Extra 72 hours granted to question man over David Byrne murder

A judge has granted gardaí an additional 72 hours to hold a man who is being questioned in connection with the murder of David Byrne at the Regency hotel.

The man, who is in his 50s, was arrested on Wednesday and has been held under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act at Raheny Garda station in Dublin.

Today, Garda Chief Supt Finbar O'Brien applied to Dublin District Court to extend the period of detention by up to 72 hours. Judge Grainne O'Neill granted the application.

The man, represented by solicitor John Feaheny, was present for the procedure but did not address the court. He is one of three men currently being held by gardaí investigating the fatal shooting.

Two other men in their 50s and 30s were arrested on Tuesday. On Thursday evening, gardaí were granted permission to hold them at Swords and Clontarf stations for another 72 hours.

Shot dead

David Byrne (34), who was from Crumlin in Dublin, was shot dead during a boxing weigh-in at the popular hotel in north Dublin on February 5th by a heavily armed gang.

Patrick Hutch (24) of Champions Avenue, Dublin 1, was charged with the murder of Mr Byrne on Wednesday night and was remanded in custody at Dublin District Court.

Mr Hutch “made no reply to the charge”.

Due to the nature of the charge the District Court cannot grant bail, meaning Mr Hutch will have to bring an application to the High Court to get released pending trial.

He will face his next hearing at Cloverhill District Court on May 25th.