Courts / Louth / Report

Deceased told witness they were planning to sell car to murder accused, trial hears

Date
2017-11-16

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Louth

County
Louth

Summary

In a double‑murder trial, a witness named Richie Cullinan initially refused to testify, claiming the deceased had told him they were planning to sell a car to the accused, Jason O'Driscoll, on the night the victims were found shot in a Louth forest. Cullinan later admitted that the two deceased, Anthony Burnett and Joseph Redmond, had come to his home that evening to collect a car that Burnett had left in his carpark and were heading north to sell it. He said they left around 9 pm and that he had tried to call them at 11 pm but could not reach them. Cullinan also confirmed he had been arrested on suspicion of the murders and spent seven days in custody. The judge ordered him to take the oath, but he refused, leading to a contempt of court ruling. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, continues with a jury of eight men and four women. Jason O'Driscoll pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Deceased told witness they were planning to sell car to murder accused, trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering 31-year-old Anthony Burnett and 25-year-old Joseph Redmond in Co Louth on March 7th, 2012. Procedural stage: trial

When: