Courts / Kilkenny / Report

Murder trial collapses after juror tells judge they overheard garda discussion

Summary

The murder trial of Damien Singleton, 30, accused of killing Peter Donnelly on Dublin's O'Connell Street in June 2019, collapsed after a juror claimed to have overheard Gardaí discussing witness statements in the courtroom. The trial, held in Court 9 of the Central Criminal Court before Ms Justice Tara Burns, began with Singleton pleading not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. During the proceedings, a juror noted that he believed he heard partial conversations between Gardaí about witness statements, a claim the prosecution denied, stating the Gardaí present were only there for logistical reasons and did not discuss witness statements. The judge, concerned about the jurors' seating and potential distractions, decided to discharge the jury. The case was re‑listed for mention for the following Monday. The trial had been conducted under Covid‑19 health and safety guidelines, with only five jurors seated in the jury box and seven in the body of the court.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder trial collapses after juror tells judge they overheard garda discussion. Charges or matters: the murder of his friend, Mr Donnelly, but pleaded guilty to the charge of manslaughter. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• June 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
• June 11, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2021-09-24 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report