John Gilligan found not guilty

John Gilligan has been found not guilty of the murder of journalist Veronica Guerin at the Special Criminal Court.

He was the third man charged in connection with the murder. The other two are currently serving life sentences.

It had been alleged that John Gilligan was the leader of the drugs gang that carried out the murder.

The Special Criminal Court heard that the evidence of protected witness Russell Warren had not been convincing.

Veronica Guerin's husband Graham Turley was in court to hear the verdict.

John Gilligan also faced drugs and firearms charges. He has been found not guilty on the firearm charges but has been convicted on the drug charges.