Case of witnesses in ‘collective amnesia’ murder trial in balance
The trial of Limerick man Liam Keane collapsed at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin in 2003, after a number of key witnesses denied making statements identifying Mr Keane as the killer of 19-year-old Eric Leamy in August 2001.
Mr Keane, who denied the murder of Mr Leamy, walked free after the DPP ordered that a nolle prosequi be entered (that the case should not proceed).
At the time, Mr Justice Paul Carney said it appeared that a number of people were suffering from “collective amnesia” in the case.
Three witnesses were subsequently charged in connection with the collapse of the trial but the charges were later dropped as the book of evidence was not served in time.
The three were charged again last month and yesterday Limerick District Court Judge Tom O’Donnell warned gardaí to have the book of evidence ready by July 27.
Appearing before Judge O’Donnell yesterday were Roy Behan, aged 25, of St Senan’s Street, St Mary’s Park; David Murphy, aged 22, of the Lee Estate, and Amanda McNamara, aged 22, formerly of the Lee Estate, all in Limerick.
Mr Behan is accused of committing perjury in the trial of Liam Keane on November 3, 2003, by “knowingly and falsely swearing” that he did not see a row which allegedly led to Eric Leamy’s death.
Amanda McNamara is charged with committing perjury on October 30, 2003, in the same trial by “knowingly and falsely swearing” that she did not know where she was when Mr Leamy was killed.
David Murphy is accused of contempt of court by “refusing to give evidence” in the same trial on October 30, 2003, at the Central Criminal Court.
Inspector Declan Murphy told the court yesterday that the book of evidence would be ready in one week.
Judge O’Donnell adjourned the case until July 27 and warned that the book of evidence be ready on that date.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
