Prosecution concludes evidence in taxi driver murder trial

The jury in the trial of a man and woman accused of murdering a taxi driver in Blanchardstown last year has now heard all prosecution evidence.

Carlos Byrne (aged 23) and Lindsey Fahy (aged 26) both of Linnetsfield Square, Clonee, Co. Meath, have pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to murdering Mark Smyth (aged 31) at Fortlawn Avenue on March 18, 2008.

Mr Justice Paul Butler heard legal argument from counsel today in the absence of the jury which was told to return on Monday for the closing stages of the trial.

This morning was day 11 of the trial and the jury heard from final prosecution witnesses. Dr Niall Williams said that he had been called to Fortlawn Avenue where he pronounced Mr Smyth dead at 11.17pm.

Dr Williams also said that he met Mr Byrne at Blanchardstown Garda Station during his detention and gave him drugs which are used as a substitute for heroin. He said Mr Byrne told him he used heroin, cocaine and tablets.

Dr David Casey from the Forensic Science Laboratory told the court that he examined clothes worn by the two accused at the time of the alleged incident.

He said that blood stains on the items were consistent with Ms Fahy and Mr Byrne, “being involved or close to an assault while it was taking place”.

Dr Casey agreed with Caroline Biggs BL, defending Ms Fahy, that an examination of blood stains on the clothes of the Mr Smyth’s girlfriend and another man present at the scene led him to the same conclusion.

The jury earlier heard that Mr Byrne and Ms Fahy were in the back of the deceased man’s car after he picked them up from their home. Mr Byrne told gardai he owed Mr Smyth money for drugs. A row developed between the deceased and the two accused and Mr Smyth died after being stabbed 43 times.

The trial continues.