A man from Killeshandra in County Cavan has had his sentence reduced by three years following a successful appeal at the Court of Appeal. Malachy Boyle, aged 45, was originally sentenced to ten years imprisonment with three years suspended in July 2010 for transporting cannabis valued at over €400,000 from England to Ireland in his lorry. He had pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possessing 47 kilograms of cannabis resin and 10.7 kilograms of cannabis herb discovered at Airside Retail Park in Swords, County Dublin in October 2009. The Court of Appeal found the original sentence excessive and disproportionate. The presiding judge noted that Boyle had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, displayed significant remorse, and was a man of good character who had been on temporary release since December 2013, working in the community. The court imposed a new sentence of seven years with two years suspended, dating from July 2010.
The High Court has annulled the bankruptcy of a couple from Knocknaveigh, Virginia, County Cavan, in what represents the first application of its kind since new insolvency legislation came into force. Ms Justice Caroline Costello set aside the bankruptcy orders for Martin Byrne and Catherine White Byrne, who had been adjudicated bankrupt earlier this year. The couple contended they were misled by a financial advisor regarding available alternatives to bankruptcy. Their solicitor argued that a viable Personal Insolvency Arrangement with creditors existed but was not presented to them. Additionally, the couple had not met with a Personal Insolvency Practitioner prior to their application, contrary to statutory requirements. Ms Justice Costello found the circumstances satisfied grounds for annulment. The Irish Mortgage Holders Organisation, which supported the application, indicated other cases in similar circumstances remain pending before the courts.
An Offaly man was sentenced to 240 hours community service at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following his conviction for assaulting a garda in Tullamore on 12 March 2012. Enda Carroll, aged 23, of The Willows, Mucklagh, was found guilty of assault causing harm, resisting a peace officer, and two public order offences. The court heard that during a public order incident on William Street, Carroll refused gardaí directions and made threats toward Garda Lucy McLoughlin before attacking her. He subsequently picked her up by the leg and slammed her against a shop front, causing a tear to her hip joint and cartilage damage to her knee. The garda required two operations and was absent from duty for 18 months. Judge Carmel Stewart imposed the community service order in lieu of a two-year prison sentence, noting Carroll's written apology and engagement in training to improve his employment prospects. She warned that non-compliance with probation directions would result in activation of the custodial sentence.
A 49-year-old man from Ballyjamesduff, Cavan was remanded in custody at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following his arrest on two outstanding warrants. Paschal Kelly, originally from Dublin, was apprehended in Castlepollard, Westmeath on charges including failing to make a valid tax return and threatening to kill a member of An Garda Síochána. Detective Sergeant Daniel O'Driscoll gave evidence of the arrest. Mr Kelly also faced 13 road traffic offences, for which he appeared in the District Court. His defence counsel consented to a three-week custodial remand. He is due to return before the circuit court on 6 November.
A man has been sentenced to eight years imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court for the manslaughter of an elderly patient at a County Cavan psychiatric hospital. Ian Harman, aged 50, of Carrickallen near Cootehill, initially pleaded not guilty to murder in connection with the death of Michael Treanor, aged 82, at the Psychiatric Unit of Cavan General Hospital on 27 June 2011. During trial, Harman changed his plea to guilty of manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility under the Criminal Law Insanity Act. Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan imposed a ten-year sentence with the final two years suspended, backdated to 28 June 2011. The judge cited mitigating factors including Harman's guilty plea, remorse, cooperation with gardaí and psychiatric services, and his engagement in rehabilitation programmes while in custody. The court ordered post-release supervision for two years and participation in an integrated sentence management programme.
A man pleaded guilty to manslaughter following the death of an elderly patient at Cavan General Hospital's psychiatric unit in June 2011. Ian Harman, aged 50, from Cootehill, County Cavan, initially denied murdering Michael Treanor, aged 82, but accepted the lesser charge at the Central Criminal Court in July 2014 on grounds of diminished responsibility under the Criminal Law Insanity Act. The prosecution established that Harman used a belt and pillow to kill Mr Treanor, who suffered from dementia. The defence argued that abrupt withdrawal of anti-psychotic medication caused Harman to experience a mental disorder affecting his culpability. At a sentencing hearing in October 2014, the deceased's nephew delivered a victim impact statement expressing concern that the legal system had favoured the defendant. Justice Garrett Sheehan remanded Harman in custody pending sentencing. Ian Harman pleaded not guilty.
A man accused of murdering an elderly patient at Cavan General Hospital has pleaded guilty to manslaughter at the Central Criminal Court. Ian Harman, aged fifty, of Carrickallen, Mountain Lodge, Cootehill, changed his plea during trial proceedings regarding the death of Michael Treanor, an eighty-two-year-old man, on June 27th, 2011 at the hospital's psychiatric unit in Lisdarn. The Director of Public Prosecutions accepted the manslaughter plea under Section 6 of the Criminal Law Insanity Act, which permits a finding of manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility. Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan discharged the jury and remanded Harman in custody pending sentencing scheduled for October 6th. The defence had argued Harman was suffering from a mental illness following the abrupt withdrawal of anti-psychotic medication after his admission as a voluntary patient. Medical evidence was presented regarding whether this withdrawal caused a psychiatric condition affecting his culpability for the killing. Ian Harman pleaded not guilty.
Closing speeches are scheduled to take place in the trial of a man accused of murdering a pensioner at a psychiatric unit in Co. Cavan. Ian Harman, aged 50, of Carrickallen, has pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to the murder of Michael Treanor, aged 81, at the Psychiatric Unit of Cavan General Hospital on 27 June 2011. The defence has submitted that the accused accepts he caused the death but argues his responsibility was severely diminished due to akathisia, a condition allegedly resulting from the abrupt withdrawal of anti-psychotic medication while he was an inpatient. Expert witnesses for the defence have testified that this inner restlessness affected his mental state and behaviour. The prosecution's consultant psychiatrist disputed this assertion, stating there is no evidence that the medication's withdrawal causes akathisia. The court heard the trial is now in its final stages, with both legal teams due to present closing arguments.
At the Central Criminal Court, a defence psychiatrist has testified that a man charged with murdering an elderly patient at Cavan General Hospital was unable to refrain from killing due to the withdrawal of anti-psychotic medication. Ian Harman, aged fifty, from Carrigallen in County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michael Treanor at the psychiatric unit on 27 June 2011. Consultant psychiatrist Dr Bob Johnson told the court that Mr Harman's olanzapine medication was discontinued upon admission, causing akathisia, a distressing condition characterised by severe restlessness. Dr Johnson stated that Mr Harman's responsibility for the killing was not merely diminished but destroyed. A clinical pharmacologist also gave evidence for the defence, asserting that Mr Harman should not have been prescribed the medication in the first place. The prosecution challenged these assertions during cross-examination. The trial before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan continues.
A High Court dispute between brothers Patrick and Paul Elliott concerning the management of Elliott Construction Ltd, a County Cavan property company, has been resolved. Patrick Elliott, who holds a 60 per cent shareholding and serves as chief executive, had sought an order under the Companies Act 1961 to convene a general meeting with a single shareholder present. His application aimed to facilitate the appointment of an additional director to the company's board. Paul Elliott, a 40 per cent shareholder and director, opposed the application. The disagreement between the brothers arose from works undertaken on Shelbourne Plaza in Ringsend in 2008, and previous mediation efforts had proved unsuccessful. Following discussions facilitated by Mr Justice Paul Gilligan, both parties consented to the matter being struck out. The terms of the settlement remain confidential. The judge welcomed the resolution of what he described as a difficult situation.
At the Central Criminal Court, a psychiatric nurse testified that Ian Harman (50), from Carrickallen, Co Cavan, appeared calm and composed following an incident at Cavan General Hospital's psychiatric unit. Harman has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michael Treanor on June 27, 2011. Nurse Ciaran Boyle told the court that when he encountered Harman in the smoking room after discovering the elderly patient deceased, Harman stated he had killed Treanor "because he was an easy target". Boyle described Harman's demeanour as "quite nonchalant and relaxed". A second nurse, Laura Owens, testified that Treanor, who suffered from Alzheimer's dementia, was found in his room with a pillow removed from his head, and that CPR proved unsuccessful. The defence has indicated Harman accepts responsibility for Treanor's death but contests his state of mind at the time. The trial before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan continues.
A psychiatric registrar at Cavan General Hospital told the Central Criminal Court that he had worked 77 hours when he was alerted to a death on the psychiatric unit on 27 June 2011. Dr Akindele Serinmade said his shift, which began on 24 June, was nearing completion when he was informed of the incident. He gave evidence that he had prescribed sleeping medication to the accused over the telephone after nursing staff reported concerns about the patient's distress and insomnia. Dr Serinmade described a brief consultation with the accused at 10.35pm on 26 June, noting that the patient's previously prescribed anti-psychotic medication had been recently discontinued. The doctor said he prescribed an alternative sleeping tablet before returning to rest. He was contacted at 6.44am the following morning to inform him of the alleged killing. Ian Harman, aged 50, of Carrickallen in County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to murder at the Central Criminal Court.
At the Central Criminal Court, the wife of Ian Harman (50), from Carrickallen, Co Cavan, testified that her husband had been in a "dark place" and drinking heavily before his admission to a psychiatric unit. Harman has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michael Treanor (82), from Co Monaghan, at the Psychiatric Unit of Cavan General Hospital on 27 June 2011. Mary Harman described her husband as "loveable" and well-liked in the community, though he had previously received treatment for depression and alcohol misuse. The court heard that on the day before the alleged killing, Harman complained of insomnia and paced his ward for twelve hours. CCTV footage showed him continuously walking around the secure unit. State pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy concluded the cause of death was asphyxia by smothering or suffocation. The defence has acknowledged that Harman caused Treanor's death. The trial before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan continues.
A man charged with murder at Cavan General Hospital has been tried at the Central Criminal Court following allegations that he killed a fellow psychiatric patient in June 2011. Ian Harman, aged 50, of Carrickallen, Co Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michael Treanor at the hospital's psychiatric unit. During the trial, the court heard evidence from detective gardaí who interviewed the accused following his arrest. Notes from the interviews were read aloud, in which the accused allegedly described prior fantasies about imprisonment and harm to others before his hospital admission. The accused was further reported to have told gardaí that he had contemplated the killing for several days beforehand and that he had chosen the victim deliberately. The defence has indicated acceptance that the accused caused the death, with focus instead directed toward the question of his mental state at the time. The trial before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan continues before a jury.
A psychiatric patient has gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court charged with the murder of a fellow patient at Cavan General Hospital's psychiatric unit on 27 June 2011. Ian Harman, aged 50, of Cootehill, Co Cavan, pleaded not guilty to the killing of Michael Treanor, an 82-year-old man suffering from dementia. The prosecution told the jury that Harman approached a nurse that morning and stated he had smothered the deceased with a pillow. The nurse subsequently found Treanor without a pulse, and resuscitation attempts proved unsuccessful. The defence indicated that Harman accepts responsibility for causing Treanor's death and does not dispute the identity of the deceased, but submitted that the focus should remain on the accused's state of mind at the time. Evidence from gardaí and a forensic psychiatrist confirmed Harman's admissions and his fitness for interview. The trial, heard before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan and a jury, is expected to last approximately one week.
Balbriggan District Court heard various matters. James Reid pleaded guilty to hit and run, failing to stop, failing to provide information, failing to keep the vehicle at the scene, failing to report the incident, and having no tax. Judge Dermot Dempsey convicted Reid, fined him €400 for the hit and run offences, fined him €100 for no tax, and disqualified him from driving for six months. Piotr Boryslawski pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis. The judge ordered him to pay €300 to the Molly McNally Trust Fund by month's end, stating the charge would be struck out if paid. Several defendants were remanded on continuing bail. James Walsh, charged with cultivating cannabis, was adjourned to September 18 for service of the Book of Evidence. Gareth Lokko, alleged to have breached a barring order and caused criminal damage, was remanded to July 24. Kevin Harmon, alleged to have assaulted another man causing harm, was remanded to September 25 for DPP directions. Lorna Daly, alleged to have stolen petrol and used a false registration plate, was remanded to July 24 for a plea. Jandean Hyland, charged with assault causing harm, was remanded to July 31. Stephane Mbama, alleged to have dangerous driving and driving without insurance, was remanded to July 31. Michael Bollard, alleged to have breached a safety order, was granted bail with conditions and adjourned to July 17.
The High Court has wound up Paris Bakery and Pastry Ltd, the Moore Street establishment that closed in May following a worker sit-in over unpaid wages. Mr Justice Brian Cregan appointed Carl Dillon of Moore Stephens Nathans as official liquidator. The Revenue Commissioners sought the winding-up order after the company failed to satisfy a demand for €117,000 in unpaid taxes, including VAT, PRSI and PAYE. Although over €52,000 had been paid, the outstanding amount remained unsettled. The court heard the company's approximately 25 employees, mostly foreign nationals, are owed some €158,000 in unpaid wages. Following the workers' 20-day sit-in, the Migrants Rights Centre Ireland confirmed their support for Revenue's application. The company's two directors, including one resident in County Cavan, must file statements of affairs within 21 days. The matter was made returnable before the Examiner's Court in October. Workers will now be eligible for the Insolvency Payments Schemes and LRC awards.
Balbriggan District Court heard several matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Martin Lawrence pleaded guilty to the theft of €30 worth of items from a Skerries supermarket. The court applied the Probation Act and warned him to stay away from the store. Mark Donnelly, charged with unlawful possession of cannabis for sale and supply, was adjourned until June 19th pending DPP directions. Linda Hess, charged with unauthorised taking of a vehicle and driving without insurance, was remanded on continuing bail to re-appear on June 5th. James Heraghty, alleged to have assaulted a garda, used threatening behaviour, and obstructed a garda, was remanded on continuing bail to re-appear on June 12th. Dayne Barnwell, alleged to have assaulted a bouncer causing a fractured ankle, was remanded on continuing bail until June 26th. Additionally, Tony Thunder, charged with criminal damage, failed to appear; the case was adjourned until June 12th for gardai to caution him. All defendants were processed at the charge or pretrial stage, with no convictions recorded in this report.
A civil engineer from Kingscourt, County Cavan, has been sentenced to three years in prison by the Court of Criminal Appeal for dangerous driving causing death. Ronan Cunningham, aged 30, had pleaded guilty to causing the death of Emanuel Mendez on the N7 Naas dual carriageway in October 2010 whilst driving whilst under the influence of alcohol. The original five-year suspended sentence imposed at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in 2012 was deemed unduly lenient and was overturned on appeal. Mr Justice Adrian Hardiman, presiding, described Cunningham's driving—travelling seven kilometres in the wrong direction after consuming approximately eight pints—as "hideous". The court also imposed a 15-year driving ban. Cunningham was afforded one week to arrange his personal affairs before commencing his sentence.
A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court following his conviction for murder in County Cavan. Przemyslaw Trebacz, aged 35, was found guilty of murdering Costel Catalin Cretu at Connolly Court, Cavan between October 13 and 14, 2012. The jury returned a majority verdict of 10-2 after deliberations. Mr Cretu sustained stab wounds to the chest and back and died at the scene. Trebacz had pleaded not guilty to the murder charge but guilty to criminal damage. Mr Justice Michael White imposed the mandatory life sentence, noting the significant impact of the death on the victim's family. A three-year sentence relating to the criminal damage conviction was suspended. The judge referenced a victim impact statement provided by the deceased's brother during sentencing.
A man from Bailieborough in County Cavan was convicted at Swords District Court following an incident outside a fast food shop in the early hours of 27 October 2012. Liam O'Reilly pleaded guilty to being intoxicated, using threatening and abusive behaviour, and refusing to provide his name to gardai on Main Street, Swords. Garda Stephen Harte told the court that O'Reilly, who was highly obnoxious and intoxicated when approached by members, initially refused to give his details before falsely claiming to be a member of An Garda Siochana and stating his father was a Garda Sergeant. The defence solicitor, Ms Fiona Darcy, submitted that O'Reilly, who works for a charity organisation, had made an error in judgement due to excessive alcohol consumption. Judge Dermot Dempsey convicted O'Reilly, imposing a fine of €350 for threatening and abusive behaviour and €300 for refusing to provide his name.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has convicted Przemyslaw Trebacz of the murder of Costel Catalin Cretu in Co. Cavan. Trebacz, a 35-year-old Polish national from Killynebber, Cavan, had pleaded not guilty to the charge. The offence occurred between October 13 and 14, 2012, at Connolly Court, Connolly Street, Cavan. The jury returned a majority verdict of ten to two after nearly ten hours of deliberation. Mr Justice Barry White adjourned sentencing until January 20, 2013, when a victim impact statement will be presented. Trebacz had also pleaded guilty to criminal damage. The prosecution case alleged he attended the premises to commit robbery with a weapon. The defence raised provocation and self-defence. Evidence indicated the deceased, a 38-year-old Romanian man, sustained two fatal stab wounds to the chest and back while protecting workers at the location.
The jury at the Central Criminal Court has adjourned deliberations for a third consecutive evening in the trial of a man charged with murder in County Cavan. Przemyslaw Trebacz, aged 35, of Bramble Rise, Killynebber, Cavan denies the murder of Costel Catalin Cretu, aged 38, which is alleged to have occurred at Connolly Court, Connolly Street, Cavan between October 13 and 14, 2012. Mr Trebacz has pleaded guilty to a separate charge of criminal damage relating to a door at the same address on October 13, 2012. The jury has spent almost nine hours deliberating. When asked by Mr Justice Barry White whether further time would assist their consideration, the jury foreman indicated the panel required additional time and was not yet deadlocked. Deliberations are to resume on Wednesday. Przemyslaw Trebacz pleaded not guilty.
The jury at the Central Criminal Court has adjourned deliberations in the trial of Przemyslaw Trebacz, a 35-year-old Polish national accused of murdering Costel Catalin Cretu, a 38-year-old Romanian man, in Co. Cavan in October 2012. Trebacz, of Bramble Rise, Killynebber, has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge relating to the incident at Connolly Court, Connolly Street, Cavan on October 13 to 14, 2012. He has pleaded guilty to criminal damage to a door at the same location on October 13, 2012. The jury spent approximately five hours examining the evidence before retiring for the evening and will resume consideration of its verdict tomorrow.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has paused deliberations in the trial of a man accused of murder in County Cavan. Przemyslaw Trebacz, aged 35, of Bramble Rise, Killynebber, Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Costel Catalin Cretu, aged 38, which is alleged to have occurred at Connolly Court, Connolly Street, Cavan between October 13 and 14, 2012. Trebacz has entered a guilty plea to a separate charge of criminal damage to a door at the same location on October 13, 2012. The jury spent one hour and thirty minutes considering its verdict before breaking for the weekend. Deliberations are scheduled to resume on Monday.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has begun deliberations in the trial of a man accused of murder in County Cavan. Przemyslaw Trebacz, aged 35, of Bramble Rise, Killynebber, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Costel Catalin Cretu, aged 38, at Connolly Court, Cavan between October 13 and 14, 2012. Mr Trebacz has admitted guilty to criminal damage. The prosecution alleged the accused went to the apartment to commit robbery and stabbed the deceased twice. The defence contended there was no evidence of fingerprints at the scene and questioned whether the accused was armed. Mr Justice Barry White directed the jury on the potential defences of self-defence and provocation. He explained that self-defence could result in acquittal if only necessary force was used, whilst provocation could reduce the charge to manslaughter. The jury of nine men and three women will continue hearing the judge's directions before reaching their verdict.
A 35-year-old Polish national has pleaded not guilty to the murder of a Romanian man at an apartment in Cavan in October 2012. Przemyslaw Trebacz of Killynebber, Cavan faces a charge relating to the death of Costel Catalin Cretu at Connolly Court, Cavan. He has admitted guilty to criminal damage at the same location. During proceedings at the Central Criminal Court, evidence was heard that Mr Trebacz told gardai he stabbed Mr Cretu in self-defence, though he denied bringing a knife to the scene. He also stated he was to receive €74,000 from his mother's will. The State Pathologist found the deceased had two stab wounds, one to the chest proving fatal. Forensic examination of two knives recovered from the apartment found no blood transfer and no fingerprints. The trial continues.
The Central Criminal Court has heard evidence in the trial of Przemyslaw Trebacz, a Polish national accused of the murder of Costel Catalin Cretu (38) at Connolly Court, Cavan, between October 13 and 14, 2012. Mr Trebacz has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge but pleaded guilty to criminal damage to a door belonging to Brendan Cosgrove at the same location on October 13, 2012. During a garda interview, the accused admitted stabbing Mr Cretu but alleged he was acting in self-defence, claiming the deceased attacked him with a knife. He stated that Mr Cretu was still standing when he left the apartment and denied bringing a knife to the scene. State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy testified that the deceased sustained two stab wounds, one fatal to the chest and one shallow to the back, noting the injuries could have been caused by a large knife. The trial continues.
A Polish national pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to the murder of a Romanian man in Co. Cavan in October 2012. Przemyslaw Trebacz, aged 35, of Bramble Rise, Killynebber, is accused of fatally stabbing Costel Catalin Cretu, aged 38, at Connolly Court, Connolly Street, Cavan between 13 and 14 October 2012. He has pleaded guilty to criminal damage relating to a door at the same location on 13 October 2012. The court heard that two witnesses will not give evidence in the trial. Gardaí told the court that one woman's whereabouts remain unknown, whilst another witness is unlikely to appear. A garda described finding the victim on a couch with a stab wound to his chest upon arrival at the apartment. CCTV footage from the date in question was viewed by the jury. The trial is due to resume following an adjournment.
The Central Criminal Court heard evidence in the trial of Przemyslaw Trebacz, a Polish national accused of murdering Romanian Costel Catalin Cretu (38) at Connolly Court, Cavan, between October 13 and 14, 2012. Trebacz has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge but pleaded guilty to criminal damage to a door belonging to Brendan Cosgrove at the same address on October 13, 2012. Prosecution witness Gary Malone, a taxi driver and former neighbour of the accused, testified that he was called by Trebacz at approximately 11:00 PM on the night in question. Malone stated that Trebacz and another man entered his vehicle, with Trebacz sitting in the passenger seat. During the journey, Malone heard Trebacz use the phrase 'Soviet attack' and observed him holding a green woolly sock containing a solid object. Malone reported seeing Trebacz kick in a door at Connolly Court before the men left the scene. He further testified that the other man threatened him, stating, 'shut up or you and your family will be next.' Malone subsequently reported the incident to gardai. The court heard that Trebacz had previously mentioned the IRA to Malone. Malone's evidence is ongoing, and the matter remains at the trial stage with no final verdict or sentence recorded.
A Romanian woman giving evidence at the Central Criminal Court has denied washing floors following the death of her partner at an apartment in Cavan in October 2012. Florentina Sotir (41) is a witness in the trial of Przemyslaw Trebacz (35) of Bramble Rise, Killynebber, Cavan, who has pleaded not guilty to murder. The prosecution alleges that Trebacz stabbed Costel Catalin Cretu (38) during a break-in at Connolly Court, Connolly Street, Cavan between 13 and 14 October 2012. Under cross-examination, Ms Sotir was questioned about a 26-minute gap between the departure of two men from the apartment and her entry to the lobby. She stated she was attempting to revive Mr Cretu by throwing water on him rather than cleaning. The court heard State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy concluded Mr Cretu died from a fatal chest wound. Trebacz has pleaded guilty to criminal damage. The trial continues.
A witness at the Central Criminal Court has acknowledged inconsistencies between her testimony and statements made to gardaí. Przemyslaw Trebacz, aged 35, of Bramble Rise, Killynebber, Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Costel Catalin Cretu at Connolly Court, Cavan between 13 and 14 October 2012. He has pleaded guilty to criminal damage to a door at the same location on 13 October 2012. The chief prosecution witness told the court she initially stated she did not work during her first fortnight in Ireland, but later acknowledged telling gardaí she began working the day after arrival. She also conceded providing false information regarding how she believed she would be employed. The State Pathologist concluded the deceased sustained two wounds, including a fatal chest injury. Cross-examination of the witness is to resume.
A woman giving evidence at the Central Criminal Court has described witnessing the stabbing of her partner during an incident at an apartment in Cavan in October 2012. Przemyslaw Trebacz, aged 35, of Bramble Rise, Killynebber, Cavan has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Costel Catalin Cretu, aged 38, at Connolly Court, Connolly Street, Cavan between 13 and 14 October 2012. The defendant has pleaded guilty to criminal damage to a door at the same location on 13 October 2012. The witness told prosecuting counsel that two men forced their way into the apartment, with the taller man stabbing her partner with a knife and subsequently taking money from the premises. She stated that the attacker held a knife to her throat whilst demanding money and that her partner was unresponsive after the incident. The court heard that gardaí were unable to trace a second woman who was present at the apartment. Cross-examination of the witness is scheduled to continue.
A Polish national has pleaded not guilty to the murder of a Romanian man at an apartment in Cavan town in October 2012. Przemyslaw Trebacz, aged 35, of Bramble Rise, Killynebber, is accused of fatally stabbing Costel Catalin Cretu during an incident at Connolly Court. The Central Criminal Court heard that Mr Cretu was present in the apartment to supervise two women engaged in sex work. According to the prosecution, Mr Trebacz and another man entered the apartment and left within minutes, with CCTV evidence supporting this timeline. The court was told that Mr Cretu sustained two stab wounds, including a fatal injury to his chest. A neighbour who worked as a taxi driver allegedly transported the accused to the location that night. Mr Trebacz has admitted to criminal damage to a door at the premises but maintains he acted in self-defence. He has pleaded guilty to the criminal damage charge. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Barry White at the Central Criminal Court, continues.
A 35-year-old man from Cavan has pleaded not guilty to murder at the Central Criminal Court. Przemyslaw Trebacz, of Bramble Rise, Killynebber, denies the murder of Costel Catalin Cretu at Connolly Court, Connolly Street, Cavan, between October 13 and 14, 2012. Trebacz has admitted criminal damage to a door at the same address on October 13, 2012. His trial is scheduled to commence on Thursday and is expected to run for three weeks.
A 28-year-old student has been further remanded in custody in connection with the death of archaeologist Emmet Connolly, who was fatally stabbed in Cootehill, County Cavan, in late September. Mr Connolly, aged 32 and from Rockcorry, County Monaghan, was discovered at a residence on Lodge View estate in the early hours of 29 September following an incident the previous evening. The accused, Kevin Moran, was charged with murder and made no reply when the charge was put to him. He appeared before Cloverhill District Court for his fourth hearing, where he was further remanded in custody. Consent to High Court bail has been granted but has not yet been taken up. The book of evidence remains incomplete and no plea has been entered. The matter will return before the court on 11 December.
The Court of Criminal Appeal ruled on Tuesday that a five-year wholly suspended sentence imposed for dangerous driving causing death was unduly lenient. Ronan Cunningham, aged 31, of Enniskeen, Kingscourt, had pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in December 2011 to causing the death of Emmanuel Mendes, aged 24, on the N7 Naas dual carriageway on 10 October 2010. Cunningham also pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol. He had driven seven kilometres in the wrong direction down the dual carriageway after consuming seven or eight pints. His car collided with a vehicle carrying Mr Mendes and his fiancée; Mr Mendes was fatally injured. Presiding Judge Adrian Hardiman stated that the "extraordinary nature" of the driving had not been adequately considered at sentencing. The court directed preparation of a probation report and adjourned the case to 6 November for submissions on an appropriate sentence.