Courts / Dublin / Report

Anonymous evidence will see 'cloak of secrecy' descend on Hutch case, lawyers say

Summary

The Special Criminal Court is set to rule tomorrow on whether 27 National Surveillance Unit officers can give evidence anonymously in the trial of Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch, who is accused of the murder of David Byrne. Prosecution counsel Fiona Murphy SC argued that anonymity is necessary to protect covert operations and officer safety, citing concerns raised by Detective Superintendent Eugene Lynch. Defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC objected, asserting the court lacks jurisdiction to grant such a blanket order and warning that it would place a 'cloak of secrecy' over the proceedings, potentially infringing on the right to a public trial. The court will decide if the names of the officers, including six who have retired, should be withheld from the defence and public. Hutch, 59, of Clontarf, denies the murder of Byrne, 33, who was shot dead at the Regency Hotel on February 5, 2016. His co-accused, Jason Bonney, 50, of Portmarnock, and Paul Murphy, 59, of Swords, have also pleaded not guilty to charges of participating in or contributing to the murder by providing access to motor vehicles. The presiding judge, Ms Justice Tara Burns, sitting with Judges Sarah Berkeley and Grainne Malone, will deliver the decision on the anonymity application tomorrow afternoon.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Anonymous evidence will see 'cloak of secrecy' descend on Hutch case, lawyers say. Charges or matters: participating in or contributing to the murder of David Byrne by providing access to motor vehicles on February 5, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• February 5, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
• August 1999 Hearing Or Sentence
• October 2000 Hearing Or Sentence
• March 7 2016 Incident
• 2022-10-26 Publication

Why: Under cross-examination by Mr Grehan, defending, Det Supt Lynch said that he had not sought to protect his own identity because he is now in a management role. Defence account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report