Courts / Dublin / Report
Alternative verdict open to jury in murder trial, judge charges
Summary
In a four‑week trial at the Central Criminal Court, the judge, Mr Justice Michael White, informed the jury that an alternative verdict of accessory after the fact was available under Section 7(2) of the Criminal Law Act 1997. The case concerned Stephen Tynan, 41, of Deerpark Lodge, Kiltipper, Tallaght, and Raymond Fitzgerald, 37, of Knockmore Grove, Killinarden, Tallaght, who were charged with murdering Andrew Guerrine, a cousin of Tynan, between 22 and 23 May 2015. Guerrine's body was found early on 23 May on Steelstown Lane, Rathcoole, with 20 stab wounds, two penetrating the skull and spine. The prosecution alleged a pre‑planned murder, citing circumstantial evidence, but no DNA, weapon or eyewitness link. Both defendants pleaded not guilty and their barristers argued that any suspicious circumstances could be explained by them being accessories after the fact. The prosecution did not seek the alternative verdict, instead pursuing a murder conviction.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Alternative verdict open to jury in murder trial, judge charges. Charges or matters: murdering Mr Tynan's cousin, Andrew Guerrine, at an unknown place between May 22 and May 23, 2015. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- May 22 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 23, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 23 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2018-11-19 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murdering Mr Tynan's cousin, Andrew Guerrine, at an unknown place between May 22 and May 23, 2015 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Defendant
Charges: murdering Mr Tynan's cousin, Andrew Guerrine, at an unknown place between May 22 and May 23, 2015 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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