'KINAHAN CHIEF’ SEEKS LEGAL AID FOR MURDER TRIAL

AN alleged Kinahan cartel chief wants legal aid to defend against a feud murder charge - despite failing to say how he funded his lifestyle in Dubai for years.

- BY ALISON O'RIORDAN and FIONA MAGENNIS

A Special Criminal Court judge said Sean McGovern had provided "scant detail" about his finances as part of his application.

Ms Justice Karen O'Connor added the nonjury court was not satisfied with information provided in a statement of means document.

The judge added there was practically no detail contained on certain questions.

She said: "We have received no information or assistance on how Mr McGovern has been living for the last eight years in Dubai and how that has been funded. No details at all in respect of his financial position."

Ms Justice O'Connor, sitting with Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge David McHugh, added the matter should be listed for mention next week so the court could be provided with "some answers".

McGovern, 39, previously of Kildare Road, Crumlin, Dublin, is accused of the murder of Noel Kirwan in December 2016 at St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin, in the west of the city.

It's further alleged he directed the activities of a criminal organisation in connection with the killing between October 20 and December 22, 2016.

He is also charged with directing the activities of a crime gang in connection with the surveillance of James Gately in preparation for the commission of an indictable offence between October 17, 2015 and April 6, 2017.

It further alleged that between October 20 and December 22, 2016, McGovern contributed to or participated in activity intending or being reckless as to whether it would facilitate a criminal organisation in the murder of Mr Kirwan.

He faces a similar charge of facilitating a criminal organisation in a conspiracy to murder James Gately.

He was previously extradited from the UAE to face the charges but in June, defence lawyers raised a concern about the legality of his return to Ireland.

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