Courts / Dublin / Report

Scientists discovered firearms residue inside car, murder trial hears

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing, scientists reported that firearms residue was found inside a Volkswagen Passat but not in a Nissan Primera, both vehicles suspected of being used in the alleged gang murder of Seamus 'Shay' O'Byrne at Tymon Park North, Tallaght, on 13 March 2009. Dr Thomas Hannigan of the Forensic Science Laboratory explained that samples from the Passat's seatbelt, driver's cockpit and driver's door tested positive for residue, while the Primera's samples were negative. He agreed with the defence that the shooter likely left the scene in the Passat. Garda Terence Toal presented fingerprints linking Gary Flynn (31) and Eugene Cullen to items from the vehicles, matching Flynn's right thumb print to a sample from the Primera's interior passenger door. Gary Flynn pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Scientists discovered firearms residue inside car, murder trial hears. Charges or matters: the murder of Seamus 'Shay' O'Byrne at Tymon Park North in Tallaght on March 13, 2009. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• March 13, 2009 Hearing Or Sentence
• January 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2016-02-09 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report