Courts / Dublin / Report

Kinahan Cartel helper made 'schoolboy error' of using own name, judge notes

Summary

Martin Aylmer pleaded guilty in the Special Criminal Court to participating in or contributing to the murder of Noel "Duck Egg" Kirwan in 2016 and the attempted murder of James 'Mago' Gately. The court heard that Aylmer imported electronic tracking devices used by a criminal organisation to monitor the victims, who were targeted due to perceived links to the 2016 murder of David Byrne. Aylmer, described by the judge as occupying the lowest level of the gang's cellular structure, admitted to travelling to Leeds in the UK under his own name to purchase the devices. The judge noted that Aylmer made a "schoolboy error" by using his own identity and vehicle, which allowed Gardaí to trace the devices to him. Although Aylmer had previously been sentenced to six years for buying mobile phones for the gang involved in the 2016 murder of Michael Barr, this current appeal-stage hearing focused on his new convictions. The defence argued that Aylmer's involvement was limited to importing the devices and that he has potential for rehabilitation. The judge acknowledged Aylmer's lack of criminal sophistication but stated he would pass sentence on July 29. Consequently, the matter was adjourned and not concluded at this stage.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Kinahan Cartel helper made 'schoolboy error' of using own name, judge notes. Charges or matters: participating in or contributing to the murder of innocent father-of-four Noel "Duck Egg" Kirwan in 2016; a similar offence in relation to the attempted murder of James 'Mago' Gately; participating in, or contributing to the murder of Christopher (aka Noel) Kirwan between October 20, 2016 and December 22, 2016 with the knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation; participation in the plan to murder James 'Mago' Gately between September 7, 2016 and April 6, 2017; buying mobile phones for the gang who murdered Michael Barr at the Sunset House in Dublin's north inner city on April 25, 2016. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Convicted

When:

• February 2016 Incident
• October 20, 2016 Other
• December 22, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
• September 7, 2016 Other
• April 6, 2017 Other
• April 25, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
• October 2016 Other
• December 2016 Other
• April 3 Incident
• April 4, 2017 Incident
• July 29 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2022-05-27 Publication

Why: Both men were targetted because the Kinahan cartel believes they were associated with people involved in the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in February 2016, the court heard. Court evidence reported by CNI

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report