Courts / Dublin / Report

Stardust manager can challenge new inquest's consideration of unlawful killing verdict

Summary

A senior High Court judge has granted former Stardust manager Eamon Butterly permission to bring a judicial review challenge aimed at preventing a new inquest into the 1981 Stardust fire from considering an unlawful‑killing verdict. Butterly, who owned the nightclub with his family, claims that the new hearing could wrongly target him for such a verdict. The families of the 48 victims, who have opposed his application, argue that the challenge is premature, especially as it is launched weeks before the inquest is set to begin. The judge, who is not yet ruling on the merits, noted that time is of the essence and that the proceedings should be heard as soon as possible. The challenge seeks an order to prohibit the coroner from considering an unlawful‑killing verdict, to quash the coroner's refusal to rule it out, and to declare that such a verdict cannot be lawfully returned under the Coroners Acts.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Stardust manager can challenge new inquest's consideration of unlawful killing verdict. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• February 13 Hearing Or Sentence
• February 1981 Other
• 2022-02-28 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report