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Evidence 'doctored to facilitate show-trial', Alan Wilson tells Special Criminal Court

Date
2021-11-01
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

Alan Wilson, aged 42, denied attempting to murder three men in a 2010 shooting at the Player's Lounge pub in Fairview, Dublin. He claimed before the Special Criminal Court that evidence against him had been "doctored to facilitate a State show‑trial". At the arraignment, Wilson attempted to give a prepared statement but was interrupted by Judge Tara Burns, who asked whether he pleaded guilty or not. Wilson pleaded not guilty to the attempted murders of Brian Masterson, Wayne Barrett and Austin Purcell, and to possession of a .38 Special Smith & Wesson revolver, .38 ammunition, a .32 Auto Zastava pistol and .32 ammunition with intent to endanger life. Defence barrister Padraig Dwyer requested full access to CCTV footage and disclosure, citing an "enormous" amount of material. Judge Burns agreed to provide the defendant with the necessary facilities and scheduled the opening prosecution speech for Thursday, with the trial expected to conclude within five weeks before Christmas.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Evidence 'doctored to facilitate show-trial', Alan Wilson tells Special Criminal Court. Charges or matters: the attempted murders of Brian Masterson, Wayne Barrett and Austin Purcell at The Players Lounge Public House, Fairview Strand, Fairview, Dublin 3 on July 26, 2010; the possession of firearms and ammunition, namely: a .38 Special Calibre Smith & Wesson revolver and .38 special calibre ammunition and a .32 Auto Calibre Zastava semi-automatic pistol and .32 auto calibre ammunition with intent to endanger life at the same location and on the same date. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Case subjects

Alan Wilson

Defendant

Charges: the attempted murders of Brian Masterson, Wayne Barrett and Austin Purcell at The Players Lounge Public House, Fairview Strand, Fairview, Dublin 3 on July 26, 2010; the possession of firearms and ammunition, namely: a .38 Special Calibre Smith & Wesson revolver and .38 special calibre ammunition and a .32 Auto Calibre Zastava semi-automatic pistol and .32 auto calibre ammunition with intent to endanger life at the same location and on the same date (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Outcome: Ms Justice Burns then adjourned the matter to tomorrow to have Mr Wilson produced so that he can view CCTV in a consultation room in the CCJ building before the opening prosecution speech on Thursday.

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Residence
Facility
  • The Players Lounge Public House

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

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