The 55‑day Special Criminal Court trial of Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44) for the murder of 35‑year‑old Peter Butterly collapsed after a failure in evidence disclosure. Judge Deirdre Murphy ruled the court must discharge itself as a jury and order a retrial. The collapse followed the revelation that privileged material from witness David Cullen's 2013 statement had been inadequately disclosed. Cullen, who had testified that he was part of the murder plan and had turned State's witness, had been given a partially redacted statement to the defence, breaching cross‑examination rights. The judge cited the unexplained failure of disclosure as undermining the integrity of the process, leading to the decision to remand Evans and McGrath in custody and Kelly on bail pending a new trial. The original case involved the shooting of Butterly in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, on 6 March 2013. Sharif Kelly pleaded not guilty. Dean Evans pleaded not guilty. Edward McGrath pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court has been asked to direct a finding of not guilty for three men charged with murdering Peter Butterly after privileged information was disclosed in the trial. The men—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—were charged with the murder of the 35‑year‑old father of two, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, on 6 March 2013. Evans and McGrath also pleaded not guilty to firearm offences. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), who had previously testified against the trio, was already serving a three‑and‑half‑year sentence for lesser offences. The court had ruled that Evans and McGrath were lawfully before the court, but the defence amended their application after a previously redacted portion of Cullen's statement was disclosed. The statement, made to Gardaí in July, indicated that Cullen had distanced himself from McGrath and had never really liked him.
The Special Criminal Court will hear legal applications from the defence tomorrow in the trial of three Dubliners charged with murdering Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath on 6 March 2013. The accused are Dean Evans (24) of Raheny, Edward McGrath (33) of Tallaght, and Sharif Kelly (44) of Balbriggan, all of whom have pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and to firearm offences. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), who had been part of the alleged murder plan, turned State's witness and is currently serving a three‑and‑half‑year sentence for lesser offences. The court has ruled that Evans and McGrath were lawfully before the court, and the defence has received new material and will make further applications on Thursday morning.
The Special Criminal Court is set to rule tomorrow on a defence application to direct a finding of not guilty for three men charged with the murder of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co. Meath, on 6 March 2013. The accused are Dean Evans (24) of Raheny, Edward McGrath (33) of Tallaght, and Sharif Kelly (44) of Balbriggan, all of whom have pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and, in the case of Evans and McGrath, to firearm offences. The trial, now in its 52nd day, also involves David Cullen (30), who was alleged to have been part of the murder plan but has turned State's witness and is currently serving a three‑and‑half‑year sentence for lesser offences. Cullen has provided evidence implicating the three men.
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned the trial of three men charged with the murder of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, until tomorrow. Butterly was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co. Meath, on 6 March 2013. The accused are Dean Evans (24) of Raheny, Edward McGrath (33) of Tallaght, and Sharif Kelly (44) of Balbriggan, all of whom pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. They also pleaded not guilty to firearm offences. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), who had been involved in the murder plan, turned State's witness and is serving a three‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence for other offences. The court, presided over by Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy, heard applications for a not‑guilty finding and will continue the hearing tomorrow. The trial is in its 51st day.
The Special Criminal Court will hear the closing submissions of the three men charged with the murder of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, on Monday. The trial began in September and has lasted almost four months. The defendants – Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44) – have pleaded not guilty to the murder and to firearm offences. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), who was involved in the planning, turned State witness and gave evidence in November implicating the three. The court has considered evidence including Cullen's testimony, clothing, fingerprints and forensic samples taken from Evans and McGrath after their arrest. The proceedings will be heard by Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy, Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan and Judge Cormac Dunne. The case is set to conclude with the court's decision on the admissibility of the evidence and the final judgment.
The State has closed its case in the Special Criminal Court trial of three Dubliners charged with the murder of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, outside a Meath pub. The incident occurred on 6 March 2013 in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston. The accused—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—had pleaded not guilty to the murder and to firearm offences. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), had previously testified against them. The prosecution's evidence, including testimony that Butterly was lured to the car park by a man who fired shots from a Toyota Corolla, was fully presented. With all evidence called, the State has formally closed its case, and the trial will continue before the judges on Friday. The summary is based solely on the article text.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 14 January 2015, Sharif Kelly, 44, denied that the clothing found in his car after the murder of Peter Butterly was a change of clothes for the killer. Kelly said he had been driving from tending his horse when his engine light came on and the car conked on Flemington Road. He claimed to have restarted the vehicle before Gardaí approached and arrested him. He also denied any knowledge of the murder or of following the murder vehicle. Kelly stated the duvet cover in his boot was to keep the car clean while collecting hay, not for forensic purposes. DNA evidence linked tracksuit clothing to Dean Evans, a balaclava and gloves to Evans, and a wig to Edward McGrath. The trial was in its 48th day, with prosecution evidence to finish on Thursday. Sharif Kelly pleaded not guilty. Dean Evans pleaded not guilty. Edward McGrath pleaded not guilty.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, forensic evidence was presented linking firearms residue to the clothing of two of the three men charged with the 2013 murder of Peter Butterly. Dr John O'Shaughnessy testified that a grey jumper worn by Dean Evans and a grey jacket worn by Edward McGrath contained gunshot residue. DNA analysis of items linked to Sharif Kelly's wife's vehicle revealed a match to Evans on a tracksuit, a balaclava and gloves, and a match to McGrath on a black wig. The court heard that DNA can be transferred between individuals and persist for long periods. The trial, now in its 47th day, is expected to conclude with the prosecution's evidence on Wednesday, before a three‑judge panel presided by Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy. The defendants remain not guilty on all charges.
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned the trial of three men charged with the murder of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, until the New Year. Butterly was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co. Meath, on 6 March 2013. The accused are Dean Evans (24) of Raheny, Edward McGrath (33) of Tallaght, and Sharif Kelly (44) of Balbriggan, all of whom pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and to firearm offences on the same day. The trial, which entered its 45th day, also heard that David Cullen (30), who had previously been involved in the plan, had turned State's witness and is serving a three‑and‑half‑year sentence for other offences. Justice Deirdre Murphy announced that the case would resume on 13 January.
The Special Criminal Court will decide on the admissibility of a set of evidence in the trial of three men accused of murdering Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co. Meath, on 6 March 2013. The defendants – Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44) – have pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and to firearm offences. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), who had been involved in the murder plan, turned State's witness and is serving a three‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence for lesser offences. The trial has heard that Butterly was lured to the car park by an unknown man, shots were fired at his vehicle and again when he tried to flee, and he was found collapsed by a lone Garda and pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
The Special Criminal Court is hearing submissions on the admissibility of a tranche of evidence in the non‑jury murder trial of three men charged with the killing of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co. Meath on 6 March 2013. The defendants – Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44) – have pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and to firearm offences. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), who had been involved in the murder plan, turned State's witness and is serving a three‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence for lesser offences. The court has heard that Butterly was lured to the car park by another man, shots were fired at his vehicle and again when he tried to flee, and he was found collapsed by a lone Garda and pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
In a murder trial in Dublin, a former co‑accused turned State witness, David Cullen, testified that his former co‑accused were "screwed" because of the evidence against them. The Special Criminal Court found Cullen's evidence admissible. The case concerns the 2013 shooting death of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston. The accused are Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44), all of whom pleaded not guilty to murder and, for Evans and McGrath, to firearm offences. Cullen, aged 30, had previously been involved in the murder plan and is now serving a three‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence for other offences. Gardaí and the Prison Service implemented extra security for his testimony, which caused long queues outside the Criminal Courts of Justice.
The Special Criminal Court will decide on Tuesday whether a prosecution witness's evidence is admissible in the trial of three Dublin men charged with the murder of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co. Meath, on 6 March 2013. The defendants—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—have pleaded not guilty to the murder and to firearm offences. The trial, now in its 42nd day, has heard that Butterly was lured to the car park by another man, that a Toyota Corolla entered the car park and shots were fired at his vehicle, and that further shots were fired when he tried to flee. CCTV footage captured vehicles entering and exiting the car park but did not show the killing.
The Special Criminal Court is set to decide whether a prosecution witness's evidence can be admitted in the case of three men charged with the murder of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn in Gormanston on 6 March 2013. The defendants—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—have pleaded not guilty to the murder and to firearm offences. The trial, now in its 41st day, has heard that Butterly was lured to the car park by an unknown man, that a Toyota Corolla entered the premises, and that shots were fired at his vehicle and again when he tried to flee. CCTV footage captured vehicles entering and leaving the car park but did not show the killing. A witness was heard in a 'Voir Dire' today, and the court will later rule on the admissibility of that witness's evidence.
The trial of Dean Evans, Edward McGrath, and Sharif Kelly for the alleged murder of Peter Butterly and related firearm offences continued at the Special Criminal Court. All three defendants, who are accused of killing the 35-year-old father of two in Gormanston, Co Meath, have pleaded not guilty. Evans and McGrath also face firearm charges on the same occasion. On the fortieth day of the trial, David Cullen, a former accused who turned State's witness, testified that he would have "lied through his teeth" if he had stood trial for murder. Cullen admitted to a history of dishonesty, including lying to gardai and committing thefts, but denied being prepared to commit perjury. He stated he would lie to avoid life imprisonment. The prosecution alleges Cullen was part of the murder plan before his cooperation. The court heard evidence regarding Cullen's credibility and past criminal conduct, including a faked burglary and theft of rings and a phone. The trial is ongoing, with no findings, sentences, or finalisations recorded at this stage.
The Special Criminal Court examined CCTV footage from the car park of the Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, where Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, was shot dead on 6 March 2013. Three Dublin men—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—are on trial for his murder and have pleaded not guilty. Evans and McGrath also pleaded not guilty to firearm offences. The footage shows vehicles entering and exiting the car park but does not capture the shooting. Witnesses, including Detective Garda Shane Curran, were heard in a 'Voir Dire' session, and the court will decide later whether the footage is admissible. The trial continues with Justice Deirdre Murphy presiding, and McGrath's legal team will cross‑examine David Cullen, a former co‑accused who has turned State's witness. The case remains at the trial stage.
The trial of Dean Evans, Edward McGrath, and Sharif Kelly for the murder of Peter Butterly is continuing before the Special Criminal Court. The three defendants, who are alleged to have murdered the 35-year-old father of two and committed firearm offences on the same occasion, have all pleaded not guilty. During cross-examination, State witness David Cullen, a former co-accused who turned State's witness, denied that joining the Witness Protection Programme would be an attractive option. Defence counsel for Sharif Kelly suggested Cullen had little to lose and that leaving Ireland would be a fresh start, citing Cullen's limited family connections. Cullen rejected this characterization, though he acknowledged a phone conversation with his father where he described going abroad as a "fresh start" to escape local issues. Cullen, who is currently serving a three-and-a-half-year sentence for lesser offences, agreed he faced a serious risk of a life sentence for the Butterly murder. He also acknowledged offering the State information on other high-profile murders to secure his deal. The trial is proceeding before a three-judge, non-jury court presided over by Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy.
The Special Criminal Court has ordered an examination of the communications between David Cullen, the chief prosecution witness in the murder trial of Peter Butterly, and his solicitor from 6 March 2013 to 5 June 2014. Cullen, who was a co‑accused in the case and later became a State witness in June 2014, has already been dealt with by the court for lesser offences. He has agreed to voluntarily disclose documents relating to his communications with his solicitor since 5 June 2014, but this does not waive his claim to legal professional privilege. Defence lawyers sought disclosure of all communications, but Cullen claimed privilege during cross‑examination after giving evidence implicating the three accused men—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—in the murder of the 35‑year‑old Peter Butterly in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co. Meath on 6 March 2013. Dean Evans pleaded not guilty. Edward McGrath pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court will rule on Tuesday regarding the disclosure of communications between the chief prosecution witness and his solicitor. This procedural issue arose on the 35th day of the trial of Dean Evans, Edward McGrath, and Sharif Kelly, who are accused of murdering dissident republican Peter Butterly. All three defendants have pleaded not guilty to the murder of the 35-year-old father of two. Evans and McGrath have additionally pleaded not guilty to firearm offences on the same occasion. The court heard that David Cullen, the State's witness, agreed to disclose documents relating to his communications with his solicitor since June 5, 2014. However, the State maintained this was not a general waiver of legal professional privilege, while defence lawyers sought disclosure of all such communications. Cullen, who is currently serving a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence, allegedly turned State's witness after being part of the murder plan. He implicated the three accused in Butterly's shooting in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath, on March 6, 2013. During cross-examination, Cullen raised privilege claims and requested to speak to his solicitor, a request the court initially refused before acceding to it. The three-judge, non-jury court will consider its ruling on the disclosure matter over the weekend.
The Special Criminal Court heard that chief prosecution witness David Cullen has agreed to voluntarily disclose some communications with his solicitor, Mr Dominic Mc Ginn SC, to the defence. This disclosure covers documents from June 5, 2014, but does not constitute a general waiver of his claim to legal professional privilege. Prosecuting counsel Ms Una Ni Raifeartaigh SC noted that Cullen previously refused to answer cross-examination questions regarding these communications, asserting his privilege. The court is currently hearing legal submissions on the scope of this disclosure, as defence lawyers seek access to all such communications. Cullen, who is serving a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence, allegedly turned State's witness after being part of the murder plan. He implicated the three accused in the shooting of dissident republican Peter Butterly, a 35-year-old father of two, in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath, on March 6, 2013. The defendants are Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33), and Sharif Kelly (44). All three have pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. Evans and McGrath have additionally pleaded not guilty to firearm offences on the same occasion. The trial, which is on its 34th day, is continuing.
The Special Criminal Court has reserved its decision on whether senior counsel Dominic Mc Ginn SC has a right of audience to advise the main prosecution witness, David Cullen, during the ongoing trial. The procedural issue arose on the thirty-third day of the trial, where Cullen claimed legal professional privilege over communications with his solicitor during cross-examination. Presiding Judge Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy described the situation as unprecedented and directed that Mc Ginn be provided with relevant trial extracts to advise Cullen on the nature of the disclosure sought by the defence. The defence was ordered to supply a list of the information they seek to disclose to ensure a fair trial. The court will hear further submissions on the disclosure issue tomorrow. The trial concerns the alleged murder of Peter Butterly, a 35-year-old father of two, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co Meath, on March 6, 2013. Defendants Dean Evans, Edward McGrath, and Sharif Kelly have all pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. Evans and McGrath have additionally pleaded not guilty to firearm offences on the same occasion. Cullen, who allegedly turned State's witness, had previously implicated the three accused in the killing. The matter remains at the pre-trial or trial stage regarding procedural rights, with no final verdict or sentence issued.
The Special Criminal Court has ordered that two counsel be assigned to advise David Cullen, the chief prosecution witness, during his cross-examination in the ongoing trial of three men accused of murdering Peter Butterly. Presiding Judge Deirdre Murphy described the situation as unprecedented, noting a lack of superior court guidance regarding legal professional privilege. The court directed that excerpts from Cullen's previous evidence be made available to his legal team, a move opposed by the defence. Cullen, who pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol at the Huntsman Inn and was jailed for three-and-a-half years in July, turned State's witness after a nolle prosequi was entered on the murder count. He testified that he was tasked with picking up a gun outside Gormanston College, where he was arrested after it was thrown from a car. The trial continues before a three-judge non-jury court. Dean Evans, Edward McGrath, and Sharif Kelly have all pleaded not guilty to murdering the 35-year-old father of two. Evans and McGrath have additionally pleaded not guilty to firearm offences on the same occasion. The matter remains at the trial stage, with the court proceeding with the cross-examination of the State's witness.
The Special Criminal Court trial of Dean Evans, Edward McGrath, and Sharif Kelly, who are accused of murdering Peter Butterly at the Huntsman Inn in March 2013, continued with procedural developments regarding State witness David Cullen. Evans, McGrath, and Kelly have pleaded not guilty to the murder, while Evans and McGrath also face firearm charges. Cullen, who previously pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol and was jailed for three-and-a-half years, entered the witness box to request a consultation with his solicitor before continuing his cross-examination. Although the court initially refused, presiding Justice Deirdre Murphy ultimately granted the request, noting it was appropriate for the witness to receive legal advice on arising issues. Cullen had previously testified that he was part of a plan to pick up a gun, which he later claimed was used in the killing. He described receiving ammunition from Evans and witnessing a gun thrown from a car near Gormanston College. The court heard that Butterly was shot in the car park after being lured there. The trial, which involves a non-jury panel, was adjourned to continue on Tuesday before Justices Murphy, Heneghan, and Judge Dunne.
The Special Criminal Court trial of Dean Evans, Edward McGrath, and Sharif Kelly, who are accused of murdering Peter Butterly at the Huntsman Inn in Gormanston on March 6, 2013, continues before a three-judge bench. All three defendants have pleaded not guilty to the murder charge; Evans and McGrath also face firearm offences. Former co-accused David Cullen, who pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol and was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in July, testified as a State witness. Cullen admitted requesting to give evidence behind security glass to avoid public view, citing safety concerns, though he had not yet been accepted into the Witness Protection Programme. He alleged that Kelly and an unidentified man, MD, recruited him to retrieve a gun, which was later thrown from a car near Gormanston College. Cullen stated Evans and McGrath stayed at his apartment the night before the killing, with Evans providing ammunition and McGrath bringing a bag containing a gun and disguises. The court heard Butterly was lured to the car park, where shots were fired at his vehicle and then at him as he fled. The trial is ongoing and was not adjourned or finalised during this reporting period.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence from David Cullen, a former murder accused who turned State's witness, in the ongoing trial of Dean Evans, Edward McGrath, and Sharif Kelly. The three men have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath, on March 6, 2013. Evans and McGrath also face firearm offences at the same location and date. Cullen, who pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol at the scene, was jailed for three-and-a-half years in July. His plea was accepted by the DPP, resulting in a nolle prosequi on the murder count. Cullen testified that he was instructed to pick up a gun outside Gormanston College on the day of the shooting, identifying Evans and McGrath as individuals present at his apartment beforehand. He claimed Evans provided ammunition and that McGrath retrieved a bag containing the firearm and disguises. Cullen stated he was arrested immediately after picking up the gun. Under cross-examination, he denied planning the murder, stating he did not commit it and sought to avoid a life sentence. The court, presided over by Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy, warned against disruption as Cullen's evidence caused significant security arrangements and queues. The trial continues before a three-judge panel.
In the Special Criminal Court on 18 November 2014, a security operation created long queues as the court prepared to hear evidence from former co‑accused David Cullen, now a State witness. Judge Deirdre Murphy noted the high emotions in the courtroom and urged calm. The case concerns the 2013 murder of Peter Butterly, 35, shot in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston. Three men—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—have pleaded not guilty to the murder and to firearm offences at the same location. Cullen, 30, had been part of the alleged murder plan but turned State witness earlier that year. He identified the accused, described being told to retrieve a gun from outside Gormanston College around 2 p.m. on the day of the shooting, and recounted the sequence of shots fired at Butterly's vehicle.
Security arrangements are being prepared for a former murder suspect who has become a prosecution witness in the Special Criminal Court trial of three men charged with the murder of Peter Butterly. The accused, Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44), have pleaded not guilty to the killing of Butterly, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn on 6 March 2013. They also face firearm charges. David Cullen (30), who was allegedly part of the murder plan, has turned State's witness. Counsel for the DPP, Alex Owens SC, announced that Cullen will be called first on Tuesday, with security measures to be arranged by Gardaí and the Irish Prison Service. The court has directed that evidence from the National Surveillance Unit remain confidential, and that members of the public be excluded from the courtroom during their testimony.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on the murder of Peter Butterly, the last National Surveillance Unit officer to give secret evidence left the courtroom through the custody area. The court ordered that no evidence or identities of the NSU officers be made public and that the public be excluded from the courtroom during their testimony to protect the officers' physical characteristics and the unit's methodology. The prosecution, led by Úna Ní Raifeartaigh SC, noted that the NSU witnesses had been fully presented and no further public exclusion was required. The trial, presided over by Justice Deirdre Murphy, Justice Margaret Heneghan and Judge Cormac Dunne, also entered a voir dire to decide on the legality of the accused men's arrest, detention and vehicle searches. The case involves four men—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33), Sharif Kelly (44) and David Cullen (30)—who pleaded not guilty to the murder and related firearm offences.
On 13 November 2014, the Special Criminal Court heard secret evidence from members of the National Surveillance Unit (NSU) regarding the murder of Peter Butterly, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, County Meath, on 6 March 2013. The court directed that no NSU evidence or identities be made public and that the public not be present during NSU testimony. Two NSU members gave evidence and left through the custody area to avoid identification. The trial, day 27, involves three men—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33), and Sharif Kelly (44)—who pleaded not guilty to Butterly's murder and to firearm offences at the same location and time. A fourth man, Dave Cullen (30), is a State witness. Prosecuting counsel, Úna Ní Raifeartaigh SC, described how Butterly was lured to the car park, shot at his vehicle, and later found collapsed by a lone Garda, dying shortly thereafter. The trial continues.
The Special Criminal Court has ruled that the arrest of three men accused of the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly in Co Meath in 2013 was lawful. The court heard that the three accused, Dean Evans (24), Dublin Edward McGrath (33), and Sharif Kelly (44), were detained by members of the National Surveillance Unit shortly after the fatal shooting. Defence lawyers had argued that the arrest and detention of the men was unlawful and that their constitutional rights were breached. However, Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy stated that there had been no infringement of the constitutional rights of the three accused. The judge said that Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act was properly invoked and that the men were correctly arrested in or around 2.05 pm on March 6th, 2013. The three men have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly and firearm offences at the same address on the same date. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), was allegedly part of the murder plan but has become a State's witness. The trial is continuing.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, the court considered the seizure of a mobile phone from David Cullen, a former murder suspect who has become a prosecution witness. Cullen, aged 30 and formerly of Balbriggan, had been part of the alleged murder plan for Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old dissident republican shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, on 6 March 2013. He now testifies against three men—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—who plead not guilty to the murder and related firearm offences. The court rejected the defence's request to disclose recordings of Cullen's phone calls, citing that no State agency had been identified and that relevant telephone conversations had already been disclosed. The hearing also addressed whether evidence of the accused men's arrest, detention and vehicle searches could be admitted, with a ruling expected next week. The case will resume on Tuesday before the same panel of judges.
The Special Criminal Court convened early on 6 November 2014 to hear submissions about the admissibility of evidence in the murder trial of Peter Butterly. The accused—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—had pleaded not guilty to the killing of Butterly (35) and to related firearm offences. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), had previously turned State witness. The court entered a voir dire to decide on the legality of the arrests, detentions and vehicle searches. Judges Deirdre Murphy, Margaret Heneghan and Cormac Dunne were to rule on the evidence next Tuesday. Discussions were to be held with counsel regarding Cullen's testimony. Public members were excluded when National Surveillance Unit officers testified, but were later allowed back to hear Emergency Response Unit evidence, which may still be inadmissible. The trial will resume tomorrow before the same judges.
The Special Criminal Court convened later than scheduled to consider the admissibility of evidence in the trial of three men—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33), and Sharif Kelly (44)—who have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly (35) and to firearm offences at the Huntsman Inn car park on 6 March 2013. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), who had been part of the murder plan, turned State witness earlier in the year. The court entered a voir dire to examine the legality of the arrests, detentions, and vehicle searches. Judges Deirdre Murphy, Margaret Heneghan, and Cormac Dunne will decide on the admissibility of evidence, including that from National Surveillance Unit officers whose identities and methods are protected. Public access was initially restricted to safeguard the officers' physical characteristics and the unit's methodology, but was later restored for evidence from the Emergency Response Unit. The case will continue tomorrow in the non‑jury court.
The Special Criminal Court has begun hearing final submissions from defence counsel on the admissibility of evidence against three men charged with murdering dissident republican Peter Butterly. Dean Evans (24), of Grange Park Rise, Raheny, Edward McGrath (33) of Land Dale Lawns, Springfield Tallaght and Sharif Kelly (44), of Pinewood Green Road, Balbriggan have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly (35) who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, at Gormanston Co Meath on March 6 2013. Mr Evans and Mr McGrath have also pleaded not guilty to firearm offences at the same address, on the same date. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), with a last address in Balbriggan, was allegedly "part of the murder plan himself" but turned State's witness against his former co-accused earlier this year.
On 31 October 2014, the Special Criminal Court heard further evidence in the trial of three men charged with the murder of Peter Butterly. Officers from the National Surveillance Unit had been giving evidence, but members of the public were excluded to protect the officers' identities and the unit's methodology. Garda D was escorted through the courtroom custody area because lawyers for the State said he could not walk "out into the public as normal." Public members were again allowed to enter the non‑jury court to hear continuing evidence from the Emergency Response Unit, though that evidence may not yet be admissible. The trial focuses on the legality of the arrests. The accused—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly (35), who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, on 6 March 2013.
In the Special Criminal Court, the legality of the arrest of three men charged with the murder of Peter Butterly was a key issue. The defendants—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—had pleaded not guilty to the murder and to firearm offences at the same scene. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), had turned State's witness. The court heard that Butterly, aged 35, was lured to the car park of the Huntsman Inn on 6 March 2013, where a Toyota Corolla entered and shots were fired at his vehicle and as he fled. Prosecutor Úna Ní Raifeartaigh SC reported Butterly was found collapsed and pronounced dead. The case, involving a tracking device on the Corolla, will continue tomorrow before the panel of judges. The public was allowed to re‑enter the courtroom after a surveillance garda was escorted through the custody area. The evidence of the Emergency Response Unit remains potentially inadmissible.
The trial of Dean Evans, Edward McGrath, and Sharif Kelly for the murder of Peter Butterly and associated firearm offences continued in the Special Criminal Court. All three defendants, who are alleged to have shot Butterly dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath, on March 6, 2013, have pleaded not guilty. Evans and McGrath also face firearm charges for the same incident. The court heard evidence from National Surveillance Unit gardaí, who exited the courtroom via the custody area to protect their identities and operational methodology. Defence counsel Gaillíosa O'Lideadha SC argued that the storage of these witnesses in a shared room before testimony compromised the integrity of the process, a claim the prosecution rejected as a logistical necessity. The court has also heard that a fourth man, David Cullen, allegedly part of the murder plan, turned State's witness. Evidence indicated Butterly was lured to the scene, where shots were fired at his vehicle and as he attempted to flee. The prosecution noted this is the first case in the State's history involving a tracking device on a vehicle. The matter was adjourned and continues before a three-judge panel.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 29 October 2014, two surveillance gardaí—identified only as Garda C and Garda F—gave evidence in the murder trial of three men charged with the killing of dissident republican Peter Butterly. The court ordered that neither the identities nor the evidence of eleven gardaí from the National Surveillance Unit be published, citing concerns that disclosure could compromise future surveillance operations and the unit's methodology. The trial involves Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33), and Sharif Kelly (44), all of whom pleaded not guilty to Butterly's murder, a 35‑year‑old who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, on 6 March 2013. The court also heard that a Toyota Corolla entered the car park shortly before the shooting and that a tracking device was sought for the vehicle. The case was set to continue before Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy, Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan and Judge Cormac Dunne.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 28 October 2014, four surveillance gardaí gave evidence in the murder trial of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old dissident republican shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, on 6 March 2013. The defendants – Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44) – pleaded not guilty to the murder and to firearm offences committed at the same address and date. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), had earlier turned State witness. The court excluded the public to protect the methodology of the National Surveillance Unit (NSU) officers, who were identified only as Garda A, Garda E, Garda H and Garda W. The judges ordered that the officers' names be withheld from publication and that none of their evidence be published. The trial continued the next day with the same panel of judges. The case remains in the non‑jury court.
In a trial before the Special Criminal Court, three men—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—were charged with the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly (35), who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co. Meath, on 6 March 2013. The defendants pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and to firearm offences at the same address. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), had earlier turned State witness against his co‑accused. 18‑year‑old Sean Brennan, a sixth‑year secondary school student, testified that he was waiting for a bus opposite the Inn when he heard a noise, saw a man with a gun, and heard two to three shots. He described the gun as in the man's right hand and the shots as sharp and quick.
Three judges of the Special Criminal Court admitted that a technical glitch of their own making has delayed the delivery of a ruling in the murder trial of Peter Butterly. The court, presided over by Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy, Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan and Judge Cormac Dunne, will hear from its first witness tomorrow. The case involves three men—Edward McGrath (33), Dean Evans (24) and Sharif Kelly (44)—who have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Butterly, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn on 6 March 2013. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), turned State witness. The court has ordered that members of the public be excluded while eleven National Surveillance Unit officers give evidence, and that none of the officers' evidence be published to protect their methodology.
The Special Criminal Court will hear the first witness in the trial of three Dublin men charged with the murder of Peter Butterly, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, on 6 March 2013. The accused – Edward McGrath (33), Dean Evans (24) and Sharif Kelly (44) – have pleaded not guilty to the murder and to firearm offences at the same address. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), who was part of the murder plan, turned State witness earlier this year. The court has heard that Butterly was lured to the car park by an unknown man, a Toyota Corolla entered the premises, and shots were fired at Butterly's vehicle and when he tried to flee. Gardaí used a tracking device on the vehicle, a first in State history. The court also dealt with pre‑trial applications, the transformation of Cullen into a prosecution witness, and the protection of surveillance evidence.
The Special Criminal Court heard the trial of three Dublin men—Edward McGrath (32), Dean Evans (22), and Sharif Kelly (43)—charged with the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly (35) on 6 March 2013. Butterly was lured to the Huntsman Inn car park, where a Toyota Corolla entered and shots were fired at his vehicle and again when he tried to flee. The men pleaded not guilty to the murder and to firearm offences. The court also considered the use of a tracking device on the Corolla, the first time such a device has been mentioned in a State case. A senior Garda explained the device's deployment was protected to safeguard investigative methods from potential misuse by the IRA or other hostile groups. The court will rule on the disclosure of redacted surveillance material tomorrow. The hearing is set to continue with Judges Margaret Heneghan and Cormac Dunne presiding under Justice Deirdre Murphy.
The Special Criminal Court has outlined its reasons for excluding the public during testimony from National Surveillance Unit (NSU) gardaí in the ongoing trial of Edward McGrath, Dean Evans, and Sharif Kelly. The three men, who have pleaded not guilty to the 2013 murder of Peter Butterly at the Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co Meath, face additional firearm charges. Presiding Judge Deirdre Murphy stated that the exclusion order protects the safety of surveillance officers and future state intelligence operations, noting that repeated public exposure of their physical characteristics could compromise their work. While the court permitted the defence to receive the officers' professional names and addresses, it restricted publication of their identities and NSU methodologies. In a separate ruling, the court allowed one minor witness to testify via video link but denied the request for two adult witnesses, citing legislative limits. The prosecution intends to call David Cullen, a former accused who turned state witness, as a key witness. The court ordered the disclosure of seized electronic devices containing keywords related to the case and confirmed whether Cullen was a garda informant, while refusing to disclose his psychiatric records or privileged legal advice. The trial continues on Tuesday before the non-jury court.
The Special Criminal Court has directed that the public be excluded from the courtroom while National Surveillance Unit gardaí give evidence in the trial of Edward McGrath, Dean Evans, and Sharif Kelly. The three men, who have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly, shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn at Gormanston, Co Meath, on March 6th, 2013, face additional firearm charges. The court ruled that the officers' professional names and addresses must be provided to the defence but restricted from publication, balancing safety concerns with the right to a fair trial. The prosecution intends to call David Cullen, who pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol at the same location and date, and was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison in July. The court ordered the disclosure of certain records regarding Cullen's credibility, including confirmation on whether he was a garda informant and PULSE records, while refusing to disclose his psychiatric records. Access to a seized laptop was granted to a defence expert. The court deemed an application to disclose legal notes between Cullen and his lawyers premature. The full trial hearing is expected to commence on Tuesday before Judges Heneghan, Dunne, and Murphy.
The Special Criminal Court, a non‑jury court, is set to decide on several legal matters in the trial of three men—Edward McGrath (32), Dean Evans (22) and Sharif Kelly (43)—who have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly (35). Butterly was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, on 6 March 2013. The defendants also face firearm charges. The court will consider the State's request to allow surveillance officers to give evidence anonymously, citing a 1996 law that permits such testimony when public interest and safety warrant it. The prosecution seeks to erect a screen between surveillance officers and the public to protect the witnesses' identities. The case also involves forensic evidence, firearm residue, DNA, and testimony from David Cullen (30), who was previously jailed for unlawful possession of a pistol and whose role in the murder plan is contested. The court will rule on these matters tomorrow.
The Special Criminal Court is hearing a prosecution application to allow nine National Surveillance Unit gardaí to give evidence anonymously in the trial of Edward McGrath, Dean Evans, and Sharif Kelly. The three defendants, who have pleaded not guilty to the 2013 murder of Peter Butterly at the Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co Meath, face additional firearm charges. Prosecution counsel argued that the non-jury court's statutory powers permit witness protection to address safety concerns for the officers and their families, citing the court's mandate to control its own procedures. Defence counsel for Evans contended that the court lacks jurisdiction to grant anonymity, describing such a ruling as an extraordinary departure from common law and the right to know one's accuser. He noted that one witness, referred to as Garda A, had already been identified in statements in error. The presiding judge, Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy, highlighted the significant legal implications of setting aside the right to know the identity of an accuser. The court, consisting of Judges Margaret Heneghan and Cormac Dunne, is scheduled to deliver its ruling on the anonymity application tomorrow.
The Special Criminal Court will rule next week on whether nine National Surveillance Unit officers can give evidence anonymously in the trial of Edward McGrath, Dean Evans, and Sharif Kelly. The three men, who have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly and unlawful possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol at the Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co Meath, on March 6th, 2013, face a non-jury hearing. The DPP has applied to withhold the officers' identities and erect a screen to protect their physical characteristics, citing risks to their safety and the security of Garda operations. The prosecution intends to rely on forensic evidence and testimony from David Cullen, who pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of the same firearm and was jailed for three-and-a-half years in July. Cullen, described as part of the murder plan, alleges he was tasked with collecting the gun after the shooting. Defence counsel for McGrath, Evans, and Kelly have sought disclosures regarding Cullen's credibility, including his medical records, witness protection application, and legal notes. Presiding Judge Deirdre Murphy noted the significant interference with cross-examination rights inherent in the anonymity application. The court will deliver its ruling on Tuesday afternoon, when the case resumes before Judges Dunne and Heneghan.
The Special Criminal Court is set to rule on a disclosure application in the trial of Edward McGrath, Dean Evans, and Sharif Kelly. The three men have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn at Gormanston, Co Meath, on March 6th, 2013. McGrath and Evans also face firearm offences at the same address and date, while all three are charged with the unlawful possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol. The prosecution intends to rely on the testimony of David Cullen, who previously pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of the same firearm and was jailed for three-and-a-half years. Cullen's plea was accepted by the DPP, resulting in a nolle prosequi on the murder count. Defence counsel have sought extensive disclosures regarding Cullen's credibility, including medical records, his witness protection application, and confirmation of whether he was a garda informant. The DPP described these requests as an attempt to impugn Cullen's character, while defence lawyers argued the disclosure process was unsatisfactory. The court will also rule on a DPP application to screen nine National Surveillance Unit gardaí to protect their identities. The matter was adjourned for the court's decision on these procedural issues.