Judge begins charging jury in Alan Wilson murder trial

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

Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy had begun his charge to the jury in Alan Wilson’s murder trial at the Central Criminal Court. Deliberations were expected to begin on 30 July 2014.

Wilson was charged with murdering Marioara Rostas, 18, at a house on Brabazon Street, The Coombe, on 7 January or 8 January 2008. He has pleaded not guilty. The proceedings were reported on 30 July 2014.

Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC delivered his closing speech on 29 July 2014. He accused the State’s main witness, Fergus O’Hanlon, of giving the jury a “master class in perjury”, saying he had lied to gardaí and continued to lie in the witness box.

O’Hanlon had immunity from prosecution. Counsel said he had come forward with information only while being questioned about another crime, had shown a willingness to seek a deal and continued to benefit significantly through participation in the witness protection programme.

Counsel also rejected O’Hanlon’s explanation that fear of Wilson had caused him to refuse a formal identification parade. He said Wilson had wanted to take part in such a parade but had not been asked.