The Special Criminal Court has adjourned to consider an application by John Gilligan to have his trial for the murder of Veronica Guerin halted and himself released. Forty-eight-year-old Gilligan, who is also facing 15 other drugs and firearms charges, claims there was an abuse of process when he was detained in England four years ago before being extradited to Ireland to face these charges.
He also wants the court either to enquire into the conditions in which the three protected witnesses, Charles Bowden, Russell Warren and John Dunne are being held, or prevent them from giving evidence against him. The three judges are expected to give their verdict either on the application either this afternoon or tomorrow morning. Mr Gilligan denies all 16 charges.
