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Father, farmer, academic, accused: Diarmuid Phelan in Profile
Summary
Diarmuid Phelan, a law professor and farmer, was accused of murdering Keith Conlon by shooting him in the back of the head on his farm. During a March 2022 High Court bail hearing, the State opposed release, citing flight risk. Phelan, appearing via video-link from Cloverhill Prison, denied any intention to evade justice. The court heard he held significant assets, including farms in Wexford and Tallaght, and was a US citizen. Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy refused bail, finding him a serious flight risk with a powerful incentive to evade justice. Phelan subsequently appealed to the Court of Appeal. Mr Justice George Birmingham noted Phelan had left the High Court judge "totally in the dark" regarding his finances. The Court of Appeal granted bail, requiring a personal bond of €50,000 and an independent surety of €50,000. Phelan's murder trial later opened before Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford. He did not take the stand to give evidence in his defence. The prosecution suggested he was a skilled shooter, while his defence included a US firearms expert. The report details his professional background, financial arrangements, and the procedural history of his bail application and subsequent trial proceedings.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Father, farmer, academic, accused: Diarmuid Phelan in Profile. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- March 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 16 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-01-03 Publication
Why: Via video-link from Cloverhill Prison, Mr Phelan told a High Court judge that he had to clear his name because his reputation and career were dependent on it. CNI source report
Places mentioned
- High Court
- New York. The High Court
- Colorado. CONSIDERABLE ASSETS The High Court
- The High Court
- Court of Appeal
- Cloverhill Prison
Topics
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