Rattigan murder appeal allowed

The Court of Criminal Appeal has given the go-ahead for Dublin man Brian Rattigan to appeal his conviction for murder.

Last December, 28-year-old Rattigan, with an address Cooley Rd, Drimnagh in Dublin was found guilty by a jury of murdering Declan Gavin (aged 21) of Mourne Rd, Drimnagh on August 25, 2001.

Mr Justice George Birmingham imposed the mandatory life sentence.

Rattigan denied he had fatally stabbed Mr Gavin outside a fast food restaurant in Crumlin.

Today the CCA, Mr Justice Adrian Hardiman presiding, heard there was no objection from the State to allow Rattigan appeal his conviction, despite legal papers having being filed one week late.

An enlargement of time application had been made before the court by lawyers representing him.