Patrick Hutch jnr further remanded in custody over murder charge

Patrick Hutch jnr, who has been charged with the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in Dublin, has been further remanded in custody pending directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

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

In June, Patrick Hutch (24) of Champions Avenue, Dublin 1, was charged with the murder of Mr Byrne and he was remanded in custody.

Mr Hutch, who "made no reply to the charge" faced his fifth appearance yesterday at Cloverhill District Court. A State solicitor said the DPP's directions were not yet available and an adjournment was sought.

Judge Conal Gibbons noted he faced a murder charge and said the request was reasonable given the gravity of the allegation. Mr Hutch was further remanded in custody to appear at the same court on August 17th next for the DPP’s directions to be obtained.

Det Sergeant Mick Mulligan told the court the DPP is deciding whether to issue a certificate for the Special Criminal Court. A book of evidence has yet to be prepared.TOM TUITE