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Murder accused tried to urinate on his hands before firearms residue test, trial hears
Summary
The Central Criminal Court heard that 33‑year‑old Seán Ducque, charged with murdering Kieran Farrelly, tried to urinate on his hands before forensic samples were taken for firearms residue. Garda Aaron Hoey testified that after the accused was detained the next day, bags were placed on his hands to preserve residue that could be removed by friction or washing. Hoey said Ducque removed the bags and attempted to wash the residue away, and that he was uncooperative, requiring restraint by four officers. Despite this, samples were obtained. Forensic scientist John O'Shaughnessy examined Ducque's jacket and found residue matching that from the shotgun cartridge recovered at the scene, supporting the view that Ducque discharged the shotgun. CCTV footage showed the accused, the victim and two women walking together at 11:30 pm, with the victim no longer present ten minutes later.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Murder accused tried to urinate on his hands before firearms residue test, trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering Kieran Farrelly in Dublin City; murdering the 33-year-old on 26th October 2014 at Killarney Court, Killarney Street. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- 26th October 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017-06-23 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering Kieran Farrelly in Dublin City; murdering the 33-year-old on 26th October 2014 at Killarney Court, Killarney Street (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Gda Hoey told Dominic McGinn SC, prosecuting, that authorisation was given to take forensic samples from the accused during his detention the following day. "I believe there were bags placed on his hands," he said, explaining that this was to preserve any firearms residue, which can be removed by friction, including hand washing. "I was informed that Seán Ducque had tried to urinate on his hands, remove the bags and remove the residue from his hands," he testified.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Killarney Street
- Mabbot Lane
- Terrace Place
Topics
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