KINAHAN cartel assassin Thomas ‘Nicky’ McConnell has appealed his conviction for the murder of Gareth Hutch, it has emerged.
McConnell – who has 108 previous convictions – made the move last month after he received a life sentence for the killing of Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch’s nephew in May 2016.
The killer – currently being held at Portlaoise Prison – has told fellow inmates of his plan to appeal his conviction for the eighth murder in the Kinahan and Hutch feud.
But it could be 2027 before his appeal is heard due to a backlog of cases.
The Courts Service have also been made aware of his plans to have his conviction quashed.
One prison source told us: “McConnell is busy telling people that he’s lodged his appeal and is confident of getting a result.
“He still can’t accept his conviction but it will be a long time before his conviction is even heard.
“He’s feeling the pressure in Portlaoise and he’s clinging on to hope that he can have his conviction overturned.”
His decision to appeal the sentence has also caused anger in the north inner city area of Dublin.
One local told us: “Nicky McConnell is hated in this area because of his involvement in the Gareth Hutch murder.
“Gareth Hutch was a soft target and they left his son without a father.
“McConnell deserves to spend the rest of his life in prison for what he did – Gareth Hutch never stood a chance.”
Since his conviction in December, McConnell has been keeping a low profile in the high security prison.
But he was caught up in an incident in the prison this week when he helped crystal meth dealer Nathan McDonnell when he was attacked by Kinahan associate Glen Thompson.
McConnell was the fourth member of the Kinahan cartel hit team who targeted Gareth Hutch.
Jonathon Keogh, Regina Keogh and Thomas Fox are also serving life for the dad of one’s murder.
MOTHER’S GRIEF
Following McConnell’s sentencing, Gareth Hutch’s mother Vera revealed her ongoing torment.
She said: “Since I received the devastating news that my son Gareth was murdered, I have not known a moment’s peace. My chest has a constant ache that never goes away.”
Detective Superintendent Colm Murphy hailed his colleagues for their work on the near nine-year investigation.
