Courts / Dublin / Report

Hutch murder accused does not match description of gunman, defence say

Summary

In the Special Criminal Court, Thomas 'Nicky' McConnell, aged 38, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Gareth Hutch, 36, on 24 May 2016. Barrister Mark Lynam SC argued that McConnell does not match the description of the gunman given by witnesses. Key witness Mary McDonnell, who spent hours in the gunmen's apartment, could not identify McConnell from photographs and described the gunman as having a blonde hair‑lock from the forehead, whereas McConnell has closely cropped black or dark hair. Another witness also described the alleged gunman as blonde. CCTV footage cited by the prosecution, showing McConnell with the second gunman, Jonathan Keogh, was said by Lynam to depict a man of smaller build with different facial features. Lynam acknowledged that McConnell was involved in criminal activity before the shooting and was in possession of a BMW intended as a getaway vehicle, but he stressed that this does not prove McConnell was a shooter. Nicky' McConnell was acquitted.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Hutch murder accused does not match description of gunman, defence say. Charges or matters: the murder of Gareth Hutch (36) on May 24, 2016 at Avondale House, North Cumberland Street, Dublin 1. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Acquitted

When:

• May 24, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
• November 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
• December 20 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2024-10-25 Publication

Why: Ms McDonnell told Mr McConnell's 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

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Finding Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report