Courts / Cavan / Report

Judges reject defence bid to adjourn Lunney trial

Summary

The Special Criminal Court has rejected a defence application to adjourn the ongoing trial of four men accused of abducting and torturing Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney. The accused, Alan O'Brien, Darren Redmond, Luke O'Reilly, and a man identified as YZ, have all pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC argued that the law regarding the mass retention of mobile phone data is unclear due to conflicting European Court of Justice rulings, requesting a referral to the CJEU. Presiding Judge Tony Hunt refused the application, noting that the legal basis for data retention is provided by the Communications (Retention of Data) Act 2011 and that the Court of Appeal could address any errors later. The court also rejected a defence suggestion to recall witnesses to re-swear oaths, with Judge Hunt stating such a procedure was not practicable. The trial continues before a three-judge panel comprising Mr Justice Hunt, Judge David McHugh, and Judge Gerard Griffin.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Judges reject defence bid to adjourn Lunney trial. Charges or matters: false imprisonment; intentionally causing serious harm. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• September 17, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2021-07-27 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal

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Read the original CNI report