Former accused turned State's witness describes role in shooting of dissident republican

A protected State's witness testified at the Special Criminal Court on the circumstances surrounding the 2013 shooting death of dissident republican Peter Butterly. The witness, formerly charged with murder but subsequently turned informant, gave evidence in the trial of Kevin Braney, aged 44, from Tallaght, Dublin, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder and related firearm charges. Mr Butterly was shot dead outside a public house in Gormanston on 6 March 2013. The witness described receiving communications about collecting an item days before the incident and recounted a visit to his Balbriggan home on 5 March by several men, including the accused, who discussed plans for the following day. He stated he later received a firearm at Gormanston College and was arrested shortly afterwards. The trial before three judges continues. Several other individuals have previously received life sentences in connection with the killing.