Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch has received hundreds of good luck cards ahead of his non-jury Special Criminal Courts ruling tomorrow.
Bagfuls of birthday cards and letters have been sent to Hutch, who turned 60 on Tuesday, at Wheatfield Prison in Dublin. He is reportedly confident of being found not guilty of the murder of Kinahan cartel associate David Byrne, 34, at the Regency Hotel in 2016.
A source told the Irish Sunday Mirror: “There have been hundreds of cards sent in to Gerry, over the last few days in particular. He has been reading every piece of mail sent to him and it has given him a big boost ahead of Monday.”
Read more: Guantanamo-like mugshot of Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch emerges as D-Day inches closer
Hutch has been spending a lot of time over the last few weeks reading legal notes on his case and having visits from his legal team. The source added: “He is of the opinion that if the judges are fair and see the case for what it is, he will walk free.
"It’s his belief that they haven’t got enough evidence to find him guilty. He still maintains his innocence.”
If cleared Hutch will walk free from the Criminal Courts of Justice – and he is expected to comment publicly on the verdict. The source said: “He will no doubt want to talk to the waiting media on the steps of the court if he is freed.”
If acquitted Hutch plans to spend some time with family and friends before heading back to resume his life in Spain, the source added.
Meanwhile, State witness Jonathan Dowdall remains in a segregated unit away from other inmates at Limerick Prison. The source added: “Dowdall is kept well away from everybody. His safety is paramount as there is such a high level of threat against him.”
Jailed Kinahan henchmen are said to be preparing for a party behind bars if Hutch is found guilty – buying up treats in the jail tuck shop in Portlaoise and Mountjoy. A source said: “They are planning a ‘Life’ party which will be the term he will get if convicted.”
Staff have been warned to be on high alert if Hutch walks free as Kinahan associates could kick off. The source said: “If Hutch walks free there will no doubt be ructions. Prison officers have been told to be vigilant as some may smash up their cells in retaliation.”
Ms Justice Tara Burns, Judge Grainne Malone and Judge Sarah Berkeley will deliver their judgement shortly after 11am tomorrow.
In his closing arguments, Hutch’s barrister Brendan Grehan SC said there is “no evidence” that his client carried out the murder at Dublin’s Regency Hotel.
He compared State witness Jonathan Dowdall, who he called a “liar” and a “perjurer”, to Bart Simpson in that he kept saying things to the effect of, “I didn’t do it, nobody saw me do it, you can’t prove anything”.
Prosecuter Fiona Murphy SC said Hutch was “one of the two” gunmen who shot Byrne and the evidence in the case shows his guilt “beyond all reasonable doubt.”
She said portions of a secretly-recorded 10-hour conversation between Hutch and Dowdall on March 7, 2016, “clearly” shows an “admission” from the accused.
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