Court archive
Court reports mentioning Tower, Cork
2025-07-31 · Dublin
American Kevin Yungman, 32, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court for raping a 19-year-old woman in June 2018 in an Airbnb on Usher's Quay, Dublin city centre. Yungman pleaded guilty to the single charge of rape, which involved causing the victim to pass out by squeezing her neck. Mr Justice Hunt imposed a six-year prison sentence, with the final 12 months suspended on strict conditions. The sentence was backdated to August 2024, when Yungman entered custody in the United States following his arrest and extradition to Ireland. The judge noted that the headline sentence was eight years, reduced due to mitigation including the guilty plea and the difficulty of serving time in a foreign jurisdiction. Aggravating factors included the asphyxiation of the victim. Conditions of the suspended portion include a perpetual ban on direct or indirect contact with the victim. Additionally, Yungman is ordered to leave the jurisdiction upon release and is prohibited from returning for 10 years. The court acknowledged the victim's recovery and the support provided by Yungman's family, who expressed remorse and accountability during the proceedings.
2024-07-01 · Galway
Jonathan (aka Johnny) Moran, 26, was sentenced to eight years in prison after a Central Criminal Court jury convicted him of rape and aggravated sexual assault. The offences occurred in a garden shed in Galway on July 21, 2019, where Moran allegedly used a bottle to penetrate the victim, Bláthnaid Raleigh, causing extensive physical injuries. Although the validated procedural stage is listed as an appeal, the report details the sentencing hearing where Mr Justice Tony Hunt imposed the custodial term. The judge set a headline sentence of 10 years, reduced to nine years due to Moran's lack of previous convictions and late acceptance of the verdict. The final year was suspended on strict conditions, including indefinite no-contact orders with Ms Raleigh, 18 months of Probation Service engagement, and a three-year period of good behaviour. Ms Raleigh, who waived her anonymity, read a victim impact statement describing the long-term physical and psychological trauma she suffered. She noted that her brothers left their local rugby club, where Moran also played, following the incident. The judge emphasized the critical importance of consent, warning that failure to ensure it results in serious sexual offences and significant immediate custodial sentences.
2024-06-17 · Galway
Bláthnaid Raleigh, a 21‑year‑old from Mullingar, was raped with a bottle by Jonathan Moran, a 26‑year‑old acquaintance, in a garden shed in Galway on 21 July 2019. Moran was convicted by a Central Criminal Court jury of section four rape and aggravated sexual assault for penetrating her vagina and anus with a bottle. He denied using an implement and claimed the activity was consensual. Raleigh, who suffered extensive physical injuries requiring months of treatment, read her victim impact statement and said the conviction allowed her to use the word "rape." She expressed a desire to become a support and advocate for other victims of sexual violence, thanking the Rape Crisis Centre and Gardaí for their help. The court remanded Moran in custody until 1 July for sentencing. No further sentencing details are provided in the article.
2024-04-18 · Dublin
The Stardust fire of 1981, which claimed the lives of 48 young people, was the subject of a lengthy inquest that examined the events leading up to the tragedy. Survivors and witnesses described the chaos and confusion as the fire broke out, with many trapped by locked exit doors and unable to escape the rapidly spreading flames. The inquest revealed that the Stardust nightclub had serious fire safety issues, including locked exits, inadequate fire training for staff, and the use of highly flammable materials. Survivors recounted the horror of the fire, with some describing the intense heat, the collapse of the ceiling, and the suffocating smoke. The inquest also heard evidence about the practice of 'mock locking' exit doors, which gave the appearance of being locked when they were not. This practice, along with the failure to follow fire safety regulations, was a major factor in the high death toll.
2024-03-07 · Limerick
Red' Larry McCarthy was sentenced to six-and-a-half years' imprisonment by the Special Criminal Court for his role in the attempted murder of Christy Keane. McCarthy, 45, pleaded guilty to making a vehicle available to the McCarthy-Dundon criminal organisation, which was used as a getaway car during the shooting of Keane in June 2015. The offence, contrary to Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, carries a maximum penalty of 15 years. Ms Justice Caroline Biggs set a headline sentence of 10 years, reduced by 20% to eight years in mitigation for his guilty plea and positive rehabilitation efforts in Donegal. The court suspended the final 18 months of the sentence, conditional on good behaviour and probation supervision. McCarthy had already served two years, seven months, and 20 days in custody, which was credited toward the effective term. The judge noted his 14 previous convictions, including a prior UK sentence for possession of a firearm. In a related case, Noel Price was previously jailed for six-and-a-half years for assisting the same organisation with a vehicle intended to facilitate the attempted murder. The court highlighted the ongoing feud between the McCarthy-Dundon and Keane-Collopy gangs, which has resulted in numerous violent offences.
2024-02-26 · Limerick
A 45-year-old man from Limerick has been remanded for sentencing following his guilty plea to making a vehicle available to an organised crime gang for use as a getaway car in an attempted murder. Larry McCarthy pleaded guilty in October 2023 to an offence contrary to Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment. The incident occurred in June 2015 when two gunmen fired 13 rounds at Christy Keane as he sat in his vehicle at University of Limerick gym, causing four gunshot wounds. McCarthy assisted in positioning both a red Ford Focus and a white Volvo Estate used by the gunmen to escape. The Special Criminal Court heard evidence of the decades-long feud between the McCarthy-Dundon and Keane-Collopy criminal organisations. Defence counsel submitted that McCarthy has since relocated to Donegal, maintained employment and education engagement, and has not offended in nearly a decade. Ms Justice Caroline Biggs adjourned the case until 11 March for sentencing.
2024-01-31 · Dublin
The Stardust management only complied with ten of 26 by-laws set down as terms of the nightclub's planning permission, an inquest jury has heard, with a lack of fire drills, lack of staff training, and the locking and obstructing of exits all showing non-compliance. Martin Davidson, a fire engineer with 29 years of experience, gave evidence in the Dublin District Coroner's Court during the inquest into the fire that killed 48 people in 1981. He stated that no revised drawings were submitted showing the use of carpet tiles on the walls instead of plastered walls. Doors were fitted with metal shutters that were fully down and locked, and temporary barriers were used, reducing exit width. Chains and padlocks were used on exit doors, which were not secured by automatic fastenings as required. Stardust manager Eamon Butterly confirmed that exits one, five and six were locked until between 11.30pm and midnight.
2024-01-15 · Cork
Broadcaster Dave Fanning has begun defamation proceedings against Microsoft's news service and a Hong Kong website after his picture appeared in an article that wrongly claimed he faced trial for alleged sexual misconduct with a child under 12. The article, titled "Prominent Irish Broadcaster faces trial over alleged sexual misconduct," was published by BNN on 11 October and also appeared on Microsoft's News Service MSN. Fanning, who was not involved in the trial— which concerned another broadcaster later acquitted— argues the piece made false and damaging statements, portraying him as a criminal and paedophile. The article was removed the day after publication. Fanning seeks damages and has obtained High Court permission to serve the action on BNN, Microsoft Operations Ireland Ltd, and Microsoft Corporation. The court has adjourned part of the application to clarify whether the article was published outside Ireland or in jurisdictions controlled by Microsoft's U.S. parent. The case is currently at the High Court hearing stage.
2023-07-04 · Sligo
A man with 86 previous convictions, including for domestic violence, has had his custodial sentence doubled following a Court of Appeal ruling. Jason Doyle (28) of Tower Hill, Ballymote, County Sligo, pleaded guilty to one count of assault causing harm against his then partner at their home on 10 January 2021. Sligo Circuit Criminal Court had imposed a two-year sentence with 15 months suspended. The State appealed on grounds of undue leniency. The victim sustained injuries including bleeding to the head, bruising to the jaw-line, and blows to the back of her head and body during the overnight incident. Justice Isobel Kennedy, delivering the Court of Appeal's judgment, found the lower court had erred in principle by applying an excessive mitigation discount. The court substituted a headline sentence of three years with nine months credited for the guilty plea and nine months suspended, resulting in an 18-month custodial term.
2023-05-15 · Dublin
The High Court, by Mr Justice Brian O'Moore, formally wound up Tower Trade Finance Ireland Limited (TTFI) and Deal Partners Logistics Ltd (DPL) on Monday. Both companies, registered in Dublin, were insolvent and could not pay debts exceeding €13 million. Mr Declan McDonald of PWC, previously the examiner, was appointed as the official liquidator for the two firms. Earlier this year the companies had entered examinership, but the process ended after a proposed survival scheme for TTFI was rejected by creditors and a scheme for DPL could not proceed without approval for both firms. The companies had sought court protection following financial difficulties linked to the collapse of JACC Sports Distributors, which had supplied sports kit to the FAI. The court noted that creditors, represented by Gavin Smith of DLA Piper, were not opposed to Mr McDonald's appointment. The judge confirmed the liquidation orders and the appointment of Mr McDonald as liquidator.
2023-05-12 · Dublin
In May 2023 the High Court was asked to liquidate Tower Trade Finance Ireland Limited (TTFI) and Deal Partners Logistics Ltd (DPL) after creditors rejected a proposed survival scheme for TTFI. The companies had sought examinership protection following financial difficulties linked to the liquidation of JACC Sports Distributors, which had supplied sports kit to the FAI. Both firms owed creditors over €13 million and had previously been placed under examinership by insolvency practitioner Declan McDonald of PWC. A scheme had been agreed for DPL, but the relationship between the firms required both schemes to be approved. With TTFI's creditors voting against the scheme, the examiner and counsel concluded that the only option was to end examinership and order liquidation. Mr McDonald was proposed to act as liquidator, while a short adjournment was granted to allow creditors to decide whether they preferred a different liquidator.
2023-03-08 · Limerick
John Costello, 41, of Kileely, Limerick City, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to providing transport to persons allegedly involved in an assault causing serious harm to Christy Keane on 29 June 2015. He also admitted to knowing or believing others were guilty of an arrestable offence and providing transport to impede their apprehension, contrary to Section 7(2) of the Criminal Law Act 1997. The prosecution withdrew an original charge under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, alleging Costello facilitated the attempted murder of Keane for the McCarthy-Dundon criminal organisation, replacing it with the Section 7(2) charge. Detective Sergeant Padraig O'Dwyer served the Book of Evidence on Costello regarding the new charge. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with Judges Sarah Berkeley and Alan Mitchell, adjourned the matter to 30 March for sentence. Co-accused Noel Price, 44, and Larry McCarthy, 44, both of Limerick City, remain charged with making a vehicle available to the McCarthy-Dundon criminal organisation to facilitate the attempted murder of Keane between 27 and 29 June 2015. Keane survived the shooting at the University of Limerick in 2015 after escaping via a running track.
2023-03-07 · Dublin
The High Court heard that Mr Declan McDonald of PWC has been appointed examiner to Tower Trade Finance Ireland Limited (TTFI) and Deal Partners Logistics Ltd (DPL). TTFI has a net asset deficiency of €10.1 million and DPL €9.5 million. The companies attribute their financial difficulties to the collapse of JACC Sports Distributors and other issues, including fraud and client insolvencies. Mr McDonald has prepared an interim report and is working on a scheme of arrangement with creditors, hoping to present it before the end of the 100‑day examinership period. John Lavelle BL, representing the examiner, said creditors would benefit from a survival plan rather than liquidation. The court noted that both firms owe creditors over €13 million and that directors have committed €400 000 for the scheme. No objections were raised to extending the examinership period. The court heard that the examiner's report indicates a reasonable prospect of survival if the scheme is approved.
2023-02-17 · Dublin
The High Court appointed insolvency practitioner Declan McDonald of PWC as examiner to Tower Trade Finance Ireland Limited (TTFI) and Deal Partners Logistics Ltd (DPL). TTFI has a net asset deficiency of €10.1 million and DPL €9.5 million. Both companies suffered financial difficulties after the liquidation of JACC Sports Distributors, which had supplied sports kits to the FAI. TTFI provided trade finance through loans or purchasing goods and reselling them, while DPL raised funds from individual shareholders. Investors expressed concerns, with a straw poll showing a majority opposed to examinership. The judge noted that the companies owe creditors over €13 million and that an independent report suggested a reasonable prospect of survival if a scheme of arrangement is approved. The examiner has up to 100 days to prepare a survival scheme, and the matter was adjourned to early March.
2023-02-10 · Dublin
Paul O'Brien, 38, pleaded guilty to three counts of copyright infringement for selling android 'dodgy boxes' that enabled cheap access to about 4,000 TV channels. He sold the boxes to 150 customers, charging €12 a month for activation codes, generating roughly €1,800 monthly. Gardaí traced him after a Sky investigator purchased a box from his website, IPTV Wizard, and seized evidence including a black Tower PC, flyers, business cards and bank details. O'Brien's bank account held €34,410, about 60 % from illegal sales. Judge Martin Nolan, noting the offence's "sneaky" nature, imposed 240 hours of community service instead of a custodial sentence, ordered forfeiture of €20,410 and destruction of seized equipment, and adjourned the case for finalisation on 27 April. The judge highlighted the potential earnings and the impact on O'Brien's personal life, including his partner's cervical cancer diagnosis and their 14‑year‑old son. The case remains at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
2022-03-08 · Meath
Daniel Munteanu, a 32-year-old Romanian national from Navan, Co Meath, has failed in his appeal against a custodial sentence imposed at Trim Circuit Criminal Court. Munteanu pleaded guilty to 10 charges of stealing €121,800 from 52 Bank of Ireland accounts between September 9, 2018, and March 4, 2019. He also admitted possessing 51 cloned bank cards, card-making equipment, and false identity documents. Judge Martina Baxter originally sentenced him to seven years, with the final six months suspended, after applying a discount to an 11-year headline sentence. Munteanu appealed on the grounds that the judge placed insufficient weight on mitigation, arguing he was merely a 'foot-soldier' in an international skimming gang who received a 10-15% cut of the proceeds. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice George Birmingham, dismissed the appeal. The Court President noted that the original judge had applied a 'significant and generous' discount and that the final six-and-a-half-year term clearly fell within the available range. The court accepted the prosecution's submission that Munteanu was part of a complex criminal organisation operating across multiple jurisdictions, including Ireland, the UK, Belgium, Romania, and Italy, which justified the severity of the sentence.
2022-03-07 · Meath
A 32-year-old Romanian national is appealing a six-and-a-half-year prison sentence imposed for his role in an international bank card skimming operation. Daniel Munteanu pleaded guilty at Trim Circuit Criminal Court to ten counts of theft totalling €121,800 from 52 Bank of Ireland accounts between September 2018 and March 2019. Over 300 withdrawals were made from ATMs across multiple counties including Cavan and Monaghan. Gardaí recovered cloned bank cards, a card-cloning machine, and forged identity documents from his home. At the Court of Appeal, his legal team contended the original sentence was disproportionate, characterising Munteanu as a foot-soldier in the gang who received approximately ten per cent of proceeds. The Director of Public Prosecutions countered that Munteanu was an integral member of an established international criminal network operating across multiple jurisdictions with significant resources. The court reserved judgment.
2020-09-14 · Limerick
Three men appeared before the Special Criminal Court, where they were served with Books of Evidence in connection with the alleged attempted murder of Christy Keane. The prosecution alleges that the Limerick-based McCarthy-Dundon criminal organisation shot Mr Keane multiple times as he parked his car on the University of Limerick grounds at approximately 6.35am on June 29, 2015. Noel Price, 42, of Kileely Road, Limerick City, is charged with having knowledge of the existence of the McCarthy-Dundon criminal organisation and assisting in making a vehicle available to that organisation with the intention of facilitating the attempted murder, or being reckless as to the same, between June 27 and 29, 2015. Co-accused John Costello, 39, of Hennessy Avenue, Kileely, is charged with knowledge of the existence of the criminal organisation and providing transport to persons with the intention of facilitating the commission of the attempted murder on June 29, 2015. Larry McCarthy, 42, of Tower Lodge, Old Cork Road, Limerick City, is charged with making a vehicle available to the McCarthy-Dundon criminal organisation in the attempted murder between June 27 and 29, 2015. The alleged offences fall under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, carrying a maximum penalty of 15 years' imprisonment. Presiding Judge Mr Justice Tony Hunt remanded all three men in custody to appear again before the non-jury court on November 2.
2020-07-01 · Limerick
Larry McCarthy Jr., 43, of Tower Lodge, Old Cork Road, Limerick, was denied bail by the Special Criminal Court on 1 July 2020. He is charged with providing a vehicle to the McCarthy‑Dundon gang for the attempted murder of Christy Keane at the University of Limerick car park on 29 June 2015. The court heard that the State, represented by State barrister Ms Anne‑Marie Lawlor SC, objected to bail on the grounds that McCarthy could commit a serious offence while on bail, was a flight risk, and might interfere with witnesses. Garda evidence from Detective Garda Donnacha Coakley and Chief Superintendent Gerard Roche cited Sections 2 and 2(A) of the Bail Act. Judge Mr Justice Alexander Owens refused bail and remanded McCarthy in custody until 14 September. Two co‑accused, Noel Price, 42, and John Costello, 39, were also remanded to the same date.
2020-06-12 · Limerick
The Special Criminal Court denied bail to John Costello, 39, of Hennessy Avenue, Kileely, Co Limerick, who is accused of facilitating the attempted murder of Christy Keane at the University of Limerick car park on 29 June 2015. Mr Costello is charged with knowledge of the existence of the McCarthy-Dundon criminal organisation and providing transport to persons with the intention of facilitating the offence. State counsel Anne-Marie Lawlor SC submitted Garda objection to bail under Section 2 of the Bail Act, citing a risk of further serious offences. Mr Justice Alexander Owens refused the application and remanded Mr Costello in custody until September 14 for the preparation of the Book of Evidence. Two co-accused were also remanded to the same date. Larry McCarthy, 42, of Tower Lodge, Old Cork Road, Limerick City, is charged with making a vehicle available to the criminal organisation between 27 and 29 June 2015. Noel Price, 42, of Kileely Road, Kileely, Limerick City, faces the same charge under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment. The matter was adjourned for the preparation of the Book of Evidence.
2020-06-03 · Limerick
Two men appeared before the Special Criminal Court on charges relating to an alleged attempted murder in Limerick in 2015. John Costello, aged 39, of Hennessy Avenue, Kileely, County Limerick, faced charges of knowledge of the McCarthy-Dundon criminal organisation and providing transport to facilitate the attempted murder of Christy Keane at University of Limerick car park on 29 June 2015. Larry McCarthy, aged 42, of Tower Lodge, Old Court Road, Limerick City, was charged with making a vehicle available to the same criminal organisation in connection with the alleged incident between 27 and 29 June 2015. Both charges fall under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. McCarthy was arrested in Buncrana, County Donegal. The court heard an application for medical attention regarding an injury sustained by McCarthy. Both men were remanded in custody, with the cases adjourned to 12 June.
2019-12-02 · Dublin
Adrzej Toszewski, a 36‑year‑old metal and glass installer from Clondalkin, pleaded guilty to possessing heroin for sale or supply after a police search of his car revealed a package containing €91,000 worth of heroin. He claimed he did not know what was in the package and denied being a dealer. The court heard he had been pulled over while using his phone, had a strong smell of cannabis in the vehicle, and was abusing cannabis at the time. He had no prior convictions and had not attracted Garda attention in the five years since the offence. Judge Pauline Codd, hearing the case in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, imposed a six‑year sentence, suspended in full on conditions including engagement with probation services and attendance of any directed courses. The judge cited Toszewski's lack of criminal record, his depression, his low position in the drug hierarchy, and his skilled employment as mitigating factors.
2019-03-27 · Tipperary
A forensic anthropologist giving evidence at the Central Criminal Court has expressed doubt that a fractured femur found on the remains of Bobby Ryan could have resulted from concrete debris falling during the body's removal from a tank. Dr Rene Gapert, examining bones retrieved from an underground run-off tank on a farm at Fawnagown, County Tipperary, identified human and animal remains among the fragments. He told the court the femur, being the body's strongest bone, was unlikely to have sustained such an injury from the falling concrete when gardaí used a digger to remove a slab covering the tank. Mr Ryan's body was discovered in April 2013, approximately 22 months after he went missing in June 2011. Patrick Quirke, aged 50, of Breanshamore, County Tipperary, has pleaded not guilty to his murder. The trial, before Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury, continues.
2019-03-04 · Tipperary
Wayne O'Dwyer, aged 30, pleaded guilty to robbery at the Eurogiant store in Carrick‑on‑Suir on 31 March 2016. He threatened a female shop assistant, demanding €250 and the till, and was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment with the final three years suspended by Judge Thomas Teehan on 15 December 2017. O'Dwyer's lawyers argued the judge sought to make an example of him because of the perceived rise in violent crime in the town. The Court of Appeal, led by Justice John Edwards, rejected this claim, stating the judge was entitled to consider general deterrence as a sentencing objective and that the sentence was not disproportionate. The appeal was dismissed, confirming the seven‑year headline sentence with a three‑year suspended portion and the effective custody term as imposed.
2018-12-03 · Kerry
Michael Ferris, 63, was jailed for five years at the Central Criminal Court for manslaughter after repeatedly driving a teleporter into his neighbour Anthony O'Mahony, 73, during a long‑standing dispute over a noisy bird‑scaring device. The jury found Ferris not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter by a 10‑to‑two majority. At the sentence hearing, Justice Carmel Stewart imposed a six‑year prison term with one year suspended, back‑dated to the day of the offence. The judge cited Ferris's admission of guilt, his remorse, lack of prior convictions and his age as mitigating factors. The family of the deceased, led by niece Ann O'Carroll, expressed that they believed justice was not served, arguing the sentence was too lenient and that the case exemplified victim blaming in Irish courts. The judge noted the severity of the injuries inflicted and the impact on the victim's family.
2018-11-26 · Kerry
During a two‑week trial in Tralee, dairy farmer Michael Ferris (63) was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter for the death of neighbour Anthony O'Mahony (73) on 4 April 2017. Ferris admitted to blocking a small road with a New Holland teleporter and driving it at O'Mahony's car, causing catastrophic injuries that killed him. The victim impact statement, read by O'Mahony's brother Seamus, described the brutal nature of the attack and the emotional toll on the family, who feel their brother's good character was unfairly attacked in court. Seamus expressed fear that Ferris might "snap again" and that the family will live in fear of encountering him on the road. The statement highlighted the family's isolation and the lasting pain of the incident. The court has remanded Ferris in custody until his sentencing on 3 December.
2018-11-26 · Kerry
In a sentence hearing at the Central Criminal Court, Kerry farmer Michael Ferris, aged 63, was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter for the death of neighbour Anthony O'Mahony, aged 73. The case stemmed from a long‑standing dispute over a noisy bird‑scarer. On 4 April 2017 Ferris blocked a small roadway in Rattoo with a New Holland teleporter and drove its prongs into O'Mahony's Peugeot, repeatedly stabbing him. O'Mahony suffered catastrophic injuries, including five penetrating wounds, and died immediately. Ferris admitted to the attack, stating he had been frustrated by the bird‑scarer for 30 years and believed the only solution was to block the road. He had no prior convictions and had been in custody since the incident. The hearing focused on the facts and Ferris's admissions, with no further verdicts announced.
2018-07-20 · Cork
John Stokes, aged 30, was found guilty of 343 counts of theft related to a sophisticated social welfare fraud that spanned from April 2008 to December 2013. He had originally received a wholly suspended four‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence from Judge Michael O'Shea on 30 June 2017. The Director of Public Prosecutions argued that the sentence was unduly lenient, and the Court of Appeal agreed. Judge Patrick McCarthy, sitting with Judges George Birmingham and John Hedigan, imposed an 18‑month custodial term, with the remainder of the four‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence suspended. The fraud involved €55,000 in Jobseekers Allowance and €47,000 in Rent Allowance, and Stokes had rented a house in Sallins, Co. Kildare, to facilitate the scheme. He had also provided €4,000 in restitution and an additional €2,000 through withheld child allowance, and was paying €28 a week in restitution from social welfare payments.
2018-06-14 · Dublin
In a 2018 incident, Gardaí used remote control of street cameras to track Shane Pollard (41) after he stole €500 from a shop. The cameras captured him taking money from the till, and Garda Patrick Fallon monitored his movements as he fled into a nearby café. Pollard was arrested there, breathing heavily and sweating, and all the stolen money was recovered. He later pleaded guilty to theft of €510 at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Melanie Greally noted no force or violence was used against staff, though Pollard had armed himself with a blade or scissors. She imposed a two‑year sentence, backdated to February to account for time already spent in custody. Pollard, who has 27 prior convictions including seven for robbery, had relapsed into cocaine use after a family bereavement. The defence highlighted his long history of drug use and his current health conditions. The court accepted his guilty plea and cooperation.
2018-06-11 · Limerick
Larry McCarthy, aged 39, was convicted by a non‑jury Special Criminal Court of assaulting cyclist David Foran, 33, on 25 November 2014 and of threatening to use unlawful violence with two others. The court sentenced him to six years' imprisonment on 31 July 2017. McCarthy appealed, arguing that the admission of Foran's initial statement was improper under section 16 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal, agreeing that the statement was admissible. On a subsequent sentence appeal, the Court of Appeal suspended the final 15 months of McCarthy's six‑year term, citing errors in the original sentencing court's weighting of a 1999 violent‑disorder conviction and the exclusion of mitigating factors such as positive testimonials and difficult family circumstances. McCarthy was required to enter a two‑year good‑behaviour bond after release. The case remains at the sentencing‑appeal stage. Larry McCarthy pleaded not guilty.
2018-05-31 · Limerick
Larry McCarthy, aged 37, was convicted by a non‑jury Special Criminal Court of assaulting cyclist David Foran, aged 33, on 25 November 2014 at Cornmarket Villas, Limerick. McCarthy pleaded not guilty but was found guilty of assault and threatening to use unlawful violence. He was sentenced to six years' imprisonment on 31 July 2017. McCarthy appealed in April 2018, challenging the admission of Foran's initial statement under section 16 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. The appeal argued that Foran's identification of McCarthy was unreliable and that the statement should not have been admitted. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Justice Alan Mahon, rejected the appeal, affirming that the admission of the statement was correct and that McCarthy's conviction remained upheld. No further procedural developments were reported in the article.
2018-04-19 · Limerick
Larry McCarthy, 37, of Limerick, is appealing a conviction for assaulting cyclist David Foran, 33, on 25 November 2014. The Special Criminal Court found McCarthy guilty of assault and threatening unlawful violence, sentencing him to six years' imprisonment on 31 July 2017. The case centred on Foran's claim that McCarthy struck him with a baseball bat and stabbed his leg with a knife after a confrontation at Cornmarket Villas. McCarthy's appeal focuses on the admission of Foran's initial Garda statement, which identified McCarthy, under section 16 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. McCarthy's counsel argues the statement was unreliable and that Foran later withdrew the complaint. The Court of Appeal has reserved judgment on the appeal. Larry McCarthy pleaded not guilty.
2017-07-31 · Limerick
Larry McCarthy, aged 37, was convicted by the Special Criminal Court of violent disorder and assault causing harm. The violent disorder charge stemmed from an incident on 25 November 2014 at Cornmarket Villas, Limerick, where McCarthy, along with two others, threatened to use "unlawful violence" and assaulted David Foran, a cyclist who had been involved in a minor road accident with a motorcyclist. Foran was stabbed in the leg with a knife and struck on the head with a baseball bat. McCarthy pleaded not guilty to the assault but was found guilty. He received a six‑year sentence for violent disorder and a three‑year sentence for assault causing harm, both to run concurrently and back‑dated to 30 July 2015. The court noted the use of a knife and bat as aggravating factors and limited mitigating circumstances. The sentences were imposed by Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, Judge Gerard Griffin and Judge Gerard Haughton.
2017-07-24 · Limerick
Larry McCarthy, 37, was found guilty of assaulting David Foran, 33, by stabbing him in the leg during a dispute over compensation for a road accident. The incident occurred on 25 November 2014 at Cornmarket Villas, Limerick, after a motorcyclist offered Foran €5,500 and directed him to meet McCarthy. McCarthy, present in the car park, challenged Foran and stabbed him with a knife. Foran suffered a puncture wound to his left thigh, treated at University Hospital Limerick. McCarthy had previously been arrested on 4 March 2015 for violent disorder and had eight prior convictions, including dangerous driving and firearm offences in the UK. He was remanded in custody until 31 July, when he will be sentenced by the Special Criminal Court. The court noted that Foran made a full recovery and declined a victim impact statement. The sentencing hearing was presided over by Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, with Judges Gerard Griffin and Gerard Haughton. Larry McCarthy pleaded not guilty. David Foran pleaded not guilty.
2017-07-03 · Limerick
A 37‑year‑old Limerick man, Larry McCarthy, was found guilty by the Special Criminal Court of assaulting 33‑year‑old David Foran on 25 November 2014 at Cornmarket Villas. McCarthy had pleaded not guilty to both the assault and to threatening to use "unlawful violence" with two others at the same place and date, but the court found him guilty of both offences. The trial recounted that Foran had been knocked down by a motorcyclist on 14 November 2014, who later offered him €5,000 and directed him to meet McCarthy in Limerick town. Foran testified that McCarthy struck him with a baseball bat, beat him, stabbed his leg with a knife and tried to remove his vest. The judge remanded McCarthy in custody until 24 July, when sentencing will occur.
2017-06-27 · Limerick
In a Special Criminal Court hearing in Limerick, Larry McCarthy, aged 37, faces a verdict on an assault charge. He is accused of threatening "unlawful violence" and physically assaulting David Foran, 33, on 25 November 2014 at Cornmarket Villas. McCarthy denies both the assault and the threat, pleading not guilty. Foran, who had earlier been knocked down by a motorcyclist and received compensation, identified McCarthy as the assailant in statements to Gardaí. The prosecution, led by John Byrne BL, argues Foran's statements are reliable, citing his signed declaration and a second statement that elaborated on McCarthy's identity. Defence counsel Barry White SC contends Foran's testimony is unreliable, pointing to inconsistencies such as unsubstantiated injuries and missing phone records. White also criticises the Garda investigation for lacking site examination and documentation. The court, presided over by Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy with Judges Gerard Griffin and Gerard Haughton, will deliver its judgment on Monday, 3 July.
2017-06-26 · Limerick
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, the prosecution closed its case against Larry McCarthy, 37, who was accused of assaulting David Foran, 33, on 25 November 2014 at Cornmarket Villas, Limerick. McCarthy, who lives at Tower Lodge, Crossgalla, denied both the assault and the allegation that he and two others threatened to use "unlawful violence" at the same place and date. Foran had earlier been knocked down and offered compensation by a motorcyclist. Detective Garda Gerard Healy testified that Foran identified McCarthy as the man who stabbed him, describing him as "stocky with red hair" and "unshaven." The defence argued that the absence of a video recording of Foran's statement handicapped their case, and that the detective had not asked whether the Larry McCarthy described was the one living in Cornmarket Villas. McCarthy denied any involvement. The prosecution announced that it had closed its case, while the trial continues before Ms Justice Kennedy, Judge Gerard Griffin and Judge Gerard Haughton. Larry McCarthy pleaded not guilty.
2017-06-22 · Limerick
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, 33‑year‑old David Foran claimed that on 25 November 2014, after a traffic incident, he was assaulted by Larry McCarthy (37) and others at Cornmarket Villas, Limerick. Foran said McCarthy stabbed him in the leg with a knife and that the assailants tried to remove his bulletproof vest. He alleged that McCarthy and two other men threatened to use "unlawful violence" and that they had been involved in a dispute over compensation money following a motorcyclist's knock‑down. McCarthy, who lives at Tower Lodge, Crossgalla, has pleaded not guilty to the assault charge. The court accepted Foran's statements as reliable after the prosecution demonstrated inconsistencies with earlier Garda statements. The case will continue before Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, Judge Gerard Griffin and Judge Gerard Haughton.
2017-06-21 · Limerick
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Larry McCarthy, 37, of Tower Lodge, Crossgalla, County Limerick, pleaded not guilty to assaulting David Foran, 33, at Cornmarket Villas on 25 November 2014. McCarthy also denied that he and two others threatened to use "unlawful violence" at the same location and date. The prosecution maintains that McCarthy was among those who threatened unlawful violence and assaulted Foran, who had earlier that month been knocked down and offered compensation by a motorcyclist. The defence is scheduled to submit arguments tomorrow before Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, with Judges Gerard Griffin and Gerard Haughton presiding.
2017-06-20 · Limerick
During a Special Criminal Court hearing, David Foran, aged 33, testified that he does not know who stabbed him. Foran, who was cycling to his mother's house on 14 November 2014, was knocked down by a motorcyclist. Two days later the motorcyclist offered to settle the incident out of court, proposing €5,000 compensation. Foran met the motorcyclist's associate at Cornmarket Villas on 25 November 2014. He described being surrounded by six or seven people, receiving a slap to the back of his head with a baseball bat, falling, and then being stabbed in the leg. Foran could not identify the assailant or describe his appearance. The prosecution alleges that Larry McCarthy, aged 37, was among those who threatened to use "unlawful violence" and assaulted Foran, but McCarthy has pleaded not guilty. The case remains before Justice Isobel Kennedy, Judge Gerard Griffin and Judge Gerard Haughton.
2017-06-19 · Limerick
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, a Limerick man, Larry McCarthy, 37, pleaded not guilty to assaulting David Foran on 25 November 2014 at Cornmarket Villas. The prosecution alleged that McCarthy, along with two others, threatened to use "unlawful violence" and that McCarthy stabbed Foran in the leg while he was beaten. Foran, who had been knocked down by a motorcyclist earlier that month, had initially refused a €5,000 compensation offer from the motorcyclist but later agreed to meet at Cornmarket Villas. McCarthy allegedly challenged Foran over the money demand. Foran was wearing a bullet‑proof vest at the time of the assault. The trial is presided over by Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy with Judges Gerard Griffin and Gerard Haughton. The case remains pending.
2017-05-25 · Dublin
John Fitzsimons, 50, of Old Tower Crescent, Clondalkin, Dublin, was sentenced to five years' imprisonment with two and a half years suspended after pleading guilty to possession of a semi‑automatic pistol, ammunition and a silencer in suspicious circumstances. The court found that Fitzsimons had agreed to store the handgun for a third party to pay off a debt, but had never actually handled the weapon. He had no prior convictions and was described as a "prisoner in his own home" after the agreement. Judge Karen O'Connor noted his lack of criminal history, his work background, and his cooperation with Gardaí, yet emphasised that storing firearms facilitates serious offences. The sentence was back‑dated to 29 October 2016, and the judge considered the public interest and safety in imposing the penalty. The court also acknowledged his past substance abuse and his productive use of time in custody.
2016-10-12 · Dublin
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 12 October 2016, Judge Melanie Greally sentenced Karl Brennan, 36, to six years' imprisonment for transporting €400,000 worth of heroin in his car while his one‑year‑old daughter was present. Brennan pleaded guilty to possession of the drugs at Tower Road, Clondalkin, on 10 December 2015. The judge imposed a six‑year term, suspending the final two years on strict conditions. Brennan, who has a heart condition and had previously worked for Coca Cola, was described by his family as a caring father. He admitted he had acted as a drug courier to earn money for Christmas. Garda surveillance had tracked his movements, revealing the heroin concealed in the door panel of his Nissan Micra. No prior convictions were recorded, and the person who had deposited the drugs was not apprehended. The court heard that Brennan cooperated fully with Gardaí and that he had no intention to re‑offend.
2016-07-21 · Cork
A book of evidence was served on Larry McCarthy, 37, of Tower Lodge, Crossgalla, who is accused of threatening to kill Noel Moore and damage Moore's house on 28 July 2015. He also faces separate charges of threatening unlawful violence with two others and assaulting David Foran on 25 November 2014. At the Special Criminal Court, State Solicitor Michael O'Donovan confirmed the evidence was ready, while McCarthy's counsel Patrick O'Neill BL said the case would likely take two weeks. Mr Justice Paul Butler remanded McCarthy in custody until 26 July for a further mention.
2015-12-01 · Dublin
Patrick Constant, aged 32, received a seven‑year prison sentence with four years suspended for possessing 122.6 grammes of heroin worth €18,390 in Dublin's Bus Aras on 17 February 2015. He will begin serving the sentence after completing a three‑year term for a prior drugs offence. Constant, of Riverview Estate Tower, Blarney, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Garda Joanne Myles described how she approached him in the Bus Aras lobby after hearing a question about a package, and how he resisted her attempt to handcuff him. She later found a heroin package in a sock between his trouser legs. Constant claimed he was receiving €500 to offset a €3,000 drug debt if he collected a package in Dublin and returned it to Cork. He said he had been promised a job upon release.
2015-08-17 · Dublin
Belfast man Kevin Hannaway, aged 67, was granted bail by the Special Criminal Court pending trial for allegedly assisting the Irish Republican Army (IRA). He and four co‑accused were arrested on 8 August 2015 in an operation targeting dissident republican activity in the Dublin region. Hannaway was charged on 10 August 2015 with knowingly rendering assistance to the IRA on 7 and 8 August. His co‑accused, Edward O'Brien (41), Eva Shannon (59), David Nooney (52) and Seán Hannaway (47), faced similar charges. The court imposed conditions including €100 bonds, residence requirements, daily curfews, provision of mobile phones to Gardaí, and restrictions on contact with witnesses and other charged persons. Additional sureties of €15,000 and €10,500 were posted for O'Brien and Nooney. The bail remains in force until 3 November 2015, when the book of evidence is expected to be served.
2015-08-10 · Dublin
Kevin Hannaway, 67, a Belfast man linked to the "Hooded Men", appeared before the Special Criminal Court on Monday, 10 August 2015. He was charged with knowingly assisting the Irish Republican Army (IRA) on 7 and 8 August 2015, an unlawful organisation. Hannaway, along with four co‑accused—Edward O'Brien (41), Eva Shannon (59), David Nooney (52) and Sean Hannaway (47)—were arrested on Saturday afternoon during a Garda operation targeting dissident republican activity in the Dublin region. The operation involved the Garda Special Detective Unit, Emergency Response Unit and Crime and Security Branch. The court remanded all five accused in custody, with a subsequent hearing scheduled for 17 August 2015. The case is part of a broader effort to address the detention of the "Hooded Men" during the Troubles and their appeal for a revision of a 1978 European Court of Human Rights judgement.
2015-06-25 · Mayo
Four men convicted of assaulting two off-duty gardaí at Charlestown in June 2012 have been imprisoned following a successful appeal by the Director of Public Prosecution against their original suspended sentences. Nico Barrett, aged 22, of Humbert Street, Sligo; David Leonard, aged 32, formerly of Rhue, Sligo; Daniel Phelan, aged 23, of Tower Crescent, Connolly Park, Sligo; and David Skeffington, aged 23, of Rathscanlon, Charlestown Road, Tubbercurry, had pleaded guilty to assault causing harm at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court. The trial judge imposed three-year suspended sentences on Barrett, Leonard, and Skeffington, and a two-year suspended sentence on Phelan in October 2014. The Court of Appeal found the sentences unduly lenient. Mr Justice John Edwards, speaking for the three-judge court, stated that custodial sentences were unavoidable and that assaults on peace officers must be severely punished. Barrett received 14 months imprisonment, whilst the other three received 12 months each.
2015-02-02 · Wicklow
A dispute over the alleged failure by insurers to pay out approximately €1.6m on a policy of a premises in Bray Co Wicklow that went on fire is to be fast tracked by the Commercial Court. The action has been brought by Veema Ltd, The Drive Cypress Downs Dublin 6w, which owns the Everest Centre, Castle Street, Bray Co Wicklow, against Great Lakes Reinsurance UK plc, of Fenchurch London, and insurance broker The Underwriting Exchange Ltd, Tower Street London. Veema says it has suffered a serious loss as a result of the insurances firm's alleged failure to pay out. The case was entered into the fast-track Commercial Court list today by Mr Justice Brian McGovern on the application of lawyers for Veema Ltd. In its action, Veema says it was furnished with a contract of insurance in respect of the Everest Centre by the broker, which was underwritten by Great Lakes Reinsurance. The policy was obtained in 2012. It claims that under the terms of the policy the premises was covered in the event of it suffering damage from fire. On July 15 2014 the Everest Centre, which has a number of tenants, accidentally caught fire. Veema says the fire occurred when a storage unit at the rear of the Everest Centre was being cleared. It says that a third party was allowed enter the property started to remove steel shelving. While using an angle grinder it is believed the third party accidentally set fire to the property. Veema says it believes its policy of insurance covered the damage. In its action it claims the insurers are not paying out because of an alleged change in tenancy, and occupation and use of the property that constituted an alternation of risk. The underwriters say they were never informed of the changes, which amount to breaches of conditions of the policy. In its action, Veema claims Great Lakes Reinsurance UK has breached the insurance policy following its alleged failure and refusal to pay out the sums insured for. It is also claimed Great Lakes has neglected to confirm it is prepared to indemnify Veema in respect of any claims against it by tenants of the property. It further claims the broker had a duty to warn them with of any unusual terms or interpretations that would be applied to the policy by the underwriter. The failure to warn Veema of such unusual terms was negligent, it is claimed. In its action Veema seeks various orders including one directing the underwriters to pay the sum necessary to reimburse the damage suffered by it caused by the fire. That figure has been estimated at €1.6m. Veema also seeks declarations including one it is entitled to an indemnity in respect of claims made against by the tenants of the Everest Centre in respect of the fire that took place last July.
2014-01-28 · Dublin
Swords District Court sentenced Kevin McCabe to four months in prison and disqualified him from driving for six years after he pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and a licence. Judge Dermot Dempsey noted McCabe's 11 previous convictions, including two prior disqualifications, and imposed a €200 fine. In a separate matter, Josephine Farrell pleaded guilty to contravening a safety order by allegedly threatening a man. The court applied the Probation Act, citing evidence that Farrell, who has bipolar disorder, had missed medication for three days. Darragh Quinn pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis herb. The charge was struck out after the court ordered €400 in his possession to be paid to Swords Foroige Youth Group. Additionally, Paul Kehoe was disqualified for four years and fined €400 for failing a breath sample, with a further €100 fine for lacking an NCT. His disqualification was postponed until June 1st. Finally, Danny Bowers, alleged to have driven without insurance and while drink driving, had his case adjourned until February 17th because the prosecuting garda was unavailable to give evidence.