Court archive
Court reports mentioning Stradbally, Laois
2025-10-28 · Laois
Stradbally Ladders Ltd, Ireland's only ladder factory, was ordered to pay €6,000 in compensation to former administrative assistant Joanne Kennedy for breaching maternity leave protections. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) adjudication officer, Peter O'Brien, found that while a genuine redundancy situation existed, the company acted in total breach of the Maternity Protection Act by dismissing Ms Kennedy at the end of her protective leave without engaging in alternatives. The firm had made her redundant in July 2024, effective September 2024, after she requested parental leave. The adjudicator noted that the employer's decision not to issue notice before her leave did not eliminate its legal obligation to allow her return to work. Ms Kennedy's solicitors argued she was unfairly selected and denied an independent hearing during her appeal. The company contended that new automated systems rendered the administrative role unnecessary and that they avoided notifying her during her pregnancy-related sick leave. In addition to the €6,000 unfair dismissal award, the adjudicator granted a further €38 in interest compensation. This followed the company's admission of a genuine error under the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973, where they failed to pay two weeks' notice until eight months after the termination. The company had rectified the notice payment with a €1,260 cheque, but the adjudicator awarded interest for the delay.
2024-03-05 · Laois
Niall Sheehy, a 59‑year‑old car‑sales owner from Ballinteskin, Stradbally, pleaded guilty to four counts of breaching the Data Protection Act for disclosing personal information obtained from the Garda Pulse system between June 2019 and February 2020. He had no money exchanged for the data and did not request it, but the information was sent to him by a serving Garda who had a "cosy relationship" with him. The Garda's phone was seized in March 2020, revealing ten screenshots of Pulse data sent to Sheehy. Sheehy's home was searched and he fully cooperated. Judge Martin Nolan, noting his long‑standing community standing and lack of criminal intent, sentenced him to one year in prison, suspended in full on strict conditions, and found no malice in his receipt of the data. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
2021-05-17 · Laois
The Special Criminal Court sentenced Sean Ruth, a former mid-tier Kinahan Cartel member, to four years and six months for two money laundering offences. Presiding Judge Tony Hunt suspended both sentences for six years and ordered Ruth to repay €9,900 within 12 months. Ruth pleaded guilty to concealing or disguising the source of funds in his Allied Irish Bank account between 2016 and 2017, knowing or being reckless as to whether they were proceeds of criminal conduct. The court noted he had paid over €20,000 to the Criminal Assets Bureau, with his parents assisting with the remaining balance. Judge Hunt reduced a headline six-year sentence by 25% due to Ruth's guilty plea and mitigation, including his reformation and education since his 2019 release from a separate firearms conviction. Ruth was previously jailed for three years for possessing a .38 Special revolver and ammunition. The report also details that Jonathan Harding and James Walsh were previously sentenced to 10 and nine years imprisonment respectively, with the final year of each suspended, after pleading guilty to possessing nine revolvers, four pistols, a submachine gun, an assault rifle, and ammunition at the Greenogue Unit.
2021-03-26 · Dublin
Sean Ruth, 32, of Portlaoise, Co Laois, was remanded on continuing bail until May 17 for sentencing after pleading guilty to two money laundering offences at the Special Criminal Court. Prosecutors alleged that Ruth, described as a mid-tier Kinahan Cartel member, allowed his bank accounts to be used to launder over €50,000 in crime proceeds between 2016 and 2017 while claiming State benefits and paying no tax. He has paid the Criminal Assets Bureau over €20,000, with his mother assisting to discharge the remaining €9,000 liability. Defending counsel argued that Ruth has reformed since his 2019 release from a previous three-year firearms sentence and requested the court consider whether imprisonment was necessary. The court heard that Ruth was previously linked via DNA evidence to a revolver found at a Greenogue business park, an arsenal that also contained weapons seized from James Walsh and Jonathan Harding. Walsh, 36, and Harding, 48, were previously sentenced to 10 years and nine years imprisonment respectively, with the final year of each sentence suspended, after pleading guilty to possessing nine revolvers, four pistols, a sub-machinegun, an assault rifle, and ammunition at the same location. Ruth's current matter remains adjourned for final sentencing.
2019-08-21 · Dublin
Oliver Callely, a 27‑year‑old man charged with assault causing harm for allegedly igniting a firework in the smoking area of Copper Face Jacks nightclub on 6 September 2015, appeared before Dublin District Court on 2 July. He has not yet indicated how he will plead. At a vacation sitting of Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Martina Baxter temporarily relaxed his bail conditions to allow him to work in the UK. The conditions were eased between 26 August and 5 September and the requirement to sign daily at Malahide Garda Station was reduced to once a week. The court adjourned the application to return his passport, which would enable him to work as a driver for his brother‑in‑law, a car dealer, until 18 September. Callely is due to be arraigned on 30 October. The case remains at the bail‑relaxation stage.
2019-06-26 · Monaghan
A man convicted of manslaughter in connection with a 2013 killing has been found guilty of criminal damage and production of a weapon at the Central Criminal Court. Quentin Monaghan, aged 25 and from Tullamoy, Stradbally, County Laois, received an eight-year sentence in 2015 with two years suspended for his role in the death of Jamie Lindsay, who was fatally shot during an altercation over drugs in Athy, County Kildare. The court heard uncertainty regarding the duration of the suspension period. Prosecutors sought clarification by requesting trial transcripts from the original sentencing. Monaghan faces a potential two-year custodial term if the offences occurred within the suspended sentence period. He is scheduled for sentencing at Limerick Circuit Court later in the year. The trial judge previously accepted Monaghan did not intend death or serious injury but characterised his conduct as reckless.
2017-01-30 · Kildare
The Court of Appeal has rejected claims that prosecutors improperly handled plea negotiations during the murder trial of Darren Wynne. Wynne, aged 23 from Ballyroe, Athy, County Kildare, was convicted of murdering Jamie Lindsay at Coney Green, Athy on 6 April 2013 and received a mandatory life sentence in July 2014. Two co-accused, Quentin Monaghan and James Seery, both aged 23, pleaded guilty to manslaughter during proceedings and received eight and seven years' imprisonment respectively, with portions suspended. Wynne's appeal argued that the timing of his co-accuseds' pleas—entered after gardaí interview memos were admitted—prejudiced his defence and warranted a retrial. Mr Justice George Birmingham, sitting with two colleagues, dismissed the appeal, characterising the allegations of prosecution misconduct as an "unsupported assertion". The court found no evidence of improper conduct and upheld the conviction.
2016-12-20 · Kildare
The Court of Appeal heard an appeal by Darren Wynne, who was found guilty by a jury of murdering Jamie Lindsay at Coney Green, Athy, on April 6, 2013, and sentenced to life imprisonment by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan in July 2014. Wynne's counsel, Damien Colgan SC, alleged that the Director of Public Prosecutions ambushed his client by allowing co-accused Quentin Monaghan and James Seery to plead guilty to manslaughter only after key evidence was admitted. Colgan argued this timing prejudiced Wynne's provocation defence and requested the conviction be quashed for a retrial. Monaghan was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment with two suspended, while Seery received seven years with three suspended. Counsel for the DPP, Alex Owens SC, rejected these claims as wild allegations, stating there was no evidence of misconduct and that the evidence against Wynne was overwhelming. The court, comprising Mr Justice John Edwards, Mr Justice George Birmingham, and Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, reserved its judgment. The matter was adjourned pending the decision.
2014-11-03 · Kildare
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.
2014-10-02 · Laois
The Court of Criminal Appeal quashed the rape convictions of Eamonn Flanagan (42) and Seamus Flanagan (35) after new evidence from key prosecution witness Daniel Lynch. The brothers had been jailed for three years in 2011 following a Central Criminal Court jury verdict for raping a woman in a Red Cow Hotel room in 2008. Lynch, a friend of the accused, claimed he was pressured by Gardaí to state he saw the men at the hotel door, a claim denied by the Gardaí. No DNA from the brothers was found on the victim. The appeal court found the convictions unsafe, set aside the sex‑offender register order and discharged the brothers from bail. The court declined to order a retrial, citing the difficulty of proving the case anew. The decision was announced by Justice John MacMenamin. Eamonn Flanagan pleaded not guilty. Seamus Flanagan pleaded not guilty.
2014-07-31 · Kildare
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.
2014-07-22 · Kildare
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.
2014-07-22 · Kildare
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.
2014-07-10 · Kildare
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.
2014-07-08 · Kildare
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.
2014-07-07 · Kildare
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.
2014-07-04 · Kildare
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.
2014-07-02 · Kildare
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.
2014-06-30 · Kildare
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.
2014-06-27 · Kildare
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.
2014-06-26 · Kildare
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.
2014-06-25 · Kildare
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.
2014-06-24 · Kildare
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.
2014-06-23 · Kildare
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.
2014-06-19 · Kildare
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.
2014-04-07 · Dublin
In April 2014, the appeal of two Laois brothers, Eamonn Flanagan (42) and Seamus Flanagan (35), who had been convicted and sentenced to three years in prison for raping a woman in a Red Cow Hotel room in March 2008, was adjourned to the next court term. The brothers had pleaded not guilty to vaginal and anal rape respectively. The appeal court had previously considered that a key prosecution witness, Daniel Lynch, claimed he was pressured by Gardaí to state that the brothers were at the hotel room door when he left. No DNA from the brothers was found on the victim and CCTV showed the rapes occurred within a two‑minute window. Counsel for Seamus requested the adjournment to allow an affidavit concerning Lynch's testimony. Judge John MacMenamin noted that the case could not proceed today and would be listed for the first day of the next term, beginning 28 April. The appeal remains pending.
2014-01-21 · Dublin
Kenneth Maher, a 41‑year‑old international lorry driver from La Chapelle‑Launay, France, was convicted at Swords District Court for careless driving and interfering with his vehicle's tachograph. On 11 January he was stopped on the M1 near Dublin Airport after travelling at 120 km/h in a 100 km/h zone. Garda Michael Lavelle noted Maher admitted using a magnet on his gearbox that interferes with the tachograph's electronic control unit, affecting the recordings, brakes and steering. Maher claimed he had only recently started using the magnet due to financial difficulties and to earn extra hours. The judge, Dermot Dempsey, was surprised by the claim that the magnet could have endangered a family. Maher pleaded guilty, expressed genuine regret and was fined €400 for careless driving and €150 for tachograph interference, but was not disqualified from driving under special circumstances. The court highlighted the importance of the tachograph for safety.