Courts / Meath / Report
Detective denies offering to drop murder charge before statement
Summary
In a 2017 court hearing, detectives investigating the 2013 murder of Peter Butterly denied that any offer was made to drop a murder charge against an accused who later became a prosecution witness. The case involves Edward McGrath, Sharif Kelly, and a missing third accused, Dean Evans. McGrath and Kelly have pleaded not guilty to murder and firearms offences. The Special Criminal Court proceeded with McGrath and Kelly after Evans' absence. Lawyers challenge the admissibility of evidence from state witness David Cullen, who was originally accused of the murder. Detective Chief Superintendent Tom Maguire testified that he received a call from Cullen's solicitor on 6 June 2014, who sought immunity, witness protection, and financial assistance for Cullen. No commitment was made, and the detectives reported the matter to authorities. Subsequent meetings with Cullen's solicitor and the DPP were held, but no formal deal was confirmed. The judge requested details of any decision to drop the charge.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Detective denies offering to drop murder charge before statement. Charges or matters: the alleged murder; firearms offences on the same occasion. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- March 6th, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 6th, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 12th Hearing Or Sentence
- June 24th Hearing Or Sentence
- June 27th, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 26th Other
- 2017-02-02 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the alleged murder; firearms offences on the same occasion (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Accused
Charges: the alleged murder; firearms offences on the same occasion (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Tallaght
- Pinewood Green Road
- Balbriggan
- Grange Park
- Dublin
- Special Criminal Court
- Portlaoise
- Portlaoise prison
- Midlands prison
Topics
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