Courts / Dublin / Report

Taxi driver suspected of driving away Regency gunman, trial hears

Date
2022-11-07
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

At the Special Criminal Court, garda witnesses detailed their investigation into the February 2016 murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in Dublin. Detective Sergeant Alan McGovern testified that Detective Sergeant Brian Hanley had informed him that Paul Murphy, a taxi driver from Swords, was suspected of transporting participants in the killing to Buckingham Village on the morning of the shooting and subsequently driving away from St Vincent's GAA grounds in Marino. CCTV footage showed Murphy's light green Toyota Avensis arriving at Buckingham Village at multiple times that morning and later joining a convoy including a silver Ford Transit van believed connected to the attack. Gardai found Murphy's phone switched off between 1.20pm and 3pm, described as unusual compared to his normal usage patterns. When officers arrived at Cherry Avenue, Swords, on 19 February to seize the vehicle, Murphy reportedly expressed relief and blessed himself upon learning they were gardai. Gerard Hutch, Paul Murphy, and Jason Bonney deny involvement in Mr Byrne's death. Gerard Hutch pleaded not guilty. Paul Murphy pleaded not guilty. Jason Bonney pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Taxi driver suspected of driving away Regency gunman, trial hears. Charges or matters: participating in or contributing to the murder of Mr Byrne by providing access to motor vehicles on February 5, 2016. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Case subjects

Gerard Hutch

Accused

Charges: participating in or contributing to the murder of Mr Byrne by providing access to motor vehicles on February 5, 2016 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Jason Bonney

Defendant

Charges: participating in or contributing to the murder of Mr Byrne by providing access to motor vehicles on February 5, 2016 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Paul Murphy

Defendant

Charges: participating in or contributing to the murder of Mr Byrne by providing access to motor vehicles on February 5, 2016 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Special Criminal Court
Residence
Garda Station
  • in charge at Ballymun Garda Station
  • Ballymun
Journey Or Route
Incident

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

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