty-year-old Brian Kearney denies murdering 38-year-old mother-of-one Siobhan Kearney at their home in Knocknashee, Goatstown, on February 28th, 2006.

Solicitor Hugh Hannigan said Siobhan first phoned him from the hotel in September 2005 about a separation.

He met her on January 23rd, 2006, and she informed him the marriage was irretrievably broken down.

The first letter was sent to him on January 26th, 2006.

He didn't reply, so two more were sent on February 3rd and 14th.

A fax was sent to his solicitors on February 21st and another letter sent by courier on February 24th stating that Siobhan Kearney was frustrated at the lack of response.

It also stated that she had a number of serious concerns arising out of marital difficulties and particularly the impact this would have on their son.

This letter also stated that Brian Kearney was putting pressure on for her to return to the hotel in Spain within two or three weeks, while at the same time suggesting a trial separation.

(BMcC)

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