Istvan Hatos, 31, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to cultivating cannabis at his home to treat sleep apnoea. Gardaí raided his house on 17 February 2014 and found 32 mature plants in two tents upstairs, 10 immature plants in a downstairs bathroom, and dried leaves on a bedroom door. Hatos said he bought seeds online, learned growing from YouTube, and had not intended to sell the crop, hoping instead to have a year's supply for his condition. He had previously been convicted of using a false instrument to claim welfare. Judge Martin Nolan noted the unexpected success of the cultivation, Hatos' cooperation, and lack of intent to sell, and sentenced him to 18 months in prison, suspended on strict conditions.
In a Dublin court hearing, 42‑year‑old Michael Bonner pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after stabbing Gary Dawnay twice in the shoulder with a steak knife. The attack occurred at Hayworth Terrace, Ongar, when Bonner discovered Dawnay in bed with his ex‑partner. Dawnay's left lung collapsed over 50 % and he required a chest drain. Bonner admitted the stabbing immediately, apologised and claimed he had drunk eight or nine pints that night. He was described as a long‑time barman who has worked at The Vineyard in Blanchardstown for 12 years and has been involved in charity work. Judge Desmond Hogan noted the lack of pre‑meditation and that the assault was a "frenzied" reaction. Sentencing was adjourned to allow Probation Services to assess Bonner's suitability for the Restorative Justice Programme, while a custodial sentence was not ruled out. The victim impact statement was presented but not read out.
Lateef Bello, 42, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to attempted murder of Adejoke Opesusi and related offences. Bello, originally from Africa and a taxi driver, claimed he believed his wife was being poisoned by a neighbour and that a separate neighbour had influenced her. On 18‑19 February 2012, he used a fire extinguisher to break car windshields, smashed a house front window, and entered Opesusi's home with two knives. He stabbed her, choked her, and also stabbed her daughter. He fled through a bedroom window when police approached but was apprehended. Prior to the incident, Bello had threatened self‑harm and accused his wife of infidelity. Garda investigation and a psychiatric assessment diagnosed him with schizophrenia. The trial is set before Mr Justice Paul McDermott with a jury of twelve.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Joseph Morgan, aged 31, received a suspended three‑year prison sentence for stealing from the parochial house of Fr Joseph McLoughlin in Blanchardstown on 7 July 2012. The judge, Mary Ellen Ring, suspended the sentence in full on the condition that Morgan be supervised by probation services for 18 months and comply with drug treatment, rehabilitation, training and employment directives. Morgan had previously failed to appear at a court date, leading to a bench warrant, but the court noted that probation services remained willing to work with him. He had been found in possession of stolen items, including a box of tablets and foreign‑currency notes, and had a history of 65 prior convictions, including two burglaries. The judge warned Morgan that he was "running a fine line" and urged strict adherence to the terms of his sentence. Joseph Morgan pleaded guilty.
In December 2014, the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court set a March hearing for Alan Wilson, 34, to appeal his conviction and seven‑year sentence for assault causing harm at Dromheath Drive, Blanchardstown, on 3 June 2009. Wilson had pleaded not guilty to trespass and assault, was found guilty by a jury, and sentenced by Judge Desmond Hogan on 12 April 2013. He applied for bail pending appeal. Judge Michael Peart, joined by Judges John Edwards and George Birmingham, noted the Court of Appeal's reluctance to decide the bail application without DPP submissions or a trial transcript, yet scheduled the appeal for 23–24 March to avoid prejudice. Wilson's barrister, Padraig Dwyer SC, argued that Wilson's prior conviction and lack of victim evidence, combined with the jury's perception of a bullet‑proof vest implying gang involvement, prejudiced the verdict. Dwyer contended the judge's jury charge effectively conceded this prejudice. The appeal will address both conviction and sentence.
Ibrahim Moradi (23) of Birchwood Heights and Adnan Mohamadzadeh (24) of Belgard Square, both in Tallaght, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to falsely imprisoning Roman Bobowicz on June 25, 2012. Both admitted to the charge and pleaded guilty. Judge Mary Ellen Ring ordered Moradi and Mohamadzadeh to perform 220 hours of community service in lieu of a two and a half year sentence. Both men handed over compensation in court, with Moradi contributing €1,500 and Mohamadzadeh €2,000. They also offered an apology to the victim. Jalal Moradi (24) of Pinelawn, Old Bawn, was previously sentenced last July and ordered to perform 220 hours of community service in lieu of a two and a half year sentence. He had handed over €1,000 compensation on that date and was given 12 months to gather a further €1,000. The case is at the sentence stage, with no suspended portions, effective custody, or adjournments mentioned.
At Balbriggan District Court, Judge Dermot Dempsey struck out cases against Thomas and Alan Larkin after they paid €500 to St Vincent de Paul. Thomas Larkin (36) pleaded guilty to assaulting a youth causing harm, while Alan Larkin (33) pleaded guilty to producing a wheel brace. The court heard the brothers reacted to youths throwing rocks at their car, which contained a baby. Judge Dempsey warned them they cannot take the law into their own hands. Keith Daly (21) pleaded guilty to handling stolen property, specifically a red Carrera mountain bike. He was placed on a 12-month Probation Bond, ordered to comply with Probation Services recommendations, engage in Offence Focus work, and be assessed for training and employment. Julian Donnelly (28) pleaded guilty to possession of €20 of cannabis resin. He was convicted and fined €300. Judge Dempsey noted he had no evidence Donnelly had stopped using drugs since March and warned he was sailing close to a prison sentence. Damien Costello (35) pleaded guilty to stealing €20 of petrol from two service stations. He paid €100 in compensation and was placed on a 12-month Probation Bond. Meanwhile, cases for John Scott (36), charged with dangerous driving and having excessively worn tyres, and Grainne Kealy (56), charged with driving without due caution and attention, were adjourned until January 8th for a plea or to fix a hearing date, as solicitors awaited outstanding statements and photographs.
Jason Whelan, 24, of Ballymun, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to five counts of burglary, theft and criminal damage committed between 18 August and 1 October 2012. He targeted staff locker rooms at the Swan Leisure Centre in Rathmines, the Crown Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown Shopping Centre and Maximillian's Bistro. In the Swan Centre he broke into six male staff lockers, stealing items worth €5,867, including a laptop, a Trek bike, iPods, iPads, a Kindle Touch, smartphones, kit bags, cycling shorts, a wash bag and cash. Earlier that year he also burgled a guest room at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, stealing a purse, handbag, hair straighteners and a camera, and damaged 13 hotel staff lockers. Whelan had 71 prior convictions, including 29 burglaries and 30 thefts, and was on High Court bail for four other offences. He was sentenced to three years' imprisonment.
Luke Dunne, 21, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Court to assault causing serious harm after a random unprovoked attack on Joseph Nolan, 24, at Fortlawn Park, Blanchardstown on 9 June 2012. Nolan suffered a life‑threatening skull fracture, a brain clot, severe facial palsy, nerve damage, and hearing loss in one ear, preventing him from working as a DJ. He was left unconscious, choking on his own blood, with his left ear nearly torn. The court sentenced Dunne to five and a half years, suspending the final 12 months. Judge Mary Ellen Ring cited Dunne's admission at arrest and lack of prior convictions as reasons for the suspended portion, noting that his cooperation relieved Nolan of additional trauma. Nolan's victim impact statement highlighted the lasting effects on his health, work, and personal relationships. The case involved a gang of youths, a bottle‑throwing incident, and subsequent drug‑related admissions by Dunne.
Eoin Maughan, 37, a Westmeath member of the Travelling Community, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to endangerment, dangerous driving and criminal damage after a high‑speed chase that began in Dublin and ended in Wicklow. The chase started when Maughan's grey Renault Laguna failed to stop at a roundabout in Tallaght, then drove the wrong way around a roundabout, overtook cars on a blind bend and on the wrong side of the road, and entered Brittas village where he attempted to ram a garda patrol car. He drove through the village, was pursued by a garda helicopter, and tried to escape by crashing through a stone wall near the waterworks at Bohernabreena. The pursuit ended when gardai arrested him. During questioning he became aggressive, was pepper‑sprayed, broke an interview table, and punched a garda. The court found the damage to garda vehicles cost €10,874, and that gardai suffered whiplash, facial injuries and one required surgery.
A 23‑year‑old Lithuanian man, Juozaponis Sarunas, also known as Tomas Banaitis, was sentenced to 39 months in prison for possession of a semi‑automatic pistol and ammunition in suspicious circumstances, and for holding a fake Lithuanian driving licence. The licence, issued in the name of Banaitis, was found alongside an authentic Lithuanian ID card bearing Sarunas's real name. Gardaí discovered the weapon and ammunition when Sarunas was observed digging on waste ground and later fled, leaving a bag that contained the pistol, two magazines and the licence. He claimed he was moving the items because he owed €1,000 to a "bad crowd." Judge Martin Nolan accepted that Sarunas likely knew the weapon would be used illicitly and imposed a sentence of three and a quarter years, taking into account his status as a foreign national and the mitigating circumstances. Juozaponis Sarunas pleaded guilty. Tomas Banaitis pleaded guilty.
In a 2014 murder trial, a jury in the Central Criminal Court saw photographs of the body of Anna Butautiene, a 55‑year‑old Lithuanian mother, who was killed by her daughter, 36‑year‑old nurse Greta Dudko, on Christmas Eve 2010. Detective Sergeant Paul Curran testified that he photographed the remains in the bed, noting the deceased's hands over her chest, redness on her head, blood, and smearing on the wall. He also photographed burnt passport fragments found in a rubbish bin. An exhibits officer showed the charred remains to each juror. Dr Haroon Khan examined Dudko at Blanchardstown Garda Station after 10 pm, noting she was not under the influence of alcohol at that time, though a later blood sample showed a level of 151 mg, equivalent to about six glasses of vodka. Dudko had been taking several medications that could interact with alcohol. Greta Dudko pleaded guilty.
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.
In a 2014 trial, Vesel Jahiri, a Louth Village resident originally from Kosovo, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Anna Finnegan and to assault causing harm to her brother Karl. The case centred on a ten‑year relationship that had deteriorated, with Finnegan and Jahiri having two children. On 21 September 2012, Finnegan was stabbed in the chest and head after Jahiri allegedly burst into the house with a knife. Jahiri claimed Karl produced the knives and that Finnegan was injured while trying to stop her brother. Witnesses, including Anna's cousin Brian Conlon, testified about text messages and alleged threats, but Conlon denied any plot to "wipe out" Jahiri. DNA and fingerprint evidence linked the knife to Jahiri, and a post‑mortem confirmed a fatal single stab wound. The case proceeded before a jury under Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
In a murder trial, the accused, Vesel Jahiri, pleaded not guilty to killing Anna Finnegan and assaulting her brother Karl. The court heard that a fingerprint from Jahiri's left forefinger was found on the blade of the knife that caused Finnegan's fatal wounds, but no smudge was found on the handle. Detective Garda James Cunningham confirmed the mark was about one‑and‑a‑half to two inches from the handle's edge, pointing toward the sharp end. No fingerprints were found on black‑handled knives at Jahiri's residence, and the detective had not examined knives from the kitchen sink. Dr Arun Khan noted abrasions on Jahiri's left thumb and face. The case was set to continue before a jury presided by Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
In a 2014 High Court case, Anthony Freeman and his wife Miriam Freeman, who had borrowed €1.4 million from Bank of Scotland Ireland (BoSI) in 2006 to refinance and refurbish six Dublin houses, claimed that BoSI had not validly appointed a receiver over their assets when they went into arrears in 2009. They argued that BoSI had been dissolved, that its successor Bank of Scotland plc (BoS) had transferred mortgages to a third party through securitisation, and that the registration of title had never been completed under the Registration of Title Act 1964. The Freemans also alleged they were overcharged €20,700 in interest, which they said contributed to their default. The court dismissed all claims, finding the Freemans failed to prove any of the issues, that BoS had properly secured the loans, and that the overcharging was offset by a surplus of about €600,000 that the Freemans could have used to reduce the principal.
Vesel Jahiri, 33, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, where he has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Anna Finnegan at Allendale Glen, Clonsilla, Dublin 15, on September 21, 2012. He also faces a charge of assault causing harm on Anna Finnegan's brother, Karl, on the same date. The jury heard evidence that Jahiri allegedly told Anna's sister, Lisa Finnegan, over the phone that he was "coming for her next." Witness Connie Farrelly testified to hearing this statement on loudspeaker while driving to Blanchardstown Hospital. Under cross-examination, Farrelly acknowledged previous convictions that resulted in substantial jail time. Another witness, Paul Callen, stated that Jahiri phoned him shortly after taking Anna to hospital, claiming he had turned a knife back on them after being hit with a chair. The court heard that Jahiri and Anna Finnegan had a ten-year relationship that had deteriorated, with access to their two children becoming a contentious issue. Karl Finnegan previously testified that Jahiri allegedly burst into the home with a knife, leading to an altercation in which Karl was stabbed in the chest and head. Jahiri maintains that Karl produced the knives and that Anna was fatally injured while trying to stop her brother from stabbing him. The trial continues before a jury of six men and five women, with Mr Justice Paul McDermott presiding.
Swords District Court heard several matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Julie Delaney pleaded guilty to possessing a security de-tagger for use in a theft at Lifestyle Sports. She was convicted, fined €150, and the device was ordered destroyed. Drew Lynch pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of heroin at Jacko Park. Judge Dempsey warned him he was 'sailing close' to a prison sentence before convicting him and imposing a €300 fine. Natasha Reilly, alleged to have breached a protection order by threatening a victim, was remanded in custody with consent to bail. Strict conditions were imposed, including surrendering her passport, staying away from the Broadmeadow address, and providing a satisfactory address. She is to reappear on May 26th. Michael McDonagh, charged with dangerous driving and driving without insurance, was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on July 14th. Additionally, Simon Morrissey's case for being drunk and abusive to gardai was struck out after he donated €200 to St Vincent de Paul.
A 33‑year‑old man, Vesel Jahiri, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of his former partner, Anna Finnegan, who was 25 and mother of their two children. Jahiri pleaded not guilty to both the murder and an assault on Finnegan's brother, Karl, on 21 September 2012. The prosecution, represented by Patrick Marrinan SC, described Finnegan's relationship with Jahiri as having deteriorated a month before her death, with the couple no longer living together. On the night of the murder, Jahiri allegedly forced entry into Finnegan's home, where an altercation with Karl resulted in Finnegan being stabbed in the chest and head. She was taken to James Connolly Hospital, where she died at 10.30 pm. Jahiri later contacted emergency services, was arrested the next day, and denied any involvement in the stabbing, claiming self‑defence.
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.
In a 2014 Central Criminal Court hearing, Andrzej Benko, aged 42, was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment for attempting to murder his wife, Joanna Benko, on her 32nd birthday. Benko admitted striking her head with a lump hammer at least three times while she slept, an act that left her with severe head injuries, permanent wheelchair dependence, communication difficulties and lifelong care needs. He had previously pleaded not guilty to the charge in 2010, but a jury found him guilty after less than three hours of deliberation. Judge Patrick McCarthy noted Benko's remorse and a psychological report indicating no future criminality, yet imposed a 15‑year term in the most serious category. Benko apologized to his wife and family in court, acknowledging his guilt and the harm caused. The case highlighted the lasting impact on Joanna Benko and her son. Andrzej Benko was convicted.
A man has apologised to his wife for attempting to murder her by hitting her over her head with a hammer on her birthday while she slept. Andrzej Benko (42) of Ladyswell Road, Mulhuddart had admitted hitting Joanna Benko's head with a lump hammer at least three times. However, he had pleaded not guilty to her attempted murder at that address on July 5, 2010. Last month, the jury took under three hours to reach a unanimous verdict of guilty. Mrs Benko is confined to a wheelchair most of the time as a result of her injuries, the Central Criminal Court heard. Now 35, she also has communication difficulties, will depend on full-time care for the rest of her life and is no longer able to look after her son. Today Benko wept while he addressed the court to apologise to his wife and her family who were present for the hearing. A recording of the emergency call was played in court. "The problem is that probably I killed my wife and now I'm on my way to you to be jailed," he said. "Ring an ambulance. Her brother said he was "completely distraught" when he heard what happened to her and said his life had been "turned upside down." Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy remanded Benko in custody and will hand down sentence on Friday.
Andrzej Benko, 42, of Mulhuddert, was found guilty by a jury at the Central Criminal Court of attempting to murder his wife, Joanna Benko, on July 5, 2010. Benko admitted hitting his sleeping wife with a lump hammer three times but had pleaded not guilty to the charge of attempted murder. The trial heard that Mrs Benko is now confined to a wheelchair and requires full-time care. Benko told Gardaí he intended to kill her, citing marital difficulties and her alleged drug use. After the assault, he drove to Blanchardstown Garda station, calling emergency services en route. The jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict after two hours and 40 minutes. Defence counsel Remy Farrell SC applied for continuing bail to allow Benko to arrange care for his seven-year-old son and settle affairs regarding their home. The State opposed the application. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy refused bail, noting that a custodial sentence was inevitable and the child was already being cared for. The judge stated Benko could put other affairs in order through a solicitor. Benko was remanded in custody, and the matter was adjourned for sentencing on April 7th.
A jury will begin deliberating on whether 42‑year‑old Andrzej Benko intended to kill his sleeping wife, Joanna, on her 32nd birthday. Benko, of Ladyswell Road, Mulhuddert, admits striking her over the head with a lump hammer at least three times. He pleaded not guilty to attempted murder on 5 July 2010. The trial, held at the Central Criminal Court, noted that Mrs Benko is now largely confined to a wheelchair, has communication difficulties and will need full‑time care. Benko told Gardaí he had bought red roses for her that morning, was disappointed she did not wake, found a hammer while looking for a vase, and carried it upstairs before striking her. The prosecution argued that the act of striking a sleeping, defenseless woman with a heavy hammer at least three times demonstrates intent to kill.
Andrzej Benko, 42, of Mulhuddert, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, charged with the attempted murder of his wife, Joanna Benko, at their home on July 5, 2010. Mr Benko has pleaded not guilty to the charge. Prosecutors allege that on Mrs Benko's 32nd birthday, the accused returned to the residence with a lump hammer and struck her over the head at least three times while she slept. The court heard a recording of an emergency call made by Mr Benko as he drove to Blanchardstown Garda Station, in which he stated, "The problem is that probably I killed my wife and now I'm on my way to you to be jailed." He also told Garda Rosanna Coll that he intended to kill his wife. Medical evidence from Dr Niamh Collins and Dr Edward Mulligan detailed severe head injuries, including a depressed skull fracture and brain contusions. A clinical neuropsychologist testified that Mrs Benko, who is now wheelchair-bound, uses one and two-word sentences and requires full-time care. The trial continues before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury.
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.
The Central Criminal Court heard that 21‑year‑old Michael Kinsella of Swiftbrook Close, Tallaght, denied murdering 31‑year‑old Adil Essalhi at Tyrrelstown on 6 January 2011. Essalhi's body was found in a ditch behind Tyrrelstown Plaza, with attempts to burn it. Kinsella, who was arrested for the murder, said he had never met Essalhi and denied killing or burning him, claiming Essalhi was still alive when left in the living room. He also denied any connection to his uncle Wayne Kinsella, who was convicted of the murder in 2012. Garda interviews and cross‑examinations confirmed Kinsella's denials and that he voluntarily went to Blanchardstown Garda Station on 15 and 16 January 2011. A machete‑type weapon was found beside the body, but no knives were linked to the crime. The trial continues.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Michael Kinsella, aged 21, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Adil Essalhi, 31, in Tyrrelstown on 6 January 2011. The court heard that Kinsella's uncle, Wayne Kinsella, was convicted of the murder in 2012. Donna Mangan, who lived in Tallaght on 16 January 2011, testified that Kinsella visited her apartment with his girlfriend and, according to her, pointed to his chest and whispered, "It was me, I done it." She also claimed he later said, "You should check what we done to that Paki fella – we beat the lungs out of him." Mangan described feeling threatened by Wayne for money, but denied that she fabricated the confession. Another cousin, Jamie Lee Kinsella, recounted that Kinsella had smoked a joint with her and claimed he had killed the victim because he had murdered his uncle Lee Kinsella.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Andrew Gibney, aged 21, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Gerard Burnett, aged 28, in Mulhuddart on 21 August 2012. Burnett suffered 30 stab wounds after an attack by a group of men outside his girlfriend's house and died in hospital. Gibney pleaded not guilty but the jury, after four‑and‑a‑half hours, returned a 10‑2 guilty verdict. Judge Patrick McCarthy imposed a life sentence, back‑dating it to 28 August 2012 for time already spent in custody. The prosecution argued Gibney was part of a joint enterprise; testimony included accounts of a group of men armed with knives, a doorbell incident, and statements from Denise Farrell and Lee Dalton. The pathologist confirmed multiple fatal stab wounds to Burnett's head, lung, heart and liver. The judge thanked the jury and excused them from further service for ten years.
Joe O'Connor, a 53‑year‑old Garda stationed at a city‑centre station, was returned to court on 21 January 2014 after being accused of possessing 655 child‑abuse images and movies at his west Dublin home between 30 July and 2 August 2011. The charges, brought under section 6(1) of the Child Trafficking Act 1998, include 92 images of child explicit sex, 136 images of child exposure, 85 movies of child explicit sex, one movie of child exposure and 341 other computer‑graphic images. O'Connor denies the charges and has chosen to plead not guilty, meaning he will be tried by jury in the Circuit Court. He was served with a book of evidence at Blanchardstown District Court, where Judge David McHugh ordered him to notify the prosecution within 14 days if he intends to use an alibi.
In the trial of Andrew Gibney, 21, of Drumheath Avenue, Mulhuddart, the jury was shown four knives found at his home after a warrant was executed on 27 August 2012. Gibney pleaded not guilty to the murder of Gerard Burnett, 28, who was stabbed 30 times and died in hospital on 21 August 2012. Gibney claimed he had been stabbed by Burnett four years earlier and that he had stabbed Burnett three times without intent to kill. The prosecution alleged a joint enterprise involving five men. Evidence included a knife on the kitchen worktop and three in a cutlery drawer, one with a damaged tip. Witness Gareth Mellett described a group of five men, one holding a knife, near Burnett's house that night. Dr Derek Hayden testified that Burnett was pronounced dead at 00.57 am after failed resuscitation attempts. The case proceeded before a jury of nine men and three women under Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy.
The Central Criminal Court heard that Andrew Gibney, aged 21, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Gerard Burnett, aged 28, who was stabbed 30 times and died in hospital. Gibney claimed he was stabbed by Burnett with a screwdriver four years earlier. Prosecutor Tom O'Connell said Gibney and others went to Burnett's house at Castlecurragh Avenue shortly before midnight, armed with knives. Gibney admitted to using a knife on Burnett three times, saying he was drunk and that the incident was triggered by alcohol. He claimed he had no intention to murder. Denise Farrell, Burnett's partner, testified that she saw three men at the door and that Burnett was dragged outside. The court heard that the cause of death was multiple stab wounds to the heart, right lung and liver. The trial continues before a jury with Justice Patrick McCarthy presiding.
A 34‑year‑old Italian man, Saverio Bellante, was charged with murder after the fatal stabbing of Tom O'Gorman, a 39‑year‑old pro‑life campaigner and religious writer, at O'Gorman's home on Beech Park Avenue, Castleknock. The body was found by gardai at about 1.50 am on Sunday and O'Gorman was pronounced dead on scene; a post‑mortem was later performed by Professor Marie Cassidy. Bellante, who had been lodging with O'Gorman, was detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act and appeared before Judge David McHugh at Blanchardstown District Court. He was charged with murder between 11 pm and 12 am on 11–12 January. Bellante, wearing a black sweater, trousers and grey runners, told the court he wanted to represent himself.
Joe O'Connor, a 53‑year‑old Garda stationed at a city‑centre station, faces trial for possessing 655 child‑abuse images and movies at his west Dublin home between 30 July and 2 August 2011. The charges, under section 6(1) of the Child Trafficking Act 1998, include 92 images of child explicit sex, 136 images of child exposure, 85 movies of child explicit sex, one movie of child exposure and 341 other computer‑graphic images. He denies the allegations. In October Judge David McHugh heard that O'Connor would plead not guilty, meaning the case will proceed to trial before a judge and jury at the Circuit Court, where penalties are harsher. The book of evidence has not yet been served; the officer is remanded on continuing bail for another five weeks while the evidence is prepared. He has legal aid and a substantial mortgage, and his case was previously subject to reporting restrictions that were lifted on 1 October.