Court archive
Court reports mentioning Inagh, Clare
2021-01-26 · Clare
The Court of Appeal has ruled that a €1,500 fine was too lenient for Senan O'Flaherty, a 64-year-old truck driver who pleaded guilty to careless driving causing death and careless driving causing serious bodily harm. The incident, which occurred on the N85 in March 2017, resulted in the death of three-year-old Estlin Wall and serious injuries to her father, Vincent Wall. While the trial judge had fined O'Flaherty €750 per charge and imposed a four-year driving ban, the appellate court found that the lower culpability assessment was erroneous. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy stated that O'Flaherty's blameworthiness was at the upper end of the scale, noting witnesses observed unusual features in his driving, including crossing the median line to check for overtaking opportunities. The court upheld the €1,500 fine and the four-year driving ban. However, it imposed a 16-month custodial sentence, which was suspended in full on the condition that O'Flaherty be of good behaviour for two years. O'Flaherty entered into the bond for good behaviour and has already paid the fine. The court expressed its sympathies to the Wall family for their loss.
2019-04-08 · Dublin
Evan Dunne, 20, of Ballyfermot, Dublin, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to possession of cocaine for sale or supply. The offence occurred on February 15, 2018, at a car park in Dowdstown, Maynooth, Co Kildare. Gardaí seized seven packages of cocaine from a van Dunne had purchased the previous day, with an estimated street value of just over €492,400. Judge Pauline Codd identified the high value of the drugs and the planning involved in purchasing the vehicle as serious aggravating factors. However, she noted mitigating circumstances, including Dunne's guilty plea, his insight into the crime, his low risk of re-offending, and his employment history. The court heard that Dunne claimed he committed the offence to raise funds for a garage business and had developed a cocaine addiction from age 17. Judge Codd imposed a seven-year sentence, with the final four years suspended for that period. She ordered four years of Probation Service supervision, requiring Dunne to follow all directions, including victim empathy work and therapeutic supports. The sentence was backdated to November last year, when Dunne first went into custody, resulting in an effective custody period of three years.
2018-03-08 · Dublin
Anthony Callaghan, aged 45, and Paul Zambra, aged 39, were apprehended on 29 May 2015 in Coolock after a three‑day surveillance operation by specialist Gardaí. Both men were found with a Ruger Revolver and a semi‑automatic pistol, the latter wrapped in newspapers and equipped with a silencer, and a full 5‑litre petrol container. They were charged with possession of firearms with intent to endanger life. Callaghan was sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment and Zambra to 10 years' by Judge Melanie Greally on 16 March 2016. On appeal, Callaghan's sentence was reduced to 11 years, while Zambra's remained unchanged. The Court of Appeal, citing a "slight distinction" in their prior convictions, quashed the original 12‑year term and substituted it with 11 years. The case remains at the appellate stage. Anthony Callaghan pleaded guilty. Paul Zambra pleaded guilty.
2016-03-16 · Dublin
Two men, Anthony Callaghan (45) and Paul Zambra (39), were arrested in Coolock after a three‑day surveillance operation by specialist gardaí. They were found with a Ruger revolver and a semi‑automatic pistol, both loaded and ready for use, and a full petrol can. Callaghan, from Millrace Road, Phoenix Park Racecourse, and Zambra, from Inagh Road, Ballyfermot, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of firearms with intent to endanger life. Judge Melanie Greally described the evidence as overwhelming and noted the men's histories of violent crime. Callaghan was sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment and Zambra to 10 years. The sentences reflect the court's view that the weapons posed a considerable danger to life. The operation was carried out by the Drugs and Organised Crime Unit over several days, with vehicles seized and CCTV used to identify the suspects. The men were removed from society for the duration of their sentences.
2016-03-10 · Dublin
Anthony Callaghan, 45, and Paul Zambra, 39, were arrested in Coolock on 29 May 2015 after a Garda surveillance operation. They possessed a Ruger revolver and a semi‑automatic pistol, both loaded, with an intent to endanger life. Zambra also pleaded guilty to driving without insurance. Callaghan had a prior firearms conviction, so a mandatory minimum of ten years applies; Zambra's sentence may differ. Both pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The court adjourned sentencing to the following Wednesday. The operation involved a white Nissan van and a blue BMW; Gardaí seized a full petrol container, a pistol with a silencer, and a revolver with serial numbers removed. Both men exercised their right to silence during questioning. The case is pending sentencing.
2016-02-26 · Dublin
Paul Zambra, 39, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of a Ruger revolver and a semi‑automatic pistol with intent to endanger life at Clonshaugh Avenue, Coolock on 29 May 2015. He also pleaded guilty to driving without insurance on the same occasion. Judge John Hannon remanded him in custody until his sentence date on 10 March, when full facts will be heard.