At the Central Criminal Court, four men admitted to offences related to the attempted murder of gangland figure Wayne Whelan at Griffeen Glen Park, Lucan, on September 4, 2019. Cailean Crawford (25), of Ballyfermot, pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder Whelan. His barrister, John Fitzgerald SC, applied for reporting restrictions citing a separate trial scheduled for June 2022. However, Mr Justice White rejected the application, ruling that Crawford could be named, stating he had great faith in the jury system. Wayne Ryan, of Longford, also pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of Whelan. Darren Henderson (30), of Ballyfermot, and a fourth man, who remains unnamed, pleaded guilty to conspiring with Crawford to murder Whelan. All four defendants were originally charged with attempted murder and were due to stand trial together on June 21, a date vacated following their guilty pleas. Whelan, who survived the initial shooting, was later killed in a separate incident in November 2019. Mr Justice White remanded the four men in custody until July 12 for a sentence hearing.
A man from Longford has admitted attempting to murder gangland figure Wayne Whelan in a shooting in west Dublin in September 2019. Wayne Ryan, aged 41 and with an address in St Michael's Road, Longford, pleaded guilty to the attempted murder at Griffeen Glen Park, Lucan on September 4, 2019. Three co-accused, including Darren Henderson of Dublin, also entered guilty pleas to conspiracy to murder Whelan within the State between May and November 2019. The men were arraigned before the Central Criminal Court on May 24, 2021. Whelan survived the initial attack but was fatally shot two months later in November 2019. The four defendants were remanded in custody pending a sentence hearing scheduled for July 12.
Two men imprisoned for contempt of court in connection with interference at a disputed farm in County Roscommon have been released from custody. Michael Anthony McGann, who owned the property at Falsk, Strokestown, and Kevin Taylor, a retired garda from Longford, were held in Mountjoy Prison for nearly five months following their arrest for obstructing KBC Bank's agents during enforcement of a repossession order. On Friday, Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds directed their release after both men provided undertakings to the court to remain away from the property. The judge warned that any breach would result in their immediate return to prison. A cost order against McGann, described as the "puppet master" in the matter, was estimated at well into six figures. A third man, Colm Granahan from Ballina, Mayo, was previously released after purging his contempt. The underlying dispute concerns a farm that was the subject of a controversial 2018 eviction following KBC's €431,000 loan recovery action. The full hearing of the case is scheduled for June.
Two men imprisoned for interfering with a bank's lawful repossession of a farm in Strokestown, County Roscommon, have sought their release from custody. Michael Anthony McGann and Kevin Taylor, a retired garda from Longford, were detained in Mountjoy Prison after being found in contempt of court for obstruction during the 2018 eviction. A third man, Colm Granahan of Ballina, purged his contempt and was released before Christmas. At Thursday's High Court hearing before Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds, counsel for the men argued they had satisfied both coercive and punitive elements of their contempt findings. KBC Bank's legal representatives opposed the application, stating the men could secure release by purging contempt and complying with existing court orders. The men offered undertakings to avoid the property if the bank reciprocated, which counsel for KBC rejected as improper. Ms Justice Reynolds adjourned proceedings to allow further consultation between the applicants and their legal team, with the hearing resuming Friday.
Two men imprisoned by the High Court for interfering with KBC Bank's repossession of a farm at Falsk, Strokestown, County Roscommon will remain in custody after declining to purge their contempt of court. Michael Anthony McGann, the property owner, and Kevin Taylor, a retired garda from Dublin Road, Longford, were arrested in November alongside a third man following efforts by the bank's agents to secure the property after a 2018 eviction. While Colm Granahan from Ballina, Mayo purged his contempt in December and was released, McGann and Taylor have maintained their refusal to do so. At a High Court hearing on Thursday, Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds reviewed their cases remotely. McGann, now represented by solicitor, stated he would not purge contempt, as did Taylor. The judge remanded both men in custody until April, confirming they may apply to purge contempt at any time. The case arises from a €431,000 debt on the property.
A garda who pleaded guilty to causing the death of a woman by dangerous driving has been jailed following a successful appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions. Patrick McDonnell, aged 42, with an address in County Galway, was originally sentenced to two years suspended at Trim Circuit Court in June 2020 for the death of Jacqueline Wolohan on the M4 near Kinnegad, Westmeath, on 13 February 2016. The Court of Appeal found the original sentence unduly lenient and imposed two-and-a-half years imprisonment, with the final year suspended for two years. The three-judge court accepted that the trial judge had placed disproportionate weight on McDonnell's character and previous record while insufficiently regarding the speed of his vehicle, recorded at approximately 140 kilometres per hour, and his departure from the scene. Ms Wolohan, aged 51 from Dublin, was returning from Longford when struck from behind. McDonnell, an 18-year garda, is subject to summary dismissal proceedings.
A trial at the Central Criminal Court concerning the death of a five-time Irish boxing champion has been adjourned due to Covid-19 restrictions. Logan Jackson, aged 30 and with an address in Coventry, England, is charged with the murder of Kevin Sheehy, who died after being struck by a vehicle on Hyde Road in Limerick on July 1, 2019. Mr Sheehy's body was discovered in the road at approximately 4.40am. Mr Justice Michael White adjourned the proceedings to February 9, when a trial date will be set. The court indicated that Mr Jackson's trial would be afforded priority status.
Four men are to stand trial at the Central Criminal Court in June 2021 on charges of attempting to murder Wayne Whelan in a shooting at Griffeen Glen Park, Lucan, Co Dublin on September 4, 2019. Darren Henderson, Cailean Crawford, and Charles McClean, all with Dublin addresses, face the charge alongside Wayne Ryan of Longford. The four are also accused of arson relating to a Ford Focus set alight at the Old Bog Road in Kilcock, Co Kildare on the same date. At a hearing before Mr Justice Michael White, the Director of Public Prosecutions applied to consolidate the trials, which was granted. The trial, expected to last six weeks, is scheduled to commence on June 21, 2021. Whelan survived the initial shooting but was killed in a separate incident two months later.
The Court of Appeal has ruled that an accused person has no automatic entitlement to be questioned in custody by gardai before trial. The judgment arose from a case at Longford Circuit Criminal Court involving a man charged with endangerment of pedestrians in connection with driving offences from December 2016. The trial judge had directed an acquittal, finding that the failure to interview the accused violated his right to fair procedure by forcing him to give evidence if he wished to present a defence. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed the acquittal. President of the Court of Appeal Mr Justice George Birmingham, sitting with Mr Justice John Edwards and Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, found the trial judge was in error. The court held that while an accused may respond when charged and present his version of events at trial through cross-examination or testimony, he has no entitlement to be detained and questioned, nor to have such an account protected from challenge. The appellate court concluded the acquittal direction was incorrect in law.
Three men remain in custody at Mountjoy Prison following a High Court ruling that they must stay detained indefinitely until they comply with orders to vacate a farm in Falsk, Strokestown, County Roscommon. Michael Anthony McGann, Kevin Taylor and Colm Granahan were jailed for contempt of court after refusing to give undertakings to stay away from the property, which was subject to a repossession order by KBC bank and subsequent vacant possession orders. Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds found their actions constituted a flagrant, deliberate and contrived breach of existing court orders. The judge noted evidence that all three were present on the farm despite having no entitlement to be there, and referenced an orchestrated social media campaign that undermined court authority and encouraged others to attend the property. The men have been offered opportunities to purge their contempt but have demonstrated unwillingness to do so. Mr Granahan is from Ballina, County Mayo, Mr Taylor is a retired Garda from Longford, and Mr McGann is from Strokestown.
Three men remain imprisoned in Mountjoy following their refusal to comply with High Court orders at a hearing last week. Michael Anthony McGann, Colm Granahan and Kevin Taylor were found in contempt of court for breaching orders to stay away from a property at Falsk, Strokestown, County Roscommon. The men, arrested by An Garda Síochána, appeared before the High Court via video-link on Monday. Justice Leonie Reynolds invited each to purge their contempt by undertaking to comply with the orders sought by KBC Bank, but all three refused, instead disputing the validity of the court orders. The judge determined that imprisonment must continue, noting the men could return to court at any time to comply. KBC Bank's counsel indicated the bank does not seek imprisonment but requires the men's undertakings to vacate the property, which the bank has now secured. The matter originates from a €431,000 debt on the farm, with the men having remained on the property in breach of earlier possession orders.
Colm Granahan was committed to Mountjoy Prison on Friday by Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds after refusing to provide an undertaking to stay away from a farm in Falsk, Strokestown, Co Roscommon. The judge stated she had no choice but to commit him until he purges his contempt of court orders. This follows the earlier jailing of Michael Anthony McGann, the property owner, and retired Garda Kevin Taylor, both of whom were jailed for failing to give undertakings to comply with orders to vacate the farm. KBC Bank, which holds possession orders arising from a €431,000 debt, argued that an undertaking would satisfy its requirements, though it did not seek incarceration. Mr Granahan, from Ballina, Co Mayo, objected to the court's characterization of the orders as technically flawed and refused to answer the judge's request for an undertaking, stating he was "remaining mute." The judge noted that the matter would be reviewed next week. The farm has been the subject of ongoing proceedings involving the McGann siblings and KBC Bank, including a controversial eviction in 2018 and subsequent incidents involving security personnel. The court emphasized that the refusal to comply with the injunction resulted in the contempt proceedings.
Two men remain in custody at Mountjoy Prison after refusing to give undertakings to vacate a farm at Falsk, Strokestown, County Roscommon. Michael Anthony McGann, who owns the property, and retired Garda Kevin Taylor of Longford were remanded in continuing custody by Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds at the High Court on Thursday. Both men declined to provide sworn undertakings to comply with court orders made in favour of KBC Bank requiring them to leave the premises. The bank obtained an order for possession in 2018 following a substantial debt on the property. Mr McGann disputed the proceedings, claiming perjury and fraud, whilst Mr Taylor stated he would remain in prison rather than comply. Ms Justice Reynolds said her function was solely to ensure compliance with court orders and that she would not engage with conspiracy theories. The matter will be reviewed the following week, with both men entitled to apply to purge their contempt at any time.
Two men have been remanded in custody following their failure to comply with High Court orders to vacate a farm at Falsk, Strokestown, County Roscommon. Michael Anthony McGann, who owns the property, and retired Garda Kevin Taylor of Dublin Road, Longford were arrested on Wednesday morning and brought before Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds at the High Court. The judge heard that both men were in contempt of court orders requiring them to leave the premises. KBC Bank, which holds an injunction granting it vacant possession of the farm, told the court that Mr McGann had breached an undertaking given last month to vacate the property and had made statements on social media indicating he would not leave. Mr Taylor was said to have been present at the farm and part of a coordinated attempt to frustrate the court's orders. Both men were remanded to Mountjoy Prison pending a further hearing on Thursday to address the contempt proceedings.
Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds of the High Court has ordered the arrest of any person found in occupation of a farm at Falsk, Strokestown in County Roscommon. The order was made against three named individuals: Michael Anthony McGann, the property owner; former Garda Kevin Taylor of Dublin Road, Longford; and Colm Granahan from Ballina, County Mayo. KBC Bank, which previously obtained an injunction for vacant possession of the property, presented evidence to the court that the three remain on the farm in breach of High Court orders. The judge found that the individuals were engaged in a concerted effort to undermine court orders. She directed that the three, along with any other occupants discovered on the property, be brought before the court by An Garda Síochána to answer allegations of contempt. The judge stated that Gardaí may use all reasonable force necessary to enforce the order. The matter will return to court at a later date.
A High Court judge has warned that any person occupying a farm at Falsk, Strokestown, Co Roscommon after 6pm on Sunday is likely to face imprisonment for contempt of court. Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds made the remarks after being informed that whilst the three McGann siblings have complied with orders to vacate the property, which is subject to a repossession order by KBC bank, other individuals are preventing the bank from taking possession. The court heard that a retired garda and possibly others remain on the farm. Counsel for KBC stated that the retired garda has acted in a threatening manner towards the bank's agents and that social media posts have encouraged defiance of court orders. Ms Justice Reynolds expressed concern at what she described as a deliberate breach of the court's order and indicated she would hear applications for committal if the property was not vacated by the deadline. The case will return to court the following week.
A man from Longford who pleaded guilty to resisting arrest following an incident in Dublin in 2016 has received a four-month suspended sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Brian Farrell, aged 40, of Longford Villas, Sallynoggin, had initially denied charges of assaulting gardaí and possessing a claw hammer and knuckle duster. Two days into his trial, he changed his plea to guilty on two counts of resisting arrest, which the prosecution accepted. During the hearing, gardaí described encountering determined resistance when they attended the scene following a report of property damage. Judge Martin Nolan noted the incident occurred four years prior and that Farrell had remained out of trouble since then, though he remarked the defendant had behaved disgracefully. The suspended sentence came with conditions, and Farrell was ordered to pay €1,000 to a charity of the complainant garda's selection. The court heard Farrell has seven previous convictions, most dating back a decade.
A man from Longford has failed in his bid to overturn a drug-driving conviction at the Court of Appeal. Patrick Clyne was convicted by Longford District Court on 5 March 2019 of drug driving, receiving a twelve-month driving ban and a €250 fine. He was arrested at a Garda checkpoint on Market Street, Granard on 29 January 2018 after testing positive for cocaine. A blood sample subsequently revealed a concentration of 515.2 milligrammes per millilitre of cocaine. Clyne appealed on the basis that the arresting Garda had not properly applied section 13B(1) of the Road Traffic Act 2010, arguing that the omission of the word "or" in the legislation required multiple tests before a blood sample could be lawfully taken. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Ms Justice Úna Ní Raifeartaigh, rejected this interpretation, finding no ambiguity in the relevant statute and confirming that fulfilling any one of the prescribed conditions was sufficient.
A 40-year-old man from Longford has pleaded guilty to two counts of resisting arrest at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Brian Farrell initially faced charges of assaulting gardaí and possessing a claw hammer and knuckle duster following an incident at Sallynoggin Road on October 16th, 2016. The prosecution withdrew those charges following his guilty pleas on the second day of trial. Garda evidence during the proceedings indicated that when officers attended Farrell's home, he emerged holding a Pit bull terrier and a claw hammer, and allegedly directed the dog to attack gardaí. Farrell's defence disputed this account, stating he was recording activity outside his home when he was tackled by gardaí. The trial revealed significant disagreement between prosecution and defence regarding the presence of the dog and the nature of the arrest. Judge Martin Nolan remanded Farrell on continuing bail and adjourned sentencing to October 16th. Brian Farrell pleaded not guilty.
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard evidence in the trial of Dubliner Brian Farrell, who has pleaded not guilty to possession of a claw-hammer and knuckleduster and assaulting two gardai on Sallynoggin Road on October 16, 2016. Garda Garvan Allen testified that he saw the accused emerge from a house holding a pit bull terrier aloft in one hand and a claw hammer in the other. The garda alleged that as officers attempted to arrest him, Farrell shouted instructions to the dog, including "Get them Buster, bite them Buster." Farrell denies any dogs were present that evening. Allen described a melee during which Farrell violently resisted arrest, kicking and scratching officers, resulting in one garda drawing blood. A black metal knuckleduster was found in Farrell's pocket, and a claw-hammer was seized. In cross-examination, defense counsel Eoghan Cole BL presented Farrell's account that he was recording the scene with a phone and torch when tackled by three gardai, claiming he was struck and punched. Allen disputed this, maintaining all violence originated from Farrell. Allen acknowledged that only Farrell had medical evidence of injuries. The trial continues before Judge Martin Nolan and a jury.
The Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal against the severity of the sentence imposed on Donal Billings, a 70-year-old pensioner from County Longford. Billings was found guilty by the Special Criminal Court in 2016 of possessing an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park on May 16, 2011, during Queen Elizabeth's state visit. He was also convicted of making false reports that bombs had been placed at Busáras, Sinn Féin's headquarters, Cork airport, and Dublin Castle. The court upheld his eight-and-a-half-year sentence, describing it as "very lenient." Presiding Judge George Birmingham, sitting with Justices Marie Baker and Patrick McCarthy, stated there was no merit in the appeal and declined to increase the term. Billings, who attended remotely from Portlaoise Prison, had previously lost an appeal against his conviction regarding Irish language rights. His barrister, Gerard Humphreys SC, cited his client's age, health difficulties, and cooperation during the trial. The court noted that the explosive device, comprising gunpowder and petrol, was placed on a public transport vehicle, recklessly exposing passengers to significant risk. The judges concluded that while the sentence was lenient, they would not intervene to increase it. The matter was not adjourned; the appeal was dismissed.
A man has been sentenced to eleven years imprisonment following a hammer attack on a shopkeeper in Dublin in March 2017. John McKeon, aged 31 and with an address in Strokestown, County Longford, was convicted by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of robbery, attempted robbery and assault causing serious harm. He and his cousin targeted Tansey's Newsagent on Fitzmaurice Road, Finglas, where McKeon struck the shopkeeper three times to the head with a claw hammer, causing severe traumatic brain injury. The victim, who remains in recovery, was the sole carer for his blind wife and three children. Judge Patricia Ryan imposed a sentence of twelve-and-a-half years with the final eighteen months suspended. McKeon's cousin, Daryl McKeon, was previously jailed for seven years in connection with the same incident. Daryl McKeon pleaded guilty.
The High Court has struck out injunctions that were secured in September against two men accused of blockading and intimidating workers at a pet food manufacturing plant in Edgeworthstown, Co Longford. C&D Pet Foods, part of the ABP Food Group, had obtained the orders against Cllr Paraic Brady of Drumlish and Colm Leonard of Aughanoran, both Co Longford, following protests by farmers objecting to beef prices. The injunctions prohibited the defendants and those aware of them from trespassing, blockading the plant, or intimidating staff and visitors. At the High Court on Friday, Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds agreed to strike out the proceedings on a consent basis, with no order made as to legal costs. The company had claimed the blockade obstructed its entrance for several days and threatened over 500 local jobs, causing approximately €400,000 in losses.
Two High Court challenges against An Bord Pleanala's decision to grant planning permission for the Coole Windfarm have been admitted to the fast-track commercial court list. The actions, brought by the North Westmeath Turbine Action Group and environmental campaigner Peter Sweetman, seek to quash the board's March decision to allow a 13-turbine development on peatlands near Coole, Co Westmeath. The applicants allege the decision is inconsistent with EU directives on Habitats and Environmental Impact Assessments. Permission for judicial review was granted last May. On Monday, Mr Justice Robert Haughton admitted both cases to the commercial list, an application made by developer Coole Windfarm Ltd and not opposed. The developer expressed concern over delays to the €60m project, arguing that expeditious handling is necessary to meet 2020 EU emission reduction commitments and avoid potential fines. Coole Windfarm claims it has already spent €2.3m and that the project will generate 75 construction jobs and save nearly two million tonnes of carbon dioxide over its 25-year life. Westmeath County Council and the developer are notice parties. The State intends to apply to be released from the residents' group's proceedings, claiming no cause of action is disclosed against it. The cases were adjourned to February and are expected to take between six to eight days to hear.
Donal Billings, a 67-year-old pensioner from County Longford, has lost his appeal against convictions obtained at the Special Criminal Court. The appeal, heard by the Court of Appeal, focused on two primary issues: the sufficiency of evidence and alleged violations of his Irish language rights. Billings was found guilty of possessing an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park on May 16, 2011, and making false bomb reports on May 16, 18, and 20, 2011, targeting Busáras, Sinn Féin headquarters, Dublin Castle, and Cork airport during Queen Elizabeth's state visit. He was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years' imprisonment by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, who described the acts as outrageous and dangerous. In the appeal, counsel Martin Giblin SC argued that Billings' Irish language rights were destroyed, citing the lack of an Irish-language transcript and the unavailability of the Explosive Substances Act 1883 in Irish. President of the Court of Appeal, Mr Justice George Birmingham, dismissed these arguments, stating the evidence was sufficient and that the trial arrangements, including the use of interpreters, were reasonable. The court found no disadvantage to Billings and ruled that the State was not compelled to provide an Irish transcript or translate pre-1922 statutes. The appeal was dismissed, upholding the original conviction and sentence.
Two separate High Court challenges have been launched against An Bord Pleanala's decision to grant planning permission to Coole Windfarm Ltd for a 13-turbine wind farm near Coole, Co Westmeath. The first action, brought by the North Westmeath Turbine Action Group and its company entity, alleges the decision is inconsistent with EU directives on Habitats and Environmental Impact Assessments. Counsel Michael O'Donnell BL argued that the exact route of a 25km grid connection was not definitively provided, meaning no compliant EIA was conducted for that route. He further stated that no proper notice of the high-voltage connection route was published and landowner consent was not obtained. O'Donnell noted the turbines, with a tip height of 175m, are almost three times the height of Liberty Hall in Dublin. The second action, brought by environmental campaigner Peter Sweetman, claims the board failed to properly consider continuing peat extraction operations on part of the site for EIA purposes. Counsel James Devlin SC also raised concerns regarding the potential impact on the local bat population. Both applicants seek orders quashing the board's decision. Mr Justice Seamus Noonan granted permission to bring these challenges on an ex-parte basis. The matter was adjourned, with both actions made returnable to a date in late July.
A man from Knockloughlin in County Longford has withdrawn an appeal against his sentence for distributing child sexual abuse material, following advice from his legal team. Sylvio Rose, aged 51, a German national resident in Ireland since 2006, had pleaded guilty at Longford Circuit Criminal Court to possession and distribution of child pornography involving approximately 35,000 images and 1,700 videos. He was sentenced to five years imprisonment with the final two years suspended in May 2018. Rose's application to withdraw his appeal was heard at the Court of Appeal, where the President, Mr Justice George Birmingham, noted that he had been "well advised" to do so. The court acknowledged the gravity of the offences involved. Mr Justice Birmingham sat with Mr Justice Brian McGovern and Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy in permitting the late withdrawal.
Two men from Dublin have been sentenced following their involvement in a significant drugs seizure and money laundering operation. Patrick Kavanagh, aged 59, of Ballygall Crescent, Finglas, and Patrick Hannon, of Rathvilly Park, Finglas, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of amphetamine and cannabis for sale or supply on 21 August 2017. Gardaí intercepted the pair moving drugs from a storage unit in north Dublin, recovering approximately nine kilogrammes of MDMA and eleven kilogrammes of cannabis herb and resin, with an estimated street value of €645,720. Hannon additionally pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing proceeds of crime, having allowed cheques from companies using false identities to be lodged into his bank account. Judge Melanie Greally imposed concurrent sentences of three years for the money laundering offences. She sentenced Kavanagh to four and a half years with the final eighteen months suspended, and Hannon to six and a half years with the final eighteen months suspended. The judge noted both men occupied lower positions within the criminal hierarchy and had expressed remorse.
A 19-year-old man from Strokestown, County Longford, has been sentenced to four years imprisonment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for violent offences committed during an escape from Oberstown Children's Detention Campus in Lusk, County Dublin, on 29 May 2017. Michael Ward pleaded guilty to criminal damage, assault causing harm, and assault while attempting to commit theft. During the incident, Ward struck the campus director with a metal bar, causing bleeding, and caused extensive damage to the facility estimated at €17,135. He and other detainees barricaded themselves in an office, armed themselves with metal fixtures, and used an angle grinder to breach the campus perimeter fence. Judge Patricia Ryan imposed concurrent sentences of four years for assault and five years for criminal damage, suspending the final 12 months of both terms. She considered Ward's early guilty plea, efforts at rehabilitation, youth, and apology. Ward is currently serving an earlier four-year sentence, with 12 months suspended, for separate criminal damage offences at Oberstown.
A man has been convicted of murder following a fatal stabbing in Longford town centre. Rihards Lavickis, aged 26, with an address at Annaly Court in Longford, was found guilty by unanimous verdict at the Central Criminal Court on a charge of murdering Akadiusz Czajkowski outside Longford Shopping Centre on 1st November 2016. The jury deliberated for just over three hours. Lavickis had initially pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. This was his second trial for the offence, as a previous jury had failed to reach a verdict. Evidence presented showed that Lavickis pursued the deceased with a knife and stabbed him three times. A post-mortem examination determined that a single stab wound to the heart proved fatal. The court heard that tensions between the men stemmed from a drug debt and a series of incidents involving threats and property damage. Mr Justice Michael White imposed the mandatory life sentence. The victim's mother provided an impact statement describing the psychological devastation caused by her son's death.
A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court heard closing arguments concerning a fatal stabbing outside Longford Shopping Centre in November 2016. Rihards Lavickis, a 26-year-old with an address in Longford, is charged with murdering Akadiusz Czajkowski. He has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The defence argued that the accused lacked the necessary intent to kill or cause serious injury, noting he stabbed the deceased three times before stopping when the man fell to the ground. Counsel submitted that a series of incidents, including threats to the accused's family and damage to his home, constituted provocation. The prosecution contended that stabbing someone in the chest naturally risks death or serious injury, and that the accused had time to plan the attack between discovering a broken window and carrying out the killing. The jury was charged and sent to consider its verdict.
A man accused of murder told gardaí during interview that he stabbed another man three times outside Longford Shopping Centre in November 2016 because initial strikes with the knife proved ineffective, the Central Criminal Court heard. Rihards Lavickis, aged 26, originally from Latvia, with an address at Annaly Court in Longford, is charged with murdering Akadiusz Czajkowski, a 31-year-old Polish father-of-two. He has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. During his interviews with detective gardaí, the accused admitted carrying a knife that morning intending to confront the deceased over previous window damage to his apartment and alleged threats made against his family. The accused described the incident occurring in broad daylight near the shopping centre, stating the deceased ran backwards as he pursued him. The jury at the Central Criminal Court heard interview notes in which the accused acknowledged using greater force after his initial attempts proved unsuccessful. The State concluded its case, and the jury has been instructed to return Wednesday for further proceedings before Justice Michael White.
The murder trial of Rihards Lavickis, 26, continued at the Central Criminal Court before Mr Justice Michael White. Lavickis, originally from Latvia, is charged with the murder of Akadiusz 'Arik' Czajkowski on 1st November 2016 at Rue Noyal Chatillon, Townspark, Longford. He has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. On the fourth day of the trial, the jury viewed CCTV footage showing the accused chasing the deceased while grasping a knife. Detective Sergeant Eric Godfrey testified that the footage depicted Lavickis running across the street with his right arm raised, holding an implement believed to be a knife. The jury also heard evidence regarding the previous convictions of both men; Lavickis had prior convictions for knife possession, dangerous driving, and drug supply, and had previously been sentenced to periods of imprisonment. Retired State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy testified that Czajkowski died from a single stab wound to the chest that penetrated his rib cage into his heart, causing fatal blood loss. She noted that both drugs and alcohol were present in the deceased's system. The trial continues.
A witness in a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court has testified that she feared for her family's safety following repeated attacks on their apartment in Longford. Sanita Rozkalna gave evidence on the third day of proceedings against Rihards Lavickis, aged 26, originally from Latvia and resident at Annaly Court, Longford. He is charged with murdering Akadiusz Czajkowski on 1st November 2016 at Townspark in the town. Lavickis has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. Ms Rozkalna told the court that windows in the shared apartment had been smashed approximately five times before the killing. She stated she called gardaí twice on the morning of the incident as she believed someone was attempting to break in and felt her life and her child's were in danger. The trial continues before Mr Justice Michael White.
A man charged with murder at the Central Criminal Court has pleaded not guilty to the charge but guilty to manslaughter, a plea the State has rejected. Rihards Lavickis, aged 26 and with an address at Annaly Court in Longford, is accused of the murder of Akadiusz Czajkowski on 1st November 2016 at Townspark in Longford town. During the trial's second day, the accused's partner testified that the deceased had attacked him with a knuckle duster months prior and had damaged their apartment windows multiple times following a disputed drug debt of €300. She identified a knife recovered from their bedroom as the weapon believed used in the alleged stabbing outside a shopping centre. The witness stated the accused had told her he fought the deceased with a knife and stabbed him twice. Under cross-examination, she described the accused as someone who cared for their child, despite his involvement in drug dealing. The trial continues before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury.
A garda giving evidence at the Central Criminal Court murder trial in Dublin heard the accused man say he would "get the fella" responsible for smashing his front window, just hours before a fatal stabbing occurred in Longford town. Garda Daniel Lynch responded to a report of criminal damage at a property in Annaly Court on 1st November 2016 at 9.10am. The defendant, Rihards Lavickis, then identified the person he believed responsible for the broken window. Within two hours, Garda Lynch was called to Longford Shopping Centre, where a man was found with stab wounds. The victim, Akadiusz Czajkowski, died in hospital. Mr Lavickis, originally from Latvia, stands charged with murder but has pleaded guilty to manslaughter, a plea the State rejected. His trial before Mr Justice Michael White continues with a jury of twelve.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Rihards Lavickis, a 26-year-old Latvian national residing in Longford, is ongoing before Mr Justice Michael White. Lavickis is accused of the murder of Polish man Akadiusz Czajkowski on 1st November 2016 at Rue Noyal Chatillon, Townspark. He has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. Prosecutor Patrick McGrath outlined the State's case, alleging that Lavickis told gardai he intended to "sort out" the deceased the night before the killing, despite police advice against it. According to the prosecution, Lavickis subsequently armed himself with a knife and confronted Czajkowski near Longford Shopping Centre. CCTV footage reportedly shows Lavickis emerging from a concealed position and running toward the deceased with his arm raised, though the stabbing itself was not captured. There is no dispute that Lavickis stabbed Czajkowski three times outside a nearby shop; the victim died en route to hospital. Lavickis admitted to the stabbing when questioned by gardai. The prosecution argues that the evidence supports a finding of intent to kill or cause serious harm, which would mandate a murder verdict. The trial, expected to last approximately 10 days, continues with a jury of eight men and four women.
A 26-year-old man proceeded to trial at the Central Criminal Court on charges of murdering another man in Longford in November 2016. Rihards Lavickis, with an address in Longford, is accused of the murder of a man at a location in Townspark on 1st November 2016. Mr Justice Michael White presided over jury selection, swearing in eight men and four women. The trial commenced this afternoon, with the judge indicating proceedings would likely span approximately ten days.
A financial services company has secured a High Court injunction preventing EBS from terminating an agency agreement to operate three of the building society's branches in Athlone, Longford and Lucan. Betty Martin Financial Services Ltd obtained the injunction from Mr Justice John Jordan on Wednesday, which remains in place pending full resolution of the dispute. BMFS claims the termination followed its refusal to engage in alleged mis-selling of financial products, contrary to Central Bank guidelines. EBS denies the allegations and opposed the application. The judge concluded that BMFS had established a serious issue to be tried and that damages would not constitute adequate remedy. He found no satisfactory explanation from EBS for the proposed termination and noted that the parties had worked together successfully for many years. The judge encouraged both sides to pursue mediation. The case was adjourned for two weeks for final orders.
A High Court judge will deliver judgment next week on an application for an interim injunction in a dispute between Betty Martin Financial Services Ltd and EBS. BMFS operates EBS branches in Athlone, Longford and Lucan under a tied agency agreement. The company seeks to prevent EBS from terminating this agreement, arguing the termination is invalid and motivated by BMFS's refusal to engage in alleged mis-selling of financial products. BMFS contends that when it declined to undertake activities it regarded as unprofessional and contrary to Central Bank guidelines, EBS moved to end the arrangement. EBS denies the allegations and maintains it is entitled to terminate the agreement. The bank further argues that BMFS only raised mis-selling complaints after EBS initiated termination proceedings in 2017, and that no evidence supported such claims. Following a three-day hearing before Mr Justice John Jordan, judgment on the interim injunction application is expected within the coming week.
Michael Ward, 19, of Co Longford, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to criminal damage, assault causing harm, and assault while attempting to commit theft at Oberstown Children's Detention Campus in Lusk, Co Dublin, on May 29, 2017. The court heard that Ward is currently serving a four-year sentence, with the final 12 months suspended, for prior criminal damage offences at the same facility. Prosecution evidence alleged that Ward assaulted a staff member, barricaded himself in an office with other youths, and struck Campus Director Pat Bergin in the head with a metal bar. Ward and two others allegedly used an angle grinder to cut through the campus fence to escape, causing €17,135 in damage. Ward has 56 previous convictions. Judge Patricia Ryan noted that Ward minimised his actions and ordered a governor's report and a probation report to be prepared. The matter was adjourned for sentencing to March 22 of this year.
The Court of Appeal has reserved its judgment in the appeal by Donal Billings, who was found guilty by the Special Criminal Court of possessing an explosive substance and making false bomb reports during Queen Elizabeth's 2011 State visit. Billings, sentenced to eight-and-a-half years' imprisonment by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, argues his Irish language rights were violated during the trial. Counsel Martin Giblin SC and Ronan Munro SC, arguing in Irish, contended that the lack of an Irish transcript and the untranslated Explosive Substances Act 1883 breached constitutional rights, independent of fair trial guarantees. They also argued the possession charge should have been dismissed due to insufficient evidence. The DPP's counsel, Garnet Orange SC, countered that the circumstantial evidence, including a bomb found on a bus referenced in Billings' threats, was compelling and that the State facilitated his use of Irish. The appeal, heard before President George Birmingham and colleagues, is the first case in the Court of Appeal conducted in Irish. The court has not yet delivered a decision, meaning the matter remains adjourned pending judgment.
A man from Drumlish, County Longford, has appealed his conviction for possessing an explosive substance and making hoax bomb threats during a state visit in 2011. Dónal Billings, aged 67, was found guilty by the Special Criminal Court of placing a device on a Dublin-bound bus at Longford railway station car park on 16 May 2011, and of making false reports of bombs at multiple locations including Dublin Castle and Cork Airport. He received a sentence of eight-and-a-half years imprisonment. His appeal, heard before the Court of Appeal, is being conducted in Irish, marking the first such case since the court's establishment in 2014. Counsel for Billings argued that the State failed to protect his client's Irish language rights, citing the unavailability of transcripts in Irish and the non-translation of relevant legislation. The hearing continues.
A man from Edgeworthstown in Longford has received a partially suspended sentence after pleading guilty to trespassing with intent to commit an offence at a Dublin residence. James Smith (35) of Mostrim Oaks, Ballymahon Road, entered a house on Bloomfield Avenue on October 4, 2015, where he told the occupants that someone was pursuing him. When the homeowners informed him that gardaí were en route, he replied "good". At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Pauline Codd sentenced Smith to three and a half years imprisonment, crediting 17 months already served in custody and suspending the remainder. The court heard Smith had broken a kitchen window and admitted seeking to steal items to sell, stating he needed money urgently and was unaware anyone was home. Nothing was taken from the property. Smith carries 116 previous convictions, including 17 for burglary. The judge cited his guilty plea, difficult personal circumstances including brain damage, and addiction history as mitigating factors, while noting the window damage and impact on the family as aggravating elements.
A Longford man convicted of sexually abusing four of his nieces has had his 13-year prison sentence upheld by the Court of Appeal. The 50-year-old man pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to seven charges, including three counts of anal rape and one sexual assault committed between 2001 and 2010. The offences involved victims aged between seven and 16 at the time. The Central Criminal Court imposed consecutive sentences totalling 13 years in May 2017. The Court of Appeal, comprising Mr Justice John Edwards, Mr Justice George Birmingham, and Mr Justice John Hedigan, found the sentences proportionate both individually and cumulatively. The court dismissed the man's appeal against sentence severity.
A man from Strokestown, County Longford, has been sentenced to four years in prison for causing over €50,000 in damage to Oberstown Children Detention Campus during four separate incidents in 2016. The 18-year-old, who was 16 at the time, pleaded guilty to four counts of criminal damage at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The incidents involved stand-offs with staff spanning between three and four hours each. One incident included a fire being set in a multi-purpose room. Judge Patricia Ryan imposed the sentence with the final year suspended, and ordered two years' probation supervision upon release. The court acknowledged Ward's efforts at rehabilitation while in detention and his expressions of remorse, but noted the incidents were violent and aggressive, causing significant anxiety to staff and residents. Two further counts of assault and theft were taken into account.
The Court of Appeal has adjourned the appeal of Dónall Billings, a 67-year-old from Drumlish, County Longford, to a future list in July. Billings was previously found guilty by the Special Criminal Court of possessing an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park on May 16, 2011. He was also convicted of making false reports on May 16, 18, and 20, 2011, alleging bombs were placed at Busáras, Sinn Féin headquarters, Dublin Castle, and Cork airport during Queen Elizabeth's state visit. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with Judges Martin Nolan and Cormac Dunne, sentenced Billings to eight-and-a-half years' imprisonment, noting he was not entitled to express low opinions of the Queen through criminality. Concurrent terms were imposed for the false reports. Billings has lodged an appeal against his conviction and sentence. During case management, his barrister, Lyndsay Duffy, formally applied for the appeal to be heard in Irish by three Irish-speaking judges. President of the Court of Appeal, Mr Justice George Birmingham, stated the court faces an "immediate crisis" due to a judge shortage, leaving only five judges available to sit unrestrictedly. He remarked on the difficulty of finding three English-speaking judges, let alone Irish-speaking ones. The matter was adjourned to allow time for the court to reach full composition and determine its linguistic capacity. No final decision on the appeal has been made.
A 67-year-old man from Drumlish, County Longford, has sought to have his appeal heard in Irish at the Court of Appeal. Donall Billings was convicted by the Special Criminal Court of possessing an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park in May 2011, and of making false bomb reports during Queen Elizabeth's State visit to Ireland that same month. He was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years imprisonment. The charges included placing a device on a Dublin-bound bus and making hoax threats targeting Busáras, Sinn Féin headquarters, Dublin Castle, and Cork airport. Mr Justice George Birmingham indicated the case would return to a management list to facilitate proceedings conducted in Irish. Billings was not present at the hearing to fix dates for his appeal.
A convicted sex offender has been sentenced to two years imprisonment, with the final six months suspended, at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for multiple breaches of a child protection order. Anthony Luckwill, a UK citizen aged 45, has convictions for possession of child pornography in Ireland and Wales, along with other sexual offences. In July 2012, a court imposed 16 protective orders against him under the Sex Offenders Act 2001. The court heard that in November 2016, Luckwill approached a woman at the Longford Arms hotel, presenting himself as involved in modelling and encouraging her to send her young sons for auditions. He had rented premises in Longford town under false pretences. Gardaí located him and discovered electronic devices containing 104 images of young boys in their underwear. Luckwill admitted breaching the 2012 order by possessing these images, changing his name by deed poll in February 2017, and accessing social networking sites. Judge Pauline Codd stated the most serious breach involved his attempt to gain access to children by misrepresenting himself.
Rihards Lavickis, aged 25 and resident of Annaly Court in Longford, has been charged with the murder of Akadiusz Czajkowski on 1st November 2016 at Rue Noyal Chatillon, Townspark in Longford. At the Central Criminal Court, Mr Justice Michael White fixed the trial date for 11th March 2019. The trial will proceed before a judge and jury.