A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court heard evidence today of a violent attack on a Polish man at Westside Apartments in Letterkenny, Co Donegal. Bogdan Michalkiewicz, aged 41, was found dead two days after the alleged assault on 13 May 2013. The prosecution opening outlined that Mr Michalkiewicz, who lived alone and received a disability pension due to arthritis, sustained multiple stab wounds and blunt-force injuries, including head trauma from a television. Krystof Grzegorski, aged 22, of Hazelbrook Park, Letterkenny pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter; the prosecution rejected this plea. His co-accused, Dariusz Weckowicz, aged 51, pleaded not guilty to murder. A Detective Sergeant from the Garda Technical Bureau gave evidence describing the scene, including blood stains, a knife, and a damaged television. The trial continues before a jury of eight men and four women.
Two men from Letterkenny, County Donegal, are to stand trial at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of Bogdan Michalkiewicz. Dariusz Weckowicz, aged 51, and Krzystof Grzegorski, aged 22, both entered not guilty pleas to the charge. The alleged offence occurred on 13 May 2013 at Westside Apartments in Letterkenny. Justice Patrick McCarthy informed the jury that proceedings are expected to extend over approximately three weeks.
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.
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.
Julian Cuddihy, 44, pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder by reason of insanity at the Central Criminal Court. He is charged with killing his mother, Kathleen Cuddihy, 73, and his father, James Cuddihy, 77, at their home in Churchtown, Carndonagh, Co Donegal, on October 22, 2014. Defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC stated that Cuddihy admits to the killings and accepts the facts outlined by gardai. Prosecution counsel Denis Vaughan Buckley SC told the jury that two psychiatrists would testify that Cuddihy, a paranoid schizophrenic, suffered from delusions at the time. Dr Damian Mohan will evidence that Cuddihy believed his mother commanded him to kill her and held a grudge related to his desire to join the IRA. Dr Fiona Toal will state that Cuddihy believed he was facilitating their entry to heaven and felt compelled by voices. Both doctors concluded his mental illness prevented him from stopping the act. Detective Garda Bernard Mullins responded to a 999 call from Cuddihy's brother, who found the victims dead. State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy concluded both died from head trauma. The trial continues before Justice Margaret Heneghan and a jury of 12.
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.
A 53-year-old man from Raphoe in County Donegal has been sent forward for trial at the Central Criminal Court, charged with the murder of a 67-year-old pensioner. Samuel James Clarke, of Magherennan, is accused of killing Seamus Doherty at a property in Drumacnoo, Churchill on June 16th or 17th, 2012. Justice Patrick McCarthy set a trial date of February 27th, 2017. The case will proceed to the Central Criminal Court, where the defendant will face the charge relating to the death that occurred in the Donegal locality over three years prior to the court proceedings.
A man from County Donegal has been sentenced to three years imprisonment for the rape of a 14-year-old girl at a youth disco in December 2010, when he was aged 15. The Central Criminal Court heard that he pushed the girl into the ladies toilets and raped her in a cubicle. The victim testified that she repeatedly refused his advances during the disco and that he forced her into the toilet against her will. The defence contended the encounter was consensual and had escalated beyond their intentions, but the woman denied this account. A jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts on charges of rape and sexual assault after two hours of deliberation in January this year. Justice Margaret Heneghan imposed a five-year sentence but suspended the final two years. The judge considered his age at the time of the offence, his cooperation with gardaí, and absence of previous convictions as mitigating factors, though she noted a lack of remorse. He was also ordered not to contact the victim and to undertake two years of post-release supervision. The unnamed 14-year-old pleaded not guilty.
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.
Shane Rowan, aged 39, from Forest Park, Killygordan, County Donegal, was charged at an out-of-hours sitting of the Special Criminal Court with possession of three assault rifles and associated ammunition discovered at Tuiterath, Balrath, Slane, County Meath on March 9th, 2016. The charges include possession of a Chinese Type 56, a Romanian PM63 and a Zastava M70 rifle, together with nine magazines and 75 rounds of 7.62 by 39mm calibre ammunition. Mr Rowan was additionally charged with membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army. Detective Sergeant Padraig Boyce of the Special Detective Unit said Mr Rowan was arrested in Drogheda under section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act and made no reply when cautioned or shown the charge sheet. Mr Justice Paul Butler, presiding with Judge Martin Nolan and Judge William Hamill, remanded Mr Rowan in custody pending mention on March 16th.
A 54-year-old man from Convoy, County Donegal, has been sentenced to five years imprisonment by the Central Criminal Court following his conviction on six counts of sexual assault. Fergus Carson, of The Green, Main Street, was found guilty by jury of assaulting a 14-year-old girl he had known throughout her life at a relative's house between May and September 2012. Mr Justice Tony Hunt noted that Carson had abused his access to the premises and exploited his knowledge of when the girl's family would be absent. The judge imposed the five-year sentence with the final fifteen months suspended for two years, and ordered twelve months post-release supervision. Carson, who has no previous convictions, does not accept the verdict. The defence submitted concerns regarding victim impact evidence, which the judge addressed in his remarks before sentencing, acknowledging the serious effects of the offending on the young complainant during a critical developmental period.
A 43-year-old man from Carndonagh in County Donegal has been sent forward for trial at the Central Criminal Court on charges of murdering his parents. Julian Cuddihy of Churchtown faces two counts of murder in relation to the deaths of his father, aged 77, and his mother, aged 73, at their home in Carndonagh on or around 22 October 2014. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy fixed the trial date for 7 June 2016. Cuddihy remains in custody pending trial.
A 21-year-old man has been acquitted at the Central Criminal Court of rape allegations arising from an incident in Donegal Town in July 2012. The accused had pleaded not guilty to the charge. The trial heard evidence that the complainant and the accused, both aged 18 at the time, engaged in consensual sexual contact in an alleyway before the allegation arose. The defence case centred on the position that the accused ceased sexual contact immediately when the woman expressed her wishes. The jury was shown footage of the accused's garda interview, during which issues relating to the interviewing garda's conduct were raised. Mr Justice Tony Hunt addressed the jury following the verdict, acknowledging the difficulty inherent in cases where consensual activity is alleged to have become non-consensual. The woman wept as the acquittal was delivered. The judge noted that both parties had likely endured considerable hardship pending trial conclusion.
The jury in a rape trial at the Central Criminal Court is to resume deliberations tomorrow following over two hours of consideration today. The accused, now aged 21, has pleaded not guilty to the charge of raping a woman in an alleyway in Donegal Town in July 2012, when both parties were 18 years old. The trial before Mr Justice Tony Hunt concluded after six days of evidence.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has been told that prior consensual sexual contact does not permit subsequent forced intercourse. The trial concerns a 22-year-old Donegal man charged with rape alleged to have occurred in an alleyway in Donegal Town in July 2012. The accused has pleaded not guilty. Prosecution counsel submitted that prior agreement to sexual contact did not constitute permission for further acts without consent, referencing established judicial guidance on such matters. Defence counsel argued the accused stopped immediately upon protest and questioned the prosecution's account of events. The jury of twelve was instructed to begin deliberations following the judge's address. The case remains before the court pending verdict.
A man from Donegal Town is on trial at the Central Criminal Court on a charge of rape alleged to have occurred in July 2012. During garda interviews following the incident, the accused stated he was "very very sorry" and acknowledged attempting sexual contact without consent. He told investigators he had initially provided false accounts because he feared his parents would believe him to be a rapist. The accused claimed he ceased his actions when the woman objected and that the pair subsequently sat together before parting ways. He acknowledged awareness that the woman had sustained an injury during the encounter. When questioned by gardaí regarding why he did not contact her afterwards, he suggested concern about her potential embarrassment. The accused has entered a not guilty plea. The trial is proceeding before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury comprised of twelve members.
A trial at the Central Criminal Court has heard evidence concerning an alleged rape in a Donegal town alleyway in July 2012. The accused has pleaded not guilty to the charge. The complainant, then eighteen years old, attended hospital that night with severe bleeding. During cross-examination, the defence counsel suggested the woman had fabricated the allegation in response to being questioned about a blood stain on her clothing by friends. The woman denied this assertion. The defence also contended she had sought to withdraw her statement because the allegation was untrue. The complainant explained she initially wished to withdraw because she felt frightened and wished to move past the incident, but later recognised the seriousness of the matter and chose to proceed. She described the accused's conduct and stated he disregarded her refusal of consent. The trial, before a jury of seven men and five women, continues.
A trial at the Central Criminal Court has heard evidence from a woman who alleges she was raped in an alleyway in Donegal Town in July 2012 when she was eighteen years old. The complainant told the jury that the medical examination conducted afterwards was deeply distressing. She described meeting the accused, a man she knew, at a nightclub. She said that when they went outside, he led her to an unlit alley where he subjected her to a serious sexual assault against her will, causing her severe injuries requiring hospital treatment. The accused has pleaded not guilty to rape. The woman said she disclosed what had occurred to friends, who brought her to hospital and alerted gardaí. The trial, before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury, continues.
In 2015, approximately 350 people were serving life sentences in Irish prisons, with life terms averaging around 18 years. However, a select number of prisoners have served substantially longer. John Shaw and Geoffrey Evans, convicted in 1978 of abducting, raping and murdering two women in 1976 and 1977, received life sentences. Evans died in 2012 after 34 years in custody. Shaw remains imprisoned after nearly 38 years. Jimmy Ennis, now aged 84, is Ireland's longest-serving prisoner, having been incarcerated over five decades for a 1964 murder in County Cork. Noel Callan from Castleblayney, County Monaghan, and Michael McHugh were sentenced to death in 1985 for the killing of Sergeant Patrick Morrissey near Tallanstown, County Louth. Their sentences were commuted to 40 years imprisonment and both were released in 2015 after 30 years. Colm O'Shea and Patrick McCann received death sentences in 1980 for murdering two gardaí during a bank robbery in Ballaghedereen, County Roscommon, later commuted to 40 years. Both were released in 2013 after serving 33 years.
A man from County Donegal has been found guilty of raping a 14-year-old girl during a youth disco in December 2010, when he was aged 15. The 20-year-old defendant, whose identity is protected to safeguard the victim's anonymity, was convicted at the Central Criminal Court following a jury trial. The jury unanimously found him guilty of rape and sexual assault at a nightclub in a Donegal town. During proceedings, Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan instructed the jury that a person under 15 cannot legally consent to sexual activity. The defendant had pleaded not guilty and his defence contended the encounter was consensual and escalated unintentionally. The victim gave evidence that the accused pushed her into a toilet cubicle without consent. The defendant has been remanded in custody pending sentencing in March, when the court will receive a victim impact report and a probation assessment.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has begun deliberating in a rape trial involving two teenagers at a nightclub in County Donegal on 23 December 2010. The accused, now 20 years old, pleaded not guilty to rape and sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl. Justice Margaret Heneghan instructed the jury that a person under 15 cannot legally consent to sexual activity, regardless of apparent willingness. The complainant testified she was pushed into a toilet cubicle where the accused restrained her against a wall and raped her. She stated she did not consent and asked him to stop and release her. The defence suggested consensual contact that escalated, which the complainant denied. The accused told gardaí he had no recollection of being in the female toilet. The jury of seven men and five women commenced deliberations following the judge's charge.
A man from County Donegal has gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court charged with rape and sexual assault. He is accused of attacking a younger girl in a nightclub toilet in Donegal Town on December 23, 2010, when he was aged 15. The complainant was 14 at the time. The defendant, who is entitled to anonymity, has pleaded not guilty to both charges. During evidence, the woman testified that the accused pushed her into the female toilets and assaulted her in a cubicle without consent. She told the court she reported the matter to gardaí seven months later, and that her life was significantly affected afterwards, including leaving school and self-harm. The defence contested her account, suggesting the encounter was consensual and escalated beyond the pair's intentions. The accused told gardaí he had no recollection of being in the toilet. The trial, before Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan and a jury, continues.
Thomas Murphy, aged 66, from Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, County Louth, has been found guilty of nine counts of tax evasion at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin. The three-judge court determined that Murphy failed to furnish returns of income to the Collector General or Inspector of Taxes for the years 1996 to 2004, despite conducting substantial farming operations. Evidence presented during the 32-day trial included testimony from Department of Agriculture staff, managers at cattle marts in Roscommon, Ballyjamesduff, Kingscourt and Elphin, meat factory representatives, and Criminal Assets Bureau investigators. The court heard that Murphy received over €100,000 in farming grants and conducted cattle transactions exceeding €500,000 across various livestock marts. Murphy's defence, that his brother Patrick controlled the farming activities, was rejected by the judges. Forensic analysis of a bank account operated in Murphy's name revealed significant financial activity. Murphy was remanded on continuing bail pending sentencing on 12 February 2016.
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.
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.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court unanimously found Stephen Cahoon guilty of murder on 3 December following his third trial over six years. Cahoon, aged 43, from Derry, was convicted of strangling his pregnant ex-girlfriend Jean Teresa Quigley at Cornshell Fields in Derry on 26 July 2008. Ms Quigley, aged 30 and ten weeks pregnant with Cahoon's child, was discovered dead at her home by her mother. Cahoon had admitted killing Ms Quigley but denied murder, claiming loss of self-control. The prosecution presented evidence of forced entry, defensive injuries, and bruising inconsistent with Cahoon's account. The jury deliberated for three hours and forty-three minutes before reaching their verdict. Justice Deirdre Murphy sentenced Cahoon to life imprisonment, backdated to his arrest on 5 August 2008. This conviction follows a previous guilty verdict in 2012, which was quashed on appeal due to judicial misdirection regarding provocation. Cahoon became the first person tried in the Republic under the Criminal Law Jurisdiction Act 1976 for a murder committed in Northern Ireland.
Environmental activist Peter Sweetman has successfully challenged Donegal County Council's decision to permit construction works at wind farm sites during April to July. Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns quashed the council's December 2014 decision at the High Court on Tuesday, ruling in favour of Mr Sweetman's application. The decision concerned proposed extensions at Meenadeen and Croaghnameal wind farm sites. Mr Sweetman argued the council lacked jurisdiction to amend conditions originally imposed by An Bord Pleanála in 2006, which restricted summer construction to protect natural and visual amenities. He contended the council failed to provide reasons for its decision and did not carry out required environmental impact assessments before granting permission. Windgeneration Ireland Ltd, which had sought the permission to conduct summer works, was a notice party to proceedings. The council consented to the order being made.
The Court of Appeal has reserved judgement in the case of a man convicted of murder in connection with a dissident republican shooting in Donegal. Martin Kelly, aged 41, from Strabane, County Tyrone, was found guilty by the Special Criminal Court of the murder of Andrew Burns at Donnyloop, Castlefin on 12 February 2008, and received a mandatory life sentence in January 2012. Mr Burns was shot twice in the back in a church car park. Kelly's appeal centres on the legal doctrine of joint enterprise. His counsel argued that while Kelly agreed to drive Mr Burns to the location for a planned kneecapping, he was unaware the actual intention was a deliberate execution. The Director of Public Prosecutions' counsel contended that Kelly knowingly delivered Mr Burns to be shot and must have foreseen the grave risk of death. The court noted that UK authorities are examining murder convictions based on joint enterprise doctrine, and indicated this may inform its consideration. Martin Kelly pleaded not guilty.
A man serving a life sentence for his role in a dissident republican murder in Donegal in 2008 has lodged an appeal against conviction at the Court of Appeal. Martin Kelly, aged 41, from Strabane in County Tyrone, was found guilty by the Special Criminal Court in January 2012 of the murder of Andrew Burns, who was shot dead in a church car park at Donnyloop, Castlefin, on 12 February 2008. Kelly had pleaded not guilty to the charge. The three-judge court also convicted him of unlawful possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, imposing a mandatory life sentence for murder and eight years for the firearms offence. Kelly's barrister submitted that statements made during gardaí interviews should be ruled inadmissible, arguing they were not voluntarily given and that fair procedures were breached. Counsel also contended that the trial court should have considered whether the actions taken departed fundamentally from what was planned in the alleged joint enterprise.
A Derry man has given evidence at the Central Criminal Court denying murder but admitting he caused the death of his pregnant ex-girlfriend. Stephen Cahoon, aged 43, of Harvey Street in Derry, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Jean Teresa Quigley at Cornshell Fields in Derry on 26 July 2008. His defence counsel stated that while Mr Cahoon acknowledges killing Ms Quigley, this does not constitute an admission of murder. Testifying in his own defence, Mr Cahoon described losing his temper when Ms Quigley told him the baby was not his, saying he grabbed her and placed his hand on her throat to silence her. He stated he did not intend to kill her. Prosecution counsel challenged his account, presenting evidence from a witness via video link from Glasgow High Court who claimed Mr Cahoon visited him early that morning appearing distressed. Mr Cahoon denied this meeting occurred. The trial continues with closing speeches from counsel.
Stephen Cahoon, aged 43, with an address at Harvey Street in Derry, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Jean Teresa Quigley at Cornshell Fields in Derry on July 26th, 2008. The case is being heard in the Central Criminal Court. During cross-examination, a PSNI Detective Constable agreed with defence counsel that a key prosecution witness was "suggestible". The witness in question had conducted multiple interviews with Mr Cahoon's alleged visitor to Letterkenny, during which the account reportedly changed substantially regarding details such as clothing and demonstrations. Defence counsel highlighted inconsistencies in the witness's statements across six separate interviews. A Detective Sergeant denied allegations that he had threatened the witness. The trial is ongoing.
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.
A witness has told the Central Criminal Court that Stephen Cahoon appeared notably anxious on the morning a pregnant woman's body was discovered in Derry. Cahoon, aged 43 and from Harvey Street in Derry, Northern Ireland, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Jean Teresa Quigley on 26 July 2008 at Cornshell fields. A man who was living in Letterkenny at the time testified by video link from Glasgow that Cahoon called to his home in the early hours of that day. The witness stated that Cahoon seemed "very shaky" and requested water before leaving after approximately thirty minutes. He recalled that Cahoon had mentioned being in town drinking. Justice Deirdre Murphy adjourned proceedings to address a legal matter and directed the jury to return on Thursday. The trial continues before a jury of twelve.
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.
A man charged with murder at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin has admitted killing the victim, though he maintains the killing does not constitute murder. Stephen Cahoon, aged 42 and with an address in Derry, Northern Ireland, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Jean Teresa Quigley at Cornshell Fields in Derry on 26 July 2008. Ms Quigley, aged 30, was pregnant with Mr Cahoon's child at the time. The prosecution outlined that the couple met in March 2008 and their relationship deteriorated by July. The court heard evidence regarding text messages between them, witness accounts of disturbances on the night in question, and forensic findings including bloodstains matching Ms Quigley on a T-shirt recovered from Mr Cahoon's flat. Post mortem evidence indicated Ms Quigley died from manual strangulation. Mr Cahoon was located in Donegal Town on 5 August, where he told gardaí he was the person being sought. The defence acknowledged the killing but disputed the murder charge. The trial continues.
The trial of Thomas "Slab" Murphy at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin heard evidence that between December 2000 and August 2004, a man of the same name sold cattle worth over €160,000 for slaughter. The prosecution alleges that although the accused, aged 66 and resident at Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, County Louth, engaged in substantial cattle and land dealings and received farming grants, he failed to submit any tax returns. Mr Murphy has pleaded not guilty to nine charges of failing to furnish income returns to the revenue authorities for the years 1996/97 to 2004. Evidence from the financial controller of Donegal Meat Processors detailed cheques issued to Thomas Murphy during the period in question. The prosecution's case is being advanced by the Criminal Assets Bureau. The trial continues.
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.
A trial at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin has heard evidence concerning banking transactions linked to a man named Thomas Murphy with an address in County Louth. The accused, aged 66 and from Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, has pleaded not guilty to nine charges of failing to furnish tax returns to revenue authorities for the years 1996 to 2004. The prosecution alleges he conducted substantial cattle and land dealings whilst receiving farming grants but made no income declarations. Evidence was presented regarding cheques drawn from an account at Permanent TSB in Dundalk, with payments made to livestock marts in Elphin, Ballyjamesduff and Kingscourt. The defence contends the accused did not control the account and that his brother Patrick Murphy was responsible for its operation. The case, brought following a Criminal Assets Bureau investigation, continues.
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.
A 51-year-old man charged with 50 counts of sexual abuse against two young girls has had his trial rescheduled to June 2016 at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The accused faces 40 counts of child exploitation, three counts of sexual assault, and seven counts of defilement of a child under 17. The alleged offences occurred between 2007 and 2011 at locations in Dublin and Donegal. The trial, expected to last a fortnight, was originally fixed for May 2016 but was adjourned following a prosecution application citing the unavailability of a State witness. Judge Martin Nolan rescheduled the proceedings to begin on 13 June 2016 and remanded the accused on continuing bail.
A man aged 51 has been remanded on continuing bail ahead of trial on charges relating to the alleged sexual abuse of two young girls. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard he faces 50 counts in total, comprising 40 counts of child exploitation, three of sexual assault, and seven of defilement of a child under 17. The alleged offences are said to have occurred between 2007 and 2011 at locations in Dublin and Donegal. Judge Martin Nolan scheduled the trial to commence on 25 May 2016, with proceedings expected to last approximately two weeks. The accused was sent forward from the District Court previously.
A man aged 51, who cannot be named for legal reasons, faced Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on a trial date that could not proceed. He is charged with 50 counts of sexual offences alleged to have occurred between 2007 and 2011 at locations in Dublin and Donegal. The charges comprise 40 counts of child exploitation, three of sexual assault, and seven of defilement of a child under 17. The trial was expected to last approximately two weeks. Judge Desmond Hogan adjourned the case due to lack of judicial availability, remanding the accused on continuing bail. The matter was listed before Judge Martin Nolan for Tuesday, 21 July, when a new trial date will be set.
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.
A trial involving charges of 50 sexual offences against two young girls has been adjourned until Wednesday at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The 51-year-old defendant, whose identity is protected by court order, was forwarded for trial from the District Court in relation to allegations dating between 2007 and 2011 at locations in Dublin and Donegal. The charges comprise 40 counts of child exploitation, including the production of child pornography, three counts of sexual assault, and seven counts of defilement of a child under 17 years of age. Defence counsel indicated the trial would likely require two weeks. The court heard the trial was not ready to proceed immediately. Judge Desmond Hogan remanded the accused on continuing bail pending the adjournment to Wednesday.
A senior Health Service Executive manager has initiated High Court proceedings challenging her proposed reassignment to an alternative role. Ms Helen Earley, Area Director of Nursing for the Galway/Roscommon Mental Health Service, contends the HSE lacks contractual authority to transfer her to a position overseeing smoke-free zone initiatives across the Limerick to Donegal region and island health services. Her counsel argued the relocation would damage her professional reputation, given her current responsibility for 400 staff across 60 locations and her stewardship of substantial service restructuring since 2012. The HSE maintains contractual entitlement to effect the transfer on identical terms. Ms Earley seeks injunctions restraining her reassignment and preventing the appointment of an alternative to her current post. Mr Justice Paul Gilligan granted permission to serve short notice of the proceedings. The matter returned before the court on Friday morning.
A 28-year-old teacher from Letterkenny in County Donegal has had the balance of a 12-month prison sentence suspended on appeal following a conviction for careless driving that resulted in a fatal collision. Declan O'Donnell pleaded guilty at Monaghan Circuit Criminal Court to careless driving at Tulvaragh Lower, Carrickmacross on January 25th, 2013. He was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment on June 17th, 2015. The Court of Appeal found that the sentencing judge had been unduly influenced by the tragic consequences rather than the circumstances of the driving itself. The court noted the absence of aggravating factors, including no evidence of speeding, erratic driving, or impairment. O'Donnell was suspended from driving while travelling home from Dublin to Donegal on a wet evening when his vehicle collided with another car. The appeal court determined the case could be appropriately dealt with through a non-custodial sentence and suspended the remainder of his term conditional on completing 200 hours of community service.
A 51-year-old man has been remanded on continuing bail ahead of trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court next month on charges relating to alleged sexual offences against two young girls. The defendant faces 50 counts in total, including 40 counts of child exploitation involving alleged production of child sexual abuse material, three counts of sexual assault, and seven counts of defilement of a child under 17. The alleged offences are said to have occurred between 2007 and 2011 at locations in Dublin and Donegal. At a pre-trial hearing, the defence indicated the case would be ready to proceed as scheduled. Trial commencement is set for 13 July, with proceedings expected to last approximately two weeks.
A 57-year-old man with a history of paramilitary activity has had his prison sentence reduced on appeal following his conviction for sexually abusing two young girls in Donegal. The Court of Appeal in Dublin reduced his sentence from fifteen years to thirteen years imprisonment, with the final three years suspended. The man pleaded guilty in 2012 at the Central Criminal Court to sixteen counts of rape and indecent assault against two girls between November 2008 and May 2009. The offences occurred across four locations over a nine-month period. The court heard the man had fled the jurisdiction after detection but was subsequently returned on foot of an extradition warrant. The three-judge panel, led by Mr Justice George Birmingham, determined the original sentence was excessive as a starting point. Conditions of release include a €1,000 bond, eighteen months post-release supervision, and a permanent prohibition on contact with the victims.
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.
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.