Case No. 2757Murder · Co. Dublin · 22 Feb 2022
Murder trial of law professor Diarmuid Phelan adjourned to December 30
The Central Criminal Court trial of Diarmuid Phelan, 56, a senior counsel and law professor at Trinity College Dublin, charged with the murder of Keith Conlon, 36, at his farm in Tallaght, Co Dublin, in February 2022, was adjourned to 30 December 2024 after jurors indicated unavailability. The trial, which opened on 16 October 2024, is in its ninth week.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court25 Nov
10 reports - Verdict
- Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports105 statements extracted from the articles
- whatDiarmuid Phelan is a barrister, law lecturer and farmer who owns Hazelgrove, formerly a golf course. (irishtimes.com)
- whatConlon was seriously injured on February 22nd and died from a single gunshot wound to the head at Tallaght University Hospital two days later. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe Smith & Wesson revolver used was a double action gun. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe prosecution says the accused intended to kill or cause serious injury. (irishtimes.com)
- whatDr William Lewinski, a behavioural scientist and psychologist, testified that the decision to fire warning shots was a reasonable response given the perception of an imminent threat and short time for decision making. (irishtimes.com)
- whatPhelan said he shot at the dog as he thought it was a risk to his sheep (irishtimes.com)
- whatOfficers put it to Phelan that the Lurcher dog he had shot was tied up (irishtimes.com)
- whatPhelan had reported constant aggressive trespassers on his land who would not disperse when asked. (irishtimes.com)
- whatConlon was seriously injured in the shooting on 22 February and died from a single gunshot wound to the head at Tallaght University Hospital two days later. (irishtimes.com)
- whatPhelan was seeking to rent out the clubhouse for €18,000 annually before it was burnt down. (irishtimes.com)
- whatPhelan was also seeking to rent out sheds in the lower yard for €8,000 per annum including rates and insurance. (irishtimes.com)
- whatConlon, Coleman and Duggan were using a dog to hunt badgers and foxes while trespassing. (irishtimes.com)
- whatHannah Felgner, 19, a student from Germany, said Conlon had his back to Phelan when he was shot in the head. (irishtimes.com)
- whatConlon was shot in the back of the head as he turned away. (irishtimes.com)
- whatConlon, a father of four, was pronounced brain-dead at Tallaght hospital two days after being shot. (irishtimes.com)
- whatOn the morning of the shooting, two men were fixing the farm gate which had been criminally damaged. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThree shots were fired by Phelan from his revolver, one of which came into contact with Conlon (irishtimes.com)
- whatConlon was pronounced dead at Tallaght University Hospital two days after being critically injured (irishtimes.com)
- whatConlon, Kallum Coleman and Robin Duggan had been using a dog to hunt badgers and/or foxes while trespassing on the farm (irishtimes.com)
- whatConlon and Coleman followed Phelan up a field after heated exchanges (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe prosecution case is that two shots were fired into the air and a third penetrated Conlon's body (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe prosecution argued Conlon was hit in the back of the head as he turned away (irishtimes.com)
- whatKeith Conlon, a father of four, was pronounced brain-dead in hospital on February 24th, two days after he was shot at the farm. (irishtimes.com)
- whatConlon and two other men, Kallum Coleman and Robin Duggan, were using a lurcher dog to hunt badgers and/or foxes when trespassing on the farm on February 22nd 2022. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe prosecution case was that two shots were fired into the air by Phelan from his Smith & Wesson revolver and a third penetrated Conlon's body. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe shot that hit Conlon was 6cm below his head. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe prosecution case is that Keith Conlon was unlawfully shot by Phelan on 22 February 2022 (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe prosecution say Phelan intended to kill or cause serious injury (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe prosecution say intent was formed between the second and third shots (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe defence case was that the killing was unintentional due to terrain, movement, stress and revolver alignment (irishtimes.com)
- whatPhelan raised self-defence as a defence (irishtimes.com)
- whatConlon was pronounced brain-dead at Tallaght Hospital on 24 February, two days after being shot (irishtimes.com)
- whatConlon and two other men were trespassing on the farm hunting with a lurcher and a terrier (irishtimes.com)
- whatPhelan was concerned about lambing ewes and shot the lurcher first (irishtimes.com)
- whatTwo shots were fired into the air and a third penetrated Conlon's body in the back of the head as he turned away (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe deceased was shot in the back of the head as he turned away (irishtimes.com)
- whatConlon and two other men were using a lurcher dog and a terrier to hunt badgers and/or foxes on the farm on 22 February 2022. (irishtimes.com)
- whatConlon was pronounced brain dead at Tallaght hospital on 24 February 2022, two days after being shot. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe prosecution case is that two shots were fired into the air and a third shot penetrated Conlon's body. (irishtimes.com)
- whatPhelan is 56, a senior counsel and law professor at Trinity College Dublin, and has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Keith Conlon, 36. (irishtimes.com)
- whatConlon and two other men, Kallum Coleman and Robin Duggan, were hunting badgers and/or foxes with a lurcher dog and a terrier on the farm on 22 February. (irishtimes.com)
- whatAfter Phelan shot the lurcher, there were heated exchanges and Conlon and Coleman followed Phelan up a field. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe defence case is that Phelan acted in self-defence and had no intention to hit Conlon. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe defence raised uneven terrain, movement up an incline, stress, and the light weight, trigger pull, and deviation in alignment of the revolver as reasons the killing was unintentional. (irishtimes.com)
- whatDiarmuid Phelan is 56, a senior counsel and law professor at Trinity College Dublin. (irishtimes.com)
- whatPhelan shot the lurcher dog. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThere were heated exchanges with the trespassers after the dog was shot. (irishtimes.com)
- whatConlon and Coleman followed Phelan up a field. (irishtimes.com)
- whatA third shot penetrated the body of Conlon in the back of the head as he turned away. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe defence case is that Phelan acted in self-defence with no intention to hit Conlon. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe incident occurred at Hazlegrove farm, Kiltalown Lane, Tallaght, on 24 February 2022 (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe shooting took place at Hazlegrove farm, Kiltalown Lane, Tallaght (irishtimes.com)
- causePhelan was concerned about lambing ewes when the incident occurred. (irishtimes.com)
- weaponPhelan fired two shots into the air and a third shot from his Smith & Wesson revolver penetrated Conlon's body. (irishtimes.com)
- weaponPhelan used a Smith & Wesson revolver. (irishtimes.com)
- weaponPhelan fired two shots into the air and a third shot from his Smith & Wesson revolver that penetrated Conlon's body. (irishtimes.com)
- weaponPhelan fired two shots into the air from a Smith & Wesson revolver. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationPhelan had reported trespassing incidents on his land between 2015 and 2019. (irishtimes.com)
- chargePhelan, 56, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Conlon, 36 (irishtimes.com)
- chargePhelan, 56, a senior counsel and professor of law at Trinity College Dublin, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Keith Conlon, 36, at Hazlegrove farm, Kiltalown Lane, Tallaght. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeThe prosecution contends Phelan had the necessary intent for murder, formed between the second and third shot. (irishtimes.com)
- chargePhelan pleaded not guilty to the murder of Keith Conlon, 36. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeThe prosecution contends Phelan had the necessary intent for murder. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe trial is before Ms Justice Siobhán Lankford and a jury of nine men and three women. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe defence called dog warden Phillip Behan of South Dublin County Council to testify on behalf of Phelan (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe trial continues before Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford and a jury of nine men and three women (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe defence closed its case after seven weeks of evidence in the Central Criminal Court trial. (irishtimes.com)
- courtPhelan pleaded not guilty to murdering Conlon at Hazelgrove Farm, Kiltalown Lane, Tallaght, Dublin 24, on 24 February 2022. (irishtimes.com)
- courtMs Justice Siobhan Lankford told the jurors she was sending them home until Monday for closing speeches. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe trial continues before the judge and a jury of nine men and three women. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe prosecution told the jury the evidence shows Phelan is guilty of murder. (irishtimes.com)
- courtPhelan pleaded not guilty to the murder of Conlon at Hazlegrove farm, Kiltalown Lane, Tallaght. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe defence case is that the discharge of the firearm was legitimate self-defence not done with intent to penetrate Conlon's body. (irishtimes.com)
- courtA judge has begun charging a Central Criminal Court jury in the trial of Diarmuid Phelan. (irishtimes.com)
- courtMs Justice Siobhán Lankford is presiding over the trial and began her charge to the jury. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe trial was adjourned to Monday for the judge to continue her charge due to juror commitments. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe jury was told three possible verdicts were open: murder, manslaughter or acquittal (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe jury consists of nine men and three women (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe trial is in its ninth week at the Central Criminal Court. (irishtimes.com)
- courtMs Justice Siobhán Lankford began her charge the previous Wednesday for about an hour before adjourning due to juror commitments. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe three possible verdicts are murder, manslaughter, or acquittal. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe trial was adjourned at 1pm on Wednesday to resume on Thursday morning due to juror unavailability. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe judge's charge to the jury extended over almost three days. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe trial opened on 16 October and was listed for six weeks but is now in its ninth week. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe jury may be able to sit on Sunday 22 December and Monday 23 December. (irishtimes.com)
- courtRóisín Lacey SC, with John Byrne SC, closed the case for the DPP. (irishtimes.com)
- courtSeán Guerin SC, with Michael Bowman SC, made the closing address for the defence. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe trial was adjourned to 30 December 2024. (irishtimes.com)
- courtMs Justice Siobhán Lankford is expected to complete her charge to the jury on 30 December. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe trial opened on 16 October 2024. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe trial was originally listed for six weeks but is now in its ninth week. (irishtimes.com)
- courtSome jurors were unavailable on Thursday afternoon, Friday and all the following week. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe three possible verdicts open to the jury are murder, manslaughter or acquittal. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe instant of discharging the firearm must be reported to gardaí (irishtimes.com)
- otherBadger baiting is illegal (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe shooting was described as a tragedy and a grievous waste of human life but not the result of a crime by Phelan (irishtimes.com)
- otherDefence counsel said the shots were only ever intended as a warning (irishtimes.com)
- otherConlon was a father of four (irishtimes.com)
- otherDefence argued Phelan was in fear rather than anger when he fired (irishtimes.com)
- otherPhelan told gardaí he was in fear and terrified and had fired shots into the air to defend himself (irishtimes.com)
- otherDefence described the killing as unintended and accidental (irishtimes.com)
- otherA farm hand said she feared one of the trespassers might have had a knife (irishtimes.com)
- otherColeman had gone to Spain rather than give evidence (irishtimes.com)
- otherHannah Felgner, a 19-year-old German student, gave evidence that Conlon had fully turned around and was walking or running away when the fatal shot was fired (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe trial is in its ninth week (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 12 Dec2024Murder trial of law professor adjourned to December 30th due to unavailability of jurors
Trial adjourned to 30 December 2024 due to juror unavailability; judge to complete charge and summarise prosecution and defence cases on resumption day. Closing addresses for both sides have been delivered.
victim, Keith Conlon, 36, male, irish (judged from name)Keith Conlonaccused, Diarmuid Phelan, 56, male, named, irish (judged from name)Diarmuid Phelan - 11 Dec2024Murder trial of law professor adjourned due to juror unavailability
Reports the trial was adjourned from Wednesday to Thursday due to juror unavailability; provides details of prosecution and defence closing arguments, the weapon (Smith & Wesson revolver), the circumstances of the shooting, and the names of the other two men present on the farm.
victim, Keith Conlon, 36, male, irish (judged from name)Keith Conlonaccused, Diarmuid Phelan, 56, male, named, irish (judged from name)Diarmuid Phelan - 10 Dec2024Diarmuid Phelan murder trial jury yet to begin deliberations as judge continues charge
Provides details of the judge's ongoing jury charge, the prosecution and defence closing arguments, the specific sequence of events at the farm (shooting of the lurcher, heated exchanges, three shots from a Smith & Wesson revolver), and the jury composition (nine men, three women) with three possible verdicts: murder, manslaughter, or acquittal.
victim, Keith Conlon, 36, male, irish (judged from name)Keith Conlonaccused, Diarmuid Phelan, 56, male, named, irish (judged from name)Diarmuid Phelan - 9 Dec2024Judge tells Diarmuid Phelan trial jury verdicts of murder, manslaughter or acquittal are open to them
Details of the judge's charge to the jury, including the three possible verdicts, the prosecution and defence cases, the sequence of events at the farm, and the composition of the jury (nine men, three women).
victim, Keith Conlon, 36, male, irish (judged from name)Keith Conlonaccused, Diarmuid Phelan, 56, male, named, irish (judged from name)Diarmuid Phelan - 4 Dec2024Diarmuid Phelan ‘facing imminent attack’ when firing shots, murder trial hears
Reports on the defence and prosecution closing addresses and the judge beginning her jury charge in the Phelan murder trial, with the trial adjourned to Monday for the charge to continue.
victim, Keith Conlon, 36, male, irish (judged from name)Keith Conlonaccused, Diarmuid Phelan, 56, male, named, irish (judged from name)Diarmuid Phelan - 3 Dec2024Fatal shooting of trespasser on farm ‘a tragedy’ but not the result of any crime by Diarmuid Phelan, jury told
Defence closing address arguing self-defence and that the shooting was unintended; prosecution case that the fatal shot was aimed at Conlon as he turned away.
victim, Keith Conlon, 36, male, irish (judged from name)Keith Conlonaccused, Diarmuid Phelan, 56, male, named, irish (judged from name)Diarmuid Phelan - 2 Dec2024Evidence shows law professor Diarmuid Phelan murdered trespasser, jury hears
Prosecution closing address delivered; jury told evidence shows Phelan shot Conlon in the back of the head with a revolver after shooting Coleman's dog; defence case is self-defence; trial before Ms Justice Siobhán Lankford with jury of nine men and three women.
victim, Keith Conlon, 36, male, irish (judged from name)Keith Conlonaccused, Diarmuid Phelan, 56, male, named, irish (judged from name)Diarmuid Phelan - 27 Nov2024Diarmuid Phelan trial: Defence closes its case after seven weeks of evidence in murder trial of law professor
Defence closed its case after seven weeks of evidence; jury sent home until Monday for closing speeches. New evidence included testimony about constant trespassing on Phelan's land between 2015 and 2019, spray-painted 'RIP Bono' on a gate, and that Phelan was seeking to rent out the clubhouse before it was burnt down.
victim, Keith Conlon, 36, male, irish (judged from name)Keith Conlonaccused, Diarmuid Phelan, 56, male, named, irish (judged from name)Diarmuid Phelan - 26 Nov2024Farmers ‘perfectly within their rights’ to shoot loose dogs worrying sheep, trial hears
Defence called dog warden Phillip Behan to testify that farmers are within their rights to shoot loose dogs worrying sheep, supporting Phelan's account. Phelan told gardaí he saw a dog 'apparently alone and loose' and had a 'split second' to decide. The jury heard three men had trespassed on the wooded area while hunting foxes or badgers, and that Phelan fired three shots from a Smith & Wesson revolver after shouting at two unarmed trespassers to 'get back'.
victim, 36, male, irish (judged from name)accused, Diarmuid Phelan, 56, male, named, irish (judged from name)Diarmuid Phelan - 25 Nov2024Decision of law professor to fire warning shots was reasonable response, murder trial hears
Reports defence expert evidence (Dr William Lewinski, behavioural scientist) in the ongoing trial, testifying that the decision to fire warning shots was reasonable and that firearm dynamics supported an unintentional strike; also details the prosecution's case that the third shot was fired with the gun pointed at Conlon who was shot in the back of the head while turning away.
accused, Diarmuid Phelan, 56, male, named, irish (judged from name)Diarmuid Phelanvictim, Keith Conlon, 36, male, irish (judged from name)Keith Conlon