Courts / Cavan / Report
Defective batteries sparked fire that destroyed van allegedly used in Lunney abduction, trial hears
Summary
The Special Criminal Court trial of Alan O'Brien, Darren Redmond, Luke O'Reilly, and an accused man identified as YZ continues, with all four pleading not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm to Kevin Lunney in September 2019. Detective Sergeant Jim McDevitt testified that a fire destroying a Renault Kangoo, allegedly used in the incident, was caused by defective walkie-talkie batteries prone to overheating. The prosecution does not allege Mr. Lunney was in the van, but notes DNA matching his was found on suspected blood stains, while DNA matching Redmond was found on a bar. McDevitt stated gardai moved the vehicle from Santry to a Cavan yard where the fire occurred in February 2020. The witness also reported that an Audi owner failed to identify any buyer during an identity parade. Regarding Redmond, McDevitt confirmed he received €25,000 in August 2019 and is a friend of YZ. For O'Reilly, the court heard he purchased a lorry from a deceased man alleged to have organized the abduction. The prosecution expects to complete its evidence tomorrow, with closing speeches scheduled for Wednesday. The matter is currently at the sentencing stage of proceedings, though the trial is ongoing.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Defective batteries sparked fire that destroyed van allegedly used in Lunney abduction, 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:
- February 2020 Other
- February 25 Other
- September 17, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- 3 September 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- September 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- August 2019 Other
- 2021-07-26 Publication
Why: He told defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC, for the accused known as YZ, that the van was moved from Santry because the normal procedure is that once examined, vehicles are kept in the region close to the investigation. Defence account reported by CNI
Case subjects
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
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
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
- Special Criminal Court
- Jim McDevitt of Cavan Garda Station
- Cavan
Topics
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