Courts / Meath / Report

Three go on trial accused of murdering dissident republican

Date
2018-10-04

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Gormanston

County
Meath

Summary

Three men have been arraigned at the Special Criminal Court on charges of murdering a dissident republican shot dead outside a public house in Meath over five years ago. Michael McDermott, aged 58, of Ballinagh, County Cavan; Kevin Braney, aged 43, from Dublin; and Frank Murphy, aged 58, of Bettystown, County Meath, have all pleaded not guilty to murder. McDermott and Braney also deny possessing a 9mm semi-automatic pistol and ammunition in March 2013, while Murphy denies possession of the same firearm and rounds on the date of the killing itself. The prosecution opened its case before three judges, outlining that the victim was shot multiple times in a carpark whilst in his vehicle, with witnesses present. The court heard that a stolen vehicle was used in the attack and subsequently recovered. The prosecution indicated that accomplice evidence will feature prominently, noting that a protected witness will testify regarding the planning and execution of the murder. The trial is expected to last approximately ten weeks.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Three go on trial accused of murdering dissident republican. Charges or matters: murdering Mr Butterly; possession of a 9mm Beretta semi-automatic pistol with the intent to commit murder; possession of seven rounds of 9mm ammunition; possession of a 9mm Beretta semi-automatic pistol with intent to commit murder. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

March 5, 2013 Incident
2018-10-04 Publication

Why: Paul O'Higgins SC, prosecuting, opened the trial, telling the judges that it was an unusual case because gardai were already keeping an eye on movements in the area that day as a result of certain suspicions. CNI source report

Case subjects

Frank Murphy

Defendant

Charges: murdering Mr Butterly; possession of a 9mm Beretta semi-automatic pistol with the intent to commit murder; possession of seven rounds of 9mm ammunition (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Kevin Braney

Defendant

Charges: murdering Mr Butterly; possession of a 9mm Beretta semi-automatic pistol with intent to commit murder; possession of seven rounds of 9mm ammunition (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Michael McDermott

Defendant

Charges: murdering Mr Butterly; possession of a 9mm Beretta semi-automatic pistol with intent to commit murder; possession of seven rounds of 9mm ammunition (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty