Brothers to face retrial as jury member tested for Covid-19

A CIRCUIT COURT Judge has ordered a retrial of two brothers after a member of the jury informed the court that they had to undergo a test for the coronavirus.

Judge Sean O’Donnabhain had concluded a two day trial on Friday March 13, with counsel due to charge the jury on Monday March 16 when it was a revealed that a jury member had undergone tests for the coronavirus.

Mr. Kevin O’Doherty, State Solicitor, informed Judge O’Donnabhain of the latest development regarding the jury member. He said that the jury member was still awaiting results. The trial had been heard over two days before a jury of six men and six women.

Judge O’Donnabhain said that in light of this development he could not bring the full jury together. Having consulted with both Counsel, John Peart, S.C. and Anthony Sammon, S.C. it was decided that it would not be possible to proceed with the trial.

Judge O’Donnabhain told both Counsel that in light of this development he would adjourn the matter back to June 10 for retrial.

Two brothers, Ger Connors, of Rosemount, Drinagh, Wexford, and Patrick Connors, of 14 Chestnut Grove, Glendale, Wexford, had pleaded not guilty to a number of charges when they came before Wexford Circuit Criminal Court.

Patrick Connors had pleaded not guilty to a charge of threatening to kill Leanne Clarke at 7 Marian Row, Wexford town, on December 5, 2018. He also pleaded not guilty to burglary at 7 Marian Row, on December 5, 2018; to burglary at 61 Talbot Greent, Wexford town, on same date; to assaulting Leanne Clarke at 7 Marian Row on same date, and with threatening a member of An Garda Siochana, Garda John Hubbard, in the execution of his duty at Wexford Garda Station on same date.

Ger Connors had pleaded not guilty to burglary at 7 Marian Row, Wexford town, on December 5, 2018; not guilty to burglary while in possession of an iron bar at 51 Talbot Green on same date; also to threatening a garda during the execution of his duty on same occasion; not guilty to assaulting Leanne Clarke at 7 Marian Row, Wexford, town on same occasion.

Judge O’Donnabhain said he would put the case in for retrial to June 10 next.