Courts / Clare / Report

Murder accused replied 'no comment' during inference interviews, trial hears

Date
2024-01-25

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Lisdoonvarna

County
Clare

Summary

During the trial of Thomas Lorigan, accused of murdering his 78‑year‑old uncle John O'Neill, the court heard that Lorigan, who was arrested for assault causing serious harm, was questioned by Gardaí about blood on his clothing. In an inference interview, Lorigan was told that a failure to explain the presence of blood could lead a jury to draw an inference. When asked to account for blood on his black boots and blue jeans seized from Gleann Bhreandain, he replied "no comment." Forensic evidence showed the boots and jeans contained DNA from both Lorigan and O'Neill, and the jeans' lower leg matched O'Neill's profile. Lorigan was also asked about a box of alcoholic drinks seized from the uncle's house, to which he again made no comment. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury. Thomas Lorigan pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused replied 'no comment' during inference interviews, trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering widower Mr O'Neill (78) at St Brendan's Road, Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare on a date unknown between January 6 and 7, 2022. Procedural stage: trial

When:

January 6 Hearing Or Sentence
January 7 Incident
January 7, 2022 Other
2024-01-25 Publication

Why: The witness went on to say that he had conducted an "inference interview" with the accused the next day, where Mr Lorigan was informed about the reason for his arrest and that certain items had been seized as part of the investigation. CNI source report

Case subjects

Thomas Lorigan

Accused

Charges: murdering widower Mr O'Neill (78) at St Brendan's Road, Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare on a date unknown between January 6 and 7, 2022 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty