Butterly accused in court

A man accused of the murder of Peter Butterly and who failed to turn up for his trial but was recently arrested in Spain has appeared at the Special Criminal Court.

Dean Evans (25), of Grange Park Rise, Raheny, Dublin failed to appear for his trial in January last year for the alleged murder of Mr Butterly (35), who was shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn, Gormanstown, Co Meath on March 6th, 2013.

The court had issued a bench warrant for Mr Evans’ arrest.

Detective Sergeant William Archibald told prosecution counsel Caroline Cummings BL today/yesterday (Tues) that Mr Evans was arrested on April 5th in Spain on foot of a European Arrest Warrant and that he consented to his surrender to Ireland.

The court heard that the detective arrested Mr Evans on Monday night in Dublin airport after the accused man had arrived back from Spain.

Det Sgt Archibald said that he cautioned the accused, who made no reply.

Three other men are due to face trial this October for the alleged murder of Mr Butterly.

They are Kevin Braney (43), with a last address at Glenshane Crescent, Tallaght, Michael McDermott (58), of Riverdale House, Garrymore, Ballinagh, Co. Cavan and Frank Murphy (58), of McDonough Caravan Park, Triton Road, Bettystown, Co. Meath.

Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding at the three-judge court, said that the “obvious way of dealing with” Mr Evans would be to include him in that trial.

The judge said there was “no reason” the public should pay for two trials because of “somebody who didn’t turn up the first time”.

Mr Evans was remanded in custody until April 24th when his case is listed for mention again.