The Special Criminal Court resumed the non‑jury trial of Jim Mansfield Jnr, aged 53, after a seven‑month adjournment. Mansfield is accused of conspiring to falsely imprison Martin Byrne, aged 53, between 1 January and 30 June 2015, and of attempting to pervert the course of justice by directing Patrick Byrne to destroy CCTV footage. Byrne, now in the Witness Protection Programme, testified that Mansfield was "a couple of feet away" when he was taken prisoner by a gang that included former INLA man Dessie O'Hare and former Republican paramilitary Declan "Whacker" Duffy. The trial was adjourned in December to allow Mansfield's lawyers to view previously undisclosed CCTV footage. Defence counsel Tony McGillicuddy challenged redactions, while DPP counsel Shane Costelloe addressed each request. The case continues before Judges Owens, Ni Chulachain and Faughnan, with further evidence to be heard after the summer break. Jim Mansfield Jnr pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court trial of businessman Jim Mansfield Jnr, aged 53, is facing a potential delay of more than six months. The delay follows the court's decision to pause proceedings to allow Mansfield's lawyers to review 12 days of CCTV footage that had not been previously disclosed by the Gardaí. Mansfield's defence counsel, Bernard Condon, is currently engaged in another trial that will not conclude in time, prompting his senior counsel, Tony McGillicuddy BL, to request an adjournment. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Caroline Cummings BL, described the delay as a "disappointing turn of events" that could complicate matters for witnesses in the Witness Protection Programme. Judge Alexander Owens stated that the court would consider an adjournment application next Wednesday but emphasized the need to keep the case moving. Jim Mansfield Jnr pleaded not guilty.
Richard Walker, a 33‑year‑old GAA player, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after punching an opponent's face during a match at St Mary's GAA Club on 15 July 2018. The punch fractured the victim's jaw in two places, caused nerve damage and required surgery with three plates, costing €4,400. Walker was sent off with a black card and later banned from playing for eight weeks. He paid €3,000 to the victim and agreed to pay the remaining medical costs. Judge Martin Nolan, noting Walker's lack of prior convictions and the circumstances, imposed a fully suspended two‑year sentence, ordering Walker to hand over the €3,000 to the prosecuting Garda and to raise an additional €5,000 within one year. The court deemed imprisonment unnecessary and unlikely to be required again. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Desmond McGrath, aged 50, was sentenced to four years' imprisonment for his role in a violent forced eviction that took place on 9 June 2015 at The Towers, Garter Lane, Saggart. McGrath, who claimed he was attending a job interview for security work, was part of a gang of seven men that included convicted murderer Declan Duffy and INLA kidnapper Dessie O'Hare. The gang falsely imprisoned the Byrne family, assaulted security guard John Roche, and inflicted injuries on Martin Byrne, who sustained fractures to his forearm and nasal bone. McGrath pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and false imprisonment, and his sentence was suspended for 12 months on strict conditions. The court noted his guilty plea, remorse, and efforts to rehabilitate from drug and alcohol addiction as mitigating factors. The case was heard in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, with the judge distinguishing McGrath's conduct from that of the ringleaders. The Byrne family remains in the Witness Protection Programme.
The Court of Appeal has adjourned the sentencing appeal of Dessie O'Hare, a former INLA member known as "The Border Fox." Mr Justice George Birmingham agreed to the adjournment, noting there is "no particular urgency" as O'Hare's sentence is not due to expire soon. The judge stated he "wouldn't expect an early release" even if the appeal succeeded. O'Hare, of County Armagh, was jailed in 2019 by the Special Criminal Court for seven years for falsely imprisoning a family and leading a violent attack. He pleaded guilty to assaulting John Roche and falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne at Rathcoole and Saggart on June 9, 2015. The court also considered two counts of falsely imprisoning Mr Byrne's wife and son. O'Hare received three years for the assault and ten years for the false imprisonment, with the final three years suspended for life; the sentences run concurrently. The judge noted O'Hare's threat to society had not abated. A previous appeal hearing was adjourned after O'Hare dismissed his lawyers. He is currently unable to consult his legal team while in prison. O'Hare previously served 40 years for the 1987 kidnapping of Dr John O'Grady, from which he was released in 2006 under the Good Friday Agreement.
Desmond McGrath, 50, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm to John Roche and false imprisonment of Martin and Lisa Byrne on 9 June 2015. McGrath was part of a gang of seven, including convicted murderer Declan Duffy and INLA kidnapper Dessie O'Hare, who were ringleaders of the forced eviction. McGrath claimed he had been told he was attending a job interview for security work and was dressed "almost as a bouncer". He admitted to punching and kicking Roche but not to physical violence against the Byrne family. The Byrne family has been in the Witness Protection Programme since the incident. McGrath was remanded in custody and the matter was adjourned to 3 February. The court noted McGrath's heroin addiction and his claim of remorse.
The Special Criminal Court adjourned the trial of Jim Mansfield Jnr until June 2, 2021, following a second delay caused by newly disclosed CCTV footage. Mansfield, 53, of Saggart, pleaded not guilty to conspiring to falsely imprison Martin Byrne and attempting to pervert the course of justice by directing the destruction of CCTV footage. The court, presided over by Mr Justice Alexander Owens with Judges Ni Chulachain and Faughnan, granted the defence time to review 12 days of previously undisclosed footage. While the trial is adjourned, related proceedings concluded with Christopher Maguire, 41, of Lusk, receiving a three-year suspended sentence after pleading guilty to falsely imprisoning Martin and Lisa Byrne in Rathcoole/Saggart on June 9, 2015. Maguire's sentence was suspended, with no effective custody imposed. In a separate 2007 matter, James O'Gorman was convicted of defrauding a company director of €54,000. The current trial remains ongoing, with the next mention scheduled for January 2021.
In the Special Criminal Court, the three‑judge panel rejected the defence's request to discharge the judges and order a retrial of Jim Mansfield Junior. Mansfield, 53, is accused of conspiring to falsely imprison Martin Byrne and of attempting to pervert the course of justice by directing Byrne to destroy CCTV footage. The defence, led by Bernard Condon SC, sought to exclude a significant portion of newly disclosed CCTV footage and to adjourn the trial until the defence could review the material. The judges denied both the discharge and the exclusion, stating that the defence would still have an opportunity to question Byrne. The trial, which had been adjourned on 19 November due to the late disclosure of CCTV, was scheduled to resume on 15 December, but further adjournments are expected because of delays in serving the defence with the footage. The case remains in progress. Martin Byrne pleaded not guilty.
Former INLA member Dessie O'Hare, known as "The Border Fox", has dismissed his legal team ahead of his appeal against the severity of his seven-year sentence. O'Hare, of Newtownhamilton, County Armagh, was jailed by the Special Criminal Court last year for falsely imprisoning a family and leading a violent attack. He pleaded guilty to assaulting John Roche and falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne at Rathcoole and Saggart on June 9, 2015. The court also considered counts regarding Byrne's wife and son. O'Hare received three years for the assault and ten years, with three suspended for life, for the false imprisonment, with sentences running concurrently. In a remote hearing before the Court of Appeal, new counsel Patrick Jackson BL and Dominic McGinn SC, representing Ferry Solicitors, stated they could not proceed on the originally scheduled Monday date. The DPP opposed the delay, but President Mr Justice George Birmingham permitted the change of solicitor, noting no prejudice to the prosecution. The appeal, which cites a lack of parity with former paramilitary Declan "Whacker" Duffy—who received six years for similar offences in 2018—was adjourned. The Court of Appeal fixed January 22 as the new hearing date for the appeal against the sentence.
The Special Criminal Court adjourned the trial of Jim Mansfield Jnr, 53, until December 15 after newly disclosed CCTV footage was discovered. Mansfield Jnr is accused of conspiring to falsely imprison Martin Byrne between January and June 2015 and of attempting to pervert the course of justice by directing Patrick Byrne to destroy CCTV footage. The prosecution, represented by Shane Costelloe SC, revealed that a significant portion of CCTV footage retained on a hard‑drive seized from the Towers on 7 June 2015 had never been disclosed to the State. Defence counsel Bernard Condon SC argued that the undisclosed footage amounted to 12 days of material and that the case should not proceed until he could review it. The court agreed to certify a second junior counsel for four days to examine the footage and adjourned the trial until 15 December, with Mr Justice Alexander Owens presiding alongside Judges Sinead Ni Chulachain and James Faughnan. Jim Mansfield Jnr pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court trial of Jim Mansfield Jnr, who is accused of conspiring to falsely imprison Martin Byrne and attempting to pervert the course of justice, continues before a non-jury court. Mansfield Jnr has pleaded not guilty to both counts. During cross-examination, alleged victim Martin Byrne, who is in the Witness Protection Programme, testified that the incident was "all Mansfield business" and that Mansfield Jnr was present when he was taken prisoner by a gang including Dessie O'Hare and Declan Duffy. Byrne's son, Brandon Byrne, also gave evidence, describing how his parents were held at The Towers while security guard John Roche was assaulted outside. The court heard that Christopher Maguire, who pleaded guilty to falsely imprisoning Martin and Lisa Byrne on June 9, 2015, received a three-year suspended sentence. Additionally, Daniel Kane, who pleaded guilty to assaulting John Roche and falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne, was sentenced in April 2018 to five years' imprisonment with the final year suspended. Background evidence noted that James O'Gorman was previously convicted of defrauding a company director out of €54,000 in 2007. The trial is ongoing, with proceedings continuing before Mr Justice Alexander Owens and two other judges.
A witness at the Special Criminal Court has testified that property magnate Jim Mansfield Jnr could not have written a note allegedly used during an alleged kidnapping in Dublin. Martin Byrne, a former employee, told the three-judge court that a piece of paper handed to a vehicle driver bore someone else's handwriting. Mr Byrne claims Mr Mansfield Jnr orchestrated his false imprisonment by arranging meetings with paramilitary groups. He described being taken by seven men, including former paramilitaries Dessie O'Hare and Declan Duffy, after a warehouse meeting in 2015. Mr Byrne, now in the Witness Protection Programme, said he was assaulted and later threatened at his home address, known as the Towers in Saggart, County Dublin. Under cross-examination, he rejected suggestions he was fabricating evidence or concealing information when he initially declined to speak with gardaí at the scene. Mr Mansfield Jnr, aged fifty-three, denies conspiracy to falsely imprison Mr Byrne and attempting to pervert the course of justice. The trial continues before Mr Justice Alexander Owens and two other judges. Jim Mansfield Jnr pleaded not guilty.
In the Special Criminal Court, former employee Martin Byrne, aged 53, testified that Jim Mansfield Jnr wanted him to attend the funeral of murdered Real IRA leader Alan Ryan in September 2012 on Mansfield's behalf. Byrne denied being solely employed by convicted fraudster James O'Gorman and claimed he worked mainly for Mansfield, though he also worked for O'Gorman. He said Mansfield had arranged meetings with the New IRA and INLA to help recover family property assets, and that Mansfield had set him up for false imprisonment. Byrne also recounted being taken prisoner by a gang including former INLA man Dessie O'Hare and Declan "Whacker" Duffy, and that he was later robbed of money and documents. The court heard Byrne's evidence about Mansfield's alleged conspiracy to falsely imprison him and attempts to pervert the course of justice. Mansfield pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Martin Byrne, a witness in the trial of Jim Mansfield Jnr, has denied claims by the defence that he cannot keep his story consistent and that he puts people in and out of meetings 'willy nilly'. Byrne, who is now in the Witness Protection Programme, testified that he was falsely imprisoned by a gang of seven men, including former INLA member Dessie O'Hare and former Republican paramilitary Declan 'Whacker' Duffy. The trial, which is in the sentence stage, continues before a three-judge court. Mansfield Jnr has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including conspiring to falsely imprison Byrne and attempting to pervert the course of justice. In April 2019, Dessie O'Hare was jailed for three years for assaulting John Roche and ten years with three suspended for the rest of his life for falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne. In 2018, Declan 'Whacker' Duffy was sentenced to six years imprisonment for assaulting John Roche and falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne. The trial continues tomorrow.
At the Special Criminal Court, Martin Byrne (53), a former in-house security director of the Citywest Hotel and currently in the Witness Protection Programme, denied allegations that he likes to make himself look important or enjoys 'a bit of grandiosity' during cross-examination by defence counsel Bernard Condon SC. Byrne testified that Jim Mansfield Jnr (53) arranged meetings with the New IRA and INLA to assist in reclaiming parts of his family's former property portfolio. He also stated that €2,500 in protection money was being paid weekly to the Real IRA to protect Mansfield Jnr from Traveller gangs. Byrne claimed that Mansfield Jnr was aware of the dangers involved but was determined to recover his property. Mansfield Jnr is accused of conspiring to falsely imprison Byrne between January 1, 2015, and June 30, 2015, and of attempting to pervert the course of justice by directing Patrick Byrne to destroy CCTV footage. The trial continues. In April 2019, Former INLA man Dessie O'Hare was jailed for three years for assaulting John Roche and ten years with three suspended for the rest of his life for falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne. Former Republican paramilitary Declan 'Whacker' Duffy was sentenced to six years in 2018 after pleading guilty to assaulting John Roche and falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne at Rathcoole and Saggart on June 9, 2015.
Jim Mansfield Jnr is on trial at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin, charged with conspiracy to commit false imprisonment and attempting to pervert the course of justice five years ago. The accused is alleged to have conspired with one or more persons to falsely imprison Martin Byrne on a date unknown between January 1, 2015 and June 30, 2015, both dates inclusive. He is also charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice by directing Patrick Byrne to destroy recorded CCTV footage, with the alleged intention of perverting the course of public justice in relation to the false imprisonment of Martin Byrne at Finnstown House Hotel, Newcastle Road, Lucan, Co Dublin between June 9, 2015 and June 12, 2015. Mr Mansfield has pleaded not guilty to both counts on the indictment. Martin Byrne, who is now in the Witness Protection Programme, testified that he arranged meetings with the New IRA and the INLA to assist Mr Mansfield in getting back parts of his family's former property portfolio. He also stated that he believed Mr Mansfield had set him up and tried to confront him but was grabbed from behind and pushed into a waiting car. The trial continues on Monday before Mr Justice Alexander Owens presiding, sitting with Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain and Judge James Faughnan. Former INLA man Dessie O'Hare was jailed by the Special Criminal Court for three years for assaulting John Roche and ten years with three suspended for the rest of his life for falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne. Former Republican paramilitary Declan "Whacker" Duffy was sentenced by the Special Criminal Court to six years imprisonment in 2018 after pleading guilty to assaulting John Roche, causing him harm, at The Towers, Garter Lane, Saggart, County Dublin on June 9, 2015.
Businessman Jim Mansfield Jnr is on trial at the Special Criminal Court, charged with conspiracy to commit false imprisonment and attempting to pervert the course of justice. He has pleaded not guilty to both counts. The prosecution alleges that on June 9, 2015, Mansfield effectively delivered his longtime employee, Martin Byrne, into the arms of a group of men who falsely imprisoned Byrne and his family. The State claims Mansfield directed Byrne to a meeting at Keatings Park where he was confronted by Dessie O'Hare and Declan Duffy, after which Byrne was restrained by seven men and taken to The Towers in Saggart. The second count alleges Mansfield instructed Patrick Byrne to destroy CCTV footage from Finnstown House Hotel to pervert justice. The trial continues before Mr Justice Alexander Owens, sitting with Judges Sinead Ni Chulachain and James Faughnan. In related matters, former INLA member Dessie O'Hare was sentenced in April 2019 to three years for assaulting John Roche and ten years, with three suspended for life, for falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne. Former Republican paramilitary Declan Duffy was sentenced in 2018 to six years imprisonment after pleading guilty to assaulting John Roche and falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne on the same date.
Businessman Jim Mansfield Jnr, aged 52, pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and perversion of justice charges before the Special Criminal Court. He is accused of conspiring to falsely imprison Martin Byrne between 1 January and 30 June 2015, and of directing Patrick Byrne to destroy CCTV footage to pervert justice regarding Byrne's false imprisonment at Finnstown House Hotel from 9 to 12 June 2015. The court heard that Byrne is now in the Witness Protection Programme. Mansfield appeared in a navy suit with family members, while defence counsel Bernard Condon SC argued that an employee isolated due to Covid‑19 could be a defence witness. The judge ruled the employee was not entitled to attend. The Director of Public Prosecutions noted disclosure issues and protected witnesses, and the case was postponed to Tuesday, with the trial expected to last three weeks. Mansfield remains on bail with conditions including weekly Garda sign‑ons and a €10,000 surety.
In a case heard at the Court of Appeal, a 31‑year‑old Dublin man, David Murphy, had his original prison term increased after the State appealed a suspended sentence. Murphy had pleaded guilty to assault causing harm for striking a taxi driver with a beer bottle on Slade Road, Saggart, on 21 March 2015. The original sentence, handed down by Judge Pauline Codd, was three and a half years, with the final two years and nine months suspended. The Director of Public Prosecutions argued that the suspended portion was excessive, noting that Murphy would serve only six months and three weeks if remission applied. The Court of Appeal agreed, quashing the original sentence and re‑sentencing Murphy to three and a half years, suspending only the final two years. The case remains at the criminal sentencing stage, with no further outcome reported.
Former INLA member Dessie O'Hare, known as 'The Border Fox', is appealing a seven‑year sentence imposed by the Special Criminal Court for falsely imprisoning a family in South Dublin. O'Hare, 63, was convicted of assaulting John Roche on 9 June 2015 and of falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne, his wife and son, on the same date. He received a three‑year term for the assault and a ten‑year term with three years suspended for the false imprisonment, the sentences running concurrently. The Court of Appeal has scheduled his hearing for 14 December. O'Hare's barrister, Mark Lynam BL, confirmed the client's intention to attend. He has prior convictions, including a 40‑year sentence in 1988 for false imprisonment and assault of a dentist, and firearm offences. The appeal concerns the length of the sentence, not the conviction itself. The case remains at the appeal stage. Dessie O'Hare pleaded guilty. Border Fox pleaded guilty.
In a High Court case brought by Cape Wrath Hotel Unlimited Company, the owners of the Citywest Hotel complex have sued Glen Walker and Sarah Walker of Saggart Lakes, alleging that the Walkers began construction on a parcel of land that the hotel claims was part of its former Executive Golf Course. The disputed land is less than 100 square metres, and the hotel says the Walkers have no rights to it. The Walkers reportedly started work with an excavator last month, and the hotel has asked them to stop, but they have not complied. The hotel seeks declarations that it is the beneficial owner of the land, that the Walkers have no interest, and an injunction to prevent further trespassing or works. The case was heard ex‑parte by Justice Mary Rose Gearty, who allowed the hotel to serve notice and adjourned the matter for a hearing next week.
Christopher Maguire, 42, of Moatview Close, Priorswood, Dublin, was convicted in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 10 May 2019 for producing an article, assault, and threats to kill or seriously harm his sister and her husband at Killester Avenue, Killester. He also pleaded guilty on 6 September 2019 to two counts of intimidating a witness at Harry Byrne's public house, Howth Road, Clontarf. For these offences he received a combined 21‑month sentence. In January 2018, Maguire had previously been given a three‑year suspended sentence by the Special Criminal Court for his role in a "mob" that falsely imprisoned Martin Byrne and Lisa Byrne in Saggart on 9 June 2015. The Special Criminal Court judge, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, reactivated that suspended sentence following the recent Circuit Court conviction. The judge noted that the original sentence was an "exceptional chance" and that Maguire was not the most serious player.
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned the trial of Jim Mansfield Jnr, of Tasaggart House, Garters Lane, Saggart, Co Dublin, to October 5 due to complications with witness availability caused by the Covid-19 crisis. The trial was originally scheduled for April 20 on charges of conspiring with one or more persons to falsely imprison Martin Byrne on a date unknown between January 1, 2015 and June 30, 2015, both dates inclusive. Additionally, Mansfield Jnr is charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice by directing Patrick Byrne to destroy recorded CCTV footage, with the alleged intention of perverting the course of public justice in relation to the false imprisonment of Martin Byrne at Finnstown House Hotel, Newcastle Road, Lucan, Co Dublin between June 9, 2015 and June 12, 2015. The matter was adjourned following concerns over witness availability during the pandemic. Mansfield Jnr, who is currently on bail, was present in court for the brief mention. In December, he was granted legal aid after the Special Criminal Court heard that he had had a €6 million judgment against him.
In March 2020 the owners of the Citywest Complex obtained a temporary High Court injunction against Mr Donal Burns, who holds a lease for a suite in the Golf Hotel Building. The injunction was sought because Burns allegedly disrupted the HSE's plans to use the complex as an isolation and step‑down facility for Covid‑19 patients. The two firms, Cape Wrath Hotel Unlimited and Alva Glen Land Developments Ltd, had entered contracts with the HSE to renovate the Golf Hotel and other parts of Citywest for this purpose. Burns had reportedly entered the site during lockdown and claimed he intended to move his elderly mother into the suite, an action that the lease forbids. The court, hearing only the plaintiffs' case, granted the injunction ex‑parte, prohibiting Burns from entering the complex or occupying the suite, and set a hearing for 21 April. The judge allowed Burns to apply to lift the injunction with 48‑hour notice.
Businessman Jim Mansfield Jnr was refused permission to vary his bail to travel to Spain for his mother's 75th birthday. Mr Justice Paul Coffey at the Special Criminal Court denied the application, noting that the celebration could have been held within the jurisdiction and criticizing the timing of the booking changes after Mansfield had surrendered his passport. Mansfield, of Saggart, Co Dublin, is charged with conspiring to falsely imprison Martin Byrne between January 1 and June 30, 2015, and attempting to pervert the course of justice by directing Patrick Byrne to destroy CCTV footage. His trial is scheduled for April 20. The court noted that Dessie O'Hare and Declan Duffy, who are alleged to have conspired with Mansfield, have already pleaded guilty to false imprisonment and assault charges related to the same incident. O'Hare was sentenced to ten years in prison, with three years suspended, for falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne and assaulting John Roche in Saggart on June 9, 2015. Duffy was jailed for six years after pleading guilty to falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne and assaulting John Roche at The Towers, Garter Lane, Saggart, on the same date. The judge emphasized the seriousness of the offences and the proximity of the trial date in refusing the bail variation.
David Murphy, 29, of Belfry Green, Tallaght, was sentenced to nine months in jail after pleading guilty to assault causing harm at Slade Road, Saggart, on 21 March 2015. The incident involved Murphy breaking a beer bottle over a taxi driver's head and threatening the driver with a knife. Murphy had previously been convicted 41 times, including assault, violent disorder and criminal damage. He failed to attend a victim awareness course and is considered a medium risk of re‑offending. The judge, Pauline Codd, imposed a three‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence, suspending the final two years and nine months, leaving Murphy with a nine‑month custodial term. The assault left the taxi driver cautious and caused him to lose about €800 in earnings. The court noted Murphy's plea of guilty and his personal circumstances, including a history of homelessness, sobriety, drug‑free status and employment.
In January 2020, Glen Walker, a 39‑year‑old car dealer who ran Autosport Motors in Clondalkin, Dublin, pleaded guilty to using a false instrument in relation to a motor vehicle between 26 October and 7 November 2017. He had sent a fabricated invoice to the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) claiming that two imported BMWs had been purchased within the last 30 days, the period required for payment of Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT). CAB inspectors had called to his garage in October 2017 to conduct a VRT inspection. Walker's false invoice was rejected, and the vehicles were seized, resulting in a loss of €90,000. The court noted that the garage had since gone into liquidation but Walker remains in the industry. Judge Melanie Greally imposed a two‑year suspended sentence with conditions, citing the offence's impact on Walker's reputation and relationships in the motor trade.
Businessman Jim Mansfield Jnr, 52, of Saggart, Co Dublin, appeared before the Special Criminal Court where Mr Justice Paul Coffey set April 20th, 2020, as the date for his trial to begin. The non-jury trial is expected to last three weeks. Mr Mansfield is charged with conspiring with one or more persons to falsely imprison Martin Byrne on a date unknown between January 1st, 2015, and June 30th, 2015. He is also charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice by directing Patrick Byrne to destroy recorded CCTV footage, with the intention of perverting the course of public justice in relation to the alleged false imprisonment of Martin Byrne at Finnstown House Hotel, Lucan, between June 9th, 2015, and June 12th, 2015. These are allegations; no plea or finding has been recorded. Defence counsel Tony McGillicuddy BL stated that Mr Mansfield is a working man, divorced, and subject to a €6 million High Court judgment. He currently lives with his mother and provides money to his ex-wife. Mr Mansfield was granted legal aid last Tuesday. Today, he was remanded on continuing bail to appear before the court again on April 20th. He was previously admitted to bail on July 3rd on an independent surety of €10,000, with conditions including signing on weekly at Lucan Garda station and not leaving the country.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 3 December 2019, businessman Jim Mansfield Junior, aged 52, was granted legal aid on charges of false imprisonment and perverting the course of justice. The court heard that Mansfield had a €6 million judgment against him and that he was charged with conspiring to falsely imprison Martin Byrne between 1 January 2015 and 30 June 2015, and with directing Patrick Byrne to destroy CCTV footage relating to Byrne's false imprisonment at Finnstown House Hotel between 9 June 2015 and 12 June 2015. Mansfield, who lives with his mother and provides financial support to his ex‑wife, was not placed in the dock but sat at the back of the courtroom. Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions noted that Mansfield had applied for legal aid in October and was not opposing it.
Businessman James Mansfield Jnr, 52, of Saggart, Co Dublin, appeared before the Special Criminal Court to address charges of conspiring to falsely imprison a man and attempting to pervert the course of justice. The accused is alleged to have conspired with one or more persons to falsely imprison Martin Byrne between January 1 and June 30, 2015, in contravention of Section 15 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. He is further accused of attempting to pervert the course of justice by directing Patrick Byrne to destroy recorded CCTV footage at Finnstown House Hotel in Lucan, Co Dublin, between June 9 and June 12, 2015. During the hearing, the court noted that Mr Mansfield intends to apply for legal aid. Mr Justice Paul Coffey, presiding alongside Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin and Judge James Faughnan, remanded Mr Mansfield on continuing bail. The matter was adjourned, with the case set for mention again on November 4 at 11am. This appearance followed his arrest by arrangement and the service of a book of evidence. The court had previously endorsed a warrant for his arrest after the State dropped earlier charges entered against him.
Businessman James Mansfield Jnr, aged 52, was charged in the Special Criminal Court with conspiring to falsely imprison Martin Byrne and attempting to pervert the course of justice by directing Patrick Byrne to destroy CCTV footage. The alleged false imprisonment of Byrne took place between 1 January and 30 June 2015, while the attempt to destroy footage occurred between 9 and 12 June 2015 at Finnstown House Hotel. Mansfield was arrested by Garda Sergeant Eamon O'Neill at Clondalkin Garda Station under a warrant endorsed by the court. He was cautioned, presented with a true copy of the charge sheet, and remanded on bail to appear again on the following Monday. The court heard no reply from Mansfield during the arrest or when the charge sheet was handed to him.
The State has dropped criminal proceedings against businessman Jim Mansfield Jnr for conspiring to commit false imprisonment and attempting to pervert the course of justice. However, prosecuting lawyers told the Special Criminal Court today that the Director of Public Prosecutions intends to "recommence proceedings" at a later stage. Mr Mansfield (52), of Tasaggart House, Garters Lane, Saggart, Co Dublin had been charged with conspiring with one or more persons to falsely imprison Martin Byrne on a date unknown between January 1, 2015 and June 30, 2015, both dates inclusive. He had also been charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice by directing Patrick Byrne to destroy recorded CCTV footage in relation to the false imprisonment of Martin Byrne between June 9, 2015 and June 12, 2015 at Finnstown House Hotel, Newcastle Road, Lucan, Co Dublin.
In a High Court case, residents of Coldwater Lakes, Saggart, Rathcoole, Dublin, argue that Burnella Cottage Ltd., a management company set up by the Mansfield family in 2002 to oversee the estate's common areas, failed to perform its duties and did not collect management fees. They claim they should be members of Burnella so they can manage the common areas, asserting that they have been paying the costs themselves for years. The residents say the company's directors—James Mansfield Junior, Patrick Mansfield, and Anthony Mansfield—intentionally disregard residents' interests and aim to appropriate the common areas. The defendants deny the allegations, stating the residents lack standing as they are not members or directors of Burnella and that the residents do not have good marketable title to their properties. A preliminary motion was heard by Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds, who adjourned the case to November after the defendants requested time to consider the matter.
In July 2019 the High Court upheld a District Court decision to strike out charges against Deidre Foley, Mark Redmond and OCS Operations Ltd. The charges, brought under the 1977‑2014 Protection of Employment Act, related to the June 2015 closure of Clerys department store, which caused 460 redundancies. Judge John Brennan had dismissed the charges in March 2018 because the prosecution failed to comply with an order for disclosure of computer records and statements from the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection. Brennan also warned that further adjournments would infringe the defendants' right to a fair and expeditious trial. The Minister's subsequent High Court challenge, seeking to quash Brennan's ruling, was rejected. Justice Charles Meenan ruled that Brennan's decision was within jurisdiction, based on a full hearing, and correctly applied legal principles, noting that the Minister had not established any grounds to overturn the strike‑out order. Mark Redmond had the case struck out.
James Mansfield, a 52-year-old businessman from Saggart, Co. Dublin, appeared before the Special Criminal Court to face charges of conspiracy to commit false imprisonment and attempting to pervert the course of justice. He is alleged to have conspired with one or more persons to falsely imprison Martin Byrne on a date unknown between January 1 and June 30, 2015. Additionally, he is charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice by directing another man to destroy recorded CCTV footage related to the alleged false imprisonment of Mr. Byrne between June 9 and June 12, 2015, at Finnstown House Hotel in Lucan, Co. Dublin. These allegations remain contested. The matter was heard by a three-judge panel comprising Ms. Justice Tara Burns, Judge Gerard Griffin, and Judge Michael Walsh. Mr. Mansfield was admitted to bail on an independent surety of €10,000, subject to conditions requiring him to sign on weekly at Lucan Garda Station and not to leave the country. A book of the evidence was served on the accused. The court remanded Mr. Mansfield until July 29, when he will next appear before the three-judge court. The matter was adjourned and is not yet concluded.
Philip Douglas, 31, of Monlea Grove, Firhouse, Dublin, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to possession for sale or supply of cocaine at his address and a property in Saggart on October 10, 2017. Prosecution evidence indicated that gardaí discovered a significant quantity of cocaine, bulking agent, weighing scales, a hydraulic press, and large blocks of white powder at the Saggart location. Additionally, three bags of MDMA were found at Douglas's residence. The total value of the seized drugs was assessed at €122,340. Douglas admitted to pressing and wrapping the cocaine on instructions to settle a personal debt. Judge Cormac Quinn described the operation as a sophisticated "coke processing plant" but noted that Douglas was not the mastermind and was acting under fear or threat. The judge acknowledged that Douglas is now drug-free and had returned from Australia to care for his cancer-stricken mother. Douglas, who has five previous convictions, received a four-and-a-half-year prison sentence. The judge suspended the final 18 months of this term on the condition that Douglas engages with addiction treatment services. The matter was concluded with this sentencing order.
An appeal has led to an increased prison sentence for Donal O'Hara, who was involved in a violent attack led by Dessie O'Hare. O'Hara, 27, of Glin Park, Coolock, pleaded guilty to assaulting John Roche, causing him harm, and falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne on June 9, 2015. He was initially sentenced to three years imprisonment with the final year suspended on July 31, 2018. However, the Court of Appeal found the sentence 'unduly lenient' and re-sentenced O'Hara to four years imprisonment with the final year suspended, increasing his jail term by 12 months. Dessie O'Hare, 62, of Slate Rock Road, Newtownhamilton, County Armagh, also pleaded guilty to the same offences and was jailed for seven years. Daniel Kane, 29, of Hollycourt, Ballybrack, County Dublin, pleaded guilty to the same offences and was sentenced to five years imprisonment with the final year suspended on April 27, 2018. Hannover Street West, also pleaded guilty to the same offences and was sentenced to six years imprisonment on January 29, 2018. The appeal was brought by the Director of Public Prosecutions, who argued that the original sentence was too lenient given the severity of the offences and the context of the attack.
Former INLA member Dessie O'Hare, known as "The Border Fox", was sentenced by the Special Criminal Court to seven years' imprisonment. The court accepted his guilty pleas to assaulting John Roche and falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne at Rathcoole and Saggart on June 9, 2015. O'Hare was jailed for three years for the assault and ten years for the false imprisonment, with three years suspended for life. The sentences run concurrently and were backdated to April 3, 2019. Mr Justice Tony Hunt described the assault on Roche as "disturbingly violent" and noted O'Hare's "appalling record" as an aggravating factor. The judge rejected a non-custodial sentence, stating the offending was too serious and premeditated. O'Hare entered a bond to be of good behaviour for life. The court also noted that former Republican paramilitary Declan "Whacker" Duffy was previously sentenced to six years for his role in the same incident. The Byrne family, who were evicted from their home, are now in the Witness Protection Programme.
Former INLA member Dessie O'Hare, known as "The Border Fox", was remanded in custody until April 11 for sentencing by the Special Criminal Court. O'Hare (62), of Newtownhamilton, County Armagh, pleaded guilty to assaulting John Roche, causing him harm, and falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne at Rathcoole and Saggart on June 9, 2015. The court was asked to take two further counts of false imprisonment concerning Byrne's wife and son into consideration. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with Judges Patricia Ryan and Ann Ryan, stated that despite a "thought-provoking" plea in mitigation, a non-custodial sentence was an "unlikely outcome". O'Hare told gardai he was employed by Jim Mansfield Junior to evict Byrne and his family. He has four previous convictions, including a 40-year sentence in 1988 for false imprisonment and assault causing grievous bodily harm, from which he was released in 2008. In a related matter, former Republican paramilitary Declan "Whacker" Duffy was sentenced to six years imprisonment last year after pleading guilty to the same assault on Roche and false imprisonment of Byrne. Three other men have also been jailed for the attack.
Deanna Brogan, 21, avoided jail after a judge placed her on a six‑month good behaviour bond for her role in a violent robbery on a Dublin city bus on St Patrick's Day 2015. Brogan, who had previously been involved in a street assault on a Brazilian man and a violent disorder offence in Temple Bar, admitted to slapping a minor victim twice in the face after the victim had returned his borrowed mobile phone. The attack was captured on CCTV and the victim has expressed ongoing fear of entering the city centre. Brogan's 12 prior convictions include two assault offences. The judge described the bus incident as "mean spirited" and "thuggish," and warned that any further offence would result in a prison sentence. She ordered Brogan to appear again on 10 October. The case also involved her partner Edward Doran, who pleaded guilty to impeding the apprehension of a robber.
Paul Carew, a 42‑year‑old Dublin resident, was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment for laundering €660,000 linked to the Kinahan crime gang. He pleaded guilty to three counts of money laundering for activities between 2014 and 2016. In August 2016, Gardaí seized €191,160 from a concealed compartment in a van he drove at Liffey Valley Shopping Centre; in June 2016, they found €350,000 in a box he placed in a van at Dublin Auto Prestige Car Wash. Carew had previously received a suspended sentence in 2014 for possessing nearly €68,000 of criminal proceeds. Judge Martin Nolan described the offence as "very serious" and noted that most of the money came from drug dealing. Carew's appeal against the sentence was dismissed by the Court of Appeal, which upheld the eight‑year term as appropriate for the offences committed.
In a High Court decision on 12 March 2019, Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly refused Declan "Whacker" Duffy's application to appeal his extradition to Northern Ireland, ruling that the issue of a "no‑deal Brexit" does not constitute a point of law of exceptional public importance. Duffy, aged 44, had been serving a life sentence for the 1992 murder of Sergeant Michael Newman and had been released on licence in March 2013. He was re‑arrested in December 2015 and sentenced in 2016 to six years for false imprisonment. The court found no evidence supporting the defence's claims that Brexit or the Good Friday Agreement posed a risk to the legal system. Consequently, the judge declined to grant an appeal, affirming the extradition order. The decision emphasised that the extradition case remained a routine legal matter rather than one of exceptional public significance.
Former Republican paramilitary Declan "Whacker" Duffy, aged 44, is to be extradited back to Northern Ireland to continue serving a life sentence for the 1992 murder of British army sergeant Michael Newman. Duffy had previously been released on license by a Northern Irish parole board in March 2013 after serving part of his life sentence. He was arrested in December 2015 and, in 2018, sentenced by the Special Criminal Court to six years for falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne and assaulting John Roche. The Under Secretary of State for Northern Ireland revoked his license on 6 June 2016, and a European Arrest Warrant was issued. His lawyers argued that returning him would amount to "double punishment" and cited the Good Friday Agreement, but Justice Aileen Donnelly rejected these claims and ordered his extradition, noting that a licensee remains subject to the original sentence and its conditions.
The Court of Appeal has reserved its judgment in an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) regarding the sentence of Donal O'Hara. O'Hara, 26, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to assaulting John Roche and falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne at The Towers, Saggart, on June 9, 2015. He was sentenced to four years imprisonment, with the final two years suspended. The DPP argues this sentence is "unduly lenient," with counsel Shane Costelloe SC describing the incident as a "gang of thugs accosting" the victim and characterizing O'Hara as "muscle." Defense counsel Michael O'Higgins SC argued that O'Hara's prompt guilty plea warranted elevated status and distinguished his role from other participants. Those included Dessie O'Hare, who pleaded guilty to the same offences and is awaiting sentence; Declan Duffy, who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six years imprisonment; and Daniel Kane, who pleaded guilty and received five years imprisonment with the final year suspended. The court, presided over by Mr Justice George Birmingham, heard that Duffy's sentence was "capped" at six years. The matter remains adjourned pending the court's decision on whether to increase O'Hara's term.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Mark Doyle (34) and Patrick Farrelly (32) were given suspended prison sentences after they damaged The Village Inn in Clondalkin. The pair had been thrown out for drunkenness, refused to leave, and then returned to the pub, smashing heaters, picture frames and vodka bottles. Farrelly punched bar staff member Patrick McCarthy, breaking his jaw, while Doyle assaulted pub manager Alan McKenzie. Both men pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and criminal damage on 9 September 2012. Judge Melanie Greally suspended an 18‑month term for Doyle, noting his remorse, and a two‑year term for Farrelly, citing his alcohol abuse but efforts to address it. Each man paid €2,200 as a token of remorse. No further Garda attention has been reported since the incident.
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.
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.
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.
A court heard that a serial burglar, Lewis Smith, 21, was linked to a 2015 burglary after a two‑year delay in a forensic report that identified his DNA on blood left at the scene. Smith had 30 prior convictions, ten of which were burglaries, and pleaded guilty to trespass and theft at Hazel Grove, Tallaght. The burglary caused €1,400 in damage and theft of items worth €800. Judge Melanie Greally imposed a two‑year sentence with nine months suspended and reactivated six months of a partially suspended robbery sentence to run concurrently. Smith was already serving another sentence due to expire next year. The judge noted the burglary lacked aggravating factors but had an upsetting effect on the victim, who declined to give a victim impact statement. Smith's personal turmoil, including a family death, was cited as a factor in his criminal behaviour.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Glen Byrne, aged 40, was sentenced to three and a half years' imprisonment for possessing €350,000 in criminal proceeds. The money was found in seven bales, each about €50,000, wrapped in masking tape and stored in a box inside a van driven by Byrne. The court described the operation as "planned and very well executed" and noted that Byrne had no financial duress, no declared drug addiction or debts, and had a strong work history. Judge Martina Baxter suspended the final six months of the sentence, citing Byrne's lack of prior convictions, his early guilty plea, and supportive letters. The case involved co‑accused Paul Carew, who had earlier been jailed for eight years for related money‑laundering offences. The possession of the cash was discovered during a surveillance operation targeting large organised crime. Byrne's sentence was back‑dated to 19 June 2017, the date he entered custody.