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HSE worker accused of being getaway driver in woman's murder not an 'innocent abroad', prosecution tell jury

Summary

In a trial held in Dublin, Deirdre Arnold, a 42‑year‑old HSE addiction counsellor, is charged with assisting Brian McHugh, who murdered a mother‑of‑two, by driving him away from the scene of Lisa Thompson's murder on 9 May 2022 and later checking him into a hotel. The prosecution argues that Arnold knowingly helped McHugh evade arrest, citing her presence at the victim's home, her fingerprints on a jewellery valuation certificate, and text messages sent to McHugh after the murder. Arnold's defence contends that the prosecution has not proven she knew McHugh had committed murder and that she was merely a reluctant driver. She maintains that she was fearful of being strangled and that McHugh was the one in control of the vehicle. The case is before Mr Justice Patrick McGrath with a jury of eleven, and Arnold has pleaded not guilty to both counts of aiding and abetting and perverting the course of justice.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: HSE worker accused of being getaway driver in woman's murder not an 'innocent abroad', prosecution tell jury. Charges or matters: the two counts. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• May 9 2022 Incident
• May 9 Other
• June 18 Other
• May 10 2022 Incident
• 2025-04-04 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report