State witness Jonathan Dowdall is confident of winning his appeal and leaving the country within weeks – to start a new life under the witness protection programme.
The former Sinn Fein Councillor is expected to be moved to Arbour Hill jail in Dublin from his own wing in Limerick Prison before his appeal hearing on June 20. Dowdall, who testified against Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch at the Regency murder trial, believes his sentence will be shortened on appeal to time already served.
A well-placed source said the 44-year-old expects to be flown out of Ireland with his family immediately on his release. Dowdall is reportedly hoping a deal can be done “behind the scenes” for his release before the end of the month, even if he loses his appeal.
