The Director of Public Prosecutions is appealing a sentence imposed on a Louth woman convicted of dangerous driving causing death. Eimear White pleaded guilty at Dundalk Circuit Court to causing the death of a pedestrian on the Old Newry Road in October 2017. Judge James McCourt sentenced White to three years imprisonment with the final two years suspended. The DPP has challenged the sentence as unduly lenient. The Court of Appeal has scheduled a hearing for 26th June, at which counsel indicated that relatives of the deceased wish to attend and that CCTV footage will be presented. The case concerns an incident in which a man was struck after exiting a taxi at Dowdallshill.
During the second day of evidence in the trial of Aaron Brady, a 28‑year‑old accused of murdering Garda Adrian Donohoe in 2013, witness Molly Staunton, 24, was interrupted while giving testimony by a male voice over her video link from New York. The voice told her to stop and not testify. The feed was cut off, but the jury was asked to leave and then return. Staunton later confirmed that Brady had said he wanted to be a good father and that he had told her he killed a cop, a statement she had made to Gardaí in 2017. Brady has pleaded not guilty to the capital murder and a robbery charge. Justice Michael White instructed the jury to return on Tuesday afternoon.
A witness testified at the Central Criminal Court that Aaron Brady, the man accused of murdering Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, admitted to killing someone and stated he carried "the guilt of having murdered a cop in Ireland". Molly Staunton, giving evidence via video link from New York, told the court that in July 2016 Brady lived in an apartment there with her then boyfriend and another man. She recalled an evening when Brady emerged from his bedroom appearing distressed and intoxicated, claiming he had shot a police officer in Ireland and feared gardaí would come to the apartment. Brady, aged 28, from Crossmaglen, Co Armagh, has pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Detective Garda Donohoe on 25 January 2013 at Lordship Credit Union, Bellurgan, Co Louth, and to robbing approximately €7,000 in cash and cheques at the same location. The trial, before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury, continues.
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.
The High Court heard that the extradition of Liam Campbell, 58, from Ireland to Lithuania has been delayed for over ten years, a delay the court described as "shameful" and an "abuse of process". Campbell was arrested in December 2016 under a European Arrest Warrant issued by Lithuanian authorities, who allege he organised weapons smuggling for the Real IRA between late 2006 and early 2007. His barrister, Mr Remy Farrell SC, argued that the length of time the warrant has been in force and the risk of inhuman or degrading treatment in a Lithuanian prison justify a refusal of extradition. The court noted that the Lithuanian public prosecutor's independence had been questioned and that the Court of Justice of the EU had ruled the prosecutor can issue European Arrest Warrants. Mr Farrell also pointed out that the remand prison in Vilnius closed in July last year and that Campbell's bail had been pending for four years.
Anthony Finglas, 49, of Havelock Place, Warrenpoint, Co Down, was denied bail by the Special Criminal Court after being accused of assaulting, falsely imprisoning, robbing and demanding €50,000 from businessman Edward McAndrew at One Ferry Hill, Cornamucklash, Omeath, Co Louth, on or about 2 December 2017. The court considered the seriousness of the offences and the risk that Finglas might abscond or interfere with witnesses. Two co‑accused, Thomas McGuinness, 33, and William Twomey, 56, had already been granted bail. Finglas's defence argued that he had no means to leave the country, no prior convictions while on bail, and had not contacted McAndrew in the two‑and‑a‑half years since the alleged offences. A family member offered €22,500 for a bond.
In a trial that began in January, Mr Justice Michael White apologized to a jury of six men and seven women for delays caused by the COVID‑19 pandemic and other legal matters. He explained that the jury need not attend until 8 June, while the court addressed issues in their absence, and that the trial is expected to continue until the end of June, though he noted it is hard to predict. Mr White also informed the jury that witnesses from America would testify, with court sittings scheduled at 2 pm to accommodate the time difference. The case concerns Aaron Brady, 28, who has pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe and to a robbery charge involving approximately €7,000. The jury heard testimony from a female witness who observed Brady on the day of the shooting and from Sgt John Barnes, who described a search of Brady's home. The trial continues.
During the trial of Aaron Brady, a car‑identification expert, Andy Wooller, testified that a BMW belonging to Brady matches a vehicle seen on CCTV footage of the robbery that led to the shooting of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. Wooller, employed by An Garda Síochána to examine the footage, identified a BMW 5‑Series E60 from a recording taken outside Sharkey's Bar in Clogherhead on 23 January 2013, three nights before the robbery. He noted that the suspect's car had a roof wrap that reflected light differently from the rest of the body, a detail he used to confirm the match. Wooller also identified a dark‑toned Volkswagen Passat V6 at the robbery site, distinguishing it from other models by its rear‑light shape. The evidence was presented to the court without bias, and the trial continues before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury of thirteen. Aaron Brady pleaded not guilty. Adrian Donohoe pleaded not guilty.
The trial of Aaron Brady, 28, from Crossmaglen, Co Armagh, continued at the Central Criminal Court before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury. Brady has pleaded not guilty to the alleged capital murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, who was on active duty, and to a charge of robbing approximately €7,000 in cash and cheques. Both alleged offences are said to have occurred on January 25, 2013, at Lordship Credit Union, Bellurgan, Co Louth. Prosecution counsel Lorcan Staines SC called Matt Cass of Acuity Forensics, who testified via video link that his company specialises in impartial image analysis and vehicle identification. Cass explained that his colleague, Andy Wooller, conducted a "blind analysis" of CCTV footage from the night of the shooting and from two nights prior, without receiving background information from gardai to prevent bias. Wooller identified potential vehicles, including BMW 5-Series models, Volkswagen Passats, and a Peugeot 508. Detective Garda Garreth Kenna presented original CCTV footage alongside reconstructed versions using these identified vehicles to assist the jury in comparison. The prosecution alleges a Volkswagen Passat used in the robbery was stolen from Clogherhead, Co Louth, prior to the incident. The matter remains at the trial stage and continues.
Seamus Marley, a 46‑year‑old Belfast native, was sentenced in May 2020 at the Central Criminal Court for raping two teenage boys in County Louth in the early 1990s. He was found guilty on six counts of sexual assault and two counts of rape after a six‑day trial and received concurrent seven‑year and six‑year sentences. Marley had filed for an appeal outside the 28‑day period normally required to lodge an appeal. His counsel, Michael Bowman SC, applied to the Court of Appeal for a date to hear a motion to extend the time for the appeal. The Court of Appeal set 25 June for the hearing, which will last 30 minutes, and the Director of Public Prosecutions will contest the application. The case remains at the appeal stage.
In the trial of Aaron Brady, a 28‑year‑old from Crossmaglen, the jury was shown a frame‑by‑frame analysis of CCTV footage by Garda witness Garreth Kenna. Kenna testified that a car belonging to a friend of Brady, suspected in the credit‑union robbery that led to the death of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, passed the scene with its passenger‑side front window open. Defence counsel Fiona Murphy challenged the claim, arguing the footage did not show an open window and that the appearance might be a trick of light. Under re‑examination, Kenna reiterated that the colour and tone of the front and back passenger windows differed as the car drove past Lordship Credit Union less than eight hours before Donohoe was shot. Brady pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Donohoe and to the robbery of about €7,000.
In a trial for the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, Judge Michael White requested the High Court president extend daily sittings beyond the usual two‑hour limit due to Covid‑19 concerns. He informed the jury that a direction had been received preventing the trial from exceeding two hours per day, and he is awaiting approval for an extension. The jury, consisting of six men and seven women, heard cross‑examination of Detective Garda Gareth Kenna, who presented a CCTV montage of vehicles in County Louth around the time of the robbery and shooting. Kenna explained that the montage included footage of a Volkswagen Polo stolen from Clogherhead and a dark‑toned saloon resembling a 5‑Series BMW with fog lights. He clarified that fog lights are common and that a distinct roof texture is not unique. The trial continues under Judge White. Adrian Donohoe pleaded not guilty.
Amir Essalhi, 35, of Burg an Ri Walk, Balgaddy, Clondalkin, Dublin, pleaded guilty to four armed robberies and one attempted robbery committed over a nine‑day period in November 2018. The incidents included robberies at Ebano Hair & Beauty Salon, Ballinteer Shopping Centre, Centra on Drummartin Road, Centra on Ballinteer Road, and an attempted robbery at Spar on Rockville Road, Blackrock. Essalhi admitted possession of weapons ranging from a screwdriver to a knife at each event, with threats of violence but no actual violence. He has 65 prior convictions for robbery, arson, burglary and assault causing harm. Judge Martin Nolan, noting the seriousness of the offences and the mitigating effect of Essalhi's guilty pleas, sentenced him to four‑and‑a‑half years' imprisonment. The defence highlighted Essalhi's background, his brother's murder in 2011, his drug‑free status at the time of the offences, his two children and parental support, and his remorse, requesting leniency.
The trial of Aaron Brady, charged with the capital murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, may have to shorten its daily hearings because of new Covid‑19 health advice. Judge Michael White told the jury that hearings could be limited due to the pandemic and would update them the following day. The change follows advice from microbiologist Professor Martin Cormican, who warned that anyone present at a hearing lasting two hours or more could be considered a Covid contact if they develop the virus within two days, requiring 14 days of self‑isolation. The courts service has requested urgent further advice on the matter. Brady, 29, pleaded not guilty to the murder and to a robbery of about €7,000 at the Lordship Credit Union on 25 January 2013. The trial continues.
Patrick Nevin, a 38‑year‑old serial sex offender, is set to appeal the 14‑year sentence handed to him for raping and sexually assaulting women he met on the Tinder dating app. The judge, Ms Justice Eileen Creedon, found Nevin had a preoccupation with sex, hostility towards women and a high risk of re‑offending. He pleaded guilty to raping a woman in Bellewstown, Co. Meath on 12 July 2014 and to a sexual assault of a second woman four days later at an unknown location in Co. Meath. The judge imposed a 14‑year term with the final two years suspended and noted Nevin was already serving a five‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence for a third Tinder‑related assault at the UCD campus on 23 July 2014. The State has lodged a counter‑appeal arguing that the two‑year suspended portion was too lenient. Both appeals will be heard remotely on 30 July 2020.
During the trial of Aaron Brady, accused of murdering Garda Adrian Donohoe, mobile phone analyst Edward McGoey testified that he was not informed of Brady's claim that he was laundering diesel on the night of the murder. McGoey explained that he was only given phone numbers and asked to analyse contacts at relevant times, without knowledge of any fuel‑laundering allegations. He also was unaware of links between five men known to Brady and diesel laundering. Brady, 29, pleaded not guilty to the murder and to a robbery of €7,000 from Pat Bellew on the same day. McGoey spent five days presenting phone‑contact evidence between Brady, two robbery suspects, and a brother of one suspect. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins used the evidence to illustrate the investigation's focus on phone contacts, noting that Brady had claimed to be at a diesel‑laundering site in south Armagh that evening.
In a trial at the Central Criminal Court, Mr Justice Michael White warned the jury not to consult social media and to focus solely on the evidence presented in court. The case concerns Aaron Brady, 29, who has pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe and to the robbery of approximately €7,000 from Mr Pat Bellew on 25 January 2013 at Lordship Credit Union, Bellurgan, Co Louth. Prosecutors presented CCTV footage and mobile phone data linking Brady and two suspected accomplices. The data showed no outgoing calls from Brady's phone between 20:01 and 22:45 that evening, and a marked increase in call activity on 26 January. The trial continues with a jury of six men and seven women hearing the evidence presented by prosecution counsel Lorcan Staines SC.
In the trial of Aaron Brady, a 28‑year‑old from Crossmaglen, the Central Criminal Court heard that a BMW 5‑Series belonging to one of the suspects passed Lordship Credit Union less than eight hours before the robbery and fatal shooting of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. Detective Garda Gareth Kenna told counsel that the suspect's face was visible through the open front passenger window at 1.46 pm, and that seconds later the vehicle was seen on CCTV with the window closed. The robbery took place at about 9.30 pm on 25 January 2013, when Brady pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Donohoe, who was 41 and on active duty, and to the robbery of approximately €7,000 in cash and cheques.
At the Central Criminal Court, jurors have viewed CCTV footage documenting events preceding a fatal robbery at Lordship Credit Union in County Louth. Detective Garda Gareth Kenna testified regarding surveillance material from January 2013, depicting a BMW 5-Series at a service station near the border, with subsequent footage tracking a similar vehicle southward through County Louth locations including Monasterboice and Clogherhead. A Volkswagen Passat stolen from the Clogherhead area was later discovered burned out in Armagh. Aaron Brady, aged 28 from Crossmaglen, County Armagh, has pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe on 25 January 2013, and to robbery of approximately €7,000 and cheques from the credit union on the same date. The court also heard evidence concerning fuel laundering activity in the Armagh area, where a witness reported pursuing a white Transit van dumping diesel waste near Castleblayney in 2012. The trial continues before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury.
The trial of Aaron Brady, who denies the capital murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, resumed after a nine‑week break. The jury, now six men and seven women, viewed CCTV footage of a car's movements three nights before the January 2013 robbery that killed Donohoe. Brady, 28, pleaded not guilty to the murder and to a charge of robbing about €7,000 in cash and cheques at the same location. The court addressed Covid‑19 precautions, allowing remote viewing and limiting courtroom numbers. Brendan Grehan SC outlined that evidence from May 18 will include witnesses in New York via live video. Edward McGoey, a civilian crime analyst, testified about phone records, while Detective Garda Gareth Kenna presented CCTV montages showing a dark‑toned saloon car near the crime scene. The trial continues under Mr Justice Michael White.
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.
The High Court heard that Covid‑19 had caused Brandon Plant Hire Ltd to become insolvent, with a debt of €934,000 and the loss of more than 30 jobs. The company, founded in 1997, had been profitable but faced cash‑flow problems, including unpaid work from Cairn Homes and difficulties complying with Irish Water regulations. An investor who had been expected to provide capital withdrew, and the firm incurred extra costs for additional workers and bad weather. Employees are on Covid‑19 protection notice. Directors were reportedly threatened by creditors who feared damage to works in progress. The court appointed Chartered Accountant Anthony Fitzpatrick as provisional liquidator to secure the firm's assets—tools, piping, JCB diggers, dumpers and excavation equipment—and to ensure fair distribution to creditors. The matter was adjourned to a hearing next month.
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.
The trial of Edmundas Dauksa, a 50‑year‑old fishmonger from Dundalk, for the murder of his partner Ingrida Maciokaite, aged 31, has been postponed. The murder occurred on 18 September 2018 at Bridgewater Mews, Linenhall Street, Dundalk. Dauksa had pleaded not guilty. Judge Eileen Creedon announced that no new jury trials would start in the criminal courts until 10 June because of coronavirus concerns. She moved Dauksa's case to the next fixed‑date list at the Central Criminal Court, scheduled for 30 March. The prosecution, represented by Elva Duffy BL, and the defence, represented by Michael Bowman SC, agreed. Bowman noted that Dauksa had been remanded in custody until the new date. Creedon informed the 12‑member jury that they were no longer required, as the trial was adjourned for health reasons. The case involves Lithuanian‑born parties living in Dundalk, with witnesses expected from that community. The trial will resume on 30 March.
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.
The High Court has granted permission for John Conway and the Louth Environmental Group to challenge An Bord Pleanála's decision to grant planning permission for a 657-apartment development in Raheny, Dublin. The applicants, represented by Stephen Dodd SC, claim the board erred in law by failing to conduct an appropriate assessment under EU habitats and birds directives, specifically regarding impacts on curlews, oystercatchers, and light-bellied Brent geese. They further allege the development contravenes the Dublin City Development Plan regarding building heights and zoning. The proposed project, submitted by Crekav Trading GP Ltd under a fast-track process, consists of nine blocks ranging from five to nine storeys plus a creche, located east of St Paul's College. Crekav is a notice party to the proceedings. In their action, the applicants seek an order quashing the board's decision, declarations that the decision was unlawful and did not constitute a strategic housing development, and findings that it acted contrary to EU Directives. Mr Justice Denis McDonald, who handles fast-track challenges for strategic infrastructure, was satisfied to grant the application on an ex-parte basis. After making certain directions in the action, the judge adjourned the matter to a date in late April.
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.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Mr Justice Tony Hunt remanded Thomas McGuinness, 33, on bail until 25 May after McGuinness was unable to attend the hearing due to ill health. McGuinness is charged with falsely imprisoning, assaulting and robbing Edward McAndrew at a Co Louth farmhouse on 2 December 2017, and with demanding £50,000 from McAndrew. The charges include detaining McAndrew without consent, assault causing harm, theft of car keys, money, travel bag, wallet, briefcase, two mobile phones and an Irish passport, and making an unwarranted demand with menaces. Two other men, William Twomey, 56, and Anthony Finglas, 49, are also charged with the same offences. Twomey was granted bail on 25 February, while Finglas' bail application was denied. Mr Justice Hunt expressed hope that the world would be a different place by the end of May.
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.
A jury was asked to return to the Central Criminal Court on March 30th for the murder trial of fishmonger Edmundas Dauksa, aged 50, who has pleaded not guilty to the killing of his partner Ingrida Maciokaite, aged 31, at Bridgewater Mews, Linenhall Street, Dundalk, on 18 September 2018. Judge Eileen Creedon explained that due to health concerns in the community, the trial was postponed to avoid close contact, and she requested the jury to reconvene on Monday, March 30th. She noted that the trial is expected to last no longer than two weeks and that any changes would be communicated to the jurors. On the rescheduled date, Mr Justice Paul McDermott empanelled the jury and outlined the alleged facts: Dauksa and Maciokaite were a Lithuanian couple living in Dundalk, with Dauksa running a shellfish business.
A 38‑year‑old UK businessman was convicted of raping and sexually assaulting two girls aged 10 and 12 in Dublin and Louth between December 2010 and March 2011. He had denied the charges during a 42‑day trial. The girls lived with their mother and siblings in the UK before moving into the businessman's house, where he showered them with gifts and trips. UK social services had been involved and were concerned about his daily control and grooming of the children. He was sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended. His appeal was dismissed by the Court of Appeal, which upheld the conviction and found the trial and conviction to be satisfactory. The appeal was rejected on all grounds, including the specialist Gardaí interviews and the use of pre‑interview materials. The court confirmed the conviction was safe.
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.
Edmundas Dauksa, a 50‑year‑old fishmonger from Dundalk, denies murdering his 31‑year‑old partner Ingrida Maciokaite at Bridgewater Mews on 18 September 2018. He pleaded not guilty and will stand trial at the Central Criminal Court. Judge Paul McDermott empanelled a jury of seven men and five women, noting the alleged facts that Dauksa and Maciokaite were a Lithuanian couple living in Dundalk and that the case stemmed from disagreements between them. The trial is expected to last three weeks.
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.
In 2011, two armed men robbed Lordship Credit Union in Co Louth, taking €22,500 in cash and €35,000 in cheques from a bag left by volunteer chairman John Kenwright. The robbers, who drove a car with yellow Northern Irish plates, used a sawn‑off shotgun and a firearm to threaten Kenwright and smash his car's passenger side window. They fled within 23 seconds. In 2013, Aaron Brady (29) pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe (41), who was to escort Kenwright to an AIB bank in Dundalk. Brady also pleaded not guilty to a robbery charge for the same day and location. The Central Criminal Court heard the details, noting that Donohoe was scheduled to escort Kenwright and that the robbery car was later found burnt out near the border. The case was presented to a jury of seven men and seven women, with legal matters to be addressed in the defendant's absence.