Detectives who identified tiger kidnap accused previously took part in his arrest, trial told

A man from Cootehill, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to charges arising from an alleged tiger kidnapping in September 2014. Paschal Kelly, aged 52, faces charges of trespass, false imprisonment of a postmistress and two others at a property in Malahide, robbery from a post office in Sutton, threats to kill, and unlawful possession of a vehicle. During the trial before Judge Karen O'Connor, a Detective Chief Superintendent gave evidence that two gardaí identified Mr Kelly as the driver of a vehicle used in the incident after reviewing CCTV footage. Defence counsel raised concerns that the two detectives had participated in Mr Kelly's arrest three weeks prior to viewing the footage. The witness rejected suggestions that gardaí had sought to conceal this prior involvement. The court heard that an identity parade had been discussed but was not conducted. The trial continues with evidence before the jury.