Courts / Dublin / Report
Key prosecution witness in Hutch murder trial was "willing participant", defence say
Summary
In the Special Criminal Court, the defence for Regina Keogh (41) argued that key prosecution witness Mary McDonnell (45) was a "willing participant" in the alleged murder of Gareth Hutch. Defence counsel Patrick Gageby SC submitted that McDonnell, who was granted immunity after a charge of withholding information was withdrawn, downplayed her role to secure a "great bargain." He contended she told untruths to gardai and the court, pointing the finger at Keogh, her "stalwart" friend. The prosecution alleges Keogh and Thomas Fox (31) planned the shooting, while Jonathan Keogh (32) and an accomplice were the shooters. All three defendants, who have pleaded not guilty to murdering Hutch, were remanded in custody by Mr Justice Tony Hunt until Monday for legal submissions. Fox has also denied unlawfully possessing a Makarov 9 mm handgun. The defence highlighted inconsistencies in McDonnell's testimony regarding her coercion and the provision of rubber gloves, suggesting she fabricated evidence to minimize her liability. The court is currently hearing closing submissions in this non-jury trial concerning the May 2016 shooting outside Avondale House flats in Dublin.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Key prosecution witness in Hutch murder trial was "willing participant", defence say. Charges or matters: murdering Mr Hutch. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- May 24, 2016 Incident
- May 23, 2016 Incident
- 2018-07-27 Publication
Why: A key prosecution witness in the trial of three Dubliners charged with murdering Gareth Hutch was a "complicit and willing participant" and downplayed her role in order to get a "great bargain", a defence barrister has told the Special Criminal Court. Prosecution account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murdering Mr Hutch (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Mr Justice Tony Hunt presiding, remanded the three accused in custody until Monday, when the court will hear legal submissions in the case.
Places mentioned
- Special Criminal Court
- Avondale House
- North Cumberland Street
- Dublin
- Cumberland Street
- Gloucester Place
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request