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Law professor said he was 'scared sh**less' when he shot unarmed trespasser, trial opening hears

Summary

Diarmuid Phelan, a 56‑year‑old law professor and farmer, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Keith Conlon, 36, who was shot in the back of the head on 22 February 2022 at Hazelgrove Farm, Tallaght. Phelan told the Gardaí that he was terrified and "scared sh**less" when he fired a Winchester rifle at a loose dog and then, after three men emerged from the woods, he fired a Smith & Wesson revolver in the air. He claimed the third shot struck Conlon accidentally while he was turning away. The prosecution, represented by Senior Counsel Roisin Lacey, argued that the gun was pointed at Conlon when the fatal shot was fired, implying intent to kill or cause serious injury. The trial, held at the Central Criminal Court, will examine the circumstances of the shooting, the witnesses' accounts, and the forensic evidence regarding the bullet and the revolver's ammunition.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Law professor said he was 'scared sh**less' when he shot unarmed trespasser, trial opening hears. Charges or matters: murdering Keith Conlon (36) at Hazelgrove Farm, Kiltalown Lane, Tallaght, on February 24, 2022. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• February 24, 2022 Incident
• February 22 Incident
• February 24 Incident
• 2024-10-16 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report