Four in court over ‘kidnap’ of businessman Kevin Lunney

Four men have appeared in court charged with the kidnap and torture of businessman Kevin Lunney.

The men, who were brought before Virginia District Court in Co Cavan, were arrested last Thursday.

They all face charges of assault causing harm and false imprisonment.

Darren Redmond, 25, of Caledon Road, East Wall in Dublin, was refused bail. The court was told that the father of one lives with his parents in Dublin.

Luke O’Reilly, 66, of Mullahoran Lower, Kilcogy, Co Cavan was remanded into custody until December 3.

He did not apply for bail.

A third man, who cannot be identified due to a reporting restriction, was remanded into custody.

He did not apply for bail.

Alan O’Brien, 38, of Shelmalier Road, East Wall, also faced charges of assault causing harm and false imprisonment.

He was refused bail by the judge.

A garda inspector outlined the details of his objections to bail and the background of the ongoing investigation and arrests.

The inspector told the court he was objecting to bail due to the seriousness of the charges in the high profile case.

He also told the court that the defendants had access to information about Mr Lunney, including his home and work address, which has been published in the media.

In September, Quinn Industrial Holdings (QIH) director Mr Lunney, 50, was abducted outside his home in Derrylin, Co Fermanagh, and taken to a horsebox across the border, where he was savagely beaten.

His attackers broke his leg, sliced his fingernails and face with a Stanley knife, carved QIH on his chest, and doused the father of six in bleach.

The four men have been remanded into custody to Castlerea Prison and will appear again at Virginia District Court next Tuesday.

Detectives from PSNI’s criminal investigation branch welcomed the charges.

Detective Chief Inspector Julie Mullan said: “I welcome the fact that four men have been charged by An Garda Siochana but want to make it clear, this does not signal the end of our joint investigation.

“We continue to work closely with our colleagues in An Garda Siochana and I am still appealing for anyone with any information in relation to this attack to contact us on the non-emergency number 101.

“Alternatively if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”