Four on kill rap – Murder suspects face Special Criminal Court trial By NIALL O’CONNOR Published: 7 hrs ago
FOUR men were charged yesterday with the murder of Peter Butterly, a close friend of slain republican mob boss Alan Ryan. The 35-year-old dissident was shot dead in the carpark of the Hunstman Inn in Gormanston, Co Meath, in March. Dean Evans, Edward McGrath, David Cullen and Sharif Kelly, all of Dublin, appeared before the Special Criminal Court. The courtroom was full with family members of the accused, who listened in silence as the details of their arrests were read to the court. Evans, 22, and McGrath, 32, were also charged with possession of a Beretta handgun and ammunition in suspicious circumstances. Det Sgt Lee Marshbowl said Evans made no reply after he was charged with the killing. Det Sgt Oliver Flaherty said McGrath, wearing a bright purple T-shirt yesterday, also made no reply to the charges. Cullen, 29, and Kelly, 43, were charged with a single count each of the murder. Det Gda Kieran Regan said Cullen made no reply to the charge while Det Sgt Vincent Markey told the court Kelly replied “no” when he was asked for his reply. Judge Paul Butler granted applications for free legal aid. All four were remanded in custody to appear again on July 26. Members of the secretive National Surveillance Unit as well as Emergency Response Unit detectives will give evidence at the future trial. Ryan, 32, was shot dead as he walked near his north Dublin home last year.
