Courts / Dublin / Report

Law professor's murder trial hears of 'constant aggressive' trespassers as defence closes case

Summary

The defence has closed its case after seven weeks of evidence in the trial of law professor Diarmuid Phelan, who denies murdering trespasser Keith 'Bono' Conlon on his farm in Tallaght. Evidence was given that Phelan had reported constant, aggressive trespassers who would not disperse when asked and had said "we will do whatever the f**k we like". A gate on Phelan's land had been spray‑painted with "RIP Bono" in relation to Conlon's death. Phelan, 56, a barrister and farmer, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Conlon, 36, who was shot on February 22, 2022, and died two days later. The jury heard that on the day in question three men – Conlon, Kallum Coleman and Robin Duggan – had trespassed on a wooded area of Phelan's land while hunting. Phelan is alleged to have shouted at two unarmed trespassers to "get back" before firing three shots from his Smith & Wesson revolver.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Law professor's murder trial hears of 'constant aggressive' trespassers as defence closes case. Charges or matters: murdering Mr Conlon (36) at Hazelgrove Farm, Kiltalown Lane, Tallaght, Dublin 24 on February 24, 2022. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• February 24, 2022 Incident
• February 22 Incident
• February 21 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
• March 2016 Incident
• October 24 Other
• 2015 and 2019 Other
• 2024-11-27 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report