Courts / Dublin / Report
Granddad convicted of role in Kinahan murder plot brings action over seized car
Summary
Stephen Fowler, a grandfather convicted of logistical involvement in a botched Kinahan Cartel plot to murder James 'Mago' Gately, has launched a High Court challenge regarding the Garda's seizure and retention of his car. Fowler, who is serving a sentence in Portlaoise Prison, stated he gave full permission to a friend to use the 2014 Skoda Octavia. The vehicle was detained on October 31 and is currently being retained by the Garda, despite counsel arguing the seizure was irrational and disproportionate. Fowler's legal team, represented by Micheal O'Higgins SC and Brendan Hennessy BL, submitted that the continued detention breaches property rights and constitutes an abuse of authority. They seek orders to quash the refusal to return the vehicle, a declaration of oppressive conduct, and damages. Mr Justice Charles Meenan granted permission to bring the judicial review proceedings on an ex-parte basis. The judge noted the applicants had previously written to the Garda without a meaningful response and asked if a more cost-effective resolution existed. The matter was adjourned to a date in February. Fowler was previously sentenced to six years and nine months in the Special Criminal Court for participating in activities intended to enhance the criminal organisation's ability to commit murder. The last 15 months of his sentence were suspended for three years.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Granddad convicted of role in Kinahan murder plot brings action over seized car. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 31 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 7, 2016 Incident
- April 4, 2017 Incident
- 2021-12-13 Publication
Case subjects
Applicant
Outcome: The court heard that Stephen Fowler says he gave his full permission to a friend to use his car while he serves his sentence in Portlaoise Prison.; The judge adjourned the case to a date in February.
Applicant
Outcome: The court heard that Stephen Fowler says he gave his full permission to a friend to use his car while he serves his sentence in Portlaoise Prison.; The judge adjourned the case to a date in February.
Convicted Person
Outcome: Photo: Collins) A High Court challenge has been launched over the Garda's alleged seizure and continued retention of a car belonging to a grandfather jailed for his involvement in a botched attempt by the Kinahan Cartel to murder rival Hutch gang member James 'Mago' Gately. The court heard that Stephen Fowler says he gave his full permission to a friend to use his car while he serves his sentence in Portlaoise Prison.; The judge adjourned the case to a date in February.
Places mentioned
- High Court
- Portlaoise Prison. The High Court
- Special Criminal Court
- Portlaoise
- Portlaoise Prison
- That view
Topics
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