Stephen Penrose denies murdering his friend, 24 year old Philip Finnegan, at Rahin Wood, Co Kildare on August 10th 2016
The trial of a man accused of murdering his friend, whose remains were found in a Kildare wood, will continue in his absence after he declined to attend in person this morning.
Stephen Penrose, of Newtown Court, Malahide Road, Coolock, Dublin 17, represented himself last week but a team of lawyers has since taken on his case.
Our Courts Correspondent Frank Greaney reports:
"Stephen Penrose denies murdering his friend, 24yo Philip Finnegan, at Rahin Wood, Co Kildare on August 10th 2016.
On the opening day of his trial, the judge told the jury he had dispensed with the services of his legal team and was going to represent himself, as is his entitlement.
He cross-examined some witnesses, including the mother of the man he’s accused of murdering and one of the lead investigators.
On Friday, the judge threatened to send him to the cells after he repeatedly called Inspector Aidan Hannon a “liar” and described his testimony as “rubbish”.
When the jurors returned today, Mr Justice Alex Owens explained that Mr Penrose had declined to attend the courtroom in person.
He told them the accused is now represented by solicitor Michael French and two barristers, and said the trial will proceed without him."
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