Seán Flanagan on trial for murder as DNA evidence heard

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

Seán Flanagan is on trial for murdering Gerard McMahon in the Central Criminal Court, with DNA evidence heard in proceedings reported on 14 November 2013.

Seán Flanagan and Paul Colbert have pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr McMahon outside his cousin’s house on Lenihan Avenue on 18 January 2012.

Ian Flanagan has pleaded not guilty to two counts of assisting an offender on the same date, allegedly removing a CCTV recording device knowing it might be evidence.

Forensic scientist John Hoade told the Central Criminal Court that blood on clothing and a runner attributed to Seán Flanagan matched Mr McMahon’s DNA.

Hoade said the blood on the tracksuit bottoms was airborne, and that Seán Flanagan was in close proximity to Mr McMahon while he was bleeding.

State pathologist Marie Cassidy said Mr McMahon died principally from stab wounds to his back, with head wounds contributing.

The State alleges that Seán Flanagan and Paul Colbert acted in joint enterprise to attack Mr McMahon, and the trial continues.