Courts / Louth / Report

Nothing to connect accused to items, forensic scientist tells trial

Date
2019-02-19

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Drogheda

County
Louth

Summary

In the trial of Paul Crosby, 23, the emergency consultant Dr Asim Rafeeque described the treatment of Gerard Boyle, who suffered 28 stab wounds after escaping from a car that was pushed into a canal. Dr Rafeeque explained that Boyle was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, where he had chest, neck, back and shoulder wounds. He had to drain air from Boyle's chest cavity to prevent pressure on the heart, which could have caused cardiac arrest. The forensic scientist Crystal O'Connor examined swabs from a knife, its handle and a vehicle, finding Boyle's DNA but no blood on a pair of runners belonging to Crosby. She found no evidence linking Crosby to the items she tested. Detective Garda Shane Curran reported taking a statement from Boyle at the hospital and later searching for a Ford Fiesta, but found no forensic evidence such as fingerprints. The trial is ongoing before Ms Justice Carmel Stewart and a jury. Paul Crosby pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Nothing to connect accused to items, forensic scientist tells trial. Charges or matters: the attempted murder of 33-year-old Mr Boyle at Knockcommon, Beauparc, Slane, Co Meath, on November 10, 2016; Mr Boyle on the same occasion. Procedural stage: trial

When:

November 10, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
2019-02-19 Publication

Case subjects

Paul Crosby

Defendant

Charges: the attempted murder of 33-year-old Mr Boyle at Knockcommon, Beauparc, Slane, Co Meath, on November 10, 2016; Mr Boyle on the same occasion (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty