All eyes on release of ‘supremely arrogant’ Gilligan after 16 years

Observers of John Gilligan will watch for his signature mock wiping of the brow when he walks free after 16 years in prison.

He has performed this little bit of theatre throughout his key moments in court, most famously in Mar 2001 when he was cleared of the murder of journalist Veronica Guerin in Jun 1996.

Those present in the Special Criminal Court on that day remember the gesture to investigating detectives after the three judges acquitted him, despite saying they had grave suspicions about his involvement.