Peter Butterly murder, Special criminal court, dissident republicans

Peter Butterly murder

Three Dublin men will stand trial at the Special Criminal Court in September charged with the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly in a Co Meath car park last year.

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 are charged with the murder of Peter Butterly (35), who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn at Gormanston, Co Meath, on March 6th, 2013.

The three men were due to stand trial earlier this month but the matter was adjourned after both the prosecution and the defence said the case was not ready to proceed.

The non-jury court has heard that the Director of Public Prosecution wishes to call the men’s former co-accused David Cullen (30) to give evidence against the three other men in an “unprecedented” move.

Earlier this month Cullen was jailed for three-and-a-half years, having pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of a 9mm calibre Beretta model 9000s semi-automatic pistol at the Huntsman Inn on March 6th, 2013.

His plea was accepted by the DPP and a nolle prosequi – a decision not to proceed - was entered on the count of murder.

Presiding judge Mr Justice Paul Butler today (Tuesday) fixed September 30 for the trial, which is expected to last five weeks.

Mr Evans, Mr Kelly and Mr McGrath are charged with the murder of Peter Butterly at the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath, on March 6th, 2013.

Mr Evans and Mr McGrath are charged with 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 charged with the unlawful possession of a 9mm calibre Beretta model 9000s semi-automatic pistol and seven rounds of ammunition with intent to endanger life at the car park of The Huntsman Inn on the same date.