Courts / Cavan / Report

'No reason' why ban on naming Kevin Lunney attacker should remain, State tells court

Date
2022-01-14
Stage
Appeal
Primary locality
Ballinagh
County
Cavan

Summary

The Court of Appeal heard arguments regarding the anonymity order for YZ, who was sentenced to 30 years' imprisonment for kidnapping and torturing Kevin Lunney. YZ pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm. Co-accused Alan O'Brien (40) and Darren Redmond (27) were jailed for 25 and 15 years respectively. The State, represented by Sean Guerin SC, argued that the ban on naming YZ should be lifted sooner rather than later, stating there was no reason for it to remain given that his other circuit court proceedings are not expected to begin until July or later this year. The DPP opposed the extension of the anonymity order, which had been extended to January 18 by the High Court. Mr Justice George Birmingham agreed to hear the case again next Friday after requesting further submissions from both sides. The matter was adjourned.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'No reason' why ban on naming Kevin Lunney attacker should remain, State tells court. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

Why: "YZ" inflicted most of Mr Lunney's serious injuries, including knife wounds to his face and torso, after he was abducted from his home in Co Fermanagh on September 17, 2019, but had his identity anonymised because he had been due to face charges in a separate court when proceedings began. CNI source report

Case subjects

Alan O'Brien

Convicted Person

Outcome: Alan O'Brien (40), of Shelmalier Road in East Wall, Dublin, and Darren Redmond (27) from Caledon Road in East Wall, Dublin – were jailed for 25 and 15 years respectively for their role in the crime. The order to prevent YZ's identity being published had been due to end on the day Mr Justice Hunt sentenced the three men.

Darren Redmond

Convicted Person

Outcome: Darren Redmond (27) from Caledon Road in East Wall, Dublin – were jailed for 25 and 15 years respectively for their role in the crime. The order to prevent YZ's identity being published had been due to end on the day Mr Justice Hunt sentenced the three men.

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Court of Appeal
  • Central Criminal Court
  • Special Criminal Court
  • High Court
Secondary Mention
Residence
  • Shelmalier Road
  • Caledon Road

Topics

Stage Appeal

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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