'The Monk's' nephew changes plea to guilty for manslaughter

The nephew of one of Dublin’s most notorious criminals has admitted killing a 23-year-old man in Co Meath and causing serious harm to another man on St Stephen's Day three years ago.

Derek ‘Del Boy’ Hutch, nephew of Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch, had pleaded not guilty to murdering Barry Maguire on December 26, 2007 at Miltown Estate in Ashbourne.

The 25-year-old Dubliner of Chapel Farm Avenue, Lusk and originally from the inner city stood accused with 27-year-old Alan Donohue of Ashdale Crescent, Ashbourne, who also pleaded not guilty.

They had pleaded not guilty to a second count of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Damien Carty on the same occasion.

A jury had been sworn in at the Central Criminal Court to try the two men, but they changed their pleas before the opening speeches began today in a heavily secured court room.

They were re-arraigned before the six men and six women and pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to Mr Maguire’s manslaughter; this was accepted by the State. They then pleaded guilty to the offence against Mr Carty.

Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy remanded both men in custody for sentencing on December 17.