Witness wanted to give evidence behind security glass and out of view

A former murder accused-turned State witness wanted to give his evidence from behind security glass and out of the public’s view, when testifying against his three former co-accused.

David Cullen, aged 30, admitted to the request in the witness box at the Special Criminal Court trial of the three Dubliners still charged with the murder.

Dean Evans, aged 24, Edward McGrath, aged 33, and Sharif Kelly, aged 44, have pleaded not guilty to murdering Peter Butterly, aged 35, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath, on March 6, 2013.

Mr Evans and Mr McGrath have also pleaded not guilty to firearm offences at the same address, on the same date.

Mr Cullen was allegedly ‘part of the murder plan himself’ but turned State’s witness earlier this year.

Gardaí and the Prison Service put extra security arrangements in place for the giving of Cullen’s evidence, causing the formation of long queues outside the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin.

However, Mr Cullen admitted during cross examination that he had requested further measures to ensure his safety.

He agreed with Hugh Hartnett, defending Mr Evans, that his solicitor had also written to the authorities. The letter referred to the risk to his life and requested the security glass, said the barrister.

“The solicitor was suggesting these things to me. Did I want to be in sight [of the public]? I said no.”

He agreed he was anxious for such assurances but wasn’t given them.

The trial continues.