The Court of Appeal heard arguments regarding the conviction of Wayne Cooney for the murder of Jordan Davis (22) in Darndale, Dublin, on May 22, 2019. Cooney, who pleaded not guilty to murder and possessing a 9mm semi-automatic pistol and ammunition, was convicted by a jury in July 2022. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC argued that the trial judge, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, effectively closed down the defence case by delivering an argumentative charge that favoured the prosecution. The prosecution alleged Davis owed €70,000 to Robert Redmond, Cooney's then-girlfriend's brother. Robert Redmond pleaded guilty in April 2024 to conspiring with Cooney to murder Davis and received a seven-year prison sentence. Rachel Redmond, Cooney's ex-girlfriend, was convicted earlier this year of impeding Cooney's apprehension. During the appeal, O'Higgins contended the judge's comments were strident and denied the defence a fair airing. In response, DPP counsel Bernard Condon SC stated the judge correctly advised the jury to avoid evidential wastelands and that the conviction was supported by CCTV and DNA evidence linking Cooney to the scene. The court has adjourned the matter to deliver its judgement at a later date.
Rachel Redmond was sentenced to four years in prison at the Central Criminal Court for attempting to impede the apprehension of Wayne Cooney, who was convicted of the 2019 murder of Jordan Davis. A jury had previously found Redmond guilty of two counts of assisting Cooney to avoid capture by driving him from the scene and paying for a hotel room. Mr Justice Paul Burns noted that while the maximum penalty is ten years, Redmond's actions fell in the "upper end of middle range." He set a headline sentence of six years on each count, reduced to five years to run concurrently, and suspended the final year for three years. Redmond, who had pleaded not guilty, stated she would be home soon. The court also noted that Robert Redmond, Rachel's brother, pleaded guilty in April 2024 to conspiring with Cooney to murder Davis and was sentenced to seven years. Cooney was convicted of the murder in 2022. The judge rejected defence arguments that Redmond was merely "blinded by the relationship," stating she deliberately assisted Cooney to "lie low" after the execution-style killing in Darndale.
Rachel Redmond, 35, appeared before the Central Criminal Court for sentencing after being convicted of attempting to impede the apprehension of Wayne Cooney, who was convicted of murdering Jordan Davis. Redmond pleaded not guilty at trial but now accepts the jury's verdict. Counsel Dominic McGinn SC described her actions as "naive" and driven by a relationship with Cooney, rather than deliberate criminal intent. He highlighted her solid work record, including roles as a beautician and in security, and noted she wrote an apology to the Davis family. The court heard that Redmond helped Cooney evade arrest by driving him from the scene of the May 2019 shooting in Darndale and arranging his stay at the Clayton Hotel. Mr Justice Paul Burns adjourned the matter to next Monday to deliver sentence. The report also notes that in April 2024, Redmond's brother, Robert "Roo" Redmond, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to murder Jordan Davis. Robert Redmond, a career criminal with 99 previous convictions, received a mandatory life sentence in 2022 for the murder of Barry Wolverson in Swords in 2020.
Rachel Redmond, 34, was found guilty by a jury of impeding the Garda investigation into the murder of drug dealer Jordan 'Jordo' Davis. The jury heard that Redmond collected the shooter, Wayne Cooney, from a bus stop minutes after he killed Davis and later checked him into the Clayton Hotel near Dublin Airport. Redmond denied knowing Cooney had committed murder, claiming she was unaware of his criminality and that she had only helped him because she loved him. The prosecution described her testimony as "risible" and argued that she knowingly obstructed the investigation. The judge remanded Redmond in custody pending a sentencing hearing on 12 May. No other charges or outcomes were reported in this article.
The trial of Rachel Redmond, 34, accused of impeding the apprehension of her then-partner Wayne Cooney following the murder of Jordan Davis, has been adjourned. The jury, comprising three men and nine women, ceased deliberations for the weekend after four hours and 13 minutes of consideration over two days. Presiding Judge Paul Burns instructed the jurors to return to the Central Criminal Court on Monday at 10am. Ms Redmond, from Coolock with an address in North Belfast, pleaded not guilty to two counts of knowingly impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Cooney on or about May 22, 2019. The prosecution alleges she drove Cooney from the scene and checked him into a hotel to help him evade justice. The judge emphasized that the State must prove beyond reasonable doubt that Ms Redmond knew Cooney had committed the murder at the time of her actions, noting that subsequent knowledge is insufficient. He further directed the jury to consider each of the two distinct counts separately and to reach unanimous verdicts. While the jury heard that Cooney was convicted of the murder, and that Ms Redmond's brother, Robert Redmond, pleaded guilty in April 2024 to conspiring with Cooney to murder Mr Davis and was sentenced to seven years in prison, these facts do not constitute a finding against Ms Redmond. The matter remains ongoing, with the jury's verdict pending.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Rachel Redmond, 34, is currently at the jury deliberation stage. Ms Redmond, from Coolock, Dublin, with an address in North Belfast, stands accused on two counts of impeding the apprehension of her then-partner, Wayne Cooney, following the murder of Jordan Davis on or about May 22, 2019. She has pleaded not guilty to both charges. The prosecution alleges she knowingly drove Cooney from the scene and checked him into a hotel to help him evade prosecution. Defence counsel argued she did not know Cooney had committed a crime and urged the jury not to convict her by association. The jury is currently deliberating and has been adjourned until 10am tomorrow to continue their consideration. In related proceedings, Cooney has been convicted of the murder. Additionally, Ms Redmond's brother, Robert Redmond, pleaded guilty in April 2024 to conspiring with Cooney to murder Mr Davis and was sentenced to seven years in prison. The presiding judge, Mr Justice Paul Burns, instructed the jury that the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that Ms Redmond knew Cooney had committed the murder at the time of the alleged acts, and that each count must be considered separately.
Rachel Redmond, who pleaded not guilty to two counts of assisting Wayne Cooney to evade prosecution after the murder of Jordan Davis, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court. The prosecution alleges that on or about May 22, 2019, Ms Redmond knowingly drove Cooney away from the scene in Darndale and checked him into the Clayton Hotel near Dublin Airport to impede his apprehension. State counsel Seoirse Ó Dúnlaing SC argued that Ms Redmond's claim of ignorance was "absolutely risible," noting she parked away from the hotel and used her own name for the booking. He submitted that she knew Cooney had committed the killing and was hiding him. In closing, defence counsel Dominic McGinn SC urged the jury not to convict Ms Redmond by association, emphasizing that her brother Robert Redmond was the killer's co-conspirator. Mr McGinn described the bus stop collection as unlike a "slick getaway" and argued there was no evidence Ms Redmond knew of prior threats or the crime. The jury has heard that Robert Redmond pleaded guilty in April 2024 to conspiring with Cooney to murder Mr Davis and was sentenced to seven years in prison. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Burns.
Rachel Redmond, 34, pleaded not guilty to two counts of assisting Wayne Cooney to evade prosecution following the murder of Jordan Davis in May 2019. The State alleges she drove Cooney away from the scene and checked him into the Clayton Hotel near Dublin Airport to impede his apprehension. In her defence, Ms Redmond denied having an "agenda," stating she did not know Cooney had committed a crime when she collected him. She told the jury she was in love with him and only realized the severity of his actions after viewing CCTV footage in 2020. The court heard that her brother, Robert Redmond, pleaded guilty in April 2024 to conspiring with Cooney to murder Davis and was sentenced to seven years in prison. Ms Redmond admitted to paying for the hotel room but maintained she was unaware of the murder at the time. She denied directing her friend Stacey Hayes to collect Cooney, claiming she merely asked for a lift. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Burns.
The Central Criminal Court heard evidence in the trial of Rachel Redmond, who is accused of assisting her then-partner, Wayne Cooney, to evade prosecution for the murder of Jordan Davis. Ms Redmond has pleaded not guilty to two counts of impeding apprehension or prosecution. The prosecution contends that Davis was killed on May 22, 2019, following acrimony with drug dealer Robert Redmond, the accused's brother. Detective Garda Kevin Farrell presented WhatsApp messages from May 3, 2019, sent from a number saved as 'Rew' to Davis, which included threats such as "very soon bang bang." The State alleges Robert Redmond, who pleaded guilty in May 2013 to possessing heroin worth almost €37,000 and was jailed for five years, was involved in the conflict. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Burns and a jury of three men and nine women.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Rachel Redmond, 34, continues before Mr Justice Paul Burns. Ms Redmond, from Coolock, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of assisting Wayne Cooney to evade prosecution for the murder of Jordan Davis on May 22, 2019. The prosecution alleges she drove Cooney from the scene and checked him into the Clayton Hotel near Dublin Airport. Evidence presented includes testimony from Ashling McNally, former partner of Robert Redmond, who stated she collected Robert from Belcamp Lane at 4:13 pm, minutes after the shooting. Robert Redmond, Ms Redmond's brother, previously pleaded guilty in May 2013 to possessing heroin worth almost €37,000 and was sentenced to five years in prison. Detective Garda Shane Kelly identified Cooney in CCTV footage, while hotel staff confirmed a booking under Ms Redmond's name. The jury is tasked with determining if Ms Redmond knew or believed Cooney committed the murder. The trial was adjourned and is scheduled to continue on Tuesday.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Rachel Redmond (34) continues before Mr Justice Paul Burns. The State alleges that Redmond, who has pleaded not guilty to two counts of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Wayne Cooney for the murder of Jordan Davis, drove Cooney away from the scene and later checked him into a hotel. Prosecution evidence presented includes "tick lists" found at addresses linked to Robert Redmond, Rachel's older brother. Detective Garda Alan Roche testified that a list found in Kinsealy listed the nickname "Jordo" owing €153,000, while another list found at Woodview Close in Donaghmede showed "Jordo" with €70,000 and the words "not yet." The court heard that in May 2013, Robert Redmond pleaded guilty to the possession of heroin worth almost €37,000 and was jailed for five years. Sergeant Shane Behan also testified that he observed Robert Redmond and Jordan Davis on Grafton Street in August 2018, where Davis handed over cannabis. The jury, comprising three men and nine women, is tasked with determining whether Rachel Redmond knew or believed Cooney committed the murder. The matter was adjourned and the trial continues tomorrow.
In the Central Criminal Court, witness Stacey Hayes testified that she was driving a silver Volkswagen Golf on May 22 2019 when she and Rachel Redmond, a 34‑year‑old woman, were directed to a bus stop to pick up Wayne Cooney, Redmond's boyfriend. Hayes said Redmond had been on the phone and instructed her to go to the bus stop opposite Tesco on Clarehall Road. Minutes after learning that 22‑year‑old Jordan Davis had been shot dead in Darndale, Hayes and Redmond drove to the scene, but Redmond asked to be dropped home. Hayes described the journey, noting that Redmond had told Cooney that a shooting had occurred. The prosecution alleges Redmond knowingly aided Cooney's escape from prosecution, while Redmond pleaded not guilty to the two counts of aiding a murder. The case is set to continue before Mr Justice Paul Burns and a jury.
During the trial, the jury examined CCTV footage that the prosecution claims shows Rachel Redmond checking Wayne Cooney into the Clayton Hotel near Dublin Airport on the night of May 22, 2019, the same night Jordan Davis was shot dead in Darndale. The footage shows a Ford Focus arriving at the hotel at 00:03, Redmond booking a room with her name and credit card, and Cooney leaving the car to stay the night. Later footage shows Cooney exiting the hotel at 11:39, taking a taxi to the AUL Sports Centre, and returning to the same Ford Focus at 11:49. The prosecution also presented evidence of Cooney's tattoos, including a series of €50 bank notes and the Ha'penny Bridge on his right hand, a crown with "RR" on his left hand, and other markings on his legs. The unnamed man pleaded not guilty.
In a Darndale lane on 22 May 2019, a young father, Jordan Davis, was shot to death while pushing his four‑month‑old son in a pram. CCTV footage, examined by Garda Cormac Flynn, shows Davis walking with a pram on Primrose Grove at 3.56 pm, then meeting a man who later is identified as Wayne Cooney. At 4.00 pm a cyclist in dark clothing, holding a weapon, points it at Davis and he collapses. The cyclist then rides back toward Primrose Grove. Fire‑brigade officer Gerry Woods later found Davis lying on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds, deemed incompatible with life. The case is before Mr Justice Paul Burns with a jury of three men and nine women, expected to last three weeks. Rachel Redmond, 34, is charged with two counts of aiding and abetting murder by facilitating Cooney's escape, and she has pleaded not guilty. The trial continues on Tuesday.
Rachel Redmond, 34, from Coolock, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court for two counts of knowingly or believing that Wayne Cooney committed murder and then acting to impede his apprehension or prosecution. The prosecution alleges that on 22 May 2019, after Jordan Davis was shot dead in a cold‑blooded execution while pushing his infant son in a pram, Redmond drove a vehicle with witness Stacey Hayes, picked up Cooney, and later checked him into the Clayton Hotel near Dublin Airport using her name and credit card. The prosecution claims these actions were intended to help Cooney evade prosecution. Redmond pleaded not guilty. The trial is scheduled to continue before Mr Justice Paul Burns and a jury, with an expected duration of three weeks.
Declan Service, 63, was convicted of insider trading for selling shares in Open Orphan before the company's discounted share offering was publicly announced. He used confidential information from a Zoom briefing on 18 May 2020 to instruct his broker to sell his 3.89 million shares, then bought back a smaller amount at the discounted price on 22 May 2020, making a profit of about £11,500. Service pleaded guilty and was fined £60,000. Judge Elma Sheahan, after considering mitigating factors such as his cooperation, lack of prior convictions, and mental health issues, suspended the 18‑month custodial sentence in full. The case was brought by the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau following a report from Goodbody stockbrokers and the Central Bank. Service is a former multinational employee now working as a carer and has a history of charitable work.
Declan Service, a 63‑year‑old former multinational employee now a carer, was fined £60,000 at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for insider trading. Between 18 and 22 May 2020, he used confidential information about Open Orphan's discounted share sale to sell his 3.89 million shares before the public announcement and then buy back a smaller amount at the lower price. The court heard he made a profit of about £11,500, which could have risen to £44,000 if he had held the shares for a year. Service pleaded guilty, admitted the wrongdoing, and expressed regret. He faces a potential 18‑month prison term when sentencing is finalised next February. The judge noted his cooperation, good character, and mental health issues as mitigating factors, but confirmed the insider‑trading offence. The fine was ordered to be paid to his solicitor's account.
The Special Criminal Court admitted a back tattoo as evidence in the case of Brendan Treanor, 34, and James Flynn, 32, charged with the robbery of €7,000 at Lordship Credit Union in Bellurgan, Co Louth, on 25 January 2013, which resulted in the shooting death of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. The tattoo, featuring guns, bullets, gangsters, money, knuckle dusters and a BMW X5, was described by the prosecution as "almost a glorification" and a "pictorial admission" of Treanor's involvement. Treanor's lawyers argued it was irrelevant, but Mr Justice Tony Hunt ruled that the court would consider it as part of the overall evidence, stating that excluding it would be a failure of logic, reason and common sense. Treanor and Flynn have pleaded not guilty to each charge. The trial continues tomorrow.
In a High Court hearing, lawyers for 72‑year‑old Thomas Donaldson argued that possession of images depicting a woman and a dog engaging in sexual acts would not constitute a criminal offence under Irish law. Donaldson, who was arrested in Dublin in January after a Northern Irish warrant alleged that hundreds of indecent images of children were found on his computer, faces 15 charges of making indecent images and two counts of possessing extreme pornography. The court considered whether the images, which show a female's mouth and vagina being penetrated by a dog's penis, fall under Irish legislation that criminalises sexual conduct likely to cause fear or alarm. The judge noted ambiguity in the law, particularly whether possession alone is an offence, and postponed judgment to 25 April, remanding Donaldson in custody until then.
An application to wind up Cloughwater Plastics Ireland Limited, a Dublin‑based plastics recycling firm employing 35 people, was formally withdrawn. The petition, originally brought by two creditors within the Van Werven Group, had been struck out after the Revenue Commissioners, who are also creditors, decided not to take over the application to appoint liquidators. The creditors had sought provisional liquidators due to concerns about the company's operations, but their claims were rejected by lawyers for director Shane Woods, who argued the matter was a shareholder dispute. Following out‑of‑court talks, the creditors withdrew the petition after shareholders entered into discussions about the firm's future. The court confirmed the strike‑out and upheld earlier cost orders. No liquidation or liquidation proceedings were ordered, and the company remains operational at Rosemount Park, Ballycoolin, Dublin 11. The case remains at the petition stage, with no further action taken by the court.
The Revenue Commissioners, represented by Sally O'Neill BL, announced on 27 February 2023 that it intends to take over a High Court petition to wind up Cloughwater Plastics Ireland Limited, a Dublin‑based plastics recycling firm. The petition, originally filed by two creditors within the Van Werven Group, sought provisional liquidators for the company, which recycles mixed rigid plastics into raw materials for re‑use. The creditors withdrew the petition after entering discussions with the company's Northern Irish partner, but Revenue remains concerned about the firm's operations and has a significant debt owed by Cloughwater. The court, presided over by Justice Miriam O'Regan, agreed to adjourn the matter for a week to allow Revenue to submit a formal application to assume the petition. The case involves other parties, including Repak, Fingal County Council, and the landlord of the company's premises, and the company is currently undergoing due diligence as part of the liquidation process.
Fingal County Council has been authorised by a High Court judge to submit a sworn statement in a contested application to wind up Cloughwater Plastics Ireland Limited, a plastics recycling firm. The application was brought by two creditors within the Van Werven Group, who argue the company is insolvent and cannot meet its debts. The creditors, Kunststof Recycling Van Werven BV and Van Werven Plastic Recycling Holding BV, claim they are owed €1.86 million and €477,000 respectively, and seek the appointment of provisional liquidators. Cloughwater's director, Mr Shane Woods, and the company's managing director deny insolvency, describing the dispute as a shareholder matter. The court has allowed the council to file its statement and will hear the case again on Friday. The firm employs 35 people and operates a recycling facility in West Dublin.
Two creditors belonging to the Van Werven Group, claiming a debt of €2.3 million, have applied to the High Court for orders to wind up Cloughwater Plastics Ireland Limited, a joint venture with Cloughwater Enterprises Limited. The creditors, Kunststof Recycling Van Werven BV and Van Werven Plastic Recycling Holding BV, allege that the company is insolvent, has been mismanaged by its managing director Shane Woods, and that its books contain discrepancies. They also claim the firm no longer holds a licence to export its products and has overcharged the Irish recycling body REPAK, owing it more than €562,000 with a potential additional €600,000. The creditors seek the appointment of joint provisional liquidators, Ken Fennell and Andrew O'Leary of Interpath Ireland, to investigate and manage the company's affairs. The application was heard by Mr Justice Brian O'Moore, who directed that it be served on the company and other interested parties before being considered further.
In a High Court ruling, Mr Justice Alexander Owens declared that assets linked to convicted drug dealer and DJ Adam Keatinge—including his Co Kildare home, cash, and several gold bars—were proceeds of crime. Owens described Keatinge as heavily involved in criminal operations, noting his 2012 prison term for drug possession with intent to supply. The Criminal Assets Bureau seized the assets in 2018 after a 2016 PSNI stop of a van containing Keatinge and others, uncovering €60,000 in cash and items such as phones that revealed discussions of cocaine trade and weapon possession. CAB sought orders under the 1996 Proceeds of Crime Act for the home, gold bars, and cash held with Western Union. Keatinge and co‑respondents denied the claims, asserting legitimate income sources, but the judge rejected these explanations as implausible and granted the orders against Keatinge and the other respondents. The decision affirmed that the assets were acquired through criminal activity.
A 20‑year‑old man named Benjamin Morrissey, who had 78 prior convictions, was sentenced to six years in prison for two violent street attacks. In February 2021 he used scissors to attack a woman on O'Connell Street, attempting to seize her electric scooter, and in a separate incident he stabbed a man, Daniel Shortt, in the neck, causing a four‑inch wound and nerve damage. Morrissey pleaded guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Shortt and to attempted robbery of a woman on February 5, 2021. He had been on bail at the time of the robbery. The court considered his difficult childhood and cooperation, and imposed a six‑year sentence, with the last two years suspended and the sentence back‑dated for time already served. The proceedings were held in Dublin, with the judge noting the serious nature of the offences and the victims' physical and emotional suffering.
At the Central Criminal Court, evidence emerged that Aaron Brady was subject to bail conditions and a curfew when Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe was fatally shot on 25 January 2013 at Lordship Credit Union in Bellurgan, County Louth. Mr Brady, aged 29 and from Crossmaglen, County Armagh, has pleaded not guilty to capital murder and to robbing approximately €7,000 in cash and cheques from the same location on the same date. Inspector Mark Phillips told the court that Mr Brady attended Dundalk Garda Station on 5 February 2013 to provide a voluntary statement. The accused outlined his background and movements in the days preceding the detective's death. A wildlife ranger also testified that he discovered a burned-out car on Cumsons Road in south Armagh on 26 January 2013, the day after the shooting. The trial before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury continues at the Central Criminal Court.
At the Central Criminal Court, a credit union volunteer described the moment she feared for her life during a fatal armed robbery at Lordship Credit Union in Bellurgan, County Louth, on 25 January 2013. Bernadette McShane told the court she witnessed Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe fall after hearing gunshots and subsequently believed an armed raider approaching her vehicle intended to kill her because she had seen the incident. Aaron Brady, aged 28, from New Road, Crossmaglen, County Armagh, has pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Detective Garda Donohoe and to robbing approximately €7,000 in cash and cheques on the same date and location. Ms McShane said the raider smashed her car window and demanded money before fleeing the scene. Additional witnesses, including staff from Cooley and Lordship credit unions, detailed their observations of the incident and the armed men involved. The trial continues before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury.
Alan Cawley, aged 32, of Four Winds, Corrinbla, Ballina, County Mayo, has lost his appeal against murder convictions at the Court of Appeal. Cawley was found guilty in 2017 of murdering Thomas Blaine, aged 69, and John Blaine, aged 76, at New Antrim Street in Castlebar on 10 July 2013. He had admitted killing the brothers with a shovel and a walking stick but denied murder, arguing diminished responsibility due to mental health disorders. A jury unanimously rejected this defence, and Mr Justice Paul Coffey imposed mandatory life sentences. Cawley appealed on grounds that the trial judge misdirected the jury regarding intoxication and diminished responsibility. The three-judge appeal panel, led by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, found no error in the trial judge's instructions and dismissed the appeal. The brothers, who had special needs and were under HSE care, were both assaulted fatally during the attack.
Steven McGivern, 42, of Belfast, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for possessing 9,595 images and 178 videos of child pornography. The material, found in his apartment after a search warrant issued following Canadian police information, showed preteen boys and girls with exposed genitals, engaging in sexual activity with each other and with adult males. McGivern admitted downloading the content for sexual gratification and acknowledged the illegality of his actions. He also provided a credit card used to pay for some of the videos. Judge Sinéad Ní Chúalacháin noted his three prior convictions for indecent assault and attempts to take indecent photos of children, and cited the volume of material, the duration of the offence, and the ages of the children involved as aggravating factors. The judge highlighted that the offence was not a victimless crime, as real children were exploited, and that financial gain was involved. Steven McGivern pleaded guilty.
Alan Cawley (32) of Four Winds, Corrinbla, Ballina, has appealed his conviction for the murder of two elderly brothers with special needs at the Court of Appeal in Dublin. Cawley was unanimously found guilty by jury in 2017 and received a mandatory life sentence for killing Thomas Blaine (69) and John Blaine (76) at New Antrim Street in Castlebar on 10 July 2013. He admitted the killings but denied murder, claiming diminished responsibility on grounds of mental disorder. The appeal focused on the trial judge's directions to the jury regarding intoxication and its interaction with the diminished responsibility defence. The defence argued the jury may have been directed to exclude intoxication before considering mental disorder, whereas both issues could operate simultaneously. The prosecution maintained the trial judge's instructions were legally sound and that evidence of the crime was overwhelming. A three-judge panel reserved judgment.
A man convicted of murdering two elderly brothers in Castlebar has been granted an appeal hearing date of 21 June. Alan Cawley, aged 31, of Ballina, Co Mayo, was sentenced to life imprisonment in July 2017 after a jury unanimously found him guilty of killing Thomas Blaine, aged 69, and John Blaine, aged 76, at New Antrim Street on 10 July 2013. Cawley had admitted the killings but denied murder, arguing diminished responsibility on grounds of mental health conditions. The Central Criminal Court rejected this defence. The Court of Appeal fixed the hearing date during a procedural mention. The coroner for Mayo has indicated the inquest into the deaths cannot proceed until the appeal concludes, a matter which has caused concern to the deceased's family. Legal submissions from both parties have now been filed ahead of the June hearing.
A man convicted of murdering two elderly brothers in Castlebar in July 2013 has had his appeal held up pending legal submissions, which is now delaying an inquest into the deaths. Alan Cawley, aged 31, was found guilty by jury at the Central Criminal Court in 2017 of killing Thomas Blaine, aged 69, and John Blaine, aged 76, at New Antrim Street. He received a mandatory life sentence. Cawley had admitted the killings but denied murder, arguing diminished responsibility due to mental health conditions. The jury rejected this claim. The Court of Appeal has requested that Cawley's legal representatives provide the Coroner for Mayo with an update on the appeal's progress, as the inquest cannot proceed until the appeal concludes. The coroner's delay is causing concern to the deceased's family, according to the court.
A 30-year-old man from Ballina has been convicted of the murder of two elderly brothers at the Central Criminal Court. Alan Cawley was found guilty of killing Thomas Blaine, aged 69, and John Blaine, aged 76, at their home on New Antrim Street in Castlebar on 10 July 2013. Both men had learning difficulties and were receiving HSE care. Cawley had admitted the killings but pleaded not guilty to murder, arguing diminished responsibility due to mental health conditions. A jury rejected this defence after hearing evidence from psychiatric experts. Justice Paul Coffey imposed a mandatory life sentence, describing the attacks as "wanton" and "savage". A victim impact statement was read by a family member, who recalled the brothers as gentle men who had cared for each other and were valued members of their community.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has begun deliberating in a double murder trial concerning a 30-year-old man from Ballina, County Mayo. Alan Cawley has admitted causing the deaths of Thomas Blaine, aged 69, and John Blaine, aged 76, on 10th July 2013 at New Antrim Street in Castlebar. However, he pleaded not guilty to murder, with the defence raising the partial defence of diminished responsibility. Justice Paul Coffey instructed the jury that they must consider whether Mr Cawley was suffering from a mental disorder at the time that substantially diminished his responsibility for the killings. The defence psychiatrist identified three conditions, whilst the prosecution's expert disputed one diagnosis and questioned whether the personality disorders constituted mental disorders under the Criminal Law Insanity Act 2006. The jury, comprising four women and eight men, briefly deliberated before adjourning for the evening and will resume considerations the following morning.
Closing speeches were delivered at the Central Criminal Court in the trial of Alan Cawley, 30, of Ballina, Co Mayo. Cawley has admitted killing Thomas Blaine, 69, and John Blaine, 76, but pleaded not guilty to murdering them on 10th July 2013 at New Antrim Street in Castlebar. The prosecution, led by Denis Vaughan Buckley SC, alleged that Cawley made a decision to kill the two elderly brothers in acts of extreme violence. Counsel argued that Cawley's intoxication led to impulsive behavior, but his personality disorders did not constitute a mental disorder under the Criminal Law Insanity Act 2006, thus negating a diminished responsibility defense. The State requested guilty verdicts for both murders. Conversely, defense counsel Caroline Biggs SC argued that Cawley suffered from a lifelong mental disorder, describing it as a "poisoned gift" that diminished his responsibility. She contended that his history of torment and reliance on sedation supported a finding of diminished responsibility, urging the jury to return a verdict of manslaughter. The jury, comprising four women and eight men, is expected to begin deliberations on Monday after being charged by Mr Justice Paul Coffey. The matter remains at the trial stage, with no final verdict or sentence recorded.
A State forensic psychiatrist has told the Central Criminal Court that a Mayo man was voluntarily intoxicated when he killed two elderly brothers with special needs, causing him to behave in an extremely impulsive and violent manner. Dr Brenda Wright testified that the 30-year-old defendant, from Ballina, did not have a mental disorder in law at the time of the offences on 10th July 2013 in Castlebar. This contradicted evidence from a defence psychiatrist, who had argued the accused suffered from three mental disorders that diminished his responsibility. The defendant has admitted killing the brothers but pleaded not guilty to murder. Under cross-examination, Dr Wright acknowledged the accused had experienced significant anger and behavioural difficulties from early childhood, predating any substance use. She maintained, however, that personality disorders do not constitute mental disorders under the Criminal Law Insanity Act 2006. The trial continues at the Central Criminal Court.
A forensic psychiatrist for the State has told the Central Criminal Court that a Co Mayo man accused of murder did not have mental disorders recognised in law, despite having personality disorders at the time of the alleged killings. The 30-year-old from Ballina has admitted killing two elderly brothers with special needs but pleaded not guilty to their murder on 10th July 2013 in Castlebar. Dr Brenda Wright testified that while she agreed with the defence psychiatrist's diagnosis of emotionally unstable and antisocial personality disorders, these did not qualify as mental disorders under the Criminal Law Insanity Act 2006. She stated that qualifying mental disorders must impair a person's capacity to make decisions or understand relevant information, which personality disorders do not. Dr Wright also disputed the defence evidence that the accused had ADHD at the time, saying she found no supporting behaviour in garda interview recordings. Her evidence continues before Justice Paul Coffey and jury.
A consultant psychiatrist has testified at the Central Criminal Court that a 30-year-old man accused of killing two elderly brothers in Castlebar was suffering from three mental disorders that diminished his responsibility for the offences. Dr Pawan Rajpal told the jury that Alan Cawley, of Four Winds, Corrinbla, Ballina, had been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder, and Antisocial Personality Disorder. Mr Cawley has admitted killing Thomas Blaine, aged 69, and John Blaine, aged 76, on 10th July 2013 at New Antrim Street in Castlebar, but pleaded not guilty to murder. Dr Rajpal stated that all three conditions would have substantially diminished the accused man's ability to control impulses and learn from mistakes. Forensic evidence presented by the prosecution detailed extensive blood staining patterns at the scene, indicating both brothers were attacked whilst in vulnerable positions. The trial before Mr Justice Paul Coffey continues.
A man from Ballina, County Mayo, has admitted killing two disabled brothers but denies murder charges relating to their deaths in Castlebar on 10 July 2013. The 30-year-old defendant is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, charged with murdering Thomas Blaine and Jack Blaine. During proceedings, gardaí testimony revealed the accused's account of the incident, including claims he inflicted injuries because he suspected the brothers were child molesters. The State Pathologist's post-mortem examination documented extensive trauma to both victims, including skull fractures, blunt force injuries, and scalding. The pathologist characterised the assault as displaying "overkill", with violence far exceeding what was necessary to cause death. Evidence suggested the initial attack occurred while one victim lay in bed, with injuries consistent with defensive attempts. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Coffey and jury.
A man is on trial at the Central Criminal Court charged with the murder of two elderly brothers found beaten to death in their Castlebar home in July 2013. The accused, aged 30 and from Ballina, Co Mayo, has admitted killing the brothers but pleaded not guilty to murder. Evidence heard during the trial revealed that hours before the deaths, the defendant claimed to be a medical student and told people in a local public house that he worked in the mortuary and would conduct post-mortems on any bodies discovered that night. He also made allegations against another man present in the establishment, suggesting he posed a threat to his wife. Witnesses testified that the brothers were known as harmless and quiet members of the Castlebar community. One barman recalled regularly delivering tea to the brothers and witnessing the defendant in their company on the night in question. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Coffey and a jury.
A carer became emotional while testifying at the Central Criminal Court as she described discovering the bloodied bodies of two elderly brothers at their Castlebar home in July 2013. Helen Maloney, who had provided care to Thomas and John Blaine for approximately nine years, told the court she found Thomas in his bedroom saturated with blood and later located John outside the rear of the property, also covered in blood. A garda witness noted that pieces of skin appeared to have been removed from John Blaine's stomach. Alan Cawley, aged 30 and of Four Winds, Corrinbla, Ballina, stands trial at the Central Criminal Court charged with their murder. He has admitted killing both men but pleads not guilty to the murder charge relating to the deaths on 10th July 2013. CCTV evidence placed him entering the brothers' home at midnight, departing approximately one hour later. The court heard Cawley had been released from prison days before the incident. The trial continues.
A 30-year-old man from Ballina has gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court charged with the murder of two elderly brothers who died in a violent assault at their Castlebar home in July 2013. Alan Cawley has pleaded not guilty to murdering Thomas Blaine and John Blaine at New Antrim Street, Castlebar. The State's case, opened by Denis Vaughan Buckley SC, centres on whether the deaths constitute murder or manslaughter. The brothers were discovered by their home help, with one found in his bedroom and the other in a rear courtyard. The State Pathologist found both men sustained severe blunt force trauma, with Thomas Blaine suffering extensive head, chest and facial injuries, and Jack Blaine, who had speech and hearing impairments, also receiving a scalding injury. Defence counsel subsequently admitted on the accused's behalf that he caused both deaths. The trial before Mr Justice Paul Coffey continues next week.
A 30-year-old man from Ballina in County Mayo appeared before the Central Criminal Court to face trial on charges of murdering two elderly brothers. Alan Cawley of Four Winds, Corrinbla pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder in relation to deaths that occurred four years prior. The charges were brought on 10th July 2013 following an incident at New Antrim Street in Castlebar. Justice Isobel Kennedy empanelled a jury of four women and eight men to hear the case. The trial, scheduled to run for between ten and twelve working days, commenced before Mr Justice Paul Coffey.
A man from County Antrim has been imprisoned following a successful appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions against an unduly lenient sentence. Edmund Stewart, aged 33, of Ardgate Place, Newtownabbey, had pleaded guilty at Cavan Circuit Criminal Court to sexually assaulting a woman at the Farnham Arms Hotel in County Cavan on 24 June 2012. The woman was unconscious at the time of the assault. Stewart was originally given a wholly suspended three-year sentence by Judge John O'Hagan in March 2016. The Court of Appeal found this sentence insufficiently severe, with Mr Justice John Edwards stating that a custodial term should have been imposed. Stewart was re-sentenced to three years imprisonment with all but nine months suspended. He is now serving the nine-month custodial element of that sentence.
Paul Casey, a 46‑year‑old former bricklayer from Ballymun, was sentenced by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to a two‑year suspended sentence and a €3,000 fine for handling €53,453 worth of stolen electrical equipment. The property had been hijacked from a truck delivering goods from the UK to Dixons PC World in June 2014 and was later moved from a freight container into a van. Casey pleaded guilty on 18 July 2014 at Finnstown House Hotel, Lucan. He was arrested while attempting to escape by the side of the container. The court noted that all stolen goods were returned to Dixons, that Casey had nine prior convictions, and that he was on disability benefit and a father of two. The suspended sentence was imposed, with the fine payable. The case also involved co‑accused Daniel McMahon, who was fined €5,000, and Michael Barr, who was sent to the Special Criminal Court for related charges.
Paul Casey, 46, of Ballymun, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to handling €53,453 worth of stolen property at the Finnstown House Hotel in Lucan, Co Dublin, on July 18, 2014. The prosecution alleged that Casey was arrested while moving the stolen electrical equipment, which had been hijacked from a truck in June 2014, from a freight container into a van. His co-accused, Daniel McMahon of Belfast, was previously fined €5,000, as community service was deemed difficult due to his residency outside the jurisdiction. The third co-accused, Michael Barr, who was shot dead in April, had pleaded guilty to handling stolen property; the State entered a nolle prosequi on the associated IRA membership charge, dropping it. Barr was due to be sentenced at the end of April before his death. In mitigation, defense counsel noted Casey's alcohol abstinence for 18 months and his intention to offer a financial gesture of remorse from his disability benefit. Judge Elma Sheahan adjourned the case until Friday next for sentencing. The matter was adjourned and is not concluded.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, William Burns, 40, of Ardoyne, Belfast, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a keg bomb. The case involved a 50‑litre beer keg, 50 kg of homemade ammonium nitrate, PETN and RDX explosives, an improvised detonation cord, a steel booster tube, and a time‑and‑power unit. The alleged offence took place at Kilcurry Church, County Louth, on 25 May 2014. Prosecutor Paul Greene SC described how two men drove a white transit van to a carpark off the N1, then Burns drove a red Volkswagen Passat into the same carpark. The vehicles moved to Kilcurry Church, parked back‑to‑back, and the improvised explosive device was transferred from the van to the boot of Burns' car. Gardaí found a 50‑litre Guinness barrel, plastic tubing with white powder suspected to be explosive, and an electric timer set for a thirty‑minute delay. William Burns pleaded not guilty.
In the Special Criminal Court, William Burns, 40, of Ardoyne, Belfast, pleaded not guilty to unlawful possession of PETN and RDX, a 50‑litre Guinness keg bomb, 50 kg of homemade ammonium nitrate, an improvised detonation cord, a steel booster tube and a time‑and‑power unit. Prosecutor Paul Greene opened the trial by describing the 2014 incident at Kilcurry Church, Co. Louth, where two men drove a white transit van and a red Volkswagen Passat into a carpark off the N1. The van's IED was allegedly moved into Burns' boot. Gardaí later found the keg, plastic tubing with white powder, and an electric timer set for a thirty‑minute delay. The court will hear video evidence of the events and the subsequent search of Burns' vehicle. The trial continues.
Belfast man Kevin Hannaway, aged 67, was granted bail by the Special Criminal Court pending trial for allegedly assisting the Irish Republican Army (IRA). He and four co‑accused were arrested on 8 August 2015 in an operation targeting dissident republican activity in the Dublin region. Hannaway was charged on 10 August 2015 with knowingly rendering assistance to the IRA on 7 and 8 August. His co‑accused, Edward O'Brien (41), Eva Shannon (59), David Nooney (52) and Seán Hannaway (47), faced similar charges. The court imposed conditions including €100 bonds, residence requirements, daily curfews, provision of mobile phones to Gardaí, and restrictions on contact with witnesses and other charged persons. Additional sureties of €15,000 and €10,500 were posted for O'Brien and Nooney. The bail remains in force until 3 November 2015, when the book of evidence is expected to be served.
In a Dublin bar, Karl Harffy, 34, struck Ronan Flood, 24, with a glass after a confrontation. Harffy first punched Flood and then hit him again with a glass. Flood sustained minor cuts and was treated at the Eye and Ear Hospital, where no glass entered his eye. Harffy was identified by a barman and later claimed self‑defence, saying Flood and his friends provoked him. He pleaded guilty to assault causing harm for an incident on 1 December 2013. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced him to a two‑year term suspended in full and ordered a €3,000 payment to Flood, to be paid over 18 months. Harffy, a first‑time offender, was described as a hard‑working man who had married since the incident. The judge noted that drunkenness does not excuse the offence.