Courts / Dublin / Report

Trial witness restrained after lunging at murder accused

Date
2017-06-20

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Blanchardstown

County
Dublin

Summary

During the trial of Christopher McDonald, a 34‑year‑old from Dublin's East Wall, a witness named Jason O'Connor was restrained by prison officers after he lunged at McDonald in front of the jury. O'Connor had been called to give evidence and, after walking behind McDonald, attacked him. Four prison officers and a Garda intervened, and Justice Patrick McCarthy warned O'Connor that he had powers to deal with people who do not act in a "civilised manner." The jury was asked to leave for a few minutes; when they returned, the judge reminded them that they must decide the case based on the evidence and that McDonald enjoys a presumption of innocence. McCarthy described O'Connor's behaviour as "disgraceful" and insisted it should not affect the jury. The trial, which also involves a witness named Stuart Kane who described a shooting at the Blanchardstown Pigeon Racing Club, continues under Justice McCarthy's direction. Christopher McDonald pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Trial witness restrained after lunging at murder accused. Charges or matters: the murder of 36-year-old Keith Walker at Blanchardstown Pigeon Racing Club on Shelerin Road in Clonsilla on June 12, 2015. Procedural stage: trial

When:

June 12, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
Friday June 12 Other
June 13 Other
2017-06-20 Publication

Case subjects

Christopher McDonald

Accused

Charges: the murder of 36-year-old Keith Walker at Blanchardstown Pigeon Racing Club on Shelerin Road in Clonsilla on June 12, 2015 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty