Courts / Limerick / Report
Murder jury shown hatchet
Summary
During the murder trial of Seán Flanagan, Paul Colbert and Ian Flanagan, the jury was shown a hatchet found in the home of the accused men on 18 January 2012, the day the 43‑year‑old Gerard McMahon was killed. Garda Josephine Falvey identified the black‑and‑yellow‑handled hatchet, measuring its handle 12.25 inches and blade 5.75 inches, and testified that she had searched the house that day. The hatchet was not immediately visible, lying behind a panel inside the door. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan, has heard that Seán and Ian Flanagan are brothers and that Paul Colbert is their uncle. The State alleges that Seán Flanagan and Paul Colbert acted in joint enterprise to attack McMahon, who was stabbed numerous times as he climbed the steps of his cousin's house. The jury, composed of eight women and four men, continues to hear the case. Ian Flanagan pleaded not guilty. Seán Flanagan pleaded not guilty. Paul Colbert pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Murder jury shown hatchet. Charges or matters: assisting an offender; murder. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- January 18, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 18th Other
- 2013-11-11 Publication
Why: She explained that the swords were beside the lagging jacket, but said that the hatchet wasn't overtly visible. CNI source report
Case subjects
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Lenihan Avenue
- Lenihan Avenue
- Hyde Road
Topics
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