The Special Criminal Court trial of Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch, accused of the murder of David Byrne, has been adjourned until tomorrow for further information regarding Jonathan Dowdall's witness protection status. Presiding judge Ms Justice Tara Burns ruled that Dowdall's evidence is admissible, rejecting defence objections that his guilty plea to the lesser charge of facilitating the murder constituted an unfair incentive. Dowdall, who pleaded guilty to facilitating the Hutch gang in the 2016 Regency Hotel attack, was sentenced to four years in prison. The court noted that the prosecution had not yet confirmed whether Dowdall had been accepted into the Witness Protection Programme, a matter Ms Justice Burns described as "astonishing" given the ongoing trial. She directed the prosecution to resolve this issue promptly, expressing dissatisfaction with the delay. Meanwhile, co-accused Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney, who are alleged to have participated in or contributed to the murder by providing access to motor vehicles, have pleaded not guilty. The trial will resume tomorrow to address the witness protection query before Dowdall is expected to give evidence.
The trial of Gerard Hutch, Jonathan Dowdall, Paul Murphy, and Jason Bonney in relation to the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in February 2016 has reached the sentence stage. Jonathan Dowdall has been jailed by the Special Criminal Court for four years for facilitating the Hutch gang in the murder of Mr Byrne. Gerard Hutch has pleaded guilty to charges of Mr Byrne's murder and participating in or contributing to the murder by providing access to motor vehicles on February 5, 2016. Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney have both pleaded not guilty to the charge of participating in or contributing to the murder by providing access to motor vehicles on the same date. The matter is ongoing, with no finalisation of the cases for Murphy and Bonney. The court is currently considering the admissibility of evidence provided by Dowdall, who has turned State's witness and is expected to give evidence implicating Hutch in the murder. The trial is part of a voir dire to determine the admissibility of this evidence. The case is being heard by three judges, with the defence challenging the admissibility of Dowdall's evidence due to concerns over the circumstances surrounding the dropping of the murder charge against him and the potential quid pro quo arrangement with the DPP.
The Special Criminal Court sentenced Jonathan Dowdall to four years' imprisonment for facilitating the murder of David Byrne. Dowdall pleaded guilty to this lesser offence, having previously been charged with the murder itself. The court report details cross-examination of Detective Sergeant Patrick O'Toole and Detective Garda Cathal Connolly regarding Dowdall's evidence. Defence counsel for co-accused Gerard Hutch argued that the decision to accept Dowdall's plea was a "quid pro quo" for his statement implicating Hutch. However, Detective Superintendent Joseph McLoughlin testified that the Director of Public Prosecutions made the decision to accept the plea in isolation from any potential statement. The defence contended that gardai had no evidence to support Dowdall's allegation that Hutch "effectively confessed" to the murder other than Dowdall's "say so." Prosecution counsel Sean Gillane SC stated the State's case was that Hutch contacted Dowdall days after the 2016 shooting and told him he was "one of the team" involved in the murder. Other defendants Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney pleaded not guilty. The matter regarding Dowdall was finalised with the sentence, while the trial for the other accused continued.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 5 December 2022, Robert Redmond (34) and Bernard Fogarty (34) were convicted of murdering Barry Wolverson, who was shot at Madigan's Yard, Swords, on 17 January 2020 and later died after a 13‑month coma. The court found both men guilty of the murder, of assault causing harm to Gerard Wildman (who was also shot), and of possession of a lethal firearm and ammunition at the scene. Forensic evidence showed gunshot residue on Redmond's jacket, supporting his role as the shooter, while no residue was found on Fogarty's clothing, indicating he was not the shooter. CCTV captured the pair moving together on the day of the shooting and later burning a Citroën C4 in Greenwood Estate. The judge concluded that both men were jointly responsible for the murder and the subsequent arson, with no reasonable possibility of another person's involvement. The verdict was delivered by Justice Michael MacGrath.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in a voir dire regarding the admissibility of statements made by former Sinn Fein Councillor Jonathan Dowdall. Dowdall, who pleaded guilty to facilitating the 2016 murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel and was sentenced to four years' imprisonment, is now a State's witness. He faces co-accused Gerard Hutch, who denies the murder, alongside defendants Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney, both of whom have pleaded not guilty. Retired Detective Superintendent Paul Scott testified that Dowdall's solicitor proposed conditions for his cooperation, including immunity from prosecution, which An Garda Síochána did not accept. Detective Sergeant Patrick O'Toole, who interviewed Dowdall and his wife Patricia in May 2022, denied soft-pedalling evidence. He stated that Dowdall expressed fear for his family's safety and alleged threats from the Hutch and Kinahan groups. O'Toole confirmed no discussion occurred regarding dropping the murder charge. The court is currently determining whether Dowdall's unrecorded statements, taken without a caution, are admissible. The matter remains at the procedural stage of a trial within a trial to resolve evidentiary issues before the main proceedings continue.
The Special Criminal Court has ruled that ten hours of bugged conversations between murder accused Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch and ex-Sinn Fein Councillor Jonathan Dowdall, captured by a garda bugging device, are admissible in the trial, despite being gathered unlawfully while Dowdall's jeep was outside the State. The court found that the National Surveillance Unit (NSU) officers had no power to gather evidence in Northern Ireland and that the breach was of significance. However, the court was satisfied that the NSU officers acted in good faith and that the conversations should be admitted in the interests of justice. The ruling followed legal arguments by both sides, with the court rejecting the defence's challenge to the authorisation of the audio bugging device but accepting their argument that the operation of the surveillance device was illegal. The court also ruled that gardai have no power to investigate or gather evidence in another State. Jonathan Dowdall has been jailed by the Special Criminal Court for four years for facilitating the Hutch gang in the murder of David Byrne. Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney have pleaded not guilty to charges of participating in or contributing to the murder of David Byrne by providing access to motor vehicles on February 5, 2016. Gerard Hutch has pleaded not guilty to charges of Mr Byrne's murder and participating in or contributing to the murder of David Byrne by providing access to motor vehicles on February 5, 2016. The matter was adjourned for further proceedings.
The Special Criminal Court is hearing Gerard Hutch's murder trial, where the defence has challenged the admissibility of audio surveillance evidence. Senior counsel Brendan Grehan argued that Irish surveillance law does not apply extraterritorially, contending that the Oireachtas would have legislated with "irresistible clearness" if such scope were intended. The prosecution, represented by Sean Gillane SC, countered that the device was lawfully deployed and retrieved within the State, dismissing jurisdictional concerns as a "cloud." The court will rule on Friday regarding the admissibility of recordings captured when the vehicle crossed into Northern Ireland. In related proceedings, Jonathan Dowdall pleaded guilty to facilitating the Hutch gang by providing access to motor vehicles and a hotel room ahead of the murder of Kinahan Cartel member David Byrne. Dowdall was sentenced to four years' imprisonment and is currently being assessed for the Witness Protection Program to testify against Hutch. Co-accused Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney have pleaded not guilty to charges of participating in or contributing to the murder by providing access to motor vehicles. The trial continues before Ms Justice Tara Burns, Judge Sarah Berkeley, and Judge Grainne Malone.
The Special Criminal Court is considering the admissibility of evidence from a garda bugging device used to capture conversations between Jonathan Dowdall and Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch, which were recorded on March 7, 2016. Prosecution counsel Sean Gillane SC argued that once a surveillance device is placed and retrieved lawfully within the jurisdiction, the evidence is admissible regardless of where the vehicle travelled. He stated that the issue of extraterritoriality does not arise, as the device was deployed, initiated, and retrieved within the State. Defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC objected to the admissibility of the evidence, claiming that the device was used outside the jurisdiction and that the evidence was obtained unlawfully. The court has viewed CCTV footage showing Gerard Hutch making two journeys to Northern Ireland with Dowdall in the weeks following the murder of David Byrne. Jonathan Dowdall has pleaded guilty to facilitating the Hutch gang in the murder of David Byrne and has been jailed for four years. Gerard Hutch has been convicted of Mr Byrne's murder and is awaiting sentencing. Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney have pleaded not guilty and the matter is ongoing.
The Special Criminal Court has sentenced Jonathan Dowdall to four years' imprisonment for facilitating the Hutch gang in the murder of Kinahan Cartel member David Byrne. Dowdall, a former Sinn Fein councillor, pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of making a hotel room available ahead of the February 2016 attack. He is currently being assessed for the Witness Protection Program to testify against his former co-accused, Gerard Hutch. Hutch, along with Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney, stands trial for the murder. Murphy and Bonney have pleaded not guilty to charges of participating in or contributing to the murder by providing access to motor vehicles. The trial is currently at the procedural stage of addressing the admissibility of evidence. Defence counsel argued that a Garda bugging device recording conversations between Hutch and Dowdall was deployed under a "culture of secrecy" and in violation of the Criminal Justice Surveillance Act 2009, as the vehicle was allegedly in Northern Ireland for eight of the ten recorded hours. The prosecution maintains the recording is central to their case. The court will rule on the admissibility of this evidence after the prosecution responds to the defence submissions. The trial continues before a three-judge panel.
Michael Greene, 46, of Seabury Lawns, Mornington, Meath, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to laundering €104,720 in cash. The money was seized from his vehicle on the Swords exit of the M1 after a surveillance operation that had originally targeted Michael Jameson of Aidton Court, Newtown Mearns, Glasgow. Greene claimed he had been asked to collect the cash for €500 and had no knowledge of its contents. During questioning he admitted to a chronic cocaine addiction and a debt that he said was partly to be written off in exchange for his cooperation. He also stated that he used cocaine to "calm him down" because of sleep apnea. The judge, Pauline Codd, found Greene to be a foot‑soldier, highly psychologically vulnerable and in fear for his life over drug debts. She sentenced him to three years, suspended the final year on the condition of good behaviour, and imposed a two‑year custodial term.
The Special Criminal Court has sentenced Jonathan Dowdall to four years in prison for facilitating the murder of Kinahan Cartel member David Byrne. Dowdall pleaded guilty to charges related to the February 5, 2016, Regency Hotel shooting. The court heard evidence that Dowdall facilitated the Hutch gang in this notorious killing. While Dowdall's case has been finalized with a custodial sentence, the trial of co-accused Gerard Hutch remains ongoing. Hutch, who pleaded not guilty to participating in or contributing to the murder by providing access to motor vehicles, faces a non-jury trial. The court recently heard ten hours of audio recordings allegedly captured by a garda bugging device during a trip to Northern Ireland. The State's case relies on these conversations, where Hutch allegedly discussed the Kinahan cartel's ambition to become the biggest gang in Europe. However, the defense, led by Brendan Grehan SC, argues that the State acted illegally by using the device outside the jurisdiction, seeking to exclude the evidence as illicit fruit. The court is currently hearing legal arguments on the admissibility of this evidence in a voir dire proceeding. Other defendants, Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney, also pleaded not guilty to similar charges of contributing to the murder by providing vehicle access. The matter regarding Hutch's admissibility challenge is not yet concluded, with the judges set to rule on the extraterritoriality issue.
At the Special Criminal Court, former Sinn Fein Councillor Jonathan Dowdall was jailed for four years for facilitating the Hutch gang in the murder of Kinahan Cartel member David Byrne. Dowdall pleaded guilty to the charge of Mr Byrne's murder. Gerard Hutch, co-accused in the case, also pleaded guilty to Mr Byrne's murder and received the same sentence as Dowdall. Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney, both defendants, were charged with participating in or contributing to the murder of David Byrne by providing access to motor vehicles on February 5, 2016, and pleaded not guilty to these charges. The trial has heard various conversations captured by a garda bugging device, including discussions between Dowdall and Hutch about a range of topics, including the death of Supreme Court judge Adrian Hardiman, journalist Paul Williams, and the use of AK-47 assault rifles in the murder of David Byrne. The matter is at the sentence stage, with no adjournments or suspended portions mentioned. No conditions or effective custody details were provided for the accused or defendants.
The Special Criminal Court has sentenced Jonathan Dowdall to four years' imprisonment for facilitating the Hutch gang in the murder of Kinahan Cartel member David Byrne. Dowdall, a former Sinn Fein councillor, pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of making a hotel room available ahead of the attack, which occurred during a boxing weigh-in at the Regency Hotel on February 5, 2016. He is currently being assessed for the Witness Protection Program to testify against his co-accused. Meanwhile, the trial of Gerard Hutch, who pleaded not guilty to Mr Byrne's murder, continues before Ms Justice Tara Burns and two other judges. The court is hearing audio recordings of conversations between Hutch and Dowdall, which the prosecution alleges reference the use of AK-47 assault rifles. Hutch's defence argues that much of the evidence was gathered illicitly outside the State's jurisdiction. Co-accused Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney, both charged with providing access to motor vehicles, have also pleaded not guilty. The trial will proceed with a voir dire to determine the admissibility of the disputed recordings.
A Dublin man has been jailed for two and a half years following his conviction for supplying untaxed tobacco products. Eamonn Lynch, 44, of Lanesborough Avenue, St Margarets, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to delivering unstamped tobacco and evading excise duty totalling €175,151 on cigarettes and loose tobacco. Revenue officers discovered cigarettes and tobacco with a retail value of €217,000 at a storage yard in north Dublin during October 2020. The court heard that Lynch, who operated a flower-selling pitch at Sutton graveyard, had been observed transporting large quantities of contraband tobacco to private residences and retail premises. He admitted being paid €100 daily to make deliveries but declined to name his supplier. A subsequent search of his home recovered €28,000 in cash. Judge Martin Nolan acknowledged Lynch's charitable work and employment history but stated that depriving the State of such revenue constituted serious criminality warranting imprisonment.
The Special Criminal Court has sentenced Jonathan Dowdall to four years' imprisonment for facilitating the Hutch gang in the murder of Kinahan Cartel member David Byrne. Dowdall, a former Sinn Fein councillor, pleaded guilty to the charge. The court also heard evidence in the ongoing trial of co-accused Gerard Hutch, who pleaded not guilty to the same murder. The trial featured audio recordings of conversations between Hutch and Dowdall, allegedly captured while travelling to the North. In these recordings, Hutch stated that Daniel Kinahan looked "in a fuckin heap" following the Regency Hotel attack and claimed police were "going around like headless chickens." The prosecution presented these tapes as core evidence, while the defence argued for their exclusion, claiming the vehicle was outside the State's jurisdiction for most of the recording. Other defendants Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney also pleaded not guilty. The court proceedings focused on the admissibility of the bugged conversations, with the defence contending the evidence was illicit. The sentencing of Dowdall marks a significant development in the case, while the trial for Hutch and others continues.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence regarding the recovery of tracker data from a vehicle driven by Jonathan Dowdall, who pleaded guilty to facilitating the murder of David Byrne and was sentenced to four years' imprisonment. Co-accused Gerard Hutch, who also pleaded guilty to the same charge, and defendants Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney, who pleaded not guilty, remain part of the ongoing proceedings. The court learned that Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau recovered a working copy of destroyed tracker records from a computer slated for disposal. Assistant Commissioner Orla McPartlin testified she would not have authorised the destruction had she known the data was required for the trial and has since initiated a review of retention policies. Retired Detective Inspector Ciaran Hoey, who authorised the destruction, stated he did not believe the records were pertinent to the prosecution. The defence, representing Hutch, argued that the destruction of evidence was a significant issue. Additionally, the court heard that tracker records confirm Dowdall's vehicle was in Northern Ireland for eight hours on March 7, 2016, during the period of audio recordings. The defence intends to argue for the exclusion of this evidence based on extraterritoriality. The matter was adjourned to allow the court to listen to the ten hours of recorded conversations and to continue cross-examination of witnesses.
Three men—Francis Murphy (61), Declan Murphy (54) and Francis Boland (56)—were convicted of indecent assault on a child aged 11‑15 during the early 1980s. Each pleaded not guilty and had no prior convictions. The victim waived anonymity and described the abuse, which included forced masturbation and attempts to insert the men's penises into his mouth. The court noted that Murphy was an adult at the time, while Murphy and Boland were juveniles. Judge Melanie Greally sentenced Murphy to 36 months' imprisonment, Declan Murphy to 30 months, and Boland to 22 months, deferred one month. All three will be placed on the sex offenders register. The victim's impact statement highlighted lasting psychological harm and ongoing difficulties with alcohol and drugs. The defendants' counsel highlighted their long work histories and lack of prior Garda attention. The judge emphasized the men's law‑abiding conduct since the offences and offered legal aid for any appeal.
The Special Criminal Court has sentenced Jonathan Dowdall to four years' imprisonment for facilitating the murder of David Byrne. Dowdall, a former Sinn Fein councillor, pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of providing access to motor vehicles and a hotel room to the accused group on February 5, 2016. He is currently being assessed for the Witness Protection Program after agreeing to testify against co-accused Gerard Hutch. Hutch, who pleaded not guilty to the murder of Byrne, remains on trial alongside Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney, both of whom also pleaded not guilty to charges of participating in or contributing to the murder by providing access to vehicles. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Tara Burns and two other judges, was adjourned until 2pm this afternoon. Prosecutors informed the court that the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau had recovered destroyed tracker records from a desktop computer, which had been listed for destruction. Defense counsel for Hutch requested time to consider how to proceed following this development. The court heard that these records, related to a tracker device on Dowdall's vehicle, were previously believed to be permanently lost. The trial continues with the examination of evidence regarding the movements of the accused in the days surrounding the shooting at the Regency Hotel.
The Special Criminal Court has ruled to hear ten hours of audio recordings between murder accused Gerard Hutch and Jonathan Dowdall, despite defence arguments that the vehicle was outside State jurisdiction for eight hours. Prosecuting counsel Sean Gillane SC described the recordings as central to the State's case regarding the murder of David Byrne. Defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC argued the evidence should be excluded as 'illicit fruit' because gardai knew the vehicle was in Northern Ireland, violating the Criminal Justice Surveillance Act 2009. The court will rule on admissibility after listening to the full recording. Jonathan Dowdall, who pleaded guilty to facilitating the Hutch gang by providing a hotel room, was sentenced to four years' imprisonment. He is currently being assessed for the Witness Protection Program to testify against Hutch. Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney, who pleaded not guilty, remain defendants in the case. The court is currently at the sentencing stage for Dowdall, while the trial for Hutch continues with procedural rulings on evidence admissibility.
The Special Criminal Court heard that all records from a tracking device placed on former Sinn Fein councillor Jonathan Dowdall's vehicle by gardai were destroyed before the Regency Hotel murder trial began. The court was informed that the tracking device was deployed on Dowdall's Toyota Land Cruiser in February 2016 as part of the investigation into the murder of Kinahan Cartel member David Byrne. The authorisation for the deployment of the tracker was granted by retired Detective Superintendent William Johnston on February 17, 2016, for a period of two months. However, the records of the tracker and logger devices were reportedly destroyed, raising concerns about the destruction of evidence. Jonathan Dowdall has been jailed by the Special Criminal Court for four years for facilitating the Hutch gang in the murder of David Byrne. Gerard Hutch, who is accused of the murder, has pleaded guilty and received the same sentence. Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney have pleaded not guilty and the matter remains ongoing.
An appeal is ongoing in the Special Criminal Court regarding the case of Jonathan Dowdall, who was previously sentenced to 12 years imprisonment and Patrick Dowdall eight years imprisonment for physically and mentally torturing a man they suspected of trying to defraud them. The sentences were later appealed and reduced, with Jonathan Dowdall receiving 10 years imprisonment, 25 months of which were suspended, and Patrick Dowdall receiving seven years, three of which were suspended. Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney are co-accused in the case, but they have not been charged and have pleaded not guilty. Gerard Hutch, who is also a co-accused, denies the murder of Kinahan Cartel member David Byrne. The court heard that a search warrant was obtained for Jonathan Dowdall's home based on the belief that firearms and explosives were being stored there on behalf of the IRA. The matter was adjourned and is not yet concluded.
A senior garda has given evidence to the Special Criminal Court describing the structure and operations of the "Hutch Criminal Organisation" in proceedings arising from the 2016 killing of Kinahan Cartel member David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in Dublin. Detective Superintendent David Gallagher, from the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, testified that the organisation stems from intergenerational family bonds centred in Dublin city centre and operates on a patriarchal system prioritising monetary gain. He characterised it as less hierarchical than some criminal groups, describing it as fluid, with affiliates working together, independently, or alongside other organisations. The evidence was admitted despite objections from Gerard Hutch's legal team, who argued its admission would damage their client's presumption of innocence, though the court ruled it inadmissible against Hutch himself. Hutch, along with co-accused Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney, denies involvement in the murder. The trial continues before a three-judge panel at the Special Criminal Court. Gerard Hutch pleaded not guilty. Paul Murphy pleaded not guilty. Jason Bonney pleaded not guilty.
A garda has given evidence at the Special Criminal Court trial of three men accused of involvement in the murder of Kinahan Cartel member David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in February 2016. The officer told the court that a BMW X5 belonging to Jason Bonney, seized in Donaghmede on 20 February 2016, appeared to have been recently valeted and cleaned, with a fresh smell detected inside the vehicle. Bonney, aged 51, of Drumnigh Wood, Portmarnock, Dublin, has pleaded not guilty to participating in or contributing to the murder by providing access to motor vehicles. Co-accused Gerard Hutch and Paul Murphy have also denied involvement. Detective Sergeant Patrick O'Toole gave evidence regarding searches of addresses in Dublin, including Champions Avenue and Buckingham Village, during which various items were recovered. The court heard that a Ford key observed during an initial search of Champions Avenue was not seized in error, requiring gardaí to obtain a second warrant. The trial continues before Ms Justice Tara Burns and two other judges.
The Special Criminal Court heard submissions in a voir dire regarding the admissibility of garda interviews in the trial of Gerard Hutch, Paul Murphy, and Jason Bonney. All three defendants, who pleaded not guilty to participating in or contributing to the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel on February 5, 2016, face charges related to providing access to motor vehicles. Defence counsel for Mr. Bonney argued that his initial interview on February 21, 2016, was conducted without a caution, rendering it and the subsequent detention on May 27 inadmissible. Similarly, counsel for Mr. Murphy contended that his February 22 interview should be excluded due to the failure to caution. Prosecuting counsel Sean Gillane SC rebutted these claims, describing the exchanges as non-custodial and voluntary, and argued that the defence had legally overreached by suggesting the lack of caution contaminated all subsequent evidence. The prosecution maintained that ample independent material justified the detentions. The three-judge panel, presided over by Ms Justice Tara Burns, will rule on the admissibility of the interviews on Monday. The trial continues.
Two men have been sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for their roles in a violent robbery at a hotel in Swords in November 2019. Ioan Galben, aged 40, and Samuel Pop, aged 28, both pleaded guilty to robbery and false imprisonment. The court heard that over €6,000 was taken from a sex worker, along with personal items including phones and jewellery. A third man, now deceased, entered the room during the incident and threatened the victim with a blade. Gardaí identified the suspects through CCTV footage relating to a similar incident in Roscommon in October 2019. Judge Martin Nolan noted a pattern of similar crimes and described the victim as left terrified by the incident. He imposed a sentence of five and a half years on Galben and three years on Pop, finding both men equally culpable despite their different roles.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the trial of Gerard Hutch, Paul Murphy, and Jason Bonney, all of whom pleaded not guilty to charges related to the murder of David Byrne on February 5, 2016. Hutch is accused of the murder, while Murphy and Bonney are alleged to have participated in or contributed to the killing by providing access to motor vehicles. Prosecution counsel Sean Gillane SC stated that the escape route, involving a silver Ford Transit van and other vehicles, is central to the case against Bonney and Murphy. Detective Sergeant Padraig O'Toole testified that Bonney's BMW X5 was tracked to St Vincent's GAA Club, where it allegedly assisted the raiders' escape. In interviews, Bonney claimed he received an invitation to the boxing weigh-in from former boxer Matthew Macklin and stated his son was also invited. He expressed fear regarding alleged threats to his life, asserting the Kinahan Organised Crime Group did not view him as a threat. Defence counsel John Fitzgerald SC indicated that CCTV evidence identifying Bonney in the vehicle would be challenged. The trial continues before Ms Justice Tara Burns, sitting with Judges Sarah Berkeley and Grainne Malone.
At the Special Criminal Court, garda witnesses detailed their investigation into the February 2016 murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in Dublin. Detective Sergeant Alan McGovern testified that Detective Sergeant Brian Hanley had informed him that Paul Murphy, a taxi driver from Swords, was suspected of transporting participants in the killing to Buckingham Village on the morning of the shooting and subsequently driving away from St Vincent's GAA grounds in Marino. CCTV footage showed Murphy's light green Toyota Avensis arriving at Buckingham Village at multiple times that morning and later joining a convoy including a silver Ford Transit van believed connected to the attack. Gardai found Murphy's phone switched off between 1.20pm and 3pm, described as unusual compared to his normal usage patterns. When officers arrived at Cherry Avenue, Swords, on 19 February to seize the vehicle, Murphy reportedly expressed relief and blessed himself upon learning they were gardai. Gerard Hutch, Paul Murphy, and Jason Bonney deny involvement in Mr Byrne's death. Gerard Hutch pleaded not guilty. Paul Murphy pleaded not guilty. Jason Bonney pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the trial of Gerard Hutch, Paul Murphy, and Jason Bonney, all of whom pleaded not guilty to participating in or contributing to the murder of David Byrne by providing access to motor vehicles on February 5, 2016. Prosecutors alleged that a silver Ford Transit van containing six people, including three in tactical garda clothing, escaped the Regency Hotel using parked vehicles. Detective Garda Alan Crummey testified that Murphy, a taxi driver, admitted to purchasing his Toyota Avensis from Eddie 'Neddie' Hutch and driving into Buckingham Village on the morning of the shooting. A swipe card found in Murphy's car was identified as one of four missing from a box, with its sequence number adjacent to a card recovered at Patsy Hutch Senior's home. Murphy told gardai his vehicle could have been 'cloned' and claimed he was at the location to collect money from Eddie Hutch. The court heard that Murphy identified himself and his taxi in CCTV footage from the Maxol Garage and The Beachcomber Pub. The matter remains at the trial stage, with no findings, sentences, or finalisations recorded.
Gerard Hutch, 59, of Clontarf, Dublin 3, is standing trial in the Special Criminal Court, where he denies the murder of Kinahan Cartel member David Byrne on February 5, 2016. The defence team, led by Brendan Grehan SC, has raised significant concerns regarding the legality of state surveillance, specifically alleging that gardai may have illegally deployed a tracker device on a vehicle belonging to Jonathan Dowdall while it was in Northern Ireland. Mr Grehan argued that such use would breach the law and sought clarification on how specific CCTV enquiries were initiated. Prosecution witness Sean Gillane SC contended that the defence was conflating issues, while the presiding judge acknowledged the emerging legal arguments. Meanwhile, co-accused Jonathan Dowdall, 44, of Cabra, Dublin 7, pleaded guilty to facilitating the Hutch gang by providing access to motor vehicles. He was sentenced to four years in prison for this offence. Dowdall is currently being assessed for the Witness Protection Program to testify against Hutch. Other defendants, Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney, who also face charges of participating in the murder by providing vehicles, have pleaded not guilty and remain on trial. The court continues to hear evidence from National Surveillance Unit members, whose identities are withheld by order.
A man who allowed his vehicle to be used to transport nearly €60,000 worth of cannabis has been sentenced to 20 months imprisonment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. David Murray, aged 33, of Ballyshannon Road, Kilmore, Dublin 5, pleaded guilty to knowingly permitting the sale or supply of cannabis in his van at the Malahide Road Roundabout in Swords on 29 October 2020. During a surveillance operation, Murray parked his vehicle at a carpark on the Swords Road. While he was in a nearby shop, another individual placed almost three kilograms of cannabis into the back of his van. Murray was stopped shortly after leaving the carpark and the drugs were recovered. The court heard that gardaí were satisfied the drugs did not belong to Murray and that his role was limited to transporting them. Judge Martin Nolan acknowledged Murray's guilty plea was of significant value to the prosecution while noting he was unlikely to reoffend. Murray has 26 previous convictions, including drug and firearms offences.
A surveillance garda testified in the Special Criminal Court that he saw Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch, accused of the murder of Kinahan Cartel member David Byrne, riding a motorcycle out of former Sinn Fein councillor Jonathan Dowdall's home on February 12, 2016. Gerard Hutch (59), last of The Paddocks, Clontarf, Dublin 3, denies the murder of Mr Byrne (33) during a boxing weigh-in at the Regency Hotel on February 5, 2016. Jonathan Dowdall (44), a married father of four with an address at Navan Road, Cabra, Dublin 7, pleaded guilty in advance of the trial to a lesser charge of facilitating the Hutch gang by making a hotel room available ahead of the murder. Jonathan Dowdall has been jailed by the Special Criminal Court for four years for facilitating the Hutch gang in the notorious murder of Kinahan Cartel member David Byrne. The former Dublin councillor is currently being assessed for the Witness Protection Program after agreeing to testify against former co-accused Gerard Hutch, who is charged with Mr Byrne's murder. The Special Criminal Court has already viewed CCTV footage of what the State says is Gerard Hutch making two separate journeys to Northern Ireland with Dowdall on February 20 and March 7, 2016. A garda known as Member BZ testified that he observed Jonathan Dowdall's grey Toyota Land Cruiser parked opposite Forest Park in Killygordon in Co Donegal at 11am on February 20 2016 and that it was beside a silver Renault Megane Scenic. The Megane left the area at 2.35pm with two males in the vehicle. Another officer called Member BU told Ms Murphy that at 3.51pm on March 9 2016, Shane Rowan was observed carrying a long cardboard box as he walked down the escalator of Clarehall Shopping Centre before entering Carphone Warehouse. In July 2016, Rowan from Forest Park, Killygordan, in County Donegal was jailed for seven and a half years for possession of assault rifles and ammunition. He was also sentenced to a concurrent sentence of four years in prison for IRA membership, backdated to March 9 2016. Evidence has also been given that bullet cases found at the Regency Hotel murder scene were fired by the three AK-47 assault rifles. Gerard Hutch's two co-accused – Paul Murphy (59), of Cherry Avenue, Swords, Co Dublin and Jason Bonney (50), of Drumnigh Wood, Portmarnock, Dublin 13 have pleaded not guilty to participating in or contributing to the murder of David Byrne by providing access to motor vehicles on February 5, 2016. The evidence of the NSU members continues tomorrow before Ms Justice Tara Burns, presiding, sitting with Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge Grainne Malone.
The Special Criminal Court is set to rule tomorrow on whether 27 National Surveillance Unit officers can give evidence anonymously in the trial of Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch, who is accused of the murder of David Byrne. Prosecution counsel Fiona Murphy SC argued that anonymity is necessary to protect covert operations and officer safety, citing concerns raised by Detective Superintendent Eugene Lynch. Defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC objected, asserting the court lacks jurisdiction to grant such a blanket order and warning that it would place a 'cloak of secrecy' over the proceedings, potentially infringing on the right to a public trial. The court will decide if the names of the officers, including six who have retired, should be withheld from the defence and public. Hutch, 59, of Clontarf, denies the murder of Byrne, 33, who was shot dead at the Regency Hotel on February 5, 2016. His co-accused, Jason Bonney, 50, of Portmarnock, and Paul Murphy, 59, of Swords, have also pleaded not guilty to charges of participating in or contributing to the murder by providing access to motor vehicles. The presiding judge, Ms Justice Tara Burns, sitting with Judges Sarah Berkeley and Grainne Malone, will deliver the decision on the anonymity application tomorrow afternoon.
The Special Criminal Court has viewed CCTV footage presented by the State, which allegedly shows Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch making two separate journeys to Northern Ireland with former Sinn Fein councillor Jonathan Dowdall shortly after the murder of Kinahan Cartel member David Byrne at the Regency Hotel. The footage also shows Patrick Hutch Senior in the same area of north Dublin as convicted IRA member Shane Rowan a month after the attack. Rowan was stopped with three assault rifles used in the Regency Hotel shooting. Jonathan Dowdall has been jailed by the Special Criminal Court for four years for facilitating the Hutch gang in the murder of David Byrne. Gerard Hutch has pleaded guilty to charges related to the murder of David Byrne, but the matter is still ongoing. County Donegal was jailed for seven and a half years for possession of assault rifles and ammunition and received a concurrent sentence of four years for IRA membership, backdated to March 9, 2016. The trial continues tomorrow before Ms Justice Tara Burns, presiding, sitting with Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge Grainne Malone.
The Special Criminal Court heard ballistics evidence in the ongoing trial of Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch, who denies the murder of David Byrne. Detective Garda David O'Leary testified that seven cartridge cases recovered from the Regency Hotel scene were discharged from three AK-47 variants seized from Shane Rowan in March 2016. Rowan was previously sentenced to seven and a half years for possession of the weapons and a concurrent four years for IRA membership. The court also examined CCTV footage regarding the movements of a taxi and a black BMW X5. The prosecution case alleges that co-accused Jason Bonney and Paul Murphy, both of whom have pleaded not guilty to participating in or contributing to the murder by providing access to motor vehicles on February 5, 2016, facilitated the escape of the assailants. Bonney is specifically alleged to have driven the BMW X5. Defence counsel for Bonney indicated that the identification evidence would be challenged as a legal issue. The trial continues before Ms Justice Tara Burns, sitting with Judges Sarah Berkeley and Grainne Malone.
The trial of Gerry Hutch, Paul Murphy, and Jason Bonney for the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel on February 5, 2016, continued before a three-judge court. All three defendants, who are alleged to have participated in or contributed to the killing, have pleaded not guilty. The prosecution presented CCTV evidence depicting the escape of the assailants, including a black BMW X5. Garda Michelle Purcell detailed footage showing the vehicle's movements from Portmarnock to St Vincent's GAA grounds, where six individuals, including a man in a wig and a man in a flat cap, were seen fleeing. The prosecution alleges the man in the flat cap was the deceased Kevin Murray, who cooperated with the tactical team. Counsel stated that the escape route is central to the cases of Murphy and Bonney, who are accused of providing access to motor vehicles. The defense for Bonney indicated the identification evidence would be challenged. The trial is ongoing and was adjourned to continue on Monday before Ms Justice Tara Burns, sitting with Judges Sarah Berkeley and Grainne Malone.
A Special Criminal Court in Dublin heard evidence on 20 October 2022 regarding three AK-47 assault rifles recovered in County Meath approximately one month after David Byrne was fatally shot at the Regency Hotel in Dublin on 5 February 2016. Inspector Padraig Boyce testified that a vehicle was intercepted near Slane on 9 March 2016 and the weapons were discovered in its boot, wrapped in a rug and white shirts. Ballistics evidence later matched cartridge cases recovered from the Regency Hotel to the seized rifles. The trial concerns Gerard Hutch, aged 59, from Clontarf, Dublin, who denies murdering Mr Byrne during a boxing weigh-in. Two co-accused, Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney, deny participating in or contributing to the murder by providing vehicle access. Detective gardaí provided CCTV evidence tracing movements of vehicles on the day of the incident. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Tara Burns with two other judges, is expected to continue for approximately 12 weeks. Paul Murphy pleaded not guilty. Jason Bonney pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the trial of Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch, 59, who denies the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel on February 5, 2016. Co-accused Paul Murphy, 59, and Jason Bonney, 50, also pleaded not guilty to charges of participating in or contributing to the murder by providing access to motor vehicles. Witness Colin O'Riordan testified that he feared for his life when gunmen dressed as Emergency Response Unit members walked past him. He reported hearing approximately 12 shots and seeing individuals with weapons. Another witness, Ernie Leslie, described seeing a machine gun in a van. James McGettigan, the hotel director, stated masked individuals entered the bar aggressively. Retired Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis confirmed Byrne died from six high-velocity gunshots. CCTV footage showed the shooting and the suspects' escape. Patrick Dowdall, 65, who pleaded guilty to facilitating the gang by making a hotel room available, was sentenced to two years imprisonment. The trial continues with further evidence expected.
In the Special Criminal Court, former Boxing Union of Ireland president Mel Christle gave evidence about the 2016 Regency Hotel shooting. He described panic and mayhem when gunmen, one disguised in a wig and dress, opened fire during a boxing weigh‑in. Christle, who was present as the union president, reported hearing about eight shots, seeing people flee, and witnessing a corpse with its face blown off. He noted that the gunmen were a young, fit man in a wig and a stocky, unfit second gunman. Christle also observed that the event had not been promoted and that the weigh‑in was arranged the day before. He stated that after the shooting he cancelled the planned boxing events and contacted officials. The trial of Gerard Hutch and co‑defendants continues in the court.
The Special Criminal Court heard the opening of the trial of Gerry Hutch, 59, Paul Murphy, 59, and Jason Bonney, 50, who were arraigned today. Hutch pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Kinahan gang member David Byrne, 33, during a boxing weigh-in at the Regency Hotel in Dublin 9 on February 5, 2016. Murphy and Bonney also pleaded not guilty to charges of facilitating a serious offence by providing access to motor vehicles to a criminal organisation. Prosecution counsel Sean Gillane SC alleged that Hutch told former Sinn Fein councillor Jonathan Dowdall he was "one of the team" responsible for the killing. The state contends the attack was "performative, targeted," and "macabre," involving men disguised as gardaí. Evidence includes a recorded conversation where Hutch discussed the incident and the Kinahan feud. While Patrick Dowdall and Jonathan Dowdall are not defendants in this specific trial, the report notes that both Dowdalls admitted to making a room available at the Regency Hotel on February 4, 2016, to facilitate the offence. The trial is underway before a non-jury court, with significant security presence at the Criminal Courts of Justice.
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned the trial of Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch, who is accused of the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in 2016, until next Tuesday at 11am. Defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC stated that the trial is ready to proceed, noting that new evidence will be presented later in the proceedings. The court, presided over by Ms Justice Tara Burns, agreed to the new date after considering the availability of the three-judge panel. In related developments, Jonathan Dowdall (44) and his father Patrick Dowdall (65) have pleaded guilty to charges of facilitating the murder of Byrne. Jonathan Dowdall admitted to a lesser charge of facilitating the shooting, while Patrick Dowdall admitted to facilitating the murder and participating in criminal organisation activity by making a hotel room available. The State indicated it may enter a nolle prosequi against Jonathan Dowdall on the murder count. Co-accused Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney, charged with facilitating the offence by providing vehicles, remain on trial. The court noted that if the trial extends past Christmas, arrangements may be made for early January.
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned the trial of Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch, who is accused of the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in February 2016. Defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC stated that the team was forced to carry out a 'fundamental reappraisal' of their strategy after being served with significant new evidence late last week. The court, presided over by Justice Tara Burns, granted a one-week adjournment, noting that the trial is unlikely to commence next Monday due to the court's full calendar. Mr. Hutch, who has been in custody since his extradition from Spain, was remanded until next Monday. He has not yet been arraigned. In related developments, the DPP indicated that a nolle prosequi could be entered against Jonathan Dowdall on the murder count, as he pleaded guilty last Wednesday to a lesser charge of facilitating the shooting. Jonathan Dowdall and his father, Patrick Dowdall, both pleaded guilty to facilitating the murder by making a room available at the hotel for a criminal organisation. Their sentencing was adjourned. Co-accused Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney, charged with facilitating the offence by providing access to vehicles, were also due to stand trial but the matter was postponed to allow for further disclosure.
Former Sinn Fein councillor Jonathan Dowdall is being assessed for the Witness Protection Program after providing a statement to gardai that implicates others in the murder of David Byrne, who was shot dead at the Regency Hotel in 2016 as part of the Hutch/Kinahan gang feud. Jonathan Dowdall and his father Patrick Dowdall both pleaded guilty to facilitating the murder of David Byrne by making a hotel room available for the Hutch gang ahead of the murder. They admitted to participating in or contributing to activity intending to or being reckless as to whether such participation or contribution could facilitate the commission of a serious offence by a criminal organisation or any of its members, to wit the murder of David Byrne, by making a room available at the Regency Hotel, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 for that criminal organisation or its members, within the State on February 4, 2016. The three-judge Special Criminal Court adjourned sentencing of Jonathan Dowdall and his father Patrick Dowdall after hearing submissions from their respective counsel. The court heard that room 2104 in the Regency Hotel was booked using Patrick Dowdall's credit card on February 4, 2016, one day before Mr Byrne's murder. CCTV footage showed Patrick Dowdall arriving at the hotel, receiving key cards, and later handing them over to a known member of the Hutch criminal organisation. The matter is currently in the appeal stage.
In a High Court hearing on 18 July 2022, Garda Sergeant Patrick Dunne filed a judicial review against the Garda Commissioner, the Minister for Justice and Equality, and the Attorney General, claiming the Commissioner had unlawfully failed to assess his €23,000 subsistence expenses claim. Dunne submitted the claim in August 2019 for the period July 2014 to October 2018, when he was stationed at Coolock Garda Station after a transfer from Swords. He alleges that the Commissioner refused his request to be stationed at Coolock and has not processed the claim for an unknown reason, despite repeated inquiries over three years. Dunne seeks orders compelling the Commissioner to assess the claim, declarations that the failure breaches his employment contract and rights, and that the Commissioner acted unlawfully. Judge Charles Meenan granted Dunne permission to proceed on an ex‑parte basis, noting the action was a "last resort." The case is scheduled to return to the High Court in November.
The Special Criminal Court has ruled that Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch's application to dismiss the murder charge against him under Section 4E of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1967 cannot be heard in the non-jury court. The court determined that Section 4E is only applicable when an accused is sent forward for trial from the District Court, and as Mr Hutch was charged directly before the Special Criminal Court, the application is not available to him. The ruling followed submissions from defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC, who argued that the literal interpretation of the section would result in unequal treatment for Mr Hutch compared to those charged in the District Court. The court rejected the argument that the section should be interpreted in a purposive manner, stating that the literal meaning reflects the intention of the Oireachtas. The matter was adjourned until October 3, with all parties agreeing that there was nothing else to attend to before the trial date. Jonathan Dowdall, Patrick Dowdall, Paul Murphy, and Jason Bonney are also charged in relation to the murder of David Byrne, but their cases remain at the appeal stage with no finalisation yet.
James Carpenter, 31, of Ardee, Co. Louth, was sentenced in Dublin for fraud involving €500 Electric Picnic tickets and rental deposits. He promised tickets to a woman who paid via bank transfer after seeing a Gumtree advert; the tickets never arrived and Carpenter ignored her emails. He also scammed multiple tenants, taking deposits and first‑month rent for rooms advertised online, claiming false reasons for delays such as a supposed death of his mother or inheritance of the property. Gardaí recovered no money. Carpenter had previously been at large until April 2021, when he was arrested under a European arrest warrant and extradited after serving a six‑month sentence in Scotland for similar offences. He has 21 prior convictions, 10 in Scotland. He pleaded guilty, expressed remorse, and was sentenced to six months for the ticket fraud and two years for the accommodation scams, with both terms running concurrently and back‑dated for time already served.
Stephen Hearns, a former nightclub doorman, was found in possession of a video showing a girl of about 13 years old fully naked and engaging in explicit sexual behaviour. The video was sent to him in a 2015 WhatsApp group chat that also included other participants. Garda Stephen Kinneavy testified that Hearns had expressed liking the video and requested more. The footage surfaced during a global child‑abuse investigation that led to a search of a property in Swords, Co. Dublin, and the seizure of several mobile phones and computers. The operation ultimately resulted in the 2018 conviction of the primary suspect, Maddy Grant. Hearns admitted to joining the group but denied any physical contact with children. He was given a fully suspended one‑year prison sentence, and his security licence was revoked.
Lawyers for Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch, accused of the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel, have argued that their client would face discrimination if prevented from applying to the Special Criminal Court to dismiss the charge against him under Section 4E of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1967. Defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC stated that it would be an 'absurd interpretation' of the law to deny Mr Hutch the right to apply for dismissal simply because he was charged directly in the Special Criminal Court rather than the District Court. The matter was adjourned for a ruling on July 15. Mr Hutch, who is in custody, was present in court and was joined by his four co-accused, including Jonathan Dowdall, Patrick Dowdall, Paul Murphy, and Jason Bonney, who were also present. All five accused are due to stand trial at the Special Criminal Court on October 3. The trial is expected to last 12 weeks. The case involves the murder of David Byrne, who was shot dead at the hotel in February 2016. Mr Hutch was extradited from Spain after his final appeal against extradition was rejected by a Spanish Appeals Court. The Supreme Court has reserved its decision on appeals by Mr Hutch and Jonathan Dowdall against the DPP's decision to try them before the non-jury Special Criminal Court.
John Redmond, a 38‑year‑old mixed‑martial‑arts fighter, was given an 18‑month suspended prison sentence by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for assaulting a woman he had become infatuated with. The victim, who had told Redmond she only wanted a friendship, was attacked on All Ireland Day 2019 when Redmond threw a bin at her, pushed her to the ground, and caused her to hit her head against a wall. She suffered bruising, cuts and a dazed state. Redmond pleaded guilty on 15 March to assault causing harm at his Applewood Avenue home. He had prior convictions, including an unauthorised car taking in 2012, and admitted alcohol and drug use contributed to his behaviour. He offered €5,000 to the victim as a token of remorse and the judge noted no further incidents since the offence. The suspended sentence is conditional on Redmond keeping the peace, avoiding contact with the victim and paying the restitution.
William Scully, 49, of Donabate, pleaded guilty to possession of the proceeds of criminal activity after admitting he received €1,000 to allow his bank account to be used for a scheme that cost a victim €5,000. He also admitted possession of nine cannabis plants at his home. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a two‑year suspended sentence for the proceeds charge, taking the cannabis charge into account, and required Scully to behave well and enter a bond to keep the peace. The court found it unlikely that Scully was the author of the scheme. The cannabis plants were ordered destroyed. No victim impact statement was made, and the court noted Scully's personal difficulties and prior convictions. The sentence was suspended on the condition of good behaviour.
Six workers from Keelings Fruit, four men and two women, were used as money mules by an unnamed "money mule herder" to launder between €4,500 and just under €110,000 for a West African gang between 2016 and 2017. They each pleaded guilty to laundering specific amounts: Albert Joseph (€34,236 and €25,575), Josip Vlahovic (€79,000), Toni Kudro (€8,869), Mate Vlahovic (€6,760), Krisztina Baradlai (€5,900) and Claudia Onofrieciuc (€4,592). The court noted they were recruited from various countries, had no prior convictions, cooperated with Gardaí and were unlikely to reoffend. Judge Martin Nolan imposed suspended sentences ranging from 18 months to three and a half years, with the longest for Albert Joseph. The alleged money mule herder remains before the courts. The case was heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.