Courts / Kildare / Report

Six who had assets seized by CAB are refused legal aid

Date
2017-07-12

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Kildare

County
Kildare

Summary

In July 2017 the High Court dismissed six applications for legal aid from individuals contesting the Criminal Assets Bureau's (CAB) claims that assets seized in its investigation of the Kinahan crime cartel were proceeds of crime. The applicants – Kelly Quinn, Sean McGovern, Anita Freeman, James Byrne, Sadie Byrne and Liam Roe – argued that the assets, including jewellery, motorbikes, property and cars, were not criminal proceeds and sought state‑funded representation. CAB opposed the applications, citing evidence of the applicants' lifestyles and alleged access to funds. Justice Stewart ruled that no exceptional circumstances justified legal aid, noting the applicants had not addressed CAB's claims or engaged with the evidence. The court adjourned proceedings against all 11 individuals to a later date, and the judge would issue a full written decision subsequently. None of the applicants were present at the hearing. The decision underscored that the court did not find the applicants' circumstances merited state assistance for their legal costs.