Family Submits Testimonial Letters in Court
The family of Sean McGovern, described as a "senior lieutenant" in an Irish international crime gang, has submitted testimonial letters to the Special Criminal Court in Dublin. McGovern is scheduled for sentencing on 8 June.
He is alleged to be a senior member of the Kinahan organised crime group, which has been designated under US sanctions.
Charges and Guilty Pleas
McGovern has pleaded guilty to two charges. The first charge involves directing the activities of a criminal organisation between 20 October 2016 and 20 December 2016, in connection with the murder of Noel Kirwan. The second charge concerns directing the activities of a criminal organisation between 17 October 2015 and 6 April 2017, relating to the surveillance of rival Hutch gang member James Gately in preparation for a serious offence.
As McGovern pleaded guilty, there was no trial. Instead, the state has presented its evidence during sentencing hearings held last Monday and Friday.
Family Testimonials Presented by Defence
Several testimonial letters from McGovern's family were made available to the court, according to defence senior counsel Michael Bowman.
Letters were submitted by McGovern's partner, her father, McGovern's mother, and McGovern's uncle.
McGovern's mother detailed his involvement in soccer at underage level, aspects of his personal life, and the impact of losing his father. She described her son as a
"committed father".
The father of McGovern's partner, who is also a grandfather to McGovern's two children, stated that McGovern
"always presented as a caring and generous father".
McGovern's partner outlined the history of their relationship and referred to the
"turmoil"they have experienced in their lives.
McGovern's uncle wrote about the
"choices and decisions"McGovern has made, noting that these do not represent the
"entirety"of the individual. He expressed that rehabilitation is
"always possible"and conveyed hope for McGovern's reintegration into the community as a father, partner, and son.
Victims and Apology
The court was informed that the family of Noel 'Duck Egg' Kirwan are the victims in this case.
Additionally, the court heard that McGovern wished to apologise for his actions.
Custody and Behaviour Reports
McGovern spent time in a Dubai prison before being extradited back to Ireland and is currently held at Portlaoise Prison.
A report from the prison governor indicated no behavioural difficulties and noted that McGovern is engaging with available services.
Defence counsel Bowman requested that the judges consider McGovern's time in Dubai prison when determining his sentence, stating that the conditions there are
"more onerous and difficult"than those in Irish prisons, and that this experience should be taken into account.
Evidence Presented
The court heard that McGovern planned, oversaw, and directed the murder of Noel Kirwan.
McGovern's fingerprints were found on a bag of Cadbury's Buttons chocolate, a laptop, and a tracker instruction document in an apartment used as a "safe house" by the Kinahan cartel.
It was also revealed that McGovern passed on tracking information obtained from a tracker placed on Kirwan's car.
Sentencing Date
Sean McGovern is due to be sentenced on Monday, 8 June, and remains in custody until then.
