Courts / Dublin / Report

Judge warns Ana Kriegel jury that lies can be told by innocent people

Summary

In a 2019 trial at the Central Criminal Court, Mr Justice Paul McDermott warned a jury that people may lie for reasons such as shame or to hide disgraceful behaviour. He explained that the jury could rely on alleged lies only if the prosecution proved there was no innocent explanation. The case involved two 14‑year‑old boys accused of murdering 14‑year‑old Anastasia Kriegel. Boy A was also charged with aggravated sexual assault; Boy B was charged with aiding and abetting the murder. The judge instructed the jury to consider each boy's case separately, to assess intent to kill or cause serious injury, and to evaluate circumstantial and forensic evidence. He emphasised that presence at a crime scene does not equal participation, and that the jury must acquit if any reasonable doubt about intent or knowledge remains. The judge concluded his charge the following morning. The unnamed 14-year-old pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Judge warns Ana Kriegel jury that lies can be told by innocent people. Charges or matters: that count also. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• May 14 Incident
• 2019-06-11 Publication

Why: The accused, who are both 14, cannot be named because they are minors. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report