Courts / Dublin / Report

Garda murder witness intimidation trial may be shortened by admissions

Summary

Dean Byrne, aged 30, is on trial in the Special Criminal Court for conspiring to pervert the course of justice by persuading prosecution witness Daniel Cahill not to testify at Aaron Brady's murder trial. The trial, originally set for 14 weeks, may be shortened to two or three weeks if Byrne makes a number of admissions tomorrow. Padraig Dwyer SC is considering a "shopping list" of 35 proposals from the Director of Public Prosecutions that the defence may not need to prove formally. Some proposals relate to searches of Byrne's cell in Mountjoy prison and the obtaining of warrants. Mr Dwyer said some issues are already resolved, some cannot be admitted, and others could be admitted if reworded. Mr Justice Paul Burns adjourned the trial to allow the parties to work on the outstanding admissions. Byrne pleaded not guilty to the charge. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Burns, Judge Elma Sheahan and Judge Marie Keane.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Garda murder witness intimidation trial may be shortened by admissions. Charges or matters: conspiring to persuade prosecution witness Daniel Cahill not to give evidence at Aaron Brady's murder trial in order to pervert the course of justice between April 8, 2020 and June 22, 2020; embarking on a course of conduct intended to pervert the course of justice on a date between February 20 and May 7, 2020. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• April 8, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
• June 22, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
• January 25, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
• February 20 Hearing Or Sentence
• May 7, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2024-04-16 Publication

Why: Dean Byrne (30) from Cabra Park, Phibsborough, Dublin is on trial having pleaded not guilty to conspiring to persuade prosecution witness Daniel Cahill not to give evidence at Aaron Brady's murder trial in order to pervert the course of justice between April 8, 2020 and June 22, 2020. Prosecution account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report