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Former accused turned State's witness describes role in shooting of dissident republican

Summary

The Special Criminal Court trial of Kevin Braney, 44, of Tallaght, Dublin, continues before a three-judge panel. Mr Braney, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly and the unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol and ammunition, faces evidence from protected witness David Cullen. Cullen, who turned State's witness after his murder charge was dropped, testified that he was asked to pick up a gun. He described an evening in March 2013 when Edward McGrath and Mr Braney visited his Balbriggan home, with Mr Braney allegedly stating, "Make sure this is done right and he doesn't get away." Cullen identified a silver Toyota Corolla used in the operation and stated that Dean Evans and McGrath stayed at his apartment the day before the shooting. He further testified that Sharif Kelly dropped him near the scene, where a gun was thrown from a vehicle, leading to his arrest. In related proceedings, Michael McDermott admitted to assisting an unlawful organisation in the murder. Frank Murphy pleaded guilty to impeding the prosecution of Cullen. Meanwhile, Edward McGrath, Sharif Kelly, and Dean Evans have all received life sentences at the Special Criminal Court after being convicted of Mr Butterly's murder. The trial of Mr Braney is ongoing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Former accused turned State's witness describes role in shooting of dissident republican. Charges or matters: murdering Mr Butterly nearly six years ago; the unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol at the Huntsman Inn on the day of the shooting. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• March 5, 2013 Incident
• March 6, 2013 Incident
• July 2014 Incident
• July 2 2014 Incident
• March 3, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
• March 6 Incident
• March 5 Hearing Or Sentence
• March 3 Other
• 2018-11-27 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report