Seven defendants appeared before the Central Criminal Court for sentencing following the death of Dale Creighton, who died from blunt force injuries sustained during an assault on a Tallaght footbridge on New Year's Day 2014. Originally charged with murder, the group pleaded guilty to lesser offences on the 15th day of their trial. Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, Gerard Stevens, Jason Beresford, and David Burke each pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Jason Beresford also pleaded guilty to violent disorder, as did Aisling Burke. James Reid pleaded guilty to possession of a knife with a blade or sharp point. The court heard victim impact statements from Creighton's parents, who expressed their enduring grief and stated they would never forgive those responsible. Counsel for the defendants submitted mitigation, noting that most expressed remorse and had no prior convictions. Aisling Burke's counsel highlighted her status as a mother and her early plea. Graham Palmer's counsel noted his cooperation with Gardaí and admission of involvement in punching and slapping the deceased. David Burke's counsel argued he did not cause serious harm and attempted to stop others. The judge is now considering appropriate sentences for these admitted offences.
The sentence hearing for seven accused in the 2014 death of Dale Creighton was adjourned, with Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy indicating sentences will be announced in January. The accused, originally charged with murder, pleaded guilty to lesser offences after their initial not-guilty pleas were withdrawn during trial. Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, Gerard Stevens, Jason Beresford, and David Burke pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Jason Beresford and Aisling Burke pleaded guilty to violent disorder. James Reid pleaded guilty to possession of a knife. Evidence presented included CCTV footage and testimony from Sergeant Brian Cagney, who stated Creighton was found unconscious on a Tallaght footbridge without a mobile phone, despite an allegation he had stolen one. Creighton died from blunt force injuries. The court noted prior convictions for David Burke, James Reid, and Gerard Stevens. A letter from Beresford, read by counsel, apologized to the Creighton family. The matter remains pending final sentencing.
In a sentencing hearing that began on 19 December 2016, five Dublin men who had admitted killing a 20‑year‑old on a Tallaght footbridge on New Year's Morning 2014 were sentenced. The men, all in their twenties and from Tallaght, had originally been charged with murder but the charges were dropped on the 15th day of the trial after they pleaded guilty to lesser offences. The victims' death was caused by blunt force injury to the head and face. The defendants – Aisling Burke (23), David Burke (28), Graham Palmer (26), Ross Callery (23), James Reid (26), Jason Beresford (23) and Gerard Stevens (27) – had all pleaded not guilty to murder but later pleaded guilty to manslaughter, violent disorder or possession of a knife. The court heard CCTV footage and Garda interview memos during the hearing.
At the Central Criminal Court, Ross Callery and Gerard Stevens were remanded in custody to await sentencing for their part in the killing of Dale Creighton. The seven accused, originally charged with murder and violent disorder, had their pleas changed on the 15th day of the trial. Callery and Stevens pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Jason Beresford pleaded guilty to manslaughter and violent disorder. James Reid pleaded guilty to possession of a knife. Aisling Burke pleaded guilty to violent disorder. Graham Palmer and David Burke pleaded not guilty to manslaughter. All murder charges were dropped. The court granted Aisling Burke bail until sentencing. Callery and Stevens, who had been on bail, were remanded in custody after answering their bail. The other accused, including Palmer, Beresford, Reid, and David Burke, were remanded in custody for sentencing on December 19th. The court noted a medical report might assist regarding Stevens. The incident occurred on New Year's Morning 2014 at a footbridge in Tallaght, where Creighton was assaulted and died the following day from blunt force injuries.
In November 2016 the High Court heard a case brought by insolvency practitioners Jim Hamilton and David O'Connor, acting as receivers for Nama, against David and Patrick Maughan. The dispute concerns a greenfield site on Monasterevin Road, Portarlington, Co. Laois, which has been earmarked for a new primary school. The receivers claim the Maughans are residing on the property without entitlement and are seeking injunctions that require the Maughans to vacate the site, remove all their property, and prevent any trespassing by them or anyone with notice of the action. The Maughans attended the hearing without legal representation, stating they had only recently been served with documents and had not had time to secure a lawyer. They denied that their mobile homes were on the greenfield site, asserting they were on the nearby road, and said they had been living on the site since March 2015.
At the Central Criminal Court, the jury was discharged after five accused changed their pleas from not guilty to murder to guilty to manslaughter, while two co-accused admitted to lesser charges. The case concerns the death of Dale Creighton, who was assaulted at a Tallaght footbridge in 2014 and died from blunt force injuries. Aisling Burke pleaded guilty to violent disorder. James Reid pleaded guilty to possessing a knife. Ross Callery, Jason Beresford, David Burke, Graham Palmer, and Gerard Stevens all pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The court granted Aisling Burke bail until sentencing. Ross Callery and Gerard Stevens were remanded on bail until next Monday. Jason Beresford, David Burke, Graham Palmer, and James Reid were remanded in custody. The court directed probation reports for Callery, Stevens, Beresford, Aisling Burke, David Burke, and Palmer, as well as a victim impact report. The matter was adjourned, with sentencing scheduled for December.
The Central Criminal Court trial of seven Dubliners accused of murdering Dale Creighton and violent disorder is ongoing. Creighton was assaulted on New Year's Morning 2014 at a Tallaght footbridge and died the following day. All seven accused initially pleaded not guilty to both charges. However, Jason Beresford later changed his plea, admitting to the violent disorder charge while maintaining his not guilty plea to murder. The other six accused—Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, James Reid, and Gerard Stevens—continue to contest both allegations. On the 14th day of the trial, the jury reviewed CCTV footage showing five accused running from the scene as gardai arrived. Sergeant Brian Cagney described specific actions, including kicks by Callery and Beresford, and strikes by Stevens, Palmer, and Beresford. The footage captured Beresford, Callery, Palmer, Aisling Burke, and David Burke fleeing simultaneously upon seeing police lights. James Reid and Gerard Stevens were seen moving separately. The matter was adjourned, with the prosecution case expected to conclude on Tuesday.
The Central Criminal Court trial of seven Dubliners charged with the murder of Dale Creighton has heard expert evidence regarding his cause of death. Creighton, 20, was assaulted on New Year's Morning 2014 at the footbridge over the Tallaght bypass and died the following day. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis testified that Creighton sustained extensive blunt force trauma to the head and face, resulting in brain swelling, diffuse axonal injury, and brain stem compression. He identified a fractured skull, broken nose, dislocated thumb, and a stab wound to the thigh, noting the latter was likely inflicted by an implement other than a knife. Toxicology revealed modest alcohol and trace cocaine levels. Dr Curtis concluded the cause of death was blunt force injury, stating that axonal injury could result from direct violence or prolonged coma. Under cross-examination, he acknowledged that injuries from an earlier assault by a man not before the court could have contributed to the fatal brain damage. The accused are Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, James Reid, Jason Beresford, and Gerard Stevens. All pleaded not guilty to murder. While all initially pleaded not guilty to violent disorder, Jason Beresford later changed his plea to guilty for that specific charge. The trial continues before Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy and a jury.
The Central Criminal Court trial of seven accused individuals charged with the murder of Dale Creighton and violent disorder is ongoing before Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy. The defendants, Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, James Reid, Jason Beresford, and Gerard Stevens, have all pleaded not guilty to murder. While initially pleading not guilty to violent disorder, Jason Beresford subsequently changed his plea to guilty on that specific charge. On the 13th day of the trial, the jury reviewed CCTV footage of the fatal assault, which occurred on New Year's Day 2014 at a footbridge over the Tallaght bypass. Sergeant Brian Cagney provided commentary, identifying specific actions attributed to the accused, including David Burke striking the deceased and Ross Callery punching him. The sergeant also noted that James Reid was seen holding a knife and phone, and that Gerard Stevens slapped the deceased. Additionally, the jury heard evidence regarding James O'Brien, who was charged with assault causing harm after allegedly kicking and punching the victim. The matter remains at the trial stage and has not been finalised.
The Central Criminal Court trial of seven accused in the 2014 murder of Dale Creighton continues before Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy. The defendants, including Jason Beresford, Gerard Stevens, Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, and James Reid, face charges of murder and violent disorder. While all initially pleaded not guilty to both counts, Beresford subsequently changed his plea to guilty on the violent disorder charge. The remaining six accused maintain their not guilty pleas to both murder and violent disorder. Evidence presented includes garda interviews with Stevens, who admitted to kicking, punching, and slapping the victim on the Tallaght bypass footbridge. Stevens stated he did not know why he acted and described the incident as a moment of madness. Cross-examination highlighted that Stevens became distressed while reviewing CCTV footage. Additionally, testimony regarding Aisling Burke confirmed she was arrested shortly after the assault and examined for injuries, though no probative evidence emerged from her interview. The trial is ongoing, with no final verdict or sentencing recorded at this procedural stage.
The Central Criminal Court trial of seven accused individuals for the murder of Dale Creighton and violent disorder is ongoing before Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy. The defendants, Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, James Reid, Jason Beresford, and Gerard Stevens, have all pleaded not guilty to murder. While all initially pleaded not guilty to violent disorder, Jason Beresford subsequently changed his plea to guilty on that specific charge. The jury is currently hearing evidence regarding garda interviews with David Burke, who was arrested in Tallaght on January 2, 2014. Mr. Burke alleged that the deceased pulled a knife on him and stole his sister's phone, prompting him to strike the victim. He denied participating in the fatal assault, claiming he attempted to stop others and protect the deceased. However, when shown CCTV footage, he admitted to hitting and kicking Mr. Creighton, stating he did so in self-defense. The trial continues with further evidence to be presented to the jury.
The Central Criminal Court trial of seven Dubliners accused of the murder of Dale Creighton continues before Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy. The accused, Jason Beresford, Ross Callery, Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, James Reid, and Gerard Stevens, have all pleaded not guilty to murder. While each initially pleaded not guilty to violent disorder, Jason Beresford subsequently changed his plea to guilty on that specific charge. The jury is currently hearing evidence regarding garda interviews with Ross Callery, who allegedly assaulted Mr Creighton on New Year's Morning 2014 at the Tallaght bypass footbridge. Mr Creighton died in hospital the following day. Detective Garda Kieran McGrath testified that Callery admitted to kicking the victim while he was on his hands and knees, describing the force as a seven out of ten. Callery stated he was protecting himself by not identifying other participants and expressed shock upon learning of the death, stating he did not intend for the victim to die. The trial is ongoing, with no final verdict or sentence recorded at this procedural stage.
Finbarr O'Rourke, 41, of Laurel Drive, Portlaoise, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of four‑year‑old Ciarán Treacy and severe injury to his mother, Gillian Treacy, in an April 2014 collision on the R419. He was originally sentenced to seven‑and‑a‑half years imprisonment by Judge Keenan Johnson on 3 November 2015. On appeal, the Court of Appeal re‑sentenced him to eight years imprisonment, with the final two years suspended, citing his genuine remorse, early guilty plea and cooperation with Gardaí. The suspended portion was intended to encourage rehabilitation. The court also reaffirmed a twenty‑year driving disqualification. The decision was delivered by Mr Justice Alan Mahon, sitting with Mr Justice George Birmingham and Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan. The appeal reduced the custodial term by 18 months, leaving O'Rourke to serve six years and one month in custody. The case remains a tragic reminder of the consequences of drunk driving.
The Central Criminal Court trial of seven Dubliners accused of murdering Dale Creighton, who died after being assaulted on New Year's Morning 2014 at a Tallaght footbridge, continues before Justice Deirdre Murphy. The accused are Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, James Reid, Jason Beresford, and Gerard Stevens. All initially pleaded not guilty to murder and violent disorder; however, Jason Beresford later changed his plea to guilty for violent disorder. The others maintain their not guilty pleas to both charges. Evidence heard included garda interviews with Graham Palmer, who alleged the victim was already injured before he arrived. Palmer admitted punching the victim in the stomach and face, stating he did so to get his attention, while denying causing the fatal injuries. He expressed regret for his actions. The trial is ongoing and was adjourned to continue on Monday.
Finbarr O'Rourke, 41, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of four‑year‑old Ciarán Treacy in Portarlington on 17 April 2014. He was sentenced to seven‑and‑a‑half years imprisonment by Judge Keenan Johnson at Portlaoise Circuit Criminal Court on 3 November 2015. O'Rourke's barrister, Conor Devally SC, appealed today, arguing the tariff was too high and mitigation was insufficient. Devally said the judge was moved by the case and that O'Rourke should be seen as an example rather than an individual. He highlighted O'Rourke's lack of prior convictions, his professional driving background, and his recent efforts to change his relationship with alcohol. The appeal also noted O'Rourke's failure to remain at the scene, his phone call to a companion after the crash, and the impact of these factors on the sentencing decision. The Court of Appeal will decide next week.
The trial of seven Dubliners charged with the murder of Dale Creighton and violent disorder is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. Creighton, a 20-year-old Tallaght native, died in hospital on January 2, 2014, after being assaulted on New Year's Morning 2014 at the footbridge over the Tallaght bypass. The accused are Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, James Reid, Jason Beresford, and Gerard Stevens. All pleaded not guilty to murder. While all initially pleaded not guilty to violent disorder, Jason Beresford later changed his plea to guilty for that specific charge. During cross-examination, Beresford admitted to kicking Creighton in the head and punching him in the stomach, stating he was "stupidly drunk and furious." He denied stamping on the victim. The court also heard that James O'Brien, who was seen on CCTV punching and kicking Creighton, was charged with the lesser offence of assault causing harm. O'Brien pleaded not guilty to this charge. The jury was dismissed to allow the court to address a legal issue, with proceedings scheduled to resume on Wednesday.
The trial of seven accused individuals for the murder of Dale Creighton and violent disorder is ongoing before the Central Criminal Court. The defendants, Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, James Reid, Jason Beresford, and Gerard Stevens, all pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. While all initially pleaded not guilty to violent disorder, Jason Beresford changed his plea to guilty on Wednesday. The court heard evidence that the deceased, who died on January 2, 2014, sustained a penetrating stab wound to his right leg in addition to being beaten. James Reid identified himself in CCTV footage holding a knife, claiming he took it from the deceased after it was swung at him, while denying any involvement in the assault. He described the footage as "horrific" and stated he regretted being present. Garda testimony confirmed Reid was arrested and interviewed, where he denied kicking, punching, or stabbing the victim. The trial continues under the direction of Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy.
The trial of seven Dubliners charged with the murder of 20‑year‑old Dale Creighton began on 13 October 2016. The defendants – Aisling Burke (23), David Burke (28), Graham Palmer (26), Ross Callery (23), James Reid (26), Jason Beresford (23) and Gerard Stevens (27) – all pleaded not guilty to murder and violent disorder, though Beresford later pleaded guilty to the disorder charge. Evidence from Garda Jennifer Walsh and Garda Avril Sharpe described a New Year's Day incident at the Tallaght footbridge where Creighton was found unconscious and badly beaten. The garda saw blood on the clothing of Palmer and Burke, and the footage showed the group leaving the bridge. The trial, before Justice Deirdre Murphy and a balanced jury, will continue on Friday morning. The court heard that Palmer was arrested at the scene and Reid was arrested the next day in Tallaght. The case remains at the Central Criminal Court.
The trial of seven Dubliners accused of murdering 20-year-old Dale Creighton is ongoing before the Central Criminal Court. Creighton died on January 2, 2014, following an incident at the footbridge over the Tallaght bypass on New Year's Day. While all seven defendants initially pleaded not guilty to murder and violent disorder, Jason Beresford (23) pleaded guilty to violent disorder on January 1, 2014, during the trial. The remaining six accused—Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, James Reid, and Gerard Stevens—maintain their not guilty pleas to both murder and violent disorder. The matter was not adjourned; the trial proceeded as normal. Witness Carl O'Leary testified that he saw Creighton holding a knife on the footbridge after hearing a commotion about a phone robbery. His girlfriend, Shannon Downes, identified a white jacket belonging to a woman who claimed she was assaulted and robbed. Another witness, Sophie Percy, described seeing men at the bottom of the bridge, with footage showing one passenger punching a man not before the court. The trial continues with the jury hearing further evidence.
The trial of seven Dubliners charged with the murder of 20-year-old Dale Creighton is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. All defendants, including Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, James Reid, Jason Beresford, and Gerard Stevens, have pleaded not guilty to murder and violent disorder. Prosecution counsel Seán Gillane SC alleged the group acted together to inflict serious injury or death during a 'vicious, prolonged' attack on New Year's Day 2014. Evidence presented includes CCTV footage and testimony from witness Síle McCarthy, who described seeing six or seven individuals surround, kick, and punch Creighton on the footbridge over the Tallaght bypass. The prosecution stated Creighton was thrown 'like a rag doll' down steps before being returned to the bridge, suffering blunt force injuries to the head and face that caused his death on January 2, 2014. The matter is currently at the trial stage before Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy and a jury; it has not been finalised and is expected to last approximately six weeks.
The trial of seven accused individuals for the murder of Dale Creighton is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy addressed the jury, warning them against conducting internet searches or discussing the case, emphasizing that their verdicts must rely solely on evidence presented in court. The accused, Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, James Reid, Jason Beresford, and Gerard Stevens, are charged with murdering Mr. Creighton, who died on January 2, 2014, following an incident at the Tallaght bypass footbridge. All seven defendants have pleaded not guilty to the murder charges. Additionally, each accused pleaded not guilty to violent disorder at the same location on New Year's Day. The court highlighted the gravity of the proceedings, noting that murder is the most serious offence in the criminal calendar. The trial is currently at the trial stage, with no findings, sentences, or finalizations recorded. The matter was adjourned and will continue the following morning.
The trial of seven Tallaght residents accused of murdering 20‑year‑old Dale Creighton on 2 January 2014 has been adjourned to Monday. All seven, aged in their twenties, pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and to violent disorder at the footbridge over the Tallaght bypass. The accused are Aisling Burke (23), David Burke (28), Graham Palmer (26), Ross Callery (23), James Reid (26), Jason Beresford (23) and Gerard Stevens (27). A jury of six men and six women was sworn in to hear the case, which was scheduled to open that morning but was postponed because no judge was available. The court expects the trial to last up to six weeks. The incident occurred on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day, and the victim and all accused were from Tallaght. The trial will resume on Monday.
In a Tallaght court hearing on 6 October 2016, a woman and six men, all in their twenties and residents of Tallaght, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 20‑year‑old Dale Creighton, who died on 2 January 2014. The alleged killing took place at the footbridge over the Tallaght bypass between Saint Dominic's Road and Greenhills Road, about two days after an incident on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. The accused—Aisling Burke (23), David Burke (28), Graham Palmer (26), Ross Callery (23), James Reid (26), Jason Beresford (23) and Gerard Stevens (27)—were charged with murder and violent disorder on the same occasion. All seven were arraigned before the Central Criminal Court, and the judge, Justice Patrick McCarthy, swore in a jury of six women and six men, noting that no juror should be from the Tallaght area. The trial was scheduled to begin the following day and could last up to six weeks.
In a Central Criminal Court trial in Laois, a 38‑year‑old man was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter for killing his 26‑year‑old housemate, Deivydas Zigelis, after a dispute over ribs. The case began when Zigelis, who had gone to buy cider and ribs, returned home without the ribs. The accused, Alexander Karpovs, claimed he was offended and stabbed Zigelis with a kitchen knife. CCTV showed Zigelis making several trips to an off‑licence and a butcher's shop that day. The jury, after nearly six hours of deliberation over two days, returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. Mr Justice Paul Butler remanded Zigelis in custody until a sentencing date is set.
In a Laois Central Criminal Court trial, a jury has begun deliberating on the murder of 26‑year‑old Alexander Karpovs, who died of a single stab wound to the heart after a dispute over ribs. The accused, 38‑year‑old Deivydas Zigelis, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. Both men worked as bin collectors and spent weekends drinking at home. The jury heard that Zigelis, after Karpovs returned from the butcher without ribs, became offended, took a kitchen knife, and stabbed him. CCTV showed Zigelis entering a butcher's shop that afternoon and leaving empty‑handed. The prosecution argued that intoxication was not a defence and that intent to kill or seriously harm existed. The jury deliberated for almost two hours before being sent home for the night, to resume on Tuesday morning.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Deivydas Zigelis, aged 38, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter after stabbing 26‑year‑old Alexander Karpov, a Latvian, with a kitchen knife on 15 February 2014. Zigelis claimed he and Karpov had spent the day drinking with a friend in Laois, then returned to Portarlington where he stabbed Karpov after an argument. He said he had called Gardaí 30 minutes later. Zigelis described a history of drinking together, arguing rarely, and that Karpov had annoyed him while intoxicated. He asserted that if Karpov had brought food home with the cider, he would still be alive. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul Butler, continues on Monday.
During the murder trial of Deivydas Zigelis, a 38‑year‑old Lithuanian accused of killing 26‑year‑old Alexander Karpov, witness Rimas Sodaitis confirmed that he did not mention seeing Zigelis grab a knife until his sixth interview with the Gardaí. Sodaitis, who had been questioned five times before, stated that he had not seen a blow or a knife in the first interview, thought the victim had been punched in the second, and only noted shouting in the fifth. He agreed with defence counsel that he had no recollection of the entire day, describing it as "a mist of alcohol." The court also heard that two knives were found in the garden and three in the house, but no fingerprints were recovered. The trial was set to continue the following day before Mr Justice Paul Butler. The unnamed 49-year-old pleaded not guilty.
In a murder trial in the Central Criminal Court, a 49‑year‑old witness, Rimas Sodaitis, testified that he was watching television when he saw the accused, 38‑year‑old Deivydas Zigelis, run toward the deceased, 26‑year‑old Alexander Karpov, with a knife. Sodaitis described a prior conflict between the accused and the deceased, noting that they had been drinking vodka and cider and had been shouting. He said the accused grabbed a knife from a small table, kicked the table, and ran toward Karpov. Sodaitis claimed he did not see what happened next, but later saw blood and heard the accused ask where it was coming from. He also reported that the accused cleaned up the blood before calling emergency services. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Butler. The unnamed 49-year-old pleaded not guilty.
In the 2016 murder trial of 38‑year‑old Deivydas Zigelis, the Central Criminal Court heard that 26‑year‑old Alexander Karpov died from a single stab wound to the heart. Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster testified that the wound was nine centimetres deep, passing between the third and fourth ribs into the right ventricle and piercing the aortic cusp. She found almost 500ml of fresh blood clot in the pericardial sac, which she said stopped the heart. No defensive wounds were observed. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Butler.
A 38‑year‑old Lithuanian man, Deivydas Zigelis, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the 2014 murder of 26‑year‑old Alexander Karpov, a Latvian, who was stabbed at a house on Spa Street, Portarlington. Zigelis pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea the prosecution rejected. The jury heard a 999 call made by Zigelis at 5 pm, during which he gave the address and said someone had died. Garda Sharon Murray recorded the call and later spoke with Garda Michael Wynn, who described arriving at the house, finding one man on the couch and another on the ground, and Zigelis claiming he did not know what had happened. Detective Sergeant Pat O'Brien showed photographs of the scene, noting it was unkempt with debris and a bag of sugar in the kitchen.
A jury was sworn in at the Central Criminal Court to hear the trial of Deivydas Zigelis, a 38‑year‑old Lithuanian resident of Spa Street, Portarlington, who was accused of murdering Alexander Karpov, a Latvian man, on 15 February 2014. Zigelis pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea the prosecution did not accept. The trial will proceed tomorrow before Justice Paul Butler and a jury.
A Lithuanian man, Deivydas Zigelis, aged 37, will stand trial in 2016 for the murder of a 26‑year‑old Latvian man in County Laois. Zigelis, who lives on Spa Street, Portarlington, was arraigned at the Central Criminal Court and pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter of Alexander Karpov on 15 February 2014. The prosecution's counsel confirmed that a jury would still be required. A jury of seven men and five women was sworn in, but the trial was postponed to the next list, with a new date set for 28 November 2016.
The trial of Deivydas Zigelis, a 37‑year‑old Lithuanian, charged with murdering a 26‑year‑old Latvian in County Laois, was postponed. Zigelis was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter of Alexander Karpov. The prosecution confirmed a jury would still be required. Judge Patrick McCarthy said the case will be rescheduled for a future hearing.
A Lithuanian man, Deivydas Zigelis, 37, will stand trial this Thursday in the Central Criminal Court for the murder of a 26‑year‑old Latvian man in County Laois. Zigelis, who lives on Spa Street, Portarlington, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter of Alexander Karpov on 15 February 2014. The prosecution has requested a jury, which has been sworn in and is expected to hear the case for four to five days.
A Laois resident, whose identity is protected, faces trial in June 2016 for two counts of rape committed in Dublin on 9 February. He has been granted bail with conditions requiring him to sign on at Portlaoise Garda Station three times a week. His lawyers argued that the nearest 24‑hour station was over an hour away by public transport, making the requirement impractical. They noted that other stations closer to his home were only open part‑time and that the only other 24‑hour station, in Portarlington, was even farther. The accused, a married man with an Irish wife, claimed he would not leave the area and requested removal of the sign‑on conditions. Justice Carroll Moran agreed to modify the bail, allowing the accused to sign on twice a week at Kevin Street Garda Station in Dublin, where he regularly travels for work.
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.
Noel Maher, aged 42, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for raping and sexually assaulting his step‑daughter Amy Kenna over an eight‑year period. The abuse began when Kenna was ten and escalated to rape when she was thirteen, continuing until 2009. A seven‑day trial in July found Maher guilty of three counts of sexual assault between 2001 and 2007 and 34 counts of rape between 2005 and 2009, all at various locations in County Laois. The judge, Justice Garrett Sheehan, noted the victim's suffering and praised her courage, imposing a 14‑year sentence with the last two years suspended on the condition that Maher participate in a sex‑offender programme while incarcerated. The case highlighted the persistent, threatening nature of the abuse and the victim's ongoing recovery efforts.