Courts / Kildare / Report

Victim's body found decapitated, murder trial hears

Summary

The trial of Stephen Penrose, 38, for the murder of 24‑year‑old Philip Finnegan, began on 13 October 2021. The prosecution, led by Brendan Grehan SC, presented evidence that Finnegan's decapitated body was found buried in a shallow grave in Rahin Woods, Kildare, after attempts to cut and burn it. A bloodied glove recovered from the woods matched Penrose's DNA. Penrose had been seen in a blue Alfa Romeo on CCTV near a fast‑food restaurant in Kilcock on the day of the murder and had claimed to have been attacked by men, a story the court said was inconsistent with the evidence. The prosecution argued that Penrose had killed Finnegan in the woods, disposed of the body, and then lied to Gardaí to conceal the location. The trial is scheduled to continue for five to six weeks. Stephen Penrose pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Victim's body found decapitated, murder trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering Mr Finnegan. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• August 10, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
• August 10 Hearing Or Sentence
• August 12, 2016 Other
• August 31 Incident
• September 2 Incident
• November 16, 2016 Incident
• 2021-10-13 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report