Courts / Clare / Report
Judge addresses jury on post-trial 'fallout' and time out, in believed first for criminal trial
Summary
In a High Court murder trial, Mr Justice Paul McDermott addressed jurors after Thomas Lorigan was found guilty of killing his 78‑year‑old uncle, John O'Neill, by stamping him to death outside his home in Lisdoonvarna. Lorigan, aged 34 and without a fixed abode, had denied the murder. The jury had seen graphic CCTV footage of the assault, which caused one juror to become very emotional. Mr Justice McDermott explained that the courts could not provide any "time out post‑verdict" or additional support beyond what is already available through the Courts Service, which offers debriefing for jurors and support for court staff. He thanked the 12 jurors for their dedication and noted that they would be exempt from jury service for the next ten years. The judge also acknowledged the increasing impact of traumatic digital evidence on all involved parties.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Judge addresses jury on post-trial 'fallout' and time out, in believed first for criminal trial. Charges or matters: murder. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- January 6 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2024-02-01 Publication
Case subjects
Places mentioned
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