Courts / Dublin / Report

Barrister accused of murder will be 'utterly ruined' if court refuses bail, lawyers argue

Summary

Diarmuid Rossa Phelan, a senior counsel and law lecturer aged 53, is accused of murdering Keith Conlon, a 36‑year‑old father of four, in a fatal shooting on farmland in Tallaght on 22 February. The High Court heard that Phelan allegedly shot Conlon in the back of the head after a verbal altercation, following an earlier incident in which he fired at Conlon's dog with a rifle. Phelan claims the shooting was accidental, describing it as an "arc" that left him stunned. He has stated he will not leave the jurisdiction and that his career and reputation depend on clearing the matter. Phelan's defence argues that denying bail would "utterly ruin" him, citing his assets, family ties, and professional standing. The court will decide on bail on Monday.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Barrister accused of murder will be 'utterly ruined' if court refuses bail, lawyers argue. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• February 22 Incident
• 2022-03-16 Publication

Why: Mr Phelan, who gave evidence for a second day via video-link, told Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy that he has no intention of leaving the jurisdiction, saying: "I want to clear this matter because my entire name, reputation and career is dependent on it". CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report