HSE employee charged with obstructing Lisa Thompson murder investigation

A Health Service Executive employee is set to stand trial on charges related to the investigation of Lisa Thompson's murder. Deirdre Arnold, 42, is accused of trying to hinder the investigation and perverting justice. The charges allege that Arnold acted between May 9 and May 10, 2022, to impede the arrest and prosecution of Brian McHugh, who is accused of Thompson's murder. Arnold is said to have known or believed McHugh was guilty of this crime. When she appeared in court, Arnold pleaded not guilty to both counts. The Central Criminal Court will hear her case starting Monday, with an expected duration of up to eight days. Mr. Justice Patrick McGrath provided details about the case to the jury panel. He informed them about Lisa Thompson, a mother of two, who lived in Ballymun, Dublin. A jury of eight men and four women was sworn in to oversee the trial.