Court archive
Court reports mentioning Straffan, Kildare
2023-11-13 · Kildare
The High Court approved a Personal Insolvency Arrangement for 54‑year‑old Dermot King of Bishopscourt, Straffan, allowing him to write off over €16 million of unsecured debt owed to Everyday Finance DAC. King, who had been self‑employed trading as DMK Property Limited from 2004 to 2017, owed the fund €17.2 million. Under the arrangement, he will keep his €1.5 million family home, continue mortgage repayments for 25 years, and sell his interests in an investment property in Rosslare, part of the land on which his home sits, and an investment property in Athy to reduce the debt. He will make a €23 000 payment, of which €13 000 will go toward the unsecured debt. The PIA, lasting 12 months, was prepared by Personal Insolvency Practitioner John McCormack and approved by Mr Justice Alexander Owens after counsel noted no opposition and that creditors would fare better than under bankruptcy.
2023-03-13 · Kildare
Fiachra Slator, 40, of Clondalkin, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of a small quantity of drugs at his home and a larger quantity at a location in Straffan, Co Kildare, together with bagging material, weighing scales and a blender. He also pleaded guilty to money laundering for €125,110 found in a locked box at his mother's home. The offences, committed on 14 April 2022, involved over €80,000 in drugs and €125,000 in cash. Garda Ciaran O'Neill explained that two search warrants, based on confidential information, led to the seizures. Judge Martin Nolan, noting Slator's early guilty plea, admissions, medical condition and desire to change, departed from the ten‑year mandatory minimum and imposed a six‑year sentence, back‑dated to the date Slator entered custody.
2023-03-03 · Dublin
Paul Storey, a 36-year-old civil servant from Clondalkin, Dublin, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to possession of cocaine and diamorphine for sale or supply. The charges relate to an incident on April 24, 2021, at Baronrath, Straffan, Co Kildare. Gardai discovered 3.3kg of cocaine and 560g of diamorphine, valued at over €310,000, inside a Honda Accord located in a container at a property subject to a search warrant. Although Storey was not present during the search, he was arrested later and initially denied knowledge of the drugs. Prosecution evidence indicated he was holding the substances for a third party, a characterization agreed upon by the investigating garda, who noted Storey was low down the chain and lacked trappings of wealth. Defence counsel Anne Marie Lawlor SC argued that Storey's involvement stemmed from a desire to help a partner with a drugs debt, describing it as a serious misjudgement rather than primary criminal intent. She highlighted his early guilty plea, remorse, full-time employment, and support for his parents as mitigating factors. Judge Martin Nolan acknowledged Storey's reduced culpability due to acting on behalf of another, while noting his previous convictions for minor drug and road traffic offences. Taking into account his early plea and good work history, the Judge imposed a four-year prison sentence.
2022-12-20 · Kildare
In December 2022, retired MMA fighter Artem Lobov filed High Court proceedings against Conor McGregor, alleging a series of harassing, intimidating and defamatory posts on McGregor's Twitter account. Lobov claims that McGregor repeatedly referred to him as a "rat" in a song and other tweets, and that a picture of Lobov was superimposed on a packet of raw sausages. He also alleges that McGregor's father sent him pictures of rats and a snake as part of the campaign. Lobov's lawyers sought an undertaking to cease and desist from such posts and an order to remove them. The court granted permission to serve short notice of the injunction but declined a temporary injunction pending McGregor's response. The application is set to return to the court by Thursday of that week. The case is part of a broader legal dispute between the two former friends, including a commercial disagreement over a whiskey brand sale.
2020-03-27 · Kildare
Ms Indira Attride, a former administrative employee of Canopus BioPharma Ltd, a partnership in Straffan, Co Kildare, claims she was unfairly dismissed and was awarded €28,513 by a rights commissioner. The partnership ceased trading and one partner went bankrupt, leaving no assets. The Department of Social Protection refused to pay her from the Social Insurance Fund, stating that only one partner's bankruptcy sufficed for a claim. Ms Attride, represented by John Kennedy SC, argues that the State's refusal breaches EU Directives on workers' entitlements and that Irish law fails to cover employees of partnerships. She seeks orders for the Minister to pay her the awards from the fund, to align Irish law with EU law, and declarations that the State is in breach of EU Directives. Mr Justice Sanfey granted permission ex‑parte and adjourned the case to a later date.
2019-11-06 · Kildare
The Central Criminal Court trial of Paul Wells Junior (33) continues, with the validated procedural stage identified as sentence. Wells Junior, of Beatty Park, Celbridge, Co Kildare, has pleaded not guilty to charges alleging he impeded the apprehension or prosecution of his father, Paul Wells Senior (51), and disposed of a chainsaw motor and blade in Co Kildare between January 19 and 20, 2016. The prosecution alleges Wells Junior dumped these items knowing his father had taken a life. Paul Wells Senior was previously convicted of murdering Kenneth O'Brien (33) at his home in Finglas on January 15 or 16, 2016, and was jailed for life last year. Wells Senior admitted dismembering the victim and dumping the body in the Grand Canal. Detective Sergeant Gerard Moore testified that the chainsaw motor was found at Pike Bridge, Maynooth, while the blade and chain were recovered at the Curragh. Wells Junior told gardai he feared being shot by his father during a drive on January 16, after which he heard splashes near the canal. The court heard that Wells Senior was a known IRA member with prior firearms convictions. The matter remains at the sentence stage.
2018-04-09 · Dublin
A dispute between a financial fund and a court-appointed receiver against the owners of residential properties across multiple counties has been admitted to the fast-track Commercial Court list at the High Court. Seaconview DAC and receiver Anne O'Dwyer have brought proceedings against Chevas Securities Ltd and James and Conor Fagan concerning 28 apartments at Royston Village, Kimmage, and additional properties in Sligo, Dundalk and Galway. Ms O'Dwyer, appointed receiver in December, seeks injunctions to prevent the defendants from interfering with the receivership or accessing the properties. The fund claims it is owed €9.2 million in respect of loans originally advanced by Ulster Bank between 2002 and 2007, which the fund acquired in 2015. Ms O'Dwyer claims she has been obstructed in collecting rental income from the properties. Mr Justice Brian McGovern approved admission to the fast-track list. The defendants' solicitor opposed the application, indicating ongoing negotiations. The matter is scheduled to return to court later in April.
2018-02-26 · Kildare
AIB has applied for a summary judgment of €6 million against Mrs Siobhan Smith, who, together with her late husband Frank Smith, is alleged to have acted as co‑guarantor for loans used to purchase the Ashleaf Shopping Centre and 33 acres of land at Callighstown, Rathcoole. The bank claims that the loans, amounting to €50 million, were secured by legal charges over the shopping centre, the adjoining Submarine Bar, the Rathcoole lands, and a 20‑year lease of 120 car‑parking spaces. In 2013 receivers were appointed over Gary Smith's assets, and AIB secured a €51 million judgment against him. AIB alleges that Frank Smith entered a settlement with the bank in 2015, which was not complied with, and that Mrs Smith, as executrix, has failed to propose a reasonable repayment plan or to administer her husband's estate.
2016-11-29 · Kildare
Patrick Purcell, 33, of Lucan, Co Dublin, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to nine years' imprisonment for possession of drugs, with the final two years suspended. He pleaded guilty to possessing 18kg of ketamine, valued at €1,080,000, and 212g of cocaine for sale or supply at a rented premises in Straffan, Kildare, on June 4, 2015. He also admitted to possessing 2.2kg of ketamine, worth an estimated €103,123, at Maiden's Row, Chapelizod, on the same date. Co-accused Jordan Maher, 19, of Lucan, pleaded guilty to possessing the ketamine at Maiden's Row when spotted handling the package. Judge Melanie Greally noted Purcell's four previous convictions, including a prior suspended sentence for a drug offence. She accepted his genuine regret, cooperation with gardaí, and the submission of impressive testimonials. Purcell had claimed he was paid €500 to hold the drugs and used the storage unit for landscaping tools. The court acknowledged his role in storing and assisting with distribution, while noting his alcohol issues. The sentence reflects the severity of the offences and his criminal history, with the suspended portion contingent on good behaviour.
2016-11-14 · Dublin
Patrick Purcell, aged 33, will be sentenced later this month for holding over €1 million worth of drugs in a storage unit he rented. Gardaí observed him handing a drug package to Jordan Maher, 19, and a warrant was secured for the lock‑up where €1 million of ketamine and €14 896 of cocaine were found. Purcell admitted he was paid €500 to hold and distribute the drugs, and that he rented the unit for €15 a week, claiming it was for tools for his landscaping business. He pleaded guilty to possession of 18 kg of ketamine worth €1 080 000 and 212 g of cocaine for sale or supply at the Straffan premises, and to possession of 2.2 kg of ketamine worth €103 123 at Maiden's Row, Chapelizod. He has four prior convictions, including a suspended sentence for a drug offence.
2016-10-06 · Longford
The Special Criminal Court in Dublin is currently hearing the trial of Donal Billings, a 65-year-old man from County Longford, who has pleaded not guilty to five charges. The prosecution alleges that Billings unlawfully possessed an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park on May 16, 2011, and made four false bomb reports under the Criminal Law Act of 1976. These alleged false reports included claims of bombs at Busáras, Sinn Féin headquarters, Dublin Castle, and Cork airport, with the latter threat allegedly made by an anonymous caller who stated the device was "for the Queen." Evidence presented includes testimony from a bus driver who identified a man placing an item on a vehicle, and gardaí who responded to the threats without finding devices. The court rejected a defence application to adjourn or defer the trial due to translation concerns, ruling that Billings is adequately supported by legal and linguistic experts. The trial is ongoing, with no findings, sentences, or finalisations recorded at this procedural stage.
2016-10-05 · Longford
A Special Criminal Court trial has heard that gardaí discovered an improvised explosive device on a passenger bus bound for Dublin on the eve of a royal visit in May 2011. Donal Billings, aged 65, of Drumlish, County Longford, is charged with unlawful possession of an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park on May 16th, 2011, and with four offences of making false bomb reports under the Criminal Law Act 1976. The charges allege he made false reports claiming bombs were positioned at Busáras Dublin, Sinn Féin headquarters, Dublin Castle, and Cork airport between May 16th and 20th. Mr Billings has pleaded not guilty to all five charges. Garda evidence established that the device, located in a Tesco bag beneath a Corduff Travel bus at Straffan Road rail station in Maynooth, contained a two-litre bottle of flammable liquid, copper piping filled with explosive material, a mechanical timer, battery, and firework components. An Army Bomb Disposal Unit member disabled the device, confirming it possessed capability to cause serious injury. The trial continues.
2016-07-15 · Kildare
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court case, Sergejs Sluncevs, 37, was sentenced to two years' imprisonment for dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm after he crashed into a taxi on Dublin Road, Celbridge, on 21 December 2012. The incident occurred when Sluncevs, who had been heavily drinking after a Christmas party, drove his Audi A4 across the road and collided head‑on with the taxi. The taxi driver was pulled from the vehicle within thirty seconds before the car caught fire. The court noted the victim's severe injuries and psychological effects, and, considering Sluncevs' guilty plea, cooperation, remorse and previous good record, imposed the custodial term and a five‑year driving disqualification. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the offence and the circumstances surrounding the crash.
2016-07-04 · Kildare
In a case heard by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Sergejs Sluncevs, aged 37, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm after his Audi A4 collided head‑on with a taxi on Dublin Road, Celbridge, on 21 December 2012. Sluncevs had been heavily intoxicated after a Christmas party and, after leaving his keys in his car, decided to drive home. Witnesses described the taxi driver seeing the car approach with full beams, the vehicle swerving onto the taxi's side and crashing. The taxi driver's leg was trapped inside the car; he was rescued by bystanders and later treated for injuries to his leg, arms, ribs and chest. Within thirty seconds of the taxi being pulled from the vehicle, the car caught fire. Sluncevs' defence argued the incident was a "life‑changing mistake" and that he was remorseful, requesting the court consider alternatives to custodial sentencing.
2016-02-16 · Dublin
Terry O'Donoghue, 51, of Tallaght, was found guilty of possessing €2 million worth of cannabis for sale or supply at Cookstown Industrial Estate between 27 and 28 February 2013. He was sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment, with the final three years suspended, by Judge Mary Ellen Ring on 7 April 2014. O'Donoghue appealed against the severity of the sentence, but the Court of Appeal found no error in principle. Mr Justice Alan Mahon, sitting with Justices Garrett Sheehan and John Edwards, upheld the sentence, noting the large value of the drugs and O'Donoghue's extensive involvement in the operation, including renting premises and organising vehicles. The appeal was dismissed, leaving the 10‑year term, three years suspended, in place. The case was heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
2014-11-04 · Kildare
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.
2014-04-10 · Kildare
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.
2014-03-06 · Kildare
In a High Court case, Sean Dunne, who was declared bankrupt in Ireland and the United States last year, seeks to recover documents and other items seized from a property in Co. Kildare by Official Assignee Mr. Chris Lehane. The seized items include 100 pieces of artwork and golf memorabilia. Dunne's legal team, represented by Bill Shipsey SC, argues that Mr. Lehane should be cross‑examined on the contents of his affidavit to resolve the dispute. Mr. Lehane's counsel, Mark Sanfey SC, contends that such cross‑examination is inappropriate and impermissible. Justice Brian McGovern has asked for time to consider the motion and will rule before the full hearing scheduled for 19 March. The case also involves Mrs. Gayle Dunne, Traviata Ltd, and John Dunne, who seek the return of items belonging to them. Mr. Lehane's lawyers have stated that they are willing to return materials that do not belong to Mr. Dunne's estate.