Man still in custody over Lunney abduction

 

A man arrested in Cavan in relation to the abduction and assault of Quinn Industrial Holdings (QIH) director Kevin Lunney remains in custody this morning, while three others questioned in the north have been released.

A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said this morning, Friday, March 6: “The man in his 30s arrested in relation to the abduction and assault of Mr. Kevin Lunney remains in custody at Cavan Garda Station detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007.”

He can be held for up to seven days.

A statement from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) meanwhile confirmed that the persons arrested north of the border yesterday have been released “unconditionally”.

“Two men, aged 23 and 61, and a 61-year-old woman arrested yesterday (Thursday 5 March) by detectives investigating the abduction of, and attack on, Kevin Lunney last September have been released unconditionally,” the statement said.

The three people had been held for questioning at Omagh police station on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap; conspiracy to cause Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent and assisting offenders.

All of those arrested are understood to be members of the same family, with links to both Cavan and Fermanagh.

Separately, four other persons are currently before the courts in Ireland charged in connection with the assault and false imprisonment of Mr Lunney.

 

Arrests

PSNI and Gardaí investigating what they described as the “horrific” abduction and attack on Mr Lunney on September 17 last year arrested the four individuals yesterday, Thursday, 5 March.

The action was carried out by members attached to the Joint Investigation Team, which was established in November 2019, with the two police services working together to progress the investigation in the attack and abduction of father-of-six Mr Lunney.

 

'Further significant step'

Chief Superintendent John O Reilly, Cavan/ Monaghan Garda Division said the arrests demonstrated An Garda Síochána’s “ongoing commitment” to work closely with the PSNI on this investigation, and said is was a “further significant step to ensuring that the perpetrators of this vicious attack will be brought to justice.”

Detective Chief Inspector Julie Mullan from PSNI’s Criminal Investigation Branch added: “The arrests today show the close working partnership between the PSNI and An Garda Síochána and our determination to bring those responsible for this heinous crime before the courts.”

 

Section 50 detention explained:

In respect of the Cavan arrest, the man in his 30's was arrested in relation to the abduction and assault for an offence contrary to section 72 Criminal Justice Act 2006.

He is currently still being Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 applies to detention in connection with the following offences: Murder involving the use of a firearm or explosive.

An arrest under Section 50 allows for Gardai to hold a person in detention for a total of seven days (168 hours), with an initial period of six hours.

The first extension, up to 18 hours, must be authorised by a Superintendent. This has been granted.

The second extension must be authorised by a Chief Superintendent. This can be up to 24 hours, and is followed then by an extension of up to 72 hours on application to a District or Circuit Court Judge.

A second further extension of up to 48 hours more can again be sought on application to a District or Circuit Court Judge.

 

Appeal

Policing authorities on both sides of the border are continuing to appeal to anyone that has any information, “no matter how insignificant it appears” that would assist the investigation into this abduction and attack to contact An Garda Síochána at Cavan Garda Station on 049 4368800, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111, Crimestoppers on 1800 25 00 25 or any Garda Station.

Police at Enniskillen can be contacted on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 1748 17/09/19 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.