Courts / Dublin / Report

State drops murder charge against Bog Lane accused

Summary

The State withdrew a murder charge against a 22-year-old man at the Central Criminal Court following several days of legal argument. Matthew Gralton, from Mt Prospect, County Roscommon, had pleaded not guilty to the murder of Christy Daly, aged 47, on a bog lane in Kilbride, Clara, County Offaly between 29 December 2013 and 7 January 2014. Prosecution counsel Patrick Marrinan SC entered a nolle prosequi, indicating the decision not to proceed with the case. Justice Patrick McCarthy discharged Mr Gralton from the charge. The trial of Ross Allen, aged 25, with addresses in Carrickmines, County Dublin and Clara, County Offaly, continues. Mr Allen has pleaded not guilty to Mr Daly's murder. The prosecution presented evidence from witnesses during proceedings before the jury, comprising five women and six men. The trial is due to resume before Justice McCarthy on Friday morning.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: State drops murder charge against Bog Lane accused. Charges or matters: the murder of Christy Daly (47) on a remote bog lane in Kilbride, Clara, Co Offaly between December 29, 2013 and January 7, 2014; Mr Daly's murder. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• December 29, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
• January 7, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2016-05-05 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report