The legal proceedings concerning Diarmuid Phelan, a law professor charged with the murder of an intruder on his farm in Co Dublin, have been temporarily paused. The members of the jury, consisting of nine males and three females, were informed by Justice Siobhán Lankford last Thursday that their services weren’t required due to circumstances beyond her control.
Justice Lankford indicated that the trial is making satisfactory progress and that it is slightly ahead of schedule. Initially, it was anticipated to be concluded within a six-week timeframe.
The trial of Mr Phelan, 56, has reached its eleventh day at the Central Criminal Court. He is charged with the murder of Keith Conlon, which allegedly took place at Hazelgrove Farm, Kiltalown Lane, Tallaght, on February 24th, 2022. Mr Conlon was purportedly one of three individuals trespassing on Mr Phelan’s land whilst engaging in a fox hunt on February 22nd, 2022.
According to the prosecution, Mr Phelan is alleged to have shot a dog owned by trespasser Kallum Coleman, and subsequently fired his handgun into the air twice. It is further alleged that a third shot from Mr Phelan resulted in the fatal injury of Mr Conlon, who was declared deceased two days later. The prosecution believes that Mr Phelan had a deliberate intent to commit murder.
Mr Phelan’s defence intends to argue that his actions were justified in self-defence without intending to fatally wound Mr Conlon. He conveyed to law enforcement officials that he felt threatened and feared for his life.
The trial is set to recommence before the jury on the morning of the following Friday.