Garda evidence continues at child murder trial

A former soldier accused of murdering an 18-month-old infant told gardai that, if responsible, he wished the child's father would shoot him, the Central Criminal Court heard today.

Det Sgt Pat Gavin, Tallaght, told the jury that the accused, John Reilly, made a formal statement shortly after the killing of baby Oisin Reilly Murphy on June 5 2000.

In it, the accused told gardai he "had no recollection at all" of what happened at the time of the killing.

Det Gavin agreed that during questioning at Tallaght Garda Station on the day of the killing, it began to "dawn" on the accused that "the evidence pointed in his direction".

The court heard that gardaí had put it to the accused that the dead baby was found "almost on his lap".

Cross-examined by the defence, the witness agreed the accused "began to accept that in fact he was probably responsible for Oisin's death".

"That's when he begins to show grief?" asked Mr Patrick Marrinan SC, defending.

Yes, the witness replied.

Counsel put it to Det Gavin that the accused told gardai that, if he was responsible, "he would wish that the child's father would be brought down to shoot him".

That is correct, Det Gavin replied. Asked if any evidence had emerged to show the accused had any motive for doing what he is alleged to have done, the witness replied "No, My Lord."

The court also heard evidence that the infant suffered a number of stab wounds to the neck, including a long cut stretching from right to left ear.

Garda Ballistics expert Det Garda William Brennan, told the jury he saw the child's body at Tallaght Hospital prior to the post mortem and noticed he had a deep stab wound to the left side of the neck, measuring two and a half inches.

He also had shallow cuts to the cheek.

The witness also observed a "very deep" and long cut across the back of the child's neck, going from the left to the right ear with some lower cuts across the back of the neck.

The witness told the court he had removed from the kitchen of the house some bags containing empty drink cans and bottles. He also removed a bottle of clear liquid from a press with a very strong smell of alcohol.

Mr John Reilly (32) of Crooksling, Brittas Co Dublin, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Oisin Reilly Murphy at Kiltalown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght, Co Dublin on June 5 2000.

The trial continues.