Man goes on trial accused of murdering Kilkenny pensioner

A man has gone on trial accused of murdering a pensioner in her home in Kilkenny city.

Trevor Rowe, of Abbey Street, Kilkenny, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Anne Butler at Maudlin Street, Kilkenny on March 20m 2020.

The court heard the 71-year-old died from asphyxia and blunt force trauma to the head. She had also been stabbed a number of times.

Ms Butler’s body lay undiscovered until Gardaí received a number of anonymous calls five days later.

The prosecuting barrister said the calls were traced back to Mr Rowe who agreed to show gardaí where the house was.

The jurors were told a number of items with important forensic connections will feature in the case, including a can of cider found in her house, and a pair of gloves and part of a crucifix, which had been in her house, was found in his possession.

Gardaí went to Mr Rowe’s home where he admitted he had made the calls and agreed to show them where the woman was. They found Ms Butler’s body on her couch at her home.

The trial is expected to last 10 days.