'Tom's injuries after break-in like he was in a head-on crash'

Man denies killing OAP as gardai claim glove has DNA of both deceased & accused

- EOIN REYNOLDS

A PENSIONER sustained injuries during an alleged break-in at his rural home that were similar to those from a “head-on crash", a witness will tell a jury.

The Central Criminal Court trial also heard yesterday that gardai discovered a glove containing both the blood of pensioner Tom Niland and DNA that matched that of the man accused of his unlawful killing.

Prosecutor Tony McGillicuddy SC opened the trial of John Irving, 31, who denies breaking into Mr Niland's home in rural Co Sligo in January 2022 with two other men and assaulting him, causing his death.

Mr McGillicuddy told the jury that following the assault on Mr Niland, then 73, a kayaker at a nearby lake found a wallet containing the pensioner's ID.

When gardai searched the area, they found gloves. Forensic scientists discovered DNA in one of the gloves that matched two men who the prosecution say carried out the assault with Mr Irving - John Clarke and Francis Harman. DNA from blood on the outside of that glove matched Mr Niland, counsel said.

Mr McGillicuddy said another glove found at the same location contained Mr Irving's DNA inside and Mr Niland’s blood on the outside.

TRAUMA