Public cleared from court as Hutch trial hears from specialist garda unit

Ms Justice Tara Burns said that should the identity of members of NSU be publicised, then it “places them at risk”.

A prison van under heavy Garda escort leaves the Special Criminal Court where the trial of Gerry Hutch, for the murder of David Byrne, continues. Picture: Collins Courts

The public were not permitted to be in the courtroom for much of Thursday’s proceedings in the trial of Gerard Hutch at the Special Criminal Court, as it was hearing evidence from members of the Garda National Surveillance Unit.

The prosecution had sought for, and was granted, an application from those witnesses to give evidence anonymously. They were referred to just by initials in court, and their names cannot be published, nor can physical descriptions be reported on.