Mary McDonnell's withholding charge withdrawn

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

Mary McDonnell was charged with withholding information and the charge was subsequently withdrawn. She was provided with a letter of immunity from prosecution. The proceedings were reported on 11 June 2018.

The Special Criminal Court heard that Ms McDonnell and her family were being protected and managed locally, with accommodation provided for their safety. A family liaison officer said the arrangements were a day-to-day situation, with no promises, inducements or entitlements, and that Ms McDonnell was willingly giving evidence. The court later heard that she would still be entitled to accommodation if she decided not to give evidence.

The evidence was heard during the trial over the killing of Gareth Hutch on 24 May 2016. Thomas Fox, Regina Keogh and Jonathan Keogh had pleaded not guilty to his murder. Mr Fox had also denied unlawfully possessing a Makarov handgun on 23 May 2016.

The trial was continuing before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding, sitting with Judge Patricia Ryan and Judge Michael Walsh.