Trial of law professor accused of fatal shooting is delayed until October

The trial of a barrister, Diarmuid Phelan, on a charge of the murder of a man in Tallaght, Co Dublin, has been adjourned at the Central Criminal Court until the autumn.

Mr Phelan (54), a senior counsel and law professor, is charged with the murder of Keith Conlon, who died in hospital two days after an incident at Hazelgrove Farm, Kiltalown Lane, Tallaght, on February 22nd 2022. The farm is owned by Mr Phelan.

Following the charging of Mr Phelan, a trial date was set for May 29th 2024.

However, when the case was called on Wednesday, Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford was told it was not in a position to proceed.

Having heard from Seán Guerin SC, with Michael Bowman SC, for Mr Phelan, and from Seán Gillane SC, with John Byrne SC, for the DPP, the judge agreed to adjourn it pending preparation of a further report to address certain matters.

The judge said she was listing the trial for October 7th. She also listed the matter for mention on July 22nd for a progress report.

Mr Phelan, who is on bail, was in court on Wednesday as were members of the deceased’s family.