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Murder accused said he knew deceased's girlfriend, court told

Summary

In a 2014 hearing, 30‑year‑old Eugene Cullen of Derry Road, Crumlin pleaded not guilty to the 2009 murder of Seamus O'Byrne, 27, in Tallaght. The Central Criminal Court heard that O'Byrne was shot outside his home in front of his girlfriend, Sharon Rattigan, who tackled the gunman and was shot in the leg. The prosecution said Cullen was not the gunman but one of four men involved in planning the murder. In interviews after his arrest, Cullen admitted he knew Rattigan and had hung out with her little brother, but denied knowing the assassin or participating in the shooting. He also denied placing a petrol can in a stolen Volkswagen Passat, though he admitted buying a can of petrol the day before the shooting for a friend. The trial was before Mr Justice Barry White and a jury of five men and seven women.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused said he knew deceased's girlfriend, court told. Charges or matters: murdering Seamus O' Byrne (27) at Tymon Park North, Tallaght, on March 13, 2009. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• March 13, 2009 Incident
• 2014-03-13 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Theft Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report