Courts / Dublin / Report
Hutch walks free as State drops Regency Hotel murder charge
Summary
Patrick Hutch, aged 26, was released from the Special Criminal Court after the State dropped the murder charge for David Byrne's death at the Regency Hotel on 5 February 2016. The court heard that the shooting occurred during a boxing weigh‑in, with armed men in disguise and tactical garda uniforms entering the hotel. The prosecution alleged Hutch was the man in a wig, part of a shared intent to commit the offence, though he denied owning assault rifles. The Director of Public Prosecutions entered a nolle prosequi, and Judge Tony Hunt discharged Hutch. Hutch's counsel maintained his client's not‑guilty plea and contested the case. Family members of Byrne condemned the outcome as disgraceful. The case was further complicated by the death of Detective Superintendent Colm Fox, whose death was treated as a personal tragedy and not suspected foul play. The court had also considered evidence of emails between four gardai and notes from the late superintendent. Patrick Hutch pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Hutch walks free as State drops Regency Hotel murder charge. Charges or matters: the murder of David Byrne (34) at the Regency Hotel in Dublin on February 5th 2016. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- February 5th 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 10 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 5th, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 9th 2016 Incident
- 2019-02-20 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the murder of David Byrne (34) at the Regency Hotel in Dublin on February 5th 2016 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Special Criminal Court
- Champions Avenue
- Dublin
- his office at Ballymun Garda Station
- Ballymun
- Charlemont Estate
Topics
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