Courts / Dublin / Report

DNA and CCTV link Gareth Hutch murder accused to scene, prosecution tell trial

Date
2024-10-23

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In the Special Criminal Court, the prosecution presented DNA, CCTV and mobile phone evidence linking Thomas 'Nicky' McConnell to the 2016 murder of 36‑year‑old Gareth Hutch. Fiona Murphy SC argued that McConnell was involved in both planning and execution alongside Jonathan Keogh, who was already convicted. Evidence included CCTV of McConnell parking a BMW in front of Hutch's home, the car's use as a getaway vehicle, and a Skoda Octavia parked nearby. DNA from the BMW matched McConnell, and a Blackberry phone showed extensive contact with other suspects and instructions to flee to the UK. McConnell denied the charge, pleading not guilty. The court heard that McConnell's movements were misrepresented to Gardaí, and that he was "at least very similar" to the man identified by a witness. The case remains pending, with the defence scheduled to present its closing argument on Friday.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: DNA and CCTV link Gareth Hutch murder accused to scene, prosecution tell trial. 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:

May 24, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
November 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
2024-10-23 Publication

Why: Mary McDonnell, who lived at the lookout apartment, told the trial in June last year that she could identify Jonathan Keogh because she had known him for many years but she did not know the second man, who the prosecution alleges was Mr McConnell. Prosecution account reported by CNI