Gardaí target Lunney attack helpers
Others suspected of assisting the kidnap and torture of businessman Kevin Lunney, by providing local intelligence or otherwise, are next to be targetted by investigators.
Earlier this month a man known as YZ was sentenced to 30 years in prison by the Special Criminal Court for his role in the false imprisonment and serious assault of Mr Lunney; while his two co-accused Alan O'Brien and Darren Redmond, both from the East Wall area of Dublin, received 25-year and 18-year jail terms respectively.
The youngest of the three accused, Darren Redmond, had his final three years suspended.
A Renault Kangoo van used by the three men had been observed travelling in convoy with a black-coloured Audi at Main Street, Killeshandra, on September 16, the day before the QIH chief was abducted close to his home at Kinawley, just across the border in neighbouring Fermanagh.
Mr Lunney's car was rammed as he drove up the laneway towards his home and, from there, he was be taken and falsely imprisoned in a horsebox at a site at Drumbrade, Ballinagh.
He suffered slash wounds to the face and chest, as well as injuries to his right lower leg and arm.
Despite extensive searches, including a nationwide appeal, neither the Audi car, nor another vehicle believed to have been used by the gang, a high-roofed Transit van described as being in "poor condition", have ever been found.
As part of the probe into who may have assisted, gardaí are said to be working with counterparts in the north with a view to establishing the movements of a network of people believed to be connected to the gang.
Their investigation covers mobile-phone traffic and other possible links.
Gardaí have asked the Director of Public Prosecutions to bring charges against further suspects in their investigation into the abduction of Mr Lunney.
"There’s a number of individuals who are going to be reported to the Director of Public Prosecutions over the next number of weeks as well so there are more files to be submitted and further investigation carries on," said Garda Commissioner Drew Harris.