Courts / Dublin / Report
Man charged over 'Mago' Gately shooting admits directing crime organisation
Summary
Peter Keating, 40, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to directing a criminal organisation's activities from 7 December 2016 to 4 April 2017, including the attempted murder of James 'Mago' Gately. Gately was shot multiple times on 10 May 2017 while seated in his car at Topaz filling station, Dublin 17. The court heard that the attackers believed Gately was involved in the 2016 Regency Hotel attack that killed Kinahan gang member David Byrne. Other defendants include Caolan Smyth, sentenced to 20 years for the attempted murder and firearm possession; Gary McAreavey, who pleaded not guilty to aiding the escape of a vehicle used in the attempt and received a four‑year term with the last year suspended; and Imre Arakas, jailed for six years for conspiracy to murder Gately in Northern Ireland. David Duffy, 33, pleaded guilty to knowledge of the organisation and participation in the offence, to be sentenced in July.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man charged over 'Mago' Gately shooting admits directing crime organisation. Charges or matters: directing the activities of a criminal organisation between December 7, 2016, and April 4, 2017, inclusive, within and without the State under Section 71 of the Criminal Justice Act; acting to 'impede an apprehension or prosecution by purchasing petrol and assisting in the burning out of the vehicle, a black Lexus, used in the attempted murder at Newrath, Dromiskin, Co Louth on the same day; having knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation and participating in or contributing to activities connected with the said offence, namely the murder of James Gately, with the intention of enhancing the ability of the said criminal organisation or any of its members to commit the serious offence, within the State between December 7, 2016 and April 6, 2017, both dates inclusive.
When:
- December 7, 2016 Incident
- April 4, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 10, 2017 Incident
- February 2016 Incident
- December 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 3 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 6, 2017 Incident
- July 26 Adjournment
- 2021-06-28 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: acting to 'impede an apprehension or prosecution by purchasing petrol and assisting in the burning out of the vehicle, a black Lexus, used in the attempted murder at Newrath, Dromiskin, Co Louth on the same day; having knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation and participating in or contributing to activities connected with the said offence, namely the murder of James Gately, with the intention of enhancing the ability of the said criminal organisation or any of its members to commit the serious offence, within the State between December 7, 2016 and April 6, 2017, both dates inclusive (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Caolan Smyth (29) of Cuileann Court, Donore, Co Meath, was sentenced to 20 years for the attempted murder of Mr Gately and for possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.; A governor's report was sought by Mr Hartnett from Portlaoise Prison and Mr Justice Hunt adjourned the matter to July 26.
Convicted Person
Charges: having knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation and participating in or contributing to activities connected with the said offence, namely the murder of James Gately, with the intention of enhancing the ability of the said criminal organisation or any of its members to commit the serious offence, within the State between December 7, 2016 and April 6, 2017, both dates inclusive (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Duffy is to be sentenced in July.; A governor's report was sought by Mr Hartnett from Portlaoise Prison and Mr Justice Hunt adjourned the matter to July 26.
Convicted Person
Charges: acting to 'impede an apprehension or prosecution by purchasing petrol and assisting in the burning out of the vehicle, a black Lexus, used in the attempted murder at Newrath, Dromiskin, Co Louth on the same day; having knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation and participating in or contributing to activities connected with the said offence, namely the murder of James Gately, with the intention of enhancing the ability of the said criminal organisation or any of its members to commit the serious offence, within the State between December 7, 2016 and April 6, 2017, both dates inclusive (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: A governor's report was sought by Mr Hartnett from Portlaoise Prison and Mr Justice Hunt adjourned the matter to July 26.
Defendant
Charges: directing the activities of a criminal organisation between December 7, 2016, and April 4, 2017, inclusive, within and without the State under Section 71 of the Criminal Justice Act; acting to 'impede an apprehension or prosecution by purchasing petrol and assisting in the burning out of the vehicle, a black Lexus, used in the attempted murder at Newrath, Dromiskin, Co Louth on the same day; having knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation and participating in or contributing to activities connected with the said offence, namely the murder of James Gately, with the intention of enhancing the ability of the said criminal organisation or any of its members to commit the serious offence, within the State between December 7, 2016 and April 6, 2017, both dates inclusive (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: A governor's report was sought by Mr Hartnett from Portlaoise Prison and Mr Justice Hunt adjourned the matter to July 26.
Places mentioned
- Special Criminal Court
- The Special Criminal Court
- Clonashaugh Road
- Portlaoise
- Portlaoise Prison
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request