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Trespasser shot by law professor became 'extremely violent', attacked garda during previous burglary arrest, trial hears
Summary
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, the accused, law professor Diarmuid Phelan, 56, is charged with the killing of Keith Conlon, 36, at Hazelgrove Farm in Tallaght on 24 February 2022. Phelan, a barrister and farmer, pleaded not guilty. The jury heard that Conlon had previously been arrested for burglary in 2010, during which he became "extremely violent", kicked a Garda and tried to jump from a patrol car. Conlon had pleaded guilty to burglary and assault in Dun Laoghaire District Court and received a 12‑month probation order. The prosecution alleged that on the day of the shooting, three men, including Conlon, trespassed on Phelan's land while hunting, and that Phelan fired a Smith & Wesson revolver in self‑defence, unintentionally killing Conlon in the back of the head. The trial continues tomorrow before Justice Siobhan Lankford and a jury of nine men and three women.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Trespasser shot by law professor became 'extremely violent', attacked garda during previous burglary arrest, trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering Keith Conlon (36) at Hazelgrove Farm, Kiltalown Lane, Tallaght, Dublin 24 on February 24, 2022; burglary and assault in Dun Laoghaire District Court. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 24, 2022 Other
- July 1, 2018 Other
- August 26, 2018 Other
- January 26 2010 Incident
- January 2010 Incident
- February 22 Incident
- 2024-10-30 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering Keith Conlon (36) at Hazelgrove Farm, Kiltalown Lane, Tallaght, Dublin 24 on February 24, 2022; burglary and assault in Dun Laoghaire District Court (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Accused
Charges: murdering Keith Conlon (36) at Hazelgrove Farm, Kiltalown Lane, Tallaght, Dublin 24 on February 24, 2022; burglary and assault in Dun Laoghaire District Court (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Sgt Whelan said Mr Conlon received a probation order for 12 months in relation to the 2010 matter, which was subject to various conditions including attending the probation service and availing of training.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Dun Laoghaire District Court
- Kiltalown Lane
- Blessington Road
- was conveyed to Tallaght Garda Station
- Tallaght
- they arrived at Tallaght Garda Station
- with him to Tallaght Garda Station
- didn't go to the garda station
- Kiltalown Park
- Tallaght University Hospital
Topics
Burglary Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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