Courts / Meath / Report

Gardai continue to give secret evidence in Peter Butterly murder trial

Date
2014-11-13

Stage
Charge Or Pretrial

Primary locality
Gormanston

County
Meath

Summary

On 13 November 2014, the Special Criminal Court heard secret evidence from members of the National Surveillance Unit (NSU) regarding the murder of Peter Butterly, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, County Meath, on 6 March 2013. The court directed that no NSU evidence or identities be made public and that the public not be present during NSU testimony. Two NSU members gave evidence and left through the custody area to avoid identification. The trial, day 27, involves three men—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33), and Sharif Kelly (44)—who pleaded not guilty to Butterly's murder and to firearm offences at the same location and time. A fourth man, Dave Cullen (30), is a State witness. Prosecuting counsel, Úna Ní Raifeartaigh SC, described how Butterly was lured to the car park, shot at his vehicle, and later found collapsed by a lone Garda, dying shortly thereafter. The trial continues.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Gardai continue to give secret evidence in Peter Butterly murder trial. Charges or matters: the murder of Peter Butterly (35) who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, at Gormanston Co Meath on March 6 2013; firearm offences at the same address, on the same date. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

March 6 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
2014-11-13 Publication

Case subjects

Dean Evans

Defendant

Charges: the murder of Peter Butterly (35) who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, at Gormanston Co Meath on March 6 2013; firearm offences at the same address, on the same date (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Edward McGrath

Defendant

Plea: Not guilty

Sharif Kelly

Defendant

Plea: Not guilty