Paul Crosby, 22, of Rathmullen Park, Drogheda, was charged with attempting to murder Gerard Boyle, 22, at Knockcommon, Beauparc, Slane, County Meath, on 10 November 2016. The Central Criminal Court granted him bail. His brother and sister provided sureties totalling €2,100. Conditions include living at his mother's Drogheda home, observing a 9 pm to 7 am curfew, being available to Gardaí at that address and by phone, abstaining from drugs and alcohol, signing in regularly at Drogheda Garda Station, and not contacting the alleged victim or witnesses. His trial is scheduled for February next year.
Colin Brady, aged 44, was sentenced to one year in prison for harassing his former girlfriend in Dublin between 21 September and 2 November last year. He breached his bail conditions 46 times, contacting her after being charged and sending 275 messages over three days. Brady broke her apartment door on 25 September, prompting Garda Emma Brady to call the police. The victim, who feared for her life, suffered extreme anxiety and lost work. Brady had previously been ordered to stay away from her and remain outside Dublin. He has seven prior convictions in Ireland and a robbery conviction in the UK. The judge, Martin Nolan, noted Brady had "terrified" the victim and imposed a three‑year sentence, suspending the final two years on conditions including no contact with the victim. He was also ordered to pay the cost of the broken door. Colin Brady pleaded guilty.
Mark McCarthy, aged 32, had his nine‑year prison sentence for the tiger kidnapping of the Nawn family increased to 15 years after the Director of Public Prosecutions appealed. The kidnapping, which took place on 1–2 August 2011, involved the abduction of Warren and Jean Marie Nawn and their 10‑week‑old baby in County Louth and County Dublin. McCarthy was found guilty of false imprisonment and the theft of €661,125 from the Post Office in Drogheda, an amount that has never been recovered. The Court of Appeal described the original sentence as "unduly lenient" and, after considering mitigating factors such as alleged duress and a drug debt, imposed a 15‑year term. The decision was made by a three‑judge panel headed by Mr Justice George Birmingham. The case remains a rare example of a tiger kidnapping in Ireland.
A 19‑year‑old from Louth, Lee Smyth, was sentenced to four years in prison for violently hijacking a taxi and assaulting its driver, Eric Byrne, on O'Connell Street in Dublin. Smyth, who admitted he was heavily intoxicated on tablets and could not fully recall the incident, said he only wanted to get home to Drogheda. He and a co‑accused seized the vehicle, attempted to take the keys, and then attacked Byrne, who fled and called the police. The car was later found burnt out in Drogheda. Smyth pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and unlawful seizure of a vehicle. He had 29 prior convictions. Judge Martin Nolan suspended the final 18 months of the sentence on strict conditions, noting Smyth's cooperation and willingness to reform. The case was prosecuted by Elva Duffy BL and defended by Grainne O'Neill BL. The court acknowledged Smyth's efforts in prison to change his behaviour.
Robert Bayly, a former Leeds United and Republic of Ireland youth team footballer, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison after he was caught transporting almost €200,000 worth of cannabis. Bayly, aged 30, admitted to possessing the drugs for sale or supply at Cherry Orchard Drive, Ballyfermot, on 12 May 2017. Gardaí stopped his Nissan Almera and found a strong smell of cannabis; Bayly confirmed there was "weed in the boot" before officers discovered ten small packages with an estimated street value of €194,284. He claimed he agreed to transport the drugs to reduce a €6,500 gambling debt, citing fear for his life, his daughter and girlfriend. The court noted Bayly had no prior convictions and was described by his barrister as a "child prodigy" who fell into gambling after moving to Leeds at 14. Robert Bayly pleaded guilty.
The Court of Appeal has adjourned the matter following an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions seeking to increase the sentence of Mark McCarthy. McCarthy, a 32-year-old from Ballyfermot, pleaded guilty to the false imprisonment of Warren and Jean Marie Nawn and their ten-week-old baby in County Louth between August 1st and 2nd, 2011. He was originally sentenced to nine years' imprisonment by Judge Patricia Ryan on May 19, 2017. The DPP argued the sentence was unduly lenient, contending that the starting point should have been significantly higher than the 15 years fixed by the trial judge before mitigation. Prosecutors highlighted the severity of the ordeal, including threats to the infant and the use of surveillance equipment, comparing it to the aggravated burglary case of DPP v Dean Byrne. Defence counsel Derek Cooney BL countered that McCarthy acted under duress due to a drug debt and credible threats to his life, factors absent in the comparative case. The bench, comprising Mr Justice George Birmingham, Mr Justice Alan Mahon, and Mr Justice John Hedigan, heard submissions on whether a headline sentence of 25 years to life would have been appropriate. The court reserved its judgement, meaning the appeal is not yet concluded and the original sentence remains in effect pending the final decision.
Paul Crosby, 22, of Rathmullen Park, Drogheda, faces trial for attempting to murder Gerard Boyle, 22, at Knockcommon, Beauparc, Slane, Co. Meath, on 10 November 2016. He is also charged with false imprisonment and serious harm to Boyle on the same occasion. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy set the trial date for 11 February 2019 at the Central Criminal Court.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court acquitted Paul Crosby of one attempted murder charge – the attempt to kill Gerard Boyle by pushing a car into a canal on 10 November 2016 – after five hours of deliberation. The jury, composed of five women and six men, could not reach a verdict on the remaining three charges: two counts of attempting to murder Boyle by stabbing him 28 times and by placing him in a car boot, and a charge of false imprisonment and serious harm. The foreman reported an impasse, and the judge recorded a "disagree" on those issues, discharged the jury, and remanded Crosby until a new trial date on 26 February. Boyle, who suffered a punctured lung and was found in the canal, denied naming the wrong person as his attacker and claimed Crosby had forced him into the car boot before the vehicle was pushed into the water. The unnamed man pleaded not guilty.
In a trial at the Central Criminal Court, Paul Crosby of Rathmullen Park, Drogheda, faced charges of attempting to murder Gerard Boyle twice in November 2016. The first attempt involved stabbing Boyle 28 times, and the second involved locking him in a car boot that was then pushed into a canal. Boyle, aged 22, pleaded not guilty to all charges. After closing arguments, the jury, instructed by Justice Patrick McCarthy, was allowed to return a majority verdict on any charge if ten jurors agreed.
The jury will resume deliberating tomorrow morning in the trial of Paul Crosby, a Louth man charged with attempting to murder Gerard Boyle, 22, on 10 November 2016. Crosby allegedly stabbed Boyle 28 times and then locked him in a car boot that was pushed into a canal. He is also accused of a second attempted murder on the same day at Boyne Canal, Drogheda. Boyle pleaded not guilty to all charges. Both sides delivered closing speeches last Thursday; the jury had deliberated for almost three hours and 24 minutes before being sent home.
The Central Criminal Court will hear the case of Paul Crosby, a Louth man, who is charged with attempting to murder Gerard Boyle twice in one day. On 10 November 2016, Crosby allegedly stabbed Boyle 28 times and then locked him in a car boot that was pushed into a canal. Boyle, aged 22, also suffered a second attempted murder at Boyne Canal. Boyle pleaded not guilty to all charges. Both prosecution and defence delivered closing speeches, and the jury will begin deliberations on Monday.
In a 2018 attempted‑murder trial, the State counsel, Patrick Gageby SC, argued that Paul Crosby of Rathmullen Park, Drogheda, had a strong motive to eliminate Gerard Boyle, 22, after a prior incident in March when Crosby and another man allegedly broke into Boyle's home. Gageby highlighted that Boyle was stabbed 28 times in Knockcommon, then locked in a car that was submerged in the Boyne Canal. He claimed Boyle named Crosby as the assailant, citing a phone call to Crosby's house and a text from an unknown number. Defence counsel, Mr Bowman SC, countered that Boyle's statements were inconsistent, that no forensic evidence linked Crosby to the crime, and that Boyle's accusations were unreliable. The counsel urged the jury to acquit Crosby on all counts, citing flawed evidence and a deficient investigation. The case was set for jury deliberation by Judge Patrick McCarthy. Gerard Boyle pleaded not guilty.
In the Central Criminal Court, Paul Crosby of Rathmullen Park, Drogheda, faced charges of attempting to murder, false imprisonment and serious harm against Gerard Boyle, aged 22, on 10 November 2016. The alleged attacks occurred first at Knockcommon, Beauparc, Slane, where Boyle was stabbed 28 times, and later at Boyne Canal, Drogheda, where he was reportedly locked into a car boot that was pushed into the canal. Crosby pleaded not guilty to all charges. Dr Asim Rafeeque treated Boyle in Drogheda hospital, describing a surgical emergency with severe shortness of breath, elevated heart rate, reduced oxygen and multiple sharp‑edge wounds, and performed immediate chest decompression. Garda Ronan Geraghty testified that Boyle had named a passenger who allegedly pulled him from the car and placed him in the boot; this person was not arrested and no other individuals were charged.
In the Central Criminal Court, a 22‑year‑old Louth man, Paul Crosby, faced charges of attempting to murder Gerard Boyle twice on 10 November 2016. The first attempt involved 28 stab wounds before Boyle was locked in a car boot and the vehicle was pushed into a canal. The second attempt occurred later that night at Boyne Canal, Drogheda. Dr Asim Rafiq treated Boyle in Drogheda hospital, noting severe shortness of breath, a marked heart rate increase, reduced oxygen levels and multiple sharp‑edge wounds. He performed emergency chest decompression and inserted two chest drains, describing the situation as a surgical emergency that could have resulted in death. Crosby pleaded not guilty to all charges. The trial is proceeding before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy with a jury of five women and six men.
In a 2018 trial, a 22‑year‑old Louth man, Paul Crosby, was charged with attempting to murder Gerard Boyle twice on 10 November 2016. The first attempt occurred at Knockcommon, Beauparc, Slane, where Boyle was found on the ground near a stop sign, soaked in blood and water, with numerous stab wounds. A paramedic testified that Boyle had 28 puncture wounds, a collapsed lung, and required chest drains. The second attempt took place later that night at Boyne Canal, Drogheda, where Boyle was again stabbed and subsequently locked in a car boot that was pushed into the canal. Crosby pleaded not guilty to attempting to murder, false imprisonment and causing serious harm. The case was heard by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy with a jury of eleven. The trial continues.
In the Central Criminal Court, Gerard Boyle, aged 22, denied that Paul Crosby was the man who stabbed him 28 times and locked him in a car boot before it was pushed into a canal. Boyle testified that Crosby had previously smashed a window at his home and later called him to discuss a "chat." Boyle agreed to go with Crosby, but when they reached Knockcommon, Crosby stabbed him. Boyle escaped the car, swam to shore, and was later cross‑examined by defence counsel Michael Bowman, who argued that Crosby was not responsible. Boyle maintained that he had named Crosby because he feared the real perpetrator would escape. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, continues with a jury of eleven, after one juror was discharged due to illness. Paul Crosby pleaded not guilty.
A 22‑year‑old Louth man, Paul Crosby, stands trial for attempting to murder Gerard Boyle twice. On 10 November 2016, Crosby stabbed Boyle 28 times in the back of the neck, head and torso, puncturing his lung and causing nerve damage to his right leg. After the stabbing, Crosby forced Boyle into the boot of a car and drove it into Boyne Canal. Boyle escaped the boot, swam to shore and was hospitalized for about two weeks. Crosby pleaded not guilty to attempting to murder, false imprisonment and causing serious harm. The trial is held in the Central Criminal Court, with prosecution led by Patrick Gageby SC and defence by Michael Bowman SC. The case is currently before a jury of twelve.
A 22‑year‑old Louth man, Paul Crosby of Rathmullen Park, Drogheda, is set to appear before the Central Criminal Court on Thursday. He faces charges of attempting to murder Gerard Boyle twice on 10 November 2016, once at Knockcommon, Beauparc, Slane, Co. Meath, and again at Boyne Canal, Drogheda. Crosby also stands accused of causing serious harm to Boyle and of false imprisonment on the same day. He pleaded not guilty to all three charges. The trial, overseen by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, will involve a jury of twelve and is expected to last over a week.
A 70-year-old man from Belfast has received a three-year suspended sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for his involvement in a nationwide credit card fraud scheme. Patrick Manning pleaded guilty to multiple counts of theft at various locations between October and December 2016. Gardaí established that fraudulent cards obtained through impersonation of Barclays Bank customers were used to purchase approximately €52,000 worth of goods, including laptops and foreign currency, across locations from Dublin to Donegal. Manning was identified through CCTV footage and apprehended in Drogheda in December 2016 whilst collecting an emergency card. He admitted acting as the "presentable face" of the operation for a daily wage of around €100, receiving between €1,500 and €2,000 in total. Manning declined to identify other participants. Judge Martin Nolan noted that gardaí did not believe Manning was the primary organiser. In imposing the suspended sentence, the judge considered Manning's age, poor health, and personal circumstances.
Michael Shine, an 85‑year‑old retired consultant surgeon from Dublin, was jailed last month for indecently assaulting two 15‑year‑old boys in the 1970s. He was convicted on eight counts of indecent assault at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and his private clinic in Drogheda between 1964 and 1991, but was acquitted on the remaining counts. The jury found him guilty of the two 1970s assaults, and the judge imposed consecutive 10‑month sentences, totalling 20 months, a term within the offence's two‑year maximum. Shine has lodged an appeal against both conviction and sentence. On 2 December, the three‑judge court granted him bail pending the appeal, subject to conditions such as residing at his home, attending court dates, signing in weekly at a Garda station, not applying for a passport, and expediting his appeal. The appeal focuses on alleged procedural errors and the harshness of the custodial term given Shine's age and health. Michael Shine pleaded not guilty.
In a case heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, 36‑year‑old Ashley Lucas pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering for setting up a bank account at AIB Drogheda on 24 March 2015. The account was used to defraud foreign student Marlene Lienau, who transferred €1,040 for a room that did not exist. Lucas claimed he was instructed by a Nigerian man in the UK and denied knowing Lienau. Judge Karen O'Connor noted Lucas had paid €1,400 as redress, had no prior convictions, and had complied with bail conditions. She adjourned the case to February to assess suitability for community service, indicating a possible order of 240 hours in lieu of a three‑year prison term. Lienau suffered an economic loss of €1,346 and expressed distress at being scammed and the impact on her view of Ireland.
Sarah Doyle, a 24‑year‑old single mother from Killaley, Togher, Drogheda, was sentenced to four years' imprisonment for her role in the robbery of Clogherhead Post Office on 3 May 2016. The robbery involved three armed men who used a sledgehammer, a firearm and a taser to break into the post office and stole about €7,000. Doyle, who had no direct participation in the robbery or in threatening staff, helped the raiders by waiting in her car and driving them to safety. She received €1,000 from the proceeds. At sentencing, the judge suspended the final two years, but on appeal the Court of Appeal increased the suspended portion to two‑and‑a‑half years, keeping the overall term at four years. Doyle was required to enter a good‑behaviour bond for the suspended period. The appeal decision was based on the judge's failure to fully consider the detrimental effect of custody on the mother‑child relationship. Sarah Doyle pleaded guilty.
James Clarke, aged 62, formerly of Devlis Cottage in Ballyhaunis, County Mayo, has had his sentence for child pornography offences increased by eighteen months at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Clarke was originally sentenced in 2013 to ten years imprisonment, with the final two years suspended, after admitting possession and distribution of child pornography. Further analysis of images and videos recovered during the same investigation, delayed due to a backlog at the Garda Cyber Crime Bureau, led to additional charges. Clarke pleaded guilty to possessing 785 images on devices at his Mayo address in 2012 and 1009 images plus three videos found at a former Drogheda address in 2010. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a consecutive three-and-a-half-year sentence with two years suspended, citing the need to punish additional wrongdoing while acknowledging Clarke's cooperation, prison conduct, and the systemic delay. Two years probation supervision was ordered.
The State withdrew the attempted murder charge against 26‑year‑old Dwayne Keane after the alleged victim, a 42‑year‑old man, died of natural causes. Keane had been charged in November 2016 at Dublin District Court for an incident on Raheen Drive, Cherry Orchard. Sean Gillane SC requested a nolle prosequi, and Justice Patrick McCarthy discharged Keane, who was released on bail.
In December 2017, Dwayne Keane, 26, of Monasterevin, was released from custody after the alleged victim of his attempted murder charge died. Keane had been charged in November 2016 at Dublin District Court for attempting to kill a 42‑year‑old man on Raheen Drive, Cherry Orchard. He was remanded until bail was granted by Justice Patrick McCarthy, requiring him to sign twice a week at Rathcoole Garda Station and post a €200 bond.
Retired consultant surgeon Michael Shine, aged 85, is seeking bail pending an appeal after being jailed for indecent assault convictions. Shine was convicted in 2017 of indecently assaulting two 15‑year‑old patients in the mid‑1970s at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and his private clinic in Drogheda, between 1964 and 1991. He faced eight charges but was acquitted on all but the two convictions. Judge Cormac Quinn described the breach of trust by a senior doctor as one of the most aggravating factors and imposed consecutive 10‑month sentences for each victim. Shine's lawyers applied for a week to manage his affairs and medication, but the judge rejected this. In the Court of Appeal, his barrister Hugh Hartnett SC requested an early bail application, citing Shine's perilous health. Judge George Birmingham set 21 December for the bail application, and Shine was not present for the procedural hearing. Michael Shine pleaded not guilty.
A retired surgeon, Michael Shine, aged 85, was convicted by a jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of indecent assault on two 15‑year‑old patients in the mid‑1970s. The court found that Shine had abused the trust of patients and the hospital by groping the boys during medical examinations. He was sentenced to 20 months' imprisonment, with consecutive 10‑month terms for each victim. Shine pleaded not guilty to eight charges of indecent assault at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and his private clinic in Drogheda, covering incidents from 1964 to 1991, but was acquitted on the remaining charges. The judge noted Shine's advanced age, severe angina, and risk of dementia, yet rejected a request for a suspended sentence. The case highlighted the breach of trust by a senior medical professional and the lasting impact on the teenage victims.
In December 2017, a jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court convicted 85‑year‑old retired surgeon Michael Shine of indecently assaulting two 15‑year‑old patients in the mid‑1970s. Shine had pleaded not guilty to eight charges of indecent assault at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and his private clinic in Drogheda, covering incidents from 1964 to 1991. The court heard victim impact statements and medical records. One victim described being tied to a bed, restrained, and having his testicles massaged by Shine, leading to lasting anxiety, insomnia and depression. The second victim recounted being massaged at a follow‑up examination for undescended testes, feeling forced to ejaculate to end the assault. Shine denied wrongdoing during the trial but was found guilty of the two assaults; he was acquitted of four other charges. Lawyers argued that imprisonment would be fatal due to Shine's severe angina, heart stents and risk of dementia, and requested a suspended sentence.
In a 2017 trial, retired consultant surgeon Michael Shine, aged 85, was found guilty by a jury of indecent assault on two teenage male patients during the 1970s. The convictions concerned incidents between 1974 and 1976 at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and Shine's private clinic in Drogheda. Shine admitted attending to the patients but denied any inappropriate conduct. Testimony from one victim described being restrained on a bed, having a blanket and rubber bungee straps applied, and the doctor's hand slipping under the blanket to massage his testicles. A second victim recounted that during follow‑up examinations for undescended testes, Shine massaged the base of his penis. The jury acquitted Shine of several other charges, including four counts of groping other teenage boys and one count of assault between 1988 and 1991. Judge Cormac Quinn remanded Shine on continuing bail until December 1 for sentencing.
A jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court acquitted retired surgeon Michael Shine, aged 85, of four counts of indecent assault on three teenage patients in 1964, 1970 and 1976. Shine had pleaded not guilty to seven charges relating to alleged assaults on five patients between 1964 and 1991 at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and his private clinic in Drogheda. The jury found him not guilty of the four counts involving the teenagers, citing a lack of corroborating evidence and missing medical records that could confirm the alleged encounters. Judge Cormac Quinn warned jurors that reasonable doubt arising from the delay in the complaints required them to give the benefit of the doubt to the accused. Shine denied ever seeing the patients and denied any inappropriate conduct during examinations. The remaining three counts, involving alleged assaults on two teenage patients between 1974 and 1976, were not addressed in the verdict.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court case, retired surgeon Michael Shine, aged 85, faced eight charges of indecent assault against five teenage male patients at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and his private clinic in Drogheda between 1964 and 1991. Shine pleaded not guilty. Judge Cormac Quinn warned the jury that convicting on the uncorroborated evidence of any complainant would be dangerous, emphasizing that the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that Shine attended to the complainants, that the alleged acts occurred, were not legitimate medical examinations, and were intended as indecent. He noted the absence of credible independent corroboration for any complainant and urged jurors to exercise special care when assessing each claim. The judge also highlighted the challenges posed by the 42‑year delay, including missing records and the difficulty of defense, and advised that any reasonable doubt should favor the accused. The jury was sent home for the night, with deliberations to resume the next morning.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, retired surgeon Michael Shine, aged 85, pleaded not guilty to eight charges of indecent assault against six patients at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and his private clinic in Drogheda between 1964 and 1991. Shine testified that he had no memory of treating four of the complainants and denied any indecent conduct. He admitted treating two patients, recalling a 1974 case of undescended testicles and a 1976 case of an infected toenail, but denied any inappropriate touching. The prosecution presented medical records linking three complainants to Shine, while the defense highlighted the absence of records for the others. Judge Cormac Quinn withdrew the charge against a 15‑year‑old boy, instructing the jury to find Shine not guilty of assaulting him. The trial's evidence phase concluded, with lawyers set to deliver closing arguments on Tuesday.
The trial of retired surgeon Michael Shine, aged 85, continues at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. He denies eight charges of indecent assault against six teenage male patients at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and his private clinic in Drogheda between 1964 and 1991. The prosecution closed its case; Judge Cormac Quinn addressed a legal issue today. A jury of four men and eight women will return tomorrow morning, with the trial expected to finish next week.
The prosecution case in the trial of retired surgeon Michael Shine, aged 85, has concluded. Shine, who denies the allegations, faced eight charges of indecent assault against teenage patients at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and his private clinic in Drogheda between 1964 and 1991. Six male witnesses testified that Shine allegedly groped their genitalia during medical examinations for various injuries. On the seventh day, expert medical witness Richard Stephens explained to the prosecution that there is no medical necessity for genital examinations in such cases, while to the defense he noted that examining the groin in a male trauma patient can be reasonable. He clarified that a brief, appropriate examination of the groin, with a sheet covering the testes, is not inherently wrong. The trial will continue before Judge Cormac Quinn and a jury of four men and eight women. Shine maintains his innocence for all alleged incidents.
The trial of Dr. Michael Shine, aged 85, continues before Judge Cormac Quinn and a jury of four men and eight women. Shine denies eight charges of indecent assault against teenage boys at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and his private clinic in Drogheda, covering incidents between 1964 and 1991. The prosecution alleges assaults at the hospital on unknown dates in 1964‑1965, 1970‑1972, 1975‑1976, and an unknown date between 1988‑1991, and at the clinic on unknown dates in 1973, 1974, and 1975. Evidence presented includes the storage of medical records related to the case.
During the trial of Dr Michael Shine, an 85‑year‑old retired surgeon, a sixth complainant testified that he was around 15 when he first visited Shine's clinic in 1975 after a school collapse. Shine diagnosed undescended testicles and a hernia, later operating to correct them. The complainant said that during follow‑up examinations Shine occasionally touched the base of his penis. He initially did not find this unusual, but later recalled two incidents where Shine asked about erectile difficulty and then massaged the base of his penis, telling him not to worry. The complainant expressed that he tried to avoid an erection and felt the touch was inappropriate, though he had tried to convince himself otherwise. Shine denies all eight charges of indecent assault at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and his private clinic, with the trial continuing before Judge Cormac Quinn and a jury of four men and eight women. The case is expected to last two weeks.
During a trial in October 2017, 85‑year‑old retired surgeon Michael Shine was accused of indecently assaulting patients at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and his private clinic in Drogheda between 1964 and 1991. On the fourth day of the hearing, a fifth complainant, who was about 15 in 1990, recounted an incident at Shine's fracture clinic. He said Shine had called him in, removed his trousers, and examined his right ankle while moving his hand up to his groin, groping his testicles and penis. The complainant shouted that Shine was "a dirty bastard" after the examination. Shine's defence noted the absence of hospital records for the complainant's 1990 visit, citing only an 1988 x‑ray. The case remains before Judge Cormac Quinn and a jury, with the trial expected to continue for two weeks.
In a trial in Drogheda, a 46‑year‑old complainant testified that retired surgeon Michael Shine, aged 85, had indecently assaulted him in 1971 during a hospital treatment for a motorbike injury. The witness described Shine opening his trousers, touching his testicles, and the complainant reacting by leaving the room. He said he later told his girlfriend, now wife, about the assault. A second witness, aged 18 in 1976, recounted a similar incident after a traffic collision, where Shine touched his genitals while the witness was lying on a bed. A third witness, aged 15‑16 in 1975‑76, described being restrained on a bed, having a blanket and restraints applied, and Shine groping his genitals while a female assistant was present. All witnesses claimed they had no memory of Shine's presence in hospital records and denied any medical justification for the conduct. The trial has not yet reached a verdict.
In Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, 36‑year‑old Ashley Lucas pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering for setting up a bank account at AIB Drogheda on 24 March 2015. The account was used to defraud Swiss student Marlene Lienau, who transferred €1,040 for a room that did not exist. Lucas admitted opening the account with a false utility bill and a passport, and he claimed he was instructed by a Nigerian man in the UK. Lienau suffered an economic loss of €1,346 and expressed distress at being scammed and the impact on her view of Ireland. Lucas has no prior convictions, has complied with bail, and has expressed remorse, offering to pay the outstanding sum. Judge Karen O'Connor warned Lucas that a custodial sentence will be imposed and postponed sentencing to 15 December to obtain an updated probation report. The co‑accused, who pleaded guilty to using a false instrument, received an 18‑month suspended sentence.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, a 65‑year‑old complainant testified that he received €70,000 from Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in a civil settlement, with no admission of liability, and that he had never received compensation from the accused, Dr Michael Shine. He described how, in 1964, while being treated for a chest cyst, Dr Shine allegedly massaged his testicles. The complainant also recounted that a campaign led by Bernadette Sullivan, called "Dignity For Patients," encouraged former patients to come forward. He said he met with the organisation, then with Gardaí, and that a solicitor arranged a civil claim. He denied being under any influence to approach the police and said his decision to report was voluntary. The trial, presided over by Judge Cormac Quinn, continues with a jury of four men and eight women and is expected to last two weeks.
During a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, retired surgeon Dr Michael Shine, aged 85, faced eight charges of indecent assault against six teenage boys at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and his private clinic in Drogheda between 1964 and 1991. Shine denied each allegation, stating "I absolutely deny that allegation." The prosecution, led by Bernard Condon SC, presented testimony from six complainants. The first, now 65, claimed that in 1964, at age 13, he was examined for a chest cyst and that Shine touched his chest, stomach, and testicles, repeating "it all works together." Other witnesses alleged similar conduct: a finger injury case, a knee injury case, a broken ankle case, a 16‑year‑old case, and a hernia case where Shine allegedly massaged genitals to ejaculation. The trial, presided over by Judge Cormac Quinn, is expected to last two weeks.
Shamaine McNulty, 23, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to one count of using a false instrument to open a bank account in Drogheda on March 23, 2015, and one count of handling stolen property between March 23 and October 10, 2015. The court heard that McNulty allegedly used a fake electricity bill to open an AIB account for a man known as 'Frank', who is accused of scamming two international students out of over €2,000 through false rental advertisements. McNulty made two withdrawals totaling €8,000 for the man. Judge Karen O'Connor noted that while a three-year custodial sentence would have been appropriate, she considered McNulty's significant assistance to gardaí, which led to the man's arrest. He is due to be sentenced later this year. Judge O'Connor handed down a suspended 18-month sentence. McNulty, who has no previous convictions, was warned not to return to court. The judge acknowledged the distress caused to the victims and the loss of reputation for the country. McNulty's defence highlighted her status as a primary carer for two children and her current homelessness following a house fire. A €100 token of remorse was accepted by the court.
Stephen O'Shaughnessy, aged 27, was sentenced by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to three years' imprisonment, with the final year suspended, for setting fire to an empty house being refurbished for the charity Prosper Fingal. The fire, which occurred on 14 June 2016, caused smoke, fire and water damage to a building that was two weeks from completion and cost the contractor €170,000 to gut and refit. O'Shaughnessy, who was intoxicated when he set fire to cardboard inside the house, was arrested at 2.50 a.m. after a member of the public identified him. He pleaded guilty to damaging by fire a house at Prosper Fingal, Drogheda Street, Balbriggan. The judge noted that 17 people were due to use the facility and that the charity had to rethink its security strategy following the incident.
A Central Criminal Court jury found a 55‑year‑old man, Aivars Sondors, not guilty of three counts of impeding a murder investigation. The case involved the killing of 44‑year‑old Audrius Butkus, who was allegedly murdered by Marius Gaizutis on 9 September 2013. Sondors was accused of moving the body from a house on Marsh Road, Drogheda, dumping it in the sea at Mornington Beach, cleaning the scene, and disposing of items at Burke House on Mathew's Lane. He admitted the allegations but pleaded not guilty, claiming duress. The jury deliberated for two hours and three minutes and returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty on all counts. The trial lasted six days, with evidence from witnesses, forensic experts, and Gardaí, and concluded with the judge thanking the jury and exempting them from service for six years. Audrius Butkus was convicted.
In a 2017 trial, Aivars Sondors, aged 55, faced three counts of assisting an offender by impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Marius Gaizutis, who had unlawfully killed Audrius Butkus, aged 44, on 9 or 10 September 2013. Sondors admitted the allegations but pleaded not guilty. Prosecutor Patrick Gageby argued that Sondors' actions—moving the body from a house on Marsh Road, disposing of evidence, and cleaning the scene—required effort, concentration and thought, and that no duress existed. He contended that Gaizutis, who was drunk, had no threat toward Sondors or his loved ones, and that Sondors' fear was not a threat of serious injury or death. Defence counsel Colman Fitzgerald urged the jury to consider Sondors' duress and reasonable excuse, noting his honesty and the lack of a willing participation in the aftermath of the killing. The jury was instructed to decide on duress and reasonable excuse before deliberation.
Promontoria (Arrow) Ltd is seeking a €9.68 million judgment against three former partners of the Bridgeford Partnership—Mr Pat Burke of Dunmore, Mr John Donnelly of Boyne Hill, and Mr John Fleming of Clonskeagh—over an alleged failure to repay a loan advanced in 2009. The fund claims it received a €9.4 million loan from EBS Building Society in February 2009 to restructure an existing debt and provide a capitalised facility, secured by the Bridgeford Bar & Restaurant in Drogheda and a site on Bredin Street. The loan was repayable by February 2011, transferred to National Asset Loan Management Ltd, and later acquired by Promontoria in 2015. In January the fund demanded repayment of the outstanding €9.68 million, including interest, and appointed a receiver over the secured assets.
A 55‑year‑old Latvian‑born man, Aivars Sondors, is on trial in the Central Criminal Court for three counts of assisting an offender by impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Marius Gaizutis, who unlawfully killed Audrius Butkus. Sondors admitted the allegations but pleaded not guilty to all counts. He testified that he helped move Butkus's body from a house on Marsh Road, placed it in the sea at Mornington Beach, cleaned the scene, and disposed of items at Burke House. He said he was terrified of the killer and feared becoming the next victim. During his garda interviews he felt uneasy telling lies and later admitted he would have told the truth sooner or later. The jury will decide whether duress was present. The trial is scheduled to conclude with closing speeches before Mr Justice Paul Coffey and a jury of twelve.
A 55‑year‑old Latvian‑born man, Aivars Sondors, pleaded not guilty to three counts of assisting an offender in the 2013 murder of Audrius Butkus, a 44‑year‑old victim. He testified that he had been coerced by the killer, Marius Gaizutis, to move the body from a house on Marsh Road in Drogheda to Mornington Beach, and to dispose of evidence such as carpet, clothing and other items at Burke House on Mathew's Lane. Sondors said he was terrified of Gaizutis, who had threatened him, and feared he would become the next victim if he refused. He admitted the allegations but argued duress. The trial, held in the Central Criminal Court, is hearing whether the accused acted under duress, with the jury to decide the outcome. The case remains pending, with further cross‑examination scheduled.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Aivars Sondors, 55, continues before Mr Justice Paul Coffey. Mr Sondors, of Sycamore Close, Termon Abbey, Drogheda, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of assisting an offender on September 9 or 10, 2013. He is alleged to have impeded the apprehension or prosecution of Marius Gaizutis, knowing or believing Gaizutis had unlawfully killed Audrius Butkus, 44. Particulars include moving Butkus's body from Marsh Road to Mornington Beach and cleaning the scene at Burke House. While Mr Sondors admitted the acts, his defense asserts duress. Gaizutis was previously convicted of Butkus's murder on May 1, 2015. Chief State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy testified that Butkus died from blunt force trauma to the head, causing brain injury and inhalation of blood. She stated the injuries were consistent with being struck by the blunt end of a hand axe, with up to nine blows. The body was found face down in the sand, with drag marks on the back. Cassidy noted Butkus was considerably intoxicated and had no defensive injuries. The trial is ongoing, with the jury tasked with deciding the issue of duress.
The trial of Aivars Sondors, 55, for impeding a homicide investigation has focused on his alleged assistance to Marius Gaizutis in covering up the murder of Audrius Butkus, 44, who died from a violent assault in Louth. Sondors is charged with three counts of aiding the offender on 9 or 10 September 2013 by moving Butkus's body from a house on Marsh Road, Drogheda, to Mornington Beach, cleaning the scene, and disposing of evidence at Burke House. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts, though he admitted the allegations. The jury must decide whether duress was involved. Witness testimony from Carmen Canales, who hosted the killer's partner and children at her home that night, highlighted the partner's threats and the family's fear. The case remains before Mr Justice Paul Coffey.