Courts / Ireland / Report

Lawyers challenge evidence of murder accused turned State's witness

Summary

In a dissident republican murder trial, defence counsel for Edward McGrath, Sharif Kelly, and the absent Dean Evans challenged the admissibility of evidence from State witness David Cullen, who had originally been an accused. Cullen, a 35‑year‑old former suspect, agreed to testify for the prosecution in exchange for immunity from the murder charge and a lesser offence. He provided information on the car, gun, and planning of the shooting, and also on another high‑profile murder. Cullen was in Portlaoise Prison when the deal was struck, later moved to Midlands Prison, and gave a statement on 27 June 2014. He was sentenced on 2 July 2014 to seven years' imprisonment for possession of a firearm, with three and a half years suspended. Defence argued that procedural failures made Cullen's testimony unreliable, and the court will decide on its admissibility. The trial is presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt. Edward McGrath pleaded not guilty. Sharif Kelly pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Lawyers challenge evidence of murder accused turned State's witness. Charges or matters: the alleged murder; firearms offences on the same occasion. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• March 6th, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
• June 9th, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• June 12th Incident
• June 24th Incident
• June 27th Incident
• July 2nd, 2014 Incident
• 2017-01-30 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Firearms Stage Sentence Violent Crime

Read the original CNI report