MAGO GATELY'S SWEET TALKING

Kinahan target told CAB he's unemployed shop owner

- NICOLA DONNELLY

A TOP-TIER target for the Kinahan cartel has told the Criminal Assets Bureau he is an unemployed sweet shop owner and denies being a senior figure in the criminal underworld.

Alleged Hutch gang lieutenant James Mago’ Gately has also claimed he had to clean cars for food and accommodation while he was in Northern Ireland due to a threat on his life.

He also has no income as he does not claim social welfare payments due to a serious and credible threat on my life, and that he has no bank accounts bar his mortgage account to allow him to claim social welfare benefits electronically, but admits he relies on family and friends to support him.

The claims form part of Gately’s defence in relation to the CAB proceedings against him and his partner Charlene Lam which centres around their family home in Coolock, north Dublin, which the CAB claim was acquired with the proceeds of crime.

The CAB also allege Gately who has been described in an affidavit as a senior figure in the criminal underworld” undertook extensive renovation works and an extension at the home at an estimated 425,000, which the CAB allege the proceeds of crime was used.