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'F**k you and your fair trial': cold-blooded killer storms out of dock as he's convicted of murdering grandfather

Summary

Cailean Crawford, 28, was convicted of the murder of Thomas McCarthy, 55, at Croftwood Park, Ballyfermot, on July 27, 2020. The jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict after deliberating for eight hours and 20 minutes, rejecting Crawford's not guilty plea and his defense that he merely loaned a van to associate Charles McClean. Prosecutors alleged Crawford was the gunman who fatally shot McCarthy, who had returned from the UK to visit his mother. Mr Justice Tony Hunt described Crawford as a "cold-blooded" and "dangerous individual," noting the crime was not a victim of circumstance. The judge highlighted Crawford's prior conviction for conspiracy to murder Wayne Whelan in 2019, for which he was sentenced to seven years with two suspended. McClean, who pleaded guilty to lesser offences in that case, was sentenced to eight years. Following the verdict, Crawford shouted at the court and stormed out. Mr Justice Hunt remanded Crawford in custody until December 20, when he will be handed the mandatory sentence of life imprisonment for murder. The matter was adjourned for sentencing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'F**k you and your fair trial': cold-blooded killer storms out of dock as he's convicted of murdering grandfather. Charges or matters: murder; attempted murder but pleaded guilty to lesser offences; conspiracy to murder father-of-three Wayne Whelan at Griffeen Glen Park, Lucan, between May 15 and November 15, 2019. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• July 27, 2020 Other
• September 2019 Incident
• September 2021 Incident
• May 15 Incident
• November 15, 2019 Incident
• December 20 Adjournment
• 2024-12-03 Publication

Why: Following Crawford's outburst, Mr Justice Tony Hunt commented: "The mask slips I suppose members of the jury…He hasn't even the courage to stay here and listen because he knows what I'm going to say in a moment. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report