Evidence in the trial of John Gilligan, who is accused of the murder of journalist Veronica Guerin, concluded at the Special Criminal Court today.
The court will hear closing speeches from the prosecution and defence next week, with prosecuting counsel Mr Eamonn Leahy SC giving his closing submission on Monday to be followed by the defence.
It was the 38th day of the trial of John Gilligan (48), with addresses at Corduff Avenue, Blanchardstown, Dublin; Jessbrook Equestrian Centre, Mucklon, Enfield, Co Kildare; and HM Prison Belmarsh, London, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Sunday Independent crime reporter Veronica Guerin(37) at Naas Road, Clondalkin, Dublin on June 26th, 1996.
Gilligan also denies fifteen other counts alleging the importation of cannabis and firearms and ammunition offences.
The prosecution has claimed that John Gilligan was "in control and command" of a criminal gang that imported and distributed large amounts of cannabis and that he organised the murder of Ms Guerin.
Today the court heard three witnesses called for the defence. Ms Bernadine Mc Cabe, who works for a solicitor's firm in Naas, told the court that she saw Ms Guerin in Naas courthouse on June 26th, 1996.
She said she was aware of Ms Guerin because she had seen her previously on television. She said she saw Ms Guerin talking to a solicitor before saying goodbye and leaving the courthouse. Ms Mc Cabe said she believed the time was around 12.40 pm because she looked at the clock in the courthouse as Ms Guerin left.
Mr John Horan, an accountant, said that he prepared financial statements for the industrial cleaning company run by protected witness Russell Warren for the years ending December 31st, 1994 and December 31st, 1995. He said that in 1994 Warren's company made a profit of £13,166 and in 1995 a profit of £7,386.
Mr Brian Murphy, a civil engineer, said that he carried out a test drive from the Boot Road to Monastery Road, passing through Clondalkin. He measured the distance as 1.7 miles and the journey lasted four minutes 55 seconds.
The trial resumes with closing speeches next Monday.