Courts / Dublin / Report

Gardai destroyed notes of meetings held with main witness

Date
2014-07-24
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

During the trial of a Dublin man charged with the murder of 18‑year‑old Marioara Rostas, a Garda involved in the Witness Protection Programme testified that notes of meetings with the main witness were destroyed. The accused, Alan Wilson, 35, pleaded not guilty to the murder that occurred at O'Hanlon's house on Brabazon Street in January 2008. Wilson's former friend, Fergus O'Hanlon, 37, testified that he found Rostas with a hole in her forehead and Wilson holding a gun. O'Hanlon, who was granted immunity, helped bury the body. A detective sergeant, not named due to his WPP role, said he had taken keyword notes of meetings with O'Hanlon in June 2013 and that these notes were destroyed after transcription, replaced by more comprehensive documents. The trial is proceeding before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of ten men and two women.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Gardai destroyed notes of meetings held with main witness. Charges or matters: 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: trial

When:

Why: The officer said that he explained that they would discuss it after the conclusion of trial, which had been due to begin a few months later. CNI source report

Case subjects

Alan Wilson

Accused

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

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court
Residence
  • New Street Gardens
Facility
  • O'Hanlon's house
Address Area
  • Brabazon Street

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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