Courts / Kildare / Report

Man goes on trial accused of impeding Kenneth O'Brien murder investigation

Date
2019-11-04

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Celbridge

County
Kildare

Summary

Paul Wells Junior (33) is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, accused of impeding the investigation into the murder of Kenneth O'Brien. The prosecution alleges that Wells Junior disposed of a chainsaw motor and blade in Co Kildare between January 19 and 20, 2016, knowing his father, Paul Wells Senior, had committed the crime. Wells Junior has pleaded not guilty to these charges. The trial follows the sentencing of Paul Wells Senior (51), who was jailed for life last year after being found guilty of murdering O'Brien at his home in Finglas on January 15 or 16, 2016. Prosecuting counsel Michael Bowman SC outlined that O'Brien died from a close-range gunshot and was subsequently dismembered with the chainsaw, which was later dumped in the Grand Canal and the Curragh. The prosecution contends that Wells Junior acted with knowledge of the offense, despite enduring a 'life of hardship' under his father. The case is before Ms Justice Carmel Stewart and a jury of twelve, with proceedings expected to last up to three weeks.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man goes on trial accused of impeding Kenneth O'Brien murder investigation. Charges or matters: impeding the apprehension or prosecution of his father Paul Wells Senior (51), by disposing of a chainsaw motor at a time unknown between January 19 and 20, 2016 in Co Kildare, both dates inclusive. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

January 19 Other
January 20, 2016 Incident
January 15 Hearing Or Sentence
December 17, 2015 Other
May 7 2013 Other
January 13 2016 Other
January 15, 2016 Other
January 16 Other
January 22 Other
February 5 Incident
February 9, 2016 Incident
2019-11-04 Publication

Case subjects

Paul Wells Junior

Defendant

Charges: impeding the apprehension or prosecution of his father Paul Wells Senior (51), by disposing of a chainsaw motor at a time unknown between January 19 and 20, 2016 in Co Kildare, both dates inclusive (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Paul Wells Senior

Defendant

Outcome: Paul Wells Senior (51) was jailed for life last year having been found guilty of murdering Kenneth O'Brien (33) at his home in Finglas on January 15 or 16, 2016.