Courts / Dublin / Report
Man admits to murdering friend in 'execution' trial, days after prison officer mishap with jury
Summary
A 33‑year‑old man, Conor Dolan, pleaded guilty to murdering his 36‑year‑old friend Neil Fitzgerald on 5 June 2016. The killing took place on Hills Lane, Crooksling, Tallaght, where Fitzgerald was found riddled with six bullets. Dolan had originally pleaded not guilty on 4 July, but after a second jury was discharged due to prison officers standing too close to him, a new jury of twelve was empanelled. Evidence included a burning rubber glove and a mobile phone recovered from Dolan's home, and cuts on his hand and blood on his tracksuit after the murder. Dolan was re‑arraigned on the murder count and pleaded guilty in the presence of the jury. He was remanded in custody until 9 October, when he will be sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice Eileen Creedon. The trial highlighted the alleged luring of Fitzgerald by Dolan, who was considered a trusted friend.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man admits to murdering friend in 'execution' trial, days after prison officer mishap with jury. Charges or matters: the charge on July 4 and prosecution counsel Mr Lorcan Staines SC made his opening address in the trial. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- June 5, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 4 Hearing Or Sentence
- Thursday, July 6 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 9 Adjournment
- 2023-07-07 Publication
Why: A 33-year-old man has pleaded guilty this afternoon to murdering his friend, who was "lured" to a country lane and "riddled" with bullets in an "execution-style killing", just two days after a second trial jury had to be empanelled because a prison officer stood too close to the defendant in view of jurors. CNI source report
Case subjects
Applicant
Charges: the charge on July 4 and prosecution counsel Mr Lorcan Staines SC made his opening address in the trial (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: When the six men and six women left the courtroom, Mr Murray asked for a sentence date in early October for his client as he [Dolan] had "personal arrangements" to put in place. The judge remanded Dolan in custody until October 9, when he will be sentenced.; The judge remanded Dolan in custody until October 9, when he will be sentenced.
Places mentioned
- Hills Lane
Topics
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