In a murder trial in Drogheda, Judge Margaret Heneghan decided to continue the case with only one defendant, 52‑year‑old Marius Gaizutis, after initially having two. Gaizutis admitted killing 44‑year‑old Audrius Butkus, whose body was found on a Louth beach in 2013. He pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter at arraignment. The co‑accused, 53‑year‑old Aivers Sonders, was charged with assisting an offender by moving the body, cleaning the scene and disposing of evidence, and pleaded not guilty to all three counts. The judge told the jury that they would no longer consider Sonders. The trial continues with further evidence, including CCTV footage of the night of the murder. The case remains at the Central Criminal Court.
The Central Criminal Court heard evidence in the murder trial of Marius Gaizutis (52), who is charged with murdering Audrius Butkus (44) at Marsh Road, Drogheda, on September 9 or 10, 2013. Gaizutis pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter; the State rejected this plea, and a jury was sworn in. Co-accused Aivers Sonders (53) faces three counts of assisting an offender by impeding Gaizutis's apprehension, to which he pleaded not guilty. State Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy testified that Butkus died from blunt force trauma to the head, consistent with strikes from an object with a rectangular surface. She noted extensive skull damage, over forty fresh injuries, and chronic alcohol use, concluding the assault was sustained and violent. Detective Sergeant Liam Archbold presented Gaizutis's statements, in which he alleged a struggle involving a broken bottle and claimed he used an axe in self-defense before ordering Sonders to dispose of the body. The trial is ongoing, with the judge adjourning proceedings to Monday at 2 pm.
Sashi Buti, a 19‑year‑old former Blackrock college rugby player, was sentenced in June for robbing a taxi driver on 23 August 2014. He and another man forced the driver to take them to St Michael's Estate, where Buti assaulted the driver, robbed his iPhone, SatNav and €220, and left his passport, mobile phone and a necklace in the taxi. After the assault he reported the passport as lost at a Garda station. The driver suffered tenderness and swelling, and the stolen items were never recovered. Buti pleaded guilty at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The judge described his reporting of the passport as a "clever ploy" and noted that he had no prior convictions. The case was adjourned to 13 June, with a report from Probation Services required.
The Central Criminal Court is currently hearing the trial of Marius Gaizutis (52) and co-accused Aivers Sonders (53) under Justice Margaret Heneghan. Gaizutis, of Marsh Road, Drogheda, is charged with murdering Audrius Butkus (44) at that address on September 9 or 10, 2013. He pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter; the State rejected this plea, resulting in a jury trial. Sonders, of Termon Abbey, faces three counts of assisting an offender by impeding Gaizutis's apprehension, including moving the body to Mornington Beach and cleaning the scene. He pleaded not guilty to all counts. Prosecution counsel Patrick Gagey SC told the jury that Butkus died from a sharp, heavy implement, possibly an axe, to the back of the head. Evidence presented includes blood staining on a mop, bucket, and a red Suzuki Swift, as well as a blood-covered bag found near the body. Witnesses included Brian McAreavey, who discovered the body, and Garda Deirdre Semple, who noted drag marks. Gaizutis allegedly admitted to a fight with Butkus and instructed Sonders to dispose of the body. The trial is ongoing and expected to last five to six days.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 21 April 2015, Ulster Bank presented evidence that several individuals had withdrawn money fraudulently during a software failure that allowed ATM withdrawals even when accounts were empty. The court heard that Titilayo Kilanko, aged 38, had pleaded guilty to ten counts of theft for making 115 fraudulent withdrawals totalling €57,708 from Ulster Bank ATMs in Dublin between June 2012 and the time of her arrest. Kilanko claimed the money was used to pay for her father's kidney transplant in Nigeria, where she had flown with the cash and converted it to naira. She had repaid €4,600 and was continuing to pay €100 a week, with a plan to increase to €200. The judge adjourned sentencing to allow the defence to obtain medical records from Nigeria. The case highlighted the bank's decision to prosecute other offenders who failed to repay the withdrawn sums.
Waldemar Solowiow, 48, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment for the death of his 37‑year‑old girlfriend, Mary Ryan, who was found unconscious in his Dublin bedsit on 18‑19 May 2012. Ryan died from neck compression and blunt force head trauma. Solowiow had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, claiming provocation after a physical fight the night before. He was found guilty of murder by a majority jury and received a mandatory life sentence on 31 October 2013. His counsel, Paul Burns SC, has now applied to the Court of Appeal for either a retrial or a substitution of the murder verdict with manslaughter. The appeal focuses on whether Solowiow's false statements about the circumstances, which he later recanted, could be admitted as evidence and whether they undermine the provocation defence. The Court of Appeal will decide at a future hearing.
In the Central Criminal Court, Frank O'Hara's two‑page victim impact statement was read by prosecution barrister Seán Guerin SC. He described his daughter Elaine as intelligent, emotionally vulnerable, and a future teacher who had earned a BA in Montessori Education. He recounted her disappearance in August 2012, initially presumed a suicide, and the subsequent discovery of her remains in September 2013, which shifted the investigation to murder. O'Hara expressed anguish over media coverage that he felt was insulting and over the questioning of his evidence's credibility. He highlighted unanswered questions about the circumstances of Elaine's death, including whether she was restrained or left to die alone. He concluded that the family's experience is a "life sentence" with no parole, emphasizing the ongoing pain and lack of closure.
Gregory Shannon, 35, of Dundalk, pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment after driving his car at a person he had apparently fallen out with in a local car park on 17 May 2012. The original sentence, imposed by Judge Michael O'Shea on 15 March 2014, was three‑and‑a‑half years' imprisonment with the final year suspended. On appeal, Justice Garrett Sheehan found that the trial judge had erred by not fully considering mitigating factors such as Shannon's guilty plea, work record and community activity, and by failing to consider a community‑service order. The Court of Appeal set aside the original sentence and imposed a new term of three‑and‑a‑half years' imprisonment with the final two years suspended. Shannon was required to post a €500 bond and keep the peace for two years, to which he agreed.
Christopher Ward, aged 52, was convicted of raping his 74‑year‑old aunt Kathleen Ward in Dundalk on 13 March 2011. After an eight‑day trial, a Central Criminal Court jury found him guilty and Mr Justice George Birmingham sentenced him to 14 years' imprisonment on 19 May 2014. Ward had pleaded not guilty and was due to appeal his conviction and sentence in the Court of Appeal before 18 April 2015. However, his barrister, Michael O'Higgins SC, informed the Court that Ward suffered a heart attack on Friday and died, so the appeal will not proceed.
Paula Reid, a 51‑year‑old mother from Drogheda, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 12 counts of theft totalling €4,790.97, having stolen nearly €5,000 from her former employer, Hugh Burrows & Sons Ltd, over a period from June 2010 to September 2012. Reid, who had worked for the company for 30 years and was recently in charge of accounts and payroll, paid herself a double weekly wage on 12 occasions, a practice described by Garda Vincent Healy as "double‑dip payments" or "bonus payments of an extra week's wages." She was suspended from her job in January 2013 and subsequently dismissed. Reid initially denied the thefts, attributing the discrepancies to a bank error, but later admitted the wrongdoing and repaid the money via a bank draft. The court noted that the thefts were not well hidden, as the double payments were clearly visible on bank statements.
In a 2015 Central Criminal Court hearing, David Henry, 28, was convicted of assault causing harm after he beat his ex‑girlfriend, Evangeline O'Neill, in a school car park in Tralee on 17 June 2012. O'Neill, aged 22 at the time, described being straddled, punched and slapped, suffering black eyes and jaw soreness. Henry pleaded not guilty; a jury found him guilty by a 10‑to‑1 majority. Judge Patrick McCarthy imposed a three‑year sentence, suspended the last 18 months on condition of peace, and back‑dated it to 28 January when Henry entered custody. The deputy principal of St. Oliver's Community College, Una Kirk, testified as a character witness, noting Henry's professional conduct as a substitute PE teacher. O'Neill's victim impact statement highlighted lasting trauma, and Garda Aidan Carey recounted the abusive texts and events leading to the assault. Henry admitted using excessive force and expressed contrition, which the judge acknowledged in his sentencing remarks.
David Manning, 45, of Brighton Terrace, Monkstown, Dun Laoghaire, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 16 theft charges for stealing €46,691 from the State by claiming his dead aunt Mary Hegarty's pension. The thefts occurred between February 2010 and August 2013, with 115 sample counts. Manning had been Hegarty's full‑time carer until her death in February 2010. He admitted to collecting the pension for three years, using the money for funeral costs, medical bills, nursing home expenses and a neighbour's roof repairs. Garda Orla Meehan confirmed the thefts with CCTV footage from Blackrock Post Office. Manning informed on himself and repaid the full amount. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced him to three years' imprisonment, suspended in full, citing his self‑incrimination and restitution as mitigating factors.
Graham Dwyer, 42, charged with the murder of 36‑year‑old childcare worker Elaine O'Hara, was interviewed by Gardaí after his arrest. He repeatedly denied any involvement, stating he was "not a killer; I'm not a saint" and expressed confusion over why he was being questioned. During the first interview at Blackrock Garda Station, he asked how he was connected to the case and questioned the relevance of forensic evidence. In a second interview, when shown a photograph of O'Hara, he reiterated his innocence and expressed fear of being portrayed in the media. Gardaí explained that the case would be tried by a judge and jury and urged him to consult his solicitor. The matter was scheduled for trial before Mr Justice Tony Hunt with a jury of five women and seven men.
Alan Rees, 31, of Tinure, Dunleer, was sentenced to 18 months in prison at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for possessing cat litter and other items used in a fuel laundering scheme that cost the Revenue €67,731. He pleaded guilty to possession of prohibited goods used to remove the green marker dye from agricultural diesel at Ballycoolin Business Park on 17 May 2013. The court noted the crime was serious and difficult to detect, and the judge refused to suspend part of the sentence or defer its start. Rees was found with a filtration system that used cat litter to strip the dye from green diesel, allowing it to be sold as fuel for cars. The operation was uncovered when a maintenance man noticed diesel fumes and cat litter in the unit, leading to a customs inspection.
The Court of Appeal has increased the sentence of Cathal Murtagh, a Louth man, from five years to eight years for possession of drugs for sale or supply. Murtagh, who pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, was originally sentenced in March 2012 for possessing €3.5 million worth of ecstasy and cannabis at a Malahide Road warehouse in April 2011. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed the original sentence as unduly lenient, arguing the judge failed to adequately consider the offence's presumptive minimum of ten years and the drugs' value. President of the Court of Appeal Mr Justice Seán Ryan imposed the new eight-year term from the date of the original sentence. However, the balance of the sentence was suspended. Mr Justice Ryan described Murtagh as "very lucky" and urged him to "take the chance" given. Murtagh was required to enter a personal bond of €100 to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for five years. Counsel for the DPP, Mr Ronan Kennedy BL, argued the original sentence attached excessive weight to mitigating factors, including Murtagh's status as a "lowest cog" and his lack of prior convictions. Defence counsel, Ms Mary Rose Gearty SC, noted Murtagh had been at liberty since September 30. The court's decision reflects a review of the sentence rather than a new trial, with the suspended portion contingent on the specified conditions.
The Central Criminal Court jury heard technical evidence on the 27th day of the trial of Graham Dwyer, who is charged with murdering Elaine O'Hara at Killakee, Rathfarnham on 22nd August 2012. Mr Dwyer, aged 42, has pleaded not guilty to the charge. Witnesses including telecommunications engineers provided detailed mobile phone records and data covering periods before and after the alleged offence. The court also heard from a woman who had engaged Mr Dwyer's architectural services in County Galway in 2009, and from witnesses who placed him at various locations during July 2012. A Ballyshannon hotel proprietor testified to his movements that month. The State's case is that the killing occurred hours after Ms O'Hara's discharge from a mental health facility. Her remains were discovered at Killakee in September 2013. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury of five women and seven men.
In Balbriggan District Court on 26 February 2015, two women, Eileen McDonagh (36) and Carolyn Ward (29), were dealt with for stealing €1,782.35 worth of children's clothing from Tesco Extra. McDonagh donated €300 to the Laura Lynn Hospice, leading Judge Dermot Dempsey to apply Section 1.1 of the Probation Act and grant her probation. Ward, who did not attend court and made no donation, was convicted and fined €300. Both had no prior convictions and were described by their solicitor as acting out of desperation with no sophisticated planning. Separately, Ryan Myles (21) was adjourned for a Probation & Welfare Report after pleading guilty to theft of cosmetics and possession of cannabis resin, with 10 prior convictions. A motorist, David Boylan (48), was fined €300 for careless driving after a collision at a crossroads but was not disqualified. Finally, Mathew Lencewicz (21) was convicted of drink driving, fined €200, and received a six‑month driving ban.
Swords District Court heard several matters presided over by Judge Denis McLoughlin. Jandean Hyland, who pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, had his case struck out after paying €750 compensation. Anthony Lambe, convicted of causing criminal damage, was fined €200 and remanded on continuing bail until May 18th to pay the fine. Patrick McDonagh was convicted and fined €250 for theft, while his brother Eddie McDonagh, also convicted of theft, was given the benefit of the Probation & Offenders Act. Karl McQuillian, who pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis, had his case adjourned until May 18th for a Probation & Welfare report to assess suitability for 200 hours of community service in lieu of a five-month prison sentence. Algars Putnins, who pleaded guilty to intoxication, obstruction, and threatening behaviour, was remanded on continuing bail to reappear in May to make a €200 charitable contribution, with the Probation Act to be applied if the donation is made. Martin Maughan, who pleaded guilty to careless driving and failing to give a specimen, was disqualified from driving for four years and fined €300.
Dan Cirpaci, a 26‑year‑old Romanian, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for stealing almost €13,000 from two women who were deceived at separate ATM machines. In each incident the women were told they had dropped a €10 note, after which their cards were swapped for others without their knowledge. Cirpaci used the stolen cards to make unauthorized purchases at shops, post offices and off‑licenses, totaling €12,795. He pleaded guilty to four counts, including €200 from Anne O'Reilly on 17 November 2012, €898 from Ms O'Reilly at Blackrock Post Office the same day, and €899 each from Valerie Casey at Leonard's Corner and Rathmines Post Offices on 19 November 2012. He faced 30 counts in total; the judge suspended the last year of a three‑year sentence. Both women were reimbursed by their banks. The case was heard in 2015.
Shane Howarth, 19, was sentenced to three months' imprisonment for stealing a Nokia Lumia mobile phone worth €300 from PC Style on Drogheda Street, Balbriggan, on 11 October 2014. He pleaded guilty before Balbriggan District Court. The theft was captured on CCTV and Howarth was identified after the shop owner discovered the phone missing. He had previously received an adult caution in September 2014 and had no prior convictions. Howarth was offered the chance to pay €300 in compensation but only had €50 in court. Judge Dermot Dempsey noted that Howarth did not appear concerned about paying the compensation and therefore imposed the custodial sentence. The sentence was fixed on recognisance pending appeal. The case was heard by Inspector Neil Curran and defence solicitor Donogh McGowan, who described the crime as opportunistic and foolish. The court recorded that Howarth had consumed alcohol on the day of the offence. The sentence was imposed on 12 February 2015.
Balbriggan District Court heard three matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Jonathan Fitzpatrick, 26, of Balbriggan, pleaded guilty to using threatening and abusive behaviour on Drogheda Street in October last year. He was convicted and fined €200. The judge warned Fitzpatrick that he is sailing close to a custodial sentence and that further convictions would result in custody. Fitzpatrick claimed he could not remember the incident due to intoxication, though the judge noted no apology was recorded in garda files. Alan Boardman, 31, of Lusk, is alleged to have been in possession of cannabis for sale or supply, valued at over €13,000, and to have unlawfully possessed cannabis and PVP in Lusk last August. The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed trial on indictment. The matter was adjourned until April 9th for the service of the Book of Evidence, with Boardman remanded on continuing bail. Nicholas Hampson, 43, of Liverpool, is alleged to have assaulted Edward Connolly causing harm on New Year's Day in Lusk. The State is awaiting medical records to determine DDP directions. The matter was adjourned until April 9th, with Hampson remanded on continuing bail.
At the Central Criminal Court, a jury heard that gardaí discovered the body of Patricia Kierans at her family home in Drumbannon, Bailieboro, County Cavan, on the evening of 5 September 2013. Garda Adrian O'Hanlon of Virginia Garda Station testified that he found Ms Kierans lying on the floor of a bedroom containing a cot. Oliver Kierans, aged 57, has pleaded not guilty to her murder on that date, and also to unlawful possession of a double-barrel shotgun and possession of the weapon with intent to endanger life. The court heard evidence that gardaí attended The Square bar in Bailieboro as part of a critical incident response, where the accused was later arrested at 3.20am. The trial, before Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly and a jury, addresses legal issues and will resume with evidence on Friday.
The trial of Graham Dwyer at the Central Criminal Court heard testimony from two men who met Elaine O'Hara on the alternative‑sexuality website alt.com. Robert Cullen Jones, who met O'Hara in March 2011, described their meetings in Dundrum Shopping Centre and at her apartment in Stepaside, noting her interest in bondage and the presence of handcuffs and vibrators. He also recalled receiving texts from her and later deleting her number. Seán Guerin SC presented items recovered from Vartry Reservoir, including a butt plug, and questioned the witness about her sexual fantasies. Mark Guerin, another alt.com user, recounted meetings with O'Hara in Blackrock and Stepaside, describing her restraints and references to self‑harm. The jury heard that O'Hara was last seen on 22 August 2012, her remains found at Killakee on 13 September 2013, with no cause of death determined. The case remains before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury.
Michael McDonagh, a 36‑year‑old bare‑knuckle boxer, was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his wife, Jacqueline McDonagh, on 29 August 2012. The Central Criminal Court heard that the assault lasted one hour and twenty minutes and that Jacqueline was brutally beaten to death in their Dundalk home. CCTV footage showed McDonagh leaving his car in good form after a family party, and the investigation revealed extensive bruising and penetrating wounds inflicted with a long‑handled implement found at the scene. A post‑mortem confirmed severe injuries, including three large scalp wounds and multiple bruises on the left thigh. McDonagh pleaded guilty and was given a life sentence, back‑dated to 1 September 2012, after the court considered the victim impact statement and the evidence of domestic violence. The sentence was imposed by Justice Paul Carney.
Adam O'Mara, aged 20 and resident in County Louth, received a suspended sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following a high-speed pursuit on the N1 Motorway near Drogheda on 8 February 2012. O'Mara pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a stolen white Toyota Dyna, dangerous driving, and driving without insurance. During the 40-minute chase, the then 17-year-old attempted to ram a garda vehicle on four occasions whilst weaving through traffic and overtaking dangerously. He also threw objects from the vehicle before it came to a stop due to mechanical failure. Judge Mary Ellen Ring imposed a two-and-a-half-year custodial sentence, wholly suspended, and disqualified him from driving for four years. In mitigation, the court noted O'Mara's completion of a welding course and his engagement with drug treatment services since the offence. He was ordered to comply with probation supervision and maintain good behaviour for the period of the suspended sentence.
Sean McAuley, 20, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of Ketamine, MDMA, and cannabis for sale or supply. Following the completion of voluntary work and a positive Probation Report, Judge Dermot Dempsey struck out the case. In a separate matter, John Butterly, 39, pleaded guilty to assaulting Peter Thompson and producing a baseball bat. Lorraine Butterly, 34, is charged with assaulting three individuals and producing a rolling pin. Peter Thompson, 41, pleaded guilty to assaulting John Butterly. All three were remanded on continuing bail until April 13th for a hearing at Swords District Court. Zacheaus Odinga, 45, pleaded guilty to driving without insurance on Drogheda Street in Balbriggan. Judge Dempsey convicted him, fined him €400, and declined to invoke disqualification under special circumstances. The report also notes that David Cummins, 25, is charged with attempting to steal cash and a can of Coke; his case is scheduled for March 30th. Jade Gannon, 32, pleaded guilty to theft and non-payment of a taxi fare, receiving fines of €100 and €75 respectively. Andrea Bunce, 44, is alleged to have stolen stock and cash; she was remanded on continuing bail until February 12th. John Maxwell, 36, is charged with possession of cannabis; his case was adjourned until March 12th for the service of the Book of Evidence.
Two Lithuanian men have been sentenced to four years in prison with the final two years suspended at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following their conviction on extortion and threatening-to-kill charges. Deividas Sutkevicius, aged 29, of Fox Lodge, Ratoath, County Meath, and Arturas Jankus, aged 52, of Cortolvin View, Monaghan, were found guilty of demanding €3,500 and €2,500 with menaces from a Monaghan-based fitter on separate dates in March and April 2011. They were also convicted of threatening to kill or cause serious harm to the same man on those occasions. The offences occurred at a garage between Carrickmacross and Ardee. Both men have been ordered to remain away from the injured party and his family for twenty years. Judge Patricia Ryan imposed the sentence on each count. Both defendants have no previous convictions.
The trial of 42‑year‑old architect Graham Dwyer, charged with the murder of 36‑year‑old childcare worker Elaine O'Hara, has heard evidence that items recovered from a Wicklow lake in October 2013 matched O'Hara's personal belongings. Glasses found in the lake were shown to have the same prescription and frames as those prescribed to O'Hara, and a set of keys recovered from the water matched keys to her car and home. The items, which included bondage cuffs, a leather mask, a ball gag, a blindfold, a knife, a rope, a chain, a Nokia mobile phone, a white vibrator, a black anal plug, a red battery‑operated device, a red kidney‑shaped object, a ski mask, a gold bracelet, a Tesco Mobile SIM card, a metal band, a pair of sunglasses, a pair of glasses, a pair of shorts and a Real Madrid dressing gown, were presented to the jury.
Craig Gardiner, 63, of Gibbons Terrace, Balbriggan, was sentenced to four years' imprisonment for possession and distribution of child pornography. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of child pornography at Cyberzone cafe, Drogheda Street, Balbriggan on 1 November 2010 and to three counts of distribution of child pornography between June and September 2010. The judge, Martin Nolan, suspended the final two years of the sentence on the condition that Gardiner undergo probation supervision for two years. Gardiner's offences were discovered after a computer he used at an internet cafe became infected with a suspicious virus. Garda Louisa Gernan reported that two mobile phones seized from Gardiner contained 755 images of child pornography, including 39 images of boys aged two to ten. Emails sent by Gardiner were found to contain 217 similar images. Gardiner had no prior convictions and had briefly fled to Northern Ireland before voluntarily returning.
In 2010, Douglas Ward, 38, of Louth, killed 18‑year‑old Niall Dorr in a prolonged assault on Castle Road, Dundalk. Ward pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was originally sentenced to 16 years' imprisonment, with three years suspended, by Mr Justice Paul Carney in 2012. The Court of Appeal, led by Mr Justice Seán Ryan, found the sentence excessive, citing Ward's lack of pre‑meditation, no serious prior convictions, and his efforts to address alcohol and drug problems. The appeal court reduced the sentence to 13 years' imprisonment, again with three years suspended. The decision was based on the violent nature of the attack, the severity of injuries, and the absence of provocation or prior conflict involving Dorr. Ward expressed remorse for the killing. The case remains a manslaughter conviction with a reduced custodial term.
A 24‑year‑old Louth man, Adrian Crevan Mackin of Mullach Alainn, Omeath, was brought before the Special Criminal Court on a charge of membership in the Irish Republican Army (IRA). The charge was brought on Friday, 16 January, after Mackin was arrested and cautioned at The Crescent, Dundalk. Detective Garda Ciaran Hobbs gave evidence of the arrest, charge and caution. The three‑judge court, presided over by Mr Justice Paul Butler, agreed to hear the case. Mackin was remanded in custody and will appear again on Thursday, with his barrister planning to apply for bail and legal aid.
Li Lian, owner of China Garden takeaway on Drogheda Street, Balbriggan, pleaded guilty in Balbriggan District Court to three counts of employing two foreign nationals without work permits on 21 October 2013, 8 November 2013 and 10 April 2014. An inspector from the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation found the two Chinese chefs working without valid permits. One chef had applied for a permit between 2012 and early 2014 but was refused; he now holds a permit since September 2014. The other chef has since left. Ms Lian was fined €1,700, below the maximum €4,000 per offence.
In a Balbriggan District Court hearing on 15 January 2015, Olivia Weldon, aged 40, pleaded guilty to theft after taking €55.56 worth of items from a Tesco Extra on 11 December 2014. She claimed she was under pressure due to her daughter's birthday and the upcoming Christmas. The judge fined her €150. A separate case involved Thomas Gaffney, 19, charged with multiple thefts including a car, bicycle, truckster, and chicken fillet rolls. His hearing was scheduled for 2 February at Swords District Court. Anthony Handley, 63, faced a dangerous driving charge; the book of evidence would be served in March, and he remained on bail until 5 March. Kevin Harmon, 26, was charged with assault causing harm to Darren O'Donovan; he was remanded on continuing bail and given an alibi caution, with a next appearance set for 30 January at the Criminal Courts of Justice. Olivia Weldon was convicted.
Swords District Court heard five cases presided over by Judge John Coughlan. Karl Dempsey pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour on a bus. He was convicted and fined €75. Winnie Joyce pleaded guilty to theft from TK MAX. She was convicted and fined €500. Stephen Wynne, who did not appear, was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis. The court proceeded in his absence, resulting in a conviction and a €300 fine. Drew Lynch pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of Ecstasy tablets. As his third drugs offence, he was convicted and fined €1,200, with recognisance fixed for appeal. Jill Devine pleaded guilty to theft from three shops. She was convicted and fined €200. All defendants were sentenced in this round-up.
Two men from Louth were granted bail by the Special Criminal Court pending the service of a book of evidence for separate offences. Michael Connolly, 42, of Dundalk was charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, the Irish Republican Army, on 16 December. Brian Fitzpatrick, 49, of Dundalk was charged with two counts of possession of an explosive substance under suspicious circumstances, alleged to be two complete Improvised Explosive Devices, on the same day at Mitchelstown Cross, Castletown, Navan, Co. Meath. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan and Judge William Hamill, ordered bail for both men on terms agreed with counsel. The conditions include daily signing at Dundalk Garda station, a curfew from 11 pm to 7 am, surrendering passports, remaining within the jurisdiction, residing at addresses known to Gardaí and providing a mobile phone number for contact. Independent sureties of €20,000 each and bonds of €100 were set, and legal aid was granted.
In a Swords District Court hearing, two men, Sean Brady (34) and Damien Byrne (45), pleaded guilty to burglary at Kinsealy Pet Store on 24 October 2013. Brady also pleaded guilty to careless driving. Garda evidence showed the owner, Aidan O'Connor, discovered an intruder around 10.30 pm, and the store's doors were left open, causing €660 worth of birds to die from cold exposure. Blood at the scene matched Brady's DNA. O'Connor saw a male fleeing the aviary toward a red BMW, struck the vehicle with a hatchet, and had to jump out of the way. Garda Kevin Farrell noted the BMW, driven by Byrne, was stopped at Artane Roundabout. Brady, with ten prior convictions, will have his case sent back to Trim Circuit Court for a Section 99 re‑entry on 3 February next year.
Paul McGee, 21, was placed on a 12-month Probation Bond at Balbriggan District Court after pleading guilty to causing criminal damage and breaching a protection order. The charges relate to an incident on July 22nd at Selskar Avenue, Skerries, where Garda Anthony O'Connor alleged McGee kicked in a door and used threatening behaviour. Judge Dermot Dempsey ordered McGee to comply with Probation Services requirements. In a separate matter, Derek Gildea, 51, is charged with the unlawful possession of a combat knife allegedly found at Balbriggan Garda Station on October 24th. His case was adjourned to January 15th for a hearing. Additionally, Thomas Weldon, 32, is alleged to have committed burglary and assault causing harm in Brega on June 14, 2014. His case was adjourned to February 9th at Swords District Court. Finally, Daniel Michalow, 28, is alleged to have breached a protection order in Rush on December 7th by assaulting a woman. Sergeant Tony Tighe requested an adjournment to seek directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions regarding potential further charges. Judge Dempsey adjourned Michalow's case until February 26th.
Two men from Louth, aged 42 and 49, were brought before the Special Criminal Court on 18 December 2014. Michael Connolly of Dundalk was charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Brian Fitzpatrick of Dundalk was charged with two counts of possession of an explosive substance under suspicious circumstances, alleged to be two complete improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Both men were arrested on 16 December at the same car park outside Drogheda Garda Station. Connolly denied membership of the IRA when cautioned, and Fitzpatrick denied possession of explosives. Garda Colm Finnerty and Detective Garda Niall Armstrong gave evidence of the arrests, charges and cautions. The court granted an order to preserve any external CCTV footage from Drogheda Garda Station and remanded both men in custody until Tuesday, when Connolly will apply for bail and legal aid.
In December 2014 the Court of Appeal doubled a six‑year sentence that had been imposed on Christopher Farrell, a 30‑year‑old from Drogheda, for two rape offences committed on 16 September 2007. Farrell had pleaded not guilty but was convicted by a jury of rape, oral rape, attempted rape and false imprisonment of one woman and sexual assault of another. He had 26 prior convictions, including assault. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed, arguing the sentence was "undue leniency" and that aggravating factors had been ignored. The Court of Appeal quashed the concurrent six‑year sentences and imposed a new 12‑year sentence for the two rape counts, describing the original sentence as "very seriously inadequate.".
A 36-year-old man from Ballinrobe, County Mayo, has been sentenced to four years imprisonment, with the final twelve months suspended, following a series of attempted robberies across Dublin and County Louth in early 2014. Arthur Boland pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two counts of attempted robbery at post offices in Dublin 2 and one count of making threats to kill or cause serious harm at Pearse Street Garda Station. He also admitted to robbery at the General Post Office on O'Connell Street, a robbery at a bookmaker on Marlborough Street, and a robbery at a post office in Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk on 25 February 2014. Boland handed written notes demanding money to staff at multiple premises, simulating a firearm by keeping his hand in his jacket pocket. He obtained €4,110 from the Dundalk post office and €35 from the Dublin bookmaker. The sentence was backdated to his arrest in March 2014. Judge Mary Ellen Ring noted Boland's efforts at rehabilitation while in custody, including his participation in educational and counselling programmes.
The Special Criminal Court has set a trial date for three men—Gareth Mulley (45), David Gallagher (37), and William Burns (38)—charged with possession of explosive devices, including an adapted 50‑litre beer keg, 50 kg of homemade ammonium nitrate, PETN, RDX, an improvised detonation cord, steel booster tube, and time‑and‑power unit. All were arrested in May 2014 by An Garda Síochana's Special Detective Unit during investigations into dissident republican activity. Mulley and Gallagher are also charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, namely Oglaigh na hÉireann (the Irish Republican Army). The court, presided over by Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy, set the trial for 5 July 2016, expected to last two to three weeks, and issued witness orders and instructions on alibi evidence and witness notice. Counsel for Burns sought a variation of bail conditions to allow night taxi work, which the court removed.
The Court of Appeal has adjourned the sentencing appeal of Cathal Murtagh until January 19. Murtagh, a Louth man, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of drugs for sale or supply at a warehouse on Malahide Road on April 25, 2011. In March 2012, Judge Martin Nolan sentenced him to five years' imprisonment. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) appealed this sentence on grounds of undue leniency. Counsel for the DPP, Mr Ronan Kennedy BL, argued that the sentencing judge failed to adequately consider the offence's maximum penalty of life imprisonment and the presumptive minimum of ten years. He further contended that excessive weight was given to mitigating factors, such as Murtagh's guilty plea and lack of prior convictions, while insufficient regard was paid to the value of the drugs, which included cannabis and ecstasy tablets worth over €3.5 million. Counsel for Murtagh, Ms Mary Rose Gearty SC, highlighted that he has been at liberty since September 30. President of the Court of Appeal, Mr Justice Sean Ryan, reserved the decision, meaning the matter was adjourned and not concluded.
James McDonagh, aged 22, was sentenced to two months in prison after he threw a fine at a traffic warden and verbally abused him, telling the warden to "shove it up your hole." The incident occurred on 14 May at Drogheda Street in Balbriggan, where McDonagh had been parked in a loading bay for two minutes. He approached the warden, threw the fine, and began threatening and verbally abusing the warden, who was forced to hide. McDonagh had previously pleaded guilty to using threatening and abusive behaviour. He has 11 prior convictions and was under financial pressure at the time. The judge noted that McDonagh had already served community service and did not appear to have learned his lesson, leading to the custodial sentence. The sentence was fixed with recognisance pending any appeal.
At Balbriggan District Court, Judge Dermot Dempsey struck out cases against Thomas and Alan Larkin after they paid €500 to St Vincent de Paul. Thomas Larkin (36) pleaded guilty to assaulting a youth causing harm, while Alan Larkin (33) pleaded guilty to producing a wheel brace. The court heard the brothers reacted to youths throwing rocks at their car, which contained a baby. Judge Dempsey warned them they cannot take the law into their own hands. Keith Daly (21) pleaded guilty to handling stolen property, specifically a red Carrera mountain bike. He was placed on a 12-month Probation Bond, ordered to comply with Probation Services recommendations, engage in Offence Focus work, and be assessed for training and employment. Julian Donnelly (28) pleaded guilty to possession of €20 of cannabis resin. He was convicted and fined €300. Judge Dempsey noted he had no evidence Donnelly had stopped using drugs since March and warned he was sailing close to a prison sentence. Damien Costello (35) pleaded guilty to stealing €20 of petrol from two service stations. He paid €100 in compensation and was placed on a 12-month Probation Bond. Meanwhile, cases for John Scott (36), charged with dangerous driving and having excessively worn tyres, and Grainne Kealy (56), charged with driving without due caution and attention, were adjourned until January 8th for a plea or to fix a hearing date, as solicitors awaited outstanding statements and photographs.
Thomas McDonagh, aged 21, was jailed for three years after hijacking a taxi on 27 March 2012 in Dublin. He forced the driver to take him and his 16‑year‑old cousin Bernard McDonagh into the vehicle. The taxi later crashed near Slane Castle in County Meath, killing Bernard hours after the collision. McDonagh suffered serious injuries, including a broken spine and brain damage, and now has epilepsy and other medical problems. He was already on bail for a 2011 robbery and had a six‑year sentence for that offence. Judge Mary Ellen Ring suspended the last two years of a five‑year sentence on the condition that McDonagh engage with Probation Services after release. The sentence runs consecutively to the sentence he is currently serving. The court heard McDonagh apologized and expressed remorse, and noted his history of ten previous convictions, including robbery.
Glen Douche, 27, of Termon Abbey, Drogheda, lost an appeal against his assault sentence. He had pleaded guilty to two counts of assault causing harm and one count of endangerment in Darndale, Dublin, on 11 July 2009. Judge Martin Nolan had sentenced him to three years imprisonment in December 2012, to run consecutively after a prior nine‑and‑a‑half‑year term for possession of explosives imposed in 2010, with the final two‑and‑a‑half years suspended. Mr Justice John Edwards dismissed the appeal, noting that the sentencing judge had considered Douche's cooperation, literacy and addiction problems, difficult family history and the loss of two brothers, one killed in Mountjoy Prison. Douche had 109 previous convictions, mainly for road traffic offences, and the court was not inclined to allow the appeal. The case involved a party at a stab victim's home, a confrontation with Mr Anthony Byrne, and Douche's driving of his car at a group of people.
Michael McKevitt, a 65‑year‑old former dissident republican leader serving a 20‑year sentence for directing terrorism, lost a High Court case seeking early release on the basis of his participation in structured prison activities. He argued that courses in computing, speech, drama, art, French, yoga and an Open University creative writing course entitled him to a one‑third remission and immediate release. The Minister for Justice was allowed to refuse remission, citing the risk of re‑offending and Garda submissions that McKevitt would re‑engage in senior dissident activity upon release. Judge Peter Kelly upheld the Minister's decision, noting that engagement in authorised activities does not automatically reduce the likelihood of re‑offending and that the Minister had ample material to refuse remission. McKevitt's scheduled release remains July 2016, based on the normal one‑quarter remission.
Aaron Black, aged 23, was part of a four‑man gang that robbed a Balbriggan jeweller's shop on 10 May 2013. The gang threatened staff with a claw hammer, smashed display cases and stole €15,370 worth of jewellery. Black was arrested shortly after the robbery when he was seen in a taxi on the M1, changing clothes. He identified himself on CCTV, apologised to the shop owners, the taxi driver and the Balbriggan community, and pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Mary Ellen Ring sentenced him to three years in prison, suspended in full on the condition that he keep the peace for three years. He is now employed, claims to be drug‑free, and has cooperated with probation services. The court noted his moderate risk of re‑offending but that he has not attracted further Garda attention since the robbery. The jeweller's estimated economic loss was €2,800, including loss of business.
Darren Fagan, aged 20, was convicted at Balbriggan District Court for intoxication and threatening behaviour after giving a two‑finger gesture to Garda Wayne Keown on Drogheda Street. The court warned him to apologise to the Garda and to donate €100 to the Garda Benevolent Fund by 27 November to avoid conviction. Fagan admitted he had not apologised and could not raise the money. He pleaded guilty to the offence, which occurred at about 11.20 pm on 27 September. His defence solicitor noted his history of hostel stays and addiction issues, but also that he had completed a Health & Fitness course and an animation course. Judge Dermot Dempsey fined him €100 and imposed recognisance pending appeal, as he had failed to meet the court's conditions.
At Balbriggan District Court, Tom Maughan pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour. Judge Dermot Dempsey sentenced him to 150 hours of community service work in lieu of a month in prison, following a Probation Service assessment. Stephen Nyantaki, who had previously pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and non-payment of a taxi fare, failed to appear for sentencing, resulting in a bench warrant for his arrest. Niall Skelly, charged with the theft of groceries, was remanded to February 19th and granted bail with a condition to refrain from entering the relevant Tesco supermarket. Thomas Gaffney, alleged to have unauthorisedly taken a car, bicycle, and truckster, and stolen chicken fillet rolls, was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on January 8th for a plea or hearing date. Derek Gildea, charged with unlawful possession of a combat knife, had his case adjourned to December 18th as he was not present in court. Additionally, Brendan Donovan, alleged to be in possession of a stolen Ford Transit van, was granted a hearing date of January 5th at Swords District Court.