Courts / Dublin / Report
Armed gardai appeared to use "unnecessary force" in arrest of murder plot accused, lawyer says
Summary
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the trial of Liam Brannigan (37), of Bride Street, Dublin 8, who is charged with conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between September 15th and November 6th, 2017. Mr Brannigan has pleaded not guilty. Defence counsel suggested to Sergeant David J Campbell of the Armed Support Unit that unnecessary force was used during Mr Brannigan's arrest at Hanover Court, Dublin 8, on November 6th, 2017. The sergeant acknowledged CCTV footage showed officers on top of the accused after he had raised his hands and dropped to all fours, though he stated they were effecting an arrest. Detective Garda Val Russell testified that he arrested Mr Brannigan after hearing a thud and shouting commands, noting the accused fully cooperated. The court previously heard that Luke Wilson (24) and Joseph Kelly (35) were arrested nearby in possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol, silencer, and ammunition. Mr Wilson and Mr Kelly have pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder Mr Hanley. 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 (39), who pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder Mr Hanley, was jailed for six years. Joseph Kelly, who also admitted a weapons charge, was jailed for a total of 12 years.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Armed gardai appeared to use "unnecessary force" in arrest of murder plot accused, lawyer says. 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 and has 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:
- September 15th Hearing Or Sentence
- November 6th, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- November 6, 2017 Incident
- 2019-10-30 Publication
Case subjects
Background Person
Charges: conspiring to murder Mr Hanley and has 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 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Alan Wilson (39) of New Street Gardens, Dublin 8, has also previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder Mr Hanley and has been jailed. 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.
Convicted Person
Charges: conspiring to murder Mr Hanley and has 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 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Mr Wilson and Mr Kelly have previously pleaded guilty and been jailed for conspiring to murder Mr Hanley. 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.
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 and has 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
Defendant
Charges: conspiring to murder Mr Hanley and has 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 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Mr Wilson and Mr Kelly have previously pleaded guilty and been jailed for conspiring to murder Mr Hanley. Alan Wilson (39) of New Street Gardens, Dublin 8, has also previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder Mr Hanley and has been jailed.
Places mentioned
- Special Criminal Court
- Hanover Lane
- Dublin
- Philipsburgh Avenue
- brought to Store Street Garda Station
- Store Street
Topics
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