Courts / Dublin / Report

Former murder accused gives evidence for prosecution at Peter Butterly murder trial

Summary

The Special Criminal Court heard evidence from David Cullen, a former murder accused who turned State's witness, in the ongoing trial of Dean Evans, Edward McGrath, and Sharif Kelly. The three men have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath, on March 6, 2013. Evans and McGrath also face firearm offences at the same location and date. Cullen, who pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol at the scene, was jailed for three-and-a-half years in July. His plea was accepted by the DPP, resulting in a nolle prosequi on the murder count. Cullen testified that he was instructed to pick up a gun outside Gormanston College on the day of the shooting, identifying Evans and McGrath as individuals present at his apartment beforehand. He claimed Evans provided ammunition and that McGrath retrieved a bag containing the firearm and disguises. Cullen stated he was arrested immediately after picking up the gun. Under cross-examination, he denied planning the murder, stating he did not commit it and sought to avoid a life sentence. The court, presided over by Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy, warned against disruption as Cullen's evidence caused significant security arrangements and queues. The trial continues before a three-judge panel.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Former murder accused gives evidence for prosecution at 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; the unlawful possession of a 9mm calibre Beretta model 9000s semi-automatic pistol at the Huntsman Inn on March 6th, 2013. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• March 6 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
• Tuesday March 5 2013 Other
• Sunday March 3 2013 Other
• March 6th, 2013 Incident
• 2014-11-18 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report