Proposed evidence against Jonathan Gill would not be admissible in EU, lawyers tell High Court

Jonathan Gill, aged 44 and resident in Clontarf, Dublin, appeared before Mr Justice Sean Gillane in the High Court on 24 April in relation to extradition proceedings initiated by authorities in Northern Ireland. The Police Service of Northern Ireland seeks his surrender in connection with the fatal shooting of Robbie Lawlor in Belfast on 4 April 2020, along with a separate allegation concerning possession of a 9mm self-loading pistol between 2 and 5 April that year. Mr Gill faces charges on a joint enterprise basis, with both matters carrying potential life sentences. During the hearing, counsel for the defence raised a significant legal challenge regarding the evidential foundation of the case. Gill's barrister contended that certain evidence proposed by the prosecution would fall foul of admissibility standards under European Union law, notwithstanding its validity within the UK court system. The submission touched on broader concerns about the application of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the UK and the EU, particularly regarding the treatment of encrypted communications data across jurisdictions. The PSNI believes the killing formed part of an ongoing drugs feud involving organised crime elements operating across Dublin, Sligo and Drogheda. Mr Gill was arrested on 31 March following the issue of a warrant by Belfast Magistrates' Court. The High Court adjourned the bail application to the following Wednesday, with Gill remanded in custody pending that hearing. Mr Justice Gillane scheduled the substantive extradition hearing for 3 June. The proceedings have since progressed through several adjournments, with the defence team requiring time to review extensive documentation from State bodies. During a bail hearing in May, the Criminal Assets Bureau disclosed a liability of approximately €860,000 against Mr Gill, primarily in relation to unpaid tax dating to 2005. His father subsequently offered an independent surety of €100,000, which the State accepted.