At the Central Criminal Court, a retired garda sergeant gave evidence in the trial of Mark Nash, who is accused of murdering two women in sheltered accommodation in Grangegorman, Dublin, in 1997. Sergeant Kevin Duffy, who was member in charge at Mill Street Garda Station in Galway when Nash was arrested in August 1997, testified that he could not recall observing a wound to Nash's face or a laceration to his head at the time of arrest. Under cross-examination, the sergeant was challenged about his failure to note visible injuries despite medical evidence that a doctor had examined Nash and observed a head laceration and facial abrasion. The defence suggested the sergeant was aware Nash had been struck with a baton and was suppressing this fact. The court also heard from a prison officer regarding an incident at Mountjoy Prison in December 1997. The trial, heard at the Central Criminal Court, is expected to continue for approximately three weeks. Mark Nash pleaded not guilty.
At the Central Criminal Court, the jury foreman in the trial of Mark Nash, accused of murdering two women in 1997, was excused from duty after disclosing his intention to sit a garda assessment test. Mr Justice Carroll Moran determined that the foreman's aspiration to join An Garda Síochána presented a perception of bias, particularly given that garda witnesses and their credibility form part of the case. The jury was subsequently reduced from twelve to eleven members, and a replacement foreman was elected. Detective Garda Anthony Reidy, now retired from Mill Street station in Galway, gave evidence concerning interviews conducted with Nash on 16 August 1997. During questioning about an assault in Roscommon, Nash allegedly volunteered an account of stabbing two women in Phibsborough months earlier. The court also heard that Nash subsequently pointed out a house at Orchard View in Grangegorman, which he identified as the location of the alleged murders. The trial continues. Mark Nash pleaded not guilty.
In a High Court hearing on 13 February 2015, the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation (IBRC) obtained a summary judgment for €16.2 million against Breifne O'Brien, a jailed businessman serving a seven‑year sentence for running a ponzi scheme. O'Brien, who represented himself, argued that he had no time to prepare and that a 2009 freezing order had prevented him from repaying loans. The judge, Mr Justice Kearns, rejected these defenses, stating they were "bald assertions" and that the freezing order did not impede repayment obligations. IBRC's claim also targeted O'Brien's father, Leo O'Brien, for unpaid loans from 2002, 2004, and 2006, which were used to purchase investment properties. The judgment was granted against O'Brien, while the claim against Leo O'Brien was adjourned to a later date. O'Brien had previously pleaded guilty to 14 counts of deception and theft involving about €8.5 million between 2003 and 2008.
Christopher Coakley, a 23‑year‑old heroin addict, pleaded guilty to unlawfully seizing a woman's car with her child in the back seat on 5 August 2012. He was sentenced to three years' imprisonment by Judge Desmond Hogan on 25 February 2013. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed, arguing that the judge had not adequately considered Coakley's 92 prior convictions and the fact that he had previously received a fully suspended five‑year sentence. The Court of Appeal, led by Justice Seán Ryan, agreed that the original sentence was unduly lenient and ordered a new sentence to be imposed on 27 March. Coakley has been a heroin addict since age 13 and has spent most of his life in custody since age 14. He has been drug‑free since September, according to his mother, Paula Johnston. The Court of Appeal has remanded him in custody pending the new sentence.
A trial at the Central Criminal Court has heard that DNA evidence from two women found dead at sheltered accommodation in Grangegorman in 1997 was discovered on the jacket of Mark Nash, who stands accused of their murders. Nash, aged 42, with last addresses in Dublin, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Sylvia Shields and Mary Callanan, whose bodies were found between March 6 and 7, 1997. The prosecution outlined that a bloodstain on Nash's jacket could not be analysed as DNA in 1997, but a breakthrough in July 2009 established DNA from both women on the garment. The court heard Nash initially confessed to the Grangegorman murders whilst in custody on unrelated charges connected to deaths in Roscommon, but subsequently retracted his admissions. The prosecution argued the DNA evidence, independent of any confession, points to Nash's involvement. The trial continues before Justice Carroll Moran.
A woman was discharged from the jury and a new female juror was sworn in for the trial of Mark Nash, 42, who is accused of murdering Sylvia Shields, 59, and Mary Callanan, 61, in a house attached to St Brendan's Psychiatric Hospital in Grangegorman between 6 and 7 March 1997. Nash has pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court. The trial, expected to last six to eight weeks, will begin on Thursday under Judge Carroll Moran. The jury, composed of seven men and five women, was introduced to the State counsel Brendan Grehan SC and Una Ni Raifeartaigh SC, and to the accused's counsel Hugh Hartnett SC and Patrick McGrath SC. Evidence will be presented from Gardaí at Bridewell Station, Galway, Garda Headquarters, Mountjoy Prison and the forensic science laboratory. Judge Moran instructed the jury not to discuss the case with anyone until it is over, after which they may speak freely about it.
The extradition case of Eric Eoin Marques, a 28-year-old resident of Mountjoy Square in central Dublin, was adjourned at the pretrial stage. US authorities allege that Marques is the owner and administrator of an anonymous hosting site known as Freedom Hosting, describing him as the "largest facilitator of child porn in the world." He is wanted to face charges relating to conspiring to distribute and advertise child pornography, as well as advertising and distributing such material. Marques has been in custody since his arrest in August 2013, having been refused bail due to concerns he represented a flight risk and might interfere with evidence. During the hearing, his lawyers stated the case is listed for the High Court on May 11 and should not last more than three to four days. Ms Justice Donnelly determined there was no need for Marques to attend a mention date scheduled for February 10. She allowed five weeks for each party to file their first submissions. Consequently, the matter was adjourned, and Marques was remanded in custody until May 11.
An off‑duty Garda, Detective Paul Johnson, used a traffic cone to stop and apprehend two robbers, Kevin Penrose (49) and Larry Brazil (52), after a raid at a Centra store on Westland Row. Brazil, a father of five from Cappagh Avenue, Finglas, pleaded guilty to robbery of €2,288 and possession of a knife, receiving a four‑year suspended sentence. Penrose, a father of three from Casement Road, Finglas, pleaded guilty to robbery and was jailed for four years, currently serving a six‑year term for a May 2014 robbery. Brazil had 82 prior convictions, including theft and drug offences, and had not committed a violent crime since 2003. Penrose had 79 prior convictions. Judge Martin Nolan praised Johnson's actions, the public's assistance, and Brazil's rehabilitation, noting he was now methadone‑free and seeking reform. The case highlights the Garda's proactive intervention and the judicial consideration of personal circumstances.
Owen Comerford, 27, of Dublin 1, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for multiple theft and robbery offences committed between April 2, 2012, and January 9, 2013. He pleaded guilty to charges including robbing Slovak Point on Arran Quay twice in April 2012 and stealing from Decobake on Bachelor's Walk. Judge Mary Ellen Ring noted that six offences occurred while he was on temporary release from Mountjoy Prison. Comerford also admitted to robbing €200 from The Butler's Pantry in Sandycove on May 8, 2012, alongside co-accused Shane Pollard, 41. Pollard, who has 29 previous convictions, received a three-year sentence with the final two years suspended, consecutive to a four-year term he is serving for another robbery. Comerford, who has 131 previous convictions, was also charged with escaping from lawful custody at Donnybrook Garda Station in July 2012 and was rearrested on August 9, 2012. His final offence involved robbing a pharmacy at Summerhill Parade on January 9, 2013, where he brandished a knife. Judge Ring imposed a seven-year sentence on Comerford, with one year suspended. Defence counsel Michael Bowman SC highlighted Comerford's severe drug addiction and requested an adjournment to secure a treatment bed at Tiglin Residential Treatment Centre, but the court proceeded to sentence him.
Zilvinas Antanovas, a 27‑year‑old Lithuanian, was given a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to possession of heroin, assaulting two gardai, and possession of M‑CAT in Dublin. He was arrested in Dublin's city centre after Garda officers found €305 worth of heroin and a bag of M‑CAT on him. During the arrest he bit two officers and resisted, prompting the use of pepper spray. Judge Mary Ellen Ring imposed a two‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence, suspended the remainder on the condition that Antanovas be flown back to Lithuania from Mountjoy Prison on Sunday. He is barred from returning to Ireland for five years. Antanovas has prior convictions for handling stolen property and for dealing heroin, and his defence claimed he was coerced into drug dealing by a gang that took his passport in Lithuania.
Thomas McGuinness, 34, a chronic drug addict with 127 prior convictions, was sentenced to ten years in prison with 18 months suspended for a robbery and two attempted robberies committed earlier in 2014. He pleaded guilty at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to robbery at Lloyds pharmacy on 21 January, attempted robbery at Hardwicke Place on 22 January, and attempted robbery at Supervalue on 10 February. The court noted no injuries occurred, though victims were distressed. Judge Mary Ellen Ring imposed consecutive sentences totaling ten years, suspending the final 18 months, citing McGuinness's history of partially suspended sentences. Defending counsel Dean Kelly highlighted McGuinness's early heroin use at age 14, subsequent crack cocaine use, and his engagement with addiction services, including a methadone program, while noting family support. The sentence reflects the court's view that rehabilitation steps were insufficient given his past record.
Glen Douche, 27, of Termon Abbey, Drogheda, lost an appeal against his assault sentence. He had pleaded guilty to two counts of assault causing harm and one count of endangerment in Darndale, Dublin, on 11 July 2009. Judge Martin Nolan had sentenced him to three years imprisonment in December 2012, to run consecutively after a prior nine‑and‑a‑half‑year term for possession of explosives imposed in 2010, with the final two‑and‑a‑half years suspended. Mr Justice John Edwards dismissed the appeal, noting that the sentencing judge had considered Douche's cooperation, literacy and addiction problems, difficult family history and the loss of two brothers, one killed in Mountjoy Prison. Douche had 109 previous convictions, mainly for road traffic offences, and the court was not inclined to allow the appeal. The case involved a party at a stab victim's home, a confrontation with Mr Anthony Byrne, and Douche's driving of his car at a group of people.
The extradition case against Eric Eoin Marques, an Irishman alleged to be 'the largest facilitator of child porn in the world', has been adjourned until December 9. The 28-year-old, residing at Mountjoy Square in Dublin, is wanted in the US for conspiring to distribute and advertise child pornography. He has been in custody since his arrest in August last year, with bail refused due to concerns over flight risk and potential interference with evidence. The case was adjourned following a delay in processing before the Court of Appeal. Mr Justice John Edwards remanded Mr Marques on the same terms until the adjourned date. Previously, the DPP had decided not to bring proceedings against Mr Marques, but a detailed letter indicated he would plead guilty if prosecuted. Mr Marques sought judicial review of the DPP's decision, but leave was denied. However, following a recent ruling in the case of Ali Charaf Damache, the State accepted Mr Marques should be granted leave for judicial review. The charges relate to hosting and facilitating child pornography on over a hundred anonymous websites, with allegations that Mr Marques had direct knowledge and administrator access. The court heard that if convicted, Mr Marques could face a sentence totaling 100 years.
In a 2014 trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, prison officer Thomas Hogg, aged 49, was acquitted of assaulting prisoner Bernard Cawley, aged 46, in the holding cells of the Criminal Courts of Justice on 20 April 2012. Hogg claimed he acted in self‑defence after Cawley had become agitated, kicked the cell door, and allegedly lunged at him. The jury deliberated for two hours and found Hogg not guilty. Judge Patrick McCartan thanked the jury of eight men and four women, noting the prosecution's case that Hogg intentionally assaulted Cawley with a set of keys. Cawley, who had been awaiting transfer to Mountjoy Prison after a four‑month burglary sentence, described being struck on the head and face, and later reported injuries. Hogg had also voluntarily interviewed with Gardaí in January 2013, stating he had struck Cawley in self‑defence but had not used any weapon. The trial concluded with Hogg's acquittal.
In November 2014, Thomas Hogg, a 49‑year‑old prison officer from West Dublin, stood trial for assaulting Bernard Cawley, a 46‑year‑old convicted sex offender, in the holding cells of the Criminal Courts of Justice. The incident occurred on 20 April 2012, when Cawley, who had recently received a four‑month sentence for burglary, was awaiting transfer to Mountjoy Prison. Hogg claimed he struck Cawley in self‑defence after the prisoner, who had repeatedly pressed the cell buzzer and knocked on the door, raised his fist as Hogg opened the hatch. Cawley testified that he was agitated, had no cigarettes, and that Hogg had used keys as a weapon, striking him on the head and face and causing him to fall. Cawley was handcuffed and later moved to a hall for Gardaí. He denied being a violent man, citing his 16‑year‑old daughter, and rejected allegations of heroin use that day. Thomas Hogg pleaded not guilty.
The High Court refused to stay the extradition proceedings of Eric Eoin Marques, a 28‑year‑old Irishman accused in the United States of conspiring to distribute and advertise child pornography and of advertising and distributing child pornography. Marques is alleged to be the owner and administrator of the anonymous hosting site Freedom Hosting, which hosts over 100 sites containing extremely violent images of pre‑pubescent children. He has been in custody since his arrest in August and was denied bail because he was considered a flight risk and a potential threat to evidence. The court rejected his application to challenge the Director of Public Prosecutions' decision not to prosecute him and to seek a stay of the extradition until a judicial review could be heard. Marques remains remanded until 24 November, while the extradition case is adjourned for a few weeks to allow his legal team to pursue a Supreme Court application.
John Douglas, a 30‑year‑old convicted murderer, was sentenced to life in prison in July 2012 for the shooting death of a father‑of‑one in a parked car. In a separate incident, he pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to a prison officer at Mountjoy Prison on 26 August 2008. Judge Martin Nolan ruled that a life sentence cannot be extended by an additional term, following a Supreme Court decision. Consequently, Douglas will not serve extra time beyond his life sentence. Instead, Nolan imposed an 18‑month sentence that will run concurrently with the life term, beginning immediately. Douglas, who has 95 prior convictions including a dangerous driving conviction that caused death, was hired to kill 31‑year‑old Aidan Byrne, a front‑seat passenger in a car driven by another man.
Eric Eoin Marques, an Irishman alleged to be the owner of Freedom Hosting, is to seek a Supreme Court appeal regarding the Director of Public Prosecution's decision not to prosecute him in Ireland. Marques, who resides at Mountjoy Square in Dublin, is wanted by US authorities on charges including conspiring to distribute and advertise child pornography. He has been in custody since August last year after being refused bail due to flight risk concerns. In December, the extradition court noted the DPP declined to bring proceedings, despite a letter indicating Marques would plead guilty if charged locally. Last month, Mr Justice John Edwards refused Marques leave to challenge this decision via judicial review. The High Court heard today that his legal team will appeal to the Supreme Court. An application to stay extradition proceedings is scheduled for October 23. Mr Justice Edwards remanded Marques in custody until that date. US authorities describe him as the "largest facilitator of child porn in the world," alleging he hosted sites containing violent images of pre-pubescent children. FBI Special Agent Brooke Donahue made this description to the court. It was alleged that gardai found evidence on his computer of direct knowledge and administrator access to these sites. Marques is also alleged to have used a fraudulent US passport image to access foreign hosting companies. The court heard that if convicted, the four charges could result in a sentence totalling 100 years, potentially meaning the remainder of his natural life in prison.
At the High Court in Dublin, Mr Justice John Edwards refused Eric Eoin Marques leave to seek judicial review of the Director of Public Prosecutions' decision not to prosecute him in Ireland. The 28-year-old, residing at Mountjoy Square, is alleged to be the owner and administrator of Freedom Hosting, an anonymous site described by FBI Special Agent Brooke Donahue as the largest facilitator of child pornography in the world. US authorities seek his extradition to face charges including conspiring to distribute and advertise child pornography. The court heard that if convicted, Mr Marques faces a potential sentence totalling 100 years, potentially resulting in life imprisonment. Although a detailed letter indicated he would plead guilty if prosecuted locally, the judge denied his application to challenge the DPP's non-prosecution decision and her refusal to provide reasons. The matter was adjourned until October 14 to allow counsel time to consider the judgment and to fix a date for the extradition hearing. Mr Marques, who has been in custody since his August arrest due to flight risk concerns, was remanded in custody until that date. He appeared in court wearing a grey and green hoody, blue jeans, and navy runners.
Eric Eoin Marques, a 29-year-old Dublin resident with an address at Mountjoy Square, was remanded in custody by the High Court to appear again on September 9 for a judgment on his application for leave to seek judicial review. Mr Justice John Edwards stated he was still working on the "seemingly complex" case. Marques is alleged to be the owner and administrator of Freedom Hosting, an anonymous site described by an FBI agent as "the largest facilitator of child porn in the world." He faces allegations of conspiring to distribute and advertise child pornography, as well as advertising and distributing such material. The DPP decided not to prosecute him in Ireland, a decision Marques is challenging. He has been in custody since August last year after being refused bail due to flight risk concerns. At a previous hearing, the court was told that Marques faces up to 100 years imprisonment if convicted in the US of the alleged offences. The matter was adjourned to September 9 for the delivery of the judgment.
In a 2014 Central Criminal Court hearing, Edward Boylan Jnr, aged 31, was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the murder of his 74‑year‑old father, Edward Boylan Snr, at the father's flat in Crumlin. Boylan had been diagnosed with schizophrenia over a decade earlier and was a special‑needs prisoner at Mountjoy Prison, where he had been hearing voices and had requested medication that was not provided. He was released the day before the killing without appropriate supervision or medication. On the morning of the murder, Boylan stabbed his father 13 times with a 100‑year‑old bayonet, then set the apartment on fire. Psychiatric experts for both sides confirmed that Boylan was in a manic, psychotic state and could not control his actions, meeting the criteria for an insanity verdict. The judge ordered Boylan to be committed to the Central Mental Hospital for a future treatment report due on 19 May.".
A 31‑year‑old Dublin man, Edward Boylan Jnr, is on trial for murdering his 74‑year‑old father by stabbing him with a 100‑year‑old bayonet, a family heirloom from World War 1. Boylan Jnr admitted stabbing his father, causing death, but pleaded not guilty. He was released from Mountjoy Prison on 6 January 2012, and that evening was seen at Ravensdale Close, a gated retirement community where his father lived. Prosecutor Conor Devally told the jury that Boylan Jnr used the bayonet or sword, plunged it through his father's chest multiple times, and later bought lighter fluid and matches to set fire to the apartment. The fire was discovered by neighbours; the Dublin fire brigade found the victim with the bayonet protruding from his chest. Detective Sergeant Barry Butler testified that 13 stab wounds were confirmed, penetrating the heart, lungs, sternum, liver and kidney, and that the victim died before the fire started.
In a High Court ruling, Eric Eoin Marques, referred to by the FBI as the 'largest facilitator of child porn in the world,' has been granted legal aid to fight his extradition to the United States. The court determined that any funds Marques may possess are likely to be proceeds of crime. Marques, who is alleged to be the owner and administrator of an anonymous hosting site known as Freedom Hosting, faces charges in the U.S. relating to conspiring to distribute and advertise child pornography. The 28-year-old, residing at Mountjoy Square in Dublin, has been in custody since his arrest in August 2022. The charges relate to images on over a hundred anonymous websites, described as extremely violent and depicting the rape and torture of pre-pubescent children. Marques had previously failed to obtain legal aid due to unexplained funds, but the court granted him legal aid, citing the need for justice and the potential for hidden proceeds of crime. The matter was adjourned for further consideration, with the case to be re-listed on April 29. If convicted in the U.S., Marques could face a life sentence, with the four charges potentially resulting in a total of 100 years in prison.
A High Court judge has raised questions regarding whether alleged unexplained monies belonging to Eric Eoin Marques, referred to by the FBI as 'the largest facilitator of child porn in the world,' are the proceeds of crime. Marques, who is alleged to be the owner and administrator of an anonymous hosting site known as Freedom Hosting, is wanted by US authorities for charges relating to conspiring to distribute and advertise child pornography. The 28-year-old, residing at Mountjoy Square in central Dublin, has been in custody since his arrest in August last year. The charges against Marques relate to images on over a hundred 'anonymous websites' described as extremely violent and depicting the rape and torture of pre-pubescent children. Marques previously failed to obtain legal aid due to an 'unexplained six-figure sum' of money. In the High Court, Mr Justice John Edwards expressed concerns that these monies may be the proceeds of crime and questioned whether they could be used to fund Marques' legal representation. Counsel for Marques, Micheal P O'Higgins SC, stated that the State should conduct its own investigations into the unexplained monies. The case continues tomorrow.
In March 2014, Judge Brian McGovern ordered the arrest of former Wexford hurler Paul Codd and his appearance before the High Court because he had not complied with bankruptcy undertakings. Codd had previously been jailed briefly in December 2013 for alleged non‑compliance, released after giving a statement of affairs and promising cooperation. He had sworn to cooperate in January 2014 and to return leased machinery, but failed to attend three scheduled meetings with the official assignee, Chris Lehane, and cancelled them via late‑night emails. Lehane claimed Codd was in contempt of court and sought a Section 23 order for arrest. Codd had also failed to return €500,000 of farm machinery leased by Deutsche Leasing Ireland. The case stems from a 2011 judgment of €530,326 that Codd could not satisfy, leading to his 2013 bankruptcy declaration and an estimated total debt of €4.9 million.
Prisoner Noel Reddington has launched a High Court action against the Prison Authorities, the Governor of Mountjoy Prison, the Irish Prison Service, and the State, alleging he has been denied urgent medical treatment for a painful facial growth. Reddington claims that since his transfer from Cloverhill to Mountjoy Prison last November, his requests for care have gone unanswered, despite previously being advised at a Dublin hospital that he required a CAT scan and potential removal of metal plates from his head. His counsel, Keith Spencer Bl, stated that the alleged failure to provide treatment amounts to degrading treatment and breaches Constitutional and European Convention on Human Rights. Counsel further alleged that Reddington's pain became so severe that he attempted to cut the growth off his face with a blade. The applicant is not seeking to bypass hospital waiting lists but is seeking the same access to health services as any public patient. The High Court has directed that Reddington's application for permission to bring proceedings be brought on notice to the respondents. The matter was briefly mentioned before Mr Justice Michael Peart, who adjourned the case to a date later this month.
A man described by the FBI as 'the largest facilitator of child porn in the world' was refused legal aid today in his application for a judicial review of the DPP's decision not to prosecute him in Ireland. Eric Eoin Marques, alleged to be the owner and administrator of an anonymous hosting site known as Freedom Hosting, is wanted by US authorities for charges relating to conspiring to distribute and advertise child pornography. The 28-year-old, residing at Mountjoy Square in central Dublin, has been in custody since his arrest in August last year. He faces extradition for very serious offences, the possibility of being put on trial and a very lengthy sentence. Mr Justice John Edwards noted that Marques earned substantial sums of money over the past five to six years, with evidence showing approximately €1,098,000 in transfers to and from a Bank of America account. However, the judge stated that Marques' living expenses were modest, and the only sign of wealth was his possession of a BMW X5 Jeep. Despite this, large sums of money in various bank accounts were frozen by the FBI, and Marques claimed that unexplained funds were transferred to his former girlfriend and associates. The judge expressed difficulty in verifying these claims due to the lack of a paper trail. Marques' legal counsel, Mark Lynam BL, indicated that judicial review proceedings should commence on March 25, 2014. If convicted, Marques could face a sentence totaling 100 years.
Eric Eoin Marques, a 28-year-old resident of Mountjoy Square, Dublin, appeared in the High Court to apply for legal aid ahead of a judicial review of the DPP's decision not to prosecute him in Ireland. Marques is alleged to be the owner of Freedom Hosting and is wanted by US authorities for conspiring to distribute and advertise child pornography. He has been in custody since August last year after being refused bail due to flight risk concerns. During proceedings, Marques testified that he earned approximately €1.15 million between 2007 and 2012. He stated he gave €250,000 to his Romanian girlfriend and spent the remainder on daily expenses, including McDonald's, petrol, and escorts. He claimed his funds were frozen by the FBI and that his father paid his legal fees. Under cross-examination, Marques admitted he did not remember where the rest of the money went and declined to answer questions about tax returns, citing potential self-incrimination. Counsel for the Attorney General argued that Marques' account raised more questions than answers. Mr Justice John Edwards noted the lack of documentary evidence supporting Marques' assertions. The judge indicated he would rule on the legal aid application the following morning. If convicted, Marques could face the remainder of his natural life in prison, as the four charges could result in a sentence totaling 100 years.
In a High Court hearing on 25 February 2014, the extradition case of Eric Eoin Marques, 28, was adjourned for one week. Marques, who lives at Mountjoy Square, Dublin, is alleged by the FBI to be the owner and administrator of the anonymous hosting site Freedom Hosting, and is wanted in the United States on charges of conspiring to distribute and advertise child pornography, and of advertising and distributing child pornography. The charges involve images on more than a hundred anonymous websites described as extremely violent, graphic and depicting the rape and torture of pre‑pubescent children. Marques has been in custody since his arrest in August 2013, after bail was refused on the grounds that he was a flight risk and could interfere with evidence. His counsel, Mark Lynam BL, informed the court that Marques intended to apply for legal aid before filing a judicial review.
In February 2014, Nathan Kinsella, aged 33, was arrested at the Abs‑Solute Fitness gym in Cabra after failing to appear for his IRA membership trial. The Special Criminal Court had issued a bench warrant for his arrest following his absence at the January 28 mention and the February 4 trial date. Detective Sergeant Padraig Boyce reported Kinsella's arrest to the court, and Ms Tara Burns SC applied for his remand. The three‑judge panel, led by Mr Justice Paul Butler, remanded Kinsella in custody, with his next mention scheduled for March 6. Kinsella had previously suffered a severe injury that limited his mobility. Earlier, Detective Inspector Paul Scott noted that Kinsella had not been seen by his bailsperson since before Christmas, despite a bail condition requiring him to keep his mobile phone on and observe a curfew from 9 pm to 9 am.
A man described by the FBI as the 'largest facilitator of child porn in the world,' Eric Eoin Marques, is seeking a judicial review of the DPP's decision not to prosecute him in Ireland, the High Court heard. Marques, 28, of Mountjoy Square, Dublin, is alleged to have been the owner and administrator of an anonymous hosting site known as Freedom Hosting. He has been in custody since his arrest in August 2023, following concerns he represented a flight risk. The charges relate to images on over a hundred anonymous websites described as extremely violent and depicting the rape and torture of pre-pubescent children. Counsel for Marques, Mark Lynam BL, stated that his client intended to apply for legal aid prior to the judicial review. Counsel for the State, Patrick McGrath SC, noted that investigations into Marques's assets were ongoing. Mr Justice John Edwards expressed concern over the delay in providing a statement of means and ordered the matter to be resolved within days. The court heard that Marques would be available for cross-examination on any disputes regarding his statement of means. Mr Justice Edwards remanded Marques in custody until Tuesday (February 25). If convicted, he could face the remainder of his natural life in prison as the four charges could result in a sentence totalling 100 years.
Martin Maloney, a 30-year-old actor from Swinford, Co. Mayo, is scheduled to stand trial in Dublin District Court on May 6 regarding two alleged assaults. The defendant, known for his role in the series Hardy Bucks, has pleaded not guilty to two counts under Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act. He is accused of assaulting security staff Brian Smith and Mark O'Shaughnessy on October 9, 2012, following an alleged dispute over a toilet queue at The Big Tree pub. Prosecution evidence alleges Maloney placed Smith in a headlock, exacerbating a previous injury, and later struck O'Shaughnessy, causing dental injuries that required fillings and root canal treatment costing between €700 and €1,000. Judge Patricia McNamara accepted jurisdiction for a non-jury trial at district court level, declining to send the case to the Circuit Court. She emphasized that Maloney remains presumed innocent. Defence solicitor Tony Collier confirmed the charges are being contested, noting the availability of significant CCTV footage and the expectation of up to eight prosecution witnesses. The trial is anticipated to last a full day. Legal aid was previously granted to Maloney, as the court heard his work is not steady and he could not fund legal fees independently. The matter is currently at the pre-trial stage, with the hearing date fixed for May 6.
An Irishman, Eric Eoin Marques, who is alleged to be the owner and administrator of an anonymous hosting site known as Freedom Hosting, may seek judicial review of the DPP's decision not to prosecute him in Ireland. The 28-year-old, with an address at Mountjoy Square in central Dublin, has been in custody since his arrest in August last year. The charges against Mr Marques relate to images on over a hundred 'anonymous websites' described as being extremely violent, graphic and depicting the rape and torture of pre-pubescent children. The websites in question have 'thousands of members' who have posted 'millions of images' of child pornography. Some the children involved are infants, the FBI claim. Counsel for Mr Marques, Mr Mícheál P O'Higgins SC, this morning told the court that he and a new legal team had just come on record and on that basis he would ask for more time. He said his client was anxious to receive advice on the Damache case and the possibility of seeking judicial review on the same grounds. Mr O'Higgins asked for a three week adjournment in the case. The court heard that if convicted Mr Marques faces spending the remainder of his natural life in prison as the four charges could result in a sentence totalling 100 years. He remanded Mr Marques in custody until February 18.
The High Court has adjourned the extradition proceedings against Eric Eoin Marques, a 28-year-old resident of Mountjoy Square, Dublin, for one week. Marques is alleged to be the owner and administrator of Freedom Hosting, an anonymous site described by an FBI Special Agent as the largest facilitator of child pornography in the world. US authorities seek his extradition to face charges including conspiring to distribute and advertise child pornography, as well as advertising and distributing such material. The court heard allegations that the sites hosted millions of graphic images depicting the rape and torture of pre-pubescent children. Although the Director of Public Prosecutions decided not to bring proceedings in Ireland, counsel for Marques indicated he would plead guilty if prosecuted domestically. The judge noted that if convicted on the four US charges, Marques faces a potential sentence totalling 100 years, effectively the remainder of his natural life. The case was put back due to ongoing matters regarding legal representation, with the court expressing anxiety that progress be made. Marques has remained in custody since his August arrest after bail was refused due to flight risk concerns.
Martin Maloney, a 30-year-old actor from Swinford, County Mayo, appeared at Dublin District Court to contest assault charges arising from an incident at a public house in October 2012. Maloney is accused of two counts of assault causing harm to two security staff members during an altercation over a toilet queuing system. One assault charge was struck out as statute barred. Judge Patricia McNamara declined to send the remaining charges to Circuit Court, accepting jurisdiction at district court level. Maloney was remanded on continuing bail. The judge determined he remains presumed innocent. A trial date is to be set at a further mention next week. The defence indicated the case will be contested, with evidence expected to include up to eight prosecution witnesses and significant CCTV footage, with trial anticipated to last a full day.
An Irishman, 28‑year‑old Eric Eoin Marques, is wanted in the United States for conspiring to distribute and advertise child pornography and for advertising and distributing child pornography. He is alleged to have owned and administered the anonymous hosting site Freedom Hosting, which hosted over a hundred anonymous websites containing extremely violent and graphic images of pre‑pubescent children, some infants, and had thousands of members posting millions of images. Marques was arrested in August and has remained in custody after bail was refused on flight‑risk and evidence‑interference grounds. The High Court was informed that the Director of Public Prosecutions will not bring proceedings against him in Ireland. Marques' counsel, Remy Farrell, stated that Marques would plead guilty if prosecuted in Ireland, but the DPP has decided not to proceed. The extradition case will be adjourned and listed for mention in January, with Marques remanded in custody to appear on 21 January.
Jarlath Walsh, a 42‑year‑old former prison officer, was originally sentenced to five years' imprisonment for smuggling cocaine, cannabis, cannabis resin and thousands of tablets, including flurazepam, diazepam and oxymetholone, into Mountjoy prison. He pleaded guilty at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. On appeal, Judge Donal O'Donnell found the five‑year term "perhaps too high" and reduced it to four years, suspending the final year for three years on the condition of good behaviour and peacekeeping. The appeal court noted that a psychological report had identified Walsh as an "easily led" and "vulnerable" person, and that the original judge had not fully considered this report. Walsh claimed he was forced to smuggle the drugs after being threatened by men who had photographs of his family, but the court could not give much weight to his account.
In a case heard at Balbriggan District Court, 19‑year‑old Scott Chapman was charged with failing to stop at a Garda checkpoint, dangerous driving and driving without insurance after he drove a red Honda Civic at 110 km/h through Lusk village on 4 May. He fled on foot after the checkpoint and was arrested shortly thereafter. Chapman pleaded guilty. The judge, Dermot Dempsey, disqualified him from driving for two years and fined him €300 for dangerous driving, and for an additional six months' disqualification and €300 fine for driving without insurance. The court did not impose a custodial sentence, citing the teenager's lack of prior convictions and the brief nature of the offence. The decision was influenced by the defendant's father's testimony, but the judge emphasised that the outcome was based on the facts presented, not the father's remarks.
A 17‑year‑old Dublin youth was caught smuggling cannabis and 229 tablets hidden in Kinder chocolate eggs into Mountjoy Prison while visiting relatives. The eggs were found wrapped in cellophane between his buttock cheeks during a random search. Garda Sheryl Wolfe reported the contraband to Judge John O'Connor at the Dublin Children's Court. The boy pleaded guilty to a charge of conveying drugs into a prison. He also faces a separate guilty plea for assaulting a staff member at a juvenile detention centre. The court noted his 13 prior convictions, mainly robberies, and his current probation for a criminal damage offence. The judge adjourned the case for three weeks, warning that a negative pre‑sentence probation report could lead to a sentence. The youth is attempting to enrol in an educational course and has shown a changed attitude, though his engagement with the Probation Service remains problematic.
In a High Court hearing on 12 November 2013, the extradition case of Eric Eoin Marques, a 28‑year‑old Irishman, was adjourned for two weeks. Marques is wanted in the United States on four charges of conspiring to distribute and advertise child pornography, and of advertising and distributing child pornography. The alleged offences involve images posted on more than a hundred anonymous websites that the FBI describes as extremely violent and graphic, depicting the rape and torture of pre‑pubescent children, some infants. The websites reportedly have thousands of members who have posted millions of images. If convicted, Marques faces a potential sentence of up to 100 years, which could mean life imprisonment. His lawyers requested the adjournment and the court, with no objection from the State, granted it. Mr Justice John Edwards remanded Marques in custody and scheduled the next hearing for 26 November.
Lawyers for Eric Eoin Marques, a 28‑year‑old Irishman wanted in the United States for conspiring to distribute and advertise child pornography, are challenging his extradition in the Irish High Court. Marques, who lives in Mountjoy Square, Dublin, faces four U.S. charges that could carry a cumulative sentence of up to 100 years. He claims he wants his case heard in Ireland and has submitted a Section 15 application to the Director of Public Prosecutions. The court has previously denied bail, citing Marques' alleged flight risk, possession of a false U.S. passport, and attempts to destroy evidence. The case will be heard again before Mr Justice John Edwards in three weeks. The FBI alleges Marques owned and administered the anonymous site Freedom Hosting, which hosted extremely violent child‑pornographic images and had a U.S. bank account and a Las Vegas mailing address. The court has found the evidence against Marques strong and the charges serious.
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.
In a High Court hearing on 13 September 2013, Mr Justice John Edwards refused bail to Eric Eoin Marques, a 28‑year‑old Irishman, for a second time. Marques is wanted in the United States on charges of conspiring to distribute and advertise child pornography and of advertising and distributing child pornography. The FBI alleges he facilitated and hosted anonymous websites containing extremely violent, graphic images of pre‑pubescent children, including infants, and that he had administrator access to one site. Evidence presented included a computer examination by Gardaí showing Marques' involvement, his use of a fraudulent U.S. passport to seek foreign hosting services, and financial records indicating $1.5 million passing through a single bank account. The court noted Marques' lack of prior convictions, his family ties in Ireland, and the freezing of his U.S. bank accounts, but concluded he posed a flight risk and a danger of evidence tampering.
In a High Court hearing on 13 September 2013, Mr Justice John Edwards refused bail to Eric Eoin Marques, a 28‑year‑old Irishman wanted in the United States on charges of conspiring to distribute and advertise child pornography. The judge cited concerns that Marques could abscond or tamper with evidence, and noted that the case against him was "strong" with potential sentences totalling 100 years. Marques had been previously denied bail by Mr Justice Paul Gilligan and had no prior convictions, but the court considered him a flight risk due to substantial financial resources, frozen U.S. bank accounts, and possession of a false U.S. passport. The judge remanded Marques in custody to appear again on 22 October, stating that a hearing before Christmas was unlikely. The case involves alleged ownership of the Freedom Hosting site, described by the FBI as a large transnational child‑pornography operation.
The High Court has allowed a 28‑year‑old Irishman, described by an FBI special agent as "the largest facilitator of child porn on the planet," to submit a fresh bail application. Justice John Edwards, after careful consideration, concluded that the interests of justice required that Eric Eoin Marques be permitted to proceed with a new bail request. The United States seeks Marques' extradition on charges related to images on more than a hundred anonymous websites that allegedly contain extremely violent, graphic child‑pornographic material, including rape and torture of pre‑pubescent children. The websites reportedly have thousands of members who have posted millions of images, some involving infants, according to the FBI. Marques, who holds both Irish and U.S. citizenship, was arrested in Dublin on a provisional extradition warrant issued by a U.S. court on 29 July. The first bail hearing, held by Justice Paul Gilligan, denied bail pending the determination of the extradition request.