HSE employee trial begins for obstructing murder investigation

A 42-year-old woman employed by the HSE begins her trial today. Deirdre Arnold faces charges of obstructing the investigation into the murder of Lisa Thompson. She is also accused of trying to interfere with the course of justice. Arnold is charged with actions taken between May 9 and May 10, 2022. She allegedly acted with the intent to hinder the capture or prosecution of Brian McHugh, who is suspected of murdering Thompson. At her arraignment, Arnold pleaded not guilty to both counts. Justice Patrick McGrath addressed the jury. He informed them about the charges and mentioned the victim, Lisa Thompson, who lived in Ballymun, Dublin. The trial is expected to last up to eight days. An eight-man, four-woman jury has been selected to hear the case in the Central Criminal Court.