A 60-year-old truck driver from Belturbet, County Cavan, has been sentenced to four and a half years imprisonment following his conviction for drug trafficking. Gerard Doran pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of cannabis worth approximately €1.02 million for sale or supply. The drugs were discovered on 25 February 2021 when his vehicle was searched at Dublin Port after arriving from Wales. A detector dog identified cannabis herb concealed in eight bags within the truck's cab. Doran also admitted possessing £4,195 in cash, knowing or being reckless as to whether it constituted proceeds of crime. He cooperated fully with the investigation, immediately accepting responsibility and directing gardaí to the money. Judge Martin Nolan acknowledged Doran's admissions and cooperation, noting he had been under financial pressure at the time. The judge considered Doran's medical conditions when determining the sentence.
A Brazilian man has pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to operating a network of brothels across rural Ireland using falsified documents and landlord deception. Ilamar Rodrigues Ribeiro, aged 54, rented ten properties under a false Italian identity, with two located in Roscommon Town and others in Longford, Cavan, Leitrim, Carlow, Wexford and Kildare between 2018 and 2023. When arrested at Dublin Airport in November 2023, gardaí from the Human Trafficking and Co-ordination Unit recovered approximately €788,000 in proceeds of crime across multiple bank accounts. He also pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material on his phone comprising nine images and sixteen videos. Ribeiro entered guilty pleas to nineteen sample counts including fraud, inducing landlords to rent properties under false pretences, and possession of criminal proceeds. The investigation began following trafficking allegations from two women who identified properties being misused as brothels. Ribeiro has remained in custody since his arrest. Sentencing proceedings are scheduled for 21 March.
The Court of Appeal heard submissions on whether to uphold convictions against three men jailed for the kidnap and torture of Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney. Sean Guerin SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, argued that the case rested on sound circumstantial evidence assessed in its totality, and urged the court to maintain the verdicts. Defence counsel disputed this approach, contending that errors in the trial judgment would not self-correct through broader analysis. Alan Harte, Alan O'Brien, and Darren Redmond were convicted in December 2022 of false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm to Mr Lunney at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, County Cavan on 17 September 2019. Harte received a 30-year sentence, O'Brien 25 years, and Redmond 18 years with the final three suspended. The appellants have challenged the admissibility of DNA evidence from a van destroyed in garda custody and phone records used at trial, among other matters. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, sitting with two fellow judges, reserved judgment to be delivered at a later date.
The High Court has placed a stay on the extradition of a 66-year-old man from Arva, Co Cavan, who is wanted in Northern Ireland for the murder of a part-time Ulster Defence Regiment member in 1979. James Donegan faces charges relating to the death of Joseph James Porter at Mountnorris, Co Armagh, in June of that year. He is also charged with firearm and ammunition offences and membership of a proscribed organisation. Mr Justice Patrick McGrath had previously ordered Mr Donegan's surrender to UK authorities, but has now granted a stay to permit an appeal of the extradition decision. Mr Donegan was arrested at Dublin Airport in June following his return from holiday. He has maintained his innocence. The Northern Ireland authorities issued the extradition warrant following a post-mortem examination that established Mr Porter died of gunshot wounds.
A migrant chef employed at a takeaway in Ballyjamesduff, County Cavan, worked up to 73 hours weekly for approximately €25 daily while servicing an illegal recruitment debt of €30,000, the Workplace Relations Commission heard on Tuesday. Xiaofeng Gao, who held a valid employment permit stipulating €16.76 hourly as chef de partie, received only €150 per week. His passport was retained by the employer from November 2023 until gardaí intervened. Mr Gao seeks nearly €200,000 in back pay and compensation for alleged breaches spanning August 2022 to August 2024 at Eskimo Pizza, Main Street. Claims include minimum wage violations, unlawful wage deductions, unpaid leave entitlements, and alleged racial discrimination under employment equality legislation. The company operator and its director did not appear before adjudicator Shay Henry, who directed the respondent be afforded opportunity to respond before determination.
Alan Harte, who is serving a 30-year sentence for the false imprisonment and assault of Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney in County Cavan in September 2019, has been ordered to pay the State's costs following the dismissal of his appeal at the Court of Appeal. Harte had challenged the High Court's refusal to judicially review the Director of Public Prosecutions' decision to prosecute him in the non-jury Special Criminal Court. The three-judge panel found that the legal issues raised were moot and declined to depart from the standard procedure against hearing moot cases. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy delivered the costs order, noting that the appellant had been unsuccessful and there was no reason to depart from normal procedure. Harte's legal team had acknowledged that even without the time restriction issue, the case would have failed on its merits. Alan Harte was convicted. Kevin Lunney was convicted.
A 66-year-old man from Arva, County Cavan, has been ordered by the High Court to be extradited to Northern Ireland to face murder charges. James Donegan is wanted in connection with the death of Joseph James Porter, a part-time Ulster Defence Regiment member, at Mountnorris, County Armagh, between June 22 and 25, 1979. Mr Porter's body was discovered near his farm entrance on June 24, 1979, with a post-mortem examination revealing fatal gunshot wounds. Mr Donegan is also charged with firearms offences and membership of a proscribed organisation. He was arrested at Dublin Airport in June 2024. Mr Justice Patrick McGrath rejected arguments from Mr Donegan's legal team regarding abuse of process and the fairness of trial proceedings following the significant passage of time. The judge found no evidence suggesting he would not receive fair treatment in the prosecuting jurisdiction. The court adjourned proceedings to February 7 pending surrender.
A 27-year-old fitness instructor from Donabate has been sentenced to six and a half years' imprisonment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following his conviction for drug trafficking. The man pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis on 26 May 2023 in the Balbriggan area of North Dublin. An intelligence-led garda operation led to his arrest after he collected a hired van from a gym in Finglas and travelled to Cavan, where he collected drugs before being stopped by gardaí near Balbriggan on his return journey. Approximately 186 kilograms of cannabis herb and 291 bars of cannabis resin, valued at just under €3.9 million, were recovered from the vehicle. The defendant, who had no previous convictions, told gardaí he had experienced financial difficulties and accepted a one-off payment to transport the van, claiming ignorance of the quantity involved. Judge Martin Nolan departed from the mandatory minimum ten-year sentence, citing the defendant's early plea, cooperation, employment history, and low likelihood of reoffending.
A man serving a 30-year sentence for the kidnapping and torture of a Quinn Industrial Holdings director has failed in his Court of Appeal challenge against a refusal to extend time for seeking judicial review of his non-jury trial. Alan Harte was convicted in the Special Criminal Court of falsely imprisoning and causing serious harm to Kevin Lunney at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, County Cavan on 17 September 2019. Harte had sought to challenge the Director of Public Prosecutions' decision to prosecute him before the Special Criminal Court rather than the ordinary courts, arguing the court's continued existence exceeded statutory powers. The High Court dismissed his application on the grounds it was brought outside the three-month time limit. Ms Justice Tara Burns dismissed the appeal today, finding the legal issues raised were "moot" and that no practical benefit would arise from determining them, as Harte's trial had concluded and the Special Criminal Court's validity had been upheld by the Supreme Court.
Three men convicted of the kidnap and torture of Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney have had their appeal adjourned for three months by the Court of Appeal. Alan Harte (43), Alan O'Brien (43) and Darren Redmond (30), all from East Wall, Dublin, sought to overturn their December 2022 convictions for false imprisonment and intentionally causing harm. Their barristers argued that key DNA evidence from a van destroyed by fire while in garda custody should have been inadmissible, and raised concerns about the admissibility of phone records and CCTV footage obtained in breach of law. The three-day hearing before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and colleagues did not conclude as scheduled. The men were originally convicted following the abduction of Mr Lunney from his home in County Fermanagh on September 17, 2019, and his subsequent assault at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, County Cavan. Harte received a 30-year sentence, O'Brien 25 years, and Redmond 18 years with the final three suspended. The appeal will resume on March 11, 2025.
Three men convicted of the kidnapping and torture of Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney have appealed their sentences at the Court of Appeal, arguing that crucial DNA evidence from a Renault Kangoo van should not have been admitted at trial. Alan Harte, Alan O'Brien, and Darren Redmond were convicted in December 2022 of false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm to Mr Lunney at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, County Cavan on 17 September 2019. Harte received a 30-year sentence, O'Brien 25 years, and Redmond 18 years with the final three suspended. Their legal representatives argued the van, which was destroyed by fire while in garda custody, was not properly preserved, depriving the defence of independent forensic examination. DNA matching Mr Lunney was found inside the vehicle, whilst DNA matching Redmond was discovered on bars behind the front seats. The prosecution contended the evidence remained admissible and highly probative. The appeal hearing continues.
Three men convicted of the kidnapping and torture of Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney have appealed their convictions at the Court of Appeal. Alan Harte (43), Alan O'Brien (43), and Darren Redmond (30), all from East Wall, Dublin, were sentenced in December 2022 following trial at the Special Criminal Court. Harte received 30 years imprisonment, O'Brien 25 years, and Redmond 18 years with the final three suspended. The men were convicted of false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm following an incident at Ballinagh, County Cavan, on 17 September 2019. Their counsel argue that phone records and CCTV evidence were improperly admitted without witnesses taking fresh oaths during trial proceedings. They contend the gardaí obtained phone data through procedures not designed for that purpose, constituting an invasion of privacy. The State's counsel maintains the evidence was properly presented to the trial judges and that no deprivation of fair trial rights occurred. The appeal continues before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy.
An Indian national living in County Cavan has brought complaints of discrimination against the State's Housing Agency at the Workplace Relations Commission, alleging his applications for a local authority home loan were wrongfully rejected on grounds of his non-EU nationality. Aloke Tirawy made three applications to Mayo County Council between February and March this year, each refused by the Housing Agency. His solicitor contends the agency has imposed lending criteria stricter than those issued by the Minister for Housing, including a five-year residency requirement not contained in the original ministerial regulations. The Housing Agency cited a 2023 credit policy in rejecting the applications, which Mr Tirawy's legal team argues could only lawfully be issued by the Minister and should have been publicly available. A State barrister acknowledged the guidelines extend beyond the original regulations but maintained they derive statutory authority from Oireachtas legislation. The Workplace Relations Commission adjourned the hearing, directing further legal submissions by 20 January 2025.
Alan Harte, a career criminal serving a 30-year sentence for the kidnap and torture of Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney, appealed to the Court of Appeal regarding a refusal to grant him more time to seek a review of the State's decision to try him in the non-jury Special Criminal Court. Harte was convicted of falsely imprisoning and causing serious harm to Mr. Lunney at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, Co. Cavan, on 17 September 2019, contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. The High Court had previously refused an extension of time for Harte's judicial review application, holding it was brought outside the three-month limit. Harte's counsel, Michael O'Higgins SC, acknowledged that Harte would have lost the case had it proceeded but argued that access to court is a constitutional cornerstone, stating, "You're entitled to go to court and lose your case." Counsel for the State, David Fennelly SC, countered that the issue was moot and that access to courts is not an absolute right. The Court of Appeal, including Ms Justice Tara Burns and Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, indicated it would first decide on the issue of mootness and reserved judgement, meaning the matter was adjourned.
A pregnant bar supervisor in Cavan has been awarded €18,000 by the Workplace Relations Commission after successfully claiming discrimination following her dismissal. The worker was let go by Brandon Taverns Ltd, operator of the Imperial nightclub in Cavan Town, in November 2023, just five days after informing her line manager of her pregnancy. The company later cited unproven allegations of sexual misconduct by a male colleague as justification for the termination, allegations that had never been raised during the worker's employment. The WRC adjudicator found the allegations constituted an attempt to retrospectively justify the dismissal and determined the worker had been discriminated against on grounds of pregnancy in breach of the Employment Equality Act 1998. The adjudicator also found the employer had breached statutory obligations regarding provision of written employment terms. Brandon Taverns Ltd was ordered to pay €17,500 compensation for the equality breach and a further €500 for the statutory breach.
Ruth Lawrence, 42, of Clontarf, faces trial for the murders of Anthony Keegan, 33, and Eoin O'Connor, 32, whose bodies were discovered on Inchicup Island, Lough Sheelin, on 26 May 2014. The trial was scheduled for 7 October 2024 by Mr Justice David Keane, but the State reported that Lawrence's lawyers had not yet received full disclosure. At the Central Criminal Court, Michael O'Higgins SC for the Director of Public Prosecutions informed Ms Justice Karen O'Connor that disclosure remains incomplete, while James Dwyer SC for Lawrence noted several outstanding matters and could not predict when the trial would be ready. Justice O'Connor adjourned the case to a mention on 21 November. Lawrence was charged in May 2023 with two counts of murder following the discovery of the bodies, which were found after a fisherman detected a smell from the island. The men were described as "inseparable" friends at their June 2014 funeral.
A woman has been sentenced to eight years imprisonment for the manslaughter of a man during a stabbing incident in Ballyconnell, County Wicklow in February 2022. Nicola Brennan (33) pleaded guilty to manslaughter following a jury deadlock on a murder charge at the Central Criminal Court. Mr Justice Paul McDermott noted that Brennan and the deceased had previously been involved and that evidence suggested positive relations between them. The court heard the incident occurred during an evening of heavy alcohol consumption. Brennan introduced a knife into a situation where she faced no threat or provocation, striking the victim in the chest with a downward motion. The judge imposed a headline sentence of twelve years, reduced to nine years following consideration of her guilty plea, remorse and rehabilitation efforts. The final twelve months were suspended for two years conditional on good behaviour and engagement with probation services. The sentence was backdated to July 2022.
Two men from County Cavan have received suspended sentences at the Special Criminal Court for assisting the Continuity IRA in connection with a purported attack on Enniskillen police station in March 2021. Desmond Smith, aged 65, of Kilnavara Crescent, and Stephen Hamill, aged 52, of Gortnakesh, both pleaded guilty to knowingly rendering assistance to an organisation styling itself the IRA in furtherance of an unlawful object. The attack went unnoticed until media calls prompted a search near the station, which recovered an improvised "slam gun" device. Justice Tony Hunt noted the defendants were "surprising candidates" for such involvement, both lacking relevant previous convictions. He imposed a four-year sentence on Hamill, suspended for four years on condition of a €100 bond, and sentenced Smith to two years nine months, suspended for three years. Both men undertook to disassociate themselves from criminal and paramilitary organisations.
A 33-year-old woman convicted of manslaughter appeared before the Central Criminal Court on Monday seeking to demonstrate her capacity for rehabilitation following her guilty plea to killing a former partner. The defendant, from Ballyconnell, County Cavan, fatally stabbed the 36-year-old man at a shared residence in February 2022. Her barrister submitted that she has achieved qualifications and engaged in prison programmes since her conviction, and expressed genuine remorse to the victim's family. The prosecution contended the offence warranted a headline sentence of ten to fifteen years, noting the use of a knife as a significant aggravating factor. The court heard the incident occurred during a period marked by heavy alcohol use among household members. The defendant carries 49 prior convictions, predominantly traffic-related, with no history of violent offences. Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned sentencing to the following Monday to allow further consideration of the matter.
A farm worker in County Cavan has been awarded nearly €14,000 by the Workplace Relations Commission following a ruling that his former employer failed to provide statutory annual leave entitlements over a six-year period. The complainant, employed at a piggery from December 2017 to November 2023, received only 18 days' paid holiday despite being entitled to four weeks annually under law. The adjudicator upheld complaints under the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994, and Payment of Wages Act 1991. The company director conceded certain wage deductions and public holiday pay shortfalls but argued historic annual leave claims were time-barred. The adjudicator found the employer failed to demonstrate due diligence in ensuring leave was taken and ruled the working time complaint well-founded. Drumlolan Pork Ltd was ordered to pay €11,520.65 for unpaid annual leave, €2,245 for failure to provide written terms, and €127.01 for wage and public holiday deductions.
A former Olympic swimming coach has been convicted and sentenced to ten years imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court for the rape and sexual assault of a teenage girl over three decades ago. Derry O'Rourke, aged 78, of Virginia Road, Cavan, pleaded not guilty to one count of rape and fifteen counts of indecent assault allegedly committed between October 1989 and June 1990 at a Leinster school. A jury unanimously convicted him of rape and eleven sexual assault charges following a six-day trial. The offences occurred when the victim was aged thirteen to fourteen. Justice Melanie Greally imposed concurrent sentences and described O'Rourke as a serial child abuser, noting aggravating factors including his abuse of authority as swimming coach, grooming behaviour, and the vulnerable age of the victim. O'Rourke has previous convictions dating from 1998 involving multiple victims, all entered through guilty pleas. The victim provided a detailed impact statement during sentencing.
A man has been convicted at the Central Criminal Court of raping and sexually assaulting a schoolgirl in Cavan during the late 1980s. Derry O'Rourke, aged 78, of Virginia Road, Cavan, was found guilty of one count of rape and eleven counts of indecent assault following a six-day trial. The offences occurred between October 1989 and June 1990 when the complainant was aged thirteen to fourteen years old. O'Rourke, a former Olympic swimming coach, had pleaded not guilty to one rape charge and fifteen indecent assault charges. The court heard he singled the girl out during school swimming sessions and subjected her to abuse under the guise of conducting muscle checks in a room adjoining the pool, before raping her in a boiler room in September 1990. At sentencing hearing, the now forty-eight-year-old victim delivered an impact statement describing the "brutalisation" she suffered and its lasting effects on her life. Justice Melanie Greally remanded O'Rourke in custody pending sentencing. The prosecution submitted the case warrants a sentence of between fifteen years and life imprisonment.
A 79-year-old Dublin man has been sentenced to seven years imprisonment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for sexually abusing his two granddaughters over a fourteen-year period. He pleaded guilty to eleven counts of sexual abuse occurring between 2006 and 2020 at properties in Dublin and Cavan. The offences involved the older girl, who was between three and twelve years old, and her younger sister, aged five to eight during the abuse. The defendant initially denied the charges and only entered a guilty plea on the second day of trial after a jury was sworn. The abuse came to light in 2020 when the younger girl disclosed the matter to her school teacher. Judge Elva Duffy imposed consecutive sentences of three years and four years respectively. She commended the complainants and their mother for their bravery throughout proceedings. The judge noted the serious breach of trust and the significant impact on the victims' physical and mental health.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has convicted Derry O'Rourke, a former Irish Olympic swimming coach, of raping and sexually abusing a teenage girl over three decades ago. O'Rourke, aged 78 and resident in Cavan, had pleaded not guilty to one count of rape and 15 counts of indecent assault alleged to have occurred at a school between October 1989 and June 1990, when the complainant was aged 13 to 14 years. The trial judge directed the jury to acquit O'Rourke of four charges, leaving 12 offences for consideration. The jury unanimously convicted him on all remaining counts following five hours and 27 minutes of deliberations. Justice Melanie Greally remanded O'Rourke in custody pending sentencing on 30 July. O'Rourke has previous convictions for sexual offences dating back to 1998, including rape and indecent assault involving multiple victims. A victim impact statement has been ordered for the sentencing hearing.
The appeal of Desmond Smith and Stephen Hamill, who admitted to knowingly rendering assistance to an organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army (IRA) on March 13 and March 18, 2021, was heard in the Special Criminal Court. Both men pleaded guilty to the charges and are appealing for a non-custodial sentence, having pledged to have no further association with paramilitary organisations. Their legal representatives argued that their clients were at the 'lower level of the organisation' and expressed remorse for their actions. Counsel for both men highlighted their clients' personal circumstances, including Smith's medical conditions and family ties in Australia, and Hamill's role as a chef, musician, and father, as well as his community contributions. The court heard that an improvised 'slam gun' was discovered near Enniskillen police station following a search, and that phone calls purporting to be from the Continuity IRA were made to media outlets in the North and Border region. Mr Justice Tony Hunt adjourned the matter to October 14 for sentencing.
A 66-year-old man from Arva, County Cavan, appeared before the High Court today following his arrest at Dublin Airport on an extradition warrant issued by Northern Ireland authorities. James Donegan is wanted in connection with the murder of a part-time Ulster Defence Regiment member in County Armagh in June 1979. He faces three charges: murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life, and membership of a proscribed organisation. Upon arrest, Mr Donegan stated he was an innocent man. Mr Justice Patrick McGrath granted bail in the sum of €15,000 with independent surety, imposing conditions including residence at Garvagh, County Cavan, and three weekly sign-ins at Cavan Garda Station. Mr Donegan was remanded on continuing bail until 4 July. The case concerns events alleged to have occurred between 22 and 25 June 1979.
Contempt of court proceedings against Gemma O'Doherty in the High Court have been adjourned to July following a request for time to address allegations concerning third party funding of the plaintiff's case. Ms O'Doherty has claimed that champerty and maintenance laws have been breached, citing a fundraiser allegedly organised for Edel Campbell of Kingscourt, County Cavan, which she says raised over €24,000, with many donors remaining anonymous. Ms Campbell's legal team denies any wrongdoing and rejects the allegations. The case arises from Ms Campbell's claim that Ms O'Doherty, trading as "The Irish Light", used an unauthorised image of her late son Diego Gilsenan in an article. An injunction was previously secured restraining Ms O'Doherty from harassing Ms Campbell. The defendant denies breaching that order and rejects all allegations against her. Mr Justice Mark Sanfey directed both parties to exchange further sworn statements before the matter returns to court.
Nicola Brennan, aged 33, has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Juris Viktorovs at their shared home in Shillelagh, Ballyconnell, County Wicklow on 10 February 2022. The Central Criminal Court accepted her plea, with the Director of Public Prosecutions withdrawing the murder charge. Brennan had previously pleaded not guilty to murder in December 2023, but a month-long trial resulted in jury disagreement. Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the case for sentencing on 7 October pending probation and prison governor reports. Brennan has remained in custody at the Dochas women's prison since June 2022. The trial heard evidence from a witness who identified Brennan as responsible for the fatal stabbing, though the defence contended the witness account was unreliable given the circumstances.
The High Court and coroner's court have examined competing legal arguments regarding the scope of verdicts available to the jury in the resumed inquest into the 48 deaths at the Stardust nightclub fire. The new inquests, which commenced in April 2023 at the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin, followed a 2019 direction by the then Attorney General that fresh proceedings were necessary due to insufficient examination of the fire's circumstances at the original 1982 inquiry. Former Stardust manager Eamon Butterly challenged the coroner's decision to permit a potential unlawful killing verdict, arguing it would identify him as subject to censure. In November 2022, Mr Justice Charles Meenan rejected this challenge, confirming such a verdict could lawfully be available provided no individual remained identifiable as censurable. Following the conclusion of evidence, Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane received further submissions from interested parties. She ultimately ruled that an unlawful killing verdict could be placed before the jury, applying a beyond-reasonable-doubt standard of proof. The available verdicts were determined as accidental death, misadventure, unlawful killing, narrative, and open verdict.
Activist Gemma O'Doherty appeared before the High Court on Wednesday regarding an application for alleged contempt of court. The matter was adjourned to later this week to allow O'Doherty to obtain legal instructions and review relevant documents. She was released from Garda custody following the hearing. The application stems from an injunction granted to Edel Campbell, which restrains O'Doherty from harassing Campbell or publishing confidential information about her and her late son, Diego Gilsenan. Campbell alleges O'Doherty breached these orders through video posts and statements. O'Doherty, appearing without legal representation, rejected the allegations, stating she never harassed Campbell and that any attempt to jail her would be outrageous. She claimed the injunction was unlawful and that Campbell's actions violated champerty laws. Counsel for Campbell, David Kennedy SC, stated his client sought only compliance with the injunction and that O'Doherty's refusal left them no option but to bring the contempt motion. The court did not reach a final determination on the merits, as the hearing was suspended to facilitate proper legal representation.
Two men from County Cavan have pleaded guilty to assisting the IRA at the Special Criminal Court. Desmond Smith, aged 64, of Kilnavara Crescent, and Stephen Hamill, aged 51, of Willow Ridge, Gortnakesh, each admitted to knowingly rendering assistance to an organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army in furtherance of an unlawful object. Smith's offence occurred on 18 May 2021, while Hamill's took place on 13 March 2021. Both men were arrested in February last year by members of the Special Detective Unit. The charges arise under section 21a of the Offences against the State Act 1939. Justice Caroline Biggs, presiding, adjourned sentencing to 15 May. Both defendants remain on bail pending their sentencing hearing.
A 39-year-old man with 174 previous convictions has been sentenced to 14 months imprisonment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for breaching conditions of a suspended sentence, including a lifelong driving disqualification. James Maughan was convicted in February in the District Court of 16 offences arising from a hit-and-run incident involving an off-duty garda's vehicle. No injuries resulted from the collision. Judge Pauline Codd described Maughan's continued driving despite the ban as an "intolerable" and "outrageous" situation, noting that someone would eventually be injured. Maughan, previously of Cloghran, County Dublin, has an extensive history of road traffic offences spanning a decade. The court heard he became homeless after his suspended sentence was imposed in 2022 and was not accessing required medication for paranoid schizophrenia. Upon release, the judge requested continued medical supervision.
A High Court judge has ruled that Gemma O'Doherty must appear before the court to answer alleged contempt of an existing injunction. Mr Justice Mark Sanfey was satisfied that Ms O'Doherty had breached an order restraining her from harassing Edel Campbell of Kingscourt, County Cavan, whose son died by suicide. The injunction, granted in June, followed Ms Campbell's claim that Ms O'Doherty unlawfully published an image of her late son in connection with Covid-19 vaccination claims. The judge found that Ms O'Doherty had made statements in video posts across multiple months in apparent disregard of the order and noted she was absent from Wednesday's hearing. Mr Justice Sanfey stated that journalism cannot excuse such conduct and that intimidation of the plaintiff had demonstrably continued after the injunction was granted. Ms O'Doherty denies all allegations against her. She is required to appear before the High Court on Friday morning.
An application seeking Gemma O'Doherty's possible committal to prison for alleged contempt of court has been adjourned for one week by Mr Justice Mark Sanfey in the High Court. The motion, brought by Edel Campbell from Kingscourt, County Cavan, alleges that Ms O'Doherty breached court orders by harassing Ms Campbell and using images of her late son Diego without consent. Ms O'Doherty was absent from proceedings on Monday, with the court informed she is currently out of the jurisdiction. The judge noted she had been made aware of the application through email service of court documents. Ms Campbell's counsel argued there could be no doubt of Ms O'Doherty's knowledge of the proceedings. The adjournment was granted to allow Ms Campbell's legal team to make submissions on whether email service suffices for a motion that could result in committal for contempt. Ms O'Doherty denies the allegations. The case also involves Ms Campbell's underlying claim that Ms O'Doherty unlawfully published her son's image in connection with Covid-19 vaccination claims.
A contempt of court application against Gemma O'Doherty has been adjourned to February 12th following a hearing in the High Court. The motion, brought by Edel Campbell from Kingscourt, County Cavan, seeks Ms O'Doherty's attachment and possible committal to prison for alleged breach of court orders restraining her from harassing Ms Campbell and from publishing images of Ms Campbell's late son. Ms O'Doherty was not present at Monday's hearing, having reportedly left the jurisdiction. Her solicitors formally withdrew from representing her in the proceedings. The underlying dispute concerns the alleged unauthorised publication of an image of Ms Campbell's son in media controlled by Ms O'Doherty, which the plaintiff claims caused her emotional harm. Ms O'Doherty denies all allegations and intends to contest the contempt claim fully.
A woman accused of murdering her former housemate became visibly distressed when a jury at the Central Criminal Court failed to reach a verdict following a month-long trial. The jury of twelve spent seven hours and 33 minutes deliberating before informing Mr Justice Paul McDermott that unanimity was impossible. The judge had indicated he would accept a majority verdict of at least ten jurors before they returned unable to agree. Nicola Brennan, 33, of no fixed abode, had denied murdering Juris Viktorovs at Shillelagh, Ballyconnell, County Cavan, on 10 February 2022. The prosecution case centred on eye-witness testimony and forensic evidence. The defence challenged the consistency and reliability of the key witness account and questioned whether guilt had been established beyond reasonable doubt. Mr Justice McDermott adjourned the matter until 24 January 2024, when a date for retrial will be set. The jurors were discharged and exempted from further service for ten years. Nicola Brennan pleaded not guilty.
The jury at the Central Criminal Court continues deliberating in the trial of a woman charged with murdering her former lover. Nicola Brennan, aged 33, denies the murder of Juris Viktorovs, a 36-year-old Latvian national, at Ballyconnell, County Cavan, on 10 February 2022. The jury of eight men and four women has spent five hours and ten minutes in deliberation across two days, beginning Thursday afternoon. They are scheduled to resume Monday morning at 10am. The prosecution's case rests primarily on eyewitness testimony and forensic evidence, while the defence has challenged the reliability of the witness account and urged the jury to consider inconsistencies in the evidence presented. Mr Justice Paul McDermott has directed the jury that the prosecution must prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, and that murder requires proof of both the infliction of the fatal wound and intent to kill or cause serious harm. Nicola Brennan pleaded not guilty.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has begun deliberating in the trial of a woman charged with murdering her former lover in Ballyconnell, County Cavan. Nicola Brennan, aged 33, denies the charge of murdering Juris Viktorovs, a 36-year-old Latvian national, by stabbing him on 10 February 2022. The prosecution case relies on eyewitness testimony and forensic evidence, including blood found on the accused's clothing. The defence has challenged the reliability of the primary witness and questioned whether the evidence proves guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The jury of eight men and four women spent nearly two hours considering their verdict before adjourning. They are scheduled to return to court tomorrow. Justice Paul McDermott instructed the jury that the prosecution must prove its case to the standard of beyond reasonable doubt, and that murder requires proof of intent to kill or cause serious harm.
At the Central Criminal Court, defence counsel has urged a jury to acquit Nicola Brennan of murdering Juris Viktorovs in Ballyconnell, County Wicklow, on 10 February 2022. Colman Cody SC submitted that the evidence against his client does not establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt and that she had no motive to kill the deceased. He highlighted inconsistencies in the prosecution's main witness, noting that Brenda Kane made no mention of seeing Ms Brennan stab Mr Viktorovs during three initial interviews, only describing this during a later cognitive interview. Mr Cody also contended that forensic evidence, including blood on Ms Brennan's clothing, could be explained by her assisting in moving the body. He submitted that the level of intoxication present, together with the chaos of the circumstances, meant the jury could not be satisfied that Ms Brennan possessed the necessary intent for murder. Mr Justice Paul McDermott will continue his charge to the jury. Ms Brennan, aged 33, has pleaded not guilty to murder.
The Central Criminal Court heard closing arguments on Tuesday in the trial of a woman accused of fatally stabbing her housemate in Ballyconnell, County Cavan, in February 2022. Nicola Brennan, aged 33, denies murdering Juris Viktorovs during an incident at a shared residence. The defence argued that the sole eyewitness to the alleged stabbing gave inconsistent accounts across multiple garda interviews and court testimony, and therefore cannot be relied upon to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Prosecution counsel countered that independent evidence supports the eyewitness version and highlighted contradictory statements made by the accused in emergency calls and police interviews as indicative of culpability. The jury of twelve was instructed to consider the effect of alcohol intoxication on the accused's state of mind. Closing arguments continue. Nicola Brennan pleaded not guilty.
A woman standing trial for murder has denied allegations that her housemate died following a fit of jealousy and rage. Nicola Brennan, 33, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Juris Viktorovs, 36, at Ballyconnell, County Cavan, on 10 February 2022. At the Central Criminal Court, the jury heard that Ms Brennan initially told gardaí her boyfriend carried out the attack, later suggesting it may have been the deceased's partner. Forensic evidence presented showed blood belonging to the deceased on the cuff of Ms Brennan's pyjamas. The court also heard testimony regarding fake pink fingernails found at the scene and in garda custody. Ms Brennan maintained she was asleep at the time of the incident and had no reason to harm the deceased, whom she described as a good friend. The trial, before Mr Justice Paul McDermott, continues with a jury of twelve.
A witness at the Central Criminal Court murder trial testified that the accused woman told him the death of Juris Viktorovs resulted from a heart attack rather than stabbing. Paul Troy recounted that Nicola Brennan, aged 33, of no fixed abode, characterised the fatal wound as shallow when he questioned her about the incident. Brennan has pleaded not guilty to murdering Viktorovs, a 36-year-old Latvian national, at Shillelagh, Ballyconnell, County Cavan, on 10 February 2022. During cross-examination, the defence challenged Troy's account of the conversation, with counsel suggesting the accused did not make the statements attributed to her. Troy maintained that his statement to gardaí at the time was truthful. Another witness, Macislavs Obruzcovs, described finding Viktorovs on the floor with a small mark on his chest and no visible bleeding. The trial before Mr Justice Paul McDermott continues.
A witness at the Central Criminal Court has acknowledged a significant shift in her account of events surrounding the death of Juris Viktorovs in Ballyconnell, County Cavan on February 10, 2022. The woman told the court she initially omitted key details from three statements to gardaí but later described seeing the accused stab the deceased. Under cross-examination, she conceded this represented a "dramatic change" in her recollection, attributing the earlier omissions to difficulty processing the traumatic events and her grief. The witness denied allegations that she had been violent towards the deceased during previous disputes. Nicola Brennan, aged 33 and of no fixed abode, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of her housemate, a 36-year-old Latvian national. The trial before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury continues.
A woman has testified at the Central Criminal Court describing how her partner was fatally stabbed in their bedroom at Shillelagh, Ballyconnell, County Wicklow, on February 10, 2022. Nicola Brennan, aged 33, of no fixed abode, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Juris Viktorovs, aged 36, a Latvian national. The witness, Brenda Kane, told the jury she observed Ms Brennan enter the bedroom and stab Mr Viktorovs while he sat on the side of the bed. She said Mr Viktorovs attempted to rise but collapsed at the end of the bed. Emergency services were contacted immediately. The prosecution alleges forensic evidence supports their case, including DNA of the deceased found on the knife discovered in a mattress and blood of the deceased on clothing seized from Ms Brennan. The trial before Mr Justice Paul McDermott continues and is expected to last approximately three weeks.
A 33-year-old woman has pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 36-year-old man at a house in Ballyconnell, County Cavan on February 10, 2022. The Central Criminal Court heard that Nicola Brennan is alleged to have stabbed her housemate in the chest after her partner asked the deceased for a cigarette. The prosecution opened its case by outlining that a knife was recovered from the scene with the deceased's DNA on its tip, and that blood matching the victim was found on the accused's clothing. False nails allegedly linked to the defendant were discovered in both her room and the victim's room. The accused was arrested and subsequently released from detention before being rearrested. A jury of eight men and four women has been sworn in. The trial is expected to last a maximum of three weeks.
A jury has been sworn in at the Central Criminal Court for the trial of a woman charged with murder in County Wicklow. Nicola Brennan, aged 33 and originally from County Carlow, faces a charge of murdering Juris Viktorovs at a residence in Shillelagh on February 10, 2022. Ms Brennan entered a plea of not guilty when the charge was put to her. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul McDermott, will be heard by a jury comprising eight men and four women. Legal representatives indicated the case is expected to conclude within three weeks.
Paschal Kelly, aged 57, has failed in his appeal against conviction for a €92,000 post office robbery committed in September 2014. The Court of Appeal dismissed his challenge on all grounds, upholding his 18-year sentence imposed by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in 2018. Kelly, with last addresses in Cootehill, County Cavan, and Castlepollard, County Westmeath, was convicted of offences including false imprisonment, robbery, burglary and threatening to kill three women during the crime. The gang entered the home of postmistress Susan Lawlor in Malahide, bound her, her daughter and a student guest with cable ties, and transported them to Bayside Post Office in Sutton where the robbery occurred. Mr Justice John Edwards upheld the trial judge's admission of CCTV evidence and garda identification testimony, finding the evidence reliable and the conviction safe. Kelly's legal team indicated a sentence appeal remains pending. He has 60 previous convictions including robbery and assault.
Ruth Lawrence, a 42-year-old Dublin woman extradited from South Africa, will stand trial at the Central Criminal Court on October 7, 2024, on charges of murdering Anthony Keegan and Eoin O'Connor. The bodies of both men were discovered wrapped in plastic on Inchicup Island on Lough Sheelin, which borders Meath and Cavan, in May 2014. Mr Justice David Keane scheduled the trial, which is expected to last three weeks, following a hearing at the Central Criminal Court. The case has been adjourned to January 12, 2024, for case management. Ms Lawrence was arrested at Dublin Airport in May 2023 following her extradition from Bloemfontein and charged with two counts of murder. A South African national also faces extradition proceedings in connection with the deaths, though he is currently serving a prison sentence in South Africa.
In the High Court, Tuesday Edel Campbell, the plaintiff, secured disclosure orders directing Twitter to identify the operators of two accounts alleged to have breached a court injunction. The defendant, Gemma O'Doherty, confirmed to Mr Justice Brian O'Moore that she controls the '@irishlightpaper' account but denied involvement with the other two accounts, '@cavandrugwatch' and '@michaelmg3'. Ms O'Doherty denies all wrongdoing and intends to contest the allegations. The court granted the orders to allow the plaintiff's legal team to determine who controls the remaining accounts, after which Ms Campbell may decide whether to bring a motion for alleged contempt of court. The case stems from Ms Campbell's claim that Ms O'Doherty, publisher of The Irish Light, unlawfully used an image of her late son, Diego Gilsenan, in an article linking his death to the Covid-19 vaccination. Ms Campbell alleges this constitutes harassment and a breach of her constitutional rights. A previous injunction restrains Ms O'Doherty from harassing the plaintiff, publishing images of the plaintiff or her son, or inciting others to intimidate her. This injunction remains in place pending the final outcome of the action. The matter was adjourned to allow for the disclosure of the identities of the other account controllers.
In High Court proceedings, applicant Ita Madden, of Viginia House, Lough Gowna, Co Cavan, brought an action against Xtrupak Limited and directors Darragh Reilly, John Reilly Snr, Christine Reilly, and John M Reilly. Ms Madden alleged that excessive noise and air pollution from the defendants' manufacturing facility, located at Lough View, Lough Gowna, had severely disrupted her family's health and living conditions. She claimed the noise levels exceeded planning permission conditions following an operational expansion in January of this year. Ms Madden sought an injunction restraining the company from commercial activity until specific modifications were completed. The defendants, represented by Daniel McNamara BL, stated they were prepared to contest the application but preferred to reach an arrangement. Counsel noted that granting the injunction would risk the jobs of over 44 employees. The defendants proposed offering accommodation to Ms Madden while noise alleviation works, expected to take several weeks, were completed. Ms Madden, who represented herself, requested time to consider the proposal and to seek legal representation. Mr Justice Brian O'Moore adjourned the matter to a date later this month, encouraging the parties to continue seeking a resolution.