Courts / Wicklow / Report

Judge discharges former garda from jury empanelled to hear woman's murder trial

Summary

A 29‑year‑old woman, Marta Herda of Arklow, was arraigned in the Central Criminal Court on 4 July 2016 for the murder of Hungarian Csaba Orsas at South Quay, Arklow, on 26 March 2013. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy informed the court that the trial would last three weeks and had sworn in a jury of seven men and five women. When the jury returned, the judge addressed one juror who confirmed she had been a member of An Garda Siochana. He explained that while there was no principle objection to a former Garda serving, the case might present a difficulty because of her insider knowledge. The judge, acknowledging her eligibility, discharged her with some embarrassment, stating it was best for the jury to remain impartial. He informed the remaining 11 jurors that the panel would leave for the day and that a replacement would be sworn in the following day, when the trial was expected to commence.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Judge discharges former garda from jury empanelled to hear woman's murder trial. Charges or matters: murdering Hungarian Csaba Orsas at South Quay, Arklow on March 26, 2013. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• March 26, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2016-07-04 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report