Evidence in the trial of Mr John Gilligan, who is accused of the murder of journalist Veronica Guerin, concluded at the Special Criminal Court yesterday.
The court will hear closing speeches from the prosecution and defence next week, with prosecuting counsel Mr Eamonn Leahy SC giving his closing submission on Monday, to be followed by the defence.
It was the 38th day of the trial of Mr Gilligan, (48), with addresses at Corduff Avenue, Blanchardstown, Dublin; Jess brook Equestrian Centre, Mucklon, Enfield, Co Kildare; and HM Prison Belmarsh, London, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Ms Guerin at Naas Road, Clondalkin, Co Dublin, on June 26th, 1996.
Mr Gilligan also denies 15 other charges of importing cannabis and firearms, and ammunition offences.
The prosecution has claimed that Mr Gilligan was "in control and command" of a criminal gang that imported and distributed large amounts of cannabis, and that he organised the murder of Ms Guerin.
A defence witness, Ms Bernardine McCabe, who works for a solicitor's firm in Naas, told the court that she saw Ms Guerin in Naas courthouse on June 26th, 1996. She said she was aware of Ms Guerin because she had seen her previously on television. She saw Ms Guerin talking to a solicitor before leaving the courthouse. Ms McCabe said she believed the time was around 12.40 p.m.
The trial resumes with closing speeches next Monday.