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"Just wasn't enough" evidence to connect accused to murder, appeal court told

Summary

In a 2017 Court of Appeal hearing, Brendan Grehan SC argued that Michael Taylor, 37, lacked sufficient evidence linking him to the 2007 murder of Paul Kelly, 26, at Winston Ville apartments. Grehan highlighted three main points: a glove found 80 m from the scene with a DNA profile matching Taylor, phone evidence showing a device linked to Taylor pinging a mast near the crime scene, and a feud between Taylor and the victim. He contended the glove's DNA was a minor profile and that a single firearm residue particle was insufficient to prove use in the shooting, arguing the evidence should have been excluded. The prosecution, represented by Denis Vaughan Buckley SC, maintained the evidence was strong and warranted a jury verdict, which had been reached after five hours. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Justice Seán Ryan, decided to reserve judgment on the appeal. Michael Taylor pleaded not guilty and was found guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "Just wasn't enough" evidence to connect accused to murder, appeal court told. Charges or matters: the murder of Paul Kelly (26) at Winston Ville apartments, Charlemont Road, Clontarf on April 6, 2007. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty

When:

• April 6, 2007 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2017-12-08 Publication

Why: He submitted that it was an unintended consequence which resulted in a ruling whereby no reference could be made to the fact that in the opinion of the expert witness, in all likelihood, the glove couldn't have been worn by one of the shooters because only a single particle was found. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report