Courts / Dublin / Report

Criminal Assets Bureau opposes legal aid for gangland hit survivor

Summary

The Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) has applied to the High Court to deny free legal aid to gangland figure James 'Mago' Gately and his partner Charlene Lam, arguing that their family home in Coolock, Co Dublin, and other assets were purchased with proceeds of crime. CAB claims the couple spent over €440,000 on their home, own a Volkswagen Golf GTI and a Rolex watch seized in 2019, and have taken foreign cruises, suggesting they can afford legal representation. Gately, who survived two attempted assassinations, has not worked since 2015 due to threats, while Lam, a self‑employed beautician, pays the mortgage from modest income and had received pandemic unemployment payments. The couple, represented by David Perry BL, requests free legal aid to defend the proceedings, citing the complexity of the case. CAB, represented by David Dodd BL, argues that granting aid would undermine a scheme designed to protect the most vulnerable.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Criminal Assets Bureau opposes legal aid for gangland hit survivor. Charges or matters: proceeds of crime. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 2022-10-19 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Related court reports

• Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
• Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
• Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
• 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
• Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
• 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'

Read the original CNI report