A 23‑year‑old Dubliner, David Brannock, was found guilty of manslaughter for killing Jason Flannery and injuring several family members during a Junior Cert celebration. Brannock was cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter, serious harm to brother‑in‑law John O'Neill, and assault causing harm to Flannery's daughter Jade Byrne, son Anthony Byrne, and mother Claire Byrne. The trial recounted an argument that escalated into a violent chase, during which Brannock stabbed Flannery, O'Neill, and the Byrne children. Flannery died from a stab wound to the back of his neck and two stomach wounds. O'Neill suffered serious stab wounds to his throat and body, requiring surgery and a month in hospital. Jade and Anthony received stitches. Brannock was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on 2 December. David Brannock pleaded not guilty. Junior Cert pleaded not guilty.
The jury will resume deliberations on Thursday morning in the trial of a 23‑year‑old Dubliner, David Brannock, who is charged with murdering Jason Flannery, a father of three, and injuring four members of the Flannery family. Brannock is accused of causing serious harm to his brother‑in‑law, John O'Neill, and assault causing harm to Flannery's daughter, Jade Byrne; son, Anthony Byrne; and mother, Claire Byrne. He pleaded not guilty to all five offences on 13 September 2012. The case arose after an argument between Brannock and Jade Byrne during Junior Cert result celebrations, which escalated into a violent confrontation near Brannock's home. The defence seeks to have Brannock acquitted of murder and convicted of manslaughter on the grounds of self‑defence, citing that Flannery and Anthony Byrne had taken a crutch each when they left to chase him.
The jury has begun deliberating the trial of 23‑year‑old David Brannock, charged with murdering Jason Flannery and injuring four members of the Flannery family after a Junior Cert celebration in 2012. Brannock pleaded not guilty to all five offences on 13 September 2012. The case alleges that a heated argument with Jade Byrne escalated into a violent confrontation near Brannock's home. The defence seeks an acquittal on murder and a manslaughter conviction on self‑defence grounds, citing that Flannery and Anthony Byrne had taken a crutch each when they left to chase Brannock. The State argues Brannock returned to the Byrne/Flannery home in Cairn Court after being thrown out, luring occupants outside and assaulting them, with parts of his ornamental knife found there. Mr Justice Carroll Moran explained the jury's options: guilty of murder, not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter, or outright acquittal.
In the Central Criminal Court, a 23‑year‑old Dublin man, David Brannock, faces five charges: murder of Jason Flannery, serious harm to his brother‑in‑law John O'Neill, and assault causing harm to Flannery's daughter Jade Byrne, son Anthony Byrne, and mother Claire Byrne. Brannock pleaded not guilty to all offences on 13 September 2012. The prosecution argued that Brannock returned to the Byrne/Flannery home after being expelled, luring family members to St Joseph's Way where he allegedly assaulted them, citing a knife handle found at the scene. The defence claimed self‑defence, noting that the family pursued Brannock with a crutch and that the evidence of the knife handle was unclear. The jury was instructed to acquit Brannock of murder and convict him of manslaughter by reason of self‑defence, while the trial continued for the other charges.
In the murder trial of 23‑year‑old David Brannock, the Central Criminal Court heard evidence linking a knife handle found outside the victim's home to a blade recovered from Brannock's house. Detective Garda Seamus O'Donnell presented the handle, a similar handle from a neighbouring house, and a seven‑inch blood‑stained blade with a spider‑web design. He also showed a blood‑stained drawer under Brannock's bed containing an ornamental box that matched the reconstructed knife, which was assembled from the recovered pieces and measured over 30 cm. Forensic scientist Dr Stephen Clifford extracted a DNA profile from the blade that matched Brannock and a partial profile that matched John O'Neill, the victim's brother‑in‑law. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Carroll Moran, continues with a jury of five women and seven men. The case involves Brannock's charges of murder, serious harm to O'Neill, and assault causing harm to Jade Byrne, Anthony Byrne and Claire Byrne. David Brannock pleaded not guilty.
Elisa Lennon, a 38‑year‑old former civil servant, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to attempted robbery at Home Focus and the Ikea car park, and to robbery at Tansun Tan and Tone, all in Ballymun and Finglas, on 30 January 2013. She also admitted taking €25 and a Barnardos charity box from a tanning shop after a third failed robbery attempt. Lennon had previously failed to rob a Home Focus shop manager and an elderly lady in an Ikea car park, using a large kitchen knife and later a smaller knife. A passing motorist intervened by honking and later provided the BMW registration details, confirming Lennon's vehicle. Judge Mary Ellen Ring imposed a two‑and‑a‑half‑year suspended sentence, ordered probation supervision and completion of a Restorative Justice Programme, and praised the motorist's intervention. Lennon apologized to all victims and had no further contact with Gardaí since the court appearance. The €25 was never recovered.
During a murder trial in the Central Criminal Court, evidence was presented that a trail of blood led Garda Patrick Whelan from the body of Jason Flannery, who was stabbed in the back of his neck, to the home of the accused, 23‑year‑old David Brannock. Whelan arrived at St Joseph's Way shortly after 4.15 am, saw the deceased lying on the footpath with a silver crutch and blood speckles leading away, and followed the trail to Brannock's front door. Inside, he found Brannock hiding behind a shelving unit, claiming he was fixing the shelf. Brannock had been injured in a separate altercation and was arrested on suspicion of assault causing serious harm to Flannery. The trial also heard that Flannery died from a stab wound to the upper cervical spinal cord, with additional wounds to his stomach, and that his children and brother‑in‑law suffered serious injuries. David Brannock pleaded not guilty.
During the trial of 23‑year‑old David Brannock, John O'Neill gave evidence about an incident that occurred on the evening of 12 September 2012. O'Neill said he was at his sister Claire Byrne's home celebrating her daughter Jade's Junior Cert results when Brannock arrived after midnight. An argument ensued, Brannock threw bottles and shouted threats. O'Neill followed Brannock and his brother‑in‑law Jason Flannery and nephew Anthony Byrne out of the house. He found Flannery lying in a pool of blood and described a violent struggle in which he was struck in the throat. O'Neill claimed he felt a part of his gut falling out, a golf‑ball‑sized piece, and that he sustained seven stab wounds. He spent ten days in a coma, 25 days with a breathing tube, and nearly a month in hospital. Claire Byrne also testified, describing her attempt to protect her son and the violent encounter with Brannock. David Brannock pleaded not guilty.
In a trial at the Central Criminal Court, a 23‑year‑old Dublin man, David Brannock, pleaded not guilty to five offences, including the murder of Jason Flannery, the father of three, and serious harm to his siblings, mother and uncle. The alleged violent confrontation took place on 13 September 2012 at St Joseph's Way, Poppintree, Ballymun, after a Junior Cert celebration. Jade Byrne, aged 16, testified that she and her family were at a friend's house when Brannock arrived. An argument ensued, and Brannock was asked to leave. He allegedly returned, chased the family, and stabbed Flannery, who died on the scene. Brannock also stabbed Jade's brother, Anthony, and assaulted their mother, Claire, and uncle, John O'Neill, who sustained serious injuries. The prosecution argued that Brannock armed himself with a knife after being forced out of the house, while the defence suggested self‑defence.
A 23‑year‑old man from St Joseph's Way, Ballymun, denied all charges in a Central Criminal Court arraignment. He pleaded not guilty to murdering Jason Flannery on 13 September 2012 and to causing serious harm to John O'Neill, as well as to assaulting Jade Byrne, Anthony Byrne and Claire Byrne at the same time and place. Mr Justice Paul Carney sworn in a jury of five women and seven men, who will hear the case tomorrow. The two‑week trial will be the first murder case before the newly‑appointed Mr Justice Carroll Moran.
Two Travellers, Owen McDonagh Jnr (23) and Thomas McDonagh (22), were convicted of violent disorder for a May 12, 2013 attack on Gardaí at St Margarets Park, Ballymun. They were part of a group that hurled missiles—including a small motor and a rock—at the officers and threatened to kill them. The court found that Thomas had 92 prior convictions, including burglary and theft, and had recently been disqualified from driving for 20 years for driving without insurance. Owen had 27 prior convictions, including burglary, theft and road traffic offences. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced both men to two years' imprisonment, suspending one year of Owen's term. A third man, John McDonagh (18 at the time), received a suspended two‑year sentence. The incident involved Garda Ronan McMorrow and a second officer who pursued Thomas into the halting site, where the pair threatened and attacked them, forcing the officers to retreat for their safety.
Swords District Court heard several matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Brian Clarke, 28, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to Swords Educate Together School. He was convicted and sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years. The court ordered him to reside at his sister's address, notify gardai of any change, and pay €200 compensation by February. Dean Whelan, 27, pleaded guilty to theft from a shop. The case was adjourned until December 15th for a Probation report and urine analysis; the judge warned of custody if the report is unsatisfactory. Tracey Brookes and Karen Dooley, accused of theft from three stores, elected trial by jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. They were remanded on continuing bail to re-appear on December 2nd for service of the Book of Evidence. Adam Meehan, 21, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cocaine and methoxyphenamine tablets. The case was struck out after he complied with an order to pay €400 to charity and complete 240 hours of voluntary work, avoiding a conviction. David Lawrence, 19, charged with intoxication and threatening behaviour, had his case adjourned until November 17th pending receipt of CCTV footage.
Paul O'Shea, aged 26, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to five years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended, for threatening to kill former partner Louise Jackson and her colleague Stephen Preston on 2 January 2013 at Owensilla, Ballymun. He was also ordered to stay away from both victims for 20 years. O'Shea pleaded guilty and had 48 prior convictions, including indecent telephone messages, assault, robbery, theft and burglary. He was addicted to drugs at the time of the offences. The sentence runs consecutively to a two‑and‑a‑half‑year term he is currently serving for sexually assaulting a female student nurse. O'Shea had been in a relationship with Jackson for six years and they have a child. Jackson had broken up with him after he was charged with sexual assault. She had tried to leave his house but he threatened to "punch the head off her" and later to "slit her throat" with a knife.
Balbriggan District Court heard several matters presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey. Damien Costello pleaded guilty to the theft of €20 of petrol from Topaz on the Ballymun Road on May 10th, 2013, and the theft of €20 of petrol from Applegreen Service Station on the M1 at Lusk on July 22nd, 2013. The Judge stated he would consider Costello for 200 hours of community service in lieu of a two-month prison sentence if Probation Services deem him suitable. Costello was remanded on continuing bail to re-appear on December 11th. Jevgenijs Zurila is charged with the theft of two containers of diesel valued at €150 from Bently Bros Ltd in Lusk on August 14th, and trespass at the same business on that date. The case was adjourned until October 30th. Stephen Nyantakyi is charged with being intoxicated at Hamlet Lane in Balbriggan on September 18th. This matter was adjourned until October 23rd. Przemyslaw Kutak is charged with the theft of six bottles of wine valued at €48 from Supervalu in Lusk on September 22nd, and the theft of two bottles of wine valued at €16 from the same store on September 27th. A bench warrant was issued for his arrest. Additionally, seven vehicles, 25 airbags, seven Eco units, and one car radio were forfeited to the State under the Police Property Act following a search in Balbriggan.
Swords District Court heard several matters presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey. Sean Brennan, 32, pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour outside Wright's Cafe Bar on June 7th. He was ordered to complete 240 hours of community service work in lieu of a two-month prison sentence. Thomas Nicholson, 23, was charged with the theft of an €18,000 mini digger from Balbriggan on March 6th. The matter was sent forward for trial at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, and Nicholson was remanded on continuing bail. Gary Daly, 25, pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of PVP, valued at €1,300, found at his home on November 16th last year. The court adjourned the case until December 15th to allow for a Probation and Welfare report to assess his suitability for a 240-hour community service order in lieu of a four-month prison sentence. James Egan, 29, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a blood, urine, or breath sample at Ballymun Garda Station on December 12th last year. He was convicted, fined €600, and disqualified from driving for four years, with the disqualification postponed for five months until March 30th. Aldona Pastuhova, 42, was charged with having a dog off its lead in a public place. The case was adjourned until November 17th due to the unavailability of the prosecuting garda.
Balbriggan District Court heard multiple matters. Keith Daly pleaded guilty to handling stolen property but was remanded on continuing bail pending a probation report, with the case adjourned to December 11. Lorna Daly, John Scott, and Grainne Kealy were remanded on continuing bail; Daly faces alleged charges of making off without paying and using a false plate, while Scott and Kealy face alleged dangerous driving and careless driving charges, with their cases adjourned to December 11. Denise Creagh pleaded guilty to theft and was convicted, fined €100, and warned of potential custody for future offences. James Whelan pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis and failing to display L-plates; the unaccompanied driving charge was struck out, and he was fined €175. Roberts Trascenko pleaded guilty to drink driving, was convicted, fined €400, and disqualified for two years. Chris Lyaba pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage, and his case was adjourned to January 22 to allow time for compensation. Genadijs Ogurcovs was charged with theft from two shops, and his case was adjourned to October 23 for a plea or hearing date.
Swords District Court handed down sentences to several defendants. John Budgie McDonagh pleaded guilty to stealing a leather jacket and tools worth €87 from TK Maxx on February 11th. Judge Dermot Dempsey convicted him and imposed a six-month prison term, noting he was beyond probation. Co-accused Owen McDonagh pleaded guilty to stealing shoes valued at €54.99 from the same store on the same date. He received a five-month sentence suspended for two years. Stephen O'Doherty pleaded guilty to taking a car without permission and burglary on August 5th, 2013. Judge Dempsey sentenced him to eight months in prison to run concurrently with a term he is already serving. Lisa Jenkins pleaded guilty to three thefts from TK Maxx totaling €842. She was remanded on continuing bail until October 6th for a Probation & Welfare report. Caroline McAleer pleaded guilty to driving without insurance on October 19th last year and was remanded on continuing bail to re-appear on September 1st for facts to be heard. Neil Curran is alleged to have assaulted Peter Lynch causing harm; the DPP directed trial on indictment, and he was remanded on continuing bail. Co-accused Jennifer Quinn, charged with assaulting Mr Lynch and using threatening behaviour, was remanded on continuing bail to re-appear on September 1st for a plea or to fix a hearing date.
Brian Nick McBennett, 54, of Ard Collum Avenue, Artane, was charged on 3 July 2013 with membership of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) before the Special Criminal Court. He was one of seven men charged on the same date, including Peter Burns, Kevin Braney, Michael Barr, John Brock, Declan Phelan and Desmond Christie. The court considered objections from the Gardaí, who argued that McBennett was a senior IRA member who might continue his alleged activities if released and that a €5,000 surety was insufficient. McBennett's counsel sought temporary bail to allow him to attend his grandchild's christening. Judge Paul Butler granted temporary bail from 9 am on 1 August to 4 pm on 4 August, with an independent surety of €8,000 and a 24‑hour curfew on all days except 3 August. The decision was made despite Garda objections and the seriousness of the charge.
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.
In a Dublin court on 12 May 2014, Thomas Ryan, aged 32, was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment for the attempted murder of Patrick Charles O'Neill, a 51‑year‑old cyclist, on 26 August 2013. Ryan admitted shooting O'Neill in the stomach with a double‑barrel sawn‑off shotgun, an act that left O'Neill with a bowel section removed and in intensive care until 11 September. Ryan also shot himself in the leg while handling the weapon, an accidental self‑injury that was noted by the court. The judge, Mr Justice Paul Carney, suspended the final two years of the sentence, citing Ryan's early guilty plea and admissions. The sentence was back‑dated to 28 August 2013 to account for time already spent in custody. The court heard that Ryan had 13 prior convictions and that the incident was linked to a drug‑related debt.
In August 2013 a Dublin man, Thomas Ryan, 32, shot Patrick Charles O'Neill, 51, on Glasnevin Avenue in Ballymun. O'Neill was cycling with a friend when a man in a baseball cap fired a shot at his stomach. Ryan later shot himself with the same gun. O'Neill was taken to a resident's house where a doctor applied a dressing before he was handed to A&E. Ryan was observed by gardai with a large wound on his upper thigh. He admitted to having built up a debt due to drugs and to feeling threatened, saying he would kill O'Neill if he went to the gardai. O'Neill required bowel removal and stayed in intensive care until 11 September. Ryan has 13 prior convictions and was remanded for sentencing next Monday. The court heard that Ryan's remorse was genuine and that he was not a gangland figure. The case was prosecuted by Gerardine Small SC and defended by Michael O'Higgins SC. Thomas Ryan pleaded guilty.
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.
The Special Criminal Court has granted bail variations to two men accused of IRA membership. Darren Murphy, 42, of Dublin, sought a reduction in his bail surety to fund kitchen renovations. Although gardai objected, citing a strong danger of reoffending, the court compromised by reducing his independent surety from €20,000 to €15,000. Murphy remains subject to existing bail conditions. Co-accused John Brock, 40, of Tallaght, was granted temporary bail for the Easter period, from April 17 to 21. Despite gardai objections regarding his residence at multiple addresses and a previous bail breach, the court granted bail on the condition that he reside at a single address in Tallaght. He must observe a 24-hour curfew, with the court refusing an exception for DIY work. Murphy and seven co-accused, including Kevin Braney, Des Christie, Eamon McNamee, Hubert Duffy, William Jackson, and Declan Phelan, are charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, namely the IRA. They are scheduled to stand trial on January 13, 2015. Brock and four others, including Braney, Phelan, and Christie, face separate IRA membership charges arising from a July 2013 arrest, with their trial set for June 9, 2015. All charges are alleged or contested, and no pleas, findings, or sentences have been recorded.
A 42‑year‑old Dutch man, Jacky Lumi, was sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering his flatmate, Kamal El Habsati, in a Dublin apartment after a dispute over a €4 internet bill. Lumi stabbed El Habsati 21 times, leaving a knife in his heart, and fled across Europe before surrendering in Rome. He had previously complained that El Habsati was slow to pay bills, did not clean, and cooked at night. Lumi had also threatened to kill him if he stayed. During the trial, Lumi pleaded not guilty, seeking a manslaughter verdict on the basis of provocation, citing a brief argument and his own mental health diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder. The Central Criminal Court found him guilty of murder by a 11‑to‑one majority, and Judge Patrick McCarthy imposed a mandatory life sentence. The case ended with Lumi acknowledging his guilt and expressing a desire for the death penalty.
In the Central Criminal Court, Jacky Lumi, aged 42, continues to face trial for the murder of his flatmate, Kamal El Habsati, a 31‑year‑old Moroccan‑born Dutch national. The alleged killing occurred on 1 December 2012 in a Dublin apartment. Lumi, who had fled to Europe but later surrendered in Rome, pleaded not guilty and seeks a manslaughter verdict, claiming provocation and loss of control after a dispute over unpaid bills and late‑night cooking. The prosecution presented evidence that El Habsati had been slow to pay rent and bills, and that a physical fight erupted when he refused to pay an internet bill. The jury, composed of seven men and five women, has deliberated for five hours over two days and will resume tomorrow morning before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy. The case remains in the deliberation stage.
A jury has begun deliberations in the trial of Jacky Lumi, 42, who is charged with murdering his flatmate Kamal El Habsati, 31, in a Dublin apartment. The alleged killing occurred on 1 December 2012 after a dispute over bills. El Habsati was found a few days later with a knife protruding from his heart and 21 stab wounds. Lumi had previously fled across Europe but returned to Ireland after surrendering in Rome. His defence lawyers have requested a verdict of manslaughter, claiming that Lumi was provoked by El Habsati and lost control. The trial heard that El Habsati had annoyed Lumi by being slow to pay rent and by cooking after midnight, and that a physical fight began when El Habsati refused to pay an internet bill. The jury, consisting of seven men and five women, deliberated for just over three hours before asking the judge to repeat the definitions of murder and manslaughter. Jacky Lumi pleaded not guilty.
In the Central Criminal Court, Jacky Lumi, 42, pleads not guilty to murdering Dutch national Kamal El Habsati, 31, on 1 December 2012. El Habsati was found in their Dublin flat with a knife in his heart and 21 stab wounds. Lumi, who had fled to Europe and later returned to Ireland, is defended by Patrick Marrinan SC, who urges the jury to convict him of manslaughter rather than murder. Marrinan argues that a temporary loss of control, provocation, and Lumi's martial‑arts training to seize the knife could reduce the charge. Prosecutor Caroline Biggs SC counters that Lumi set up the confrontation, disconnected the victim's internet, and that his actions show self‑control, supporting a murder conviction. Judge Patrick McCarthy has instructed a jury of seven men and five women to deliberate tomorrow.
Jacky Lumi, 42, stands trial at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of fellow Dutch national Kamal El Habsati, 31, who was found dead in their Dublin apartment on 1 December 2012 with a knife protruding from his chest. Lumi, who had previously fled to Europe and later returned to Ireland after surrendering in Rome, pleaded not guilty but admitted to being 100 per cent guilty during a police interview shown to the jury. He explained that a long‑term diagnosis of borderline personality disorder and depression, coupled with a history of burnout, had contributed to a confrontation over rent and bills. He claimed that a dispute over unpaid money led him to "snap," knock El Habsati to the floor, seize a knife, and stab him 21 times. The jury, presided over by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, must decide whether Lumi is guilty of murder or manslaughter.
Jacky Lumi, 42, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Kamal El Habsati, 31, in their Dublin flat on 1 December 2012. The victim was found in the bathroom with a knife in his chest after his employer reported him missing. Lumi claimed he was a 'psychopath' and that the 21 stab wounds inflicted were a 'massacre'. He said he could only recall stabbing the victim two or three times, but the court heard he had stabbed him 21 times. Lumi also admitted to fleeing across Europe, eventually surrendering in Rome, and described his emotional state and family reactions. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury, who must decide whether Lumi is guilty of murder or manslaughter. The article reports only the facts presented in the trial and does not state any outcome.
In December 2012, Dutch national Kamal El Habsati, aged 31, stabbed his flatmate Jacky Lumi to death in their Dublin apartment. El Habsati fled across Europe and later surrendered to police in Rome. He was repatriated to the Netherlands and banned from Italy for five years. The case is now before the Central Criminal Court, where El Habsati has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Detective Sergeant Patrick O'Toole testified that after discovering the body, he requested an Interpol alert for Lumi, who was in Rome. Lumi called to confirm the death and said El Habsati had admitted to stabbing him. The trial continues before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, with a jury of seven men and five women to decide the outcome.
In a Dublin murder trial, a 42‑year‑old man, Kamal El Habsati, was found dead with a knife in his chest on 5 December 2012. The accused, 31, claimed he had told his letting agent on 29 November that he was leaving because he would "end up killing" his flatmate, citing a dispute over bills. The agent, Bobby Prenderville, said the accused was unhappy at work and fed up with the flatmate, Jacky Lumi, who had left the country by the time the body was discovered. Prenderville recalled that the accused had said he would kill him, but he had not taken it seriously. The accused pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court, where the case is heard by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury. The trial continues.
A 31‑year‑old man, Kamal El Habsati, was found dead in his Dublin apartment on 5 December 2012 with a knife protruding from his chest and 21 stab wounds, described by the court as a case of overkill. His employer had reported him missing after several days of absence, and his flatmate, Jacky Lumi, a 42‑year‑old Dutch man who had left the country by the time of the discovery, later told Gardaí that he had stabbed El Habsati following a dispute over bills. Lumi is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, charged with murdering El Habsati on 1 December 2012. The state pathologist, Professor Marie Casssidy, testified that the wounds involved the heart, lungs and liver, with the knife left in the heart, and that the pattern suggested some defensive injuries and that the victim may have been on the ground when some wounds were inflicted. The unnamed 31-year-old pleaded not guilty.
A man, Jacky Lumi, aged 42, stood trial in the Central Criminal Court for the murder of his 31‑year‑old flatmate, Kamal El Habsati, on 1 December 2012 at their apartment in Ballymun. The case arose after a dispute over bills. Both men worked together at Stream Global Services, but their relationship had deteriorated. Lumi had resigned a week before the incident but claimed he would work until the end of December. On 3 December neither man appeared for work, prompting Lumi to contact the letting agent. The agent and a colleague found the apartment with blood and a knife in the deceased's chest. Lumi admitted to a fight, throwing El Habsati to the ground and stabbing him, but denied pre‑meditation, stating he "lost it and snapped." The prosecution argued the act was murder, while the defence suggested manslaughter. The trial proceeded before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of seven men and five women.
Swords District Court heard several matters presided over by Judge Dempsey. David Wheatley, who pleaded not guilty to causing criminal damage at the home of Thazman Byrne, was convicted after the judge accepted CCTV evidence. He was fined €400, bound to the peace for one year, and ordered to stay away from Ormond Close and have no contact with the victim. Dawid Morkowski pleaded guilty to trespass at St Colmcille's Parochial House and was remanded on continuing bail for a Probation & Welfare Report. Mark Gavin pleaded guilty to the theft of Nike runners and was similarly remanded on continuing bail for a report. Shane Lynch pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis and was ordered to provide €500 to the court. Karlos Verbickas pleaded guilty to trespass and the theft of two bicycles and an iPhone; he was sentenced to five months in prison. Brian Murphy pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening behaviour; his case was struck out after he paid a €200 charitable donation. Gareth O'Connell, who also pleaded guilty to the same offences, was convicted and fined €300 for intoxication and €100 for threatening behaviour after failing to pay the full donation.
A Dutch man, Jacky Lumi, aged 42 and originally from Holland, will stand trial for the murder of 31‑year‑old Kamal El Habsati on 1 December 2012 at Linn Bhla, Santry Cross in Ballymun. Lumi, who has no fixed abode, pleaded not guilty. The trial will begin Thursday before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy at the Central Criminal Court and is expected to last seven days, with a jury of seven men and five women.
High Court Judge John Edwards granted bail to Adam Busby, a 64-year-old self-styled Scottish separatist, pending the outcome of his Supreme Court appeal against a High Court order for his surrender to UK authorities. Busby, who has multiple sclerosis and is wheelchair-bound, is alleged by UK authorities to have made a series of hoax threats between November 2009 and June 2010. These allegations include threatening to contaminate UK water supplies, sending packages containing poisonous substances to public figures, and claiming bombs would detonate at locations in Glasgow and Edinburgh. The bail conditions require Busby to keep the peace, be on good behaviour, and refrain from accessing the internet. He is permitted to use a basic mobile phone for routine calls, provided he informs gardaí of dialed numbers and submits the device for call record checks. The judge indicated he would approve residence at the Granby Centre, Dublin 1, and remanded Busby in custody pending confirmation of that placement. The Supreme Court appeal is listed for mention on May 1, 2014. Previously, in July 2010, a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court jury found Busby guilty of causing annoyance by sending emails to the British Airports Authority claiming bombs were on flights to New York, resulting in a two-year jail sentence. He was also convicted by the Special Criminal Court in 1997 and sentenced to two years for making threatening phone calls to the Press Association and the Scottish Daily Record.
A 32‑year‑old Dublin man, Thomas Ryan of McKee Park, pleaded guilty to attempting to murder Patrick Charles O'Neill on 26 August 2013 at Glasnevin Avenue, Ballymun. He was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court, where Mr Justice Paul Carney ordered a victim impact report and remanded him in custody for sentencing on 6 May.
Adam Busby, 64, a self‑styled Scottish separatist with multiple sclerosis confined to a wheelchair, is awaiting a decision on his bail application while he awaits a Supreme Court appeal. He was extradited to the UK by a High Court order after being arrested in Dublin under a European Arrest Warrant. The charges allege that between November 2009 and June 2010 he telephoned and texted hoax bomb‑warnings and poison threats to Scottish newspapers, the Press Association, the Samaritans, and public figures, claiming bombs would detonate at various sites including the Argyll Arcade, Hilton Hotel, Forth Road Bridge and Erskine Bridge. In the High Court, counsel for the Minister for Justice objected to bail, citing a risk of further offences and potential delay of extradition, while counsel for Busby argued there was no evidence he would frustrate the process.
A 45‑year‑old man named Stephen Hendrick, from Balbutcher Drive, Ballymun, Dublin 11, was arrested in July 2014 at a yard in Cloghran by the Special Detective Unit and the Crime and Security Section during investigations into dissident republican activity. He was charged at an out‑of‑hours sitting of the Special Criminal Court on 3 July with membership of an unlawful organisation, the Irish Republican Army (IRA), and with possession of ammunition in suspicious circumstances at Furry Park, Turnapin Great, Old Airport Road, Cloghran. His solicitor, Michael Finucane, requested a trial date. Counsel for the State, Mr Garnet Orange BL, estimated the trial would last five days. Judge Paul Butler set the trial for 14 April 2015, instructing Hendrick, who is on bail, to notify the prosecution within 14 days if he intends to rely on an alibi and to give notice 21 days before the trial if he wishes to call witnesses.
Swords District Court heard five matters. Henry Afeni (49) pleaded guilty to making a gain or causing loss by deception at TK Max in Swords. Judge Patrick Clyne suspended a five-month sentence for two years and proposed 100 hours of community service, adjourning the case until April 28 for a Probation Report. Debra Maguire (44) pleaded not guilty to handling stolen goods but was found guilty; the court ordered a Probation & Welfare report and adjourned sentencing until April 28. Robert Trnovec (38) pleaded guilty to drink driving and received a two-year disqualification and a €250 fine. Anne-Marie McGill (50) pleaded guilty to theft of a cardigan; the judge applied the Probation Act. Declan Fitzsimons (34) pleaded guilty to using threatening and abusive behaviour; the judge proposed a €500 charitable donation to avoid a conviction, with a default fine of €500, and set a deadline of April 28.
In Balbriggan District Court, Philip Dunne (28) of Woodland Court, Rush, faced charges of failing to give a blood sample, criminal damage, and dangerous driving on November 14th. His case was adjourned until March 27th following a disclosure order request by his solicitor, Fiona Darcy. Aaron Conway (20) of Aghaneen Park, Dundalk, pleaded guilty to possession of counterfeit cigarettes for sale without excise duty. His case was struck out after he made a €300 charitable donation to Balbriggan St Vincent De Paul Society. Mark Duignam (37) of Palmer Court, Rush, had his four-month suspended sentence activated after breaching bail conditions. He was previously convicted in May 2013 for theft of €57 worth of groceries from Supervalu in Lusk. Judge Coughlan sentenced him to four months in prison. Noel Orange (30) of Reynoldstown, The Naul, was charged with refusing to give a blood sample on January 31st. His case was adjourned for hearing, with a remand on continuing bail to appear before Swords District Court on March 10th. William O'Gorman (39) of Baron's Hall House, Balbriggan, was charged with theft of a track suit top from St Vincent de Paul on February 14th. His case was remanded on continuing bail until March 28th, with free legal aid granted. Balbriggan Sunday Market was an applicant in a case involving possession of counterfeit cigarettes for sale without excise duty and refusal to give a blood sample, with charges admitted and a guilty plea.
The Special Criminal Court has fixed a trial date of June 9, 2015, for seven men accused of membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA. The accused are Peter Burns (39) of Glenshane Crescent, Tallaght; Kevin Braney (39) of Glenshane Crescent, Tallaght; Michael Barr (33) of Carlton Court, Poppintree, Ballymun; Brian Nick McBennett (54) of Ard Collum Avenue, Artane; John Brock (41) of Glenview Park, Tallaght; Declan Phelan (31) of Lanndale Lawns, Tallaght; and Desmond Christie (49) of Liam Mellows Road, Finglas. All were charged on July 3 last year. Mr Justice Paul Butler presided and noted it was "most unfortunate" that defendants face such long pre-trial custody, acknowledging the presumption of innocence. Defence counsel Mr Jim Mc Cullough BL argued that Des Christie, in custody since July 5, 2013, would spend 23 months in custody before trial, citing a prima facie breach of the European Convention on Human Rights. The judge stated the court's dates were full. The matter was adjourned to the fixed trial date.
Kevin Braney, 39, of Tallaght, was granted temporary bail by the Special Criminal Court for the Christmas period, effectively placing him under house arrest. He is charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, namely the IRA, a charge he shares with seven co-accused: Des Christie, Eamon McNamee, Hubert Duffy, William Jackson, Declan Phelan, John Brock, and Darren Murphy. All eight men are alleged to have been involved in membership of the IRA. Mr. Braney had previously been granted bail on April 11, 2013, but gardai objected to his current application, alleging he breached prior conditions by associating with co-accused. Detective Inspector Michael Gibbons stated that gardai believed Mr. Braney would continue to commit offences. Mr. Justice Paul Butler accepted the objection but noted Mr. Braney was not deemed a flight risk. The court offered a compromise, changing his place of detention from Portlaoise Prison to his home address. Bail was granted from 9:00 am on December 23 to 4:00 pm on December 28, subject to a 24-hour curfew, an independent surety of €7,000, and a prohibition on associating with co-accused or anyone charged with a scheduled offence. The curfew was lifted between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm on Christmas Day to allow Mr. Braney to visit his mother's grave. The court acknowledged that granting bail imposed additional monitoring work on gardai.
In a burglary case, Raymond O'Hara, a resident of St Mary's Mansions in Dublin 1, was charged with breaking into the Portmarnock Hotel at Golf Links on 11 December 2012. He allegedly attempted to access the cash register and took several bottles of alcohol before leaving. The Director of Public Prosecutions directed a summary disposal of the case. Defence solicitor Patrick Jackson sought a hearing date and requested CCTV footage. Judge Dermot Dempsey remanded O'Hara on continuing bail to re‑appear before Swords District Court on 27 January for the case to be heard. Separately, Martin Maughan, 42, of St Margaret's Park in Ballymun, was convicted in his absence of driving without insurance and without a licence after he reversed into his driveway when Garda Keith Delaney saw him. Maughan, who has 97 previous convictions, had a bench warrant issued for his arrest for sentencing.
The Special Criminal Court granted limited Christmas bail to Declan Phelan and John Brock, who are accused of membership of an unlawful organisation, specifically the IRA, on July 3, 2013. Both men were arrested while already on bail for a previous IRA membership charge, which Detective Inspector Michael Gibbons stated they breached by associating with persons charged with scheduled offences. Despite garda objections, Justice Paul Butler granted Phelan bail from December 23 to January 2, 2014, requiring a €20,000 independent surety and conditions prohibiting association with those charged or convicted of scheduled offences. Brock was granted bail from December 23 to 28 on a full curfew, supported by a €7,000 surety. The court noted neither man would stand trial before 2015. The trial for Phelan, Brock, and co-accused Peter Burns and Michael Barr, all charged with the same offence on July 3, 2013, was set for June 9, 2015. Co-accused Kevin Braney, Brian Nick McBennett, and Desmond Christie, also charged with IRA membership, were remanded to appear before the court on January 21.
Eight men from Dublin were arrested on Good Friday after a Garda search of a commercial premises in Clondalkin, part of an investigation into dissident republicans. They were charged on March 29, 2013, before the Special Criminal Court with membership of an unlawful organisation, namely Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the Irish Republican Army (IRA). The accused – Kevin Braney (38), Des Christie (49), Eamon McNamee (32), Hubert Duffy (45), William Jackson (53), Declan Phelan (31), John Brock (40) and Darren Murphy (42) – were all brought before the court on Easter Sunday. Counsel for the State, Vincent Heneghan, said evidence had been served and the trial was expected to take about six weeks. Judge Paul Butler set the trial for January 13, 2015, and instructed the men that any alibi defence must be notified within 14 days, with witnesses only allowed to appear with 21 days' notice. The court would adjust its schedule to accommodate the case.
Seven men from Dublin were charged with membership of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) at a Special Criminal Court hearing in July 2013. The accused – Peter Burns (39), Kevin Braney (39), Michael Barr (33), Brian Nick McBennett (54), John Brock (41), Declan Phelan (31) and Desmond Christie (49) – were all charged on the same date, 3 July, with membership of an unlawful organisation. Four of them – Braney, Phelan, Brock and Christie – had also been arrested on Good Friday following a Garda search of a commercial premises in Clondalkin, and were charged again on 29 March 2013. Mr Vincent Heneghan BL for the State announced that books of evidence could be served on all accused. Judge Paul Butler scheduled the case for mention again on 11 December and noted that the next hearing could be conducted via video link, though he would adjourn if the matter turned into something else and required the accused to appear in person.
A 45‑year‑old man named Stephen Hendrick of Ballymun, Dublin, was charged with membership of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and possession of ammunition. He was arrested in July at a yard in Cloghran by the Special Detective Unit and the Crime and Security Section. At an out‑of‑hours sitting of the Special Criminal Court, he was formally charged with IRA membership and with possessing ammunition in suspicious circumstances. The State served a book of evidence on him, and the court will remand him on continuing bail until December 6, when the case will be listed for mention.