A Dublin youth told gardai that a rake presented to him in Finglas Garda station was "what I used", a murder trial jury at the Central Criminal Court heard yesterday.
Mr Richard Kearney (20), of Finglas, who was 17 at the time of the alleged offence, denies that between November 23rd and 25th, 1998, he murdered Mary Dillon (72), of Beneavin Road, Finglas, at her home. Mr Kearney also denies two charges of trespass and attempted theft.
Det Garda William Brennan, of the ballistics section of the Garda Technical Bureau, told the court he presented a rake to Mr Kearney during his detention in Finglas Garda station on November 27th, 1998.
Det Garda Brennan said he invited the accused "to make any comment on the rake" to which, he replied "something to the effect of `That is it,' or `That's it, that is what I used,' " the court heard. Asked about Mr Kearney's demeanour, Det Garda Brennan said he was "surprisingly calm". Previously the court heard that Ms Dillon had last been seen alive by a friend on November 23rd, 1998, but had left to get the bus home at around 10.30 p.m. Two days later another friend, who had previously arranged to meet Ms Dillon that day, grew increasingly concerned about her after knocking repeatedly at her door and getting no reply.
The friend went to Finglas Garda station and reported the matter and when gardai arrived at Ms Dillon's home, she was found partially naked in her garage, having been severely beaten. She was pronounced dead that morning.
The trial continues today.