Murphy supports escort of Lillis witness

The Garda Commissioner has said he supports the decision to escort a witness to and from giving evidence at the trial of Eamonn Lillis for the murder of his wife.

Fachtna Murphy said that the decision to allow Jean Treacy receive an escort was an operational one that he fully supports.

He said: 'This decision was made with all due regard to the particular needs and circumstances of the witness, including certain issues which arose prior to the trial commencing.

'I believe that the circumstances which gave rise to the decision were peculiar to the case and are unlikely to arise again with any regularity.

'I would however support such a decision if the need did arise again in the future.'

In a statement issued this afternoon, the Commissioner said that Ms Treacy was driven to and from the Criminal Courts of Justice in a garda vehicle.

He said that a car in pursuit of that vehicle after it left the courts complex diverted down a side road when gardaí attempted to stop it.

The Commissioner also said that giving evidence should not make a private citizen a public figure.

He said: 'While giving evidence in a criminal trial can be said to constitute a public duty, giving evidence does not in my view make a private citizen a public figure.

'When a witness' role in a trial has concluded, they should be free to resume their lives without intrusion.'

Mr Murphy says that garda will deal with such matters on a case-by-case basis bearing in mind operational responsibilities and their obligations to vindicate the rights of the community.

The Commissioner concluded by saying he will meet with representatives of the national newspapers in the near future to discuss issues raised by coverage of the trial.

Lillis was found not guilty of murder but guilty of the manslaughter of his wife. He was sentenced to six years and 11 months in prison.