Frank Murphy taken to ambulance during murder trial

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Frank Murphy was taken to an ambulance after becoming unwell before his murder trial at the Special Criminal Court. The proceedings were reported on 22 November 2018.

Murphy was charged with murdering Peter Butterly outside a Meath pub on 6 March 2013. He pleaded not guilty to murder, possession of a 9mm Beretta semi-automatic pistol with intent to commit murder, and possession of seven rounds of 9mm ammunition.

The three-judge, non-jury trial began in October 2018. Mr Justice Paul Coffey was presiding with Judge Martin Nolan and Judge James Faughnan.

Murphy was assessed by paramedics outside the courtroom and taken on a stretcher to the ambulance. His barrister, Hugh Hartnett SC, told the court that Murphy was not trying to absent himself, could not be present and had given no instructions.

The court adjourned until 2pm to allow time before Murphy’s solicitor could take instructions from him.