A DECISION is expected today on the fitness of Mr Brendan Patrick O'Donnell (21) to plead to three murder charges. A jury of six men and six women heard further evidence at the Central Criminal Court yesterday.
This evidence is expected to conclude today, after which prosecuting and defence counsels will address the jury. Mr Justice Kinlen will then charge the jurors before they consider their verdict. The judge has directed that the proceedings cannot be reported.
The jurors were sworn in on Monday to decide on the issue
The trial of Mr O'Donnell (21), from Co Clare but of no fixed abode, opened on January 15th before Mr Justice Lavan and another jury. It was adjourned by Mr Justice Lavan until February 7th to allow the issue of fitness be, decided.
Mr O'Donnell has denied the murder of Ms Imelda Riney (29) and her son Liam (3) on a date unknown between April 28th and May 8th, 1994. He also denied the murder of Father Joseph Walsh (37), the former curate of Eyrecourt, Co Galway, between May 3rd and May 8th 1994 and falsely imprisoning Father Walsh.
He has pleaded not guilty to kidnapping Ms Fiona Sampson and Mr Edward Cleary in Co Galway on May 7th, 1994, and to hijacking vehicles driven by them. He has denied having a gun and ammunition with intent to endanger life and for unlawful purposes.