Courts / Dublin / Report

HSE worker made no reply when told fingerprint was on jewellery cert linked to murdered mum, trial hears

Date
2025-04-02
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

During the trial, a 42‑year‑old HSE drugs addiction counsellor, Deirdre Arnold, was questioned by Gardaí about her fingerprint on a jewellery valuation certificate linked to the murder victim, Lisa Thompson. Arnold made no reply when asked to account for the certificate, which was found in a silver Hyundai Tucson registered to her, and also when asked about her fingerprint on the document. She was also asked to explain her presence at Sandyhill Gardens in Ballymun on 9 May 2022, at an Applegreen filling station in Swords on the same night, and her presence in the vehicle on 17 May 2022, but she again made no comment. The prosecution alleged that Arnold acted to impede the apprehension of Brian McHugh, the murderer, and to pervert the course of justice. She pleaded not guilty to both charges. The case was set to continue before Mr Justice Patrick McGrath and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: HSE worker made no reply when told fingerprint was on jewellery cert linked to murdered mum, trial hears. Charges or matters: the two counts. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Case subjects

Deirdre Arnold

Accused

Charges: the two counts (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Places mentioned

Journey Or Route
Garda Station
  • was conveyed to Clontarf Garda Station
Address Area
  • O'Connell Street
  • St Margaret's Road
Secondary Mention
Residence

Topics

Drugs Stage Trial Violent Crime

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