Courts / Dublin / Report

Judges in Peter Butterly murder trial to return verdict next month

Date
2017-02-27
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

Judges in the Special Criminal Court will deliver a verdict on March 9th in the murder trial of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old dissident republican shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, on March 6th, 2013. Two Dublin men, Edward McGrath (35) of Springfield, Tallaght, and Sharif Kelly (47) of Balbriggan, are charged with the murder and have pleaded not guilty. McGrath also pleaded not guilty to firearms offences. A third accused, Dean Evans (24) of Raheny, failed to appear and has not been located. The court heard evidence from a protected witness, David Cullen, who was originally accused of the murder and implicated McGrath and Kelly. The trial also considered surveillance testimony and DNA evidence found on a vehicle near the scene. Both accused remain on continuing bail until the verdict.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Judges in Peter Butterly murder trial to return verdict next month. Charges or matters: the alleged murder; firearms offences on the same occasion. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Case subjects

Edward McGrath

Accused

Charges: the alleged murder; firearms offences on the same occasion (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Outcome: The barrister also submitted that there are "very real concerns about Cullen filling in the gaps". "It beggars belief," he said, "that credence can be placed on the testimony of somebody who is such damaged goods." The two accused men were remanded on continuing bail until March 9th, when the judges will deliver a verdict.

Sharif Kelly

Accused

Charges: the alleged murder; firearms offences on the same occasion (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Outcome: The barrister also submitted that there are "very real concerns about Cullen filling in the gaps". "It beggars belief," he said, "that credence can be placed on the testimony of somebody who is such damaged goods." The two accused men were remanded on continuing bail until March 9th, when the judges will deliver a verdict.

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Special Criminal Court
Secondary Mention
Residence

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

Correction or retraction request

If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.

Email a correction request