Courts / Kildare / Report
'Did you have him dig his own grave?': gardai to Philip Finnegan murder accused
Summary
Gardai questioned Stephen Penrose, accused of murdering 24‑year‑old Philip Finnegan, about the location of the attack that led to Finnegan's death in Rahin Woods, Kildare. Penrose gave multiple, conflicting accounts of where he and Finnegan were attacked by a group of men on 10 August 2016, initially saying it occurred on the outskirts of Kilcock, then near Clonuff, then near Edenderry, and finally near a caravan beside a woods. He claimed they were there to collect firearms, but later denied any knowledge of the attack. Penrose admitted to lying about the location out of fear for his life. Evidence presented included a blood‑stained glove matching Penrose's DNA found near Finnegan's remains, a garden fork, shovel, and knife blade, and a fire‑damaged glove. The trial continues before Mr Justice Alexander Owens and a jury, with Penrose remaining in custody and refusing to attend. Stephen Penrose pleaded not guilty. Philip Finnegan pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Did you have him dig his own grave?': gardai to Philip Finnegan murder accused. Charges or matters: murdering Mr Finnegan (24) at Rahin Woods, Rahin, Edenderry, Co Kildare on August 10, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- August 31, 2016 Incident
- September 2 Incident
- November 16, 2016 Other
- August 10, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- September 2, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- August 10 Incident
- November 17 Incident
- 2021-11-10 Publication
Why: "Because I'm afraid for my life. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering Mr Finnegan (24) at Rahin Woods, Rahin, Edenderry, Co Kildare on August 10, 2016 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Mr Penrose was released from his detention after the tenth interview took place on September 2, when Mr Finnegan was still considered a missing person.
Accused
Charges: murdering Mr Finnegan (24) at Rahin Woods, Rahin, Edenderry, Co Kildare on August 10, 2016 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Mr Penrose was released from his detention after the tenth interview took place on September 2, when Mr Finnegan was still considered a missing person.
Places mentioned
- The Central Criminal Court
- Central Criminal Court
- ten occasions at Kilmainham Garda Station
- was rearrested at Leixlip Garda Station
- Leixlip
Topics
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