Courts / Meath / Report
Court could look at sensitive material gardai have refused to hand over
Summary
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Judge Tara Burns considered whether the court should review sensitive material that Gardaí have refused to hand over to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The material concerns two men charged in connection with the 2013 murder of Peter Butterly. Gardaí cited security concerns for senior and junior counsel, claiming that disclosure could expose them to danger. Defence counsel for Laurence Murphy and Ray Kennedy objected to the court viewing the material, arguing it could create a conflict of interest. Judge Burns noted that the DPP was unable and unwilling to provide the material, but the court retains a supervisory role over disclosure. She ruled that the prosecution must ensure proper disclosure, but the court would not compel Gardaí to release the material. The trial is set to resume tomorrow at 10:30 am. Laurence Murphy pleaded not guilty. Ray Kennedy pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Court could look at sensitive material gardai have refused to hand over. Charges or matters: membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh Na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on March 6th, 2013. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- March 6th, 2013 Other
- December 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2019-11-28 Publication
Why: Credit: Collins) A judge has said the Special Criminal Court is "minded" to look at sensitive material pertaining to two men charged in connection with the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly because the DPP is "unable and unwilling" to do so. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh Na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on March 6th, 2013 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Accused
Charges: membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh Na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on March 6th, 2013 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Special Criminal Court
- McDonough Caravan Park
- Triton Road
- Whitestown Drive
- Blanchardstown
- Dublin
Topics
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