Lawyers for the State have requested an additional two weeks to file a response to Brian Meehan's appeal, which seeks to have his 1999 conviction for the murder of journalist Veronica Guerin declared a miscarriage of justice. Meehan, aged 47 and serving a life sentence in Portlaoise prison, is arguing that new evidence from the 2001 Special Criminal Court trial of John Gilligan undermines his conviction. The evidence relates to material that emerged during Gilligan's trial, in which Gilligan was acquitted of Guerin's murder but convicted of cannabis importation. During case‑management proceedings in the Court of Appeal, the Director of Public Prosecutions' counsel, Paul Anthony McDermott, explained that the State needed time to prepare a full set of submissions, citing the volume of material and the need to clarify the meaning of new evidence.
Carmel O'Reilly, a 28-year-old from Belturbet, County Cavan, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possessing almost two kilograms of herbal cannabis for sale or supply on the Naas Road on December 13, 2013. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced her to a five-year suspended sentence, noting she played "a very small part, at the lowest level" in the operation. The judge described O'Reilly as vulnerable and stated she had "perfect mitigation," citing her guilty plea, cooperation with gardaí, lack of prior record, and strong references. He took the "unusual step" of avoiding imprisonment, viewing the incident as a one-off offence. O'Reilly was the front-seat passenger in a vehicle driven by co-accused Dominick Brady, her former partner and the father of her daughter. Brady, who allegedly held the senior role, disappeared three days before his scheduled court appearance in December, and his whereabouts remain unknown. Prosecution evidence indicated Brady brought O'Reilly along for convenience and cover. Defense counsel highlighted O'Reilly's vulnerability, depression, and history of manipulation by Brady. The court accepted that O'Reilly was led by Brady and acted under his influence, resulting in the suspended disposal rather than immediate custody.
Eoin Daly, aged 29, was sentenced to five and a half years in prison for a series of burglaries committed between July and September 2013 across Dublin suburbs and Leixlip. He pleaded guilty to five counts of burglary, one of trespass and attempted theft. The judge noted that Daly had been granted bail repeatedly after each arrest, questioning why he was not remanded earlier. Daly's lawyer described him as a "one‑man crime wave" linked to chronic heroin addiction. The judge suspended the final 18 months of the sentence on the condition that Daly cooperate with the Probation Service upon release. Daly had 30 prior convictions, including burglary, robbery, firearm possession and threats of killing. The sentence reflects the judge's concern that, if he does not change, he will spend his thirties in court and prison.
Stephen Lyons, 23, of Newbridge, appealed a four‑year sentence for assaulting a Filipino national on 31 October 2010. The original judge, Michael O'Shea, had rejected evidence that Lyons acted in excessive self‑defence. The Court of Appeal, led by Justice George Birmingham, found the sentence unduly severe and imposed a new term of two‑and‑a‑half years' imprisonment, with the final 15 months suspended. Lyons had claimed that the victim, after a confrontation, thrust a knife at him and that he fled, only to be pursued and punched, resulting in a scrotal stab. Witnesses testified to kicks to the victim's head. Lyons had no prior convictions, a positive probation report, and had been denied a career in the army because of the conviction. The appeal was granted on the basis that the sentencing judge had not been properly notified of the self‑defence evidence. Stephen Lyons pleaded not guilty.
Three burglars—James Cash (28), Thomas Wall (23), and William Wall (32)—were convicted at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on four burglary counts committed in Cork City on 1–2 December 2012. They had been acquitted of three other burglary counts and of possessing burglary implements. Cash received a seven‑year sentence with one year suspended; the Walls each received seven years with two years suspended. On appeal, all three had their sentences reduced. Cash was sentenced to four years with 21 months suspended, giving an effective custodial term of 3 years 9 months. The Walls each received four years with two years suspended, giving an effective custodial term of 2 years 10 months. The appeal court noted Cash's extensive prior record and the Walls' lack of significant convictions, and adjusted the starting points accordingly. The new sentences were imposed by Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin on 4 February 2014.
Lee McDonnell, 23, of Ballyfermot, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit robbery at Sarsfield Service Station on 21 January 2012, and to robbery of cigarettes, a sunglass case and a shop assistant. He was originally sentenced to six years imprisonment, three of which were suspended. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed, arguing the sentence was too lenient. The Court of Appeal set a new effective sentence of six years imprisonment with the final year suspended, and a concurrent four‑year sentence for the robbery charge. The new sentences run concurrently with a five‑year sentence for a burglary committed in 2011, and McDonnell is already serving a nine‑year sentence with two years suspended for aggravated burglary. The appeal was heard by a three‑judge panel, and the court noted McDonnell's 111 prior convictions at the time of sentencing.
In a Dublin flat raid, 28‑year‑old David Doherty was found with 6 g of heroin and was charged with possession for sale. He pleaded guilty and received a suspended sentence of two and a half years, conditional on keeping the peace and attending the Tuam Community Training Centre. Doherty, who had 49 prior convictions mainly for traffic offences, was described by the judge as having made significant progress in dealing with his heroin addiction. His co‑accused, 36‑year‑old Stephen Lunders, pleaded guilty to the same charge and was given a three‑year jail term, with the last 18 months suspended. Lunders had 28 prior convictions, including drug offences, and was found with 2 oz of heroin and €1,010 in cash. The raid was triggered by a tip‑off, and the flat contained evidence of drug preparation and street‑dealing.
At a Special Criminal Court sitting on 20 May 2015, Donal O Coisdealbha, aged 23, was charged with membership of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and possession of a time‑and‑power unit (TPU) for an improvised explosive device. He was arrested by the Special Detective Unit on 13 May 2015. The court, after hearing objections to bail from the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Special Detective Unit, and considering the strength of the evidence and the potential for non‑appearance, refused bail under Section 2 of the Bail Act. Judge Paul Butler noted the lengthy delay to trial and the possibility of a future bail application, but ultimately remanded O Coisdealbha in custody until 7 July. On the same day, Séamus McGrane, aged 60, was also charged with directing and membership of the IRA, but no bail application was made; he too was remanded until 7 July, when his case will be heard by video link.
Three men appeared before the Special Criminal Court at trial, facing alleged IRA-related charges arising from an ongoing investigation into dissident republican activities. Séamus McGrane, 60, of Co Louth, was charged with directing the activities of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA and membership of that organisation between December 2009 and May 2015. He made no reply to the charges and was remanded in custody until May 20. Donal O Coisdealbha, 23, of Dublin 15, was charged with IRA membership and possession of a time and power unit, a component of an improvised explosive device, found in a storage locker at NUI Maynooth. He also made no reply and was remanded in custody until May 20, with his solicitor indicating a bail application would be made. Dylan Cahill, 22, of Co Tipperary, was charged with IRA membership, possession of a .380 calibre Colt semi-automatic pistol, four rounds of ammunition, and two pipe bombs in Co Leitrim. He made no reply to the charges. A proposed bail application for the following Tuesday was opposed by the DPP due to Garda operational constraints. The court remanded Mr Cahill in custody until June 9, granting him liberty to apply for bail before that date. All three accused were identified in the dock by detective sergeants, and no pleas or findings were recorded at this procedural stage.
Dublin Bus has applied to the High Court for injunctions to stop rival operator Dublin Coach from using any shade of green on its vehicles, staff uniforms or promotional material. The State company argues that Dublin Coach's recent launch of a green‑coloured open‑top bus service for city sightseeing is likely to confuse customers, as Dublin Bus has operated its own green‑coloured Dublin Bus Tours since 2006. The injunctions sought would also require Dublin Coach to adopt a distinctly different colour for its buses, stops, uniforms and marketing. Mr Justice Paul Gilligan granted Dublin Bus permission to serve notice of proceedings against Dublin Coach and adjourned the matter to the following week, stating he would hear both sides before deciding on the application. The case remains pending, with the court yet to rule on the injunction request.
In a Dublin court, 19‑year‑old Christopher Roberts was sentenced to three and a half years' detention for his part in a savage assault on Italian national Francesco Brescia. Roberts admitted to kicking Brescia five times in the face after Brescia claimed he had stepped in to defend a brother. Brescia was knocked to the ground, suffered a dislocated and broken shoulder, eye damage and bleeding, and was treated in hospital. The judge, Martin Nolan, described the attack as vicious, noted Brescia's ongoing pain and loss of work, and suspended the final 18 months of Roberts' sentence on strict conditions. Roberts had no prior convictions at the time of sentencing, though he had since faced other charges. The court heard Brescia's victim impact report detailing financial loss, medical treatment and psychological effects. The judge acknowledged Roberts' remorse and dysfunctional background. The case remains at the sentencing stage. Christopher Roberts pleaded guilty.
Two Polish brothers, Slawomir (37) and Marcin (29) Syzmala, were jailed for ten years after a Garda operation uncovered almost €3.5 million worth of cannabis and cannabis resin in Meath. The brothers had rented a farmhouse, Knock House, as a storage hub and were found to have packed a large amount of drugs for distribution. They pleaded guilty to three charges of having drugs for sale or supply at two different locations on 17 April 2014. The operation involved surveillance that led officers to the farmhouse, a people carrier, and an apartment complex in Blanchardstown. DNA on gloves linked both men to the house, and a key to a Mercedes van was found there. The brothers had no admissions in interviews, and the case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court by Judge Martin Nolan, who noted their Polish nationality would pose extra difficulties in serving time.
A bank‑appointed receiver, Mr George Maloney, has taken possession of land owned by Mr Paul O'Shea in Davidstown, Castledermot, Co Kildare, after a legal dispute that saw Mr O'Shea jailed for contempt of court. Mr Justice Paul Gilligan informed Mr O'Shea that he would face prison again unless he handed the land over to Mr Maloney by noon on Friday. Mr O'Shea had previously spent 15 days in jail following a finding that he had interfered with Mr Maloney's attempts to sell the land, but was released after agreeing to comply with court orders. Mr Maloney's lawyers claimed ongoing interference by Mr O'Shea and others, including anti‑eviction campaigner Ben Gilroy, prevented the receiver from taking possession. Mr Maloney alleged intimidation and verbal abuse on the land. Mr O'Shea denied obstructing the receiver. John Gleeson SC, for Mr Maloney, reported that the land was handed over at noon in compliance with court directions.
During a murder trial, Keith O'Neill, aged 39, pleaded not guilty to the killing of John Wilson on 28 September 2012. O'Neill testified that he was the passenger in Wilson's car with Wilson's seven‑year‑old daughter when another vehicle pulled up beside them. He said he jumped out and ran, hearing a couple of bangs, and later entered the house to try to resuscitate Wilson. O'Neill also confirmed that he had described the passenger as a tall man in black in a statement to the Gardaí. The court heard that a 0.357 Ruger 100 revolver, six cylinders discharged, was recovered from a Volkswagen Passat, and that burnt striped clothing and black gloves were found in the vehicle. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, is scheduled to continue for two weeks.
In a High Court hearing on 7 May 2015, Mr Justice Paul Gilligan warned farmer Paul O'Shea that he could be returned to prison unless a bank‑appointed receiver, Mr George Maloney, could take possession of O'Shea's lands by noon the following day. O'Shea had previously spent 15 days in jail for contempt of court orders that he not interfere with Maloney's attempts to sell the 31‑hectare fields in Davidstown, Castledermot. He was released after stating he would comply, but Maloney's lawyers claimed ongoing interference prevented possession. Maloney's counsel alleged intimidation and verbal abuse by O'Shea and others, including anti‑eviction campaigner Ben Gilroy. O'Shea denied obstructing the receiver, asserting the receiver was misleading the court, and said he would never give up his family farm. The judge said the receiver was entitled to possession and that any failure to hand over would result in O'Shea's committal to prison for contempt.
Anthony Piercy, a 33‑year‑old father of four from Naas, was sentenced to three years in prison at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for making demands with menace and for two separate threats to damage property. He claimed that Martin Gallagher, owner of Glenshane Stores in Tallaght, was responsible for €30,000 worth of damage to his home and threatened to use pipe bombs to burn the shop. Piercy called Gallagher's partner, Lisa Plunkett, demanding money and threatening to burn the shop if Gallagher refused to meet him. He returned to the shop the next day, again threatening to use pipe bombs and to close the shop at 3 pm. Judge Martin Nolan accepted that Piercy had a "wrong and irrational belief" about Gallagher's involvement, suspended the final 18 months of the sentence, and noted that Piercy had been a good family man and had no prior convictions for similar offences. Anthony Piercy pleaded guilty.
In the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 1 May 2015, five men—Brian Mongan (30), Martin Mongan (39), Simon Reilly (28), Anthony Reilly (25) and Patrick Reilly (23)—pleaded guilty to violent disorder at The Castle Inn pub in Rathfarnham on 16 October 2012. The incident began when Brian Mongan spilled a drink over Simon Reilly, leading to a confrontation that escalated into a riot involving 40 to 50 men and women. CCTV captured the men throwing glasses, chairs, fire extinguishers and other furniture, causing over €26,000 of damage. Judge Martin Nolan described the event as "12 minutes of mayhem, violence, aggression and anarchy." He imposed three‑year suspended sentences on each defendant, ordered them to pay €8,700 in restitution to the pub owners, and gave them 12 months to raise an additional €5,400. The men were otherwise described as of good character but acted "grossly reprehensibly.".
A farmer, Paul O'Shea, and his wife, along with several supporters including anti‑eviction activist Ben Gilroy, face possible imprisonment for alleged interference with the receiver appointed over lands in County Kildare. O'Shea had previously spent two weeks in jail for contempt of court orders that prohibited interference with receiver George Maloney, who was attempting to sell lands owned by O'Shea at his home in Davidstown, Castledermot. After O'Shea was released on a sworn undertaking to purge his contempt, the matter was adjourned. When it returned before Mr Justice Paul Gilligan, Maloney's lawyers reported ongoing interference: intimidation, verbal abuse, threats of violence, and surveillance on the land.
Sashi Buti, a 19‑year‑old former Blackrock college rugby player, was sentenced in June for robbing a taxi driver on 23 August 2014. He and another man forced the driver to take them to St Michael's Estate, where Buti assaulted the driver, robbed his iPhone, SatNav and €220, and left his passport, mobile phone and a necklace in the taxi. After the assault he reported the passport as lost at a Garda station. The driver suffered tenderness and swelling, and the stolen items were never recovered. Buti pleaded guilty at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The judge described his reporting of the passport as a "clever ploy" and noted that he had no prior convictions. The case was adjourned to 13 June, with a report from Probation Services required.
Gavin Hennessy, aged 30, was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to possessing a loaded Magnum Smith and Wesson revolver and 20 rounds of .44 ammunition. He admitted that he had been contacted by a phone call to transport the gun and ammunition from Limerick to Dublin to pay off a €17,000 gambling debt. Hennessy claimed he did not know the caller and was told he would receive €500 for the job. Garda Stephen Foran stopped Hennessy's Opel Astra on the N7, found the revolver wrapped in black cling film in the rear passenger footwell and the ammunition in the glove box. Hennessy had a prior speeding conviction but no other serious offences. Judge Martin Nolan accepted his desperation due to gambling problems and described the incident as a "once‑off fall from grace," yet imposed the custodial sentence with regret, noting that certain crimes inevitably lead to jail terms.
Alan Freeman, aged 34, pleaded guilty to theft in a 2009 robbery of over 40 firearms at Carrick on Suir, Tipperary. He was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment by Judge Gerrard Griffin on 1 April 2014. In a Court of Appeal hearing on 20 April 2015, Freeman's counsel, Dominic McGinn SC, applied to appeal the conviction on the single ground that the prosecution bore the burden of proving Freeman was not induced into pleading guilty. McGinn argued that Freeman had extensive contact with a senior investigating Garda, a detective superintendent, up to the evening before the plea, including phone calls and face‑to‑face meetings, and that this contact was not disclosed to Freeman's legal team. He claimed Freeman effectively told his counsel he would plead guilty regardless of advice. The Director of Public Prosecutions' counsel, Patrick McCarthy SC, countered that Freeman's plea was freely made and that no illegal conduct had occurred.
Paul O'Shea, a farmer from Castledermott, Co. Kildare, was committed to Mountjoy Prison in January 2015 after a High Court finding that he had breached orders not to interfere with the work of receiver Mr George Maloney, who was appointed by Dankse Bank to sell O'Shea's 31‑hectare fields that were secured against a mortgage. O'Shea's detention has been challenged by Land League activist Jerry Beades, who argued that the warrant under which he is held is defective and that he was not informed of the reasons for his arrest. The State, represented by Tony McGillicuddy Bl, opposed the application, asserting the warrant was valid. Mr Justice Paul Gilligan adjourned the Article 40 proceedings to clarify procedural matters, noting that documentation was being presented piecemeal. The case remains pending, with the court scheduled to resume on Friday. The High Court had earlier ruled that O'Shea was in contempt of court and ordered his committal until he purged his contempt.
Declan Phelan, 32, of Tallaght, Dublin, was granted bail by the Special Criminal Court on charges of membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army. The court imposed strict conditions, including surrendering his passport, signing daily at Naas Garda Station between 2 pm and 11 pm, observing a curfew from midnight to 6:30 am, and refraining from leaving the jurisdiction or associating with persons charged or convicted of scheduled offences. He must also maintain a single mobile phone with the Gardaí. Bail was set on an independent surety of €10,000 and his own bond of €100. Phelan is scheduled to appear again on June 9, 2015. This case stems from a special sitting in July 2013, where Phelan and six other men were charged with the same offence on July 3, 2013. The co-accused are Peter Burns, Kevin Braney, Michael Barr, Brian Nick McBennett, John Brock, and Desmond Christie. All seven men face allegations of IRA membership, but no pleas, findings, or sentences have been recorded for the group at this procedural stage. The report confirms only Phelan's bail grant and upcoming court date, while the status of the other accused remains pending further proceedings.
Clive Dwyer, aged 32, was convicted in 2013 of four counts of sexual assault, three counts of oral rape and one count of anal rape against a seven‑year‑old boy, and sentenced to nine years' imprisonment. In 2015 he appealed, arguing that during the trial the prosecution played a VHS tape of his Garda interviews at an inappropriate time. The tape was stopped prematurely, replayed, and seven words – "I wasn't around kids. I haven't been…" – were heard by the jury. Dwyer's counsel claimed the words were prejudicial, appearing without context and contradicting the memorandums of interview that had been agreed upon by both sides. The prosecution admitted an error but said it did not prejudice the case. The Court of Appeal noted the mistake and reserved its decision for a future hearing. The appeal concerns only the alleged prejudice of the tape, not the conviction itself. Clive Dwyer pleaded not guilty.
In a Kildare incident, Tadgh Delaney, aged 41, assaulted and robbed his ex‑girlfriend, a 36‑year‑old woman, on 29 January 2014. He pleaded guilty to assault and to robbing her mobile phone and €130 cash. The victim, whose identity is protected, appealed to Judge James O'Donohoe to avoid jail, arguing that Delaney had turned his life around. The judge had previously indicated a possible 240‑hour community service sentence in lieu of a six‑month jail term. Judge Martin Nolan confirmed this order after a Probation Service report deemed Delaney suitable for community service, requiring the work to be completed within one year. The case highlighted Delaney's history of road‑traffic offences, theft, and a former heroin addiction, and the victim's claim that he had begun to change after their relationship ended.
The High Court ordered the surrender of Patrick Lee, 41, of Newtown, Co. Kildare, who is wanted by U.S. authorities on 51 charges including 29 counts of wire fraud, six counts of unlawful monetary transaction and 16 counts of aggravated identity theft. Lee is alleged to have participated in a scheme that defrauded U.S. banks and mortgage lenders by purchasing properties in Boston between 2006 and 2007, using forged appraisals and "straw buyers" to obtain mortgages that were never repaid. He claims the allegations are false and denies wrongdoing. The judge remanded Lee on continuing bail until a detailed judgment is delivered. Counsel for Lee argued that many of the alleged offences occurred outside the U.S. and should not be subject to extradition under Irish law, and that he would face cruel treatment if surrendered. The case remains pending in the High Court.
Helen Conlan, administrator of the estate of the late Mrs Patricia Cosgrave, brought a case in the Commercial Court seeking to enforce an alleged agreement with Allied Irish Bank (AIB) that would have written off €11.2m of debt after the first three loan facilities were repaid. Mrs Cosgrave, who died in November 2014 at age 78, had secured four credit facilities from AIB totalling almost €70m. The first three facilities were €43.8m, €14.729m and €160,000; the fourth was €11.25m. Conlan claims that in May 2014 the parties reached an agreement that, if the first three facilities were paid in full before the due date, AIB would forgive the fourth facility. She argues that after her mother's death AIB refused to allow early repayment of the first three facilities and is demanding full repayment of all four.
The High Court approved a Personal Insolvency Arrangement for 71‑year‑old Tony McAuliffe, a retired businessman with €10 million in liabilities. Under the 2012 Personal Insolvency Act, the judge sanctioned a scheme that will pay creditors roughly one cent per euro owed. The arrangement was deemed approved because no creditors voted at a meeting held just before Christmas, giving the scheme automatic approval under Section 108. McAuliffe's creditors include Investec Bank, owed €8.56 million, and Kildare Credit Union, owed €163 000. His monthly pension of about €1,000 allows him to contribute €314 per month, totalling €103,700 over 12 months. A family loan of €100 000 is also available to pay creditors. The judge noted that the dividend under the PIA is higher than what creditors would receive if McAuliffe were declared bankrupt, and that bankruptcy costs are higher than the fixed costs of personal insolvency.
Wayne Donnelly, 28, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, false imprisonment of a taxi driver and unlawful seizure of a car. He was sentenced to a six‑year prison term with four years suspended, conditional on keeping the peace and attending a drug treatment programme. The case involved an attack on a taxi driver who was tied up, robbed of his phone and €250, and had his car taken. Donnelly also assaulted a man in Palmerstown, claiming the man owed money to drug dealers, and threatened to use grenades. He had 26 prior convictions. The judge described Donnelly and a co‑accused as "bullyboys." The sentencing was delivered by Judge Desmond Hogan at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The article reports no further legal proceedings beyond the suspended sentence and conditions.
Stephen Kiely, 45, of Thomastown, Enfield, Kildare, pleaded guilty to criminal damage at his shared home in Oldbridge Park, Lucan, on 9 June 2013. The offence followed an argument at a birthday party when he discovered his girlfriend was texting a man she had met a week earlier. After retrieving her phone, he saw what he described as 'very graphic confirmation' of an affair. He smashed the phone, broke two televisions, a microwave, a bathtub, shower doors, a chest of drawers, mirrors, bannisters, the legs of two dining chairs, slashed two couches and cut cables from a barbecue, hair straightener and hoover. Lorcan Staines BL argued that Kiely was enraged, humiliated, in despair and angry, citing a recent Prozac prescription. Judge Martin Nolan ordered a €5,000 payment to the injured party and imposed a two‑year suspended sentence. The judge noted that the relationship's abrupt end had caused Kiely's world to fall apart.
James O'Donovan, 29, of Athy, County Kildare, was convicted of dangerous driving that caused the deaths of his girlfriend Rosanna Potts, 22, and Teresa Kiely, 49, at Youngstown, Athy on 27 December 2012. The crash occurred when O'Donovan's Pajero SUV appeared to drive into a ditch on its own side of the road before swerving into the middle of the road at high speed and striking Teresa Kiely's Toyota Prius. Teresa died at the scene; Rosanna was taken to Naas Hospital and later to The Mater Hospital, where she died three weeks later. O'Donovan pleaded not guilty, claiming that Potts was pulling on his hoodie and arguing with him, causing him to lose control. A Garda forensic investigator found no evidence of braking and said the crash was caused by O'Donovan attempting to manoeuvre at too high a speed. He had been previously convicted for dangerous driving that caused spinal injuries to another driver two months earlier.
During a two‑week trial at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Detective Garda Catherine McGowan, aged 48, pleaded not guilty to forging a letter from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) dated 14 January 2009. The letter was alleged to be a false instrument used to influence a case involving a priest accused of child abuse. On the third day of the trial, DPP officer Henry Matthews testified that he could not locate any case file for the priest in question, despite a request in July 2011 to check the DPP's filing system. Legal secretary Caroline Halstead confirmed that no records of the priest existed between 2005 and 2009 in either manual or computerised filing systems. The complainant had earlier stated that McGowan claimed to have sent a file to the DPP, which was not pursued.
In February 2015, lawyers for the State were instructed to prepare a substantive response to Brian Meehan's appeal, which seeks to have his 1999 conviction for the murder of journalist Veronica Guerin declared a miscarriage of justice. Meehan, 47, is serving a life sentence in Portlaoise Prison after a 31‑day trial before the Special Criminal Court. He also faces convictions for drugs and firearms. Meehan's appeal is based on new evidence that emerged during the 2001 Special Criminal Court trial of John Gilligan. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Tom O'Connell, noted that the evidence was already known before the original appeal and that the DPP had previously moved to dismiss the application, a motion that was refused by the Court of Criminal Appeal. The Court of Appeal has ordered the State to submit a comprehensive response, with case management to be considered on 19 June.
In February 2015 the Court of Appeal dismissed James Mansfield Junior's appeal against a €6.32 million summary judgment issued by the Commercial Court. The judgment arose from loans AIB advanced between 2003 and 2009 for the purchase of land in Duleek, Co Meath, and the development of apartment blocks, an underground car park and commercial units. Mansfield, together with three other parties, formed the "Duleek Partnership" to acquire the land. The Commercial Court found none of the four parties had an arguable defence and granted summary judgment. Mansfield appealed, arguing he was dyslexic and had signed the loan agreement by mistake (non‑est‑factum). The Court of Appeal, sitting with Justices Mary Finlay Geoghegan, Michael Peart and Alan Mahon, rejected the appeal, holding that Mansfield knew he was signing a legal document that created obligations and that no evidence showed he had asked questions about the liability he was undertaking.
Raymond Quinn, 46, a Kildare businessman, was convicted in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for stealing his elderly mother's credit card and using it to make unauthorised purchases, including hotel stays and flights, totalling €14,153. He pleaded guilty to six charges of theft at AIB and Ulster Bank branches and one charge at Brittas. Quinn had no prior convictions. The judge noted the breach of trust and the fact that his mother, now in a nursing home with dementia, had been defrauded. A three‑year suspended sentence was imposed, and Quinn was ordered to pay €8 a week for three years to repay the debt. He receives a weekly social welfare payment of €188 and has been urged to begin repaying the money to his mother. The case highlighted his financial difficulties and the impact of his actions on his family.
Eddie Winston, a 60‑year‑old father of seven, and Lee Bracken Kennedy, a 21‑year‑old student, were sentenced for their roles in a large‑scale drug deal in Kildare. Winston met Kennedy at a Leixlip industrial estate to hand over nearly €20,000 worth of cannabis herb, but Gardaí intercepted them. A key found on Winston led to a lock‑up unit containing just under €180,000 of drugs, a gun and ammunition. Winston was sentenced to six years' imprisonment for possession of €176,325 worth of heroin, cocaine and cannabis resin, and for possession of a 12‑gauge double‑barrel shotgun with 238 rounds. Kennedy received a three‑year suspended sentence and was bound to the peace for three years for unlawful possession of cannabis herb. Both pleaded guilty; Winston initially denied involvement but later admitted it. The judge noted their gross errors of judgment.
In a Kildare case, a woman appealed to Judge James O'Donohoe not to imprison her ex‑partner, Tadgh Delaney, who assaulted and robbed her. She argued that Delaney had reformed and was not seeking vengeance, but wanted the €130 he stole. Delaney, 41, pleaded guilty to assaulting the 36‑year‑old woman on 29 January 2014 at Call a Cab, Celbridge, and to robbing her mobile phone and cash. He had seven prior convictions for traffic offences and theft. The judge offered 240 hours of community service instead of a six‑month jail term if Delaney was deemed suitable. The case was adjourned to March to determine eligibility for community service. The victim described Delaney as a former heroin addict who had been working with Catholic youth organisations and was turning his life around.
In a fast‑track Commercial Court hearing, the Bank of Ireland Mortgage Bank sought a €2.8 million judgment against Kieran Carew and his wife Pauline Harty of Newbridge, County Kildare, for alleged failure to repay two loans drawn in late 2006. The first loan, €2.6 million, was used to purchase nine residential and buy‑to‑let properties and was to be repaid over 300 months, with the first seven years interest‑only. The second loan, €535,000, was intended to settle debts to another lender and was to be repaid over 168 months. The bank claims it engaged in discussions with the couple in late 2013 and early 2014, offered to amend the first loan's terms, but the couple did not accept.
Padraig Seery, 27, a Castle Celtic footballer, was charged with assault after head‑butting Leixlip Town captain Mark Coyne during a United Churches Football League match. Seery first kicked Coyne's ankle and then head‑butted him, causing a broken nose that required surgery. The referee issued a red card and the incident was witnessed by several Leixlip players who described it as unprovoked. Seery pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Martin Nolan suspended an 18‑month jail sentence and ordered Seery to pay €5,000 to Coyne. Seery had offered the payment as a token of remorse and an apology. Coyne accepted the payment, though he had not yet paid for his operation. Seery had previously sought anger‑management counselling and legal advice. The case was heard in February 2012 and concluded with the suspended sentence and financial penalty.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Paulius Taracvius, a 34‑year‑old Lithuanian mechanic from Finglas, pleaded guilty to possession of stolen property. He admitted that he had delivered a stolen Audi Q3 to a yard on Flemington Road, Balbriggan, where a Garda raid recovered four high‑end vehicles worth €100,000, including an Audi A5, the Q3, a Nissan Qashqai and a BMW 3‑series. The cars had been stolen from homes in Rathmines, Rathgar and Celbridge in September 2013, with keys often taken from letterboxes. Judge Martin Nolan, after hearing the case, suspended a two‑year prison sentence, noting that Taracvius's role was limited to delivering the Audi. The court also noted that other individuals involved in dismantling and shipping stolen vehicles had received weekly payments and faced separate sentences. The case highlighted the broader investigation into the dismantling and export of stolen high‑end cars from Ireland to Eastern Europe.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Thomas Dillon, aged 34 and without a fixed address, was sentenced to two and a half years' imprisonment for aggravated burglary and possession of a knife. On 6 February 2014, Dillon broke into St Canice's Church in Finglas, smashing a stained‑glass window and entering the parish office by kicking the door. He attempted to steal cash, a laptop and two bags of mobile phones that had been collected for the Jack & Jill Foundation. Garda Ronan Farrelly reported that Dillon was found at the foot of the altar armed with a knife, that lights were turned on and he was ordered to drop the weapon. The damage to the church, including the window repair, was estimated at €2,800. Dillon pleaded guilty to both offences and has been in residential treatment since September.
In October 2016, the Central Criminal Court will hear the trial of eight Tallaght residents charged in the murder of 20‑year‑old Dale Creighton, who died on 2 January after being injured on a footbridge on Saint Dominic's Road. Seven defendants—Aisling Burke (21), David Burke (26), Graham Palmer (24), Ross Callery (21), James Reid (24), Jason Beresford (21) and Gerard Stephens (25)—are charged with murder. A eighth defendant, James O'Brien (22), is charged with assault causing harm. The trial is expected to last eight weeks, with the first hearing set for 3 October 2016.
Richard Devane, a 42‑year‑old homeless man with mental health and drug problems, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to unlawfully seizing his adoptive mother Hester Devane's car at Heuston Station on 29 June 2013. Judge Mary Ellen Ring, after hearing evidence earlier in the year, imposed a three‑year suspended prison sentence, conditioned on Devane remaining at Priorswood House treatment centre, engaging fully with staff, staying on medication, and not taking illegal drugs. He must also stay under Probation Service supervision for 12 months and continue his mental health treatment. A Protection of Person's Order barred Devane from any direct or indirect contact with his parents and brother for five years, with breach leading to separate prosecution. The judge noted Devane's cooperation with Priorswood and the Probation Service and his participation in an employment programme, hoping for future independent living.
James Brophy, 46, of The Swan, Athy, was found guilty of excise duty evasion for importing over four million illegal cigarettes. A jury convicted him on 25 August 2010, and he was sentenced to 240 hours of community service in lieu of three years imprisonment on 12 October 2012. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed, and the Court of Appeal imposed a new three‑year suspended sentence and a €5,000 fine. The fine was described by Mr Justice George Birmingham as "designed to sting." If the fine is not paid within 12 months, Brophy would serve 12 months imprisonment in lieu of the fine. The case involved customs officials finding the cigarettes at Brophy's warehouse, with a potential loss of €1.5 million in duty, tax and VAT. Brophy had no prior convictions and had previously completed community service. The appeal was successful, resulting in the suspended sentence and fine. James Brophy pleaded not guilty.
Two men have been convicted and sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for their involvement in a series of violent offences. Dylan Smith, aged 22, and Daniel Malone, aged 20, pleaded guilty to charges arising from incidents in August and September 2013. In August, they unlawfully seized a taxi on Tubber Lane, Lucan, and subjected the driver to false imprisonment, robbery, and serious assault. The victim sustained a skull fracture and multiple facial injuries. In September, Smith stabbed a bus passenger in the thigh during a robbery at Kylemore Road, Bluebell, and subsequently forced the victim to withdraw €200 from an ATM. Smith was sentenced to six years imprisonment with the final eighteen months suspended, to run consecutively with a sentence from Roscommon. Malone received four and a half years with the final eighteen months suspended. Smith has fifty-seven previous convictions; Malone had one prior conviction. Both defendants expressed remorse, with Smith having engaged in rehabilitation since entering custody.
Michael Jones, aged 30, was sentenced to four years' imprisonment with the final two years suspended for assaulting security guard James Bowe at Powerscourt Shopping Centre in Dublin on 26 June 2010. Jones, who was intoxicated, fractured Bowe's C7 vertebra, bit his finger and palm, and caused serious injuries that Bowe had a pre‑existing spinal condition. The judge, Desmond Hogan, noted the assault was on the lower end of the medium range of seriousness and that Jones had not intended the severe injuries. Jones had previously pleaded not guilty to assault in Dublin and was convicted by a jury in July. He had earlier convictions in Northern Ireland, including a suspended sentence for indecent assault in 2007, and a two‑year prison term for robbery in 2010. The court ordered Jones to attend alcohol treatment and remain under probation supervision for 12 months after release. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the injuries and Jones' prior record.
In 2014 the Court of Appeal reduced the sentence of 29‑year‑old Shane Millea, who stabbed his cousin Paul Harris to death with a flick knife he had given him as a present. Millea had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, and was originally sentenced to ten years with two years suspended. The appeal court found the original sentence too severe and set it aside, imposing an eight‑year term with the last three years suspended on the condition that Millea remain of good behaviour for four years. The court cited Millea's immediate remorse, acceptance of responsibility, and the fact that he had stayed at the scene and provided first aid. The decision was made after considering the gravity of the offence and mitigating factors such as the circumstances of self‑defence and the victim's prior knife possession. The judgment was reserved for a later date.
In a Dublin flat raid, 28‑year‑old David Doherty was found with 6 g of heroin and was remanded on bail pending sentencing in February. He claimed he was there to buy €325 worth of heroin, some of which he would use and the rest to sell to friends in Tuam. Doherty pleaded guilty to possession of heroin for sale or supply on North Circular Road on 27 June 2013 and has 49 prior convictions, mainly traffic offences. His co‑accused, 36‑year‑old Stephen Lunders, also pleaded guilty to the same charge and had 28 prior convictions, including drug offences. Lunders admitted responsibility for most of the drugs found in the flat, valued at €14,383, and said he was dealing to pay off a drug debt left by his deceased brother. Judge Mary Ellen Ring adjourned the case to 20 February to allow Probation Service assessment of the men's commitment to drug rehabilitation before sentencing.
Nerigus Flederis, 34, a Lithuanian mechanic living in a filthy caravan in Balbriggan, was sentenced to three years for stripping high‑end stolen cars for shipment to Eastern Europe. He pleaded guilty to possession of four stolen vehicles – an Audi A5, an Audi Q3, a Nissan Qashqai and a BMW 3‑series – and two petrol tanks on 20 September 2013. The judge accepted his plea on the basis of recklessness, noting he had no prior convictions and had not profited from the operation. Judge Mary Ellen Ring suspended the last 18 months of the sentence, citing his lack of profit and the successful Garda investigation. Flederis was remanded in custody after arrest, as he could not afford bail, and he has a six‑year‑old son in Lithuania. The cars were seized after a surveillance operation that traced a BMW from Celbridge to Balbriggan.
Two men, Jason Keogh (50) of Laytown, Co Meath, and Niall O'Leary (42) of Castledermot, Co Kildare, each pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply at Bettystown, Co Meath, on 20 July 2011. They were each sentenced to 13 years' imprisonment, with the final three years suspended, by Judge Michael O'Shea at Trim Circuit Criminal Court in 2012. The Court of Appeal dismissed their appeals against the sentence. The case stemmed from a Garda National Drugs Unit surveillance operation in Swords, Co Dublin, where Keogh was seen collecting seven blue barrels of cannabis from an industrial estate and transporting them to a rented house in Bettystown. A search warrant led to the discovery of about 100 kg of vacuum‑packed cannabis, estimated at €1.2 million street value. Keogh and O'Leary were paid €5,000 and €2,500 respectively for their roles.