Appeal lawyer accuses DPP of "ambushing" murder accused and "offering" manslaughter pleas

A murder conviction is under appeal at the Court of Appeal following allegations of prosecutorial misconduct. Darren Wynne, aged 23, was found guilty in July 2014 of murdering Jamie Lindsay at Athy, County Kildare in April 2013. He received the mandatory life sentence. Two co-accused pleaded guilty to manslaughter during trial and received custodial sentences. Wynne's counsel argued that the timing of the manslaughter pleas, entered after crucial evidence had been admitted, prejudiced his defence and constituted prosecution ambush. He contended the jury should have been discharged and a retrial ordered. Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions disputed the misconduct allegations, stating the evidence against Wynne was overwhelming and his provocation defence weak. The three-judge panel reserved judgement on whether the conviction should be quashed and a retrial directed.