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Murder accused "throwing out allegations" at witnesses "like confetti", judge says
Summary
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Vesel Jahiri, 35, representing himself, faces charges of murdering his former partner Anna Finnegan, 25, and assaulting her brother Karl on 21 September 2012. The judge, Mr Justice Paul Coffey, criticised Jahiri for making unfounded accusations against witnesses, describing his remarks as "throwing out allegations like confetti." During cross‑examination, Jahiri questioned Sergeant Patrick Traynor about wiping fingerprints from a blood‑stained knife and alleged that the knife bore Finnegan's blood, claims the sergeant denied. He also asked Detective Garda Tom Cooney about criminal records, to which Cooney replied no. Jahiri further accused the witness of IRA membership. The judge deemed these questions irrelevant and terminated the cross‑examination of Detective Garda Bernard Connaughton. Jahiri has stated he will seek a solicitor, but the judge said it was too late to change his unrepresented status. Vesel Jahiri pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Murder accused "throwing out allegations" at witnesses "like confetti", judge says. Charges or matters: murdering Anna Finnegan (25) at Allendale Glen, Clonsilla, Dublin 15 on September 21, 2012; assaulting Karl Finnegan, causing him harm, at the same place on the same date. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- September 21, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- September 22 Hearing Or Sentence
- September 2012 Incident
- 2017-03-30 Publication
Why: Mr Justice Coffey later terminated Mr Jahiri's cross-examination of Detective Garda Bernard Connaughton because of "the many irrelevant questions" the accused was putting to the witness. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering Anna Finnegan (25) at Allendale Glen, Clonsilla, Dublin 15 on September 21, 2012; assaulting Karl Finnegan, causing him harm, at the same place on the same date (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- of Pearse Street Garda Station
- Pearse Street
- in Blanchardstown Garda Station
- Blanchardstown
- Mr Jahiri in Blanchardstown Garda Station
Topics
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