Courts / Limerick / Report
Two murder accused acting as a unit, jury hears
Summary
The Central Criminal Court trial of Seán Flanagan, Paul Colbert, and Ian Flanagan has reached the jury deliberation stage. Seán Flanagan and Paul Colbert, both of Lenihan Avenue, Limerick City, have pleaded not guilty to the murder of 43-year-old Gerard McMahon, who was stabbed to death on January 18, 2012. Ian Flanagan has also pleaded not guilty to two counts of assisting an offender, allegedly by removing a CCTV recorder. Prosecution counsel Michael O'Higgins SC argued that Seán Flanagan and Paul Colbert acted as a cohesive two-man unit, making it legally immaterial which individual inflicted the fatal wounds. Defence counsel presented distinct arguments: Anthony Sammon SC suggested provocation for Paul Colbert, while John Phelan SC contended Seán Flanagan intervened to prevent harm. Brendan Nix SC argued Ian Flanagan acted in panic without specific intent. Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan has begun charging the jury of eight women and four men, who will commence deliberations on Friday. The matter is currently at the trial stage, with no findings, sentences, or finalisations recorded.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Two murder accused acting as a unit, jury hears. Charges or matters: murdering the 43-year-old; two counts of assisting an offender. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- January 18, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2013-11-28 Publication
Why: The jury in the trial of two men accused of murder has been told it was immaterial which of them inflicted the fatal wounds because they were acting as a unit. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: two counts of assisting an offender (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Accused
Charges: murdering the 43-year-old; two counts of assisting an offender (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Accused
Charges: murdering the 43-year-old; two counts of assisting an offender (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Lenihan Avenue
- Lenihan Avenue
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
Related court reports
- Manager at global IT firm denies company 'lied' about position of former Irish employee
- High Court refuses to surrender Limerick man wanted for alleged human trafficking in Greece
- Tipperary man admits attempted murder
- Volunteer who said he was sacked for warning Church officials of 'rogue' relic traders can't pursue case, WRC rules
- Appearance of tips machine in cafe that pulled in €5k unexplained, tribunal notes
- 'You've to get the morning after pill': man who was 18 when he raped girl (15) gets seven years
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request