Jason Murphy, also known as Jason Hutch, has been directed to provide details of his income, outgoings, savings and assets before the District Court can determine his application for legal aid. Our criminal defence solicitors represent clients at every stage of criminal proceedings, from Garda station advice through District Court hearings.
Mr Murphy, aged 37, appeared by video link before Cloverhill District Court following his extradition from Lanzarote earlier this month. He remains in custody and has not yet indicated a plea.
He is charged under section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 with allegedly participating in, or contributing to, activities intended to facilitate the commission of a serious crime by a criminal organisation or its members.
The alleged conduct is said to have occurred at an unknown location between April 12, 2016 and September 29, 2021, while he was residing in Lanzarote. The charge carries a potential maximum sentence of 15 years on conviction.
At the hearing, the court was told that the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed trial on indictment. A book of evidence must be prepared and served before a return for trial order can be made.
Mr Murphy told the court that he had spoken briefly with a solicitor but that the ongoing industrial action concerning criminal legal aid reforms was causing difficulties. He said that he wished Ferrys Solicitors to act for him.
Judge Patricia Cronin deferred the legal aid application pending the submission of a statement of means. The statement is to set out Mr Murphy's income, outgoings and any savings or assets so that the court can consider whether he is eligible for legal aid.
The case was adjourned until October 1. As the charge is subject to organised crime legislation, any application for bail must be made to the High Court.
The case remains before the courts. Mr Murphy has not entered a plea, and no findings have been made.