Corruption trial against councillors collapses

Charges of corruption against four councillors and a businessman have been withdrawn by the State due to the medical condition of the chief prosecution witness.

On day 13 of the trial, Sean Gillane, prosecuting, told Judge Mary Ellen Ring the DPP wished to enter a “nolle prosequi”, meaning the charges are struck out and there will be no retrial.

The charges related to allegations that Jim Kennedy used political lobbyist Frank Dunlop to bribe councillors to vote to rezone potentially valuable land.