Thomas Lennon, aged 24, was one of eight inmates who caused a riot at Cloverhill Prison on 29 July 2015. During the disturbance, a 21‑year‑old Afghan inmate was held hostage, punched, kicked and stabbed with a broken piece of Perspex, suffering superficial cuts to his face, hands and arms. Lennon was heard threatening staff and shouting, "You think Isis are bad? We are going to behead him." A female prison officer was also kicked and forced to the ground. Lennon pleaded guilty to violent disorder, false imprisonment, assault causing harm and criminal damage. He had a three‑year robbery sentence pending, set for release in May 2018, and 34 prior convictions. Judge Melanie Greally imposed a concurrent four‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence, with the final 18 months suspended on strict conditions, including good behaviour for four years.
Ciaran Kenny, aged 20, pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of a meat cleaver in Crumlin on 30 November 2015. Gardaí Cathal McGeoghan and David Currivan were on duty at a checkpoint in Crumlin when they were alerted to two armed men entering a nearby shop. The officers chased the men in their patrol car and on foot, using pepper spray when the men threatened the cashiers. One man was arrested by McGeoghan, while the other, Kenny, was spotted by a Garda helicopter hiding in a back garden and was subsequently arrested. Kenny was found with a meat cleaver. Judge Elma Sheehan sentenced him to three and a half years, suspending the final nine months on the condition that he engage with the Probation Service. The sentence takes into account any time he has spent in custody. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Patrick Hutch Jnr, 24, faces trial at the Special Criminal Court in January 2018 for the murder of David Byrne, 34, who was shot dead during a boxing weigh‑in at the Regency Hotel in Dublin on 5 February. Hutch was charged in May with Byrne's murder and later with possession of three AK47 assault rifles under the Firearms Act, alleging unlawful possession and intent to endanger life at the hotel. At a brief hearing, Hutch's counsel, Michael O'Higgins SC, requested a January 2018 trial date, which Judge Tony Hunt, with Judges Martin Nolan and Cormac Dunne, set for 11 January 2018. The court noted it would not consider backlog criticisms and that the date was not linked to the court's schedule. The trial is expected to last three to four weeks, and Hutch remains remanded in custody until the trial date.
Mark Carlyle, 27, of Derry Park, Crumlin, Dublin 12, pleaded guilty to violent disorder outside a Harcourt Street nightclub on 23 September 2014 after being refused entry. He was sentenced by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to five years' imprisonment, with the final 18 months suspended, on 15 December 2015. Carlyle's appeal against the severity of the sentence was dismissed by the Court of Appeal on 10 October 2016. Mr Justice Alan Mahon, sitting with Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan and Mr Justice John Edwards, upheld the sentence as a "substantial sentence" justified by the circumstances. The Court noted that Carlyle had initiated a violent altercation with security staff, pulling one member away from colleagues and punching him eight or nine times, and had thrown a security barrier in a crowded area.
Patrick Hutch Jnr, aged 24, is accused of murdering 34‑year‑old David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in Dublin on 5 February. Byrne was shot during a boxing weigh‑in by a gang of heavily armed raiders. Hutch was charged in May at Dublin District Court with Byrne's murder and with unlawful possession of three AK47 assault rifles. The Special Criminal Court has been ordered to try Hutch under Section 49 of the Offences Against the State Act, and a body warrant has been issued to bring him to the court.
In a 2016 hearing, the Special Criminal Court found Brian Kenna, 54, breached bail conditions by speaking at a Wolfe Tone commemoration in Sallins, County Kildare. Kenna, who had been charged with membership of the Irish Republican Army, was required not to associate with anyone charged or convicted before the court. At the event, he was observed conversing with Edward McGrath, 33, who is also on bail for murder, firearms and IRA membership. Garda Colm Finnerty reported seeing both men together and taking their names. Kenna denied any conversation with McGrath and claimed he was not in danger of breaching bail. The court, impressed by Finnerty's testimony, ruled that Kenna had indeed breached his bail conditions and directed the matter to be reconsidered for further action.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, 19‑year‑old Karl Smith was sentenced to four years' imprisonment for a series of violent offences committed over a month. The offences included assault causing harm to 21‑year‑old Devon Whiston, threatening a 16‑year‑old boy, criminal damage to a front door, and two counts of producing a weapon. Judge Patrick McCartan suspended the last two years of the sentence on strict conditions, emphasising the need for Smith to face the consequences of his conduct, particularly towards Mr Whiston, whose life had been "turned upside down." The judge expressed willingness to grant Smith "considerable leniency" to encourage rehabilitation, noting his potential for positive change. Smith's defence counsel highlighted a psychiatric report diagnosing social anxiety and paranoia, and reported that Smith was now drug‑free and engaged in educational opportunities while on remand. The court also ordered a probation report and a psychiatric report. The unnamed 16-year-old pleaded guilty.
Darren McKevitt, 26, of Walkinstown, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to arson of a car, dangerous driving, driving under the influence, driving without insurance, three counts of assault, possession of a stolen Toyota Avensis, a PSV certificate, an Irish driving licence and insurance certificate, and unlawful possession of a stun gun. The offences occurred between October and November 2014, including a bonfire incident on Halloween where he drove a car into a bonfire, jumped out, and assaulted three gardaí on Durrow Road, Crumlin. Blood tests showed he was five times over the alcohol limit. Judge Patricia Ryan imposed a five‑year sentence, back‑dated to November 2014, with the balance suspended, and ordered continued work with probation officers, drug rehabilitation and employment training. The court noted McKevitt had nine previous convictions, including drug possession for sale or supply. The case was prosecuted by Monika Leech BL and defended by Libby Charlton BL.
In a Crumlin checkpoint incident, Gardaí Cathal McGeoghan and David Currivan pursued two armed men who had entered a Spar shop. The robbers, armed with a meat cleaver and a metal bar, threatened cashiers and fled with nearly €400. McGeoghan chased them on foot while Currivan attempted to block them in a patrol car. McGeoghan used pepper spray when the men raised their weapons, arresting the man with the metal bar. Currivan chased the other robber, Ciaran Kenny, over a wall; a helicopter later spotted Kenny hiding in a garden, leading to his arrest. Kenny, aged 20, pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of a meat cleaver on 30 November 2015. Judge Elma Sheehan remanded him in custody until October for sentencing, while his co‑accused is being dealt with separately. The case highlights the Gardaí's swift response and use of pepper spray to protect themselves during the pursuit.
Brian Kenna, 54, of Crumlin Park, Dublin, was arrested in Co Laois in November 2015 by the Special Detective Unit during an operation targeting dissident republican activity. He was charged at the Special Criminal Court with membership of the unlawful organisation Oglaigh na hEireann (the IRA). A trial date was set for April 2017, and he was remanded on bail until 25 April 2017.
Angelo Zullino, a 49‑year‑old former Swiss bank clerk, was stopped by customs at Dublin Airport while preparing to fly to London. Officers, acting on a confidential tip‑off, searched his luggage and found 5.4 kilos of cocaine hidden in false inserts and an empty laptop bag. The drugs were valued at €382,620. Zullino had been lured into the smuggling scheme after falling for a fake inheritance internet scam involving a woman named Chantelle who claimed she owed him £275,000. He paid £200,000 and later was told to travel to Dubai to collect luggage that supposedly contained documents for a London property transfer. He was convicted of possession of cocaine for sale or supply on 27 September 2015 and sentenced to three and a half years' imprisonment, back‑dated to the September he entered custody. Angelo Zullino pleaded guilty.
Karl Smith, 19, will be sentenced in July for a series of violent offences committed over a month. He pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to a 21‑year‑old man, threatening to kill a 16‑year‑old boy, criminal damage to a front door and two counts of producing a weapon. On 30 May 2015 Smith broke into Devon Whiston's house, damaged the door, entered the kitchen, held a steak knife to Whiston and prevented the occupants from leaving. Two weeks later he bit Whiston's arm, stabbed him with a barbecue fork, beat him with a rolling pin and stole a TV, an X‑Box and a computer. On 15 June he returned to the house, repeated the assault and robbery. On 27 June he crashed a house party, held a knife to a 16‑year‑old's face, cut his cheek and threatened to kill him.
A book of evidence was served on Brian Kenna, 54, of Crumlin Park, Crumlin, Dublin, who is accused of membership in the Irish Republican Army. Kenna was arrested in County Laois in November by the Special Detective Unit during an operation against dissident republican activity. He was charged at the Special Criminal Court on 21 November 2015 with membership of an unlawful organisation, namely Oglaigh na hEireann. The three‑judge, non‑jury court heard the evidence today and remanded Kenna on continuing bail until 14 June, when his case will be mentioned again.
Jason Kearns, a 30‑year‑old new father from Crumlin, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of 61 g of cocaine worth €4,300 and 1,515 g of cannabis herb worth €30,300, which he had stored at his home on 20 March 2015. He had two prior road‑traffic convictions. Judge Melanie Greally, after hearing evidence and ordering a probation report, considered the case "borderline" and decided whether the facts were exceptional enough to impose a suspended sentence. She accepted Kearns' full cooperation with the Gardaí and his minor prior convictions, and imposed a five‑year sentence, which she suspended in full on strict conditions. Garda Catriona Gallagher reported that the drugs were found after a tip‑off and a search of Kearns' home. Kearns said he stored the drugs because of a debt his brother had incurred after drugs he had been holding were seized by the Gardaí.
In 2016 the Court of Appeal dismissed Brian Meehan's application to have his 1999 conviction for the murder of journalist Veronica Guerin declared a miscarriage of justice, ruling it an abuse of process. Meehan, 47, had sought to quash the conviction on the basis of alleged new evidence from the 2001 Special Criminal Court trial of John Gilligan, who was acquitted of Guerin's murder. The court found no new facts had emerged and that all material Meehan cited had been available since the Gilligan trial. It held that Meehan's attempt to revive arguments years later, without proper disclosure or new evidence, was unacceptable. The appeal was refused and Meehan remains serving a life sentence in Portlaoise prison. The decision was upheld by the panel of judges, including Justice George Birmingham. The family expressed relief at the outcome.
Raymond Creighton, a 26‑year‑old Dublin man, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possessing 1.03 kg of cocaine worth €72,100, found at Cashel Road, Crumlin on 5 February 2015. He had previously been convicted of two minor public‑order offences in 2011. According to the court, Creighton told Gardaí that he had been waiting on the side of the road when two acquaintances approached in a car and offered him a job holding drugs for them, promising a small payment or hash. He admitted he had placed the drugs in a friend's house after a raid, claiming he owed the two men up to €200 for a debt. Judge Sarah Berkeley noted that Creighton was not known to be involved in the drug scene, had immediately admitted possession, and had cooperated with Gardaí. She described him as vulnerable and possibly targeted by drug dealers, and said he had learned a serious lesson.
Noel Nolan, 29, of Crumlin, Dublin, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possessing 352 grammes of heroin worth €52,810, which he claimed he held to offset a cocaine debt. He was sentenced to four years' imprisonment, with two years suspended. Nolan had three prior minor public‑order convictions. The drugs were found at his home on 24 October 2014, after Garda Colleen Gallagher and colleagues obtained a warrant following the arrest of a man who had come from the house with €5,000 of heroin. Gallagher reported that Nolan showed the drugs to officers and made frank admissions during an interview, stating he had agreed to hold the heroin for a week to offset a cocaine debt. Tara Burns, Nolan's solicitor, noted that he had been a full‑time labourer until the recession, had a cocaine addiction at the time, was now drug‑free and seeking work.
In a 2016 case, Dean Fagan, aged 26, was sentenced to six years for aggravated burglary after he and an accomplice tied up a woman, ransacked her home, and stole €1,500. Fagan, armed with garden shears, told the other man not to kill the victim while the accomplice struck her with a hammer. They searched the house, tore open furniture, and collected jewellery, laptops, and phones, demanding more cash. The woman escaped through a back door, locking the intruders inside, who fled via a window on pedal bikes. Fagan pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where Judge Melanie Greally noted his 79 prior convictions and the violent nature of the crime. The judge accepted his admissions, suspended the final year of the sentence on strict conditions, and highlighted the victim's fear and the thorough investigation that led to his arrest.
David Mantle, 38, of Crumlin, was sentenced to five years in prison for robbing Terry Rogers bookmakers on Fairview Strand on 5 November 2013 and attempting to rob a Spar store on Lower Abbey Street on 19 August 2014. In the Fairview robbery, Mantle approached the cashier, handed her a betting slip demanding money and threatened to squirt petrol in her face and set the shop on fire. He brandished a bottle of Fairy Liquid filled with petrol and told her, "I'm going to squirt this in your fucking face. I've a lighter and I'm going to set this place on fire." The victim, who feared she would be burned alive, handed over an unspecified sum before the panic button was sounded by a pregnant colleague. In the Spar incident, Mantle entered the store, demanded a bottle of spirits, and produced a syringe filled with dark blue liquid, threatening the worker. David Mantle pleaded guilty.
John Murphy, also known as Con Murphy, a 66-year-old travel agent, received a suspended three-year sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following his conviction for four counts of theft. The charges alleged that between June and July 2010, Murphy stole €18,643 from the Children to Lapland Appeal, a charity he founded in 1987 to send terminally ill children to Lapland. Although the validated procedural stage is an appeal, the report details the sentencing where Judge Patrick McCartan suspended the custodial term. This decision followed the disclosure that Murphy's family had raised the full amount to compensate for the theft, alongside considerations of his age, poor health, and a 2010 bladder cancer diagnosis. Judge McCartan noted the sentence recognized the breach of trust. As a condition of the suspended sentence, Murphy was banned from engaging in fundraising for three years. The judge expressed grave misgivings regarding Murphy's subsequent involvement with the Make it Happen Foundation, alleging he effectively ran the organization despite directors claiming otherwise. The judge warned Murphy that he was "under the microscope." The compensation funds, as the original charity entered liquidation, are to be split between Crumlin Children's Hospital and Barretstown camp. Defense counsel Patrick Reynolds BL argued the new foundation was dissolved in January and that Murphy had no access to its accounts.
Robert Grendon, aged 25, received a two‑year suspended sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for assaulting a 15‑year‑old boy on 3 May 2009. Grendon, who was 18 at the time of the attack, pleaded guilty and paid €5,000 in compensation, with an additional €1,500 to be paid within a year. The victim, who was not present at the hearing, requested a face‑to‑face apology, which Grendon agreed to give. The court noted the assault was captured on CCTV and that the boy suffered extensive dental injuries costing over €8,100, requiring ongoing treatment. Grendon's prior record of 22 convictions and his age were considered in sentencing, and the judge acknowledged his efforts at rehabilitation. The suspended sentence means no immediate custodial time, but the court will monitor compliance with the conditions.
Jason Kearns, a 30‑year‑old expectant father from Crumlin, Dublin, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of 61 grams of cocaine (worth €4,300) and 1,515 grams of cannabis herb (worth €30,300) found at his home on 20 March 2015. He has two prior road‑traffic convictions. The judge adjourned the case to 9 May, ordering a probation report. Garda Catriona Gallagher reported that the house was searched after a tip‑off; cocaine was found in the kitchen and cannabis herb in the sitting room. Kearns said he stored the drugs because of a debt his brother had incurred after a drug haul seized by Gardaí. His brother was out of jurisdiction at the time, and threats were made against him.
Gary Flynn, of Rossfield Drive, Tallaght, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, having pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Seamus 'Shay' O'Byrne at Tymon North Park on March 13, 2009. Prosecuting counsel Alex Owens SC stated it is the prosecution's case that Flynn was part of a "murder gang" that plotted the killing. Detective Garda Michael McGrath testified that gardai trawled through days of CCTV footage from south and west Dublin to investigate the incident. He presented footage tracking a Ford Transit Van, a red Honda Accord, and a white Nissan on March 12. The evidence showed Eugene Cullen arriving in the Ford Transit to purchase petrol, while Garret O'Brien arrived in the Honda Accord wearing a New York Yankees cap and blue hoodie. A second man in a grey Nike jumper was also observed. Footage from the Red Cow Hotel area indicated an interaction between the vehicles. On the day of the alleged murder, a speed camera captured the Nissan Micra with a driver wearing similar attire to O'Brien. The trial continues before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of nine men and three women.
In a 2016 Central Criminal Court hearing, Detective Garda Janette O'Neill presented a Webley & Scott revolver found in a car near the site where Seamus 'Shay' O'Byrne was shot dead in 2009. The gun had been decommissioned by the Birmingham Proof House museum, but O'Neill noted that the firing arm had been replaced and the barrel refilled, restoring its functionality. Five spent cartridges were recovered, and State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy confirmed five bullets in O'Byrne's body, though they were of the wrong calibre for the revolver. Gary Flynn, 31, pleaded not guilty to the murder. The court also heard CCTV evidence from a local Spar showing a nervous man purchasing items on the day of the shooting, and additional surveillance from petrol stations and a Topaz shop. The trial proceeded before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury.
The Central Criminal Court heard evidence during the ongoing trial of Gary Flynn, who has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Seamus 'Shay' O'Byrne at Tymon Park North in Tallaght on March 13, 2009. Detective Sergeant Daniel Kelly testified that gardai traced a can of Red Bull found at the scene to a specific batch produced in Switzerland. The can was linked to a Spar shop in Ballymount, where it was delivered on January 16, 2009. Factory records indicated the can was one of a maximum of 800 produced with that specific code. Garda Patrick Tarrant presented CCTV stills from the same shop showing a man identified as Garrett O'Brien purchasing two cans of Red Bull at 6.35 pm on the day of the shooting. Tarrant noted that the green rain jacket worn by O'Brien matched one found in a vehicle believed to have been used by the group alleged to have killed Mr O'Byrne. Prosecuting counsel Alex Owens SC stated the prosecution intends to demonstrate that Flynn was part of a "murder gang" that executed a plot to kill the victim. The trial continues on Tuesday.
Raymond Creighton, 26, of Poddle Green, Kimmage, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possessing 1.03 kg of cocaine worth €72,100 at a friend's house on Cashel Road, Crumlin, on 5 February 2015. He admitted he had been standing on the side of the road when two acquaintances pulled up and "slagged" him, and he agreed to hold drugs for them, expecting only €100 or a small amount of hash. Garda Triona Gallagher testified that Creighton had no signs of wealth and had been cycling around Crumlin on his sister's bicycle, making him stand out. A warrant was obtained to search the Cashel Road address, where a rucksack of cocaine and weighing scales were found in the house owner's bedroom; Creighton admitted placing them there. He has two minor public‑order convictions from 2011.
Noel Nolan, 29, pleaded guilty to possessing 352 g of heroin worth €52,810, which he had held to offset a cocaine debt. He was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, but the sentence was adjourned pending a Probation and Welfare Service report. Nolan had three prior minor public‑order convictions and had worked as a labourer until the recession. Garda Colleen Gallagher reported that Nolan had shown the drugs and admitted to holding them for a week to settle the debt.
Brian Kenna, 54, of Crumlin Park, Crumlin, was denied a variation in bail that would have allowed him to drive his wife to a wreath‑laying ceremony in Belfast on 30 January for the former INLA chief‑of‑staff, Gino Gallagher, who was murdered in 1996. Kenna had been arrested in Co. Laois in November by the Special Detective Unit as part of an operation targeting dissident republican activity and was charged at the Special Criminal Court with membership of an unlawful organisation, namely the Irish Republican Army (IRA). At the bail hearing, Detective Inspector William Hanrahan argued that Kenna had been found with documents allegedly intended for senior IRA members and that allowing him to attend the commemoration could expose convicted or charged individuals to the event. Kenna explained that his wife, who walks with crutches, needed a car to travel to Belfast, but he would not attend the ceremony himself.
The Central Criminal Court will hear the trial of Gary Flynn, 31, of Rossfield Drive, Tallaght, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Seamus 'Shay' O'Byrne at Tymon Park North on 13 March 2009. Justice Patrick McCarthy informed the newly sworn jury that the case is expected to last about seven weeks. Prosecutor Alex Owens SC said the allegation concerns the 2009 shooting of O'Byrne, and witnesses from Tallaght, Bray and Crumlin will be called to testify. The trial opens on Tuesday before Justice McCarthy.
Michael Finlay, 36, was granted temporary bail by the Special Criminal Court from 24 to 31 December. He faces charges of IRA membership and unlawful possession of a 9x18mm Makarov pistol and ammunition. The court imposed conditions including a daily curfew, daily sign‑in at Crumlin Garda Station, surrender of his passport, prohibition from associating with convicted or charged persons, and restriction on contacting witnesses. He must also provide a mobile number and is secured by a €6,000 surety.
42‑year‑old Declan Doyle of Crumlin, Dublin, has filed a High Court application to stop a robbery charge alleged to have been committed in 1999. Doyle, who says he was addicted to drugs at the time and that his life was "quite disordered," claims the prosecution is unreasonable and disproportionate after 16 years. He argues that the delay has infringed his constitutional rights and that he has led a law‑abiding life for the past 16 years. Doyle, who has been drug‑free since 2000 after a rehabilitation programme in Athlone, has already turned himself in to Gardaí and was granted bail. The court, presided over by Mr Justice Richard Humphreys, adjourned the application for two weeks. Doyle seeks an order preventing the Director of Public Prosecutions from prosecuting him for the alleged robbery. The case remains at the application stage.
Brian Kenna, 54, of Crumlin Park, Crumlin, was charged with membership of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) on 21 November 2015. He was arrested in County Laois by the Special Detective Unit during an operation targeting dissident republican activity. The case was heard at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin, where the State Solicitor informed the three‑judge panel that the Director of Public Prosecutions did not oppose Kenna's bail application. The court set strict bail conditions: Kenna must live in Crumlin, report twice daily to Crumlin Garda station, observe a curfew from 11 pm to 7 am, provide a mobile phone number, surrender his passport and all travel documents, remain within the jurisdiction, avoid Northern Ireland, refrain from associating with anyone charged with a scheduled offence, and not contact any proposed prosecution witnesses directly or indirectly. Kenna accepted these conditions.
Ross Gleeson, aged 29, was jailed for 18 months after a bag of heroin worth €5,250 was found in the foot-well of a Garda patrol car he was in on the way to Sundrive Garda Station for questioning. The car was part of Operation Creeper, a drugs operation in Crumlin. Gleeson was arrested when Gardaí saw him enter the car, which had been under surveillance. He pleaded guilty to possession of the drugs for sale or supply on 24 October 2014. He had 31 previous convictions, mainly for traffic offences, and had earlier pleaded guilty to possession of €1,500 worth of heroin on 26 November 2014. In court, he admitted he intended to sell the drugs and had bagged them in his mother's kitchen. The judge noted his admissions, good work history, but significant conviction record.
Brian Kenna, a 54‑year‑old man from Crumlin Park, Crumlin, appeared before the Special Criminal Court on a Sunday hearing. He was charged with membership of the Irish Republican Army (IRA), an unlawful organisation, following his arrest by the Special Detective Unit on 21 November 2015 in the car‑park of Portlaoise Garda Station at 12:08 pm. Detective Sergeant Padraig Boyce explained the arrest to Kenna in ordinary language and warned him. Kenna, wearing a black jumper, did not stand when the charge was read. The State Solicitor, Ms Una Duggan, sought a remand in custody of at least 48 hours. Kenna's counsel, Mr Dean Kelly BL, requested a hearing next Thursday and a bail application, and confirmed a statement of means had been submitted for legal aid. Judge Paul Butler, with Judges William Hamill and Cormac Dunne, remanded Kenna in custody, allowing him to apply for bail until 26 November.
The Court of Appeal has reserved judgment on Brian Meehan's appeal to have his 1999 conviction for the murder of journalist Veronica Guerin declared a miscarriage of justice. Meehan, 47, is serving a life sentence in Portlaoise prison after a 31‑day trial by the Special Criminal Court in July 1999. His appeal is based on new evidence that emerged during the 2001 Special Criminal Court trial of John Gilligan, who was acquitted of Guerin's murder. The new evidence concerns the identification parade of Russell Warren, the "admitted accomplice" and protected witness, who was not identified by Ms Marion Finnegan, a witness who saw someone on the steps of Naas courthouse on the day of the shooting. Meehan's counsel, Hugh Hartnett SC, argues that this failure to identify Warren was unknown to the defence, the court and the prosecution, and therefore constitutes a new fact.
Brian Meehan, 47, serving a life sentence in Portlaoise prison for the 1996 murder of journalist Veronica Guerin, has applied to the Court of Appeal to quash his 1999 conviction on the basis of new evidence. The new evidence concerns facts that emerged during the 2001 Special Criminal Court trial of John Gilligan, who was acquitted of Guerin's murder. Meehan's counsel, Hugh Hartnett SC, argued that the Special Criminal Court had relied solely on the testimony of an "admitted accomplice" and protected witness, Russell Warren, whose credibility was later undermined by a failure to identify him on an identification parade involving witness Marian Finnegan. Hartnett contended that this new fact, unknown to the defence and the court at the time of Meehan's trial, should invalidate the conviction. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Thomas O'Connell SC, opposed the application, asserting that the material was already available to Meehan's lawyers and that the appeal should be dismissed.
John Ryan, aged 35, was sentenced to 21 months in prison after pleading guilty to false imprisonment and burglary at a house in Kimmage, Dublin, on 9 February 2015. Ryan had taken ten sleeping tablets before arriving at the residence and forced his way in, claiming to have a gun. He instructed the female students living there to lie on the floor and tie themselves with electrical cords. One student fled, prompting Ryan to chase her. Gardaí arrived shortly after, found Ryan still outside, and arrested him. Judge Martin Nolan described Ryan's conduct as bizarre and terrifying, noting that the tablets were not an excuse but that Ryan had not intended to break in or imprison anyone. The judge considered Ryan's cooperation, personal difficulties, and prior convictions, including two robberies in 2008, a knife possession, and burglary, before imposing the sentence.
David Mantle, 37, of Crumlin, pleaded guilty to attempted burglary at Maureen Burke's home in Clontarf on 3 July 2014. At 11 pm, after Ms Burke had gone to bed, she heard noises, thought they were her grandchildren, then heard a window smash and a man talking to himself. She went to the landing, saw Mantle, who smelled of alcohol, and he claimed he was in the wrong house. He left through the same window, and Ms Burke struck him with a belt of her walking stick. Garda Manus Keane investigated, used fingerprints on a broken window to identify Mantle, who was arrested in January 2015. He had 43 prior convictions, including robbery, attempted robbery and assault. He was extremely remorseful. Judge Patricia Ryan imposed a four‑year sentence, with the final year suspended on strict conditions, and Mantle was jailed for three years.
In November 2015, the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard the case of Robert Smith, a 37‑year‑old father of seven from Crumlin, who had lost his home during the recession and turned to cocaine. Smith had pleaded guilty to possession of heroin on three occasions – at his home in September 2014, at Sarsfield Road in March 2015 and at Kevin Street Garda station in April 2015. He had been caught with €1,950 worth of heroin in March 2015 and later with €3,000 and €2,700 worth of heroin in March and April 2016, while on bail. Judge Desmond Hogan noted Smith's history as a good father and provider, his financial collapse after work dried up around 2008, and the threats he faced from drug dealers. He imposed consecutive sentences totalling five years, which were suspended in full, and highlighted that Smith was now drug‑free and working to rebuild his life with his wife's support.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 27 October 2015, Niall Sheil, aged 37, pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery at Dympna's Clairvoyant on 6 January 2015. The court noted that Sheil had turned his life around, was free of drugs, had cooperated with Gardaí, and had entered an early guilty plea. Judge Melanie Greally imposed a four‑year suspended sentence, citing the terrorisation of staff and customers and the discomfort caused. The robbery involved two staff members and two customers; Sheil entered with a steel bar, and the robbers took cash, purses and phones, escaping after a chase that led to their arrest. All items were recovered except €400 taken from reception. The four women victims declined to give victim impact statements. Sheil had 18 prior convictions, mainly for theft, road traffic and drug offences, but none for robbery or violence.
Mark Egan, 36, a homeless Dublin drug addict, was jailed for four and a half years for aggravated burglary and robbery. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to burglary on Kildare Road, Crumlin, on 24 May 2014, and robbery at Smock Alley Theatre on 16 June 2014. His prior convictions include six burglaries, drug offences, possession of knives, a blood‑filled syringe and robbery. The burglary involved a break‑in at Gerard Byrne's home, where Egan struck Byrne with a claw hammer and was dragged into the utility room until Gardaí arrived. Byrne suffered a head cut and wrist injury. At the theatre, Egan used a kitchen knife to take €200 and cards from a cash box, returned the phone, and left the scene. Garda testimony and CCTV footage supported the charges. The judge noted Egan's drug addiction, homelessness, and prior attempts at reform, and imposed the sentence back‑dated to August 2014.
Sebastian Charzynski, a 30-year-old man from Crumlin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of cannabis with an estimated value of €77,600 and cultivation of plants at an apartment on October 25, 2014. The case reached the sentence stage before Judge Martin Nolan. Prosecution evidence indicated that gardaí detected the odour of cannabis on Aungier Street, traced it to the Grafton Hall complex, and entered the flat with a warrant. They discovered 45 plants in a tent in the sitting room and 51 mature plants in another room, along with ventilation equipment. Charzynski admitted to the charges. Judge Nolan noted there was no evidence the drugs were prepared for distribution or that the defendant profited from dealing. The judge stated it would be unjust to jail the man on that basis. He sentenced Charzynski to four years in prison, which was suspended in full on strict conditions. The defence, represented by Diarmaid McGuinness SC, submitted medical reports citing a dislocated vertebrae and claimed the defendant grew the cannabis for medical problems following a 2010 road traffic accident. The prosecution accepted that none of the drugs were bagged up and that the defendant was in the process of harvesting older plants.
Derek O'Keeffe, 39, of Derrypark, Crumlin, Dublin, pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery and one attempted robbery at three petrol stations over four days in November 2013. He stole cash from a Maxol Garage on Tymon Road, a Discount Fuels on Fortunestown Road, and a Topaz on Greenhills Road. During the incidents he threatened a security guard with a syringe and held a 23‑inch knife to a worker, forcing her to open tills. Anna Zajac, the victim at the Topaz, reported feeling emotionally destroyed and fearing for her unborn child after the robbery. Judge Patricia Ryan sentenced O'Keeffe to six years' imprisonment with three years suspended, back‑dating the concurrent sentences to his November 2013 arrest. He is now a gym instructor at Cloverhill Prison and has reportedly addressed his addictions. The court noted his excellent behaviour and the circumstances that led to his actions.
On 3 July 2014, 83‑year‑old Maureen Burke of Malahide Road, Clontarf, was awakened at 11 pm by the sound of a window breaking and a man speaking to himself. She left her bed, went to the upstairs landing and saw David Mantle, 37, of Crumlin, who had entered her home through the same window. Mantle, smelling of alcohol, apologized and left, claiming he had no memory of the incident. Burke struck him with a belt of her walking stick as he exited. Garda Manus Keane investigated the next day, found fingerprints on the broken window, and identified Mantle as the suspect. He was arrested and charged in January 2015 with one count of attempted burglary. At trial, Mantle pleaded guilty; he has 43 prior convictions and was described as extremely remorseful. Judge Patricia Ryan remanded him in custody until 9 November for sentencing.
In a 2015 Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, 19‑year‑old Josh Butler pleaded guilty to an unprovoked assault that left Seamus Lagan unconscious and with a fractured skull. Butler and a 13‑year‑old youth punched Lagan while he was defending himself against a third man outside a Londis shop on Grafton Street on 19 September 2014. The blows caused Lagan to fall and hit his head on the ground, resulting in fractures and brain bleeding. Butler was sentenced to three and a half years' imprisonment, with the final year suspended because of his cooperation with Gardaí and early guilty plea. The suspension is conditional on Butler keeping the peace for the full term. The judge noted Butler's propensity for violence and his two prior assault convictions within months of the offence. Lagan suffered lasting fear, anxiety and short‑term memory loss following the attack.
The Court of Appeal has referred Brian Rattigan's appeal against his murder conviction to the Supreme Court, citing a point of exceptional public interest. Rattigan, of Drimnagh, Dublin, was found guilty in 2009 by a majority jury of stabbing Declan Gavin (21) outside Abrakebabra in Crumlin Shopping Centre on August 25, 2001, and was sentenced to life imprisonment. His initial appeal was dismissed by the Court of Criminal Appeal in 2013. The current referral stems from an application under Section 29 of the 1924 Courts of Justice Act, focusing on whether Section 16 of the 2006 Criminal Justice Act, which modified hearsay rules, applies retrospectively to statements made before the Act came into force. Rattigan's legal team argued that applying this provision retrospectively was unfair and breached constitutional rights, contending that a speedy prosecution would have resulted in a trial prior to the 2006 legislation. The State opposed the referral, arguing the issue was unlikely to recur. The Court of Appeal, comprising Justices O'Donnell, Moriarty, and White, determined that the argument raised underlying issues regarding changes to criminal procedure and evidence, describing it as an issue of enduring importance. While other points raised on Rattigan's behalf did not merit referral, the Supreme Court will now consider the retrospective application of the hearsay exception. Rattigan was not present in court for the ruling.
James Byrne, 43, of Crumlin, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to burglary of Drimnagh Castle Primary School, St Agnes Church, Assumption Church, and St Mark's Junior School between 3 and 13 October 2014, and to criminal damage at St Mark's Junior School. He was already serving a suspended sentence for earlier burglaries when these offences occurred. Judge Catherine Murphy imposed a one‑year jail term, suspending the final year of a two‑year sentence on the condition that Byrne keeps the peace and engages with drug‑addiction services. Byrne admitted stealing €56 from St Agnes Church, €200–€300 from Assumption Church, and causing €3,500 of damage at St Mark's Junior School, but claimed he took no items during the burglaries. He apologized for locking an 80‑year‑old man in the church. The court noted his 26 previous convictions, including five burglaries and three aggravated burglaries.
Ian Dent, 22, of Crumlin, was convicted of violent disorder for his role in a group attack on two American tourists in Temple Bar on 29 April 2012. The original five‑year sentence imposed by Mr Justice Patrick McCartan on 29 July 2014 was reduced on appeal to three years, with the final 12 months suspended. The Court of Appeal found the original term excessive, noting Dent's "threatening and menacing" behaviour was common in the area but also that he had shown progress and a record of rehabilitation. The appeal court highlighted that the Americans suffered significant injuries, including a broken arm and facial scarring, and that Dent had attempted to intervene and defuse the situation. The new sentence reflects a balance between punishment and potential for rehabilitation. Ian Dent pleaded not guilty.
Darren McKevitt, 26, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to arson of a car, dangerous driving, driving under the influence, driving without insurance, three counts of assault, possession of a stolen Toyota Avensis, a stolen PSV certificate, an Irish driving licence and insurance certificate, and unlawful possession of a stun gun. The offences occurred on 31 October 2014 at Durrow Road, Crumlin, and on 24 November 2014 at Cushlawn Park, Tallaght. A blood sample showed he was five times over the legal alcohol limit. Judge Patricia Ryan imposed a probation bond, requiring McKevitt to work with probation officers, undergo drug rehabilitation and employment training, and to return to court on 1 July 2016. He was arrested after Garda Michael Creegan and Garda Micheal O'Sullivan chased him following the bonfire incident, during which McKevitt assaulted three gardaí and was later taken to Crumlin Garda Station. The court noted his nine previous convictions, including possession of drugs for sale or supply.
Brian Meehan, 47, from Crumlin, is serving a life sentence in Portlaoise prison for the 1996 murder of journalist Veronica Guerin. He was convicted in a 31‑day trial before the Special Criminal Court in July 1999 and also jailed on drugs and firearms charges. Meehan has applied to have his 1999 murder conviction quashed on the basis of new evidence that emerged during the 2001 Special Criminal Court trial of John Gilligan. The Court of Appeal scheduled his application for hearing on 19 and 20 November. The DPP's counsel, Paul Anthony McDermott, said the State needed two more weeks to prepare submissions, citing the volume of material since the murder. The DPP's motion to dismiss Meehan's application was refused last year, and the Court of Appeal will now consider whether the case should proceed. The hearing will focus on whether the new evidence constitutes a miscarriage of justice.