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Jury in law professor's murder trial take 'long break', will not deliberate until after Christmas
Summary
The jury for the trial of law professor Diarmuid Phelan, who denies murdering trespasser Keith 'Bono' Conlon, will take a long break and will not deliberate until after Christmas. The jury, made up of nine men and three women, had previously informed the judge that they were unavailable to attend the Central Criminal Court on several dates, including December 22 and 23. Judge Siobhan Lankford explained that the trial had already run nine weeks, longer than the initial six‑week estimate, and that the jurors could return to work during the break if they wished. She will resume the charge on December 30 and will summarise the prosecution and defence cases then, giving the jurors a document outlining the legal questions they must consider before reaching a verdict. The case remains at the trial stage, with the jury yet to decide on the murder charge against Mr Phelan. Diarmuid Phelan pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jury in law professor's murder trial take 'long break', will not deliberate until after Christmas. 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:
- December 22 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 24, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 30 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 2 Hearing Or Sentence
- Christmas Other
- 2024-12-12 Publication
Why: The judge said because they "were breaking for a long period" she would leave two matters over until they returned to the Central Criminal Court on December 30. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
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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