High Court application to keep criminal who seriously injured Kevin Lunney anonymous

An application to maintain the anonymity of a man convicted of serious offences against businessman Kevin Lunney came before the High Court on Thursday. The man, referred to as YZ, was convicted earlier this year alongside two co-accused of false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm to Mr Lunney during an abduction in Ballinagh, County Cavan in September 2019. His legal representatives sought to extend an anonymity order, arguing that publication of his identity could prejudice his fair trial rights in other pending criminal matters before the courts. Counsel indicated the application for leave would be made on notice to the Director of Public Prosecutions, with a hearing expected on Friday. Mr Justice Charles Meenan directed accordingly. YZ and his co-accused are scheduled for sentencing on Monday. The Special Criminal Court previously found YZ was responsible for inflicting most of Mr Lunney's injuries during the incident.