Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 4558Murder · Co. Kerry

Billy Burns murder trial hears sister's statement and psychiatric evidence

Billy Burns is on trial for the murder of his mother, Miriam Burns, 75, at her home in Killarney, Co Kerry, in August 2022. He accepts killing her but has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, and the prosecution has now closed its case.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court18 Nov
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatBilly Burns has been charged with murdering his mother at her home in Killarney. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whereThe killing took place at the victim's home in Ardshanavooley, Killarney, Co Kerry. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whenThe killing took place between August 12 and August 15, 2022. (irishmirror.ie)
  • causeThe victim had injuries to her face, neck, back and legs consistent with multiple blows, manual strangulation and possible suffocation. (irishmirror.ie)
  • investigationA garda sergeant gave evidence of a journey with the accused to places where bags had been hidden and where fires had been lit. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtThe accused accepts killing his mother but denies murdering her. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtThe accused has pleaded not guilty to murder by reason of insanity. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtTwo consultant psychiatrists have differed on whether the accused qualifies for a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtThe trial is before Ms Justice Karen O'Connor and a jury of eight men and four women. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtThe prosecution has closed its case and the trial will continue the following day. (irishmirror.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 18 Nov2025
    In courtirishmirror.ie, first report
    Billy Burns trial: Mother was told she'd have to let son 'go'

    Trial report covering the prosecution's closing of its case, a statement from the victim's sister, and differing psychiatric opinions on the insanity special verdict. The accused accepts killing but denies murder.

    accused, Billy Burns, male, named, irish (judged from name)Billy Burnsvictim, Miriam Burns, 75, female, irish (judged from name)Miriam Burns