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Jury in law professor's murder trial told they can return three possible verdicts
Summary
In a murder trial, the jury is instructed to decide whether the State has proven beyond a reasonable doubt that law professor Diarmuid Phelan intended to kill or seriously injure the trespasser Keith Conlon. The judge explains that Phelan, a 56‑year‑old barrister and farmer, fired three shots from his revolver after trespassers allegedly threatened him. The prosecution argues two shots were warning shots and the third struck Conlon in the back of the head, implying intent. The defence contends the third shot was accidental, a result of stress and misalignment. The jury may return one of three verdicts: guilty of murder, not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter, or not guilty. The judge also notes that if Phelan's self‑defence claim is upheld, the jury must consider whether the force used was reasonable and proportionate to the circumstances. The charge will continue tomorrow.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jury in law professor's murder trial told they can return three possible verdicts. 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
- 2024-12-09 Publication
Why: The judge said if the jury found Mr Phelan did intend to kill or seriously injure him, murder could be made out but they had to go further as this was not the end of the matter because Mr Phelan had raised the issue of self defence. 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
Topics
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