A Real IRA leader, Seamus McGrane, has been found guilty by the Special Criminal Court of directing the activities of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army (IRA), between April 19th and May 13th, 2015. He was also convicted of IRA membership between January 18th, 2010, and May 13th, 2015. McGrane, of Little Road, Dromiskin, County Louth, had denied both charges. The court heard that there was 'the clearest evidence of directing an illegal organisation,' including audio recordings from April and May 2015, which showed McGrane issuing instructions to Donal O'Coisdealbha regarding meeting others and providing bomb-making material. The recordings also referred to a 'military operation' of significance and 'the main attack' on May 19th, the date Prince Charles was due to carry out a State visit. Gardai discovered a veritable arsenal of weapons and explosives substances in hides on land adjoining McGrane's house. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, presiding, sitting with Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain and Judge Cormac Dunne, remanded Mr McGrane in custody for sentencing on November 14th next. Michael McKevitt was jailed for 20 years in 2003 for directing terrorism.
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.
In the double murder trial of Jason O'Driscoll, a 34‑year‑old Dublin man charged with killing 31‑year‑old Anthony Burnett and 25‑year‑old Joseph Redmond on 7 March 2012, the jury was shown footage of the alleged getaway route. The route, from Ravensdale Forest Park to Newry, was captured on the onboard camera of a Garda patrol car in July 2014. The evidence was presented to the Central Criminal Court this morning. The trial had already heard that firefighters responded to a burning car in Ravensdale shortly before 11 p.m. that night, where two bodies with gunshot wounds to the head were found. A silver Mercedes, registered in the south, failed to stop for police in Newry a short time later, was pursued in a high‑speed chase, escaped, and was later abandoned near the border. The State argued that this car was used by O'Driscoll and another man to leave Ravensdale after the killings. Jason O'Driscoll pleaded not guilty.
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.
During a murder trial in Dublin, a jury heard that the deceased, a 34‑year‑old man named Jason O'Driscoll, had tried to sell a stolen 2011 black Golf GTI to a friend for €1,000 just hours before the car was found burned in Ravensdale Forest Park. The friend, who gave evidence to the Central Criminal Court, testified that O'Driscoll had offered the vehicle to him, and that the friend declined to purchase it, stating he did not want anything to do with the car. The friend also confirmed that the car had been stolen from a driveway in Sandymount early on March 7, 2012, the night two Dublin men, Anthony Burnett (31) and Joseph Redmond (25), were shot dead inside it. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, has already heard that the bodies were found with gunshot wounds to the head and that the incident occurred shortly before 11 o'clock that evening. Jason O'Driscoll pleaded not guilty.
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.
In the Central Criminal Court, a jury heard evidence in the double murder trial of Dublin man Jason O'Driscoll, 34, charged with killing fellow Dubliners Anthony Burnett, 31, and Joseph Redmond, 25, on 7 March 2012. The prosecution presented facial composites of the alleged getaway driver, created by facial imaging specialist Lorna Heron after receiving separate descriptions from PSNI officers Stephen Downey and Niamh Mulholland. Heron explained that she input the data into a computer program, generated images, added artwork, and produced two separate composites, which were then morphed into a single composite shown to the jury. The officers described seeing the driver of a silver Mercedes for about five seconds in Newry when they attempted to stop him; the car fled after the officers activated their blue lights. A silver Mercedes was later found abandoned near the border, with a shoe print cast taken by PSNI Crime Scene Investigator Jonathan Poole. Jason O'Driscoll pleaded not guilty.
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.
In a double murder trial in the Central Criminal Court, the jury heard details of a high‑speed police chase in Newry that followed the discovery of a burning car containing two bodies. The case concerns Jason O'Driscoll, 34, of Richmond Avenue, Fairview, who is charged with murdering Dubliners Anthony Burnett and Joseph Redmond on 7 March 2012. Firefighters responded to a blaze at Ravensdale Forest Park before 11 o'clock that night, finding two bodies with gunshot wounds to the head. Constable Simon Pringle testified that he was on duty in Newry at the time and observed a silver Mercedes, unregistered, moving toward his patrol car while being pursued by a police vehicle with blue lights. The chase, occurring in a 30 mph zone, was reportedly at 70–80 mph when the Mercedes was lost. Jason O'Driscoll pleaded not guilty.
The Charleton tribunal heard evidence on October 23rd regarding threats made against Garda Keith Harrison's life in October 2013. Chief Superintendent Terry McGinn of Donegal division outlined how two anonymous 999 calls on 4th and 5th October reported threats against Garda Harrison. The first call described an overheard conversation in a Strabane bar, and the second indicated the threat originated from a relation of Martin McDermott, who was imprisoned following a manslaughter conviction. McDermott was the brother of Garda Harrison's partner. The threats were assessed as substantial, leading to security measures and restrictions on Garda Harrison's movements. A mobile phone subsequently located in Portlaoise Prison resulted in McDermott's release date being postponed. The tribunal also examined contacts between gardaí and HSE/Tusla regarding Garda Harrison. Superintendent Eugene McGovern, stationed in Buncrana, confirmed attending meetings with Tusla management but stated that individual cases were not discussed at such forums. A referral concerning Garda Harrison's partner and her children resulted in no further action pending additional information.
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.
The High Court heard that the Lithuanian authorities' "intention" to put Liam Campbell on trial for alleged terrorism offences and weapons trafficking to Ireland is sufficient to order his extradition. Campbell, 54, was arrested in Dundalk on a European Arrest Warrant issued by Lithuania. The warrant alleges he organised the preparation for smuggling weapons to support the Real IRA between late 2006 and early 2007, arranging illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives and substances. Remy Farrell SC, representing Campbell, argued that the client would face a long pre‑trial detention and that a trial was uncertain. Counsel for the Minister for Justice, Patrick McGrath SC, insisted that the Lithuanian prosecutor's "intention" to charge and try Campbell was clear and not merely investigative. The case was adjourned to 5 December for further submissions, and Campbell remains remanded on continuing bail.
In the Central Criminal Court trial of Jason O'Driscoll, a 34‑year‑old Dublin man charged with the double murder of Anthony Burnett and Joseph Redmond, firefighters Stephen Hoey and Vincent McGuinness gave evidence about a burning car in Ravensdale Forest car park on 7 March 2012. Hoey described extinguishing the flames at the rear of the vehicle, then seeing a badly cracked skull and a ribcage on the driver's seat. He reported that McGuinness called the crew back, declared the scene a crime scene, and notified the Gardaí. A Garda ballistics officer, Shane Curran, later observed the burnt remains of two bodies in a Volkswagen Golf, noting that the bodies were fused together and that bullet fragments were recovered from both skulls. Curran testified that the fragments suggested a single firearm had discharged two bullets, but he could not confirm this without examining the weapon. The pathologist confirmed both men died from two head wounds before the fire. Jason O'Driscoll pleaded not guilty.
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.
The High Court heard concerns over whether Liam Campbell would receive a fair trial if surrendered to Lithuania. Liam Campbell (54) was arrested in Upper Faughart, Dundalk, Co Louth, on December 2nd, 2016, under a European Arrest Warrant issued by Lithuanian authorities. The warrant alleges that Campbell organised the smuggling of weapons in support of the Real IRA (RIRA) between the end of 2006 and the beginning of 2007. Remy Farrell SC, representing Campbell, raised objections to his surrender, citing concerns over potential pre-trial detention, the possibility of a trial not occurring, and the fairness of a trial in Lithuania, particularly regarding translation issues. An affidavit by Liam Campbell's brother, Michael Campbell, was presented. In 2011, Michael Campbell was found guilty of aiding a terrorist group and possessing arms in a Lithuanian court and sentenced to 12 years in prison. However, in 2013, an appeals court overturned the conviction, and a retrial was ordered by Lithuania's Supreme Court in 2014. Michael Campbell claimed his right to a fair trial was breached due to not receiving an English translation of the book of evidence and being provided with incomplete translations. The court also heard that Michael Campbell was asked to sign documents he did not understand and had concerns about the independence of the translators. Remy Farrell also raised concerns about prison conditions in Lithuania, including sanitation, visitation rights, and overcrowding. Patrick McGrath SC, counsel for the Minister for Justice, stated that a central question was whether there was an intention to charge and try Liam Campbell at the time of the warrant's issuance. The hearing continues tomorrow in front of Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly.
In a High Court hearing, the Minister for Justice argued that there is no reason to refuse the surrender of Liam Campbell, a 54‑year‑old Irishman, to Lithuania where he faces charges of terrorism and weapons trafficking. Campbell was arrested in Dundalk on 2 December 2016 under a European Arrest Warrant issued by Lithuanian authorities. The warrant alleges that between late 2006 and early 2007 he organised the preparation for smuggling weapons to support the Real IRA, arranging for illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives and related substances. If surrendered, Campbell could face a maximum sentence of twenty years' imprisonment. His barrister, Remy Farrell, opposed the surrender, arguing that pre‑trial detention would be significant and that a trial in Lithuania would raise concerns about fair trial rights, especially regarding translation. The hearing, expected to last three days, will resume tomorrow, with Campbell remanded on continuing bail.
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.
In a double‑murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, a 34‑year‑old Dublin man, Jason O'Driscoll, was charged with the 2012 killings of Anthony Burnett and Joseph Redmond, two Co. Louth criminals who were shot dead in a stolen Volkswagen Golf. O'Driscoll pleaded not guilty. Prosecutor Alexander Owens SC presented a circumstantial case, arguing that O'Driscoll was present at the scene and therefore a participant in the murders, without needing to prove he fired the fatal shots. Owens described the victims as "full‑time criminals" involved in car theft, noting they had stolen the Golf from a Sandymount home and later drove it north to a layby at Ravensdale Park, where they were shot in the head and the car was set on fire. The jury, composed of eight men and four women, was instructed to consider whether O'Driscoll's presence alone made him guilty.
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.
Jason O'Driscoll, a 34‑year‑old Dublin resident, appeared at the Central Criminal Court on 17 October 2017 charged with the double murder of Anthony Burnett and Joseph Redmond in County Louth on 7 March 2012. He declared his innocence and pleaded not guilty to both charges. The prosecution, represented by Alexander Owens SC, noted that O'Driscoll was originally from Fairview and had lived in Newry, while the victims were from Ballybough, Dublin. A jury of eight men and four women was sworn in for a trial set to begin the following day and last three to four weeks.
Judges at the Special Criminal Court have remanded Seamus McGrane in custody until October 31st, when judgement will be delivered in his trial. The 63-year-old from Dromiskin, County Louth, pleaded not guilty to directing the activities of an unlawful organization, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, between April 19th and May 13th, 2015. He also denies being a member of the IRA between January 18th, 2010, and May 13th, 2015. The prosecution alleged that McGrane discussed an operation involving explosives in the run-up to the State visit of Prince Charles. Tara Burns SC argued that audio recordings of McGrane and Donal O'Coisdealbha in a Dublin pub, along with explosive materials found on McGrane's property, established that McGrane was acting as an authority in the IRA. She stated the evidence indicated he issued instructions regarding meeting people and providing bomb-making material. Michael O'Higgins SC, for the defence, contended that the recordings showed O'Coisdealbha was developing explosives independently of McGrane, describing their relationship as symbiotic rather than one of direction. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, presiding with Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain and Judge Cormac Dunne, remanded McGrane in custody pending the delivery of judgement on October 31st.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Seamus McGrane, 63, of Dromiskin, County Louth, pleaded not guilty to charges of IRA membership from 18 January 2010 to 13 May 2015 and of directing the activities of an unlawful organization styled the Irish Republican Army between 19 April and 13 May 2015. McGrane denied being an IRA member and denied purchasing Shamrock glucose in that capacity. The court heard that he was interviewed under Section 2 of the Offences Against the State Act on 15 April 2015, and that he refused to answer questions about IRA membership. An audio recording of a conversation in a Dublin pub, bugged by detectives, was presented, in which McGrane spoke of using Shamrock glucose to manufacture explosives. Chief Superintendent Sean Ward provided belief evidence that McGrane was an IRA member during the relevant period.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Seamus McGrane, aged 63, was accused of directing IRA activities between 19 April and 13 May 2015. He allegedly told Donal O'Coisdealbha that an operation would target a site of "military" and "symbolic" significance, with reference to the State visit of Prince Charles on 19 May 2015. McGrane denied membership in the IRA from 18 January 2010 to 13 May 2015. A recorded conversation from 10 May 2015, captured by bugged microphones, described rocket building and testing, and mentioned a target 400 metres from the Cross of Sacrifice in Glasnevin cemetery. Garda searches on 13 May 2015 at McGrane's home and business uncovered bomb‑making components, including detonators, ammunition, a rocket, fireworks, a revolver, potash, syrup, mortar tubes, a garda uniform and a checkpoint sign. The case remains before Judges Kennedy, Ni Chulachain and Dunne. Seamus McGrane pleaded not guilty.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Seamus McGrane, 63, of Dromiskin, County Louth, pleaded not guilty to directing the activities of an unlawful organisation styled the Irish Republican Army (IRA) between 19 April and 13 May 2015. The court listened to an audio recording from a surveillance device placed in the Coachman's Inn pub in Dublin on 19 April 2015. In the recording, McGrane described mixing fertiliser, glucose and corn syrup, grinding the fertiliser, adding sugar and corn syrup, and testing the resulting compound. He also spoke of boiling the materials, discussing chemical ratios, and a timer device. McGrane mentioned a "science graduate" who could assist, and talked about strategies for England and other areas. He questioned the relevance of the IRA in 2016 and criticised police and Sinn Féin. The trial continues before Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain and Judge Cormac Dunne.
The Special Criminal Court has heard the opening of the trial of Seamus McGrane, 63, of Dromiskin, County Louth. Mr McGrane has pleaded not guilty to directing the activities of an unlawful organization, the IRA, between April 19 and May 13, 2015, and to membership of the IRA between January 18, 2010, and May 13, 2015. Prosecuting counsel Tara Burns SC stated that the case relies on audio recordings made at the Coachman's Inn in Dublin on April 19 and May 10, 2015. The prosecution alleges that McGrane directed Donal O'Coisdealbha to contact individuals for explosives supplies and discussed manufacturing rockets and mortars in the run-up to Prince Charles's state visit. The court will hear evidence that McGrane directed the operation to be "symbolic and of military significance" and "not to be an embarrassment." Evidence will also include a search of a house in Courttown, County Wexford, where explosive substances were found, and searches of McGrane's properties in Dundalk where similar items were allegedly discovered. McGrane was arrested on May 13, 2015. The trial is currently ongoing before Justice Isobel Kennedy, Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin, and Judge Cormac Dunne, and resumes on Monday.
A Louth man (29), who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to sexual intercourse with a minor at a hotel in Co. Dublin between November 28 and December 6, 2013. The man told the 15-year-old schoolgirl he could get her a fake passport if she wanted to come away with him to Northern Ireland, warning her she would have to dye her hair and live as the name on the fake passport. The girl later told gardaí that she had consensual sex once with the man while staying at various hotel accommodations over a few nights while waiting for the passport. The man has 38 previous convictions, including assault, burglary, criminal damage, and theft. Sergeant Louise McHugh testified that the girl had met the man outside a pub the previous summer and had kept in phone contact with him. They met twice to play pool together, and on another date, the girl stayed with the man in a hotel after spending a night out drinking with him. The girl had a half day from school when she met the man at a shopping centre on November 28, still in her uniform. The man bought her a €60 phone and they spent the day drinking together at the centre before she agreed to stay with him when she missed her bus home. Over the next few nights, the man booked them into hotel and B&B accommodation and organised a change of clothing for the schoolgirl from his female friend. He told the 15-year-old that they would stay at the final hotel a bit longer while they waited for the passport. The girl told gardaí that the man had sex with her once and that she had been happy to run away with him. She said that another couple joined them in the hotel room for the last few nights and she described spending the daytime with the female while the males went out to work. Gardaí tracked the girl down to an internet cafe on December 6, after stopping the man and his male friend on a different street. The girl told officers that the ten-year age gap between her and the man didn't bother either of them and that while he never said he loved her, she felt there was something there. She declined to make a Victim Impact Statement. Dominic McGinn SC, defending, agreed with Sergeant McHugh that his client had had a history of self-harm and had made serious attempts to take his own life. He further agreed that the man had co-operated with gardaí fully. Mc McGinn submitted to Judge Cormac Quinn that it was the disparity in age that made the case against his client as there was no evidence of coercion or violence. Referring to a psychologist's report, Mr McGinn submitted that some of the tragic elements of his client's background had been the catalyst for drug abuse and antisocial behaviour. Counsel said the man had tried to take his own life three weeks before the incident with the girl and that he was at a place in his life where he was looking for support. Mr McGinn said being in prison awaiting sentence had given his client stability and structure and that he wants to deal with his drugs issue. Judge Quinn ordered a probation services report and put the matter back to October for sentence.
During a trial in Dublin, a 49‑year‑old Garda, Eve Doherty, was charged with harassing State solicitor Elizabeth Howlin between September 2011 and March 2013 and making false statements that Howlin was perverting the course of justice. The prosecution presented a poster that had photographs of Howlin and her distant cousin Brendan Howlin, TD, printed on it. The posters were reportedly left on cars around Howlin's estate in Blackrock, south Co. Dublin, and falsely claimed that Howlin was a corrupt State solicitor who had interfered in the prosecution of a local family of "drug dealers". The photograph used on the posters was taken in 2007 during a meeting between a committee within the Department of Justice and then‑Minister Brian Lenihan. It was uploaded to the website criminalcode.ie, and the prosecution argued that the only way the photo could have been obtained was from that site.
My client CCC.Nuacht Teo agreed settlement terms with Mr Leo Sherlock to resolve a copyright infringement claim over articles written by CCC reporters that were copied and published on TheLiberal.ie without licence or payment. The articles reported on criminal proceedings and were produced by expert court reporters. CCC Nuacht has a history of challenging reporting restrictions to promote public access to court decisions. The settlement requires Mr Sherlock to publish an apology on TheLiberal.ie's main page. The case was adjourned to Ardee District Court on 11 September 2017 for implementation, and CCC Nuacht will not comment further.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, State solicitor Eve Doherty, aged 49, denied harassing DPP directing officer Elizabeth Howlin between September 2011 and March 2013 and refuting claims that Howlin was perverting justice. Doherty said she had no idea how a "disgruntled" person could know Howlin's personal details, noting that Howlin's role involved deciding on prosecutions. Howlin testified that letters and emails sent to her home, workplace and GP called her a "corrupt bitch" and "incompetent useless hobbit," alleging she was a political appointee who would "pull" files to protect government associates. She denied the allegations, stating they were untrue but contained true personal details. Doherty's counsel, Michael O'Higgins SC, insisted the accusations were unfounded and that the system was often "rigged" against those not prosecuted. The case remains before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury. The unnamed accused pleaded guilty and had the case struck out.
Eve Doherty, a garda based in Dublin, has gone on trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court accused of harassing State solicitor Elizabeth Howlin and making false statements. The accused, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges, is alleged to have sent a series of letters and emails between September 2011 and March 2013. These communications purported to describe Ms Howlin as politically corrupt and claimed she attempted to pervert the course of justice. Specifically, the charges include harassment and making false statements on March 1, 2012, and March 31, 2012. Prosecutors stated that the material contained abusive language and false allegations that Ms Howlin, who worked in the Director of Public Prosecutions office, interfered with prosecutions. Ms Howlin testified that the claims were untrue and caused her significant anxiety. The defense, represented by Michael O'Higgins SC, maintains that Ms Doherty denies authoring the letters and emails. Regarding specific allegations concerning a diving company, Ms Howlin clarified that while her brother and ex-husband were directors, the company was prosecuted under health and safety laws and fined following an accident, contradicting claims of murder. The trial is currently ongoing before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury.
CCC Nuacht, a court‑reporting agency, announced a settlement with Leo Sherlock, trading as The Liberal.ie, over four copyright infringements between June 2015 and November 2016. The infringements involved the publication of CCC Nuacht's reports on a Romanian fraud case, a babysitter's sexual abuse conviction, and a former Church of Ireland worker's rape and molestation conviction. Sherlock repeatedly ignored attempts to resolve the breaches. The settlement requires Sherlock to publish a full apology on The Liberal.ie's website by 13 July, keep it on the main page for at least 48 hours, and post a link to the apology on the site's Facebook and Twitter accounts for 24 hours. The apology will remain permanently online. Sherlock also agreed to pay damages. CCC Nuacht thanked solicitor Rossa McMahon for representing the agency and highlighted the importance of licensed court reporting for accurate journalism and justice administration.
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.
A Luth man has been sentenced to three years in prison following his conviction for membership of an unlawful organisation. Michael Connolly, aged 45, of Dundalk, was found guilty by the Special Criminal Court of membership of the IRA. The three-judge, non-jury court heard evidence that Connolly had travelled in convoy with another individual in the Ardee area on December 16th, 2014. The second man was subsequently stopped and found in possession of two improvised explosive devices. Telephone contact between the two men was also established. During sentencing, the presiding judge described the operation as "very well-planned" and noted the sophisticated nature of the devices recovered. The court considered Connolly's employment history and family circumstances as mitigating factors, whilst treating the apparent purpose behind his involvement as an aggravating consideration. Connolly had previously denied the charge.
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.
The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) applied to the High Court for transcripts of the Special Criminal Court's proceedings involving Adrian Crevan Mackin, who shot Garda Anthony Golden in 2015 and later committed suicide. GSOC's request, made by counsel Mr Ronan Kennedy, sought transcripts from the twelve occasions Mackin's case was mentioned, including his bail status. The Special Criminal Court, a non‑jury court, ruled that it lacked both inherent and express jurisdiction to grant the application, stating that the High Court had the authority to consider such requests. Justice Isobel Kennedy, with Judges Gerard Griffin and Gerard Haughton, advised that the application should be directed to a High Court judge. The DPP's counsel, Mr John Byrne, agreed that the Special Criminal Court did not have jurisdiction and that the matter should be brought before the High Court. The court thanked the parties for their remarks. The ruling was issued on 5 July 2017.
In December 2015, Joseph McKeon, aged 41, entered Partners at Law Solicitors in Dublin and, after being denied a refund cheque, became angry, kicked a door, damaged a security lock and threatened a female staff member that he would break her jaw and blow her head off. He also shouted about money he claimed belonged to him. McKeon was arrested and has since been in custody. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to making a threat to kill or cause serious harm and damaging a door. He has eight prior convictions. Judge Karen O'Connor sentenced him to three and a half years, suspended the final year on strict conditions, and ordered that he be given credit for time already spent in custody. The judge also ordered that he stay away from the victim and the firm's offices. The case was prosecuted by Lorcan Staines BL and defended by Brian Storan BL.
The Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) has applied to the Special Criminal Court for transcripts of the court's appearances concerning Adrian Crevan Mackin, who shot Garda Anthony Golden in 2015 and then committed suicide. GSOC says a "public interest investigation" has been launched after complaints about the nature of interactions between Gardaí and Mackin before and after his January 2015 arrest. Counsel Ronan Kennedy requested transcripts of the twelve occasions Mackin's case was mentioned, noting that Mackin had been granted bail on a 100‑Euro bond and a 5,000‑Euro surety. The court was told Mackin was charged with membership of the IRA and that the DPP did not oppose the application but questioned the court's jurisdiction, suggesting the request should go to the High Court. The court will rule on the application on Wednesday. The case involves Mackin's 25‑year‑old status and the fatal shooting of Garda Golden on 11 October 2015 in Omeath, Co. Louth.
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.
A Fitness to Practice inquiry at the Nursing and Midwifery Board found that Registered Nurse Marilyn Rillera, 57, from the Philippines, slapped an 87‑year‑old resident of the Maynooth Community Care Unit in December 2015 and referred to him as a "dirty Jew." The inquiry recorded that Rillera failed to communicate appropriately with the dementia patient and was non‑compliant with the nurses' professional code of conduct. Rillera was not present at the inquiry and denied using the phrase, claiming she only told the patient he was dirty. Linda Jennings, a health‑care assistant who assisted the resident that day, testified that Rillera said, "You can't hit a woman. What are you, a dirty Jew?" and then slapped the patient's arm. The resident was shocked and upset but did not understand the incident shortly thereafter. Rillera had worked in Ireland since 2002 and may have returned to the Philippines.
David Ryan, a 59‑year‑old taxi driver, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving that caused serious bodily harm to Eoin Daly on 7 April 2011. In July 2014 Judge Patricia Ryan sentenced him to three years' imprisonment, suspended, and imposed a four‑year driving ban. Ryan's lawyers argued that the ban prevented him from working as a rural publican in Cappaghwhite, Co. Tipperary, where public transport is limited. The judge lifted the ban after noting Ryan had not attracted further Garda attention since the conviction and that he needed the vehicle for his occupation. The court also considered that Ryan had been under severe financial and family stress, had paid €5,000 as a token of remorse, and had expressed remorse and apology. The decision was made without altering the original sentence or the suspended portion. The case remains at the criminal court stage.
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.
A 55‑year‑old man, Aivars Sondors, stands trial in the Central Criminal Court for three counts of assisting an offender by impeding the investigation of a homicide. The alleged offence involved the murder of 44‑year‑old Audrius Butkus, who died from a violent and bloody assault before his body was dumped on Mornington Beach. Sondors is accused of moving the body from a house on Marsh Road, cleaning the basement, and disposing of carpet, clothing, a nail brush, a bin bag, bottles and tins at Burke House. He pleaded not guilty, and his defence argues that he acted under duress. The jury, sworn in on 19 June 2017, will decide whether duress applies to the alleged acts. The trial is scheduled to last seven days under Mr Justice Paul Coffey. Audrius Butkus was convicted. Aivars Sondors was convicted.
The High Court dismissed a challenge brought by teacher Christian Morris against An Bord Pleanala's approval of a €22 million development in Howth, Co. Dublin. The project, approved on 20 June, would replace industrial and commercial buildings with 145 apartments, 51 houses, six commercial units, a community/sports hall, a public park, a plaza and cycle and pedestrian paths on a 4.4‑hectare site. Morris argued that the development would flood the area with cheap housing, cause traffic congestion, and force the council to sell a public park to a private developer without replacement. He also sought an injunction to compel Glenkerrin Homes and its receivers to clean up and demolish parts of the site. The judge found Morris's claims outside the strict time limits for a judicial review, that he had no standing for the injunction, and therefore dismissed all his actions. The decision confirms the council's and the board's approvals remain in force.