A man from Lucan has been sentenced to six years imprisonment at the Special Criminal Court for his involvement in a kneecapping incident in County Dublin in January 2013. Eamon McNamee, aged 37, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence, namely assault causing harm. The court heard that a man was shot in the leg at Fairgreen, Saggart after being brought to the location by McNamee and others. Gardaí recovered a bullet and found firearms residue on McNamee matching residue on the injured party's clothing. McNamee remained silent during police interviews. The three-judge court reduced his sentence from eight years and six months to six years, suspending the final two years following his public disassociation from unlawful organisations. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy noted this undertaking was a rare occurrence before the court and that McNamee held the lowest rank in the chain of command. He was also ordered to enter a €1,000 bond to keep the peace for five years.
Dessie O'Hare, 61, of Slate Rock Road, Newtownhamilton, County Armagh, was charged with assault, false imprisonment and threatening to kill. The assault charge involves John Roche, whom O'Hare allegedly assaulted at The Towers, Garter Lane, Saggart, County Dublin, causing him harm and committing violent disorder. The false imprisonment charges involve Martin Byrne at Rathcoole and Saggart, and Lisa Byrne and Brandon Byrne at The Towers. O'Hare also faces a charge of threatening to kill Martin Byrne or cause him serious harm. All alleged offences date from 9 June 2015. O'Hare had been granted bail and a trial date of 29 April next year. On 8 June 2018 the Special Criminal Court varied his bail to allow him to travel to Lourdes with his wife from 6 to 12 July, provided he supplies travel documents and continues to sign in at a Garda station twice a week and obey a curfew from midnight to 5 a.m.
The trial of Patrick James (PJ) Mansfield, a 41‑year‑old former billionaire's son, collapsed at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 5 June 2018. Judge Cormac Quinn directed the jury to return a not guilty verdict after the prosecution failed to prove how many rounds of ammunition Mansfield was entitled to possess. The case alleged that Mansfield unlawfully possessed 1,252 rounds of .22 calibre ammunition at his former home in Coldwater Lakes, Saggart, on 29 January 2015. Mansfield denied the allegation and claimed he was unaware of the quantity of ammunition in the house. The judge noted that Mansfield had a firearms certificate authorising him to hold a Walther .22 pistol and a certain number of .22 rounds, which Gardaí believed to be 300 bullets, but the certificate's other side, showing the exact number, was not produced. The judge also pointed out that the person who authorised the certificate had not been called as a witness.
The trial of Patrick James Mansfield, son of the late billionaire Jim Mansfield, is hearing that he is an authorised member of a gun club. Mansfield, 41, denies possessing 1,252 rounds of .22 calibre ammunition without a licence at his former home in Coldwater Lakes, Saggart, Co Dublin, on 29 January 2015. The jury has already heard that a legally-held Walther .22 pistol with a bullet in the chamber was found behind a picture frame in the master bedroom, and a 12‑gauge shotgun, also licensed, was recovered from a locked gun‑safe in a dressing‑room wardrobe, along with a large quantity of ammunition in various locations. On day two, evidence was presented about Mansfield's licence applications, one of which stated he was a person of good character, had a genuine reason for the application, and was a member of an authorised pistol club.
Patrick James Mansfield, 41, son of the late billionaire Jim Mansfield, faced trial in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for unlawful possession of over 1,200 .22 calibre bullets. He denied holding 1,252 rounds without a licence at his former home in Coldwater Lakes, Saggart, on 29 January 2015. Gardaí searched the house, finding a legally-held Walther .22 pistol with a bullet in the chamber behind a picture frame in the master bedroom, and a licensed 12‑gauge shotgun in a locked gunsafe in a dressing‑room wardrobe, along with ammunition in various locations. In total, 1,557 rounds of .22 ammunition were seized, exceeding the 300‑round licence limit by 1,257 bullets, which were confiscated. An additional 98 rounds for the shotgun were licence‑permitted. The trial opened with Judge Cormac Quinn instructing jurors to rely solely on court evidence. The proceedings continue.
A 26-year-old Dublin man has been remanded in custody pending sentencing at the Special Criminal Court following his guilty pleas to assault and false imprisonment offences. Donal O'Hara, of Glin Park, Coolock, Dublin 17, admitted assaulting John Roche at The Towers, Saggart, County Dublin on June 9, 2015, and falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne at Rathcoole and Saggart. False imprisonment charges against two other individuals were taken into consideration. The court heard that Mr Byrne, a security worker, was brought to an office meeting where multiple men entered and told him he would be removed from his residence by day's end. He was subsequently driven to The Towers in a three-vehicle convoy, where Mr Roche was located and assaulted by five men including O'Hara. Gardaí attended following a resident's emergency call. Forensic evidence linked O'Hara to the assault. The defendant has previous convictions for assault causing harm and aggravated burglary. The three-judge court, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, ordered a probation report and remanded O'Hara in custody until July 24.
Dessie O'Hare, 61, of Newtownhamilton, County Armagh, appeared at the Special Criminal Court where his trial was scheduled for April 29 next year. He is accused of assaulting John Roche, causing him harm, and committing violent disorder by threatening to use unlawful violence at The Towers, Garter Lane, Saggart, County Dublin. O'Hare also faces three charges of false imprisonment involving Martin Byrne, Lisa Byrne, and Brandon Byrne, as well as a charge of threatening to kill Martin Byrne or cause him serious harm. All alleged offences date from June 9, 2015. Justice Robert Eagar, sitting with Judges Patricia Ryan and James Faughnan, set the trial date. O'Hare is currently on bail. His co-accused, Donal O'Hara, 26, of Coolock, Dublin, pleaded guilty to assaulting John Roche, causing him harm, at the same address on the same date. O'Hara will be sentenced on May 30 next at the Special Criminal Court. The matter regarding O'Hare was adjourned for trial, while O'Hara's case was adjourned for sentencing.
Daniel Kane, 29, was sentenced by the Special Criminal Court to five years' imprisonment, with one year suspended, for false imprisonment, and three years for assault, the sentences running concurrently. Kane admitted assaulting John Roche on 9 June 2015, striking him twice on the left side of the face, and falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne on the same day. The court described a "mob" that had been recruited to intimidate and evict Byrne and his family from their townhouse, The Towers, owned by Byrne's employer. Kane was said to have played a leading part in the pursuit and assault of Roche, forcibly removing him from the house and restraining him while he received multiple punches and kicks. The judge noted the event was permeated by serious intimidation and violence, and that Kane's guilty plea and lack of disguise were mitigating factors.
In a High Court case, the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection seeks to overturn a District Court decision that struck out charges against Deidre Foley, Mark Redmond, and OCS Operations Ltd. The charges related to alleged breaches of the Protection of Employment Act following Clerys' closure in June 2015, which left 460 employees, including 134 from OCS Operations, redundant. Judge John Brennan dismissed the charges, citing the prosecution's failure to comply with a disclosure order and the risk of delaying the defendants' right to a fair and expeditious trial. The Minister argues that the District Judge failed to balance public interest with the risk of an unfair trial, that the striking‑out order was disproportionate and unjust, and that the Minister had fully complied with disclosure duties. Mr. Padraig O'Dwyer and Breffni Gordon‑Blachly have applied to Mr.
Daniel Kane, 29, pleaded guilty to assaulting John Roche and false imprisonment of Martin Byrne on 9 June 2015. The incidents occurred at The Towers, Garter Lane, Saggart, where Byrne, a security employee, was forced to vacate his residence. Kane and other men drove Byrne to a Honda Accord, struck him twice on the left side of the face, and threatened further harm. They then entered the complex, assaulted Roche, who was later found with blood on Kane's trousers. CCTV footage showed Kane holding Roche in a headlock before other men punched and kicked him. Byrne was later struck on the head and pushed to a chair. Kane was remanded in custody and will be sentenced by the Special Criminal Court next week.
Daniel Kane, 29, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to assaulting John Roche on 9 June 2015, causing him harm, and to falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne on the same day. The court, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt with Judges Patricia Ryan and Ann Ryan, remanded Kane in custody until 18 April, when sentencing will occur.
Paul Carew, a 41‑year‑old Dublin man, was sentenced to eight years in prison for three money‑laundering offences involving over €600,000. On 27 August 2016 he was caught transporting €191,160 of criminal proceeds in a van at Liffey Valley Shopping Centre; two months earlier, on 24 June 2016, he was arrested at Dublin Auto Prestige Car Wash after placing a €350,000 cash box into a van. Carew had previously received a suspended sentence in 2014 for possessing almost €68,000 of criminal proceeds. He pleaded guilty to all three charges. Judge Martin Nolan, hearing the case at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, noted Carew's "blameless life" before his first offence and his willingness to reform, and set the sentence at eight years, back‑dated to 24 June 2017. The court heard that the money largely came from drug dealing and that Carew was described by Gardaí as a "trusted" courier within an organised crime cartel.
Dessie O'Hare, aged 61 and resident of Slate Rock Road, Newtownhamilton, County Armagh, will be tried at the Special Criminal Court on 22 March 2018. He faces charges of assaulting John Roche, causing him harm, and committing violent disorder at The Towers, Garter Lane, Saggart, County Dublin, as well as threatening to use unlawful violence. O'Hare is also charged with three counts of false imprisonment involving Martin Byrne, Lisa Byrne and Brandon Byrne, and with threatening to kill or seriously harm Martin Byrne. All alleged offences date from 9 June 2015. He is currently on bail.
Two men were sentenced at the Special Criminal Court for their roles in a mob that intimidated a man and forced his family to leave their home. Declan Duffy, aged 44, was jailed for six years for false imprisonment of Martin Byrne in Rathcoole/Saggart on 9 June 2015, and for assaulting John Roche at the Towers, Garters Lane, Saggart, on the same date. Christopher Maguire, aged 39, received a three‑year suspended sentence for falsely imprisoning Lisa Byrne in the same incident. Both men pleaded guilty. The mob, recruited to intimidate Byrne, forced him to leave his apartment in the Towers complex, assaulted him, and threatened his life. Duffy had prior convictions for false imprisonment and IRA membership, while Maguire had no prior convictions. The judge noted Duffy did not lead the mob and was not armed, and that the mob's violence was intended to supplant the legal process. The sentencing was carried out by Mr Justice Tony Hunt.
A man from County Dublin has had his sentencing adjourned at the Special Criminal Court following a dispute over the facts of a firearms case. Eamon McNamee, aged 37, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence, namely assault causing harm, at Fairgreen in Saggart on 19 January 2013. The prosecution alleges McNamee shot and wounded a man during an operation targeting unlawful IRA activity in Dublin. Evidence presented included gunshot residue analysis and testimony from a detective sergeant. However, the defence has suggested multiple individuals were present at the scene, questioning whether McNamee was the person who fired the shot. The court indicated a Newton hearing may be necessary to resolve the factual disagreement between the prosecution and defence. McNamee was remanded on continuing bail until 5 February to allow the defence to confirm whether such a hearing is required.
During a Special Criminal Court hearing, Declan Duffy (44) and Christopher Maguire (39) pleaded guilty to false imprisonment and assault. Duffy admitted assaulting security guard John Roche, who was injured and forced to leave his home in the Towers complex, while Maguire pleaded guilty to false imprisonment of Lisa Byrne. The court heard that Duffy and seven men forced Martin Byrne, a former security guard, to leave his apartment at the Towers on 9 June 2015, assaulting him and threatening his life. Roche was also assaulted and a garda was called after a witness reported the incident. Duffy has prior convictions for false imprisonment, IRA membership and a 2010 murder conviction in England. Maguire had no prior convictions. The court remanded Duffy in custody and ordered Maguire to remain on bail until sentencing on 29 January.
Eamon McNamee, 37, pleaded guilty in the Special Criminal Court to possessing a firearm with intent to commit assault causing harm on 19 January 2013 at Fairgreen, Saggart. The court accepted the plea, and the prosecution noted that McNamee had been on bail for over two years. The judge ordered that his bail be varied so he must sign in at a Garda station daily. McNamee was remanded on continuing bail until 29 January next year, when sentencing will take place.
The Special Criminal Court adjourned the trial of 36‑year‑old Eamon McNamee of Lucan, County Dublin, charged with possession of a firearm with intent to commit assault causing harm at Fairgreen, Saggart, on 19 January 2013. The trial, originally set to open on 7 December 2017, was postponed until Monday to allow the defence to complete requested forensic examinations. Prosecutor Annemarie Lawlor SC indicated the case could finish within five days if it began on Monday. Judge Isobel Kennedy, with Judges Sinead Ni Chúlacháin and Cormac Dunne, granted the adjournment and remanded McNamee on bail.
Frank Dunne, 57, of Lealand House, Clondalkin, and Glen Murray, 28, of Pairc Mhuire, Saggart, were arrested during a drug handover after a Garda tip. Dunne was caught handing a package of cocaine to Murray; Gardaí found over €95,000 worth of cocaine at Dunne's home. Both pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine for sale or supply on 15 October 2016. In Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Karen O'Connor sentenced Dunne to three‑and‑a‑half years, suspending the final 18 months on conditions, and Murray to two years, suspending the term in lieu of 240 hours of community service. The court noted Murray's psychological background, low intellect, ADHD and Tourette's Syndrome, and described him as psychologically vulnerable. The case was heard on 20 November 2017, with no prior convictions for either man. The sentencing reflected the court's view that drug dealing causes "destruction and despair" in society.
Two men, Glenn Murray, 28, and Frank Dunne, 50, pleaded guilty to possessing €95,000 worth of cocaine. They were arrested after a tip led Gardaí to a car‑park at Dunnes Stores, Saggart, on 15 September 2016. Murray was seen entering a blue Ford Focus, opening the passenger door, and carrying a black shopping bag that contained over 1,000 g of cocaine valued at €70,126. Two additional bags with 369 g of cocaine, worth €25,877, were found in a bedside locker at Dunne's house. Murray claimed he had no knowledge of the quantity, was promised €700 for transport, and described the operation as a "once‑off" job to earn extra money. Dunne said he had been promised €500, had a debt from cocaine use, and had no idea who the main organiser was.
In a case before the Special Criminal Court, Declan Duffy, 43, and Christopher Maguire, 38, both pleaded guilty to falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne in Rathcoole/Saggart on 9 June 2015. Duffy also admitted assaulting John Roche on the same day, while Maguire admitted falsely imprisoning Lisa Byrne. Daniel Kane, 28, was charged but did not attend court. Mr Justice Tony Hunt set a sentencing date of 18 December, remanded Duffy in custody and kept Maguire on continuing bail until that date.
Declan Duffy, aged 43, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to assaulting John Roche and to falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne, both offences committed on 9 June 2015. The court, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, remanded Duffy in custody until 18 October, when the case will be mentioned again. The judge ordered victim impact statements to be prepared for a future sentencing hearing. Duffy's co‑accused, Christopher Maguire (38) and Daniel Kane (28), were also involved in the same false imprisonment allegations, with Kane failing to attend court.
Christopher Maguire, 38, pleaded guilty in the Special Criminal Court to falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne and Lisa Byrne in Saggart on 9 June 2015. The court accepted the plea, remanded him on continuing bail until 18 October when sentencing will occur, and ordered victim impact statements to be prepared.
In 2017, Declan Duffy, aged 43 and resident of Hannover Street West, Dublin, was arrested in the Republic on suspicion of false imprisonment and violent disorder. He faces three counts of false imprisonment at The Towers, Garters Lane in Saggart, and a charge of violent disorder, all to be tried in the Special Criminal Court in October. Duffy had previously served a life sentence for the 1992 murder of Sergeant Michael Newman in Derby City and was released on license in March 2013. He was re‑arrested on 5 December 2015, and in June 2016 his license was revoked and he was recalled to prison. A European Arrest Warrant issued by Northern Irish authorities was endorsed by the High Court. Duffy's counsel, Dean Kelly, informed Justice Aileen Donnelly that he would apply for bail on 19 June, and he remains remanded in custody pending that application.
Anthony Kearney, 65, a former bric a brac shop owner and memorabilia collector, pleaded guilty to possession of a stolen Baikal double‑barrel shotgun. He bought the weapon for €440 at a Sunday market in Balbriggan, believing it to be a harmless piece for his collection. Gardaí stopped him in his van, found the broken firearm, and later searched his home, which contained no other criminal items. The court, noting Kearney's lack of prior convictions and the circumstances, deemed the offence a "serious error of judgement." Judge Patricia Ryan imposed a two‑year sentence, suspended in full, and ordered restitution of the firearm. The mandatory five‑year minimum was set aside due to the exceptional circumstances surrounding the case.
Northern Irish authorities are seeking the surrender of Declan Duffy, 43, after his arrest in the Republic on suspicion of false imprisonment. Duffy, who lives on Hannover Street West in Dublin, is due to stand trial at the non‑jury Special Criminal Court on three counts of false imprisonment at The Towers, Garters Lane in Saggart on 9 June 2015, and a charge of violent disorder on the same occasion. His trial is scheduled for October. The High Court heard that Duffy had been serving a life sentence for the murder of British army sergeant Michael Newman in Derby City in 1992, but was released on licence by a Northern Irish parole board in March 2013. He was arrested by Gardai on 5 December 2015 on suspicion of the offences charged in the Special Criminal Court. On 6 June 2016 the Under Secretary of State for Northern Ireland revoked his licence and recalled him to prison.
Eamon McNamee, a 34-year-old man from Larkfield Square, Lucan, County Dublin, appeared in court facing a charge of possessing a firearm with the intent to commit an indictable offence, specifically assault causing harm. The alleged incident occurred at Fairgreen, Saggart, Co. Dublin, on January 19, 2013. The matter is currently at the pre-trial stage, with the court fixing a trial date for December 12 at the Special Criminal Court. The trial is expected to last six days. Presiding Judge Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy remanded Mr McNamee on continuing bail until October 23, when his case is listed for mention again. The court did not record a plea, finding, or sentence at this stage, as the proceedings remain in the pre-trial phase. The accused is alleged to have committed the offence, but no conviction has been established. The next procedural step is the mention hearing scheduled for October 23, after which the trial will proceed in December. No other case subjects, pleas, or disposals were recorded in this report.
Declan Duffy, 43, of Hannover Street West, Dublin, faces charges of false imprisonment and violent disorder for incidents at The Towers, Garters Lane in Saggart on 9 June 2015. The Special Criminal Court, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt with Judges Martin Nolan and Cormac Dunne, refused bail. Garda objections were based on the risk of flight and Section 2A of the Bail Act, with evidence from Detective Inspector Colm O'Malley and Detective Chief Superintendent Lorraine Wheatley. Duffy remains in custody until 3 October next year, when his trial is expected to commence.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Declan Duffy, aged 43, faces a bail application while charged with three counts of false imprisonment and violent disorder linked to an incident at The Towers, Garters Lane, Saggart, on 9 June 2015. The bail hearing, held at Cloverhill District Court, included objections from Gardaí citing Duffy as a flight risk, and from Detective Chief Superintendent Lorraine Wheatley, who invoked Section 2A of the Bail Act to argue that denying bail was necessary to prevent a serious offence. Judge Tony Hunt, with Judges Martin Nolan and Cormac Dunne, will decide the application tomorrow morning.
In a High Court case, the O'Reilly family, who bought a three‑bedroom duplex in Saggart in 2005, claim that the property was defective, with condensation, mould and poor ventilation causing respiratory infections in their seven‑ and nine‑year‑old sons. After medical tests in 2010 revealed a lung mass in one son, the family left the house and have lived in rented accommodation since. They sued the builders and developers, alleging negligence and breach of duty for failing to ensure the property was defect‑free. The defendants, based in Co. Wexford, deny the claims and say they offered repairs, which the O'Reillys refused. The court heard evidence of leaks, mould, water ingress and a collapsed bath, and that the mould was deemed toxic by experts. The case is pending before Mr Justice Donald Binchy.
Two men, Declan Duffy, 43, and Daniel Kane, 27, are set to be tried at the Special Criminal Court on 3 October next year for three counts of false imprisonment at The Towers, Garters Lane in Saggart, and for violent disorder. The trial, scheduled by Mr Justice Tony Hunt with Judges Martin Nolan and Cormac Dunne, is expected to last four weeks. Both men remain in custody awaiting the hearing. Their co‑accused, Christopher Maguire, 37, who has been ill, was not present at the hearing and his case is to be mentioned on 29 November.
Three men—Eoin Leonard (28), Gary St Ledger (31) and Noel Metcalfe (60)—were convicted in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for possessing €197,400 worth of cannabis. The drugs were seized on 2 April 2015 in Santry after Gardaí were tipped off about a delivery. Leonard handed two boxes to Ledger and Metcalfe. All three pleaded guilty, claiming they were delivering the boxes for others and were unaware of their contents, though they suspected illegal items. Defences cited financial pressures, debt, and threats. Leonard's counsel noted a drug debt and fear for his life; Ledger's counsel said he received €300 to buy a communion dress for his daughter; Metcalfe's counsel highlighted a significant debt and threats. The court found the men were not high‑ranking drug operators. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced Ledger and Metcalfe to 3½ years each, and Leonard to 4 years, citing his slightly more serious role.
Michael Kehoe, 48, of Huntstown Avenue, Hartstown, Dublin, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison for possession of cannabis for sale or supply. He pleaded guilty to offences at Garter Lane, Saggart and his home on 21 October 2015. Kehoe had no prior convictions and was found to have stored and delivered some of the drugs, which totaled €811,800. Judge Karen O'Connor noted his law‑abiding character, remorse and a drug debt, and imposed a five‑year sentence with the final 18 months suspended.
Three men—Declan Duffy (43), Daniel Kane (27) and Christopher Maguire (37)—were returned to the Special Criminal Court for trial. They face three counts of false imprisonment for an incident at The Towers, Garters Lane in Saggart on 9 June last year, and Duffy and Kane also face a charge of violent disorder for the same event. The court, presided over by Justice Paul Butler with Judges Alison Lindsay and Flann Brennan, ordered that the men be tried before the three‑judge, non‑jury court. The case is scheduled for mention again on 8 June.
Eamon McNamee, a 34-year-old man from Lucan, County Dublin, appeared before the Special Criminal Court charged with possession of a firearm with the intent to commit an indictable offence, namely assault causing harm. The alleged incident occurred at Fairgreen, Saggart, Co Dublin, on January 19th, 2013. These charges are alleged and remain contested. During the hearing, Mr McNamee sought a trial date. Mr Justice Paul Butler noted that the second incarnation of the Special Criminal Court is technically ready to run, having become operational after the Acting Justice Minister signed the rules of court. The judge indicated a prospect that cases awaiting trial, including Mr McNamee's, could be transferred to the new court early next month. However, Mr McNamee's case was listed for mention again on Friday, May 6th. The judge stated that the court would include Mr McNamee's case, particularly those involving individuals in custody, to return to the first Special Criminal Court on that date. Consequently, the matter was adjourned until May 6th. Mr McNamee was remanded on continuing bail until that date.
A book of evidence has been served on Eamon McNamee, a 34-year-old man from Larkfield Square, Lucan, County Dublin, who is charged with possession of a firearm with the intent to commit an indictable offence, namely assault causing harm. The alleged incident occurred at Fairgreen, Saggart, Co Dublin, on January 19th, 2013. State Solicitor Liam Mulholland informed the non-jury court that the prosecution was in a position to serve the book of evidence on the accused. Presiding Judge Mr Justice Paul Butler remanded Mr McNamee on continuing bail until April 24th, when the case will be listed for mention. The matter remains at the trial stage, with the charges alleged or contested, and no plea, finding, sentence, or finalisation has been recorded. The court did not conclude the case but adjourned it for a future mention date.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 29 October 2013, Brendan Byrne, a 58‑year‑old taxi driver from Millrace Avenue, Saggart, pleaded guilty to dishonestly appropriating household furniture and assorted items from an apartment in Hazelgrove Court, Tallaght. Byrne, together with three others, removed a range of items including two televisions, two couches, a washing machine, a microwave, mirrors, paintings, tables and light fittings. The landlord had changed the locks after a Garda raid a few days earlier, and the tenancy agreement between the landlord and Byrne's stepson had not yet expired. Byrne had previously been convicted of attempted robbery (1984) and forgery (1998). Judge Melanie Greally accepted Byrne's recklessness regarding ownership, noted that some items were recovered while light fittings and small pieces were not, and that Byrne had pushed the door open.
Eamon McNamee, 34, of Larkfield Square, Lucan, County Dublin, was granted bail at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin. He is charged with possession of a firearm with the intent to commit an indictable offence, namely assault causing harm, allegedly at Fairgreen, Saggart, Co Dublin on January 19th, 2013. The three-judge court approved his application for bail, releasing him on his own bond of €1,000 and an independent surety of €20,000. McNamee must surrender his passport and refrain from travelling outside Ireland or to Northern Ireland. He is required to sign on daily at Lucan garda station between 9am and 9pm and observe a curfew from 12am to 7am. Additionally, he must not associate with anyone convicted or charged with a scheduled offence, maintain good behaviour, and provide a mobile phone number to gardai. The matter remains at the pre-trial stage, with the charges alleged and contested.
Eamon McNamee, 34, of Larkfield Square, Lucan, County Dublin, appeared at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin, where he was charged with possession of a firearm with the intent to commit an indictable offence, namely assault causing harm. The alleged incident is said to have occurred at Fairgreen, Saggart, Co Dublin, on January 19, 2013. Detective Garda Graham Dunne of the Special Detective Unit informed the court that he arrested Mr McNamee under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act at 7:21 am. The court heard that Mr McNamee made no reply when cautioned and also made no reply when shown a copy of the original charge sheet at the Special Criminal Court. Mr Justice Paul Butler, presiding at the three-judge, non-jury court, remanded Mr McNamee in custody until tomorrow morning, when a bail application is expected to be made. The matter was adjourned and has not been concluded or finalised.
In a Tallaght burglary, 18‑year‑old Lewis Smith and a 17‑year‑old boy stole a computer tablet, a mobile phone and a television from a profoundly deaf woman. Smith pleaded guilty to burglary at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 2 September 2014. He had prior convictions for criminal damage and car theft. Judge Martin Nolan, after hearing evidence, remanded Smith on continuing bail with conditions: live with his grandmother, observe a curfew, and sign on three times a week at Tallaght Garda Station. Smith later broke his curfew and was charged with public order offences. Judge Nolan ordered Smith to carry out 200 hours of community service within a year in lieu of a two‑year prison sentence, noting he was considered suitable for community service by the Probation Service. The 17‑year‑old co‑accused pleaded guilty and is due for sentencing later. The case remains ongoing.
Lewis Smith, 18, previously of Glenshane Grove, Tallaght, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to burglary in Tallaght on September 2, 2014. He is accused of breaking into the home of a profoundly deaf woman with a 17-year-old co-accused, who also pleaded guilty to the same charge. The teenagers allegedly stole a computer tablet, a mobile phone, and a television. Garda Jennifer Grogan stated that the homeowner later discovered a message written on the sitting room wall. Smith has previous convictions for criminal damage and stealing a car. Judge Martin Nolan adjourned the case to July 30 next to allow for the preparation of a probation report to assess Smith's suitability for community service. The judge remanded Smith on continuing bail until then, imposing conditions that he live with his grandmother in Saggart, adhere to a curfew from midnight to 8am, and sign on three times a week at Tallaght Garda Station. Judge Nolan noted that while the woman's peace of mind was greatly affected, it was highly unlikely the teenagers knew she was deaf. Defense counsel George Burns BL stated that Smith had written letters of apology to the victim and the court and expressed remorse.
David Towell, 36, of Tallaght, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to attempted robbery and possession of an air pistol at Paddy Power bookmakers in Saggart on 6 July 2013. He had 20 prior convictions and had planned the robbery with an accomplice he met only the night before. Towell rode a moped driven by the accomplice, but an off‑duty Garda and his father intervened, knocking him off the scooter and preventing the robbery. He struck the cash desk, left with nothing, and was arrested on the spot. Judge Catherine Murphy sentenced him to four years, with the last year suspended, citing the seriousness of the offence and his drug‑addiction history. He was ordered to remain under Probation Services supervision, attend addiction services, and engage in victim‑awareness work.
Jorge Garcia, a 41‑year‑old care assistant in Cheeverstown, Dublin, stole €960 from six intellectually disabled residents over six months by falsifying withdrawal forms and using a photocopied signature. He pleaded guilty to six counts out of 32 theft charges dated between 18 April and 8 August 2013. The court noted he had repaid the money and had no prior convictions. Garcia had been sending funds to Spain to support his elderly parents and had suffered financial pressure after a back injury and sick pay. Judge Desmond Hogan accepted his cooperation with the Gardaí, imposed a two‑year suspended sentence, ordered 240 hours of community service, and placed him under Probation Services supervision for 12 months. The case highlighted the vulnerability of the residents and the breach of trust by Garcia.
In a 2015 court hearing, an off‑duty Garda and his father intervened during an attempted robbery at a Paddy Power bookmakers in Saggart. The offender, David Towell, 36, had just left the bookmaker's premises without taking any cash and was attempting to escape on a moped with an accomplice. The Garda and his father knocked both men to the ground as the vehicle took off. Towell pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possession of an air pistol on 6 July 2013. He has 20 prior convictions. The Garda explained that Towell had struck the cash desk's window while the cashier was searching for a panic button, and that the accomplice fled the scene. Towell was remanded in custody pending sentencing, with a report from the probation and welfare service due in March. The case was prosecuted by Mark Fitzgerald BL and defended by John Kelly BL. The judge, Catherine Murphy, noted this was Towell's first violent offence.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Gerard O'Neill, a 35‑year‑old former "delivery boy" in the drugs trade, was sentenced to five years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended on strict conditions. O'Neill pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis herb for sale or supply at three locations in 2011, with a total value of €64,928. He had previously been involved in the trade to repay a significant drug debt and had four prior convictions, including a 2004 drugs offence. O'Neill was also a victim of shootings in 2012 and 2013, which left him with physical and psychological injuries, and he has since been in a coma for three weeks after the second shooting. The judge ordered forfeiture of the cash recovered at the scene, O'Neill's van, and the destruction of the drugs. The case was prosecuted by Cormac Quinn BL and defended by Caroline Biggs SC.
Jorge Garcia, a 41‑year‑old Spanish care assistant, was sentenced to a two‑year suspended term for stealing €960 from the accounts of six intellectually disabled residents at Cheeverstown in Dublin. The theft, which occurred between 18 April and 8 August 2013, involved altering withdrawal forms and using a photocopied signature to divert money intended for the residents' expenses. Garcia pleaded guilty to six counts out of 32 charges and has since repaid the full amount. The court noted his cooperation with Garda investigations and his genuine remorse, and considered that the victims' disabilities made the offence particularly serious. Judge Desmond Hogan suspended the sentence, adjourned the case to February for a community service suitability assessment, and highlighted that Garcia had no prior convictions and had not been previously known to the Gardaí. The case remains at the suspended‑sentence stage.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 27 June 2014, the judge ordered the estreatment of €20,000 that had been offered as an independent bail surety for Nathan Kinsella, a 35‑year‑old father of six who had been jailed for two years for membership of the Irish Republican Army. Kinsella had been arrested after paramilitary activity at the funeral of dissident republican Alan Ryan, who was shot dead in September 2012. He had previously been granted bail on 5 October 2012 and was due to stand trial in February, but a bench warrant was issued after he failed to appear. The bail bond was provided by James Larkin, who was not present in court but had been informed of the estreatment application on 19 June. The judge, Justice Paul Butler, approved the estreatment of the full €20,000 but imposed a four‑week stay, allowing the matter to be mentioned again before the court. Nathan Kinsella pleaded guilty.