Covid halts non-jury Kevin Lunney trial again after 'meetings at higher level'

Four men are charged with the false imprisonment and assault of Kevin Lunney, a director of Quinn Industrial Holdings, at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, County Cavan on 17 September 2019. The trial at the non-jury Special Criminal Court has been further delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Mr Justice Tony Hunt indicated the 12-week trial would not commence before 1 March, following directions from the President of the High Court. The judge listed the case for mention on 24 February to confirm the March start date and establish trial procedures. Luke O'Reilly, Darren Redmond, and Alan O'Brien are named among the accused; a fourth man cannot be identified for legal reasons. The court previously dismissed applications to halt proceedings concerning data retention uncertainties and an ongoing Garda ombudsman investigation into allegations regarding evidence handling.