Monk to seek legal costs from the State

Gerard Hutch, who was acquitted last month by the Special Criminal Court of murdering Kinahan Cartel member David Byrne at the Regency Hotel, has applied to recover his legal costs from the State. The State has indicated it will oppose the application, which is scheduled to be heard on Friday. The hearing will occur alongside the sentencing of Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney, both convicted of acting as getaway drivers during the February 2016 hotel attack. Murphy, a taxi driver from Swords, and Bonney, a builder from Portmarnock, were each found guilty of participating in or contributing to Byrne's murder by providing access to motor vehicles. During sentencing submissions at the Special Criminal Court, defence counsel emphasised Murphy's long involvement in the taxi business and advanced age, and highlighted Bonney's previously unblemished record, community contributions, and voluntary work with boxing clubs. Ms Justice Tara Burns, presiding with two other judges, adjourned sentencing to Friday at ten o'clock.