Jonathan Dowdall will take the stand in the Regency Hotel murder trial on Monday.
Despite the fact Dowdall is still being assessed for the Witness Protection Programme, Gerry Hutch told the court he is anxious for the trial to proceed.
Jonathan Dowdall will be brought to the Special Criminal Court on Monday to testify against Gerry Hutch.
— Frank Greaney (@FrankGreaney) December 9, 2022
After some toing and froing, the prosecution has confirmed that Jonathan Dowdall is still being assessed for the Witness Protection Programme.
The court heard there is a “reasonable expectation” that a decision will be made by mid-January.
Gerry Hutch is on trial for the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in 2016.
Jonathan Dowdall was due to stand trial but the charge against him was dropped.
One week after his solicitor was told the charge would be dropped, Dowdall made a statement and he has agreed to testify against Mr Hutch.
Yesterday, the Special Criminal Court refused the defence’s attempt to prevent him from taking the stand.
Mr Hutch’s barrister also planned to object to his evidence if his acceptance into the WPP isn’t confirmed.
He suggested Dowdall’s testimony could be tainted if he felt his entry into the programme was based on his performance in the box.
However, Mr Hutch is anxious for the trial to proceed without further delay, which paves the way for the former SF councillor to give his evidence on Monday.
