A TRIAL AT Dublin Circuit Criminal Court was delayed this week because a Pakistani witness living in America said he is worried he won’t be allowed home if he comes to Ireland to give evidence.

The trial of George Cristo (43) of Cherryfield Close, Blanchardstown, Dublin was due to take place in two weeks but has been adjourned because of the witness difficulties.

Fiona McGowan BL told Judge Melanie Greally that the witness is living and working in America.

His native country of Pakistan is not on the list of seven countries whose residents have been banned from entering America under President Donald Trump’s executive order.

However, he is worried the order may be expanded. Judge Greally agreed to adjourn the case.

Cristo, who faces three charges under the Theft and Fraud Offences Act 2001, will appear again on 15 February when the court will receive an update on the situation.

The so-called ‘travel ban’ saw the new US president sign an executive order to suspend refugee arrivals and impose new controls on travellers from seven Muslim-majority countries.

The countries are: Iran, Iraq, Syria, Somalia, Yemen, Sudan and Libya. A judge last night issued a temporary block to the ban, but the US Justice Department said it will file for an emergency stay of this order.

Comments are closed as the case is before the courts. Additional reporting Aoife Barry.

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