Courts / Dublin / Report

Woman provided false alibi for partner who lured gangster Whelan to his death

Summary

Lacey O'Connor appeared at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for sentencing on a charge of perverting the course of justice. In February, she pleaded guilty to giving a false account of a suspect's movements during the November 2019 murder investigation of Wayne Whelan. O'Connor, 30, of Rowlagh Park, Clondalkin, told gardai that her then-partner, Anthony Casserly, was with her at the time of the shooting. However, CCTV footage showed Casserly leaving their home at 7:16pm and returning at 8:04pm, while Whelan was shot at 7:45pm. Mobile phone records also revealed three calls to a burner phone during that period. Casserly, 25, was previously sentenced to seven years in prison for participating in or contributing to Whelan's murder. Christopher Moran, 52, pleaded guilty to being the getaway driver. Judge Orla Crowe noted the seriousness of interfering with a murder inquiry, highlighting that O'Connor provided false information in a two-page document and attended seven garda interviews. Considering mitigating factors, including O'Connor's role as the sole carer for her young daughter and her mother's recovery from addiction, the Judge reserved her decision. The matter was adjourned, with O'Connor remanded on continuing bail for sentencing on June 16.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Woman provided false alibi for partner who lured gangster Whelan to his death. Charges or matters: being the getaway driver after the shooting; participating in or contributing to the murder of Whelan; giving a false account of the movement of a suspect during a murder investigation in November 2019. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• November 18th 2019 Other
• November 2019 Incident
• June 16 Adjournment
• 2022-05-25 Publication

Why: Sentencing Casserly (25) of Rowlagh park, Clondalkin last January to a seven-year prison term, Mr Justice David Keane said Casserly used his friendship to lower Whelan's guard, which would have been up because of a previous attempt to murder him. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report