Court archive
Court reports mentioning Greencastle, Donegal
2023-07-05 · Dublin
During the inquest into the Stardust nightclub fire, former doorman John Furley testified that he did not kick the padlock off exit door five. He described seeing smoke and fire, hearing people push and kick the door, and feeling the bar rise after two attempts. Furley said he had no recollection of kicking the door and that the push bars may have been faulty. He denied seeing a chain or lock on the door and said he did not see any staff at exit five. Witnesses had claimed a bouncer had kicked the padlock, but Furley insisted they were wrong. He also stated he had never seen anyone let friends in for free through an exit door and that the manager did not like being bested. The inquest continues tomorrow.
2022-11-01 · Dublin
A surveillance garda testified in the Special Criminal Court that he saw Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch, accused of the murder of Kinahan Cartel member David Byrne, riding a motorcycle out of former Sinn Fein councillor Jonathan Dowdall's home on February 12, 2016. Gerard Hutch (59), last of The Paddocks, Clontarf, Dublin 3, denies the murder of Mr Byrne (33) during a boxing weigh-in at the Regency Hotel on February 5, 2016. Jonathan Dowdall (44), a married father of four with an address at Navan Road, Cabra, Dublin 7, pleaded guilty in advance of the trial to a lesser charge of facilitating the Hutch gang by making a hotel room available ahead of the murder. Jonathan Dowdall has been jailed by the Special Criminal Court for four years for facilitating the Hutch gang in the notorious murder of Kinahan Cartel member David Byrne. The former Dublin councillor is currently being assessed for the Witness Protection Program after agreeing to testify against former co-accused Gerard Hutch, who is charged with Mr Byrne's murder. The Special Criminal Court has already viewed CCTV footage of what the State says is Gerard Hutch making two separate journeys to Northern Ireland with Dowdall on February 20 and March 7, 2016. A garda known as Member BZ testified that he observed Jonathan Dowdall's grey Toyota Land Cruiser parked opposite Forest Park in Killygordon in Co Donegal at 11am on February 20 2016 and that it was beside a silver Renault Megane Scenic. The Megane left the area at 2.35pm with two males in the vehicle. Another officer called Member BU told Ms Murphy that at 3.51pm on March 9 2016, Shane Rowan was observed carrying a long cardboard box as he walked down the escalator of Clarehall Shopping Centre before entering Carphone Warehouse. In July 2016, Rowan from Forest Park, Killygordan, in County Donegal was jailed for seven and a half years for possession of assault rifles and ammunition. He was also sentenced to a concurrent sentence of four years in prison for IRA membership, backdated to March 9 2016. Evidence has also been given that bullet cases found at the Regency Hotel murder scene were fired by the three AK-47 assault rifles. Gerard Hutch's two co-accused – Paul Murphy (59), of Cherry Avenue, Swords, Co Dublin and Jason Bonney (50), of Drumnigh Wood, Portmarnock, Dublin 13 have pleaded not guilty to participating in or contributing to the murder of David Byrne by providing access to motor vehicles on February 5, 2016. The evidence of the NSU members continues tomorrow before Ms Justice Tara Burns, presiding, sitting with Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge Grainne Malone.
2022-03-22 · Dublin
Philip Cooke, aged 34, was arrested by Gardaí on a mobile patrol in Dublin after displaying nervous and agitated behaviour while walking. Garda Paula Carter observed him holding his jacket in a manner suggesting concealment and noted his hurried demeanor. When questioned, Cooke admitted possession of cocaine and claimed he had "a lot" of drugs. He then opened his jacket to reveal a blue shopping bag containing eight smaller bags of suspected cocaine, later confirmed by analysis to be worth €61,684. Cooke pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to having the drugs for sale or supply on Greencastle Road, Coolock, on 14 December 2020. He had no prior convictions. The court, considering his cooperation, family circumstances, and engagement with the Probation Service, imposed a headline sentence of five and a half years, reduced to a four‑year custodial term with the final 18 months suspended on strict conditions, including 12 months of probation after release.
2022-02-16 · Dublin
Bargainprop Ventures Limited, the owner of the Bargaintown chain, secured a High Court injunction to force the Gibneys and others to vacate Unit 3, Greencastle Parade, Dublin 17. The court heard that Bargainprop had acquired the premises in 2021 from a receiver appointed by MARS Capital Finance Ireland DAC, after the property had been in receivership since 2016. Bargainprop's solicitors claimed that the Gibneys, former owners, and other occupants had refused to leave and had unlawfully created a leasehold interest in favour of Toro Grande Trading Limited. Bargainprop presented correspondence allegedly from the Gibneys that was described as "extraordinary, eccentric and absurd", containing a quote from the Book of Hebrews and thumb‑prints in a red liquid. The judge, Mr Justice Senan Allen, granted the injunction, noting that no explanation had been given for the Gibneys' claim to ownership or the alleged lease. The defendants were not present at the hearing but were notified of the application in advance.
2021-04-23 · Dublin
Robert Wynne, 37, a legitimate nutrition supplements supplier, was jailed for 21 months after pleading guilty to possession of prescription‑only steroids—Metogen, TrenaGen, Clenbuterol and Enegen—without a prescription. He had bought the substances in Northern Ireland and supplied them to friends and acquaintances from his home and two business premises. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court noted his prior convictions for assault and endangerment, for which he had received suspended sentences, and emphasised that the drugs were dangerous and required proper supervision. Judge Martin Nolan highlighted Wynne's lack of qualifications to advise on the substances and his deep involvement in the illicit enterprise. The court ordered the forfeiture of €20,000 found in a locked cash box, and Gardaí seized small amounts of cocaine, zopiclone, and a mix of steroids valued at about €10,000, along with €15,710 of muscle‑bulking and fat‑burning drugs across all locations.
2020-07-03 · Dublin
Paul Norton, 31, was found not guilty of unlawfully possessing a loaded Beretta handgun and 31 rounds of 9mm ammunition at Stardust Memorial Park in Coolock on 5 October 2019. The Special Criminal Court judge, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, noted that the prosecution's case relied solely on the testimony of Detective Garda Flynn, who claimed Norton was the driver of a VW Passat that was chased by Gardaí and that Norton allegedly dropped a bag containing the weapon and ammunition. The judge highlighted the lack of DNA evidence and the absence of positive identification of Norton as the person who dropped the gun. He concluded that the evidence did not establish beyond a reasonable doubt that Norton was in possession of the firearm at the park, and therefore acquitted him of the charges.
2020-06-03 · Dublin
The Special Criminal Court will deliver a verdict next month in the case of Paul Norton (31) from Cromcastle Court, Coolock, Dublin 17, who is accused of dropping a loaded handgun during a chase through the Stardust Memorial Park on October 5th, 2019. Norton has pleaded not guilty to the unlawful possession of a handgun and ammunition. The trial has heard that the State's case relies on recognition by two detectives, Det Gda Keith Cassidy and Det Gda Jason Flynn, who both identified Norton during the chase. They stated that Norton exited the driver's side of a Volkswagen Passat and looked directly at their windscreen. The detectives, who have 13 years of experience working in Coolock, said they simultaneously recognized Norton. However, the defense, led by Mr Michael Bowman SC, argued that there was a lack of physical description of the suspect in any Garda statement and that the evidence was insufficient.
2020-05-27 · Dublin
A detective testified in the Special Criminal Court that he was on first-name terms with Paul Norton (31), accused of possessing a loaded handgun and 31 rounds of 9mm ammunition at Stardust Memorial Park in Coolock, Dublin on October 5th, 2019. Norton has pleaded not guilty. The trial heard that the State's case relied on identification, as there was no DNA evidence. It is alleged that during a high-speed chase, Norton dropped a bag containing a loaded Beretta 92, a full magazine with 15 rounds, and 15 additional rounds. Detective Garda Keith Cassidy stated he could identify Norton due to familiarity with his family and friends, and noted that Norton had nicknamed him 'Paudge' after a character from the TV series 'Red Rock'. During the chase, Norton exited a VW Passat, which had sustained tire damage, and was identified by Cassidy and another detective. The trial continues.
2020-05-26 · Dublin
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Paul Norton, 31, pleaded not guilty to unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun and 31 rounds of 9mm ammunition found at Stardust Memorial Park on 5 October 2019. The State's case relied on recognition evidence, as no DNA was recovered. The prosecution alleged that during a high‑speed chase, Norton dropped a bag containing a 9mm Beretta 92 with a single round in the chamber, a full magazine of 15 rounds, and an additional 15 rounds. Defence counsel Michael Bowman questioned the forensic evidence, noting that forensic samples from the bags were contaminated and that DNA from a forensic scientist was found. He also highlighted that DNA from two other men, BD and EN, was identified on the Passat and a bottle of Corona beer, respectively.
2020-05-21 · Dublin
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Paul Norton, aged 31, pleaded not guilty to unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun and 31 rounds of 9mm ammunition found in a black drawstring bag at Stardust Memorial Park, Coolock, on 5 October 2019. Gardaí Detective Jason Flynn recounted a high‑speed chase that began when a navy blue Passat was spotted in a cul‑de‑sac off Bunratty Road. The vehicle collided with a traffic island, and Norton exited the car. Flynn pursued Norton into the park, where Norton dropped the bag while attempting to escape. The bag contained the handgun, a full clip of ammunition, and an additional round in the breech. No forensic evidence linked the weapon or ammunition to Norton, and he was arrested on 13 October 2019. The trial was scheduled to continue the following day.
2020-05-20 · Dublin
Paul Norton, aged 31, pleaded not guilty to unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun and 31 rounds of 9mm ammunition after he dropped a bag containing the weapon and ammunition while being chased by Gardaí through Stardust Memorial Park, Coolock, on 5 October 2019. The prosecution, represented by Mr John Byrne JC, argued that the State's case relied on visual identification. Gardaí Jason Flynn and Keith Cassidy pursued a parked Volkswagen Passat that failed to stop, leading to a high‑speed chase of 4.5 kilometres. The occupants fled into the park, where Det Gda Flynn chased Norton on foot for about 160 metres, observed him stumble and drop the bag, and secured it. No forensic or DNA evidence linked the firearm, ammunition or vehicle to Norton; the case was based on visual identification. Detailed maps and photographs of the scene and pursuit route were entered into evidence.
2017-12-13 · Dublin
Derek Reville, 40, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to stealing a suitcase and its €250 worth of contents from the Arc Bar, Liffey Valley, on July 21, 2017. He also admitted to endangerment on the M50 and at a junction at Clonshaugh Road, dangerous driving at Bothar Na Life, Lucan, and having no insurance at Greencastle Road, Coolock, on the same date. Prosecution evidence detailed that Reville led gardai on a ten-minute chase, driving his Renault Laguna at speeds up to 180 kmph, weaving through traffic, and driving the wrong way down a dual carriageway. The chase ended when he crashed at Greencastle Road. Judge Martin Nolan described the actions as "reprehensible" and the driving as "deplorable." Reville, who had 17 previous convictions, was on bail for seven other offences and had a four-month suspended sentence at the time. The court imposed a three-and-a-half-year jail term, backdated to when he entered custody. He was also banned from driving for four years.
2017-05-05 · Donegal
On 4 February 2015, Robert Faherty, 63, was driving without headlights when Grainne Duncan's bicycle struck his car, leaving her in a coma for two months. Faherty, who had no prior convictions and a clean driving record, pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious harm. Judge Pauline Codd, noting the absence of speed, alcohol, or road fault, described the incident as a momentary lapse rather than reckless behaviour. She imposed a nine‑month suspended sentence, citing Faherty's remorse, psychiatric report, and daily reliance on his vehicle. No driving ban was imposed. Duncan, 45, remains in a vegetative state, requiring full assistance, and her husband has pursued civil action for medical costs estimated at €540,000. The court acknowledged the profound impact on Duncan's life and her family's suffering.
2017-04-07 · Dublin
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Robert Faherty, 63, pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious harm after his car collided with cyclist Grainne Duncan on February 4, 2015, on Malahide Road. Faherty was driving without lights on; speed and alcohol were not factors. Duncan, wearing a high‑visibility jacket, helmet and bike light, was cycling left‑hand side and turning right at a junction when the collision occurred. She remained in a coma for two months, later regaining awareness but suffering severe brain damage that left her unable to speak, walk or hear, and requiring depression treatment. Faherty's daughter expressed deep remorse. The case involves pending civil proceedings and medical costs estimated at €540,000. Judge Pauline Codd reserved judgment until May 5, citing Faherty's compliance, remorse and poor health, and requested no jail sentence. The charge carries a maximum of two years imprisonment.
2015-03-05 · Dublin
Gary Partridge, 29, was jailed for one year after threatening to kill Gardaí and detonate a bomb. He claimed he was merely seeking attention because a report of a suspected device had been ignored. Gardaí, led by Detective Sergeant Eddie Carroll, responded to a call at 2.30 am. Partridge pointed a gun at officers, threatened to shoot them, and claimed he had a remote to detonate a bomb. The firearm was an air pistol. Gardaí managed to subdue him, and he later apologized. Partridge pleaded guilty to possession of an air pistol. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced him to five years, suspending four years on strict conditions, citing the seriousness of his actions and the potential danger posed to the public and officers.
2014-12-23 · Dublin
Swords District Court sentenced four defendants. Jamie Cunningham (18) of Balbriggan, who pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a garda directive, was sentenced to one month in prison after failing to complete a previous 100-hour community service order; a second charge of obstructing the Gardai was struck out. Genadijs Ogurcous (45) of Lusk pleaded guilty to theft after cutting security tags from items in a Swords department store and received a six-month suspended sentence. Ishtiag Ahmad (33) of Coolock, who pleaded not guilty to permitting a child under three to travel without appropriate restraint, was convicted after Judge Dermot Dempsey accepted garda evidence over his defence; he was fined €150. Kevin Harris (24) of Clarehall, who pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence of cannabis, was found guilty following a collision at Hearse Road; the court imposed a four-year driving ban and a €1,000 fine. All matters were finalised at the sentencing stage.