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Judge was 'disparaging' to teen murderer's defence, lawyers claim
Summary
Aaron Connolly, aged 25, has appealed his 2022 conviction for the murder of 18‑year‑old Cameron Reilly, who was found dead in a field near Dunleer. Connolly argues that Judge Tony Hunt's charge was "disparaging" and "denigrating" of the defence, claiming the judge engaged in "advocacy for the prosecution". He also contends that the judge's handling of Section 22 admissions—statements Connolly made through counsel during the trial—was improper, as the judge accepted them as conclusive evidence without challenge. Connolly's counsel, Michael Bowman SC, cited the Supreme Court's Rattigan decision to argue that the judge's remarks may have crossed a line, undermining the defence's closing. The Director of Public Prosecutions' counsel defended the judge's approach, stating it was a direct, accessible charge of the evidence. The Court of Appeal will decide the appeal at a later date. Aaron Connolly pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Judge was 'disparaging' to teen murderer's defence, lawyers claim. Charges or matters: the murder of 18-year-old Cameron Reilly at Shamrock Hill, Dunleer, Co Louth on May 26, 2018 but was found guilty by a unanimous jury verdict in December 2022. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- May 26, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 2022 Other
- May 25 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-06-24 Publication
Why: "That is, in a sense, somewhat lazy or inaccurate because that's not what it is," he said. CNI source report
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: the murder of 18-year-old Cameron Reilly at Shamrock Hill, Dunleer, Co Louth on May 26, 2018 but was found guilty by a unanimous jury verdict in December 2022 (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; Aaron Connolly (25), who murdered his friend and left his body in a field, has appealed his conviction. (Photo: Collins) by Fiona Magennis A killer serving a life sentence for murdering his teenage friend – whose body was discovered in a field hours after they had been socialising together – has appealed his conviction, arguing the trial judge was "disparaging" and "denigrating" toward the defence's case.
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