Courts / Dublin / Report

Man first charged with 1997 Grangegorman murder could not have "more accurately described" knife blades found at scene, trial hears

Summary

The trial of Mark Nash, 42, who has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Sylvia Shields (60) and Mary Callanan (61) at sheltered accommodation in Grangegorman between March 6 and March 7, 1997, continued at the Central Criminal Court. Defence counsel cross-examined former Assistant Garda Commissioner James McHugh regarding the earlier, withdrawn murder charge against Dean Lyons. Mr. McHugh testified that Lyons made admissions describing the scene, including the entry point and the victims' positions, which he agreed were consistent with the facts. The defence argued that Lyons' description of the carving knife blades found at the scene could not have been more accurate. Mr. McHugh acknowledged that a second admission from Nash caused concern within An Garda Síochána, leading to an investigation into potential contamination. He stated he was satisfied that officers in Galway, where Nash made his admission, did not prompt him, noting that no notes were taken during those interviews. The court heard that both statements could not be true, necessitating a review of the evidence. The trial continues.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man first charged with 1997 Grangegorman murder could not have "more accurately described" knife blades found at scene, trial hears. Charges or matters: the murder of Sylvia Shields (60) and Mary Callanan (61) at sheltered accommodation in Grangegorman between March 6 and March 7, 1997. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• March 6 Hearing Or Sentence
• March 7, 1997 Hearing Or Sentence
• July 1997 Hearing Or Sentence
• March 6 1997 Hearing Or Sentence
• July 26 Other
• March 6, 1997 Other
• July 29 Other
• September 1997 Other
• 2015-02-27 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report