Courts / Dublin / Report

Regency accused told gardai he got invite from boxer Macklin, trial hears

Date
2022-11-07

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the trial of Gerard Hutch, Paul Murphy, and Jason Bonney, all of whom pleaded not guilty to charges related to the murder of David Byrne on February 5, 2016. Hutch is accused of the murder, while Murphy and Bonney are alleged to have participated in or contributed to the killing by providing access to motor vehicles. Prosecution counsel Sean Gillane SC stated that the escape route, involving a silver Ford Transit van and other vehicles, is central to the case against Bonney and Murphy. Detective Sergeant Padraig O'Toole testified that Bonney's BMW X5 was tracked to St Vincent's GAA Club, where it allegedly assisted the raiders' escape. In interviews, Bonney claimed he received an invitation to the boxing weigh-in from former boxer Matthew Macklin and stated his son was also invited. He expressed fear regarding alleged threats to his life, asserting the Kinahan Organised Crime Group did not view him as a threat. Defence counsel John Fitzgerald SC indicated that CCTV evidence identifying Bonney in the vehicle would be challenged. The trial continues before Ms Justice Tara Burns, sitting with Judges Sarah Berkeley and Grainne Malone.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Regency accused told gardai he got invite from boxer Macklin, 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:

February 5, 2016 Other
May 27, 2017 Incident
February 5 Incident
May 27 2016 Incident
2022-11-07 Publication

Why: When gardai asked the accused why he did not want to talk about the Regency Hotel, he said because there was a threat on his life. CNI source report

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

Co 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

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