A DISTRICT COURT judge yesterday struck out charges against a man accused of assault and criminal damage against murdered journalist, Veronica Guerin. There was no evidence for the court because of the "untimely death" of Ms Guerin, Judge John Brophy said.
At Kilcock District Court in Kildare yesterday, Supt Brendan Quinn said his instructions were to apply to have the charges struck out.
Mr John Gilligan, whose address was listed as Corduff Avenue, Blanchardstown, Dublin, was not in court, and was not represented in court. The charges related to an alleged assault at Mucklon, Enfield, Co Meath, on September 14th, 1995.
Judge Brophy asked the court members and media to stand for a minute's silence in memory "of the lady who was the principal State witness in this case. The reason why it can't go ahead is because there is no effective evidence that could be offered in a court of law because of her untimely death within the last two weeks".
Judge Brophy called Ms Guerin a crusader in her own right". And he urged the media to carry on that crusade. "Remember the hymn at Dublin Airport church - Be not afraid If you are afraid then the barons and the major gangland people in this country will take away your rights and freedoms which this country has fought for over decades."
He did not name Ms Guerin until his closing remark, when he said: "She lost her life as a result of what she did. I hope that other people in the media will follow on in her tracks."