James Quinn sentenced to 22 years over Hutch murder; ordered to pay relatives €90k compensation

Irish man James Quinn has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for the murder of Gary Hutch.

Last week, James Quinn originally from Dublin 8 went on trial in Spain for his murder. and jury found the 35 year old guilty of being a ‘necessary participant’ in the killing.

He was also convicted of gun possession.

Earlier today trial judge Ernesto Carlos Manzano sentenced Quinn to 20 years for murder, the minimum sentence under Spanish law, and two years for the gun crime.

Lawyers for Quinn have indicated they will appeal the judgement.

Gary Hutch was shot at his gated estate in Miraflores, Fuengirola during an attempt to escape a hitman.

His murder sparked a gangland feud which has cost the lives of at least 18 people.

The jury in the trial ruled Quinn was the getaway driver, rather than the gunman.

The scene of Gary Hutch's shooting in Spain

Last week James Quinn told the court he could not have carried out the shooting because he was in bed with a hangover and a prostitute.

He has been ordered to pay the Hutch relatives €90,000 in compensation, as well as court costs.

Assistant Commissioner John O’Driscoll reacted to Quinn’s sentence saying: "Obviously any person who engaged in murder for the purpose of pursuing their criminal enterprise, it is significant that they are removed from the scene and it is perhaps an example to others that this is a likely outcome if you get involved with criminality of this nature."

- Digital Desk