Courts / Dublin / Report
Man who disrupted dissident murder investigation should not be jailed, defence say
Summary
Ray Kennedy, aged 41, of Blanchardstown in Dublin, has been found guilty of perverting the course of justice at the Special Criminal Court following his destruction of a mobile phone SIM card on 6 March 2013. The card was considered of significant evidential value to the Garda investigation into the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly at Gormanston, County Meath. Kennedy's defence counsel argued against a custodial sentence, citing his young daughter's serious health condition requiring round-the-clock care and his previously unblemished background. The prosecution contended that Kennedy's actions were calculated to conceal his involvement in the incident. Presiding Judge Tony Hunt noted that a custodial sentence remained under consideration whilst granting bail due to Kennedy's family circumstances. Sentencing has been adjourned to 12 July. Four men have previously received life sentences for Butterly's murder, with two others also imprisoned for roles in the killing.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man who disrupted dissident murder investigation should not be jailed, defence say. Charges or matters: perverting the course of justice by destroying a mobile phone SIM card on March 6, 2013, an item the State has said "would have been of very significant evidential value" to the murder investigation. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- March 6, 2013 Incident
- December 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 12 Adjournment
- 2021-06-21 Publication
Why: Kennedy told gardaí that he was responsible for bringing Mr Butterly to the scene in order to meet with him. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: perverting the course of justice by destroying a mobile phone SIM card on March 6, 2013, an item the State has said "would have been of very significant evidential value" to the murder investigation (Proven)
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; Two other men – Michael McDermott (60), of Riverdale House, Garrymore, Ballinagh, Co Cavan and Frank Murphy (59), of McDonagh Caravan Park, Triton Road, Bettystown, Co Meath, who played roles in the murder of Mr Butterly – have also been jailed. Today at the Special Criminal Court, defence counsel John D Fitzgerald SC argued for a non-custodial sentence from the three-judge court, primarily due to Mr Kennedy's baby daughter needing around-the-clock care for a brittle-bone condition.; Presiding judge at the non-jury court Mr Justice Tony Hunt adjourned the case to July 12, for sentence.
Places mentioned
- Whitestown Drive
- Blanchardstown
- Dublin
- Glenshane Crescent
- Tallaght
- Pinewood Green Road
- Balbriggan
- Grange Park
- Ballinagh
- Cavan
- McDonagh Caravan Park
- Triton Road
- Special Criminal Court
- Riverdale House
Topics
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