Daniel Kinahan arrested in Dubai as gardai issue shock statement
Senior Kinahan Cartel member Sean McGovern, who last summer became the first person to be extradited to Ireland from the United Arab Emirates, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to directing a criminal organisation in March.McGovern appeared via videolink before the non-jury court last month, when prosecution counsel Dominic McGinn SC said the defendant could be arraigned on two charges.The 39-year-old, with a previous address at Kildare Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12 pleaded guilty to a charge of directing the activities of a criminal organisation between October 20 and December 22, 2016, both dates inclusive both within and outside the State, in relation to the murder of Christopher aka Noel Kirwan.McGovern also admitted directing the activities of a criminal organisation between October 17, 2015 and April 6, 2017, both dates inclusive both within and outside the State, in connection with the surveillance of James Gately in preparation for the commission of an indictable offence.McGovern replied “guilty” when both charges were read out by the registrar. Mr McGinn said the pleas were acceptable to the DPP on a full facts basis. The barrister asked the court to set a date of April 27 for a sentencing hearing and said victim impact evidence will be heard on that date.Asked by Ms Justice Karen O’Connor, presiding, whether his client wished to be present for the sentencing hearing or to appear by videolink, Michael Bowman SC, representing McGovern, said it was “probably better he appears in person”.He asked that a Governor’s report be provided from Portlaoise prison. Ms Justice O’Connor directed the preparation of the report and adjourned the matter to April 27.
