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Forensic evidence found at Grangegorman scene supports the innocence of Mark Nash, defence counsel tells murder jury
Summary
In a 2015 murder trial, defence counsel Hugh Hartnett SC argued that forensic evidence from the Grangegorman scene supports the innocence of Mark Nash, who is 42 and lives in Dublin. Nash, charged with the murders of Sylvia Shields (60) and Mary Callanan (61) in March 1997, pleaded not guilty. Hartnett highlighted that no hair or DNA from Nash was found at the Orchard View house, and that black fibres on the window came from another source. He also noted that forensic analysis of a jacket and bedding linked to Nash showed no blood contamination. Hartnett contrasted these findings with the detailed admissions of former inmate Dean Lyons, whose statements he claimed were accurate and corroborated by evidence. He urged the jury to acquit Nash, asserting the evidence fell far below the required standard of proof. The judge would later address legal principles.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Forensic evidence found at Grangegorman scene supports the innocence of Mark Nash, defence counsel tells murder jury. Charges or matters: the murder of Sylvia Shields (60) and Mary Callanan (61) between March 6 and March 7, 1997; the murder of Mary Callanan on July 27, 1997. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- March 6 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 7, 1997 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 27, 1997 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 6 1997 Other
- August 1997 Incident
- 2015-04-15 Publication
Why: The difference is because he wasn't there," summed up Mr Hartnett. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the murder of Sylvia Shields (60) and Mary Callanan (61) between March 6 and March 7, 1997; the murder of Mary Callanan on July 27, 1997 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: The jury previously heard evidence that a criminal and suspect by the name of Martin Stafford was questioned about the 1997 double murder. "Martin Stafford had a history of violence, he is serving a life sentence for murder, he hijacked a car and attacked a woman doing business on Benburb Street that night and the car was found very close to Orchard View and it was spotted between 12-1am in the vicinity by someone delivering take away," put Mr Hartnett to the jury.
Places mentioned
- Prussia Street
- Clonliffe Road
- Benburb Street
- Central Criminal Court
- St Brendan's Psychiatric Hospital
- Orchard View
- him in Mill Street garda station
- Mill Street
Topics
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