A trial at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin has heard evidence concerning banking transactions linked to a man named Thomas Murphy with an address in County Louth. The accused, aged 66 and from Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, has pleaded not guilty to nine charges of failing to furnish tax returns to revenue authorities for the years 1996 to 2004. The prosecution alleges he conducted substantial cattle and land dealings whilst receiving farming grants but made no income declarations. Evidence was presented regarding cheques drawn from an account at Permanent TSB in Dundalk, with payments made to livestock marts in Elphin, Ballyjamesduff and Kingscourt. The defence contends the accused did not control the account and that his brother Patrick Murphy was responsible for its operation. The case, brought following a Criminal Assets Bureau investigation, continues.
The trial of Thomas Murphy at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin has heard evidence regarding substantial cattle transactions spanning several years. A former project manager at Kepak Meat Processors testified that between August 1999 and August 2001, cattle valued at over €30,000 were supplied to the company by a man named Thomas Murphy. Additional evidence was presented concerning cattle purchases made in May 2004, including transactions at livestock marts in County Galway and Kingscourt, County Cavan. Mr Murphy, aged 66 and resident in County Louth, has pleaded not guilty to nine charges of failing to furnish income returns to revenue authorities for the years 1996/97 to 2004. The prosecution alleges that despite significant dealings in cattle and land and receipt of farming grants, the accused made no tax returns. The investigation was conducted by the Criminal Assets Bureau. The trial before the three-judge court continues.
The trial of Thomas Murphy at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin heard evidence regarding substantial cattle trading activity spanning several years. Prosecution witnesses, employed at livestock marts in counties Meath, Cavan, and Roscommon, provided documentation to gardaí detailing transactions in the name of a man named Thomas Murphy with an address at Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, County Louth. Evidence indicated cattle purchases totalling approximately €370,000 between 1999 and 2005, transacted through Carnaross Mart, Ballyjamesduff Cattle Mart, and Elphin Co-op Livestock Mart. The prosecution alleges that despite conducting significant dealings in cattle and land, and receiving farming grants, Mr Murphy failed to make returns to revenue. Mr Murphy, aged 66, has pleaded not guilty to nine charges relating to failure to furnish income returns for the years 1996/97 to 2004. The trial, conducted by the Criminal Assets Bureau, continues before a three-judge bench.
John Murphy, 31, of New Ross, Wexford, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for theft committed at an address in Foxrock, Dublin, on October 28, 2014. Murphy pleaded guilty to the charge. The court heard that Murphy, posing as a journalist, extorted €1,000 from 82-year-old Patrick Brendan Tiernan by threatening to publish his image alongside sex offender Larry Murphy. Tiernan, who previously pleaded guilty to 14 charges of indecent assault and gross indecency involving nine victims, was targeted for his prior convictions. Judge Desmond Hogan described the act as a "particularly mean offence" and sentenced Murphy to three years in prison, suspended in full for four years. Murphy was ordered to pay €5,500 to the victim, keep the peace and be of good behaviour for four years, and comply with probation services for two years. The judge noted that Murphy acted as the frontman for a sophisticated operation involving surveillance. The matter was finalised with this suspended sentence and associated conditions.
A childminder from Cavan is to stand trial for a second time at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court next May on a charge of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to a ten-month-old baby in March 2012. Sandra Higgins, aged 34, of The Beeches, Drumgola Wood, Cavan town, denies the allegation. A previous jury trial concluded last month without reaching a verdict. The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed that a new trial proceed. The court heard that scheduling expert medical witnesses presented difficulties, and May was agreed as a suitable timeframe by all parties. Judge Martin Nolan fixed the trial date for 25 May 2016, with liberty reserved to re-mention the matter should witness issues arise. Ms Higgins, who remains on bail, attended the hearing.
A jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has failed to reach a verdict in the trial of a registered childminder charged with causing serious harm to a ten-month-old infant. Sandra Higgins, aged 34, of Cavan town, had pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to the child on 28 March 2012. The trial heard that the baby presented at Cavan General Hospital with a brain bleed, detached retina and fractured ribs after being in Ms Higgins's care. Prosecution medical experts testified the injuries were consistent with violent shaking and non-accidental trauma. Defence experts suggested the evidence indicated head trauma and possible reactivation of an earlier injury. After deliberating for just under six hours on day eight of proceedings, the jury of twelve informed Judge Patricia Ryan they could reach neither unanimous nor majority verdict. Ms Higgins was remanded on continuing bail. The case has been listed for mention on 2 July before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
A jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has been instructed that it may return a majority verdict in the trial of a registered childminder charged with causing serious harm to a ten-month-old child. Sandra Higgins of Cavan town has pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to the baby on 28 March 2012. The twelve-member jury, which had deliberated for almost five hours, was initially directed to reach unanimity but was advised by Judge Patricia Ryan that a verdict supported by at least ten jurors would be acceptable. The jury requested clarification on the legal definition of recklessness and sought to rehear evidence from expert witnesses, including a consultant paediatrician and a neuropathologist. The prosecution contends the child's injuries, including a brain bleed, detached retina and fractured ribs, resulted from violent shaking whilst in the accused's care. The defence maintains the evidence suggests head trauma or reactivation of an existing injury. The accused has denied the allegations.
A jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court adjourned its deliberations in the trial of a Cavan childminder accused of assaulting a ten-month-old baby. Sandra Higgins, aged 34, of The Beeches, Drumgola Wood, Cavan town, has pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to the child on 28 March 2012. The jury of eight men and four women suspended their deliberations after four hours and will resume tomorrow. The trial heard evidence that the child presented at Cavan General Hospital around 5pm on the date in question with a brain bleed, detached retina and fractured ribs, subsequently suffering seizures. The prosecution contends the injuries resulted from violent shaking while the child was in Ms Higgins's care. Medical experts called by the prosecution stated the injuries were non-accidental and likely sustained in her custody. Defence experts suggested the evidence indicated head trauma potentially from reactivation of an earlier injury. Ms Higgins denied the allegations to gardai.
A jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court will begin deliberating tomorrow in the trial of a childminder charged with assaulting a ten-month-old baby. Sandra Higgins, aged 34, of Cavan town, Co Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to the infant on 28 March 2012. The prosecution alleges Ms Higgins caused injuries consistent with violent shaking, including a brain bleed, detached retina and fractured ribs, while the child was in her care. Medical experts who treated the child stated the injuries were non-accidental and likely occurred during Ms Higgins' supervision. The defence presented expert witnesses suggesting the injuries could result from earlier trauma. Judge Patricia Ryan instructed the jury to base their verdict solely on evidence and common sense, disregarding sympathy for any party. Closing arguments focused on medical evidence, the timing of injuries, and competing expert interpretations regarding the cause of the child's condition.
Closing speeches have been heard in the trial of a childminder charged with assaulting a baby at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Sandra Higgins, aged 34, of Cavan town, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to a ten-month-old child on 28 March 2012. The prosecution alleges the child presented with seizures, brain injuries and fractured ribs after being brought to Cavan General Hospital, having been normal earlier that day. The defence contends the prosecution cannot conclusively establish when the injuries occurred. Prosecuting counsel argued the evidence demonstrates non-accidental injury inflicted through violence. Defence counsel submitted that expert evidence confirmed injuries cannot be timed conclusively, and questioned why his client should account for older injuries when she was not the sole caregiver in preceding weeks. The jury of eight men and four women is expected to begin deliberations tomorrow. Judge Patricia Ryan presides.
A defence witness at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has testified that shaken baby syndrome lacks scientific validation. The neuropathologist told the trial that she formerly supported the diagnosis but changed her view after research overturned key elements underpinning it. Sandra Higgins, a registered childminder from Drumgola Wood, Cavan town, has pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to a ten-month-old child in her care on 28 March 2012. The defence witness told the court there was evidence of pre-existing subdural haemorrhage in the child and of older injuries. She also noted that babies can experience a lucid interval following head injury. The witness cautioned against assuming the timing of injury based solely on when a child collapsed. Closing speeches were to follow, with proceedings before Judge Patricia Ryan and a jury continuing.
The Director of Public Prosecutions has decided not to proceed with a prosecution against a woman from Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan who had been charged in connection with her father's death in 1988. Sharon Cullen, 39, had faced a charge of unlawfully and maliciously causing grievous harm with intent to murder at an address in Crumlin, Dublin on 13 May 1988. The decision followed a Supreme Court ruling in October 2014 which dismissed the DPP's appeal against a High Court order that had halted the prosecution on grounds of delay. A nolle prosequi, formally discontinuing the case, was entered at the Central Criminal Court today.
A garda handwriting expert has given evidence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in the trial of a childminder accused of assaulting a baby. Sandra Higgins, aged 34, of The Beeches, Drumgola Wood, Cavan town, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to a ten-month-old child in her care on 28 March 2012. Detective Garda John Leonard examined a notebook used as a diary and handover book between Ms Higgins and the child's mother. He identified that a time entry of 12.50pm on the date in question had been altered, denoting the end of the child's morning sleep. However, Mr Leonard acknowledged under cross-examination that he could not determine when the original entry had been amended. The trial before Judge Patricia Ryan and a jury continues.
A consultant paediatrician has given evidence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in the trial of a childminder charged with assaulting a baby. Sandra Higgins, aged 34, of The Beeches, Drumgola Wood, Cavan town, has pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to a ten-month-old child in her care on 28 March 2012. Dr Christopher James Hobbs told the court that bruising to the infant's back and ear represented a "classic textbook picture" consistent with violent shaking. He noted that bruising in such locations is unusual in accidental injury but common in non-accidental cases. A defence witness, Dr Julie Mack, a paediatric radiologist, countered that bleeding identified on brain scans resulted from rupture of a smaller blood vessel rather than the larger vessels typically associated with shaken baby syndrome. The trial before Judge Patricia Ryan continues with a jury of twelve.
A US paediatric radiologist gave evidence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in the trial of a childminder accused of assaulting a baby. Sandra Higgins, aged 34, of The Beeches, Drumgola Wood, Cavan town, County Cavan has pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to a ten-month-old child in her care on 28 March 2012. Dr Julie Mack, testifying by video-link for the defence, stated that bleeding identified on the child's brain scans was too limited to indicate the rupture of larger blood vessels typically associated with abusive head trauma. She suggested the bleeding on the brain membranes could have resulted from bruising caused by impact. Under cross-examination, Dr Mack acknowledged disagreeing with standard medical consensus on the mechanisms of injury in shaking cases and admitted unfamiliarity with certain clinical findings and medical reports concerning the child's injuries. The trial before Judge Patricia Ryan and jury continues.
Carmel O'Reilly, a 28-year-old from Belturbet, County Cavan, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possessing almost two kilograms of herbal cannabis for sale or supply on the Naas Road on December 13, 2013. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced her to a five-year suspended sentence, noting she played "a very small part, at the lowest level" in the operation. The judge described O'Reilly as vulnerable and stated she had "perfect mitigation," citing her guilty plea, cooperation with gardaí, lack of prior record, and strong references. He took the "unusual step" of avoiding imprisonment, viewing the incident as a one-off offence. O'Reilly was the front-seat passenger in a vehicle driven by co-accused Dominick Brady, her former partner and the father of her daughter. Brady, who allegedly held the senior role, disappeared three days before his scheduled court appearance in December, and his whereabouts remain unknown. Prosecution evidence indicated Brady brought O'Reilly along for convenience and cover. Defense counsel highlighted O'Reilly's vulnerability, depression, and history of manipulation by Brady. The court accepted that O'Reilly was led by Brady and acted under his influence, resulting in the suspended disposal rather than immediate custody.
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, a consultant paediatrician has testified that brain injuries sustained by a ten-month-old infant could not reasonably have been inflicted before the child was left with a childminder on 28 March 2012. Sandra Higgins, aged 34, of Cavan town, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to the child. Dr Alan Finan stated the infant presented with active seizures, brain injuries and fractured ribs when brought to hospital at approximately 5pm, having been normal that morning. He told the court it would be unreasonable to suggest such injuries occurred seven hours earlier. Under cross-examination, the consultant acknowledged changing the certainty of his conclusions between reports dated 4 April and 11 April, attributing this to further consideration rather than new evidence. The trial before Judge Patricia Ryan continues, with additional evidence heard from a consultant ophthalmologist regarding extensive retinal haemorrhaging observed in the infant.
A childminder has pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to a ten-month-old baby at her home in Cavan town on 28 March 2012. Sandra Higgins, aged 34, of The Beeches, Drumgola Wood, Cavan told gardai during interview in April 2012 that the infant was not assaulted in her care and that she treated the child as one of her own. She described witnessing a seizure that day after the baby awoke from an afternoon sleep. Medical evidence presented to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court included consultant paediatrician Dr Alan Finan's testimony regarding extensive bruising across the child's body and haemorrhaging at the back of both eyes. The registered childminder acknowledged failing to keep some records properly but denied deliberately creating documentation to cover up any incident. The trial before Judge Patricia Ryan is scheduled for six days with a jury of eight men and four women.
A childminder charged with causing serious harm to a baby in her care appeared before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on Tuesday. Sandra Higgins, aged 34, from Drumgola Wood in Cavan town, has pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to the infant at her home on 28 March 2012. The child's uncle gave evidence that the baby was "bright and bubbly" on the morning of the alleged assault but became seriously ill later that day and was hospitalised. He described a pattern of injuries sustained while in the defendant's care in the weeks preceding the incident. A social worker told the court she received notification of concerns that the baby's injuries might be non-accidental and met with the parents, who co-operated fully and requested gardaí involvement. The trial is expected to run for six days before Judge Patricia Ryan and a jury. A court order protects the child's identity.
Sandra Higgins, a registered child-minder from Cavan town, is currently on trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where she has pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to a ten-month-old infant at her home on March 28, 2012. The prosecution alleges the child suffered active seizures, extensive bruising, and retinal haemorrhaging consistent with violent shaking. During the first day of the six-day trial before Judge Patricia Ryan, the infant's mother testified that the child appeared healthy when dropped off that morning but was found unconscious with a swelling between the eyebrows when collected. The mother also raised concerns regarding the child-minding diary, alleging that entries describing bumps and bruises were added or changed after the incident. The defence is expected to call an expert witness to argue that the injuries were accidental and that there is no evidence supporting a diagnosis of violent shaking. A court order prohibits the publication of any details that would identify the child. The trial is ongoing, with the jury tasked with evaluating the conflicting medical and testimonial evidence presented by both sides.
John Wilson, 56, of Oliver Bond Street, Dublin, was sentenced to eight years in prison at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for his involvement in a €528,000 cannabis operation. Judge Martin Nolan imposed the sentence, backdated to February of this year, stating Wilson deserved the same term as his co-accused. Wilson pleaded guilty to possessing 88kg of cannabis at Forrest Little Road, Swords, on August 8, 2008. He had previously taken a bench warrant in 2011 and was rearrested in England earlier this year after serving a five-year UK sentence for conspiring to supply cannabis. His co-accused, Joseph Douglas, 38, and James Griffin, 48, were both jailed for eight years for the same offence in 2011. Robert Wilson, 51, received a ten-year sentence in 2011, with the final two years suspended. Detective Sergeant Emmet Casserly testified that surveillance linked Wilson's phone and pickup truck to the loading of 370 slabs of cannabis into a van driven by Griffin. Defence counsel Sean Gillane SC argued for leniency, noting Wilson had "buried his head in the sand" by fleeing. The court accepted that a person above Wilson guided the operation. This sentencing concludes the proceedings for Wilson, while the matters for Douglas, Griffin, and Robert Wilson were finalised in 2011.
Cavan County Council and Oxigen Environmental Limited have appealed fines totalling over one million euro imposed in 2012 for landfill odour nuisance offences. Both defendants pleaded guilty at Cavan Circuit Criminal Court to breaches of the Waste Management Act occurring between February 2007 and February 2009. Judge John O'Hagan fined the council €260,000 and Oxigen €780,000. At the Court of Appeal hearing, counsel for the local authority argued the fine was disproportionate to comparable environmental sentences and contended culpability was low, with the council making reasonable efforts to manage the problem. Oxigen's counsel submitted the fine calculation bore no relation to his client's circumstances. The Director of Public Prosecutions' representative noted neither defendant had provided financial statements to the sentencing judge. The court, comprising Justices Peart, Edwards and Mahon, reserved judgement on both appeals.
John Murphy, 31, of New Ross, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to theft at an address in Foxrock, Dublin, on October 28, 2014. The court heard that Murphy, posing as a journalist named "Andrew," allegedly extorted €1,000 from 82-year-old Patrick Brendan Tiernan by threatening to publish his photograph alongside sex offender Larry Murphy. Tiernan, who previously pleaded guilty to 14 charges of indecent assault and gross indecency involving nine victims, was targeted in what the judge described as a sophisticated operation involving surveillance. Judge Desmond Hogan characterized the conduct as a "particularly mean offence" and noted that Murphy acted as the frontman for the scheme. Although the judge did not rule out a prison term, he agreed to adjourn the matter to July 17. This delay allows the Probation Service to assess Murphy's suitability for the Restorative Justice Programme. The judge remarked that while Murphy was able to demand money, he should now demonstrate the ability to apologize. Defense counsel requested that no immediate jail term be imposed so Murphy could be present for the birth of his first child, noting that €3,000 was available in court as compensation. The matter was adjourned, not concluded.
Oliver Kierans, aged 57, from Drumbannon in Bailieborough, County Cavan, has been sentenced to twelve years imprisonment following proceedings at the Central Criminal Court. A jury returned a majority verdict finding him guilty of manslaughter, but not guilty of murder, in the death of his wife Patricia Kierans on 5 September 2013 at their family home. He was also convicted of unlawful possession of a sawn-off shotgun and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly imposed concurrent sentences of nine years for manslaughter, eight years for unlawful possession, and twelve years for possession with intent to endanger life. The court heard that the couple had been married thirty-three years when marital difficulties arose in 2013. The judge noted that Mr Kierans, who has no previous convictions, subsequently attended a public house in Bailieborough where a protracted incident involving gardaí ensued, which was resolved peacefully. Oliver Kierans was acquitted.
At the Central Criminal Court on April 13th, Kevin Moran was sentenced to twelve years imprisonment, with the final two years suspended, for the manslaughter of archaeologist Emmett Connolly. The thirty-year-old from Lodgeview, Cootehill, County Cavan, pleaded guilty to manslaughter following a jury finding in February that he was not guilty of murder. Mr Connolly, aged thirty-two from Rockcorry, County Monaghan, died from seventeen stab wounds sustained on September 28th, 2013. Mr Justice Paul Carney imposed the sentence on condition that Moran maintain a bond of one thousand euro and remain away from the deceased's family. The court heard evidence regarding the gravity of the attack and its impact on those bereaved. The Connolly family released a statement expressing relief that proceedings had concluded whilst acknowledging their ongoing grief. Moran was remanded in custody from December 7th, 2013.
Oliver Kierans, 57, of Drumbannon, Bailieborough, Cavan, was found guilty of the manslaughter of his wife, Patricia Kierans, 54, and the possession of a 12-gauge double barrel shotgun with intent to endanger life. Kierans had pleaded not guilty to the charge of murdering Patricia on September 5th, 2013, at their shared address. A jury reached a majority verdict after more than fifteen hours of deliberations, acquitting him of murder but convicting him of manslaughter and the firearm offences. The court heard that the couple had been married for 33 years and had four children. Prosecution evidence indicated that Patricia had left the family home in spring 2013, ending the relationship, before returning to the house in her car on the day of the incident. Kierans claimed he intended to commit suicide and the modified shotgun discharged accidentally, killing Patricia. He subsequently pointed the weapon at a Garda in Bailieborough before his arrest. Victim impact statements from the four children and Patricia's siblings described the profound loss to the family. Justice Aileen Donnelly adjourned the matter, ordering that sentencing take place on April 20th.
Kevin Moran (30) of Cootehill, County Cavan, was convicted of manslaughter at the Central Criminal Court following a six-day trial concluding in February 2015. He had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of Emmett Connolly (32) from Rockcorry, County Monaghan, on 29 September 2013. The court heard that Mr Connolly was stabbed seventeen times following an argument at Lodgeview, Cootehill. A jury found Moran guilty of the lesser charge. Evidence indicated Mr Connolly, an archaeologist who had recently returned from Australia, sustained multiple wounds primarily to his shoulder and upper back region. Sentencing was adjourned to 13 April. During proceedings, the victim's father delivered an impact statement describing the family's transition from ordinary life to what he characterised as a "journey to hell" following the fatal incident.
A 57-year-old man from Bailieborough in Cavan has been found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter following a trial at the Central Criminal Court. Oliver Kierans was charged with the death of his wife, Patricia Kierans, at their family home on September 5th, 2013. The jury returned majority verdicts finding him guilty of manslaughter by ten to two, and guilty of unlawful possession of a shotgun and possession with intent to endanger life. Evidence presented during the two-and-a-half week trial indicated that Patricia Kierans had separated from the accused and begun a new relationship. The court heard that on the date in question, Patricia Kierans sustained a fatal shotgun wound to the chest at close range. State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy confirmed the cause of death was a shotgun injury. Kierans was remanded in custody for sentencing on March 26th. Oliver Kierans was found guilty.
Oliver Kierans, aged 57, from Drumbannon in Bailieborough, County Cavan, stands trial at the Central Criminal Court on a charge of murdering his wife Patricia Kierans on 5 September 2013 at their home address. He has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and to possession of a shotgun with intent to endanger life. The jury found him guilty yesterday of unlawful possession of a 12-gauge double-barrel shotgun. Justice Aileen Donnelly directed the jury of five women and seven men to consider majority verdicts on the remaining charges of murder and possession of the firearm with intent to endanger life. Deliberations were adjourned this evening and will resume tomorrow.
Oliver Kierans, a 57-year-old man from Drumbannon, Bailieborough, Cavan, is currently on trial at the Central Criminal Court. He has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his wife, Patricia Kierans, aged 54, which allegedly occurred on September 5th, 2013, at their shared address. Kierans also pleaded not guilty to the unlawful possession of a 12-gauge double barrel shotgun and not guilty to possessing the same firearm with intent to endanger life. After deliberating for more than five hours, a jury of five women and seven men returned a unanimous verdict finding Kierans guilty of the charge of unlawful possession of the shotgun. The jury has not yet reached a verdict on the remaining charges, including the murder allegation. Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly thanked the jury for their service and instructed them to return the following day to continue their deliberations on the outstanding counts. The matter remains ongoing, with the trial proceeding to a further stage of jury consideration.
A jury has begun deliberations in the Central Criminal Court in the trial of Oliver Kierans, aged 57, from Drumbannon, Bailieborough, County Cavan. He has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Patricia Kierans, aged 54, at their home address on 5 September 2013. He also denies unlawful possession of a 12-gauge double-barrel shotgun and possession of the same firearm with intent to endanger life. The trial proceeded today despite the accused's absence due to illness, following his instructions that proceedings continue. Justice Aileen Donnelly outlined to the jury of five women and seven men that they must return unanimous verdicts on all charges, with three possible outcomes for the murder allegation. After deliberating for more than thirty minutes, the jury adjourned to resume consideration of the case tomorrow.
A man from Bailieborough in Cavan has pleaded not guilty to murdering his wife at their home in September 2013. Oliver Kierans, aged 57, faces charges of unlawful possession of a shotgun and possession of the same weapon with intent to endanger life. During the Central Criminal Court trial, the couple's son gave evidence, recounting a telephone conversation with his father days before the death of Patricia Kierans, aged 54. In closing speeches, the prosecution argued that the accused's actions following the shooting were inconsistent with accidental discharge, while the defence contended that an accidental discharge could relieve the accused of criminal liability. Justice Aileen Donnelly will charge the jury on Monday.
A man accused of murdering his wife in County Cavan in 2013 has told the Central Criminal Court that her death was accidental. Oliver Kierans, aged 57, from Drumbannon, Bailieboro, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Patricia Kierans on 5 September 2013, as well as charges relating to unlawful possession of a shotgun and intent to endanger life with it. Giving evidence, the accused stated he had shortened the shotgun barrels intending to take his own life after his remaining child emigrated to Australia. He told the jury that on the day in question, his wife discovered the gun and was shot when she attempted to stop him from using it. The prosecution contended the accused had deliberately created the circumstances of the incident and was an angry man at the time. The trial before Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly continues.
A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court heard on Wednesday that a Cavan mother of four died from a shotgun injury to the chest. Patricia Kierans, aged fifty-four, was found dead at her home in Bailieborough on September 6th, 2013. Oliver Kierans, fifty-seven, of Drumbannon in the same locality, has pleaded not guilty to her murder on September 5th, 2013, and to related firearms charges. State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy told the court she observed a single gunshot wound to Ms Kierans's upper right chest, with injuries of such severity that death would have been almost immediate. The wound was consistent with discharge from approximately 1.2 metres distance. Detective Garda evidence included text messages exchanged between the accused's phone and the deceased's phone in the days preceding her death. The trial before Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly continued.
At the Central Criminal Court, a jury has been presented with CCTV footage in the trial of Oliver Kierans, aged 57, from Drumbannon, Bailieborough, County Cavan. Mr Kierans has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Patricia Kierans on 5 September 2013 at their home address, and to related firearms charges. Garda Paul Fee gave evidence of surveillance footage showing the movements of both parties in Bailieborough on the date in question, including footage from a public house. Detective Garda Jerome Crawford outlined admissions made by the accused during garda interviews regarding a shotgun and events at a bar. The accused reportedly told gardai the firearm discharged accidentally and that he was in distress following the death of his wife. The trial before Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly and a twelve-member jury continues.
The Central Criminal Court in Dublin has heard evidence in the trial of Oliver Kierans, aged 57, of Drumbannon in Bailieborough, County Cavan, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Patricia Kierans on 5 September 2013 at their family home. He also denies unlawful possession of a 12-gauge double-barrel shotgun and possession of the firearm with intent to endanger life. Detective Garda Jerome Crawford told the court that during interview on 9 September, the accused stated he had turned the gun on himself for "peace of mind" hours after the fatal shooting. The garda confirmed the accused said the weapon had slipped and fallen while at a public house in Bailieborough that afternoon. When pressed on his state of mind, the accused replied he was hurting and knew his wife was dead. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly and a jury, continues.
The trial of Oliver Kierans (57), of Drumbannon Bailieborough in Cavan, continues before Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly and a jury. Kierans has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of his wife, Patricia Kierans (54), on September 5, 2013, at their home. He also pleaded not guilty to the unlawful possession of a 12-gauge double barrel shotgun and not guilty to possessing the same firearm with intent to endanger life. The jury heard evidence from Detective Garda Jim Mathews regarding Kierans' statements in garda interviews. Kierans allegedly stated he took his wife upstairs to show her he intended to end his own life, claiming the gun discharged accidentally, resulting in "blood everywhere." He further alleged he prayed and attempted to close his wife's eyes. Kierans admitted to having consumed alcohol and stated he kept the shotgun under the bed for protection against intrudants. Garda Cathal Buggy testified that Kierans appeared distressed in Cavan General Hospital, asking why he had not taken his own life. Kierans allegedly told Garda Buggy the incident followed an argument over a non-existent affair. The court heard Kierans had hoped to "finish things" at a pub prior to the incident. The trial is ongoing and was not adjourned or finalised at the time of this report.
A Dublin man has been convicted of manslaughter but acquitted of murder following a five-day trial at the Central Criminal Court. Kevin Moran, aged 30, was charged with the murder of archaeologist Emmett Connolly, 32, at Lodgeview in Cootehill, Co Cavan on 29 September 2013. The jury returned a majority verdict of 10 to 2, finding Moran guilty of manslaughter and not guilty of murder after five hours and eleven minutes of deliberation. Evidence presented during the trial outlined that the deceased sustained 17 stab wounds following an alcohol-fuelled altercation. The court heard testimony regarding Moran's statements to gardaí, in which he described both panic and rage as motivations. Moran was remanded in custody pending sentencing on 9 March. Mr Justice Paul Carney directed the jury to consider provocation as a potential partial defence to the charge.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has been discharged for the weekend in the trial of a man accused of murdering archaeologist Emmett Connolly. Kevin Moran, aged 30, from Cootehill, County Cavan, is charged with the murder of Mr Connolly at Lodgeview, Cootehill on 29 September 2013. Mr Moran has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea not accepted by the Director of Public Prosecutions. Over five days of evidence, the jury of seven men and five women heard that the deceased was stabbed 17 times following a drink-fuelled argument on 28 September 2013. The court was told Mr Moran gave conflicting accounts to gardaí, initially stating he panicked during a fight before later claiming he acted in a rage. The jury began deliberations this morning and sat for four hours and 43 minutes before Mr Justice Paul Carney adjourned proceedings. Deliberations will resume Monday at 11am.
The trial of a Cavan man charged with murder resumed at the Central Criminal Court on Friday with legal arguments. Oliver Kierans, aged 57, of Drumbannon in Bailieborough, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Patricia Kierans on 5 September 2013 at their home address. He has also entered not guilty pleas to unlawful possession of a 12-gauge double-barrel shotgun and to possession of the same firearm with intent to endanger life. Following procedural matters heard during the sitting, the trial is scheduled to resume on Monday when evidence will be heard.
A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court heard that archaeologist Emmett Connolly sustained 17 stab wounds during an incident at a house in Cootehill, County Cavan on September 28, 2013. Kevin Moran, aged 30, of Lodgeview, Cootehill, is charged with Mr Connolly's murder. He pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea the Director of Public Prosecutions did not accept. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis gave evidence describing the fatal injuries, predominantly to the deceased's left shoulder, arm and upper back. Several wounds penetrated deeply, with one reaching 12 centimetres and damaging the left lung. Dr Curtis stated the cause of death was multiple stab wounds. The court heard Mr Connolly, aged 32, an archaeologist who had recently returned from Australia, had high levels of alcohol in his system. The prosecution argued the evidence pointed to murder, while the defence submitted circumstances surrounding Mr Moran's personal loss were relevant to the case. The trial was continuing.
A man charged with murdering an archaeologist has been presented to the Central Criminal Court with evidence of his changing accounts to gardai following the death. Kevin Moran, aged 30, of Lodgeview in Cootehill, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The charge relates to the death of Emmett Connolly on 29 September 2013 at the same address. During the trial before Justice Paul Carney, the jury heard that Moran initially told gardai from Bailieborough station he had stabbed Mr Connolly in panic during a fight, but subsequently claimed he had acted in a rage. Prosecution counsel presented evidence of a seven-inch kitchen knife recovered at the scene and pathology findings indicating eighteen stab wounds primarily to the victim's back and left arm. Forensic evidence suggested the injuries were inflicted whilst the deceased was in a seated position on the floor. The trial continues.
At the Central Criminal Court, a jury heard that gardaí discovered the body of Patricia Kierans at her family home in Drumbannon, Bailieboro, County Cavan, on the evening of 5 September 2013. Garda Adrian O'Hanlon of Virginia Garda Station testified that he found Ms Kierans lying on the floor of a bedroom containing a cot. Oliver Kierans, aged 57, has pleaded not guilty to her murder on that date, and also to unlawful possession of a double-barrel shotgun and possession of the weapon with intent to endanger life. The court heard evidence that gardaí attended The Square bar in Bailieboro as part of a critical incident response, where the accused was later arrested at 3.20am. The trial, before Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly and a jury, addresses legal issues and will resume with evidence on Friday.
A barman has given evidence at the Central Criminal Court that the accused man aimed a sawn-off shotgun at a garda on the day his wife went missing. Oliver Kierans, aged 57, of Drumbannon in Bailieboro, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Patricia Kierans on 5 September 2013 at their home address. He also denies unlawful possession of a 12-gauge double-barrel shotgun and possession of the weapon with intent to endanger life. The witness testified that after the accused and his wife had separated, he had abstained from alcohol, but resumed drinking in early September. On 5 September, the witness described the accused as heavily intoxicated and recalled him saying there would be significant news in the town the following day. The court heard that when a garda arrived at a public house, the accused raised the shotgun and directed it at the officer while asking him to leave. A delivery man also gave evidence of seeing the accused that day. The trial continues before Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly.
At the Central Criminal Court, a murder trial heard that a fifty-seven-year-old man from Bailieboro in Cavan appeared depressed in the days before his wife's death in September 2013. Oliver Kierans has pleaded not guilty to murdering Patricia Kierans on 5 September 2013 at their home in Drumbannon. He also denies unlawful possession of a shotgun and intent to endanger life with the weapon. A witness told the court that Mr Kierans seemed "down in the dumps" when they met on 31 August 2013, and spoke about harming himself. Another witness, a local dressmaker, said she had expected to meet Mrs Kierans on the day she died but received no answer when she rang. A manager at a local off-licence testified that Mr Kierans purchased two naggins of whiskey on the morning of 5 September. The trial continues before Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly and a jury.
A Dublin man has gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court charged with the murder of Emmett Connolly at a house in Cootehill, County Cavan on 29 September 2013. Kevin Moran, aged 30, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea the Director of Public Prosecutions did not accept. The court heard that gardaí discovered Mr Connolly with stab wounds to his chest, shoulder and back at the property. The prosecution alleges Mr Moran used excessive force during an altercation between the two men, who had not previously known each other. Mr Moran's account suggests the confrontation arose over drugs and that he acted in self-defence with a kitchen knife. A witness who was present at the house stated the two men appeared to get on well before he retired to bed. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Carney and a jury.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has heard that Oliver Kierans, aged 57, of Drumbannon, Bailieboro in Cavan, was involved in a siege at a public house on the same day he is alleged to have shot his wife. Mr Kierans has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Patricia Kierans on 5 September 2013 at their home address. He has also pleaded not guilty to unlawful possession of a 12-gauge double-barrel shotgun and to intent to endanger life with the same weapon. The prosecution opened the trial on Friday, telling the jury that the accused and Mrs Kierans had been married over 33 years but were living separately at the time. The court heard that following an incident at the family home, Mr Kierans subsequently attended The Square bar nearby, where he was later found armed. A standoff ensued before his eventual exit late that evening. The trial, before Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly and a jury, continues next week.
A Cavan man was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court on charges relating to the death of his wife in 2013. Oliver Kierans, aged 57, of Drumbannon, Bailieboro, pleaded not guilty to murdering Patricia Kierans on 5 September 2013 at their home address. He also entered not guilty pleas to unlawful possession of a 12-gauge double-barrel shotgun and to intent to endanger life with the same firearm. A jury of twelve was sworn in to hear the trial, which commenced before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and was expected to last approximately two weeks.
A 49-year-old resident of Ballyjamesduff in County Cavan has pleaded guilty to threatening a Criminal Assets Bureau officer and submitting a false tax return. Pascal Kelly entered guilty pleas at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to delivering an incorrect income tax return to the office of the Collector General in October 2004, and to uttering threats against Detective Garda Mark Gallagher at CAB offices on Harcourt Square in April 2011. His defence counsel informed the court that Kelly faces a third charge, pending CCTV evidence. Judge Martin Nolan remanded Kelly in custody and adjourned the matter to 20 March 2015 for sentencing, when counsel indicated the final case would also be addressed.
The High Court has struck out a damages action brought by Lorcan Roche Kelly against the State following the murder of his wife, Sylvia Roche Kelly, in December 2007. Ms Roche Kelly, a mother of two, was killed at The Clarion Hotel in Limerick by Gerard McGrath, who was later sentenced to life imprisonment. Mr Roche Kelly had sued the State, the Garda Commissioner, and the Minister for Justice, claiming that McGrath should have remained in custody rather than being granted bail on charges relating to an assault on a taxi driver in County Cavan and false imprisonment in County Tipperary. High Court President Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns dismissed the claim, acknowledging the case's tragic nature but finding it disclosed no reasonable cause of action under existing law. While the judge described the handling of bail procedures by An Garda Síochána as negligent and disgraceful, he concluded that McGrath's actions were not reasonably foreseeable and that no special duty of care towards the deceased had arisen.