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DNA evidence enough to convict Sunset House murder accused, prosecution say

Summary

In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Dominic McGinn SC argued that DNA found on a mask and a runner inside a getaway car was sufficient to convict Christopher Slator of murdering Michael Barr at the Sunset House pub in 2016. McGinn noted that the DNA matched Slator's profile and that the same items were linked to the car used by the three gunmen who fled the scene. He also cited evidence that Slator and an accomplice booked a flight to Bangkok the day after the shooting, with no luggage, suggesting a planned escape. McGinn emphasized that no reasonable explanation for the DNA evidence existed, and that the injuries sustained by Barr proved the act was murder. Defence counsel Michael Bowman SC was scheduled to present his closing remarks the following day. The case remains at the non‑jury trial stage. Christopher Slator pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: DNA evidence enough to convict Sunset House murder accused, prosecution say. Charges or matters: the murder of Mr Barr at the Sunset House pub on Summerhill Parade in Dublin 1 on April 25, 2016. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• April 25, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2022-06-01 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report