Courts / Kildare / Report
Appeal lawyer accuses DPP of "ambushing" murder accused and "offering" manslaughter pleas
Summary
The Court of Appeal heard an appeal by Darren Wynne, who was found guilty by a jury of murdering Jamie Lindsay at Coney Green, Athy, on April 6, 2013, and sentenced to life imprisonment by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan in July 2014. Wynne's counsel, Damien Colgan SC, alleged that the Director of Public Prosecutions ambushed his client by allowing co-accused Quentin Monaghan and James Seery to plead guilty to manslaughter only after key evidence was admitted. Colgan argued this timing prejudiced Wynne's provocation defence and requested the conviction be quashed for a retrial. Monaghan was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment with two suspended, while Seery received seven years with three suspended. Counsel for the DPP, Alex Owens SC, rejected these claims as wild allegations, stating there was no evidence of misconduct and that the evidence against Wynne was overwhelming. The court, comprising Mr Justice John Edwards, Mr Justice George Birmingham, and Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, reserved its judgment. The matter was adjourned pending the decision.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Appeal lawyer accuses DPP of "ambushing" murder accused and "offering" manslaughter pleas. Charges or matters: murdering his "best friend" Jamie Lindsay at Coney Green, Coneyboro, Athy on April 6, 2013; manslaughter during the trial. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- April 6, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2016-12-20 Publication
Why: He said he knew the pleas to manslaughter were "offered" by the DPP because, he recalled, prosecution counsel approached counsel for Monaghan. Prosecution account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: murdering his "best friend" Jamie Lindsay at Coney Green, Coneyboro, Athy on April 6, 2013; manslaughter during the trial (Proven)
Plea: Guilty
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; Wynne was found guilty by a jury of murder and was given the mandatory life sentence by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan in July 2014.
Appellant
Charges: manslaughter during the trial (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Monaghan was subsequently sentenced to eight years imprisonment with two suspended and Seery seven years with three suspended.
Places mentioned
- Court of Appeal
- Central Criminal Court
- The Central Criminal Court
Topics
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