Van allegedly used in Lunney abduction came from UK, trial hears

A Renault Kangoo van allegedly used in the abduction of businessman Kevin Lunney may have been brought to Ireland from the United Kingdom shortly before the alleged offence, the Special Criminal Court has heard. Prosecution counsel told the court that the vehicle, with a registration ending in PXU, was imported by Cyril McGuinness, now deceased, whom the State alleges orchestrated the attack. A shipping manager gave evidence that her company received a booking for a van matching that registration to travel from Holyhead to Dublin on 27 August 2019. Four men have pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm to Mr Lunney near Ballinagh, County Cavan on 17 September 2019. The court previously heard that Mr Lunney was abducted near his home and subjected to a prolonged assault before being abandoned on a country road. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt and two other judges, is ongoing at the Special Criminal Court.