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.
Breda Holmes, 67, a former self‑employed courier who believed she was an employee of GT Transport, failed to file about €70,000 worth of tax returns. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court found her liability to Revenue, including interest and penalties, at €228,000, of which she has repaid €13,328. She pleaded guilty to eleven VAT offences totalling €67,829 between 2006 and 2014 and three income‑tax offences totalling €21,365 between 2005 and 2013. Judge Martina Baxter, recognising Holmes' naivety and lack of wealth, suspended an 18‑month prison sentence on the condition she continues to cooperate with bankruptcy proceedings. Holmes, now living on a pension and working to service her debts, has no prior convictions and is fully compliant with tax obligations. The court noted her "hand‑to‑mouth" existence and her willingness to cooperate with the Revenue Commissioners.
A 23‑year‑old mother from Co. Wicklow pleaded guilty to two counts of allowing her two‑year‑old son to be ill‑treated, causing unnecessary suffering. The abuse occurred in an unknown location between 10 and 13 February 2017 and on 14 February 2017. Medical staff at Tallaght Hospital discovered extensive bruising on the child's face, ears, back, buttocks, thighs and genital area when the mother brought him in February 2017. The mother repeatedly lied about the cause of the injuries, claiming a fabricated visit from the boy's biological father and that he had fallen on a table or a slide. The child was removed from her care and is now raised by his maternal grandparents. The mother, a drug addict, is hoping to enter rehabilitation; her sentence was adjourned to 16 October to allow this. The man she was living with has been charged and is expected to stand trial later.
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.
An 18‑year‑old Dublin man pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to intentionally causing serious harm to a relative by stabbing him in the chest on 27 August 2018 at a house in Tallaght. The defendant, who was 17 at the time of the offence, was described by counsel as coming from a very dysfunctional background. The plea was accepted by the Director of Public Prosecutions on a full facts basis. Mr Justice Alex Owens remanded the teenager in custody until 30 March for a sentence hearing.
James Gannon, 32, of St Mark's Drive, Clondalkin, was sentenced to seven‑and‑a‑half years in prison for possession of cocaine, cannabis and ketamine for sale or supply. He pleaded guilty to offences at Citywest Storage, Tallaght, and at locations in Lucan on 22 March 2018. The court found €1.1 million worth of drugs in brown boxes labelled "Sport Socks" at a storage unit in Gannon's name. Gardaí had observed Gannon entering the unit, driving a van to Ballyowen Castle Shopping Centre, and passing drugs to another man who later drove away in a car carrying €34 972 worth of cocaine. Gannon admitted renting the unit and that he had never stored drugs before, citing a €20 000 drug debt. He has two prior convictions for road traffic offences. Judge Melanie Greally imposed a nine‑year sentence, suspending the final 18 months on conditions.
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.
Sonia Collins, 38, a mother of three, was found with €20,000 worth of cannabis hidden under the stairs of her home in Kilcronan Avenue, Clondalkin, Dublin. She pleaded guilty to one count of possessing cannabis for sale or supply at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on March 4, 2023. Collins told the Gardaí that she had incurred a €200 drug debt after buying cocaine for social use and could not repay it because her child's confirmation was approaching. She claimed she did not know the value of the cannabis and felt "stupid" for agreeing to hold it. Collins said she had agreed to hold the drugs for "half an hour" but they were never collected, and she was fearful of the person who had given her the drugs. The Gardaí searched her home after a tip‑off and, after opening the door, Collins immediately showed them the drugs.
In a Central Criminal Court murder trial, 48‑year‑old Mark Tims pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter of his 74‑year‑old father, Anthony 'Tony' Tims. The prosecution, led by Michael Delaney SC, argued that on 13 July 2018, after a drunken argument on the father's birthday, Tims violently assaulted his father at their Rowlagh Green home. Tims allegedly punched his father, used a mug, kicked him in the head and trunk, and repeatedly struck him with a coat. The father was found on the kitchen floor in distress and later died at Tallaght Hospital after a post‑mortem revealed fractured ribs that caused lung collapse. Tims, who had been drinking heavily, remained in the area for nearly 24 hours before being found by Gardaí. He admitted assaulting his father in four Garda interviews, though details varied. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, continues with a jury of twelve.
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.
Vincent Banks, a convicted member of the IRA, has lost his appeal against his conviction. Banks, 49, of Dublin 7, was found guilty by the Special Criminal Court of membership of an unlawful organisation. He was sentenced to five years' imprisonment in October 2017 for purchasing a Toyota Camry linked to the 2012 murder of prison officer David Black. Although Banks was previously acquitted of withholding information regarding the killing, the court found he acted as a trusted member of the organisation to obtain the vehicle used in the crime. In the Court of Appeal, Banks challenged the admissibility of his garda interviews, arguing that inferences drawn from his silence were not properly explained. He also contested the lawfulness of his arrest and the handling of belief evidence. Mr Justice John Edwards, sitting with President George Birmingham and Ms Justice Marie Baker, dismissed these arguments. The court ruled that Banks had adequate legal advice and that the Special Criminal Court correctly applied the law regarding his arrest. The judges noted that arguments concerning belief evidence had been repeatedly litigated and found no basis to overturn the lower court's decision. Consequently, the appeal was dismissed, and Banks' conviction stands.
David Masterson, aged 54 and from Tallaght, was sentenced to seven and a half years' imprisonment for defiling three under‑age girls between February and December 2016, and for possession and distribution of child pornography in November 2015. He met the girls through a teenage boy who had recruited them online for paid sexual experiences. One victim, 16, had a sexual relationship with Masterson from February 2016 until December of that year, with multiple encounters confirmed by the detective. The other two girls were 15 and 16 at the time of the encounters. Masterson pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The judge, Martin Nolan, described his behaviour as gross, refused to suspend any portion of the sentence, and backdated it to the time Masterson entered custody in September 2017.
Ian Quinn, 38, of St Aongus Park, Tallaght, pleaded guilty to assaulting a prison officer in Mountjoy Prison on 30 January 2019. Officer Colin Ryan, who knew Quinn from earlier that morning, was walking across a landing when Quinn approached with a bucket. Quinn threw the bucket's contents—excrement—over Ryan's face and uniform. Ryan initially thought it might be boiling water but soon realised it was feces, which entered his mouth, eyes, boots and radio. The incident left Ryan traumatised and unfit for work for four weeks. Quinn, already serving a two‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence for a separate offence, was sentenced to an additional two months' imprisonment, to run consecutively with his existing term. The court noted that Quinn had produced a knife in prison and that the assault was described as a "pretty low assault" that was nasty and ridiculing. The judge emphasised that the incident had led to Quinn's six‑month solitary confinement.
In March 2019 a robbery at Fernwood Avenue, Tallaght, involved Alan McHugh (39) and two accomplices who targeted Wojciech Gajoch, who was selling a 14‑carat gold necklace. The men approached Gajoch, one holding a knife, and surrounded him. Gajoch was struck on the head, and the men fled after taking the keys. McHugh pursued, brandishing the knife and threatening Gajoch, who managed to seize the knife and bring McHugh to the ground. The accomplices then drove a car at the two men, running over McHugh's foot. The car left without McHugh, and the necklace was never recovered. McHugh pleaded guilty to robbery, was sentenced to six years' imprisonment with the final 18 months suspended, and was released on strict conditions. The case highlighted the violent nature of the robbery and the failure to recover the stolen necklace.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, 35‑year‑old Robert Hedderman was sentenced to three and a half years' imprisonment for the 2016 burglary of a single mother's home in Kinsealy. Hedderman broke into the house on Christmas Day, ripped furniture, placed an Xbox and a DVD player in a sink full of water, urinated throughout the premises and scattered ash. He also left the house covered in urine and caused significant damage, amounting to many thousands of euros. The victim, who was renting the house with her children, was left homeless for a month and lost numerous personal items. Hedderman pleaded guilty to one count of burglary, possession of cannabis and possession of cannabis for sale or supply. He has 47 prior convictions, including burglaries, theft and knife possession. The judge described his actions as gratuitous and without any earthly reason. The case was prosecuted by Garda Elva Duffy BL and defended by Emer Ni Chuagain BL.
Jason Russell, 37, was jailed for two years after submitting fraudulent monthly time sheets to Cheeverstown House between 2014 and 2017, receiving about €80,000. Gardai discovered the fraud in 2017 while Russell worked as a delivery driver, finding 12 undelivered boxes of clothes worth €5,000. Russell pleaded guilty to theft and submitting false time sheets, and to stealing clothing in October–November 2017. Judge Martin Nolan noted Russell's guilty plea, cooperation and lack of likelihood of re‑offending, but also his brazen defrauding with malice, forethought and planning. He was sentenced to three years, with the final year suspended, and ordered to surrender €10,000 to the garda for transmission to Cheeverstown House. Russell had one prior road‑traffic conviction and had been attending counselling for gambling issues. The court heard that Russell's family was under financial strain at the time of the offences.
Robert McCabe, aged 48, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to seven burglaries committed between 11 November and 21 December 2018, targeting six commercial premises, including a restaurant twice. He admitted stealing €2,170, a computer tablet, and other items, and was found with burglary tools and cash. McCabe's defence counsel, Emmet Nolan, described him as a "gentleman burglar" with a lifelong heroin addiction that motivated the offences. Judge Martin Nolan noted McCabe's extensive criminal record of 123 convictions, 54 for burglary, and his inability to stop. He accepted McCabe's guilty pleas, cooperation, and efforts to leave heroin, and sentenced him to four and a half years' imprisonment. The court highlighted that McCabe's primary motive was to obtain funds for heroin. The judge also acknowledged the defendant's ongoing methadone programme and employment since remand.
A Detective Chief Superintendent has given evidence at the Special Criminal Court regarding two men charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Peter Butterly in March 2013. The victim, aged 35, was killed in a car park at Gormanston, Co Meath. Laurence Murphy, aged 62, of Bettystown, Co Meath, and Ray Kennedy, aged 40, of Blanchardstown, Dublin, have pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army. Mr Kennedy faces an additional charge of perverting the course of justice. Detective Chief Superintendent Anthony Howard, head of the Special Detective Unit, told the three-judge court of his belief that both men were members of the IRA. He declined to disclose the material upon which his belief rested, citing security concerns and the protection of life and property. Evidence was also heard of items recovered from the scene. Four men have previously received life sentences for Mr Butterly's murder, with two others also imprisoned for roles in the killing.
Shane McKeever, aged 28, stole Thomas Stephens' car while Stephens was disposing of recycling. McKeever drove the vehicle, pinned Stephens against a wall, and crushed his ankle against a curb. After reversing, McKeever knocked Stephens to the ground. Garda Mark Walsh assisted and later found McKeever involved in a collision with a recycling truck on the M50, where the stolen car was propelled across traffic and overturned. McKeever was arrested after refusing a drug test and pleaded guilty to endangerment, car theft, failure to provide a sample and driving without insurance. He had 86 prior convictions and had been disqualified from driving two weeks earlier. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced him to six years' disqualification and four and a half years' imprisonment, citing remorse and steps taken to address his addiction. The court considered CCTV footage and victim impact reports, noting Stephens' ongoing injury and reduced income. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the ongoing trial of Laurence Murphy and Ray Kennedy, who have pleaded not guilty to IRA membership charges dated March 6, 2013, and April 2010. Mr. Kennedy also faces a charge of perverting the course of justice by destroying a SIM card. Prosecution witnesses described a meeting at Bewleys Hotel, Dublin Airport, on May 22, 2010, where Mr. Murphy was observed with Marian Price, Alan Ryan, and Anthony Ryan. The group entered a private function room, though the Ryans did not. Other testimony detailed Mr. Kennedy's presence at a 2011 meeting in Mulhuddert and at a 2012 bail hearing. The court also heard about a 2012 funeral for Alan Ryan, where three shots were fired over the coffin. While four men have already received life sentences for the murder of Peter Butterly, and Michael McDermott and Frank Murphy have been jailed for their roles in the killing, the current proceedings against Murphy and Kennedy remain at the trial stage. The matter was adjourned and continues before Justice Tara Burns, Judge Sarah Berkeley, and Judge Michael Walsh.
A man charged in connection with the 2013 murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly was observed on multiple occasions with slain Real IRA leader Alan Ryan, the Special Criminal Court heard. Laurence Murphy, aged 62, of Bettystown, Co Meath and Ray Kennedy, aged 40, of Blanchardstown, Dublin have pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA on 6 March 2013. Mr Kennedy faces an additional charge of perverting the course of justice. Detective gardaí gave evidence they saw Mr Ryan and Mr Kennedy together in Donaghmede, Dublin on separate occasions in 2011 and 2012. The court heard garda interviews wherein Mr Kennedy stated he and Mr Butterly had arranged to meet at the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath at 2.30pm on the day of the shooting. Mr Murphy was interviewed and denied IRA membership. Four men have already received life sentences following convictions for Mr Butterly's murder, with two others imprisoned for roles in the killing. The trial before Ms Justice Tara Burns continues.
In the Special Criminal Court, the prosecution presented evidence regarding the March 6, 2013, shooting death of Peter Butterly at the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath. Laurence Murphy and Ray Kennedy, both accused of IRA membership on that date, have pleaded not guilty. Mr Kennedy is additionally charged with perverting the course of justice by destroying a SIM card. Prosecutors read witness statements from Mr Kennedy, who alleged he met Mr Butterly to discuss false car logbooks and claimed he destroyed his phone's SIM card in panic when a garda requested the device. Mr Kennedy denied IRA membership, stating he attended marches with slain Real IRA leader Alan Ryan because he was "nosy." He also denied luring Mr Butterly to the scene. The court heard that Mr Kennedy knew David Dodrill, who was convicted of IRA membership in April 2010, and acknowledged knowing Dermot Gannon, jailed for IRA membership in 2001. The matter is at the sentence stage, with the accused maintaining their not guilty pleas to the alleged offences.
David Masterson, 54, from Tallaght, Dublin, was remanded in September 2017 after being caught with child pornography. He pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to three defilement charges dated between February and December 2016, and to possession and distribution of child pornography on 14 November 2015. Masterson had sexual encounters with three under‑age girls, one of whom was 17 when the relationship began in February 2016 and continued after she turned 18. The other two girls were 15 and 17 at the times of the alleged encounters. A laptop seized in November 2015 contained 5,121 images and 196 videos, many depicting pre‑teen boys and girls in sexual activities with adults. The court adjourned the case to 20 December, ordering psychological and governor's reports. Masterson has not taken bail since his remand.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the trial of Ray Kennedy and Laurence Murphy, who have pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh Na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on March 6th, 2013. Mr Kennedy is also charged with carrying out an act intending to pervert the course of justice by destroying a mobile telephone SIM card. Prosecution evidence detailed that Mr Butterly was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath, on that date. Detective Garda Shane Curran testified that a text was sent from Mr Kennedy's phone to the victim's wife at 1.43pm, joking about an IRA arrest, minutes before the killing. The prosecution alleged Mr Kennedy destroyed a SIM card to pervert the course of justice. While four other men have already received life sentences for the murder, and Michael McDermott and Frank Murphy have been jailed for their roles, the current proceedings against Mr Kennedy and Mr Murphy remain at the trial stage. The matter was adjourned to continue on Monday before Ms Justice Tara Burns, presiding alongside Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge Michael Walsh.
Martin Connors, 18, was caught on CCTV wearing flip‑flops and white socks while breaking into a family home on Versoy Avenue, Citywest. He later joined a robbery of a pizza delivery man that night. After fleeing the robbery in a Fiat Punto, his flip‑flops were found in the getaway car. Connors pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to burglary and robbery, with 42 prior convictions. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced him to five years, suspending the final 18 months on probation. The judge noted the burglary was swift and frightening for the family, and that Connors had learning challenges and a desire to reform. The case involved a group that used a golf club to break in, and the pizza delivery man was threatened and robbed before the car crashed into hedging. Connors was arrested and identified as Micheal McDonagh, 12, during the pursuit. The prosecution and defence highlighted Connors' background and his wish to change.
The Special Criminal Court trial of Laurence Murphy and Ray Kennedy, both charged in connection with the killing of Peter Butterly, entered legal argument regarding the retention of mobile phone data under the Communications (Retention of Data) Act 2011. This legal challenge is linked to the case of convicted murderer Graham Dwyer, whose appeal against a High Court declaration that the Act breached EU law is due before the Supreme Court in December. Murphy and Kennedy pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation, styled the IRA, on March 6, 2013. Kennedy is additionally charged with carrying out an act intending to pervert the course of justice by destroying a mobile telephone SIM card. The prosecution alleges the killing was meticulously planned. Four men—Kevin Braney, Edward McGrath, Sharif Kelly, and Dean Evans—have already received life sentences for the murder. Michael McDermott and Frank Murphy, the latter being Laurence Murphy's brother, have also been jailed for their roles in the killing. The trial continues before Ms Justice Tara Burns, Judge Sarah Berkeley, and Judge Michael Walsh.
A witness in the Special Criminal Court has testified that the shooting of dissident republican Peter Butterly in Gormanston, County Meath on 6 March 2013 was an "IRA operation". David Cullen, now in the Witness Protection Program, gave evidence in trials of Laurence Murphy and Ray Kennedy, both charged with membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA. Mr Kennedy also faces a charge of perverting the course of justice. Cullen said he was asked to dispose of a firearm immediately after the shooting and that he knew beforehand someone would be targeted, though not the victim's identity. He recovered the gun near Gormanston College and was arrested shortly after. Four men have previously received life sentences for Mr Butterly's murder, while two others received custodial sentences. During proceedings, Justice Tara Burns ruled on disclosure issues concerning Cullen's earlier statement that Mr Murphy was "never a member of the IRA", which defence counsel argued was belatedly provided. Laurence Murphy pleaded not guilty. Peter Butterly pleaded not guilty.
Ellavita Flynn, 25, stole designer goods from Dublin's Brown Thomas over two weeks in late 2017 and early 2018, including a €395 Michael Kors watch, a €2,400 Prada handbag, a €1,490 Gucci handbag and a €2,280 Louis Vuitton handbag, the only item recovered. She pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Flynn had three prior theft convictions handled at District Court. Judge Elma Sheahan sentenced her to twelve months imprisonment, suspending the final three months for six months on strict conditions, including compliance with Probation Service directions. Flynn is currently in custody on her own request, participating in a methadone programme and a hairdressing course. The judge noted her high risk of re‑offending, the seriousness of the offences, her addiction and homelessness background, and her remorse and family support as mitigating factors.
Ciaran McGuire, aged 21, was sentenced by Judge Martin Nolan to a fully suspended three‑year prison term for assault causing harm after he mistakenly struck Stephen McQuillan, believing McQuillan had insulted his girlfriend. McGuire's attack left McQuillan with a fractured jaw, a cut to his face, loss of three teeth and €20,000 in dental costs. The court imposed strict conditions, requiring McGuire to pay €3,000 in compensation to the prosecuting Garda and an additional €10,000 within 18 months, with the possibility of the money being transferred to charity if McQuillan declined. McGuire pleaded guilty at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, had no prior convictions, and expressed contrition, apologising for his actions. The judge noted McGuire's cooperation and the court's willingness to enforce the suspended sentence under the stated conditions.
Firemen searching for a fire at Passion Tanning & Beauty in Tallaght discovered a concealed cannabis grow‑house behind a false partition in a beautician's wardrobe. The grow‑house contained 39 mature cannabis plants valued at €31,200 and several smaller plants destroyed by the fire. Elwira Syfert, 40, pleaded guilty to cultivation of cannabis at the premises on 22 January 2017. In an interview she said a man had offered her €400 a month to use the concealed space, initially unaware of its purpose, and later threatened her with violence if she reported the activity. She claimed the man demanded she water and feed the plants. Defence counsel argued she had only performed watering duties. The court found Syfert under pressure and sentenced her to three years' imprisonment, suspended in full on strict conditions.
Robert Glynn, 42, of Knockmore Park, Tallaght, pleaded guilty to threatening to kill and possessing a firearm after pulling a gun on his sister‑in‑law, Suzanne Campbell, during a family dispute. On 10 March, Glynn confronted Campbell's partner outside her home, pointing a black modified handgun at him and threatening to shoot. Campbell pleaded with him not to fire, and he fled. Gardaí found the unloaded, unusable gun under Glynn's mattress. Glynn has 34 prior convictions, mainly traffic offences, plus criminal damage and larceny. He was in custody since March. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced him to three years' imprisonment, suspending the final two years on strict conditions and backdating the sentence to his initial custody date. The case was heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, with Glynn's defence citing a "moment of madness.".
Brendan Clifford, 34, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to sexual exploitation of a child and sexual assault of another child at Tallaght Hospital in 2015. The victims, siblings aged nine and ten, were brought to the hospital by Clifford, who posed as a talent agent named David White. He administered cream to the children's legs, bum and penis, and requested removal of their underwear during treatment. The mother, suspicious after receiving an email from a purported agent, discovered the deception. Clifford had no prior convictions and is married with three children. He was sentenced to five years' imprisonment, with the final 18 months suspended on strict conditions, including probation supervision for 18 months after release. The judge described his conduct as "very devious" and "perverse.".
The Special Criminal Court trial of Laurence Murphy and Ray Kennedy, both accused of IRA membership on March 6, 2013, continued with the court listening to a secret audio recording from a KFC in Charlestown. Both men pleaded not guilty to the membership charge; Mr. Kennedy also faces a charge of perverting the course of justice by destroying a SIM card. The prosecution alleges the men attended a "debrief" meeting the day after the murder of Peter Butterly. The court heard that gardai surveillance identified Kevin Braney, Frank Murphy, and Laurence Murphy at the outlet. Kevin Braney was previously sentenced to life imprisonment for the premeditated murder of Mr. Butterly, a finding he had denied. Frank Murphy, a brother of the accused, was jailed for three years, with the final year suspended, after pleading guilty to impeding the prosecution of State witness David Cullen. Other individuals, including Edward McGrath, Sharif Kelly, and Dean Evans, received life sentences for the murder. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Tara Burns, Judge Sarah Berkeley, and Judge Michael Walsh, was adjourned and resumes next Wednesday.
Eileen Ryan, 26, pregnant and six months along, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to driving with unrestrained children, dangerous driving, and driving without insurance on 25 March 2018. Two children, aged two and five, sat in the back without seat belts. Garda Michael Brisbane described a high‑speed chase in Tallaght where the car broke red lights, drove over the white line, and swerved, with glass bottles thrown at the patrol car. Ryan was abusive, smelled of alcohol, and had slurred speech. She refused blood samples and had four prior District Court convictions. The judge imposed a four‑year suspended sentence, conditional on Ryan keeping the peace for three years, and a mandatory four‑year driving ban. The case was heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, with no further verdicts reported in the article.
Laurence Bryan (36) pleaded guilty to four robberies and two attempted robberies at shops in the Tallaght area between March 31, 2016 and April 8, 2016. Bryan, who has 132 previous convictions, including a five and a half year sentence with the final 18 months suspended imposed in 2014 for previous robberies, admitted to committing the crimes while in the throes of a crack cocaine and heroin addiction. Judge Melanie Greally noted that Bryan had undergone a residential drug treatment program and had since made a 'complete turnaround' in his life, including undertaking a horticultural course and beginning to move into the employment market. The judge stated that the robberies were extremely serious and committed during an extremely destructive addiction. She imposed a five-year prison sentence, which was suspended in full on strict conditions. The matter was adjourned in 2017 to allow the residential drug treatment program to be completed. Bryan was identified on CCTV in the earlier cases and taken from Cloverhill Prison to be interviewed. He made admissions and told gardai that he did not want to hurt anybody but needed the money for drugs.
Jason Mahony, a 35‑year‑old former butcher from Avonbeg, Tallaght, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to handling stolen property and money laundering in May 2016. He had received €15,861 stolen from a break‑in at McLoughlin's butchers in Ballyfermot and later deposited €9,705 in cash, along with €3,460 in coins, into his bank account. Garda Ronan Coffey presented evidence that Mahony had visited the address of a former partner in Tymonville Lawn, where a rental car was found with a key in Mahony's possession and cash in envelopes bearing the names of the butchers' employees. Mahony's previous convictions for theft were noted, and a Probation Services report indicated a low risk of re‑offending. Judge Patricia Ryan imposed a suspended prison sentence of three years, conditional on Mahony keeping the peace for that period.