Aaron Dunne, aged 21, of Grangeview Road, Clondalkin, Dublin, has been sentenced to three and a half years imprisonment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following convictions for document fraud and criminal damage. Dunne pleaded guilty to ten counts of possessing and using a forged learner permit licence between June and November 2012, having arranged for another person to sit his theory test and then altering the resulting licence with his own photograph. When gardaí seized the false document, Dunne reported it lost and obtained a replacement through a local garda station without the seizure being checked on the database. He was sentenced to two and a half years for the fraud offences. Dunne also pleaded guilty to criminal damage and producing a baseball bat during an incident at a restaurant near Rathcoole in January 2013, receiving an additional consecutive sentence of two and a half years with eighteen months suspended. Judge Mary Ellen Ring noted the extended period of false document use posed a danger to the public.
In November 2014, Mark Mahony, aged 34, and Jason Brennan, aged 33, were convicted of possessing €3.5 million worth of cocaine and heroin. Both were sentenced to 13 years' imprisonment, with a three‑year portion suspended, by Judge Martin Nolan at Naas Circuit Criminal Court. The pair had met in the car park of a service station in Naas on 17 January 2013, where they transferred boxes of drugs to Mahony's car. They were arrested as they tried to leave the car park. The drugs were valued at €488,761 of cocaine and just over €3.1 million of heroin. Both men appealed, arguing the sentence was excessive and that mitigating factors had not been adequately considered. Judge Garrett Sheehan rejected the appeal, noting that neither had prior convictions, that Mahony had worked from age 15 and had been drug‑free at sentencing, and that Brennan had worked steadily from 2003 to 2012 and had a family. Mark Mahony pleaded guilty. Jason Brennan pleaded guilty.
Adiodan Kamoru Kareem, 36, was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment for possessing €1.4 million worth of cocaine with intent to sell or supply. He pleaded guilty in May 2011 and was convicted by Judge Michael O'Shea at Trim Circuit Court on 17 February 2012. The appeal against the sentence was dismissed by Mr Justice Seán Ryan on 24 November 2014. Ryan described Kareem as a "devoutly religious" man who had no history of drinking or smoking. He was "caught red-handed" when Gardaí seized a false diplomatic package that had been delivered to a car park in Navan, from which Kareem collected a car and drove to an apartment where a search uncovered the cocaine, €100,000 in cash, mixing agents, a pharmaceutical drug, plastic bags and other paraphernalia. The Court of Appeal confirmed that the mandatory minimum of ten years was justified and that the circumstances did not render the sentence unjust.".
Alan Bradley, currently serving a prison sentence, has brought a High Court action against the Minister for Justice and Equality, the Irish Prison Service, and the Governor of Portlaoise Prison to compel the provision of orthodontic treatment. Bradley, who is incarcerated at Portlaoise, alleges that despite an independent expert report confirming his entitlement to treatment under HSE criteria, his request has been denied. His counsel, Dominic McGinn SC, argued that the failure to provide care is irrational and unreasonable, noting that Bradley has suffered severe pain for over a year. Mr Justice Paul McDermott granted leave to bring the application on an ex parte basis and adjourned the matter to a date in mid-December. The court heard that Bradley pleaded guilty in 2012 to conspiring to steal cash from a Chubb Ireland security van in 2007. Judge Tony Hunt originally sentenced him to nine years, with the final two suspended. On appeal, the Court of Criminal Appeal reduced this to eight years, with the final 18 months suspended. His brother, Wayne Bradley, also pleaded guilty to the offence. He was initially sentenced to seven years with 18 months suspended, a term the CCA reduced to six years with the final year suspended. Three other men, including a Chubb employee, were also sentenced for their roles in the incident.
Joseph Cooney, aged 22, pleaded guilty to arson of a shed behind the Salmon Leap pub and a house on Main Street in Leixlip in November 2012, causing almost €400,000 in damage. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced him to five years in prison but suspended the sentence in full after Cooney accepted a Garda's view that the arson was a one‑off "act of madness". At the hearing, Nolan ordered Cooney to spend two weeks in jail to reflect on his future if he fell from grace again. Cooney was told to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for the five years of his suspended sentence. He had no prior convictions, pleaded guilty, showed remorse, and had many good references, which contributed to the mitigation. The court noted that Cooney and a co‑accused were "basically on drugs for the night and were bored and decided to liven up their lives by setting properties on fire".
Wayne Donnelly, 28, from Oakcourt Lawn, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm, false imprisonment of a taxi driver, and unlawful seizure of a car. The offences occurred in Palmerstown and Lucan in July and August 2013. Donnelly, who has 26 prior convictions, was part of a group that attacked a taxi driver, tied him up, stole his car, and threw him into a ditch. He also assaulted a man in Palmerstown, threatening him with grenades and physically attacking him. The judge adjourned sentencing to March next year and ordered a probation report. Donnelly's case was presented by Detective Garda Padraig Jennings, with testimony from Garda Caroline Flynn and defence counsel Anne Marie Lawlor. The article reports Donnelly's background, drug use, and claims of remorse, but no sentencing outcome is given.
Brian Meehan, aged 47 and serving a life sentence in Portlaoise prison for the 1996 murder of journalist Veronica Guerin, has applied to quash his 1999 conviction on the grounds of a miscarriage of justice. The appeal is based on new evidence that emerged during the 2001 Special Criminal Court trial of John Gilligan, who was acquitted of Guerin's murder but convicted of cannabis importation. Meehan's case, brought under Section 2 of the Criminal Procedures Act, argues that the new facts disclosed in Gilligan's trial demonstrate that his conviction was wrongful. The Director of Public Prosecutions had previously sought to dismiss the application, but the Court of Criminal Appeal refused that motion earlier this year. Submissions for Meehan's appeal are nearly complete, and the Court of Appeal has listed the case for mention again on December 15, with a hearing date to be fixed thereafter. The appeal remains pending, and no further outcome has been announced.
Desmond Mulvey, aged 34, was jailed for two years after pleading guilty to possession of nearly €200,000 worth of cannabis, part of a €2 million drug operation. Mulvey admitted that a €300 payment had enticed him to participate, citing a €1,700 debt from his own drug use. He had three prior convictions for minor offences. Judge Mary Ellen Ring had earlier imposed a five‑year sentence, suspending the last three years on the condition of one year of Probation Services. The operation involved three men—Mulvey, Terry O'Donoghue (50) and Michael Lawlor (40)—who were caught after Garda surveillance at the Cookstown Enterprise Unit in Tallaght. The total street value of the seized cannabis was estimated at €2 million. O'Donoghue and Lawlor received ten‑year and seven‑year sentences respectively, with the final year suspended on each. The court noted that the men were exploited by others to play an essential role in the drugs operation.
Joseph Cooney, 22, pleaded guilty to setting fire to a shed behind the Salmon Leap pub and a house on Main Street in Leixlip on 25 November 2012, causing almost €400,000 in damage. He was remanded in custody for sentencing on 24 November. Judge Martin Nolan, hearing the case at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, accepted a Garda's view that the arson was a one‑off "act of madness" and noted Cooney's near‑perfect mitigation due to his guilty plea, remorse, lack of prior convictions and strong references. The judge warned that "half of Leixlip" could have been destroyed and innocent people could have died because of Cooney's "gross error of judgement". Cooney was jailed for two weeks while the judge decided on his final sentence. The case involved three fires: a shed behind the pub, the pub's lounge, and a vacant terraced house on Main Street, with the latter causing an estimated €160,000 in damage.
In a High Court hearing on 4 November 2014, the court ordered the return of two artworks seized during a house search in Straffan, County Kildare. The pieces, including a painting titled 'King and Queen' by Daniel O'Neill, had been taken by staff of the official assignee, Mr Chris Lehane, under a warrant issued pursuant to Section 28 of the Bankruptcy Act. The warrant was obtained because the assignee believed that property belonging to bankrupt developer Sean Dunne might be located in the house. Gayle Dunne, Sean's wife, and their son John Dunne had argued that the artworks were their personal property and that the assignee had no right to seize them. The court, hearing counsel Gabriel Gavigan SC, found that ownership issues had been resolved and directed that the artworks be returned to the Dunnes. The judge postponed a decision on who would pay the legal costs of the motion to a later date.
Darren Wynne, 21, of Athy, Co. Kildare, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court to 12 years imprisonment for possession of a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life. He had previously been convicted by a jury of murdering Jamie Lindsay, 20, in April 2013, for which he is serving a life sentence. Wynne had also pleaded guilty to possession of a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges in suspicious circumstances, an offence for which he received an eight-year sentence. Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan suspended the final two years of each firearms sentence, conditional on Wynne's compliance with his sentence management programme. Both sentences were backdated to April 12, 2013, and run concurrently with the life sentence. The judge considered Wynne's young age, good character, and cooperation with gardai. Two other men, Quentin Monaghan and James Seery, who were tried alongside Wynne, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and possession of a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges in suspicious circumstances. Monaghan was sentenced to eight years imprisonment with two suspended, while Seery received seven years with three suspended for the killing. The court heard evidence that Lindsay was shot in the right eye at point-blank range, and that Wynne claimed he intended only to injure him.
In a High Court case brought by Mr Pat Grant of Ballyouster, Celbridge, the family seeks to stop the demolition of their timber‑framed house built in 2010. The house sits behind a pre‑existing dwelling owned by Grant's sister‑in‑law. Kildare County Council argues the house lacks proper planning permission and is in breach of the Planning and Development Act 2000, and has pursued enforcement proceedings to demolish it. Grant's house had originally been granted permission for an extension, but a separate dwelling unit was later constructed. The Council's refusal to allow the house to remain was appealed to An Bord Pleanala, which, despite an inspector's recommendation to grant retention permission, upheld the Council's refusal on a split decision. Grant now seeks orders quashing the Bord's decision, arguing the Board gave no adequate reasons for its refusal and failed to explain why it did not follow its inspector's recommendation.
The High Court will decide on 4 November whether to extradite Patrick Lee, 41, of Newtown, Co. Kildare, to the United States to face 51 charges including 29 counts of wire fraud, six counts of unlawful monetary transaction and 16 counts of aggravated identity theft. Lee denies all allegations and claims the accusations are false. The alleged scheme involved purchasing properties in Boston between 2006 and 2007, using "straw buyers" to obtain mortgages that were never repaid. Lee is accused of forging appraisals and receiving about €1 million for his role. He is currently remanded on continuing bail. The court heard that Lee had bought pre‑paid flight tickets to Ireland in 2006 and that he fears cruel treatment if surrendered. He also cited health concerns and the potential impact on his family if extradited. The judge will issue a decision on 4 November.
Conor Egan, a 27‑year‑old bank worker from Kilmacredock, Maynooth, stole €100,000 from an AIB branch in Leixlip between January and November 2010. He moved the money to a Bank of Ireland account, then transferred it to various online bookmakers and used it to gamble. Egan admitted the thefts, which were premeditated and involved a breach of trust, and confessed to falsifying documents to conceal the thefts. He was caught when a colleague noticed missing cash during a day's leave. Egan's father, a retired Colonel, agreed to repay the bank in full using his retirement package, and Egan pledged to repay his father. Judge Patricia Ryan, noting Egan's good character and efforts to repay, imposed a four‑year sentence suspended in full for four years. The court recorded that Egan had no impact on customer accounts and that he had not spent the money on a lavish lifestyle. Conor Egan pleaded guilty.
Michael Jones, a 30‑year‑old Belfast sex offender, was sentenced in Dublin for assaulting a security guard, James Bowe, at the Powerscourt Shopping Centre on 26 June 2010. Jones, who was intoxicated, entered the closed centre through an open goods delivery entrance, confronted Bowe, and pulled him to the ground. He struck Bowe's head, kicked and pummelled him, bit Bowe's index finger bone and palm, causing a fractured neck bone and bleeding. A jury convicted Jones in July 2010. Judge Desmond Hogan heard the case and remanded Jones in custody for sentencing next month. Garda Shane Moriarty noted Jones's prior 2007 conviction for indecent assault, a two‑and‑a‑half‑year prison term, and a suspended sentence that was breached in 2010 when he left Northern Ireland for Kildare. Jones has further convictions for theft, assault and traffic offences, and was recently sentenced to two years in prison for a robbery in June 2010. Michael Jones pleaded not guilty.
Lawyers for three men charged with the murder of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old dissident republican, have applied to the Special Criminal Court for disclosure of documents relating to former co‑accused David Cullen, who turned a state witness. The accused—Edward McGrath (32), Dean Evans (22) and Sharif Kelly (43)—have pleaded not guilty to the murder and to firearm offences committed on 6 March 2013 at the Huntsman Inn car park. Cullen, who had pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol and was jailed for three‑and‑a‑half years, was later found not to be charged with murder. His medical records, psychiatric treatment history and notes with his lawyers are sought to assess his credibility. The court will decide on the disclosure applications tomorrow, with the case continuing before Judges Cormac Dunne, Margaret Heneghan and Justice Deirdre Murphy.
In a High Court ruling on 2 August 2014, Mr Justice Michael Moriarty dismissed a claim brought by 45‑year‑old Colin Widger against his father, Thomas Widger, over an alleged unlawful eviction from their family home on Whitebarn Road, Churchtown. Colin had said he was forcibly removed after his father complained that he was trespassing and that the house had been sold. Thomas denied any unlawful eviction, asserting his right to sell the jointly owned property, which he had continued to mortgage after leaving in the 1980s. He cited an agreement with his late wife Maeve as the basis for his entitlement. The judge found the case had no prospect of success, citing conflicting evidence and the fact that Colin had accepted €30,000 each from the sale proceeds. The action was struck out and Thomas was awarded legal costs.
Two men have received sentences totaling 15 years for their part in the killing of a man in Co. Kildare last year. Last week, Darren Wynne (21) was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his best friend Jamie Lindsay (20) who he shot in the face. Wynne of Ballyroe, Athy, Co. Kildare had pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to murdering Mr Lindsay at Coney Green, Coneyboro, Athy on April 6, 2013. Quentin Monaghan (21) of Tullamoy, Stradbally, Co. Laois and James Seery (21) of Canal Side, Athy who were also charged with the murder and were tried alongside Wynne but pleaded guilty to manslaughter during the trial. Today Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan sentenced Monaghan to eight years imprisonment with two suspended for the manslaughter. Mr Justice Sheehan sentenced Seery to seven years imprisonment with three suspended for the killing. Monaghan was sentenced to four years for firearms offences to run concurrently with the manslaughter sentence. Seery was sentenced to three years to run concurrently for firearm offences. Last week Mr Justice Sheehan sentenced Wynne to life in prison for the murder and adjourned sentencing for the firearms offences until November next when probation and psychological reports will be before the court. Although Wynne pleaded guilty to manslaughter during his trial the plea was not accepted by the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Patrick Lee, 41, of Newtown, County Kildare, is wanted by U.S. authorities for 51 offences including 29 counts of wire fraud, 6 of unlawful monetary transaction and 16 of aggravated identity theft. He allegedly participated in a scheme that defrauded U.S. banks and mortgage lenders by purchasing properties in Boston between 2006 and 2007, converting them into apartments, and using "straw buyers" to draw down mortgages that were never repaid. Lee is accused of forging appraisals and receiving about €1 million for his role. He denies all allegations. The case is adjourned to 7 October, when a judgment date will be set. Lee remains on continuing bail. The maximum penalty for the offences is 42 years' imprisonment. The proceedings are ongoing and no verdict has yet been reached.
Darren Wynne (21) of Ballyroe, Athy, was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Jamie Lindsay (20) at Coney Green, Athy, on April 6, 2013. Wynne, who pleaded not guilty, was found guilty by a unanimous jury after a trial at the Central Criminal Court. He was also convicted of possession of a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life. Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan adjourned sentencing for these firearms offences until November, pending probation and psychological reports. Although Wynne pleaded guilty to manslaughter during the trial, the plea was not accepted by the Director of Public Prosecutions. Quentin Monaghan (21) of Stradbally and James Seery (21) of Canal Side, Athy, were tried alongside Wynne. Both men pleaded guilty to manslaughter and possession of a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges in suspicious circumstances. Their pleas were accepted by the DPP. Mr Justice Sheehan remanded Monaghan and Seery in custody, and their sentencing is scheduled for July 31. The court heard evidence that Wynne shot Mr Lindsay in the face with a sawn-off shotgun. Monaghan and Seery were alleged to have been part of a joint enterprise, with Seery texting the victim to approach the scene. A victim impact statement from the deceased's sister described the family's heartbreak.
Darren Wynne, 21, of Ballyroe, Athy, Co. Kildare, was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Jamie Lindsay, 20, at Coney Green, Athy, on April 6, 2013. Wynne had pleaded not guilty to murder but was found guilty by a jury at the Central Criminal Court. He was also convicted of possession of a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life. Although Wynne pleaded guilty to manslaughter during the trial, the Director of Public Prosecutions did not accept the plea. Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan sentenced Wynne to life for the murder and adjourned sentencing for the firearms offences until November next, pending probation and psychological reports. Two co-accused, Quentin Monaghan, 21, of Stradbally, Co. Laois, and James Seery, 21, of Athy, were rearraigned during the trial. Both pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, and also pleaded guilty to possession of a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges in suspicious circumstances. These pleas were accepted by the DPP. Monaghan and Seery will be sentenced later. The court heard evidence that Wynne shot Mr Lindsay in the right eye at close range. Wynne claimed self-defence, alleging threats over missing cannabis and threats against his grandmother. The State argued the group intended to scare Mr Lindsay. Wynne's defence raised provocation and accidental discharge. The matter regarding the firearms charges remains adjourned.
The Court of Criminal Appeal has reduced the sentences of Alan Bradley (40) and Wayne Bradley (35) by six months each following an appeal against convictions for conspiring to steal cash from Chubb Ireland on November 2, 2007, at Tesco, Celbridge, Co Kildare. Both men had previously pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. In April 2012, Judge Tony Hunt sentenced Alan Bradley to nine years with two years suspended and Wayne Bradley to seven years with 18 months suspended. Presiding Judge Mr Justice John MacMenamin found an error in principle in the original sentencing, noting that the trial judge appeared to start from the maximum ten-year penalty rather than assessing the case's position on the offending spectrum. Consequently, the appeal court determined that Alan Bradley's appropriate sentence was eight years with one-and-a-half years suspended. For Wayne Bradley, the court considered documentation regarding his health, including panic attacks and ankylosing spondylitis, and determined his appropriate sentence was six years with one year suspended. The court also congratulated gardai on their investigative work which prevented the commission of a more serious crime. The brothers had been involved in an attempted raid directed by the late Eamon Dunne, targeting a van containing nearly one million euro.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has found Darren Wynne guilty of murdering Jamie Lindsay in Athy, Co. Kildare on April 6, 2013. Wynne (21) of Ballyroe, Athy was convicted after the jury deliberated for almost five hours. He was also convicted of possessing a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life. Two co-accused, Quentin Monaghan (21) of Stradbally, Co. Laois and James Seery (21) of Athy, pleaded guilty to manslaughter during the trial and to possessing a sawn-off shotgun in suspicious circumstances. All three men will be sentenced on July 22. The court heard evidence that the twenty-year-old victim was shot at close range. Wynne had claimed the shooting was accidental and raised provocation as a defence. Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan thanked the jury and adjourned proceedings for sentencing.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has begun deliberations in the trial of a man accused of murdering his best friend in County Kildare in 2013. Darren Wynne, aged 21, of Athy, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, though prosecutors rejected the plea. He also pleaded guilty to possession of a sawn-off shotgun in suspicious circumstances. Two co-accused, Quentin Monaghan and James Seery, both aged 21, had their manslaughter pleas accepted by the Director of Public Prosecutions and will not face trial. The prosecution case centres on the fatal shooting on 6 April 2013. The defence relies on provocation, claiming the victim made threats. Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan directed the jury that provocation, if reasonably possible, would reduce murder to manslaughter. The jury comprises eight men and four women.
At the Central Criminal Court, Darren Wynne (21) of Ballyroe, Athy, County Kildare was re-arraigned on charges relating to the death of Jamie Lindsay (20) at Coney Green, Coneyboro, Athy on April 6, 2013. Wynne pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The Director of Public Prosecutions did not accept the plea. Evidence was heard from the deceased's former partner regarding a prior incident in March 2013, and from a witness who testified that Wynne attended his house after the shooting, stating he had fired a weapon and later mentioning he had shot his friend. Wynne also pleaded guilty to possession of a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges in suspicious circumstances. Two co-accused, Quentin Monaghan (21) of Tullamoy, Stradbally, County Laois and James Seery (21) of Canal Side, Athy, were re-arraigned and pleaded guilty to manslaughter and to the same firearms offence; those pleas were accepted by the DPP. The trial continues before Justice Garrett Sheehan.
At the Central Criminal Court, the trial of Darren Wynne, Quentin Monaghan, and James Seery for the alleged murder of Jamie Lindsay in Athy, Co. Kildare, continued before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan. Wynne, 21, of Ballyroe, Athy, initially pleaded not guilty to murder but changed his plea to guilty for manslaughter. However, the Director of Public Prosecutions did not accept this plea. Wynne also pleaded guilty to possession of a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges in suspicious circumstances. Co-accused Monaghan, 21, of Tullamoy, Stradbally, and Seery, 21, of Canal Side, Athy, were rearraigned and both pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, pleas which were accepted by the DPP. Both men also pleaded guilty to possession of a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges in suspicious circumstances. The State alleged the defendants were part of a joint enterprise and that Lindsay was shot in the right eye at point-blank range. Wynne allegedly told gardai he shot Lindsay in the shoulder to kneecap him after Lindsay threatened him over missing drugs and his grandmother. The trial was adjourned and continues on Monday.
Colin Widger, who lived with his mother Maeve at 17 Whitebarn Road, Churchtown, claims he was unlawfully evicted by his estranged father Thomas Widger after the father complained to Gardai that Colin was trespassing. Widger says he is the executor of Maeve's will, which he says left the estate to him and his siblings, and that Thomas is contesting his role. Widger alleges he was forced onto the street, left homeless, sleeping on park benches and in sheds, and is now staying with friends. He says Thomas has put the house up for sale without his consent and that he is being oppressed. Widger, representing himself, filed a High Court action seeking an order to prevent the sale. The court adjourned the matter, noting that Thomas and other notice parties had not appeared. The case is pending before the High Court.
In a High Court hearing on 2 July 2014, Goffs Bloodstock Sales Ltd sought payment from horse trainer Eugene McDermott and his wife Ashley Scanlon following the sale of the racehorse "Investmentsuccess". Goffs claimed the horse's transfer to Ms Scanlon breached a 2012 mortgage agreement and was conducted without notice or consent. The horse was sold for approximately €178,000, with proceeds deposited into Ms Scanlon's Ulster Bank account. Goffs had obtained an injunction preventing Ms Scanlon from accessing funds above €202,000. During the hearing, Mr McDermott, representing himself, acknowledged that the monies were owed to Goffs and that payment was his intention, though he disputed the alleged clandestine transfer. The court agreed to order the transfer of up to €178,000 from Ms Scanlon's account to Goffs, noting that €94,000 was currently held there. The case was adjourned with liberty to re‑enter.
Two men have changed their pleas at the Central Criminal Court in relation to the death of a man in County Kildare in April 2013. Quentin Monaghan, aged 21, and James Seery, aged 21, initially pleaded not guilty to murder but today pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Both men also pleaded guilty to possession of a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges in suspicious circumstances on 6 April 2013. The Director of Public Prosecutions accepted both pleas. The charges relate to the death of Jamie Lindsay, aged 20, who was shot at Coneyboro estate in Athy. The State's case alleged that Monaghan and Seery provided material assistance to a third accused. A third man, Darren Wynne, remains on trial for murder. The trial is currently in legal argument, with the jury to return on Friday.
Three men were arraigned at the Central Criminal Court, where all pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Jamie Lindsay (20) at Coney Green, Coneyboro, Athy, Co. Kildare, on April 6, 2013. Darren Wynne (21), Quentin Monaghan (21), and James Seery (21) face charges including possession of a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life. While Wynne pleaded guilty to possessing a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges in suspicious circumstances, he and the other two defendants maintained not guilty pleas regarding the murder and other firearm offenses. The State alleges Seery and Monaghan were part of a joint enterprise. Prosecution evidence includes garda interview memos in which Monaghan stated Wynne pointed a gun at his head and forced him to drive, claiming he did not know Lindsay was to be shot. Wynne allegedly told gardai he intended only to injure Lindsay, who he described as his best friend, over a dispute involving missing drugs and threats. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis testified that the cause of death was a shotgun wound to the head, with the right eye destroyed and extensive skull fractures, indicating the weapon was discharged from a couple of feet away. The matter is currently in legal argument, with evidence continuing on Wednesday.
The trial of Darren Wynne, Quentin Monaghan, and James Seery continues before the Central Criminal Court, with Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan presiding. All three defendants, aged 21, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Jamie Lindsay (20) at Coney Green, Coneyboro, Athy, Co. Kildare, on April 6, 2013. Mr Wynne also pleaded not guilty to possessing a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life, though he pleaded guilty to possessing a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges in suspicious circumstances. Mr Monaghan and Mr Seery pleaded not guilty to possessing a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges with intent to endanger life, as well as possessing such items in suspicious circumstances. Prosecution evidence includes garda interview memos where Mr Wynne alleged Mr Lindsay threatened to rape his grandmother and burn his house. Mr Wynne stated he intended only to injure Mr Lindsay over a dispute regarding missing cannabis. The court heard that Mr Lindsay was shot in the right eye at point-blank range. The State alleges Mr Seery and Mr Monaghan were part of a joint enterprise. The matter is ongoing before a jury of eight men and four women.
A credit manager at Rabobank, Colin Browne, who has been on sick leave for stress since January, brought a High Court action alleging the bank intended to dismiss him for missing internal disciplinary hearings about his absence. Browne, medically certified unfit for work, sought an injunction to prevent termination. The bank denied wrongdoing and opposed the injunction. The injunction hearing was scheduled before Mr Justice Michael Peart, but after negotiations the parties agreed to settle, and the court was instructed to strike out the proceedings. The settlement terms remain confidential.
Three men faced murder charges at the Central Criminal Court following the death of a twenty-year-old in County Kildare in April 2013. Darren Wynne, Quentin Monaghan, and James Seery all pleaded not guilty to murdering Jamie Lindsay at Coneyboro, Athy. Wynne additionally pleaded not guilty to possession of a sawn-off shotgun with intent to endanger life, though he admitted possession of the weapon in suspicious circumstances. Monaghan and Seery pleaded not guilty to related firearms charges. During proceedings, the prosecution presented garda interview notes in which Wynne told officers the deceased had threatened him over missing money and made threats toward his grandmother's home. Wynne stated he obtained a sawn-off shotgun from a graveyard and claimed he only intended to shoot Lindsay in the kneecap. He told gardai he fired a single shot believing it struck the shoulder, and that he did not mean to kill him. The State contends Monaghan and Seery were part of a joint enterprise in the incident. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan, continues before a jury.
The trial of James Seery, Quentin Monaghan, and Darren Wynne, all 21, continues before the Central Criminal Court under Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan. The three men are accused of murdering Jamie Lindsay at Coney Green, Coneyboro, Athy, Co. Kildare, on April 6, 2013. All three pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. Mr. Wynne also pleaded not guilty to possessing a sawn-off shotgun with intent to endanger life but pleaded guilty to possessing a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges in suspicious circumstances. Mr. Seery and Mr. Monaghan pleaded not guilty to both possession charges. Deputy State Pathologist Dr. Michael Curtis testified that Mr. Lindsay died from a shotgun wound to the head, specifically a discharge to the right eye at point-blank range. He noted extensive skull fractures and blunt force injuries, while confirming the deceased had a blood alcohol level of 128mg per cent and cannabis in his system. The prosecution alleges Mr. Wynne fired the weapon after luring the victim into the open, with Mr. Seery and Mr. Monaghan participating in a joint enterprise. The trial is ongoing before a jury of eight men and four women.
Raymond Hoey, 45, was disqualified from driving for two years after driving under the influence on 6 November 2013. He had been drinking wine with his wife at dinner when an argument broke out, prompting him to drive away. His wife called the Gardaí, who stopped him at 7:35 pm at Glasmore Park, Swords. Hoey was arrested, gave a blood sample showing 139 mg/100 ml, and was later convicted and fined €400. Judge Dermot Dempsey postponed the disqualification until 1 December and allowed a postponement of the penalty. The case was heard in Swords District Court.
Swords District Court heard multiple matters. Charges against Shane Langan and Kieran Kennedy for mutual assault were withdrawn following an agreement on the division of blame. Sean Cullen, alleged to have breached a protection order, was remanded on continuing bail with strict conditions, including residing at his father's house and remaining sober. Thomas Nicholson, charged with stealing an €18,000 mini digger, was remanded on bail for DPP directions. Luke Nestor pleaded guilty to theft; the judge ordered 200 hours of voluntary work before considering conviction. Jason Mitchell pleaded guilty to cannabis possession and was convicted and fined €200. Mateusz Sniezek pleaded guilty to drink driving and was disqualified for three years, with the ban postponed until December 1st. Oksana Smirnova pleaded guilty to failing to provide a sample; she was convicted, fined €650, and disqualified for four years. Brendan Hill pleaded guilty to public order offences and was fined €300 in total.
Three men have pleaded not guilty to the murder of a twenty-year-old man in County Kildare in April 2013. James Seery, Quentin Monaghan, and Darren Wynne appeared before the Central Criminal Court charged with the killing of Jamie Lindsay at Coney Green, Coneyboro, Athy. Wynne also faces a charge of possession of a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life, though he has pleaded guilty to possession of a shotgun in suspicious circumstances on the same date. Seery and Monaghan have pleaded not guilty to further counts of weapons possession. During the trial, a witness testified that she observed one of the accused discharge a firearm at close range. She described the events leading to the shooting and stated that the accused subsequently disposed of the weapon and clothing. The trial continues before a jury at the Central Criminal Court with Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan presiding.
The trial of three men accused of murdering a 20-year-old in County Kildare opened at the Central Criminal Court this week. James Seery and Quentin Monaghan, both aged 21, pleaded not guilty to murder, whilst Darren Wynne, also 21, pleaded not guilty to the same charge. Wynne additionally pleaded not guilty to possession of a sawn-off shotgun with intent to endanger life, though he admitted possession of the firearm in suspicious circumstances. Seery and Monaghan denied further counts of possessing a sawn-off shotgun with intent to endanger life. The prosecution alleges that Jamie Lindsay was fatally shot at Coney Green, Athy on 6 April 2013. Opening the State's case, counsel contended that Wynne discharged the weapon, whilst Seery and Monaghan provided material assistance through driving and luring the victim to the scene. Witnesses testified that Lindsay had been shouting on the phone shortly before the fatal shooting occurred. The trial continues before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan.
Three men appeared before the Central Criminal Court charged with the murder of a 20-year-old man in County Kildare in April 2013. James Seery, aged 21, of Athy, Quentin Monaghan, aged 21, of Stradbally in County Laois, and Darren Wynne, aged 21, also of Athy, all pleaded not guilty to murdering Jamie Lindsay at Coney Green, Coneyboro. Mr Wynne additionally faced a charge of possession of a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life, to which he pleaded not guilty. However, he entered a guilty plea to possession of a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges in suspicious circumstances on the same date. The trial was adjourned after Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan noted that a juror had become unwell. The jury was directed to reconvene on Monday, with proceedings expected to continue for three to four weeks.
In a High Court action, Goffs Bloodstock Sales Ltd has sued trainer Eugene McDermott and his wife Ashley Scanlon, alleging that the racehorse "Investmentsuccess" was transferred by McDermott to Scanlon without Goffs' consent and subsequently sold. The sale, reportedly for €178,000, was deposited into Scanlon's Ulster Bank account. Goffs claims the transfer breached a 2012 chattel mortgage agreement that required notice of any sale and payment of proceeds within seven days. A temporary injunction was granted by Mr Justice Brian McGovern, preventing Scanlon from accessing the funds. The case stems from earlier litigation in 2011–2012 where Goffs sought repayment of money owed by McDermott, resulting in a €282,000 judgment and subsequent mortgage agreements for nine horses. Goffs now seeks to enforce the mortgage terms and recover the proceeds of the disputed sale.
In a High Court hearing on 27 May 2014, Mr Justice John Edwards ordered the surrender of 26‑year‑old Jason Patrick Buckley of Harbour View Apartments, Athy, to British authorities on a charge of conspiring to cause explosions in Staffordshire, England, in summer 2012. Buckley, who denies the allegation, was brought to the court in September 2013 under a European Arrest Warrant. The judge directed that Buckley be handed over to authorised officials and remanded in custody at Cloverhill Prison, with a written judgment to be issued. Buckley was scheduled to appear again on 3 June 2014.
In a High Court decision, Thomas Tougher, the former owner of Tougher Oil Distributors Ltd (TODL), was found not entitled to maintain a lis pendens over several petrol stations in the restructured company. Tougher had registered the claim in November to prevent what he alleged was asset stripping by the new owner, John O'Regan, and to secure assets for a separate breach‑of‑contract action. The court vacated the lis pendens, deeming it unsustainable, but left the breach‑of‑contract claim standing, recognising it as a potentially viable claim. Tougher's claim centred on alleged misappropriation of €200,000 during the company's examinership, a matter that had surfaced after O'Regan's acquisition. O'Regan argued the lis pendens hindered refinancing and a potential sale of a forecourt operation to a national retailer. The judge noted that while the lis pendens was removed, the breach‑of‑contract claim remained, as it was considered stateable and sustainable.
A civil engineer from Kingscourt, County Cavan, has been sentenced to three years in prison by the Court of Criminal Appeal for dangerous driving causing death. Ronan Cunningham, aged 30, had pleaded guilty to causing the death of Emanuel Mendez on the N7 Naas dual carriageway in October 2010 whilst driving whilst under the influence of alcohol. The original five-year suspended sentence imposed at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in 2012 was deemed unduly lenient and was overturned on appeal. Mr Justice Adrian Hardiman, presiding, described Cunningham's driving—travelling seven kilometres in the wrong direction after consuming approximately eight pints—as "hideous". The court also imposed a 15-year driving ban. Cunningham was afforded one week to arrange his personal affairs before commencing his sentence.
A credit manager at Rabobank Ireland, Colin Browne, secured a High Court injunction that stops the bank from dismissing him. Browne had been on sick leave since January, medically certified as unfit to work because of stress. He claimed he could not attend internal disciplinary hearings due to his illness, and he had supplied sick certificates to the bank. A company‑appointed doctor had found him fit for work in January, but Browne argued that a second opinion was needed because of conflicting medical evidence. The bank's doctor had not reviewed him after his single visit. Mr Justice Paul Gilligan granted the injunction on an ex‑parte basis, preventing termination. Browne's solicitor, Patricia Dillon SC, argued that the dismissal was unfair and breached his rights, noting that Browne had not been paid and that the bank had not responded to his requests. The case was set for a return hearing on Thursday.
Political activist Ben Gilroy was sentenced to a four-week suspended prison term after being found in contempt of court orders regarding the receivership of a Co Kildare stud farm. The proceedings were brought by joint receivers Mark Reynolds and Glenn Crann, who alleged Gilroy was centrally involved in events on August 28 and 31 last year when protesters forced security staff off the property. Gilroy, representing himself, denied the allegations, arguing he was merely an observer invited by Charles Allen and that the court orders were invalid. Mr Justice Seán Ryan rejected these arguments, ruling that Gilroy committed a flagrant and serious breach of injunctions against trespassing. The judge found Gilroy instrumental in creating a tense and dangerous situation, though he acknowledged other parties, including landowner Eugene McDermott and Mr Allen, had also played leading roles. Considering the land had been sold and the actions of Gardaí and security personnel, the judge determined a suspended sentence was appropriate, noting that actual imprisonment was not required. Gilroy was also ordered to pay the receivers' legal costs. He stated he would appeal the verdict to the Supreme Court. The judge dismissed Gilroy's request to recuse himself, noting his separate impeachment motions were unrelated to the court's proceedings.
The High Court will give judgment later this month on a contempt of court claim against political activist Ben Gilroy, founder of Direct Democracy Ireland, following a protest at a 120‑acre stud farm in Kildare in August. Mr Gilroy challenges allegations that he was in contempt of court orders that restricted interference with the receivership of the farm, arguing the action was politically motivated and that witnesses had lied. He claims he was invited onto the property by Charles Allen of the Rodolphus Allen private trust and was merely an observer, not an organizer. The receivers, represented by Michael Howard SC, maintain that Mr Gilroy knowingly breached the orders and that the necessary elements for contempt have been proven. Mr Gilroy also requests the matter be referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions. The judge has reserved his decision and will rule after the Easter vacation on April 29th.
In a High Court hearing on 10 April 2014, developer Sean Dunne's application to set aside a search warrant issued to the official assignee, Chris Lehane, was dismissed. The warrant had allowed the search of a property at Churchfield, Straffan, Kildare, where assets including artworks were seized in November. Dunne, who is a declared bankrupt in Ireland and the US, argued that he was not the owner of the property, which he claimed was held in trust for his children by the Isle of Man company Traviata. He also sought to have Lehane cross‑examined, claiming the warrant was defective and based on hearsay. Judge Brian McGovern found no grounds to invalidate the warrant, rejected the cross‑examination request, and noted that any disputes over ownership or the seized items would be resolved in future proceedings. The case was adjourned to May.
A man's indecent assault conviction has been quashed by the Court of Criminal Appeal in the first case decided under a recent Supreme Court ruling on suspect interrogation rights. The man, now aged 45, had been sentenced to two years imprisonment in April 2012 after conviction on two counts by jury at Naas Circuit Criminal Court. The alleged offences dated to December 1986 and 1987 in County Kildare. The applicant's counsel argued that a garda interview conducted before the man received legal advice breached his constitutional rights, citing the Supreme Court's March 2014 decision in DPP v Gormley, which established that suspects requesting a solicitor cannot be questioned until receiving legal advice. Presiding judge Mr Justice John MacMenamin found the case fell squarely within Gormley's principles. He noted the applicant's solicitor was en route to the station when questioning proceeded, and determined the interview material was inadmissible. The court allowed the appeal and declined to order a retrial, given the applicant had already served his sentence. The unnamed 45-year-old pleaded not guilty.
In a High Court hearing on 4 April 2014, Ben Gilroy, founder of Direct Democracy Ireland, denied allegations that he assaulted a security guard during protests at a stud farm in County Kildare. Joint receivers Mr Mark Reynolds and others claimed Gilroy was a leader of the protest group that forced receivership security off the property on 28 and 31 August. Gilroy said he was invited onto the land by Charles Allen of the Rodolphus Allen private trust and was merely an observer, not an organizer. He argued he had not been properly served with notice of the contempt application and that court orders preventing interference with the receivers were invalid. Mr Reynolds maintained that a sworn statement had alleged Gilroy's assault, but he insisted the statement should have named a member of Gilroy's group instead.
In a High Court decision on 3 April 2014, Mr Justice Brian McGovern dismissed the challenge brought by jockey Eddie O'Connell and trainer Jim Lambe against the Turf Club's authority to enforce horse‑racing rules. The men had sought to invalidate any sanctions arising from the Turf Club's investigation into alleged irregular betting on the horse Yachvili in the 2011 Kerry Food European Breeders Funds Beginners Chase. They claimed the Turf Club's jurisdiction was unlawful and that its rules were unconstitutional, arguing that any decision could end their careers and damage their reputations. The court found the Turf Club's regulatory powers were established by the 1994 Irish Horse Racing Industry Act and that the rules promoted integrity and fair play. Consequently, the court upheld the Turf Club's authority and struck out the applicants' claims, noting the investigation's findings were not relevant to the judgment. The ruling highlighted the limits of judicial intervention in sporting matters.