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Verdict in law professor's trial will decide if 'last line of protection' remains 'available to all citizens', defence say

Summary

Law professor Diarmuid Phelan, 56, is on trial for the murder of Keith Conlon, 36, who died on Phelan's farm in Tallaght on 24 February 2022. Phelan, a barrister, lecturer and farmer, pleaded not guilty. The case centres on an incident where three trespassers—Conlon, Kallum Coleman and Robin Duggan—were hunting on a wooded area of Phelan's land. Phelan allegedly fired three shots from a Smith & Wesson revolver after shouting at the trespassers to leave. The prosecution argues two shots were warning shots and the third, aimed at Conlon's back, was intended to kill or seriously injure him. The defence contends Phelan fired accidental warning shots, that he was acting in self‑defence against an imminent threat, and that he had not failed to observe safety procedures. The jury heard evidence of the trespassers' knowledge of Phelan's firearm, the timing of the shots, and the circumstances of the shooting.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Verdict in law professor's trial will decide if 'last line of protection' remains 'available to all citizens', defence say. 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 Incident
• February 22 Incident
• 2024-12-04 Publication

Why: Photo: Collins) Law professor Diarmuid Phelan is on trial for murder because of his "restraint, self-control, patience and quiet hope" that others would have respect for the law and "tragically" a trespasser on his farm is dead because he had no such respect, defence lawyers have told a Central Criminal Court jury. Defence account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report