Courts / Dublin / Report

Accused's fingermark on bloodstained knife that had deceased's DNA, trial hears

Date
2017-03-31
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

In the Central Criminal Court, Detective Garda James Cunningham testified that a fingermark on a blood‑stained black‑handled kitchen knife, which also carried DNA from the deceased Anna Finnegan, was made by the left forefinger of Vesel Jahiri, the accused. Cunningham explained that he had examined the knife, applied a treatment to develop the mark, and compared it with prints from Jahiri, Finnegan and Karl Finnegan. He found no other fingerprints and no evidence the knife had been wiped. Forensic scientist Dr Hilary Clarke had earlier shown that DNA from Finnegan's blood was present on the knife's tip and edge. Jahiri, 35, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Finnegan, 25, and to assaulting her brother, and was excluded from his own trial by Judge Paul Coffey for refusing to comply with procedural rules. The case remains before the judge and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Accused's fingermark on bloodstained knife that had deceased's DNA, trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering Anna Finnegan (25) at Allendale Glen, Clonsilla, Dublin 15 on September 21, 2012; assaulting Karl Finnegan, causing him harm, at the same place on the same date. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Why: The witness said he also examined a black-handled knife in order to develop finger and palm marks on it. CNI source report

Case subjects

Vesel Jahiri

Accused

Charges: murdering Anna Finnegan (25) at Allendale Glen, Clonsilla, Dublin 15 on September 21, 2012; assaulting Karl Finnegan, causing him harm, at the same place on the same date (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court
Secondary Mention
Garda Station
  • this knife to Cabra Garda station

Topics

Stage Trial

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

Help us improve this report

Your request is saved for the newsroom's next review. It does not immediately change the published report.

Prefer email? Send a correction request.

Request a review

We will use it only to contact you about this request.