Sean Ruth, 29, of Rathangan, Co Kildare, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to possessing a .38 Special Rossi revolver and a 9mm round of ammunition. The court heard that DNA evidence linked Ruth to the revolver found in a blood-stained bag at Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, Co Dublin, on January 24, 2017. Prosecution counsel Paul Burns SC stated the maximum sentence for each count is seven years. In mitigation, defense counsel Dominic McGinn SC highlighted Ruth's early guilty plea, which saved the court significant time, and noted that the weapon was not loaded. Mr McGinn also cited support from Ruth's family and courses completed in custody. Mr Justice Paul Coffey, presiding with Judges Gerard Griffin and David McHugh, remanded Ruth in custody until February 8, when he will be sentenced. The matter was adjourned. Jonathan Harding, 45, of Sallins, Co Kildare, and James Walsh, 33, of Clondalkin, Dublin 22, previously 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 in prison with one year suspended, and Walsh was sentenced to nine years in prison with one year suspended.
Sean Ruth, 29, of Rathangan, Co Kildare, pleaded not guilty at the Special Criminal Court to charges of unlawful possession of a .38 Special Rossi revolver and a 9mm round of ammunition. Prosecutors allege these items were linked to a search at Greenogue Business Park on January 24, 2017, where Jonathan Harding and James Walsh were found. Harding and Walsh previously pleaded guilty to possessing nine revolvers, four pistols, a sub-machine gun, an assault rifle, and ammunition at the site. In January 2018, Harding was sentenced to ten years in prison with one year suspended, while Walsh received nine years with one year suspended. The prosecution contends that DNA evidence recovered from a blood-stained bag containing the revolver, a glove with a 9mm round, and a Ford Focus with a secret ammunition compartment matches Ruth. Counsel stated that Ruth's DNA also matched bloodstains on the car and a radio transmitter. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul Coffey, Judge Gerard Griffin, and Judge David McHugh, is ongoing and was adjourned to resume the following day.
Former INLA member Dessie O'Hare, known as 'The Border Fox', has pleaded guilty at the non-jury Special Criminal Court to charges of assault and false imprisonment in Dublin. O'Hare, 62, of Slate Rock Road, Newtownhamilton, County Armagh, admitted to assaulting John Roche, causing him harm, at The Towers, Garter Lane, Saggart, County Dublin on June 9th, 2015. He also pleaded guilty to falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne at Rathcoole and Saggart on the same date. The charges were admitted by O'Hare, who responded 'guilty' to both counts when asked by the registrar. Sean Guerin SC, defending, stated that a trial would not be required and that O'Hare could be arraigned on two of the counts. The defence indicated a desire to take two other counts into consideration at the appropriate time. The defence also mentioned that O'Hare has engaged with 'professionals' and requested up-to-date professional assistance for the sentence hearing. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding, sitting with Judge Patricia Ryan and Judge Ann Ryan, remanded the defendant on continuing bail with the same terms and conditions until April 3, when he will be sentenced.
Two Dublin men, Stephen Tynan (41) and Raymond Fitzgerald (37), were sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Andrew Guerrine, Tynan's cousin, who was stabbed 20 times and left on a roadside in Rathcoole. The murder occurred between 22 and 23 May 2015. The defendants pleaded not guilty, but a jury found them guilty by majority verdict. At sentencing, the victim's sister, Edel Guerrine, delivered a victim impact statement describing the brutality of the crime and the profound grief it caused her family. Judge Michael White imposed a mandatory life sentence on both men, noting the severity of the offence and the lack of remorse shown by the defendants during the trial. The sentence was delivered in the Central Criminal Court, with no mention of any future release or parole. The case concluded with the men being led away to begin their sentences.
Two Dubliners, Stephen Tynan (41) and Raymond Fitzgerald (37), were found guilty of murdering Andrew Guerrine, a cousin of Tynan, who was discovered with 20 stab wounds on Steelstown Lane in Rathcoole on 23 May 2015. The trial, held in the Central Criminal Court, relied on circumstantial evidence including phone records, CCTV footage of a black Peugeot 307, and testimony from a neighbour and a taxi driver. No murder weapon or DNA evidence linked the accused directly to the killing, but the prosecution argued the evidence proved pre‑planned intent. Both men pleaded not guilty, and their lawyers sought acquittal, arguing they were merely accessories after the fact. The jury, after 10½ hours of deliberation, returned a verdict of guilty by a 10‑to‑two majority. Sentencing was adjourned to 19 December to allow a victim impact statement.
The Central Criminal Court jury has spent two nights deliberating the murder trial of Stephen Tynan (41) and Raymond Fitzgerald (37), both charged with killing Andrew Guerrine, Tynan's cousin, between 22 and 23 May 2015. Guerrine's body was found early on 23 May on Steelstown Lane in Rathcoole, 10 km from where he was last seen alive in Tallaght. He suffered 20 stab wounds, including two that penetrated his skull and spine. The prosecution, led by Brendan Grehan SC, argued that the killing was pre‑planned and that circumstantial evidence proved the accused's guilt, despite the absence of DNA, a murder weapon or eyewitness testimony. Both defendants pleaded not guilty and their barristers argued that any suspicious circumstances could be explained by them being accessories after the fact. Mr Justice Michael White explained that the jury had three verdict options: guilty, not guilty but guilty of assisting an offender, or acquittal.
The Central Criminal Court jury will resume deliberations on Thursday morning in the trial of Stephen Tynan, 41, of Deerpark Lodge, Kiltipper, Tallaght, and Raymond Fitzgerald, 37, of Knockmore Grove, Killinarden, Tallaght. Both men have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Andrew Guerrine, the cousin of Tynan, who was found dead on Steelstown Lane in Rathcoole on 23 May 2015. Guerrine's body had 20 stab wounds, including two that penetrated his skull and spine. The prosecution, represented by Brendan Grehan SC, described the killing as pre‑planned and relied on circumstantial evidence, noting the absence of DNA, a murder weapon or eyewitness testimony. Fitzgerald's barrister argued that the suspicious circumstances could be explained by him being an accessory after the fact, while Tynan's barrister suggested his client might have been involved only in the aftermath. Both lawyers requested an acquittal.
In a four‑week trial at the Central Criminal Court, the judge, Mr Justice Michael White, informed the jury that an alternative verdict of accessory after the fact was available under Section 7(2) of the Criminal Law Act 1997. The case concerned Stephen Tynan, 41, of Deerpark Lodge, Kiltipper, Tallaght, and Raymond Fitzgerald, 37, of Knockmore Grove, Killinarden, Tallaght, who were charged with murdering Andrew Guerrine, a cousin of Tynan, between 22 and 23 May 2015. Guerrine's body was found early on 23 May on Steelstown Lane, Rathcoole, with 20 stab wounds, two penetrating the skull and spine. The prosecution alleged a pre‑planned murder, citing circumstantial evidence, but no DNA, weapon or eyewitness link. Both defendants pleaded not guilty and their barristers argued that any suspicious circumstances could be explained by them being accessories after the fact. The prosecution did not seek the alternative verdict, instead pursuing a murder conviction.
In the Central Criminal Court, the defence counsel for Stephen Tynan, 41, and Raymond Fitzgerald, 37, argued that the suspicious circumstances the State attributes to their alleged murder of Andrew Guerrine could be explained by them acting as accessories after the fact. Tynan's lawyer highlighted that he had no prior serious criminal record and was "hardly the typical candidate" for a gruesome attack, suggesting he may have been a middleman in a drug deal and later got involved in the aftermath. Fitzgerald's counsel focused on the lack of evidence that he was part of a joint enterprise to murder, noting that the prosecution's footage of him wiping a car door did not prove guilt. Both lawyers urged the jury to consider the possibility that each accused was not the murderer but merely assisted after the fact, and to find them not guilty if that was a reasonable possibility.
The trial of Stephen Tynan and Raymond Fitzgerald for the alleged murder of Andrew Guerrine is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. Both defendants, who are from Tallaght, have pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Guerrine at an unknown location between May 22 and May 23, 2015. In his closing address, prosecutor Brendan Grehan SC acknowledged the absence of fingerprints, DNA, a murder weapon, or eyewitness testimony. However, he argued that circumstantial evidence strongly links the accused to the crime. Key evidence includes a child's jacket entangled in the victim's legs when the body was dumped on Steelstown Lane in Rathcoole. The prosecution contends this jacket was connected to a car later found burnt out, which the accused had pushed into a petrol station. Mr Grehan highlighted phone records showing Tynan's phone was inactive during the critical period and Fitzgerald's phone ceased activity shortly before 1am on May 23. He also cited CCTV footage of the car on Steelstown Lane and alleged lies in Fitzgerald's statement to gardai. The prosecution asserts the murder was premeditated, citing efforts to procure a vehicle before the victim arrived in Tallaght. The defense barristers are scheduled to deliver their closing speeches on Friday morning.
The Central Criminal Court heard that Stephen Tynan (41) and Raymond Fitzgerald (37) are on trial for the murder of Andrew Guerrine, Tynan's cousin, who was found dead on Steelstown Lane in Rathcoole on 23 May 2015 with 20 stab wounds, including two that penetrated his skull and spine. CCTV footage showed a dark‑coloured hatchback stalling at a petrol station on Fortunestown Way at 5.20 am that morning, with the accused men exiting and pushing the vehicle to the pumps. Garda Warren Farrell presented stills and footage from the night and morning, noting the car's defective lights and a grey Duffer sweater seized from Tynan that matched the one seen in the footage. A statement taken from Fitzgerald on 5 June 2015 claimed he was at home that night, not with Tynan, and that he had gone to the gym the next morning. The prosecution has closed its case and the jury is to return tomorrow. Stephen Tynan pleaded not guilty. Raymond Fitzgerald pleaded not guilty.
In the Central Criminal Court trial of Stephen Tynan, 41, and Raymond Fitzgerald, 37, the brother of Andrew Guerrine, the man stabbed to death in 2015, identified the accused on CCTV footage. Paul Guerrine showed stills from a dark‑coloured hatchback that stalled at a petrol station on Fortunestown Way at 5.20 am on 22 May 2015. He recognised Fitzgerald and Tynan, stating he had known Fitzgerald for over 20 years and that he and Tynan were first cousins. The trial heard that Guerrine's body, found on Steelstown Lane in Rathcoole early on 23 May, bore 20 stab wounds, two penetrating his skull and spine. Both men pleaded not guilty to the murder of Guerrine's cousin. The court considered the CCTV evidence as part of the proceedings.
During a Central Criminal Court hearing on 13 November 2018, Stephen Tynan (41) of Deerpark Lodge, Kiltipper, Tallaght, and Raymond Fitzgerald (37) of Knockmore Grove, Killinarden, Tallaght, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Andrew Guerrine, Tynan's cousin, who was found dead on Steelstown Lane, Rathcoole, on 23 May 2015. Guerrine's body had 20 stab wounds, two penetrating his skull and spine. Tynan testified that he last saw Guerrine the week before the murder, when Guerrine stayed overnight at Tynan's apartment and later left to collect €80. Tynan described a confrontation in which Guerrine allegedly injected drugs; Tynan claimed he struck Guerrine in response. Tynan characterised Guerrine as a "real soft lad" who was not violent but "always wheeling and dealing." The trial continued later that day.
The Central Criminal Court heard the trial of Stephen Tynan, 41, and Raymond Fitzgerald, 37, both from Tallaght, who have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Andrew Guerrine, Mr Tynan's first cousin. Guerrine's body was discovered on Steelstown Lane, Rathcoole, early on 23 May 2015, with 20 stab wounds, two penetrating his skull and spine. Garda Eamon O'Neill testified that he escorted the body to the mortuary and that the deceased's sister identified him. Items taken from Guerrine included earphones, a gold chain, a letter, €350 in cash, and a box of tablets. The cash was found in his sock and the tablets in his hoodie. Forensic scientist John Power identified the tablets as 96 Zopiclone, a tranquiliser similar to Diazepam, though not then a controlled drug. A witness had told the Gardaí that Guerrine was on his way to sell 3000 Diazepam tablets on the night he disappeared. The trial continues.
During the murder trial of Stephen Tynan and Raymond Fitzgerald, evidence was presented that a child's blue jacket was found under the body of Andrew Guerrine, the deceased, in a car linked to the case. The jacket was discovered at the feet of Guerrine's body, which lay on its back with arms outstretched, and a photo of Guerrine's left foot on the jacket was shown to the jury. Detective Sergeant Tom Power described the scene and held the jacket for the jury. Darren Finnegan testified that he sold a black Peugeot 307 to Tynan and another man on 22 May 2015, and that he had left documents, a baby's car seat and jackets belonging to his own children in the car. He identified the jacket as belonging to his son. The trial continues with the State's case nearly concluded. Stephen Tynan pleaded not guilty. Raymond Fitzgerald pleaded not guilty.
The trial of Stephen Tynan (41) and Raymond Fitzgerald (37) for the murder of Andrew Guerrine, Tynan's cousin, is ongoing in the Central Criminal Court. Guerrine's body was found on Steelstown Lane, Rathcoole, with 20 stab wounds, two penetrating his skull and spine. The jury heard technical evidence about mobile phone use and a burnt car in Tallaght. A Peugeot 307, whose engine number matched one allegedly bought by Tynan, was found burnt in Barley Fields, Killinarden. Mechanic Thomas Menton testified about the car's fire, removal, and subsequent calls from an unknown number. Garda Ronan O'Malley identified the car's registration and engine number, confirming it matched the one photographed by Menton. Darren Finnegan testified that he sold the Peugeot to Tynan and another man on 22 May 2015. The jury heard this evidence in the morning; the trial continues this afternoon. Stephen Tynan pleaded not guilty. Raymond Fitzgerald pleaded not guilty.
In a murder trial in Dublin, Stephen Tynan (41) and Raymond Fitzgerald (37) pleaded not guilty to the killing of Andrew Guerrine, who was found dead with 20 stab wounds on May 23, 2015. The prosecution presented evidence that a burnt-out car in Tallaght, discovered a few days after the murder, had the same engine number as a Peugeot 307 allegedly bought by Tynan hours before the stabbing. Mechanic Thomas Menton testified that he saw the car on fire in Barley Fields, collected it, and later handed the engine to the Gardaí. Garda Ronan O'Malley confirmed the engine number matched a photograph and a registration certificate. Darren Finnegan, who sold the car to Tynan on May 22, also testified about the sale. The trial was scheduled to continue the following morning.
During a murder trial, witness Graham Egan testified that he saw a dark‑coloured SUV parked at a field entrance on Steelstown Lane just before the body of Andrew Guerrine was discovered. Egan, who left his home at 11.10 pm on 22 May to drive a friend to Wicklow, passed the gateway at about 12.20 am and saw the vehicle with its lights off, noting only a brief glimpse and no movement. He confirmed the car was not there when he left at 11.10 pm. The trial concerns Stephen Tynan (41) and Raymond Fitzgerald (37), both pleading not guilty to Guerrine's murder, which occurred between 22 and 23 May 2015. The body, found early on 23 May, had 20 stab wounds, including two that penetrated the skull and cervical spine.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Stephen Tynan (41) and Raymond Fitzgerald (37) continues before Mr Justice Michael White. Both defendants, from Tallaght, Dublin 24, have pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Andrew Guerrine (37) at an unknown location between May 22 and May 23, 2015. The matter is currently at the trial stage, with no findings, sentences, or finalisations recorded. Witness Shane Traynor testified that he discovered Mr Guerrine's body in a gateway on Steelstown Lane, Rathcoole, in the early hours of May 23, initially mistaking the scene for a hit-and-run. Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster reported that Mr Guerrine died from hemorrhage and shock caused by multiple stab wounds. She identified 20 stab wounds, including injuries to the skull, cervical spine, and a major blood vessel in the chest, indicating substantial force was used. Toxicology revealed cocaine, sedatives, diazepam, and methadone in the deceased's blood. The court heard that all wounds could have been inflicted by a single knife, though a second weapon could not be ruled out. The trial continues tomorrow.
In the Central Criminal Court, a prosecution barrister told the court that the case against Stephen Tynan (41) and Raymond Fitzgerald (37) centred on who killed 37‑year‑old Andrew Guerrine, not whether he was murdered. The State's case relied on circumstantial evidence, including CCTV of a black Peugeot 307, DNA linking a child's jacket to the car, and the presence of a child's coat under Guerrine's foot at the discovery site. The prosecution argued the car was driven by Tynan with Fitzgerald as passenger, and that the vehicle was used to transport Guerrine to the location where his body was found on Steelstown Lane. The jury was to hear that Guerrine died from multiple stab wounds, including to the skull, cervical spine, heart and throat, and that the accused were responsible for his death. Stephen Tynan pleaded not guilty. Raymond Fitzgerald pleaded not guilty.
Two men, Stephen Tynan, 41, and Raymond Fitzgerald, 37, are set to stand trial at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of Andrew Guerrine, 37, which occurred between 22 and 23 May 2015. Both pleaded not guilty. Mr Justice Michael White has sworn in a jury of eight men and four women, and the trial is expected to last up to four weeks.
Johnathon Harding, 46, of Mc Neill Court, Sallins, Kildare, was already serving a 10‑year prison sentence for possession of nine revolvers, four pistols, a sub‑machine gun, an assault rifle and ammunition magazines. In October 2016 he attempted to obtain a €260,000 mortgage from the Bank of Ireland by submitting false documents: three payslips dated January, February and March 2016, a false bank statement covering August 2015 to March 2016, and additional false payslips and a bank statement covering October 2014 to April 2016. The bank detected the fraud immediately and Harding withdrew the application after a few days. On 16 October 2018, Judge Melanie Greally sentenced him to 18 months in prison for the mortgage fraud, to be served concurrently with his existing term. The court noted no loss to the bank and that Harding had cooperated with the Garda investigation. Harding has eight prior convictions, including a six‑year drug‑possession sentence from 2004. Johnathon Harding pleaded guilty.
Donal O'Hara (26), of Glin Park, Coolock, Dublin 17, has been sentenced to three years imprisonment with one year suspended by the Special Criminal Court for his role in a coordinated intimidation and assault on June 9, 2015. O'Hara pleaded guilty to assaulting John Roche at The Towers, Garter Lane, Saggart, County Dublin, and to falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne at the same location. The court heard that O'Hara was part of a large group who confronted Mr Byrne following a deteriorated business relationship, subsequently assaulting Mr Roche when he attempted to prevent their entry to the complex. CCTV footage and forensic evidence linking O'Hara to the assault were presented. Mr Justice Tony Hunt noted O'Hara was the "brawn and not the brains" of the operation and considered his youth, early guilty pleas, and remorse as mitigating factors. The sentence is to run consecutively to a previous aggravated burglary conviction. O'Hara will be subject to probation supervision for two years upon release.
In a Co Cork town, Bulgarian circus worker Ivan Peev, aged 34, pleaded guilty to defiling a 15‑year‑old girl in February 2015. The victim, who was heavily intoxicated, was taken to a tent or caravan where Peev lifted her onto a bed, undressed her and had sex with her. She described feeling "pissed" and "three quarters asleep" and later said she could not bring herself to scream about the incident. Peev had travelled with a circus for nine months a year and returned to Bulgaria with his family. He had no prior convictions. Mr Justice Michael White, hearing the case at the Central Criminal Court, imposed a two‑and‑a‑half‑year custodial sentence, back‑dated to October 2014 when Peev first entered custody. The judge noted the offence had caused the victim great difficulty and that Peev's guilty plea had spared her the ordeal of giving evidence and cross‑examination.
A Dublin man has pleaded guilty to assault and false imprisonment at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin. Donal O'Hara (26), of Glin Park, Coolock, Dublin 17, admitted assaulting John Roche and causing him harm at The Towers, Saggart on 9 June 2015. He also admitted falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne at locations in Rathcoole and Saggart on the same date. The court heard that Mr Byrne was forcibly removed from a meeting and brought to his residence where Mr Roche was subsequently dragged from a nearby house and assaulted by multiple men. CCTV footage was presented to the court, and forensic evidence linked O'Hara to the assault. His defence counsel acknowledged the gravity of the offence but urged leniency given his age. O'Hara, who has previous convictions for assault and aggravated burglary, was remanded in custody pending sentencing on 31 July.
In a case heard at the Central Criminal Court, Ivan Peev, a 34‑year‑old Bulgarian circus worker, pleaded guilty to defiling a 15‑year‑old girl in a town in County Cork in February 2015. Peev's work involved travelling with a circus for nine months a year and then returning to Bulgaria. The victim, who was intoxicated and "three quarters asleep," was taken by Peev to a tent or caravan where he lifted her onto a bed, undressed her and had sex with her. She described the experience as a "bad feeling" and said it still haunts her. Peev has no prior convictions and has been in custody since his return to Ireland under a European Arrest Warrant. He remains remanded until the court finalises his sentence on 30 July.
Dessie O'Hare, 61, of Slate Rock Road, Newtownhamilton, County Armagh, was charged with assault, false imprisonment and threatening to kill. The assault charge involves John Roche, whom O'Hare allegedly assaulted at The Towers, Garter Lane, Saggart, County Dublin, causing him harm and committing violent disorder. The false imprisonment charges involve Martin Byrne at Rathcoole and Saggart, and Lisa Byrne and Brandon Byrne at The Towers. O'Hare also faces a charge of threatening to kill Martin Byrne or cause him serious harm. All alleged offences date from 9 June 2015. O'Hare had been granted bail and a trial date of 29 April next year. On 8 June 2018 the Special Criminal Court varied his bail to allow him to travel to Lourdes with his wife from 6 to 12 July, provided he supplies travel documents and continues to sign in at a Garda station twice a week and obey a curfew from midnight to 5 a.m.
A 26-year-old Dublin man has been remanded in custody pending sentencing at the Special Criminal Court following his guilty pleas to assault and false imprisonment offences. Donal O'Hara, of Glin Park, Coolock, Dublin 17, admitted assaulting John Roche at The Towers, Saggart, County Dublin on June 9, 2015, and falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne at Rathcoole and Saggart. False imprisonment charges against two other individuals were taken into consideration. The court heard that Mr Byrne, a security worker, was brought to an office meeting where multiple men entered and told him he would be removed from his residence by day's end. He was subsequently driven to The Towers in a three-vehicle convoy, where Mr Roche was located and assaulted by five men including O'Hara. Gardaí attended following a resident's emergency call. Forensic evidence linked O'Hara to the assault. The defendant has previous convictions for assault causing harm and aggravated burglary. The three-judge court, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, ordered a probation report and remanded O'Hara in custody until July 24.
Dessie O'Hare, 61, of Newtownhamilton, County Armagh, appeared at the Special Criminal Court where his trial was scheduled for April 29 next year. He is accused of assaulting John Roche, causing him harm, and committing violent disorder by threatening to use unlawful violence at The Towers, Garter Lane, Saggart, County Dublin. O'Hare also faces three charges of false imprisonment involving Martin Byrne, Lisa Byrne, and Brandon Byrne, as well as a charge of threatening to kill Martin Byrne or cause him serious harm. All alleged offences date from June 9, 2015. Justice Robert Eagar, sitting with Judges Patricia Ryan and James Faughnan, set the trial date. O'Hare is currently on bail. His co-accused, Donal O'Hara, 26, of Coolock, Dublin, pleaded guilty to assaulting John Roche, causing him harm, at the same address on the same date. O'Hara will be sentenced on May 30 next at the Special Criminal Court. The matter regarding O'Hare was adjourned for trial, while O'Hara's case was adjourned for sentencing.
Daniel Kane, 29, was sentenced by the Special Criminal Court to five years' imprisonment, with one year suspended, for false imprisonment, and three years for assault, the sentences running concurrently. Kane admitted assaulting John Roche on 9 June 2015, striking him twice on the left side of the face, and falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne on the same day. The court described a "mob" that had been recruited to intimidate and evict Byrne and his family from their townhouse, The Towers, owned by Byrne's employer. Kane was said to have played a leading part in the pursuit and assault of Roche, forcibly removing him from the house and restraining him while he received multiple punches and kicks. The judge noted the event was permeated by serious intimidation and violence, and that Kane's guilty plea and lack of disguise were mitigating factors.
Daniel Kane, 29, pleaded guilty to assaulting John Roche and false imprisonment of Martin Byrne on 9 June 2015. The incidents occurred at The Towers, Garter Lane, Saggart, where Byrne, a security employee, was forced to vacate his residence. Kane and other men drove Byrne to a Honda Accord, struck him twice on the left side of the face, and threatened further harm. They then entered the complex, assaulted Roche, who was later found with blood on Kane's trousers. CCTV footage showed Kane holding Roche in a headlock before other men punched and kicked him. Byrne was later struck on the head and pushed to a chair. Kane was remanded in custody and will be sentenced by the Special Criminal Court next week.
Daniel Kane, 29, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to assaulting John Roche on 9 June 2015, causing him harm, and to falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne on the same day. The court, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt with Judges Patricia Ryan and Ann Ryan, remanded Kane in custody until 18 April, when sentencing will occur.
Dessie O'Hare, aged 61 and resident of Slate Rock Road, Newtownhamilton, County Armagh, will be tried at the Special Criminal Court on 22 March 2018. He faces charges of assaulting John Roche, causing him harm, and committing violent disorder at The Towers, Garter Lane, Saggart, County Dublin, as well as threatening to use unlawful violence. O'Hare is also charged with three counts of false imprisonment involving Martin Byrne, Lisa Byrne and Brandon Byrne, and with threatening to kill or seriously harm Martin Byrne. All alleged offences date from 9 June 2015. He is currently on bail.
AIB has applied for a summary judgment of €6 million against Mrs Siobhan Smith, who, together with her late husband Frank Smith, is alleged to have acted as co‑guarantor for loans used to purchase the Ashleaf Shopping Centre and 33 acres of land at Callighstown, Rathcoole. The bank claims that the loans, amounting to €50 million, were secured by legal charges over the shopping centre, the adjoining Submarine Bar, the Rathcoole lands, and a 20‑year lease of 120 car‑parking spaces. In 2013 receivers were appointed over Gary Smith's assets, and AIB secured a €51 million judgment against him. AIB alleges that Frank Smith entered a settlement with the bank in 2015, which was not complied with, and that Mrs Smith, as executrix, has failed to propose a reasonable repayment plan or to administer her husband's estate.
Andrew Dunne, 33, was sentenced to four years in prison at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to possessing almost €110,000 worth of heroin, cocaine, and cannabis at his Drimnagh home on July 7, 2016. He also admitted to two counts of endangering gardaí on August 7, 2016, during a high-speed chase that involved ramming a patrol vehicle and dragging a sergeant. Judge Martin Nolan described Dunne as a good family man and father who was unlikely to re-offend, noting he was a "mature man who had got himself into difficulties." The judge stated it was not necessary to include a suspended period in the sentence. Dunne was also disqualified from driving for six years. Prosecution evidence indicated Dunne was intoxicated and under threat from a drug debt, while defense counsel argued he was in a state of intense fear and paranoia. The court heard Dunne had rehabilitated himself and is now drug-free.
Two Dublin men, Jonathan Harding (45) and James Walsh (33), were sentenced to ten years and nine years in prison respectively for possessing a lethal arsenal of weapons, including nine revolvers, four pistols, a sub‑machine gun, an assault rifle, and various ammunition magazines. The weapons were discovered on 24 January 2017 at a unit in Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, which was presented as a logistics company. The men had pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court, and the judge noted that without the guilty pleas they would have received twelve‑year sentences. Harding had a prior six‑year drug‑related sentence in 2004; he received a ten‑year term with one year suspended. Walsh, with previous public‑order convictions, received a nine‑year term with one year suspended. The judge described the arsenal as "enormous potential for death and destruction" and a "lethal arsenal stored for the purpose of organised and very serious crime.".
Two men were sentenced at the Special Criminal Court for their roles in a mob that intimidated a man and forced his family to leave their home. Declan Duffy, aged 44, was jailed for six years for false imprisonment of Martin Byrne in Rathcoole/Saggart on 9 June 2015, and for assaulting John Roche at the Towers, Garters Lane, Saggart, on the same date. Christopher Maguire, aged 39, received a three‑year suspended sentence for falsely imprisoning Lisa Byrne in the same incident. Both men pleaded guilty. The mob, recruited to intimidate Byrne, forced him to leave his apartment in the Towers complex, assaulted him, and threatened his life. Duffy had prior convictions for false imprisonment and IRA membership, while Maguire had no prior convictions. The judge noted Duffy did not lead the mob and was not armed, and that the mob's violence was intended to supplant the legal process. The sentencing was carried out by Mr Justice Tony Hunt.
In a Special Criminal Court sentence hearing, Jonathan Harding, 45, of McNeill Court, Sallins, and James Walsh, 33, of Neilstown Drive, Clondalkin, were found guilty of possessing an arsenal of firearms and ammunition. The weapons, recovered on 24 January 2017 at a unit in Greenogue Business Park, included nine revolvers, four pistols, a sub‑machine gun, an assault rifle, an AK‑47, and over a thousand rounds of ammunition. The men were arrested after a surveillance operation that followed their travel in a Ford Transit van to the park. Harding had two prior convictions, including a six‑year sentence for drug possession, while Walsh had previous public order offences. The court remanded both men in custody until 30 January, when sentencing will occur.
During a Special Criminal Court hearing, Declan Duffy (44) and Christopher Maguire (39) pleaded guilty to false imprisonment and assault. Duffy admitted assaulting security guard John Roche, who was injured and forced to leave his home in the Towers complex, while Maguire pleaded guilty to false imprisonment of Lisa Byrne. The court heard that Duffy and seven men forced Martin Byrne, a former security guard, to leave his apartment at the Towers on 9 June 2015, assaulting him and threatening his life. Roche was also assaulted and a garda was called after a witness reported the incident. Duffy has prior convictions for false imprisonment, IRA membership and a 2010 murder conviction in England. Maguire had no prior convictions. The court remanded Duffy in custody and ordered Maguire to remain on bail until sentencing on 29 January.
In December 2017, Dwayne Keane, 26, of Monasterevin, was released from custody after the alleged victim of his attempted murder charge died. Keane had been charged in November 2016 at Dublin District Court for attempting to kill a 42‑year‑old man on Raheen Drive, Cherry Orchard. He was remanded until bail was granted by Justice Patrick McCarthy, requiring him to sign twice a week at Rathcoole Garda Station and post a €200 bond.
Jonathan Harding, 44, pleaded guilty in the Special Criminal Court to possessing a cache of firearms at Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole. The cache included ten revolvers, four pistols, a sub‑machine gun, an assault rifle and various ammunition magazines. Harding was remanded in custody until 11 January next year, when he and co‑accused James Walsh, 33, will be sentenced. Declan Brady, 51, was also remanded until 8 December for unlawful possession of five revolvers, twenty rounds of ammunition and a silencer found on 24 January at the same unit.
In a 2016 robbery at a Topaz service station on Naas Road, Rathcoole, Robert Patchell (37) acted as the getaway driver while two co‑accused entered the store armed with knives. Two off‑duty Gardaí, who were using the petrol station at the time, observed the robbery and restrained the robbers. Patchell remained in the driver's seat, while one robber was restrained in the passenger seat and a third escaped. The Gardaí were threatened with knives and one officer, Garda Stephen Byrne, sustained a forearm wound. Patchell pleaded guilty to robbery of cash and a till. At the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Melanie Greally, after noting Patchell's positive steps and a clean recent drug test, imposed a three‑year suspended sentence, with the offence considered very serious. The sentence was suspended, and no custodial time was imposed. The case was heard in the criminal court in Dublin.
James Walsh, 33, pleaded guilty in the Special Criminal Court to possessing a cache of firearms, including ten revolvers, four pistols, a sub‑machine gun, an assault rifle and ammunition magazines, found on 24 January at Greenogue Business Park. He was remanded in custody until 11 January next year, when sentencing will occur. Co‑accused Jonathan Harding, 44, and Declan Brady, 51, were also remanded until 10 November, when their cases will be mentioned again. Both were charged with unlawful possession of five revolvers, twenty rounds of ammunition and a silencer, also discovered on 24 January at the same unit.
In a case before the Special Criminal Court, Declan Duffy, 43, and Christopher Maguire, 38, both pleaded guilty to falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne in Rathcoole/Saggart on 9 June 2015. Duffy also admitted assaulting John Roche on the same day, while Maguire admitted falsely imprisoning Lisa Byrne. Daniel Kane, 28, was charged but did not attend court. Mr Justice Tony Hunt set a sentencing date of 18 December, remanded Duffy in custody and kept Maguire on continuing bail until that date.
Declan Duffy, aged 43, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to assaulting John Roche and to falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne, both offences committed on 9 June 2015. The court, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, remanded Duffy in custody until 18 October, when the case will be mentioned again. The judge ordered victim impact statements to be prepared for a future sentencing hearing. Duffy's co‑accused, Christopher Maguire (38) and Daniel Kane (28), were also involved in the same false imprisonment allegations, with Kane failing to attend court.
Two men, James Walsh, 33, and Jonathan Harding, 44, were arrested after a firearms cache was found in Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole. They face charges under the Firearms Act for unlawful possession of five revolvers, 20 rounds of ammunition and a silencer. Both applied for bail in the High Court, but the State objected, arguing they were flight risks. Detective Sergeant Michael Cuffe and Detective Chief Superintendent Patrick Lordan presented evidence that bail would risk further serious offences. Judge Tony Hunt rejected the bail applications, remanding the men in custody.
Two men, James Walsh, 33, and Jonathan Harding, 44, were arrested on 24 January after a firearms cache was found in a Greenogue Business Park unit. The cache included five revolvers, 20 rounds of ammunition and a silencer. They face charges under the Firearms Act for unlawful possession. A High Court judge will decide whether to grant bail. Detective Sergeant Michael Cuffe argued that if released they would be flight risks and might avoid trial. Detective Chief Superintendent Patrick Lordan presented evidence that bail should be refused to prevent a serious offence. Justice Tony Hunt will deliver his judgment tomorrow.
Declan Brady, 51, of Kildare, was arrested on 24 January for unlawful possession of five revolvers, 20 rounds of ammunition and a silencer, and for possession of 22 kg of cocaine, 11 kg of heroin and 53 g of cannabis, drugs worth an estimated €3.2 million. He faces three firearms charges under the Firearms Act and three drug‑possession charges under the Misuse of Drugs Act. The High Court refused his bail application, with the State and the Garda Drugs and Organised Crime Unit arguing that release could lead to further offences. Justice Isobel Kennedy rejected the application.
James Walsh, 33, of Neilstown Drive, Clondalkin, was arrested on 24 January for unlawful possession of five revolvers, 20 rounds of ammunition and a silencer at a unit in Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole. He faces three charges under the Firearms Act. The State objected to bail, and Detective Sergeant Michael Cuffe argued that Walsh would be a flight risk and might not attend trial. Detective Chief Superintendent James McGowan also testified that bail should be refused to prevent a serious offence. Justice Tony Hunt rejected the bail application.
In March 2017 the High Court heard that Masterlift Ireland Ltd had ceased its legal action against Royal Goldstein III Ltd over a leased premises in Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole. Masterlift had obtained a temporary injunction in January to prevent RGL from interfering with its access after the company claimed it had been locked out of a 60,000‑sq‑ft unit it had used since 2008. RGL denied wrongdoing and opposed the injunction. Settlement talks failed, leading the court to order the discontinuance of the proceedings. Masterlift was directed to serve a notice of discontinuance, while RGL was entitled to its legal costs. The case had been adjourned several times to facilitate talks, and the injunction had been granted after Masterlift alleged substantial disruption to its business. The premises had previously been placed in receivership after loans from Ulster Bank were sold.