Courts / Dublin / Report

Gardai didn't consider data protection when harvesting CCTV, trial told

Date
2019-10-10
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

The Special Criminal Court heard evidence regarding the harvesting of 3,500 hours of CCTV footage during the trial of Liam Brannigan, who is charged with conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between September 15th and November 6th, 2017. Mr Brannigan has pleaded not guilty. Detective Sergeant Declan O'Connell, who directed the collection of footage from various Dublin premises, admitted to the court that he did not consider the Data Protection Act or the privacy of the public during the operation. The defence, represented by John Berry BL, is taking issue with the admissibility of a proposed 48-minute montage of this footage. The court also heard that Mr Hanley initially declined permission for gardai to access his home CCTV, leading to a warrant being obtained for its seizure. Although the drive was later wiped, material was eventually retrieved. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Coffey. Separately, three men previously convicted of conspiring to murder Mr Hanley have been sentenced. Luke Wilson, who pleaded guilty to the conspiracy and unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun with intent to endanger life, was jailed for 11 years. Alan Wilson, who pleaded guilty to the conspiracy, received a six-year sentence. Joseph Kelly, who admitted the conspiracy and a weapons charge, was jailed for a total of 12 years.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Gardai didn't consider data protection when harvesting CCTV, trial told. Charges or matters: conspiring to murder Gary Hanley at a location within the State between September 15th and November 6th, 2017; conspiring to murder Mr Hanley have already been jailed; unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun with intent to endanger life, was jailed for 11 years; Alan Wilson was given six years and Joseph Kelly, who also admitted a weapons charge, was jailed for a total of 12 years. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Alan Wilson

Convicted Person

Charges: unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun with intent to endanger life, was jailed for 11 years; Alan Wilson was given six years and Joseph Kelly, who also admitted a weapons charge, was jailed for a total of 12 years (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Luke Wilson, who also pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun with intent to endanger life, was jailed for 11 years; Alan Wilson was given six years and Joseph Kelly, who also admitted a weapons charge, was jailed for a total of 12 years.

Joseph Kelly

Convicted Person

Charges: unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun with intent to endanger life, was jailed for 11 years; Alan Wilson was given six years and Joseph Kelly, who also admitted a weapons charge, was jailed for a total of 12 years (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Luke Wilson, who also pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun with intent to endanger life, was jailed for 11 years; Alan Wilson was given six years and Joseph Kelly, who also admitted a weapons charge, was jailed for a total of 12 years.

Liam Brannigan

Accused

Charges: conspiring to murder Gary Hanley at a location within the State between September 15th and November 6th, 2017; conspiring to murder Mr Hanley have already been jailed; unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun with intent to endanger life, was jailed for 11 years; Alan Wilson was given six years and Joseph Kelly, who also admitted a weapons charge, was jailed for a total of 12 years (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Luke Wilson

Convicted Person

Charges: unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun with intent to endanger life, was jailed for 11 years; Alan Wilson was given six years and Joseph Kelly, who also admitted a weapons charge, was jailed for a total of 12 years (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Luke Wilson, who also pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun with intent to endanger life, was jailed for 11 years; Alan Wilson was given six years and Joseph Kelly, who also admitted a weapons charge, was jailed for a total of 12 years.

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Residence
  • Bride Street
  • Dublin
  • Philipsburgh Avenue
  • Cremona Road
  • New Street Gardens
  • Kilworth
  • Kilworth Road
Court Venue
  • Special Criminal Court
Address Area
  • Parkgate Street
  • Kylemore Road
  • Parnell Road
  • Richmond Road
  • Hanover Lane
  • CCTV drive
Facility
  • Millmount House
  • Holles Street
  • Holles Street Hospital
Journey Or Route
  • Grand Canal Street
  • Dublin
  • Barrow Street

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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