Defective batteries sparked fire that destroyed van allegedly used in Lunney abduction, trial hears

Detective Sergeant Jim McDevitt of Cavan Garda Station gave evidence at the Special Criminal Court concerning evidence in the trial of three men charged in connection with the abduction and assault of Kevin Lunney, a director of Quinn Industrial Holdings. The court heard that a Renault Kangoo van, allegedly used in the September 2019 incident at Ballinagh, County Cavan, was destroyed by fire in February 2020 at a storage yard in Cavan. An insurance assessor determined that defective walkie-talkie batteries prone to overheating caused the blaze. DNA evidence matching Mr Lunney was recovered from the vehicle, as was DNA matching one accused man. Gardai had received legal correspondence in early 2020 seeking information about the van's whereabouts. The court also heard evidence regarding an Audi A4 allegedly used to transport Mr Lunney, and a previous owner's unsuccessful attempt to identify purchasers at a garda identity parade. Three men, including a 68-year-old from County Cavan, have each pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm. The trial continues at the three-judge court.