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Murder trial hears from garda in charge of Witness Protection Program

Summary

In the Peter Butterly murder trial at the Special Criminal Court, the admissibility of evidence from state witness David Cullen was contested. The trial, now in its second session after the original collapsed, heard cross‑examination of former chief superintendent John Gilligan, who oversaw the Witness Protection Program. Gilligan was questioned about a June 2014 meeting with Detective Superintendent Alf Martin and other Gardaí, during which it was alleged that Cullen might plead guilty to a lesser charge and that the murder charge could be dropped. Gilligan denied any deliberate omission of that possibility, stating he only noted Cullen's desire to provide information. The court considered whether the notes from that meeting, previously privileged, could be used to assess Cullen's evidence. The case continues under Mr Justice Tony Hunt, with Edward McGrath and Sharif Kelly still pleading not guilty to the murder and firearms offences. Dean Evans, the third accused, remains missing and was not present at the hearing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder trial hears from garda in charge of Witness Protection Program. Charges or matters: the alleged murder; firearms offences on the same occasion; murder and the possession of a firearm. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• March 6th, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
• June 26th, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• October 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2017-02-01 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report