Courts / Cavan / Report

Challenges by Kevin Lunney accused may delay trial

Summary

The Special Criminal Court has heard that the trial of four men accused of false imprisonment and assault causing serious harm to Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney may be delayed due to High Court challenges. The defendants, Luke O'Reilly, Darren Redmond, Alan O'Brien, and a fourth unnamed accused, were charged with abducting and assaulting Mr. Lunney in September 2019. The fourth accused and Mr. O'Brien have instituted judicial review proceedings challenging the Special Criminal Court's jurisdiction, while Mr. O'Reilly and Mr. Redmond have adopted the same position. Counsel for the DPP stated that the fourth accused's case is listed for mention in the High Court, with an early hearing expected. Mr. Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with Judges Gerard Griffin and David McHugh, noted that even if the State prevails, appeals are likely. Consequently, the court considered backing up the 12-week trial originally fixed for January 11, 2021. Counsel for the fourth accused indicated an application for adjournment on other grounds would be brought. The matter was adjourned to a mention hearing on November 16 to ascertain the updated position regarding the High Court proceedings.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Challenges by Kevin Lunney accused may delay trial. Charges or matters: false imprisonment; assault causing serious harm. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• September 17, 2019 Incident
• September 17 Incident
• January 11, 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
• January 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
• November 16 Adjournment
• 2020-11-02 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

Related court reports

• 'Wouldn't be out of place in a Tarantino movie': Lunney kidnappers challenge sentences for 'animalistic' torture and abduction
• Kevin Lunney kidnappers lose conviction appeals
• Kevin Lunney kidnapper claims Special Criminal Court conviction unconstitutional
• State urges court to uphold gang's conviction for kidnap and torture of Kevin Lunney
• Career criminal Harte must pay costs of Lunney abduction appeal
• Career Criminal who kidnapped and tortured Kevin Lunney fails in 'moot' appeal over non-jury trial

Read the original CNI report