The State will oppose Gerry Hutch’s application for taxpayers’ to pay his legal bills, DPP barrister Seán Gillane indicated today. 

Mr Hutch was released from custody three weeks ago today and walked straight out the front door of the court house after being acquitted by the Special Criminal Court of David Byrne’s murder.

The prosecution claimed he was one of the gunmen who shot Mr Byrne in the Regency Hotel but, after rejecting the testimony of State-turned witness Jonathan Dowdall, the judges were not convinced of their case beyond a reasonable doubt.

17/04/2023 Dublin Ireland. Pictured is Gerry The Monk Hutch being followed by the media and reporters after being freed following his court case at the Criminal Courts today. Photo: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie

Two others, Jason Bonney of Drumnigh Wood in Portmarnock and Paul Murphy of Cherry Avenue in Swords, were convicted for their roles in the getaway.

A full hearing on the issue of costs will take place on Friday after the judges hand down sentences to Bonney and Murphy.