Court archive
Court reports mentioning Ballyshannon, Donegal
2026-02-04 · Donegal
Nathan Walsh and Lee Cunningham, both aged 29, have pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to charges arising from an assault on a man in Dublin City Centre on 23 May 2023. Walsh, of Ballyshannon Road, Beaumont, admitted theft and assault causing harm. Cunningham, of Park Lawn, Mount Prospect Avenue, Clontarf, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm. The victim, now 41, was attacked on Temple Lane South at 3am and robbed of his mobile phone and wallet. CCTV footage showed Walsh initiating the assault with punches and kicks to the head before searching the victim's pockets, while Cunningham's involvement occurred at the assault's conclusion. A third defendant, Brian Delahunty, was previously sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for his role in the same incident. Judge Orla Crowe adjourned sentencing of Walsh and Cunningham to 30 April to allow the Probation Service to prepare reports on both men.
2025-02-04 · Donegal
Alan Vial, aged 39, of Drumanoo Head, Killybegs, County Donegal, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Robert Robin Wilkin, a 66-year-old pensioner, on 25 June 2023 in Donegal. Mr Wilkin's body was recovered eight days later in the sea below Sliabh Liag cliffs. During interview at Ballyshannon Garda Station, Mr Vial acknowledged a physical altercation at the cliff-top location but maintained that Mr Wilkin was alive and breathing when he last saw him. He denied striking the deceased with a rock or throwing him from the cliff, though he acknowledged placing Mr Wilkin over a fence approximately four metres from the cliff edge. Nikita Burns, aged 23, of Carrick, County Donegal, has also pleaded not guilty to the charge. The trial is proceeding before the Central Criminal Court.
2025-01-29 · Donegal
A woman charged with murdering a pensioner told gardaí she had exaggerated claims made to a friend about involvement in his death, the Central Criminal Court heard on Wednesday. Nikita Burns, of Carrick, County Donegal, and Alan Vial, of Drumanoo Head, Killybegs, County Donegal, have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Robert Robin Wilkin on 25 June 2023 in Donegal. Mr Wilkin's body was discovered in waters below Sliabh Liag cliffs eight days later. Detective Garda Patrick Farrell outlined Ms Burns' account to gardaí during interviews at Ballyshannon Garda Station, in which she initially denied knowledge of events before providing a detailed statement in her third interview. Ms Burns alleged that Mr Vial struck the deceased multiple times with a rock at Roshine in Fintown and subsequently pushed his body from the cliff. Following gardaí playing a recorded conversation with a witness in which Ms Burns referenced violent acts, she stated she had been intoxicated and had overstated her involvement to protect Mr Vial.
2024-11-15 · Donegal
Geunter Lohse, aged 63, has been sentenced to twelve years imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court for unlawfully killing his mother Ruth by arson. The offence occurred on April 12, 2022, at their shared residence in Coolvoy, Doochary, County Donegal. Lohse pleaded guilty to manslaughter after the State accepted his plea on a charge of murder. Ms Justice Melanie Greally imposed a headline sentence of eighteen years, reduced to thirteen years with the final twelve months suspended, taking into account mitigating factors including his early guilty plea and lack of previous convictions. The court heard that Ruth Lohse, aged 88, died from smoke inhalation after Lohse set three fires in the house using matches. The judge noted the victim, who had dedicated her life to caring for her son, was elderly, vulnerable, and had no opportunity to escape. Lohse claimed he intended only to destroy the property, not to harm his mother, but evidence indicated he made no credible effort to assist her.
2024-05-16 · Donegal
A man has been convicted of unlawfully killing his 88-year-old mother by arson at their shared home in Coolvoy, Doochary, County Donegal on 12 April 2022. Geunter Lohse, aged 63, pleaded guilty to manslaughter at the Central Criminal Court after a charge of murder was withdrawn. The court heard that three fires were deliberately lit inside the house using matches. Firefighters discovered the victim seated in an armchair; she died from inhaling fumes. Lohse admitted starting the fire and told gardaí he had intended to take his own life. He claimed he attempted to move his mother and extinguish the flames but was unsuccessful. Defence counsel indicated Lohse's family suspected he suffered from schizophrenia, though he had never received expert diagnosis or psychiatric treatment. Justice Melanie Greally adjourned sentencing to 29 July to allow consideration of psychiatric and psychological reports. The judge noted that Lohse will require community support upon release, given the absence of family support structures.
2023-03-14 · Donegal
The Workplace Relations Commission has ordered Edward Slevin & Co Ltd, trading as Slevins Department Store in Ballyshannon, County Donegal, to pay €5,500 in compensation for discriminatory dismissal. The adjudicating officer found that a worker had been discriminated against on grounds of disability relating to post-natal depression. The complainant alleged she was denied hours of work in July 2021 following her maternity leave, after informing management of her illness. The store's owner disputed that a dismissal had occurred, characterising the matter as a miscommunication between staff. The adjudicating officer determined that whilst dismissal may not have been intentional, the complainant was deprived of employment and income through discrimination based on her disability. The officer noted deficiencies in the respondent's handling of employment law and disability rights, and structured the compensation to include a deterrent element.
2022-11-01 · Dublin
A man who allowed his vehicle to be used to transport nearly €60,000 worth of cannabis has been sentenced to 20 months imprisonment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. David Murray, aged 33, of Ballyshannon Road, Kilmore, Dublin 5, pleaded guilty to knowingly permitting the sale or supply of cannabis in his van at the Malahide Road Roundabout in Swords on 29 October 2020. During a surveillance operation, Murray parked his vehicle at a carpark on the Swords Road. While he was in a nearby shop, another individual placed almost three kilograms of cannabis into the back of his van. Murray was stopped shortly after leaving the carpark and the drugs were recovered. The court heard that gardaí were satisfied the drugs did not belong to Murray and that his role was limited to transporting them. Judge Martin Nolan acknowledged Murray's guilty plea was of significant value to the prosecution while noting he was unlikely to reoffend. Murray has 26 previous convictions, including drug and firearms offences.
2022-07-28 · Donegal
A man convicted of rape, assault and coercive control has been sentenced to 17 years imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court. Dean Ward targeted the woman through an online dating site in May 2019, moving into her home in Killybegs, County Donegal, where he subjected her to a six-week campaign of violence and psychological control. Justice Kerida Naidoo imposed an 18-year sentence for the most serious rape offence, suspending the final year, and a concurrent four-year term for coercive control. Ward, formerly of Wexford, was convicted in 2022 of twelve offences including three counts of rape, assaults, false imprisonment and making threats to kill. The judge found the victim's consent to sexual intercourse was secured through fear and force. Following his arrest by armed gardaí in July 2019, Ward maintained his innocence. Outside court, the victim spoke of receiving support from An Garda Síochána and encouraged others in abusive relationships to seek help. Ward has previous convictions for assault and false imprisonment dating to 2016.
2022-05-25 · Louth
A 43-year-old truck driver from Ballyshannon, County Donegal, has been sentenced to seven years' imprisonment by the Court of Appeal after his original suspended sentence was deemed unduly lenient. Ciaran Lawn pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance for sale or supply following his arrest in December 2019 near Ardee, County Louth, while transporting drugs valued at approximately €900,000. The Director of Public Prosecutions successfully appealed the three-year wholly suspended sentence imposed by Dundalk Circuit Criminal Court in July 2021. At the Court of Appeal hearing in March, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, sitting with the Court President and another judge, imposed a seven-year custodial term with the final three years suspended. The court determined an appropriate headline sentence for the offence would not be less than ten years. Gardaí recovered vacuum-sealed packages containing cannabis and cocaine from a van during the operation.
2022-03-25 · Louth
A man from Ballyshannon, County Donegal, has been remanded in custody following a Court of Appeal decision to quash his suspended sentence. Ciaran Lawn (43) had received a three-year wholly suspended sentence in July 2021 after pleading guilty to possession of a controlled substance for sale or supply. The offence occurred on December 15, 2019, when gardaí observed him moving approximately €840,000 worth of cannabis and €59,000 of cocaine near Ardee, County Louth. The Director of Public Prosecutions successfully appealed the sentence as unduly lenient. The Court of Appeal found that wholly suspended sentences required exceptional circumstances, which the court deemed absent in this case. Lawn's defence had submitted he was a courier living on social welfare with significant mental health issues at the time of the offence. His case will return before the court on May 12.
2022-03-21 · Louth
A man from Ballyshannon, County Donegal, will face arrest if he fails to attend the Court of Appeal this week following the quashing of his suspended sentence for drug trafficking. Ciaran Lawn, aged 43, of Derrykillew, had received a three-year wholly suspended sentence from Dundalk Circuit Criminal Court in July 2021 after pleading guilty to possession of a controlled substance for sale or supply. He was apprehended on 15 December 2019 near Ardee, County Louth, while transporting approximately €840,000 worth of cannabis and €59,000 of cocaine. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed the sentence as unduly lenient. A three-judge panel, led by Court President Mr Justice George Birmingham, agreed and quashed the original sentence. The court found that wholly suspended terms require exceptional circumstances, which were absent in this case. A bench warrant has been issued for Lawn's arrest should he fail to attend court for re-sentencing.
2021-10-26 · Donegal
A 43-year-old man from Ballyshannon, Co Donegal, appeared before the High Court on 26 October 2021 to contest his extradition to Northern Ireland on six alleged terrorism offences. The defendant, represented by counsel John Berry, challenges two of the charges, contending they have no equivalent under Irish law. These charges relate to attending a place used for terrorist training and receiving training in explosives manufacture. The State's counsel Karen Nolan argued both offences fall within the scope of the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005. The alleged conduct dates from August to November 2014 and centres on discussions about pipe bombs, potential targets, and recruitment strategy, based on covert police recordings. Justice Caroline Biggs indicated she would rule on the legal correspondence issue on 10 November before addressing remaining matters. The defendant was remanded on continuing bail pending that date.
2020-11-20 · Sligo
A woman serving a suspended sentence for staging a murder victim's suicide has been sent back to jail after a judge heard she has been charged with 33 new offences, has consumed crack and heroin, and failed to give notice of where she was living. Janice Brady, with a last address at Maryville Hostel, Finisklin, Sligo, was sentenced to four years in prison in November 2019 for staging a suicide to impede the prosecution of her brother for the murder of Sligo musician, Martin "Matt" Kivlehan (60). She had pleaded guilty to the impeding charge in November 2017. Keith Brady (33) was found guilty of Mr Kivlehan's murder at New Apartments, Holborn St, Sligo on August 2 or August 3, 2015. Earlier this month, a bench warrant was issued for Brady after she breached the terms of her suspended sentence again. Activating the suspended part of the original sentence, Mr Justice White said that he had to impose the balance of the ten month sentence as Brady was in trouble again with the law, had failed to cooperate with the probation services and was still abusing drugs. The matter was adjourned.
2020-11-09 · Sligo
Justice Michael White issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Janice Brady, who is in automatic breach of her suspended sentence. Brady, 29, was previously sentenced to four years in prison for staging the suicide of Martin "Matt" Kivlehan to impede the prosecution of her brother, Keith Brady. Keith Brady was found guilty of Mr Kivlehan's murder at New Apartments, Holborn St, Sligo, on August 2 or August 3, 2015. Brady had pleaded guilty to the impeding charge and had already served 28 months in custody by the time of her sentencing. Her remaining sentence was suspended on the condition that she resided with her father in Ballyshannon, Co Donegal. However, she moved to a B&B in Dublin without notifying her probation officer, leading to a warning from the court. Sgt Mark McHale informed the court that Brady had been charged with 32 offences since March, mainly for shoplifting in Dublin, and is currently sleeping rough. With 10 months left in her sentence, Justice White ordered her arrest and directed that she be brought before the Central Criminal Court.
2020-03-11 · Sligo
Janice Brady appeared before the Central Criminal Court on Wednesday for a hearing regarding an alleged breach of conditions attached to her suspended sentence. In November 2017, Brady pleaded guilty to impeding the apprehension or prosecution of her brother, Keith Brady, who was found guilty of the murder of musician Martin Kivlehan in Sligo in 2015. Following a December hearing, the court suspended the balance of Brady's four-year prison term, conditional on her residing with her father in Ballyshannon, Co Donegal. Probation officer Michelle McShane reported difficulties locating Brady, who was understood to be living in temporary accommodation in Dublin but had not notified the Probation Service of her change of address. Detective Sergeant Martin McHale testified that Brady had not been involved in any trouble since the suspension of her sentence. Mr Justice White, who had issued a warrant for her arrest earlier that day due to her failure to appear at the start of the sitting, warned Brady that she would return to jail if she failed to keep in contact with the Probation Service regarding her residence. The matter was adjourned.
2019-07-03 · Donegal
A man convicted of indecently assaulting a young teenager in 1980 has had his appeal dismissed by the Court of Appeal. Patrick Patton, aged 65, of Cashelard, Ballyshannon, County Donegal, was sentenced to fourteen months imprisonment in April 2019 following a trial at Donegal Circuit Criminal Court. A jury returned a ten-to-two majority guilty verdict on one count of indecent assault against a fourteen-year-old girl, while unanimously acquitting him on two further counts involving another young female. Patton's legal team argued the jury had been pressured into their guilty verdict due to adverse weather conditions and the late Friday timing of deliberations. They contended the jury, observed returning with coats on, had been influenced by the judge's instruction to persevere on the disputed count. President of the Court of Appeal Mr Justice George Birmingham found little merit in these submissions, noting either party could have raised concerns about the timing or sought adjournment. The court upheld the conviction, finding the judge's instructions fair and the procedure appropriate. Patrick Patton pleaded not guilty.
2019-06-05 · Donegal
A man convicted of indecently assaulting a fourteen-year-old babysitter in Ballyshannon in 1980 has appealed his conviction at the Court of Appeal, claiming the jury was pressurised into returning a guilty verdict. Patrick Patton, aged 65, of Cashelard, Ballyshannon, pleaded not guilty to three counts of indecent assault. A jury at Donegal Circuit Criminal Court unanimously acquitted him on two counts but returned a ten-two majority guilty verdict on the first count following a four-day trial. He was sentenced to fourteen months imprisonment in April 2019. His barrister argued the jury was pressurised to continue deliberating on a Friday evening when severe weather warnings were in place and despite jurors appearing ready to leave. The trial judge had instructed them to persevere on the disputed count after they had already acquitted on the other charges. The Director of Public Prosecutions' counsel contended the jury had not expressed concern and the weather argument remained speculative. Judgement has been reserved.
2017-10-06 · Donegal
At the Charleton Tribunal on 6 October 2017, Chief Superintendent Terry McGinn of Donegal Division gave evidence concerning the handling of allegations against whistleblower Garda Keith Harrison. Chief Supt McGinn stated her priority was ensuring gardaí acted in a clear and transparent manner, particularly given diminished public confidence in policing following the Morris tribunal. She recalled meeting Garda Harrison in Ballyshannon in autumn 2011 when he requested a transfer to Letterkenny. In October 2013, following reports from the partner of Garda Harrison regarding domestic abuse, Chief Supt McGinn appointed an inspector to investigate. A statement was taken from the woman on 6 October 2013. The chief superintendent subsequently sought an independent investigation by a superintendent from outside Donegal Division, rather than an internal inquiry. A referral was made to GSOC under Section 102 of the Garda Síochána Act, and Tusla was notified due to children's involvement. Following GSOC's closure of the file, Garda Harrison was confined to indoor duties pending investigation completion.
2017-04-27 · Donegal
Martin O'Hara, a 31-year-old defendant with a previous conviction for rape, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for assaulting his former girlfriend in Tallaght on July 28, 2016. O'Hara pleaded guilty to the charge of assaulting the woman causing her harm. Judge Karen O'Connor described the incident as violent and aggressive behaviour that occurred in the presence of the couple's six-month-old baby. The judge noted that while the physical effects were at the lower end of the scale, the victim suffered psychological trauma. O'Connor acknowledged O'Hara's remorse and recent efforts at rehabilitation and counselling. The court imposed a 12-month prison term. Prosecution evidence detailed that O'Hara punched the woman after an argument, subsequently left with the baby without her consent, and assaulted her sister and partner while they attempted to retrieve the child. The baby was returned uninjured. Defence counsel highlighted O'Hara's history of anger issues and drug abuse, noting he had taken steps towards rehabilitation for the first time. The judge considered his guilty plea and remorse when determining the sentence.
2016-07-28 · Donegal
A 74-year-old man appeared before the Special Criminal Court on Thursday charged with withholding information relating to the 2006 killing of Denis Donaldson, a Sinn Féin member exposed as an MI5 agent. Patrick Gillespie, with an address in Glasgow, Scotland, was arrested on Main Street, Dunloe, County Donegal, on Wednesday evening. He is accused of possessing information about another person's involvement in Mr Donaldson's unlawful killing at Cloghercor, County Donegal, and failing to disclose it to gardaí between April 2006 and July this year. Detective Sergeant Barry Doyle of Ballyshannon Garda Station gave evidence of the arrest and detention at Letterkenny. Mr Gillespie's solicitor challenged the lawfulness of the arrest, submitting that a warrant should have been obtained before his re-arrest following initial release. Mr Justice Paul Butler dismissed the application. Mr Gillespie was remanded in custody pending a bail hearing on Friday.
2015-11-06 · Donegal
A man accused of murdering a pregnant woman in Derry in 2008 told gardaí "I'm the man you're looking for" as he was being taken to Ballyshannon Garda Station, the Central Criminal Court has heard. Stephen Cahoon, aged 43, with an address in Derry, has pleaded not guilty to the charge of murdering Jean Teresa Quigley on July 26th, 2008. Detective Sergeant Desmond Sheridan testified that he spotted a man matching the accused's description in Donegal town on August 5th, 2008, and approached him at 8.50pm. The man initially provided a false name and address. During the journey to the garda station, the accused made the statement cited, whereupon he was arrested and provided his correct identity. The court heard that while in custody at Ballyshannon, the accused consumed a large quantity of Paracetamol tablets and was subsequently transferred to Sligo General Hospital. The trial, before Justice Deirdre Murphy and a jury, is continuing.
2015-03-19 · Dublin
At the Central Criminal Court on 19 March 2015, the prosecution closing address in the murder trial of Graham Dwyer outlined its case against the 42-year-old architect. Dwyer, from Foxrock in Dublin, has pleaded not guilty to the charge of murdering Elaine O'Hara, a 36-year-old childcare worker, at Killakee, Rathfarnham on 22 August 2012. Prosecution Counsel Seán Guerin SC told the jury that the relationship was predatory in nature, with Dwyer deliberately selecting a vulnerable victim. The prosecution's case rested on telephone evidence linking disputed phones recovered from a reservoir to Dwyer, text message analysis reflecting his known movements and activities, and documentary evidence of violent sexual fantasies. Mr Guerin submitted that Dwyer intended to murder Ms O'Hara for sexual gratification hours after her discharge from psychiatric care, and that he had deliberately arranged circumstances to suggest suicide. The trial continued at the Central Criminal Court.
2015-03-12 · Dublin
Graham Dwyer, a 42-year-old architect from Foxrock, Dublin, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Elaine O'Hara at Killakee, Rathfarnham on 22nd August 2012. During his trial at the Central Criminal Court, Detective Sergeant Peter Woods gave evidence on the 36th day of proceedings, describing police interviews conducted after Mr Dwyer's arrest in October 2013. Mr Dwyer admitted to gardai that he had a relationship with Ms O'Hara, a 36-year-old childcare worker, and acknowledged watching erotic horror material the night before his arrest. He denied killing anyone. The court heard evidence of video footage showing Ms O'Hara becoming unresponsive after a plastic bag was placed over her head. Mr Dwyer was charged with murder hours after Ms O'Hara's discharge from a mental health hospital. The State contends the killing occurred during a sexual act. Ms O'Hara's remains were discovered at Killakee in September 2013, though the cause of death could not be determined.
2015-02-27 · Dublin
The Central Criminal Court jury heard technical evidence on the 27th day of the trial of Graham Dwyer, who is charged with murdering Elaine O'Hara at Killakee, Rathfarnham on 22nd August 2012. Mr Dwyer, aged 42, has pleaded not guilty to the charge. Witnesses including telecommunications engineers provided detailed mobile phone records and data covering periods before and after the alleged offence. The court also heard from a woman who had engaged Mr Dwyer's architectural services in County Galway in 2009, and from witnesses who placed him at various locations during July 2012. A Ballyshannon hotel proprietor testified to his movements that month. The State's case is that the killing occurred hours after Ms O'Hara's discharge from a mental health facility. Her remains were discovered at Killakee in September 2013. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury of five women and seven men.
2014-12-16 · Dublin
A Dublin man has avoided a custodial sentence after pleading guilty to possessing cannabis valued at approximately €12,000 at his home in Kilmore West, Ballyshannon, County Donegal, in February 2013. Jason Lawless, aged 38, received a three-year sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, which was suspended in full. Judge Catherine Murphy commended his rehabilitation progress over the preceding eighteen months, noting she had rarely witnessed such substantial advancement. The court heard that Lawless, who had struggled with drug addiction for seventeen years, is now drug-free and engaged in education, counselling and therapeutic services. A search of his residence had also uncovered cocaine and drug paraphernalia. Lawless stated he was holding the drugs to discharge a debt. The suspension is conditional on him remaining substance-free and avoiding further offences for three years.