Courts / Dublin / Report

Thompson was warned court could draw inferences from 'no comment' interview

Date
2018-05-16

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In the Special Criminal Court, Frederick 'Freddie' Thompson, 37, pleaded not guilty to the 2016 murder of David Douglas. The court heard that Thompson had been warned that his refusal to explain his presence in two alleged 'spotter' cars could lead to inferences used as corroboration. He gave a 'no comment' reply to questions about his possession of a silver Ford Fiesta, a key, a mobile phone, DNA evidence on an air freshener and hand sanitiser, and his presence in a blue Mitsubishi Mirage. The judges rejected a defence application to exclude private CCTV footage, stating that the cameras did not breach his constitutional right to privacy. The trial continues before Justice Tony Hunt, Judge Flann Brennan and Judge Gerard Griffin.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Thompson was warned court could draw inferences from 'no comment' interview. Charges or matters: the murder of David Douglas on July 1st, 2016 on Bridgefoot Street in the city. Procedural stage: trial

When:

July 1st, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
2018-05-16 Publication

Why: The sergeant agreed with Tony McGillicuddy SC, prosecuting, that he'd explained that he could not be convicted solely on such inferences being drawn, but that this could be used as corroboration of other evidence. CNI source report