A witness who failed to show up to give evidence at Diarmuid Phelan’s murder trial has appeared in custody before the Central Criminal Court.

Earlier this month, Mr Phelan, a barrister and law lecturer, was found not guilty of murdering the witness’ friend, Keith Conlon, on his farm in Dublin in February 2022.

Mr Conlon was one of three people trespassing on his farm that day.

He and two of his friends, Kallum Coleman and Robin Duggan, were hunting on his land.

Mr Coleman was due to testify on behalf of the prosecution, but he moved to Spain and didn’t show up when he was due to give his evidence.

Court date not yet decided

Gardaí travelled to Spain to issue him with a summons but he refused to co-operate and was arrested upon his return to Dublin.

However, he managed to escape from custody and was only re-arrested a few days after Mr Phelan was acquitted.

He appeared before Mr Justice Paul McDermott today, who was told the matter would have to be dealt with by the trial judge, who is presiding over a lengthy trial in Cork.

Enquiries are now being made as to when she can deal with Mr Coleman’s case in person.

Pictured the Central Criminal Court of Dublin. Photo: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie