Murder victim was a Jehovah's Witness
The trial of a 22-year-old Co Cork man accused of the rape and murder of Rachel Kiely has been told by the victim's mother that her daughter was an active member of the Jehovah's Witness Community.
The man, who was 16 at the time, has denied raping and murdering Ms Kiely (aged 22) at the Regional Park, Ballincollig on October 26, 2000. He has admitted the manslaughter.
At the conclusion of the prosecution's case at the Central Criminal Court today Mrs Rose Kiely returned to the witness box.
In response to prosecution counsel Mr Patrick McCarthy SC., she said that in the days prior to her death Rachel took part in several activities.
Rachel had attending a meeting in Limerick with several members of her family, went to bible study meetings and with a group of others called from door to door in the Co Cork area.
Shortly before her death Rachel had been studying Italian and the book of Daniel.
Her mother also said that Rachel socialised with her family and other members of the Jehovah's witness community.
Under cross-examination from defence counsel, Mr Brendan Grehan SC., Rose Kiely said that Rachel did not smoke but had the occasional drink.
Mr Jamie Andrews, an Elder of the Jehovah's Witness community, said that members of their congregation abstain from sex outside of marriage.
The court also heard from biochemist Helen Cross who said that an analysis of Rachel Kiely's blood and urine showed a low level of alcohol and no presence of prescription drugs or illegal drugs.
Under cross-examination from Mr Grehan she admitted that the tests were carried out seventy days after they were received.
The trial continues tomorrow in front of a jury of seven men and five women.
