Courts / Dublin / Report
Alleged scam call to jurors sees body-in-canal murder trial adjourned
Summary
The murder trial of Paul Well Snr, accused of killing and dismembering Kenneth O'Brien, was adjourned after jurors received a suspected scam call from a number claiming to be the Courts Service. The 50‑year‑old, who had admitted shooting O'Brien but pleaded not guilty to the murder, had been hearing evidence of his own interviews. The call, which included a distorted voicemail mentioning the Courts Service, was investigated by Sergeant Gerard Moore and deemed a scam unrelated to the case. Judge Paul McDermott ordered the trial to resume the next day once the investigation was complete, and the jurors were sent home to await further instructions. The case continues with the next portion of interviews to be played on DVD.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Alleged scam call to jurors sees body-in-canal murder trial adjourned. Charges or matters: murdering the 33-year-old at his home in Barnamore Park on 15th or 16th January, 2016. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- 16th January Other
- 2018-10-23 Publication
Why: Mr Wells explained that he was in receipt of Jobseeker's Benefit €320 a week and that the most he would have in his bank account would be a few hundred euro. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murdering the 33-year-old at his home in Barnamore Park on 15th or 16th January, 2016 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: A murder trial has been adjourned at the Central Criminal Court after jurors were targeted in what's thought to be a phone scam, where the caller claimed to be from the Courts Service.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Barnamore Park
- Barnamore Park
Topics
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