At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, the defence barrister in a tiger kidnapping trial has submitted that the State's case against Paschal Kelly, aged 52 and with an address in Cootehill, County Cavan, is fundamentally flawed. Martin O'Rourke SC argued that gardaí investigating the matter had adopted a fixed view of his client and ignored a potentially fruitful line of inquiry into another man who could have participated in the offence. Mr Kelly has pleaded not guilty to charges including false imprisonment of a postmistress, her daughter and an Italian lodger at a property in Malahide on 25 September 2014, and to robbery from Bayside Post Office in Sutton the same day. The defence contended that no identification parade was conducted and that up to twelve civilian witnesses with relevant descriptions were not called to give evidence. Mr O'Rourke submitted that the DNA evidence was equivocal and invited the jury to return not guilty verdicts on all counts.
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, prosecution counsel has outlined what it characterises as compelling evidence linking Paschal Kelly, aged 52, from Cootehill, Co. Cavan, to a tiger kidnapping at Malahide in September 2014. Mr Kelly has pleaded not guilty to charges including false imprisonment of a postmistress and two other persons, robbery from Bayside Post Office, threats to kill, trespass, and unauthorised use of a vehicle. The prosecution submitted that physical descriptions provided by the victim matched the accused, that mobile phone tracking placed a getaway driver at the crime scene, and that DNA evidence recovered from discarded clothing and items found in gardens corresponded with Mr Kelly's profile. Counsel argued the combination of eyewitness descriptions, CCTV footage, forensic evidence, and witness testimony created a case leaving no reasonable doubt as to guilt. The trial before Judge Karen O'Connor is continuing, with defence submissions to follow.
A man in his twenties has been sentenced to seven years imprisonment in absentia at the Central Criminal Court following his conviction for sexually abusing a young relative in Dublin. He was found guilty by unanimous jury verdict on fourteen counts of sexual assault occurring between 2008 and 2011, when the victim was aged five to eight years old. The defendant absconded just before the jury delivered its verdict in May and has remained at large since. A bench warrant for his arrest was issued, but gardaí have been unable to locate him. During sentencing proceedings last week, the court heard a victim impact statement from the now teenage complainant, describing ongoing psychological effects including sleep disturbance and difficulty attending school. The defendant, who had been arrested in Cavan on the allegations but made no admissions during interview, is believed to be homeless in Dublin city. Mr Justice Michael White noted the breach of trust involved and that the offences spanned several years, though acknowledged the defendant's youth as a mitigating factor. The unnamed 24-year-old pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court trial of Kevin Braney, 44, of Tallaght, Dublin, continues before a three-judge panel. Mr Braney, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly and the unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol and ammunition, faces evidence from protected witness David Cullen. Cullen, who turned State's witness after his murder charge was dropped, testified that he was asked to pick up a gun. He described an evening in March 2013 when Edward McGrath and Mr Braney visited his Balbriggan home, with Mr Braney allegedly stating, "Make sure this is done right and he doesn't get away." Cullen identified a silver Toyota Corolla used in the operation and stated that Dean Evans and McGrath stayed at his apartment the day before the shooting. He further testified that Sharif Kelly dropped him near the scene, where a gun was thrown from a vehicle, leading to his arrest. In related proceedings, Michael McDermott admitted to assisting an unlawful organisation in the murder. Frank Murphy pleaded guilty to impeding the prosecution of Cullen. Meanwhile, Edward McGrath, Sharif Kelly, and Dean Evans have all received life sentences at the Special Criminal Court after being convicted of Mr Butterly's murder. The trial of Mr Braney is ongoing.
Frank Murphy, 58, pleaded guilty in the Special Criminal Court to impeding the apprehension or prosecution of State witness David Cullen, who had previously pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol. Murphy had originally pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly, a trial underway since October, but the DPP directed that he be recharged under Section 7(2) of the Criminal Law Act, 1997. Prosecution counsel confirmed the DPP would not proceed with the original murder charges against Murphy. Co-accused Michael McDermott, 59, pleaded guilty last Friday to assisting an unlawful organisation in the murder of Mr Butterly. Both men were remanded in custody by Mr Justice Paul Coffey, sitting with Judges Martin Nolan and James Faughnan, until January 28, 2019, for sentencing. Kevin Braney, 43, who pleaded not guilty to the murder and related firearm charges, remains in the trial. The court refused Braney's application for the judges to discharge themselves. The trial against Braney continues.
A detective has testified at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that he holds the view a man accused of involvement in a €90,000 tiger kidnapping in 2014 has connections to organised crime. Paschal Kelly, aged 52 and from Cootehill, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges arising from an incident at Malahide, Dublin, on 25 September 2014. The charges include trespass, false imprisonment of a postmistress and two other individuals, robbery from a post office, making threats to kill, and unlawful possession of a vehicle. During cross-examination by the defence, Detective Garda Domhnall O'Connell confirmed his belief regarding Mr Kelly's alleged links to organised crime. He explained to the court that gardaí did not conduct an identity parade due to the accused's significantly altered appearance since the alleged offence. The trial before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury continues.
A man from Cootehill, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to charges arising from an alleged tiger kidnapping in September 2014. Paschal Kelly, aged 52, faces charges of trespass, false imprisonment of a postmistress and two others at a property in Malahide, robbery from a post office in Sutton, threats to kill, and unlawful possession of a vehicle. During the trial before Judge Karen O'Connor, a Detective Chief Superintendent gave evidence that two gardaí identified Mr Kelly as the driver of a vehicle used in the incident after reviewing CCTV footage. Defence counsel raised concerns that the two detectives had participated in Mr Kelly's arrest three weeks prior to viewing the footage. The witness rejected suggestions that gardaí had sought to conceal this prior involvement. The court heard that an identity parade had been discussed but was not conducted. The trial continues with evidence before the jury.
A man from Cavan has pleaded guilty before the Special Criminal Court to assisting an unlawful organisation in the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly. Michael McDermott, aged 59, of Ballinagh, Co. Cavan, admitted to knowingly rendering assistance to the IRA in furthering the unlawful killing of Mr Butterly at various locations between 3 and 6 March 2013. Mr Butterly was shot outside the Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co. Meath, on 6 March 2013 in the presence of schoolchildren awaiting buses. McDermott had initially pleaded not guilty to murder and related firearms charges, with trial proceedings commenced in October. He was recharged under the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005 this morning and entered a guilty plea to the fresh count. The prosecution entered a nolle prosequi on the three original charges. McDermott has been remanded in custody pending sentencing on 28 January 2019. Two further defendants, Frank Murphy and Kevin Braney, both deny murder and firearms possession charges relating to the incident. The trial continues before the three-judge court.
A man on trial at the Special Criminal Court for the murder of a father-of-two was removed from proceedings in an ambulance after falling unwell before the hearing commenced. Frank Murphy, aged fifty-eight, of McDonough Caravan Park, Bettystown, County Meath, is one of three defendants charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Peter Butterly outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, County Meath, on March 6th, 2013. The thirty-five-year-old victim was shot in view of schoolchildren awaiting transport. Paramedics assessed Mr Murphy outside the courtroom and conveyed him by stretcher to the waiting ambulance. His barrister assured the three-judge court that his client was not deliberately absenting himself. The trial, which began in October, was adjourned until afternoon to allow Mr Murphy's solicitor to receive instructions once his medical situation had been clarified. Mr Murphy has pleaded not guilty to murder and to firearm possession charges. Two co-accused, Michael McDermott of County Cavan and Kevin Braney of Dublin, also deny the allegations against them.
The trial of Paschal Kelly, aged 52 and from Cootehill, Co. Cavan, has entered its seventh week at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Mr Kelly has pleaded not guilty to charges including trespass, false imprisonment of three people at a premises in Malahide, Dublin on September 25, 2014, robbery from a post office in Sutton, and making threats to kill. He has also denied unlawful possession of a vehicle in connection with the same date. The trial commenced in mid-October and was originally estimated to conclude within six weeks. Proceedings are now anticipated to continue for at least a further week. A juror's absence on the date in question prevented evidence from being heard, and the court has previously adjourned for legal submissions outside the jury's presence. Judge Karen O'Connor addressed the jury regarding compensation for shortened sitting days before directing them to return the following day.
A garda fingerprint expert has told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that examination of a vehicle used in a €90,000 tiger kidnapping yielded no evidential value. Garda Frank Doyle said he found nothing of relevance during internal and external inspection of a Volkswagen Golf, nor did he recover relevant fingerprints from items within the car or from the home of postmistress Susan Lawlor, who was among three people abducted in the incident four years ago. Paschal Kelly, aged 52, from Cootehill, Co. Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to charges including false imprisonment of Ms Lawlor, her daughter, and an Italian student at a Dublin location on 25 September 2014. He has also denied robbery and threats to kill, as well as unlawful vehicle possession. Defence counsel questioned the expert regarding fingerprint contamination on surfaces and noted that third-party prints were found on CDs recovered from the car. The trial continues before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury.
A jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has heard evidence regarding garda procedures at a crime scene in a tiger kidnapping trial. Paschal Kelly, aged 52 and from Cootehill, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to charges of trespass and false imprisonment of a postmistress and two others at a property in Malahide on 25 September 2014. He has also pleaded not guilty to robbery at Bayside Post Office in Sutton and threats to kill the three individuals, as well as unlawful possession of a vehicle on the same date. On the twenty-second day of proceedings, three gardaí provided testimony concerning the preservation of the Bayside Post Office scene. Garda Daniel Rogers told the court that he maintained security of a Nissan Qashqai during technical examination and confirmed no unauthorised access occurred whilst he was on duty. The trial before Judge Karen O'Connor continues.
A detective gave evidence on day 21 of the trial of Paschal Kelly at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, describing the discovery of an additional licence plate during examination of a vehicle alleged to have been used in a tiger kidnapping. Mr Kelly, aged 52 and from Cootehill, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to charges including false imprisonment, robbery and threats relating to an incident at Malahide and Bayside Post Office on 25 September 2014. Detective Garda Seamus O'Donnell told the court he found a Meath licence plate in the boot of a grey Volkswagen Golf bearing Dublin plates. He collected DNA samples from items in the vehicle and noted damage to the passenger door and wing mirrors. The defence questioned whether DNA contamination may have occurred during handling, though the detective stated he changed gloves regularly. The trial continues before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury.
A man convicted of murdering a Romanian national at a brothel in Cavan six years ago is awaiting the outcome of his appeal against conviction at the Court of Appeal. Przemyslaw Trebacz, a Polish national aged 39, of Bramble Rise, Killynebber, Cavan, received a mandatory life sentence in February 2014 after a Central Criminal Court jury returned a majority guilty verdict for the killing of Costel Catalin Cretu on 13 or 14 October 2012 at Connolly Court, Cavan. Trebacz maintained his innocence regarding the murder charge, though he admitted criminal damage. His defence argued he sought services as a customer, while the prosecution contended he and another man attended to commit robbery. The appeal challenged the trial's adequacy, questioning the judge's direction to the jury and the reliability of a key female witness. The Director of Public Prosecutions' counsel cited corroborating evidence from a taxi driver. The Court of Appeal reserved judgment. Przemyslaw Trebacz pleaded not guilty.
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, two men have been sentenced for sexually assaulting a 19-year-old woman while she lay asleep in a private room at a nightclub in Swords, Dublin in July 2017. Joshua Sykes, of Ardlo Manor, Mullagh, County Cavan, and Adam McCabe, of Clusker Park, Navan, County Meath, both pleaded guilty to the offence. Each received a three-year sentence, with the final eighteen months suspended. Judge Cormac Quinn described the case as shocking, noting the woman was vulnerable at the time and had been preyed upon. CCTV footage showed the assault occurring over five minutes while the woman remained unresponsive. Both men, who were attending a birthday party, claimed memory loss but were identified on camera. In a victim impact statement, the woman detailed ongoing psychological harm, including self-harm, panic attacks, and anxiety. The judge considered the men's early guilty pleas, youth, cooperation with probation services, and expressions of remorse when imposing sentence.
A witness has testified at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in the ongoing trial of a man charged in connection with a €90,000 tiger kidnapping that occurred in September 2014. The witness described how his vehicle was struck by another car near McAllister's Garage in Malahide, following which two men fled the scene on foot. Paschal Kelly, aged 52 and from Cootehill, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to charges including falsely imprisoning three women at a property in Malahide, robbery at Bayside Post Office in Sutton, and making threats to kill. He also denies unlawful possession of a vehicle. The witness told the court that one man ran towards nearby woodlands whilst the driver departed in the direction of Swords Road. He noted the driver appeared frightened. Gardaí arrived within seconds of the men leaving the vehicle. The trial, now on its seventeenth day, continues before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury.
A man from Cootehill, County Cavan, has died by suicide since his arrest on the morning of a tiger kidnapping, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has heard. Paschal Kelly, aged 52, has pleaded not guilty to charges including false imprisonment of a postmistress and her daughter at a property in Malahide on 25 September 2014, as well as robbery from Bayside Post Office in Sutton and threats to kill. He also denies unlawful possession of a vehicle. During the sixteenth day of the trial, gardaí gave evidence that Kelly was arrested while fleeing a suspect vehicle at traffic lights in north Dublin that morning. A garda subsequently attended his death at a city-centre premises in June 2016, an inquest finding nothing of suspect nature. The trial heard how the postmistress and her daughter were discovered bound with ties at the post office, visibly distressed. The case continues before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury.
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, a garda detective testified on the fifteenth day of trial that he discharged two shots at a suspect during an armed chase because he feared for his life. The officer said he believed he saw a firearm in the suspect's hand as the man turned towards him in a field near Malahide on September 25, 2014. Paschal Kelly, aged 52 and from Cootehill, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to charges including falsely imprisoning a postmistress and her daughter, along with an Italian student, at a property in Dublin. He also denies robbery at Bayside Post Office and threats to kill, as well as unlawful possession of a vehicle. The detective told the court he identified the suspect after pursuing him on foot for approximately 500 metres. During cross-examination, the defence suggested the officer's description relied on information from other agencies and CCTV footage, a claim he rejected. The trial before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury remains ongoing.
The trial of a man charged in connection with a tiger kidnapping in 2014 has continued at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court with technical evidence relating to phone records. Paschal Kelly, aged 52 and resident in Cootehill, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to charges of trespass and false imprisonment arising from an incident at a residential address in Malahide on September 25, 2014. He has also denied robbing a post office in Dublin on the same date and making threats to kill. Additional charges of unlawful possession of a vehicle have been denied. The trial, which is proceeding before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury, continues to hear evidence as the defence contests the allegations.
The trial of a man charged in connection with a tiger kidnapping in 2014 has continued with legal argument held in the jury's absence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Paschal Kelly, aged 52 and from Cootehill, Co. Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to charges including false imprisonment of a postmistress and two other individuals at a property in Malahide on 25 September 2014. He also denies robbery of cash from a post office in Sutton and making threats to kill the three parties at an unknown location within the State. Mr Kelly has further denied unlawful possession of a vehicle in relation to the same date. The prosecution alleges three men were involved in the incident, which lasted approximately seven hours and resulted in the taking of approximately €90,000. Proceedings before Judge Karen O'Connor continue in legal argument, with the jury expected to return on the following Tuesday.
The trial of Paschal Kelly (52), from Cootehill, County Cavan, has continued at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court with legal argument conducted in the jury's absence. Mr Kelly has pleaded not guilty to charges of trespass, false imprisonment, robbery and threatening behaviour arising from an incident at Malahide and Sutton in Dublin on 25 September 2014. He is accused of involvement in a tiger kidnapping in which approximately €90,000 was allegedly taken during an incident lasting seven hours. The prosecution has alleged that three men were involved in the offence. The trial is proceeding before Judge Karen O'Connor and is expected to last six weeks. The jury is anticipated to return to court within the coming days as legal argument continues.
An 86-year-old man from Arva, County Cavan, has received an eight-year suspended sentence at the Central Criminal Court for the sexual abuse of two siblings spanning the period 1958 to 1963. John Joe Kiernan pleaded guilty to eleven sample counts of indecent assault and one count of rape. The offences occurred on or near the victims' family farmland where Kiernan worked as a farm labourer. Mr Justice Michael White imposed sentences totalling eight years for rape and seven years for indecent assaults, suspending all sentences entirely on condition that Kiernan keep the peace. The judge cited Kiernan's advanced age and serious ill-health as factors against imposing custody. The court heard the victims, now in their sixties, came forward in 2017. Kiernan had previously served a five-year sentence in 2005 for separate sexual offences committed between 1963 and 1973.
Paschal Kelly, aged 52, from Cootehill, County Cavan, stands trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for charges arising from an alleged tiger kidnapping in September 2014. He has pleaded not guilty to trespassing and falsely imprisoning a postmistress, her daughter, and an Italian student at a property in Malahide, Dublin. Mr Kelly also denies robbing approximately €90,000 from Bayside Post Office in Sutton and making threats to kill the three individuals. A further charge of unlawful vehicle possession is denied. Prosecution counsel indicated three men were allegedly involved in the incident, which lasted approximately seven hours. During evidence, the postmistress described being cable-tied and placed in her vehicle by two men in black, with a third raider joining them later at a field north of Dublin. She recounted deliberately leaving physical evidence at the scene. The trial, proceeding before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury, is expected to last six weeks.
At the Central Criminal Court, Mr Justice Michael White commended two siblings from Arva, County Cavan for their "unbelievable courage" in reporting childhood sexual abuse to gardaí in 2017, more than five decades after the offences occurred. John Joe Kiernan, aged 86 and from Forthill, Arva, pleaded guilty to six sample counts of indecent assault against one victim between 1958 and 1963, five sample counts against his younger sister during 1959 to 1963, and rape of the girl between 1959 and 1964. The offences took place on or near the family farmland where Kiernan worked as a labourer. Both victims, now in their sixties, provided impact statements describing lasting trauma. The judge described certain threats made by Kiernan as "spine chilling" and noted the brutality of the offending. Kiernan had been previously imprisoned in 2005 for similar offences. Sentencing was adjourned pending further consideration.
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, a detective gave evidence in the trial of a man accused of tiger kidnapping. Detective Garda Eamon Keane described observing a Volkswagen car driven by a man wearing a ski mask near the home of postmistress Susan Lawlor in the early hours following her alleged abduction on September 25, 2014. The vehicle braked sharply before turning onto her street in Malahide, Dublin, and departed within thirty seconds. Det Gda Keane noted the house displayed activated alarm lights and open upstairs curtains with lights on. Paschal Kelly, aged 52, from Cootehill, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to charges of false imprisonment, robbery at Bayside Post Office in Sutton, threats to kill, and unlawful vehicle possession. During cross-examination, the defence highlighted that the detective did not record his observations for approximately five days and that a colleague had recorded an incorrect registration number. Evidence was also heard from a Chubb Ireland monitoring centre employee and an An Post crime prevention manager regarding emergency calls received on the tiger kidnapping helpline.
An Italian language student giving evidence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has described the moment armed raiders entered the bedroom where she was sleeping during an alleged kidnapping in 2014. The witness, who was staying in the north Dublin area while studying English, told the court she felt terrified when a man dressed in black appeared at her bedside and restrained her with cable ties. She stated that during a subsequent car journey in the early hours, she believed the raiders intended to cause her serious harm. The witness further described being taken to a post office in the company of two other captives, where she said raiders removed approximately ninety thousand euros from a safe. Paschal Kelly, aged 52 and from Cootehill, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to charges of false imprisonment, robbery, threatening behaviour, and unlawful vehicle possession relating to the incident on 25 September 2014. The trial before Judge Karen O'Connor continues.
Paschal Kelly, 52, of Cootehill, Co. Cavan, is on trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where he has pleaded not guilty to alleged offences committed on September 25, 2014. The defendant is charged with trespass and falsely imprisoning postmistress Susan Lawlor, her daughter Emma Carter, and Italian student Gabriella Saisa at Seabury Drive, Malahide, Dublin. He also faces charges of robbing Ms. Lawlor of cash at Bayside Post Office, Sutton, Dublin, and threatening to kill the three women at an unknown location in the State. Additionally, he denies unlawful possession of a vehicle. During testimony, Ms. Lawlor described a "tiger kidnapping" in which intruders demanded post office keys and cash, threatening violence if she contacted authorities. She stated she was driven to the post office, where the safe was opened, before she activated a panic button. Ms. Carter corroborated the account, describing the intruders as terrifying. Both women testified that gardaí did not request an identification parade, and Ms. Carter stated she could not identify the raiders. The trial continues before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury.
A man with an address in Cootehill, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to charges arising from an alleged "tiger kidnapping" at a post office in north Dublin four years ago. Paschal Kelly, aged 52, faces counts of trespass, false imprisonment, robbery and making threats to kill in connection with an incident on 25 September 2014. Prosecution counsel told the jury that two men allegedly broke into a home in Malahide, restrained three women, and drove them to Bayside Post Office in Sutton, where one victim provided access to a safe. Approximately €90,000 was taken during the incident, which lasted several hours. The prosecution indicated that gardaí responded quickly after an emergency call was made from the home, though the caller did not speak. One man was arrested near the post office shortly after; two others fled on foot and were later apprehended. The trial before Judge Karen O'Connor continues with a jury present.
Three men have been arraigned at the Special Criminal Court on charges of murdering a dissident republican shot dead outside a public house in Meath over five years ago. Michael McDermott, aged 58, of Ballinagh, County Cavan; Kevin Braney, aged 43, from Dublin; and Frank Murphy, aged 58, of Bettystown, County Meath, have all pleaded not guilty to murder. McDermott and Braney also deny possessing a 9mm semi-automatic pistol and ammunition in March 2013, while Murphy denies possession of the same firearm and rounds on the date of the killing itself. The prosecution opened its case before three judges, outlining that the victim was shot multiple times in a carpark whilst in his vehicle, with witnesses present. The court heard that a stolen vehicle was used in the attack and subsequently recovered. The prosecution indicated that accomplice evidence will feature prominently, noting that a protected witness will testify regarding the planning and execution of the murder. The trial is expected to last approximately ten weeks.
Dean Evans, 27, of Raheny, Dublin, received a mandatory life sentence at the Special Criminal Court for the murder of Peter Butterly. Evans pleaded guilty to shooting Butterly outside The Huntsman Inn, Gormanstown, Co Meath, in March 2013. He was extradited from Spain in April after failing to appear for a trial scheduled in January 2017. Evans expressed remorse, stating he made decisions as a younger man that he would not make today. The court heard from the victim's widow, who described the family's trauma. Evans is the third person to receive a life sentence for this murder, following convictions for Edward McGrath and Sharif Kelly. Frank Murphy, 58, of Bettystown, Co Meath, also appeared at the Special Criminal Court today, where he was charged with firearms offences arising out of the events at the Huntsman Inn. Previous firearms charges against Murphy were struck out. Three other men, Kevin Braney, Michael McDermott, and Frank Murphy, are due to go on trial later this year on the same murder charge.
A man arrested in Spain following his failure to appear at trial has pleaded guilty to murdering dissident republican Peter Butterly at the Special Criminal Court. Dean Evans, aged 27 and from Dublin, admitted to the charge of murdering Mr Butterly, who was shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn, Gormanstown, County Meath on 6 March 2013. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy remanded Evans in custody pending sentencing on 31 July, when he will receive a mandatory life sentence. Evans is the third person to receive a life sentence for the killing, following the conviction last year of Edward McGrath and Sharif Kelly. Three other men remain scheduled to stand trial later this year on the same charge, including a man with an address in Cavan. Evans had absconded before his trial was due to commence in January 2017, prompting a European Arrest Warrant. He was apprehended in Spain in April and subsequently surrendered to Irish authorities.
Liberty Insurance DAC, a subsidiary of the US-based Liberty Mutual group with offices on Dublin Road in Cavan, sought High Court approval for a cross-border merger with Spanish entity Liberty Seguros Compania De Seguros Y Reaseguros SA. The merger, heard in the Commercial Court, forms part of the group's plan to consolidate its Irish, Portuguese and Spanish insurance operations. The company told the court that approximately 400 Irish employees will not experience changes to their terms and conditions following the proposed merger. Workers will retain current labour conditions, rights and benefits, the court was informed. Liberty Insurance DAC, which acquired Quinn Insurance in 2011, currently holds approximately two million policies and net assets of €217.7 million. As part of the scheme, the Irish entity's business and remaining assets will transfer to the Spanish company, which will also merge with Liberty Portugal. Mr Justice Robert Haughton admitted the application to the fast-track commercial list and adjourned the matter to October.
The Director of Public Prosecutions has discontinued proceedings against a Cavan childminder who faced allegations of causing serious harm to an infant. Sandra Higgins of Drumgola Wood, Cavan, had pleaded not guilty to a charge of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to a baby at her home on 28 March 2012. The case proceeded through four trials at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court before the prosecution applied to withdraw the charge. The fourth trial, presided over by Judge Pauline Codd, ended with jury discharge after undisclosed expert witness communications raised fair trial concerns. Previous trials had also resulted in jury discharge and failure to reach verdict due to various procedural issues. At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today, Judge Melanie Greally discharged Ms Higgins from the charge and entered a nolle prosequi following the prosecution's application.
David Drumm, former chief executive of Anglo Irish Bank, has received a fully suspended sentence of fifteen months at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for his involvement in an unlawful loan scheme. The 51-year-old from Skerries, County Dublin pleaded guilty to ten counts of authorising unlawful financial assistance to the Maple Ten group of developers and businessmen between July 2008. The loans were designed to unwind a substantial undisclosed shareholding in Anglo Irish Bank accumulated by Cavan businessman Sean Quinn through financial instruments. Judge Karen O'Connor imposed the suspended sentence to run concurrently with a six-year custodial sentence imposed following Drumm's conviction on conspiracy and false accounting charges. The judge noted Drumm's role as chief executive meant he held responsibility for ensuring legal compliance and transparency. Drumm was also disqualified from acting as a company director for five years as an automatic consequence of the conviction under the Companies Act.
The Charleton tribunal is hearing closing submissions about allegations that former Garda press officer Superintendent David Taylor directed negative briefings against whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe. Lawyers for the Garda commissioner, Martin Callinan, argue that the tribunal should disregard the testimony of four witnesses – journalist Philip Boucher‑Hayes, TDs John McGuinness and John Deasy, and Comptroller and Auditor General Seamus McCarthy – because their accounts conflict and they did not report their alleged conversations with Callinan at the time. Callinan's counsel, Shane Murphy SC, notes inconsistencies in McGuinness's statements about notes from a 2014 meeting and in Deasy's recollection of what was said. Callinan maintains he was asked about McCabe by McCarthy and that he explained the allegations were investigated and no prosecution was directed. Lawyers for McCabe, Michael McDowell SC, contend that McCabe is entitled to vindication as a truthful witness. The tribunal will consider these arguments before Justice Peter Charleton submits his report in October.
During the Charleton tribunal, Sean Gillane SC, representing RTÉ, argued that former Garda press officer Supt David Taylor's claims that journalists were briefed to smear whistleblower Sgt Maurice McCabe were untrustworthy. Gillane cited no evidence linking journalists John Burke, Paul Reynolds, or Philip Boucher‑Hayes to any alleged smear campaign. He highlighted editorial discussions and email records showing that Reynolds' reports on leaked O'Higgins commission findings were produced independently. Gillane also noted that Boucher‑Hayes' alleged encounter with former commissioner Martin Callinan was voluntary and not corroborated by other witnesses. The tribunal heard that ten of twelve journalists named by Taylor denied receiving briefings, while two declined to comment. Taylor's allegations that Callinan directed him to brief journalists were denied by both former commissioners. The tribunal continued its hearing that afternoon.
The Court of Appeal heard several sentencing appeals, with two appellants withdrawing their cases after President Mr Justice George Birmingham reminded counsel of the court's power to increase sentences. Philip McKevitt, 62, of Dundalk, withdrew his appeal against an eight-and-a-half-year sentence imposed in 2017 by the Special Criminal Court. He had been convicted of making a bomb in his shed on May 22, 2010, which detectives alleged would have weighed 500lb fully loaded. His co-accused, Conan Murphy, 32, had previously pleaded guilty to the same incident and received a six-year sentence. In a separate matter, Charles McDonagh, 27, of Co Cavan, withdrew his appeal against a nine-year sentence for dangerous driving causing serious harm, a decision Mr Justice Birmingham described as sensible. Conversely, the court upheld the sentences of two other appellants. Keith Hughes, 27, of Dundalk, had his appeal dismissed regarding a six-year sentence (with the final year suspended) for robbing €235 and possessing a knife at a bookmaker in 2015. The court noted his 59 previous convictions and found no error in principle. Additionally, the appeal of a 28-year-old South African national against a 10-year sentence for raping his former partner was dismissed, with the court holding the sentence was within the available range.
At the Charleton tribunal in Dublin on 21 June 2018, Dáil Deputy Mick Wallace gave evidence regarding allegations of a campaign to undermine Garda whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe. Mr Wallace told the tribunal that he believed an orchestrated campaign had been conducted against Sgt McCabe, based on conversations with Superintendent David Taylor, the former Garda Press Officer. Mr Wallace stated that Supt Taylor had expressed remorse for damage caused to Sgt McCabe and his family, though the Deputy acknowledged that Supt Taylor may have embellished aspects of his own treatment. The tribunal is examining allegations that Supt Taylor was directed to smear Sgt McCabe. Former Garda Commissioners Martin Callinan and Nóirín O'Sullivan have denied involvement in any such campaign. Evidence was also heard from RTÉ staff, journalists, and other witnesses regarding conversations about derogatory remarks allegedly made by Commissioner Callinan concerning Sgt McCabe's mental health and conduct.
The third re-trial of a Cavan childminder accused of causing serious harm to a baby has collapsed at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Sandra Higgins, aged 37 of The Beeches, Drumgola Wood, Cavan, had pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to a baby girl at her home on 28 March 2012. The State alleged the child's injuries, which included head and facial bruising, brain bleeding and detached retinas, were inflicted by Ms Higgins. Judge Pauline Codd found that undisclosed email communications between expert witnesses had not been passed to the defence, potentially hampering adequate trial preparation. The judge ruled a fair trial could not be assured and discharged the jury. Ms Higgins was remanded on continuing bail pending a mention date in July. The Director of Public Prosecutions will determine whether to pursue the matter further.
Fionnan Sheahan, editor of the Irish Independent, has denied telling a former colleague that garda whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe was "a paedophile". Giving evidence to the Charleton tribunal on Friday, Mr Sheahan stated he had only encountered "unfounded allegations and rumours" on the matter and possessed no evidence to present. The tribunal is examining allegations that Superintendent David Taylor was directed to conduct a smear campaign against Sgt McCabe, claims denied by former commissioners Martin Callinan and Nóirín O'Sullivan. Mr Sheahan contended that former Sunday Independent editor Anne Harris was "confused" about an alleged 2014 conversation and suggested she was "headline hunting". Former RTÉ Chief News Editor Ray Burke and Garda Human Resources director John Barrett also gave testimony regarding coverage of the O'Higgins Commission report into policing in the Cavan-Monaghan division. The tribunal resumes next Thursday.
A retrial concerning a Cavan childminder accused of causing serious harm to an infant continued before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on Friday with legal argument conducted in the jury's absence. Sandra Higgins, aged 37, of The Beeches, Drumgola Wood, Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to a ten-month-old baby at her home on 28 March 2012. The State alleges that injuries sustained by the infant, comprising head and facial bruising and swelling, intracranial bleeding, and bilateral retinal detachment, were inflicted by the accused. Prosecutors contend these injuries posed substantial risk of death or serious impairment to the child's bodily functions. The jury, comprising five women and seven men, is scheduled to return to court the following Tuesday. The trial, expected to last three weeks, continues before Judge Pauline Codd.
In a hearing before the Charleton tribunal, RTÉ journalist Paul Reynolds denied that he had received any negative briefing or "poison" from sources about whistleblower Sgt Maurice McCabe. Reynolds explained that he had taken notes during conversations in preparation for a 9 May 2016 broadcast on the O'Higgins Commission report, which investigated complaints by McCabe about policing in the Cavan‑Monaghan garda division. The notes referenced a 2006 sexual‑abuse allegation against McCabe that the Director of Public Prosecutions had dismissed the following year, and Reynolds said he never used or broadcast that information. He stated that rumours about McCabe were "around, in the ether," but he did not focus on them once the DPP decision was known. Reynolds also claimed he had not been part of any negative briefing and that his notes were not intended for detailed legal scrutiny.
A consultant paediatrician has told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that medical evidence points to serious non-accidental injury in a case involving a ten-month-old infant. Dr Christopher Hobbs, a UK expert in physical signs of child abuse, testified on the second day of the trial that hospital records documented brain haemorrhages, facial bruising, detached retinas and rib fractures in the child. Dr Hobbs stated the pattern of injuries, including the characteristic triad of brain bleeding, retinal haemorrhage and brain dysfunction, indicated non-accidental trauma. Sandra Higgins, aged 37, of Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to charges of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to the infant at her home on 28 March 2012. The defence counsel put alternative explanations to the medical expert, including that the child had fallen whilst in the care of the baby's parents. The trial before Judge Pauline Codd and jury is scheduled to continue for three weeks.
A retrial opened at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 12 June 2018 concerning a Cavan childminder accused of causing serious harm to a ten-month-old infant. Sandra Higgins, aged 37 of Drumgola Wood, Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly inflicting serious harm on the child at her home on 28 March 2012. The prosecution outlined that the baby was admitted to hospital with seizures and displaying significant injuries including head and facial bruising, brain bleeding, and detached retinas in both eyes. The State alleges these injuries were inflicted by Ms Higgins and posed substantial risk of death or bodily impairment. The defence accepted the severity of injuries but disputed causation. The court heard the baby had been in Ms Higgins's care full-time since November 2011, and that parents reported concerns about bumps and bruises approximately one month before the incident. The trial was scheduled to run for three weeks, with the jury instructed to base verdicts solely on courtroom evidence.
Journalist Michael Clifford told the Charleton Tribunal that he was initially shocked when he first learned of allegations of sexual abuse against Sergeant Maurice McCabe in early 2014. Mr Clifford said he heard the allegations on three separate occasions from different sources and investigated them, concluding they were without foundation. He told the tribunal that former garda superintendent David Taylor had indicated that text messages seized during a garda inquiry contained evidence of a smear campaign against the whistleblower. However, Superintendent Taylor subsequently told the tribunal that no such text messages existed and that any negative briefings about Sergeant McCabe were given verbally. Former garda commissioners Martin Callinan and Nóirín O'Sullivan have denied a smear campaign occurred. Three journalists, including former Irish Examiner editor Tim Vaughan and RTÉ correspondent John Burke, testified they did not receive negative briefings about Sergeant McCabe. The tribunal, examining allegations that senior gardaí smeared the whistleblower, continues its proceedings.
A Cavan bus driver has been sentenced to fifteen years in prison following conviction for the sexual abuse of three children at the Central Criminal Court. Shane Costello, aged 49, from Hillview, Ballyhaise, was found guilty after trial in March of rape, oral rape and attempted oral rape of his teenage stepdaughter on dates in 2012 when she was between thirteen and fourteen years old. He had pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape, one of oral rape and three of attempted oral rape. Following the jury's verdicts, Costello subsequently pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting two other children on dates between 2001 and 2013. Justice Ní Raifeartaigh imposed nine years and nine months imprisonment for the offences against his stepdaughter, with consecutive sentences for the remaining charges totalling fifteen years. The court heard the stepdaughter, now nineteen, delivered a victim impact statement describing enduring trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder. Costello has previous convictions for assault causing harm from 1998.
Two peat extraction companies have sought permission to appeal High Court decisions rejecting their challenges to An Bord Pleanála determinations that their operations are no longer exempt development. Bulrush Horticulture Ltd and Westland Horticulture Ltd, alongside Westmeath Peat Ltd and Cavan Peat Ltd, were rejected by Mr Justice Charles Meenan in February after the Board found their activities required planning permission from September 2012 onwards. The companies argue the cases raise points of exceptional public importance with significant implications for the peat industry. Key issues centre on whether environmental impact assessments apply to peat extraction and whether EU directives on environmental and habitat protection apply to operations that lawfully commenced as exempt development before 2012. An Bord Pleanála opposes the applications. Mr Justice Meenan reserved his decision on permitting appeals to the Court of Appeal following submissions from all parties.
Former Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan told the Charleton Tribunal on Friday that he never sought to discredit Sergeant Maurice McCabe. Mr Callinan denied directing press officer Superintendent David Taylor to brief media negatively about the whistleblowing sergeant. He also denied attempting to undermine the Public Accounts Committee following a hotel car park meeting with its chairman after giving evidence on the penalty points controversy. The tribunal is examining allegations that Mr Callinan instructed Superintendent Taylor to damage Sergeant McCabe's reputation. Mr Callinan said he was concerned about a serving garda appearing before the committee and confidential information becoming public. He acknowledged learning of a 2006 allegation against Sergeant McCabe only when the tribunal provided him with the Director of Public Prosecutions' direction not to prosecute, which deemed the matter did not constitute assault. The proceedings continue this afternoon.
In a Charleton tribunal hearing, former Garda press officer Superintendent David Taylor testified that he no longer believes whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe was motivated by revenge when raising concerns about Garda conduct in the Cavan-Monaghan district and abuses of the penalty points system. Taylor said he had been instructed by former Commissioner Martin Callinan to brief the media negatively on McCabe, claiming McCabe sought revenge after a 2007 investigation into alleged sexual abuse by Miss D, which the Director of Public Prosecutions had found no evidence of wrongdoing. Taylor maintained that the negative briefings were not documented in writing but were delivered as off‑the‑record conversations. He admitted that after his suspension from the Garda Service he realised the briefings were wrong, regardless of their truth. Taylor also denied that he had sent text messages to journalists and said he had not created a media narrative to portray himself as unfairly targeted.
A 21-year-old man from Cavan has received a three-year suspended sentence following his guilty plea to sexually assaulting his 15-year-old cousin at the Central Criminal Court. The offence occurred on May 17, 2015, when the accused was 18 years old. The court heard that both had grown up closely together and that the man had developed a romantic interest in his cousin. He lacked sexual education and maturity for his age, with his first discussion about sexual consent occurring during garda interview after the incident. The victim, now 18, provided a victim impact statement describing the emotional distress caused but noting she did not regard her cousin as dangerous. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy suspended the sentence in full, conditional on the man's compliance with the Probation Service and completion of a community-based treatment program for sex offenders. The judge noted that psychological assessment indicated low re-offending risk and considered the probation reports favourably.