Courts / Dublin / Report
Accused told gardai that man he shot and dismembered was his "friend"
Summary
The trial of Paul Wells Senior, 50, of Finglas, continued at the Central Criminal Court before Mr Justice Paul McDermott. Wells is charged with murdering Kenneth O'Brien, 33, at the accused's home on January 15 or 16, 2016. While Wells admitted to shooting and dismembering the deceased, he pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. Evidence presented included testimony from Patrick Holligan, a Virgin Media worker who last saw O'Brien alive in good form on January 15. CCTV footage showed Wells driving toward Ardclough, Co Kildare, hours before O'Brien's remains were found in the Grand Canal. Garda Shona Nolan and Sergeant Gerard Moore detailed the arrest of Wells, who described O'Brien as his friend. Detective Sergeant David Conway presented photographs of bloodstains at Wells' property, while Detective Sergeant Thomas Power identified a .38/.357-inch caliber bullet recovered from O'Brien's head, consistent with a semi-automatic pistol. The firearm has not been recovered. The matter was adjourned and continues tomorrow morning.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Accused told gardai that man he shot and dismembered was his "friend". Charges or matters: murdering Kenneth O'Brien at the accused man's home; murdering the 33-year-old on January 15 or 16, 2016. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- January 15 Other
- Friday 15th January Other
- February 6th Other
- 2018-10-11 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering Kenneth O'Brien at the accused man's home; murdering the 33-year-old on January 15 or 16, 2016 (Alleged Or Contested)
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Barnamore Park
- Kildare
- Mr O'Brien's house
Topics
Firearms Stage Trial Violent Crime
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