Courts / Dublin / Report

Witness who gave voice recognition evidence "never had conversation" with accused, trial hears

Summary

The Special Criminal Court trial of Thomas Fox, Regina Keogh, and Jonathan Keogh, who have all pleaded not guilty to the murder of Gareth Hutch, heard evidence from witness Jessica McDonnell. Ms McDonnell, whose mother Mary McDonnell was granted immunity after a charge of withholding information was dropped, testified that she never had a one-on-one conversation with Mr Keogh. Although she initially told gardaí she recognized his voice on the morning of the May 24, 2016 shooting, she stated under cross-examination that she was tired and had limited prior interaction with him. The court ruled her statement to gardaí admissible. The prosecution alleges the killing was premeditated, contending that Mr Keogh threatened the victim the previous evening, while Mr Fox and Ms Keogh planned the attack. Mr Fox also faces a charge of unlawfully possessing a Makarov 9mm handgun, which he denies. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, sitting with Judges Patricia Ryan and Michael Walsh.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Witness who gave voice recognition evidence "never had conversation" with accused, trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering Mr Hutch. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• May 24, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
• May 23, 2016 Incident
• May 25 Hearing Or Sentence
• April 2016 Other
• 2018-06-21 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report