LAWYERS acting for Sean McGovern have withdrawn from his case as the Kinahan cartel man told a court: “I’m happy with that.”
McGovern was before the Special Criminal Court today, appearing via video link from Portlaoise Prison.
An application was granted which will see a new legal team challenge his “procurement” to Ireland.
The 39-year-old accused was extradited from Dubai last month and is facing charges of murder and directing a crime gang.
The court heard from barrister Olan Callanan BL who said both he and solicitor Michael Staines were seeking to withdraw from the case.
He told the court that McGovern will be “otherwise represented”, adding it would not “cause concern” for the accused who was fully aware of the matter.
Mr Callanan added that it arose because McGovern “is in custody”, but did not explain any further.
McGovern was asked if he understood to which he put his thumbs up.
However the three sitting judges wanted his microphone to be turned on and to hear from him.
McGovern stood up and walked towards the monitor and appeared to turn on the microphone.
He politely said: “Can you hear me now? No problem.”
The Dubliner was asked if he had heard and understood that his legal team was withdrawing, he replied: “I have yes. I’m happy with that. Thank you.”
CASE ADJOURNED UNTIL JULY
Ms Justice Karen O’Connor granted the application, as Keith Spencer BL said Wayne Kenny solicitors were coming on record.
Mr Spencer told the court that the new legal team planned to bring an application.
He added: “Whether it be in this forum or another, in respect of the procurement of Mr McGovern to this jurisdiction.”
The barrister explained they will give advance notice to the prosecution of any such application being made.
Mr Spencer applied for extra senior and junior counsel, explaining it was an “extensive case” involving a “number of separate matters.”
Ms Justice O’Connor replied saying it “may be premature”, adding that the legal aid position was not clear.
The case was adjourned to a date in July for mention.
As Ms Justice O’Connor thanked McGovern over the video link, he replied: “Thank you.”
McGovern is charged with the murder of Noel ‘Duck Egg’ Kirwan at St Ronan’s Drive in Clondalkin, Dublin, on December 22, 2016.
MCGOVERN CHARGES
He was shot outside his home after he returned home from Christmas shopping.
McGovern also faces a charge that between October 20 and December 22, 2016 he directed the activities of a criminal organisation to carry out Mr Kirwan’s murder.
And he is accused of facilitating a criminal organisation to murder the 62-year-old grandfather.
McGovern is further charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation to monitor James ‘Mago’ Gately’s activities.
And he is accused of facilitating a criminal organisation in the conspiracy to murder Gately. Both offences allegedly occurred between October 17, 2015 and April 6, 2017.
