Courts / Cavan / Report

DNA matching that of both Kevin Lunney and accused found in van, trial told

Summary

The Special Criminal Court trial of Alan O'Brien, Darren Redmond, Luke O'Reilly, and a 40-year-old man identified as YZ continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt. All four defendants have pleaded not guilty to the alleged false imprisonment and intentional serious harm of Kevin Lunney at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, Co Cavan, on September 17, 2019. Prosecution counsel Sean Guerin SC presented evidence from Dr Edward Connolly of Forensic Science Ireland, who testified that DNA matching Mr Lunney was found on the sliding door of a Renault Kangoo van, while DNA matching Mr Redmond was found on bars behind the driver's seat. The prosecution clarified that it does not allege Mr Lunney was in the van, but that his blood was transferred there by someone who had contact with him. Dr Connolly also confirmed that swabs from a horse trailer at a yard owned by Mr O'Reilly yielded a DNA profile matching Mr Lunney. The court heard that the van was destroyed in a fire in early 2020, limiting further testing. Defence counsel raised questions regarding prior forensic sweeps and the visibility of stains. The trial is ongoing and will continue on Monday.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: DNA matching that of both Kevin Lunney and accused found in van, trial told. 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:

• 31 October 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
• September 17, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2021-07-23 Publication

Why: Mr O'Reilly told gardai in a voluntary statement given within days of the abduction that he bought the bleach because his wife needed it. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report