Court archive
Court reports mentioning Portumna, Galway
2026-06-15 · Tipperary
Martin Ward (64) was jailed for 12.5 years for repeatedly raping and sexually abusing his partner's niece when she was at her most vulnerable. Ward was found guilty of 27 counts of sexual abuse, including three counts of rape, nine counts of oral rape, and 15 counts of sexual assault. The abuse occurred between 2000 and 2004 when the girl was sent to live with Ward and his partner. The victim, Martina Ward, waived her anonymity and described the abuse as having stolen her childhood. She stated that Ward manipulated her and caused her profound trauma, including PTSD and ongoing mental health issues. Ms Justice Melanie Greally noted the breach of trust and the severity of the abuse. The judge set a headline sentence of 16 years but reduced it to 12.5 years considering mitigating factors such as Ward's lack of related convictions and his community work. Ward has eight previous convictions for road traffic offences and made no admissions during the trial.
2025-12-03 · Galway
Michael Scott, a farmer who drove over his elderly aunt with a teleporter, had his manslaughter sentence reduced from six years to four years and six months on appeal. The court acknowledged Scott's remorse and lack of prior convictions but noted his "thuggish" behavior toward his aunt. The incident occurred in 2018 when Scott, who had a long-standing land dispute with his aunt, failed to keep a proper lookout while reversing across her yard. The court found that Scott's actions were negligent but not premeditated. His sentence was reduced after considering his character and the impact of the original sentence. Scott was tearful as he embraced his family following the appeal. The case highlights the complex relationship between Scott and his aunt, which had been marked by conflict and tension over land ownership.
2025-02-20 · Galway
Michael Scott, a 60‑year‑old farmer from Gortanumera, Portumna, was convicted of manslaughter by gross negligence after he drove an agricultural teleporter over his 76‑year‑old aunt, Chrissie Treacy, on 27 April 2018. The trial judge, Ms Justice Caroline Biggs, imposed a headline sentence of eight years, later reduced to six years after mitigating factors. Scott's counsel, Michael Bowman SC, argued the sentence was too high, citing the defendant's "blemish‑free" life and the circumstances of the incident. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Dean Kelly SC, defended the judge's discretion, noting the jury's finding that Scott's blind reversal for ten seconds across the yard posed a high risk to his aunt. The case was distinguished from dangerous driving causing death, and the judge highlighted Scott's lack of remorse at the time, though recent remorse was acknowledged. The appeal is pending. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.
2023-06-26 · Galway
Killer Farmer Michael Scott, who drove over his elderly aunt Christina 'Chrissie' Treacy (76) outside her home in Derryhiney, Portumna, Co Galway on April 27, 2018, has been jailed for six years. The judge, Ms Justice Caroline Biggs, noted that Scott showed 'no compassion' to his aunt in the immediate aftermath of the killing and told 'fundamental, self-preserving lies' about their relationship. Following a trial earlier this year, a jury found Scott not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter on the basis of gross negligence. The prosecution case was that Scott deliberately reversed over Ms Treacy following a long-running dispute over land. The judge set Scott's headline sentence at eight years but reduced that to six years having taken into account a number of mitigating factors. Scott had pleaded not guilty to murdering his aunt. The judge also noted that Scott has more recently expressed genuine remorse and reports from the probation services suggest he has insight into the impact the killing has had. He had no previous convictions and the judge described him as a hard-working family man who was responsible in his business affairs. The judge also noted that Scott has indicated that he accepts the jury's verdict.
2023-06-12 · Galway
Michael Scott, aged 59, was convicted of manslaughter by gross negligence after driving an agricultural teleporter over his 76‑year‑old aunt Chrissie Treacy outside her home in Derryhiney, Portumna, on 27 April 2018. The Central Criminal Court heard that Scott had been involved in a long‑running land dispute with Ms Treacy and had driven the teleporter across her yard while reversing. He claimed he had felt a "thump" and thought he had hit a trailer, then moved the machine forward, after which he discovered his aunt lying on the ground. A friend of Ms Treacy's, Regina Donohue, testified that Scott had subjected her to verbal abuse and mental torture before the incident. At the sentencing hearing on 12 June 2023, the Director of Public Prosecutions said the offence falls in the mid‑category for manslaughter, recommending a headline sentence of four to ten years. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.
2023-03-30 · Galway
Michael Scott, 58, of Gortanumera, Portumna, was found guilty of manslaughter but cleared of murder after a jury heard that he ran over his 76‑year‑old aunt, Chrissie Treacy, while reversing an agricultural teleporter across a yard outside her home in Derryhiney, Portumna, on 27 April 2018. The jury, after nearly 15 hours, concluded that Scott's death of his aunt was caused by gross negligence rather than intent to kill. The prosecution had argued that Scott deliberately reversed over Treacy amid a long‑running land dispute, but his lawyers maintained it was a tragic accident. The trial detailed that Scott had been reversing the machine when he felt a "thump," thought he might have struck a trailer, and only later discovered Treacy lying on the ground. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.
2023-03-30 · Galway
The trial of Michael Scott, accused of murdering his aunt Chrissie Treacy by running her over with an agricultural teleporter, ended with an acquittal. The jury, after nearly 15 hours of deliberation, rejected the prosecution's claim that Scott deliberately killed his 76‑year‑old aunt out of entitlement and revenge. Instead, they found that Scott's actions were grossly negligent, describing the incident as a tragic accident. Scott, 58, had previously denied any intent to kill and had stated that he was simply reversing when he saw his aunt on the ground. The judge noted Scott's inappropriate remarks toward a witness but allowed him to remain on bail pending further proceedings. No conviction or sentencing was recorded in the article. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.
2023-03-29 · Galway
In the trial of Michael Scott, who denies murdering his aunt by running over her in an agricultural teleporter, the jury was deliberating for 11 hours and 18 minutes when the court registrar asked if they had reached a unanimous verdict. The judge, Ms Justice Caroline Biggs, offered the option of a majority verdict if ten of the twelve jurors agreed, while encouraging them to continue striving for unanimity. The jury has gone home for the evening and will return tomorrow for the fifth day of deliberations. Mr Scott, 58, of Gortanumera, Portumna, Co Galway, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Ms Treacy outside her home in Derryhiney, Portumna, on 27 April 2018. The prosecution alleges that he deliberately reversed over Ms Treacy following a long-running land dispute. Mr Scott's lawyers have stated that her death was a tragic accident.
2023-03-28 · Galway
The jury in the trial of Michael Scott, aged 58, will return to the Central Criminal Court for a fourth day of deliberations. Scott denies murdering his 76‑year‑old aunt, Christina 'Chrissie' Treacy, by driving an agricultural teleporter over her outside her home in Derryhiney, Portumna, on 27 April 2018. The prosecution alleges that Scott deliberately reversed over Ms Treacy following a long‑running land dispute. Scott's lawyers claim the death was a tragic accident. Justice Caroline Biggs told the jury that while there is no doubt that Scott caused the death, a murder verdict requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt that he intended to kill or seriously injure her at the time or the instant before. If intent is doubtful, the jury must acquit of murder and consider manslaughter, requiring proof of gross negligence. If the prosecution fails to meet either standard, the jury must acquit. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.
2023-03-27 · Galway
The jury in the Michael Scott murder trial was told by Justice Caroline Biggs that it is too early to return a majority verdict and that a unanimous verdict is required at this stage. She explained that a majority verdict could be considered later, after a number of days, but the case is not yet at that point. Justice Biggs outlined the legal principles, noting that the accused enjoys the presumption of innocence and the prosecution must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. She stated that there is no doubt Mr Scott caused his aunt's death, but for a murder verdict the jury must be satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that he intended to kill or cause serious injury. If the jury has reasonable doubt about intent, they must acquit of murder and consider manslaughter, which requires proof that Mr Scott was driving in a grossly negligent manner. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.
2023-03-24 · Galway
A jury has begun deliberating on the trial of farmer Michael Scott, who denies murdering his 76‑year‑old aunt Chrissie Treacy by running over her in an agricultural teleporter. The trial, which began in January and was expected to last three months, had an enlarged panel of 15 jurors to accommodate possible absences. Three jurors were discharged and exempted for life, leaving 12 to continue. The jury will return to the Central Criminal Court on Monday to resume deliberations after spending a little over an hour today. Justice Caroline Biggs instructed the jurors that if they find the prosecution has proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr Scott intended to kill or seriously injure his aunt, they must return a murder verdict. If they find a reasonable possibility of accident, they must find him not guilty of murder. If not guilty of murder, they must consider manslaughter by gross negligence.
2023-03-23 · Galway
In the trial of Michael Scott, a farmer accused of murdering his 76‑year‑old aunt, Judge Caroline Biggs has continued her charge for a second day. She has spent about eight hours explaining the evidence and the legal principles the 15‑person jury must apply. The judge clarified that to find Scott guilty of murder, the jury must be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that he intended to kill or seriously injure his aunt when he ran over her. If they are not satisfied, they may return a verdict of manslaughter by gross negligence, or acquit him if an accident is reasonably possible. Scott, 58, has pleaded not guilty. The prosecution alleges he deliberately reversed over his aunt following a long‑running land dispute, while his lawyers claim it was a tragic accident. The judge will resume her charge on Friday, after which three jurors will be discharged, leaving 12 to decide the verdict.
2023-03-22 · Galway
In the trial of Michael Scott, a 58‑year‑old from Gortanumera, Portumna, the jury is instructed that they may return a manslaughter verdict if they find he was grossly negligent in reversing his agricultural teleporter over his 76‑year‑old aunt, Ms Treacy, on 27 April 2018. The judge explained that to convict of murder the jury must be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Scott intended to kill or seriously injure Ms Treacy. If that standard is not met, the jury may consider manslaughter by gross negligence, which does not require proof of intent. The judge also clarified that a single lie by Scott is not automatically evidence of guilt; it must be deliberate and intended to conceal guilt. He further explained that evidence of prior misconduct, such as failing to remove rubbish or turning off her heating, is not proof of a propensity to kill but provides context for the relationship. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.
2023-03-21 · Galway
In the Central Criminal Court, Michael Scott, 58, pleaded not guilty to the murder of his 76‑year‑old aunt Chrissie Treacy on 27 April 2018. Prosecutor Dean Kelly SC argued that Scott deliberately reversed an agricultural teleporter over Treacy, citing evidence of clear threats, a history of cruelty, and a dispute over 140 acres of land. He described the teleporter's impact as geometrically precise, crushing Treacy's body and removing flesh from her left hand. Defence counsel Paul Greene SC contended that the evidence suggested an accidental death, questioning the absence of disturbance at Treacy's home and the lack of evidence that she had entered the yard. He urged the jury to consider the prosecution's failure to prove beyond a reasonable doubt and to assess Scott's intent at the time of the incident. The case remains at the jury's deliberation stage.
2023-03-20 · Galway
During the trial of Michael Scott for the murder of his 76‑year‑old aunt Chrissie Treacy, engineer Dr Mark Jordan testified that he is not a "hired gun" and that his duty is to the court and to the oath. He explained that he provides technical advice using the scientific method and that he would inform a client if his advice conflicted with their instructions. Jordan defended a statement in his report that a jury might find it difficult to persuade that a driver of a teleporter would not know they had driven over a large woman, arguing that it was a reasonable observation. He also described the impact that caused Ms Treacy's death, noting that her injuries suggested she was upright when struck by the rear left wheel of the teleporter, and that the front wheel had already passed her when she fell. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.
2023-03-16 · Galway
During the trial of Michael Scott, a 58‑year‑old engineer from Gortanumera, Portumna, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 76‑year‑old Chrissie Treacy outside her home in Derryhiney, Portumna, on 27 April 2018. Dr Mark Jordan, a mechanical engineer hired by Scott's defence, testified that the claim that Ms Treacy was run over twice by the teleporter was "unsupported" and that all her injuries could have been caused by a single movement. He argued that only one clear imprint was found on her trousers and that the other marks were difficult to interpret. Dr Jordan also disagreed with a Garda report that Ms Treacy should have been visible to Scott as he reversed across his yard, citing blind spots, dirty windows and glare. He maintained that the injuries were consistent with one motion of the vehicle and that no unusual use of the teleporter was required to cause her death.
2023-03-15 · Galway
During the trial of Michael Scott for the 2018 murder of 76‑year‑old Ms Treacy, accident investigator John Hayes presented evidence that Ms Treacy was likely walking away from the teleporter as it approached, attempting to escape impact. Hayes argued that a pedestrian in a light‑blue cardigan would have been clearly visible through the back window, though visibility was reduced by grime. He described two distinct tracks on Ms Treacy's body, suggesting two passes by the teleporter, and reconstructed the scene with a garda standing one metre behind the vehicle. Hayes noted that the teleporter's left rear view mirror was missing and that the driver would have needed to rotate 90° to see behind while reversing, a normal action for an agricultural vehicle. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.
2023-03-14 · Galway
During the Central Criminal Court hearing, Garda investigator Eoin O'Connor admitted he erred in his collision report concerning the fatal incident involving Chrissie Treacy, who was run over by an agricultural teleporter driven by her nephew Michael Scott. O'Connor had stated that an experienced operator would leave the machine in gear after turning it off to prevent rolling, but he acknowledged that another operator's evidence showed this would not stop the teleporter from moving. He explained that his mistake stemmed from his lack of experience with such machinery. The trial, which has heard that Mr Scott, aged 58, pleaded not guilty to murdering Ms Treacy on 27 April 2018, continues before Justice Caroline Biggs and a 15‑person jury. The prosecution maintains that Mr Scott deliberately ran over Ms Treacy amid a long‑running land dispute, while his lawyers argue the death was a tragic accident.
2023-03-10 · Galway
Michael Scott, 58, of Gortanumera, Portumna, Co Galway, pleaded not guilty to murder after his 76‑year‑old aunt, Ms Treacy, died when he allegedly ran her over with a JCB on 27 April 2018. In court, Scott said he did not realise he could call 999 for an ambulance and that he thought his aunt would survive. He denied deliberately rolling over her a second time and claimed the incident was an accident. Scott said he did not help her up because he needed someone with him and that he had called his friend Francis Hardiman for help. He denied any intent to kill and said he did not want his aunt to die. The trial, hearing the prosecution's case that the run‑over was deliberate, continues next week before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury.
2023-03-09 · Galway
Micheal Scott, 58, of Portumna, Co Galway, is on trial for the alleged murder of his aunt, Chrissie Treacy, outside her home in Derryhiney on April 27, 2018. Mr Scott has pleaded not guilty, with his defence arguing the death was a tragic accident, while the prosecution alleges he deliberately ran her over following a long-running land dispute. During testimony, Mr Scott told gardai that his relationship with Ms Treacy was "fine" and that he gave a "deaf ear" to solicitor's letters seeking to partition their jointly owned land because he did not understand how it could be divided. He described Ms Treacy as "decent" and denied serious arguments, stating they only disagreed over minor issues like leaves or dirt. He claimed he did not see Ms Treacy when reversing a JCB teleporter, believing he might have hit a trailer tow bar. Witnesses included Detective Sergeant Paul Duane, who detailed the arrest and interviews, and agricultural consultant Declan McHugh, who testified that Ms Treacy instructed him to lease land and prevent Mr Scott from claiming farm payments for portions of the Derryhiney holding. Expert witness Robin Acheson explained the mechanics of the JCB, noting the handbrake was broken and that sudden direction changes could cause wheel tearout. The trial continues before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury.
2023-03-08 · Galway
During the Central Criminal Court trial, Detective Garda Eoin O'Connor testified that Michael Scott, 58, who denies murdering his 76‑year‑old aunt Chrissie Treacy, would and should have seen her if he had turned his head while reversing an agricultural teleporter. O'Connor explained that Ms Treacy's age and mobility made it unlikely she could have appeared at the point where her body was found, and that she would have been observable moving across the yard. He described the teleporter's sight‑lines, noting a large blind area to the right and rear, and argued that a driver would normally look over the left shoulder when reversing. O'Connor also examined tyre marks, the teleporter's speed in second gear, and the yard's slope, concluding that the vehicle could not have rolled over a hitch 0.48 m above the ground. The evidence will continue tomorrow before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury of eight men and seven women. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.
2023-03-07 · Galway
The trial of Michael Scott, 58, who denies murdering his 76‑year‑old aunt Chrissie Treacy by reversing an agricultural teleporter, heard that a person the same height as Ms Treacy would have been visible from the vehicle's cabin. Garda Eoin O'Connor, a forensic investigator, analysed sight lines for a 1.62‑metre tall person in the cabin and found that such a person would have been visible to the front, left and rear left, with no complete blind spot. He noted that the boom to the right reduced visibility on that side. O'Connor also mapped the yard, described the teleporter's layout, and placed a mannequin to investigate blind spots. He reported that Ms Treacy's height was 1.62 metres (5'4"). The trial continues with further evidence before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.
2023-03-02 · Galway
Michael Scott, 58, denies murdering his 76‑year‑old aunt Chrissie Treacy. He was said to have been "enraged" when a letter from her solicitor suggested a land division at their jointly owned farm in Derryhiney, Portumna. Witness Joseph Carty testified that Scott reacted angrily, saying "this will end badly." Scott later told Gardaí he was "in fair debt," having spent about €120,000 on sheds, a silo and fencing. State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan testified that Treacy died almost instantaneously, within seconds, of being run over by an agricultural teleporter, with no evidence of assault before the crush injuries. The trial heard that the farm was held as tenants in common, with each party owning 50 % of every blade of grass. The case continues before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.
2023-03-01 · Galway
Michael Scott, aged 58, denies murdering his aunt Chrissie Treacy after a land dispute. He had been renting 40 acres at Kiltormer from Treacy and jointly owned 140 acres at Derryhiney. In early 2017, agricultural consultant Declan McHugh was hired by Treacy to lease the Kiltormer land. Two weeks before Treacy's death in April 2018, McHugh instructed Scott not to request farm payments for three portions of the Derryhiney land, which Treacy intended to claim. McHugh warned that losing 110 acres would reduce Scott's herd by 110 cows and cut EU single farm payments, causing significant financial hardship. The prosecution alleges Scott deliberately ran over Treacy in a tractor; his lawyers claim it was a tragic accident. The case is heard before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs with a jury of 15. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.
2023-02-28 · Galway
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, solicitor Brendan Hyland testified that he had represented Chrissie Treacy and her brothers for decades, and in 2017 he wrote to Michael Scott urging him to stop threatening and intimidating Treacy over a 42‑acre farm she rented to Scott. Hyland described how Scott had interfered with the letting of the land, damaged fencing, and threatened Treacy's home help, and warned that legal action would follow if he did not cease. He also detailed a dispute in which Scott's solicitor claimed an agreement that Treacy's land would pass to Scott upon her death, which Hyland denied. Treacy's death in 2018, allegedly by Scott's alleged deliberate running over her, is the subject of the trial, with Scott pleading not guilty. The court heard Hyland's evidence on the land dispute and the threats he had documented. The hearing will continue before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury.
2023-02-24 · Galway
Michael Scott, 58, of Gortanumera, Portumna, pleaded not guilty to the murder of his aunt, Ms. Treacy, outside her home on 27 April 2018. The trial heard that Scott had perfect vision in his left eye but a severely weakened right eye, which his brain had largely ignored, a fact established by optometrist Trina Staunton. Staunton explained that a single good eye can suffice for a driving licence and that the brain's neglect of the weaker eye limits peripheral vision when reversing. Scott allegedly deliberately ran over Ms. Treacy while reversing an agricultural tractor, an act the prosecution claims stemmed from a long‑running land dispute. Witnesses described prior damage to electric fences, a strained rental relationship, and a history of conflict over land ownership between Scott and Ms. Treacy. The case is before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs with a jury of fifteen.
2023-02-23 · Galway
Michael Scott, 58, of Gortanumera, Portumna, pleaded not guilty to the murder of his 76‑year‑old aunt Chrissie Treacy, who was run over by his vehicle outside her home in Derryhiney on 27 April 2018. The Central Criminal Court heard that a witness, Robin Deasy, described Scott as having an "almost childlike" obsession with land and cattle, and that he was motivated only by land. Deasy recalled that Scott had told him he could not "handle that woman at all" and that he had been upset about the land dispute. The prosecution alleged that Scott deliberately ran over his aunt following a long‑running dispute over land. Scott's lawyers said the death was a tragic accident. The trial is before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs with a jury of seven men and eight women. The case remains at the trial stage.
2023-02-21 · Galway
In the Central Criminal Court, a care worker testified that the dispute over land between Chrissie Treacy and her nephew Michael Scott became more apparent in the ten weeks before Treacy's death. The care worker, who had looked after Treacy from 2016 until her death in April 2018, described Treacy's physical frailty and occasional low mood, noting that she was "subdued" and "down on herself" during that period. She also reported that Treacy's concerns about her welfare were raised with her coordinator. The court heard that Treacy and her brothers farmed about 140 acres at Derryhiney, that after their deaths Michael Scott owned half the land and Treacy owned the other half, and that she had leased both her Derryhiney and Kiltormer farms to him. The trial continues with the case that Michael Scott, aged 58, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his 76‑year‑old aunt on 27 April 2018.
2023-02-17 · Galway
In the trial of Michael Scott for the murder of Chrissie Treacy, care workers and witnesses described a tense environment at Treacy's home in Portumna. Susan Keane, a care worker, reported that she had raised concerns about Treacy's welfare due to disputes over land with Scott, and that she had left her duties because the setting was "draining." She also noted that Treacy's beloved dog, Bradley, vanished after the house doors were locked, an event that caused Treacy great distress. Other witnesses, including Caitriona Starr, described ongoing arguments between Scott and Treacy, restrictions on access to the farm's shed, and Treacy's fear of going outside. The prosecution alleges that Scott deliberately ran over Treacy, while the defence maintains it was a tragic accident. The case is being heard by Ms Justice Caroline Biggs with a jury. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.
2023-02-16 · Galway
During the murder trial of Michael Scott, the first Garda to arrive at the scene described how the flesh of his 76‑year‑old aunt, Ms Treacy, was completely ripped from her left forearm and strewn in the yard in front of her home. Sergeant Gerard Cleary noted that the marks on the ground suggested a wheel from the agricultural teleporter had spun, and that the flesh was found on the back left wheel of the machine. Scott, aged 58, was seen by the Garda on his hunkers and appeared to show little emotion. He claimed he did not know how to call emergency services and said he had not known the number 999. The prosecution alleges that Scott deliberately ran over Ms Treacy following a long‑running land dispute, while the defence maintains it was a tragic accident. The trial is proceeding before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs with a jury of seven men and eight women. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.
2023-02-15 · Galway
During the Central Criminal Court hearing, witness Ms Regina Donohue testified that she had urged 76‑year‑old Chrissie Treacy to move into a retirement home in Portumna for her safety, a suggestion she said Treacy declined. Donohue described a series of deteriorating conditions on Treacy's farm, including damaged fencing, a switched‑off oil heater, and the disappearance of her dog Bradley. She also recounted an incident where Michael Scott, Treacy's nephew, entered her home and demanded her whereabouts after she had left to celebrate her birthday. Donohue further alleged that a letter from an agricultural consultant had informed Scott that Treacy was applying for a single farm payment on land she owned but had previously leased to him, a development that upset him. The prosecution maintains that Scott deliberately ran over Treacy with a teleporter on 27 April 2018, an act he denies, claiming the death was a tragic accident. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.
2023-02-14 · Galway
Michael Scott, aged 58, denies murdering his aunt Chrissie Treacy. In a Central Criminal Court hearing, he was reported to have held a gun while discussing "troubles with Chrissie" and saying, "I hope there's none of them people does cross me," allegedly referring to Regina Donohue's family. The prosecution alleges that Scott deliberately ran over Treacy after a long‑running land dispute. Scott's relationship with Donohue had been good but deteriorated over land and lease issues. Donohue, who had worked with the Treacy family, testified that Treacy's financial situation was poor and that she had been under stress, including the disappearance of her dog. The trial continues before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs with a jury of fifteen. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.
2023-01-25 · Galway
The murder trial of farmer Michael Scott, accused of killing his aunt Christina Treacy in 2018, was adjourned for two weeks after his senior defence counsel, Mícheál P O'Higgins SC, was nominated to the High Court. Justice Caroline Biggs informed the jury that Scott had lost his lead counsel and would need time to appoint a replacement and review the case files. The jury agreed to remain available until May 31 and to return after the Easter break if the trial extends beyond the expected timeframe. The trial, which began last week, was expected to last more than two months and involved a 15‑person jury of seven men and eight women. It will resume on February 7, with the jury required to attend again on February 9. Michael Scott, aged 58, has pleaded not guilty.
2023-01-19 · Galway
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, farmer Michael Scott, aged 58, is accused of murdering his 76‑year‑old aunt Christine Treacy after a long‑running land dispute. The prosecution alleges that Scott deliberately ran over Treacy with his agricultural teleporter outside her home in Derryhiney, Portumna, on 27 April 2018. Witness Francis Hardiman, a neighbour and cousin of Treacy, testified that after the incident Scott was hysterical, crying and shouting "I can't deal with this" and that he later grabbed a double‑barrel shotgun from his jeep. Hardiman described Scott's emotional state and the scene where Treacy's body was found lying face‑down on concrete near the teleporter, with tyre marks on her trousers. The defence maintains that Treacy's death was a tragic accident, while the prosecution seeks a murder conviction based on intent. The trial continues before Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury of fifteen. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.
2023-01-19 · Galway
In the trial of 58‑year‑old Michael Scott, accused of murdering his 76‑year‑old aunt Christine 'Chrissie' Treacy over a land dispute, the jury was shown photographs of the deceased lying on a concrete pavement with tractor tyre marks on her legs. Garda Geraldine Doheny described the images, noting tyre impressions on Ms Treacy's blue slacks and the dirty windows of the tractor driven by the accused. The prosecution maintains that Ms Treacy was deliberately run over, while the defence argues the death was a tragic accident. Det. Sgt. David Conway also presented photographs, including one of the deceased's clothing, and agreed with defence counsel that one image was a "distressing photo" of the lower half of Ms Treacy's body. Justice Caroline Biggs explained to the jury that the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused killed the deceased with intent, while the accused retains the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.
2023-01-18 · Galway
A 58‑year‑old farmer, Michael Scott of Gortanumera, Portumna, has been brought before the Central Criminal Court on a murder charge. He is accused of driving a JCB tractor over his 76‑year‑old aunt, Christine 'Chrissie' Treacy, in a yard outside her home at Derryhiny on the afternoon of 27 April 2018. The prosecution, represented by Dean Kelly SC, argues that the incident was not an accident but a deliberate act carried out in the context of a long‑running land dispute that had eroded the relationship between the parties. Mr Kelly described the case as a "most terrible and dark" crime, noting that Mr Scott had a sense of being wronged and that he "callously and wilfully" drove over his aunt. Mr Scott has pleaded not guilty. The trial, which may last up to ten weeks, is set to continue tomorrow.
2022-04-27 · Galway
Michael Scott, 57, of Gortanumera, Portumna, Co. Galway, faces trial for the murder of 75‑year‑old pensioner Chrissie Treacy, who was found dead in her farmhouse at Boula, Portumna, on 27 April 2018. The Central Criminal Court, presided over by Mr Justice Paul McDermott, set the trial date for 11 January 2023. The proceedings are expected to last between six and eight weeks. This is the third time a trial date has been scheduled for Scott; earlier dates in January 2021 and January 2022 were postponed due to pandemic‑related court restrictions.
2021-09-07 · Dublin
The Central Criminal Court is set to resume with several high-profile matters, including the appeal of Aaron Brady. Brady, 30, was convicted by an 11-to-1 majority jury verdict for the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe in January 2013. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 40 years, plus a concurrent 14-year sentence for robbery. His appeal is expected in 2022. Other upcoming trials include that of Sameer Syed, 37, accused of murdering his wife Seema Banu and their two children in Rathfarnham in October 2021; his trial is scheduled for June 15, 2022. Michael Scott, 55, faces trial on January 11, 2022, for the alleged murder of Chrissie Treacy in Portumna in 2018. Stephen Silver, 44, is charged with the murder of Garda Colm Horkan in Castlerea in June 2020; his trial is also set for June 15, 2022. Additionally, an appeal by Boy B regarding the 2018 murder of Ana Kriegel is expected before the Court of Appeal. Boy B and Boy A were found guilty in 2019; both were 13 at the time, denied the offences, and were remanded to Oberstown Detention Centre.
2021-06-09 · Galway
The Central Criminal Court will hold a trial in 2022 for Michael Scott, a 55‑year‑old from Gortanumera, Portumna, charged with the murder of 75‑year‑old Chrissie Treacy, also of Portumna. Treacy was found dead on 27 April 2018 at her farm in Boula, where she lived alone. The trial, originally scheduled for January 2021, was postponed due to Covid‑19 restrictions that halted jury swearing‑in. Judge Michael White set the trial date for 11 January 2022, with a potential duration of up to eight weeks.
2021-01-11 · Galway
The Central Criminal Court could not proceed with the murder trial of 55‑year‑old Michael Scott, accused of killing 75‑year‑old Chrissie Treacy of Portumna on 27 April 2018. The trial was scheduled for 11 January 2021 but was postponed because the courts were not swearing in new juries amid Covid‑19 restrictions. Judge Michael White announced that jury panels are suspended for three weeks, with a review on 26 January and a new trial date expected on 2 February. Brendan Grehan SC requested a later court term for the case due to its anticipated length.
2017-05-22 · Galway
Promontoria (Arrow) Limited has applied for summary judgment of €30.5 million against Patrick (Paddy) Kennedy of Slieverue, Athenry, Co. Galway, alleging he failed to repay loans originally advanced by AIB for land purchases between August 2006 and August 2009 and later acquired by NAMA. Promontoria, having bought the loans from NAMA in December 2015, demanded repayment and appointed receivers over Kennedy's assets, including properties in Portumna, Athenry and an apartment in Waterford. The application was heard by Mr Justice Brian McGovern, who placed the case on the fast‑track Commercial Court list, with a hearing scheduled for July.