Courts / Cavan / Report

Special Criminal Court rejects argument that it has no jurisdiction to hear Lunney trial

Summary

The Special Criminal Court has rejected jurisdictional arguments regarding the trial of four men accused of false imprisonment and causing serious harm to Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney. Counsel for the accused argued the court had become a permanent structure not permitted by its founding legislation, contending the DPP's role in selecting cases bypassed the Oireachtas. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with Judges Gerard Griffin and David McHugh, dismissed these claims, stating the court's jurisdiction is established by legislation and the DPP's documentation was in order. He noted that arguments concerning the Oireachtas's failure to revisit the 1972 proclamation were political matters outside the court's remit. The trial is scheduled to proceed. The accused are Luke O'Reilly (67), Darren Redmond (27), Alan O'Brien (40), and an unnamed man aged 40, who cannot be named due to unrelated pending trials. They are charged with false imprisonment and causing serious harm to Mr Lunney on September 17, 2019, at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, Co Cavan. Allegations state Mr Lunney was abducted, his leg broken, doused in bleach, and had letters carved into his chest before being dumped in Co Cavan. The court confirmed the matter will continue in the ordinary way.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Special Criminal Court rejects argument that it has no jurisdiction to hear Lunney trial. Charges or matters: false imprisonment; causing serious harm. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• September 17, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
• September 17 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2021-06-01 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report