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Sunset House murder trial hears DNA evidence

Summary

In the Special Criminal Court, the trial of Eamonn Cumberton, aged 30, for the murder of 35‑year‑old Michael Barr at the Sunset House pub, has progressed to the hearing of DNA evidence. The prosecution presented a full DNA profile from a cigarette butt seized at Bridewell Garda Station, where Cumberton had been taken after his arrest at Dublin Airport on a bench warrant. Forensic Science Ireland's Rodney Lakes also analysed a rubber mask recovered from the alleged getaway car, finding a mixed DNA profile of two men. The DNA from the cigarette butt could not be excluded as a contributor to the mask's mixed profile. The court is hearing legal arguments on the admissibility of this evidence, with the trial continuing before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, Judge Patricia Ryan and Judge James Faughnan. The defence is challenging the legality of Cumberton's arrest. The case remains in the voir dire stage. Eamonn Cumberton pleaded not guilty. Sunset House pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Sunset House murder trial hears DNA evidence. Charges or matters: the murder of 35-year old Michael Barr in the Sunset House pub in Dublin's north inner city on April 25th 2016. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• April 25th 2016 Other
• May 25th Incident
• 2017-11-29 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report