A 55-year-old man found guilty of the murder of his mother in Co Kerry more than three years ago has been sentenced to life in prison.
Billy Burns had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of his mother Miriam at her home in Killarney in August 2022.
After deliberating for more than six hours since last Friday, the jury found him guilty of murder by unanimous verdict.
Miriam Burns, aged 75, was found dead at her home at Ardshanavooly, Killarney, Co Kerry on 15 August 2022, when her other family members asked neighbours to check on her.
At the Criminal Courts of Justice today, Judge Karen O'Connor said the family displayed extraordinary dignity and composure at all times despite hearing heartbreaking evidence of the violent nature of their mothers death.
Judge O' Connor said the loss of "a mother is always painful" and that "this was a trial which those of us were privileged to see an insight into the type of person she was".
Addressing Ms Burns' family she added, "the love and grief the family feels was palpable during the trial and testament of the love she gave all of you".
