The Special Criminal Court has adjourned until next week the trial of a Dublin man accused of the murder of journalist Veronica Guerin.
Mr Paul Ward (33), of Windmill Park, Crumlin, had been due to go on trial today accused of the murder of Ms Guerin at the Naas Road, Clondalkin, Co Dublin, on June 26th, 1996.
But yesterday the court decided to adjourn the trial for one week following an application by Mr Paul Burns, defending counsel. Mr Burns said he was making the application due to the late service of additional evidence by the prosecution which "radically changes the nature of the case".
Mr Burns also said there was a large volume of statements which the gardai would not allow the defence to see because of "security reasons". Mr Peter Charleton SC, prosecuting, said that there were statements from about 20 people which he had read and considered were not relevant to the defence case.
Mr Justice Barr said the court was satisfied it was fair and reasonable that some further time should be allowed to the defence to deal with the extra documentation. The judge also said the statements of 20 people already seen by Mr Charleton should be given to another judicial panel of the court who would decide if they were relevant to the defence.
Mr Ward was remanded in custody for trial on January 20th.