At the Special Criminal Court in Dublin on 30 June 2021, defence counsel argued that gardai are operating a "de facto surveillance system" through unauthorised access to private CCTV footage, breaching citizens' constitutional rights to privacy. The submissions arose during the trial of four men, including Alan O'Brien and Darren Redmond of Dublin and Luke O'Reilly of County Cavan, who have pleaded not guilty to the false imprisonment and assault of Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney on 17 September 2019 near Ballinagh, County Cavan. Counsel contended that gardai access CCTV from businesses and homes without proper safeguards, oversight, or legal justification, circumventing protections in the Garda Síochána Act 2005. They argued the practice fails proportionality tests and breaches data protection obligations. The defence also submitted that CCTV owners had not been informed of their right to refuse access or asked to maintain records. The trial before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and two other judges continues.
The Special Criminal Court trial of Alan O'Brien, Darren Redmond, Luke O'Reilly, and a 40-year-old man known as YZ continued, with the defence challenging the admissibility of CCTV evidence. The four accused, who have all pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm against Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney, are facing allegations that they abducted and assaulted him in September 2019. During proceedings, dozens of witnesses from Cavan, Monaghan, Westmeath, and Dublin testified that they provided CCTV footage to gardai upon request, often without questioning the legal basis. Some stated they were unaware of the Data Protection Act, while others noted they were given copies of section 41b, which permits seizure if necessary and proportionate. Northern Irish police officers also testified regarding their data protection training, confirming that service instructions were issued in 2018 following the Act's introduction. Mr Lunney previously testified that he was forced into a car, taken to a container where he was threatened to resign, and subjected to severe physical abuse, including being cut, doused in bleach, and having his leg broken. He was later found injured on a country road. The trial is presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, with Judges Gerard Griffin and David McHugh, and continues.
At the Special Criminal Court in Dublin, prosecutors presented evidence that one of three men accused of assaulting Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney made a journey to Cavan on September 16, 2019, which the State characterises as preparatory to the following day's alleged abduction. Detective Garda Alan Jones described tracking the accused man from Store Street garda station to a Renault Kangoo van, which prosecutors allege transported suspects between Dublin and Cavan on both dates. The court heard evidence of extensive CCTV surveillance gathered from toll booths, garages, and private premises. Alan O'Brien, Darren Redmond, and Luke O'Reilly, along with a man known as YZ, have each pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm at Ballinagh, County Cavan on September 17, 2019. The defence is challenging the admissibility of CCTV evidence and mobile phone data. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and two other judges.
The Special Criminal Court examined CCTV footage on Monday as part of the trial relating to the abduction and assault of Kevin Lunney, a director of Quinn Industrial Holdings, in September 2019. Detective Garda Alan Jones spent three days presenting video evidence compiled during the garda investigation, covering locations across Dublin, Cavan, Westmeath and Louth. Prosecution counsel Sean Guerin SC indicated that footage allegedly documents interactions between individuals and vehicles connected to the alleged offences. One sequence purportedly shows a Renault Kangoo van deposited at a yard in Duleek, County Meath on October 23rd, 2019. Defence counsel challenged the admissibility of the CCTV material. Three men have pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm: Alan O'Brien, aged 40, and Darren Redmond, aged 27, both of East Wall, Dublin, and Luke O'Reilly, aged 67, of Kilcogy, County Cavan. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and judges Gerard Griffin and David McHugh.
Ray Kennedy, aged 41, of Blanchardstown in Dublin, has been found guilty of perverting the course of justice at the Special Criminal Court following his destruction of a mobile phone SIM card on 6 March 2013. The card was considered of significant evidential value to the Garda investigation into the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly at Gormanston, County Meath. Kennedy's defence counsel argued against a custodial sentence, citing his young daughter's serious health condition requiring round-the-clock care and his previously unblemished background. The prosecution contended that Kennedy's actions were calculated to conceal his involvement in the incident. Presiding Judge Tony Hunt noted that a custodial sentence remained under consideration whilst granting bail due to Kennedy's family circumstances. Sentencing has been adjourned to 12 July. Four men have previously received life sentences for Butterly's murder, with two others also imprisoned for roles in the killing.
The Special Criminal Court trial of Alan O'Brien, Darren Redmond, Luke O'Reilly, and an unnamed man referred to as YZ continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and two other judges. All four accused have pleaded not guilty to the alleged false imprisonment and intentional causing of serious harm to Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney on September 17, 2019. The prosecution alleges that the men abducted Mr Lunney, assaulted him, and forced him to resign as a director. During testimony, Sergeant Fergal McDonagh stated he mediated between YZ and local gardai in May 2019 after YZ complained of harassment. Sgt McDonagh also testified that YZ provided a phone number ending in 717, which the prosecution links to the deceased Cyril McGuinness, who allegedly instructed the accused. The court viewed CCTV footage of vehicles allegedly used in the offences, including a silver Renault Kangoo and a black Audi A4. The trial is ongoing and was adjourned to continue on Monday.
At the Special Criminal Court in Dublin, prosecutors presented evidence alleging that a phone number ending in 567 was linked to Darren Redmond in connection with the September 2019 abduction and assault of Kevin Lunney near Ballinagh, County Cavan. The number was allegedly used when applying for a passport under Mr Redmond's name and address, when booking flights to Las Vegas for September 6 to 12, 2019, and when ordering food from a Domino's Pizza outlet three days after the alleged offence. Mr Redmond, aged 27, of East Wall, Dublin, denies false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm. Two co-accused, Alan O'Brien and Luke O'Reilly from County Cavan, also deny the charges. Defence counsel challenged the reliability of the evidence, noting that witnesses had no recollection of transactions and that automated systems could not verify how details were entered. The trial before three judges continues. Alan O'Brien pleaded not guilty. Darren Redmond pleaded not guilty. Luke O'Reilly pleaded not guilty. Kevin Lunney pleaded not guilty.
The trial of Alan O'Brien, Darren Redmond, Luke O'Reilly, and a 40-year-old man, all accused of false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm to Kevin Lunney, is currently at the sentence stage. All four defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges relating to the alleged abduction and assault of Mr. Lunney in September 2019. The court is presently addressing a six-day legal argument concerning the admissibility of mobile phone data evidence. The prosecution, represented by Sean Guerin SC, argues that gardai were entitled to access this data via search warrants to investigate serious crime, citing a lack of clarity in EU law regarding mass retention. Conversely, defence counsel contends that such access interferes with privacy rights under EU law and highlights procedural irregularities in the warrant applications. Mr Justice Tony Hunt expressed frustration at the lack of structured guidance from the Court of Justice of the European Union on accessing phone data for national security purposes. The court, sitting with Judges Gerard Griffin and David McHugh, has indicated it will deliver its decision on the admissibility of this evidence next week. The prosecution is scheduled to continue presenting CCTV evidence on Thursday. No final verdict or sentencing has been recorded in this report.
In the Special Criminal Court, the State argued that the mass retention of mobile phone data is not unlawful, countering defence claims regarding the admissibility of evidence in the trial of Alan O'Brien, Darren Redmond, and Luke O'Reilly. The defendants, who have all pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm to Kevin Lunney at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, Co Cavan, on September 17, 2019, face charges stemming from an alleged abduction and assault. Prosecution counsel Sean Guerin SC submitted that while the use of such data constitutes a serious interference with privacy rights, it is justified by the investigation of serious crime. He cited a recent European Court of Justice decision in a Spanish case, asserting that the legality of data retention is a matter for national courts. Guerin further noted that Irish law mandates retention under the Communications (Retention of Data) Act 2011, and that the Supreme Court has disagreed with the High Court's previous conclusion that such retention was prohibited by the EU. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC had previously argued that gardai broke the law by accessing data from Meteor and Vodafone, alleging repeated violations of privacy rights. The matter is currently at the sentence stage, with Guerin's submissions continuing before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, Judge Gerard Griffin, and Judge David McHugh.
The Special Criminal Court heard arguments regarding the admissibility of mobile phone data in the trial of Alan O'Brien, Darren Redmond, Luke O'Reilly, and an unnamed 40-year-old man. All four accused have pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm to Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC argued that gardai repeatedly broke the law by accessing illegally retained data, citing European Court of Justice rulings that mass retention breaches privacy rights. He contended the evidence was unlawfully obtained and should be ruled inadmissible. Prosecution counsel Sean Guerin SC countered that such data collection is a permitted interference with privacy to investigate serious crime. The court heard that Lunney alleged he was abducted, assaulted, and forced to resign as a director in September 2019. Mr Justice Hunt, presiding, expressed skepticism about the legal conclusions regarding data retention, stating the idea that courts must accept them uncritically does not sit easily with him. The defence also argued that search warrants used to obtain the data were disproportionate and contained inadequate information. The matter was adjourned, with Mr Guerin scheduled to continue his submissions on Monday before Mr Justice Hunt, Judge Gerard Griffin, and Judge David McHugh.
A barrister representing one of three men charged with the abduction and assault of Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney has criticised the government's failure to introduce legislation governing gardai access to mobile phone data. Michael O'Higgins SC told the Special Criminal Court that a "day of reckoning" has arrived following the State's inaction since court rulings and reports from 2012 onwards exposed legislative deficiencies. Three men, including a 40-year-old who cannot be named by court order, Alan O'Brien, aged 40, and Darren Redmond, aged 27, both from East Wall, Dublin, and Luke O'Reilly, aged 67, of Mullahoran Lower, Kilcogy, County Cavan, have all pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm to Mr Lunney on 17 September 2019 at Ballinagh, County Cavan. Mr O'Higgins argued that evidence obtained via mobile phone data accessed through search warrants should be ruled inadmissible, as the relevant legislation lacks necessary safeguards. He noted that a Supreme Court ruling in January 2019 found the Communications (Retention of Data) Act 2011 inconsistent with European law.
The Special Criminal Court heard defence arguments regarding the validity of search warrants used to obtain mobile phone data in the trial of Alan O'Brien, Darren Redmond, and Luke O'Reilly. The three men, who have all pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm to Kevin Lunney at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, Co Cavan, on September 17, 2019, are facing charges alleged to involve abduction and severe assault. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC argued that the warrants were invalid due to an "information deficit" and were executed at the wrong address. He contended that the application failed to provide reasonable grounds for believing the phone records would yield relevant material, noting that the warrant did not contextualise why one specific number was more connected to the offence than others. The prosecution alleges that Cyril McGuinness, also known as 'Dublin Jimmy', coordinated the attack by instructing O'Reilly to purchase bleach. While the defence challenges the use of Section 10 of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997 for obtaining records, the court is currently at the sentence stage. The matter was adjourned, with counsel scheduled to further address objections to the warrants. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, Judge Gerard Griffin, and Judge David McHugh.
The Special Criminal Court heard submissions on the admissibility of mobile phone evidence in the trial of four men accused of falsely imprisoning and causing serious harm to Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC argued against the use of mobile phone data, following two days of garda testimony regarding how officers compiled records from numbers allegedly associated with three of the accused. The men charged are a 40-year-old who cannot be named by court order, Alan O'Brien, aged 40, of East Wall in Dublin, Darren Redmond, aged 27, also of East Wall, and Luke O'Reilly, aged 67, of Mullahoran Lower, Kilcogy, County Cavan. All have pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm to Mr Lunney at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, County Cavan on 17 September 2019. The court previously heard evidence of the attack Mr Lunney sustained during the incident.
The Special Criminal Court heard a challenge to the admissibility of mobile phone evidence in the trial of Alan O'Brien, Darren Redmond, and Luke O'Reilly. The three defendants, who have pleaded not guilty, are accused of falsely imprisoning and intentionally causing serious harm to Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, Co Cavan, on September 17, 2019. Lunney alleged he was abducted, threatened, and severely assaulted, including being cut with a knife and having his leg broken. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC questioned the legality of the data collection, noting that Gardaí obtained phone records via Section 10 warrants rather than through Security and Intelligence. Detective Garda Sharon Walsh explained this shift followed the Graham Dwyer judgment, where Dwyer, convicted of the 2012 murder of Elaine O'Hara, challenged the previous method. Walsh admitted using "formalised wording" in her statement, which she attributed to a document in the Garda incident room. Sergeant Lisa Murray acknowledged an "oversight" where a warrant incorrectly listed Redmond's phone as unregistered, despite it being registered to him. Presiding Judge Tony Hunt inquired if the specific wording was material to the case, to which defence counsel replied it might be. The matter remains at the procedural stage of challenging evidence admissibility.
At the Special Criminal Court in Dublin, gardaí gave evidence in the trial of four men charged in connection with the abduction and assault of Kevin Lunney in County Cavan in September 2019. An unnamed 40-year-old man, Alan O'Brien, Darren Redmond, and Luke O'Reilly, aged 67, all deny false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm. Detective Sergeant Michael Kearney testified that when gardaí arrived at O'Reilly's home with a search warrant three days after the incident, the accused immediately stated he knew why they were present, referencing the purchase of bleach. O'Reilly subsequently declined legal advice and provided a cautioned voluntary statement. Shop worker Megan McClean recalled selling bleach to a man matching O'Reilly's description on the evening of the alleged offence, describing their interaction as relaxed and open. The trial, heard before three judges, continues. Alan O'Brien pleaded not guilty. Darren Redmond pleaded not guilty. Luke O'Reilly pleaded not guilty.
Two men charged with murder will proceed to trial at the Special Criminal Court following the rejection of a jurisdictional challenge this morning. Kenneth Donohoe, aged 42, and Darren Murphy, aged 50, both face allegations relating to the death of Eamon Kelly in December 2012. Defence counsel argued that the Special Criminal Court, established as an emergency measure in 1972, lacked statutory authority to operate on a permanent basis and that trying their clients without a jury breached human rights protections. Presiding judge Mr Justice Alexander Owens ruled that the court was validly established by statute and that the proclamation underpinning it remained in effect. This marks the second such jurisdictional application rejected by the court in two days. A similar challenge brought on behalf of four men accused of offences in County Cavan was dismissed on Tuesday. Both men are scheduled to appear for trial next week.
A director of Quinn Industrial Holdings told the Special Criminal Court how he dragged himself along a dark country road after being subjected to serious violence, fearing he would not receive help. Kevin Lunney, giving evidence in the trial of four men accused of falsely imprisoning him and causing him serious harm, described being struck with a wooden implement, subjected to bleach application, and having his body marked with a knife blade. The alleged offences occurred on 17 September 2019 near Ballinagh in County Cavan. An unnamed man, Alan O'Brien, Darren Redmond, and Luke O'Reilly, with an address at Mullahoran Lower, Kilcogy, County Cavan, have all pleaded not guilty to the charges. Mr Lunney told the court he dragged himself using only his left arm and leg towards a light in the distance before eventually being stopped by a tractor driver. The trial is ongoing at the Special Criminal Court.
The Special Criminal Court has heard the opening of the trial of Luke O'Reilly, Darren Redmond, Alan O'Brien, and a fourth unnamed accused, all of whom pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm to Kevin Lunney. The prosecution alleges that on September 17, 2019, Lunney was abducted from Co Fermanagh, driven to a site in Co Cavan, and assaulted by men acting on behalf of others. Lunney was allegedly threatened with death, forced to resign from Quinn Industrial Holdings, had his leg broken, and had his chest scored with a blade. The State contends that O'Brien, Redmond, and the unnamed accused directly participated in the offences, while O'Reilly provided material assistance by purchasing bleach to conceal evidence. Prosecution counsel Sean Guerin SC stated that the court will examine CCTV, DNA, and phone data linking the accused to a Renault Kangoo van containing Lunney's blood and Redmond's DNA. The trial, expected to last four months, will also address the admissibility of digital evidence. The matter is currently at the sentence stage, with the court proceeding to hear evidence from approximately 250 witnesses.
The Special Criminal Court has rejected jurisdictional arguments regarding the trial of four men accused of false imprisonment and causing serious harm to Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney. Counsel for the accused argued the court had become a permanent structure not permitted by its founding legislation, contending the DPP's role in selecting cases bypassed the Oireachtas. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with Judges Gerard Griffin and David McHugh, dismissed these claims, stating the court's jurisdiction is established by legislation and the DPP's documentation was in order. He noted that arguments concerning the Oireachtas's failure to revisit the 1972 proclamation were political matters outside the court's remit. The trial is scheduled to proceed. The accused are Luke O'Reilly (67), Darren Redmond (27), Alan O'Brien (40), and an unnamed man aged 40, who cannot be named due to unrelated pending trials. They are charged with false imprisonment and causing serious harm to Mr Lunney on September 17, 2019, at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, Co Cavan. Allegations state Mr Lunney was abducted, his leg broken, doused in bleach, and had letters carved into his chest before being dumped in Co Cavan. The court confirmed the matter will continue in the ordinary way.
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned proceedings in the trial of four men charged with the false imprisonment of Quinn Industrial Holdings executive Kevin Lunney. A jurisdictional application is to be heard tomorrow on behalf of one of the accused. Sean Guerin SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, indicated the argument would require approximately one day. The court, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt with Judge Gerard Griffin and Judge David McHugh, has previously rejected several applications to postpone the trial. Luke O'Reilly, aged 67, of Mullahoran Lower, Kilcogy, County Cavan; Darren Redmond, aged 27, of East Wall, Dublin; and Alan O'Brien, aged 40, also of East Wall, Dublin, along with a fourth accused man aged 40, are charged with false imprisonment and causing serious harm to Mr Lunney at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, County Cavan on 17 September 2019. The four men have not yet been arraigned.
Four men stand charged with the false imprisonment and assault of Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney at Ballinagh, County Cavan on 17 September 2019. The trial at the Special Criminal Court is now scheduled to commence on 31 May following repeated postponements since January. Luke O'Reilly, Darren Redmond, and Alan O'Brien are named defendants. A fourth man cannot be identified for legal reasons. The court heard the 12-week trial will proceed consecutively until the court recess in late July, with potential resumption in September. Justice Tony Hunt dismissed several defence applications seeking adjournment, including challenges relating to data retention legislation and the circumstances of a vehicle fire. Over 50,000 documents require digital processing. The allegations include assault causing serious harm.
A man has been found guilty by the Special Criminal Court of disrupting the garda investigation into the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly in 2013. Ray Kennedy, aged 41, from Blanchardstown, Dublin, was convicted of destroying a mobile phone SIM card on the day of the killing at Gormanston, County Meath. The court heard Kennedy had arranged to meet Butterly that afternoon and arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting. Evidence showed Kennedy's phone had contacted a burner phone connected to the murder. Kennedy claimed he panicked when approached by gardaí and destroyed the SIM card, but the judge rejected this account as not credible and found his actions were a calculated attempt to obstruct the investigation. Four men have already received life sentences for Butterly's murder, with two others also convicted and jailed for their roles. Kennedy was granted bail pending sentencing on 21 June. The unnamed accused was acquitted.
Two directors of a real estate company have been imprisoned at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following guilty pleas to defrauding clients. Sean Boylan, aged 72, of Cootehill, County Cavan, and Colin Horan, aged 38, of Dun Laoghaire, County Dublin, were convicted of carrying on the business of a company with intent to defraud creditors between June 2012 and July 2015. The company operated by selling properties in Bulgaria and Turkey to Irish clients, but failed to remit sale proceeds. Of fourteen victims, all but one had their properties sold without receiving payment. Boylan received a three-year sentence with the final six months suspended, while Horan received two years and eight months with the final six months suspended. The court heard that approximately €670,000 remained owed to victims, with Horan having reimbursed over €100,000. Judge Elma Sheahan described the accounting practices as chaotic and haphazard, noting the offending had caused lasting harm to complainants beyond monetary loss.
A Dublin court heard that Rene Cifra (34) and his wife, Olga Cifrova (31), falsely claimed they had been injured in a car accident after Cifra reversed into a van driven by an off-duty garda on Griffith Avenue, Dublin, on May 27, 2019. Both pleaded guilty to making a false and misleading personal injuries claim on dates between August 2019 and January 2020. The couple, who are originally from Slovakia and reside in Watermint Court, Royal Canal Park, Ashtown, admitted to fabricating the claims, with Cifra initially admitting fault at the scene and later filing a false claim against the van owner's insurance company, Liberty Insurance. The matter was adjourned for sentencing on July 27 following Judge Karen O'Connor's order for a probation report into the couple. Neither Cifra nor Cifrova have previous convictions, and they are the parents of two young children. The court heard that Cifra has been living in Ireland since 2008 and that both have worked minimum wage jobs. The case was brought by the Personal Injuries Assessment Board and Four Courts, with the couple's false claims being discovered after the van owner informed his insurance company of the discrepancy.
Former publican Charles Coyle (59), of Bough, Cootehill, was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to possession of cocaine for sale or supply in Lusk on April 24, 2020. Judge Martin Nolan imposed the sentence, declining to depart from the mandatory minimum of ten years despite defense counsel John Peart SC's submissions that Coyle had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and made full admissions regarding his role. The court found that Coyle acted as a transporter at the directions of others, rather than as the owner of the drugs. Coyle was caught after gardai, acting on confidential information, observed him take three boxes from a truck driven by Dmitrijs Venskovics (45) at a Dublin service station. Venskovics, who was convicted last November, was also jailed for eight years. During the search of Coyle's van, gardai seized one kilogram of cocaine under the front passenger seat and a further 35kg in a rear security compartment. Coyle, who has 20 previous convictions, claimed he was paid €2,000 to transport the items, which he described as vegetables and hand sanitisers. The judge noted that Coyle's actions represented a grievous error of judgement, particularly given his age and experience.
A man accused of perverting the course of justice in connection with a dissident republican murder has been remanded on bail pending judgment. The Special Criminal Court hearing concerns Ray Kennedy, who is charged with deliberately destroying a mobile telephone SIM card on the day Peter Butterly was shot dead at Gormanston, County Meath in March 2013. The prosecution contends the SIM card would have been of significant evidential value to the murder investigation. Mr Kennedy's defence counsel argued his client had plausible reason to panic after arranging to meet Mr Butterly that afternoon about an illicit matter, and that the State has failed to prove the charge beyond reasonable doubt. The three-judge court, presiding Justice Tony Hunt with Judges Gerard Griffin and Flann Brennan, will deliver judgment on May 17th. Four men have already received life sentences for Mr Butterly's murder, with two others jailed for roles in the killing. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.
Ray Kennedy, aged 40, has pleaded not guilty at the Special Criminal Court to a charge of perverting the course of justice. The prosecution alleges that Kennedy deliberately destroyed a mobile phone SIM card on 6 March 2013, the day dissident republican Peter Butterly was shot dead in the carpark of the Huntsman Inn at Gormanston, County Meath. Kennedy had arranged to meet Butterly that afternoon and arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting. The State contends that Kennedy's phone had been in contact with a burner phone connected to the killing, and that destroying the SIM card was intended to hamper the garda investigation. Kennedy, attending his trial remotely, is accused of deliberately destroying evidence of significant value. Four men have already received life sentences for Butterly's murder, and two others have been imprisoned for their roles in the killing. The trial, before three judges, is expected to last four to five weeks.
The Central Criminal Court and Special Criminal Court have adjourned multiple trials due to the pandemic backlog. Inita Romanovska, 34, of Ennis, Co Clare, is charged with the alleged attempted murder of a man she met on Tinder during an incident in Limerick in March 2020. Her trial, previously scheduled for 2021, was adjourned to March 6, 2023. Mr Justice Michael White noted that jury trials will not resume until late March or April 2022, pending safety assessments. Meanwhile, at the Special Criminal Court, the trial of four men accused of abducting and assaulting Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney was adjourned from March 1 to May 31, 2022. The accused are Luke O'Reilly, 66, of Co Cavan; Darren Redmond, 25, of Dublin 3; and Alan O'Brien, 38, of Dublin 1. They face charges of false imprisonment and assault causing serious harm to Mr Lunney in September 2019. Mr Justice Tony Hunt stated that the five-party trial could not proceed in March due to public health restrictions and would run for 12 weeks starting in late May. A fifth unnamed male is also charged with the same offences. All matters remain at the procedural stage of fixing trial dates, with no pleas entered or findings made.
Four men are charged with the false imprisonment and assault of Kevin Lunney, a director of Quinn Industrial Holdings, at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, County Cavan on 17 September 2019. The trial at the non-jury Special Criminal Court has been further delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Mr Justice Tony Hunt indicated the 12-week trial would not commence before 1 March, following directions from the President of the High Court. The judge listed the case for mention on 24 February to confirm the March start date and establish trial procedures. Luke O'Reilly, Darren Redmond, and Alan O'Brien are named among the accused; a fourth man cannot be identified for legal reasons. The court previously dismissed applications to halt proceedings concerning data retention uncertainties and an ongoing Garda ombudsman investigation into allegations regarding evidence handling.
The trial of four men accused of abducting and assaulting Kevin Lunney, a Quinn Industrial Holdings executive, has been adjourned by the Special Criminal Court. Mr Justice Tony Hunt determined on Tuesday that proceeding with the trial as originally scheduled for January 11 would be "undesirable and imprudent" given escalating coronavirus case numbers. The judge stated the trial would now commence on February 1. Three of the accused are Luke O'Reilly from Kilcogy, County Cavan, Darren Redmond from Dublin, and Alan O'Brien from Dublin. A fourth man cannot be named for legal reasons. All face charges of false imprisonment and assault causing serious harm to Mr Lunney at Ballinagh, County Cavan in September 2019. The case will return for mention on January 11 to address disclosure matters. The trial is expected to last approximately twelve weeks.
At the Special Criminal Court, books of evidence were served on five men accused of ATM thefts and related offences in Cavan and Monaghan. The accused are Daniel O'Callaghan, Ciaran Duffy, Gerard Duffy, Niall Finnegan, and Stephen Duffy. O'Callaghan, a former Crossmaglen footballer, is charged with the attempted theft of an ATM at the Riverfront Hotel in Virginia, Co Cavan, on August 14, 2019, allegedly for the benefit of a criminal organisation. He also faces charges of theft and criminal damage involving an ATM in Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, in April 2019. Additionally, he is accused of possessing €298,000, a petrol can, a stolen Toyota Landcruiser, a stolen 14-tonne digger, bolt-cutters, and a stolen flatbed trailer. Ciaran and Gerard Duffy are charged with participating in the movement and possession of cash to facilitate a criminal organisation, as well as the attempted ATM thefts in Virginia and Castleblayney. They are also accused of possessing the stolen digger, trailer, Landcruiser, bolt-cutters, and petrol can, and handling sums of €280,900, €103,930, and €22,000. Niall Finnegan and Stephen Duffy are accused of participating in the movement of and handling €103,930. All charges are alleged or contested. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, sitting with Judges Sarah Berkeley and Michael Walsh, remanded all five men on continuing bail until February 1, when their cases are listed for mention again.
Four men accused of falsing imprisoning and assaulting Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney have had a pre-trial application to adjourn their case rejected at the Special Criminal Court. Mr Justice Tony Hunt dismissed all four grounds of the defence application on December 7th, clearing the way for the trial to commence on January 11th as scheduled. The trial, expected to last twelve weeks, concerns allegations relating to an incident at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, County Cavan on September 17th, 2019. Luke O'Reilly, aged 66, from Mullahoran Lower, Kilcogy, County Cavan; Darren Redmond, aged 25, from East Wall, Dublin; and Alan O'Brien, aged 39, also from East Wall, Dublin, are named accused. A fourth defendant cannot be named for legal reasons. The court rejected arguments concerning mobile phone data retention law, High Court jurisdictional challenges, disclosure volume, and concerns regarding DNA evidence recovered from a van that subsequently caught fire while in gardai custody.
Four men accused of falsely imprisoning and assaulting Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney appeared before the Special Criminal Court on 26 November to address an adjournment application. Luke O'Reilly, aged 66, from Mullahoran Lower, Kilcogy, County Cavan; Darren Redmond, aged 25, from East Wall, Dublin; Alan O'Brien, aged 39, also from East Wall, Dublin; and a fourth man who cannot be named for legal reasons, face charges relating to the alleged abduction and assault of Mr Lunney on 17 September 2019 in County Cavan. Defence counsel cited four grounds for postponing the scheduled January trial, including the volume of disclosure materials, pending High Court judicial review proceedings, ongoing Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission investigation into a fire that destroyed a van allegedly used in the alleged offence, and uncertainty regarding mobile phone data retention law. One defendant's legal team alleged DNA evidence had been planted on the Renault Kangoo van before it was destroyed. The State opposed the application, emphasising the serious nature of the allegations and the importance of proceeding with trial.
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned the trial of Luke O'Reilly, Darren Redmond, Alan O'Brien, and a fourth unnamed defendant, who are charged with false imprisonment and assault causing serious harm to Kevin Lunney. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC applied for the adjournment, arguing that the law regarding the retention and accessing of mobile phone data is in a state of significant uncertainty. This argument references the appeal by Graham Dwyer, who sought to overturn his murder conviction for the killing of Elaine O'Hara by challenging the use of mobile data under the 2011 Communications (Retention of Data) Act. The European Court of Justice recently ruled in similar cases that member states do not have broad rights to retain such data, and the ECJ hearing for the Dwyer referral is expected to begin in mid-January. The DPP, represented by Sean Guerin SC, requested time to set out the Director's position, noting her desire to proceed with the case. The court, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, listed the matter for hearing next Thursday at 9.30am. The defendants were sent forward for trial last March, and the original trial date of January 11, 2021, was suspended pending this procedural review.
Environmental activist Peter Sweetman has initiated High Court judicial review proceedings against the Forestry Appeals Committee's decision to grant a felling licence to Coillte for coniferous Sitka Spruce trees on the Bellamont Forest Estate near Cootehill, Co Cavan. The licence, issued in July 2020, covers 2.7 hectares of forestry land. Mr Sweetman contends the committee failed to conduct adequate environmental screening under the EU Habitats Directive before authorising the operation. He argues the site's proximity to designated Special Areas of Conservation and Special Areas of Protection poses risks to local bird and otter populations. Mr Sweetman further claims the committee did not consider cumulative impacts of multiple felling licences in the area or properly assess chemical use and its ecological consequences. He seeks orders quashing the licence decision and declarations of procedural failure. Mr Justice Charles Meenan directed that the application for permission to challenge proceed with all parties present. The matter was adjourned to later in November.
Five men, including a former All-Ireland club footballer, have been charged with a combined 38 new offences at the Special Criminal Court relating to alleged ATM thefts across Cavan and Monaghan. Daniel O'Callaghan, aged 30, a former Crossmaglen player, faces charges concerning an attempted ATM theft in Virginia in August 2019 and a criminal damage and theft matter in Castleblayney in April 2019, both allegedly connected to organised crime. He is also charged with possession of cash and stolen vehicles, including a digger and flatbed trailer. Three brothers—Ciaran Duffy, aged 26, Gerard Duffy, aged 29, and Stephen Duffy, aged 34—alongside Niall Finnegan, aged 38, have been charged with related offences including handling money, possession of stolen property, and facilitating organised crime. All five accused have been released on bail pending further proceedings.
The Special Criminal Court has heard that the trial of four men accused of false imprisonment and assault causing serious harm to Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney may be delayed due to High Court challenges. The defendants, Luke O'Reilly, Darren Redmond, Alan O'Brien, and a fourth unnamed accused, were charged with abducting and assaulting Mr. Lunney in September 2019. The fourth accused and Mr. O'Brien have instituted judicial review proceedings challenging the Special Criminal Court's jurisdiction, while Mr. O'Reilly and Mr. Redmond have adopted the same position. Counsel for the DPP stated that the fourth accused's case is listed for mention in the High Court, with an early hearing expected. Mr. Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with Judges Gerard Griffin and David McHugh, noted that even if the State prevails, appeals are likely. Consequently, the court considered backing up the 12-week trial originally fixed for January 11, 2021. Counsel for the fourth accused indicated an application for adjournment on other grounds would be brought. The matter was adjourned to a mention hearing on November 16 to ascertain the updated position regarding the High Court proceedings.
John Tierney, aged 53, of Rockhouse, Gowna, County Cavan, received a fully suspended sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following his guilty plea to dangerous driving causing death. The collision occurred on the N4 motorway near Junction 3 in Lucan, County Dublin, on 10 December 2018, when Tierney's vehicle suddenly moved into a bus lane, striking the motorcycle of Stephen Fee, who was fatally injured. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a one-year custodial sentence, suspended in full, and disqualified Tierney from driving for eight years. The court heard that Tierney's vehicle had begun losing power due to a diesel particle filter issue, leading him to change lanes without ensuring the path was clear. Tierney had no previous convictions. The judge characterised the driving as a misjudgement rather than reckless behaviour, citing strong mitigating factors including Tierney's guilty plea, cooperation with gardaí, and significant health difficulties. Impact statements from the victim's family were read to the court.
Aaron Brady has been sentenced to life imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court for the capital murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe in January 2013. Brady, aged twenty-nine and from New Road in Crossmaglen, County Armagh, was convicted in August following a trial lasting more than six months. Under the Criminal Justice Act 1990, he must serve a minimum of forty years before becoming eligible for parole. Justice Michael White imposed an additional concurrent sentence of fourteen years for robbery in connection with the credit union raid in County Louth, during which seven thousand euros was stolen in fifty-eight seconds. The court heard victim impact statements from Detective Donohoe's family and colleagues. Brady has maintained his innocence despite conviction, with supporters gathering outside the Courts of Criminal Justice to protest the outcome.
At the Central Criminal Court, victim impact statements were read concerning the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohue, who died during an armed robbery at Lordship Credit Union on 25 January 2013. His wife Caroline described the lasting trauma of witnessing the incident and the absence of their father from their children's milestones. His parents Hugh and Peggy Donohue spoke of their son's character, his devotion to family and the Gardaí, and the irreversible division their lives experienced following his death. Detective Garda Joseph Ryan, Donohue's colleague who was present during the shooting, detailed his diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder and his subsequent early retirement from An Garda Síochána in 2018. Adrian's siblings expressed the immeasurable void left by his death and lamented the family occasions and relationships he would never experience. The statements were presented as part of proceedings at the Central Criminal Court relating to the case.
The Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal by a debt collector against an 18-month custodial sentence imposed for intimidation and harassment offences. Kevin Molloy, aged 51, originally from Donegal and currently residing in Cavan, was convicted in May at Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court of harassing a man and his daughter between April and August 2015. His offences included threatening to kidnap and harm an individual, and arranging the distribution of defamatory flyers at equestrian events and in Mullingar. Molloy, who operated a debt recovery business based in Kildare, received a headline sentence of four years with 18 months suspended. The three-judge court, presiding over the appeal on Friday, upheld the sentencing judge's assessment that the offences fell within the upper mid-range. The judges described the 18-month actual custodial term as generous and rejected claims the sentence was unduly harsh. The court also upheld a seven-year ban on Molloy operating as a debt collector, deeming it legitimate and proportionate. Molloy was permitted time to arrange his affairs before beginning his sentence on 30 September.
A man with three All Ireland Club Championship medals with Crossmaglen Rangers has been granted bail by the Special Criminal Court on charges relating to ATM thefts in the border region. Daniel O'Callaghan, aged 30, faces five offences including the theft of an ATM in Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, in April 2019 and the attempted theft of an ATM at The Riverfront Hotel in Virginia, Co Cavan, in August 2019. He is also charged with offences under the Criminal Justice Act alleging involvement with a criminal organisation. Bail was set at €1,000 cash and independent sureties totalling €40,000. Mr O'Callaghan must reside in Castleblayney, surrender his passport, sign on daily at the local garda station, observe a nightly curfew, and comply with restrictions on travel and association. He has been remanded in custody with consent to bail until November 2. Three other men have previously been granted bail in connection with the same investigations.
A Dublin man charged in connection with an incident involving Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney has initiated High Court proceedings challenging the Director of Public Prosecutions' decision to try him before the Special Criminal Court without jury. Alan O'Brien, aged 39, stands accused alongside three others of falsely imprisoning and causing serious harm to Mr Lunney at Ballinagh, County Cavan on 17 September 2019. Mr O'Brien contends that non-jury trial constitutes a significant infringement of his constitutional entitlements. His counsel argued that the legislative provision enabling such trials dates from 1972 emergency legislation during the Troubles and has never been converted into permanent law. Mr O'Brien seeks declarations that the Special Criminal Court lacks jurisdiction and that the Oireachtas has failed to establish adequate criteria governing non-jury proceedings. He is the second of four accused men to mount such a challenge. Justice Charles Meenan ordered the application be made on notice to State representatives, with proceedings returnable in September.
Daniel O'Callaghan (30) appeared before the Special Criminal Court charged with five offences relating to the theft of an ATM in Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, in April and the attempted theft of an ATM in Virginia, Co Cavan, in August. He is alleged to have committed these offences for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal organisation. O'Callaghan is also charged with offences under Sections 72 and 73 of the Criminal Justice Act. Presiding judge Ms Justice Tara Burns remanded O'Callaghan in custody until Monday, to allow for gardaí to carry out inquiries regarding the surety. Michael O'Donovan is also charged with the attempted theft of the ATM at The Riverfront Hotel, Main Street, Virginia Co Cavan, on August 14, 2019, for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal organisation. The matter was adjourned and never described as concluded or finalised.
Four men have been granted bail by the Special Criminal Court following their appearance on charges relating to alleged ATM theft attempts across the border region. Gerard Duffy, aged 29, Ciaran Duffy, aged 26, and Stephen Duffy, aged 34, all from County Monaghan, along with Niall Finnegan, aged 38, from County Armagh, face charges under the Offences Against the State Act alleging involvement in a criminal organisation. The charges arise from investigations into attempted ATM thefts at Virginia, County Cavan, in August 2019 and Castleblayney, County Monaghan, in April 2019. Bail conditions imposed include residence at named addresses, passport surrender, daily reporting to Castleblayney Garda Station, curfew compliance, and prohibition on mutual contact except for legal purposes. The accused are also barred from contacting prospective witnesses. Justice Tony Hunt adjourned proceedings to November 2nd to allow preparation of the Book of Evidence.
Four men appeared before the Special Criminal Court on Tuesday charged with involvement in attempted ATM thefts across Cavan and Monaghan during 2019. Gerard Duffy, aged 29, Ciaran Duffy, aged 26, both of Greagh, Loughnamore, County Monaghan, Stephen Duffy, aged 34, of Castleblayney, and Niall Finnegan, aged 38, of County Armagh, face charges under the Offences Against the State Act. The accused are alleged to have participated in a criminal organisation linked to attempted thefts at Virginia and Castleblayney, and the unlawful movement and possession of cash. The charges carry dates spanning April 2019 and August 2019. Legal representatives indicated that bail would be sought for all defendants, with applications for free legal aid also filed. The court heard that gardaí required verification of proposed bail sureties. Justice Tony Hunt adjourned proceedings to 31 August to allow inspection of the sureties and confirmed that legal aid, if granted, would be backdated to the hearing date.
A man accused of falsely imprisoning and assaulting Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney has failed in his application to have the charges dismissed at the Special Criminal Court. Alan O'Brien, aged 39, from East Wall, Dublin, faced charges relating to an alleged incident at Ballinagh, County Cavan, on 17 September 2019. The three-judge court determined there was sufficient evidence to proceed to trial, rejecting his Section 4E application for dismissal. The court was satisfied a prima facie case had been established by the prosecution. O'Brien was remanded in custody pending trial, scheduled for January 2021, where he will face trial alongside three co-accused. Two of his co-accused were previously granted High Court bail in April, with the presiding judge acknowledging the serious nature of the allegations whilst upholding the presumption of innocence.
Alan O'Brien, aged 39, with an address at Shelmalier Road, East Wall, Dublin 3, appeared before the Special Criminal Court on July 6th, 2020 to seek dismissal of charges relating to the false imprisonment and assault of Kevin Lunney. Mr Lunney was allegedly abducted near his home in County Fermanagh on September 17th, 2019, and subjected to serious harm during an ordeal lasting approximately two and a half hours before being left on a roadside in County Cavan. Mr O'Brien's application under Section 4E of the Criminal Justice Act 1999 was adjourned, with the hearing scheduled for July 29th. He was remanded in custody pending that date. Three co-accused face identical charges. Luke O'Reilly and Darren Redmond, who were granted High Court bail in April, had their case also mentioned. Trial of all four defendants was set for January 11th, 2021.
The HSE has apologised and made an interim payment of €4.6m to Tadhg James McKenna, who brought a High Court medical negligence claim over the circumstances of his birth at Cavan General Hospital. Tadhg, who has cerebral palsy and requires constant care, had sued the HSE for alleged negligence and breach of duty of care during his delivery on August 31, 2017. Liability had previously been conceded in relation to breach of duty but causation was at issue. Following out of court talks, the matter was resolved. An apology was read before the High Court, where Cavan General Hospital and the HSE 'unreservedly apologised for the failings in care that caused the injuries sustained by Tadhg at birth and the consequential upset suffered' by the McKenna family. The court heard that Tadhg, of Sruth An Mhuillan, Emyvale, Co Monaghan, who had sued through his mother Emma Louise McKenna, suffers with seizures, respiratory attacks, fevers and requires constant medical care and monitoring. The HSE agreed that an interim payment of €4.6m should be made to provide for Tadhg's care. The boy's case will return before the court in five years time. The judge adjourned the matter to a date in June 2025.
Four men faced the Special Criminal Court on charges of false imprisonment and assault causing serious harm to Kevin Lunney, a director of Quinn Industrial Holdings, at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, County Cavan on 17 September 2019. Luke O'Reilly, Darren Redmond, and Alan O'Brien were named in court, while a fourth defendant cannot be identified for legal reasons. The trial is scheduled to commence on 21 January 2021. The court heard that the case involves approximately 50,000 documents requiring digital processing, with disclosure expected within four to six weeks. O'Reilly and Redmond had their bail extended to January, while O'Brien and the fourth accused were remanded in custody. A vehicle belonging to the unnamed defendant and seized as evidence was destroyed while in Garda possession, described as occurring "apparently by accident". The defence sought full disclosure regarding the vehicle's destruction. Presiding Judge Tony Hunt ordered the four men to have no contact with persons involved in the case and issued an alibi warning.