In a Central Criminal Court sentencing hearing on 22 June 2020, Kieran Greene was given a mandatory life sentence for the murder of 61‑year‑old Patricia O'Connor, who was bludgeoned to death with a hurley in her Rathfarnham home on 29 May 2017. The sentence was back‑dated to the date of her death. Four other defendants – Louise O'Connor (41), Stephanie O'Connor (22), Keith Johnston (43) and Augustine 'Gus' O'Connor (76) – were remanded on continuing bail pending their own sentencing. The court heard victim impact statements from Patricia's son Richard and sister Collette Barry, who expressed disbelief at the brutality of the murder and the alleged cover‑up by family members. The hearing also included evidence that Patricia's body was dismembered into 15 parts found at nine sites across the Dublin and Wicklow mountains. Louise O'Connor pleaded guilty and was found guilty. Gus' O'Connor pleaded guilty. Kieran Greene pleaded not guilty and was found guilty.
Deborah Malcolmson, 43, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after stabbing former partner Brian Kelly, 56, with a kitchen knife during a domestic dispute in Rathfarnham on 29 July 2019. The attack left Kelly seriously injured, requiring intensive care and a colostomy bag. Malcolmson also pleaded guilty to threatening Kelly's son and assaulting Kelly in St James Hospital on 11 September 2019, where she swung a punch at him. The court noted both parties had serious alcohol problems and periods of homelessness, and that their relationship had been described as "dysfunctional" and "combustible." Judge Martin Nolan, after considering mitigating factors and the absence of a medical report, set a starting point of five years but indicated a three‑year imprisonment sentence would be imposed on the next hearing. The sentencing was adjourned to 19 July to allow Kelly to give victim impact evidence if he wished.
Ruth Ben Haim, a 19‑year‑old from Tel Aviv, was stopped at Dublin Airport after arriving from Finland with nearly €20,000 worth of the plant stimulant khat. The plant, legal in Israel in its natural form, is a controlled substance in Ireland. Ben Haim pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply. She was dealt with by the Garda Juvenile Liaison and returned to Israel without charge, having spent a week in custody and then released on bail. The court, noting her age and lack of prior convictions, imposed a fully suspended one‑year sentence, requiring her to keep the peace and behave well for one year. The case was heard by Judge Martin Nolan, with counsel for the prosecution and defence present. The other girl on the flight was also found with a similar amount of khat. The court heard that the plant is widely used in north‑east African countries such as Somalia.
Kieran Greene, 35, who was found guilty of murdering Patricia O'Connor in Rathfarnham in May 2017, has had his sentencing adjourned until June 22 due to Covid-19 restrictions. Mr Justice Paul McDermott stated that the court could not proceed with the mandatory life imprisonment sentence at this time. Greene, who pleaded not guilty, was convicted by a Central Criminal Court jury of inflicting catastrophic injuries on the retired hospital worker. His sentence hearing was originally scheduled for today but was postponed as part of reduced court sittings. Four other defendants—Louise O'Connor, Stephanie O'Connor, Keith Johnston, and Augustine 'Gus' O'Connor—were also excused from attending their sentence hearings today. Louise O'Connor and Stephanie O'Connor were found guilty of impeding the apprehension of Greene, with Louise specifically found guilty of acquiescing in Stephanie disguising herself as the deceased to conceal her death. Johnston was found guilty of assisting Greene in purchasing implements to conceal the remains. Augustine 'Gus' O'Connor, the deceased's husband, pleaded guilty to reporting his wife as missing while knowing she was dead. All four were previously remanded on continuing bail. The court indicated that parties may not need to appear in person if restrictions remain in place on June 22.
In summer 2017, a family picnic in the Dublin mountains led to the discovery of dismembered remains of retired grandmother Patricia O'Connor. The body was found in 15 separate parts across nine sites within a 30km radius, including Military Road, Glenmacnass Waterfall, and other locations. Initial bone measurements suggested a male, but DNA and dental records confirmed a female. Post‑mortem examinations by Dr Michael Curtis revealed blunt force trauma to the head, with multiple scalp lacerations and bruising, indicating a violent death. The remains were likely dismembered with a power tool, with hands and wrists sawn off by hand‑held saws. Kieran Greene testified that he had buried the body in Wexford, later exhumed it, cut it up, and scattered the parts across the Dublin mountains, disposing of them in black bags at various points. The evidence presented detailed the locations and conditions of each body part, confirming the identity of Mrs O'Connor and the circumstances of her death.
Keith Johnston, 43, was found guilty of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Kieran Greene, knowing or believing Greene had murdered Patricia O'Connor on May 29, 2017. The jury accepted that Johnston, a handyman and ex-partner of the victim's daughter Louise O'Connor, assisted Greene in purchasing DIY tools intended for the dismemberment of Mrs O'Connor's remains. Louise O'Connor, 41, and Stephanie O'Connor, 22, were also found guilty of impeding justice. Augustine 'Gus' O'Connor, the victim's husband, pleaded guilty to reporting his wife as missing while knowing she was dead. Mr Justice Paul McDermott remanded Johnston on continuing bail until April 20, when he will be sentenced alongside the other convicted defendants. Greene, who was found guilty of murder, will receive a mandatory life sentence on that date. The court noted that Greene had altered his account of the killing, initially claiming self-defense and later alleging Gus O'Connor was responsible. The matter was adjourned for sentencing on April 20.
A jury of six men and five women returned to the Central Criminal Court to continue deliberating the verdict in the trial of Keith Johnston, a 43‑year‑old accused of impeding the investigation into the death of his former partner's mother, Patricia O'Connor, who was 61 when she died on 29 May 2017. The forewoman confirmed to the registrar at 4 pm that no further verdict had been reached on the count against Johnston. The jury had spent 11 hours and 17 minutes on the case before retiring for the evening and was instructed by Mr Justice Paul McDermott to return tomorrow at 10.30 am, with no regard to newspaper articles. The trial had also seen Louise O'Connor, aged 41, found guilty of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Kieran Greene, 35, who was found guilty of murdering Patricia O'Connor and inflicting catastrophic injuries. Keith Johnston pleaded not guilty.
A Central Criminal Court jury convicted Louise O'Connor, 41, of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Kieran Greene, 35, for the murder of her mother Patricia O'Connor, 61, on 29 May 2017. The State alleged that Louise agreed to a ruse in which her daughter Stephanie, 22, disguised herself as her grandmother to create CCTV footage showing the grandmother leaving the house at 9.34 pm, thereby concealing the murder. The jury found Louise an integral part of the charade, having supported Stephanie's actions and given misleading statements to Gardaí. Stephanie was also found guilty of dressing as her grandmother and pretending to leave the house. The trial lasted seven weeks; the jury deliberated 10 hours and 25 minutes before reaching a unanimous verdict in Louise's case. No verdict was reached on the remaining count against Louise's ex‑boyfriend Keith Johnston, 43. The trial concluded with the jury suspended for lunch and scheduled to resume later. Louise O'Connor pleaded not guilty. Keith Johnston pleaded not guilty.
At the Central Criminal Court, a jury convicted Stephanie O'Connor of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Kieran Greene, who was found guilty of murdering Patricia O'Connor on May 29, 2017. The jury accepted the State's case that O'Connor disguised herself as her grandmother to conceal the death, creating a false CCTV record that Mrs O'Connor had left the house. The jury took eight hours and 36 minutes to reach this unanimous verdict. However, they did not reach verdicts on the remaining counts against Louise O'Connor and Keith Johnston. Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the matter, directing the jury to resume deliberations on these two counts tomorrow morning at 10.30am. Louise O'Connor, who pleaded not guilty to agreeing to or acquiescing in the disguise, and Keith Johnston, who pleaded not guilty to assisting Greene in purchasing implements for concealment, remain awaiting verdicts. The trial heard that Greene changed his account of the killing, initially claiming self-defense before alleging that Johnston and others were involved. The court has not yet finalized the proceedings for the remaining accused.
Kieran Greene, 35, was found guilty by a jury at the Central Criminal Court of murdering Patricia O'Connor, 61, at her Rathfarnham home on May 29, 2017. The jury unanimously rejected Greene's self-defence claim, accepting the prosecution's case that he inflicted catastrophic blunt force trauma to her head with a hurley. Greene had pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. The trial also involved three co-accused: Louise O'Connor, 41; Stephanie O'Connor, 22; and Keith Johnston, 43. All three pleaded not guilty to charges of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Greene, knowing or believing he had committed an arrestable offence. Specifically, Louise O'Connor was charged with acquiescing in her daughter Stephanie disguising herself as the deceased to conceal her death, while Stephanie was charged with the act of disguising herself. Johnston was charged with assisting Greene in purchasing implements for concealing the remains. The jury was directed to continue deliberations on these three defendants, meaning the matter regarding them was adjourned and not concluded. Augustine 'Gus' O'Connor, the deceased's husband, had previously pleaded guilty to reporting his wife as missing while knowing she was dead. The court will resume at 10.30am to hear verdicts on the remaining accused.
The jury in the trial of a 35‑year‑old man accused of murdering a 61‑year‑old grandmother has requested an easel and flip‑chart to aid their deliberations. The defendant, Kieran Greene, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Patricia O'Connor at her home in Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, on 29 May 2017. The body was dismembered into 15 parts found at nine sites across the Dublin and Wicklow mountains. The trial also involves three co‑accused – Louise O'Connor (41), Stephanie O'Connor (22) and Keith Johnston (43) – charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Greene, knowing or believing he committed an arrestable offence. The jury can return up to four verdicts: for Greene on murder, for Greene on manslaughter, and for each co‑accused on the impeding charge. The judge has instructed the jury to consider Greene first, then the co‑accused, and to record any verdicts in the box on the issue paper.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Kieran Greene, 35, accused of murdering 61‑year‑old Patricia O'Connor, is set to begin jury deliberations on Monday. Greene has pleaded not guilty. The case involves the dismemberment of Mrs O'Connor's body into 15 parts found across nine sites in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains. Evidence includes blunt‑force trauma to the head and the discovery of tools such as hacksaws and a hatchet. Greene's defence has highlighted inconsistencies in his statements to Gardaí, citing a change in his account from June to December 2017 and alleged Garda follow‑up failures. The prosecution presents circumstantial evidence linking Greene to the murder. Three other defendants—Louise O'Connor, Stephanie O'Connor and Keith Johnston—are charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Greene, each pleading not guilty. The jury will consider separate verdicts for the murder charge and the ancillary offences. The judge will finish charging the jury on Monday.
In a 2020 trial, Judge Paul McDermott instructed the jury that self‑defence could be considered in the murder case of Kieran Greene, 35, accused of killing 61‑year‑old Patricia O'Connor, whose dismembered body was found across the Dublin and Wicklow mountains. Greene pleaded not guilty. The jury was told to focus on facts, not emotions, and to treat each accused's statements separately. The judge explained that Greene's defence hinged on whether he used only necessary force after being attacked with a hurley, which could reduce a murder charge to manslaughter. He also clarified that the separate offence of impeding the investigation, charged against Louise O'Connor, Stephanie O'Connor and Keith Johnston, had its own possible verdicts. The judge emphasized that the jury must decide on each charge independently, based on the evidence presented.
The State's case against Keith Johnston, accused of assisting Kieran Greene in the purchase of items used in the concealment of the remains of Patricia O'Connor, has been described by defence counsel as 'clutching at straws' with no evidence of 'concealment, lies or secrecy'. The trial has heard that the body of Mrs O'Connor was dismembered into 15 parts found at nine different locations in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains between June 10 and 14, 2017. Keith Johnston has pleaded not guilty to assisting Kieran Greene in the purchase of various implements on June 9, 2017, which were to be used in the concealment of the remains of Mrs O'Connor. Louise O'Connor and Stephanie O'Connor have both pleaded not guilty to charges of disguising themselves as Mrs O'Connor and agreeing to or acquiescing in the disguise to conceal the fact that Patricia O'Connor was dead. Keith Johnston has been acquitted on some charges. The trial is ongoing with the jury to be charged by Mr Justice Paul McDermott tomorrow.
In the trial of Stephanie O'Connor, a 22‑year‑old accused of disguising herself as her grandmother to conceal the latter's death, the defence argued that no direct evidence proved she was absent from the house on the night of May 29 2017. The prosecution claimed a lack of a "smoking gun" and alleged that the CCTV footage was incomplete, suggesting that the defendant's actions were a ruse. The case also involved Louise O'Connor, 41, and Keith Johnston, 43, charged with impeding the apprehension of the alleged murderer, Kieran Greene, 35. Evidence presented included dismemberment of the body into 15 parts found across a 30 km range, blunt‑force trauma to the head, and conflicting statements from Greene. The defence highlighted the absence of hard evidence and the possibility of false testimony, urging the jury to acquit the accused. The trial concluded with the defence's closing remarks, and the prosecution's case was deemed speculative. Kieran Greene pleaded not guilty. Louise O'Connor pleaded not guilty. Stephanie O'Connor pleaded not guilty. Keith Johnston pleaded not guilty.
The trial of Kieran Greene, Louise O'Connor, Stephanie O'Connor, and Keith Johnston is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. Greene, 35, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Patricia O'Connor at her home in Rathfarnham, Dublin 14, on May 29, 2017. The other three accused have pleaded not guilty to charges of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Greene, specifically involving concealing the deceased's body. Louise O'Connor is accused of acquiescing in her daughter Stephanie disguising herself as the victim; Stephanie is accused of that disguise; and Keith Johnston is accused of assisting Greene in purchasing implements to conceal remains. Defence counsel Conor Devally SC argued in his closing statement that Greene, who has a developmental difficulty, was portrayed inconsistently as both a "moron" and a "Machiavelli" mastermind. He contended that Greene's initial June confession was coerced to protect his children and that his later December account, which implicated the deceased's husband Augustine 'Gus' O'Connor, contained the truth. Devally urged the jury to acquit Greene, noting that Gus O'Connor had previously pleaded guilty to falsely reporting his wife missing. The trial has heard evidence that the victim's body was dismembered and found across Dublin and Wicklow. Stephanie O'Connor's defence counsel is scheduled to deliver his closing speech tomorrow.
The Central Criminal Court heard the prosecution's closing submissions in the trial of Kieran Greene, 35, who pleaded not guilty to the murder of Patricia O'Connor, 61, at her home in Rathfarnham, Dublin 14, on May 29, 2017. Three co-accused, Louise O'Connor, 41, Stephanie O'Connor, 22, and Keith Johnston, 43, all pleaded not guilty to charges of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Greene. The prosecution alleged that Stephanie O'Connor disguised herself as her grandmother to create a false CCTV record that Mrs O'Connor was alive, while Louise O'Connor acquiesced in this ruse. Additionally, the State contended that Keith Johnston assisted Greene in purchasing DIY tools, including hacksaws and axes, on June 9, 2017, which were allegedly used to dismember the body. Evidence presented indicated that Mrs O'Connor's body was found in 15 separate parts across Dublin and Wicklow between June 10 and 14, 2017, with the cause of death determined to be blunt force trauma to the head. The prosecution invited the jury to return guilty verdicts for all four defendants. The matter remains at the trial stage, with defence counsel scheduled to deliver closing arguments. No findings, sentences, or finalisations have been recorded.
A trial in the Central Criminal Court is ongoing regarding the murder of Patricia O'Connor (61) at her home in Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 on May 29, 2017. Kieran Greene (35), the accused, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mrs O'Connor and has changed his account of the events six months later. The prosecution has stated that there was no evidence of a single defensive wound on Mrs O'Connor's body and that Greene bore an 'ill-will' and 'a particular animus or bad feeling' against her. The trial has heard that Mrs O'Connor's dismembered remains were found scattered in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains. Louise O'Connor (41), Stephanie O'Connor (22), and Keith Johnston (43) have also pleaded not guilty to charges related to impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Kieran Greene. The prosecution has presented evidence, including forensic findings and receipts from DIY shops, to support their case. The trial is in the closing stages, with the prosecution's case being presented by Ms Lacey, who has emphasized the lack of defensive injuries and the coherent narrative of the accused's actions. The trial is expected to continue with Ms Lacey's closing speech to the jury tomorrow.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Kieran Greene, Louise O'Connor, Stephanie O'Connor, and Keith Johnston is ongoing. Greene, 35, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Patricia O'Connor, 61, at her home in Rathfarnham, Dublin 14, on May 29, 2017. The other three accused have pleaded not guilty to charges of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of an offender. The jury was told that Augustine 'Gus' O'Connor, 75, originally part of the trial, pleaded guilty on the first hearing date to reporting his wife missing on June 1, 2017, while knowing she was dead. Evidence presented includes Detective Inspector Brian O'Keeffe's testimony regarding Greene's initial statements and subsequent retraction, where Greene alleged he was set up. The prosecution closed its case, and defence counsel made applications in the jury's absence. The court heard that Mrs O'Connor's remains were found dismembered in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains. Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the proceedings, instructing the jury to return the following morning at 12pm.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Kieran Greene, Louise O'Connor, Stephanie O'Connor, and Keith Johnston continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott. All four accused have pleaded not guilty to charges relating to the alleged murder of Patricia O'Connor (61) at her Rathfarnham home on May 29, 2017. Greene is charged with murdering Mrs O'Connor, while the other three face charges of impeding apprehension, including disguising the deceased and assisting in the purchase of implements to conceal remains. Evidence presented includes testimony from Dr Michael Curtis, who stated blunt force trauma to the head caused death, and Garda Roisin Rowley Burke, who detailed CCTV footage showing Mrs O'Connor's last appearance at 3.08pm on the day of the alleged murder. Irish Prison Service manager Walter Burke confirmed that Louise O'Connor visited Greene at Cloverhill Prison on June 17, 2017, where she was recorded as his girlfriend. Keith Johnston visited on September 2, 2017, and both visited together on October 14 and November 16, 2017. The court also heard that Greene initially told gardai he dismembered the body alone, but later claimed he was set up. The trial is ongoing and has not been finalised.
The trial of Kieran Greene, 34, and three co-accused continued at the Central Criminal Court before Mr Justice Paul McDermott. Greene, who pleaded not guilty to murdering Patricia O'Connor, 61, at her home in Rathfarnham on May 29, 2017, is alleged to have dismembered her body, with remains found across Dublin and Wicklow. Louise O'Connor, 41, Stephanie O'Connor, 22, and Keith Johnston, 43, all pleaded not guilty to charges including impeding the apprehension of Greene, disguising themselves as the deceased, or assisting in the concealment of evidence. Evidence presented included CCTV footage of Greene dropping his children at school on May 30, where a witness described him as a "lovely parent" who showed no unusual behavior. The prosecution alleged Stephanie O'Connor disguised herself as her grandmother to create a ruse that Mrs O'Connor had left the house. Defense counsel highlighted that Greene initially confessed to the killing but later claimed he was set up. The court also heard testimony regarding items found in the residence, including a black suitcase. The trial was adjourned to Monday afternoon.
The trial of Kieran Greene, Louise O'Connor, Stephanie O'Connor, and Keith Johnston continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott at the Central Criminal Court. Greene, 34, has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Patricia O'Connor, 61, at her home in Rathfarnham, Dublin 14, on May 29, 2017. The other three accused have also pleaded not guilty to charges including impeding the apprehension of Greene, disguising the deceased to conceal her death, and assisting in the purchase of items to conceal her remains. The jury has examined CCTV footage showing Greene and Johnston purchasing DIY items in Tallaght on June 9, 2017, and Johnston redecorating the bathroom at the scene. Evidence presented includes testimony that the deceased's remains were dismembered and scattered across nine locations in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains. The prosecution alleges Johnston assisted Greene in destroying evidence, while defense counsel highlighted inconsistencies in Greene's changing accounts to gardai. The matter is ongoing, with the trial continuing before a jury of six men and six women.
The trial of Kieran Greene, Louise O'Connor, Stephanie O'Connor, and Keith Johnston is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court before Mr Justice Paul McDermott. Greene, 34, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Patricia O'Connor, 61, at her home in Rathfarnham, Dublin 14, on May 29, 2017. The other three accused have also pleaded not guilty to charges including impeding the apprehension of Greene, disguising themselves to conceal the victim's death, and assisting in the purchase of implements to conceal remains. The jury reviewed 343 hours of CCTV footage captured by a neighbour, which showed family movements on the day of the alleged killing. Prosecution evidence suggests Stephanie O'Connor disguised herself as her grandmother to create a ruse that the victim had left the house. Former Depute State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis testified that the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head. The trial heard that the victim's remains were dismembered and found at nine locations in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains. The matter was adjourned and continues tomorrow.
The trial of Kieran Greene, Louise O'Connor, Stephanie O'Connor, and Keith Johnston is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. Greene, 34, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Patricia O'Connor, 61, at her home in Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14, on May 29, 2017. Louise O'Connor, 41, has pleaded not guilty to agreeing to or acquiescing in her daughter Stephanie O'Connor, 22, disguising herself as the deceased to conceal her death. Stephanie O'Connor has pleaded not guilty to disguising herself as Mrs O'Connor. Keith Johnston, 43, has pleaded not guilty to assisting Greene in purchasing implements for the concealment of remains and to refurbishing a bathroom to destroy evidence. All defendants are charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Greene. Evidence presented includes testimony from Richard O'Connor, the deceased's son, who stated his sister Louise did not want to report their mother missing. He identified Stephanie O'Connor in CCTV footage closing the back door on the night of the alleged murder. The prosecution alleges Stephanie disguised herself as her grandmother to create a ruse that Mrs O'Connor had left the house. The court has heard that Mrs O'Connor's dismembered remains were found at nine locations in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains between June 10 and 14, 2017. The matter is currently at the trial stage, with no final verdict or sentence recorded.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Kieran Greene, Louise O'Connor, Stephanie O'Connor, and Keith Johnston continued with evidence regarding the alleged murder of Patricia O'Connor. All four defendants have pleaded not guilty to their respective charges, which include murder, impeding prosecution, and concealing remains. The jury heard the final interviews of Mr. Johnston, who denied assisting Mr. Greene in purchasing implements at Woodie's, Mr Price, B&Q, and Shoe Zone in Tallaght on June 9, 2017, for the concealment of Mrs. O'Connor's remains. Mr. Johnston also denied refurbishing a bathroom at Mountainview Park to destroy evidence. He rejected claims that he helped dig a shallow grave in Wexford or that he was "sucked in" to the crime, stating he did not "put two and two together" regarding the DIY purchases. Forensic scientist Nora Lee testified that a black bag containing Mrs. O'Connor's head likely came from a roll found at Mountainview Park. Professor Anthony Hooper described injuries to Mr. Greene's wrist, temple, and torso, which the accused attributed to blows from a hurley. The trial is ongoing, with no findings, sentences, or finalisations recorded.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Kieran Greene, Louise O'Connor, Stephanie O'Connor, and Keith Johnston continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott. All four defendants have pleaded not guilty to their respective charges. Mr Greene is accused of murdering Patricia O'Connor at Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, on May 29, 2017. Mr Johnston, the deceased's ex-partner, faces charges of assisting Mr Greene in purchasing implements to conceal remains and refurbishing a bathroom to destroy evidence. Ms Louise O'Connor is charged with acquiescing in her daughter Stephanie O'Connor disguising herself as the deceased, while Stephanie O'Connor is accused of the disguise itself. The jury heard evidence that Mr Greene initially claimed sole responsibility for the dismemberment but later alleged Mr Johnston planned the act. Mr Johnston told gardai he was fixing a broken shower step and re-grouting tiles, stating, "I know it looks bad but that's just the way it is," while denying he was clearing a crime scene. He admitted purchasing items with Mr Greene but maintained he was helping the family. The prosecution contends the bathroom work was intended to conceal blood. The trial is ongoing, with no final verdict or sentence recorded.
The trial of Kieran Greene, Louise O'Connor, and Stephanie O'Connor continues at the Central Criminal Court. All three defendants have pleaded not guilty to charges relating to the murder of Patricia O'Connor at her home in Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14, on May 29, 2017. Greene is accused of murdering Mrs O'Connor, while Louise and Stephanie O'Connor are charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Greene. Additionally, Stephanie O'Connor is accused of disguising herself as her grandmother to conceal the death, and Louise O'Connor is accused of acquiescing in this act. The jury heard transcripts of garda interviews with Stephanie O'Connor from September 2017. During these interviews, she denied killing or assisting in the killing of her nanny. When shown CCTV footage of a person leaving the property, she stated she could not remember if it was her, suggesting it might have been her grandmother. The prosecution contends that Stephanie O'Connor dressed as Mrs O'Connor as a ruse to pretend the deceased had left the house, despite evidence that Mrs O'Connor was already dead. The court also heard that the deceased's body was dismembered into 15 parts found across Dublin and Wicklow. The trial is ongoing.
The trial of Louise O'Connor, Stephanie O'Connor, Keith Johnston, and Kieran Greene is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. All four defendants have pleaded not guilty to charges including the murder of Patricia O'Connor on May 29, 2017, and impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Kieran Greene. The prosecution alleges that Stephanie O'Connor disguised herself as her grandmother to conceal the murder, while Louise O'Connor and Keith Johnston assisted in covering up the crime. Evidence presented includes CCTV footage showing a figure leaving the Mountainview Park residence with a suitcase, which the State contends was Stephanie O'Connor in disguise. Louise O'Connor denied to gardai that she left the house to obtain "permanent peace" and insisted her mother was alive when she returned. She also denied discussing the killing with family members. Stephanie O'Connor stated she was unaware of the incident until two weeks later when Greene confessed. The jury is currently hearing testimony regarding the interviews conducted with the accused in September 2017. No findings, sentences, or finalisations have been recorded at this procedural stage.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Kieran Greene, Louise O'Connor, Stephanie O'Connor, and Keith Johnston continued with the jury hearing evidence regarding interviews conducted with Louise O'Connor. All four defendants have pleaded not guilty to their respective charges, which include the alleged murder of Patricia O'Connor on May 29, 2017, and impeding the investigation. In interviews played to the jury, Louise O'Connor stated she did not harm her mother and claimed Greene admitted to killing her. She also alleged her mother told her and her daughter they should have been aborted. Evidence presented included CCTV footage from a neighbor's camera showing movements at the Mountainview Park residence on the day of the alleged murder. Louise O'Connor identified herself in clips leaving for a park and returning from Tesco, and acknowledged a figure resembling her mother leaving the house. She disputed the significance of a person closing a rear door at 10:06 pm, stating she could not identify them. The court also heard that Greene initially confessed to dismembering the body but later claimed he was set up. The matter is currently at the sentencing stage, though no final verdict or sentence has been recorded in the provided facts.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Kieran Greene, Louise O'Connor, Stephanie O'Connor, and Keith Johnston continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott. All four defendants have pleaded not guilty to charges relating to the alleged murder of Patricia O'Connor (61) at her home in Rathfarnham, Dublin 14, on May 29, 2017. Mr Greene is charged with murdering Mrs O'Connor, while the other three are accused of impeding her apprehension or prosecution, including disguising themselves as the deceased and assisting in the purchase of tools to conceal her remains. Evidence presented includes testimony from neighbour Sam Lin, who described the family as good neighbours and stated he saw nothing unusual on the night of the alleged incident. Gardaí testified that CCTV footage from local stores in Tallaght showed Mr Greene and Mr Johnston purchasing items such as hacksaws, axes, and wellington boots on June 9, 2017. The court heard that Mrs O'Connor's body was dismembered into 15 parts and scattered across nine locations in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains. The trial is ongoing and was not adjourned or finalised during this reporting period.
The Central Criminal Court heard evidence in the trial of Kieran Greene, Louise O'Connor, Stephanie O'Connor, and Keith Johnston, all of whom pleaded not guilty to charges related to the murder of Patricia O'Connor (61) at her home in Rathfarnham, Dublin 14, on May 29, 2017. Greene is accused of murdering Mrs. O'Connor, while the other three are charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Greene. The jury heard a December 2017 interview in which Greene alleged he was "set-up" and "took the rap" for the killing. He claimed Gus O'Connor struck his wife with a crowbar and instructed him to assume responsibility. Greene stated Louise O'Connor told him to "get rid" of the body, and Keith Johnston "made a plan" to dismember the remains in Wexford and scatter them in the Wicklow mountains. Greene alleged Stephanie O'Connor disguised herself as her grandmother to conceal the death. The court noted that Mrs. O'Connor's body was found in 15 parts across nine locations. The matter is currently at trial stage, with no findings, sentences, or finalisations recorded.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Kieran Greene, 34, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Patricia O'Connor, 61, at her Rathfarnham home on May 29, 2017, heard forensic evidence regarding the dismemberment of the deceased. Former Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis testified that Mrs O'Connor's body was cut into 15 parts, likely using a power tool, with her wrists and hands possibly removed by a hand-held saw. He stated the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head, noting three full-thickness lacerations and bruising consistent with pre-death injury. The remains were discovered at nine locations in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains between June 10 and 14, 2017. Greene is also charged with impeding justice. Co-accused Louise O'Connor, 41, Stephanie O'Connor, 22, and Keith Johnston, 43, have all pleaded not guilty to charges including impeding the apprehension of Greene, disguising themselves as the deceased to conceal her death, and assisting in the purchase of implements for concealment. Johnston additionally denies refurbishing a bathroom to destroy evidence. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
The Central Criminal Court heard evidence in the ongoing trial of Kieran Greene, 34, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Patricia O'Connor, 61, at her home in Rathfarnham, Dublin 14, on May 29, 2017. The jury listened to garda interviews in which Mr Greene alleged that the deceased had attempted to kill her husband by pushing him down the stairs and expressed a desire for the family to die. He claimed he let her die to protect his children and subsequently dismembered her body, scattering the remains across Dublin and Wicklow. Mr Greene also alleged his partner, Louise O'Connor, 41, had been diagnosed with Graves' disease and that the deceased had threatened to sign over the house if Louise killed her father. Louise O'Connor, her daughter Stephanie O'Connor, 22, and Louise's ex-partner Keith Johnston, 43, are all charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Mr Greene. Louise O'Connor has pleaded not guilty to agreeing to Stephanie disguising herself as the deceased to conceal her death. Stephanie O'Connor has pleaded not guilty to disguising herself as the deceased. Mr Johnston has pleaded not guilty to assisting Mr Greene in purchasing implements for concealment and to refurbishing the bathroom to destroy evidence. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Kieran Greene, 34, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Patricia O'Connor, 61, at her home in Rathfarnham, Dublin 14, on May 29, 2017, continued with evidence of his voluntary statements to gardai. The jury heard that Greene alleged he killed Ms O'Connor after a physical altercation involving a hurl, subsequently burying her in a shallow grave in Wexford. He later claimed he returned to dismember the body to make it lighter, scattering the remains across the Dublin and Wicklow mountains. The court also heard allegations that Louise O'Connor, Stephanie O'Connor, and Keith Johnston, all of whom have pleaded not guilty, agreed to or acquiesced in Stephanie O'Connor disguising herself as the deceased to conceal her death. These defendants are further alleged to have assisted Greene in purchasing implements in Tallaght, Dublin 24, for the concealment of remains. The trial is ongoing, with no findings, sentences, or finalisations recorded for any accused.
The trial of Kieran Greene, Louise O'Connor, Stephanie O'Connor, and Keith Johnston continues before the Central Criminal Court. All four accused have pleaded not guilty to charges relating to the alleged murder of Patricia O'Connor (61) at her Rathfarnham home on May 29, 2017. Greene faces a charge of murder, while the others are accused of impeding the investigation, including disguising themselves as the deceased and assisting in the purchase of implements to conceal remains. The jury heard a voluntary statement from Louise O'Connor, who alleged that Greene told her he was sorry for hurting her mother and intended to surrender. Evidence presented includes the discovery of the deceased's dismembered remains in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains, with her head and hands found in a black plastic bag on the Military Road. Garda Andrew Quinn testified to the missing person report filed on June 1, 2017, and subsequent inquiries. The prosecution alleges the victim suffered a violent death and that her body was dismembered using hacksaws and a hatchet. The trial is ongoing, with no final verdict or sentence recorded at this procedural stage.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Kieran Greene, Louise O'Connor, Stephanie O'Connor, and Keith Johnston continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott. All four defendants have pleaded not guilty to charges including the murder of Patricia O'Connor on May 29, 2017, and impeding her apprehension or prosecution. The prosecution alleges Mrs O'Connor suffered a violent death at her Rathfarnham home, with her remains subsequently dismembered and dispersed across the Dublin and Wicklow mountains. Evidence presented by Detective Garda Janette O'Neill detailed the recovery of 15 body parts from nine locations, describing the sites as a "dumping ground." Forensic scientist John Hoade testified that DNA analysis confirmed the remains belonged to Louise O'Connor's mother. He reported finding a low-level male DNA profile in the bathroom where the alleged attack occurred, while no blood was found on seized hacksaws or the deceased's vehicle. The court heard that the defendants allegedly purchased implements to conceal the remains and that Stephanie O'Connor disguised herself as her mother to hide the death. The matter is ongoing, with the trial set to continue on Monday.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Kieran Greene, 34, has heard evidence regarding the discovery of human remains in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains. Prosecutors allege that 61-year-old Patricia O'Connor was murdered at her Rathfarnham home on May 29, 2017, and her body was subsequently dismembered and dispersed across nine locations. Witnesses described finding a torso near the Military Road in Enniskerry on June 10, 2017, while picnicking. Medical evidence confirmed the remains belonged to Mrs O'Connor via dental records. Mr Greene, of Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. Louise O'Connor, 41, and Stephanie O'Connor, 22, have both pleaded not guilty to charges including disguising themselves as the deceased to conceal her death and assisting in the purchase of implements for concealment. Keith Johnston, 43, has pleaded not guilty to assisting Mr Greene in purchasing items and refurbishing a bathroom to destroy evidence. The prosecution alleges the body was buried in Co Wexford before being dismembered. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury, with an expected duration of five to seven weeks.
The trial heard that 61‑year‑old Patricia O'Connor was murdered on 29 May 2017 at her Rathfarnham home. She was struck on the head with a solid implement, then her body was placed in the boot of her Toyota Corolla and taken to Wexford where it was buried in a shallow grave. After the body was exhumed, it was dismembered over three to four hours using hacksaws and a hatchet. Fifteen body parts were found at nine separate locations in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains between 10 and 14 June 2017, including Glencree, Glenmacnass Waterfall and Sally Gap. The prosecution alleged that Kieran Greene, Louise O'Connor, Stephanie O'Connor and Keith Johnston impeded the apprehension or prosecution of Greene, who pleaded not guilty to the murder. The case was presented to a jury by Roisin Lacey SC. The trial is scheduled to continue before Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
The trial of Kieran Greene, 34, accused of murdering Patricia O'Connor, 61, at Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14, on May 29, 2017, was delayed at the Central Criminal Court due to juror issues. Mr Justice Paul McDermott discharged one juror for health reasons and investigated another regarding a potential conflict of interest. The accused suggested the juror was a delivery man to Lower Gardiner Street, where Louise and Stephanie O'Connor had resided. The juror denied this, and the judge dismissed the inquiry. The trial, expected to last five to seven weeks, was scheduled to open later that day. Greene pleaded not guilty to murder. Louise O'Connor, 41, and Stephanie O'Connor, 22, both pleaded not guilty to agreeing to or acquiescing in Stephanie disguising herself as Patricia to conceal her death, and to assisting Greene in purchasing implements for concealment. Keith Johnston, 43, pleaded not guilty to assisting Greene in purchasing implements and to refurbishing a bathroom to destroy evidence. All defendants are charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Greene. The matter remains at the trial stage with no findings or sentences recorded.
A Dublin man, Kieran Greene, 34, is set to stand trial for the murder of 61‑year‑old Patricia O'Connor on 29 May 2017. Greene pleaded not guilty. His daughter, Louise O'Connor, 41, and her ex‑partner, Keith Johnston, 43, along with Louise's daughter, Stephanie O'Connor, 22, were also arraigned. They face charges of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Greene, knowing or believing he committed the murder. Louise pleaded not guilty to agreeing to or acquiescing in her daughter's disguise as Patricia O'Connor to conceal the death. Johnston pleaded not guilty to assisting Greene in purchasing implements for concealing remains and to refurbishing a bathroom to destroy evidence. Stephanie pleaded not guilty to disguising herself as Patricia after the murder. The body was dismembered and parts were found scattered across the Wicklow mountains. The trial will begin tomorrow before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and is expected to last five to seven weeks.
The High Court has struck out a damages claim brought by Gerard Martin Fulham, who was incarcerated in Mountjoy prison between December 21st and 28th, 2007, for failing to pay debts. Mr Justice Bernard Barton dismissed the action as vexatious, frivolous, and bound to fail. Mr Fulham, a former building contractor, alleged that his imprisonment following instalment orders from creditors Chadwicks and Independent Communications Ltd breached his constitutional rights. He sought damages and a civil jury trial, claiming his health suffered. The defendants, including the State and the Attorney General, denied the claims and moved to strike out the proceedings, arguing Mr Fulham could not benefit from the 2009 McCann judgement, which found section 6 of the Enforcement of Court Orders Act 1940 unconstitutional. That ruling had previously allowed Caroline McCann to avoid a prison sentence for unpaid debts. The judge noted that Mr Fulham had not challenged his 2007 incarceration at the time nor sought judicial review within legal time limits. Consequently, he was not entitled to the benefit of the McCann decision. Although the claim was struck out, the matter will return before the courts in the New Year to deal with all outstanding issues.
Rosemarie Gallagher, 61, was jailed for two years after her convertible lost control, struck a tree, a stone wall and railings, then collided with Benjamin Renard, 24, and three other men on Adelaide Road, Dublin. The crash threw all four men into the air; Renard died 15 days later after life support was withdrawn. Gallagher pleaded guilty to one charge of dangerous driving causing death and three charges of dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm. She had no prior convictions and had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 26 years earlier, though she was considered medically fit to drive. The court noted her condition may have contributed to loss of control and imposed a custodial sentence, disqualifying her from driving for three years. The three injured men suffered fractures and other injuries. The judge described the case as tragic and lamentable.
In a 2019 case, Mark Halligan, aged 45, pleaded guilty at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to threatening to kill or seriously harm a parish priest, Father Peter Byrne, at a church in Balally, Dundrum, on 11 September 2016. Halligan, who suffers from a religious persecution disorder—a form of schizophrenia—followed the priest into the sacristy with a large knife and warned that he would cut the priest's fingers off. A parishioner witnessed the threat and called the Gardaí, who arrested Halligan on the scene. He has 17 prior convictions, including theft, drug misuse, criminal damage, public order offences and road traffic offences. The judge accepted that Halligan was delusional at the time and, after confirming he had received suitable treatment and had not repeated such behaviour, imposed a three‑year prison sentence, fully suspended on the condition that he keep the peace, behave well for three years and be supervised by the Probation Service for 18 months.
Four young men – John (22) and Christopher (23) Connors, Paddy (22) Connors and James (19) Wall – were sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for attacking a family home with stones and rocks on 23 December 2016. The assault, which took place at 2.45 am, left the occupants, including a newborn and a girl with special needs, homeless and forced them to spend Christmas in a hotel. The men pleaded guilty to criminal damage. Judge Melanie Greally imposed a 12‑month probation bond on John Connors, adjourned to 31 July 2020, and a two‑year suspended sentence on James Wall. Paddy Connors received a four‑year sentence with the final 12 months suspended on strict conditions, while Christopher Connors was sentenced to four years with the final 18 months suspended. All sentences reflected the men's intoxication and the impact on the victim family.
A 46‑year‑old former journalist from Sierra Leone, Mercy Peters, was found not guilty by reason of insanity after pleading guilty by reason of insanity for the murder of her 42‑year‑old flatmate, Tyrone McKenna, on 17 July 2014 in Marlay Court, Rathfarnham. The trial, held at the Central Criminal Court, noted that both Peters and McKenna had histories of mental health problems and had first met in a psychiatric ward in 2010. Peters claimed voices in her head compelled her to stab McKenna, and she was described as erratic and speaking of spirits during court appearances. Expert testimony from psychiatrists confirmed Peters suffered from schizophrenia and a severe episode at the time of the offence, meeting the criteria for a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. Following a unanimous jury verdict, Mr Justice White committed Peters to the Central Mental Hospital for further assessment and treatment.
A 46‑year‑old former journalist from Sierra Leone, Mercy Peters, was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the murder of her 42‑year‑old flatmate Tyrone McKenna on 17 July 2014 in Marlay Court, Rathfarnham. Peters claimed voices in her head compelled her to stab McKenna. Both had a history of mental health problems and had met in a psychiatric ward in 2010. McKenna was discovered dead on the stairs by his father, Tom McKenna, who called an ambulance. A post‑mortem found a stab wound to the trunk that collapsed his left lung and injured his left kidney, with a contributory left forearm wound. In court, Peters behaved erratically, spoke of spirits and claimed self‑defence. Two psychiatrists testified that she was suffering from schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and did not understand the wrongfulness of her act. The prosecution argued she had killed McKenna, while the defence highlighted her mental illness and medication lapse.
A 46‑year‑old woman, Mercy Peters, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of her 42‑year‑old flatmate, Tyrone McKenna, who was stabbed to death on 17 July 2014 in their South Dublin home. Peters pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, claiming that voices in her head compelled her to stab McKenna. The trial, which began on 7 May 2019, is a two‑day hearing before a jury of eight men and two women. Testimony from Sergeant David Bunn and psychiatric experts, including Professor Aiden Corvin and Dr Sally Linehan, details Peters' history of schizophrenia and a severe episode at the time of the offence, during which she reportedly heard her dead mother's voice urging her to act. The court has not yet delivered a verdict, and the case remains before Mr Justice Michael White.
In a violent incident on 2 July 2016, 21‑year‑old Nathan Benson attacked Cormac Doyle outside the "District 8" nightclub on Francis Street, Dublin, punching and head‑butting him and stealing his iPhone. Doyle pursued Benson, who fled down Bridgefoot Street into a crime scene being preserved by Garda Derek Tubridy. Benson ran under the tape, was stopped, and after a brief apology and a blood‑stained appearance, he was searched and found with three mobile phones, including Doyle's. He became aggressive, attempted to assault the garda, and was forcibly arrested. In court, Benson pleaded guilty to robbery on Thomas Street, Dublin 8. Judge Elma Sheahan sentenced him to three years' imprisonment, suspending the final 12 months on the condition of good behaviour and compliance with the Probation Service for 12 months. The judge noted the lasting impact of Benson's "thuggish behaviour" on the victim, who had temporarily left the country out of fear.
Frank Kamara, 29, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 17 January 2018. He had sent a video of a boy aged one or two being raped to his supervisor, who watched it for two seconds before deleting it. Kamara claimed he sent the video to warn his supervisor about child sexual exploitation. The video, 4 minutes 59 seconds long, was the only child‑pornographic material found on his phone. Kamara had no prior convictions, was a cleaner at the time of the offence, and had a history of charitable work. Judge Elma Sheahan accepted the case as a one‑off offence, noted mitigating factors such as his guilty plea and remorse, and imposed a 12‑month imprisonment sentence suspended on the condition of good behaviour for 12 months.
Three Dublin youths – Harry Walsh (18), Gordon Robinson (20) and Darragh Smith (20) – filmed themselves laughing after a violent hour‑long rampage that involved seven separate incidents of violent disorder and assaults on eight members of the public between 3am and 4am on 3 November 2017. The court heard CCTV showing the trio attacking victims on Camden Street, Harcourt Street and Montague Street, with injuries including a shattered eye socket, fractured cheekbone, broken jaw, knocked‑out teeth, unconsciousness and cracked ribs. Judge Melanie Greally imposed a five‑year sentence on Robinson and a four‑year sentence on Smith, each with the final 12 months suspended, and adjourned Walsh's sentence until July. The judge directed that the €11,000 raised by the offenders be used to offset medical expenses, with any remaining balance divided equally among the injured parties. The court noted the extreme nature of the offences and the unit operation of the three assailants. Harry Walsh pleaded guilty. Gordon Robinson pleaded guilty. Darragh Smith pleaded guilty.