Courts / Dublin / Report

Accused a "good friend" to murdered dissident republican, widow told gardai

Date
2019-10-10

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Blanchardstown

County
Dublin

Summary

The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the trial of Ray Kennedy (39) and Laurence Murphy (62), who have pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA on March 6, 2013. Kennedy is also charged with perverting the course of justice by destroying a mobile SIM card. The prosecution presented the statement of Eithne Butterly, widow of dissident republican Peter Butterly, who was shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co Meath, on that date. Mrs Butterly told gardai that Kennedy was a "good friend" to both of them and that her husband had received five death threats, including one from Alan Ryan. She stated her husband told her he was meeting Kennedy at 2pm on March 6, 2013, though Kennedy maintains the meeting was scheduled for 2.30pm. The court heard that four men—Kevin Braney, Edward McGrath, Sharif Kelly, and Dean Evans—have already received life sentences for the murder, while Michael McDermott and Frank Murphy have also been jailed for their roles in the killing. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Tara Burns, Judge Sarah Berkeley, and Judge Michael Walsh, resumes tomorrow.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Accused a "good friend" to murdered dissident republican, widow told gardai. Charges or matters: membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh Na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on March 6, 2013. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

March 6, 2013 Incident
March 5 Other
March 6 Other
March 5, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
2019-10-10 Publication

Why: "Peter left Republicanism over a year ago because he was a free man. CNI source report

Case subjects

Ray Kennedy

Accused

Charges: membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh Na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on March 6, 2013 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Outcome: Two other men, Michael McDermott (60), of Riverdale House, Garrymore, Ballinagh, Co Cavan and Frank Murphy (59), of McDonagh Caravan Park, Triton Road, Bettystown, Co Meath, who played roles in the murder of Mr Butterly have also been jailed.