In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 10 December 2020, Tomasz Surowiak, a 27‑year‑old Polish national, pleaded guilty to possessing an airgun without a certificate. The court heard that Surowiak was not involved in an earlier incident in which a handgun was allegedly pointed out of a car window. Garda Matthew Kennedy described how police intercepted a VW Golf in Tyrone Place, Inchicore, and arrested Surowiak, who was driving the vehicle. A firearm, described as a gas‑powered training gun used for indoor target practice, was found on the passenger seat and confiscated. Surowiak claimed he bought the gun in Drogheda the previous May, had no knowledge that a licence was required in Ireland, and had not loaded the weapon.
The Special Criminal Court will hear the trials of Jason Reed (39), Thomas Rooney (41) and Catherine Dawson (44) following the seizure of €550,000 in cash during searches of cars and a house in Drogheda and elsewhere in the north‑east. The DPP applied under Section 40 of the Criminal Justice Act for a non‑jury trial, and Mr Justice Tony Hunt, Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge Michael Walsh granted the application. None of the accused were present at the hearing, but they are required to appear on 21 December when a trial date will be set. All three are charged with money laundering and possession of the proceeds of crime. Reed is accused of laundering €32,330 and £390 (≈€441) found at his home; Rooney and Dawson are charged with possession of €245,840 in cash in a bag on the same date; all three were previously granted bail by a District Court.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, the Doyle Shipping Group Unlimited was fined €850,000 for failing to manage the dismantling of a steel hopper at the McKearns Yard, which led to the instant death of welder James Byrne on 6 June 2018. Byrne, who had been using a blow torch to separate a six‑metre column from a larger metal structure, was killed when the column fell on him. The Health and Safety Authority investigation found that the company had not planned the task, had not used appropriate equipment, and had relied on a single employee to assess risks. Judge Pauline Codd noted the fatality, the obvious and significant risk, and the lack of mitigation, but accepted mitigating factors such as the guilty plea, cooperation, good safety record, and remedial spending. The fine was set at €850,000, with the company continuing to pay Byrne's salary and overtime to his partner.
In a 2020 Court of Appeal decision, the appeal of Cornelius Price, a 38‑year‑old former gang leader from Drogheda, was dismissed. Price had been released from Wheatfield Prison on 18 May 2019 after serving three‑quarters of a three‑year sentence, with a quarter remission calculated by days. He argued that a month‑based calculation would have released him 24 hours earlier, on 17 May 2019. The court upheld the High Court's earlier ruling that the IPS's day‑based method is logical, consistent and fair, and that a month‑based approach would create ambiguity and unfairness. Justice Maire Whelan, joined by Justices George Birmingham and Isobel Kennedy, found Price's detention for the disputed 24‑hour period lawful and dismissed the appeal. Price had been convicted in 2017 for recklessly endangering a Garda during a high‑speed incident in 2014.
In a 2020 High Court decision, Mr Justice Denis McDonald quashed An Bord Pleanala's approval of a development at Rathmullen, Drogheda, that would have added 661 homes, a neighbourhood centre and a creche. The judge found the board's decision "wrong in law" because it failed to properly assess the impact on bird species in the Boyne Estuary Special Protection Area and on four nearby Natura 2000 sites. The court held that the board had not carried out the required high‑tide survey of rare birds, a requirement under the EU Habitats Directive, and had incorrectly considered mitigation measures. The decision was challenged by Highland Residents Association and Protect East Meath Ltd, who argued the board had ignored ecological and historical concerns. The case will return for final orders at a later date.
In June 2018, James Byrne, an experienced welder, was killed when a six‑metre steel column fell on him while he was using a blow torch to dismantle a steel hopper at the Doyle Shipping Group's Ocean Pier yard. The Health and Safety Authority investigated and charged the company for failing to manage the work safely, specifically the dismantling of the hopper. Byrne had been working on the hopper since April 2018 and had previously dismantled a similar hopper in Drogheda. On the day before the accident he had removed two 6‑metre uprights from a 10‑metre lattice; the next day he was cutting a third upright when the column fell. Co‑workers could not lift the bar, and Byrne suffered catastrophic internal injuries, including heart damage. The company pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, and the case was adjourned for finalisation.
In 2022, Gerard McKenna, 50, of Rathmullen Park, Drogheda, will stand trial for impeding the investigation into the murder of 17‑year‑old Keane Mulready Woods. The teenager was last seen alive on 12 January, after which dismembered body parts were found in a holdall in Coolock, Dublin, and later the head, hands and feet were discovered in a burning car in Drumcondra. Mr Justice Michael White set the trial to start 17 January 2022, noting a three‑week duration and a temporary suspension of new trials for four weeks due to Covid‑19 backlog.
Cornelius Price, a 38‑year‑old former gang boss from Drogheda, has appealed a ruling that upheld the calculation of his release date from Wheatfield Prison. Price was convicted in February 2017 for recklessly endangering life or safety in an incident at Balbriggan Garda station in January 2014, where he drove a van at high speed at Garda Gary Dillane. He served three‑quarters of a three‑year sentence, with a quarter remission, and was released on 18 May 2019. Price argues the Irish Prison Service used days to calculate his release, whereas he believes months should have been used, which would have released him on 17 May 2019, 24 hours earlier. His counsel, Paul Carroll SC, contended the IPS's method was unsatisfactory and not based on statutory provision. The Court of Appeal heard the case on Wednesday, with the High Court having previously dismissed his challenge. The appeal remains pending, with the Court of Appeal reserving judgment.
Wayne Lynch, a 37‑year‑old bread delivery man from Drogheda, was sentenced to four‑and‑a‑half years in prison for transporting firearms and storing cannabis during an ongoing crime feud. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of a pistol and ammunition in suspicious circumstances at a Lidl car park in Tallaght and possession of cannabis herb at his home on 19 July 2019. Lynch had a prior conviction in 2004 for drug possession. Gardaí, acting on confidential information, followed Lynch's bread van on 19 July 2019, seized two black handguns and ammunition from the van and recovered cannabis herb worth €35,606 from his home. Judge Elma Sheahan accepted that Lynch was not a "significant player" and would not have used the guns, but noted he was moving the equipment during an ongoing feud that had claimed many lives. The judge suspended the final 18 months of the sentence.
Wayne Lynch, 37, a bread delivery man from Newtown Meadows, Drogheda, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of a pistol and ammunition in suspicious circumstances at the Lidl Car Park, Tallaght, and possession of cannabis herb at his home on 19 July 2019. He had a previous conviction in 2004 for possession of drugs. Gardaí, acting on confidential information, followed Lynch in his bread van on 19 July 2019, approached the van at the Lidl car park, and searched it, recovering two black handguns and rounds of ammunition under the passenger seat. Lynch was arrested and taken to Crumlin Garda Station. A search of his home yielded cannabis herb valued at €35,606. Lynch claimed he was afraid for his life, had a cocaine habit that worsened after his father's death, and was told to drop off the package for a €1,000 discount.
John Lawrence, 29, was spared a prison sentence after pleading guilty to possession of a stolen caravan and driving dangerously in a high‑speed pursuit. The court heard that he had completed an addiction studies programme and was volunteering as a mentor in a prison after‑care programme, a role described as "inspiring" by professionals. Lawrence, from Drogheda, drove a Jeep towing a €12,000 caravan stolen from Hertfordshire, England, at speeds over 140 km/h in a 100 km/h zone, forcing gardaí and the public to avoid collisions. He had prior convictions for theft, deception and traffic offences. Judge Karen O'Connor, after hearing mitigation, suspended a two‑year prison term on the condition that Lawrence continue his studies and voluntary work with prisoners.
Warrants were issued for the arrest of Josh Boylan (21) of Moneymore, Drogheda, Co Louth, and Keith Boylan (25) of Park Heath, Drogheda, Co Meath, who are facing serious charges including false imprisonment. The cases were transferred from Dundalk Circuit Criminal Court to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Prosecutor Garnet Orange SC informed Judge Martin Nolan that the defendants had "gone off the radar" and were believed to be the subject of a threat to their lives, a threat that could be taken seriously. Orange applied for bench warrants to be issued for both men, arguing that they were outside the jurisdiction and that bench warrants were required to commence extradition proceedings. Lily Buckley BL, defending Josh Boylan, acknowledged a genuine threat to his life and stated that his absence from court was due to that threat. Counsel for Keith Boylan also noted that his client had effectively gone into hiding because of the threat.
In a hearing on 10 June 2020, Judge Martin Nolan was informed that Josh Boylan, 21, of Moneymore, Drogheda, and Keith Boylan, 25, of Park Heath, Drogheda, had "gone off the radar" and may be under threat. The prosecution, represented by Garnet Orange SC, noted that the men are facing serious charges, including false imprisonment, related to an incident on 11 November 2018 in Moneymore. The State is not seeking a bench warrant today but is looking to set a hearing for next week, when warrants may be applied for. The case was adjourned to 18 June.
Damien Ionut, 34, was sentenced to three years in prison for a series of ATM attacks across eight European cities, including Dublin, Louth, Kildare, Wicklow, Meath, Westmeath, and Dublin. He and a group used a "transaction reversal fraud" technique, first withdrawing a small amount with a legitimate chip‑and‑pin card, then inserting a clip into the cash drawer to block the release of a larger withdrawal. They swapped the card for a dummy, causing the machine to think the customer had walked away, and then used a chisel to break into the drawer and take the cash. The attacks caused about €12,881 in damage and resulted in €5,980 in stolen cash. Ionut had 30 prior convictions for similar offences and was identified on CCTV footage. The court back‑dated the sentence to November 5, 2019. The case highlighted the vulnerability of ATMs to this type of fraud.
Marius Gaizutis, 55, was convicted of murder for the axe killing of Audrius Butkus, 44, whose body was found on Mornington beach in 2013. Gaizutis admitted killing Butkus but denied murder, claiming provocation after the victim allegedly insulted him and struck him with a bottle. Forensic evidence suggested an attempt to clean the scene, and Gaizutis had wounds consistent with a bottle attack. A jury found him guilty of murder on 1 May 2015 and he was sentenced to life imprisonment. Gaizutis appealed, arguing insufficient evidence for a murder conviction and that the trial judge should have directed an acquittal on murder, leaving only a manslaughter charge. The Court of Appeal, in an electronic judgment, rejected the appeal, stating there was no basis to deem the trial unsatisfactory or the verdict unsafe, and upheld the jury's decision to convict of murder. The appeal was dismissed.
In April 2020, Mr Justice Denis McDonald, presiding over the High Court's fast‑track Strategic Infrastructure Development list, urged parties to shorten the time it takes the court to hear disputes amid the Covid‑19 pandemic. The list covers challenges to decisions by An Bord Pleanala on large infrastructure projects that were submitted directly by developers, bypassing local authorities. McDonald noted uncertainty about when hearing dates could be fixed, citing the pandemic's impact. He highlighted cases including Mr John Conway and the Louth Environmental Group's challenge to An Bord Pleanala's approval of 657 apartments for Crekav Trading GP Ltd near St Paul's College, Raheny, and a residents association and Protect Meath East NGO's challenge to Trailford Ltd's development of 661 units, a community centre and creche at Rathmullen, Drogheda.
Paula Farrell, 47, was sentenced to the mandatory term of life imprisonment for the murder of Wayne McQuillan, 30, at her Drogheda home on New Year's Day 2014. This marks her second conviction for the offence following an appeal that quashed her initial 2015 conviction due to the exclusion of the partial defence of provocation. A subsequent retrial in 2019 resulted in a hung jury. In this final trial, Farrell pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The Central Criminal Court jury unanimously rejected her defence of provocation, finding her guilty of murder. Mr Justice Paul McDermott sentenced Farrell to life imprisonment, backdating the sentence to July 1, 2015, to account for time already served in custody. The judge excused the jurors from future service. The court heard a victim impact statement from the deceased's sister, Audrey McQuillan, who described the family's enduring pain. Farrell's legal team had argued she acted under provocation and suffered from PTSD and alcohol dependency, while the prosecution contended she intended to cause serious injury. The matter was concluded with the imposition of the mandatory life sentence.
Paula Farrell, convicted of the murder of Wayne McQuillan, is currently at the appeal stage of her legal proceedings. The Central Criminal Court trial heard that Farrell stabbed McQuillan four times on New Year's Day 2014 in Drogheda. McQuillan, who was six times over the drink-driving limit, suffered a fatal cardiac arrest after a 30-minute ambulance delay. Farrell, who had no previous convictions, claimed she acted in self-defense after McQuillan allegedly attempted to sexually assault and strangle her. She testified that she stabbed him to stop the abuse, though she admitted to washing her hands and leaving the knife in the sink. Defense experts attributed her actions to PTSD stemming from childhood sexual abuse and alcohol dependency, while prosecution experts argued her behavior was primarily driven by intoxication. Farrell was found guilty of murder, rejecting the defense argument for a manslaughter conviction based on provocation. The current procedural stage is an appeal against this conviction.
The jury in the trial of Paula Farrell, 47, accused of murdering her boyfriend Wayne McQuillan, 30, at her Drogheda home on New Year's Day 2014, has paused deliberations for the weekend and will return to the Central Criminal Court on Monday. The jury spent 2 hours 39 minutes considering a verdict when Judge Paul McDermott instructed them to suspend deliberations. The prosecution has called the sexual assault allegation an "outrageous lie" and maintains that Farrell intended to cause serious injury by stabbing McQuillan four times with a knife. Farrell pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. She testified that McQuillan had tried to have sex with her and had strangled her before she stabbed him, claiming she only remembered two of the four stabs.
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, the jury must decide whether 47‑year‑old Paula Farrell was provoked when she stabbed her partner, Wayne 'Quilly' McQuillan, to death on New Year's Day 2014. Mr Justice Paul McDermott explained that provocation is a partial defence that can reduce a murder charge to manslaughter if the accused lost self‑control in a sudden, temporary way. He said the alleged sexual assault by McQuillan on a sofa in Farrell's home could be the provoking act, but the jury must assess whether the evidence of that assault is credible. Farrell, who pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, admitted stabbing McQuillan four times, remembering only two. The judge also noted her high alcohol level that night and her statements to Gardaí that she intended to hurt, not kill, him. The jury will consider all these facts before delivering a verdict.
April Reid, aged 34, was found guilty of robbery at an Ulster Bank ATM in Dublin on 23 March 2019. She targeted a woman who was withdrawing money, physically confronting her and causing a minor injury to the victim's left hand. The robbery resulted in €200 being stolen. Reid, who has a long history of drug addiction and was intoxicated with crack cocaine at the time, offered an apology after being identified on CCTV. Judge Melanie Greally sentenced her to four years' imprisonment, suspending the final two years on strict conditions, including compliance with the Probation Service for 12 months after release. She was also ordered to pay €250 in compensation to the victim. The case highlighted Reid's past theft‑related offences and her ongoing struggle with substance abuse.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, prosecution counsel Gerard Clarke SC argued that Paula Farrell, 47, intended to cause serious injury when she stabbed her partner Wayne McQuillan, 30, four times with the largest knife from a block. Clarke said the prosecution need not prove intent to kill, only to cause serious injury, and that Farrell's claim of a sexual assault that night was an "outrageous lie." He noted Farrell's history of childhood sexual abuse, PTSD, and alcohol dependence, but said these were used to create sympathy rather than explain the killing. Defence counsel Caroline Biggs SC contended that Farrell, classified as borderline intellectually disabled, may have been provoked and therefore guilty of manslaughter. The jury was instructed to consider provocation and Farrell's mental state when deciding between murder and manslaughter. The case remains at the jury stage. Paula Farrell pleaded not guilty.
In a High Court hearing on 24 March 2020, Dean Thornton, aged 22 and from Moneymore, Drogheda, had his bail forfeited after evidence that he had packed his bags and sought a replacement passport, indicating an intention to leave the jurisdiction. Thornton, charged with false imprisonment and assault causing harm on 11 November 2018, had previously been granted bail on a €1,000 bond with €500 lodged under conditions, including surrendering his passport. In January he applied for a new passport, which was recovered from him in early February. Judge Paul Coffey described the application as "particularly egregious" and, citing the packed bags, ordered the forfeiture of the entire bail amount. The court left Thornton's independent surety of €4,000, with €2,000 lodged by his aunt, untouched, as no evidence linked her to the alleged actions. The Director of Public Prosecutions' counsel noted that forfeiture was not deemed harsh in this case.
In the Louth murder trial, Dr Sally Linehan testified for the prosecution that Paula Farrell's behaviour on New Year's Day 2014 was influenced by intoxication rather than a dissociative reaction. She explained that Farrell, aged 47, had PTSD and alcohol dependence, and that she had not experienced a flashback or psychotic symptoms that night. Linehan reviewed two reports she prepared in 2015 and 2019, noting Farrell's long history of heavy drinking and childhood sexual abuse. She agreed with defence counsel that Farrell's PTSD could have played some role but concluded that intoxication was the primary influence. The testimony was part of the prosecution's case against Farrell, who pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the killing of Wayne McQuillan, aged 30, at her home. The jury heard closing speeches the following day.
The High Court heard that An Bord Pleanála indicated planning permission for a 450-unit housing development in Drogheda ought not to have been granted. The proposed project, located south of the Marsh Road, includes offices and a creche. Protect East Meath Ltd, represented by John Kenny BL and solicitor Fred Logue, brought judicial review proceedings seeking to quash the board's November 2019 decision. The applicants alleged the board failed to properly consider the impact on the Boyne Estuary Special Area of Conservation, specifically regarding bird and bat populations, and breached EU Habitats and Environmental Impact Assessment directives. They sought declarations that the board erred in law. The case was admitted to the High Court's fast-track strategic infrastructure development list. Before Mr Justice Denis McDonald, the court noted the board was prepared to concede the case, which would require developer Ravala Ltd to make a fresh application. However, Ravala Ltd, a notice party, indicated it may continue the proceedings to defend the board's decision. Mr Justice McDonald directed Ravala to make submissions outlining how it proposes to proceed given the board's indication. The matter was adjourned to a date in May.
In the Central Criminal Court, a 47‑year‑old woman, Paula Farrell, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the 2014 killing of Wayne McQuillan, aged 30. A psychiatrist for the defence, Dr Brenda Wright, testified that Farrell had post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and an alcohol‑dependency disorder at the time of the stabbing. She described Farrell's history of sexual abuse between ages seven and fourteen and noted that Farrell began heavy drinking at 20. Dr Wright said Farrell's PTSD was severe and manifested mainly through alcohol use, affecting her relationships. The defence argued the PTSD did not play a significant role in the killing, a view echoed by the prosecution's counsel. The jury heard that Farrell stabbed McQuillan four times, recalling two, and that forensic evidence confirmed four wounds. The trial proceeded under Mr Justice Paul McDermott with a jury of seven men and four women.
In the Louth murder trial, 47‑year‑old Paula Farrell pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for killing 30‑year‑old Wayne 'Quilly' McQuillan on New Year's Day 2014. She claimed he had tried to have sex with her and strangled her before she stabbed him four times, remembering only two. Psychologist Dr Kevin Lambe testified that Farrell had an IQ of 70, indicating borderline mild intellectual disability, and suffered from PTSD due to childhood sexual abuse. He argued that her low cognitive resources and PTSD influenced her actions that night, though he clarified low IQ does not cause murder. Dr Brenda Wright also reported Farrell's history of abuse, heavy drinking from age 20, and use of Olanzapine for mood disorder. Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis confirmed four stab wounds on McQuillan, noting potential survival with prompt medical care. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury.
In a Central Criminal Court murder trial, 47‑year‑old Paula Farrell of Drogheda pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the death of her partner, Wayne 'Quilly' McQuillan, 30, on New Year's Day 2014. She testified that the couple had argued over alcohol and that McQuillan had attempted to have sex with her on the night, an allegation she had not disclosed to Gardaí. During cross‑examination, Farrell admitted she had stabbed McQuillan four times, remembering two, and that she had taken a knife from a kitchen block after he strangled her. She denied calling an ambulance and denied that she had consciously decided not to seek help. The prosecution presented evidence of four stab wounds, including one to the upper right arm, one to the front of the chest and two to the left shoulder. The trial was set to continue before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of seven men and four women.
The High Court heard that An Bord Pleanála's grant of planning permission for a 661‑unit development at Rathmullen, Drogheda, was flawed because it did not consider the impact on the historic Battle of the Boyne site. The Highland Residents Association and Protect East Meath Ltd applied for judicial review, arguing the board failed to assess the development's effect on the battlefield, on four EU‑designated breeding and resting sites for rare species, and on local fauna such as roosting bats. They also claimed the decision contravened Meath County Council's 2013‑2019 Development Plan and the 2016 Planning and Development (Residential Tenancies) Act, and was incompatible with EU habitat directives. Mr Justice Denis McDonald granted permission to challenge, admitted the case to the fast‑track strategic infrastructure list, and adjourned it to late April. The applicants seek an order quashing the permission and declarations of the board's failures.
In March 2020, Mr Justice Paul McDermott called the 11 jurors of Paula Farrell's murder trial to the Central Criminal Court, noting that the 12th juror was absent due to a head‑cold. He explained that three witnesses had not yet testified and asked the jurors whether they wished to continue. The jury agreed to proceed, and the judge thanked them for serving under difficult circumstances. The trial will continue without the missing juror, with the jury expected to retire for a verdict next Tuesday. Ms Farrell, 47, of Drogheda, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the unlawful killing of Wayne 'Quilly' McQuillan, 30, on New Year's Day 2014. She admitted stabbing him four times, though she only remembered two. The trial continues tomorrow.
In the Central Criminal Court, Mr Justice Paul McDermott announced new seating arrangements for the 12 jurors in the Paula Farrell murder trial to maintain social distancing amid the coronavirus outbreak. Six jurors now sit on individual cushions in the courtroom, while the remaining six sit in the jury box with a seat between them. The judge said these arrangements would remain for the rest of the trial and that two jury minders would be present. Mr McDermott invited jurors to raise any concerns. Ms Farrell, aged 47, continues to give evidence. She admits stabbing her partner, Wayne 'Quilly' McQuillan, 30, during a drunken argument on New Year's Day 2014. She pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. She described the events, her lack of intent to kill, and her subsequent actions, including not calling an ambulance.
Ms Paula Farrell, 47, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the unlawful killing of Wayne 'Quilly' McQuillan, 30, on New Year's Day 2014. She told the Central Criminal Court jury that she began drinking heavily in her teens to "block out" problems, later describing a history of sexual abuse by a named man from age seven to fourteen. She said the abuse began at thirteen and continued daily, and that she confronted the abuser at age 28 or 29, after which she stopped counselling. Farrell also admitted using alcohol, cocaine, speed and a white powder called "wildcat." She met McQuillan on the night of her 40th birthday in 2013; he was ten years younger.
In the Central Criminal Court, Paula Farrell, 47, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the unlawful killing of Wayne 'Quilly' McQuillan, 30, on New Year's Day 2014 at her home in Rathmullen Park, Drogheda. She admitted that she and McQuillan had been drinking since 3:00 pm, that a fight began, and that she was "hysterical" when the Garda arrived. She said she and McQuillan had been "bitching" and that a struggle ensued in the kitchen. She claimed she was "not wanting him to get the better of me" and that she stabbed him twice, once near the top of his chest and a second time lower down, using a medium‑sized black knife from her kitchen. After the stabbing, McQuillan walked out the front door, collapsed, and was taken to hospital in a patrol car after an ambulance was delayed by 20‑30 minutes.
In a murder trial, Paula Farrell, 47, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the unlawful killing of Wayne 'Quilly' McQuillan, 30, who was stabbed at her Drogheda home on New Year's Day 2014. Dr Michael Curtis, former Deputy State Pathologist, described four stab wounds, including a fatal one to the left subclavian vein and lung. He noted the wounds were close and parallel, suggesting rapid, successive strikes, and said the injuries could have been survivable with prompt medical intervention. Dr Maria Murillo testified that Farrell was intoxicated and unfit for questioning at 7 am on New Year's Day, having been drinking since 3 pm the previous evening. The court heard that Farrell had been treated for schizophrenia and had been drinking daily. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
Paula Farrell, 47, of Rathmullen Park, Drogheda, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the unlawful killing of Wayne 'Quilly' McQuillan, 30, on New Year's Day 2014. The prosecution, represented by Gerard Clarke SC, described a drunken argument that led Farrell to stab McQuillan four times with a kitchen knife. Three wounds were not fatal; one struck at a 45‑degree angle through the left shoulder, cutting a vein and the left lung, causing massive internal and external bleeding. McQuillan was found bleeding to death in Farrell's home, and she allegedly told onlookers not to call an ambulance, saying he was fine. Gardaí found the knife in the sink and noted attempts to wipe up blood. McQuillan was taken to hospital, suffered cardiac arrest en route, was resuscitated, then died after a second arrest during a CT scan.
Gardai responded to a 999 call at 4.38 am on 21 January 2013, reporting a suspicious male at a house linked to Aaron Brady, the man accused of murdering Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. The occupants of the house, belonging to Brady's best friend's parents, claimed three men in black were in the yard. Gardai found no intruders, no footprints on wet grass, no damage to a lorry container lock, and no vehicles nearby. The report was made four days before Donohoe's shooting. Brady (29) from Crossmaglen has pleaded not guilty to Donohoe's capital murder and to a robbery of about €7,000 on the same date and location. The trial is before Mr Justice Michael White with a 14‑person jury.
Marius Gaizutis, aged 55, is appealing a life sentence for the axe murder of Audrius Butkus, aged 44, who was found dead on a Meath beach. Gaizutis admitted killing Butkus at his home on 9 or 10 September 2013 but denied murder, claiming provocation after threats from the victim. The prosecution argued Butkus died from multiple axe blows to the back of his head; the defence alleged Gaizutis was attacked with a bottle. Gaizutis' account changed over two interviews, first claiming no recollection, then stating the victim insulted him and struck him with a bottle. A jury, after 2 hours 40 minutes, found him guilty of murder and sentenced him to mandatory life by Justice Margaret Heneghan on 20 May 2015. He now appeals, arguing insufficient evidence for murder and that the trial judge should have directed acquittal on that charge, allowing only manslaughter to be considered.
In the Central Criminal Court, the case of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe's murder was heard. Inspector Darren Kirwan testified that he discovered Donohoe had been shot at 21.45 on 25 January 2013 and immediately went to the deceased's home to inform his wife, Caroline Donohoe, who identified his body in the credit union car park at 11pm. Aaron Brady, aged 28, pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Donohoe and to the robbery of about €7,000 at Lordship Credit Union, Bellurgan, Co Louth. Dr Khalid Jaber performed a post‑mortem, finding extensive brain and skull damage and a penetrating shotgun wound to the face as the cause of death. Witnesses, including Leona White, Christina Birch, and Garda Rachel Copperthwaite, described hearing gunshots, seeing a robbery, and finding Donohoe's body. The trial continued on Monday before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury.
Paul Crosby, 24, of Rathmullen Park, Drogheda, was released on bail by the High Court on 24 May last year after being charged with possession of a stolen silver Yamaha motorcycle on 21 November 2019 and possession of a stolen Volkswagen Polo on 10 May 2019, as well as arson for setting the Polo on fire at Yellowbatter Drogheda on the same day. Since his release, Garda Donal Clarke reported several alleged breaches of his bail conditions. On 16 January, a warrant was issued for his arrest, and he was taken into custody at Beechwood Drive, Drogheda, at 19:01 on Sunday. The warrant was executed at the Central Criminal Court, where Justice Michael White remanded him to Cloverhill. Crosby's solicitor, Lily Buckley BL, expressed that her client was anxious to address the court himself and wished to give evidence regarding the context of the matters.
The Court of Appeal quashed the money‑laundering conviction of Henry Alinta, 44, owner of Aligreen Recycling Limited, after a trial judge's instructions were found to have confused the jury about the presumption of innocence and the burden of proof. Alinta had been stopped at the M1 Toll Plaza outside Drogheda, where Gardaí found €127,000 and £146,940 in his BMW X6. He claimed the cash was collected on instructions from a Nigerian friend, Sanni, and that he did not know the amount. A jury convicted him after 27 minutes of deliberation and sentenced him to four years' imprisonment, 18 months suspended. The Court of Appeal held that the judge's explanation created "confusion" that was fatal to the trial's integrity, and the conviction was therefore quashed. The case will be reviewed for a possible retrial. Henry Alinta pleaded not guilty.
In a High Court case, Daniel Lannon (49) sought damages and declarations from the Minister for Social Protection after a former department official passed his personal data to a private detective hired by solicitors for AIB bank. Lannon claimed the data breach occurred on 22 August 2014 when Ms Caitriona Bracken accessed his address at Colpe View, Drogheda, and supplied it to investigator Michael Ryan, who was also her brother‑in‑law. Ryan was employed by a solicitor's firm representing AIB, which used the address to serve legal proceedings on Lannon. Lannon had not provided the Drogheda address to the bank, using instead a property he owned in Malahide. After AIB sent correspondence to the Drogheda address in 2015, Lannon complained to the Data Protection Commissioner. The DPC prosecuted Ryan and his company, Glen Collection Investments Limited, who admitted breaches and were fined €7,500.
In a 2019 civil action, Daniel Lannon, aged 49, sued the Department of Social Protection for a 2014 breach of his privacy, alleging that his personal data was unlawfully passed to a private investigator. The department, represented by Conor Power SC and Nick Reilly BL, denied that such data sharing was common practice, stating that it takes data‑protection breaches seriously and has implemented staff training and monitoring since 2014. It admitted that a former official, Ms Caitriona Bracken, had provided Lannon's data to a private investigator, Mr Michael Ryan, who was hired by a solicitor's firm for AIB. The department also acknowledged that four employees, including Bracken, had been dismissed for passing data to third parties, and that between 20 and 30 staff had been disciplined for non‑business data access. The court heard that the department had taken steps such as random checks and a database of private investigators' phone numbers to prevent further breaches.
The High Court heard a damages claim by Daniel Lannon against the Minister for Social Protection, alleging a breach of privacy and data protection rights in 2014. Lannon claims a department official provided his Drogheda address to a private investigator hired by solicitors acting for AIB, enabling the bank to serve legal proceedings at that location. He seeks damages, aggravated damages, and declarations that the department breached its duty of care. The department opposes the claim, arguing it is not liable for the negligent actions of its former staff member, Ms Caitriona Bracken, who was dismissed in 2017. The department also contends the proceedings constitute an abuse of process, noting Lannon previously discontinued a similar action. Ms Bracken, added as a third party, claimed releasing data was common practice, but the department stated it was no longer seeking relief against her, allowing her to be let out of the case. Lannon admitted he failed to inform AIB of his address change as required by his mortgage terms. The court noted that in October 2016, the private investigator Michael Ryan and his company Glen Collection Investments Limited pleaded guilty to certain data breaches and were fined €7,500 by the district court. The hearing continues.
Paula Underwood, 56, pleaded guilty to unlawfully using a computer to divert over €23,000 from pensioners at Donabate Post Office between 2008 and 2013. She withheld payments from 91 pensioners across 156 transactions, understating entitlements and exploiting vulnerable customers. An Post refunded the money and held the then postmaster, Mr Neill Smith, liable, requiring him to repay the sum. Underwood was sentenced to three years imprisonment with the final 18 months suspended on 30 July 2019. She sought to withdraw an appeal against the severity of her sentence, but the Court of Appeal required her to present €750 to compensate Mr Smith. After the payment was produced, the appeal was withdrawn, allowing her to remain released from prison. Mr Smith, a 32‑year postmaster, expressed betrayal and health impact but received no apology. The case highlights breaches of trust against elderly pensioners.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the trial of Ray Kennedy (39) and Laurence Murphy (62), who have pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA on March 6, 2013. Kennedy is also charged with perverting the course of justice by destroying a mobile SIM card. The prosecution presented the statement of Eithne Butterly, widow of dissident republican Peter Butterly, who was shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co Meath, on that date. Mrs Butterly told gardai that Kennedy was a "good friend" to both of them and that her husband had received five death threats, including one from Alan Ryan. She stated her husband told her he was meeting Kennedy at 2pm on March 6, 2013, though Kennedy maintains the meeting was scheduled for 2.30pm. The court heard that four men—Kevin Braney, Edward McGrath, Sharif Kelly, and Dean Evans—have already received life sentences for the murder, while Michael McDermott and Frank Murphy have also been jailed for their roles in the killing. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Tara Burns, Judge Sarah Berkeley, and Judge Michael Walsh, resumes tomorrow.
Paula Underwood, 56, of Balbriggan, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment with 18 months suspended for unlawfully using a computer to steal €23,213 from 91 pensioners between July 2008 and October 2013 at Donabate Post Office. She withheld weekly payments, manipulating the system to take money that was not hers. An Post refunded all affected customers and blamed the IT system in letters. The postmaster, Mr Neill Smith, was held liable and set up a repayment plan, paying €5,000 initially and still owing about €6,000. Mr Smith, who had been proud of his post office, expressed betrayal and health impact. Underwood was dismissed, made a voluntary statement to Gardaí, and admitted wrongdoing. She had no prior convictions and was planning to start a state‑funded fashion design course after sentencing. The judge described the crimes as despicable breaches of trust against elderly persons. Paula Underwood pleaded guilty.
In a Central Criminal Court case, 46‑year‑old Paula Farrell of Rathmullen Park, Drogheda, was tried for the murder of her 30‑year‑old boyfriend, Wayne McQuillan, who was killed on 1 January 2014. Farrell pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, admitting she stabbed McQuillan four times. She claimed the deceased had tried to rape and strangle her, and that her childhood sexual abuse influenced her actions. The prosecution argued she fabricated the rape claim, while the defence denied this. A forensic psychiatrist diagnosed Farrell with post‑traumatic stress disorder from child abuse. The trial noted delays in ambulance response and that McQuillan was transported in a Garda car. After more than four hours of deliberation, the jury could not reach a verdict, and the judge remanded Farrell in custody until 21 October for further court dates.
The Central Criminal Court jury has begun deliberations on the murder trial of Paula Farrell, a 46‑year‑old from Rathmullen Park, Drogheda, who is charged with killing her 30‑year‑old boyfriend, Wayne McQuillan, on New Year's morning 2014. Farrell pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, admitting she stabbed McQuillan four times. She claims she was sexually abused as a child and that McQuillan had sexually assaulted and attempted to strangle her, provoking her. The prosecution argues she fabricated a rape claim to justify the killing, while the defence maintains no such excuse. A forensic psychiatrist testified that Farrell suffered post‑traumatic stress disorder from alleged child abuse, influencing her actions. The jury, consisting of eight women and four men, retired to deliberate and will resume on Monday morning. The case remains at the jury deliberation stage.
Jason O'Connor, 41, was sentenced to three years in prison for assaulting a man at The Paddocks pub in Clonee on 3 November 2018, and for making threats to kill or seriously harm Detective Sergeant Shane McCartan and Detective Inspector Joseph McLoughlin during a search of his home on 5 November 2018. The threats were recorded by a documentary film crew and played in court. O'Connor pleaded guilty to both the assault and the threats. He has 64 previous convictions, mainly traffic offences, but also knives, burglary and a mobile phone in prison. The judge, Martin Nolan, imposed a concurrent one‑year sentence for the threats, back‑dated to reflect time already spent in custody. The court noted that O'Connor had been in his boxer shorts when the Emergency Response Unit breached his door, and that he had a history of mental health issues and substance misuse.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Paula Farrell, 46, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for killing her 30‑year‑old boyfriend, Wayne McQuillan, on New Year's morning 2014. The prosecution argued that Farrell had fabricated a rape claim to justify the killing, citing her statements to Gardaí 15 months after the death and her description of the relationship as "brilliant." They highlighted forensic psychiatric evidence of post‑traumatic stress disorder from childhood abuse and noted that Farrell had been intoxicated with about six litres of cider that night. The defence countered that Farrell's PTSD and childhood sexual abuse shaped her state of mind, and that the alleged rape was a false narrative. The jury was instructed to consider whether provocation could reduce the charge to manslaughter, while the prosecution maintained that the evidence supported a murder verdict.