Lunney trial judges reject bid to exclude CCTV evidence

The Special Criminal Court has ruled that mobile phone and CCTV evidence gathered during the investigation into the abduction and assault of businessman Kevin Lunney is admissible. The three-judge court rejected arguments from defence lawyers for four men accused in the case that the evidence constituted mass surveillance or breached privacy rights under the European Charter on Fundamental Rights. Presiding Judge Tony Hunt found that investigating serious crime justifies retention and access to mobile phone data, and that privacy rights must be balanced against the State's obligation to protect citizens. The court also determined that accessing CCTV footage from private operators between Cavan and Dublin involved no illegality. Four men, including a 40-year-old identified as YZ, have pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm to Mr Lunney on September 17, 2019, near Ballinagh, County Cavan. The trial continues before the three-judge panel.