Courts / Dublin / Report

Dowdall to 'finally' give evidence against Hutch on Monday, despite unknown witness protection status

Date
2022-12-09

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

The Special Criminal Court has adjourned the trial of Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch until Monday, when Jonathan Dowdall will give evidence. Dowdall, a former co-accused who pleaded guilty to facilitating the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel on February 5, 2016, was sentenced to four years. He is currently a sentenced prisoner in the State. The court heard that Dowdall's Witness Protection Programme (WPP) assessment is ongoing, with a decision expected by mid-January. Prosecution counsel Sean Gillane SC stated that Dowdall's WPP status is separate from his testimony and that no difficulties were created by Dowdall. Defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC expressed anxiety over the timetable but agreed to proceed on Monday, provided a Detective Superintendent testifies that Dowdall's WPP admission is distinct from his performance in the witness box. Hutch, who denies the murder, and co-defendants Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney, who also pleaded not guilty to facilitating the murder, remain in the trial. The court ruled Dowdall's evidence admissible despite defence objections. The matter was adjourned to allow Dowdall to take the stand on Monday.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Dowdall to 'finally' give evidence against Hutch on Monday, despite unknown witness protection status. 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
September 23 Hearing Or Sentence
October 13 Hearing Or Sentence
2022-12-09 Publication

Why: There was, the barrister said, a reasonable expectation that a decision would be made by the middle of January but that he was not going to offer the court a date because that would be "misleading" it. CNI source report

Case subjects

Jason Bonney

Defendant

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

Plea: Not guilty

Jonathan Dowdall

Accused

Charges: participating in or contributing to the murder of David Byrne by providing access to motor vehicles on February 5, 2016 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Mr Gillane said Dowdall was a sentenced person in a prison in the State and it was not a difficulty created by him that "we are where we are". Dowdall has been jailed by the Special Criminal Court for four years for facilitating the Hutch gang in the notorious murder of Mr Byrne.; The trial was adjourned until Monday, when Dowdall will take the stand.

Paul Murphy

Defendant

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

Plea: Not guilty