Man accused of killing his wife will stand trial again in November

Later this year, the Central Criminal Court will hold a second trial for James Kilroy, who is accused of killing his wife Valerie in their remote Co. Mayo home.

Valerie French Kilroy, a mother of three, was murdered at their home between June 13 and June 14, 2019, inclusive. Park ranger Mr. Kilroy, 49, of Kilbree Lower, Westport, Co. Mayo, is accused of the crime.

Mr. Kilroy had earlier this month pleaded not guilty due to insanity during a trial.

An “unexpected, complex matter” in the case caused the Central Criminal Court trial to end prematurely.

On March 20, Ms. Justice Mary Ellen Ring informed the jury of ten men and two women that she had been placed in the “unfortunate position” of having to discharge them and remand the case so that the problem could be rectified.

Mr. Kilroy’s attorney, Patrick Gageby SC, informed Ms. Justice Ring this morning that he was aware of two potential dates but requested November due to “the difficulties with doctors.”

Ms. Justice Ring scheduled Mr. Kilroy’s retrial before a jury at the Central Criminal Court for November 6, 2023.

In order to set a case management date, Ms. Anne Marie Lawlor SC, the prosecutor, stated that she had been informed that the defence planned to communicate with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The case will be managed starting on June 30 of this year.

The judge granted Mr. Gageby’s request for the trial transcripts from earlier.

During the first trial, the defence made several formal admissions to the court on behalf of their client, including that Mr. Kilroy killed his wife Valerie.