Courts / Cavan / Report

Barrister in Lunney trial complains judge is 'rubbishing' defence case

Summary

During the trial of four men accused of abducting businessman Kevin Lunney at Ballinagh, County Cavan in September 2019, defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC raised concerns about the conduct of proceedings at the Special Criminal Court. Mr O'Higgins complained that the presiding judge, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, was dismissive of an important part of the defence case relating to blood marks found in a Renault Kangoo van. The complaint arose when the judge interjected to question the location of blood evidence while a fingerprint expert was being cross-examined. Mr O'Higgins objected to what he characterised as the judge's dismissive and contemptuous tone, and stated that the trial should proceed on the basis of evidence presented in court. The four accused—a 40-year-old man identified as YZ, Alan O'Brien, Darren Redmond, and Luke O'Reilly of Kilcogy—have all pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm. Medical evidence detailed the extensive injuries sustained by Mr Lunney, including lacerations requiring stitches, a fractured tibia, and burns from bleach.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Barrister in Lunney trial complains judge is 'rubbishing' defence case. Charges or matters: false imprisonment; intentionally causing serious harm. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• September 17, 2019 Other
• October 29, 2019 Other
• October 29 Other
• October 25, 2019 Other
• September 17 Other
• 24 September Incident
• October 25 Other
• August 2019 Other
• 2021-07-15 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence

Related court reports

• 'Wouldn't be out of place in a Tarantino movie': Lunney kidnappers challenge sentences for 'animalistic' torture and abduction
• Kevin Lunney kidnappers lose conviction appeals
• Kevin Lunney kidnapper claims Special Criminal Court conviction unconstitutional
• State urges court to uphold gang's conviction for kidnap and torture of Kevin Lunney
• Career criminal Harte must pay costs of Lunney abduction appeal
• Career Criminal who kidnapped and tortured Kevin Lunney fails in 'moot' appeal over non-jury trial

Read the original CNI report