Three Dublin men – Edward McGrath (32), Dean Evans (22) and Sharif Kelly (43) – are set to stand trial at the Special Criminal Court on 30 September for the murder of Peter Butterly (35) in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath, on 6 March 2013. The men were originally due to appear earlier but the case was adjourned because the prosecution and defence agreed it was not ready. The Director of Public Prosecution intends to call former co‑accused David Cullen (30), who was jailed for 3½ years for unlawful possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol at the same location, to give evidence against the three. David Cullen pleaded guilty.
In Balbriggan District Court, several cases were heard. Garreth Lokko, 23, pleaded guilty to breaching a safety order by shouting and kicking into his ex‑girlfriend's house, was fined €100 and paid €20 compensation for door damage. Hayden Holloman, 19, admitted unlawful possession of €300 worth of cannabis, was fined €300 after failing to complete voluntary work. Michael O'Brien, 19, was charged with possession of an orange emergency shatter hammer and €150 worth of criminal damage; a bench warrant was issued after he missed court. Janet Murphy, 33, was charged with intoxication and failed to appear, leading to a bench warrant. Paul Dargle, 18, faced drink‑driving and dangerous driving charges, with a hearing set for September 26. Lorna Daly, 32, was charged with petrol theft and use of a false plate; a bench warrant followed her absence. Peter Rogers, 61, was convicted of intoxication in a public place and fined €75.
Balbriggan District Court heard multiple matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Eoin Maguire, Cornelius Price, and Edward Price, accused of serious assaults and endangering a garda, were remanded on continuing bail with strict conditions to reappear on September 4th after an extension was granted for the Book of Evidence. John Butterly, Lorraine Butterly, and Peter Thompson, charged with assaults involving a baseball bat and rolling pin, were remanded on continuing bail to reappear on September 25th due to the prosecuting garda's injury. Sebestian Knecht was convicted of driving without insurance and possessing a forged insurance disc, receiving a total fine of €850 and a two-year disqualification. Alan Bowe, charged with drink driving, was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on September 26th. Thomas Gaffney, accused of theft and car theft, was remanded on continuing bail until September 11th. Kieran White, who pleaded guilty to stealing wine, was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on July 31st, with the possibility of avoiding a conviction if he pays €75. Mark Donnelly, charged with cannabis possession, was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on September 25th. Stephen Teeling, who pleaded guilty to cannabis possession, was convicted and fined after failing to bring €250 to court, with recognisance fixed for appeal.
David Geraghty, aged 33, pleaded guilty to trespassing at his mother's house in Balbriggan on 15 June. He had entered the back garden, sent threatening text messages to his mother Mary, and returned 15 minutes after Garda officers told him to leave. Geraghty was arrested and later convicted. He has a history of bipolar disorder and had been taking medication and attending counselling. The court sentenced him to two months in prison, but Judge Dermot Dempsey suspended the sentence and imposed a one‑year peace bond. The bond requires Geraghty to attend therapy clinics and to stay away from his mother's house. He also remains bound to the peace for the duration of the bond. The case was heard in Balbriggan District Court.
The Special Criminal Court ruled that the murder trial of three Dublin men—Edward McGrath (32), Dean Evans (22), and Sharif Kelly (43)—cannot proceed as scheduled in July 2014. The defendants had pleaded not guilty to the killing of Peter Butterly (35) on 6 March 2013 at the Huntsman Inn car park. The court noted that the Director of Public Prosecution intends to call former co‑accused David Cullen (30) to give evidence, an unprecedented move. Cullen had been jailed for 3½ years for unlawful possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol and a nolle prosequi was entered on the murder count. The State's counsel said disclosure material was still pending and further letters from defence were received. The judge set a disclosure hearing for 17 July and suggested the trial might start in October, pending completion of disclosure and other procedural matters. The defendants remain not guilty on all charges.
Swords District Court heard several matters involving defendants who pleaded guilty or faced allegations. Jason Kirwin, 27, pleaded guilty to driving without insurance, while disqualified, and without a licence. Judge Conal Gibbons noted his 79 prior convictions and ordered a Probation Report, adjourning the case to September 15th. Stephen O'Doherty and David Fagan pleaded guilty to the unauthorised taking of a car; Fagan also admitted burglary. Both were remanded on continuing bail to reappear on July 15th for sentencing. Rebotilwe Mohlala pleaded guilty to theft and received the benefit of the Probation Act after making a charitable donation. Graham Doyle pleaded guilty to theft; his case was struck out after compensation was paid. Philip Garland, alleged to be in unlawful possession of cannabis, had his case adjourned to July 21st for a plea or hearing date, with the judge remanding him on continuing bail.
Samual McGuinness, a 23-year-old GAA player from Rush, appeared at Balbriggan District Court where his sentencing was adjourned. He pleaded guilty to assaulting Patrick Butterly, causing him harm on October 5th last year, outside a takeaway in Rush. The court heard that the assault resulted in a broken jaw, stitches, and significant medical costs for the victim. Judge Dermot Dempsey noted the severity of the injuries but stated he could not change jurisdiction to the Circuit Court due to the guilty plea. McGuinness's solicitor indicated that the defendant had accepted an apology from the victim and requested a Restorative Justice Programme report. The court was informed of a communication error with Probation Services regarding the report's readiness. Consequently, Judge Dempsey adjourned the case until October 23rd to allow for the Restorative Justice Programme. McGuinness was remanded on continuing bail until that date. The matter remains pending and has not been finalised.
Balbriggan District Court heard various matters. James Reid pleaded guilty to hit and run, failing to stop, failing to provide information, failing to keep the vehicle at the scene, failing to report the incident, and having no tax. Judge Dermot Dempsey convicted Reid, fined him €400 for the hit and run offences, fined him €100 for no tax, and disqualified him from driving for six months. Piotr Boryslawski pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis. The judge ordered him to pay €300 to the Molly McNally Trust Fund by month's end, stating the charge would be struck out if paid. Several defendants were remanded on continuing bail. James Walsh, charged with cultivating cannabis, was adjourned to September 18 for service of the Book of Evidence. Gareth Lokko, alleged to have breached a barring order and caused criminal damage, was remanded to July 24. Kevin Harmon, alleged to have assaulted another man causing harm, was remanded to September 25 for DPP directions. Lorna Daly, alleged to have stolen petrol and used a false registration plate, was remanded to July 24 for a plea. Jandean Hyland, charged with assault causing harm, was remanded to July 31. Stephane Mbama, alleged to have dangerous driving and driving without insurance, was remanded to July 31. Michael Bollard, alleged to have breached a safety order, was granted bail with conditions and adjourned to July 17.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 3 July 2014, the court ruled that David Cullen, aged 30, is competent to give evidence for the prosecution in the murder trial of Peter Butterly. Cullen, who was charged with the murder of Butterly, had pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol and was sentenced to three‑and‑a‑half years. He was no longer jointly indicted after his guilty plea, so the court found he could testify against the other accused. The other defendants – Edward McGrath (32), Dean Evans (22) and Sharif Kelly (43) – had pleaded not guilty to the murder and to possession of firearms. The trial was adjourned to Tuesday for further proceedings. The court's decision was described as "unprecedented" in the context of a former co‑accused giving evidence.
At the Special Criminal Court, David Cullen pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol at the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, on March 6, 2013. The court noted that Cullen is to act as a State witness against his co-accused, Edward McGrath, Dean Evans, and Sharif Kelly, who are charged with the murder of Peter Butterly. The Director of Public Prosecutions accepted Cullen's plea, and a nolle prosequi was entered on the murder count. Justice Iseult O'Malley stated the offence merited a ten-year sentence but reduced it to seven years due to Cullen's guilty plea, remorse, and cooperation. She proposed suspending the final three-and-a-half years of the sentence, dating from his March 2013 arrest, resulting in an effective custody period of three-and-a-half years. The court acknowledged Cullen's role in attempting to remove evidence and his renunciation of criminal activity. The matter was finalised with this sentencing proposal.
Swords District Court heard several matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Jerry Flynn pleaded guilty to theft of petrol and dangerous driving. He received a three-month suspended sentence, a €200 fine, and a two-year driving disqualification. He was remanded on a one-year peace bond, conditional on paying €58.94 to Great Gas and €140 compensation to the attendant. Damien Krywult pleaded guilty to two counts of dangerous driving. He was convicted and fined €300 for each offence, with a total two-year driving disqualification. Jeffrey Carter pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and without a licence. He was sentenced to five months in prison, fined €200, and disqualified from driving for two years. Gary Fitzgerald was convicted in his absence of driving without insurance and without an NCT. He was fined €500 for the insurance offence and €250 for the NCT offence, and disqualified from driving for two years. Gabriel Akinsanya pleaded guilty to theft. The judge indicated he would consider 240 hours of community service in lieu of a four-month prison sentence only if Akinsanya completes 40 outstanding hours from 2003. He was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on September 15. Kim Howard, charged with theft, was remanded on continuing bail until October 6 for a mention.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, a Dublin man, David Cullen, 29, who had been charged with the murder of Peter Butterly, agreed to become a prosecution witness against his three co‑accused. Cullen, of Brackenwood Avenue, Balbriggan, had previously been charged alongside Edward McGrath, 32, Dean Evans, 22, and Sharif Kelly, 43, for the March 6, 2013 killing of Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, at the Huntsman Inn car park in Gormanston, Co. Meath. Cullen made a voluntary statement to Gardaí and indicated he would plead guilty to a firearms offence under Section 27A of the Firearms Act, a plea acceptable to the Director of Public Prosecutions. The Director therefore requested that Cullen be called as a witness in the case against the other three accused. Cullen's arraignment and sentencing were postponed until the following day, and the prosecution has stated it will not call him to give evidence until after he has been sentenced. Edward McGrath pleaded not guilty. Dean Evans pleaded not guilty. Sharif Kelly pleaded not guilty.
Rafel Dec, 27, of The Green, Main Street in Rush, was arrested for drink driving after his car ended up in a ditch on Whitestown Road. He was found with a breath reading of 84mg/100ml and refused to sign the intoxilyzer certificate at Balbriggan Garda Station on 22 June. Garda Sergeant Tony Tighe testified that Dec fled the vehicle, was arrested at 2.20 am, and later, after being released at 6.20 am, demanded re‑entry to the station to use the toilet. He was refused and urinated outside the station. Dec pleaded guilty to drink driving and a public order offence. Judge Dermot Dempsey fined him €500 for drink driving, €100 for the public order offence, disqualified him from driving for three years, and imposed 100 hours of community service in lieu of a month's prison sentence. The sentence was given in Balbriggan District Court.
Balbriggan District Court heard several matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Catherine Smith pleaded guilty to theft of €213 worth of gardening items from a Tesco supermarket. The judge indicated he would apply the Probation Act if she makes a charitable contribution. Marek Laska pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis for sale or supply and possession of digital weighing scales. The judge applied the Probation Act, ordering him to attend HOPE and assist other drug users, avoiding a conviction. Linda Murphy pleaded guilty to stealing four blank cheques from her employers. The case was adjourned until September 11th to allow her to provide the remaining €160 in compensation, with a warning of a custodial sentence if unpaid. John Paul Fitzgerald pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis resin. He was convicted, fined €400, and ordered to destroy the drugs, with the judge warning he is close to a prison sentence. James Walsh, alleged to have cultivated cannabis plants, was remanded on continuing bail to re-appear on July 3rd for a plea or trial. Ann McGann was convicted of attempting to drive while intoxicated. She was disqualified from driving for three years and fined €300.
Swords District Court heard multiple matters. Charges against Shane Langan and Kieran Kennedy for mutual assault were withdrawn following an agreement on the division of blame. Sean Cullen, alleged to have breached a protection order, was remanded on continuing bail with strict conditions, including residing at his father's house and remaining sober. Thomas Nicholson, charged with stealing an €18,000 mini digger, was remanded on bail for DPP directions. Luke Nestor pleaded guilty to theft; the judge ordered 200 hours of voluntary work before considering conviction. Jason Mitchell pleaded guilty to cannabis possession and was convicted and fined €200. Mateusz Sniezek pleaded guilty to drink driving and was disqualified for three years, with the ban postponed until December 1st. Oksana Smirnova pleaded guilty to failing to provide a sample; she was convicted, fined €650, and disqualified for four years. Brendan Hill pleaded guilty to public order offences and was fined €300 in total.
At Balbriggan District Court, applicant Maria Covaci sought to withdraw an assault allegation against her partner, defendant Ioan Lucaciu. Lucaciu, 22, of Dublin Street, Balbriggan, is alleged to have assaulted Ms. Covaci at their home on June 10th. Ms. Covaci told Judge Dermot Dempsey she wished to withdraw the complaint because, as a Pentecostal, she believed making a complaint against her partner was against her religion and she did not want to be punished by God. Judge Dempsey clarified that she was merely making a complaint, not punishing him, and that the court would impose any penalty. Detective Garda Keith Horgan questioned why she had previously made allegations. Ms. Covaci reiterated her religious objection. Judge Dempsey also questioned Pasture Valentine Govinchi, who stated he was there to give a good reference and that God would be angry with Lucaciu. When asked if he would take responsibility for more serious assaults, Mr. Govinchi said he would explain how to be a couple. Judge Dempsey described the case as "very peculiar" and granted Ms. Covaci's request to withdraw the allegation, warning that any further alleged assaults would be on their own heads. He also refused Lucaciu's solicitor's request for legal aid, stating they wanted to avail of State finances but not the prosecution of the State.
At Balbriggan District Court, Edwin Akandu pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified, having no tax or insurance, and lacking a driving licence. He was convicted and sentenced to four months in prison, with an additional six-year disqualification for the uninsured offence. Judge Dempsey noted Akandu had driven just over a year after receiving a previous four-year ban. In a separate matter, Tony Thunder pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to a window in Skerries. The court marked the case peremptory, granting him until July 10th to provide €200 in compensation. Tina Power pleaded guilty to drink driving after giving a urine reading of 297mg/100ml. She was fined €500 and disqualified from driving for three years. James Heraghty, who is alleged to have assaulted a garda, used threatening behaviour, and obstructed an officer, was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on September 26th while the State clarifies CCTV footage. Keith O'Gorman, alleged to have assaulted another man at Balbriggan Harbour, was also remanded on continuing bail to appear on July 12th for the hearing of his case.
Swords District Court heard several matters involving defendants Rebotilwe Mohlala, Keith McNamara, and Mariam Aroh. Mohlala, 39, pleaded guilty to the theft of €22.98 worth of goods from Tesco Extra in Millfield on June 21st, 2013. Judge Dermot Dempsey indicated he would consider applying the Probation Act if a €200 charitable donation was paid. The matter was adjourned until July 7th to allow the defendant time to arrange the funds. McNamara, 22, pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of €1,100 worth of cannabis herb and the drug itself, found at his home on May 18th, 2013. He claimed he was selling to friends to afford his own use. Judge Dempsey described this as a commercial enterprise. McNamara was remanded on continuing bail for an updated restorative justice report on September 8th. Aroh, 38, was charged with non-display of L-plates, having no driving licence, and giving a false date of birth. She pleaded guilty to the first two charges but contested the false details. Judge Dempsey found her guilty of giving a false date of birth. She was fined €100 for the L-plates offence and €100 for the false date of birth, with other charges taken into consideration.
Favour Anyim, a defendant from Newhaven Bay in Balbriggan, pleaded guilty in Balbriggan District Court to parking on double yellow lines at Chapel Street in Balbriggan on May 19th, 2013. Anyim claimed she had spoken to the Traffic Warden and informed him she would only be parked for one to two minutes while collecting her child from school. She stated she did not receive a fine on her car and was unaware she had been fined, claiming she received only a summons. Anyim also asserted that 'every parent parks on the lines.' The Traffic Warden testified that he had no record of speaking to Anyim and explained that Chapel Street has a primary school located on it, with children frequently coming and going. He also noted that a fine would have been sent to Anyim by post and not placed on her car. Judge Dermot Dempsey stated that the double yellow lines are in place for the safety of children and warned Anyim that if every parent parks on the lines, he may make an example of her. The judge adjourned the case until June 26th for Anyim to pay €75 or he will proceed by way of a fine.
Balbriggan District Court heard several cases during its recent sittings. Richard Devine (21) had his case struck out after he admitted to assaulting Shane Christy and causing criminal damage to his car in Rush, Co Dublin on May 3rd, 2013. Devine, who was drunk at the time, paid €800 in compensation and completed 200 hours of voluntary work. Judge Dermot Dempsey accepted these actions and struck the case out. Pat Dwyer (60) pleaded guilty to driving while under the influence of alcohol at Miller's Lane in Skerries on December 22nd, 2013. He was fined €400 and disqualified from driving for three years. Eoin Maguire (29), Cornelius Price (32), and Edward Price (24) were remanded on continuing bail to re-appear before the court on July 17th when they are expected to be served with the Books of Evidence. They are charged with assault causing harm to Clifford Whitehouse and James Whitehouse, and production of a Stanley knife on December 20th, 2013. Cornelius Price and Edward Price are also charged with reckless endangerment of a garda at Balbriggan Garda Station on December 22nd, 2013. Thomas O'Donnell (24), Michael O'Brien (18), and Brian Stokes (21) were remanded on continuing bail for charges of unauthorized carriage in a car. Salius Peciulaitis (30) pleaded guilty to driving without insurance, driving while disqualified, and drink driving at Dublin Street in Balbriggan, as well as violent behaviour at Balbriggan Garda Station on February 22nd. He was given a four-month suspended sentence, disqualified from driving for six years, and fined €750. Neil Phipps (28) was remanded on continuing bail for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions regarding an alleged assault causing harm to Brian Cranny.
In Swords District Court, Judge Dermot Dempsey applied the Probation Act to 34‑year‑old Natasha Reilly, who breached a Protection Order by being drunk and threatening to "smash the face" off her victim. Reilly had been remanded in custody since 19 May and had detoxed, completed an anger‑management course and remained in custody to address her chronic alcoholism. She is now focused on staying sober and rebuilding her relationship with her children. The court also heard other cases: a 32‑year‑old woman, Jennifer Reilly, was remanded on continuing bail for alleged theft of two pairs of shoes; a 22‑year‑old man, Jamie Bowbrick, was given further time to pay a €350 charitable donation after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis and obstruction; a 38‑year‑old woman, Gillian O'Donnell, was remanded on continuing bail for alleged theft of a pair of boots; a 28‑year‑old man, Mark Jackson, was remanded on continuing bail for.
Philip Dunne, a 29‑year‑old wheelchair user, was convicted after a night of reckless driving and violent conduct. On 14 November 2013 he was driving a BMW 5‑series at excessive speed on Lower Main Street, Rush, lost control and crashed into a parking metre, causing €4,000 in damage. He threatened a good Samaritan, Patrick Butterly, and, when Gardaí arrived, threatened and attempted to strike them with his wheelchair. Dunne pleaded guilty to careless driving, criminal damage, threatening and abusive behaviour and Section 2 assault. A charge of failing to give a blood sample was struck out. Judge Dermot Dempsey fined him €300 for careless driving, €100 for assault, €100 for threatening behaviour, and disqualified him from driving for three months. He also paid €4,000 in compensation to Fingal County Council for the damage. The case was heard at Balbriggan District Court.
Balbriggan District Court heard several matters presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey. The case against Debbie Whelan, 26, of Chieftain's Road, was withdrawn after the alleged injured party refused to co-operate with gardai. Whelan had been charged with the production of an article, namely a wheel brace, during an incident on July 8th, 2013. In a separate matter, Gillian O'Donnell, 38, was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis. Her case was adjourned until September 29th to Swords District Court. Adam Wal, 29, of Chapel Place, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and driving without insurance on August 24th last year. Judge Dempsey sentenced Wal to four months in prison, suspended for one year. He was also disqualified from driving for three years for the disqualified driving offence and a further four years for driving without insurance, in addition to a €750 fine. Joseph Cruise, 20, of Hazelstown in Rush, pleaded guilty to breaching a protection order on March 15th. The court heard he had been shouting for hours before arrest. Judge Dempsey convicted Cruise and fined him €100, fixing recognisance in the event of an appeal.
In a Balbriggan District Court hearing on 23 May 2014, Michail Timofejev, aged 23 and a resident of Thornlea in Rush, pleaded guilty to several offences. He was found in unauthorised possession of a CO2‑powered airgun, a 12‑gauge shotgun cartridge, and €10 of cannabis at his home on 4 October 2012. The court noted that he had no licence for the airgun or the cartridge, both classified as firearms under the Firearms Act. Timofejev, who has two prior convictions for drug sale and possession, had assisted the Gardaí during the search and was described as co‑operative. Judge Dermot Dempsey sentenced him to a six‑month suspended prison term, remanded him on a two‑year peace bond for the gun cartridge, fined him €400 for the airgun and €200 for the cannabis. The judge recorded no evidence of any sinister intent regarding the airgun or ammunition, which Timofejev claimed were for target practice.
Balbriggan District Court heard several matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Martin Lawrence pleaded guilty to the theft of €30 worth of items from a Skerries supermarket. The court applied the Probation Act and warned him to stay away from the store. Mark Donnelly, charged with unlawful possession of cannabis for sale and supply, was adjourned until June 19th pending DPP directions. Linda Hess, charged with unauthorised taking of a vehicle and driving without insurance, was remanded on continuing bail to re-appear on June 5th. James Heraghty, alleged to have assaulted a garda, used threatening behaviour, and obstructed a garda, was remanded on continuing bail to re-appear on June 12th. Dayne Barnwell, alleged to have assaulted a bouncer causing a fractured ankle, was remanded on continuing bail until June 26th. Additionally, Tony Thunder, charged with criminal damage, failed to appear; the case was adjourned until June 12th for gardai to caution him. All defendants were processed at the charge or pretrial stage, with no convictions recorded in this report.
In Balbriggan District Court, a case brought by neighbour Lorraine Sherry against Gail Corr over the constant barking of Corr's two dogs was struck out after the judge heard that the barking had ceased. Sherry had complained that the dogs, a Boxer cross and a Labrador Collie cross, barked until 5 am on 15 February and 15 March and that Corr had made no effort to stop them. She had sent a registered letter and then taken the matter to court. Corr had fitted anti‑barking collars and claimed the dogs were kept indoors and only taken out for walks. Judge Dermot Dempsey noted a "colossal improvement" and, satisfied that the dogs no longer bark, struck the case out.
In Balbriggan District Court, 42‑year‑old Linda Murphy, a cleaner, pleaded guilty to stealing four blank cheques from her employers, Jack and Terry Maloney, between February and August 2013. She cashed one cheque for €320 and did not cash the other three. Murphy had made voluntary statements to Gardaí and admitted the theft. Her solicitor described her as a mother of three, recently homeless, now living in Balbriggan, caring for a three‑year‑old grandchild, and undergoing a divorce. Judge Dermot Dempsey questioned her willingness to pay compensation, noting she had no money to offer. He ordered her to provide compensation by June or face a custodial sentence and remanded her on continuing bail until 26 June, when she will appear again. The case remains at the pleading stage.
Frances O'Brien, a 54-year-old mother of five from Balbriggan, was granted the benefit of the Probation Act at Balbriggan District Court after pleading guilty to using a false instrument. The charge alleged that she used a false charity card to collect for the Irish Cancer Society's fundraising campaign for Today FM's Shave or Dye initiative at Gainsborough Avenue in Malahide on November 2nd, 2013. A bench warrant was executed against O'Brien following her failure to appear at Swords District Court. During the hearing, it was stated that O'Brien and her granddaughter were claiming to collect on behalf of her daughter, who had a broken leg. Gardai seized €95.42 from O'Brien upon her arrest. Defence solicitor Donagh McGowan described the act as a "terribly stupid thing to do" and noted that O'Brien has no previous convictions. Judge Patrick Clyne ordered that the seized funds be made payable to the Irish Cancer Society. Ray D'Arcy, also listed as a defendant in connection with the same alleged false instrument charge, had no plea, finding, or sentence recorded in the validated facts provided for this specific court outcome.
In Balbriggan District Court on 8 May 2014, Andrew Gosson, aged 24, pleaded guilty to threatening and abusive behaviour on 17 December 2013 and again on 16 January 2013 while driving on the M1. He had one prior road‑traffic conviction. Defence solicitor Fiona D'Arcy said he was under severe pressure from a gambling problem and was not working at the time. Judge Patrick Clyne declined to fine him, noting he was better off feeding his children, and bound him to a peace bond for one year. Separately, 87‑year‑old Michael Murphy was remanded on continuing bail in his absence to appear on 5 June after being charged with dangerous driving on 16 November 2013. Finally, 39‑year‑old William O'Gorman was remanded on continuing bail to re‑appear on 26 June after being charged with robbery, assault and possession of a screwdriver outside St Peter's and Paul's Church on 11 April 2014.
Bridget McDonagh, 27, of Hampton Court, Balbriggan, is accused of fraudulently claiming €70,000 in social welfare payments over a year and a half. She allegedly concealed Carer's Allowance and Child Allowance between 1 March 2008 and 10 December 2009, with payments sent to Yellowbatter Post Office in Drogheda and Phibsboro Post Office in Dublin. The Balbriggan District Court heard she committed 75 offences. The Director of Public Prosecutions has sent all 75 charges to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where she faces trial and remains on continuing bail.
In Swords District Court, four brothers, John Lawrence (23), William Lawrence (22), Stephen Lawrence (21), and Christopher Lawrence (20), pleaded guilty to failing to comply with garda direction and being intoxicated in a public place on April 20th at Hogs & Heifers Bar and Grill in Swords. They were ordered to make a €800 charitable donation to avoid a conviction. The court heard that the men were celebrating the birth of Christopher's baby and were intoxicated. Judge Patrick Clyne informed the court that the men are currently unemployed and that if they make the donation, the case will be struck out. Anbridas Stabinis (42) pleaded guilty to the theft of two bottles of vodka from Dunnes Stores in The Pavilions Shopping Centre in Swords on March 20th. He was given a 14-day suspended sentence and bound to the peace for two years. Darrell Ferguson (21) and Shane Murphy (22) were remanded on continuing bail to re-appear before the court on May 27th after being charged with assaulting another man causing him harm. Patrick Kerley (21) had his case struck out after making a €250 charitable donation to Fingal Bereaved by Suicide.
Balbriggan District Court heard several matters, including the sentencing of Karl Robinson. Robinson pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and while disqualified at Station Road in Lusk on June 29, 2013. Judge Dermot Dempsey ordered him to complete 240 hours of community service in lieu of a three-month prison sentence, following a Probation Services consultation. He was also disqualified from driving for four years. In separate proceedings, Patricia Ferris, alleged to have refused or failed a breath sample at Balbriggan Garda Station on April 21, was remanded on continuing bail for a hearing at Swords District Court on June 9. Emma Nevin, charged with selling counterfeit cigarettes at Balbriggan Sunday Market on April 27, was also remanded on continuing bail for a plea hearing on June 9. Debbie Whelan, alleged to have produced a wheel brace during an argument on Chieftain's Road on July 8, 2013, was remanded on continuing bail for a hearing on May 16. Finally, Bridget O'Leary pleaded guilty to the theft of €54.81 worth of groceries from Tesco in Balbriggan on October 8, 2013. She was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on June 12 for the facts of the case to be heard.
A 25‑year‑old man named Shane Power, who is unemployed, was charged with assaulting Garda Karl McManus on St Patrick's Day in Skerries and with unlawful possession of nine tablets of MDMA at Balbriggan Garda Station. He was also charged with intoxication and using threatening and abusive behaviour. Power could not attend an earlier court date because he was overseas on holiday. His girlfriend proved that she paid for a one‑week holiday to Tenerife, covering flights and half‑board accommodation at a total cost of €1,600, and presented documents to Judge Dermot Dempsey. The judge was satisfied with the evidence and granted Power free legal aid, remanding the case until 22 May. The decision was made after the judge had previously reserved legal aid for Power, who had argued that he could not afford legal fees while on holiday. The case remains pending as of the article's date.
In Swords District Court, Henry Afeni (49) admitted to making a gain or causing loss by deception at TK Max in The Pavilions Shopping Centre in Swords on December 8th, 2013. He was sentenced to 100 hours of community service in lieu of a five-month prison sentence. Raymond O'Hara (47) pleaded guilty to burglary at Portmarnock Hotel on December 11th, 2012, and his case was adjourned to June 23rd for the facts to be heard and sentencing. Declan Fitzsimons (34) admitted to using threatening and abusive behaviour at Cedar Grove in Ridgewood, Swords on January 1st. Judge Dermot Dempsey imposed a conviction and fined him €500, noting that Fitzsimons had the opportunity since February to make a charitable donation. Debra Maguire (44) was found guilty of handling stolen goods worth €363.55 at The Pavilions Shopping Centre in Swords on November 17th, 2013, and was sentenced to 100 hours of community service in lieu of a five-month prison sentence. All cases were at the sentence stage.
Marek Laska, a 27‑year‑old university student, was found in possession of 260 g of cannabis, a digital weighing scale and a scoop, items that indicated he was involved in the sale or supply of drugs. He had previously pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis for sale or supply and a digital weighing scale at a house on Main Street in Rush on 6 October 2011. Garda Gerrit Durnin reported that the drugs were found in Laska's bedroom and that the total street value was €3,079. Laska initially claimed the drugs were for his own use and did not accept responsibility for the charge of possession for sale or supply. The Restorative Justice Programme reported that he did not accept that charge. In the Balbriggan District Court, Judge Dermot Dempsey heard that Laska now accepts the charge and the opportunity offered by the programme.
At Balbriggan District Court, Judge Dermot Dempsey handed down a sentence to David Lawrence, who pleaded guilty to driving without insurance, no tax, and no NCT. Lawrence was sentenced to four months, which was suspended, and remanded on a peace bond for one year. He was also disqualified from driving for two years and fined €100 for driving without a licence. In a separate matter, Sean Lynch, charged with assault causing harm, had his case adjourned until September 1st for hearing at Swords District Court. Three men—Eoin Maguire, Cornelius Price, and Edward Price—were further remanded on continuing bail as DPP directions were not ready. They face charges including assault causing harm, production of an article, and reckless endangerment of a garda. James Ward, facing seven charges for inducing lodgements and payments related to non-existent tickets and phones, had a bench warrant issued for his arrest after failing to appear. Wojtek Jedrej, charged with possession of a knife and driving under the influence, was remanded for a May 16th hearing. Stephen Teeling, charged with possession of cannabis, was also remanded for a May 16th hearing.
Paul Mannering, 25, of Tallaght, pleaded guilty to the unauthorised taking of a vehicle and driving without insurance at The Five Road, Hedgestown, Lusk, on January 3rd. Judge Dermot Dempsey sentenced him to 240 hours of community service work in lieu of a five-month prison term and disqualified him from driving for two years. Mannering's solicitor stated he was in a 'stupid situation' after borrowing money and being asked to commit the offence. Nicholas Keane, 36, of Balbriggan, was remanded on continuing bail until May 16th regarding an alleged possession of a knife at Hamlet Lane on January 27th. The DPP directed no further charges be brought. James Ward, 43, of Balbriggan, faces seven charges for allegedly inducing victims to make lodgements totalling over €2,000 for non-existent concert tickets and mobile phones. Ward was remanded in his absence to re-appear on April 24th to furnish medical certificates following a reported stroke. Additionally, an unidentified teenager who persistently skipped school was adjourned until October 16th after the National Education Welfare Board reported 'good progress' in his attendance.
Three men – Eoin Maguire (29), Cornelius Price (32) and Edward Price (24) – were remanded on continuing bail by Judge Dermot Dempsey at Balbriggan District Court. They face charges of assault causing harm to Clifford Whitehouse and James Whitehouse on 20 December 2013 at Bremore Castle, and of producing a Stanley knife on the same day. Cornelius Price and Edward Price are also charged with reckless endangerment of a garda at Balbriggan Garda Station on 22 December 2013. Maguire had previously been granted bail with a condition to sign on three times a week; his solicitor requested a reduction to once a week, but the judge refused. The judge extended the bail period to 9 am‑9 pm and reserved free legal aid for Maguire. All three men are to re‑appear on 24 April 2014.
James Marry, 25, of Balbriggan, was found guilty of unlawful possession of 51 Ecstasy tablets for sale or supply, worth €300, after he hid them in his underwear and fled from Gardaí on Drogheda Street. He had three prior drug‑related convictions, including suspended sentences, and works as a carer for his mother. The Swords District Court, following a recommendation from Probation Services, imposed 240 hours of community service in lieu of a four‑month prison term for the offence.
Balbriggan District Court heard several pre-trial matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Edwin Akandu, 45, is charged with driving without insurance. His solicitor stated he is a named driver on his partner's policy, but she refuses to provide the certificate. The Judge ordered Chill Insurance to furnish the document to Garda Keith Horgan, warning of a warrant for non-compliance, and adjourned the case until May 22nd. Michelle Ferris, 38, is alleged to have drink driven, failed to wear a seat belt, and driven without a licence. Following receipt of disclosure, she was remanded on continuing bail to appear before Swords District Court on June 9th. Joseph Cruise, 20, is alleged to have breached a protection order. He was remanded on continuing bail to re-appear before Balbriggan District Court on May 16th. Stephen Teeling is charged with unlawful possession of cannabis. The Judge granted a disclosure order and remanded him on continuing bail to return on April 24th for a plea or hearing date. Gavin Deegan, 24, is also charged with unlawful possession of cannabis. He was remanded on continuing bail to re-appear before the court on April 24th. All defendants are currently at the charge or pre-trial stage, with no pleas entered or findings made.
In a 2014 Balbriggan District Court hearing, Judge Dermot Dempsey reprimanded Margaret McDonagh, 44, for driving with a child under three in an unrestrained rear‑facing seat that faced forward. The judge likened the situation to "putting a loaded gun in front of the child" and expressed disbelief at her choice of seat placement. McDonagh was stopped on the M1 after her car tax had lapsed by six months. She pleaded guilty to non‑display of road tax and to failing to restrain a child. The judge fined her €50 for the tax offence and considered the child‑restraining charge, refusing free legal aid as the offences did not merit it. The court did not address any further legal proceedings beyond the fine and the judge's remarks.
A 19‑year‑old youth was placed on a six‑month Probation Bond after he punched a 14‑year‑old boy on a train from Gormanston to Skerries and stole his Apple iPod. The youth approached the victim, tried to seize the iPod, then struck the boy several times in the face, leaving severe bruising. He disembarked at Balbriggan Train Station with the device, and Gardaí later found him on Balbriggan Beach still in possession of the stolen iPod. He pleaded guilty to the theft before Balbriggan District Court on 10 August of the previous year. The Director of Public Prosecutions had directed a summary disposal of the case. Defence solicitor Fiona D'Arcy noted the youth's difficult upbringing, including physical abuse from his mother, and that he has no drink or drug problem.
In Balbriggan District Court on 27 March 2014, David Donnelly, aged 20, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Jennifer Coffey in Lusk Graveyard on 5 August 2012, fracturing her nose. He received a six‑month suspended sentence and was bound to the peace for two years. Donnelly also pleaded guilty to harassing Coffey's father, Michael, on 6 April 2013, and was ordered to a probation bond for 18 months and to comply with Probation Services. He was required to complete a Victim Awareness course and take prescribed medication. The court noted his high risk of re‑offending if he does not adhere to treatment. Separately, Sean Lynch, 26, was remanded on continuing bail for assault involving a lit cigarette in a victim's eye, with the case adjourned to 24 April pending further disclosure. Paul Boylan, 35, was charged with possession of false number plates; his case was scheduled for a hearing on 9 June at Swords District Court.
In a Balbriggan District Court hearing on 20 March 2014, Lorraine Sherry of Thomastown in Loughshinny brought a complaint against her neighbour Gail Corr, also of the same address, over the constant barking of Corr's two dogs – a Boxer cross and a Labrador Collie cross. Sherry said the dogs were kept in a small pen beside Corr's house and barked at everything, including through her daughter's bedroom and kitchen, and even when someone knocked on her door. She claimed the dogs barked repeatedly until 5 am on 15 February and 15 March, and that Corr had made no effort to stop them. Sherry had sent a registered letter to Corr, received no reply, and then took the case to court. Corr denied the allegations, saying her dogs were indoor and only let out for walks, and that she had spoken to other neighbours who had no complaints.
Guigin Zhang, director of Riverside Chinese Takeaway in Swords, was convicted and fined for employing illegal workers. She was charged with employing one worker without a work permit on 7 May 2013 and two other workers without permits on 5 January 2013. Inspector Ray Curran visited the takeaway on 7 May, discovered the first unauthorized employee, and asked Ms Zhang about others. She identified the two additional workers who had worked without permits on 1 January. Ms Zhang cooperated fully and had no prior convictions for similar offences. Her solicitor confirmed that no employees are currently working without permits and that the business is not very profitable. Judge Dermot Dempsey, aware that the maximum penalty for each offence is €4,000, fined Ms Zhang €300 for the first offence and €200 for the second offence, taking the third offence into consideration. The takeaway remains in operation under her management since August 2012.
At Balbriggan District Court, David Yeomons pleaded guilty to driving without insurance, driving without a driving licence, and having no NCT. Judge Dermot Dempsey disqualified him from driving for two years and fined him €400 for the insurance offence and €100 for the licence offence, taking the other charges into consideration. In a separate matter, Intaras Balans was alleged to have committed drink driving, driving while disqualified, driving without a licence, and possessing a false tax and insurance disc. The Director of Public Prosecutions directed summary disposal, keeping the case in the District Court. Judge Dempsey adjourned the proceedings until June 9th and remanded Balans on continuing bail. Additionally, Paul Nwoso was alleged to have drink driven and committed several other motoring offences. His case was adjourned until April 3rd, and he was remanded on continuing bail. A 17-year-old defendant, who pleaded guilty to theft from a Skerries pharmacy, was sentenced to three months' imprisonment, suspended, and bound to the peace for two years.
In Balbriggan District Court, Jackie Gallagher, aged 53, was convicted of stealing €50 from the purse of an 87‑year‑old dementia patient at Baldrumman Manor in Lusk on 18 April 2013. The theft was captured on CCTV. Gallagher, a former qualified nurse who had worked as a health‑check nurse and later as a carer, pleaded guilty. She explained that she had been struggling with depression and alcohol use, and that she had taken the money because she did not have enough for petrol. The judge described the act as despicable and imposed a fine of €750, noting that the victim was vulnerable and that the offence could not go unpunished. Gallagher has since stopped working as a carer and now sells electronic cigarettes and babysits. The conviction is final pending any appeal.
In a Balbriggan District Court hearing on 6 March 2014, a 21‑year‑old chef from Skerries, Richard Devine, pleaded guilty to assaulting a man named Shane Christy and causing criminal damage to Christy's car. The incident occurred on 3 May 2013 outside a Chinese takeaway in Rush, Co. Dublin, when Devine, allegedly intoxicated, approached Christy's Nissan Micra, headbutted and punched him, and then kicked the car door, resulting in €800 worth of damage. Christy suffered minor nose injuries. Devine, with no prior convictions, admitted the offence and sent an apology letter. Judge Dermot Dempsey warned that to avoid a conviction, Devine must pay compensation to Christy and complete 200 hours of voluntary work. The case was adjourned to 29 May for further proceedings.
At Balbriggan District Court, Peter Flood (32) pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after allegedly headbutting his former partner, breaking her nose. Judge Dermot Dempsey sentenced Flood to 240 hours of community service work in lieu of a six-month prison term, bound him to the peace for two years, and ordered him to continue anger management and drug treatment. In a separate matter, David El Masri (32) pleaded guilty to custody of equipment for making copies and ten charges of copying movies for sale. Judge Dempsey struck out the case after El Masri paid €500 to Balbriggan St Vincent de Paul and ordered the destruction of counterfeit material. Neil O'Brion (27) pleaded guilty to using threatening and abusive behaviour towards gardai. His case was struck out following a €500 donation to AWARE charity. Finally, Bridget McDonagh (27), who is alleged to have committed social welfare fraud by concealing allowances, was remanded on continuing bail. The judge granted the State eight additional weeks to complete the book of evidence, with McDonagh scheduled to reappear on May 8th.
Swords District Court heard several matters presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey. James Maguire pleaded guilty to using threatening and abusive behaviour and obstructing a garda. He was convicted and sentenced to three months in prison, suspended for two years, and fined €200. Wayne Reid admitted cultivating two cannabis plants and possessing cannabis herb. He received 240 hours of community service work in lieu of a two-month prison sentence. Austin O'Reilly was charged with harassing and intimidating people while begging. The case was dismissed after the defence successfully argued that the prosecuting garda failed to provide evidence regarding a licence or permit. Geoffrey Melia pleaded guilty to being intoxicated, using threatening and abusive behaviour, and causing criminal damage at Swords Garda Station. He was convicted and sentenced to four months in prison. Additionally, a bench warrant was issued for Paul McGoldrick, who was found guilty in his absence of unlawful possession of cocaine, for the purpose of sentencing.