Courts / Dublin / Report

Main witness in Roma teen murder trial denies resembling photofit

Date
2014-07-21

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In the trial of Alan Wilson for the 2008 murder of 18‑year‑old Marioara Rostas, the State's main witness, Fergus O'Hanlon, denied that he resembled a composite photofit of the driver of the Ford Mondeo seen with the victim. O'Hanlon, who has immunity, testified that he arrived at Wilson's home on 8 January 2008 to find Rostas with a hole in her forehead and Wilson holding a gun. He claimed he helped bury her body in the Dublin Mountains and cleaned the scene. During cross‑examination, the defence barrister showed O'Hanlon a composite photograph and a photo of him, suggesting a close resemblance. O'Hanlon rejected the comparison, stating the likeness was poor. He also explained a mark on his cheek, noting it could be due to lack of sleep, and denied picking up the victim. The cross‑examination continued on Tuesday before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of ten men and two women. Fergus O'Hanlon pleaded not guilty. Alan Wilson pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Main witness in Roma teen murder trial denies resembling photofit. Charges or matters: murdering the teenager in Dublin; the 18-year-old's murder at O'Hanlon's house on Brabazon Street, The Coombe between January 7 and January 8, 2008. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

January 7 Hearing Or Sentence
January 8, 2008 Other
January 6th Other
January 8th 2008 Other
March 2000 Other
2014-07-21 Publication

Why: "Is that because you picked her up and Mr Wilson didn't? CNI source report

Case subjects

Alan Wilson

Convicted Person

Charges: the 18-year-old's murder at O'Hanlon's house on Brabazon Street, The Coombe between January 7 and January 8, 2008 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Fergus O'Hanlon

Accused

Charges: murdering the teenager in Dublin; the 18-year-old's murder at O'Hanlon's house on Brabazon Street, The Coombe between January 7 and January 8, 2008 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Outcome: Mr O'Higgins pointed out that the gardai had used the likeness to extend O'Hanlon's detention when he was arrested on suspicion of withholding information.