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"Dad is away from the bad boys now": Dublin man's "execution" was witnessed by his 7-year-old daughter, murder trial hears

Date
2015-05-06
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

During a murder trial in Dublin, a seven‑year‑old girl testified that she heard gunshots and saw her father, Keith O'Neill, being shot at his home on Cloverhill Road on 28 September 2012. She described hearing "bang bang bang" and feeling a mix of sadness and relief that her father was no longer with "bad boys." O'Neill, aged 39, pleaded not guilty to the murder of John Wilson. The prosecution, led by Conor Devally, presented evidence that a hooded gunman entered the house, fired six shots, and that two bullets struck Wilson, one in the chest and one in the left arm. The state pathologist confirmed the fatal chest wound and the presence of multiple internal injuries. The case is proceeding before a jury of five women and seven men, with the trial expected to last two weeks.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "Dad is away from the bad boys now": Dublin man's "execution" was witnessed by his 7-year-old daughter, murder trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering John Wilson on September 28th, 2012 at his home on Cloverhill Road, Ballyfermot Dublin 10. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Why: A seven year old girl who witnessed her father's "execution" at their home told gardai that she felt a "little bit sad and a little happy because my dad is away from the bad boys now", a murder trial has heard. CNI source report

Case subjects

Unnamed girl

Defendant

Charges: murdering John Wilson on September 28th, 2012 at his home on Cloverhill Road, Ballyfermot Dublin 10 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court
Secondary Mention
Residence
  • Lissadell Drive
Address Area
  • Cloverhill Road
Facility
  • John Wilson's house
  • Mr Wilson's house
Journey Or Route

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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