Courts / Dublin / Report
'Vulnerable' Hutch murder trial witness has no formal security arrangement with State, trial hears
Summary
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 16 June 2023, it was revealed that Mary McDonnell, a "vulnerable" witness who gave evidence in the gangland murder trial of three men, has no formal security arrangement with the State. McDonnell received immunity for her testimony but was deemed unsuitable for the Witness Protection Programme. Garda liaison officer Sergeant Fergal Finnegan confirmed that the arrangement with McDonnell is informal, with no written protocols or guarantees for her future security or finances. Former liaison officer Sgt Aoife Reilly acknowledged McDonnell's vulnerability but denied that her protection depends on her giving evidence, stating that any protection is based on a risk assessment and that her entitlements will revert to normal social welfare once the Garda arrangement ends. The trial of Thomas McConnell, who denies the murder of Gareth Hutch, continues under the same conditions. Thomas McConnell pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Vulnerable' Hutch murder trial witness has no formal security arrangement with State, trial hears. Charges or matters: murder. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- May 24, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- November 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2023-06-16 Publication
Case subjects
Places mentioned
- Special Criminal Court
- Avondale House
- North Cumberland Street
Topics
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'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request