Courts / Dublin / Report

Law professor denied he saw himself as 'cut above' and tried to teach people a lesson, jury hears

Date
2024-11-12

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Tallaght

County
Dublin

Summary

A jury heard that law professor Diarmuid Phelan, 56, denied murdering Keith Conlon, 36, on his farm in Tallaght. Phelan said he was terrified when three men appeared on his land and that he fired his revolver in self‑defence, claiming the shots were aimed at the men, not at Conlon. He described the men as threatening him and said he had tried to retreat but was forced to shoot. Phelan also alleged that his farm had been subject to burglary, drug use, armed men and arson, and that Gardaí had not responded promptly to earlier incidents. He said he had given the revolver to Gardaí and that he was under immense stress. The trial is ongoing before Justice Siobhan Lankford and a jury. Diarmuid Phelan pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Law professor denied he saw himself as 'cut above' and tried to teach people a lesson, jury hears. Charges or matters: murdering father-of-four Keith Conlon (36) at Hazelgrove Farm, Kiltalown Lane, Tallaght, Dublin 24 on February 24, 2022; the murder of Mr Conlon on February 25 2022, to which the accused made no reply. Procedural stage: trial

When:

February 24, 2022 Other
February 22 Incident
February 25 2022 Other
October 2, 2022 Other
2024-11-12 Publication

Case subjects

Diarmuid Phelan

Defendant

Charges: murdering father-of-four Keith Conlon (36) at Hazelgrove Farm, Kiltalown Lane, Tallaght, Dublin 24 on February 24, 2022; the murder of Mr Conlon on February 25 2022, to which the accused made no reply (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty