Barrister Claims Dowdall Was “Duped” Into Assisting The Criminal Organisation Behind 2016 Regency Attack

Tuesday, 20 June 2023 15:34

By Caoimhe Harney

In December, Dowdall launched his appeal against his four-year jail-term for facilitating the Regency murder.

Former Sinn Féin councillor and convicted torturer Jonathan Dowdall, who was jailed for facilitating the murder of Kinahan Cartel member David Byrne, was "duped" and put in the "firing line" for the Regency Hotel attack in 2016, his Barrister has told the Court of Appeal.

The former Sinn Féin Councillor was jailed for his role in booking a room at the hotel for the gang, but he’s trying to have his sentence set aside.

While testifying against Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch at his trial for the murder of David Byrne, Jonathan Dowdall told the judges that he and his father booked a room at the Regency Hotel at the request of Gerry’s brother, Patsy.

The room was later used by one of the gunmen who stormed the boxing event that led to Mr Byrne being shot dead.

In his evidence, Dowdall also claimed they later handed the keycard over to Gerry Hutch, who has since been acquitted of murder.

Dowdall was jailed for four years but claims his sentence should be set aside; arguing not enough weight was given to mitigating factors, including his guilty plea and the effect his decision to turn State witness will have on his life.

Sean Gillane, for the DPP, described his sentence as “generous” and “undoubtedly fair.”

A decision will be made at a later date.

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