Courts / Kildare / Report

Stephen Penrose declines to continue attending murder trial

Summary

Stephen Penrose, aged 38, accused of murdering 24‑year‑old Philip Finnegan in Kildare woods, has declined to attend his murder trial in person. The Central Criminal Court jury was informed that proceedings would continue without him. Penrose had previously represented himself after dismissing his legal team, but has now hired new counsel: solicitor Michael French and barristers Anthony Sammon SC and Eoghan Weldon BL. Judge Alexander Owens warned Penrose that continued disruptive behaviour could lead to his removal from the courtroom. Penrose had previously shouted at a Garda Inspector in the witness box, accusing him of lying. The trial, which began on 13 October, will proceed with the jury hearing CCTV footage and evidence, including a bloodied glove DNA‑matched to Penrose, while the body of Finnegan was found decapitated in a shallow grave in Kildare woods. Stephen Penrose pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Stephen Penrose declines to continue attending murder trial. Charges or matters: murdering Philip Finnegan. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• August 10, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
• October 13 Hearing Or Sentence
• August 10 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2021-10-20 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report