Courts / Dublin / Report

Juror discharged in Kenneth O'Brien murder trial

Summary

In the trial of Paul Wells Senior, a 50‑year‑old from Barnamore Park, Finglas, who has admitted shooting and dismembering Kenneth O'Brien, a 33‑year‑old Dublin father‑of‑one, a juror was discharged. Wells pleaded not guilty to the murder of O'Brien, who was found dismembered in a canal. The trial, scheduled to enter its fourth day of evidence, was delayed when a juror informed Judge Paul McDermott that she had known a person mentioned in court about seven years earlier. The judge considered the matter in the jury's absence, then returned the remaining 12 jurors to court and addressed the individual juror. He thanked her for bringing the information to the court's attention, explained that her dismissal was to preserve the integrity of the process, and noted it was not a reflection on her future participation. The trial resumed with an 11‑member jury comprising five women and six men.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Juror discharged in Kenneth O'Brien murder trial. Charges or matters: murdering the 33-year-old at his home in Barnamore Park on January 15 or 16, 2016. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• January 15 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2018-10-15 Publication

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