Dublin man Mr John Gilligan, who is to stand trial in October for the murder of journalist Veronica Guerin, is to get two photographs of the murdered woman in her car, the Special Criminal Court was told yesterday.
The court was told during pretrial submissions the only photographic evidence held back were two photos of the dead Ms Guerin in her car and post-mortem photos. Mr Gilligan's counsel, Mr Peter Irvine, of the Northern Ireland bar, said he did not require the post-mortem photos but his client was anxious that he should get all other photographic evidence.
Mr Irvine said three letters had been sent to the Chief State's Solicitor's office seeking documentation. These sought confirmation of statements that are to be served on the defence, and photographic and video evidence. He said Mr Gilligan had received a number of photographs but they didn't relate to the entirety of the case.
Prosecuting counsel, Mr Peter Charleton SC, said the photos of the dead woman would be handed over. Mr Charleton also said that copies of video evidence would be made available to the defence. He said one statement would be faxed to the solicitor's office in Belfast on the last Friday of the current law term at 1 p.m. Mr Charleton said because of security arrangements the statement would not be released until then.
Counsel said copies of the complete transcripts of the trials of Paul Ward and Brian Meehan, who are currently serving life sentences for Ms Guerin's murder, had been made available to the defence.
Mr Gilligan was extradited from Britain last February after a 3 1/2-year legal battle to face murder and other charges. Mr Gilligan (48), with addresses at Corduff Avenue, Blanchardstown, Dublin, Jessbrook Equestrian Centre, Enfield, Co Meath, and H.M. Prison Belmarsh, London, is charged with the murder of Sunday Independent crime reporter Veronica Guerin at Naas Road, Clondalkin, Dublin, on June 26th, 1996. He is also charged with 11 other offences including importing cannabis resin into the State on various dates between July 1st, 1994 and October 6th, 1996, and that on or about October 3rd, 1996, he had cannabis resin for sale or supply at Greenmount Industrial Estate, Harold's Cross, Dublin.
Mr Gilligan is also charged with possession of a Sten sub machine-gun, a 9mm Agram machine pistol, five Walther semiautomatic pistols, and 1,057 rounds of assorted ammunition.
Mr Justice O'Higgins, presiding, remanded Mr Gilligan in custody until October 3rd when his trial is due to start.