The financial controller of a company employing a juror who is on the Kieran Keane murder trial has assured the Central Criminal Court the juror will receive full pay and entitlements for the duration of his jury service.
Mr Justice Carney summoned the employer to appear before him amid concerns that the juror may have suffered discrimination in his employment. Yesterday, the financial controller gave evidence on behalf of the company in the absence of the jury.
When the jury returned, Mr Justice Carney told the juror: "We have had the financial controller of your employer in the witness box and he says your job was coming to an end. That's a matter I'll have to leave to you if you wish to take issue with it, but I have an undertaking that your full remuneration, of all descriptions, will be paid." He said it was made clear to the employer that "the matter will be re-entered at a moment's notice" should there be any problem.
When evidence resumed, the jury heard from a crime scene expert that Mr Keane's body was discovered lying face down with his hands tied behind his back. He was shot through the head and appeared to have a number of stab wounds to the side of his head.
Questioned by Mr Denis Vaughan Buckley SC, prosecuting, Det Garda Thomas Carey said he examined two houses, one at Fairgreen and another in Roundwood. He took samples of three shoe prints from Roundwood, indicating the presence of three different people.
Cross-examined by Mr Blaise O'Carroll SC, defending Mr Desmond Dundon, Det Garda Carey agreed that gunshot could leave residue or "trace evidence" on the person firing the gun. Mr O'Carroll then asked if it was suggested that swabs be taken from Mr Owen Treacy, Mr Keane's nephew and the chief prosecution witness in the trial.
Det Garda Carey said he was not aware if that was suggested.
Not even, Mr O'Carroll continued, when Mr Treacy gave an account which did not give any explanation for the stab wounds, described as "torture wounds"? Was that known to the investigating gardaí? "Stab wounds, yes," Det Garda Carey replied.
Mr O'Carroll put it to him that despite this, no one went back to Mr Treacy. "I would not be privy to that," the detective responded.
Mr John Edwards SC, for Mr James McCarthy, asked him to examine duct tape similar to that used to bind Mr Keane and Mr Treacy. Mr Edwards said if Mr Treacy was bound by this tape, one would expect to find hair and skin cells adhering to the surface.
"Yes," Det Garda Carey replied. Asked if he was aware that any was recovered, the detective replied that he did not know.
Five men have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mr Keane (36) last January 29th at Bushy Island, Limerick, and to falsely imprisoning him. They also deny the attempted murder of Mr Treacy (31) and to falsely imprisoning him. They are Mr David Stanners (31), Mr Desmond Dundon (20), Mr Anthony McCarthy (21), Mr Christopher Costelloe (20), and Mr James McCarthy (24).