A man has been convicted of assaulting his brother and sister-in-law with a fire extinguisher during a family gathering in Dublin. David Fludgate (39) pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to causing them harm at a public house on Old Lucan Road, Palmerstown on 13 December 2015. The incident occurred during their father's 70th birthday party following a dispute about helium balloons. CCTV evidence showed Fludgate swinging the extinguisher twice at his brother, Noel Fludgate, and once at Tracy Fludgate, causing both to fall to the ground. Noel Fludgate sustained a head wound requiring seven staples, while his wife received treatment for injuries. Fludgate, who is currently residing at hostel accommodation on Longford Street Little, was sentenced to 21 months imprisonment. The judge noted the assaults were serious but reduced the headline sentence of four years due to his guilty plea and rehabilitation efforts.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Rihards Lavickis, 25, ended without a verdict after the jury failed to reach a decision on the death of Akadiusz 'Arek' Czajkowski. Lavickis, of Annaly Court, Longford, had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the stabbing at Rue Noyal Chatillon, Townspark, on November 1, 2016. The prosecution alleged Lavickis was a deliberate killer who lured the deceased with a knife, while the defense argued he acted in a 'tumult of emotion' after prior hostility. Following four hours of deliberation, the foreman reported the jury could not reach a unanimous or majority verdict. Justice Una Ni Raifeartaigh discharged the jury and noted that a retrial may be ordered at the discretion of the Director of Public Prosecutions. The matter was adjourned to the next list to fix a date for another trial.
Egita Jaunmaize, a 34-year-old woman of no fixed abode, has been sentenced to three years in prison for staging the suicide of her housemate, Antra Ozolina, in an effort to impede the prosecution of the man who strangled her. The sentence was imposed by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy during a sentencing hearing at the Central Criminal Court. Jaunmaize had pleaded not guilty to the charge of carrying out the offence, without reasonable excuse, at their home at The Old Post, Main Street, Kilnaleck, Co Cavan on or about June 27 or June 28 2014. The judge noted that the maximum penalty for the offence was 10 years in prison, but imposed a custodial sentence of three years, backdated to 22nd February 2017. He acknowledged that Jaunmaize had a suspended sentence due to be activated in her native Latvia and did not want to come to garda attention. The court heard that the deceased, Antra Ozolina, had sustained blunt force injuries and died from asphyxiation. The judge accepted that Jaunmaize's involvement was due to her abusive relationship with the assailant, who was described as the murderer. However, the jury found her fully responsible for her actions. The judge took into account her lack of a previous criminal record, her work in Ireland, and her vulnerabilities, including post-traumatic stress disorder and a history of childhood trauma. The matter was not adjourned and was finalised at the sentencing stage.
A jury in a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court has been instructed to resume deliberations on Wednesday morning despite indicating to the judge that they had reached an impasse. The jurors had spent three hours and thirty minutes considering their verdict in the case of Rihards Lavickis, who is charged with the murder of a man in Longford more than two years ago. Mr Lavickis has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. Justice Una Ní Raifeartaigh indicated she would provide a further direction to the jury on Wednesday morning before they continue their deliberations. The foreman had told the court that the jury believed reconvening would be futile, but the judge suggested additional guidance might assist their consideration of the case.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has begun deliberating in the trial of a 25-year-old Longford man charged with murder. Rihards Lavickis, of Annaly Court, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Akadiusz Czajkowski at Rue Noyal Chatillon, Townspark, on November 1, 2016, but guilty to manslaughter. The court heard that Mr Lavickis admits to stabbing the 31-year-old. He claimed the deceased had previously demanded repayment of a drug debt and assaulted him, and that he armed himself with a knife intending only to frighten Mr Czajkowski after discovering his windows had been smashed. Mr Lavickis told the trial he experienced a loss of control upon seeing the deceased. Justice Una Ní Raifeartaigh directed the jury that provocation could reduce a murder conviction to manslaughter. Deliberations commenced this morning, with jurors having spent approximately one hour and 33 minutes considering the evidence by lunchtime.
A woman is set to be sentenced tomorrow for staging the suicide of her housemate in an attempt to hinder the prosecution of her boyfriend for strangling her. Egita Jaunmaize, of no fixed abode, was found guilty by a jury earlier this month of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of the killer, knowing or believing him to have murdered Antra Ozolina (49). She had pleaded not guilty to carrying out the offence, without reasonable excuse, at their home at The Old Post, Main Street, Kilnaleck, Co Cavan on or about June 27 or June 28 2014. Jaunmaize admitted placing a blue cord around her fellow Latvian's neck to simulate her suicide. She later explained that this was because her boyfriend had a suspended sentence due to be activated in his native Latvia and did not want to come to garda attention. The matter was adjourned for sentencing, with the judge to pass sentence tomorrow.
A prosecution barrister has told jurors at the Central Criminal Court that there is no credible basis for a provocation defence in the trial of a man accused of murder in Longford. Rihards Lavickis, aged 25 of Annaly Court, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in relation to the death of Akadiusz Czajkowski on November 1st, 2016 at Townspark. The State rejected the manslaughter plea, and the case proceeded to trial. Patrick McGrath SC argued that the accused deliberately killed Mr Czajkowski with a knife and that the three-and-a-half hour gap between discovering his broken windows and the fatal stabbing demonstrated calculated behaviour rather than a sudden loss of control. The defence counsel contended that his client, who admits responsibility, was provoked by ongoing harassment and a assault by the deceased. Justice Una Ní Raifeartaigh will charge the jury on Tuesday.
A 25-year-old man charged with murder at the Central Criminal Court has testified that he did not intend to harm the deceased during an incident in Longford in November 2016. Rihards Lavickis of Annaly Court, Longford, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of a 31-year-old man at Townspark on 1 November 2016. He admitted stabbing the deceased but told the court he experienced a loss of control and a "blackout" at the time, only realizing later what had occurred. Mr Lavickis described escalating tensions with the deceased over several months, including a prior assault and property damage to his home. He stated he brought a knife to the deceased's residence intending only to confront him but that events spiralled when they encountered each other later. The prosecution suggested his account of losing control was a deliberate fabrication designed to support a manslaughter defence. Justice Una Ní Raifeartaigh adjourned proceedings to allow a juror to attend a family event. The trial resumes before the jury on Friday.
A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court heard that a 25-year-old man from Annaly Court, Longford fatally stabbed another man following escalating disputes over a €300 cannabis debt. Rihards Lavickis has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of Akadiusz Czajkowski on November 1, 2016 at Townspark, Longford. The State rejected the manslaughter plea, and the trial proceeded. Detective Garda evidence outlined how Lavickis told gardai he armed himself with a knife after his home window was smashed, intending to confront Czajkowski. The accused stated he encountered Czajkowski near Longford Shopping Centre and pursued him with the knife, saying he intended only to frighten him but decided to use it when the opportunity arose. The fatal wound penetrated Czajkowski's chest and heart. The trial continues before Justice Una Ní Raifeartaigh and a jury.
Egita Jaunmaize, 34, was found guilty at the Central Criminal Court of impeding the prosecution of her boyfriend, a convicted neo-nazi, by staging the death of her housemate, Antra Ozolina, as a suicide. The jury returned a guilty verdict by an 11-to-1 majority after deliberating for three hours and 47 minutes. Jaunmaize admitted placing a blue cord around Ozolina's neck to simulate suicide but pleaded not guilty to carrying out the offence without reasonable excuse at their home in Kilnaleck, Co Cavan, on or about June 27 or 28, 2014. She alleged she acted under duress after witnessing her boyfriend strangle Ozolina. The boyfriend, who was never charged due to severe brain damage sustained in a car crash while fleeing a separate hijacking, is currently in a care facility. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy thanked the jury for their service and remanded Jaunmaize in custody for sentencing on February 26th.
Rihards Lavickis, 25, of Longford, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of Akadiusz 'Arek' Czajkowski, 31. Lavickis pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter; the plea was not accepted. The trial is currently at the finding stage before Justice Una Ni Raifeartaigh. State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy testified that the deceased died from a stab wound to the heart, with toxicology revealing valium, amphetamines, and alcohol in his system. She noted evidence of chronic alcohol use. Forensic Science Ireland confirmed blood on the accused's jacket matched the deceased. Detective Sergeant Eric Godfrey presented CCTV showing Lavickis chasing the deceased with a raised arm. The prosecution alleges Lavickis stabbed Czajkowski moments later. Both men had prior convictions: Lavickis has 20, including drug possession, while Czajkowski had 15, including driving with excess alcohol and burglary. The trial continues.
A woman testified at the Central Criminal Court on Wednesday that she feared reprisals from associates of a man fatally stabbed in Longford in 2016. Inita Rozkalne, partner of the accused, told the jury she believed friends of the deceased would seek revenge following the incident at Townspark on November 1st. She described an earlier violent confrontation in which her partner was assaulted by the deceased and another man, and recalled windows at their Annaly Court home being broken repeatedly in the months preceding the stabbing. A defence witness, a neighbour and friend of the accused, testified that the deceased had made threats hours before the window damage occurred. The witness also stated he disposed of a knife used in the incident, subsequently recovered by gardaí near Longford Town football stadium. Rihards Lavickis, aged 25, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Akadiusz Czajkowski, 31. His guilty plea was rejected and the trial continues before Justice Una Ní Raifeartaigh.
At the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, the trial of Rihards Lavickis, a 25-year-old Latvian man from Annaly Court, Longford, heard evidence relating to the death of Akadiusz Czajkowski on November 1st, 2016. Mr Lavickis has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. His partner gave evidence that approximately six months prior to the fatal stabbing, Mr Czajkowski had attacked Mr Lavickis outside their home, beating him while another man kicked him. On the morning in question, she stated Mr Lavickis returned to their apartment with blood on his trousers and told her he had stabbed Mr Czajkowski twice in the belly. Garda evidence indicated Mr Lavickis had complained to officers hours earlier that Mr Czajkowski was "always at me" and that he intended to "sort him out" following a window-breaking incident the previous night. The stabbing resulted in three wounds to the deceased. The trial, before Justice Una Ní Raifeartaigh and jury, continues.
At the Central Criminal Court, a garda gave evidence that a murder accused had expressed intent to "sort out" the deceased hours before a fatal stabbing in Longford. Garda Daniel Lynch testified that Rihards Lavickis complained the victim, Akadiusz Arek Czajkowski, had broken his windows and was "always at me" wanting to fight. When Lavickis stated he would "sort him out," the garda advised against this and said gardai would investigate the property damage. Lavickis, aged 25, with an address in Longford, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in connection with Czajkowski's death on 1 November 2016 at Rue Noyal Chatillon, Townspark. The victim was stabbed three times at approximately 11.45am. The trial before Justice Una Ní Raifeartaigh continues.
A 34-year-old Latvian woman is on trial at the Central Criminal Court charged with impeding the prosecution of a man suspected of murdering Antra Ozolina, a 49-year-old woman found dead at their shared home in Kilnaleck, County Cavan in June 2014. The accused is alleged to have placed a cord around the deceased's neck to simulate suicide. She has pleaded not guilty but accepts that Ms Ozolina did not take her own life and does not dispute that another person caused her death. The trial heard that the male suspect has not been charged due to severe injuries sustained during a violent car hijacking in Longford in October 2014. Following a collision with a civilian vehicle during a garda pursuit, he sustained a traumatic brain injury and has remained in hospital care, now requiring spoon feeding and hoisting. Evidence regarding the deceased's injuries and the circumstances of her death was presented to the jury. The trial continues before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy.
A 25-year-old Latvian man has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of a Polish construction worker at the Central Criminal Court. Rihards Lavickis of Annaly Court, Longford has denied murder in relation to the death of Akadiusz Czajkowski, 31, at Rue Noyal Chatillon, Townspark on 1 November 2016. The prosecution opened its case this week, outlining that the accused brought a knife to confront the deceased following an overnight incident in which his apartment windows were damaged. CCTV footage showed Mr Lavickis concealing himself before approaching Mr Czajkowski as he crossed the road. The deceased sustained three stab wounds and collapsed inside a nearby shopping centre, dying shortly after. The accused was arrested at Longford Garda Station where he admitted responsibility for the stabbing. The trial continues before Justice Una Ní Raifeartaigh. Rihards Lavickis pleaded not guilty.
A 25-year-old man charged with murder in Longford in 2016 has pleaded guilty to manslaughter, but the State has rejected the lesser plea. Rihards Lavickis, of Annaly Court, Longford, denies the murder of Akadiusz Czajkowski on November 1, 2016, at Rue Noyal Chatillon, Townspark. The trial began at the Central Criminal Court before Ms Justice Una Ní Raifeartaigh, with a jury of twelve sworn in. Prosecuting counsel Patrick McGrath SC confirmed the Director of Public Prosecutions declined to accept the manslaughter plea. The judge addressed the jury on their role regarding facts and evidence, while she would provide legal direction. The trial is expected to last three weeks, with prosecution opening speeches set to resume tomorrow. Witnesses will subsequently give evidence, followed by closing arguments and jury deliberation on the facts presented. Rihards Lavickis pleaded not guilty.
The Court of Appeal in Dublin has upheld murder convictions against two men in the death of a 23-year-old in June 2014. Leszek Sychulec, aged 35, from Drinan, Ballymahon, County Longford, and Andrzej Gruchacz, aged 36, had been found guilty of murdering Patryk Krupa at Bogganfin, Athlone, County Roscommon. The victim was assaulted and left to drown in the Shannon outside Athlone while incapacitated from head injuries sustained during the attack. A Central Criminal Court jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts in 2016, and both men received mandatory life sentences. Delivering judgment, Mr Justice George Birmingham dismissed all grounds of appeal, finding the trials satisfactory and the verdicts safe. He noted CCTV evidence of exceptional quality from Collins Service Station on the Roscommon Road was central to the investigation, along with DNA and blood evidence recovered from the black BMW used in the abduction and from Sychulec's clothing and watch. Leszek Sychulec pleaded not guilty. Andrzej Gruchacz pleaded not guilty.
A 20-year-old man from Limerick has received a fully suspended two-year sentence at the Central Criminal Court after pleading guilty to the defilement of a 15-year-old girl in Longford in June 2013. The offence occurred when the defendant was 16 years old. He initially pleaded not guilty to rape in October 2017, but changed his plea hours into his trial. Mr Justice Paul Butler noted that the defendant and complainant were "effectively peers" and that imprisonment would serve no purpose. The judge accepted the victim's impact statement as credible, in which she described the lasting psychological harm caused by the incident. The suspended sentence is conditional on the defendant attending probation sessions and group therapy to address the nature of his offence. He must also maintain no contact with the victim. The defendant, who has no previous convictions, is currently in full-time employment.
Two professional footballers suspended for twelve months following a match-fixing investigation have secured temporary High Court injunctions preventing the Football Association of Ireland from introducing new evidence during their appeal hearing. Igor Labuts, a goalkeeper, and midfielder Dragos Sfrijan, both formerly of Athlone Town AFC in the League of Ireland First Division, were found guilty in September of deliberate actions to manipulate match results arising from a game against Longford Town in April. The players deny wrongdoing and claim the new evidence is prejudicial, was not disclosed at the original disciplinary hearing, and breaches natural justice principles. The FAI maintains it is entitled under its own rules to introduce the material at the appeal, scheduled for December twenty-first. Justice Caroline Costello granted interim injunctions on Wednesday at the High Court. The case has been adjourned to the following week.
A 47-year-old man from County Longford has been sentenced to 11 years imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court following his conviction on charges relating to the sexual abuse of his teenage nephew. The jury found him guilty of 11 counts of rape, 10 counts of defilement, five counts of sexual assault, and one count of sexual exploitation of a child. The offences occurred between 2007 and 2014, spanning a period of seven years when the victim was aged 13 to 20. During trial, the accused claimed the relationship was consensual, a claim rejected by the court. Mr Justice Paul McDermott noted the defendant's use of substances and money to secure the victim's silence, describing his conduct as a grave breach of trust. The judge acknowledged the defendant's employment history and community involvement but highlighted his complete absence of remorse and failure to enter a guilty plea. The man has been directed to register as a sex offender and will be subject to five years of probation supervision following release.
Two men convicted of murdering a 23-year-old Polish national in County Roscommon have appealed their convictions at the Court of Appeal. Leszek Sychulec, aged 35, with an address at Drinan, Ballymahon, County Longford, and Andrzej Gruchacz, aged 36, were found guilty by jury in the Central Criminal Court of the killing of Patryk Krupa on 20 June 2014 near Athlone. Both received mandatory life sentences in June 2016. The victim was assaulted, rendered unconscious, and subsequently drowned in the River Shannon. Evidence presented at trial included DNA recovered from Sychulec's belongings and witness testimony. During the appeal hearing, defence counsel for Sychulec challenged the identification procedures used by gardaí, arguing that witnesses were shown a single photograph rather than a range of images. Counsel for Gruchacz raised concerns regarding the admissibility of identification evidence and trial procedure. The prosecution contested these submissions. The three-judge panel reserved judgement. Leszek Sychulec pleaded not guilty. Andrzej Gruchacz pleaded not guilty.
A pig farmer from County Longford has been imprisoned following the dismissal of his appeal against conviction at the Court of Appeal. Donal Connaughton, aged 58, from Newtowncashel, was found guilty by jury at Longford Circuit Criminal Court in 2013 of false imprisonment, threatening to cause serious harm, assault causing harm, and criminal damage. The offences occurred on 29 April 2010 at his piggery when two repossession employees arrived to recover items on behalf of a finance company. During the incident, Connaughton made aggressive threats towards the men and ordered them to undress and enter a pen with an agitated boar. An audio recording captured by the repossession men corroborated their accounts of the incident. Connaughton was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment by Mr Justice Tony Hunt in November 2013. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice George Birmingham, found no grounds to question the safety of the verdict and dismissed the appeal, describing the recorded evidence as crystal clear. Donal Connaughton pleaded not guilty.
A 49-year-old man from Longford has been sentenced to 13 years imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court following his guilty pleas to seven charges of sexual abuse against four of his nieces. The charges included three counts of anal rape and one of sexual assault committed between 2001 and 2010, when the victims were aged seven, nine and 16 years old. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy imposed consecutive sentences and ordered five years post-release supervision. The court heard that the earliest abuse occurred around the time of one victim's First Holy Communion, which the judge described as particularly poignant given its associations with innocence. The judge noted the offences represented a grave breach of trust by the accused as their uncle. Victim impact statements detailed lasting trauma, including panic attacks, sleep disturbance and psychological damage. The defence outlined the accused man's significant cognitive limitations and poor educational background.
A pig farmer from County Longford has appealed his conviction for false imprisonment and related offences, alleging interference with a juror during his trial. Donal Connaughton, aged 58, from Elfeet, Newtowncashel, was convicted in 2013 following an incident at his farm in April 2010 when he directed two repossession agents into a pen with an agitated boar. He was found guilty on charges of false imprisonment, threatening serious harm, and assault, and was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment. His barrister argued before the Court of Appeal that the trial did not proceed in accordance with law due to alleged contact between a juror and third parties. The prosecution contended the allegation lacked evidential foundation, noting that eleven of twelve jurors confirmed no interference occurred. The three-judge court reserved judgement on the appeal. Connaughton remains on bail pending the determination of the case. Donal Connaughton pleaded not guilty and was acquitted.
William Mannion, 49, of Clygeen, Legan, Co Longford, appeared at the Central Criminal Court for sentencing. He pleaded guilty to seven charges, including three counts of anal rape and one sexual assault of a niece aged seven between June and August 2006. He also admitted to sexually assaulting her older sister three years prior, when she was seven, and two charges each of sexually assaulting their then nine-year-old and 16-year-old cousins between October 2001 and June 2010. Prosecution counsel Gerard Clarke SC noted the victims consented to Mannion's identification but requested anonymity for themselves. Defence counsel Mary Rose Gearty SC highlighted Mannion's low intellectual functioning, unemployment, and inability to read or write. She also referenced his 1997 conviction for unlawful carnal knowledge of a 14-year-old. Although the validated stage is sentence, Mr Justice McCarthy remanded Mannion in continuing custody until May 11 for sentence. The court heard detailed allegations regarding the nature of the assaults, including instances where Mannion allegedly covered victims' mouths or threatened them. Victim impact reports were submitted but not read. The matter was adjourned to May 11 for the final sentencing hearing.
A High Court challenge has been initiated by Highfield Solar Limited against An Bord Pleanala regarding the refusal to approve a solar power generating facility in the South East. The application seeks to overturn the planning authority's decision to deny permission for the Grahormick Solar Farm, a 90 hectare site near Killinick in Co Wexford. The proposed development includes a 38kv electrical substation, solar PV panels mounted on steel supports, and associated infrastructure. The company argues that An Bord Pleanala abdicated its responsibility by refusing the application on the basis that it would be premature to proceed without a national or regional strategy for solar developments. It also claims that irrelevant considerations were taken into account and that the decision is inconsistent with previous approvals for similar projects in other areas. Highfield Solar Limited seeks declarations that the board failed to provide adequate reasons for its decision and that it acted ultra vires. Permission to bring the action was granted ex-parte by Mr Justice Seamus Noonan, with the matter to be returned for hearing in May.
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court sentenced Dubliner Patrick Anderson, a former Ireland ice hockey player, to two years' imprisonment for assaulting his cousins, Graham Dunne and Paul Dunne. Anderson pleaded guilty to assault causing harm at the Wright Venue nightclub in Swords on February 15, 2015. The court heard that Anderson punched and kicked both victims inside the venue and continued the assault outside after security ejected them. Graham Dunne suffered a broken kneecap, which affected his equestrian career and left him at risk of arthritis, while Paul Dunne sustained a broken jaw and psychological trauma. Judge Melanie Greally noted Anderson was a first-time offender with an excellent employment record and sporting history. However, she emphasized the seriousness of the two offences committed in one night and the lasting effects on Graham Dunne. The judge imposed a three-year sentence but suspended the final year on conditions, resulting in an effective custody period of two years. Prosecution counsel Maurice Coffey BL presented evidence that Anderson initiated the violence by punching Graham Dunne after a perceived bump. Defense counsel Ray Boland BL highlighted Anderson's intoxication and lack of prior convictions. An offer of compensation by Anderson was reportedly refused by the victims.
A man deliberately damaged clothing in Penneys stores and obtained cash refunds by exploiting the retailer's returns policy, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard on 17 February 2017. Patrick Quinn, aged 36, of Drumlish, Co Longford, pleaded guilty to inducing refunds totalling €392 across eleven transactions at Penneys branches in Blanchardstown during April and May 2015. Garda Stephen Walsh told the court that security staff provided CCTV footage showing Quinn damaging a jacket before presenting it for a refund without a receipt. Quinn admitted to deliberately tearing items including suit jackets after discovering the stores did not require receipts for damaged goods. His defence counsel outlined Quinn's struggles with gambling addiction, which intensified following his father's death in 2000, and noted his previous convictions related to theft. The court heard Quinn had undertaken residential treatment in 2013 without sustained improvement. Judge Melanie Greally adjourned sentencing until May to permit preparation of a probation report.
A man with 116 previous convictions, including 17 for burglary, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to trespass with intent to commit an offence at a dwelling in Dublin 8 on 4 October 2015. James Smith, aged 33, of Mostrim Oaks, Ballymahon Road, Edgeworthstown, County Longford, entered the house by breaking a kitchen window. When the occupants shouted that gardaí had been contacted, Smith indicated he required assistance as someone was pursuing him. Upon the arrival of gardaí, Smith opened the door to admit them. He later told gardaí he had entered the property intending to steal items for sale, stating he needed money urgently and was unaware occupants were present. Nothing was taken from the house. Smith acknowledged he had consumed drugs prior to the incident. Judge Pauline Codd adjourned sentencing to allow preparation of updated psychological and probation reports. A sentence date of 3 April 2017 was fixed, at which point defence counsel will make a plea in mitigation.
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Dubliner Patrick Anderson, 22, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to cousins Graham and Paul Dunne at the Wright venue in Swords on February 15, 2015. Prosecution evidence alleged that Anderson punched Graham Dunne in the mouth and head, then struck Paul Dunne multiple times in the head inside the nightclub. Security staff reportedly restrained and ejected all three men, describing them as aggressive. Outside the venue, Anderson allegedly continued the attack, kicking Graham Dunne to the ground and punching Paul Dunne, who suffered a fractured jaw. Graham Dunne sustained a broken knee cap from his fall and requires further treatment. The court heard that all three men had consumed alcohol, and security staff noted Graham Dunne was highly aggressive towards Anderson. Defence counsel Ray Boland BL stated Anderson has no previous convictions and that an offer of compensation was refused by the victims. Judge Melanie Greally adjourned the case to March, when she will hear a plea of mitigation on behalf of Anderson. The matter was adjourned and not concluded.
A man has been convicted of kidnapping the mother of his children at the Central Criminal Court following a two-week trial. The jury returned a guilty verdict after deliberating for over five hours. However, jurors could not reach agreement on charges of rape and extreme domestic abuse during their five-year relationship. Justice Carmel Stewart remanded the accused in custody pending a prosecution decision next month on whether to seek a retrial on the outstanding counts. The woman, aged 29, had obtained a barring order against the man before the November 2014 incident in Longford. She alleged he forcibly removed her from her sister's house, drove recklessly along country roads, and held her at his friend's residence while threatening her. The accused pleaded not guilty to rape, false imprisonment, and production of an article. He also faced multiple assault charges spanning 2011 to 2015, though one assault charge and a breach of barring order were not proceeded with.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has begun deliberating in the trial of a man accused of raping his former partner from Longford following her alleged kidnapping. Justice Carmel Stewart charged the jury on the legal test for consent, directing them that an honest but unreasonable belief in consent may constitute a defence to rape, provided such belief was genuinely held and not based on self-deceit. The judge instructed the jury to consider whether any claimed belief in consent could have been genuinely held given the circumstances the woman described. The accused has pleaded not guilty to rape, false imprisonment, and production of an article in November 2015, and to three counts of assault causing harm between 2011 and 2015. He faces additional allegations of false imprisonment of the woman and their children in unsuitable accommodation, and various assaults throughout their relationship. Two charges have been withdrawn.
A witness has testified at the Central Criminal Court that an alleged kidnapping and rape victim did not appear distressed when she visited her home on the night in question. The accused man, from Longford, has pleaded not guilty to rape, false imprisonment, and production of an article in November 2015, as well as three counts of assault causing harm between 2011 and 2015. The prosecution alleges he kidnapped the woman after she obtained a barring order against him, and subjected her to violence and degradation over a five-year relationship. The defence witness stated the woman drank cider at her home that evening and exhibited no signs of upset. However, prosecuting counsel suggested the alleged victim had told the witness she was there against her will and questioned why she left at 3am in a distressed state. The trial will resume on Monday with closing speeches before Ms Justice Carmel Stewart.
A man from Drumlish, County Longford, has been sentenced to eight and a half years imprisonment following his conviction by the Special Criminal Court on charges relating to the placement of an explosive device on a passenger bus and the making of bomb threats during Queen Elizabeth's State visit in May 2011. Donal Billings was found guilty of unlawful possession of an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park and four offences under the Criminal Law Act of 1976 involving false reports of bombs at multiple locations including Busáras, Sinn Féin headquarters, Dublin Castle, and Cork airport. A suspicious object containing gunpowder and petrol was discovered in the luggage compartment of a Dublin-bound bus. The investigation utilised mobile phone records and CCTV analysis to identify the accused. Billings maintained his innocence during trial and claimed to have found the SIM card used to make the calls. Mr Justice Tony Hunt noted the dangerous nature of the offences while acknowledging mitigating factors including the accused's age and cooperation with proceedings.
A Longford man has pleaded not guilty to charges including rape, false imprisonment, breaching a barring order, and assault causing harm at the Central Criminal Court. The prosecution alleges he abducted and assaulted a woman following her obtaining a barring order against him. A witness testified that he answered his door in the early hours of Sunday, 8 November 2015, to find a woman in severe distress who reported being pursued. The witness told prosecuting counsel Brendan Grehan SC that the woman was crying, trembling, and bore visible marks on her neck. She stated she had been held overnight at a neighbouring property and said she had pretended compliance with her former partner due to threats to her life. The witness confirmed he contacted gardaí, who confirmed they were searching for the woman. The trial before Ms Justice Carmel Stewart and a jury continues.
A trial at the Central Criminal Court has heard how gardaí were obliged to prepare meals and change nappies for multiple children after their mother was allegedly abducted from her Longford home in November 2015. The woman alleged she was taken by her partner shortly after obtaining a barring order against him. A local sergeant testified that upon arrival at the property, gardaí encountered numerous distressed children with no adult supervision. The officer and his colleagues cared for the children until the woman's sister, whose phone battery had depleted, returned home. The accused, who is the father of the children, has pleaded not guilty to rape, false imprisonment, breaching the barring order, and producing an article, along with four counts of assault causing harm between 2011 and 2015. The complainant told the court she fled to safety during the alleged incident. The trial before Ms Justice Carmel Stewart and a jury continues.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence on 30 November 2016 regarding bomb threats and an incendiary device discovered during a state visit by Queen Elizabeth in May 2011. Donal Billings, aged 66, of St Bridget's Court, Drumlish, County Longford, was convicted last month of unlawful possession of an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park on 16 May 2011, and four offences under the Criminal Law Act 1976 of making false reports. He was found guilty of falsely reporting bombs at Busáras and Sinn Féin headquarters in Dublin, at Dublin Castle, and at Cork airport. A suspicious device containing gunpowder and petrol was discovered in a bus luggage compartment. Phone calls made by the accused coincided with Queen Elizabeth's presence in the State. Gardaí traced the calls through mobile phone analysis and CCTV evidence. The court rejected a bail application. Billings was remanded in custody pending sentencing on 15 December 2016.
A man from Longford has been committed to the Central Mental Hospital following a finding of not guilty by reason of insanity at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. David Egan, aged 35, faced charges of assault causing harm to two women in separate incidents in Dublin city centre on 14 April 2015. The court heard that Mr Egan has paranoid schizophrenia and was not taking prescribed medication at the time of the alleged assaults. He believed he was being hypnotised and sexually assaulted, and that the women were mocking him. A jury returned the special verdict under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006 after hearing from consultant forensic psychiatrists for both the prosecution and defence, who agreed Mr Egan did not understand the wrongfulness of his actions and was unable to control his conduct. Judge Martin Nolan ordered his detention at the Central Mental Hospital, where his treatment will be assessed and managed. The judge noted that release would be determined by the hospital's practitioners when appropriate.
A 35-year-old Dublin man has been found not guilty by reason of insanity of assaulting two women in Dublin city centre on 14 April 2015. At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, the defendant pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to two counts of assault causing harm. The court heard he was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia and had discontinued his anti-psychotic medication prior to the offences. Both prosecution and defence counsel submitted that he met the criteria under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006, as he did not know his actions were wrong and was unable to control himself. Forensic psychiatrists for both sides concurred on these grounds. The jury returned the special verdict within minutes. Judge Martin Nolan ordered that the defendant be brought to the Central Mental Hospital for assessment of his treatment needs. The case was adjourned to 17 November.
A 66-year-old man from Drumlish, County Longford has been convicted at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin of possessing an explosive substance and making bomb threats during a state visit in May 2011. Donal Billings was found guilty of unlawfully possessing an explosive device at Longford railway station car park on May 16th, 2011, and of four counts under the Criminal Law Act of 1976 relating to false bomb reports. He was convicted of making false reports claiming bombs had been placed at Busáras and Sinn Féin headquarters in Dublin, at Dublin Castle, and at Cork airport. The court heard that an improvised explosive device was discovered on a passenger bus following one of the telephoned threats. Evidence established that phone calls making the threats were made using a SIM card purchased by Billings in Longford and traced to his mobile phone's unique identifier. The three judges rejected his claims of coincidence and found him an unreliable witness. Billings was remanded in custody pending sentencing on November 30th.
A former nursing home manager has been sentenced to 15 months imprisonment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for stealing €45,000 from a vulnerable patient. Maeve Bell, formerly of Inniskeen, County Monaghan, pleaded guilty to 15 counts of theft committed between July 2013 and October 2014 while employed as clinical manager at Elmhurst nursing home in Glasnevin, Dublin. Bell misappropriated funds from the resident's comfort account by making unauthorised withdrawal requests and, on several occasions, using the patient's bank card to withdraw cash. The thefts, ranging from €600 to €1,800 per occasion, totalled €38,000 from the nursing home account and €7,000 from a Bank of Ireland account. The offences came to light when the resident raised concerns about depleted account funds. Judge Martin Nolan noted Bell acted under financial hardship but emphasised the abuse of her position of authority. He expressed concern that the resident remained uncompensated and suggested gardai refer the matter to the relevant Ombudsman.
A 66-year-old man from Drumlish, County Longford has denied five charges relating to bomb threats made during a state visit in May 2011. Donal Billings stands accused of unlawful possession of an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park and of making four false reports under the Criminal Law Act, allegedly threatening bombs at locations including Dublin and Cork airport. The Special Criminal Court heard closing arguments on Wednesday. The prosecution submitted that circumstantial evidence, including a SIM card found in Mr Billings's possession and mobile phone records, proved his guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Prosecuting counsel described the defendant's testimony as "utterly incredible" and "completely implausible". The defence disputed the reliability of phone evidence and argued insufficient direct proof connected Mr Billings to explosives found on a bus. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with two other judges, will deliver a verdict on 26 October. Mr Billings was remanded on continuing bail.
A 66-year-old man from Drumlish, County Longford has told the Special Criminal Court that he was visiting his brother in hospital on the night an improvised explosive device was discovered on a Dublin-bound passenger bus on the eve of a royal state visit in May 2011. Donal Billings denies unlawful possession of an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park and four charges under the Criminal Law Act of 1976 relating to false bomb reports made to gardaí, including threats involving Busáras, Sinn Féin headquarters, Dublin Castle and Cork airport. The prosecution alleges Mr Billings placed the device on the bus and made threatening calls during the Queen's visit. Giving evidence through an interpreter, the accused stated there was no forensic evidence, witnesses or fingerprints linking him to the charges and characterised the case against him as entirely circumstantial. He told the court he found a SIM card in a carpark and picked it up. The trial continues.
A 65-year-old man from Drumlish in County Longford has pleaded not guilty to unlawful possession of an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park on 16 May 2011. The prosecution alleges he placed an improvised explosive device in the baggage compartment of a Dublin-bound passenger bus on the eve of a State visit. He is also charged with four offences under the Criminal Law Act 1976, relating to false reports made to gardaí on separate dates claiming bombs were placed at various locations including Busáras, Sinn Féin headquarters, Dublin Castle, and Cork airport. Before the Special Criminal Court, defence counsel submitted that evidence for the explosives charge was "highly doubtful" and argued there was no connection between the accused and the device found on the bus. Prosecution counsel contended the charges must be viewed together. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with two other judges, indicated the court would deliberate on the defence application to have the charge dismissed. The trial resumes the following morning.
Donal Billings, aged 65, of St Bridget's Court, Drumlish, County Longford, has pleaded not guilty to five charges before the Special Criminal Court. He is accused of unlawful possession of an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park on May 16th, 2011, and of making four false reports under the Criminal Law Act 1976 alleging bombs at multiple locations during the state visit of Queen Elizabeth in May 2011. An improvised explosive device was discovered on a Dublin-bound passenger bus during the visit. Sergeant Adrian O'Neill told the court that during gardai interviews, Mr Billings denied being at the railway station that evening, stating he had driven to Mullingar to meet his brother. He also disputed allegations regarding a SIM card found after his arrest in a Longford supermarket car park on May 20th, claiming he had found a purse containing it. The court heard Mr Billings expressed political objections to the British monarch's association with Northern Ireland security forces, though he denied involvement in any disruption. He characterised the allegations as "nonsense".
A man convicted of aggravated burglary at Ballymahon, County Longford, has failed to overturn his conviction at the Court of Appeal, despite judges acknowledging that his DNA sample was unlawfully retained beyond the statutory 12-month deadline. Eamon Murphy (48) of Attracta Road, Cabra, Dublin 7, pleaded not guilty to the offence at Longford Circuit Criminal Court but was found guilty and sentenced to ten years imprisonment, with the final three years suspended, in October 2015. A forensic swab was lawfully taken following his arrest in November 2011, but no application was made to retain it beyond the required period before his charge in January 2013. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice Alan Mahon, found that whilst the retention breach violated Murphy's legal rights, the trial judge had properly exercised her discretion to admit the evidence. The appeal was dismissed.
A telecommunications engineer gave evidence at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin regarding mobile phone mast data from County Longford during the state visit of Queen Elizabeth in May 2011. Donal Billings, aged 65, of St Bridget's Court, Drumlish, faces five charges under the Criminal Law Act 1976, including making false reports of bombs at locations including Busáras, Sinn Féin headquarters, Dublin Castle, and Cork Airport on dates spanning May 16th to May 20th, 2011. He is also charged with unlawful possession of an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park. Mr Billings has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Evidence indicated that phone calls made to Longford Garda Station from an 086 number were routed through masts at Edgeworthstown and near Longford town. The trial continues.
A trial at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin has heard evidence concerning a mobile telephone number allegedly linked to bomb threats made during the State visit of the Queen in May 2011. Donal Billings, aged 65, of St Bridget's Court, Drumlish, County Longford, has pleaded not guilty to four charges of knowingly making false reports under the Criminal Law Act 1976, and one charge of unlawful possession of an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park on 16 May 2011. The allegations include false reports of bombs at Busáras and Sinn Féin headquarters on 16 May, mortars at Dublin Castle on 18 May, and bombs at Cork airport toilets on 20 May. Detective Garda Enda Daly testified that Mr Billings was arrested on 20 May in a LIDL carpark in Longford whilst seated in a white Seat Ibiza. Two mobile phones and a SIM card were recovered. Telecommunications data established that the phone number associated with the SIM card called Longford Garda Station on both 16 and 20 May.
The trial of Donal Billings, aged 65, of St Bridget's Court, Drumlish, County Longford, continues before the Special Criminal Court in Dublin. Mr Billings has pleaded not guilty to possessing an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park on 16 May 2011, and to four charges under the Criminal Law Act 1976 relating to false reports of bomb threats made to locations including Busáras, Sinn Féin headquarters, Dublin Castle, and Cork Airport. During proceedings, Sergeant Philip Coffey of Roscommon Garda Station described searching a white Seat Ibiza vehicle on 20 May 2011, during which he recovered transparent gloves, a mobile phone SIM card pack, a homemade funnel, and a five-litre water bottle containing a yellowish liquid with a petrol odour. CCTV footage from Longford train station was presented to the court. The trial continues.