Courts / Dublin / Report

Dog walker tells murder trial of body discovery

Date
2021-11-02
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

During a murder trial, a dog walker recounted discovering what he believed to be a body in Rahin Woods, Kildare, on 2 September 2016. He found two dogs barking near a buried object that appeared to be flesh. He later informed two men, Ivan Pollard and Pat McGrath, who called 112. Garda inspectors Aiden Hannon and Padraig Nolan examined the site, noting almost skeletal remains protruding from a shallow grave, a stab‑proof vest, a garden fork, a shovel, a knife blade, a mobile phone, a fire‑damaged glove, and a black funnel. The remains were taken to Naas mortuary. The trial heard that the accused, Stephen Penrose, 38, pleaded not guilty to murdering 24‑year‑old Philip Finnegan, whose body was found decapitated in the woods. The case is ongoing before Mr Justice Alexander Owens and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Dog walker tells murder trial of body discovery. Charges or matters: murdering Mr Finnegan (24) at Rahin Woods, Rahin, Edenderry, Co Kildare on August 10, 2016. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Case subjects

Stephen Penrose

Defendant

Charges: murdering Mr Finnegan (24) at Rahin Woods, Rahin, Edenderry, Co Kildare on August 10, 2016 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Places mentioned

Journey Or Route
Court Venue
  • The Central Criminal Court
  • Central Criminal Court
Residence
Secondary Mention
Garda Station
  • he also rang Leixlip Garda Station
  • Leixlip

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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