Courts / Dublin / Report
Newspaper of evidential significance in case of man charged in connection with David Black murder, court hears
Summary
In a Dublin Special Criminal Court hearing, Vincent Banks, 46, pleaded not guilty to withholding information about the murder of prison officer David Black. The prosecution presented an Evening Herald newspaper dated 2 November 2012, found open to a story about Black's shooting, as evidence of "evidential significance." The paper was discovered in Banks' apartment during a search, alongside other newspapers. The prosecution argued that the newspaper's presence, open to the relevant article, suggested Banks' knowledge of the case. Banks' counsel, Michael P. O'Higgins, argued the newspaper was a thin thread, lacking proof of Banks' possession or fingerprints, and that other newspapers were also found. The court heard that Black, 52, was shot on the M1 near Lurgan on 1 November 2012, and that the murder was allegedly committed by occupants of a Toyota Camry registered 94 D 50997, purchased by Banks.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Newspaper of evidential significance in case of man charged in connection with David Black murder, court hears. Charges or matters: a charge of withholding information in relation to the murder. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- November 2, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- November 1, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 10, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 10th Other
- December 20th 2012 Incident
- April 2 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2014-03-20 Publication
Why: Mr O'Higgins submitted that one such reason for lying may be to avoid incriminating oneself. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: a charge of withholding information in relation to the murder (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Northern Ireland prison
- Smithfield
- Rathgar Road
- Special Criminal Court
Topics
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