Renewed bid for senior counsel in Gill murder case

Jonathan Gill, a 44-year-old man with a Dublin address, sought a renewal of his application for senior counsel representation during High Court proceedings relating to his extradition to Northern Ireland. Gill is wanted by the Police Service of Northern Ireland in connection with the murder of Robbie Lawlor, who was shot dead in Belfast on 4 April 2020. He faces charges on a joint enterprise basis and is also accused of possessing a 9mm self-loading pistol with intent to endanger life between 2 and 5 April 2020. Before Mr Justice Sean Gillane, Gill's legal team sought to adjourn the bail application to pursue the renewed counsel request. The defence raised concerns regarding the lawfulness and admissibility of evidence that would be presented against him, noting the divergent standards applicable in European and United Kingdom courts. These submissions centred on differing interpretations of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the UK and EU, particularly concerning the admissibility of encrypted phone data. The PSNI investigation into Lawlor's death connects the killing to an ongoing drugs feud involving criminal elements across Dublin, Sligo and Drogheda. Gill was arrested on foot of a warrant issued by Belfast Magistrates' Court on 31 March 2026. The High Court remanded Gill in custody pending his renewed application for senior counsel, scheduled for 1 May. Mr Justice Gillane fixed the full extradition hearing for 3 June 2026. The case has progressed through multiple adjournments as Gill's legal representation has sought to address complex questions concerning the admissibility of evidence and the protection of his fair trial rights under Irish and European legal standards.