Courts / Dublin / Report

Dissident murder accused acquitted on firearms charges

Date
2018-12-13

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Kevin Braney, 44, of Tallaght, was charged with murdering dissident republican Peter Butterly in March 2013. He pleaded not guilty to the murder and was also charged with possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol and seven rounds of ammunition. The Special Criminal Court, after the prosecution's case closed, refused a defence application for a direction to acquit on the firearm charges. The court directed an acquittal on those counts. Braney's defence argued that State witness David Cullen's evidence was unreliable and that no forensic or DNA links tied Braney to the crime. The court noted the absence of any evidence linking Braney to phones or the weapons. The case remains pending, with a judgment expected early next year. Braney was remanded in custody until 18 January.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Dissident murder accused acquitted on firearms charges. 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 6, 2013 Incident
March 5, 2013 Incident
June 26, 1996 Hearing Or Sentence
March 5 Hearing Or Sentence
January 18 Adjournment
new year Other
2018-12-13 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

Kevin Braney

Accused

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

Outcome: Mr Braney was remanded in custody until January 18 when the case is listed for mention.