In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, a 22‑year‑old man named Jason Doogue died of blood loss after being shot on 21 August 2015 in the Green Hills area of Athy. State pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy testified that Doogue had four bullet wounds: two that entered his chest and back, damaging his heart, liver, lungs and a subclavian artery; a third that entered his forearm, fracturing bones; and a fourth graze across his buttocks, possibly from the same bullet that entered his arm. Cassidy noted Doogue was healthy before the shooting and that his death resulted from the combined injuries to his vital organs and the artery. The accused, James 'Jimmy' Lammon, 44, of Cardington Way, Athy, pleaded not guilty. The judge instructed the jury to consider the evidence in their absence and to refrain from discussing the case with anyone.
Patrick O'Brien, 76, a former lay worker with the Church of Ireland, is due to be sentenced for the rape and molestation of 14 boys over 30 years. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 48 counts of indecent assault, including anal penetration and three counts of sexual assault between 1977 and 2010 at various locations such as Kildare, Westmeath, a boat in Loughrea, and St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin where he volunteered. The sentencing hearing, held over two days, included victim impact reports from four men, some of whom chose not to have their statements read. The court heard that O'Brien abused the boys in cars, at his yacht, and in his office, often after visiting their parents. He also performed oral sex and forced victims to perform it on him. The hearing will continue tomorrow before Judge Melanie Greally.
During the Central Criminal Court trial of James 'Jimmy' Lammon, who pleaded not guilty to the murder of Jason Doogue, Garda Mairead Lacey testified that she was part of a search team that located a handgun with a silencer and a magazine in a wooded area near Mr. Lammon's home. She described following a foot‑worn trail from a gap in the hedge at the back of the garden, through a field and into Shaw's Wood, where she found a small circular hole containing a navy bag with a handgun, a magazine holding three bullets, and a silver silencer. Lacey noted the distance from the house to the discovery site was about 750 metres. She also reported finding plastic pipes with pills, a pipe with rifles, and two leaves she believed were stained with blood during subsequent searches.
The trial of seven Dubliners charged with the murder of Dale Creighton and violent disorder is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. Creighton, a 20-year-old Tallaght native, died in hospital on January 2, 2014, after being assaulted on New Year's Morning 2014 at the footbridge over the Tallaght bypass. The accused are Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, James Reid, Jason Beresford, and Gerard Stevens. All pleaded not guilty to murder. While all initially pleaded not guilty to violent disorder, Jason Beresford later changed his plea to guilty for that specific charge. During cross-examination, Beresford admitted to kicking Creighton in the head and punching him in the stomach, stating he was "stupidly drunk and furious." He denied stamping on the victim. The court also heard that James O'Brien, who was seen on CCTV punching and kicking Creighton, was charged with the lesser offence of assault causing harm. O'Brien pleaded not guilty to this charge. The jury was dismissed to allow the court to address a legal issue, with proceedings scheduled to resume on Wednesday.
During a murder trial, a witness, Eva Maher, testified that she heard the accused, James Lammon, threaten another man less than two hours after the shooting that killed Jason Doogue. Maher, who was at a house in Castle Park, Athy, said she heard Lammon shout "tell Jamie he's next" at about 6.30pm. Another witness, Stacey Flynn, confirmed that Lammon's green van had pulled into the estate and that he was shouting about Jamie Quinn. A third witness, a minor, also heard Lammon say "Tell Jamie Quinn I'm coming for him next." Garda Paul O'Shea reported that after seeing two men near Lammon's home, he waited for an armed unit and later arrested Lammon at 7.34pm on suspicion of Doogue's murder. No firearms were found on Lammon or in his van. The trial continues before Justice Paul Butler and a jury at the Central Criminal Court. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.
During a murder trial, a witness reported hearing the accused, James 'Jimmy' Lammon, threaten Jason Doogue hours before Doogue's death. Lammon, 44, pleaded not guilty to the murder of the 22‑year‑old in Athy's Green Hills on 21 August 2015. Witness Calvin Cullen, then 17, described an argument at Emily Square where Lammon, in a green van, shouted threats such as "You're getting whacked tonight." Doogue responded, "I'll get you before you get me." After the confrontation, a cyclist in a black hoodie with a balaclava approached the group, pulled a handgun with a silver silencer, and shot Doogue twice, killing him. The trial is ongoing before a jury and Justice Paul Butler at the Central Criminal Court.
The trial of seven accused individuals for the murder of Dale Creighton and violent disorder is ongoing before the Central Criminal Court. The defendants, Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, James Reid, Jason Beresford, and Gerard Stevens, all pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. While all initially pleaded not guilty to violent disorder, Jason Beresford changed his plea to guilty on Wednesday. The court heard evidence that the deceased, who died on January 2, 2014, sustained a penetrating stab wound to his right leg in addition to being beaten. James Reid identified himself in CCTV footage holding a knife, claiming he took it from the deceased after it was swung at him, while denying any involvement in the assault. He described the footage as "horrific" and stated he regretted being present. Garda testimony confirmed Reid was arrested and interviewed, where he denied kicking, punching, or stabbing the victim. The trial continues under the direction of Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy.
During a murder trial, a jury was shown photographs taken by Detective Garda Caroline Hughes of a semi‑automatic pistol with a silencer, a striped bag, and an ammunition magazine with three rounds removed. The images were taken at Shaw's Wood in Athy, Co Kildare, where a 22‑year‑old man was shot dead. The photographs were part of the evidence presented against James 'Jimmy' Lammon, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Jason Doogue. The judge informed the jury of pending legal matters and sent them home, with a return scheduled for the next day.
The trial of seven Dubliners charged with the murder of 20‑year‑old Dale Creighton began on 13 October 2016. The defendants – Aisling Burke (23), David Burke (28), Graham Palmer (26), Ross Callery (23), James Reid (26), Jason Beresford (23) and Gerard Stevens (27) – all pleaded not guilty to murder and violent disorder, though Beresford later pleaded guilty to the disorder charge. Evidence from Garda Jennifer Walsh and Garda Avril Sharpe described a New Year's Day incident at the Tallaght footbridge where Creighton was found unconscious and badly beaten. The garda saw blood on the clothing of Palmer and Burke, and the footage showed the group leaving the bridge. The trial, before Justice Deirdre Murphy and a balanced jury, will continue on Friday morning. The court heard that Palmer was arrested at the scene and Reid was arrested the next day in Tallaght. The case remains at the Central Criminal Court.
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, the prosecution presented evidence that James 'Jimmy' Lammon (44) of Cardington Way, Athy, was the gunman who killed 22‑year‑old Jason Doogue in Greenhills on 21 August 2015. According to the prosecution barrister Kerida Naidoo SC, Doogue was sitting on a wall with friends outside a house at about 5 pm when a hooded individual on a bicycle approached. The attacker, wearing a balaclava and hood, drew a gun from his waistband, possibly with a silencer, and fired twice at Doogue's chest. Doogue attempted to flee toward the house, but the attacker shot him a third time in the back before leaving on the same bicycle. Lammon has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. The trial will continue the following day before the jury and Mr Justice Paul Butler.
The trial of seven Dubliners accused of murdering 20-year-old Dale Creighton is ongoing before the Central Criminal Court. Creighton died on January 2, 2014, following an incident at the footbridge over the Tallaght bypass on New Year's Day. While all seven defendants initially pleaded not guilty to murder and violent disorder, Jason Beresford (23) pleaded guilty to violent disorder on January 1, 2014, during the trial. The remaining six accused—Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, James Reid, and Gerard Stevens—maintain their not guilty pleas to both murder and violent disorder. The matter was not adjourned; the trial proceeded as normal. Witness Carl O'Leary testified that he saw Creighton holding a knife on the footbridge after hearing a commotion about a phone robbery. His girlfriend, Shannon Downes, identified a white jacket belonging to a woman who claimed she was assaulted and robbed. Another witness, Sophie Percy, described seeing men at the bottom of the bridge, with footage showing one passenger punching a man not before the court. The trial continues with the jury hearing further evidence.
The trial of seven Dubliners charged with the murder of 20-year-old Dale Creighton is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. All defendants, including Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, James Reid, Jason Beresford, and Gerard Stevens, have pleaded not guilty to murder and violent disorder. Prosecution counsel Seán Gillane SC alleged the group acted together to inflict serious injury or death during a 'vicious, prolonged' attack on New Year's Day 2014. Evidence presented includes CCTV footage and testimony from witness Síle McCarthy, who described seeing six or seven individuals surround, kick, and punch Creighton on the footbridge over the Tallaght bypass. The prosecution stated Creighton was thrown 'like a rag doll' down steps before being returned to the bridge, suffering blunt force injuries to the head and face that caused his death on January 2, 2014. The matter is currently at the trial stage before Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy and a jury; it has not been finalised and is expected to last approximately six weeks.
The trial of seven accused individuals for the murder of Dale Creighton is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy addressed the jury, warning them against conducting internet searches or discussing the case, emphasizing that their verdicts must rely solely on evidence presented in court. The accused, Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, James Reid, Jason Beresford, and Gerard Stevens, are charged with murdering Mr. Creighton, who died on January 2, 2014, following an incident at the Tallaght bypass footbridge. All seven defendants have pleaded not guilty to the murder charges. Additionally, each accused pleaded not guilty to violent disorder at the same location on New Year's Day. The court highlighted the gravity of the proceedings, noting that murder is the most serious offence in the criminal calendar. The trial is currently at the trial stage, with no findings, sentences, or finalizations recorded. The matter was adjourned and will continue the following morning.
A jury of eight men and four women was sworn in at the Central Criminal Court for the murder trial of James Jimmy Lammon, 44, of Cardington Way, Athy, Kildare. Lammon pleaded not guilty to the killing of 22‑year‑old Jason Doogue in the Greenhills estate on 21 August 2015. The trial is set to start on Wednesday and is expected to last four weeks.
The family of a 64‑year‑old man who was murdered by three men after they broke into his home expressed shock and horror at the brutality of his death. The family statement, read at the Central Criminal Court, said they were "horrified and shocked at the cruel and heartless way he was brutally taken from us" and that they hoped for justice. The three men, Matthew Cummins (22), Sean Davy (22) and James Davy (25), were convicted of murder on 4–5 August. The judge imposed a mandatory life sentence on each, back‑dating the sentences to account for time spent in custody since 24 November 2014. The court heard that the men had previously been convicted of a range of offences, including arson, burglary and assault.
Owen Travers, a former assistant bank manager at AIB, pleaded guilty to 15 counts of theft from seven vulnerable customers, stealing over €127,000 between 2006 and 2012. He admitted the thefts, which ranged from €200 to €25,000, and apologized to those affected. The court noted that all money had been repaid to the bank and that Travers had sought help for gambling addiction and alcoholism. Judge Sinead Ní Chulachain accepted his early admission and psychiatric care, deeming him low risk if he abstains from alcohol and gambling. He received a two‑and‑a‑half‑year suspended sentence, conditional on good behaviour for five years, and was deemed suitable for community service. The sentence reflected the serious breach of trust involved.
The trial of seven Tallaght residents accused of murdering 20‑year‑old Dale Creighton on 2 January 2014 has been adjourned to Monday. All seven, aged in their twenties, pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and to violent disorder at the footbridge over the Tallaght bypass. The accused are Aisling Burke (23), David Burke (28), Graham Palmer (26), Ross Callery (23), James Reid (26), Jason Beresford (23) and Gerard Stevens (27). A jury of six men and six women was sworn in to hear the case, which was scheduled to open that morning but was postponed because no judge was available. The court expects the trial to last up to six weeks. The incident occurred on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day, and the victim and all accused were from Tallaght. The trial will resume on Monday.
The Special Criminal Court in Dublin is currently hearing the trial of Donal Billings, a 65-year-old man from County Longford, who has pleaded not guilty to five charges. The prosecution alleges that Billings unlawfully possessed an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park on May 16, 2011, and made four false bomb reports under the Criminal Law Act of 1976. These alleged false reports included claims of bombs at Busáras, Sinn Féin headquarters, Dublin Castle, and Cork airport, with the latter threat allegedly made by an anonymous caller who stated the device was "for the Queen." Evidence presented includes testimony from a bus driver who identified a man placing an item on a vehicle, and gardaí who responded to the threats without finding devices. The court rejected a defence application to adjourn or defer the trial due to translation concerns, ruling that Billings is adequately supported by legal and linguistic experts. The trial is ongoing, with no findings, sentences, or finalisations recorded at this procedural stage.
In a Tallaght court hearing on 6 October 2016, a woman and six men, all in their twenties and residents of Tallaght, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 20‑year‑old Dale Creighton, who died on 2 January 2014. The alleged killing took place at the footbridge over the Tallaght bypass between Saint Dominic's Road and Greenhills Road, about two days after an incident on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. The accused—Aisling Burke (23), David Burke (28), Graham Palmer (26), Ross Callery (23), James Reid (26), Jason Beresford (23) and Gerard Stevens (27)—were charged with murder and violent disorder on the same occasion. All seven were arraigned before the Central Criminal Court, and the judge, Justice Patrick McCarthy, swore in a jury of six women and six men, noting that no juror should be from the Tallaght area. The trial was scheduled to begin the following day and could last up to six weeks.
A Special Criminal Court trial has heard that gardaí discovered an improvised explosive device on a passenger bus bound for Dublin on the eve of a royal visit in May 2011. Donal Billings, aged 65, of Drumlish, County Longford, is charged with unlawful possession of an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park on May 16th, 2011, and with four offences of making false bomb reports under the Criminal Law Act 1976. The charges allege he made false reports claiming bombs were positioned at Busáras Dublin, Sinn Féin headquarters, Dublin Castle, and Cork airport between May 16th and 20th. Mr Billings has pleaded not guilty to all five charges. Garda evidence established that the device, located in a Tesco bag beneath a Corduff Travel bus at Straffan Road rail station in Maynooth, contained a two-litre bottle of flammable liquid, copper piping filled with explosive material, a mechanical timer, battery, and firework components. An Army Bomb Disposal Unit member disabled the device, confirming it possessed capability to cause serious injury. The trial continues.
A man charged in connection with bomb threats made to Longford garda station during a state visit by Queen Elizabeth II in May 2011 has pleaded not guilty to all charges before the Special Criminal Court in Dublin. Donal Billings, aged 65, of Drumlish, County Longford, faces one charge of unlawful possession of an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park and four charges under the Criminal Law Act of making false reports. The prosecution alleges Mr Billings made threatening calls on three separate dates claiming bombs had been placed at locations including Busáras in Dublin, Sinn Féin headquarters, Dublin Castle, and Cork airport. Evidence is expected to show that a suspect device was recovered from a bus stopped in County Kildare. The court heard that phone records and CCTV footage from a shopping centre in Longford will form part of the prosecution case. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt alongside two other judges, is expected to last four weeks.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 3 October 2016, 19‑year‑old Jordan Maher pleaded guilty to possessing 1.718 kg of ketamine worth €103,132. The court noted that Maher had been granted bail earlier in the year to demonstrate his willingness to reform. A positive probation report, evidence of employment, and a statement that he had addressed the factors that led to his involvement in the offence were presented. The judge, Sarah Berkeley, acknowledged that Maher had turned his life around and that the probation report indicated remorse and a low risk of re‑offending. Consequently, she imposed a four‑year sentence, suspended in full, and ordered 18 months of probation supervision. No previous convictions were recorded for Maher.
In a three‑week trial at Sr Senan Court, Edenderry, the jury found Matthew Cummins (22), Sean Davy (21) and James Davy (25) guilty of murdering 64‑year‑old Thomas 'Toddy' Dooley. The men were convicted of beating Dooley to death with a baseball bat in his home. The trial recounted how the trio met at Mangan's Pub, drank, used cocaine, and later attended a house party at April Murray's home where they caused extensive damage. After the party, they entered Dooley's house, where Cummins claimed Sean Davy struck Dooley with the bat, while Davy accounts varied. The prosecution described the attack as a joint enterprise. The men face mandatory life sentences; sentencing is postponed to 10 October, with reports ordered and all three remanded in custody. Matthew Cummins pleaded not guilty. James Davy pleaded not guilty. Sean Davy pleaded not guilty.
Two men, Sean Davy, 21, and James Davy, 25, were found guilty of murdering 64‑year‑old Thomas 'Toddy' Dooley in his home. The verdict was reached by unanimous jury after a three‑week trial at Sr Senan Court in Edenderry. The jury also considered a third defendant, Matthew Cummins, 22, who pleaded not guilty, and will decide his verdict tomorrow. The judge instructed the jury not to discuss the case with anyone else and to return for Cummins' verdict.
In the Central Criminal Court, defence counsel Caroline Biggs SC argued that the evidence against 22‑year‑old Matthew Cummins of Churchview Heights, Edenderry, shows "morally corrupt" behaviour but does not prove he committed murder. Cummins, who pleaded not guilty to the killing of Thomas 'Toddy' Dooley, was present at the crime scene, had taken drugs, and was involved in earlier vandalism, but there is no evidence he intended to kill or seriously injure Dooley. Biggs contended that Cummins' actions after Dooley's death, such as cleaning the scene and possibly setting the body on fire, cannot constitute murder. She urged the jury to find him not guilty of murder but guilty of impeding the arrest or prosecution of the principal offender. The trial also heard defence arguments for Sean Davy, who was to be found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter, and the case will continue with James Davy's defence on Tuesday.
A 44‑year‑old Nigerian woman was given a wholly suspended four‑year sentence by Judge Patrick McCartan on 22 May 2014 for assault causing harm to her daughter and three counts of neglect and ill treatment of her children aged 2, 4 and 8 in Kildare in August 2012. The Court of Appeal dismissed her appeal on 28 July 2016. Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan noted that Gardaí arrived at the home in August 2012 and found the woman extremely intoxicated, the house in a state of filth, and the children lying in a bed soaked in urine with soiled nappies. Powdered milk four months out of date and no fresh food were also found. The children were unkempt and the four‑year‑old was not speaking. The social worker described the conditions as appalling and one of the most horrific incidents seen in ten years. The children were taken into foster care. The unnamed 44-year-old pleaded guilty.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Patrick Treacy SC argued that Matthew Cummins (22), Sean Davy (21) and James Davy (25) acted together to murder 64‑year‑old Thomas 'Toddy' Dooley. The prosecution said the men entered Dooley's house at about 5.30 am after being expelled from a house party, beat him to death with a baseball bat, attempted to set his body on fire and then disposed of the bat and other items in a bin. Treacy described the evidence as showing a joint enterprise, with each accused equally guilty. He highlighted conflicting statements from the men, including Cummins' claims of lying about his whereabouts and Davy's admissions of striking Dooley. The trial was set to continue the following day before Justice Margaret Heneghan. Matthew Cummins pleaded not guilty. Sean Davy pleaded not guilty. James Davy pleaded not guilty.
Richard Molloy, 45, of Naas, was convicted in 2015 for possessing equipment to produce counterfeit €50 notes and was sentenced to six years' imprisonment. He had sold €20,000 in counterfeit bills to a suspected IRA member and was found to have €2 million worth of counterfeit currency in preparation. On appeal the Court of Appeal found the original judge had not explained the overall rationale for the sentence and had not recorded the mitigating discount. The appeal court re‑sentenced Molloy to five‑and‑a‑half years' imprisonment, with the final 18 months suspended. He was required to enter a good‑behaviour bond for the suspended period. The case involved the discovery of two Heidelberg colour offset printers, various powders, guillotines, digital printers and paper, and a large quantity of completed and partially completed counterfeit notes. The court noted Molloy's financial difficulties, his partner's illness and death, and his alcohol problems as mitigating factors. Richard Molloy pleaded guilty.
The prosecution has finished giving evidence in the case of three men accused of murdering a 64‑year‑old at his home. Matthew Cummins (22) of Churchview Heights, Edenderry, Sean Davy (21) of Clonmullen Drive, Edenderry and James Davy (25) of Thornhill Meadows, Celbridge, all pleaded not guilty to the murder of Thomas "Toddy" Dooley at his home in Sr Senan Court, Edenderry, on 12 February 2014. Prosecuting counsel Patrick Treacy SC told the jury that the evidence had ended and he would begin his summary of the trial tomorrow. The legal representatives for all three accused said they would not call any further witnesses. On the final day of evidence the jury heard from interviews given by James Davy to gardai in February and June 2014. Det Garda Joseph Bradley said that in February Mr Davy told gardai that it was Matthew Cummins' idea to go to Mr Dooley's house that night.
In a 2016 hearing, the Special Criminal Court found Brian Kenna, 54, breached bail conditions by speaking at a Wolfe Tone commemoration in Sallins, County Kildare. Kenna, who had been charged with membership of the Irish Republican Army, was required not to associate with anyone charged or convicted before the court. At the event, he was observed conversing with Edward McGrath, 33, who is also on bail for murder, firearms and IRA membership. Garda Colm Finnerty reported seeing both men together and taking their names. Kenna denied any conversation with McGrath and claimed he was not in danger of breaching bail. The court, impressed by Finnerty's testimony, ruled that Kenna had indeed breached his bail conditions and directed the matter to be reconsidered for further action.
During a Central Criminal Court hearing, a murder accused admitted to the Garda that he struck the deceased once with a baseball bat, but claimed the blow did not kill him. The accused, Matthew Cummins (22), Sean Davy (21) and James Davy (25), all pleaded not guilty to the murder of 64‑year‑old Thomas "Toddy" Dooley, who was found dead at his home in Sr Senan Court, Edenderry, on 12 February 2014. The trial is ongoing before a jury and Justice Margaret Heneghan.
The trial of Sean Davy, James Davy, and Matthew Cummins for the alleged murder of 64-year-old Thomas "Toddy" Dooley continues before Justice Margaret Heneghan. All three accused have pleaded not guilty to killing Mr. Dooley at his home in Edenderry, Co Offaly, on February 12, 2014. The jury heard that during an interview, Matthew Cummins stated that Sean Davy claimed the deceased had raped his cousin. Evidence presented included a text message allegedly received by James Davy from Chloe McBride, identified as the deceased's granddaughter, which read: "Toddy a rapist. I never going there again." Prosecutors suggested this indicated a pre-planned motive. However, Detective Garda Joe Hughes agreed with defense counsel that Mr. Dooley had never come to the attention of gardai and that there were no concerning rumors regarding him. Cummins testified that he believed the group was entering the house to drink and was unaware of any plan to attack. He stated he was too afraid to call an ambulance or alert police immediately after the incident. The court noted that the matter was adjourned and the trial continues.
During the murder trial of three men accused of killing 64‑year‑old Thomas "Toddy" Dooley, Matthew Cummins, aged 22, testified that he and co‑accused Sean Davy and James Davy had been drinking and using cocaine at a house party on 11 February 2014. Cummins said James Davy had a baseball bat and that after the party they decided to break into Dooley's house through a window. Cummins entered first, then let the others in. While inside, Cummins claimed he and the others drank with Dooley, who refused vodka but drank Budweiser. Cummins alleged that Sean Davy struck Dooley on the back of the head with the bat, then again on the chest, and that James Davy attempted to stab Dooley with a knife that broke. Cummins said he shouted at Davy and that the trio left the house with a plastic bag, the bat and prescription sleeping pills. Matthew Cummins pleaded not guilty. Sean Davy pleaded not guilty. James Davy pleaded not guilty.
The trial of Sean Davy, Matthew Cummins, and James Davy, all accused of the murder of Thomas Dooley, continued before Justice Margaret Heneghan. All three defendants have pleaded not guilty to the alleged killing of the 64-year-old man at his home in Edenderry on February 12, 2014. The court heard testimony from Chloe McBride, the deceased's granddaughter, who exchanged text messages with James Davy on the night of the alleged incident. She stated that Davy told her he was drinking and heading to a "session" with Sean Davy. Later, they discussed meeting at her grandfather's house, but Davy claimed he was busy with "stuff" and heading to Sean Davy's father's house. Four days later, upon learning of her grandfather's death, Davy expressed shock and hoped the perpetrators would be caught. He later inquired about arrests and whether a sock was found in Mr. Dooley's mouth. Prosecution also presented CCTV footage from the early hours of February 12, showing three men, one carrying a white bag, near Sweeney's Topaz and subsequently at Granary Court, where they lingered near bins. Garda Joseph Bradley identified one man as Matthew Cummins entering Granary Court. Other footage traced James Davy and Sean Davy walking together until 7am. The matter was adjourned, with the trial set to continue the following day.
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy testified that Thomas Dooley, aged 64, died from blunt‑force trauma after being struck eight times on the head, with fractures to his skull and internal brain injuries. She noted additional blows to his body that fractured three ribs, contributing to his death. Cassidy examined Dooley's body on 17 February, five days after the alleged murder on 12 February, and observed scorch marks indicating an attempted fire. She identified a baseball bat, which the prosecution claims was the murder weapon, as consistent with the injuries. Under cross‑examination, Cassidy suggested the head injuries were likely inflicted by a single implement, though she could not confirm whether one or more assailants were involved. The defendants—Matthew Cummins (22), Sean Davy (21) and James Davy (25)—remain not guilty pleas. The trial continues before Justice Margaret Heneghan.
Richard Molloy, 45, of Naas, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of equipment for producing counterfeit €20,000 in bills sold to an alleged IRA member, and was found to have prepared an additional €2 million. He was sentenced to six years' imprisonment by Judge Patricia Ryan on 6 November 2015. Molloy's counsel, Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha SC, has appealed, seeking a reduced sentence and a suspended portion, arguing that the judge did not consider Molloy's rehabilitation prospects, his alcohol‑related mental state, and his role as a caring father to a 12‑year‑old child. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Vincent Heneghan BL, noted that the counterfeit money was exchanged with "members of the IRA" and that a follow‑up search uncovered €189,000 in complete notes and an additional €2 million in preparation. Judge Garrett Sheehan, sitting with Justices Alan Mahon and John Edwards, said the Court of Appeal would decide next Thursday.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court case, Sergejs Sluncevs, 37, was sentenced to two years' imprisonment for dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm after he crashed into a taxi on Dublin Road, Celbridge, on 21 December 2012. The incident occurred when Sluncevs, who had been heavily drinking after a Christmas party, drove his Audi A4 across the road and collided head‑on with the taxi. The taxi driver was pulled from the vehicle within thirty seconds before the car caught fire. The court noted the victim's severe injuries and psychological effects, and, considering Sluncevs' guilty plea, cooperation, remorse and previous good record, imposed the custodial term and a five‑year driving disqualification. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the offence and the circumstances surrounding the crash.
During a murder trial, the prosecution presented CCTV footage that showed three men acting suspiciously near a clothes bank at Granary Court apartments in Edenderry on the morning after the alleged murder of Thomas Dooley. The footage, captured at about 6:30 am on February 21 , 2014, was reviewed by Sergeant Carlo Griffin and Garda Alan Melia, who testified that the men were seen around the bin area. The men, Matthew Cummins (22), Sean Davy (21) and James Davy (25), are charged with murdering Dooley, who was found dead in his home on February 16 , 2014. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan, continues with a jury of eight men and four women. The defendants have pleaded not guilty. The prosecution maintains that Dooley died from instrumental trauma to the head and chest. The case remains in the early stages of the trial.
In the trial at Sister Senan Court, three men in their twenties—Matthew Cummins (22), Sean Davy (21), and James Davy (25)—have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Thomas 'Toddy' Dooly, a 64‑year‑old who was found dead in his Edenderry home on 16 February 2014. The prosecution alleges Dooly died from instrumental trauma to the head and chest and that the accused were present in his house on the day of the death, acting as a joint enterprise. A baseball bat, believed to have been used in the alleged murder, was recovered from a clothes bank in Edenderry on 21 February and later presented to the jury. Garda Trevor Shore described the bat as having marks and indentations; forensic scientist John Hoade examined it, noting missing wood pieces and dents that contained DNA matching Dooly, and reported blood staining indicating repeated swings of the weapon. The case remains at the jury stage.
During a murder trial in the Central Criminal Court, a Garda witness testified that a fire may have been set at the armchair where 64‑year‑old Thomas 'Toddy' Dooley was found dead in his Edenderry home on 16 February 2014. The body, covered with a cushion, was in a sitting position in the armchair, which was burned in three places. Seven footwear marks were found on the floor, and no implement was recovered. The fire caused burns to Dooley's head, upper body, and both legs of his nylon tracksuit. The prosecution also presented witnesses who described the presence of a baseball bat in the scene, but no weapon was found. The case involves three men—Matthew Cummins (22), Sean Davy (21), and James Davy (25)—who are charged with murder and have pleaded not guilty. The trial is set to continue tomorrow before Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan.
During a murder trial, witness Ms. April Murray testified that on 11 February 2014 she and her daughter were at Mangan's pub in Edenderry, where they met James Davy, Sean Davy and Jade Mooney. After the pub, they returned to Murray's house, where the men drank beer and used cocaine from a key. Murray described a chaotic scene the next morning, with damage to the living room and kitchen, and noted a light‑brown wooden baseball bat on the kitchen table. She claimed the bat had been used and was later left in a taxi. Courtleigh Maloney, an 18‑year‑old, confirmed that James Davy had brought the bat to the pub and left it in the taxi. Jade Mooney also stated that Davy had shown her the bat and said it was to "protect himself." The accused men, Matthew Cummins, Sean Davy and James Davy, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Thomas Dooley.
During a murder trial in the Central Criminal Court, a Meals on Wheels volunteer, Ms Patricia Maguire, testified that a 64‑year‑old Offaly man, Thomas 'Toddy' Dooley, appeared to be in "OK" form the day before his death. Ms Maguire, who has volunteered for 18 years, delivered a meal to Dooley's home at Sister Senan Court on Tuesday, February 11, 2014. She described a brief conversation with Dooley, who seemed fine and paid her €2 or €2.50 for the meal. Dooley was later found dead in his living room on February 16, 2014, with injuries to his upper body and head. The trial involves three men—Matthew Cummins (22), Sean Davy (21) and James Davy (25)—who were charged with murdering Dooley on February 12, 2014, and who pleaded not guilty. The case continues.
In the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Catherine Murphy sentenced 20‑year‑old Buti Sashi to nine months' imprisonment for robbing a taxi driver on 23 August 2014. Sashi, a former Blackrock College rugby player, beat the driver, stole his iPhone, SatNav and €220, and left his passport, mobile phone and a necklace in the taxi before reporting the passport lost at a Garda station. He pleaded guilty to the robbery, failed to attend probation and restorative justice conferences, and tested positive for cocaine and speed. Sashi had not completed a Rathmines College course or an anger‑awareness course, and his employer reference was deemed unsatisfactory. He apologized to the court, calling himself an "idiot" for taking drugs, and Judge Murphy urged him to use his custodial time constructively. The sentence reflects the court's view that Sashi had been given many opportunities to improve his situation.
In a murder trial in the Central Criminal Court, the jury heard that Thomas 'Toddy' Dooley, a 64‑year‑old Offaly resident, was found dead in his living room on 16 February 2014, four days after he was allegedly beaten to death with a baseball bat. The prosecution presented evidence that three men – Matthew Cummins (22), Sean Davy (21) and James Davy (25) – were present at a party in April Murray's house on the early hours of 12 February 2014, then travelled to Dooley's home. The men were said to have used a wooden baseball bat to inflict blunt‑trauma injuries to Dooley's head and chest, leading to his death. The prosecution also alleged attempts to set fire to Dooley's armchair and clothing, and that the men removed items from the scene, some of which were later recovered by the gardai. The accused pleaded not guilty. The trial was scheduled to continue the following day.
A jury was sworn in for the trial of three men accused of murdering a 64‑year‑old man in Offaly. Sean Davy, 21, of Edenderry; James Davy, 25, of Celbridge; and Matthew Cummins, 22, of Edenderry, were charged with the murder of Thomas Dooley at Sister Senan Court on 12 February 2014. The men pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court. Justice Patrick McCarthy told the jury that the trial was expected to last three weeks, though it could extend beyond that. The trial began in evidence before Justice Margaret Heneghan.
In a case heard by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Sergejs Sluncevs, aged 37, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm after his Audi A4 collided head‑on with a taxi on Dublin Road, Celbridge, on 21 December 2012. Sluncevs had been heavily intoxicated after a Christmas party and, after leaving his keys in his car, decided to drive home. Witnesses described the taxi driver seeing the car approach with full beams, the vehicle swerving onto the taxi's side and crashing. The taxi driver's leg was trapped inside the car; he was rescued by bystanders and later treated for injuries to his leg, arms, ribs and chest. Within thirty seconds of the taxi being pulled from the vehicle, the car caught fire. Sluncevs' defence argued the incident was a "life‑changing mistake" and that he was remorseful, requesting the court consider alternatives to custodial sentencing.
Haulier John Needham, 31, was sentenced to eight years in prison at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to possession of cannabis and supplying a prescription-only medicinal product otherwise than in accordance with marketing authorisation. The offences occurred in July 2015 at a location in Finglas. Gardaí recovered 100 kilograms of cannabis resin valued at €580,000 and 400,000 Zopiclone tablets valued at €800,000 from a truck Needham was unloading. He admitted to being paid €500 to transport the goods, believing they were only tablets. Judge Melanie Greally noted that Needham had previously received a three-year sentence in France for a similar cannabis offence, with the final 18 months suspended. Despite mitigation that he was "easily led" and acting to help his financially troubled father, the Judge stated it was inconceivable he would repeat the offence for such a small reward. She found he had learned little from his prior incarceration and played a crucial role in bringing significant drugs into the country. The eight-year sentence was imposed as the final disposal for these admitted charges.
In a High Court hearing on 1 July 2016, Rotunda Hospital apologised to Sarah Quigley and David Harding for the death of their son David, who was delivered stillborn on 2 September 2010. The apology, read by the hospital's staff and management, acknowledged shortcomings in the management of the late stages of Ms Quigley's pregnancy and expressed sincere regret for the grief and distress caused. The hospital's apology was part of a confidential settlement of the couple's action against the hospital, which had alleged that the hospital failed to recognise placental insufficiency and failed to act, resulting in the infant's death at 40 weeks. The couple, represented by solicitor Daniel Hughes, welcomed the closure of six years of litigation and expressed gratitude for the justice achieved. The hospital denied the claims in its defence. The settlement terms remain confidential.
An interim examiner, Mr Kieran Wallace of KPMG, was appointed by the High Court to oversee four companies that run the Dobbins restaurant in Dublin and the Becketts Hotel & Restaurant in Leixlip. The group, employing about 60 people, sought court protection because of cash‑flow problems caused by lost business contracts and historic bank debts. The companies, which acquired their assets during the Celtic Tiger boom, now carry a high level of debt. Mr Wallace was appointed after an Independent Expert's Report indicated the companies had a reasonable prospect of survival if a scheme of arrangement with creditors were approved. The scheme would involve restructuring bank debt, paying a dividend to creditors, securing new investment and leasing the premises on the open market. The case is set to return to the court in July. The main creditors are the Revenue Commissioners and KBC Bank.
Emmet McAuley, 31, pleaded guilty to robbery at a Celbridge off‑licence on 30 May 2015. He was armed with a plastic McDonald's knife, which he claimed to hold, and was pursued on foot by the shop owner. The robbery lasted about 60 seconds, involved no violence, and the robbers escaped with cash and cigarettes, which were later recovered. McAuley was restrained without resistance and later arrested. He has 22 prior convictions. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a three‑year sentence, suspended in full on strict conditions, including a €1,000 payment to the injured party. The court noted McAuley's cooperation with Gardaí and his completion of a residential drug treatment programme. No further convictions or outcomes were mentioned in the article.