Alan Wilson murder trial continues after defence evidence

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Alan Wilson’s murder trial was continuing at the Central Criminal Court before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of 10 men and two women. He has pleaded not guilty to murdering Marioara Rostas. The charge alleges that the murder occurred at Brabazon Street, The Coombe, on 7 or 8 January 2008. The proceedings were reported on 24 July 2014.

Fergus O'Hanlon, Mr Wilson’s former friend, testified that he helped Mr Wilson bury her body. Mr O'Hanlon had been granted immunity from prosecution.

On 23 July 2014, solicitor Bridget Rouse gave evidence for the defence after the prosecution had finished presenting its case. She said two gardaí approached her on 3 January 2012 to ask her to advise Mr O'Hanlon.

Michael O’Higgins SC, defending, read from her memo that gardaí said Mr O'Hanlon had requested immunity in return for a statement against Mr Wilson and showing them the burial location. The officers said they could not offer immunity: the DPP would have to consider any statement first.

Ms Rouse said she explained that immunity could be considered only after a formal statement. During cross-examination by Seán Gillane SC, prosecuting, she confirmed she had told Mr O'Hanlon there could be no deals. He wished to make a statement despite her advice, which included the possibility that he could be charged.

A detective sergeant whose identity was withheld because of his witness protection work also testified on 23 July 2014. Questioned by Mr O’Higgins, he acknowledged that notes recording key words from meetings with Mr O'Hanlon had been destroyed following transcription.