The Special Criminal Court sentenced Jonathan Harding to five years and three months' imprisonment for laundering over €342,000 for a serious criminal organisation. Harding, 48, pleaded guilty to five offences under the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act 2010. Mr Justice Tony Hunt imposed a headline sentence of six years and nine months, suspending the final 18 months on all charges, with all sentences running concurrently. Harding signed a bond to be of good behaviour for three years post-release. The judge noted Harding's prior conviction for possessing nine revolvers, four pistols, a sub-machine gun, an assault rifle, and ammunition, for which he received a ten-year sentence in January 2018. Co-accused Carol Davis, 45, pleaded guilty to three offences under the same Act, admitting she was reckless in allowing Harding access to her accounts but denying involvement in underlying criminality. She received a three-year suspended sentence on all offences, signing a bond to be of good behaviour for that duration. The court found that accounts linked to both were used as a travel service for the organisation. Separately, Declan Brady, 54, was previously sentenced to 11-and-a-half years' imprisonment in July 2019 after pleading guilty to possessing the same weapons cache, having been tasked by senior criminal figures to supervise it.
Former INLA member Dessie O'Hare, known as "The Border Fox", has dismissed his legal team ahead of his appeal against the severity of his seven-year sentence. O'Hare, of Newtownhamilton, County Armagh, was jailed by the Special Criminal Court last year for falsely imprisoning a family and leading a violent attack. He pleaded guilty to assaulting John Roche and falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne at Rathcoole and Saggart on June 9, 2015. The court also considered counts regarding Byrne's wife and son. O'Hare received three years for the assault and ten years, with three suspended for life, for the false imprisonment, with sentences running concurrently. In a remote hearing before the Court of Appeal, new counsel Patrick Jackson BL and Dominic McGinn SC, representing Ferry Solicitors, stated they could not proceed on the originally scheduled Monday date. The DPP opposed the delay, but President Mr Justice George Birmingham permitted the change of solicitor, noting no prejudice to the prosecution. The appeal, which cites a lack of parity with former paramilitary Declan "Whacker" Duffy—who received six years for similar offences in 2018—was adjourned. The Court of Appeal fixed January 22 as the new hearing date for the appeal against the sentence.
A woman and her partner were involved in a money-laundering scheme linked to an organised crime group, following a raid that uncovered an arsenal of firearms capable of 'arming a small country', the Special Criminal Court has heard. Jonathan Harding (48) of Kerdiff Avenue, Naas, Co Kildare, pleaded guilty to five charges of converting, transferring or handling property, to wit money, between 1 January, 2012, and 31 December 2016, at EBS, Bank of Ireland and AIB accounts, the proceeds of criminal conduct. Co-accused Carol Davis (45) of Clonmacnoise Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12, pleaded guilty to three offences between 1 January, 2014, and 31 December, 2016, relating to accounts held in her own name also at EBS, AIB and Bank of Ireland. The pair had originally been charged with 50 offences but pleaded guilty to a total of eight offences. The charges come under the Criminal Justice Act 2010 (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing). Declan Brady (54), known as 'Mr Nobody', was sentenced to 11-and-a-half years imprisonment after pleading guilty to possession of the weapons. Tom Anderson, the defendant, was sentenced to ten years in prison with one year suspended in January 2018 for the possession of firearms. The matter was adjourned to December 15 for sentencing.
The Special Criminal Court trial of Jim Mansfield Jnr, who is accused of conspiring to falsely imprison Martin Byrne and attempting to pervert the course of justice, continues before a non-jury court. Mansfield Jnr has pleaded not guilty to both counts. During cross-examination, alleged victim Martin Byrne, who is in the Witness Protection Programme, testified that the incident was "all Mansfield business" and that Mansfield Jnr was present when he was taken prisoner by a gang including Dessie O'Hare and Declan Duffy. Byrne's son, Brandon Byrne, also gave evidence, describing how his parents were held at The Towers while security guard John Roche was assaulted outside. The court heard that Christopher Maguire, who pleaded guilty to falsely imprisoning Martin and Lisa Byrne on June 9, 2015, received a three-year suspended sentence. Additionally, Daniel Kane, who pleaded guilty to assaulting John Roche and falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne, was sentenced in April 2018 to five years' imprisonment with the final year suspended. Background evidence noted that James O'Gorman was previously convicted of defrauding a company director out of €54,000 in 2007. The trial is ongoing, with proceedings continuing before Mr Justice Alexander Owens and two other judges.
Martin Byrne, a witness in the trial of Jim Mansfield Jnr, has denied claims by the defence that he cannot keep his story consistent and that he puts people in and out of meetings 'willy nilly'. Byrne, who is now in the Witness Protection Programme, testified that he was falsely imprisoned by a gang of seven men, including former INLA member Dessie O'Hare and former Republican paramilitary Declan 'Whacker' Duffy. The trial, which is in the sentence stage, continues before a three-judge court. Mansfield Jnr has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including conspiring to falsely imprison Byrne and attempting to pervert the course of justice. In April 2019, Dessie O'Hare was jailed for three years for assaulting John Roche and ten years with three suspended for the rest of his life for falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne. In 2018, Declan 'Whacker' Duffy was sentenced to six years imprisonment for assaulting John Roche and falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne. The trial continues tomorrow.
At the Special Criminal Court, Martin Byrne (53), a former in-house security director of the Citywest Hotel and currently in the Witness Protection Programme, denied allegations that he likes to make himself look important or enjoys 'a bit of grandiosity' during cross-examination by defence counsel Bernard Condon SC. Byrne testified that Jim Mansfield Jnr (53) arranged meetings with the New IRA and INLA to assist in reclaiming parts of his family's former property portfolio. He also stated that €2,500 in protection money was being paid weekly to the Real IRA to protect Mansfield Jnr from Traveller gangs. Byrne claimed that Mansfield Jnr was aware of the dangers involved but was determined to recover his property. Mansfield Jnr is accused of conspiring to falsely imprison Byrne between January 1, 2015, and June 30, 2015, and of attempting to pervert the course of justice by directing Patrick Byrne to destroy CCTV footage. The trial continues. In April 2019, Former INLA man Dessie O'Hare was jailed for three years for assaulting John Roche and ten years with three suspended for the rest of his life for falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne. Former Republican paramilitary Declan 'Whacker' Duffy was sentenced to six years in 2018 after pleading guilty to assaulting John Roche and falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne at Rathcoole and Saggart on June 9, 2015.
Jim Mansfield Jnr is on trial at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin, charged with conspiracy to commit false imprisonment and attempting to pervert the course of justice five years ago. The accused is alleged to have conspired with one or more persons to falsely imprison Martin Byrne on a date unknown between January 1, 2015 and June 30, 2015, both dates inclusive. He is also charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice by directing Patrick Byrne to destroy recorded CCTV footage, with the alleged intention of perverting the course of public justice in relation to the false imprisonment of Martin Byrne at Finnstown House Hotel, Newcastle Road, Lucan, Co Dublin between June 9, 2015 and June 12, 2015. Mr Mansfield has pleaded not guilty to both counts on the indictment. Martin Byrne, who is now in the Witness Protection Programme, testified that he arranged meetings with the New IRA and the INLA to assist Mr Mansfield in getting back parts of his family's former property portfolio. He also stated that he believed Mr Mansfield had set him up and tried to confront him but was grabbed from behind and pushed into a waiting car. The trial continues on Monday before Mr Justice Alexander Owens presiding, sitting with Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain and Judge James Faughnan. Former INLA man Dessie O'Hare was jailed by the Special Criminal Court for three years for assaulting John Roche and ten years with three suspended for the rest of his life for falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne. Former Republican paramilitary Declan "Whacker" Duffy was sentenced by the Special Criminal Court to six years imprisonment in 2018 after pleading guilty to assaulting John Roche, causing him harm, at The Towers, Garter Lane, Saggart, County Dublin on June 9, 2015.
Patrick Russell, a former barrister aged 57, was sentenced to four years in prison, with the final 12 months suspended, for stealing €235,000 from businessman Paul O'Connell. Russell pretended to arrange the purchase of a warehouse in Co Kildare for O'Connell, using forged deeds and false documents to convince the victim to transfer €15,000 and €5,000 to a UK account and an account in his wife's name, and to pay an additional €215,000 to solicitors who believed the documents were genuine. The solicitors and O'Connell's family later reported the fraud to Gardaí. Russell pleaded guilty to the theft in March 2019 and had previously been struck off the bar in 2012 for professional misconduct. The judge noted Russell's limited criminal history, his cardiac condition, and his willingness to restore the stolen sum, but imposed a custodial sentence because he had not made tangible efforts to return the money. The €215,000 remains frozen in AIB.
Businessman Jim Mansfield Jnr is on trial at the Special Criminal Court, charged with conspiracy to commit false imprisonment and attempting to pervert the course of justice. He has pleaded not guilty to both counts. The prosecution alleges that on June 9, 2015, Mansfield effectively delivered his longtime employee, Martin Byrne, into the arms of a group of men who falsely imprisoned Byrne and his family. The State claims Mansfield directed Byrne to a meeting at Keatings Park where he was confronted by Dessie O'Hare and Declan Duffy, after which Byrne was restrained by seven men and taken to The Towers in Saggart. The second count alleges Mansfield instructed Patrick Byrne to destroy CCTV footage from Finnstown House Hotel to pervert justice. The trial continues before Mr Justice Alexander Owens, sitting with Judges Sinead Ni Chulachain and James Faughnan. In related matters, former INLA member Dessie O'Hare was sentenced in April 2019 to three years for assaulting John Roche and ten years, with three suspended for life, for falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne. Former Republican paramilitary Declan Duffy was sentenced in 2018 to six years imprisonment after pleading guilty to assaulting John Roche and falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne on the same date.
Devin Walker, 35, was given a suspended three‑year sentence after pleading guilty to cultivating cannabis at a derelict farmyard in Johnstown Kennedy, Rathcoole. He was discovered when the landowner noticed a rise in electricity usage and flash lights, prompting Garda Donal Donoghue to obtain a search warrant. At the site, Walker was seen leaving a shed with a bucket of water and was later found inside with three grow tents holding 140 cannabis plants and saplings. Garda estimates suggested a potential street value of €112,000 if all plants were mature females. Walker, originally from the Caribbean and recently arrived from Birmingham, had no prior convictions and was considered a low‑level operative. Judge Martin Nolan accepted his guilty plea, noted he had not profited, and imposed a suspended sentence. The court highlighted that Walker's involvement was limited to irrigation and feeding the plants. The sentence was suspended in full.
Former INLA member Dessie O'Hare, known as 'The Border Fox', is appealing a seven‑year sentence imposed by the Special Criminal Court for falsely imprisoning a family in South Dublin. O'Hare, 63, was convicted of assaulting John Roche on 9 June 2015 and of falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne, his wife and son, on the same date. He received a three‑year term for the assault and a ten‑year term with three years suspended for the false imprisonment, the sentences running concurrently. The Court of Appeal has scheduled his hearing for 14 December. O'Hare's barrister, Mark Lynam BL, confirmed the client's intention to attend. He has prior convictions, including a 40‑year sentence in 1988 for false imprisonment and assault of a dentist, and firearm offences. The appeal concerns the length of the sentence, not the conviction itself. The case remains at the appeal stage. Dessie O'Hare pleaded guilty. Border Fox pleaded guilty.
Ali Adnan Duran, 52, was sentenced to nine years in prison after a court in Dublin found him in possession of nearly €1 million worth of heroin. The drugs were discovered in a suitcase in his room at a bed‑and‑breakfast on Mill Road, Rathcoole, following a Garda surveillance operation in August 2019. Duran had previously been convicted in Turkey in 2016 for trafficking 59 kg of heroin and had a bench warrant pending for another offence. He pleaded guilty to possession for sale or supply of heroin. The judge, noting Duran's cooperation with the investigation and his admissions, set a nine‑year term, back‑dated to August 2019, departing from the mandatory ten‑year minimum for the offence. The sentence reflects the court's discretion under the statutory framework for drug‑related offences.
The State has withdrawn the charges against David Galloway, 54, of Crumlin, Dublin, who had been tried in February for alleged trademark offences involving washing powders such as Persil, Ariel, Fairy, Daz and Bold. Galloway had pleaded not guilty to seven counts of unlawful trademark application to buckets and fourteen counts of possession of trademarked buckets, labels and boxes, mainly said to have occurred at Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole on 7 June 2014. After a jury failed to reach a verdict and a prior hearing collapsed, the prosecution requested a nolle prosequi, which Judge Martin Nolan granted, ending the case.
David Galloway, 54, of Crumlin, Dublin, faced seven charges of unlawfully applying trademarks of washing‑powder brands Persil, Ariel, Fairy, Daz and Bold to buckets, and fourteen charges of possession of buckets, labels and boxes bearing those trademarks. He pleaded not guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The alleged offences mainly took place at a premises in Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, on 7 June 2014. A legal issue caused Judge Karen O'Connor to discharge the jury, and the case was sent back for a new hearing.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court case, 54‑year‑old David Galloway of Crumlin is accused of unlawfully applying and possessing trademarks of popular washing‑powder brands such as Persil, Ariel, Fairy, Daz and Bold. He faces seven charges of unlawful trademark application to buckets and fourteen charges of possession of trademarked buckets, labels and boxes. The alleged offences mainly occurred on 7 June 2014 at Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole. Two Gardaí from the Crime and Security Division gave evidence based on surveillance between 31 May and 6 June 2014. One officer reported seeing Galloway's black Mercedes parked at his home, then driving to a cul‑de‑sac and later to Unit 1, Block 532 at Greenogue Industrial Estate. On 6 June, the officer observed Galloway supervising the unloading of washing powder from a transit van at Hotline's Cash and Carry in Walkinstown. David Galloway pleaded not guilty.
David Galloway, aged 54, appeared before the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 16 January 2020, pleading not guilty to seven charges of unlawfully applying the trademarks of Persil, Ariel, Fairy, Daz and Bold to buckets, and fourteen charges of possession of buckets, labels and boxes bearing those trademarks. The alleged offences mainly took place at a commercial premises in Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, on 7 June 2014. Gardaí discovered a large number of buckets labelled with the brand names, a substantial quantity of white powder that appeared to be washing powder, and numerous labels ready for attachment. Prosecutor Dominic McGinn presented evidence that Galloway was responsible for the premises and was trading in these goods "to a significant degree." The prosecution argued that the use of the trademarks without proper authorisation constituted the offences, and that the commercial nature of the activity was central to the case.
John Fortune, 43, was sentenced to six‑and‑a‑half years in prison for his role in a €1.5 million cannabis trafficking scheme. He agreed to drive a van loaded with nearly 80 kg of cannabis from Carlow to Rathcoole. Fortune had no prior convictions and had built a €50,000 tax debt, defaulted on his mortgage, and was facing repossession of his home. He claimed financial desperation and a foot injury had prevented him from working. Garda surveillance stopped the van, revealing vacuum‑packed cannabis labelled "trip haze", "diesel haze" and "green poison". The drugs were valued at just under €1.5 million. The court noted his limited involvement, financial distress, and mental health issues, and imposed a headline sentence of 13 years, halved to 6.5 years. Fortune received no payment for his role, and he had no prior Garda record. John Fortune pleaded guilty.
Two Dublin men, David Reilly (36) and Daryl Howe (23), were jailed for assaulting Andrew Smith during a feud. Reilly chased Smith into a house, slashed his face with a Stanley knife while Smith tried to shut a door, and Howe followed from the back, striking Smith with a club. Smith sustained lacerations and a facial scar. Both men pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Martin Nolan, noting the seriousness of the offence and the men's remorse, imposed a 27‑month sentence on Reilly and an 18‑month sentence on Howe, each having spent nine months in custody on remand. The judge considered their family responsibilities and prior records, concluding a custodial sentence was necessary. Smith did not give a victim impact statement. The case highlighted the feud's dissipation and Smith's wish that Reilly not be imprisoned.
The High Court ruled that John Boylan, also known as John Power, acquired a 90 per cent stake in the Cheltenham-winning horse Labaik, a west Dublin property, a bank account, a mobile home, and a 2015 Mercedes Benz E Class with the proceeds of crime. Ms Justice Carmel Stewart found a substantial financial shortfall in Boylan's declared income, leading to the inescapable conclusion that these assets were directly or indirectly derived from criminal proceeds. Boylan, who denied the allegations and claimed earnings from gambling and an animal feed business, also brought plenary proceedings against the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB). He alleged negligence and breach of duty regarding an injury Labaik sustained at Punchestown in April 2017, claiming CAB prevented him from selling the horse after seizing its passport. The judge dismissed these claims, finding Boylan's assessment of the horse's value and the injury's extent to be exaggerated and speculative. She determined that CAB acted appropriately, with no malfeasance or negligence, and that trainer Gordon Elliott was a truthful witness. The court noted Boylan had 67 previous convictions, including two for drugs offences. The matter was concluded with the assets identified as proceeds of crime and Boylan's civil claims against CAB dismissed.
Michael Brady, aged 54, was sentenced by the Special Criminal Court to eight years and six months' imprisonment, with the final 18 months suspended, for possession of €1.25 million worth of heroin found in the base of a bed at an apartment in Sallins Bridge, Naas, on 24 January 2017. The judge noted that Brady was trusted by a criminal gang to look after the heroin, but was not involved in buying, selling or planning criminal activity. Brady was found not guilty of possessing cocaine, cannabis, an assault rifle and ammunition, and the charge of possessing three ammunition magazines was withdrawn. Brady denied all charges and claimed he only looked after dogs belonging to his brother, Declan Brady, who was jailed for 10 ½ years for supervising a firearms arsenal. The sentence was back‑dated to 12 April 2017, the date of Brady's initial custody. Michael Brady was found guilty.
In a High Court case, residents of Coldwater Lakes, Saggart, Rathcoole, Dublin, argue that Burnella Cottage Ltd., a management company set up by the Mansfield family in 2002 to oversee the estate's common areas, failed to perform its duties and did not collect management fees. They claim they should be members of Burnella so they can manage the common areas, asserting that they have been paying the costs themselves for years. The residents say the company's directors—James Mansfield Junior, Patrick Mansfield, and Anthony Mansfield—intentionally disregard residents' interests and aim to appropriate the common areas. The defendants deny the allegations, stating the residents lack standing as they are not members or directors of Burnella and that the residents do not have good marketable title to their properties. A preliminary motion was heard by Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds, who adjourned the case to November after the defendants requested time to consider the matter.
A Dublin man, Michael Brady (54), will be sentenced at the Special Criminal Court later this month for possessing €1.25 million worth of heroin. Brady was found guilty in June of possessing the drugs at an apartment in Sallins Bridge, Sallins, Naas, Co Kildare, on January 24, 2017. The trial heard that heroin, cocaine, and cannabis were found at the premises, along with a 7.62 x 39mm calibre VZ 58 assault rifle and various ammunition. Brady was found not guilty of possessing the cocaine and cannabis, and had earlier been found not guilty of possessing the assault rifle by direction of the court. Another charge accusing him of possessing three ammunition magazines was withdrawn by the State. Brady had denied all charges. At a sentence hearing, Brady's barrister, Dominic McGinn SC, said his client was not significantly involved in 'this criminal organisation' and his involvement in looking after the consignment of drugs was at the 'lowest end'. Brady was remanded in custody until the sentencing date of July 29. Declan Brady (53), Michael Brady's brother, was jailed for 10-and-a-half years today for minding an 'arsenal' of firearms and ammunition at Unit 52, Block 503, Grants Drive, Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, Co Dublin. The court found that Declan Brady was tasked by senior criminal figures abroad to supervise the arsenal, which was assembled to 'support and sustain organised crime of the most serious nature'.
Declan Brady, 53, of Celbridge, Co Kildare, was sentenced to 11-and-a-half years imprisonment by the Special Criminal Court for possessing an arsenal of firearms and ammunition in suspicious circumstances. Brady, known as 'Mr Nobody', pleaded guilty to possessing nine revolvers, four semi-automatic pistols, a sub-machine gun, an assault rifle, and 1,355 rounds of ammunition at a fake business premises in Rathcoole, Co Dublin. The court found he was in overall charge of the cache, which was assembled to support organised crime. His headline sentence of 14 years was reduced due to his timely guilty plea, lack of relevant previous convictions, and good behaviour in custody. The final year of his sentence was suspended on condition he enters a good behaviour bond. The sentence was backdated to January 24, 2017. Two co-accused, Jonathan Harding, 45, of Sallins, Co Kildare, and James Walsh, 33, of Clondalkin, Dublin 22, were previously sentenced to 10 years and nine years imprisonment respectively, with the final year of each sentence suspended. The court noted that Brady received instructions from senior criminal figures abroad to maintain the weapons, which were found ready for imminent use during a surveillance operation.
The fast‑track Commercial Court has admitted a dispute in which businessmen Frank and John Gargan and Rathcoole Grain Ltd claim that QIC Europe Ltd failed to decide whether to pay out on an insurance policy covering fire damage to a recycling facility in South County Dublin. The plaintiffs say they leased premises to Natural Energy & Recycling Ltd at Tay Lane, Greenogue, which suffered extensive fire damage on 21 August 2018, costing an estimated €1.3 million to restore. They had an insurance policy with QIC from 2017 and notified the insurer the day after the fire. The plaintiffs allege that QIC has refused, neglected and failed to indemnify them, and that the insurer has only said it is "finalising its investigations." They seek an order that QIC perform the 2017 policy, a declaration of their entitlement to indemnity, and damages for breach of contract and duty.
A Kildare man known as "Mr Nobody" pleaded guilty to possessing 15 lethal firearms and 1,355 rounds of ammunition at a Dublin business park. The Special Criminal Court heard that the weapons were supplied by senior criminals abroad. Gardaí recovered four loaded revolvers ready for imminent use, a sub‑machine gun, an assault rifle, four semi‑automatic pistols, two silencers and ten spare magazines. The defendant, Declan Brady, 53, was arrested on 24 January 2017 after a surveillance operation. He had seven prior convictions for road traffic offences and had received instructions from overseas figures. Brady's co‑accused, Jonathan Harding and James Walsh, had previously been sentenced to ten and nine years' imprisonment with one year suspended. The court noted the seriousness of the firearms and the lack of any innocent use. Brady was remanded in custody until 15 July, when he will be sentenced.
Patrick Russell, aged 56, pleaded guilty to stealing €235,000 from businessman Paul O'Connell by posing as an arbitrator and financial consultant. Russell promised to facilitate the purchase of a commercial warehouse for €235,000, but the property was never bought. He obtained €15,000 and €5,000 from O'Connell's bank account, transferred them to a UK account and to an account in his wife's name, claiming they were for stamp duty and fees. O'Connell then paid an additional €215,000 to solicitors who later reported Russell to Gardaí. Russell presented forged documents from the Property Registration Authority to mislead O'Connell and his family. He has nine prior minor traffic convictions, denied theft initially, and pleaded guilty in March. The court adjourned sentencing to November 4, ordered a probation report, and noted Russell's health issues and potential UK employment to repay the remaining €20,000.
Michael Brady, 54, was found guilty of possessing cocaine and heroin at a property in Sallins, Co Kildare, on January 24, 2017. The court acquitted him of charges related to cocaine and cannabis found in the same location, as well as possession of an assault rifle and ammunition magazines, which were either withdrawn or dismissed by direction. Presiding Judge Paul Coffey stated that Brady's fingerprints on blocks of diamorphine provided compelling evidence of direct contact and knowledge of the drugs concealed under a bed. Brady had pleaded not guilty to all seven counts on the indictment. The judge noted that while Brady claimed he was looking after dogs at the address, the court rejected the defence argument that others had placed the drugs there during a four-day interval. Brady was remanded in custody until July 15, when he will be sentenced. Separately, his brother, Declan Brady, pleaded guilty in February to possessing 15 firearms and over 4,000 rounds of ammunition at Greenogue Business Park, Co Dublin, on the same date. Declan Brady is scheduled to be sentenced on June 24.
Larry Behan, 41, pleaded guilty to knowingly rendering assistance to the IRA in the possession of explosives at his father's quarry on 13 April 2016. He opened the gates to two men, John Roche and John Brock, who removed 57 kg of homemade explosives and 38 kg of Kemegel industrial explosives. Behan had no prior convictions, cooperated with Gardaí, and admitted his role immediately after arrest. The judge, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, described the case as "unusual" with "exceptional circumstances" and imposed a headline sentence of two years' imprisonment, suspended for two years on a €100 bond. Behan must keep the peace and be of good behaviour during the suspension. The court noted his lack of political association and his genuine fear for himself and his family. The case remains an ongoing criminal proceeding, with no further verdicts announced.
An appeal has led to an increased prison sentence for Donal O'Hara, who was involved in a violent attack led by Dessie O'Hare. O'Hara, 27, of Glin Park, Coolock, pleaded guilty to assaulting John Roche, causing him harm, and falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne on June 9, 2015. He was initially sentenced to three years imprisonment with the final year suspended on July 31, 2018. However, the Court of Appeal found the sentence 'unduly lenient' and re-sentenced O'Hara to four years imprisonment with the final year suspended, increasing his jail term by 12 months. Dessie O'Hare, 62, of Slate Rock Road, Newtownhamilton, County Armagh, also pleaded guilty to the same offences and was jailed for seven years. Daniel Kane, 29, of Hollycourt, Ballybrack, County Dublin, pleaded guilty to the same offences and was sentenced to five years imprisonment with the final year suspended on April 27, 2018. Hannover Street West, also pleaded guilty to the same offences and was sentenced to six years imprisonment on January 29, 2018. The appeal was brought by the Director of Public Prosecutions, who argued that the original sentence was too lenient given the severity of the offences and the context of the attack.
In a High Court hearing on 11 April 2019, trainer Gordon Elliott denied that he had spoken to John Boylan, the 32‑year‑old alleged drug dealer, about the purchase of Labaik, a horse that won the Supreme Novice's Hurdle at Cheltenham in March 2017. Elliott, who owns 5 % of Labaik, stated that the horse's 90 % share is held by Boylan, registered to Anthony O'Sullivan. He described Labaik as a "massive engine" with a quirk, noting the horse suffered a career‑threatening injury at Punchestown in April 2017. Elliott said the horse's value after Cheltenham was €250,000‑€300,000 but was now "not worth very much." Boylan has sued CAB for losses from the injury, while CAB alleges the horse was bought with proceeds of crime. The court will decide whether the purchase was financed by illicit funds and whether damages can be claimed. The judge will reserve judgment.
Former INLA member Dessie O'Hare, known as "The Border Fox", was sentenced by the Special Criminal Court to seven years' imprisonment. The court accepted his guilty pleas to assaulting John Roche and falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne at Rathcoole and Saggart on June 9, 2015. O'Hare was jailed for three years for the assault and ten years for the false imprisonment, with three years suspended for life. The sentences run concurrently and were backdated to April 3, 2019. Mr Justice Tony Hunt described the assault on Roche as "disturbingly violent" and noted O'Hare's "appalling record" as an aggravating factor. The judge rejected a non-custodial sentence, stating the offending was too serious and premeditated. O'Hare entered a bond to be of good behaviour for life. The court also noted that former Republican paramilitary Declan "Whacker" Duffy was previously sentenced to six years for his role in the same incident. The Byrne family, who were evicted from their home, are now in the Witness Protection Programme.
In April 2016, Larry Behan, 41, owner's son of a quarry in Rathcoole, opened the quarry gates to IRA members John Roche and John Brock, allowing them to take 57 kg of homemade explosives and 38 kg of Kemegel industrial explosives. Behan had previously found the explosives while cleaning an old shed and believed they would be disposed of. He was arrested on 14 April for possession of an explosive substance but later pleaded guilty in March 2019 to knowingly rendering assistance to the IRA in the possession of explosives. The Special Criminal Court heard that Behan was naive, had no prior convictions, and was taken advantage of, fearing for his life. He was remanded on continuing bail until 29 April 2019. The case was heard by a three‑judge panel, including Mr Justice Tony Hunt.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, John Roche (55) and John Brock (46) were found guilty of possessing 167 kg of explosives in a black Skoda Fabia. Gardaí discovered four plastic bags of homemade explosives and 18 detonators under the front passenger seat on Naas Road. Roche claimed he had no knowledge of the explosives and denied being at Behans Quarry, but the judge deemed his denials "totally incredible" and concluded he had full control of the vehicle's contents. Brock, a front‑seat passenger, also denied knowledge but was found to have been aware of the bulky load. Both men were remanded pending sentencing, with the court noting they acted in concert to transport the explosives, contravening the Explosive Substances Act 1883. John Roche pleaded not guilty. John Brock pleaded not guilty.
Former INLA member Dessie O'Hare, known as "The Border Fox", was remanded in custody until April 11 for sentencing by the Special Criminal Court. O'Hare (62), of Newtownhamilton, County Armagh, pleaded guilty to assaulting John Roche, causing him harm, and falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne at Rathcoole and Saggart on June 9, 2015. The court was asked to take two further counts of false imprisonment concerning Byrne's wife and son into consideration. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with Judges Patricia Ryan and Ann Ryan, stated that despite a "thought-provoking" plea in mitigation, a non-custodial sentence was an "unlikely outcome". O'Hare told gardai he was employed by Jim Mansfield Junior to evict Byrne and his family. He has four previous convictions, including a 40-year sentence in 1988 for false imprisonment and assault causing grievous bodily harm, from which he was released in 2008. In a related matter, former Republican paramilitary Declan "Whacker" Duffy was sentenced to six years imprisonment last year after pleading guilty to the same assault on Roche and false imprisonment of Byrne. Three other men have also been jailed for the attack.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, defence counsel Dominic McGinn SC argued that it was "inconceivable" that Gardaí would have missed an assault rifle and ammunition during a search of a Kildare house on 24 January 2017. He cited the fact that a landlord's nephew later found a rifle, ammunition and drugs in the base of a bed, four days after the Gardaí search. Michael Brady (54) is charged with possession of €1.5 million worth of cocaine, €1.26 million worth of heroin and over 180 rounds of ammunition at a property in Sallins, Co Kildare. He pleaded not guilty to all seven counts. The court found him not guilty of possessing an assault rifle and the State withdrew a charge of three ammunition magazines. Brady's brother, Declan Brady (52), pleaded guilty to possession of 15 firearms and over 4,000 rounds of ammunition at Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, Co Dublin. Michael Brady was acquitted.
In the Special Criminal Court, Michael Brady, 54, of Blackrock, Co Dublin, was directed to be found not guilty of possessing an assault rifle by Mr Justice Paul Coffey. The judge ruled there was no evidence beyond reasonable doubt linking Brady to the rifle, which was found concealed in a bed base at Sallins Bridge, Co Kildare, on January 24, 2017. Although DNA from skin cells matching Brady was found on socks containing ammunition, an expert noted this did not exclude the possibility that another person placed the rounds in socks Brady had worn. The judge further stated there was no evidence establishing when Brady accessed the bed or when the rifle was placed there. The State also withdrew a separate charge regarding the possession of three ammunition magazines. Brady had pleaded not guilty to all nine counts on his indictment, which included allegations of possessing €1.5 million worth of cocaine and €1.26 million worth of heroin. Separately, his brother, Declan Brady, 52, pleaded guilty last month to possessing 15 firearms and more than 4,000 rounds of ammunition at Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, Co Dublin, on the same date. Declan Brady is currently awaiting sentence. The trial for Michael Brady continues on Monday.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, two Dublin men, John Brock (46) and John Roche (55), were found to have acted in concert when they retrieved and transported 165 kg of explosives in a black Skoda Fabia. Gardaí had discovered four bags of explosives in the boot and 18 detonators under the front passenger seat on the Naas Road. The prosecution argued that the men possessed 57 kg of homemade ammonium nitrate fuel mix and thirty‑eight 2.5 kg rolls of Kemegel industrial explosives. Evidence from the National Surveillance Unit showed the car and its occupants were monitored from 5.55 pm on 13 April 2016, with the men stopping at Behans Quarry at 6.59 pm. Forensic analysis confirmed the items were explosives, and the court was instructed to infer the men's knowledge from their conduct and statements. Both men were remanded on continuing bail until 5 April, when judgment will be delivered. John Brock pleaded not guilty. John Roche pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the trial of John Brock, 46, and John Roche, 55, who have pleaded not guilty to the alleged possession of 57kg of homemade ammonium nitrate fuel mix explosives and thirty-eight 2.5kg rolls of Kemegel industrial explosives at Naas Road, Dublin 12, on April 13, 2016. Prosecution witnesses testified that armed gardai recovered four bags of explosives and 18 detonators from a black Skoda Fabia stopped on the Naas Road. Detective Sergeant Thomas Power stated that Army Disposal Unit Commandant Oisin Dawson subsequently detonated the Kemegel packets in the Glen of Imaal. Forensic scientist Dr John O'Shaughnessy confirmed the samples were explosives under the Explosive Substances Act 1883. Sergeant Raymond Tadhg of the Special Detective Unit testified that during an interview, Brock was asked to account for the explosives, detonators, and his presence at Behans Quarry. Brock gave no reply and declined to sign the interview memorandum. Prosecution counsel Anne-Marie Lawlor SC informed the court, presided over by Justice Tony Hunt with Judges Patricia Ryan and Ann Ryan, that the prosecution case had closed. The matter was adjourned and the trial continues.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, armed Gardaí seized four bags of explosives and 18 detonators from a black Skoda Fabia on Naas Road. The vehicle's driver, John Brock (46), and owner, John Roche (55), denied knowledge of the 150 kg of explosives found. They were charged with possession of 57 kg of homemade ammonium nitrate fuel mix and thirty‑eight 2.5 kg rolls of Kemegel industrial explosives. Gardaí, acting on intelligence that IRA members might possess explosives, stopped the car at 7 p.m. on 13 April 2016. Brock was handcuffed after being asked to exit the vehicle, while Roche was forced to lie face‑down and was also handcuffed. Both men were arrested under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act. John Brock pleaded not guilty. John Roche pleaded not guilty.
Two Dublin men, John Brock, 46, and John Roche, 55, were arrested on 13 April 2016 after a gardai stop of a black Skoda Fabia on Naas Road. The vehicle contained 18 detonators, 57 kg of homemade ammonium nitrate fuel mix and thirty‑eight 2.5 kg rolls of Kemegel industrial explosives. The Special Criminal Court heard the men's movements on that day, with evidence from the National Surveillance Unit showing them at Behans Quarry, Windmillhill, and the N7. The prosecution, led by Anne‑Marie Lawlor SC, presented ballistic evidence and observations of the men's failure to answer questions. Both pleaded not guilty. The court ruled that NSU members must remain anonymous, and the trial, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, is scheduled to continue for one week.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 20 March 2019, the landlord of a house at Sallins Bridge, Sallins, Co Kildare, testified that his nephew discovered an assault rifle, more than 180 rounds of ammunition, and large amounts of cocaine and heroin in the base of a bed while "clearing out" the property. The landlord, who entered a tenancy agreement with Declan Brady in February 2015, said he had no key to the house and had gained access through a neighbour. He described how the nephew found a cardboard box containing the rifle, magazines, and drug packets wrapped in brown tape. The landlord also reported that Gardaí had searched the premises on 28 January 2017. Michael Brady, 54, is charged with nine counts of possession of firearms, ammunition and drugs, and has pleaded not guilty. The court heard evidence to determine the lawfulness of the Gardaí search. The judge will rule tomorrow.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the ongoing trial of Michael Brady, 54, who has pleaded not guilty to all nine counts on the indictment. He is charged with possessing €1.5 million worth of cocaine, €1.26 million worth of heroin, an assault rifle, and more than 180 rounds of ammunition at a property in Sallins, Co Kildare, on January 24, 2017. Prosecution counsel stated that forensic evidence links the accused to the items and the address. During interviews, Brady told gardai that he and his brother, Declan Brady, lived separate lives and were like "chalk and cheese." Brady denied possessing the ammunition found in the house and stated he did not know about firearms found at a separate location. His brother, Declan Brady, 52, previously pleaded guilty to possessing 15 firearms and more than 4,000 rounds of ammunition at the same address on the day in question. Declan Brady is currently awaiting sentence. The court heard that gardai conducted a search of the property, finding drugs and a firearm under a bed. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Coffey, sitting with Judge Gerard Griffin and Judge David McHugh.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence regarding a search at Sallins Bridge, Sallins, Co Kildare, on January 24, 2017. Michael Brady, 54, of Blackrock, Co Dublin, pleaded not guilty to nine counts, including alleged possession of €1.5 million worth of cocaine, €1.26 million worth of heroin, an assault rifle, and ammunition. Prosecution counsel Fiona Murphy SC alleged that gardaí failed to find these items during the initial search, which she described as a "very fast-moving operation." She stated that the property owner later discovered drugs and a firearm under a bed. The State's case is that forensic evidence links Mr Brady to the items. Earlier, the court ruled that Mr Brady's arrest and detention were lawful. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Coffey, sitting with Judges Gerard Griffin and David McHugh. Separately, Declan Brady, 52, of Celbridge, Co Kildare, pleaded guilty to possessing 15 firearms and over 4,000 rounds of ammunition at Greenogue Business Park on the same day. He is awaiting sentence. Jonathan Harding and James Walsh were previously sentenced to ten and nine years' imprisonment, respectively, for possessing a "lethal arsenal" of weapons at the same location.
The Special Criminal Court has heard that Michael Brady, 54, is the brother of Declan Brady, who was previously caught with 15 firearms and over 4,000 rounds of ammunition. Michael Brady, of Blackrock, Co Dublin, is currently on trial for allegedly possessing €1.5 million worth of cocaine, €1.26 million worth of heroin, an assault rifle, and more than 180 rounds of ammunition at a property in Sallins, Co Kildare, on January 24, 2017. He has pleaded not guilty to all nine counts on the indictment, including charges under Section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Act and unlawful possession of a 7.62 x 39mm VZ 58 assault rifle and various ammunition. Prosecutors stated the Sallins property was under surveillance as part of a wider operation targeting Greenogue Business Park, where Declan Brady, Jonathan Harding, and James Walsh were arrested earlier that morning. Declan Brady pleaded guilty to possessing the firearms and ammunition at Greenogue and is awaiting sentence. Harding and Walsh were sentenced in January to ten and nine years' imprisonment, respectively, for possessing a "lethal arsenal." The trial has entered legal argument regarding the lawfulness of Michael Brady's arrest in Naas, where he allegedly provided a false name. The court is expected to rule on these issues on Friday before resuming the case.
In a High Court decision on 12 March 2019, Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly refused Declan "Whacker" Duffy's application to appeal his extradition to Northern Ireland, ruling that the issue of a "no‑deal Brexit" does not constitute a point of law of exceptional public importance. Duffy, aged 44, had been serving a life sentence for the 1992 murder of Sergeant Michael Newman and had been released on licence in March 2013. He was re‑arrested in December 2015 and sentenced in 2016 to six years for false imprisonment. The court found no evidence supporting the defence's claims that Brexit or the Good Friday Agreement posed a risk to the legal system. Consequently, the judge declined to grant an appeal, affirming the extradition order. The decision emphasised that the extradition case remained a routine legal matter rather than one of exceptional public significance.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing in Dublin, Michael Brady, aged 54, was charged with nine counts including possession of an assault rifle, ammunition and nearly €3 million worth of drugs. The indictment alleges that on 24 January 2017 Brady was found at Sallins Bridge, Co Kildare, with €1.5 million of cocaine, €1.26 million of heroin, a 7.62 × 39 mm VZ 58 assault rifle and over 180 rounds of ammunition. Brady was arrested after a traffic stop in Naas where he gave a false name, and was later rearrested under the Offences Against the State Act. He pleaded not guilty to all charges, including possession of the rifle, ammunition and the drugs for sale or supply. The case is being heard by Judges Paul Coffey, Gerard Griffin and David McHugh.
Former Republican paramilitary Declan "Whacker" Duffy, aged 44, is to be extradited back to Northern Ireland to continue serving a life sentence for the 1992 murder of British army sergeant Michael Newman. Duffy had previously been released on license by a Northern Irish parole board in March 2013 after serving part of his life sentence. He was arrested in December 2015 and, in 2018, sentenced by the Special Criminal Court to six years for falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne and assaulting John Roche. The Under Secretary of State for Northern Ireland revoked his license on 6 June 2016, and a European Arrest Warrant was issued. His lawyers argued that returning him would amount to "double punishment" and cited the Good Friday Agreement, but Justice Aileen Donnelly rejected these claims and ordered his extradition, noting that a licensee remains subject to the original sentence and its conditions.
The Court of Appeal has reserved its judgment in an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) regarding the sentence of Donal O'Hara. O'Hara, 26, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to assaulting John Roche and falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne at The Towers, Saggart, on June 9, 2015. He was sentenced to four years imprisonment, with the final two years suspended. The DPP argues this sentence is "unduly lenient," with counsel Shane Costelloe SC describing the incident as a "gang of thugs accosting" the victim and characterizing O'Hara as "muscle." Defense counsel Michael O'Higgins SC argued that O'Hara's prompt guilty plea warranted elevated status and distinguished his role from other participants. Those included Dessie O'Hare, who pleaded guilty to the same offences and is awaiting sentence; Declan Duffy, who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six years imprisonment; and Daniel Kane, who pleaded guilty and received five years imprisonment with the final year suspended. The court, presided over by Mr Justice George Birmingham, heard that Duffy's sentence was "capped" at six years. The matter remains adjourned pending the court's decision on whether to increase O'Hara's term.
A 52‑year‑old man from Co Kildare, Declan Brady, pleaded guilty to possessing fifteen lethal firearms and over 3,000 rounds of ammunition at a Dublin business park in 2017. The firearms included nine revolvers, four semi‑automatic pistols, a sub‑machine gun and an assault rifle. Brady admitted to holding a .357 Magnum Zastava M83/02, two .38 Smith & Wesson Model 37s, a Rossi revolver, an Ingram M11 sub‑machine gun, a 9mm Smith & Wesson semi‑automatic pistol, a Ruger revolver, a Taurus revolver, a Remington Taurus, a Beretta Model 70, a VZ 58 assault rifle, an Amadeo Rossi revolver, a Glock Model 26, a Colt semi‑automatic pistol and a Kaleshnikov pattern magazine.
Sean Ruth, 29, of Rathangan, Co Kildare, was sentenced at the Special Criminal Court for possession of a .38 Special Rossi revolver and a 9mm round. He pleaded guilty to charges under the Firearms Act, 1925. Presiding Judge Paul Coffey, sitting with Judges Gerard Griffin and David McHugh, accepted that these items were unconnected to the larger arsenal recovered from Greenogue Business Park on January 24, 2017. The court noted the firearm and ammunition were incompatible and unused. Considering Ruth's 29 previous convictions as an aggravating factor, the headline sentence was set at four and a half years. This was reduced to three and a half years due to his guilty plea. The final six months of the sentence were suspended on the condition that Ruth enter a peace bond. The sentence was backdated to May 17, 2017, when he entered custody. The court also referenced the convictions of Jonathan Harding and James Walsh, who pleaded guilty to possessing nine revolvers, four pistols, a sub-machine gun, an assault rifle, and ammunition magazines at the same location. In January 2018, Harding was sentenced to ten years with one year suspended, while Walsh received nine years with one year suspended.