Dropping of Dowdall's murder charge 'powerful incentive' for giving statement on Hutch

Jonathan Dowdall also engaged in a 'very careful choreography' to ensure that only after his murder charge was dropped did he commit to making a statement in writing, Special Criminal Court heard

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

The dropping of the murder charge against Jonathan Dowdall was an "incredibly powerful incentive" for the ex-Sinn Féin councillor to give a statement against his former co-accused Gerard Hutch, leaving it impossible for Mr Hutch to obtain a fair trial if Dowdall is permitted to give evidence, defence lawyers have told the Regency Hotel trial.

Brendan Grehan SC, for Mr Hutch, submitted on Wednesday that Dowdall had the Director of Public Prosecutions "over a barrel".