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Key witness in law professor's murder trial 'legged it' while gardai stopped to get refreshments, jury hears
Summary
In the murder trial of law professor Diarmuid Phelan, the jury heard that 23‑year‑old Kallum Coleman, who had agreed to testify, booked a one‑way ticket to Spain and was hiding in a hotel when a bench warrant was issued. Gardaí attempted to locate him at his family address and other acquaintances' addresses but found no trace. They later identified him in Marbella, where he was "holing up." While Gardaí were stopping for refreshments en route to the airport, Coleman exited the car and fled, refusing to cooperate with the courts. The defence counsel, Michael Bowman, described Coleman's "change of heart" and his decision to "leg it." The trial also covered Phelan's 2017 trespassing case, where threats were made against him in court, and the circumstances of the 2022 shooting that killed Keith Conlon. The case continues before Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford and a jury. Diarmuid Phelan pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Key witness in law professor's murder trial 'legged it' while gardai stopped to get refreshments, jury hears. 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
- Wednesday, October 30 Hearing Or Sentence
- Monday, October 28 Other
- November 4 Incident
- Tuesday November 5 Incident
- October 30 Incident
- Tuesday, November 5 Hearing Or Sentence
- November 6 Incident
- October 2022 Incident
- March 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 22 Incident
- 2024-11-12 Publication
Why: The witness said he told Mr Coleman that because of his witness summons, he had to come to court and give evidence in the trial. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
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
Places mentioned
- Kiltalown Lane
- Central Criminal Court
- High Court
- Tallaght
- Tallaght Courthouse
- Tallaght University Hospital
- Kiltalown Park
Topics
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