Courts / Meath / Report
Murder accused taken from court in ambulance
Summary
A man on trial at the Special Criminal Court for the murder of a father-of-two was removed from proceedings in an ambulance after falling unwell before the hearing commenced. Frank Murphy, aged fifty-eight, of McDonough Caravan Park, Bettystown, County Meath, is one of three defendants charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Peter Butterly outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, County Meath, on March 6th, 2013. The thirty-five-year-old victim was shot in view of schoolchildren awaiting transport. Paramedics assessed Mr Murphy outside the courtroom and conveyed him by stretcher to the waiting ambulance. His barrister assured the three-judge court that his client was not deliberately absenting himself. The trial, which began in October, was adjourned until afternoon to allow Mr Murphy's solicitor to receive instructions once his medical situation had been clarified. Mr Murphy has pleaded not guilty to murder and to firearm possession charges. Two co-accused, Michael McDermott of County Cavan and Kevin Braney of Dublin, also deny the allegations against them.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Murder accused taken from court in ambulance. Charges or matters: murdering Peter 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: trial
When:
- March 6, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 5, 2013 Incident
- 2018-11-22 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
Defendant
Charges: murdering Peter 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
Outcome: adjourned until 2pm
Co Accused
Charges: murdering Peter Butterly; possession of a 9mm Beretta semi-automatic pistol with intent to commit murder; possession of seven rounds of 9mm ammunition (Alleged Or Contested)
Co Accused
Charges: murdering Peter 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
Places mentioned
- Special Criminal Court
- Riverdale House
- Brackenwood Avenue
Topics
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