State granted time to compile book of evidence

The State has been granted further time to prepare the book of evidence in the case of three youths charged with murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 26-year-old man in north Dublin last year.

James Donaghue, from Coolock, in Dublin died after a row broke out outside his grandmother’s home where he had been attending a birthday party.

Two 17-year-old boys, who cannot be identified because they are juveniles, and Brian Joyce (aged 20) with an address at Carton Road, Poppintree, in Ballymun, in Dublin, had earlier been charged at the Dublin Children’s Court with the murder of James Donaghue, at Dane Road, in Ballymun, on September 10, last year.

They have also been charged with production of a knife and engaging in a violent disorder.

Judge Aingeal Ni Chonduin was told today that the State was seeking further time to complete the book of evidence in the case of the three who will face trial in the Central Criminal Court.

A State’s solicitor said “a significant amount of progress has been made on the book of evidence. It is a complex case with three accuseds, a large amount of forensic exhibits and over 170 witnesses”.

Judge Ni Chonduin extended time for the State to complete the book of evidence, but added that she expected serious progress to have been made by their next court appearance.

She remanded them to appear again in four weeks for the book of evidence to be furnished. One of the juveniles is in custody; the other two defendants are on bail.