Charges dropped against one of the Jobstown accused

On day 27 of the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial yesterday, Judge Melanie Greally told the jury she would be discharging Ken Purcell from the indictment and he was free to go.

The jury was told that prosecution counsel Sean Gillane SC had an application to make as a result of a ruling Judge Greally made earlier yesterday following legal argument in their absence.

Mr Gillane then said the Director of Public Prosecutions had asked him to enter a nolle prosequi in relation to the two charges against Mr Purcell. He said: “The case proceeds no further against Mr Purcell.”

Mr Purcell, 50, of Kiltalown Green had pleaded not guilty to falsely imprisoning Ms Burton and her adviser Karen O’Connell by restricting their personal liberty without their consent at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght on 15 November 2014.

After clapping broke out in court, Judge Greally reminded supporters that the trial was “not a public performance”, adding: “You can continue whatever celebrations you like outside the courtroom.”

Mr Gillane said the prosecution case is now concluded. The jury was told it will not be required again until later this week.

Paul Murphy, 34; Kieran Mahon, 39; Michael Murphy, 53; Frank Donaghy, 71; Michael Banks, 46; and Scott Masterson, 34, have pleaded not guilty to falsely imprisoning Ms Burton and her adviser Karen O’Connell by restricting their personal liberty without their consent on 15 November 2014.

The trial continues.

Isabel Hayes, CCC.nuacht