Courts / Meath / Report

Accused can attend criminal trial remotely, in first for Irish courts

Date
2021-02-24

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Gormanston

County
Meath

Summary

In a first for Irish courts, Mr Justice Tony Hunt granted an accused the right to attend a criminal trial remotely via video‑link. Ray Kennedy, charged with perverting the course of justice in the murder of Peter Butterly, will be allowed to participate in his Special Criminal Court hearing from March 1, 2021. Kennedy, 40, is accused of destroying a SIM card on the day of Butterly's shooting. The court found Kennedy had exceptional family circumstances: his 35‑year‑old father of two, Peter Butterly, was killed in a car‑park in Gormanston on 6 March 2013, and Kennedy's daughter has a serious congenital condition requiring regular hospital visits. Imelda Kelly, Kennedy's counsel, argued that travel would heighten risk to the child. The three‑judge panel, including Judges Griffin and Brennan, accepted the application, noting no substantive objection from the State. The trial, expected to last four to five weeks, will begin on Monday.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Accused can attend criminal trial remotely, in first for Irish courts. Charges or matters: perverting the course of justice in connection with the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly, will be allowed to attend his trial remotely via video-link for its duration, after the court found the accused had exceptional family circumstances. Procedural stage: trial

When:

March 6, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
March 1 Hearing Or Sentence
2021-02-24 Publication

Case subjects

Ray Kennedy

Accused

Charges: perverting the course of justice in connection with the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly, will be allowed to attend his trial remotely via video-link for its duration, after the court found the accused had exceptional family circumstances (Alleged Or Contested)