Courts / Dublin / Report

DNA from Hutch murder accused should not be admitted as evidence, lawyers argue

Summary

The Special Criminal Court has adjourned a voir dire hearing to rule on the admissibility of DNA evidence in the trial of Jonathan Keogh, Regina Keogh, and Thomas Fox, who are accused of murdering Gareth Hutch. All three defendants, who have pleaded not guilty to the murder, face charges related to the May 24, 2016, shooting outside Avondale House in Dublin. Mr Fox has additionally denied unlawfully possessing a Makarov 9mm handgun. Defence counsel for Mr Keogh argued that DNA samples taken from him in October 2017 for a separate, unprosecuted offence should be inadmissible, claiming the State had no interest in prosecuting that matter. Prosecuting counsel countered that the investigation was bona fide and the samples were necessary to compare against a mixed DNA profile. The court also heard evidence regarding forensic examinations of vehicles, including a Honda Civic where Mr Keogh's fingerprints were found on a knife and other items, and a white van where Mr Fox's fingerprints were identified on a spray paint cap and plastic bag. The prosecution contends the killing was premeditated, with Mr Keogh and an accomplice acting as shooters, while Mr Fox and Ms Keogh planned the crime. The three-judge panel, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, will deliver its ruling on the DNA evidence's admissibility on Monday, after which the trial will continue.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: DNA from Hutch murder accused should not be admitted as evidence, lawyers argue. Charges or matters: murdering Mr Hutch. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• October 12, 2017 Adjournment
• February 2016 Adjournment
• August 23, 2017 Adjournment
• October 23, 2017 Adjournment
• May 24, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
• May 23, 2016 Incident
• 2018-07-06 Publication

Why: The witness said Mr Keogh's detention was necessary in order to compare his DNA sample with a mixed DNA profile seized in the case. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

• Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
• Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
• Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
• 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
• Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
• 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'

Read the original CNI report