DPP orders retrial over death of Evelyn Joel
Last month, an 11-person jury at Wexford Circuit Criminal Court failed to reach a verdict in a trial.
Eleanor Joel, aged 37, daughter of Evelyn, and her partner, Jonathan Costen, aged 39, of Cluain Dara, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, had pleaded not guilty to the unlawful killing of Evelyn Joel on January 7, 2006.
The trial lasted for seven weeks and both accused had been remanded on continuing bail to appear before yesterday’s sitting of Wexford Circuit Criminal Court before Judge Thomas Teehan.
When the case was called, prosecuting counsel Philip Sheehan said it was a matter for retrial.
Counsel for Jonathan Costen, John O’Kelly, said that while he would like to bring it to an end, it was a case where factors would have to be taken into consideration by the court when fixing a retrial date, particularly in view of the amount of publicity, locally, and the fact the trial only concluded last month after seven weeks of hearing.
However, Mr Sheehan said, it was a retrial and, hopefully, it would conclude more quickly, while Mr O’Kelly told the judge it should never take near seven weeks again.
Mr O’Kelly said the facts of the case were quite shocking. There was a lot of local reporting, making it quite difficult for a jury if the case was to come on quickly in Wexford.
Judge Teehan said it seemed as if there would have to be a special hearing. He said he would adjourn the matter to the next sessions in April.
He remanded both the accused on continuing bail, saying it was unlikely the matter would proceed at the next sessions.
At the April sessions, a date for hearing could be arranged, he said.
Six years have passed since Evelyn Joel’s death. Since then the case had been entangled in legal proceedings in the High and Supreme courts before finally taking place at Wexford Circuit Criminal Court last November and December.
Close to 50 witnesses gave evidence during the course of the trial.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
