Court archive
Court reports mentioning Kilworth, Cork
2026-04-24 · Dublin
The Court of Appeal has fixed November 5 as the hearing date for Alan Wilson's application to change his guilty plea to not guilty and to extend the time to lodge an appeal against his conviction. Wilson, who is representing himself, confirmed under oath that his handwritten affidavits were true. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy ordered Wilson to file submissions by June 25, while the Director of Public Prosecutions has been granted three months to respond. Wilson was originally jailed for six years by the Special Criminal Court in July 2019 for conspiring with others to murder Gary Hanley between September 15 and November 6, 2017. He pleaded guilty to this charge, as did co-accused Joseph Kelly. Kelly, who was recorded instructing the plot, was sentenced to six years for the conspiracy and 12 years for possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life. The matter remains at the procedural stage of an appeal hearing date being set, and the case has not been concluded or finalised. Wilson had previously submitted a letter of apology to the court, expressing regret for aiding a gang and his actions in the alleged murder plot.
2025-03-10 · Cork
Charles Colthrust, owner of Blarney Castle, has been granted leave by the High Court to challenge two convictions—drink driving on the M8 in October 2024 and dangerous driving on the M8 in September 2023—on the basis that crucial CCTV footage was lost. The convictions were handed down by Fermoy District Court after the court found the requested CCTV relevant. Colthrust's lawyers had requested preservation of the footage in November 2023, but the footage was overwritten after 28 days and could not be recovered from the public office channel. Defence technicians later retrieved footage from 16 other channels, but not the relevant one. The High Court has ordered a stay of the convictions pending the judicial review, with the case adjourned to April 2026. The review will consider whether the loss of the footage affected the fairness of the proceedings. The case remains at the High Court stage.
2022-12-19 · Cork
The High Court approved a Personal Insolvency Arrangement (PIA) for 47‑year‑old John Maloney, a project manager in a development company, allowing him to write off over €3.4 million in debt owed mainly to Cabot Financial. Maloney had secured loans in the 2000s for various property development projects, including a nursing home and land development in County Cork, using personal guarantees. He has worked with creditors to manage debts and dispose of assets. Under the PIA, which lasts 12 months, Maloney will pay a lump sum of €35,000, of which €5,000 covers insolvency application costs, to creditors. The arrangement was presented by Personal Insolvency Practitioner John Butler, represented by Deirdre Miller BL, and the court found it preferable to bankruptcy. No objections were raised, and the PIA will enable Maloney to return to solvency upon completion.
2022-02-11 · Dublin
Jason Finnegan, aged 19, was sentenced to five years in prison, with the final two and a half years suspended, for a series of stabbing offences. He and Mark Pidgeon attacked Kenneth Osbourne in a flat, with Finnegan recording the assault on Snapchat while shouting encouragement such as "lash him out of it." The recording lasted about 90 seconds and was later posted on social media. Osbourne suffered multiple stab wounds, including to his arm, requiring surgery. Finnegan had previously pleaded guilty to two other stabbings in Dublin's inner city and to threatening to kill a woman. The judge noted the aggravating factors of the violence, the encouragement of the attacker, and the use of social media, and imposed the suspended sentence to encourage rehabilitation. The victim, Osbourne, declined to give a victim impact statement and did not identify the attackers. The case highlighted the use of digital evidence in identifying the perpetrators.
2021-03-08 · Ireland
An 18‑year‑old, Jason Finnegan, was remanded on bail pending sentence after he recorded his 30‑year‑old accomplice, Mark Pidgeon, stabbing Kenneth Osbourne on Snapchat. The recording captured the initial conversation and the stabbing, during which Finnegan shouted encouragements such as "lash him, lash him out of it" and called Osbourne a "rat." The incident lasted about 90 seconds before the pair left the scene. Osbourne suffered multiple stab wounds, including an arm injury that required surgery. Finnegan pleaded guilty to assault causing harm at Basin Street Flats on 15 March 2020. Pidgeon was sentenced to three years in prison in January after pleading guilty to the same offence. Judge Karen O'Connor adjourned Finnegan's case to 4 June, ordering a probation report, and noted his progress with community agencies. The court heard that Osbourne did not wish to give a victim impact statement and that the Snapchat footage, along with CCTV, identified the attackers.
2020-04-24 · Dublin
Liam Brannigan, 37, was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years' imprisonment by the Special Criminal Court for conspiring to murder Gary Hanley. Mr Justice Paul Coffey described Brannigan as having a central role in the Kinahan Cartel plot, noting his culpability was high due to his management and oversight of the plan. The sentence includes a suspension of the final six months, conditional on Brannigan completing his degree at UCD or a vocational course in prison. The sentence was backdated to November 6, 2017. Brannigan was the fifth person jailed for this conspiracy. Previously, Luke Wilson pleaded guilty to conspiracy and unlawful possession of a Beretta, receiving 11 years; Alan Wilson pleaded guilty to conspiracy, receiving six years; Joseph Kelly pleaded guilty to conspiracy and a weapons charge, receiving 12 years; and Dean Howe pleaded guilty to conspiracy, receiving six years. The court found that Brannigan was at the centre of the plot, which was foiled when gardai intercepted a vehicle containing a loaded pistol near Hanley's home. The judge highlighted the elaborate nature of the plan and the imminent danger to Hanley. Detective Superintendent David Gallagher praised the convictions as significant successes against organised crime.
2020-03-23 · Dublin
Liam Brannigan, 37, of Bride Street, Dublin 8, had his sentencing adjourned at the Special Criminal Court due to the presiding judge's illness. Brannigan was found guilty of conspiracy to murder Gary Hanley in 2017. The court remanded him in custody and adjourned the sentence to April 24 at 2pm. Four co-accused—Joseph Kelly, Luke Wilson, Alan Wilson, and Dean Howe—previously pleaded guilty to the same charge. The prosecution alleged that Kelly and Wilson were intercepted near Hanley's home with a loaded semi-automatic pistol, silencer, and ammunition. Evidence included covert audio recordings, phone data, and CCTV footage showing Brannigan discarding an illuminated item, identified as the PB3 phone, before his arrest. The judge noted the overwhelming evidence connecting Brannigan to the conspiracy, including his central role in managing the plot via the PB3 phone. The matter was adjourned and not concluded.
2020-03-03 · Dublin
Dean Howe, 34, was sentenced to six years' imprisonment by the Special Criminal Court for conspiring to murder Gary Hanley. Mr Justice Tony Hunt described Howe as occupying a supervisory role in the plot, acting as a conduit for orders from higher up the chain of command. Howe pleaded guilty in December to conspiring with others to murder Mr Hanley between September 15 and November 6, 2017. The judge noted that while Howe's active contribution ceased five hours before the intended attack, he remained part of the conspiracy until the end. The headline sentence was eight years and six months, reduced to six years and six months due to his early guilty plea and low-level previous convictions. The final six months were suspended contingent on his engagement in prison. The sentence was backdated to May 30, 2019. This follows previous sentences for Luke Wilson, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy and unlawful possession of a Beretta and was jailed for 11 years; Alan Wilson, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy and received six years; and Joseph Kelly, who admitted conspiracy and a weapons charge and was jailed for 12 years. Liam Brannigan, also convicted of conspiracy, is due to be sentenced on March 23.
2020-02-24 · Dublin
Liam Brannigan, 37, was convicted by the Special Criminal Court of conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between September 15 and November 6, 2017. Although Brannigan pleaded not guilty, the court found the evidence overwhelming, including covert audio recordings and phone data. His sentencing is scheduled for March 23. In related proceedings, four co-accused pleaded guilty to the same conspiracy charge. Luke Wilson, who also admitted unlawful possession of a Beretta, was jailed for 11 years. Alan Wilson received a six-year sentence. Joseph Kelly, who also admitted a weapons charge, was jailed for 12 years. Dean Howe, who also pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder Mr Hanley, is scheduled to be sentenced on March 3. The court noted Brannigan has 28 previous convictions, primarily for road traffic matters, and has been in custody since November 2017. Defense counsel argued for a non-custodial outcome, citing his lack of prior custodial sentences and his active role as a father. The judge emphasized the cogency of the evidence linking Brannigan to the operation, which involved armed gardai intercepting a van near Hanley's home where two men were found with a loaded pistol.
2020-02-03 · Dublin
The Special Criminal Court has convicted Liam Brannigan (37) of conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between September 15 and November 6, 2017. Brannigan, who pleaded not guilty, was found to be the user of the PB3 phone, which the judge described as central to managing the Kinahan Cartel-linked plot. The court relied on covert audio, phone data, and CCTV showing Brannigan discarding the PB3 phone shortly before his arrest. Four co-accused previously pleaded guilty to the same offence. Luke Wilson (24) and Joseph Kelly (35), who were arrested with a loaded 9mm Beretta, silencer, and ammunition, were jailed for 11 and 12 years respectively; both also admitted weapons charges. Alan Wilson (39) was sentenced to six years. Dean Howe (34) remains to be sentenced on March 3. Brannigan's sentencing is scheduled for February 24. The judge noted the overwhelming evidence connecting Brannigan to the conspiracy, including recorded conversations identifying him as "Branner" and his role in coordinating the operation. The matter is now at the sentencing stage for Brannigan, while Howe's case is adjourned for future sentencing.
2020-01-20 · Dublin
Dean Howe, 34, of Dublin 8, pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to murder Gary Hanley between September 15 and November 6, 2017. At a sentence hearing in the Special Criminal Court, the prosecution detailed Howe's alleged role in surveillance, supervising vehicles, collecting fuel, and instructing co-accused. Evidence included secret recordings where Howe scolded Joseph Kelly for "fucking up" and instructions to cover his face while buying petrol. The court heard that tracking devices were moved to Phoenix Park on September 15, 2017, where Howe was observed with others. On November 6, 2017, Kelly and Luke Wilson were arrested near Hanley's home with a loaded pistol and silencer. Luke Wilson, 24, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and unlawful possession of a Beretta, receiving an 11-year sentence. Alan Wilson, 39, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and was jailed for six years. Joseph Kelly, 35, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and a weapons charge, receiving a 12-year sentence. Howe, who has 37 previous convictions, has been in custody since May 2019. Mr Justice Tony Hunt adjourned Howe's sentencing to March 3 at 10.30am.
2019-12-20 · Dublin
Dean Howe, 34, of Oakfield, Dublin 8, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to conspiring with others to murder Gary Hanley between September 15 and November 6, 2017. The charge, contrary to Section 71 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, was admitted during arraignment. Mr Justice Paul Coffey noted that Howe's trial was originally scheduled for January 13, 2020, but he directed that the case be put up for mention on that date to fix a sentencing date. Three other men had previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder Mr Hanley. Luke Wilson, 24, of Ballyfermot, who also admitted unlawful possession of a Beretta, was jailed for 11 years. Alan Wilson, 39, of Dublin 8, received a six-year sentence. Joseph Kelly, 35, of Drimnagh, who also admitted a weapons charge, was jailed for 12 years. The court proceedings for Howe are at the sentencing stage, with the specific disposal to be determined at the upcoming mention.
2019-12-03 · Dublin
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 3 December 2019, the three‑judge panel, led by Mr Justice Paul Coffey, rejected a motion to exclude surveillance evidence on the basis that officers had not taken notes during the Kinahan cartel conspiracy‑to‑murder investigation. The court found that the lack of notes did not breach minimal standards of fairness and admissibility, and that the observations were made for intelligence gathering rather than for investigating a crime already committed. The judge also considered the evidence linking accused Liam Brannigan (aged 37) to a mobile phone (PB3) allegedly used by conspirators. After reviewing the prosecution's case, the court concluded that sufficient evidence existed to convict Brannigan of conspiracy to murder Gary Hanley, and therefore denied a direction of acquittal. Brannigan remains in custody until a judgment is delivered on 3 February. Liam Brannigan pleaded not guilty.
2019-11-27 · Dublin
Rose Mulenga, a 47‑year‑old former Turkish Airlines employee, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to stealing €16,702 from the airline's compensation system between 5 June and 5 September 2017. She accessed the company's database to locate unclaimed compensation vouchers, then transferred the money to her mother in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who was battling cancer. Mulenga resigned shortly after the theft and admitted that she believed the refunds were unlikely to be claimed. She also claimed that she was in arrears with Dublin City Council because her ex‑husband had failed to pay rent, and that her brother had refused to help her. The prosecution noted that she had no prior convictions. Judge Martin Nolan, after hearing the case, imposed a two‑year custodial sentence, which was fully suspended, and noted that Mulenga had repaid some of the stolen funds. The sentence was therefore suspended in its entirety, with no custodial term imposed.
2019-11-26 · Dublin
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 26 November 2019, defence counsel for Liam Brannigan, a 37‑year‑old from Bride Street, Dublin, argued that the Garda surveillance officers' policy of not taking notes during the Kinahan cartel conspiracy‑to‑murder investigation was unacceptable and should not be allowed to slide. He contended that officers had claimed to have made identifications in the witness box that were not previously recorded, and that some had referred to other sources before asserting an identification. Brannigan is charged with conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between 15 September and 6 November 2017 and has pleaded not guilty. The defence sought to exclude evidence from surveillance officers and phone charts that linked secretly recorded conversations in bugged cars to specific individuals, arguing that the lack of notes undermined the fairness of the evidence.
2019-11-25 · Dublin
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 25 November 2019, defence counsel Giollaiosa Ó Lideadha argued that surveillance evidence presented by Gardaí in the conspiracy‑to‑murder case against 37‑year‑old Liam Brannigan of Bride Street, Dublin 8, was unreliable and should be excluded. Brannigan, charged with conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between 15 September and 6 November 2017, pleaded not guilty. The defence highlighted that the prosecution had not shown any phone linked to Brannigan was actually used by him, and that surveillance officers had failed to take notes, undermining the integrity of the evidence. The court had previously heard that six vehicles were bugged and that conversations recorded in those vehicles were attributed to Brannigan, Joseph Kelly, Luke Wilson and Alan Wilson based on phone data.
2019-11-22 · Dublin
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 22 November 2019, evidence was presented that a phone attributed to Liam Brannigan, a 37‑year‑old accused of conspiring to murder Gary Hanley, was used to contact Kinahan cartel gunmen eight times on the day of Brannigan's arrest. The court heard that Brannigan's phone also communicated with Alan Wilson seven times that same night. Brannigan, who pleaded not guilty, was arrested on 6 November 2017 near Hanley's home, where police seized a Beretta. The prosecution claimed Brannigan had thrown the phone into church grounds before his arrest, a claim contested by his defence. The case also involved three other men—Joseph Kelly, Luke Wilson and Alan Wilson—who had previously pleaded guilty to the same conspiracy and received sentences ranging from six to twelve years for murder conspiracy and weapons offences. The trial remains ongoing.
2019-11-20 · Dublin
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the ongoing trial of Liam Brannigan, who is charged with conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between September 15th and November 6th, 2017. Brannigan has pleaded not guilty. The court examined audio from a secret listening device placed on a Volkswagen caddy on November 3rd, 2017, during an investigation into the Kinahan cartel. Surveillance officers previously identified Joseph Kelly driving the vehicle and later walking with Alan Wilson. Both Kelly and Wilson, along with Luke Wilson, have already pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder Mr. Hanley and have been jailed. The recording captured two men discussing plans to purchase vodka, Red Bull, cocaine, and Viagra. One man complained that cocaine was negating the effect of the Viagra and making him paranoid. The court also heard testimony regarding a previous incident where a man was hospitalized after a binge involving whiskey and cocaine. Luke Wilson and Joseph Kelly were arrested on November 6th, 2017, when the vehicle was stopped in Dublin 3, leading to the seizure of a 9mm Beretta pistol. The trial continues.
2019-11-19 · Dublin
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, audio from a covert listening device in a white Volkswagen caddy van revealed two men, Luke Wilson and Joseph Kelly, discussing a planned murder of Gary Hanley. The clip, recorded on 2 November 2017, shows the men frustrated by navigation issues and planning how to approach Hanley's home, including the possibility of shooting a woman and child if they obstructed them. One man repeatedly stated, "Baby or no baby, I don't give a fuck," and expressed willingness to shoot police if present. The court heard that the men had been arrested on 6 November 2017, with a 9mm Beretta pistol seized. The accused, Liam Brannigan, pleaded not guilty, while Wilson, Kelly and Alan Wilson had already pleaded guilty and been jailed for the conspiracy. The hearing focused on the audio evidence and the men's intent to carry out the attack.
2019-11-14 · Dublin
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the ongoing trial of Liam Brannigan, who is charged with conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between September 15th and November 6th, 2017. Brannigan has pleaded not guilty. The prosecution presented secret recordings from vehicles bugged during a Garda investigation into the Kinahan Organised Crime Gang. Audio clips alleged to involve Brannigan discussed planning a killing, including references to using a gun and waiting for a target. The court also heard testimony regarding surveillance of Brannigan in a Renault Laguna and a Volkswagen Caddy. Separately, Luke Wilson, Joseph Kelly, and Alan Wilson have already pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder Mr Hanley and have been jailed. The trial continues.
2019-11-13 · Dublin
In the Special Criminal Court, the prosecution presented an audio clip from a listening device secretly placed in a Nissan Primastar van, showing Joseph Kelly and Alan Wilson discussing a planned murder of Gary Hanley. The men talked about routes to Fairview, traffic, and how to approach Hanley, who walks to the gym at 5 pm. They also considered how to escape the area and how to handle the van after the act. Liam Brannigan, 37, is charged with conspiring to murder Hanley and has pleaded not guilty. Three other men—Luke Wilson, Joseph Kelly and Alan Wilson—have already pleaded guilty to the conspiracy and have been jailed. The trial continues with the court hearing further evidence from surveillance officers who observed Brannigan driving the van in various locations in September and October 2017. The case remains an ongoing criminal proceeding.
2019-11-12 · Dublin
In the Special Criminal Court, a surveillance garda told a barrister that it was "disgusting" to suggest their evidence was unreliable. The case concerns Liam Brannigan (37) of Bride Street, Dublin 8, charged with conspiracy to murder Gary Hanley between 15 September and 6 November 2017. Brannigan pleaded not guilty. The court heard that Brannigan was arrested minutes after a loaded semi‑automatic pistol was seized during the arrest of two men near Hanley's home on 6 November 2017. Twenty surveillance officers gave evidence about observations of Brannigan and three men who had pleaded guilty to the plot and were jailed – Luke Wilson (24), Joseph Kelly (35) and Alan Wilson (39). The garda testified that on 6 October 2017 he saw Brannigan in the front passenger seat of a black Renault Laguna, but the barrister questioned the reliability of the identification and the absence of notes.
2019-11-11 · Dublin
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the trial of Liam Brannigan, 37, of Bride Street, Dublin 8, who is charged with conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between September 15th and November 6th, 2017. Brannigan has pleaded not guilty. The court heard that a National Surveillance Unit garda observed Brannigan driving a white Volkswagen Caddy van in the Suir Road area on October 3rd, 2017. This vehicle was later linked to the arrest of two men on November 6th, 2017, during which a 9mm Beretta pistol and silencer were seized. The defence argued that the garda's failure to record weather conditions or distance hindered the ability to test the identification. The court also noted that Luke Wilson, 24, Joseph Kelly, 35, and Alan Wilson, 39, have already pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder Mr Hanley. Luke Wilson, who also admitted unlawful possession of a handgun with intent to endanger life, was sentenced to 11 years. Joseph Kelly, who also admitted a weapons charge, was jailed for a total of 12 years, while Alan Wilson received a six-year sentence. These sentences were handed down following their guilty pleas, distinct from the ongoing trial of Brannigan.
2019-11-07 · Dublin
A Special Criminal Court hearing on 7 November 2019 considered evidence that Liam Brannigan, aged 37, was driving a white Nissan Primastar van that had been fitted with a listening device by Gardaí. Surveillance officers reported seeing Brannigan in the Blackpitts area on 2 October 2017, heading toward Greenville Avenue, wearing black sunglasses and a cap, and described him as unshaven with stubble. The same van had been seen the day before, on 1 October 2017, with Joseph Kelly driving it in Fairview, and Alan Wilson sitting in the back. Brannigan is charged with conspiracy to murder Gary Hanley between 15 September and 6 November 2017 and has pleaded not guilty. The court heard that the van was used extensively as a spotter car and for surveillance of Mr Hanley. The hearing also noted that other conspirators, including Kelly and Wilson, had pleaded guilty and been jailed. The trial did not address any verdict or sentencing for Brannigan.
2019-11-06 · Dublin
In the Special Criminal Court, two mobile phones were excluded from evidence in the ongoing trial of Liam Brannigan, who is charged with conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between September 15th and November 6th, 2017. Mr Brannigan has pleaded not guilty. Mr Justice Paul Coffey ruled that the phones taken from Mr Brannigan's pockets upon his arrest must be excluded due to an "irreconcilable conflict of evidence" regarding which garda searched him. The court rejected applications to exclude a third phone found in a car park and a fourth 085 phone located in church grounds. The 085 number was deemed significant by gardai based on information from three co-accused: Luke Wilson, Joseph Kelly, and Alan Wilson. These three men have already pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder Mr Hanley and were sentenced. Luke Wilson, who also admitted to unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun with intent to endanger life, was jailed for 11 years. Alan Wilson received a six-year sentence, while Joseph Kelly, who also admitted a weapons charge, was jailed for a total of 12 years. The current trial continues with surveillance evidence presented, including CCTV footage and witness testimony identifying Mr Brannigan in a vehicle and at a petrol station on the day of the alleged conspiracy.
2019-11-04 · Dublin
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Liam Brannigan, 37, charged with conspiracy to murder Gary Hanley, pleaded not guilty. His defence, led by Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha SC, sought exclusion of several mobile phones seized during his arrest and subsequent searches. The phones included two found in Brannigan's pockets, one on a table in the apartment complex's car park, and an 085 phone discovered in the undergrowth behind St Nicholas of Myra Church on Francis Street. The defence argued that the 085 phone was "hugely significant" but that the time lapse between Brannigan's arrest on 6 November 2017 and the phone's discovery on 8 November 2017, as well as the lack of preservation of the scene, undermined its admissibility. They also challenged the legality of the search of Brannigan's home, the manner of his arrest by the Armed Support Unit, and the use of force, citing no statutory basis was provided and that the search breached constitutional rights.
2019-10-30 · Dublin
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the trial of Liam Brannigan (37), of Bride Street, Dublin 8, who is charged with conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between September 15th and November 6th, 2017. Mr Brannigan has pleaded not guilty. Defence counsel suggested to Sergeant David J Campbell of the Armed Support Unit that unnecessary force was used during Mr Brannigan's arrest at Hanover Court, Dublin 8, on November 6th, 2017. The sergeant acknowledged CCTV footage showed officers on top of the accused after he had raised his hands and dropped to all fours, though he stated they were effecting an arrest. Detective Garda Val Russell testified that he arrested Mr Brannigan after hearing a thud and shouting commands, noting the accused fully cooperated. The court previously heard that Luke Wilson (24) and Joseph Kelly (35) were arrested nearby in possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol, silencer, and ammunition. Mr Wilson and Mr Kelly have pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder Mr Hanley. Luke Wilson, who also pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun with intent to endanger life, was jailed for 11 years. Alan Wilson (39), who pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder Mr Hanley, was jailed for six years. Joseph Kelly, who also admitted a weapons charge, was jailed for a total of 12 years.
2019-10-14 · Dublin
Liam Brannigan, 37, of Dublin 8, is on trial at the Special Criminal Court, having pleaded not guilty to conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between September 15th and November 6th, 2017. The court heard evidence from Detective Superintendent William Johnson regarding the deployment of listening devices on five vehicles, including a Seat and a Volkswagen caddy, allegedly used by Brannigan and associates. Johnson stated the surveillance was part of an investigation into the Kinahan Organised Crime Gang. The prosecution alleges the Nissan Primastar and Renault Laguna were used for surveillance and transport in the plot. The court also heard that Luke Wilson, 24, and Joseph Kelly, 35, were arrested after their vehicle was stopped on November 6th, 2017, during which a 9mm Beretta pistol and silencer were seized. Wilson and Kelly have previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder Hanley and unlawful possession of the handgun. Wilson was sentenced to 11 years, Kelly to 12 years, and Alan Wilson, 39, who also pleaded guilty to the conspiracy and weapons charges, was sentenced to six years. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Coffey.
2019-10-11 · Dublin
The trial of Liam Brannigan, accused of conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between September 15 and November 6, 2017, continued before a non-jury court. Brannigan, who has pleaded not guilty, faces charges of conspiracy and unlawful possession of a firearm. The court reviewed CCTV footage allegedly showing a white Nissan Primastar van and a black Renault Laguna surveilling Hanley's home in late October 2017. Prosecution counsel Seán Gillane SC stated these vehicles were used as "spotter cars" for surveillance and to ferry co-conspirators. Footage from November 6, 2017, depicted Brannigan's arrest at Hanover Court, where he allegedly discarded a phone and an illuminated item before being apprehended. The court also heard evidence regarding the arrest of Luke Wilson and Joseph Kelly on the same night, during which a 9mm Beretta pistol, silencer, and ammunition were seized. Wilson and Kelly have previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder Hanley. Luke Wilson, who also admitted to unlawful possession of the handgun with intent to endanger life, was jailed for 11 years. Alan Wilson, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy, received a six-year sentence. Joseph Kelly, who also admitted a weapons charge, was jailed for a total of 12 years. The trial continues.
2019-10-10 · Dublin
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence regarding the harvesting of 3,500 hours of CCTV footage during the trial of Liam Brannigan, who is charged with conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between September 15th and November 6th, 2017. Mr Brannigan has pleaded not guilty. Detective Sergeant Declan O'Connell, who directed the collection of footage from various Dublin premises, admitted to the court that he did not consider the Data Protection Act or the privacy of the public during the operation. The defence, represented by John Berry BL, is taking issue with the admissibility of a proposed 48-minute montage of this footage. The court also heard that Mr Hanley initially declined permission for gardai to access his home CCTV, leading to a warrant being obtained for its seizure. Although the drive was later wiped, material was eventually retrieved. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Coffey. Separately, three men previously convicted of conspiring to murder Mr Hanley have been sentenced. Luke Wilson, who pleaded guilty to the conspiracy and unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun with intent to endanger life, was jailed for 11 years. Alan Wilson, who pleaded guilty to the conspiracy, received a six-year sentence. Joseph Kelly, who admitted the conspiracy and a weapons charge, was jailed for a total of 12 years.
2019-10-09 · Dublin
During a trial for Liam Brannigan, a 37‑year‑old from Dublin, a detective explained how two tracking devices were found on a white Range Rover belonging to the partner of the intended murder victim, Gary Hanley. The devices were discovered under the vehicle's centre beam after the car was stopped on Beaumont Road. Brannigan is charged with conspiring to murder Hanley between 15 September and 6 November 2017 and has pleaded not guilty. The court also heard about the arrests of Luke Wilson, Alan Wilson and Joseph Kelly on 6 November, who were convicted of conspiring to murder Hanley and received sentences ranging from six to twelve years. The trial will continue the following day.
2019-10-07 · Dublin
A court has heard that secretly recorded conversations involving Liam Brannigan (37) from Bride Street, Dublin 8, will be presented as evidence in his trial for conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between September 15th and November 6th, 2017. Brannigan entered a 'not guilty' plea during his arraignment in the Special Criminal Court. Three men who previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder Mr Hanley have already been jailed: Luke Wilson (24), Alan Wilson (39), and Joseph Kelly (35). Luke Wilson was jailed for 11 years for unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun with intent to endanger life, Alan Wilson received six years, and Joseph Kelly was jailed for 12 years. The prosecution will rely on seized phones, vehicles, and audio recordings from a Garda surveillance operation to prove Brannigan's involvement in the plot. The trial will include evidence of detailed discussions about how Mr Hanley was to be shot, how they would react to resistance, and how they would escape. The court will also hear about the arrest of Joseph Kelly and Luke Wilson, during which a semi-automatic pistol, a sound suppressor, and petrol were found. The trial continues tomorrow.
2019-07-29 · Dublin
Dean Howe, 34, of Oakfield Place, Dublin 8, was returned for trial to the Special Criminal Court on a charge of conspiring to murder Gary Hanley. The DPP applied for the transfer, arguing ordinary courts were inadequate, and the order was granted by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, sitting with Judges Martin Nolan and Ann Ryan. Howe is the fifth person charged in the alleged plot. At the same hearing, Alan Wilson, 40, of New Street Gardens, Dublin 8, was sentenced to six years after admitting to conspiring with Luke Wilson and others to murder Mr Hanley between September 15 and November 6, 2017. Joseph Kelly, 39, of Kilworth Road, Drimnagh, Dublin 12, was also jailed for six years for admitting to the same conspiracy. Kelly received a concurrent 12-year sentence for pleading guilty to possessing a 9mm Beretta semi-automatic pistol with intent to endanger life at Philipsburgh Avenue, Marino, Dublin 3, on November 6, 2017. Previously, Luke Wilson, 23, of Cremona Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10, was sentenced to 11 years for unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun with intent to endanger life at Philipsburgh Avenue, Fairview, Dublin 3, on the same date. Wilson also received a concurrent six-year sentence for admitting to conspiring to murder Mr Hanley. All sentences for Kelly and Wilson were ordered to run concurrently.
2019-07-29 · Dublin
Alan Wilson, aged 40, was sentenced by the Special Criminal Court to six years' imprisonment, back‑dated to 6 November 2017, for conspiring to murder Gary Hanley. Wilson's role involved planning the attack, instructing co‑accused Joseph Kelly and Luke Wilson on routes, vehicle destruction and the method of killing. Wilson also received a six‑year concurrent sentence for conspiracy to murder and a 12‑year sentence for possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, the latter suspended for three years. Joseph Kelly, aged 39, received a six‑year concurrent sentence for conspiracy to murder and a 12‑year sentence for firearm possession, with 18 months suspended for a period of three years. The sentences were imposed concurrently and back‑dated to the date of Kelly's initial custody. The court noted Wilson's early guilty plea and lack of prior convictions as mitigating factors. The judge highlighted the Gardaí's intervention as preventing the planned murder.
2019-07-15 · Dublin
The Special Criminal Court heard sentencing submissions for Alan Wilson and Joseph Kelly, who are accused of conspiring to murder Gary Hanley and possessing a 9mm Beretta pistol with intent to endanger life. Both men pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge, while Kelly also admitted to the firearm possession. The court heard evidence of secret recordings where Wilson instructed Kelly to kill Hanley, and surveillance of reconnaissance trips to plan the attack. Wilson, who has no prior convictions, expressed remorse in a letter to the court, while Kelly, who has 64 previous convictions, cited drug addiction and a difficult background as mitigating factors. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with Judges Martin Nolan and Ann Ryan, remanded both defendants in custody until July 29, when they will be sentenced. The matter was adjourned and is not yet concluded. Luke Wilson, Alan Wilson's nephew, was previously sentenced to 11 years for the same firearm charge and a concurrent six years for the conspiracy.
2019-07-04 · Dublin
Anthony Moore, a 53‑year‑old retired soldier who served 25 years in the Defence Forces, withdrew a High Court claim against the State. He had alleged that the anti‑malaria drug Larium (mefloquine hydrochloride) prescribed to him during deployments in Liberia (2005‑2006) and Chad (2008) caused severe mental and physical health problems, including pain, stomach cramps, hallucinations, sleep deprivation and family difficulties. Moore's action, which began in late June, was directed at the Minister for Defence, Ireland, and the Attorney General, who denied negligence. After discussions with Mr John Gordon SC, Moore informed Justice David Keane that the case would be struck out, the action withdrawn, and no costs order made. The State had argued the claim should be struck out due to Moore's delay in bringing the action.
2019-06-21 · Cork
A retired 53‑year‑old soldier, Anthony Moore, appeared before the High Court to claim that he should never have been prescribed the anti‑malaria drug Larium (mefloquine hydrochloride) while serving overseas. Moore, who served 25 years in the Defence Forces, says he was deployed to Liberia in 2005‑2006 and Chad in 2008, and that after his deployment to Liberia he began to suffer physical pain, stomach cramps, hallucinations and sleep deprivation, which he attributes to the drug. He also alleges that his family life was affected. Moore has brought a personal injuries damages claim against the Minister for Defence and the Attorney General, alleging negligence and a failure to take reasonable precautions. The defendants deny the claims and argue the action should be struck out, citing Moore's delay.
2019-05-30 · Dublin
Gangland criminal Alan Wilson, aged 39, pleaded guilty before the Special Criminal Court to conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between 15 September and 6 November 2017. Wilson admitted that he and Joseph Kelly, Liam Brannigan, Luke Wilson and others had planned the murder at a State location. The court, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt with Judges Martin Nolan and Patricia Ryan, remanded Wilson in custody until 15 July, when he will be sentenced together with Kelly. Wilson's co‑accused, Joseph Kelly (35), also admitted conspiracy to murder Hanley and pleaded guilty to possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol with intent to endanger life on 6 November 2017. Luke Wilson (23) had previously been sentenced to 11 years for unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun with intent to endanger life on the same date. Liam Brannigan (37) remains charged with conspiracy to murder Hanley, with a trial set for 7 October.
2019-05-27 · Dublin
In a non‑jury Special Criminal Court hearing, Joseph Kelly, aged 35, pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between 15 September and 6 November 2017, together with Alan Wilson, Liam Brannigan, Luke Wilson and others. He also admitted possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol with intent to endanger life on 6 November 2017 at Philipsburgh Avenue, Marino. The court, presided over by Justice Tony Hunt with Judges Patricia Ryan and Ann Ryan, read the indictment and Kelly answered "guilty" to both counts. A governor's report was ordered for Kelly. He was remanded in custody until 8 July, when sentencing will occur. Luke Wilson, aged 23, had earlier been sentenced to 11 years for unlawful possession of a Beretta and a six‑year concurrent term for the same conspiracy. Alan Wilson (39) and Liam Brannigan (37) face charges of conspiring to murder Hanley, with a trial set for 7 October.
2018-11-09 · Dublin
Luke Wilson, aged 23, was sentenced by the Special Criminal Court to 11 years' imprisonment for conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between 15 September and 6 November last year. Wilson admitted in July that he had planned the murder and had also pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun with intent to endanger life on 6 November. The firearm offence carried a headline sentence of 16 years, but Wilson received 12 years with the final year suspended for three years. He also received a six‑year concurrent sentence for the conspiracy charge. The judge noted Wilson's history of drug use, a traumatic childhood, and his early guilty plea as mitigating factors. Wilson's sentence was back‑dated to his arrest on 6 November 2017. The case involved other defendants charged with the same conspiracy and firearm offences. The court highlighted the Garda investigation and the interception of a vehicle used in the plot.
2018-07-31 · Dublin
Luke Wilson, 23, from Ballyfermot, admitted to conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between 15 September and 6 November 2017. He was recorded by Gardaí in extensive discussions about the plot, stating he had "no problem" camping in the back of a van to "get" Hanley and that he wanted "money not jail." Wilson also pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun with intent to endanger life on 6 November 2017. Gardaí monitored a Seat Leon with false plates, a white Nissan Primastar van and a white Volkswagen Caddy, and placed surveillance on Hanley and his partner's vehicle. Audio recordings captured Wilson and another man planning routes, escape vehicles, and the use of a van to approach Hanley's home. Wilson was found with a 9‑mm pistol, a silencer, 15 rounds, a black ski mask, and three petrol containers in the van. He has 36 prior convictions, including theft and traffic offences.
2018-07-30 · Dublin
Luke Wilson, 23, from Ballyfermot, pleaded guilty in the Special Criminal Court to conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between 15 September and 6 November last year, and to unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun with intent to endanger life on 6 November at Philipsburgh Avenue, Fairview. Alan Wilson, 39, Liam Brannigan, 37, and Joseph Kelly, 35, were also charged with conspiring to murder Mr Hanley on the same occasion. Alan Wilson and Joseph Kelly faced additional charges of conspiracy to murder an unknown person or persons at the 74 Talbot public house between 11 and 15 September last year. Joseph Kelly was also charged with possession of a Beretta handgun and fifteen rounds of ammunition with intent to endanger life on 6 November at Philipsburgh Avenue. A trial date for Alan Wilson was set for 7 October 2019, while Brannigan's case will be mentioned on 8 October and Kelly's hearing was adjourned to October.
2018-04-25 · Dublin
Four men—Alan Wilson (39), Liam Brannigan (37), Joseph Kelly (35) and Luke Wilson (23)—are charged with conspiracy to murder Gary Hanley at a State location between 15 September and 6 November last year. Wilson and Kelly also face conspiracy to murder an unknown person at Talbot Street between 11 and 15 September. Kelly and Luke are charged with possession of a Beretta handgun and fifteen rounds of ammunition with intent to endanger life on 6 November. The court ordered the case to be tried before the Special Criminal Court.
2018-02-12 · Cork
Andrew Dunne, 33, was sentenced to four years in prison at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to possessing almost €110,000 worth of heroin, cocaine, and cannabis at his Drimnagh home on July 7, 2016. He also admitted to two counts of endangering gardaí on August 7, 2016, during a high-speed chase that involved ramming a patrol vehicle and dragging a sergeant. Judge Martin Nolan described Dunne as a good family man and father who was unlikely to re-offend, noting he was a "mature man who had got himself into difficulties." The judge stated it was not necessary to include a suspended period in the sentence. Dunne was also disqualified from driving for six years. Prosecution evidence indicated Dunne was intoxicated and under threat from a drug debt, while defense counsel argued he was in a state of intense fear and paranoia. The court heard Dunne had rehabilitated himself and is now drug-free.
2014-11-04 · Dublin
Andrew Brett, 38, of Kilworth Road, Drimnagh, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to damaging a property by fire on 1 January 2013. He threw two petrol bombs at the front of Audrey Maher's house, which was unoccupied that night. The bombs, made from fruit‑juice bottles filled with white spirits, left scorch marks on the windowsill of a front window. Brett was arrested after neighbours flagged him down; a strong smell of accelerants and his out‑of‑breath state prompted a medical assessment. He was involuntarily admitted to the psychiatric ward of St James's Hospital. A medical report concluded that Brett was suffering from delusions at the time of the offence. Judge Mary Ellen Ring sentenced him to a three‑year suspended term, with strict conditions including liaison with the Probation Service for two years. The sentence was suspended in full, and Brett was required to comply with day treatment, medication and abstain from alcohol.