Daniel Kinahan appeared by videolink from Portlaoise Prison on Monday as the Special Criminal Court dealt with his bail case for the second time. David Perry told the court that Darragh Mackin would be Kinahan's defence solicitor, and Judge Caroline Biggs sent the matter back for seven days.
Special Criminal Court in Dublin
Kinahan faces a charge of directing the activities of a criminal organisation between 18 October 2015 and 6 April 2017. He had no legal representation at his first court appearance last August, and the hearing on Monday gave his case its first named defence solicitor in Dublin.
Perry said Mackin could not attend because he was dealing with other matters elsewhere that were unexpected. That left Kinahan back before the three-judge court by videolink from Portlaoise Prison, while the legal team that will handle his next appearance was still being put in place.
Darragh Mackin and bail
Perry also told the court that Kinahan would appear in person next Monday, and he referred to his preference to appear in person. That step matters because it changes the setting for any bail argument: a face-to-face appearance gives the court a direct hearing on custody, representation and the next procedural move.
Kinahan was extradited from the United Arab Emirates on 9 August after he was arrested there in April and unsuccessfully appealed the extradition order. He was brought before the Special Criminal Court in Dublin in a high security operation, and the seven-day adjournment keeps the case moving while his defence position is assembled.
The immediate question is whether bail will be sought when he returns next Monday. Perry's notice that Mackin is to take over as defence solicitor points to a more organised defence at the next hearing, but the defendant remains in custody at Portlaoise Prison until then.
