Daniel Kinahan has been remanded in custody after being charged with directing an organised crime group. The alleged mob boss appeared in Dublin's Special Criminal Court after being flown in from Dubai on a £39million jet belonging to the Irish Air Corps.
Arrival and Court Appearance
The plane landed at Casement aerodrome in Baldonnel on the outskirts of Dublin just after 6.30pm. Shortly after the jet landed, a convoy of vehicles with blacked-out windows left the aerodrome at high speed. Several BMWs drove through an open gate and into the underground car park at the court, with the gate swiftly closing behind them.
Kinahan appeared in court at 8.10pm wearing a black hoodie and black tracksuit bottoms and flanked by two plain clothes Gardai.
Charges and Hearing
Detective Sergeant Colin Davidson gave evidence, telling the court Kinahan was arrested at 18:49 at Casement Aerodrome. Kinahan was asked if he had no representation. He responded: "That is correct your honour, I did not have time to arrange anything."
The charge was read to him - that he directed a criminal organisation. The prosecution asked that he be remanded into custody until the next available court hearing in October. The Judge explained the matter goes back to 5th October. "OK thank you," Kinahan responded.
Bail Application
The Judge said it was in his interest to contact his lawyers and make arrangements. "I understand everything. Thank you, your honour," Daniel Kinahan said before sitting back down.
He was asked if he wanted to appear at the next hearing in person or via video link. "Do I have to decide now your honour?" he asked. The Judge said no. "I understand, thank you your honour," he said.
He was informed if he wishes to make a bail application it can only be made before the High Court and he would have to make application on notice. "I understand. I think we know I won't be getting bail but thank you for explaining," Kinahan responded.
Next Steps
The hearing lasted about 13 minutes. Kinahan was escorted out by gardai and will be brought to Portlaoise Prison, Co Laois.
The charge he faces is: "That you Daniel Kinahan between the 18th October 2015 and 6th April 2017, both dates inclusive, directed the activities of a Criminal Organisation, contrary to section 71A of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 as amended by the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act, 2009, and as applied by section 74 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, as amended by the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009".
