Courts / Meath / Report
Butterly murder trial hears of Witness Protection Programme conversation
Summary
In the Special Criminal Court, three men—Edward McGrath (32), Dean Evans (22), and Sharif Kelly (43)—remain not guilty on charges of murdering Peter Butterly (35) and related firearm offences. The court heard that a former co‑accused, now a prosecution witness, supplied Gardaí with information about a prior fatal shooting, events in Portlaoise Prison, and IRA structure. Witness protection liaison officer reported that David Cullen (30) offered testimony on 25 June, with a security discussion the next day. The Garda liaison explained that witnesses must commit to a new lifestyle and receive retraining. Senior Garda Thomas Maguire confirmed Cullen's willingness to give evidence on the Butterly shooting, other murders, prison happenings, and IRA structure. The court has yet to rule on privilege and screening applications. The case proceeds tomorrow before Judges Cormac Dunne and Margaret Heneghan, with Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy presiding.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Butterly murder trial hears of Witness Protection Programme conversation. Charges or matters: the murder of Peter Butterly (35), who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn at Gormanston, Co Meath, on March 6th, 2013; firearm offences at the same address and on the same date. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- March 6th, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 25 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2014-10-07 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the murder of Peter Butterly (35), who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn at Gormanston, Co Meath, on March 6th, 2013; firearm offences at the same address and on the same date (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Defendant
Charges: the murder of Peter Butterly (35), who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn at Gormanston, Co Meath, on March 6th, 2013; firearm offences at the same address and on the same date (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Accused
Charges: the murder of Peter Butterly (35), who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn at Gormanston, Co Meath, on March 6th, 2013; firearm offences at the same address and on the same date (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Portlaoise
- Portlaoise Prison
- Tallaght
- Grange Park
- Pinewood Green Road
- Balbriggan
- The Special Criminal Court
- Harcourt Square
- Special Criminal Court
Topics
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