Courts / Dublin / Report

"What, dig her up, are you kidding?": trial hears of final interviews with accused

Date
2020-01-30

Stage
Trial

Court
Mrs O'Connor. The Central Criminal Court

Primary locality
Rathfarnham

County
Dublin

Summary

The Central Criminal Court trial of Kieran Greene, Louise O'Connor, Stephanie O'Connor, and Keith Johnston continued with evidence regarding the alleged murder of Patricia O'Connor. All four defendants have pleaded not guilty to their respective charges, which include murder, impeding prosecution, and concealing remains. The jury heard the final interviews of Mr. Johnston, who denied assisting Mr. Greene in purchasing implements at Woodie's, Mr Price, B&Q, and Shoe Zone in Tallaght on June 9, 2017, for the concealment of Mrs. O'Connor's remains. Mr. Johnston also denied refurbishing a bathroom at Mountainview Park to destroy evidence. He rejected claims that he helped dig a shallow grave in Wexford or that he was "sucked in" to the crime, stating he did not "put two and two together" regarding the DIY purchases. Forensic scientist Nora Lee testified that a black bag containing Mrs. O'Connor's head likely came from a roll found at Mountainview Park. Professor Anthony Hooper described injuries to Mr. Greene's wrist, temple, and torso, which the accused attributed to blows from a hurley. The trial is ongoing, with no findings, sentences, or finalisations recorded.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "What, dig her up, are you kidding?": trial hears of final interviews with accused. Charges or matters: impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Kieran Greene, knowing or believing him to have committed an arrestable offence, to wit the murder of Patricia O'Connor (61) on May 29, 2017; her murder; assisting Mr Greene in the purchase of various implements at Woodie's, Mr Price, B&Q and Shoe Zone, Tallaght, Dublin 24 on June 9, 2017, which were to be used in the concealment of the remains of Mrs O'Connor; murdering Mrs O'Connor at her home in Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 on May 29, 2017; agreeing to or acquiescing in her daughter Stephanie O'Connor disguising herself as Patricia O'Connor at Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 on May 29, 2017 in order to conceal the fact that Patricia O'Connor was dead; disguising herself as Mrs O'Connor at Mountainview

When:

September 26 Other
May 29, 2017 Incident
June 10 Other
December 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
June 9 Incident
June 9, 2017 Other
May 30, 2018 Other
May 31, 2017 Other
June 12, 2017 Other
December 9 Incident
September 26, 2017 Incident
June 14, 2017 Other
2020-01-30 Publication

Why: It is also the State's contention that Mr Johnston redecorated the bathroom at Mountainview Park in order to destroy or conceal any evidence relating to the alleged murder of Mrs O'Connor. CNI source report

Case subjects

Keith Johnston

Accused

Charges: impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Kieran Greene, knowing or believing him to have committed an arrestable offence, to wit the murder of Patricia O'Connor (61) on May 29, 2017; her murder; assisting Mr Greene in the purchase of various implements at Woodie's, Mr Price, B&Q and Shoe Zone, Tallaght, Dublin 24 on June 9, 2017, which were to be used in the concealment of the remains of Mrs O'Connor; murdering Mrs O'Connor at her home in Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 on May 29, 2017; agreeing to or acquiescing in her daughter Stephanie O'Connor disguising herself as Patricia O'Connor at Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 on May 29, 2017 in order to conceal the fact that Patricia O'Connor was dead; disguising herself as Mrs O'Connor at Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 at a point in time after her murder on May 29, 2017 in order to conceal the fact that she was already dead (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Kieran Greene

Accused

Plea: Not guilty

Louise O'Connor

Accused

Plea: Not guilty

Stephanie O'Connor

Defendant

Charges: disguising herself as Mrs O'Connor at Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 at a point in time after her murder on May 29, 2017 in order to conceal the fact that she was already dead (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty