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Courts / Meath / Report

Court to examine communications between chief prosecution witness in murder trial and his solicitor

Date
2014-12-02
Stage
Trial
Court
The Special Criminal Court
Primary locality
Gormanston
County
Meath

Summary

The Special Criminal Court has ordered an examination of the communications between David Cullen, the chief prosecution witness in the murder trial of Peter Butterly, and his solicitor from 6 March 2013 to 5 June 2014. Cullen, who was a co‑accused in the case and later became a State witness in June 2014, has already been dealt with by the court for lesser offences. He has agreed to voluntarily disclose documents relating to his communications with his solicitor since 5 June 2014, but this does not waive his claim to legal professional privilege. Defence lawyers sought disclosure of all communications, but Cullen claimed privilege during cross‑examination after giving evidence implicating the three accused men—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—in the murder of the 35‑year‑old Peter Butterly in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co. Meath on 6 March 2013. Dean Evans pleaded not guilty. Edward McGrath pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Court to examine communications between chief prosecution witness in murder trial and his solicitor. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Case subjects

Dean Evans

Defendant

Plea: Not guilty

Edward McGrath

Defendant

Plea: Not guilty

Sharif Kelly

Defendant

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • The Special Criminal Court
Secondary Mention
Residence

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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