Application to ‘screen’ gardaí at dissident murder trial

A detective superintendent has applied to erect a "screen" between members of the public and undercover Garda witnesses prior to them giving evidence in the trial of three men charged with murdering a dissident republican. The non-jury Special Criminal Court will rule tomorrow on the application.

Edward McGrath (32), of Land Dale Lawns, Springfield, Tallaght, Dean Evans (22), of Grange Park Rise, Raheny, and Sharif Kelly (43), of Pinewood Green Road, Balbriggan, have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly (35), in the car park of the Huntsman Inn at Gormanston, Co Meath, on March 6th, 2013.

Mr Evans and Mr McGrath have also pleaded not guilty to the unlawful possession of a 9mm calibre Beretta model 9000s semi-automatic pistol and seven rounds of 9mm parabellum calibre ammunition at the same address on the same date. They have also pleaded not guilty to the unlawful possession of a 9mm calibre Beretta model 9000s semi-automatic pistol and seven rounds of ammunition with intent to endanger life.