Courts / Dublin / Report

Murder accused recognised by two gardai from CCTV footage, Lisa Thompson trial hears

Date
2025-02-18

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Ballymun

County
Dublin

Summary

The trial heard that the accused, Brian McHugh, 40, was identified on CCTV footage near Lisa Thompson's home by two Gardaí who noted his large stature, protruding ears and distinctive gait. A Detective Inspector denied that the identification process lacked impartiality. The jury was told that McHugh and Thompson had a brief relationship the year before her death. Gardaí found thousands of prescription tablets worth nearly €50,000 in Thompson's attic. McHugh, who lives at Cairn Court, Poppintree, Ballymun, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Thompson, 52, at Sandyhill Gardens on 9 May 2022. Evidence described Thompson's body with multiple stab wounds and a cord strangulation, and a mixed DNA profile on the cord. The trial continues before Justice Karen O'Connor and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused recognised by two gardai from CCTV footage, Lisa Thompson trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering Ms Thompson (52) at Sandyhill Gardens, Ballymun in Dublin 11 on May 9, 2022. Procedural stage: trial

When:

May 9, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
May 15, 2022 Other
May 9 2022 Other
May 9 Other
May 15 Other
2025-02-18 Publication

Why: A pathologist has also given evidence that Ms Thompson's death occurred because of a combination of ligature strangulation causing asphyxia and multiple stab wounds to the left side of the chest. CNI source report