The Court of Criminal Appeal has declined to order a retrial of two nightclub doormen whose assault convictions were previously quashed. Frankie Murphy, aged 44, of Stephen Street, Sligo, and John Molloy, aged 33, of Creggs Road, Ballina, County Mayo, had been found guilty in October 2011 by Sligo Circuit Criminal Court of assault causing harm following an incident at Envy nightclub on 18 February 2009. The victim lost part of one finger when an entrance door was closed against him. The appeal court found the convictions unsafe and set them aside last month. Although the Director of Public Prosecutions sought a retrial, Ms Justice Elizabeth Dunne ruled that weaknesses in key prosecution witness evidence and the considerable time elapsed since the alleged offence made a retrial inappropriate. The court identified deficiencies in how the trial judge charged the jury regarding self-defence, accident, and joint enterprise. Costs were awarded to Mr Molloy.
The Special Criminal Court has decided that the trial of Thomas McMahon (31) and Noel Noonan (34) for IRA membership will proceed after hearing evidence that Clonmel and Cahir Garda stations had no recording facilities when the men were detained. The court adjourned the trial to allow the defence to consider employing an expert to physically examine the two stations. Superintendent Michael Flynn testified that recording equipment was only installed at divisional headquarters and not at the two stations, and that any recordings made were stored at Garda Headquarters. The judge noted the evidence was "very impressive" and granted the defence an extension of the legal aid certificate for any proposed expert. The trial was adjourned until Tuesday, with the court willing to postpone further if an expert inspection is arranged. The men remain charged with membership of the Irish Republican Army on 7 February 2013.
Simon McGinley, 30, of Sligo, is standing trial at the Central Criminal Court for the death of Eugene Gillespie, 67. McGinley pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The State did not accept the manslaughter plea, and a jury was sworn in for the two-week trial. He also pleaded guilty to the false imprisonment of Mr Gillespie and trespass to commit robbery at his home in Old Market Street on September 19, 2012. The prosecution alleges McGinley made a 999 call from an acquaintance's phone, stating a man was tied up in a house across from the Garda station. Garda Sergeant Terry Coleman received the brief call, which was disconnected before details could be clarified. Garda Michael Twyford checked the described property but found nothing untoward. Detective Garda Seamus O'Donnell testified that Mr Gillespie's home was ransacked, with broken furniture and a large blood stain. Paramedic Aidan Duggan found Mr Gillespie unconscious on the floor. The court heard evidence that McGinley placed a bet at 1:35 pm on September 20, 2012, and was seen in a Sligo newsagent on September 23. CCTV footage showed a man believed to be McGinley discarding a SIM card on September 19. The trial continues.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 26 March 2014, lawyers for Thomas McMahon (31) and Noel Noonan (34), both charged with membership of the Irish Republican Army, requested confirmation from the prosecution regarding whether telephone calls made by the defendants from Garda stations were recorded. The request arose after the defendants had consulted with their solicitors by phone on 7 February 2013, after which they were interviewed. Counsel for McMahon suggested the matter could have consequences for the case, while counsel for Noonan made a similar request. The State solicitor, Ms Tara Burns, stated that the Gardaí were unaware of any recordings and that the prosecution could not confirm the existence of such material that day. The judge adjourned the trial to Thursday, when the prosecution should have a clearer position, and also postponed a separate case scheduled for the following week.
Simon McGinley, 30, of Connaughton Road, Sligo, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the death of Eugene Gillespie, 67. McGinley pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Gillespie in September 2012. He also pleaded guilty to the false imprisonment of Mr Gillespie and trespass to commit robbery at his home in Old Market Street on September 19, 2012. The State did not accept the manslaughter plea, and a jury was sworn in for the trial. Prosecutors alleged that Mr Gillespie was subjected to violence, found unconscious with his hands tied, and died of bronchial pneumonia resulting from blunt force trauma. Evidence included an anonymous 999 call reporting a tied-up man, which led gardai to the wrong address. The court heard that Mr Gillespie was last seen on September 19 and found by relatives on September 21. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan.
Two Limerick men, Thomas McMahon, 31, and Noel Noonan, 34, were scheduled to stand trial at the Special Criminal Court for IRA membership. The prosecution had supplied a large quantity of disclosure and additional evidence to the defence in the days before the hearing. Counsel for Noonan requested a delay, and the presiding judge, Mr Justice Paul Butler, adjourned the trial to Wednesday. Both men are charged with membership of the Irish Republican Army, an unlawful organisation, as of 7 February 2013.
Brian Culbert, a Limerick detective, has filed a High Court action to stop his possible dismissal after admitting he breached Garda rules on handling informants. He claims the internal disciplinary process is procedurally flawed and seeks orders to halt it. Counsel Breffni Gordon BL argued that Culbert, while investigating a serious crime, acted as an informant handler and ignored orders to stop, leading to a charge of breaching Garda Discipline. An internal board recommended dismissal in September 2013, but an appeal board was convened. Culbert's lawyers contend that the appeal board's discussion with the original board violated fair procedure, prompting a letter to the Commissioner. The Commissioner denied any wrongdoing. Mr Justice Michael Peart granted ex‑parte permission, staying the disciplinary process pending the High Court outcome, with a return date set for May.
The Court of Criminal Appeal has allowed an appeal by Kieran Ryan against his eight-year sentence for firearms possession, finding an error in principle in the original sentencing. In July 2010, Ryan, then of Craeval Park, Moyross, pleaded guilty at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court to possessing a Browning semi-automatic pistol and 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition at Carrigmartin, Ballyneety. Judge Carroll Moran imposed the eight-year term, while his brother, Eddie Ryan, received six years for the same offence. The appeal court determined that the trial judge's starting point was too high, noting no evidence that Ryan intended to use the weapon. Consequently, the appropriate starting point was nine to ten years. The court also found the four-year reduction for his guilty plea excessive, given he was caught red-handed and had a prior conviction for violent disorder. A justified reduction of two to two-and-a-half years indicated a final range of seven to eight years. Presiding Judge Frank Clarke stated that while the appeal was allowed, a significant reduction would not be justified due to the offence's seriousness. The matter was adjourned to allow both sides to present submissions on the proper sentence, including materials regarding Ryan's conduct in prison.
A Limerick woman, Mary Maloney, aged 45, faces trial for impeding the apprehension of Jonathan Fitzgerald in 2011. She pleaded not guilty, claiming she was not present at her premises on 18 December 2006 when Fitzgerald was allegedly there. Mr Justice Paul Carney found that Maloney had impeded Fitzgerald's apprehension, stating she was present at the premises when she knew that was not true. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, began on Thursday with a jury of six men and six women and is expected to last two weeks.
Limerick, 20‑year‑old man, formerly a teenager in HSE care, beat a 16‑year‑old schoolboy unconscious in an unprovoked attack, leaving the boy with permanent brain damage. CCTV showed the assailant delivering 65 kicks, 26 punches and 26 stamps to the boy's head, two stamps to his chest, and continuing the assault after the victim stopped moving. The attacker claimed he was "stoned out of his head on vodka and tablets." He was originally charged with attempted murder but pleaded guilty to intentionally causing serious harm, receiving a 15‑year sentence with the final three years suspended. The Court of Criminal Appeal ruled that the sentencing judge failed to consider the impact of the man's severe dysfunctional background and substance‑abuse problems.
The Court of Criminal Appeal has set aside the convictions of two nightclub doormen from Sligo and Co Mayo who were sentenced in 2011 for assault causing harm. Frankie Murphy of Stephen Street, Sligo, and John Molloy of Creggs Road, Ballina had each received three-year suspended sentences and were ordered to pay €10,000 following their conviction by Sligo Circuit Criminal Court jury in October 2011. The incident occurred in February 2009 at Envy nightclub in Sligo town, resulting in serious injury to the complainant. On appeal, the Court of Criminal Appeal found that the trial judge's charge to the jury had failed to adequately address the separate defences raised by each defendant, including self-defence and accident. Justice Elizabeth Dunne ruled that the convictions were unsafe and should be quashed. The State indicated it would seek further instructions regarding the matter, with the case listed for mention at a future date.
Wayne Dundon has failed in an application to adjourn his forthcoming Special Criminal Court trial on a charge of murdering Limerick businessman Roy Collins five years ago. Dundon (35), of Lenihan Avenue, Prospect, and Nathan Killeen (23), of Hyde Road, Prospect, are charged with the murder of Mr Collins (35) at Coin Castle Amusements, Roxboro Road Shopping Centre, Limerick on April 9th, 2009. They are due to stand trial on April 29 next and the trial is expected to last four to five weeks. Presiding judge Mr Justice Paul Butler rejected the application, stating that the potential duration of the trial should not prevent it from proceeding. He noted that the Special Criminal Court does not have a jury and that the trial could be interrupted for two weeks if necessary. Chief Superintendent David Sheehan testified about the threat to proposed prosecution witnesses and the increasing difficulty in ensuring their safety as time passes. He stated that adjourning the case would place a significant strain on garda support and witness cooperation. Justice Butler acknowledged the credible evidence provided by Chief Supt Sheehan and the real concern regarding witness safety. He emphasized the court's duty to ensure a fair trial while addressing potential risks. Counsel for Dundon, Mr Remy Farrell SC, argued that the trial may not conclude within the allocated timeframe and raised concerns about evidence disclosure. Similar concerns were raised by Mr Micheal O'Higgins SC for Killeen. The matter was not adjourned and remains at the trial stage.
A 53-year-old mass-card salesman from Longford has begun an appeal against his conviction for possession of child pornography at the Court of Criminal Appeal. Thomas McNally was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment in October 2011 following a Longford Circuit Criminal Court jury verdict on charges relating to possessing 676 images downloaded in February 2006. The appeal centres on whether the defence was entitled to challenge expert evidence presented by the prosecution regarding handwriting found on the images. The defence sought to call a competing expert witness but the trial judge refused permission. McNally was granted bail on compassionate grounds pending the appeal. The court indicated proceedings would continue at a later hearing. Thomas McNally pleaded not guilty.
Lawyers for Wayne Dundon, aged 35, have requested the Special Criminal Court to adjourn his upcoming trial for the murder of local businessman Roy Collins, also aged 35, which occurred on 9 April 2009 at Coin Castle Amusements, Roxboro Road Shopping Centre, Limerick. Dundon and Nathan Killeen, aged 23, are charged with Collins' murder and are scheduled to stand trial on 29 April. Counsel Remy Farrell SC applied for the adjournment, arguing that the trial could not realistically conclude within the four‑to‑five‑week period set aside and citing issues with the disclosure of evidence. He also indicated that the defence intends to seek judicial review in the High Court regarding this and other evidence. Counsel for Killeen, Keith Spencer BL, wished to make a similar application.
In February 2012, Larry Connors, aged 21, was sentenced to three years in prison for child cruelty after pleading guilty to assaulting a 10‑month‑old baby between 15 December 2010 and 3 January 2011. The baby suffered fractures to both arms, a dislocated right elbow, bruising, a burn on the right calf and brain bleeding, and was taken to Midwestern Regional Hospital in Limerick. Connors, who lived in Shannon, Co Clare, was not the child's father. The mother described Connors slapping, pinching, punching and throwing the baby for three weeks. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed, arguing the sentence was too lenient. The Court of Criminal Appeal, presided over by Justice Nial Fennelly, increased the sentence to the maximum of seven years, suspending the final two years. The appeal was based on the claim that the guilty plea did not save witnesses from giving evidence and that the original discount of over 50 % was an error.
The Special Criminal Court has granted 31-year-old Thomas McMahon, a Limerick man charged with IRA membership, permission to travel to Lithuania for a third time. The court acceded to an application to ease his bail restrictions until February 10, allowing him to visit his Lithuanian wife. McMahon, of Ros Fearna, Murroe, and his co-accused, 34-year-old Noel Noonan of St. Patrick's Hostel, Clare Street, were arrested in February 2013 near Cahir, Co Tipperary, during an investigation into dissident republican activities. Both men face charges of membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA. While Detective Inspector William Hanrahan of the Special Detective Unit objected to the application, citing the upcoming trial date of March 25 and concerns over McMahon's potential non-return, he acknowledged that McMahon had previously returned his passport within 24 hours. Presiding Judge Paul Butler noted McMahon's prior compliance and granted the variation. Counsel Michael Bowman BL confirmed the bail surety was present and requested the suspension of signing-on and residency conditions from February 1 to February 10. The matter remains at the pre-trial stage, with the trial scheduled for March 25.
A Limerick man, Christopher McNamara, aged 21, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of retired soldier James Boyce, aged 71, who was killed between 6 and 7 March 2011 on St Munchins Street, St Mary's Park. The court heard that Boyce suffered fatal neck injuries from a long striking edge, with multiple larynx fractures. McNamara pleaded not guilty but confessed to the killing to his mother and admitted choking Boyce with the handle of a sweeping brush, demonstrating the act. He allegedly gave his mother a 42‑inch television the day after the murder and purchased a Toyota Corolla with €1,100 in fifty‑euro notes believed to have been taken from Boyce that night. CCTV footage of McNamara's movements on the murder night was shown to a jury of five women and seven men, who returned a unanimous guilty verdict after one and a half hours of deliberation.
The jury has begun deliberating the case of Christopher McNamara, a 21‑year‑old Limerick man, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of 71‑year‑old James Boyce. The trial, held at St Munchins Street, St Mary's Park, concerns Boyce's death between 6 and 7 March 2011. Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan explained that the defence has raised the question of whether the offence should be classified as murder or manslaughter. The prosecution, represented by Micheál P. O'Higgins SC, has argued that Boyce was a defenseless victim and that no help was called. The defence, also represented by Michael O'Higgins SC, has asked the jury to consider whether McNamara intended to kill or cause serious injury, citing Professor Marie Cassidy's evidence on the uncertainty of the cause of death. Mr Justice Sheehan noted that McNamara's statements to the Gardaí did not match the CCTV footage, and that people may lie for various reasons.
In a 2014 Limerick murder case, Christopher McNamara, aged 21, pleaded not guilty to the killing of 71‑year‑old James Boyce. The prosecution urged the jury to consider the severe injuries inflicted on Boyce, who was beaten and strangled with a stick, including a fractured Adam's apple that could have caused death even in a healthy person. The State Pathologist, Marie Cassidy, confirmed the neck injuries were fatal. The prosecutor also highlighted a confession made by McNamara to his mother, Pauline Whelan, and the lack of any attempt to call for help after the assault. McNamara's defense counsel requested a verdict of manslaughter, arguing the case resembled a robbery gone wrong and that the accused was not in a state of mind to commit murder. Judge Garrett Sheehan was to address the jury before deliberation.
In the Central Criminal Court, Christopher McNamara, aged 21, pleaded not guilty to the murder of James Boyce, aged 71, which occurred between 6 and 7 March 2011. The jury heard that on 24 March 2011 Garda Brian Begley had searched McNamara's home and seized items including a pair of white gloves and a 42‑inch LG television. The television had been given to McNamara's mother, Pauline Whelan, on 7 March, and McNamara claimed he had obtained the money for it by robbing two building sites. A statement by Garda Patrick Hogan detailed the seizure of car keys from Michael Larkin McNamara on 8 March. McNamara's own statement, read to the jury, described how he bought a Toyota Corolla from Larkin McNamara on the night of the murder, paying €1,100 in fifty‑euro notes. The trial continues before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan and a jury of seven men and five women.
Ian Flanagan, a 24‑year‑old Limerick father of two, was sentenced to eighteen months' imprisonment for hiding a CCTV device that contained crucial evidence for the murder trial of his brother Seán Flanagan and uncle Paul Colbert. The device was concealed on waste ground away from the family home, preventing the system from recording the killers' movements. The murder in question involved Gerard McMahon, who was stabbed to death on 18 January 2012 while visiting his cousin on Lenihan Avenue. Seán Flanagan (28) and Paul Colbert (46) were found guilty of the murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. During the four‑week trial, they denied the charge. Detective Sergeant Denis Treacy testified that a personal dispute existed between Seán Flanagan and the deceased, who had been friendly with Seán's former girlfriend. The family's CCTV system had captured the Flanagan brothers entering the home shortly after midnight, but the system was disconnected before the killers' movements were recorded.
In a 2014 Limerick murder case, 21‑year‑old Christopher McNamara pleaded not guilty to the killing of 71‑year‑old James Boyce. McNamara's mother, Pauline Whelan, testified that her son admitted to choking Boyce with a sweeping brush handle, though he denied harming the man. She recounted overhearing him on the phone with Boyce and later claiming to have robbed building sites for a new television. Pathologist Marie Therese Cassidy described Boyce's fatal neck injuries as resulting from an assault with a long striking edge, noting tramline bruises and multiple laryngeal fractures. The trial was proceeding before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan with a jury of seven men and five women, and McNamara remained not guilty at the time of the report.
In a 2014 Limerick murder trial, Christopher McNamara, aged 21, pleaded not guilty to the killing of James Boyce, 71, which occurred between 6 and 7 March 2011. Witnesses testified that on the night of the murder McNamara was seen carrying a large sum of money in fifty‑euro notes, with one witness estimating the amount at €3,325. McNamara was also observed carrying a bandage on his wrist and later described Boyce as "like a granddad" to him, claiming the death would affect him badly. He allegedly bought a car for €1,100 the following day, though he did not disclose the source of the funds. CCTV footage showed McNamara holding fifty‑euro notes at an electrical store and attaching licence plates to a Toyota Corolla. The case proceeded before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan and a jury of twelve.
In a 2014 hearing, a Limerick court heard that fingerprints belonging to Christopher McNamara, aged 21, matched those found in the bedroom of the deceased pensioner James Boyce, aged 71, who was murdered between 6 and 7 March 2011. McNamara, residing at Good Shepherd Villas, Pennywell Road, pleaded not guilty to the murder. Detective Wall presented evidence that marks on a wardrobe and a Department of Social and Family Affairs receipt in Boyce's bedroom were made by McNamara's right thumb and left middle finger. CCTV footage showed McNamara's movements between 6 and 7 March. Detective Garda Louise O'Loughlin reported blood‑stained items seized from Boyce's house, including jeans, a broom handle, a brush head, a green jacket, a shirt, and a mattress, all with blood evidence. The trial was proceeding before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan with a jury of seven men and five women.
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, the court heard that Garda Enda Moroney discovered the body of 71‑year‑old James Boyce at his home on St Munchins Street, St Mary's Park, Limerick, on 7 March 2011. Moroney reported finding blood on the sitting‑room floor and later the lifeless body in the bedroom, with a piece of wood on Boyce's chest and a cut below his right ear. Scratch marks were noted on his shoulder, blood on his right cheek and below his nostrils, and a brush handle and brush head were found near the bed. The scene was declared a crime scene at 19.45. Christopher Stewart McNamara, a neighbour, testified that he saw the accused, Christopher McNamara, enter Boyce's house around midnight. CCTV footage of the accused's movements was shown to the jury. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan, is expected to last two weeks. Christopher McNamara pleaded not guilty.
A 21‑year‑old Limerick man, Christopher McNamara, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of 71‑year‑old James Boyce, who lived on St Munchins Street. The prosecution alleges that McNamara visited Boyce on the night of 6 March 2011 and again after midnight, and that he killed him by striking him repeatedly with a sweeping brush, delivering a fatal blow to the neck. A post‑mortem confirmed multiple blows to the neck. Boyce had kept a large amount of cash in his bedroom, which the prosecutor says McNamara stole. The jury heard a neighbour's testimony that Boyce's curtains were drawn the morning after his death, and that CCTV footage will be shown. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Gareth Sheehan, is expected to last two weeks. The accused has pleaded not guilty.
A former clerk at Anglo Irish Bank, Gordon O'Brien, 42, is set to stand trial for alleged computer fraud amounting to just over €200,000. He was arrested in Dublin and charged with nine counts of unlawful use of a computer under Section 9 of the Theft and Fraud Act. The alleged offences occurred while he was operating a computer at the bank's Limerick branch between September 2010 and June 2011. O'Brien has not responded to the charges. He is currently working in the UK but maintains a Limerick address and returns there weekly. The court granted bail, requiring him to report to Roxboro Garda station each Saturday. He has no prior convictions and has cooperated with investigators. The case will be heard at Circuit Court level, with a 10‑week remand to allow completion of the evidence book. He will appear again on 10 February for further proceedings.
Michael Kiely, 43, of Abbeyvale, Corbally, Limerick, was acquitted by the Special Criminal Court of membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA on January 6, 2013. The defendant had pleaded not guilty to the charge. Mr Justice Paul Butler stated that while the court was fully satisfied Kiely read an inflammatory statement containing threats to kill Irish members of the British Army, it had doubt regarding his membership status on the specific date. The statement, read at a graveside commemoration, declared that anyone donning a British Army uniform became a legitimate target. The prosecution relied on the belief evidence of Chief Superintendent Dave Sheehan and inferences drawn from Kiely's failure to answer certain interview questions under Section 2(1) of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998. However, the judge noted that the belief evidence was based on privileged confidential information that the accused could not challenge, and thus required independent corroboration. The court found that Kiely's silence in interview did not amount to such corroboration, as he had denied membership and answered similar questions in other interviews. Although the judge found much of Kiely's account regarding his knowledge of the statement to be untrue, the lack of sufficient independent evidence to prove membership resulted in the acquittal.
The trial of Christopher McNamara, a 21‑year‑old from Good Shepherd Villas, Limerick, accused of murdering 71‑year‑old pensioner James Boyce on St Munchin's Street between 6 and 7 March 2011, was set to begin at the Central Criminal Court. A jury of seven women and five men had been sworn in, but Judge Garrett Sheehan adjourned the proceedings, stating the case could not be completed within the allotted seven days. He apologized for the inconvenience, discharged the jury, and announced the trial would resume with a new jury in the New Year. Christopher McNamara pleaded not guilty.
Ian Flanagan, 24, of Lenihan Avenue, Prospect, Limerick, was found guilty of two counts of assisting an offender by hiding the family's CCTV device to impede the apprehension of his brother Seán Flanagan (28) and uncle Paul Colbert (46) in the murder of Gerard McMahon, 43, who was stabbed to death on 18 January 2012. Flanagan had pleaded not guilty but a jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict. He admitted moving the CCTV device away from the house, storing it on waste ground, and later retrieving it. Detective Sergeant Denis Treacy testified that the device was disconnected after the killers entered the home, but neighbouring cameras captured their movements. Flanagan had previous convictions, including possession of a realistic imitation firearm, and was on bail for another offence when he hid the CCTV device. He was remanded in custody and sentencing was adjourned to 20 January 2024. The case was heard in the Central Criminal Court.
A man charged with membership of an unlawful organisation has denied the allegation at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin. Michael Kiely, aged 43, of Abbeyvale, Corbally in Limerick, has pleaded not guilty to membership of the IRA following an incident in January 2013. Evidence was heard that Kiely read a Continuity IRA statement at a graveside commemoration in Limerick containing threats against members of the British Army. His wife testified that during a garda interview, she was told gardai acknowledged her husband was not a member of the IRA. The defence counsel contended Kiely had been manipulated by others into reading the statement without prior knowledge of its contents. Kiely maintained he has never been an IRA member and was a member of Republican Sinn Féin with interest in history and politics. The prosecution presented expert evidence and the recording of the statement being read. The three-judge court, presided over by Mr Justice Paul Butler, adjourned judgment to 20 December.
Christopher McNamara, a 21-year-old defendant from Good Shepherd Villas, Pennywell Road, Limerick, is due to stand trial at the Central Criminal Court. He has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of James Boyce, aged 71, which is said to have occurred at St Munchin's Street, St Mary's Park, Limerick, between March 6 and 7, 2011. The matter is currently at the trial stage, with a jury of seven women and five men sworn in for the proceedings. The trial is scheduled to commence on Thursday and is expected to continue until the end of the following week. No findings, sentences, or final disposals have been recorded for this case subject at this procedural stage. The report attributes the charge of murder to the defendant, who contests the allegation. There are no suspended portions, effective custody periods, conditions, or adjournments noted in the available information. The summary reflects the validated facts that McNamara is accused of the killing and has entered a not guilty plea, without asserting a conviction or final outcome.
A Garda Chief Superintendent has given evidence to the Special Criminal Court that he held the belief Michael Kiely was a member of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army. Mr Kiely, aged 43, of Abbeyvale, Corbally, Limerick, has pleaded not guilty to membership of such an organisation on 6 January 2013. Chief Superintendent Dave Sheehan told the court his belief was not formed on the basis of facts arising from the incident itself or Mr Kiely's arrest. The charge relates to Mr Kiely reading a Continuity IRA statement at a graveside oration in Mount Saint Lawrence Cemetery in Limerick. The statement threatened that members of the British Army would become legitimate targets. The gathering commemorated Sean Sabhat, killed during a raid on an RUC barracks in Brookeborough, County Fermanagh, in 1957. Defence counsel indicated Mr Kiely and his partner would give evidence. The trial continues before Justice Paul Butler and two other judges.
Michael Kiely, 43, of Limerick, is currently on trial at the Special Criminal Court, having pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA. The prosecution alleges that on January 6, 2013, Kiely read a Continuity IRA statement at a graveside oration in Limerick, identifying Irish enlistees in the British Army as "legitimate targets." The statement, signed by "Continuity IRA prisoners, Portlaoise gaol," was recorded by a radio reporter after the event's PA system failed. Prosecution counsel Shane Costelloe BL presented the recording to the court, which also heard evidence from Chief Superintendent Dave Sheehan regarding Kiely's alleged membership. During a search of Kiely's home, gardai found undelivered Christmas cards addressed to prisoners in Portlaoise jail, including one addressed to Rose Lynch, who was jailed for life last April for murder and IRA membership. The trial, presided over by Justice Paul Butler with Judges Margaret Heneghan and Flannan Brennan, is expected to last five days. The court will also consider evidence that gardai invoked Section 2 of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 during interviews, allowing inferences to be drawn from Kiely's refusal to answer certain questions.
In a Limerick murder case, Seán Flanagan (28) and his uncle Paul Colbert (46) were sentenced to life imprisonment for the January 18, 2012 stabbing of Gerard McMahon (43) near their home on Lenihan Avenue. The trial, lasting four weeks, found the pair guilty after evidence showed McMahon was attacked from behind while climbing the steps to his cousin's house. Flanagan admitted to stabbing McMahon with a knife, while Colbert claimed to have used a hatchet. Both denied premeditation, citing fear and provocation. A third nephew, Ian Flanagan (24), was convicted of assisting the offenders by hiding their CCTV device, which had been removed from the house and later recovered in a neighbour's property. The jury, after nearly 11 hours of deliberation over three days, returned unanimous guilty verdicts. The sentencing judge imposed a mandatory life sentence on both men, and Ian Flanagan was remanded in custody pending his own sentencing. Seán Flanagan pleaded not guilty. Ian Flanagan pleaded not guilty.
In December 2013 a Limerick man, Kieran Lynch, aged 47, was ordered to await the outcome of his appeal after being sentenced to life imprisonment in March 2007 for the murder of his partner Catherine McEnery. Lynch had pleaded not guilty at a Galway sitting of the Central Criminal Court in July 2005. The appeal, heard by the Court of Criminal Appeal, focused on two main points: first, the alleged misdirection by Judge Paul Carney regarding provocation, and second, a motion to introduce fresh evidence about Lynch's recent near‑drowning experience and high‑dose medication that might have made him more susceptible to provocation. Lynch's counsel argued that this evidence could have rendered him more vulnerable to a loss of control. The State's counsel contended that the question was ambiguous and that no exceptional circumstances justified the new evidence. Judge Donal O'Donnell said the court would reserve its judgment. The case remains at the appeal stage.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Seán Flanagan, Paul Colbert, and Ian Flanagan has reached the jury deliberation stage. Seán Flanagan and Paul Colbert, both of Lenihan Avenue, Limerick City, have pleaded not guilty to the murder of 43-year-old Gerard McMahon, who was stabbed to death on January 18, 2012. Ian Flanagan has also pleaded not guilty to two counts of assisting an offender, allegedly by removing a CCTV recorder. Prosecution counsel Michael O'Higgins SC argued that Seán Flanagan and Paul Colbert acted as a cohesive two-man unit, making it legally immaterial which individual inflicted the fatal wounds. Defence counsel presented distinct arguments: Anthony Sammon SC suggested provocation for Paul Colbert, while John Phelan SC contended Seán Flanagan intervened to prevent harm. Brendan Nix SC argued Ian Flanagan acted in panic without specific intent. Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan has begun charging the jury of eight women and four men, who will commence deliberations on Friday. The matter is currently at the trial stage, with no findings, sentences, or finalisations recorded.
The trial of Seán Flanagan, Paul Colbert, and Ian Flanagan continued at the Central Criminal Court before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan. Seán Flanagan and Paul Colbert, both of Lenihan Avenue, Limerick, have pleaded not guilty to the murder of 43-year-old Gerard McMahon, who was allegedly stabbed to death at their front door on January 18, 2012. Ian Flanagan, also of Lenihan Avenue, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of assisting an offender, specifically accused of removing a CCTV recorder. During testimony, Sandra Flanagan, the accused men's mother, stated she lied to gardai about recycling the device to protect her sons from what she described as terrorising questioning. She revealed that her own father was murdered at the same front door 17 years prior. The prosecution, led by Michael O'Higgins SC, has begun its closing speech to the jury, which is scheduled to continue tomorrow. The matter remains at the trial stage with no findings, sentences, or finalisations recorded.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Seán Flanagan, Paul Colbert, and Ian Flanagan continues before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan. Seán Flanagan and Paul Colbert, both of Lenihan Avenue, Limerick, have pleaded not guilty to the murder of 43-year-old Gerard McMahon, who was stabbed on January 18, 2012. Ian Flanagan, also of Lenihan Avenue, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of assisting an offender, allegedly by removing a CCTV recorder. Evidence presented by neurologist Dr Peter Boers addressed Seán Flanagan's fitness for a garda interview following an epileptic seizure on January 25, 2012. Dr Boers testified that while Flanagan was fit for discharge into custody, he may have had some impairment the next morning. However, the doctor agreed he was not unfit to be interviewed, noting that Flanagan responded normally by the evening of that day. The court heard that Flanagan made admissions during the interview. Prosecution counsel Michael O'Higgins SC cross-examined the witness, highlighting that Flanagan's mother had lied to gardai about the location of the CCTV device, which was later recovered from a neighbour's house. The jury has viewed video footage of the seizure and the subsequent interview. The trial is ongoing and was adjourned to continue on Wednesday.
In a Limerick murder trial, a jury was shown a video of suspect Seán Flanagan having an epileptic seizure during a Garda interview. The case concerns the January 18, 2012 stabbing death of Gerard McMahon, 43, at Lenihan Avenue. Flanagan (28) and his uncle Paul Colbert (46) plead not guilty to the murder. Flanagan's brother Ian (24) is charged with removing a CCTV recorder that could be evidence. The video shows Flanagan's seizure on January 25, when a Garda asked if he was okay and noted he seemed drowsy. The Garda called for help; Flanagan was taken to hospital and returned to the station two hours later. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan, continues with a jury of eight women and four men. The court also heard Ian Flanagan's statements about the CCTV device and his uncle's alleged actions. The trial remains ongoing.
The Central Criminal Court is currently hearing the trial of Seán Flanagan (28) and Paul Colbert (46), both of Limerick, who have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Gerard McMahon. Ian Flanagan (24), also of Limerick, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of assisting an offender, allegedly by removing a CCTV recorder. The court heard evidence from Detective Garda Michael Murphy regarding interviews conducted with Seán Flanagan following his arrest. Flanagan alleged that he stabbed Mr McMahon three or four times after the deceased threatened him, claiming he did not intend to kill him. He stated that a third individual, who he said was armed with a hatchet and knife, was present. Flanagan told detectives that Mr McMahon was still alive when he left the scene. The trial continues before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan and a jury of eight women and four men.
The trial of Seán Flanagan, Paul Colbert, and Ian Flanagan continues before the Central Criminal Court, where all three accused have pleaded not guilty. Seán Flanagan and his uncle, Paul Colbert, are charged with the murder of Gerard McMahon, who was stabbed to death in Limerick City in January 2012. Ian Flanagan faces two counts of assisting an offender, allegedly for removing a CCTV recorder. Evidence presented by Detective Garda Pádraig O'Dwyer details a voluntary statement made by Paul Colbert, in which he alleged he attacked the deceased with a hatchet while Seán Flanagan stabbed him. Colbert claimed he acted out of fear after his house was previously shot at and stated he was later warned by Seán Flanagan to deny involvement. He identified himself and Seán Flanagan on CCTV footage and admitted they intended to seriously hurt the victim. The court heard that Colbert initially gave different accounts before confessing, citing fear of his nephews. The matter is currently at the trial stage, with no findings, sentences, or finalisations recorded. The proceedings are ongoing before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan and a jury.
In the Limerick murder trial, CCTV footage captured the area around the time 43‑year‑old Gerard McMahon was stabbed to death on 18 January 2012. The footage shows two individuals leaving the home of the accused men, Seán Flanagan (28) and Paul Colbert (46), shortly after 12.30 am, moving toward McMahon's cousin's house on Lenihan Avenue. A second camera later records the same two people running, then walking back in the opposite direction, and finally entering the accused men's home. The prosecution alleges that Flanagan and Colbert acted in joint enterprise to attack McMahon, who died of stab wounds to his back and head, with fatal injuries to his lung, liver and kidney. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan, continues before a jury of eight women and four men. Ian Flanagan (24), Seán's brother, pleaded not guilty to two counts of assisting an offender for removing a CCTV recording device from the house.
During a Limerick murder trial, several unnamed schoolgirls testified in the Central Criminal Court that they heard the Flanagan brothers admit their involvement in the killing of 43‑year‑old Gerard McMahon. The girls, who were in a shopping centre on the evening of 18 January 2012, claimed to have overheard Seán and Ian Flanagan discussing the murder. One girl described the brothers saying they stabbed McMahon and that one had a hatchet while the other had two knives. The testimony was given while the trial was hearing the case against Seán Flanagan (28), Paul Colbert (46) and Ian Flanagan (24). Seán and Paul are charged with murder, and Ian with assisting an offender. The trial is proceeding before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan with a jury of eight women and four men. The State alleges the brothers acted in joint enterprise to attack McMahon outside his cousin's house. The trial continues tomorrow. Ian Flanagan pleaded not guilty. Seán Flanagan pleaded not guilty. Paul Colbert pleaded not guilty.
In a Limerick murder trial, forensic evidence showed DNA matching the deceased, Gerard McMahon, on clothing and shoes belonging to Seán Flanagan (28) and Paul Colbert (46). The DNA was found on a pair of tracksuit bottoms and runners attributed to Seán Flanagan, with a mixed profile indicating two individuals, the major profile matching McMahon's. Blood staining on the tracksuit bottoms was described as airborne, suggesting close proximity during the attack. The State Pathologist confirmed McMahon died from stab wounds to his back, with additional wounds to his head. A small axe found at the accused men's home was deemed capable of incising the head but not stabbing. Seán and Ian Flanagan are brothers; Paul Colbert is their uncle. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan, continues before a jury of eight women and four men. Ian Flanagan pleaded not guilty. Seán Flanagan pleaded not guilty. Paul Colbert pleaded not guilty.
During a Limerick murder trial, an expert witness testified that a CCTV system seized from a house in the city was the same system that had been missing from the home of the accused men shortly after the killing. The electronic engineer gave evidence to the Central Criminal Court in the case of three men charged with the death of a 43‑year‑old man. Seán Flanagan (28) and Paul Colbert (46) of Lenihan Avenue, Prospect, Limerick City, are charged with the murder of Gerard McMahon on 18 January 2012. They have pleaded not guilty to murdering him outside his cousin's house, also on Lenihan Avenue. Ian Flanagan (24) of the same address has pleaded not guilty to two counts of assisting an offender on the same date. He is accused of removing a CCTV recording device from their house, knowing it might form evidence in a prosecution.
During the murder trial of Seán Flanagan, Paul Colbert and Ian Flanagan, the jury was shown a hatchet found in the home of the accused men on 18 January 2012, the day the 43‑year‑old Gerard McMahon was killed. Garda Josephine Falvey identified the black‑and‑yellow‑handled hatchet, measuring its handle 12.25 inches and blade 5.75 inches, and testified that she had searched the house that day. The hatchet was not immediately visible, lying behind a panel inside the door. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan, has heard that Seán and Ian Flanagan are brothers and that Paul Colbert is their uncle. The State alleges that Seán Flanagan and Paul Colbert acted in joint enterprise to attack McMahon, who was stabbed numerous times as he climbed the steps of his cousin's house. The jury, composed of eight women and four men, continues to hear the case. Ian Flanagan pleaded not guilty. Seán Flanagan pleaded not guilty. Paul Colbert pleaded not guilty.
Paramedics testified that the 43‑year‑old deceased was found in a pool of blood with puncture wounds all over his body. They were giving evidence to the Central Criminal Court in the trial of three men charged with his death. Seán Flanagan (28) and Paul Colbert (46) of Lenihan Avenue, Prospect, Limerick City are charged with murdering Gerard McMahon on 18 January 2012 at a house on Lenihan Avenue. They have pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. Ian Flanagan (24) of the same address has pleaded not guilty to two counts of assisting an offender on the same date, accused of removing a CCTV recording device from the house, knowing it might form evidence. The jury has heard that Seán and Ian Flanagan are brothers and that Mr Colbert is their uncle.
The trial of Seán Flanagan, Paul Colbert, and Ian Flanagan continued at the Central Criminal Court before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan. Seán Flanagan and Paul Colbert, both of Lenihan Avenue, Limerick, have pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Gerard McMahon on January 18, 2012. Ian Flanagan, also of Lenihan Avenue, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of assisting an offender on the same date. He is accused of removing a CCTV recording device from the house, allegedly knowing it might form evidence in a prosecution against the other accused men. The State alleges that Seán Flanagan and Paul Colbert acted in joint enterprise to attack Mr McMahon. Witness Joe McEvoy testified that he opened his front door around 12.30am to find his cousin, Mr McMahon, bleeding from multiple stab wounds. Mr McEvoy stated he helped his cousin inside, where he collapsed, revealing stab wounds to his back. Garda Wayne Cahalan testified that he arrived at the scene at 12.38am, observing pools of blood and stab wounds on Mr McMahon's back, head, and neck. Mr McMahon was transported to Mid-Western Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1.45am. The jury has heard that Seán and Ian Flanagan are brothers and that Mr Colbert is their uncle. The matter is ongoing and has not been finalised.
Three Limerick men—Seán Flanagan (28), Paul Colbert (46), and Ian Flanagan (24)—are on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the death of 43‑year‑old Gerard McMahon, who was stabbed to death on 18 January 2012. Seán and Paul pleaded not guilty to murder; Ian pleaded not guilty to two counts of assisting an offender. The prosecution alleges McMahon was attacked while heading to his cousin's house on Lenihan Avenue, receiving 16 stab wounds: seven to the back of the head, three to the side, and three to the back of the trunk, and a hatchet was also used. The State claims the men acted in joint enterprise, leaving the house armed with a common intention to attack McMahon. The trial will resume on Thursday before Justice Garrett Sheehan and a jury of eight women and four men.