Courts / Cavan / Report
Ruth Lawrence: What the jury didn't hear
Summary
A key witness in the trial of Ruth Lawrence at the Central Criminal Court suffered a heart attack requiring hospitalisation during proceedings, creating significant complications for the case. The witness, who had provided crucial testimony following a garda investigation that began over a decade earlier, was unable to attend court in person. The prosecution successfully applied for his evidence to be delivered via video-link, arguing this had become standard practice. The defence objected strenuously, contending the jury required to see the witness in person given the serious nature of the allegations. The trial judge ruled the application admissible, citing fairness to the accused and the impracticality of further delay. During the case, defence counsel also attempted to introduce evidence relating to the defendant's involvement in charitable work abroad, which the judge deemed irrelevant and excluded. A subsequent application to withdraw one murder charge was rejected, with the judge finding sufficient evidence of joint enterprise to allow the matter to proceed to the jury.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Ruth Lawrence: What the jury didn't hear. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- May 2016 Other
- July 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 22 Other
- 2025-11-12 Publication
Why: Mr O'Higgins said Mr Keegan was murdered because he had the temerity to say he would die for his friend Mr O'Connor. CNI source report
Places mentioned
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