Man facing extradition over Robbie Lawlor murder inquiry appears in court

A man has appeared in court facing extradition in relation to the murder of Dublin criminal Robbie Lawlor in Belfast six years ago.

Jonathan Gill, 44, of Malahide Road in Clontarf, appeared before the High Court in Dublin after being arrested on foot of an extradition warrant.

He is facing charges for the murder of Mr Lawlor and alleged possession of a 9mm pistol between April 2 and 5 2020.

Mr Lawlor was shot on Etna Drive in the Ardoyne area of Belfast on April 4 2020.

He had been linked to the murder of Louth teenager Keane Mulready-Woods, who was dismembered with parts of his body dumped across Dublin in 2020.

An Garda Siochana are investigating the murder of Mr Lawlor jointly with the PSNI and arrested Gill on Thursday.

Detective Sergeant Frank Lambe, from the extradition unit at the Garda national bureau of criminal investigation, told the High Court on Friday he had arrested Mr Gill, also known as Jack Gill, in Clontarf at 4.50pm on Thursday.

The officer identified himself and his rank to Gill, who made no reply when cautioned, the court heard.

Det Sgt Lambe said Mr Gill was taken to Clontarf Garda Station where he was shown the warrant for his arrest, endorsed by the High Court in Dublin, and asked him to confirm his name and date of birth.

He was informed of his right to legal representation, a right to a translator and a right to legal advice in the UK.

Mr Lambe said a summary of the offences was read to Mr Gill and he was asked if he knew “what the offences are about”, “to which he replied ‘no’.”

Mr Lambe said he was satisfied the person on the warrant was the same person before the High Court on Friday morning, and identified Mr Gill in the courtroom as the man dressed in a black top and shorts.

Judge Mr Justice Barry O’Donnell said he was “clearly satisfied” as to Mr Gill’s identity.

He then informed Mr Gill of his rights again and asked Mr Gill if he understood those rights.

Mr Gill replied “yes” to the judge.

Defence barrister Gemma McLoughlin-Burke, instructed by solicitors at Phoenix Law, told the court their intention to reply and said there were legal issues in the alleged offences which she said “merit” a second barrister.

Mr Gill was remanded in custody at Cloverhill Prison until the extradition hearing at the High Court in Dublin on April 21.