Courts / Dublin / Report
Jury in Roma teen murder trial told they got "master class in perjury"
Summary
In the Central Criminal Court, Michael O'Higgins SC criticised the State's main witness, claiming the jury received a "master class in perjury." He argued that Fergus O'Hanlon, a convicted criminal with immunity, only offered information about the 2008 murder of 18‑year‑old Romanian teenager Marioara Rostas after being questioned about another crime. O'Higgins said O'Hanlon had lied to Gardaí and in court, and that he had benefited from the Witness Protection Programme. He described O'Hanlon as domineering, violent, and uncontainable, and questioned whether he was involved in the murder or merely a conspirator. O'Higgins also noted that O'Hanlon had refused a formal identification parade, claiming fear of Alan Wilson, the accused. Judge Patrick McCarthy has now charged the jury of 10 men and 2 women before deliberations begin. Alan Wilson pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jury in Roma teen murder trial told they got "master class in perjury". Charges or matters: 18-year-old's murder at a house on Brabazon Street, The Coombe between January 7 and January 8, 2008. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- January 7 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 8, 2008 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 6th 2008 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 2008 Incident
- January 8th 2008 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2014-07-29 Publication
Why: He described as 'complete and utter rubbish' O'Hanlon's assertion that he had refused to take part in a formal identification parade because he was in fear of Alan Wilson. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: 18-year-old's murder at a house on Brabazon Street, The Coombe between January 7 and January 8, 2008 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- New Street Gardens
- Brabazon Street
Topics
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