Courts / Kerry / Report
Asylum seeker sought assurances over deportation before giving evidence at murder trial, jury hears
Summary
During a murder trial in the Central Criminal Court, an asylum seeker, Mr Givi Verdzeuli, 66, requested assurances from the Gardaí that he would not be deported before testifying. Verdzeuli, the main prosecution witness against Georgian defendant Badri Khvedelidze, 33, who pleaded not guilty to the 2005 murder of fellow Georgian George Tkeshelashvili in Tralee, had been deported from Ireland prior to the trial. Garda witnesses confirmed attempts to lift the deportation order so Verdzeuli could return to Ireland to give evidence. Verdzeuli had previously stated he would return to Georgia after testifying and had received no assurances of remaining in Ireland post-trial. Georgian interpreter Lashka Trapaidze testified about a conversation on 19 October, where Verdzeuli expressed anxiety about being sent back and sought proof of non‑deportation. The trial continues before Justice Isobel Kennedy on 2 November.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Asylum seeker sought assurances over deportation before giving evidence at murder trial, jury hears. Charges or matters: the murder of fellow Georgian George Tkeshelashvili on October 15 2005 in Tralee, Co Kerry. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- October 15 2005 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 19 Hearing Or Sentence
- Monday, November 2 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2015-10-30 Publication
Why: Speaking before the jury and Justice Isobel Kennedy, prosecuting counsel Tim O'Leary SC explained that Mr Verdzeuli was deported from Ireland prior to the trial going ahead. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the murder of fellow Georgian George Tkeshelashvili on October 15 2005 in Tralee, Co Kerry (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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