Kevin Lunney attacker remains anonymous after deadline extended

The Special Criminal Court has extended an order protecting the identity of a man convicted of inflicting the most severe injuries on businessman Kevin Lunney during a 2019 kidnapping in Cavan. The anonymity order, which was due to expire on 13 December, has been extended until 20 December to allow the defendant's legal team time to seek a High Court order for continued anonymity pending other outstanding legal matters. The defendant and two co-accused are scheduled to be sentenced on 20 December for their roles in the abduction and assault of Mr Lunney at Ballinagh on 17 September 2019. All three men were convicted of false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm. During trial, the court heard evidence that the defendant drove Mr Lunney to a remote farmyard where he was subjected to severe violence including being struck with a baseball bat and cut with a Stanley knife. The presiding judge noted the defendant was heavily involved in the crimes and responsible for inflicting most of the victim's serious injuries.