Courts / Dublin / Report

Kinahan cartel believed 'Mago' Gately was involved in Regency attack, court hears

Date
2021-06-21
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

The Special Criminal Court adjourned the sentencing of David 'Blinky' Duffy until July 30. Duffy, 34, pleaded guilty in April to knowing of a criminal organisation and contributing to activities connected with the murder of James 'Mago' Gately between December 2016 and April 2017. Detective Garda Tony Kennedy testified that the plot was a reprisal for the 2016 Regency Hotel attack, where gang member David Byrne was killed. Duffy provided logistical support, including moving vehicles and purchasing tracker devices. The court heard that Imre Arakas, 62, was jailed for six years in December 2018 after pleading guilty to conspiring to murder Gately in Northern Ireland. Separately, Caolan Smyth was sentenced to 20 years in February for attempted murder after shooting Gately, who survived due to a bulletproof vest. Duffy has 18 previous convictions, including a 2018 sentence for drug offences. Defence counsel highlighted Duffy's early plea, alcohol and drug issues, and rehabilitation efforts. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with Judges Gerard Griffin and David McHugh, adjourned the matter to July 30.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Kinahan cartel believed 'Mago' Gately was involved in Regency attack, court hears. Charges or matters: conspiring with others to murder Gately in Northern Ireland between April 3 and 4, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Caolan Smyth

Convicted Person

Outcome: Smyth was sentenced to 20 years last February for attempted murder.; Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding, with Judge Gerard Griffin and Judge David McHugh, adjourned sentencing until July 30.

Imre Arakas

Convicted Person

Charges: conspiring with others to murder Gately in Northern Ireland between April 3 and 4, 2017 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Arakas (62) was jailed for six years in December 2018, having pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to murder Gately in Northern Ireland between April 3 and 4, 2017.; Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding, with Judge Gerard Griffin and Judge David McHugh, adjourned sentencing until July 30.

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Special Criminal Court
Residence
Secondary Mention

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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