‘FAT’ Freddie Thomspon failed to get his trial moved to Dublin on security grounds after he told of his fears of being whacked by the Hutch gang.
But Judge Keenan Johnson did give the gangland killer the option of having his trial heard at Tullamore courthouse in Co Offaly.
Freddie, 43, had raised issues around being taken from a prison van on a public street into Portlaoise courthouse and pointed towards security in place at Dublin’s Criminal Courts.
Freddie appeared on videolink at Portlaoise Circuit Court today, wearing a grey Nike top, and at one stage had his hand up to speak but never got the opportunity.
The Dubliner faces three charges; one for assault causing harm and two for threats to kill at the State’s maximum security prison on separate dates in 2022.
The court heard that Freddie’s previous application to have his trial moved to Dublin claiming he would not get a fair trial in Portlaoise due to concerns over media coverage was rejected.
The judge said that his decision on the second application will be final and no appeals would be heard against it.
The court was told Freddie stated in a sworn affidavit that there was a direct threat on his life due to his conviction and the Kinahan and Hutch feud.
Thompson is serving a life sentence for the cartel murder of 55-year-old dad-of-one David ‘Daithi’ Doughlas in south inner city Dublin on July 1, 2016.
Thompson claimed that the threat had been confirmed from his time behind bars and the Irish Prison Service, who he said pointed towards the fact when he was refused transfer to Wheatfield.
In the affidavit Thompson said: “I say and believe Mr Douglas was a member of the Hutch crime family.
“I say and believe that because of my conviction, that my life is in danger and that there is a direct threat on my life from the Hutch crime family.
“I have a serious concern for my personal safety should the trial proceed in Portlaoise Circuit Court.”
Thompson said there was no direct access from a prison van to the courthouse, and that he had to walk from a public area outside into the building.
Thompson added: “My concern is that should someone wish me harm, they would have no difficulty attacking me as I leave the van and walk into court.”
‘NO CHECKS’
Thompson outlined further concerns over the public coming into the building saying there were “no checks”, security facilities or security personnel.
He said that at the Criminal Courts of Justice, prisoners are brought through an underground car park and enter the building in a private area not open to the public.
He also said the Dublin courthouse has strict security for people entering the building.
The State objected to the application.
The case was put back until February 27 to see if Freddie is satisfied with moving the case to Tullamore.
