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Murderer in drag appeals against conviction

Summary

Christopher McDonald, 37, from the East Wall area of Dublin, appealed his murder conviction to the Court of Appeal. He was found guilty by a unanimous jury at the Central Criminal Court three years ago for the murder of Keith Walker, 36, at the Blanchardstown Pigeon Racing Club on June 12, 2015. McDonald had pleaded not guilty to the charge, which was proven, and was subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice Patrick McCarthy. His barrister, Michael Bowman SC, argued that the trial judge erred in refusing to discharge the jury after witness Jason O'Connor allegedly threatened McDonald. Counsel also contended that the jury was prejudiced by hearing McDonald's reply to his arrest, 'Go F**k yourself,' which Bowman suggested indicated a hardness associated with a professional hitman. Additionally, Bowman submitted that the judge erred in ruling that McDonald was unlawfully detained between 5.40 a.m. and 6.10 a.m. on June 13, 2015, and in admitting evidence from an informal identification and forensic samples taken during that period. Justice John Edwards questioned whether the jury would have been so undiscerning as to be prejudiced by the reply to the garda. Court President Justice George Birmingham, presiding with Justice Edwards and Justice Brian Murray, adjourned the hearing of the rest of the appeal to allow both parties to submit further written submissions on the ground regarding the forensic samples and detention.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murderer in drag appeals against conviction. Charges or matters: murder by unanimous jury verdict at the Central Criminal Court three years ago; murdering Keith Walker (36) at the Blanchardstown Pigeon Racing Club on Shelerin Road, Clonsilla, Dublin on June 12, 2015. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty

When:

• June 12, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
• 13th June 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2020-10-22 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report