Courts / Cavan / Report

DNA evidence from van that went up in flames should not have been allowed at Lunney trial, appeal told

Date
2024-12-17

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Cavan

County
Cavan

Summary

Three men convicted of the kidnapping and torture of Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney have appealed their sentences at the Court of Appeal, arguing that crucial DNA evidence from a Renault Kangoo van should not have been admitted at trial. Alan Harte, Alan O'Brien, and Darren Redmond were convicted in December 2022 of false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm to Mr Lunney at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, County Cavan on 17 September 2019. Harte received a 30-year sentence, O'Brien 25 years, and Redmond 18 years with the final three suspended. Their legal representatives argued the van, which was destroyed by fire while in garda custody, was not properly preserved, depriving the defence of independent forensic examination. DNA matching Mr Lunney was found inside the vehicle, whilst DNA matching Redmond was discovered on bars behind the front seats. The prosecution contended the evidence remained admissible and highly probative. The appeal hearing continues.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: DNA evidence from van that went up in flames should not have been allowed at Lunney trial, appeal told. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

December 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
September 17, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
2024-12-17 Publication

Why: He also argued that because the vehicle had not been properly preserved while in garda custody and made available for examination, the defence had been deprived of the opportunity to consider any forensic evidence from the vehicle. Defence account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Alan Harte

Accused

Alan O'Brien

Accused

Outcome: Harte was sentenced to 30 years in prison, while O'Brien received a 25-year sentence and Redmond was sentenced to 18 years with the final three suspended.

Darren Redmond

Accused