Courts / Dublin / Report

Murder accused alleges witnesses lied and gardai tampered with evidence

Date
2017-04-05
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

During his trial, Vesel Jahiri, aged 35 and originally from Kosovo, denied murdering his former partner Anna Finnegan, aged 25, who was killed on 21 September 2012 at Allendale Glen, Clonsilla, Dublin 15. He also denied assaulting Karl Finnegan on the same day. Jahiri claimed that a letter found in Anna's handbag, which the Gardaí said described her being threatened and beaten, was fabricated and that the evidence had been tampered with. He described his relationship with Anna as having normal arguments but no violence, and said her family had forced her to seek refuge. Jahiri alleged mistreatment while in custody, including being denied breakfast and proper medication for a toothache. The prosecution's cross‑examination focused on his absence at the end of his first trial, his alleged threats to shoot Anna and her sister, and whether witnesses had lied. The cross‑examination will continue tomorrow before Justice Paul Coffey and a jury of eight men and two women. Vesel Jahiri pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused alleges witnesses lied and gardai tampered with evidence. Charges or matters: murdering his former partner and mother of his children 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: Mr Marrinan said it was because Mr Jahiri had "absconded" and asked: "Why didn't you tell the jury you are in custody because you ran away from the trial? CNI source report

Case subjects

Vesel Jahiri

Accused

Charges: murdering his former partner and mother of his children 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

Secondary Mention

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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.