The Court of Appeal has ruled that the privacy rights of Kevin Braney, a former leader of the New IRA in Dublin, were not breached when gardaí used a surveillance device to listen in on him conversing with members of a criminal gang at a KFC restaurant. Braney was found guilty of murder in February 2019 by the Special Criminal Court for the killing of dissident republican Peter Butterly in 2013. The court dismissed Braney's appeal, with Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy stating that the grounds raised were not proven. Braney's legal team had argued that gardaí did not obtain proper authorisation before using the listening device and that the recording should not have been admitted as evidence. However, the court upheld the use of the device under the Criminal Law (Surveillance) Act 2009, noting that the superintendent believed an emergency justified the action. The court also rejected arguments that the audio evidence was of insufficient quality and that the testimony of David Cullen, a former accomplice who became a witness, should have been excluded.
Kevin Braney, aged 49, is appealing his conviction for the murder of Peter Butterly at the Special Criminal Court. The appeal, heard before a three-judge panel, centres on two main issues: the lawfulness of surveillance authorisation and the admissibility of evidence from an accomplice-turned-State's witness. Braney's counsel argues that gardai breached his privacy rights by deploying a listening device at a KFC restaurant in Charlestown Shopping Centre, Finglas without proper district court authorisation. The defence contends a superintendent in County Meath could have sought judicial approval at nearby Balbriggan District Court rather than relying on emergency powers under the Criminal Law (Surveillance) Act 2009. The Director of Public Prosecutions argues the superintendent acted appropriately given time constraints when the criminal meeting emerged. The prosecution also disputes whether private conversation expectations apply in a public restaurant setting. Additionally, Braney's legal team challenges the trial court's reliance on evidence from David Cullen, who pleaded guilty to firearms offences and entered witness protection. The defence characterises Cullen as unreliable and willing to lie in his interests.
The Court of Appeal is hearing an appeal by Kevin Braney, who was convicted by the Special Criminal Court of the 2013 murder of Peter Butterly. Counsel for Braney argued that the conviction should be overturned because the trial relied on the evidence of David Cullen, a State's witness described as a perjurer and accomplice. Cullen had previously pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol, receiving a seven-year sentence with half suspended, in exchange for dropping a murder charge. The defence contended that Cullen's credibility was undermined by his admitted dishonesty and personal animus toward Braney. The Director of Public Prosecutions countered that the circumstantial evidence, including observed movements of gang members, was compelling and supported Cullen's testimony that Braney instructed the killing. Braney, who was previously sentenced in 2018 to four years and six months for IRA membership, was found guilty of premeditated murder in February 2019. Co-defendants Edward McGrath, Sharif Kelly, and Dean Evans also received life sentences for the murder, with Evans identified as the shooter. The three-judge Court of Appeal will hear further submissions from both parties before making a decision.
Sharif Kelly, 54, of Balbriggan, Co Dublin, has failed in his bid to pursue a conviction appeal before the Supreme Court regarding the 2013 murder of dissident Republican Peter Butterly. Kelly, who pleaded not guilty, was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Special Criminal Court in April 2017. The court heard that Dean Evans, who pleaded guilty to the murder, fired the three fatal shots into Butterly at the Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co Meath, while Kelly was the getaway driver. Kelly's earlier Court of Appeal challenge in April 2022 was dismissed, with judges unimpressed by his objections to the evidence of protected witness David Cullen. Cullen, who turned State's witness, had previously pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol at the scene and was sentenced in July 2014 to seven years in prison, with three and a half years suspended. Kelly's lawyers also sought to introduce fresh evidence concerning Garda Joseph Doyle, who was later jailed for corruption and deception offences. The Supreme Court refused leave to appeal, determining that issues regarding the admissibility of accomplice-type evidence are primarily for the trial court to analyse and that the Court of Appeal correctly applied established principles governing fresh evidence.
David White, business development manager at Gormanston Park sports campus, was dismissed after admitting he took two bottles of wine from storage, returned them later, and denied involving teenage workers in a conspiracy. He filed an unfair dismissal claim seeking reinstatement, though he accepted it was unlikely. The complex's general manager, Aislinn Creamer, testified that a 16‑year‑old kitchen worker approached her with evidence that White had taken the wine and instructed the workers not to disclose it. White countered that he had no intention to deceive and that the remark was light‑hearted. He expressed regret and argued the dismissal was drastic, suggesting a written warning would have sufficed. The case was heard by adjudicator Davnet O'Driscoll, who will issue a decision later.
A man convicted of perverting the course of justice in connection with a 2013 dissident Republican murder has appealed his conviction at the Court of Appeal. Raymond Kennedy was sentenced to eighteen months imprisonment in May 2022 after the Special Criminal Court found him guilty of destroying a mobile phone SIM card on the day Peter Butterly was shot dead at Gormanston, County Meath. Kennedy's legal team argued he was unlawfully detained when gardaí instructed him to remain at the scene and that he should have been cautioned before making admissions about the device. The Director of Public Prosecutions' counsel contended Kennedy approached gardaí voluntarily and was afforded procedural fairness, including the option of a formal interview at a station. Justice John Edwards reserved judgment on the appeal. Four men have previously received life sentences for Mr Butterly's murder. Raymond Kennedy pleaded not guilty.
Stephen Gibbons, 58, of Rockleigh House, Richardstown, Co Meath, was convicted in May 2021 by a jury at Trim Circuit Court of unlawfully possessing a 9mm Makarov PM‑63 RAK sub‑machine pistol found during a Garda search near his home. The gun, dated 1945 and coated in thick lubricant, was serviceable but had two discharged bullets blocking the barrel; a detective fitted a replacement barrel to demonstrate its capability for semi‑automatic and fully automatic fire. Gibbons was acquitted of possessing ammunition at the same time and place. He appealed to the Court of Appeal, arguing the jury's verdict was logically inconsistent because the same bag contained the pistol, ammunition, and a hair from his own hair stuck to the lubricant.
Stephen Gibbons, a convicted person linked to Cornelius Price, appealed to the Court of Appeal against his May 2021 jury conviction for unlawfully possessing a 9mm Makarov PM-63 RAK submachine pistol. Gibbons, who denied the charge, was found not guilty of possessing ammunition at the same location in Co Meath. His legal team argued the verdict was logically inconsistent, noting that a single hair on the weapon was used to convict him despite the ammunition being found in the same bag, for which he was acquitted. The prosecution countered that the jury understood the distinction between the counts and that the DNA evidence was not the sole basis for the conviction. The Court of Appeal has reserved its judgment, meaning the matter is adjourned and not yet concluded. At his earlier sentence hearing, Judge Martina Baxter backdated the sentence to April 2020, citing the association of the firearm with organised criminality as an aggravating factor. Gibbons remains on Price's land in Gormanstown, having previously married Price's aunt.
In March 2017 the Special Criminal Court sentenced Sharif Kelly, 51, and Edward McGrath, 39, to life imprisonment for the 2013 gun murder of 35‑year‑old Peter Butterly, a father of three, who was shot outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston. The murder trial lasted 35 days after a collapsed first trial in 2015. McGrath was also convicted of firearms offences. The State's main witness was former co‑accused David Cullen, who had his murder charge dropped after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of a semi‑automatic pistol and was jailed for three‑and‑a‑half years. Kelly and McGrath appealed, arguing Cullen's testimony was unreliable and that McGrath had no knowledge of the murder plan. The Court of Appeal, in a 170‑page judgment, rejected both appeals, finding the evidence against the appellants sufficient and the admissibility of Cullen's testimony justified. The court noted no error in the trial's findings and declined to quash the convictions.
A man has been sentenced to eighteen months imprisonment at the Special Criminal Court for perverting the course of justice during the investigation into a 2013 murder. Ray Kennedy, aged 40, was found guilty of destroying a mobile phone SIM card on the day Peter Butterly was fatally shot in a car park at Gormanston, County Meath. Kennedy had arranged to meet Butterly the previous day and arrived at the scene shortly after the killing. Gardaí had requested he remain for interview, but while waiting, he removed and disposed of the SIM card, which prosecutors described as evidentially significant. Justice Tony Hunt imposed a four-year headline sentence but suspended two and a half years on humanitarian grounds, citing Kennedy's daughter's serious health condition. The judge rejected Kennedy's account that he had panicked, finding instead that his actions were calculated. Kennedy must enter a good behaviour bond of one hundred euros for two and a half years following release. Ray Kennedy pleaded not guilty.
Ray Kennedy, aged 41, of Blanchardstown in Dublin, has been found guilty of perverting the course of justice at the Special Criminal Court following his destruction of a mobile phone SIM card on 6 March 2013. The card was considered of significant evidential value to the Garda investigation into the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly at Gormanston, County Meath. Kennedy's defence counsel argued against a custodial sentence, citing his young daughter's serious health condition requiring round-the-clock care and his previously unblemished background. The prosecution contended that Kennedy's actions were calculated to conceal his involvement in the incident. Presiding Judge Tony Hunt noted that a custodial sentence remained under consideration whilst granting bail due to Kennedy's family circumstances. Sentencing has been adjourned to 12 July. Four men have previously received life sentences for Butterly's murder, with two others also imprisoned for roles in the killing.
A man has been found guilty by the Special Criminal Court of disrupting the garda investigation into the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly in 2013. Ray Kennedy, aged 41, from Blanchardstown, Dublin, was convicted of destroying a mobile phone SIM card on the day of the killing at Gormanston, County Meath. The court heard Kennedy had arranged to meet Butterly that afternoon and arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting. Evidence showed Kennedy's phone had contacted a burner phone connected to the murder. Kennedy claimed he panicked when approached by gardaí and destroyed the SIM card, but the judge rejected this account as not credible and found his actions were a calculated attempt to obstruct the investigation. Four men have already received life sentences for Butterly's murder, with two others also convicted and jailed for their roles. Kennedy was granted bail pending sentencing on 21 June. The unnamed accused was acquitted.
A man accused of perverting the course of justice in connection with a dissident republican murder has been remanded on bail pending judgment. The Special Criminal Court hearing concerns Ray Kennedy, who is charged with deliberately destroying a mobile telephone SIM card on the day Peter Butterly was shot dead at Gormanston, County Meath in March 2013. The prosecution contends the SIM card would have been of significant evidential value to the murder investigation. Mr Kennedy's defence counsel argued his client had plausible reason to panic after arranging to meet Mr Butterly that afternoon about an illicit matter, and that the State has failed to prove the charge beyond reasonable doubt. The three-judge court, presiding Justice Tony Hunt with Judges Gerard Griffin and Flann Brennan, will deliver judgment on May 17th. Four men have already received life sentences for Mr Butterly's murder, with two others jailed for roles in the killing. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.
Ray Kennedy, aged 40, has pleaded not guilty at the Special Criminal Court to a charge of perverting the course of justice. The prosecution alleges that Kennedy deliberately destroyed a mobile phone SIM card on 6 March 2013, the day dissident republican Peter Butterly was shot dead in the carpark of the Huntsman Inn at Gormanston, County Meath. Kennedy had arranged to meet Butterly that afternoon and arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting. The State contends that Kennedy's phone had been in contact with a burner phone connected to the killing, and that destroying the SIM card was intended to hamper the garda investigation. Kennedy, attending his trial remotely, is accused of deliberately destroying evidence of significant value. Four men have already received life sentences for Butterly's murder, and two others have been imprisoned for their roles in the killing. The trial, before three judges, is expected to last four to five weeks.
In a first for Irish courts, Mr Justice Tony Hunt granted an accused the right to attend a criminal trial remotely via video‑link. Ray Kennedy, charged with perverting the course of justice in the murder of Peter Butterly, will be allowed to participate in his Special Criminal Court hearing from March 1, 2021. Kennedy, 40, is accused of destroying a SIM card on the day of Butterly's shooting. The court found Kennedy had exceptional family circumstances: his 35‑year‑old father of two, Peter Butterly, was killed in a car‑park in Gormanston on 6 March 2013, and Kennedy's daughter has a serious congenital condition requiring regular hospital visits. Imelda Kelly, Kennedy's counsel, argued that travel would heighten risk to the child. The three‑judge panel, including Judges Griffin and Brennan, accepted the application, noting no substantive objection from the State. The trial, expected to last four to five weeks, will begin on Monday.
Aaron Brady was convicted of the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, who was shot during an armed robbery at Lordship Credit Union in County Louth on 25 January 2013. An investigation spanning several years culminated in Brady's trial, where the prosecution presented extensive circumstantial evidence linking him to the crime. This included CCTV footage connecting Brady to a stolen Volkswagen Passat used in the raid, phone records showing his movements, and witness testimony placing him in the vicinity. Brady's own statements to gardaí contained multiple falsehoods about his whereabouts that night. The investigation also revealed Brady had later made incriminating admissions whilst living abroad, boasting about shooting a police officer. The jury found Brady guilty of the murder. The case was handled by Dundalk District Court and involved cooperation between Irish and Northern Irish police services.
In December 2020 the Court of Appeal reserved judgment on the appeal of Sharif Kelly and Edward McGrath, who were convicted of murdering Peter Butterly in 2013. The men had been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Special Criminal Court. Their conviction relied heavily on testimony from former co‑accused David Cullen, who had pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a pistol and was later turned into a State witness. Cullen's evidence, which alleged a planning meeting and the men's presence, was contested by the defence as unreliable and tainted. The appeal argued that Cullen's testimony was not credible and that the men's state of mind at the time of the murder was not established. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Justice George Birmingham, has not yet ruled on the appeal.
In a murder conviction appeal, the DPP's counsel, Paul O'Higgins SC, acknowledged that David Cullen, a former murder suspect who became a State witness, was a 'tarnished' witness. Cullen had previously pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a semi‑automatic pistol and was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment, half suspended, for that offence. He testified for four and a half days in the Special Criminal Court trial of Sharif Kelly and Edward McGrath, who were convicted of murdering Peter Butterly in 2013. The defence argued that Cullen's evidence was tainted and should have been excluded, citing his prior perjury conviction. O'Higgins countered that no rule bars a person convicted of perjury from giving evidence, and that the trial court could rely on Cullen's testimony only if corroborated by other evidence. The appeal remains before the Court of Appeal.
The appeal of Edward McGrath and Sharif Kelly, who were convicted of the murder of Peter Butterly in 2013, is ongoing before the Court of Appeal. McGrath's barrister, Paul Greene SC, argued that while McGrath was 'caught red-handed' in the criminal enterprise, there was a lack of evidence regarding his state of mind at the time of the shooting. The appeal hinges on the reliability of David Cullen's testimony, who was originally charged with the murder but later pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol at the Huntsman Inn on the day of the shooting. Cullen's evidence was central to the convictions of McGrath, Kelly, and others. The appeal is examining whether the trial judges erred in accepting Cullen's testimony, which was the basis of the convictions. The matter was adjourned for further submissions from the DPP, with Paul O'Higgins SC set to continue his arguments tomorrow. Dean Evans, who pleaded guilty to the murder, was not present for the trial but was extradited back to Ireland. The case remains in the appeal stage, with no finalised conclusions yet.
Two men, Edward McGrath and Sharif Kelly, are appealing their convictions for the murder of Peter Butterly, a dissident republican, in a five‑day hearing before the Court of Appeal. The appeal focuses on the reliability of evidence given by former murder suspect David Cullen, who became a State witness. Cullen's testimony, which lasted four and a half days, is alleged by the defence to be tainted and untrustworthy. The defence argues that Cullen's statements were inconsistent, often vague, and that he used evasive language such as "don't know" and "possibly" to undermine his credibility. The appeal contends that the trial judges erred by accepting Cullen's evidence and not adequately addressing his credibility. The hearing will continue the following day before a three‑judge panel of the Court of Appeal.
In the Special Criminal Court, defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC argued that Daniel Cahill, the key witness in Aaron Brady's murder trial, may have had motives to fabricate his testimony. O'Higgins highlighted Cahill's claims of hearing Brady admit to killing Garda Adrian Donohoe, Cahill's alleged encounters with Homeland Security, and the lack of any subsequent police action against Cahill despite drug findings. He questioned the credibility of Cahill's statements, noting inconsistencies and the absence of corroborating evidence from Garda investigations. O'Higgins also criticized the Garda investigation for allegedly overlooking evidence of diesel laundering linked to Brady, citing text messages and phone contacts. The counsel urged the jury to scrutinise Cahill's testimony and the prosecution's evidence before drawing conclusions. The trial remains ongoing. Aaron Brady pleaded not guilty.
The trial of Aaron Brady, 28, from Crossmaglen, Co Armagh, continues before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury. Brady has pleaded not guilty to the alleged capital murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, who was on active duty, and the alleged robbery of approximately €7,000 in cash and cheques. Both incidents are alleged to have occurred on January 25, 2013, at Lordship Credit Union, Bellurgan, Co Louth. Witness Daniel Cahill, 28, testified from New York, stating he provided evidence to seek justice for Donohoe's family. Cahill denied fears of US detention and alleged that Homeland Security agents searched his home previously while looking for Dean Evans, who was later jailed for life for the murder of Peter Butterly in Co Meath. During cross-examination, Cahill denied assaulting Brady or stealing his telephone in 2015. The prosecution and defence continue to examine the witness's credibility and recollections. The matter remains at the trial stage, with no final verdict or sentence recorded in this report.
During a cross‑examination in a capital murder trial, defence barrister Daniel Cahill, 28, who was giving evidence via video link from New York, denied being a member of the "Ryan Crew" or Dublin Real IRA and insisted he was telling the truth when he said the accused, Aaron Brady, admitted shooting Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe on three occasions. Cahill also denied that he gave evidence to avoid deportation from the United States. He admitted being a childhood friend of Vincent Ryan and knowing Dean Evans, who murdered dissident republican Peter Butterly in 2013. Cahill said he had never been involved in criminal activity, had no interest in the Ryan "business", and had distanced himself from Ryan when he saw him wearing a bullet‑proof vest. The judge described the defence's suggestion that Cahill was engaged in Real IRA activity in 2012 as "outrageous" and "unacceptable". Aaron Brady pleaded not guilty.
A Dublin man, Ray Kennedy, 40, is charged with perverting the course of justice for destroying a SIM card on 6 March 2013, the day Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co. Meath. Kennedy faces trial at the Special Criminal Court on 11 January 2021, a hearing expected to last four to five weeks. The case is presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt with Judges Gerard Griffin and David McHugh.
A 70‑year‑old cancer patient, Ronald Gordon, is in prison isolation because of Covid‑19 concerns and has been denied High Court bail. Gordon, a UK national, is charged with possession of cannabis and cocaine for sale or supply at Sarsfieldstown, Gormanston, Co. Meath, on 8 May 2019. The drugs are estimated to be worth about €2.5 million. He has applied for bail three times; the latest application was accompanied by a consultant's letter from Beaumont Hospital detailing his health difficulties, which was not presented at earlier hearings. Counsel for Gordon, Michael Hourican BL, argued that his prognosis was "not good at all" and that prison authorities were anxious to release vulnerable inmates. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Nicola Cox BL, maintained that the objection to bail was not made lightly, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the lack of any change in circumstances that would justify release.
The Special Criminal Court directed not guilty verdicts for Laurence Murphy and Ray Kennedy, who had pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh Na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on March 6th, 2013. Ms Justice Tara Burns ruled that Detective Chief Superintendent Anthony Howard's "belief evidence" was inadmissible due to "issues of unfairness" arising from a "blanket" claim of privilege over underlying material. The judge noted that without this evidence, the case was "inherently tenuous." The ruling also highlighted "worrying aspects" regarding the handling of statements by State's-witness David Cullen, who claimed Murphy was "never a member of the IRA." The court found that the refusal to release secret material to the prosecution or defence prevented meaningful cross-examination. A further charge against Mr Kennedy of carrying out an act intending to pervert the course of justice, by destroying a SIM card on March 6th, 2013, has been adjourned until January 13 next.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 3 December 2019, defence counsel Hugh Hartnett SC and John D Fitzgerald SC challenged the admissibility of a senior Garda's "belief evidence" that Laurence Murphy (62) and Ray Kennedy (40) were members of the IRA. They argued the evidence was "valueless" and that the Director of Public Prosecutions had treated the court's rulings with "casualness", making the process "impossible to understand". The defence noted that no prosecution for IRA membership has relied on belief evidence since 1972 and that the Garda's belief was formed from material held by the Gardaí in December 2017, which had not been disclosed to the prosecution, defence or judges. They also highlighted that the Garda's claim of privilege was broad, that cross‑examination was "sterile", and that the Assistant Commissioner had not made the Garda aware of a statement by David Cullen that Murphy was "never a member of the IRA". Laurence Murphy pleaded not guilty. Ray Kennedy pleaded not guilty.
During the Special Criminal Court trial of Laurence Murphy and Ray Kennedy for the murder of Peter Butterly, Detective Chief Superintendent Anthony Howard testified that his belief that the accused were members of the IRA was not affected by information that a key witness, David Cullen, had said he would deny IRA membership if called to testify. Howard, head of the Special Detective Unit, had formed his belief based on material he claimed privilege over, gathered in December 2017. He confirmed that no one in the investigation, including the DPP, had informed him of Cullen's statement, and he insisted the statement had no impact on his belief. Howard also denied any formal protocol or coaching on how to express such beliefs, and the defence will apply to exclude his evidence tomorrow. The trial continues. Laurence Murphy pleaded not guilty. Ray Kennedy pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned proceedings involving Laurence Murphy and Ray Kennedy, who have pleaded not guilty to alleged membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh Na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on March 6th, 2013. Mr Kennedy is also charged with carrying out an act intending to pervert the course of justice by destroying a SIM card on the same date. The procedural stage remains at charge or pretrial, with the trial set to continue on Monday. Ms Justice Tara Burns stated the court would not review sensitive material after the Director of Public Prosecutions failed to comply with a ruling to view it. The judge expressed shock at the DPP's refusal to disclose a letter from Assistant Commissioner Michael O'Sullivan to the defence, questioning the office's thought process. Defence counsel argued that the court viewing the material would create perception problems and depart from judicial norms. The DPP maintained security concerns regarding the material. No findings, sentences, or finalisations were recorded, as the matter was adjourned.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Judge Tara Burns considered whether the court should review sensitive material that Gardaí have refused to hand over to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The material concerns two men charged in connection with the 2013 murder of Peter Butterly. Gardaí cited security concerns for senior and junior counsel, claiming that disclosure could expose them to danger. Defence counsel for Laurence Murphy and Ray Kennedy objected to the court viewing the material, arguing it could create a conflict of interest. Judge Burns noted that the DPP was unable and unwilling to provide the material, but the court retains a supervisory role over disclosure. She ruled that the prosecution must ensure proper disclosure, but the court would not compel Gardaí to release the material. The trial is set to resume tomorrow at 10:30 am. Laurence Murphy pleaded not guilty. Ray Kennedy pleaded not guilty.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 27 November 2019, Ms Justice Tara Burns ruled that prosecution counsel must view sensitive material relating to two men charged with the murder of a dissident republican. The material, held by An Garda Siochana, concerns Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, who was shot dead on 6 March 2013 at the Huntsman Inn car park in Gormanston, Co. Meath. Laurence Murphy (62) and Ray Kennedy (40) are charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, the IRA, and Kennedy with destroying a SIM card. Detective Chief Superintendent Anthony Howard, head of the Special Detective Unit, claimed the material was essential to his belief that the men were IRA members, citing security concerns. Garda Siochana cited fears for the safety of prosecution counsel as the reason for withholding the material, but the court found no legal basis for that claim. Laurence Murphy pleaded not guilty. Ray Kennedy pleaded not guilty.
A Detective Chief Superintendent has given evidence at the Special Criminal Court regarding two men charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Peter Butterly in March 2013. The victim, aged 35, was killed in a car park at Gormanston, Co Meath. Laurence Murphy, aged 62, of Bettystown, Co Meath, and Ray Kennedy, aged 40, of Blanchardstown, Dublin, have pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army. Mr Kennedy faces an additional charge of perverting the course of justice. Detective Chief Superintendent Anthony Howard, head of the Special Detective Unit, told the three-judge court of his belief that both men were members of the IRA. He declined to disclose the material upon which his belief rested, citing security concerns and the protection of life and property. Evidence was also heard of items recovered from the scene. Four men have previously received life sentences for Mr Butterly's murder, with two others also imprisoned for roles in the killing.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the ongoing trial of Laurence Murphy and Ray Kennedy, who have pleaded not guilty to IRA membership charges dated March 6, 2013, and April 2010. Mr. Kennedy also faces a charge of perverting the course of justice by destroying a SIM card. Prosecution witnesses described a meeting at Bewleys Hotel, Dublin Airport, on May 22, 2010, where Mr. Murphy was observed with Marian Price, Alan Ryan, and Anthony Ryan. The group entered a private function room, though the Ryans did not. Other testimony detailed Mr. Kennedy's presence at a 2011 meeting in Mulhuddert and at a 2012 bail hearing. The court also heard about a 2012 funeral for Alan Ryan, where three shots were fired over the coffin. While four men have already received life sentences for the murder of Peter Butterly, and Michael McDermott and Frank Murphy have been jailed for their roles in the killing, the current proceedings against Murphy and Kennedy remain at the trial stage. The matter was adjourned and continues before Justice Tara Burns, Judge Sarah Berkeley, and Judge Michael Walsh.
A man charged in connection with the 2013 murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly was observed on multiple occasions with slain Real IRA leader Alan Ryan, the Special Criminal Court heard. Laurence Murphy, aged 62, of Bettystown, Co Meath and Ray Kennedy, aged 40, of Blanchardstown, Dublin have pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA on 6 March 2013. Mr Kennedy faces an additional charge of perverting the course of justice. Detective gardaí gave evidence they saw Mr Ryan and Mr Kennedy together in Donaghmede, Dublin on separate occasions in 2011 and 2012. The court heard garda interviews wherein Mr Kennedy stated he and Mr Butterly had arranged to meet at the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath at 2.30pm on the day of the shooting. Mr Murphy was interviewed and denied IRA membership. Four men have already received life sentences following convictions for Mr Butterly's murder, with two others imprisoned for roles in the killing. The trial before Ms Justice Tara Burns continues.
In the Special Criminal Court, the prosecution presented evidence regarding the March 6, 2013, shooting death of Peter Butterly at the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath. Laurence Murphy and Ray Kennedy, both accused of IRA membership on that date, have pleaded not guilty. Mr Kennedy is additionally charged with perverting the course of justice by destroying a SIM card. Prosecutors read witness statements from Mr Kennedy, who alleged he met Mr Butterly to discuss false car logbooks and claimed he destroyed his phone's SIM card in panic when a garda requested the device. Mr Kennedy denied IRA membership, stating he attended marches with slain Real IRA leader Alan Ryan because he was "nosy." He also denied luring Mr Butterly to the scene. The court heard that Mr Kennedy knew David Dodrill, who was convicted of IRA membership in April 2010, and acknowledged knowing Dermot Gannon, jailed for IRA membership in 2001. The matter is at the sentence stage, with the accused maintaining their not guilty pleas to the alleged offences.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the trial of Ray Kennedy and Laurence Murphy, who have pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh Na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on March 6th, 2013. Mr Kennedy is also charged with carrying out an act intending to pervert the course of justice by destroying a mobile telephone SIM card. Prosecution evidence detailed that Mr Butterly was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath, on that date. Detective Garda Shane Curran testified that a text was sent from Mr Kennedy's phone to the victim's wife at 1.43pm, joking about an IRA arrest, minutes before the killing. The prosecution alleged Mr Kennedy destroyed a SIM card to pervert the course of justice. While four other men have already received life sentences for the murder, and Michael McDermott and Frank Murphy have been jailed for their roles, the current proceedings against Mr Kennedy and Mr Murphy remain at the trial stage. The matter was adjourned to continue on Monday before Ms Justice Tara Burns, presiding alongside Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge Michael Walsh.
The Special Criminal Court trial of Laurence Murphy and Ray Kennedy, both charged in connection with the killing of Peter Butterly, entered legal argument regarding the retention of mobile phone data under the Communications (Retention of Data) Act 2011. This legal challenge is linked to the case of convicted murderer Graham Dwyer, whose appeal against a High Court declaration that the Act breached EU law is due before the Supreme Court in December. Murphy and Kennedy pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation, styled the IRA, on March 6, 2013. Kennedy is additionally charged with carrying out an act intending to pervert the course of justice by destroying a mobile telephone SIM card. The prosecution alleges the killing was meticulously planned. Four men—Kevin Braney, Edward McGrath, Sharif Kelly, and Dean Evans—have already received life sentences for the murder. Michael McDermott and Frank Murphy, the latter being Laurence Murphy's brother, have also been jailed for their roles in the killing. The trial continues before Ms Justice Tara Burns, Judge Sarah Berkeley, and Judge Michael Walsh.
A witness in the Special Criminal Court has testified that the shooting of dissident republican Peter Butterly in Gormanston, County Meath on 6 March 2013 was an "IRA operation". David Cullen, now in the Witness Protection Program, gave evidence in trials of Laurence Murphy and Ray Kennedy, both charged with membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA. Mr Kennedy also faces a charge of perverting the course of justice. Cullen said he was asked to dispose of a firearm immediately after the shooting and that he knew beforehand someone would be targeted, though not the victim's identity. He recovered the gun near Gormanston College and was arrested shortly after. Four men have previously received life sentences for Mr Butterly's murder, while two others received custodial sentences. During proceedings, Justice Tara Burns ruled on disclosure issues concerning Cullen's earlier statement that Mr Murphy was "never a member of the IRA", which defence counsel argued was belatedly provided. Laurence Murphy pleaded not guilty. Peter Butterly pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court trial of Laurence Murphy and Ray Kennedy, both accused of IRA membership on March 6, 2013, continued with the court listening to a secret audio recording from a KFC in Charlestown. Both men pleaded not guilty to the membership charge; Mr. Kennedy also faces a charge of perverting the course of justice by destroying a SIM card. The prosecution alleges the men attended a "debrief" meeting the day after the murder of Peter Butterly. The court heard that gardai surveillance identified Kevin Braney, Frank Murphy, and Laurence Murphy at the outlet. Kevin Braney was previously sentenced to life imprisonment for the premeditated murder of Mr. Butterly, a finding he had denied. Frank Murphy, a brother of the accused, was jailed for three years, with the final year suspended, after pleading guilty to impeding the prosecution of State witness David Cullen. Other individuals, including Edward McGrath, Sharif Kelly, and Dean Evans, received life sentences for the murder. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Tara Burns, Judge Sarah Berkeley, and Judge Michael Walsh, was adjourned and resumes next Wednesday.
A 23‑year‑old substitute teacher pleaded guilty to two counts of defilement for having sex with a 16‑year‑old pupil. The offences occurred in early 2018 at Gormanston Beach and the Carlton Hotel, after the teacher had bought the boy gifts on his birthday. She waited until his 16th birthday, believing that was the legal age of consent, and then engaged in sexual activity in her car and at the hotel. Judge Martin Nolan accepted her belief but found her reckless and that, as a teacher, she should have known the law. He sentenced her to three years' imprisonment, suspending the final two years on the condition of good behaviour for two years after release. The judge noted her early guilty plea, cooperation and lack of prior convictions as mitigating factors. The teacher's contract was terminated and she is no longer employed in education. The boy suffered anxiety and depression as a result of the abuse.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, a 23‑year‑old substitute teacher pleaded guilty to two counts of defilement after having sex with a 16‑year‑old pupil. The teacher, who had been working at the school when the boy was in his fifth year of secondary school, met him in an over‑18s nightclub and began communicating via Snapchat. In early 2018, on the boy's 16th birthday, she drove him to Gormanston Beach where they kissed and had sexual intercourse. A month later, she took him to a hotel room she had booked, where they again kissed and had sex. The boy later told his parents he had stayed at a friend's house, and the teacher's contract was terminated after the school discovered her identity. The teacher claimed she believed 16 was the legal age of consent and had no prior convictions. The court adjourned the case for a verdict.
An accused man was observed meeting two individuals convicted in connection with the fatal shooting of dissident republican Peter Butterly one day after the killing, the Special Criminal Court heard today. Surveillance officers told the non-jury court that on March 7, 2013, Laurence Murphy was seen at a fast-food outlet in Charlestown Shopping Centre in Dublin alongside Kevin Braney and Frank Murphy. Butterly, aged 35, was shot dead on March 6, 2013, outside a public house in Gormanston, County Meath. Braney was sentenced to life imprisonment earlier this year following conviction for the premeditated murder. The prosecution contends the group gathered for a debrief regarding the previous day's events. Murphy, of Bettystown, County Meath, and Ray Kennedy, of Blanchardstown, Dublin, have pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA on that date. Kennedy faces an additional charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice. The trial continues.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the trial of Ray Kennedy (39) and Laurence Murphy (62), who have pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA on March 6, 2013. Kennedy is also charged with perverting the course of justice by destroying a mobile SIM card. The prosecution presented the statement of Eithne Butterly, widow of dissident republican Peter Butterly, who was shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co Meath, on that date. Mrs Butterly told gardai that Kennedy was a "good friend" to both of them and that her husband had received five death threats, including one from Alan Ryan. She stated her husband told her he was meeting Kennedy at 2pm on March 6, 2013, though Kennedy maintains the meeting was scheduled for 2.30pm. The court heard that four men—Kevin Braney, Edward McGrath, Sharif Kelly, and Dean Evans—have already received life sentences for the murder, while Michael McDermott and Frank Murphy have also been jailed for their roles in the killing. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Tara Burns, Judge Sarah Berkeley, and Judge Michael Walsh, resumes tomorrow.
Ray Kennedy (39) and Laurence Murphy (62) are on trial at the Special Criminal Court, having pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh Na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on March 6, 2013. Mr Kennedy is also charged with carrying out an act intending to pervert the course of justice by destroying a mobile telephone SIM card. The prosecution alleges the pair were involved in the "meticulously planned killing" of dissident republican Peter Butterly (35), who was shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co Meath, on that date. Testimony from Detective Garda Alan Waters indicated that Mr Kennedy arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting, claiming he was meeting his "friend" Mr Butterly. The prosecution suggests Mr Kennedy destroyed the SIM card to destroy evidence. While the current trial is ongoing, four other men—Kevin Braney, Edward McGrath, Sharif Kelly, and Dean Evans—have already received life sentences for Mr Butterly's murder. Additionally, Michael McDermott (60) and Frank Murphy (59), who played roles in the murder, have also been jailed. The trial resumes before Justice Tara Burns, sitting with Judges Sarah Berkeley and Michael Walsh.
The Special Criminal Court heard the opening of the prosecution case against Ray Kennedy and Laurence Murphy, who have pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh Na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA. Kennedy, 39, is additionally charged with carrying out an act intending to pervert the course of justice by destroying a mobile telephone SIM card. The trial concerns the killing of dissident republican Peter Butterly in March 2013. Prosecution counsel alleged that Kennedy arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting, having arranged a meeting with the victim, and subsequently destroyed a SIM card. It was further alleged that Murphy's vehicle passed the location two days prior to the incident and that he attended a debriefing meeting afterwards. The court heard that four other men have already received life sentences for the murder, while Michael McDermott and Frank Murphy, the latter being Laurence Murphy's brother, have also been jailed for their roles in the killing. David Cullen, whose plea to a lesser charge was accepted in 2014, turned State's witness. The trial is ongoing before a three-judge panel and resumes tomorrow.
The Special Criminal Court will open a trial tomorrow for Laurence Murphy, 62, and Ray Kennedy, 39, who were charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, the Irish Republican Army, in connection with the murder of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, who was shot dead on 6 March 2013 outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co. Meath. Both men pleaded not guilty to the membership charges. Justice Tara Burns, Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge Michael Walsh remanded them on continuing bail until the trial opens.
A Dublin man, Ray Kennedy, 39, was charged at an out‑of‑term sitting of the Special Criminal Court on Tuesday with an act intended to pervert the course of justice by destroying a mobile telephone SIM card. The SIM card was in his possession on 6 March 2013, the day Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, was shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co. Meath. Kennedy had previously been charged in September 2017 with membership of an unlawful organisation, the Irish Republican Army, also known as Oglaigh Na hÉireann. He was warned of a warrant and given a copy of the charge sheet. Kennedy appeared before the three‑judge court wearing a black hoodie and jeans, stood as requested, and was served a book of evidence.
Two men have been convicted and sentenced by the Special Criminal Court in connection with the 2013 murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly. Michael McDermott of Ballinagh, County Cavan, received four years imprisonment with the final six months suspended after pleading guilty to assisting an unlawful organisation in the killing. Frank Murphy of County Meath was sentenced to three years with the final year suspended after pleading guilty to impeding the apprehension of a prosecution witness. Mr Butterly, aged thirty-five, was fatally shot outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston on 6 March 2013. Four other men have previously received life sentences for his murder. The three-judge panel took into account both men's guilty pleas, clean records, and family circumstances when determining sentences. Both sentences were backdated to reflect time already spent in custody.
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned the sentencing of Frank Murphy and Michael McDermott to April 1, remanding both men in custody. Murphy, 58, pleaded guilty in November 2018 to committing an act to impede the apprehension or prosecution of David Cullen, whom he allegedly believed was guilty of possessing a firearm. McDermott, 60, pleaded guilty to helping an unlawful organisation, identified as the IRA, murder Peter Butterly. The court heard evidence that Butterly was shot dead in a Meath car park in March 2013. David Cullen, who was originally charged with murder, pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol. His plea was accepted by the DPP, resulting in a nolle prosequi on the murder count. Cullen turned State's witness and was sentenced to seven years in prison, with three and a half years suspended, for the firearm possession. The court noted that four other men have already received life sentences for Butterly's murder. Neither Murphy nor McDermott has previous convictions. The judges, presiding over the non-jury court, indicated they will deliver their sentences on April 1.
In a legal dispute over the selection of a representative to the board of Horse Racing Ireland, the Minister for Agriculture has invited submissions from both parties. Businessman James Gough, who has served as the Association of Irish Racehorse Owners' (AIRO) nominee to the board since 2015, has initiated High Court proceedings, alleging that AIRO's Council has prevented his name from being put forward to the 2000‑strong membership and that another person's name has been presented as the nominee. Gough seeks an injunction to restrain AIRO from holding a general meeting solely to elect a nominee until the Minister determines the matter, and also seeks an order preventing AIRO from nominating a member to the board. AIRO, represented by Frank Crean BL, maintains that its nomination process follows the organisation's rules and has denied Gough's claims. The Minister, noting the dispute, has agreed to accept submissions from both sides on the appropriate method of election.