Courts / Dublin / Report

Gareth Hutch murder trial must restart as judge falls ill

Summary

The trial of Thomas McConnell, accused of the murder of Gareth Hutch, has been adjourned and must restart due to the illness of Judge David McHugh. At the Special Criminal Court, presiding judge Mr Justice Alex Owens informed the parties that the trial, which began on June 8, would be re-constituted with District Court Judge Grainne Malone replacing Judge McHugh. Both the prosecution and defense agreed to restart proceedings the following morning. Mr McConnell, 37, of Ballymun, Dublin 11, pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Mr Hutch, 36, which occurred on May 24, 2016, at Avondale House, North Cumberland Street, Dublin 1. The prosecution alleges that Mr McConnell and Jonathan Keogh used Mary McDonnell's nearby apartment to surveil the victim, subsequently following and shooting him. Mr McConnell is the fourth person to face trial for this offense; Regina Keogh, Jonathan Keogh, and Thomas Fox were previously found guilty by the court in November 2018. Following the adjournment, opening speeches will be delivered again, and Mr McConnell will be re-arraigned. The defense counsel, Patrick McGrath SC, stated his client preferred restarting immediately rather than waiting for Judge McHugh's availability. The trial is expected to conclude by July 31, the end of the current legal term.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Gareth Hutch murder trial must restart as judge falls ill. Charges or matters: the murder of Gareth Hutch (36) on May 24, 2016, at Avondale House, North Cumberland Street, Dublin 1. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• June 8 Hearing Or Sentence
• May 24, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
• November 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
• July 31 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2023-06-26 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report