A 44-year-old man from Dundalk in County Louth has been convicted of membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army by the Special Criminal Court. Michael Connolly, of Grange Drive, was found guilty following a trial before three judges. The court heard evidence that Connolly was observed driving in convoy with another man in the Ardee area on December 16th, 2014. Both vehicles travelled together to Mullingar, where the other man was found in possession of two improvised explosive devices. The judges accepted belief evidence from a Garda assistant commissioner regarding Connolly's membership and found he was a willing and knowing participant in the enterprise. The court drew inferences from Connolly's silence when questioned on specific matters, finding this corroborated other evidence. Connolly had pleaded not guilty to the charge. He was remanded in custody pending sentencing on July 10th.
A 73‑year‑old retired priest, Tadhg O'Dalaigh, whose conviction for indecently assaulting a schoolboy in the 1970s was quashed, has been awarded legal costs for his successful appeal. The Catholic Church had funded his legal representation, a fact that the Director of Public Prosecutions' counsel argued should preclude a costs award because O'Dalaigh was not out of pocket. The Court of Appeal quashed the conviction after the trial judge failed to warn the jury about the dangers of convicting without corroboration. The three‑judge court also refused a retrial, citing the defendant's full sentence, the case's antiquity and his age. Justice Alan Mahon ruled that awarding costs was appropriate, noting that O'Dalaigh had not benefited from state‑funded legal aid and that no blame could be attributed to him for the alleged offence. The decision was made without any application to recover the costs of the original Circuit Court trial. Tadhg O'Dalaigh pleaded guilty.
A woman who stole over €28,000 from the State by falsely claiming job seekers allowance while employed was sentenced today in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Bridget Dwane (55), of Emmet Square, Blackrock, Dublin, pleaded guilty to making false or misleading statements to facilitate the payment of jobseekers allowance between March 2009 and July 2011. She admitted to receiving an overpayment of €28,484 during this period and has since made repayments of €200 per month, though she still owes €24,200 to the State. Judge Karen O'Connor noted the 'loss to the exchequer was significant' but acknowledged Dwane's cooperation, early guilty pleas, and genuine remorse. She sentenced Dwane to 12 months in prison, suspended in full, on the condition that she engage with the Probation Service for 12 months. Emmet Sqaure, another defendant, was not sentenced as no details of his charges, plea, or sentence were provided. The court heard that Dwane was under pressure to pay her daughter's drug debts and had taken out a €6,000 credit union loan to do so. The matter was not adjourned and is now at the validated procedural stage of sentence.
A 36‑year‑old Louth man accused of raping a university student he met on Tinder was heard in the Central Criminal Court on 11 September 2014. He pleaded not guilty and told Gardaí that the sex was "fully consensual". The prosecution alleged he raped the woman in his car after a drive up the Dublin Mountains following a McDonald's visit. The alleged victim was tested for STIs and given the morning‑after pill the next day; all tests returned negative. The case is pending before Mr Justice Paul Butler and a jury, with both parties anonymous.
A 36‑year‑old man from Louth pleaded not guilty to rape at Kilmashogue Lane on 11 September 2014. The alleged victim, a 31‑year‑old university student, said she met the accused on Tinder, exchanged WhatsApp messages, and arranged a date. She claimed the man drove her to a rural road, forced her into his car, and after a brief kissing session, forced her to lie down, removed her clothes, and raped her. She said she resisted, but the accused allegedly stopped her resistance and raped her. After the incident, he sent her a WhatsApp with a smiley face, which she deleted. During cross‑examination, the defence argued the encounter was consensual, but the victim rejected this. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Paul Butler and a jury.
The Catholic Church paid for the legal representation of retired priest Tadhg O'Dalaigh, who successfully appealed a conviction for indecently assaulting a schoolboy in the 1970s. O'Dalaigh, aged 73, had been found guilty by a jury and sentenced to five years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended by Judge Donagh McDonagh on 18 December 2014. He had already served the full term when the Court of Appeal quashed his conviction on Monday, citing the trial judge's failure to warn the jury about the dangers of convicting without corroboration. The Court also refused the Director of Public Prosecutions' application for a retrial, deciding it would not be in the interests of justice to order one for someone who had served the sentence. Counsel for O'Dalaigh, Patrick Gageby SC, applied for legal costs for the appeal, arguing that the source of the funding was irrelevant.
A man from Louth has gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the rape of a university student he met on Tinder. The prosecution, led by Alexander Owens SC, told the jury that the victim downloaded the dating app in September 2014 and began messaging the accused. Three days later they arranged a date, during which the accused took the victim to a McDonald's for ice‑cream and coffee. Owens said the accused became "extremely angry" when the woman rebuffed his sexual advances, and he angrily ordered her out of the car after 10 pm. He then drove her back to her home, told her to get back into the car, and allegedly drove her further up Kilmashogue Lane, Rathfarnham, where the rape took place. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge of rape on 11 September 2014. The trial is expected to last one week, with the alleged victim scheduled to give evidence tomorrow.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 25 May 2017, 31‑year‑old landscape gardener Jason Wall pleaded guilty to assaulting Kieran Nelson on 27 April 2016. Wall, who had 14 prior convictions, attacked Nelson with a glass after insulting him for being from Northern Ireland. The assault left Nelson with cuts to his forehead and lip, requiring stitches, and caused him a visible scar, embarrassment and an economic loss of €900. Wall had paid €1,000 in redress and submitted a letter of apology. Judge Karen O'Connor described the attack as "violent and gratuitous", noted Wall's good work record and lack of recent Garda attention, and sentenced him to two years' imprisonment, suspending the final year. The case was identified through CCTV and the incident occurred around the Easter 1916 commemorations. The court accepted the victim's impact report and the defendant's remorse.
A 44-year-old man from County Louth has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation, a charge he denies relates to the Irish Republican Army. Michael Connolly of Dundalk faced trial at the Special Criminal Court, where the prosecution alleged he was observed driving in convoy with another man who was later found in possession of improvised explosive devices. The prosecution's case relied significantly on evidence from a Garda Assistant Commissioner regarding his belief in Mr Connolly's membership status, along with interviews conducted under statutory powers. The defence argued that this evidence lacked independent corroboration and fell short of legal requirements, contending the case should fail. The three-judge court rejected an earlier defence application for a directed acquittal. Judgment is scheduled for delivery on 1 June 2017.
A 44-year-old man from Dundalk, County Louth, will have the Special Criminal Court determine tomorrow whether his trial for alleged IRA membership can proceed. Michael Connolly has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation on 16 December 2014. The prosecution alleges he was observed by gardaí driving in convoy along the N52 with another man who was later found with two improvised explosive devices. The defence applied today for a direction that the evidence was insufficient, arguing there were defects in the assistant commissioner's opinion underpinning the case and that Mr Connolly's presence at commemorations and demonstrations, or his association with previously convicted individuals, did not necessarily indicate IRA membership. The defence also contended there was no evidence Mr Connolly possessed or knew of the explosive devices. The three-judge court noted the application raised matters of sufficient substance and indicated closing speeches would be heard tomorrow.
In 1979 a retired priest, Tadhg O'Dalaigh, was convicted of indecently assaulting a 16‑year‑old boy at a boarding school in County Cork. He was found guilty by a jury and sentenced to five years, with two years suspended. O'Dalaigh appealed, arguing that the trial judge failed to warn the jury about the danger of convicting without corroborative evidence. The Court of Appeal, in a three‑judge panel, agreed that the judge erred by not giving a corroboration warning in a case lacking corroboration. The appeal was allowed, the conviction was quashed, and the court will consider whether a retrial is appropriate. O'Dalaigh had previously pleaded guilty in 1999 and 2014 to similar offences at the same school, but denied assaulting the complainant in the present case. The case highlighted the importance of jury warnings when evidence is limited. Tadhg O'Dalaigh pleaded not guilty.
Mark McCarthy, aged 32, was sentenced to nine years in prison for his role in the 2011 tiger kidnapping of An Post employee Warren Nawn, his wife Jean Marie, and their ten‑week‑old baby. McCarthy admitted that he was acting under duress and that he had no financial gain from the crime, claiming he was motivated by a drug debt. The court heard that the family was held hostage in their home and then taken to a rural location where they were kept overnight, threatened repeatedly, and subjected to intimidation, including threats of rape and murder. The kidnappers forced Mr Nawn to deliver €661,125 from the Drogheda Post Office, which he complied with and later handed over to the gang. McCarthy's sentence was back‑dated to November 2013, when he was first taken into custody. Mark McCarthy pleaded guilty.
A Kildare man was acquitted of an attempted burglary at the home of celebrity impressionist Mario Rosenstock. The case involved a separate conviction of Thomas McCann, 42, who was found guilty by a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court jury of burglary at Marentimo House apartments in Blackrock, Dublin, on 30 September 2011. McCann, of Morristown Estate, Newbridge, had pleaded not guilty to both charges. Mrs. Rosenstock testified that she encountered McCann after returning home, describing him as tall, slender, wearing white socks, a baseball hat, sunglasses, and a tracksuit bottom tucked into his socks. He claimed to be a painter and decorator working at a neighbour's house and said he had come to check on her. Mrs. Rosenstock called the gardai immediately after he left on a mountain bike.
At the Special Criminal Court, a Detective Garda Unit officer gave evidence regarding the arrest of a man accused of IRA membership. Detective Garda Paul Cornish denied that any attempt had been made to extract the accused, Michael Connolly (44), from a vehicle through its window during an operation in Convoy, County Donegal. The detective clarified that the term "extracted" in his statement referred simply to opening the car door. Mr Connolly, of Dundalk, County Louth, has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army on 16 December 2014. The prosecution alleges Mr Connolly was observed by gardaí driving in convoy with another man later found in possession of improvised explosive devices. Detective Garda Cornish told the court he had been briefed about suspected IRA activities involving the movement of firearms and explosives. The non-jury trial before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, Judge John O'Hagan, and Judge Flann Brennan continues.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, 32‑year‑old Lithuanian Andrius Gnizinskas pleaded guilty to cultivating cannabis at a grow house on St Patrick's Road, Drumcondra. The court found he had been "somewhat coerced" into coming to Ireland after being trafficked to the UK, and that he had no role in setting up the operation or profiting from it. The grow house contained 180 mature plants valued at €144,000 and sophisticated equipment. Gnizinskas was the only person present when Gardaí searched the property. Judge Karen O'Connor accepted his plea as saving state resources, noted his vulnerability, and imposed a three‑year sentence with the final two years suspended. The court highlighted that he had been a very low‑level participant, a gardener, and had cooperated with the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Lorcan Staines BL.
Charles Hutchinson, aged 34, was convicted of unlawfully killing Lawrence 'Michael' McGeown, aged 60, after striking him with a single punch to the side of the head on 28 February 2014. The death occurred three days later. Hutchinson was found guilty by a jury at Dundalk Circuit Criminal Court and originally sentenced to seven years' imprisonment, with the final year suspended. On appeal, the Court of Appeal held that the inclusion of Hutchinson's 2010 section 3 assault conviction had improperly increased the headline sentence. The appeal judge re‑sentenced him to five years' imprisonment, again with the final year suspended. Hutchinson's prior convictions included assault, public order offences, criminal damage, dangerous driving, unauthorised taking and interference, and he had a history of alcohol addiction and poor employment. The appeal judge noted that the single punch was not of particular force and that the deceased had health issues, but that there was no provocation or justification for the assault. Charles Hutchinson pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court has heard evidence that two "very well-made" and "viable" improvised explosive devices were discovered in a vehicle stopped by gardai on the N52 in County Meath. Michael Connolly, aged 44 and from Grange Drive in Dundalk, County Louth, has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, on 16 December 2014. The prosecution alleges Mr Connolly was observed driving in convoy with a man who was later found with the two devices. A retired army captain and a detective garda gave expert testimony describing the IEDs as cylindrical plastic containers powered by nine-volt batteries, each containing a timing unit programmed for approximately eight hours and pyrotechnic material. Both devices were confirmed as completed and viable. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with Judge John O'Hagan and Judge Flann Brennan.
Gardaí forcibly removed a man from his vehicle during a roadside stop on the N52 in County Meath in December 2014, the Special Criminal Court heard. Michael Connolly, aged 44, of Dundalk, County Louth, has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army. The prosecution alleges that Connolly was observed driving in convoy with another vehicle. Detective Sergeant Daniel O'Driscoll told the court that gardaí became suspicious the cars may carry firearms or explosives and moved to stop them at Mitchelstown Cross. When Connolly did not comply with orders to turn off his ignition, another detective broke the car window and removed him forcibly. A brown paper bag recovered from the second vehicle contained two items wrapped in bubblewrap and black tape, which Detective Sergeant Padraig Boyce described as resembling improvised explosive devices. The court also examined CCTV footage from a petrol station on the N52. The trial, before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and two other judges, continues.
A trial at the Special Criminal Court has heard surveillance evidence relating to the movements of two vehicles through counties Westmeath and Louth on 16 December 2014. Michael Connolly, aged 44 and of Grange Drive in Dundalk, County Louth, has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army. The prosecution alleges that officers from the National Surveillance Unit observed Mr Connolly driving in convoy with another man, who was subsequently found in possession of two improvised explosive devices. During proceedings before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and two other judges, several NSU officers provided evidence regarding the movements of a blue Fiat Punto and a black Vauxhall Vectra. Witnesses described observations of the vehicles parting and reuniting at locations in Mullingar and Delvin. The trial continues before the court.
Michael Connolly, aged 44 and resident of Grange Drive in Dundalk, County Louth, has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army on 16 December 2014. The Special Criminal Court heard opening arguments from the prosecution that Mr Connolly was observed driving in convoy with another man, Brian Fitzpatrick, following observations by members of the National Surveillance Unit. The court was told the men left the same house together in separate vehicles in the Ardee area before travelling in convoy towards Mullingar. It was further stated that two improvised explosive devices were discovered in Fitzpatrick's vehicle when both cars were stopped on the N52. The prosecution case will rely on evidence from Garda Assistant Commissioner Michael O'Sullivan regarding his belief of Mr Connolly's membership, along with garda interviews conducted under the Offences Against the State Act. The trial, before Mr Justice Tony Hunt presiding with Judge John O'Hagan and Judge Flann Brennan, continues before the three-judge, non-jury court.
Daniel Kavanagh, 26, of Owensilla, Ballymun, pleaded guilty to possession of a double‑barrelled sawn‑off shotgun and robbery of the Mace Store in Clogherhead, Co. Louth, on 20 April 2015. He had originally been sentenced to four years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended, on 21 July 2016. Prosecutors appealed, arguing the sentence was "unduly lenient". The Court of Appeal reviewed the case and imposed a five‑year jail term for each of the two counts, to run concurrently. The judge noted Kavanagh's prior 15 convictions, including firearms offences, and the serious nature of the robbery. The new sentence reflects the Court's view that the original penalty was too light given the circumstances and Kavanagh's history. The decision was made by Mr Justice Alan Mahon, sitting with Mr Justice John Edwards and Mr Justice John Hedigan. The revised term is five years for each count, concurrent, with the final two years suspended.
In a 2017 Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Gardai reported that they had "struck it lucky" in a €660,000 tiger‑kidnapping case involving Mark McCarthy, a 32‑year‑old heroin addict. McCarthy had left fingerprints on a pizza box and DNA on cigarette butts in a partially burnt car that also contained a Tesco Club Card receipt belonging to one of the victims. He pleaded guilty to false imprisonment of Warren and Jean Marie Nawn and their ten‑week‑old baby between 1 and 2 August 2011. The court heard that the Nawn family were held hostage in their home, then driven to a rural location where they were kept captive overnight, threatened repeatedly, and forced to hand over €661,125 from the Drogheda Post Office. McCarthy was said to have acted under duress, with his life threatened by a drug debt, and received no benefit from the offence.
Ciaran Nally, 32, of Ninch, Laytown, was convicted at Dundalk Circuit Criminal Court in April 2015 for possession of cocaine for sale or supply at the Monasterboice Inn car park. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six years' imprisonment, with the final three years suspended, by Judge Michael O'Shea on 29 January 2016. Nally was one of four co‑accused in a drug handover that involved moving two packs of cocaine from one car to another. Surveillance had targeted the residences of two co‑accused, and a vehicle was later stopped on the motorway where €139,000 worth of cocaine was seized. Nally's home was searched with no evidence found. He admitted the packs likely contained cannabis and that he received no financial benefit. The Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal, ruling the sentence fair and reasonable. The judge noted Nally's role as a conduit in the drug supply chain and his prior cannabis addiction.
In a 2017 appeal court hearing, Judge Alan Mahon upheld a three‑year jail sentence for Oliver Kennaway, who had pleaded guilty to robbing a filling station in Dundalk on 27 July 2013 with a knife. Kennaway, aged 37, entered the station wearing a hoodie and a large knife, demanded money from the till, and fled with €500, pursued by an employee. The judge noted Kennaway's difficult personal background, 15 prior convictions, and a seven‑year period of being conviction‑free before this offence. He described the robbery as "frightening and intimidating" and linked it to Kennaway's chronic drug addiction. Judge Mahon concluded that, given the growing public concern over knife crime, the net custodial sentence of three years was not unduly harsh and could be described as lenient. The appeal was dismissed.
The trial of Jonathan Gill, aged 35, collapsed after the jury was discharged by Judge Elma Sheahan on the fifth day of deliberations. Gill was accused of kidnapping a Drogheda postal worker, his partner and their 10‑week‑old baby, then robbing €660,000 from the workplace. The jury, consisting of seven men and five women, had deliberated for just over 14 hours. A juror handed a note to the judge, alleging that jurors were receiving outside information and that strangers had discussed the case on a tram. The judge, citing the seriousness of the allegations, discharged the jury and remanded Gill on continuing bail to appear again on 28 April. The case may be heard by another jury. Jonathan Gill pleaded not guilty.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Vesel Jahiri was found guilty by a unanimous jury of murdering his former partner Anna Finnegan, aged 25, and of assaulting her brother Karl Finnegan. The trial, lasting eight weeks, included testimony that Jahiri had threatened Finnegan on a phone call and that he stabbed her in her own home on 21 September 2012. Witnesses described a violent confrontation in which Jahiri forced the door, stabbed Finnegan and Karl, and fled in his car. Jahiri represented himself, was removed from court multiple times, and was escorted by riot police when the verdicts were announced. The judge set a sentencing date for 8 May, remanded Jahiri in custody, and thanked the jury for their service. The case concluded with the jury's decision and the court's adjournment for sentencing. Anna Finnegan pleaded not guilty. Vesel Jahiri pleaded not guilty.
The jury in the trial of Jonathan Gill, 35, accused of kidnapping a Drogheda postal worker, his partner and their 10‑week‑old baby before robbing €660,000 from the workplace, is set to begin its fifth day of deliberations. The jury, composed of seven men and five women, has already spent 13½ hours deliberating since the trial began last Thursday. Judge Elma Sheahan asked the jury forewoman whether more time would help reach a verdict; the forewoman replied that she could not say yet if more time was needed. Judge Sheahan reminded her that there is no time limit on deliberations and that the jury may continue as long as they are making progress. Gill, who pleaded not guilty, is charged with false imprisonment of Warren Nawn, Jean Marie Nawn and their baby in Drogheda between 1 and 2 August 2011.
A jury in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has finished its third day of deliberations in the kidnapping trial of Jonathan Gill, 35, who is accused of abducting a Drogheda postal worker, his partner and their ten‑week‑old baby before stealing €660,000 from the workplace. The State alleges Gill was part of a five‑man group that held the family hostage in their home and later moved them to a shed about 90 minutes away. Gill pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment of Warren Nawn, Jean Marie Nawn and the infant, and the jury will resume tomorrow morning.
In a kidnapping trial, a jury will resume deliberations after a three‑hour session. The accused, Jonathan Gill, 35, faces charges of kidnapping a Drogheda postal worker, his partner and their ten‑week‑old baby, and of robbing €660,000 from the workplace. The State alleges Gill was one of five who held the family hostage in their home before moving them to a shed about 90 minutes away. Gill pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment of Warren Nawn, Jean Marie Nawn and the infant, and the case is before the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
In a murder trial, Vesel Jahiri, 35, denies stabbing his former partner Anna Finnegan, 25, at Allendale Glen, Clonsilla, Dublin 15 on 21 September 2012. He claims Anna was stabbed by her brother Karl Finnegan, whom he says attacked him with a chair and knives. Jahiri says he struck back, stabbing Karl multiple times, but did not see Anna stabbed. Prosecutor Patrick Marrinan accuses Jahiri of fabricating a story and spreading "fake news," citing a 999 call where Jahiri allegedly mentioned only one knife. Jahiri disputes the call's transcript, claims he was forced out of his cell, and alleges Gardaí fabricated evidence and forced witnesses to lie. He also denies any safety plan involving Karl. The judge, Justice Paul Coffey, rebuked Jahiri's statements and instructed him to answer questions, with the jury scheduled to return the next day. Vesel Jahiri pleaded not guilty.
Jonathan Gill, aged 35, faces charges of kidnapping a Drogheda postal worker, his partner and their ten‑week‑old daughter, followed by a €660,000 robbery. The prosecution argues that, though no direct forensic evidence links Gill to the crime scenes, circumstantial evidence—his association with two other men linked to the offence, a car he owned that was in the area on the day of the kidnapping, and CCTV footage of him buying milk at 5.30 am while the kidnapping was underway—collectively proves his guilt. The jury was told the evidence is circumstantial but compelling, likening the combined threads to a rope. Gill pleaded not guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. His defence counsel highlighted the lack of evidence of his presence between the start of the kidnapping at 10.30 pm and the milk purchase, arguing no guilt by association. The case will be presented to the jury tomorrow for deliberation.
During the trial, a jury was informed that CCTV footage from a petrol station in the early hours of August 1, 2011, showed Jonathan Gill, aged 35, buying a litre of milk. Gill is accused of kidnapping a Drogheda postal worker, his partner, and their ten‑week‑old baby, holding them hostage in their home before moving them to a shed about 90 minutes away. The State alleges that the family was held overnight in the shed, where the baby cried and was given milk. After the kidnapping, authorities recovered an empty milk container from a partially burnt vehicle and other items from the shed, including cigarette butts. A detective testified that he canvassed 24‑hour shops, found a sale of milk at Topaz Garage in Balgriffin, and reviewed the CCTV, identifying Gill in the footage. The case continues before Judge Elma Sheahan and a jury of seven men and five women. Jonathan Gill pleaded not guilty.
A surveillance garda testified that he saw Jonathan Gill, 35, driving a silver Renault Clio on Rathbeale Road in Swords on 1 August 2011, the day before the alleged kidnapping of a Drogheda postal worker, his partner and their ten‑week‑old baby. The garda, who cannot be named, also observed a silver Opel Corsa with registration 10D4798 in the same area, which he said stopped briefly before both vehicles left. Gill is charged with false imprisonment of Warren Nawn, Jean Marie Nawn and their baby between 1 and 2 August 2011. He pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The case is before Judge Elma Sheahan and a jury of seven men and five women. The garda's testimony was challenged by Gill's defence counsel, who questioned the accuracy of the witness's observations. The trial continues.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Mark Brennan, aged 39, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment for possessing €80,000 worth of cannabis herb and cocaine. Gardaí seized the drugs from Brennan's flat after a drug search, discovering €17,339 of cocaine and €63,600 of cannabis herb. Brennan claimed he held the drugs to repay an estimated €23,000 debt to third parties, stating he could not provide information about those parties. He pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis herb at his former Ranelagh Road address and possession for sale or supply of cocaine at Grand Parade, Dublin 6, on 25 March 2016. Brennan, who now resides in Drogheda, has one prior conviction. Judge Martin Nolan noted Brennan's addiction and the influence of "dangerous individuals," describing him as the "author of his own misfortune," and imposed the three‑year sentence. The court did not consider any subsequent rehabilitation or community work in determining the sentence.
During a trial in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, the State presented evidence that Jonathan Gill, 35, was part of a group that kidnapped a Drogheda postal worker, his partner and their ten‑week‑old daughter in August 2011. The family was held hostage in their home before being moved to a shed about 90 minutes away. Gill pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment. Gardaí had spotted a car linked to Gill on the N51 north of Drogheda at 6 pm on the day of the kidnapping. The car, a silver Renault Clio registration 06D10959, was recorded by the Automatic Number Plate Recognition system but did not trigger a warning. The ANPR system compares licence plates to databases and flags vehicles of interest. The trial continues before Judge Elma Sheahan and a jury of seven men and five women.
A retired priest, Tadhg O'Dalaigh, aged 73, is awaiting the result of an appeal against his conviction for indecently assaulting a 16‑year‑old boy at Coláiste Chroi Naofa in Carrignavar, County Cork, in 1979. He pleaded not guilty at the Cork Circuit Criminal Court and was found guilty by a jury, receiving a five‑year sentence with the final two years suspended by Judge Donagh McDonagh on 18 December 2014. O'Dalaigh's appeal, filed today, argues that the trial judge erred by refusing to give the jury a corroboration warning, claiming it would be dangerous to convict without corroboration. His barrister, Patrick Gageby SC, described the case as a classic "one person's word against the other" scenario, noting the incident was a one‑off event in a secluded location. Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions, Garrett McCormack BL, maintained that the judge's discretion was exercised correctly and that no legal error occurred.
The Special Criminal Court's trial of 33‑year‑old Lithuanian Eimantas Valteris collapsed after a taped conversation between Valteris and two Gardaí was played. In the recording, the Gardaí, including Detective Sergeant Padraig Boyce, warned Valteris that if he did not accept responsibility for three firearms and four silencers, his wife would be arrested and their child would go into care. They also threatened to arrest his partner if he refused to cooperate. The Director of Public Prosecutions entered a nolle prosequi before the tape was fully played, and the court discharged Valteris. The case had originally involved Valteris's alleged unlawful possession of a .32‑inch semi‑automatic pistol, with evidence of the weapon being found in a VW Passat that had been stopped by Gardaí in Castlebellingham. The trial was the first at the Special Criminal Court involving a Lithuanian defendant. Eimantas Valteris pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court ordered that the public be excluded from the hearing of evidence given by members of the Garda National Surveillance Unit in the trial of Lithuanian man Eimantas Valteris, aged 33, who was arrested in 2013 as part of an operation to counter dissident republican activity in the border area. Valteris, the first Lithuanian charged before the Special Criminal Court, pleaded not guilty to unlawful possession of a .32‑inch semi‑automatic pistol (IZH 79‑8 model Baikal, serial TPB358706) found at his car sales depot in Balmoral Industrial Estate, Navan, Co. Meath. The court heard that Valteris operated the depot and that on 10 June 2013 he was observed moving a red Fiat Ducato van and a black VW Passat, the latter of which was stopped by Gardaí in Castlebellingham, Co. Louth, where the pistol was recovered in the boot. A later search of Valteris's yard yielded €2,000 in another car.
During a kidnap and robbery trial, gardaí discovered a baby hat, duct tape and a cable tie in a hay shed near Swords, Co. Dublin. Jonathan Gill, 35, is accused of kidnapping postal worker Warren Nawn, his partner Jean Marie Nawn and their ten‑week‑old baby in Drogheda on 1–2 August 2011, then robbing over €600,000 from the workplace. The State alleges Gill was part of a five‑person group that held the family hostage in their home before moving them to the shed about 90 minutes away. The shed, previously used for hay storage, was searched on 18 August after a warrant. Initial search yielded duct tape, a cable tie, a milk carton pull ring, masking tape and two keys. A later search on 24 August recovered the baby hat, duct tape, cable tie and three cigarette butts. Jonathan Gill pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court in Dublin opened a trial on 14 March 2017 for Eimantas Valteris, a 33‑year‑old Lithuanian, who is the first Lithuanian charged with terrorism‑related offences in Ireland. Valteris was arrested by the Gardaí in 2013 during an operation targeting dissident republican activity in the border area. He pleaded not guilty to unlawful possession of a .32 inch (7.65 mm) calibre IZH 79‑8 semi‑automatic pistol, serial number TPB358706, found at his car‑sales depot in Balmoral Industrial Estate, Navan, County Meath, on 10 June 2013. The prosecution, presented by Tony Mc Gillicuddy, claimed Valteris operated the depot and stored the firearm on his premises, acting in a storage and transfer role.
In the Central Criminal Court, Vesel Jahiri, 35, accused of murdering his former partner Anna Finnegan, 25, and assaulting her brother Karl, pleaded not guilty and is now representing himself. On September 7, 2012, Jahiri and his two children stayed with witness Helga Duffy in Dundalk while Finnegan was hospitalized after an overdose. On the night of the alleged murder, Jahiri appeared at Duffy's home, telling her that "something bad had happened" and that Finnegan's brother had attacked him with a chair and a knife. Duffy reported that Jahiri had taken Finnegan to the hospital and wanted to take her brother but was refused. She also said Jahiri had not explained how he entered Finnegan's house. During cross‑examination, Jahiri questioned Duffy about alleged Garda discussions and claimed he had forced Finnegan to a refuge centre. He denied any argument with Finnegan except over cars.
The trial of Jonathan Gill, 35, of Malahide Road, Swords, Dublin, is ongoing before Judge Elma Sheahan and a jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Mr Gill has pleaded not guilty to the alleged false imprisonment of Warren Nawn, Jean Marie Nawn, and their baby girl in Drogheda between August 1 and August 2, 2011. The State alleges he was part of a group that held the family hostage before forcing Mr Nawn to retrieve over €600,000 from his workplace. Evidence presented includes a 999 call from Ms Nawn, who described being threatened at gunpoint and beaten during a 15-hour ordeal. She testified that she was left tied to a bedpost with her infant, who had not been fed for 17 hours. G4S worker Gerard Whelan, an applicant in the proceedings, testified that he found Ms Nawn distressed and with cable ties on her hands near the IBM factory in Swords. He contacted gardaí despite her fears for her partner's safety. Detective Garda Donal Tully reported that Ms Nawn had severe bruising on her arms and temple. The matter is currently at the trial stage and has not been finalised; the proceedings continue.
In a 2017 trial, Jean Maire Nawn testified that a group of five men, including Jonathan Gill, threatened her and her ten‑week‑old baby with gunfire and the threat to "blow their heads off" unless her partner complied with demands to steal €600,000. Nawn described being tied to a bedpost in an abandoned house, repeatedly threatened at gunpoint, and beaten over the head with a gun. The raiders moved the family to a shed on a farmyard in Swords, where they were held overnight. Nawn recounted that the men forced her to watch a Liverpool match, threatened to shoot her if anyone called, and told her she and her partner would have to try for another baby. She was later tied to a cast‑iron bed frame, freed after 15 minutes, and then rescued by Gardaí. The case is before Judge Elma Sheahan and a jury, with a four‑week trial expected. Jonathan Gill pleaded not guilty.
A postal worker gave evidence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court describing his ordeal during an alleged kidnapping and robbery in County Louth in August 2011. Warren Nawn told the jury he was tied up and beaten before being forced to collect €600,000 from An Post while his partner and baby were held by armed raiders. Mr Nawn said he feared he would never see his family again, particularly when he spotted a garda car during the journey to work. The State alleges that Jonathan Gill, aged 35, of Malahide Road, Swords, Dublin, was one of five people involved in holding the family hostage in their home before moving them to a shed approximately 90 minutes away. Mr Gill has pleaded not guilty to falsely imprisoning Mr Nawn, Jean Marie Nawn, and their baby in Drogheda between August 1 and 2, 2011. The trial before Judge Elma Sheahan is expected to last four weeks.
Thomas Murray, aged 34, was sentenced to six years in prison for a series of robberies in Dublin between December 2015 and February 2016. He used a knife to threaten victims and cut the straps of handbags, and he also used stolen bank cards for small "tap" purchases. The court noted that he had 37 prior convictions and that his most recent offences were committed while on bail. Murray was apprehended after being "rugby tackled" by two Dublin Bus drivers who pursued him following a robbery at a bus stop. He pleaded guilty to eight robberies, one attempted robbery and one threat to kill, and he admitted that his crimes were driven by a heroin addiction and the need to fund his drug habit and provide for his children. The judge imposed a consecutive sentence of eight years, with the final two years suspended, and ordered 18 months of post‑release supervision.
Jonathan Gill, aged 35, faced trial in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for kidnapping An Post worker Warren Nawn, his partner Jean Marie Matthews, and their 10‑week‑old baby in August 2011. The State alleged Gill, part of a five‑man gang, held the family hostage in their Drogheda home, threatened them with what appeared to be guns, tied them with cable ties, and moved them to a shed 90 minutes away. Gill pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and to robbery of €661,125 from An Post. Prosecutor Vincent Heneghan presented evidence of the family watching TV when the abduction began, the use of a pizza box to assault Nawn, and the subsequent forced transport of the family to the shed. The trial, presided over by Judge Elma Sheahan, is expected to last four weeks. The case remains ongoing.
The trial of Anthony Roddy, 64, and Raymond Fee, 34, for stealing €250,000 from Kevin Brady collapsed after the defence counsel fell ill. Roddy and Fee had pleaded not guilty to theft and to dishonestly inducing Brady to provide a €100,000 bank draft for a supposed investment. The jury was discharged when the counsel was admitted to hospital, and Judge Karen O'Connor adjourned the case. The defendants will be tried again on 9 April 2018.
At a High Court hearing in Dublin on 27 February 2017, Justice Aileen Donnelly said it was "totally inappropriate" that a letter had been sent to her office on behalf of Liam Campbell, a 54‑year‑old Irishman facing terror charges in Lithuania. The letter, which she believed was written by Campbell, was not read beyond the first paragraph because it could have influenced the judge's decision on his extradition application. Campbell, who was arrested on 2 December 2016 under a European Arrest Warrant issued by Lithuanian authorities, had been granted bail and was remanded on continuing bail until 20 March. The warrant alleged that between late 2006 and early 2007 he had organised smuggling for the "terrorist grouping" the RIRA, arranging illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives and substances. The High Court had endorsed the warrant in November 2016, and Campbell's counsel, Brian Gageby, said he had not seen the letter.
Two Louth businessmen, Anthony Roddy (64) and Raymond Fee (34), are on trial for allegedly stealing €250,000 from Kevin Brady between September 2006 and August 2007. They claimed Brady would invest in a €35 million land deal, promising a deposit of €1 million to buy land north of Drogheda. Brady provided a €250,000 bank draft, and later a €100,000 draft for a supposed share portfolio. He sought refunds, receiving €15,000 twice and €47,000, but was told the deal would finish by Christmas 2008 or take two years. Brady visited solicitors, then received a call about selling a farm for €250,000. In May 2009 he reported the matter to the gardai, prompting the investigation and charges. The trial, before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury, continues next week. Anthony Roddy pleaded not guilty. Raymond Fee pleaded not guilty.
Sean Keenan, aged 26, attacked Anthony Kelly, 79, after Kelly had just exited his car to go home. Keenan struck Kelly from behind, demanding the car keys, and then drove the Mercedes Benz over Kelly, nearly reversing the vehicle onto the garden wall. While Kelly was on a stick after a recent stroke, Keenan also assaulted Joseph Cooke, aged in his 70s, who had come to help. Cooke was struck several times in the head and body with what was believed to be the butt of a sawn‑off shotgun; he later received treatment for a head wound. Keenan fled, driving the wrong way down Malahide Road before abandoning the car in Ballymun after a crash. He was sentenced to five‑and‑a‑half years, with the final two years suspended, for robbery of car keys, hijacking, assault, and other offences. The hijacked vehicle, valued at about €25,000, was later written off by insurance. Sean Keenan pleaded guilty.