Courts / Kildare / Report

Judge warns murder accused he will be taken to cells after court outbursts

Date
2021-10-15

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Kildare

County
Kildare

Summary

In the Central Criminal Court, 38‑year‑old Stephen Penrose, accused of murdering Philip Finnegan, is representing himself in his trial. During cross‑examination of Inspector Aidan Hannon, Penrose repeatedly accused the witness of lying under oath, shouting "you're a liar" and demanding Hannon be dismissed. Judge Alexander Owens warned Penrose that if he continued to "abuse" and "ballyrag" witnesses he would be taken to the cells and barred from participating in his own trial. Owens also cautioned that barristers may not call witnesses liars under oath. Penrose's outbursts included shouting at the jury and threatening to have the witness's statement taken. The judge called the behaviour contempt of court and ordered Penrose to sit down or face removal. The trial, expected to last five to six weeks, continues with the judge and 12 jurors present. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Judge warns murder accused he will be taken to cells after court outbursts. Charges or matters: murdering a man whose decapitated body was buried in a shallow grave in a Kildare woods; murdering Philip Finnegan (24) at Rahin Woods, Rahin, Edenderry, Co Kildare on August 10, 2016. Procedural stage: trial

When:

August 10, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
August 12 Other
August 10 Other
2021-10-15 Publication

Case subjects

Unnamed accused

Accused

Charges: murdering a man whose decapitated body was buried in a shallow grave in a Kildare woods; murdering Philip Finnegan (24) at Rahin Woods, Rahin, Edenderry, Co Kildare on August 10, 2016 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty