Court archive
Court reports mentioning Buncrana, Donegal
2025-07-14 · Donegal
A Donegal man has lost his appeal against conviction for raping and sexually assaulting his daughter during her childhood. The Court of Appeal dismissed the challenge on 14 July, with Mr Justice Michael MacGrath ruling that evidence of the victim's disclosure to her aunt was properly admissible at trial. The appellant, Michael Carter (57) of Kinnego, Ballymagan, Buncrana, was convicted in June 2023 of one count of rape and 25 sample counts of sexual assault occurring between 2010 and 2014, when his daughter was aged nine to twelve. He was sentenced to ten and a half years imprisonment. The defence had contested the admissibility of the aunt's evidence, arguing the complaint was elicited through questioning rather than offered voluntarily. The court found the disclosure was consistent with the victim's trial testimony and properly admitted, identifying no error warranting reversal of the conviction.
2025-06-05 · Donegal
A man with previous convictions for rape and kidnapping has been sentenced to eleven years imprisonment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for harassing three female journalists. Mark McAnaw, formerly of Letterkenny, County Donegal, pleaded guilty to charges relating to harassment that occurred in August 2023. He sent explicit and threatening emails to the women, including threats to kill, and attended their workplace. Judge Pauline Codd imposed the full sentence after McAnaw declined to accept conditions that would have suspended the final twelve months. She imposed a lifelong contact ban and ordered McAnaw remain ten miles from the women's homes and workplaces. The judge noted McAnaw's history of violent offending and his failure to engage with mental health treatment while detained at the Central Mental Hospital. McAnaw is assessed as presenting high risk of violent and sexual reoffending.
2025-05-08 · Donegal
Michael Carter, a 56-year-old man from Buncrana, Co Donegal, has appealed his conviction for rape and sexual assault against his daughter, Karen Harkin. Carter was found guilty in June 2023 at the Central Criminal Court of one count of rape and 25 sample counts of sexual assault committed between 2010 and 2014, when the victim was aged nine to 12. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor sentenced him to ten and a half years in prison. At the Court of Appeal, defence counsel Michael Bowman SC argued that a statement by the victim's aunt should not have been admitted as evidence. He contended the disclosure was elicited by question and answer rather than being a voluntary complaint, specifically regarding the aunt asking if Carter was the perpetrator. The Director of Public Prosecutions, represented by James Dwyer SC, countered that the complaint emerged voluntarily from a distressed child and that Carter was the only logical candidate. The court heard that Carter had been found guilty of touching the victim inappropriately, including in the bath, and raping her on one occasion. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy reserved judgement on the appeal, meaning the matter was adjourned and not concluded.
2025-03-07 · Donegal
Mark McAnaw, 52, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to the harassment of Nicola Tallant, Amanda Brunker, and Deirdre Reynolds on various dates in August 2023. The court heard that McAnaw, who has previous convictions including rape and kidnapping, sent explicit and threatening emails to the three women, who are journalists. He also turned up at the Sunday World's office and contacted Ms. Brunker via social media. McAnaw is currently detained in the Central Mental Hospital. The court noted that at the time of the offending, he was not taking his medication. Judge Pauline Codd adjourned the case until June 5 to prepare a probation report and obtain an up-to-date psychiatric report. The matter was adjourned and not concluded. McAnaw previously received an eight-year, four-month sentence for an attack in 2018, with the final 16 months suspended for 16 years, and was placed under Probation Services supervision. The victims described living in fear due to the threats.
2024-06-20 · Derry
A 44-year-old man from Derry has been ordered surrendered to UK authorities by the High Court in Dublin following an extradition hearing. Stephen Andrew McLaughlin faces extradition for breaching the terms of his release after serving a sentence for human trafficking conspiracy. He was convicted in 2015 of conspiracy to facilitate illegal entry into Britain in a scheme involving Afghan migrants, one of whom died during transport in 2014. UK authorities are also pursuing charges against McLaughlin in Northern Ireland, including attempted murder, making a threat to kill, criminal damage and assault, allegations arising from an incident in September 2022. Mr Justice Patrick McGrath determined that the UK and Northern Irish matters were substantially more serious than domestic charges pending before Buncrana District Court and proceeded with the extradition order. McLaughlin has been remanded in custody pending his surrender within 25 days.
2023-07-25 · Donegal
A man from Buncrana, County Donegal, has been sentenced to ten and a half years imprisonment following his conviction at the Central Criminal Court for the rape and sexual abuse of his daughter. Michael Carter was found guilty last month of one count of rape and 25 sample counts of sexual assault committed between June 2010 and June 2014, when the victim was aged nine to twelve years old. Justice Karen O'Connor imposed a sentence of eleven years for the rape charge, with the final six months suspended for twelve months, and eight years for the sexual assault counts, to run concurrently. The judge noted aggravating factors including the breach of trust, the victim's young age, the duration of the offending, and that abuse occurred in Carter's home. Carter has not expressed remorse and maintains his innocence. The victim, now 22, waived her anonymity and delivered a victim impact statement to the court.
2023-07-24 · Donegal
A 22-year-old woman from Buncrana, County Donegal, has delivered a powerful victim impact statement at the Central Criminal Court following her father's conviction on charges of rape and sexual assault. Michael Carter, aged 55, was found guilty last month of one count of rape and 25 counts of sexual assault against his daughter between 2010 and 2014, when she was aged nine to twelve years old. During sentencing proceedings, the woman described her journey from shame and isolation to acceptance and survival. She expressed hope that her decision to waive anonymity would encourage others in similar circumstances to come forward. Carter maintains his innocence and does not accept the jury verdict. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor adjourned the case to determine the final sentence, with the Director of Public Prosecutions recommending a headline sentence of ten to fifteen years due to the age disparity, breach of trust, and pattern of offending.
2023-01-26 · Donegal
A man from Buncrana, County Donegal has been sentenced to five years imprisonment, with the final two years suspended for two years, following his conviction for rape. Francis Bourne, aged 47, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to raping a woman at her home in Donegal in November 2016. The woman was asleep when the offence occurred. During sentencing, the court heard that the complainant has since experienced nightmares, depression and suicidal ideation. Mr Justice Paul McDermott imposed strict conditions including a prohibition on any contact with the woman. In mitigation, the court considered Bourne's guilty plea, expression of remorse, lack of previous convictions and voluntary work in his community. A psychological assessment indicated medium risk of reoffending. The investigation began after the woman reported the matter to gardaí in June 2017, and subsequent evidence included admissions made by Bourne via text message.
2023-01-19 · Dublin
The Special Criminal Court trial of Gerard Hutch, Paul Murphy, and Jason Bonney, all accused of participating in the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in February 2016, continues before Ms Justice Tara Burns. All three defendants have pleaded not guilty to charges including providing access to motor vehicles and facilitating the offence. Today, defence counsel for Mr Bonney stated it is their case that his father, not Mr Bonney, drove the BMW X5 alleged to have been used in the attack. Prosecution evidence from Garda Michele Purcell and Senior Intelligence Analyst Sarah Skedd detailed vehicle movements, including a Toyota Avensis taxi driven by Mr Murphy and the BMW X5, which allegedly transported a man in a flat cap from the scene. The court also heard evidence regarding Jonathan Dowdall, a former co-accused who turned State's witness. Mr Dowdall, a former Sinn Fein councillor, previously pleaded guilty to facilitating the murder by making a hotel room available and was sentenced to four years' imprisonment. His father, Patrick Dowdall, also pleaded guilty to the same facilitation charge and was jailed for two years. The trial will continue tomorrow with further evidence from Ms Skedd.
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.
2019-07-30 · Donegal
Gardaí in Buncrana, Co Donegal have been unable to locate a financial advisor accused of misappropriating investor funds, the High Court heard on Tuesday. James Doherty, who traded as Demvera Capital Partners, faces contempt allegations following his failure to comply with court orders to return €159,000 advanced by Jamie Murphy for investment purposes in 2017. Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds previously froze Mr Doherty's assets and those of two related companies. The court was told that gardaí have conducted extensive searches at multiple addresses linked to Mr Doherty but found no trace of him. Enquiries established he is not in receipt of social welfare and has had no recent contact with family or acquaintances. Gardaí are aware he may be driving a grey BMW 518 Saloon with a 141 Donegal registration. The judge adjourned proceedings until such time as Mr Doherty can be located and brought before the court to answer the contempt allegation.
2018-05-31 · Donegal
At the Charleton tribunal, Labour leader Brendan Howlin testified that he felt obliged to place information received from journalist Alison O'Reilly on the Dáil record in February 2017. Mr Howlin said Ms O'Reilly had relayed allegations of sexual abuse against Sergeant Maurice McCabe, which she claimed colleague Debbie McCann attributed to senior garda figures. He stated he made clear his uncertainty regarding the veracity of these allegations, which the tribunal would investigate. Ms O'Reilly gave evidence describing her conversations with Ms McCann about the matter and her subsequent contacts with Sgt McCabe and former garda John Wilson, both of whom denied the allegations. She expressed belief that Ms McCann was being used to disseminate information. The tribunal is examining claims of a coordinated campaign against the whistleblower garda. Ms McCann has denied the conversations described by Ms O'Reilly.
2017-10-23 · Donegal
The Charleton tribunal heard evidence on October 23rd regarding threats made against Garda Keith Harrison's life in October 2013. Chief Superintendent Terry McGinn of Donegal division outlined how two anonymous 999 calls on 4th and 5th October reported threats against Garda Harrison. The first call described an overheard conversation in a Strabane bar, and the second indicated the threat originated from a relation of Martin McDermott, who was imprisoned following a manslaughter conviction. McDermott was the brother of Garda Harrison's partner. The threats were assessed as substantial, leading to security measures and restrictions on Garda Harrison's movements. A mobile phone subsequently located in Portlaoise Prison resulted in McDermott's release date being postponed. The tribunal also examined contacts between gardaí and HSE/Tusla regarding Garda Harrison. Superintendent Eugene McGovern, stationed in Buncrana, confirmed attending meetings with Tusla management but stated that individual cases were not discussed at such forums. A referral concerning Garda Harrison's partner and her children resulted in no further action pending additional information.
2017-10-02 · Donegal
The Charleton tribunal, chaired by Mr Justice Peter Charlton, continued its trial examining allegations that Garda Keith Harrison was targeted for making a protected disclosure. Ms Marisa Simms, Harrison's partner, testified that she was followed by Garda vehicles and received death threats, denying suggestions that Harrison sought whistleblower fame. She stated that a complaint forwarded to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) in October 2013 was not made under pressure. Harrison alleged the GSOC referral was motivated by malice stemming from his previous posting in Athlone and his relationship with Simms, whose brother was charged with the manslaughter of Garda Gary McLoughlin. Social worker Una Coll testified that she contacted Sergeant Brigid McGowan in 2012 regarding an anonymous letter and later learned a referral had been sent for the Simms children. Coll stated that social services consult with Gardaí but do not accept direction from them. Principal social worker Gerry Hone confirmed receiving a notification about the children in October 2013, noting that a box indicating emotional abuse was ticked but further information was required before action could be taken. Hone stated it would be highly inappropriate for an outside agency to direct social work investigations. The tribunal is currently examining contacts between Gardaí and the HSE/Tusla, with details of the protected disclosure yet to be heard.
2016-06-20 · Donegal
Julian Cuddihy, 43, was committed to the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum for inpatient care following a trial at the Central Criminal Court. He was accused of murdering his parents, Kathleen (73) and James (77), at their home in Churchtown, Carndonagh, Co Donegal, on October 22, 2014. Cuddihy pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, and a jury delivered a unanimous verdict after less than an hour of deliberation. Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan ordered his committal based on a report by Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist Dr Sally Lenihan, who assessed Cuddihy as suffering from paranoid schizophrenia requiring care available only at the designated centre. The court found he was suffering from a mental disorder under the 2006 Criminal Law (Insanity) Act. Evidence presented at trial detailed Cuddihy's deteriorating mental health, including paranoid delusions involving aliens and the belief that his mother was poisoning him. He reportedly believed killing his parents would send them to heaven. The State Pathologist confirmed multiple axe wounds to the victims' heads and stab wounds to James Cuddihy. The judge expressed deepest sympathies to the family, who conducted themselves appropriately during the difficult proceedings.
2016-06-09 · Donegal
A man from Carndonagh, County Donegal, has been found not guilty by reason of insanity of the murder of his parents at their home on October 22, 2014. Julian Cuddihy (43) faced two charges at the Central Criminal Court following the deaths of his mother Kathleen (73) and father James (77). The trial heard expert evidence from two consultant forensic psychiatrists who testified that Mr Cuddihy's severe mental illness prevented him from knowing his actions were wrong and rendered him unable to stop himself. The jury deliberated for forty minutes before returning unanimous verdicts on both counts. Justice Margaret Heneghan committed Mr Cuddihy to the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum for ongoing assessment and treatment. His family released a statement expressing their grief and urging other families to seek timely professional help for relatives experiencing mental health concerns. A follow-up court hearing was scheduled for June 20.
2016-06-08 · Donegal
A man charged with the murder of his parents in Carndonagh, County Donegal in October 2014 has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity at the Central Criminal Court. Evidence heard today indicated that Julian Cuddihy's family had sought psychiatric intervention in the weeks preceding the deaths of Kathleen and James Cuddihy. A detective garda from Buncrana told the court that the accused's father had cancelled a mental health appointment six days before the incident. Consultant psychiatrist Dr Damian Mohan testified that the accused's parents held concerns about stigma and forced hospitalisation. The court heard that the accused experienced severe delusions, including beliefs about poisoning, alien abduction, and voices commanding him to harm family members. State pathologist evidence detailed multiple head wounds inflicted with an axe and additional stab wounds. The trial continues before Justice Margaret Heneghan and jury.
2016-05-30 · Donegal
A Donegal man convicted of falsely imprisoning and assaulting his partner has avoided a return to custody despite the Court of Appeal finding his original sentence unduly lenient. Brian McLaughlin, 23, from Buncrana, had pleaded guilty to assaulting and falsely imprisoning his partner at their home on 20 October 2013. He received three years imprisonment with the final two-and-a-half years suspended at Letterkenny Circuit Criminal Court in July 2015. The Director of Public Prosecutions successfully challenged the sentence as unduly lenient. Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan noted the severity of the offence, including McLaughlin's possession of a kitchen knife while gardaí remained outside and the victim's fear for her life. However, the court found that McLaughlin's progress since release—including engagement with probation services, psychiatric treatment, and abstinence from drugs—meant re-imprisonment would not serve society's interests. The Court of Appeal re-sentenced him to three years with the balance suspended, subject to strict conditions and no contact with the injured party.
2016-03-14 · Donegal
A man from Buncrana, County Donegal, has had his sentence for assault and false imprisonment declared unduly lenient by the Court of Appeal. Brian McLaughlin, aged 23, pleaded guilty to assaulting and falsely imprisoning his partner at their family home on 20 October 2013. He was sentenced to three years imprisonment with the final two and a half years suspended by Letterkenny Circuit Criminal Court in July 2015, resulting in an effective six-month custodial term. The Director of Public Prosecutions successfully sought a sentence review. Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan, delivering judgement, outlined the severity of the offences, including that McLaughlin had locked his partner inside their home, struck her repeatedly, and strangled her. While gardaí were outside the property, he armed himself with a kitchen knife and was sharpening knives. The court found the original sentence departed substantially from what was appropriate given the circumstances. A fresh sentencing hearing will be scheduled.
2015-12-07 · Donegal
A man from Buncrana, Co Donegal, has had his sentence doubled following a Court of Appeal finding that his original jail term was unduly lenient. Shaun Kelly, aged 27, had pleaded guilty at Letterkenny Circuit Criminal Court to dangerous driving causing the deaths of eight men on a road between Clonmany and Buncrana on 11 July 2010. He was originally sentenced to four years imprisonment with the final two suspended. The Court of Appeal set aside this sentence and re-sentenced Kelly to eight years imprisonment with the final four suspended. Mr Justice George Birmingham described the incident as the worst road traffic accident in the history of the State. The judge noted Kelly's high culpability, the multiple fatalities, and his previous conviction for dangerous driving, whilst acknowledging mitigating factors including his youth, guilty plea, and the extraordinary generosity shown by victims' families. Kelly was also disqualified from driving for ten years.
2015-12-07 · Donegal
The Court of Appeal in Letterkenny is reconsidering the sentence imposed on a Buncrana man convicted of dangerous driving that caused eight deaths on a Donegal road in July 2010. Shaun Kelly, aged 27, had pleaded guilty at Letterkenny Circuit Criminal Court to the fatal collision between Clonmany and Buncrana. He received four years imprisonment with the final two years suspended, plus a ten-year driving disqualification. The Director of Public Prosecutions successfully challenged the sentence as unduly lenient, citing it as the most serious fatal collision and dangerous driving case in the State's history. The Court of Appeal agreed and commenced re-sentencing proceedings. During proceedings, the court received impact statements from three victims' families. Mr Justice George Birmingham stressed that while victim submissions warrant consideration, they cannot determine sentencing, which remains a matter of public prosecution by the State. The court indicated it would deliver its re-sentencing decision on the same day.
2015-11-16 · Donegal
A man sentenced to two years imprisonment following his guilty plea to dangerous driving that caused eight deaths in County Donegal in 2010 will face resentencing after the Court of Appeal found his original sentence unduly lenient. Shaun Kelly, aged 27 and from Buncrana, received a four-year term with the final two years suspended by a Circuit Court judge in Letterkenny. The Director of Public Prosecutions successfully challenged the sentence, with the Court of Appeal determining that the suspended portion and overall reduction from an appropriate starting point of seven years constituted an error in principle. The collision occurred on a road between Clonmany and Buncrana on 11 July 2010, when Kelly's vehicle, carrying seven passengers and travelling at high speed without seatbelts fastened, struck another car head-on. The court noted Kelly's previous conviction for dangerous driving and described the incident as involving sustained dangerous driving of exceptional gravity. Kelly is scheduled for resentencing on 7 December.
2015-10-22 · Donegal
The Director of Public Prosecutions has appealed a sentence imposed on a man convicted of dangerous driving that resulted in eight deaths near Buncrana, County Donegal. Shaun Kelly, aged 26, of Hill Road, Ballymagan, Buncrana, pleaded guilty at Letterkenny Circuit Criminal Court to causing eight deaths through dangerous driving on a road between Clonmany and Buncrana on 11 July 2010. The trial judge imposed a four-year sentence with the final two years suspended and imposed a ten-year driving disqualification. The DPP argued before the Court of Appeal that the sentence was unduly lenient, contending it failed to reflect the gravity of Kelly's culpability and the severity of the harm caused. The prosecution submitted there was evidence of prolonged deliberate dangerous driving, that multiple fatalities were foreseeable, and that Kelly had a previous dangerous-driving conviction. Kelly's counsel argued the sentencing judge properly considered all aggravating and mitigating factors. The Court of Appeal reserved judgement.
2015-10-19 · Donegal
A former court clerk has lost his appeal against conviction for threatening to kill a man in Buncrana, County Donegal. Ciaran Waldron, aged 59, of Riverview, Buncrana, was convicted in 2011 at Letterkenny Circuit Criminal Court of making a threat to kill following an incident on 7 August 2006. Waldron had discovered his estranged wife in a car with another man and was acquitted of reckless endangerment but found guilty of the threat offence by jury. He was fined €1,000. At the Court of Appeal, Waldron challenged his conviction on two grounds, including an alleged error in the trial judge's direction to the jury regarding the threat charge. The court, presided over by Mr Justice George Birmingham alongside two fellow judges, dismissed the appeal. Mr Justice Birmingham found the defence counsel had expressed satisfaction with the direction at trial and could not now raise it as grounds for appeal. The Director of Public Prosecutions withdrew an application for sentence review following queries from the bench. The unnamed man pleaded not guilty.
2015-07-13 · Donegal
The Director of Public Prosecutions will argue before the Court of Appeal in October that a sentence imposed on a man convicted of dangerous driving causing eight deaths was unduly lenient. Shaun Kelly, aged 26 and from Hill Road, Ballymagan, Buncrana, County Donegal, pleaded guilty at Letterkenney Circuit Criminal Court to dangerous driving that resulted in the deaths of eight men on a road between Clonmany and Buncrana on 11 July 2010. He received a four-year custodial sentence with the final two years suspended by Judge John O'Hagan in December 2014, and was disqualified from driving for a decade. The DPP has applied for the Court of Appeal to review the sentence on grounds of undue leniency. Mr Justice George Birmingham set 22 October 2015 for the hearing.
2014-12-15 · Westmeath
Garda whistleblower Keith Harrison, the applicant, brought a High Court challenge against the Garda Commissioner to halt internal disciplinary proceedings. Harrison denies all allegations, which include verbal and physical abuse, assault, and harassment of his partner, as well as allegedly accessing her car details on the Garda Pulse system 25 times between August 2009 and April 2013. He claims there is no bona fide basis for the inquiry and that the appointment of an investigating officer on December 1 was unlawful and unconstitutional. Harrison seeks orders prohibiting the investigation into alleged breaches of Garda Disciplinary Regulations and criminal conduct between October 1998 and October 2013. He argues his partner was unlawfully pressurised into making a statement, which was subsequently forwarded to GSOC, and that both their privacy rights were breached. Counsel Mark Harty SC stated the decision to investigate was malicious and oppressive, citing prior bullying following Harrison's arrest of a colleague in Athlone. Mr Justice Seamus Noonan granted permission to bring the action on an ex parte basis and imposed a stay on the disciplinary process pending the outcome. The matter was adjourned and made returnable to a date in late January.