Guerin murder accused granted free legal aid by Special Criminal Court

The Special Criminal Court granted free legal aid yesterday to Mr John Gilligan, the man accused of murdering Veronica Guerin…

The Special Criminal Court granted free legal aid yesterday to Mr John Gilligan, the man accused of murdering Veronica Guerin.

Mr Gilligan, who was extradited from Britain in February after a 3 1/2-year legal battle to prevent his return, was represented in court by counsel and a solicitor for the first time since he was charged.

Prosecuting counsel Mr Peter Charleton SC said Mr Gilligan has assets in Ireland, all of which have been frozen by order of the High Court since November 21st, 1997. He said that should further assets be discovered, it was anticipated that another application would be made to the High Court to freeze them.

Mr Charleton said he preferred not to outline any investigation or suspicion there might be into other assets and the prosecution would not oppose legal aid.

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Mr Gilligan's counsel, Mr Peter Irvine, said his client has been in custody since October 1996.

Mr Justice O' Higgins, presiding, remanded Mr Gilligan in continuing custody until June 26th, when it will deal with any further pre-trial applications.

Mr Gilligan (48), with addresses listed as Corduff Avenue, Blanchardstown, Dublin, and Jessbrook Equestrian Centre, Enfield, Co Meath, is charged with the murder of Ms Guerin at Naas Road, Clondalkin, on June 26th, 1996.

He is also charged with drugs and arms offences.