Courts / Dublin / Report
Former murder accused turned State's evidence a "parody" of a witness, defence say
Summary
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, defence counsel for Kevin Braney, aged 44, argued that evidence from former murder suspect David Cullen should be excluded because Cullen's testimony was a "parody" and riddled with inconsistencies. Braney, charged with the 2013 murder of Peter Butterly, denied the murder and possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol and ammunition. Cullen, who had originally been charged with Butterly's murder, later became a State witness after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of a pistol. Braney's defence sought to exclude Cullen's evidence, withdraw it from the jury, and have the court discharge itself from the prosecution's opening address. The prosecution countered that independent evidence supported Braney's guilt and that opening speeches are not evidence. The court will rule on the applications tomorrow. Kevin Braney pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Former murder accused turned State's evidence a "parody" of a witness, defence say. 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: trial
When:
- March 5, 2013 Incident
- March 6, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 4 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 2014 Incident
- 2018-12-11 Publication
Why: Finally, the defence counsel applied to the judges to discharge themselves from the trial because of the prosecution's opening address in the case. Prosecution account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: 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 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Special Criminal Court
- In Special Criminal Court
- Brackenwood Avenue
Topics
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