Courts / Dublin / Report
Law professor's murder trial 'all about emotion', defence counsel tells jury
Summary
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, defence counsel Sean Guerin SC argued that the murder trial of law professor Diarmuid Phelan centred on emotion, specifically fear and anger, rather than intent to kill. Phelan, 56, pleaded not guilty to the fatal shooting of 36‑year‑old Keith Conlon on his Tallaght farm on 24 February 2022. The prosecution contended that Phelan fired three shots, two in the air and a third that struck Conlon in the back of the head while he was turning away, indicating intent to kill. Guerin maintained that the shots were warning shots, that Phelan did not intend to hit Conlon, and that the incident was a reaction to trespassers and a hunting dog on the property. He urged the jury to consider the emotional context and the lack of pre‑planned intent in assessing Phelan's actions. The case remains at the trial stage.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Law professor's murder trial 'all about emotion', defence counsel tells jury. Charges or matters: murdering father-of-four Keith 'Bono' Conlon (36) at Hazelgrove Farm, Kiltalown Lane, Tallaght, Dublin 24 on February 24, 2022. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- February 24, 2022 Other
- February 22, 2022 Incident
- February 22 Other
- 2024-12-03 Publication
Why: The killing of trespasser Keith Conlon was "a tragedy and a grievous waste of human life" but it did not happen because of any crime committed by barrister Diarmuid Phelan, his defence team argued today. Defence account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering father-of-four Keith 'Bono' Conlon (36) at Hazelgrove Farm, Kiltalown Lane, Tallaght, Dublin 24 on February 24, 2022 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Kiltalown Lane
Topics
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