PATRICK HUTCH JUNIOR, who is accused of the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in Dublin, has been further charged with possessing three AK-47 assault rifles in connection with the fatal shooting.

Father-of-two, David Byrne (34) from Crumlin in Dublin was shot dead during a boxing weigh-in at the popular hotel on 5 February by a gang of heavily armed raiders.

In May, Patrick Hutch (24) of Champions Avenue, Dublin 1, was charged with the murder of David Byrne and was remanded in custody.

He faced his eighth court appearance today.

Three further charges 

Detective Sergeant Mick Mulligan told Judge Victor Blake at Cloverhill District Court that three further charges were put to Patrick Hutch this morning.

He said he was charged at the courthouse after which the accused “said he had nothing to say in reply”.

The three new charges are under the Firearms Act for unlawfully possessing three 7.62 X 39mm assault rifles with intent to endanger at the Regency Hotel on 5 February last. The assault rifles are popularly known as AK-47s.

Judge Blake heard that the new charges were linked to the existing one already before the court.

Patrick Hutch, who did not address the court, was remanded in custody to appear again next week pending the preparation of a book of evidence.

Special Criminal Court 

At an earlier stage in the proceedings it had been indicated that he could face a non-jury trial in the Special Criminal Court.

Detective Sergeant Mulligan has already told the court that the DPP is deciding whether to issue a certificate for the Special Criminal Court.

Due to the nature of the charge the district court cannot grant bail meaning Patrick Hutch, who has not yet indicated how he will plead, will have to bring an application to the High Court to get released pending trial.