Courts / Dublin / Report

Van allegedly used in Lunney abduction was parked unlocked on street, trial hears

Date
2021-07-28

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

The Special Criminal Court heard evidence regarding a van allegedly used in the abduction and assault of businessman Kevin Lunney. A National Surveillance Unit officer testified that on October 21, 2019, he deployed technical equipment inside a Renault Kangoo van parked unlocked on Merchant's Road, Dublin. The prosecution alleges the vehicle was used to transport Mr Lunney from Dublin to Cavan and back on September 17, 2019. DNA matching Mr Lunney was found on the van's sliding door, while DNA matching accused Darren Redmond was found on a bar behind the front seats. Under cross-examination, the detective acknowledged the vehicle was open and accessible to anyone. The defence intends to raise a legal issue regarding the van. The trial is presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, with Judges Gerard Griffin and David McHugh. Four men have pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm to Mr Lunney at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, Co Cavan. The accused are Alan O'Brien (40), Darren Redmond (27), Luke O'Reilly (68), and a 40-year-old man identified as YZ. Mr Lunney testified that he was threatened, beaten, and cut with a Stanley knife, with the letters QIH scored into his chest, before being left on a country road. The court ordered that the identities of the NSU officers not be published to protect their safety.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Van allegedly used in Lunney abduction was parked unlocked on street, 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:

October 21, 2019 Incident
October 23 Hearing Or Sentence
September 17, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
2021-07-28 Publication

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

Accused

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