Courts / Cavan / Report

Van allegedly used in Lunney abduction came from UK, trial hears

Date
2021-07-19
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Cavan
County
Cavan

Summary

The Special Criminal Court has heard evidence regarding a Renault Kangoo van allegedly used in the abduction of businessman Kevin Lunney. Prosecution counsel Sean Guerin SC stated that the vehicle, with a registration ending in PXU, was imported by the now-deceased Cyril McGuinness, who is alleged to have organised the offence. Witness Laura Curran, a shipping manager, testified that a booking was made for the van to travel from Holyhead to Dublin on August 27, 2019, using a credit card associated with the name "C McGuinness". The trial is presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, with Judges Gerard Griffin and David McHugh. Defendants Alan O'Brien, Darren Redmond, and Luke O'Reilly have all pleaded not guilty to charges of false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm to Mr Lunney at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, Co Cavan, on September 17, 2019. Mr Lunney testified that he was forced into a car boot, taken to a container where he was threatened to resign from Quinn Industrial Holdings, and subjected to severe physical abuse, including being cut, doused in bleach, and having his leg broken. He was later left injured on a country road at Drumcoghill. The court is currently examining the provenance of the vehicle used in the alleged crime.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Van allegedly used in Lunney abduction came from UK, trial hears. Charges or matters: false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm to Mr Lunney at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, Co Cavan on September 17, 2019. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Alan O'Brien

Defendant

Charges: false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm to Mr Lunney at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, Co Cavan on September 17, 2019 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Darren Redmond

Defendant

Charges: false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm to Mr Lunney at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, Co Cavan on September 17, 2019 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Luke O'Reilly

Defendant

Charges: false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm to Mr Lunney at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, Co Cavan on September 17, 2019 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Special Criminal Court
Secondary Mention
Residence
Journey Or Route

Topics

Stage Sentence

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