Marcellus Ebhodaghe, 33, was sentenced by Judge Elma Sheahan at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two years' imprisonment for possession of the proceeds of criminal conduct. The sentence was back‑dated to the date of the offence, 19 December 2018, and the final 12 months were suspended on strict conditions. Ebhodaghe was found in possession of €3,000 in €50 notes and three payment cards that did not bear his name. Garda Joseph Robinson described how he observed Ebhodaghe withdrawing large sums from an ATM, then moving to another machine, and how he was stopped by Garda colleagues. The money had been transferred into two bank accounts from Fáilte Ireland and a Luxembourg company on the direction of fraudulent emails purporting to be from the CEOs of both organisations. Ebhodaghe had no prior convictions and was living in the United Kingdom for nine years before the offence. Marcellus Ebhodaghe pleaded guilty.
Anthony Goodman, 74, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to exposure at McGovern's Restaurant in Malahide on 13 August 2018 and to exposure on the 46a bus at Donnybrook Fair and sexual assault on Stillorgan Road on 20 August 2018. Garda Rosemary Gallagher described how Goodman sat near two women at the restaurant, squirmed and moved his hands on his crotch for 30‑40 minutes, leaving after leaving a wet stain on his t‑shirt. A week later, Garda Danielle Cassidy reported that on the 46a bus he masturbated while facing a woman, touched her knee, tickled her side, and later touched a woman's breast. Goodman has 201 previous convictions, including sexual assault, indecency, arson, threats to kill and firearms possession, and breached a sex offender order that prohibited bus travel without Gardaí notification. Judge Melanie Greally ordered a probation report and adjourned the case to 11 October.
Daniel Delaney, 26, of Mariner's Port, Dublin, pleaded guilty to three burglaries committed while on bail for a prior offence. He was found guilty of breaking into Clonsilla Inn on 8 January 2017, Siam Thai on 21 May 2017 and Monkstown Rugby Club on 20 September 2017. The court sentenced him to a total of eight years, with consecutive terms of three and a half years for the first burglary, one and a half years for the second and three years for the third. Judge Elma Sheahan suspended the final 12 months of the sentence on the condition that Delaney keep the peace and behave well for two years after release. The judge noted that Delaney had committed two of the burglaries while on bail, had 128 previous convictions, and had been identified by CCTV on both occasions. He also highlighted mitigating factors such as his guilty plea, a young child and prior positive community contributions.
A man from Cootehill, County Cavan, has been sentenced to eighteen years imprisonment following his conviction on multiple charges related to a tiger kidnapping at a post office in north Dublin. Paschal Kelly, aged fifty-three, was convicted of false imprisonment, robbery, threatening to kill, and possession of a stolen vehicle. The offences occurred on 25 September 2014, when Kelly and two accomplices entered the home of a postmistress in Malahide, bound three women with cable ties, and transported them to Bayside Post Office in Sutton. During the incident, Kelly threatened to set the women alight. At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Karen O'Connor commended the three women for their courage and resourcefulness, noting that one victim's quick thinking enabled gardaí to intervene and recover approximately €92,000. The judge found the offence premeditated and aggravated by the violation of the home, use of firearms, and threats made. Kelly's conviction followed a nine-week trial. Credit for time already served in custody has been applied to the sentence.
Paschal Kelly, aged 53, of Cootehill, County Cavan, has been convicted at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of false imprisonment, robbery, and threatening to kill three women during a tiger kidnapping in September 2014. The convictions relate to the abduction of postmistress Susan Lawlor, her daughter Emma Carter, and an Italian student from their Malahide home, followed by a €92,000 robbery at Bayside Post Office in Sutton. Kelly was also found guilty of possessing a stolen vehicle. He had pleaded not guilty to all charges. The trial extended to nine weeks. DNA evidence recovered from items at the scene linked Kelly to the offence. The court heard of his sixty previous convictions, including assault, robbery, and road traffic offences. Sentencing has been adjourned to the following week, with Kelly remanded in custody. The three women's victim impact statements were submitted but their contents were not disclosed in court at their request.
Paschal Kelly, aged 53, with an address in Cootehill, County Cavan, has been convicted of tiger kidnapping, false imprisonment and robbery at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The offences occurred on 25 September 2014, when a postmistress, her daughter and an Italian student were abducted from their home in Malahide, Dublin. The three were taken from the residence by masked intruders and driven to multiple locations before being brought to Bayside Post Office in Sutton, where cash was stolen. The jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts on all charges following one hour and forty minutes of deliberation. Kelly pleaded not guilty to all charges throughout the trial, which extended to nine weeks. A jury of seven men and five women heard evidence that included witness testimony and DNA analysis. Kelly has been remanded in custody pending sentencing in January 2019. Judge Karen O'Connor directed that victim impact statements be prepared for the three persons injured by the offences.
A jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has begun deliberations in the trial of Paschal Kelly, aged 53, from Cootehill, Co. Cavan, who has pleaded not guilty to charges arising from an incident on September 25, 2014. The charges include trespass, false imprisonment of three women at a property in Malahide, robbery of cash from a post office in Sutton, threats to kill, and unlawful possession of a vehicle. Before directing the jury to consider verdicts, Judge Karen O'Connor issued a cautionary direction regarding identification evidence, noting that responsible witnesses have previously made identifications later proven erroneous. The judge advised the jury to exercise particular care when assessing identification evidence and to consider all surrounding circumstances, including the time of day and conditions prevailing during observations. She also instructed them that photofits are limited in evidential value and that DNA presence alone at a crime scene does not establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The jury of five women and seven men is expected to resume deliberations the following day.
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, the defence barrister in a tiger kidnapping trial has submitted that the State's case against Paschal Kelly, aged 52 and with an address in Cootehill, County Cavan, is fundamentally flawed. Martin O'Rourke SC argued that gardaí investigating the matter had adopted a fixed view of his client and ignored a potentially fruitful line of inquiry into another man who could have participated in the offence. Mr Kelly has pleaded not guilty to charges including false imprisonment of a postmistress, her daughter and an Italian lodger at a property in Malahide on 25 September 2014, and to robbery from Bayside Post Office in Sutton the same day. The defence contended that no identification parade was conducted and that up to twelve civilian witnesses with relevant descriptions were not called to give evidence. Mr O'Rourke submitted that the DNA evidence was equivocal and invited the jury to return not guilty verdicts on all counts.
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, prosecution counsel has outlined what it characterises as compelling evidence linking Paschal Kelly, aged 52, from Cootehill, Co. Cavan, to a tiger kidnapping at Malahide in September 2014. Mr Kelly has pleaded not guilty to charges including false imprisonment of a postmistress and two other persons, robbery from Bayside Post Office, threats to kill, trespass, and unauthorised use of a vehicle. The prosecution submitted that physical descriptions provided by the victim matched the accused, that mobile phone tracking placed a getaway driver at the crime scene, and that DNA evidence recovered from discarded clothing and items found in gardens corresponded with Mr Kelly's profile. Counsel argued the combination of eyewitness descriptions, CCTV footage, forensic evidence, and witness testimony created a case leaving no reasonable doubt as to guilt. The trial before Judge Karen O'Connor is continuing, with defence submissions to follow.
Brian and David Stenson, brothers who own a commercial unit at Century Business Park in Finglas, claim before the High Court that Promontoria (Oyster) DAC, a so‑called "vulture fund", has wrongfully appointed Mr David O'Connor as receiver over their property. They argue that they have not defaulted on the €2.23 million loan they obtained from Ulster Bank in 2004, and that the fund's demands for repayment in February and September of the same year were based on a mistaken belief that the loans were in default. The Stensons say the fund's appointment of a receiver was an attempt to force them out of the property. They seek injunctions to prevent the fund and Mr O'Connor from interfering with their property rights, from alienating, using, letting or marketing the premises, and they request declarations that no default has occurred and that Promontoria is bound by the original loan terms.
John Fitzgerald SC defended Emmet Fogarty, 47, a former pub owner who had been drawn into an almost €1.4 million drugs operation to offset gambling debts. Fogarty had been unaware of cheques written against his pub, leading to tax trouble and an alcohol and gambling addiction. After spending time abroad, he returned to Ireland and joined the drug enterprise. He pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of cocaine, cannabis herb and resin worth €1,398,714, as well as various ammunition. Garda Ivor Scully found 15 blocks of cocaine, cannabis herb, resin, ten firearm magazines, ammunition and tracking devices at a lock‑up unit leased by Fogarty. Fogarty's home address was linked to the premises via receipt, DNA and fingerprints. Judge Melanie Greally, considering Fogarty's circumstances, imposed a seven‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence, suspending the final two‑and‑a‑half years. The sentence reflected the seriousness of the drug offence and the firearms offence.
A detective has testified at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that he holds the view a man accused of involvement in a €90,000 tiger kidnapping in 2014 has connections to organised crime. Paschal Kelly, aged 52 and from Cootehill, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges arising from an incident at Malahide, Dublin, on 25 September 2014. The charges include trespass, false imprisonment of a postmistress and two other individuals, robbery from a post office, making threats to kill, and unlawful possession of a vehicle. During cross-examination by the defence, Detective Garda Domhnall O'Connell confirmed his belief regarding Mr Kelly's alleged links to organised crime. He explained to the court that gardaí did not conduct an identity parade due to the accused's significantly altered appearance since the alleged offence. The trial before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury continues.
A man from Cootehill, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to charges arising from an alleged tiger kidnapping in September 2014. Paschal Kelly, aged 52, faces charges of trespass, false imprisonment of a postmistress and two others at a property in Malahide, robbery from a post office in Sutton, threats to kill, and unlawful possession of a vehicle. During the trial before Judge Karen O'Connor, a Detective Chief Superintendent gave evidence that two gardaí identified Mr Kelly as the driver of a vehicle used in the incident after reviewing CCTV footage. Defence counsel raised concerns that the two detectives had participated in Mr Kelly's arrest three weeks prior to viewing the footage. The witness rejected suggestions that gardaí had sought to conceal this prior involvement. The court heard that an identity parade had been discussed but was not conducted. The trial continues with evidence before the jury.
The trial of Paschal Kelly, aged 52 and from Cootehill, Co. Cavan, has entered its seventh week at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Mr Kelly has pleaded not guilty to charges including trespass, false imprisonment of three people at a premises in Malahide, Dublin on September 25, 2014, robbery from a post office in Sutton, and making threats to kill. He has also denied unlawful possession of a vehicle in connection with the same date. The trial commenced in mid-October and was originally estimated to conclude within six weeks. Proceedings are now anticipated to continue for at least a further week. A juror's absence on the date in question prevented evidence from being heard, and the court has previously adjourned for legal submissions outside the jury's presence. Judge Karen O'Connor addressed the jury regarding compensation for shortened sitting days before directing them to return the following day.
A garda fingerprint expert has told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that examination of a vehicle used in a €90,000 tiger kidnapping yielded no evidential value. Garda Frank Doyle said he found nothing of relevance during internal and external inspection of a Volkswagen Golf, nor did he recover relevant fingerprints from items within the car or from the home of postmistress Susan Lawlor, who was among three people abducted in the incident four years ago. Paschal Kelly, aged 52, from Cootehill, Co. Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to charges including false imprisonment of Ms Lawlor, her daughter, and an Italian student at a Dublin location on 25 September 2014. He has also denied robbery and threats to kill, as well as unlawful vehicle possession. Defence counsel questioned the expert regarding fingerprint contamination on surfaces and noted that third-party prints were found on CDs recovered from the car. The trial continues before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury.
A jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has heard evidence regarding garda procedures at a crime scene in a tiger kidnapping trial. Paschal Kelly, aged 52 and from Cootehill, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to charges of trespass and false imprisonment of a postmistress and two others at a property in Malahide on 25 September 2014. He has also pleaded not guilty to robbery at Bayside Post Office in Sutton and threats to kill the three individuals, as well as unlawful possession of a vehicle on the same date. On the twenty-second day of proceedings, three gardaí provided testimony concerning the preservation of the Bayside Post Office scene. Garda Daniel Rogers told the court that he maintained security of a Nissan Qashqai during technical examination and confirmed no unauthorised access occurred whilst he was on duty. The trial before Judge Karen O'Connor continues.
A detective gave evidence on day 21 of the trial of Paschal Kelly at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, describing the discovery of an additional licence plate during examination of a vehicle alleged to have been used in a tiger kidnapping. Mr Kelly, aged 52 and from Cootehill, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to charges including false imprisonment, robbery and threats relating to an incident at Malahide and Bayside Post Office on 25 September 2014. Detective Garda Seamus O'Donnell told the court he found a Meath licence plate in the boot of a grey Volkswagen Golf bearing Dublin plates. He collected DNA samples from items in the vehicle and noted damage to the passenger door and wing mirrors. The defence questioned whether DNA contamination may have occurred during handling, though the detective stated he changed gloves regularly. The trial continues before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury.
A witness has testified at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in the ongoing trial of a man charged in connection with a €90,000 tiger kidnapping that occurred in September 2014. The witness described how his vehicle was struck by another car near McAllister's Garage in Malahide, following which two men fled the scene on foot. Paschal Kelly, aged 52 and from Cootehill, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to charges including falsely imprisoning three women at a property in Malahide, robbery at Bayside Post Office in Sutton, and making threats to kill. He also denies unlawful possession of a vehicle. The witness told the court that one man ran towards nearby woodlands whilst the driver departed in the direction of Swords Road. He noted the driver appeared frightened. Gardaí arrived within seconds of the men leaving the vehicle. The trial, now on its seventeenth day, continues before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury.
A man from Cootehill, County Cavan, has died by suicide since his arrest on the morning of a tiger kidnapping, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has heard. Paschal Kelly, aged 52, has pleaded not guilty to charges including false imprisonment of a postmistress and her daughter at a property in Malahide on 25 September 2014, as well as robbery from Bayside Post Office in Sutton and threats to kill. He also denies unlawful possession of a vehicle. During the sixteenth day of the trial, gardaí gave evidence that Kelly was arrested while fleeing a suspect vehicle at traffic lights in north Dublin that morning. A garda subsequently attended his death at a city-centre premises in June 2016, an inquest finding nothing of suspect nature. The trial heard how the postmistress and her daughter were discovered bound with ties at the post office, visibly distressed. The case continues before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury.
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, a garda detective testified on the fifteenth day of trial that he discharged two shots at a suspect during an armed chase because he feared for his life. The officer said he believed he saw a firearm in the suspect's hand as the man turned towards him in a field near Malahide on September 25, 2014. Paschal Kelly, aged 52 and from Cootehill, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to charges including falsely imprisoning a postmistress and her daughter, along with an Italian student, at a property in Dublin. He also denies robbery at Bayside Post Office and threats to kill, as well as unlawful possession of a vehicle. The detective told the court he identified the suspect after pursuing him on foot for approximately 500 metres. During cross-examination, the defence suggested the officer's description relied on information from other agencies and CCTV footage, a claim he rejected. The trial before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury remains ongoing.
The trial of a man charged in connection with a tiger kidnapping in 2014 has continued at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court with technical evidence relating to phone records. Paschal Kelly, aged 52 and resident in Cootehill, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to charges of trespass and false imprisonment arising from an incident at a residential address in Malahide on September 25, 2014. He has also denied robbing a post office in Dublin on the same date and making threats to kill. Additional charges of unlawful possession of a vehicle have been denied. The trial, which is proceeding before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury, continues to hear evidence as the defence contests the allegations.
The trial of a man charged in connection with a tiger kidnapping in 2014 has continued with legal argument held in the jury's absence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Paschal Kelly, aged 52 and from Cootehill, Co. Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to charges including false imprisonment of a postmistress and two other individuals at a property in Malahide on 25 September 2014. He also denies robbery of cash from a post office in Sutton and making threats to kill the three parties at an unknown location within the State. Mr Kelly has further denied unlawful possession of a vehicle in relation to the same date. The prosecution alleges three men were involved in the incident, which lasted approximately seven hours and resulted in the taking of approximately €90,000. Proceedings before Judge Karen O'Connor continue in legal argument, with the jury expected to return on the following Tuesday.
The trial of Paschal Kelly (52), from Cootehill, County Cavan, has continued at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court with legal argument conducted in the jury's absence. Mr Kelly has pleaded not guilty to charges of trespass, false imprisonment, robbery and threatening behaviour arising from an incident at Malahide and Sutton in Dublin on 25 September 2014. He is accused of involvement in a tiger kidnapping in which approximately €90,000 was allegedly taken during an incident lasting seven hours. The prosecution has alleged that three men were involved in the offence. The trial is proceeding before Judge Karen O'Connor and is expected to last six weeks. The jury is anticipated to return to court within the coming days as legal argument continues.
Paschal Kelly, aged 52, from Cootehill, County Cavan, stands trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for charges arising from an alleged tiger kidnapping in September 2014. He has pleaded not guilty to trespassing and falsely imprisoning a postmistress, her daughter, and an Italian student at a property in Malahide, Dublin. Mr Kelly also denies robbing approximately €90,000 from Bayside Post Office in Sutton and making threats to kill the three individuals. A further charge of unlawful vehicle possession is denied. Prosecution counsel indicated three men were allegedly involved in the incident, which lasted approximately seven hours. During evidence, the postmistress described being cable-tied and placed in her vehicle by two men in black, with a third raider joining them later at a field north of Dublin. She recounted deliberately leaving physical evidence at the scene. The trial, proceeding before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury, is expected to last six weeks.
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, a detective gave evidence in the trial of a man accused of tiger kidnapping. Detective Garda Eamon Keane described observing a Volkswagen car driven by a man wearing a ski mask near the home of postmistress Susan Lawlor in the early hours following her alleged abduction on September 25, 2014. The vehicle braked sharply before turning onto her street in Malahide, Dublin, and departed within thirty seconds. Det Gda Keane noted the house displayed activated alarm lights and open upstairs curtains with lights on. Paschal Kelly, aged 52, from Cootehill, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to charges of false imprisonment, robbery at Bayside Post Office in Sutton, threats to kill, and unlawful vehicle possession. During cross-examination, the defence highlighted that the detective did not record his observations for approximately five days and that a colleague had recorded an incorrect registration number. Evidence was also heard from a Chubb Ireland monitoring centre employee and an An Post crime prevention manager regarding emergency calls received on the tiger kidnapping helpline.
An Italian language student giving evidence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has described the moment armed raiders entered the bedroom where she was sleeping during an alleged kidnapping in 2014. The witness, who was staying in the north Dublin area while studying English, told the court she felt terrified when a man dressed in black appeared at her bedside and restrained her with cable ties. She stated that during a subsequent car journey in the early hours, she believed the raiders intended to cause her serious harm. The witness further described being taken to a post office in the company of two other captives, where she said raiders removed approximately ninety thousand euros from a safe. Paschal Kelly, aged 52 and from Cootehill, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to charges of false imprisonment, robbery, threatening behaviour, and unlawful vehicle possession relating to the incident on 25 September 2014. The trial before Judge Karen O'Connor continues.
Paschal Kelly, 52, of Cootehill, Co. Cavan, is on trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where he has pleaded not guilty to alleged offences committed on September 25, 2014. The defendant is charged with trespass and falsely imprisoning postmistress Susan Lawlor, her daughter Emma Carter, and Italian student Gabriella Saisa at Seabury Drive, Malahide, Dublin. He also faces charges of robbing Ms. Lawlor of cash at Bayside Post Office, Sutton, Dublin, and threatening to kill the three women at an unknown location in the State. Additionally, he denies unlawful possession of a vehicle. During testimony, Ms. Lawlor described a "tiger kidnapping" in which intruders demanded post office keys and cash, threatening violence if she contacted authorities. She stated she was driven to the post office, where the safe was opened, before she activated a panic button. Ms. Carter corroborated the account, describing the intruders as terrifying. Both women testified that gardaí did not request an identification parade, and Ms. Carter stated she could not identify the raiders. The trial continues before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury.
A man with an address in Cootehill, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to charges arising from an alleged "tiger kidnapping" at a post office in north Dublin four years ago. Paschal Kelly, aged 52, faces counts of trespass, false imprisonment, robbery and making threats to kill in connection with an incident on 25 September 2014. Prosecution counsel told the jury that two men allegedly broke into a home in Malahide, restrained three women, and drove them to Bayside Post Office in Sutton, where one victim provided access to a safe. Approximately €90,000 was taken during the incident, which lasted several hours. The prosecution indicated that gardaí responded quickly after an emergency call was made from the home, though the caller did not speak. One man was arrested near the post office shortly after; two others fled on foot and were later apprehended. The trial before Judge Karen O'Connor continues with a jury present.
A court heard that Jonathan Goulding (28), also known as Goulding Aka Farrell, pleaded guilty to burglary at Mr Price, Coolock Retail Park, on March 27, 2017, and dangerous driving around the Malahide area, Dublin, on October 2, 2014. The charges were admitted, and the case was at the charge_or_pretrial stage. Goulding has 48 previous convictions, including burglary, theft, and a seven-year sentence for a past drugs offence. The court heard that during the burglary, Goulding held a screwdriver in a menacing way towards the shop staff. In the dangerous driving incident, he was involved in a high-speed chase, drove the wrong way on a dual carriageway, and caused multiple vehicles to take evasive action. Judge Melanie Greally noted that Goulding had been in the throes of drug addiction at the time of the offences. She commended his successful rehabilitation, including completing a drug treatment programme and taking up full-time employment in construction. The judge imposed a fully suspended three and a half year prison term and a two-year driving ban. Conditions included remaining sober and substance free and continuing to attend AA meetings. The matter was adjourned.
David Drumm, former chief executive of Anglo Irish Bank, has received a fully suspended sentence of fifteen months at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for his involvement in an unlawful loan scheme. The 51-year-old from Skerries, County Dublin pleaded guilty to ten counts of authorising unlawful financial assistance to the Maple Ten group of developers and businessmen between July 2008. The loans were designed to unwind a substantial undisclosed shareholding in Anglo Irish Bank accumulated by Cavan businessman Sean Quinn through financial instruments. Judge Karen O'Connor imposed the suspended sentence to run concurrently with a six-year custodial sentence imposed following Drumm's conviction on conspiracy and false accounting charges. The judge noted Drumm's role as chief executive meant he held responsibility for ensuring legal compliance and transparency. Drumm was also disqualified from acting as a company director for five years as an automatic consequence of the conviction under the Companies Act.
David Drumm, former CEO of Anglo Irish Bank, pleaded guilty to ten counts of authorising unlawful financial assistance for the purchase of bank shares by the Maple Ten group between 10 and 17 July 2008. The loans were part of a scheme to unwind a 28 % stake that businessman Sean Quinn had built in the bank using contracts for difference (CFDs). Drumm's defence argued that he was trying to resolve a problem entirely created by Quinn, who had used CFDs to speculate on Anglo shares and whose position threatened the bank's stability. Drumm, aged 51, was transferred from Mountjoy Prison, where he is serving a six‑year term for a separate €7.2 bn fraudulent loan scheme, to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for sentencing. The court heard that Drumm had attempted to persuade Quinn to reduce his CFD position and, after other options failed, proposed that ten high‑net‑worth individuals purchase a portion of the Quinn shareholding. David Drumm was convicted.
A new retrial date has been set for Jonathan Gill, 36, who is accused of the 2011 "tiger kidnapping" of Warren Nawn, Jean Marie Nawn and their ten‑week‑old baby in Drogheda. Gill denies the allegations of false imprisonment. Judge Melanie Greally of the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court scheduled the retrial for 19 June 2019, with an estimated duration of three weeks.
Sabrina O'Connor, 37, of The Green, Dunboyne Castle, Dunboyne, is on trial in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for 13 theft charges and one deception charge relating to an elderly stroke victim she cared for. The prosecution, led by Noel Devitt BL, alleges that O'Connor accessed the victim's bank account and stole €15,000 and €8,500 bank drafts, using them to secure a house option and purchase a Land Rover. She is also accused of taking money via cheques, spending it for her own benefit, and buying food and paying bills with the victim's bank cards. The victim, who had her cheque book in an unlocked drawer, claims she never authorized these withdrawals and has no recollection of them. The trial is set to continue on Thursday before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury of twelve. Sabrina O'Connor pleaded not guilty.
During the Charleton tribunal, retired Garda Superintendent Paul Moran testified that former press officer Superintendent David Taylor was "bitter" about his transfer from the press office in 2014. Moran said he sensed Taylor's unhappiness from body language and conversation when he took over the post on 10 June 2014. Taylor had claimed he was instructed to brief negatively about Sergeant Maurice McCabe, but his lawyer said he did not express any explicit view to Moran. Moran also described receiving a comprehensive briefing from Taylor and the procedures for handling journalists. Superintendent John Ferris, who worked in the press office, denied knowledge of any negative briefings and said he had no part in a campaign against McCabe. Ferris also recounted difficulties working with Taylor and the removal of Taylor from a media mailing list after his transfer to the traffic section. The tribunal also heard that several newspapers and journalists sought legal representation in the case.
David Fetherston, aged 31, was convicted of robbing a teenage schoolgirl's mobile phone on Malahide Road in March 2013 and of six further shop robberies in north Dublin during August–September 2016. He was found guilty by a jury in July 2017 and sentenced to four years' imprisonment, with the sentence backdated to that month. Judge Patricia Ryan also ordered that he must stay away from all his victims for 30 years. The court heard that Fetherston had an outburst during his trial, which caused concern for the girl, and that he had 134 previous convictions. He had been addicted to heroin at the time of the offences but had become drug‑free before the trial. The judge noted his remorse, rehabilitation from drugs and good behaviour in custody. The sentence reflects the violent nature of the crimes, but acknowledges his acceptance of guilt and improved conduct. The order to keep distance from victims is a separate protective measure.
Noel Darby, 42, was sentenced to a suspended three‑and‑a‑half‑year term for robbing a mobile phone from a man at a bus stop on Malahide Road, Coolock, on 9 February 2015. The robbery was the first serious offence in 13 years. Darby, who had previously been convicted of firearm possession, drug offences and robbery, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. He had been identified by the victim as a former subject of the documentary "Darndale: The Edge of Town," where Darby had spoken about his desire to overcome drug addiction. Garda Liam Wright described how Darby approached the victim, seized the phone, and fled, later being pursued. The victim, who recognised Darby from the programme, confirmed the identity after watching an episode on YouTube.
A 35‑year‑old man, Stephen Penrose, is charged with murdering 24‑year‑old Philip Finnegan at Rahin Woods, Co. Kildare, on 10 August 2016. The Central Criminal Court has set his trial for 11 March 2019, with the case expected to last two weeks.
Dave Mahon, aged 46, lost an appeal against a seven‑year prison sentence for the killing of his partner's son, Dean Fitzpatrick, aged 23. Mahon had pleaded not guilty to murder but was found guilty of manslaughter by a Central Criminal Court jury. The jury held that Mahon had not thrust a knife into Fitzpatrick, only produced it, and that the death was accidental or possibly suicide. The Court of Appeal upheld the sentence, noting it was typical for knife manslaughters and that the judge had considered aggravating factors such as the production of a large knife, the failure to seek medical help and the relationship between Mahon and Fitzpatrick. The appeal was dismissed, leaving Mahon's seven‑year term in place. The case was heard on 8 December 2017.
Ms Stela Vasile, a pensioner receiving a state pension and rent supplement, has filed a High Court challenge after Social Welfare officials suspended her rent allowance amid an investigation by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. The investigation began 12 months ago and has not been completed, leading to arrears and a fear of homelessness. Vasile, represented by Fechin McDonagh SC, seeks a court order compelling the Minister to determine the investigation and a declaration that the suspension of her rent supplement is unlawful. She argues the delay is irrational, unreasonable, and breaches fair procedures. While her pension was restored in January, the rent supplement remains suspended. In April her landlord warned of arrears and potential eviction, though he allowed her to stay. Vasile has requested the investigation's outcome or continued rent payments, but has received no response.
Stephen Feery, 28, of The Water Rill, Malahide, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possessing a stolen vehicle and criminal damage to electric gates at an apartment block in Balgriffin. He stole a Euro Car rental on 24 February, was pursued by Gardaí, sprayed with pepper spray, collided with gates, fled, and was later found hanging from a window of his brother's apartment. The damage to the gates cost €3,500. Feery has 128 prior convictions, including burglary, dangerous driving and driving without insurance, and a 2008 suspended sentence for endangerment. He left school at 12, has three children, and had completed a residential drug programme. Judge Patrick Quinn sentenced him to two years, suspending ten months, with strict conditions. The case was investigated by Garda Jason Flynn.
David Mahon, 46, appeared before the Court of Appeal to challenge the severity of his seven-year sentence for the manslaughter of Dean Fitzpatrick, 23. Mahon had previously pleaded not guilty to the murder of Fitzpatrick, who was stabbed outside his mother's apartment in Dublin in May 2013. A Central Criminal Court jury found him not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter, resulting in a sentence handed down by Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan in June 2016. Mahon's counsel, Seán Guerin SC, argued the sentence was excessive, contending that the jury's verdict indicated Mahon merely produced a knife rather than deliberately stabbing the victim, reflecting low culpability. He also disputed aggravating factors, noting Mahon's cooperation with gardaí. Conversely, DPP counsel Anne-Marie Lawlor SC argued the appeal was based on a fallacy, stating the jury rejected the defence of accident or self-impalement. She highlighted that Mahon committed the offence while subject to a suspended sentence for a minor offence and had disposed of the weapon. The appeal panel, comprising Mr Justice Michael Peart, Mr Justice George Birmingham, and Mr Justice Alan Mahon, reserved their judgment. Consequently, the matter was adjourned, and the outcome of the appeal remains pending.
Neven Vukovic, 40, received a suspended three‑year sentence for assault causing harm to his ex‑partner Fionnuala Ní Mhartín after a September 2015 attack at her Dublin home. Vukovic had previously pleaded guilty to assault and had a prior conviction for cannabis possession in Croatia. The assault involved punches and kicks, including a full‑force punch to the eye, resulting in a fractured eye socket and other injuries. Following the attack, Vukovic repeatedly threatened and harassed Ní Mhartín via text and Facebook, sending messages that included threats of violence and death. The court imposed a 30‑year prohibition on any contact with Ní Mhartín and ordered Vukovic to stay away from her. He has since completed anger‑management and counselling courses. The judge noted his remorse and lack of prior violent convictions. The sentence was suspended for three years.
Ryan O'Driscoll, aged 20, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving after he stole a motorbike and drove it through Dublin city streets on 6 March 2015. The bike, with incorrect plates, was pursued by Garda patrol cars that eventually boxed it in. O'Driscoll was arrested and later sentenced by Judge Patricia Ryan to three and a half years' imprisonment, backdated to 20 February, with the balance suspended and a four‑year driving disqualification. He had previously been convicted 84 times, 64 for road traffic offences, and was serving a six‑month sentence for minor traffic offences at the time of sentencing. The court noted his history of drug use and prior sentences at Oberstown, and his stated intention to become a mechanic after release.
Roman Vladislav, a 35‑year‑old Moldovan, was sentenced to three and a half years' imprisonment, with the final 12 months suspended, for setting fire to the front door of his former housemate's home in Swords, Co. Dublin. The arson occurred on 9 May 2016 after a dispute over a missing mobile phone, during which Vladislav, who was intoxicated, had made drunken threats and had previously threatened to kill the occupants. He had also grabbed a resident's arm and put a knife to her throat, threatening to kill her and her sons. Gardaí were called to a commotion at the house; Vladislav fled before they arrived. The fire brigade extinguished the blaze, which had not entered the interior. Vladislav had 13 prior convictions and had cooperated with the investigation. The judge noted his use of custody time productively and a moderate risk of re‑offending, but accepted the pre‑meditated nature of the offence. Roman Vladislav pleaded guilty.
Ryan O'Driscoll, aged 18 at the time of the incident, was found guilty of dangerous driving after he operated a stolen motorbike on Dublin city streets. The motorbike, which had been stolen the previous month and bore incorrect plates, was pursued by Garda patrol cars after it was spotted on Malahide Road. O'Driscoll drove at high speed, overtaking stationary cars, weaving through traffic on Fairview Strand, and even using a footpath. He managed to escape onto Clontarf Road, collided with a second patrol car, and was eventually boxed in by the Garda. He was arrested and later pleaded guilty to the charge. O'Driscoll has 84 prior convictions, 64 of which are for road traffic offences, and is currently serving a six‑month sentence for minor road traffic offences. The court heard that he is now 20, wishes to train as a mechanic, and has expressed a desire to avoid future criminal activity.
David Mahon, aged 46, will appeal the seven‑year sentence imposed for the manslaughter of Dean Fitzpatrick, 23, his partner's son. The incident occurred on 26 May 2013 when Mahon stabbed Fitzpatrick in the abdomen outside the apartment shared with Fitzpatrick's mother, Audrey, on Burnell Square, Northern Cross, Malahide Road, Dublin. The trial, held over two weeks, found Mahon not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter, with the State arguing he was drunk, angry and intent on killing. Mahon claimed the death was accidental or a possible suicide, asserting Fitzpatrick had walked into the knife during an argument. Justice Margaret Heneghan sentenced him on 13 June 2016. In the Court of Appeal, Justice George Birmingham set 23 October as the date for Mahon's appeal against the sentence. Mahon was represented by Tony Collier Solicitors and two trial counsel, and had been granted legal aid for the appeal. David Mahon was found guilty.
The trial of Jonathan Gill, aged 35, collapsed after the jury was discharged by Judge Elma Sheahan on the fifth day of deliberations. Gill was accused of kidnapping a Drogheda postal worker, his partner and their 10‑week‑old baby, then robbing €660,000 from the workplace. The jury, consisting of seven men and five women, had deliberated for just over 14 hours. A juror handed a note to the judge, alleging that jurors were receiving outside information and that strangers had discussed the case on a tram. The judge, citing the seriousness of the allegations, discharged the jury and remanded Gill on continuing bail to appear again on 28 April. The case may be heard by another jury. Jonathan Gill pleaded not guilty.
The jury in the trial of Jonathan Gill, 35, accused of kidnapping a Drogheda postal worker, his partner and their 10‑week‑old baby before robbing €660,000 from the workplace, is set to begin its fifth day of deliberations. The jury, composed of seven men and five women, has already spent 13½ hours deliberating since the trial began last Thursday. Judge Elma Sheahan asked the jury forewoman whether more time would help reach a verdict; the forewoman replied that she could not say yet if more time was needed. Judge Sheahan reminded her that there is no time limit on deliberations and that the jury may continue as long as they are making progress. Gill, who pleaded not guilty, is charged with false imprisonment of Warren Nawn, Jean Marie Nawn and their baby in Drogheda between 1 and 2 August 2011.
A jury in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has finished its third day of deliberations in the kidnapping trial of Jonathan Gill, 35, who is accused of abducting a Drogheda postal worker, his partner and their ten‑week‑old baby before stealing €660,000 from the workplace. The State alleges Gill was part of a five‑man group that held the family hostage in their home and later moved them to a shed about 90 minutes away. Gill pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment of Warren Nawn, Jean Marie Nawn and the infant, and the jury will resume tomorrow morning.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Robert Faherty, 63, pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious harm after his car collided with cyclist Grainne Duncan on February 4, 2015, on Malahide Road. Faherty was driving without lights on; speed and alcohol were not factors. Duncan, wearing a high‑visibility jacket, helmet and bike light, was cycling left‑hand side and turning right at a junction when the collision occurred. She remained in a coma for two months, later regaining awareness but suffering severe brain damage that left her unable to speak, walk or hear, and requiring depression treatment. Faherty's daughter expressed deep remorse. The case involves pending civil proceedings and medical costs estimated at €540,000. Judge Pauline Codd reserved judgment until May 5, citing Faherty's compliance, remorse and poor health, and requested no jail sentence. The charge carries a maximum of two years imprisonment.