The Special Criminal Court has fixed October 3rd as the trial date for Mr John Gilligan, who is accused of murdering journalist Veronica Guerin. Mr Gilligan was extradited from England last week after he lost a 31/2-year legal battle to prevent his return to Ireland.
Mr Gilligan (47), with addresses at Corduff Avenue, Blanchardstown, Dublin, Jess brook Equestrian Centre, Enfield, Co Meath, and HM 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 offences alleging that he unlawfully imported cannabis resin into the State on various dates between July 1st, 1994, and October 6th, 1996; that he unlawfully possessed cannabis resin for sale or supply on the same dates; and that on or about October 3rd, 1996, at Greenmount Industrial Estate, Harold's Cross, Dublin, he had cannabis resin for sale or supply.
Mr Gilligan is also charged with possessing a Sten sub-machinegun, a silenced barrel, two magazines, a 9 mm Agram machine pistol, five Walther semi-automatic pistols, four magazines and 1,057 rounds of assorted ammunition with intent to endanger life or to enable another person to endanger life at Oldcourt Road, Tallaght, Dublin, between November 10th, 1995, and October 3rd, 1996. Mr Peter Charleton SC, prosecuting, said the book of evidence had been served on Mr Gilligan and that there were 175 exhibits and 172 witnesses in the case. He applied for an early trial date and said that on the basis of previous trials, this trial would last at least eight weeks.
Mr Justice Johnson, presiding, told Mr Gilligan, who represented himself in court, that the first available trial date was October 3rd. When Mr Gilligan asked if he could make submissions about the book of evidence, Mr Justice Johnson told him he could make submissions on another date. Mr Gilligan said he would need six to eight weeks to study the book of evidence and the court fixed April 3rd as the date for hearing submissions from him.
Mr Justice Johnson then told Mr Gilligan that if he wished to make alibi evidence a part of his defence he must give notice to the State. Mr Gilligan replied: "Without a doubt." The judge then remanded him in custody until April 3rd.