In a South Dublin case, 19‑year‑old Tadhg Costello, who had been sentenced to six years for attempted murder of Josh Leahy, will begin serving his term after a failed bail application. Costello had originally pleaded not guilty but later pleaded guilty when a trial judge ruled that garda interview recordings were admissible. The Supreme Court had recently quashed an attempted rape conviction on the basis that suspects who request a lawyer cannot be questioned until legal advice is obtained, but the Court of Criminal Appeal rejected the argument that this ruling affected Costello's bail. The appeal court held that the trial judge's decision was based on credible evidence that Costello and his mother had been informed of their right to a solicitor. Costello will be taken into custody at Dun Laoghaire garda station on Friday to start his sentence.
In a High Court action, receiver Mr Aiden Murphy, appointed by the Irish Banking Resolution Corporation in 2012, seeks injunctions to secure possession of two properties on South Circular Road, Kilmainham, used as emergency accommodation for Dublin's homeless. Murphy requests orders compelling Mrs Hillary Hooton to deliver vacant possession, prevent trespassing, and hand over keys or alarm codes. Mrs Hooton opposes, arguing the bank lacks entitlement and that she holds a valid tenancy agreement with her husband. The bank, represented by Mr John McCarroll SC, disputes the tenancy's validity, citing a €2 million mortgage owed on 2001 mortgages by Mrs Hooton's husband William and son Derek, later acquired by the bank. Counsel for Mrs Hooton, Ruth Cannon Bl, maintains the properties should remain in her possession until the court resolves the matter. The judge, Mr Justice Michael Peart, has reserved his decision, to be delivered later.
Tadhg Costello, a 19-year-old from Monkstown, County Dublin, remains on bail pending an appeal after sentencing for the alleged attempted murder of Josh Leahy. Costello initially pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder, assault causing harm, and unlawful possession of a knife at Johnson's Court in Dublin city on May 31, 2012. However, he changed his plea to guilty for attempted murder during his Central Criminal Court trial last November, following a ruling that his garda interviews were admissible. The other two counts were taken into consideration. Mr Justice Paul Butler sentenced Costello to six years imprisonment, suspending the final three years. The judge deferred the committal order for three weeks to allow Costello to seek bail from the Court of Criminal Appeal. Costello must present himself to Dun Laoghaire Garda Station before midday on April 11. The defence intends to appeal at least the conviction. Mr Justice Butler noted the case was exceptional, citing Costello's lack of previous convictions and his status as a minor at the time of the offence. The judge described the attack as serious, noting Costello stabbed the victim six times with intent to kill but showed no immediate remorse. The victim, now 19, suffered a collapsed lung and continues to experience pain and nightmares. The matter was adjourned to allow the defence to consider the judgment and pursue the appeal.
In a case heard at the Central Criminal Court, 18‑year‑old Tadhg Costello of Richmond Hill, Monkstown, pleaded guilty to attempted murder of 17‑year‑old Josh Leahy, who was stabbed six times in the back after a nightclub altercation on 30 May 2012. Costello had earlier pleaded not guilty to assault causing harm and unlawful possession of a knife, but changed his plea to guilty on the fifth day of the trial. The sentencing hearing was adjourned for two to three weeks to allow the defence to consider a Supreme Court judgment that quashed an attempted rape conviction on the basis that suspects who request a lawyer cannot be questioned by Gardaí until they receive legal advice. The Supreme Court decision was delivered by Justice Paul Butler, who remanded Costello on continuing bail for sentencing on 21 March.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Ursula Shannon, a 30‑year‑old Trinity College PhD student, and her co‑accused John McGreal (37) and Colin Brady (24) were found guilty of unlawful possession of two handguns and 32 rounds of ammunition, as well as a 9mm Taurus PT92 pistol, a Walther P5 pistol, a magazine for the Taurus, a ZGJY stun‑gun/flashlight, and 25 rounds of 9mm ammunition. The court noted that the firearms were recovered from a stolen van intercepted by armed gardai outside a firearms dealer in Co Offaly, and that the ammunition was wrapped in a baby's nappy. The defendants had not contested the evidence. The judge sentenced each to six years' imprisonment, with Brady's sentence back‑dated to 29 November 2012. Ursula Shannon pleaded not guilty. John McGreal pleaded not guilty. Colin Brady pleaded not guilty.
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 on 17 February 2014 that a jury of seven women and five men had been discharged after five hours of deliberation and could not reach a verdict in the murder trial of 21‑year‑old Michael Kinsella. Kinsella had pleaded not guilty to the killing of 31‑year‑old Adil Essalhi at Tyrrelstown on 6 January 2011. The State alleged that Kinsella and his uncle, Wayne Kinsella, carried out the murder because they believed Essalhi was involved in the killing of their relative Lee Kinsella. The court heard that Essalhi's body was found in a ditch behind Tyrrelstown Plaza, that an attempt had been made to burn the body, and that the post‑mortem examination revealed 58 injuries, 19 chop wounds to the skull and facial bones, and evidence of post‑mortem burning. Two weapons were said to have been used, a machete and a sharp instrument such as a knife. Michael Kinsella was convicted.
The Central Criminal Court heard the trial of 21‑year‑old Michael Kinsella, accused of murdering 31‑year‑old Adil Essalhi in Tyrrelstown, Dublin, on 6 January 2011. Kinsella pleaded not guilty. The jury has been deliberating for almost two hours and has paused for the weekend. The court noted that Kinsella's uncle, Wayne Kinsella, was convicted of the murder in 2012. Witnesses testified that Essalhi met Wayne and another woman in a Dublin pub, then returned to their Tyrrelstown apartment where a group drank. Essalhi's body was found in a ditch behind Tyrrelstown Plaza, with attempts to burn it. Judge Paul Carney highlighted that key witnesses were alleged liars, and the prosecution, led by Alex Owens SC, argued that a machete and another knife were used, describing the killing as a "Goodfellas‑style execution." The defense, represented by Patrick Marrinan SC, contested the evidence of two weapons and the alleged motive. The jury will resume deliberations on Monday.
Hubert Duffy, 46, of George's Place, Temple Street, Dublin 1, and Robert Day, 43, of St Attracta Road, Cabra, Dublin 7, were arrested by the Special Detective Unit and Garda Crime and Security Branch as part of an investigation into dissident republican groups. Both men were charged on 2 February 2014 with membership of an unlawful organisation within the State, namely the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Duffy had previously been charged with the same offence on 29 March 2013, was granted bail in April 2013, and was due to stand trial in January 2015. The arrests were made at 1:42 pm on Chancery Street and 1:44 pm on the North Circular Road, with both men wearing grey hoodies. They were remanded in custody, with liberty to apply for bail to appear before the Special Criminal Court on 12 February 2014. The court was presided over by Justice Paul Butler, with Judges John O'Hagan and Flannan Brennan.
A 34-year-old businessman from Armagh has been charged in connection with an alleged diesel laundering operation worth approximately €9 million annually. The man, a company director with an address in Crossmaglen, was arrested by appointment in Dublin and charged under the Finance Act in relation to an alleged incident at Castleblayney, County Monaghan, in September 2011. Gardaí alleged he was found red-handed at a yard during surveillance, with large quantities of green diesel and laundering equipment present. The operation was said to be capable of processing 18 million litres of diesel per annum, resulting in substantial revenue loss. The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed trial on indictment, meaning the case will proceed to Circuit Court level. Dublin District Court set bail with strict conditions, including a €7,500 personal bond, a €15,000 independent surety, and passport surrender. He was remanded in custody pending a further hearing at Cloverhill District Court on 14 January.
A former clerk at Anglo Irish Bank, Gordon O'Brien, 42, is set to stand trial for alleged computer fraud amounting to just over €200,000. He was arrested in Dublin and charged with nine counts of unlawful use of a computer under Section 9 of the Theft and Fraud Act. The alleged offences occurred while he was operating a computer at the bank's Limerick branch between September 2010 and June 2011. O'Brien has not responded to the charges. He is currently working in the UK but maintains a Limerick address and returns there weekly. The court granted bail, requiring him to report to Roxboro Garda station each Saturday. He has no prior convictions and has cooperated with investigators. The case will be heard at Circuit Court level, with a 10‑week remand to allow completion of the evidence book. He will appear again on 10 February for further proceedings.
During a Central Criminal Court hearing, 18‑year‑old Tadhg Costello of Richmond Hill, Monkstown, admitted guilt for the attempted murder of 17‑year‑old Josh Leahy, who was stabbed six times in the back after leaving a nightclub on May 30, 2012. Costello had previously pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder, assault causing harm, and unlawful possession of a knife. The jury heard Leahy's testimony of being attacked by a group, the presence of a knife, and the subsequent medical treatment at St. James's Hospital. Prosecutor Mr Paul Burns informed the court that the other two charges would be considered. Judge Paul Butler accepted the plea, remanded Costello on bail, and scheduled sentencing for March 7, ordering victim impact reports for that date. No objection was raised to Costello remaining on bail. The case remains at the trial stage.
Tadhg Costello, 18, of Richmond Hill, Monkstown, pleaded not guilty to attempted murder of Josh Leahy, 18, at Johnson's Court on 31 May 2012. He also pleaded not guilty to assault causing harm and unlawful possession of a knife on the same date. Judge Paul Butler adjourned the trial to the next day after a juror fell ill.
Tadhg Costello, 18, of Richmond Hill, Monkstown, is on trial for the attempted murder of Josh Leahy, 18, at Johnson's Court on 31 May 2012. He has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, assault causing harm, and unlawful possession of a knife. Judge Paul Butler informed the jury that the court had been dealing with the matter in their absence and instructed them to return tomorrow.
The trial of 18‑year‑old Tadhg Costello, accused of attempting to murder fellow teenager Josh Leahy, is ongoing at Johnson's Court and the Central Criminal Court. Costello pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, assault causing harm, and unlawful possession of a knife. Evidence presented by consultant cardio‑thoracic surgeon Paul Burns SC described Leahy's injuries: six stab wounds to the back, a chest drain inserted and removed within a day, and discharge from St James's Hospital on 2 June 2012. Gardaí accounts detail a fight on Grafton Street on 31 May 2012, with Garda Michael O'Shea and others observing a group of men, a knife thrown behind railings, and subsequent recovery by Garda Mark Eccles. Witnesses, including Emmanuel Mihaylov, identified Costello as the knife‑holder. The case remains in legal argument before Justice Paul Butler.
In a Dublin court, 18‑year‑old Tadhg Costello pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, assault causing harm and unlawful knife possession after stabbing Josh Leahy, also 18, at Johnson's Court on 31 May 2012. CCTV of the altercation was shown to the jury. Prosecutor Paul Burns argued that Costello, aged 17 at the time, stabbed Leahy in the back during a confrontation that began after a nightclub visit on 30 May. Leahy testified he was attacked by a group, stabbed seven times, and suffered a punctured lung. Witnesses, including Emmanuel Mihaylov and Garda Philip Gleeson, identified Costello as the knife‑bearing assailant. Costello denied involvement, claiming he had swapped clothing and did not throw the knife. The trial proceeded before a jury of eight women and four men under Mr Justice Paul Butler.
Tadhg Costello, 18, of Richmond Hill, Monkstown, has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, assault causing harm and possession of a knife in relation to an incident on 31 May 2012 at Johnson's Court, Dublin. A jury of eight women and four men was sworn in for a trial set to begin Thursday, expected to last up to seven days.
A Dublin District Court heard today that a dispute involving former developer Tom McFeely and recruitment firm MCR Personnel Ltd had been resolved, resulting in the striking out of proceedings that threatened a three-month jail term. The action, which had spanned approximately two years before the court, concerned an outstanding debt of €24,288 for services rendered. MCR's solicitor informed Judge Mary Collins that the parties had reached agreement, and the case was withdrawn. The matter had previously involved detailed cross-examination of McFeely's financial circumstances and alleged assets across multiple jurisdictions. The resolution came days before further questioning regarding financial matters was scheduled to resume at Dublin District Court.
In a 2013 appeal, Sunny Idah, aged 38, challenged his 13‑year conviction for soliciting the unlawful import of cocaine between 14 and 19 September 2010. Idah, an Irish citizen originally from Nigeria, had pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Desmond Hogan had imposed a 15‑year sentence, suspending the last two years on the condition of good behaviour for five years post‑release. The case stemmed from a joint operation between Gardaí and Swiss police. An undercover Swiss operative, posing as a Lithuanian drug dealer named "Mantas Skrupskis", communicated with Idah via email. Idah offered €5,000 to two undercover Gardaí, who posed as Polish drug mules, to travel to Brazil, swallow 1 kg of cocaine (estimated street value €70,000), and smuggle it back to Ireland.
Michael Igbosonu, aged 25, was originally sentenced in March 2012 to two years' imprisonment with one year suspended for a predatory sexual assault on a woman who fell asleep beside him on a Nitelink bus. He denied the offence but was found guilty by a jury after a four‑day trial. The Court of Criminal Appeal, hearing the case on Monday, ruled that the sentence was unduly lenient. The appeal was successful, and the sentence was increased to five years' imprisonment with two years suspended for a period of three years. Igbosonu was released from prison on 29 October last year and was ordered to surrender to Mountjoy Prison on 21 October. The appeal was brought by the Director of Public Prosecutions. The court noted the assault was predatory, sordid, and traumatic, and that Igbosonu had a record of 11 previous convictions. The new sentence reflects the seriousness of the offence. The case remains at the appeal stage.
Two men, Patrick Kennedy, 65, and Gary Yeung, 31, appeared before the non‑jury Special Criminal Court on Monday, charged with unlawful possession of two handguns. Both were arrested by gardai on Saturday afternoon on James Street, Dublin 8, as part of investigations into dissident republican activity in Dublin and Limerick. The charges include possession of a .455 Colt "New Service" revolver and a .455 Webley Mark 6 revolver with serial number 324736, both found on James Street on 14 September 2013. Yeung, who lives at Bawnmore View, Crossagalla, Limerick, was also charged with possession of one round of .22‑250 calibre Sako ammunition and one round of .357‑Mag calibre CBC ammunition at his home on the same date. Kennedy, residing at South Earl Street, Dublin 8, faced an additional charge of membership in an unlawful organisation, namely the Irish Republican Army (IRA).
Two men, Patrick Kennedy, 65, and Gary Yeung, 31, appeared before the Special Criminal Court on Monday, charged with unlawful possession of two handguns: a .455 Colt "New Service" revolver and a .455 Webley Mark 6 revolver with serial number 324736, seized on James Street, Dublin 8, on 14 September 2013. Yeung, who lives in Limerick, was also charged with possession of one round of .22‑250 calibre Sako ammunition and one round of .357‑Mag calibre CBC ammunition found at his home on the same date. Kennedy was additionally charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Garda Detective David Kiely arrested Yeung at Orchard Lane, Clondalkin, and later cautioned him; he had no comment. Kennedy was cautioned after being arrested at South Earl Street, Dublin 8. Both men were remanded in custody to appear again on 20 September 2013, when bail and legal aid applications are expected.