The Monk's prayers answered as 'master manipulator' Jonathan Dowdall's self-interest called out

All eyes were on Ms Justice Tara Burns and the Special Criminal Court on Monday as the verdict in the trial of Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch was read out

Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch leaving the Courts of Criminal Justice after he was found not guilty of the murder of David Byrne. Picture: Collins Courts

Gerard Hutch had his hands clasped together, as if praying. Through his headphones, he was listening intently.

Ms Justice Tara Burns was reciting what he had said over seven years ago to Jonathan Dowdall, when the gardaí had secretly bugged the former Sinn Féin councillor’s car.