David Cullen sought security glass in murder trial

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

David Cullen, 30, admitted requesting security glass and to give evidence out of public view while testifying against three former co-accused at the Special Criminal Court. The proceedings were reported on 20 November 2014.

Dean Evans, 24, Edward McGrath, 33, and Sharif Kelly, 44, have pleaded not guilty to murdering Peter Butterly. Peter Butterly, 35, was shot dead in the Huntsman Inn car park in Gormanston, Co Meath, on 6 March 2013. Dean Evans and Edward McGrath have also pleaded not guilty to firearm offences at the same location. Those firearm offences were alleged to have occurred on 6 March 2013.

David Cullen had turned State witness earlier in 2014. He agreed with Hugh Hartnett, defending Dean Evans, that his solicitor had written to the authorities. Hugh Hartnett said the letter referred to a risk to David Cullen’s life and requested security glass.

David Cullen said his solicitor had suggested the measures and that he did not want to be in public view. He agreed that he was anxious for the assurances but had not received them. Gardaí and the Prison Service had put extra security arrangements in place for his evidence. The trial continued.