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Garda spotted blood spatter inside car, Philip Finnegan murder trial hears

Summary

In the Central Criminal Court, Stephen Penrose, aged 38, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Philip Finnegan, 24, who was found decapitated in a Kildare woods on 10 August 2016. A Garda officer reported finding a blue Alfa Romeo car in Kilcock on 13 August, with extensive blood splatter on the gearstick and driver's door. The vehicle, registered in Portarlington, was seized as it was believed to contain evidence of the assault. Paramedic Terry Devine treated Penrose for a stab wound to his left arm, noting blood-soaked socks. Penrose claimed five men were involved in an incident where Finnegan was stabbed and he fled in the car. Inspector Aidan Hannon recounted that Penrose was stabbed through a window while driving the Alfa Romeo, after which he stopped, removed his sock, and left the vehicle. The trial continues before Mr Justice Alexander Owens and 12 jurors.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Garda spotted blood spatter inside car, Philip Finnegan murder trial hears. Charges or matters: 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 Hearing Or Sentence
• August 10 Incident
• August 13 Other
• 2021-10-21 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report