Vesel Jahiri on trial for murder as knife evidence heard

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

Vesel Jahiri’s murder trial continued at the Central Criminal Court on 5 June 2014, when the court heard that two knives found at the scene had not been forensically examined. The proceedings were reported on 6 June 2014.

Vesel Jahiri has pleaded not guilty to murdering Anna Finnegan and to assault causing harm on her brother, Karl Finnegan. Both charges relate to 21 September 2012. The alleged murder took place at Allendale Glen, Clonsilla, Dublin 15.

Vesel Jahiri claims Karl Finnegan produced the knives and Anna Finnegan was fatally injured while trying to stop her brother from stabbing him.

On 5 June 2014, Dr Hilary Clarke of the Garda Technical Bureau said Anna Finnegan’s DNA was obtained from a bloodstain on the tip of the knife exhibited as the weapon that fatally wounded her.

Under cross-examination by defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC, Detective Garda James O’Hora confirmed that two knives found in Anna Finnegan’s kitchen sink underwent no fingerprint or forensic analysis. He said he had not briefed Dr Hilary Clarke about Vesel Jahiri’s account that two knives were involved.

On 4 June 2014, Detective Garda James Cunningham said a fingerprint on the bloodstained knife’s blade was made by Vesel Jahiri’s left forefinger. He found nothing on the handle, not even a smudge. Detective Garda James O’Hora said the knife had remained under lock and key since Vesel Jahiri brought it to Cabra garda station when first arrested, and was available for defence inspection.

Brendan Grehan SC suggested the handle had been wiped clean, including of Karl Finnegan’s fingerprints. Detective Garda James O’Hora denied that anyone interfered with the knife while it was in his possession.

The trial was due to resume on 19 June 2014 before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of six men and four women.