Court archive

Court reports mentioning Ballybrittas, Laois

2013-12-17 · Kildare

Two men who admitted running CIRA pipe bomb factory jailed

In a Special Criminal Court hearing in Dublin, James Brennan (45) and Joseph Kirwan (39) pleaded guilty to possession of explosive substances linked to a Continuity IRA pipe bomb factory. Brennan admitted manufacturing pipe bomb casings at his Newbridge home, while Kirwan was found welding components in a shed. Gardaí discovered six completed casings, a welder, grinder, welding masks, steel lengths, and other materials. Brennan, with 20 years in security, claimed he had distanced himself from republican activity and was placed in a non‑aligned cell at Portlaoise Prison. Kirwan, holding a mechanical engineering degree, expressed regret and pledged not to engage in future criminal acts. The court sentenced Brennan to seven years' imprisonment, suspending four years, and Kirwan to six years, suspending four years, with both sentences back‑dated to the arrest on 28 February 2013. The sentences reflect the court's view that the suspensions were appropriate given the defendants' undertakings.

2013-11-26 · Kildare

Man pleads guilty to the possession of pipe-bomb materials

In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Joseph Kirwan, aged 39, pleaded guilty to possessing pipe‑bomb materials and other explosives. He admitted owning six complete casings for a plate‑type pipe‑bomb, a Parva welder, a grinder with blades, welding masks, steel lengths and other related items. The items were found at the home of co‑accused James Brennan, 44, on 28 February 2013. Kirwan's case was scheduled for sentencing on 17 December, the same date as Brennan's related matter.

2013-11-26 · Kildare

Man pleads guilty to the possession of pipe-bomb materials

In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Joseph Kirwan, aged 39 from Closelands, Ballybrittas, pleaded guilty to possessing pipe‑bomb materials and other explosives. He admitted to holding six complete casings for a plate‑type pipe‑bomb, a Parva welder, a grinder with blades, welding masks, steel lengths and related items at the home of co‑accused James Brennan on 28 February 2013. Brennan, 44, had earlier pleaded guilty to the same offence. The court set a sentencing date of 17 December, with the presiding judge noting the case would be listed then.