Courts / Dublin / Report

Jury in law professor's murder trial sent away for day

Date
2024-10-31

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Tallaght

County
Dublin

Summary

The trial of Prof Diarmuid Phelan, a barrister and law lecturer accused of murdering Keith Conlon, was adjourned until Friday morning. Phelan, 56, pleaded not guilty to the charge of murdering Conlon, 36, at Hazelgrove Farm in Tallaght, Dublin 24, on February 24, 2022. Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford sent the 12 jurors away for the day, stating there was no work for them due to reasons outside her control. She noted the trial is ahead of schedule and expected to conclude within the estimated six-week timeframe. In her opening address, Roisin Lacey SC outlined the State's case, alleging that three men, including Conlon, trespassed on Phelan's land while hunting. Phelan told gardai he shot a loose dog with a Winchester rifle, after which the men threatened him. He claimed he fired a Smith & Wesson revolver in the air in self-defense, but Conlon was struck in the back of the head. The State asserts Phelan intended to kill or cause serious injury. The defense is expected to argue the shooting was an accidental result of a legitimate act of self-defense. Conlon died at Tallaght University Hospital two days after the incident. The matter was adjourned and continues before Ms Justice Lankford on Friday.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury in law professor's murder trial sent away for day. Charges or matters: murdering father-of-four Keith Conlon (36) at Hazelgrove Farm, Kiltalown Lane, Tallaght, Dublin 24 on February 24, 2022. Procedural stage: trial

When:

February 24, 2022 Other
February 22 Incident
2024-10-31 Publication

Case subjects

Prof Diarmuid Phelan

Accused

Charges: murdering father-of-four Keith Conlon (36) at Hazelgrove Farm, Kiltalown Lane, Tallaght, Dublin 24 on February 24, 2022 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty