Hutch might NEVER face new Regency attack charge

Case against Monk, Anger that firearms now 'dead in water' conviction not sought

- JOHN HAND

GERRY “The Monk” Hutch may never face fresh charges in connection with the Regency murder of David Byrne, senior sources believe. 

But other arrests following the 2016 gangland killing are imminent.

Hutch, 60, walked free from the Special Criminal Court on Monday after he was acquitted of murdering the 34-year-old Kinahan cartel lieutenant.

Now a number of senior gardai are said to be concerned that Hutch faced a murder charge only.

One told the Irish Mirror : “He should have faced firearms charges at least. There was enough on those tapes in the jeep to bring a charge.”

Gardai from the Dublin Metropolitan Region are continuing to probe allegations that Hutch directed an organised crime gang.

And detectives from the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation are probing his alleged connection to jailed former Garda Supt John Murphy.

Cops are examining if Hutch received a Garda tip-off in 2021 that a European Arrest Warrant had been issued for him.

Last night senior security sources said the possibility of Hutch facing fresh charges was slim.

One said: “A decision was taken to charge Hutch with the murder of Byrne. And not anything else.

“And it backfired. And unless there is an arsenal of new evidence, the case against Hutch is dead in the water.

“If new evidence comes to light, then fair enough. But a decision was made to bring the murder charge only.