Alleged crime gang leader Daniel Kinahan appeared in court in Dublin on Monday, charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation between October 18 2015 and April 6 2017.
The 49-year-old, appearing by videolink from Portlaoise Prison, wore glasses and a dark jumper. He confirmed he could hear and see the court.
Legal representation confirmed
A defence barrister told the court that solicitor Darragh Mackin from Phoenix Law in Belfast wanted to come on record as the legal representative for Mr Kinahan. Mr Mackin did not attend the court because of unexpected circumstances.
Mr Kinahan, alleged to be a leader of the Kinahan organised crime group, was arrested in the United Arab Emirates on April 15 on foot of an arrest warrant issued by the Irish courts. This was carried out in accordance with a bilateral agreement on extradition between Ireland and the UAE.
Arrest and extradition
He had been flown to Ireland on an Irish Government jet in August, and was taken by high-speed Garda escort to court in Dublin where he was charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation.
He appeared before the Special Criminal Court by videolink from Portlaoise Prison in a hearing that lasted a few minutes. Presiding over the hearing were Ms Justice Sarah Berkeley, Ms Justice Caroline Biggs and Judge Kevin Staunton.
Next court appearance set
Mr Kinahan was asked to confirm his identity and when asked if he could hear and see the court, he replied: “Yes, I can.”
Defence barrister David Perry BL told the court he wanted to confirm that Mr Mackin wished to come on record as solicitor for Mr Kinahan. Mr Perry said he was only appearing to confirm Mr Kinahan’s legal representation. He added that the solicitor had sent his apologies that he could not attend in person because of “unexpected circumstances that arose elsewhere”.
Mr Perry asked for the case to be put back to next Monday to allow the application to be made, and asked that Mr Kinahan be produced in person at the next appearance. He confirmed that Mr Kinahan was aware of the application and that there was a preference to have him appear in person.
Ms Justice Biggs replied: “That’s fine.” She remanded Mr Kinahan for a week to allow his solicitor to come on record. He will appear next Monday at 11am.
