Family of murder accused left in fear after visits to home, trial hears

At the Central Criminal Court, the jury heard that the family of Dean Caffrey became fearful when three men visited their parents' home in Achill, County Mayo, seeking information about the accused. Alan Caffrey, the defendant's brother, testified that he received a concerning phone call four days after drug dealer Sean McCarthy was last seen, with the caller asking if his brother had "answers to questions" and making reference to "dead bodies". Alarmed for his family's safety, Alan Caffrey resolved to locate his brother and bring him to gardaí. Dean Caffrey subsequently attended Ashbourne Garda Station in County Meath, where he informed officers that Mr McCarthy's body could be found in a wardrobe in his apartment. Mr Caffrey has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Sean McCarthy between 2 and 7 August 2022. The prosecution contends he discharged a firearm with intent to kill or cause serious injury. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury.