A sentencing hearing for Sean McGovern, a 40-year-old senior lieutenant in the Kinahan organised crime gang, has heard he is a 'committed father to two young girls' and a 'caring, generous father'. McGovern pleaded guilty to two charges of directing the activities of a criminal organisation in connection with the deadly Hutch-Kinahan feud in Ireland.
Charges and Background
The charges relate to McGovern's involvement in the lead-up to the murder of Noel Kirwan, a grandfather shot dead in December 2016, and the targeting and monitoring of James Gately with the intent to kill him, which ultimately did not occur. The Special Criminal Court in Dublin previously heard there was no evidence Mr Kirwan was involved in criminality; he was targeted due to a perceived connection to the Hutch organised crime group, having been photographed at a funeral of a Hutch family member.
Irish police stated McGovern had a role in the lead-up to the murder, linking him through evidence of a tracker on Mr Kirwan's car and mobile phone calls around the time of the shooting. The court also heard of McGovern's involvement in the surveillance of Mr Gately, as the Kinahan gang believed he was one of the gunmen in the 2016 Regency Hotel Shooting, in which McGovern himself was shot and another man was killed. The planned shooting of Mr Gately did not occur after a hitman hired from Estonia was arrested upon arriving in Ireland.
Mitigation and Character References
Summarising character references, McGovern's barrister, Michael Bowman SC, said his client's mother described him as a 'committed father to two young girls' and highlighted his past as a 'proficiently talented footballer'. She also noted the impact of the loss of McGovern's father, to whom he was 'very close'. The father of the mother of McGovern's daughters said he had always been a 'caring, generous father'. McGovern's partner commented on the 'turmoil' brought into their lives.
Mr Bowman acknowledged the Kirwan family as victims but added that McGovern's family and young children had 'done nothing wrong'. McGovern, wearing a white shirt and jumper, was present but did not speak during the proceedings.
Prosecution Evidence and Defence Arguments
Detective Sergeant Dolan Daly told the court the investigation team believed McGovern 'oversaw and directed the murder of Mr Kirwan'. However, Mr Bowman argued that evidence showed McGovern's role was limited to passing on surveillance information, with no evidence of involvement in planning or providing firearms. Det Sgt Daly stated that in the murder investigation, there was no evidence McGovern was directed by another person on the day, asserting, 'It is our assertion Mr McGovern passed on the information to the hit team.'
Under cross-examination, Det Sgt Daly agreed it was 'fair' to say other undetected communications or devices might have been used. He added it could not be established that McGovern was the sole operator of the tracking device or that he operated it at all, rather than relaying information from a third party. Mr Bowman said the evidence showed proximity to a tracking device and communication of surveillance but no other communication regarding planning, weapons, vehicles, or phones. He argued it seemed someone else identified logistical support and carried out the shooting, and there was no evidence McGovern knew who he was communicating with, due to the gang's cell structure.
Sentencing Considerations
Mr Justice Patrick McGrath noted the court may consider consecutive sentences, as each charge carries a maximum of life imprisonment. Mr Bowman argued for a 'global sentence' due to overlapping offending. He cited a general 25% reduction for early pleas but hoped for 'a little bit further', as the plea reduced court and garda resource burdens. He also requested 'maximum credit' for the early plea and noted a prison governor's report identified no behavioural difficulties.
Mr Bowman further asked the court to consider McGovern's months in custody in the United Arab Emirates prior to extradition to Dublin, arguing for additional credit due to 'more onerous' conditions than in Ireland. Mr Justice McGrath scheduled the next hearing for June 8, when McGovern is expected to be sentenced.
