Gilligan loses conviction appeal, but will appeal sentence term

Having lost an appeal against his conviction, John Gilligan is to appeal the length of his sentence for drugs offences.

Gilligan’s conviction was upheld by Dublin’s Court of Criminal Appeal, but his lawyers said he would appeal against the severity of his 28-year sentence.

The 51-year-old was convicted of possession of cannabis resin and having the drug for sale following a 45-day trial in 2001.

He was acquitted of the murder of journalist Veronica Guerin and also cleared of firearms charges.

His appeal, which began last month, was largely based on criticism of evidence from Gilligan’s alleged former accomplices – Charles Bowden, Russell Warren and John Dunne – who testified against him.

All three have been freed from prison, having completed sentences on various charges and were placed on a witness protection programme, giving them new identities.

Although he admitted the programme was “badly thought out”, Mr Justice McCracken rejected claims the witnesses had been bought out.

He said their evidence was central to the case.

The judge said the Gardaí were entitled to offer protection to witnesses who might be intimidated or fearful of “serious reprisals against them or their families”.

“They cannot be fully protected unless they are given benefits,” he said.

He said there was enough circumstantial evidence to suggest Gilligan was a member of a gang which imported cannabis worth millions of euros.

And the court rejected suggestions that cartons of drugs imported by Gilligan actually contained tobacco.

Gilligan did not travel from Portlaoise prison to appear in court today.

He is set to appeal the severity of his sentence in October.