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.

Mr Hutch is on trial for the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in 2016.

The court today heard that Dowdall is being assessed for witness protection, but there is a “reasonable expectation” that a decision will be made by mid-January.

Dowdall was also due to stand trial for the murder but the charge against him was dropped after the DPP accepted his plea to a lesser offence.

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 Witness Protection Programme is not 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.