Gilligan not guilty of murder, arms charges, but convicted on drugs offences

John Gilligan has been acquitted of the murder of crime journalist Veronica Guerin.

In a judgement lasting over two hours Judge Diarmuid O’Donovan detailed why Gilligan could not be convicted despite the Special Criminal Court's grave misgivings that he was complicit in the killing.

He said that the only evidence that could implicate Gilligan in the Guerin killing was the evidence of state supergrass Russell Warren. This evidence, he said, was in the Court's view, very suspect.

In the interests of justice, he said, it could only be relied upon if there was independent testament but, he said, there was no such corroboration.

He said there was no evidence that Gilligan had any hand, act or part in the killing and although the court had grave suspicions he was involved in the murder on the evidence produced they must acquit.

Gilligan was also acquitted of arms charges but convicted of a number of drugs offences.

Dressed in a blue shirt and tracksuit bottoms Gilligan gave no reaction as the judgement was handed down.