Kevin Lunney assault trial closes with verdict due in October

The Special Criminal Court will deliver its verdict on October 22nd in the trials of four men accused of abducting and assaulting Quinn Industrial Holdings (QIH)director Kevin Lunney.

On the final day of the trial, which has sat for 40 days, the court heard from Michael Lynn SC for the fourth accused man Luke O’Reilly. Mr Lynn said his client has no previous convictions and no propensity to offend in the way in which he is accused. He said the prosecution case did not show Mr O’Reilly had any knowledge of what was to happen to Mr Lunney and there was no suggestion he had any involvement in disputes regarding QIH..

A 40-year-old man who cannot be named known as YZ, Alan O’Brien (40), of Shelmalier Road, East Wall, Dublin 3, Darren Redmond (27), from Caledon Road, East Wall and Luke O’Reilly (68), of Mullahoran Lower, Kilcogy, Co Cavan have all pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm to Mr Lunney at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, Co Cavan on September 17th, 2019.

Barristers for each of the accused have asked the court to consider directed acquittals due to a lack of evidence.

Mr Justice Tony Hunt presided over the trial with Judge Gerard Griffin and Judge David McHugh.