Courts / Meath / Report

Pair bid to overturn convictions for brutal murder of dissident republican

Date
2020-12-07

Stage
Appeal

Primary locality
Gormanston

County
Meath

Summary

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.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Pair bid to overturn convictions for brutal murder of dissident republican. Charges or matters: the unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol at the Huntsman Inn on the day of the shooting. Procedural stage: appeal

When: