Courts / Dublin / Report
Trial of man charged in connection with murder of David Black in voir dire
Summary
In the Special Criminal Court, Vincent Banks, 44, of Smithfield Gate Apartments, Dublin 7, pleaded not guilty to a charge of withholding information related to the murder of prison officer David Black. The court held a voir dire to decide on legal matters concerning Banks' detention and arrest, the legality of forensic samples, searches of his apartment and a Finglas address, and the acquisition of phone records. The prosecution alleged that Black, 52, was shot dead on the M1 near Lurgan on 1 November 2012 while driving to work at Maghaberry jail. They claim the fatal shots were fired from a Toyota Camry (registration 94 D 50997) bought by Banks, with bullet casings at the scene matching those from the vehicle. Banks is accused of failing to disclose information that could assist in apprehending or prosecuting the murderer between 10 October and 20 December 2012. The court will hear further arguments on these issues tomorrow before Judge Paul Butler.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Trial of man charged in connection with murder of David Black in voir dire. Charges or matters: a charge of withholding information in relation to the murder. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 1, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 10th Other
- December 20th 2012 Incident
- 2014-03-12 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: a charge of withholding information in relation to the murder (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: The trial has entered a voir dire, a trial within a trial to determine legal issues relating to the detention and arrest of the accused man, the legality of obtaining certain forensic samples, searches of his apartment in Smithfield and an address in Finglas, as well issues on the obtaining of certain phone records.
Places mentioned
- The Special Criminal Court
- Northern Ireland prison
Topics
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