In a Balbriggan District Court hearing on 27 November 2014, Adam Erity, aged 21, received a nine‑month suspended sentence and a three‑year driving disqualification after pleading guilty to unlawfully taking a Mazda 323 from a house at Chapel Farm, Lusk, on 14–15 October 2012. Erity, who admitted substance abuse at the time, had 23 prior convictions and was arrested and fully admitted the offence. The judge, Dermot Dempsey, imposed the suspended sentence and disqualification. The court also adjourned a separate case involving Charles Hunt, 28, charged with unlawful possession of ketamine, to 11 December 2014. Additionally, Przemyslaw Kutszal, 45, was convicted and fined €250 for assaulting his ex‑girlfriend and €100 for criminal damage, and ordered to pay €400 to Charles Reid for property damage. Noel Drummond, 45, was convicted and fined €200 for holding a mobile phone while driving, with the court noting the fine exceeded the standard fixed penalty.
Swords District Court heard several matters presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey. Ivans Zinkevics, 49, pleaded guilty to trespassing, intoxication, and threatening behaviour. He was sentenced to 240 hours of community service in lieu of a two-month prison term, following a positive probation report. Mairead McRory, 34, admitted to drink driving after a collision. Judge Dempsey convicted her, fined her €750, and disqualified her from driving for three years, a disqualification postponed until March. Tom Costello, 22, pleaded guilty to theft. Despite 47 previous convictions, the judge granted him a final opportunity, convicting him and sentencing him to four months in prison, suspended for two years. Cathy Lawrence, 22, pleaded guilty to using a false driving licence to secure furniture finance. The matter was not concluded with a standard sentence; instead, she was ordered to pay €350 to The Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre. In a separate procedural stage, Calin Scintei, 22, was charged with handling stolen brandy and possessing a foiled bag. His case was adjourned, with a hearing date set for January 26.
Balbriggan District Court heard five matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Jennifer Jordan pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and an NCT. She was fined €500 and €100 respectively, with disqualification waived under special circumstances. Liam Daly pleaded guilty to threatening behaviour and intoxication, receiving fines of €300 and €100. Kirian Onyeme pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis; he was convicted, fined €250, and the drugs were ordered destroyed. Jonathan Kendellan pleaded guilty to drink driving. He was convicted, fined €750, and disqualified for six years. Stephen Nyantaki pleaded guilty to intoxication and non-payment of a taxi fare. The matter was adjourned until December 4th for facts to be heard, with continuing bail granted. All defendants were represented by counsel, and recognisances were fixed where applicable.
In 2012, Thomas McDonagh, aged 21, hijacked a taxi on Tyrconnell Road, Inchicore, using force or threat of force. His cousin, Bernard McDonagh, 16, was also in the vehicle. After the hijacking, the taxi crashed into another car near Slane Castle, County Meath. Bernard died from his injuries hours later; Thomas suffered serious injuries, including a broken spine and brain bleeding, and now has epilepsy and other medical issues. The incident was reported to Gardaí, who described the hijackers and the taxi. Thomas was arrested six months later, admitted the hijacking, apologized, and expressed remorse. He has ten prior convictions, including robbery, and was remanded in custody for sentencing on December 9. The court adjourned sentencing to await guidelines on hijacking cases. The case is pending sentencing.
At Balbriggan District Court, Judge Dermot Dempsey handled several matters. Martin Daly pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour. He was remanded on continuing bail until January 22nd for a Probation Report and urine analysis, with the Judge warning that failure to provide satisfactory results would result in custody. Derek Gildea, charged with unlawful possession of a combat knife, was remanded on continuing bail until December 4th to enter a plea or fix a hearing date. Shane Howard pleaded guilty to stealing a Nokia Lumia phone. He was remanded on continuing bail until February 5th to pay €300 compensation and undergo a Probation report to assess suitability for 200 hours of community service in lieu of a three-month prison sentence. Deborah Byrne pleaded guilty to stealing €53 worth of items; she was convicted and fined €100. Finally, James Marry and Jonathan Marry, both charged with threatening and abusive behaviour and intoxication, had their cases adjourned until January 8th as further charges may be brought.
In November 2014 a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Dan Cirpaci, a 26‑year‑old Romanian man, had stolen nearly €13,000 from two women by swapping their bank cards at ATMs. The victims, Anne O'Reilly (aged 79) and Valerie Casey, were tricked into believing they had dropped a €10 note and were handed a different card. 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 of theft, with 26 other counts to be considered. The court remanded him on continuing bail for sentencing on 18 November. Both women were reimbursed by their banks for the amounts taken from their accounts. Cirpaci had 43 prior convictions and had been in Ireland for ten years. The case was heard by Judge Desmond Hogan.
Paul Mason, 26, of Ballygarra Park, Garristown, was brought before the Special Criminal Court on 6 November 2014. He had previously been charged with membership of the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) on 7 May 2014. At the hearing, a new charge was added: assault causing harm to a man on 16 February 2014 at The Saltings, Annagassan, Co Louth, under section 3 of the Non‑Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. When presented with the charge sheet, Mason denied the assault. The court noted that the bail conditions attached to the original INLA charge also applied to the new assault charge. A book of evidence had been served, and the court extended legal aid to the case. Mason had been granted bail on the INLA charge in May, despite Garda objections over the amount of the independent surety. The case was scheduled for mention again on 11 December 2014.
The trial date for Dr Michael Shine, an 82‑year‑old retired consultant surgeon, will not be set until after a High Court judicial review. He faces 25 counts of indecent assault against 22 alleged victims, with the earliest incidents dating to 1964 and the latest to 1990, allegedly occurring at Our Lady's Hospital in Drogheda and a clinic in County Louth. Judge Mary Ellen Ring adjourned the matter again, noting that Shine's legal team are still awaiting the High Court's judgment and that no indication exists as to when it will be delivered. She scheduled a mention for January 14, giving the State and defence the liberty to re‑enter the case should the judgment return before that date.
Paul Callan, a Louth businessman, had posted a €20,000 surety for Vesel Jahiri, a 33‑year‑old from Kosovo, who was charged with murdering Anna Finnegan, 25, in Dublin in 2012. Callan allowed Jahiri to live with him and believed the bail would secure his appearance at the Central Criminal Court. Jahiri failed to attend the final days of his trial, breaking bail and prompting a bench warrant. The State sought forfeiture of the €5,000 Callan had lodged, with the remainder frozen until the warrant could be executed. Callan, representing himself, admitted he had been naive, trusting Jahiri based on a long friendship and prior credit arrangements. Judge Paul McDermott granted Callan a 50 % refund, returning €10,000, acknowledging his difficulties as a bailsperson and his good faith efforts. The case ended with the bail forfeiture and no further court action against Callan. Vesel Jahiri pleaded not guilty.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court case, 32‑year‑old Fergus Gallagher pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after slashing the ear of Italian rugby fan Andrea Muggetti with a teacup on 25 February 2012 at Sinnott's Pub. Muggetti required 45 stitches and suffered lasting disfigurement and pain, with a medical report indicating reduced eye closure and ongoing ear pain. Muggetti's financial loss was assessed at €20,491. Gallagher, who had four prior convictions, was ordered to pay €15,000 in instalments to Muggetti and to surrender the €10,000 he had previously paid as a token of remorse. He received a three‑year suspended sentence and was remanded in custody pending further proceedings. The court noted Gallagher's admission of intoxication, depression, and his subsequent participation in Alcoholics Anonymous.
Clifford Whitehouse, 39, of Knockbrack Downs, Drogheda, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Chapel Street, Balbriggan, on 11 November 2013. He will be sentenced at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 24 February 2015, when the full facts will be heard.
Balbriggan District Court heard multiple matters. Keith Daly pleaded guilty to handling stolen property but was remanded on continuing bail pending a probation report, with the case adjourned to December 11. Lorna Daly, John Scott, and Grainne Kealy were remanded on continuing bail; Daly faces alleged charges of making off without paying and using a false plate, while Scott and Kealy face alleged dangerous driving and careless driving charges, with their cases adjourned to December 11. Denise Creagh pleaded guilty to theft and was convicted, fined €100, and warned of potential custody for future offences. James Whelan pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis and failing to display L-plates; the unaccompanied driving charge was struck out, and he was fined €175. Roberts Trascenko pleaded guilty to drink driving, was convicted, fined €400, and disqualified for two years. Chris Lyaba pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage, and his case was adjourned to January 22 to allow time for compensation. Genadijs Ogurcovs was charged with theft from two shops, and his case was adjourned to October 23 for a plea or hearing date.
Three men—Gareth Mulley (45) of Ashling Park, Dundalk; David Gallagher (37) of Marley Court, Drogheda; and William Burns (38) of Kerrera Street, Ardoyne, Belfast—were served with a book of evidence in the Special Criminal Court on 8 October 2014. They were arrested in May by the Garda Special Detective Unit during investigations into dissident republican activity. All are charged with possession of explosive substances on 25 May 2014 at Kilcurry, Co. Louth, under the Explosive Substances Act and the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act. Allegations include possession of PETN, RDX, an adapted 50‑litre beer keg, 50 kg of homemade ammonium nitrate, an improvised detonation cord, steel booster tube, and a time‑and‑power unit. Mulley and Gallagher are also charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, namely Oglaigh na hEireann (the IRA), under the Offences Against the State Act.
David Lee, 32, pleaded guilty to breaching a protection order and threatening to smash a house in Swords on 19 August 2013. He was convicted and fined €100 by Judge Dermot Dempsey. Lee, who has 25 previous convictions, apologized and has not been near the house since. His defence solicitor, Fiona D'Arcy, said he hopes to get a job as a bicycle courier. Paul McGee, 21, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage and breaching a protection order at his parents' home on 22 July. He was adjourned until 18 December for a probation report; he has five previous convictions and is attending counselling. Geoffrey Melia, 24, pleaded guilty to stealing a bottle of vodka from a Balbriggan supermarket in March. He was fined €200; he has four previous convictions and has stopped drinking. Lisa Jenkins, 41, pleaded guilty to three thefts from a Swords department store, totalling over €800.
Balbriggan District Court heard several matters presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey. Kieran White pleaded guilty to stealing a bottle of wine from Supervalu. After making a €75 donation to the Molly McNally Trust Fund, the court applied Section 1.1 of the Probation Act. Piotr Boryslawski pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis found under his car seat. Following a €300 charitable donation, the charge was struck out. Valerie Dalton, alleged to have been drink driving, was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on September 11th. Paul McGee, charged with criminal damage and breach of a protection order, was remanded on continuing bail for a hearing on October 6th. Eddie McDonagh and Patrick McDonagh, both alleged to have stolen a steel tube from a boat, were remanded on continuing bail to reappear on September 4th. McDonagh also faces allegations of careless driving and not paying a taxi fare, while Patrick McDonagh is alleged to have not paid a taxi fare. All these cases remain at the pre-trial stage with no final sentences passed.
In a 2014 decision, the Court of Criminal Appeal quashed the life‑sentence of a 33‑year‑old man who had murdered a man he believed was having an affair with his wife. The appeal court found that the trial judge had incorrectly explained the law on provocation to the jury, creating a "very real risk of injustice." The judge had been asked to recharge the jury on the provocation question, but the court was not satisfied that this was adequately remedied. Consequently, the conviction was overturned and a retrial was ordered. The man, who had previously been sentenced to seven years for serious injury to his wife and two years for assault, was remanded in custody pending the next Central Criminal Court hearing. The case involved the murder of a 32‑year‑old man, Muhammad Arif, on 7 January 2011, and the alleged stabbing of Rashida Bibi Haider, who survived after surgery. The unnamed 33-year-old pleaded not guilty.
A 41-year-old man from Tullyallen, Drogheda has voluntarily surrendered to Northern Irish authorities following his arrest here in June on a European Arrest Warrant. Edward McDonagh appeared before the High Court in connection with 11 alleged offences committed in July and August 2010 across Armagh and Tyrone. The allegations centre on a series of farm burglaries during which a sledge hammer was reportedly used to assault a farmer. A vehicle was also allegedly stolen during the incident. Gardaí in Monaghan observed two men who subsequently crossed the border, leading to arrests at premises in Crossmaglen where false identification was allegedly provided. Two of the charges against McDonagh carry potential sentences of 14 years imprisonment in the North, relating to burglary and concealing criminal property. Mr Justice John Edwards granted the order for surrender, with an application noted to postpone the extradition until after completion of a separate sentence currently being served domestically.
In Balbriggan District Court, several cases were heard. Garreth Lokko, 23, pleaded guilty to breaching a safety order by shouting and kicking into his ex‑girlfriend's house, was fined €100 and paid €20 compensation for door damage. Hayden Holloman, 19, admitted unlawful possession of €300 worth of cannabis, was fined €300 after failing to complete voluntary work. Michael O'Brien, 19, was charged with possession of an orange emergency shatter hammer and €150 worth of criminal damage; a bench warrant was issued after he missed court. Janet Murphy, 33, was charged with intoxication and failed to appear, leading to a bench warrant. Paul Dargle, 18, faced drink‑driving and dangerous driving charges, with a hearing set for September 26. Lorna Daly, 32, was charged with petrol theft and use of a false plate; a bench warrant followed her absence. Peter Rogers, 61, was convicted of intoxication in a public place and fined €75.
Former Rehab CEO Angela Kerins launched High Court proceedings against the Dáil Public Accounts Committee (PAC) after she claimed her job loss and health decline were caused by unfair questioning during a PAC hearing on February 27, 2014. Kerins alleges the PAC acted unlawfully, biased, and outside its remit, and that members engaged in a "witch hunt." She seeks orders restraining the PAC from further examining her employment with Rehab, from publishing reports linking her remuneration to Rehab, and from compelling her to attend future hearings. Kerins also requests damages for personal injury and reputational harm, and declarations that the PAC lacks jurisdiction over Rehab's expenditures. The case was granted ex‑parte permission by Justice John Hedigan, with a return date of November 4. Kerins' statement emphasizes her distress and the need for legal protection of her rights as a private citizen.
In 2012, Gerard Stokes (33), David McDonagh (35) and James McDonagh (47) were convicted in Dundalk Circuit Court for extorting €57,000 from Niall Hearty on two occasions. A jury found them guilty on two counts each of demanding money with menaces. Stokes received an eight‑year sentence, David McDonagh ten years, and James McDonagh eight years. In 2014, the Criminal Court of Appeal reduced Stokes's and James McDonagh's sentences by two years each, and David McDonagh's by three years. The appeal court agreed with the defence that the trial judge had set the tariff too high, citing mitigating factors and remorse, while the prosecution maintained the original sentence was appropriate. The court found no error in the handling of the victim impact report. The reduced sentences were applied as the final outcome.
Balbriggan District Court heard multiple matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Eoin Maguire, Cornelius Price, and Edward Price, accused of serious assaults and endangering a garda, were remanded on continuing bail with strict conditions to reappear on September 4th after an extension was granted for the Book of Evidence. John Butterly, Lorraine Butterly, and Peter Thompson, charged with assaults involving a baseball bat and rolling pin, were remanded on continuing bail to reappear on September 25th due to the prosecuting garda's injury. Sebestian Knecht was convicted of driving without insurance and possessing a forged insurance disc, receiving a total fine of €850 and a two-year disqualification. Alan Bowe, charged with drink driving, was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on September 26th. Thomas Gaffney, accused of theft and car theft, was remanded on continuing bail until September 11th. Kieran White, who pleaded guilty to stealing wine, was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on July 31st, with the possibility of avoiding a conviction if he pays €75. Mark Donnelly, charged with cannabis possession, was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on September 25th. Stephen Teeling, who pleaded guilty to cannabis possession, was convicted and fined after failing to bring €250 to court, with recognisance fixed for appeal.
A jury of ten members failed to reach a verdict in the trial of Vesel Jahiri, aged 33, who was accused of stabbing his former partner, Anna Finnegan, aged 25, in Dublin on 21 September 2012. The jury deliberated for more than ten hours over three days before the foreman informed Judge Paul McDermott that further time would not lead to an agreement. Jahiri pleaded not guilty to both the murder of Finnegan and to assault causing harm to her brother Karl on the same date. The judge thanked the jury for their entitlement to disagree.
The jury is still deliberating on the trial of Vesel Jahiri, 33, who has pleaded not guilty to the stabbing murder of Anna Finnegan, 25, at Allendale Glen, Clonsilla, on 21 September 2012. He also faces a not‑guilty plea for assault causing harm to Finnegan's brother Karl on the same day. The jury, composed of six men and four women, has been considering its verdict since Wednesday and will resume deliberations tomorrow.
In Northern Ireland, Francis Joseph Tiernan, a man in his fifties from Carrickedmond, Kilcurry, Dundalk, Co. Louth, voluntarily surrendered to authorities after a European Arrest Warrant issued in 2012 was executed. The warrant concerns four alleged offences between 1 December 2004 and 1 April 2007, including forging a will, forging a document purporting to be a property sale agreement, and conspiracy to use false instruments. Each offence carries a potential 10‑year prison penalty. Mr Tiernan entered the witness box, signed a surrender document, and was remanded on continuing bail until handover.
In a murder trial in Dublin, Vesel Jahiri, a Kosovo-born man from Louth Village, Dundalk, is accused of stabbing his former partner, Anna Finnegan, on 21 September 2012 at Allendale Glen, Clonsilla. He pleaded not guilty to both the murder of Finnegan and the assault causing harm to her brother, Karl. The Central Criminal Court had earlier noted that Jahiri and Finnegan had a ten‑year relationship that deteriorated dramatically, with two children and access issues. Mr Justice Paul McDermott instructed the jury that Jahiri's absence should not influence their decision and that verdicts must be based solely on the evidence presented. Prosecutor Patrick Marrinan urged the jury to focus on the events of that day, the physical evidence of Karl's injuries, and the fact that Finnegan was stabbed by Jahiri.
In a trial for the murder of Anna Finnegan, the jury was instructed not to infer anything from the accused's absence. Vesel Jahiri, a Louth Village resident originally from Kosovo, pleaded not guilty to both the murder of Finnegan and an assault on her brother Karl. The Central Criminal Court had previously noted their ten‑year relationship and the deterioration that led to the fatal incident. Judge Paul McDermott announced that the trial could not proceed that day, as Jahiri was not present, and would resume the next day after all evidence had been heard.
A solicitor and senior executive with a well known Dublin law firm has been awarded €120,000 in damages for injuries sustained after being struck by a car while cycling to work. Mr Justice Michael Hanna stated that Julian Yarr, Managing Partner of A&L Goodbody, suffered 'very serious injuries' following a road traffic accident on the Rock Road, Blackrock Co Dublin on July 26th 2011. The court was informed that Mr Yarr sustained broken ribs, as well as injuries to his neck, shoulders and hands. Mr Yarr, of Marlborough Road Glenageary Co Dublin, sued the driver of the vehicle, Mr Brian Biggins of Culleen, Headford, Co Galway. It was alleged that as Mr Yarr approached the entrance to the Blackrock Clinic, the defendant turned from the opposite side of the road and struck Mr Yarr, who was thrown into the air, over the defendant's car and into the path of oncoming traffic. It was claimed the defendant drove in a negligent manner resulting in injuries to Mr Yarr. Liability in the action had been admitted. The matter was before the Court for assessment of damages only. In his judgment, Mr Justice Michael Hanna noted that it was fortunate Mr Yarr had been wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, as the injuries could have been more severe. Following the accident, Mr Yarr was taken to St Vincents Hospital, where he was kept for eight days. After considering all the evidence, Mr Justice Hanna said Mr Yarr was entitled to a total of €120,000 in damages.
In a trial for the murder of Anna Finnegan, the jury heard that Vesel Jahiri first learned of her death on the radio the day after the incident. Jahiri, who pleaded not guilty to both the murder and an assault on Finnegan's brother Karl, explained that he was upset and entered the house to confront Karl, who he said had a knife. He claimed he had taken a knife from Karl after an altercation and that he had stabbed Finnegan in a fit of anger, though he denied doing so. The prosecution presented evidence that Finnegan was stabbed in the chest and head while she fled, and that Jahiri had moved her body to the back of a car. Jahiri also testified that he had spoken to Helga Duffy the night of the incident, saying something bad had happened. The trial continues before a jury and Judge Paul McDermott.
In the trial of Vesel Jahiri, a man from Louth Village, Dundalk, accused of murdering his former partner Anna Finnegan in Dublin on 21 September 2012, the jury was informed that the evidence he gave the previous day had been 'whitewashed'. Jahiri, who pleaded not guilty to both the murder and an assault on Finnegan's brother Karl, was cross‑examined by Mr Patrick Marrinan SC. The prosecution read to the jury excerpts from Garda interviews in which Jahiri admitted to hitting Finnegan, pushing her back, and that she had tried to hit him with a pan. He also admitted to threatening her with a gun and saying he would kill her and her sister Lisa if he did not see his children. The prosecution also questioned Jahiri about smashing the door at Finnegan's house, his claim that Karl was a gangster, and the knife used in the alleged stabbing.
In a 2014 trial, Vesel Jahiri, a Louth Village resident originally from Kosovo, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Anna Finnegan and to assault causing harm to her brother Karl. The case centred on a ten‑year relationship that had deteriorated, with Finnegan and Jahiri having two children. On 21 September 2012, Finnegan was stabbed in the chest and head after Jahiri allegedly burst into the house with a knife. Jahiri claimed Karl produced the knives and that Finnegan was injured while trying to stop her brother. Witnesses, including Anna's cousin Brian Conlon, testified about text messages and alleged threats, but Conlon denied any plot to "wipe out" Jahiri. DNA and fingerprint evidence linked the knife to Jahiri, and a post‑mortem confirmed a fatal single stab wound. The case proceeded before a jury under Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
At Balbriggan District Court, Edwin Akandu pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified, having no tax or insurance, and lacking a driving licence. He was convicted and sentenced to four months in prison, with an additional six-year disqualification for the uninsured offence. Judge Dempsey noted Akandu had driven just over a year after receiving a previous four-year ban. In a separate matter, Tony Thunder pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to a window in Skerries. The court marked the case peremptory, granting him until July 10th to provide €200 in compensation. Tina Power pleaded guilty to drink driving after giving a urine reading of 297mg/100ml. She was fined €500 and disqualified from driving for three years. James Heraghty, who is alleged to have assaulted a garda, used threatening behaviour, and obstructed an officer, was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on September 26th while the State clarifies CCTV footage. Keith O'Gorman, alleged to have assaulted another man at Balbriggan Harbour, was also remanded on continuing bail to appear on July 12th for the hearing of his case.
Balbriggan District Court heard several cases during its recent sittings. Richard Devine (21) had his case struck out after he admitted to assaulting Shane Christy and causing criminal damage to his car in Rush, Co Dublin on May 3rd, 2013. Devine, who was drunk at the time, paid €800 in compensation and completed 200 hours of voluntary work. Judge Dermot Dempsey accepted these actions and struck the case out. Pat Dwyer (60) pleaded guilty to driving while under the influence of alcohol at Miller's Lane in Skerries on December 22nd, 2013. He was fined €400 and disqualified from driving for three years. Eoin Maguire (29), Cornelius Price (32), and Edward Price (24) were remanded on continuing bail to re-appear before the court on July 17th when they are expected to be served with the Books of Evidence. They are charged with assault causing harm to Clifford Whitehouse and James Whitehouse, and production of a Stanley knife on December 20th, 2013. Cornelius Price and Edward Price are also charged with reckless endangerment of a garda at Balbriggan Garda Station on December 22nd, 2013. Thomas O'Donnell (24), Michael O'Brien (18), and Brian Stokes (21) were remanded on continuing bail for charges of unauthorized carriage in a car. Salius Peciulaitis (30) pleaded guilty to driving without insurance, driving while disqualified, and drink driving at Dublin Street in Balbriggan, as well as violent behaviour at Balbriggan Garda Station on February 22nd. He was given a four-month suspended sentence, disqualified from driving for six years, and fined €750. Neil Phipps (28) was remanded on continuing bail for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions regarding an alleged assault causing harm to Brian Cranny.
In a murder trial held on 5 June 2014, Vesel Jahiri pleaded not guilty to the killing of Anna Finnegan and to assaulting her brother Karl. The court heard that Jahiri and Finnegan had a ten‑year relationship that had deteriorated, and that they had two children. According to Karl, after putting the children to bed, he and Finnegan were having tea when Jahiri burst in with a knife. An altercation ensued, during which Finnegan was stabbed in the chest and head; she fled, ran to a neighbour, and collapsed on the roadside. Dr Hilary Clarke testified that Finnegan's DNA was found on a knife's tip, which was slightly bent and had a broken piece. The knife's blood matched Karl's. Detective James O'Hora confirmed that two knives found in the kitchen sink were not fingerprint‑examined. Detective James Cunningham examined the knife with Finnegan's blood and found a left‑hand fingerprint on the blade but none on the handle.
In a murder trial, the accused, Vesel Jahiri, pleaded not guilty to killing Anna Finnegan and assaulting her brother Karl. The court heard that a fingerprint from Jahiri's left forefinger was found on the blade of the knife that caused Finnegan's fatal wounds, but no smudge was found on the handle. Detective Garda James Cunningham confirmed the mark was about one‑and‑a‑half to two inches from the handle's edge, pointing toward the sharp end. No fingerprints were found on black‑handled knives at Jahiri's residence, and the detective had not examined knives from the kitchen sink. Dr Arun Khan noted abrasions on Jahiri's left thumb and face. The case was set to continue before a jury presided by Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 3 June 2014, Vesel Jahiri pleaded not guilty to the murder of Anna Finnegan and to assault causing harm to her brother Karl. The case centred on a 10‑year relationship that had deteriorated, with two children involved. According to Karl Finnegan, Anna and he were having tea when Jahiri burst in with a knife, stabbing Anna in the chest and head. Jahiri claimed Karl produced the knives and that Anna was injured while trying to stop him. Gardaí interviews revealed Jahiri denied using the knife that killed Finnegan and insisted the knives found at his address were not from the same set. He also denied stabbing Finnegan, stating "about 30% of the case was not true." The trial was adjourned for a week, and the case was set to continue with a jury of ten.
Three men—Gareth Mulley (44), William Burns (38) and David Gallagher (37)—appeared before the Special Criminal Court on 28 May 2014. They were charged with explosives offences and membership of the unlawful organisation Oglaigh na hEireann (the IRA). Burns, of Ardoyne, Belfast, was accused of unlawfully possessing PETN and RDX, a 50‑litre beer keg, 50 kg of ammonium nitrate homemade explosive, an improvised detonation cord, a steel booster tube and a time‑and‑power unit found at Kilcurry Church on 25 May. Mulley, of Dundalk, and Gallagher, of Drogheda, were charged with IRA membership on the same date. The Special Detective Unit arrested the men on Sunday evening and presented evidence to the court. No bail applications were made, but legal aid was granted to Mulley. Judge Iseult O'Malley remanded the men in custody, ordering a video‑link appearance on 4 June, with liberty to apply for bail if a production order is sought.
In the murder trial of Vesel Jahiri, the jury was asked to leave for a week while Judge Paul McDermott dealt with complex legal matters. Jahiri, a Louth Village resident originally from Kosovo, pleaded not guilty to murdering his former partner Anna Finnegan and to assaulting her brother Karl on 21 September 2012. The court heard that Jahiri and Finnegan had a ten‑year relationship that deteriorated, and that they had two children. Karl testified that after putting the children to bed, he and Finnegan were having tea when Jahiri burst in with a knife, stabbing Karl in the chest and head while Finnegan fled and later collapsed. Jahiri claimed Karl produced the knives and that Finnegan was injured while trying to stop him. The jury also heard from a friend of Jahiri who said the accused claimed he had defended himself after an attack.
Paul Mason, 26, of Ballygarra Park, Garristown, was charged with membership of the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) on 7 May 2014. He appeared before the Special Criminal Court, a non‑jury court, where the judge considered bail despite objections from Gardaí. The Gardaí argued that a €5,000 independent surety was too low and that a higher amount of €20,000 would be required. The judge agreed that €5,000 was insufficient and set an independent surety of €8,500. Mason was ordered to live at his mother's address, sign daily at a Garda station, observe a curfew from 9 pm to 9 am, keep a mobile phone on his person at all times, and not interfere with witnesses. He must stay out of County Louth unless he gives 24‑hour notice to the Gardaí and must not associate with anyone convicted or charged with an offence. Legal aid was granted for his defence.
Richard Cleary, 42, a former Irish Defence Forces member, is serving a three‑year sentence in Mountjoy Prison for assaulting his ex‑wife and step‑daughter in their home while a barring order was in place. He had pleaded guilty to assault causing harm. In March, Dundalk Circuit Court sentenced him to three years with six months suspended. On appeal, the Court of Criminal Appeal increased the suspended period to fifteen months, citing mitigating factors such as Cleary's good character, army record and the impact of custodial time on his career. The court noted the injuries sustained by the victims.
In a 2014 case, a 33‑year‑old man, Vesel Jahiri, was arrested on suspicion of murdering Anna Finnegan in Dublin on 21 September 2012. He pleaded not guilty to both murder and assault causing harm to Anna's brother Karl. The Central Criminal Court heard that Jahiri and Finnegan had a ten‑year relationship that had deteriorated, with two children and access issues. Karl testified that after putting the children to bed, he and Anna were in the kitchen when Jahiri burst in with a knife, stabbing Anna in the chest and head while she fled. Jahiri claimed he did not stab Anna, arguing he fought Karl, and blamed multiple parties for the incident. Gardaí interviews showed Jahiri denying responsibility and expressing love for Anna. The case was set to continue before a jury with Justice Paul McDermott presiding.
Vesel Jahiri, 33, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, where he has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Anna Finnegan at Allendale Glen, Clonsilla, Dublin 15, on September 21, 2012. He also faces a charge of assault causing harm on Anna Finnegan's brother, Karl, on the same date. The jury heard evidence that Jahiri allegedly told Anna's sister, Lisa Finnegan, over the phone that he was "coming for her next." Witness Connie Farrelly testified to hearing this statement on loudspeaker while driving to Blanchardstown Hospital. Under cross-examination, Farrelly acknowledged previous convictions that resulted in substantial jail time. Another witness, Paul Callen, stated that Jahiri phoned him shortly after taking Anna to hospital, claiming he had turned a knife back on them after being hit with a chair. The court heard that Jahiri and Anna Finnegan had a ten-year relationship that had deteriorated, with access to their two children becoming a contentious issue. Karl Finnegan previously testified that Jahiri allegedly burst into the home with a knife, leading to an altercation in which Karl was stabbed in the chest and head. Jahiri maintains that Karl produced the knives and that Anna was fatally injured while trying to stop her brother from stabbing him. The trial continues before a jury of six men and five women, with Mr Justice Paul McDermott presiding.
Michael McKevitt, a former Real IRA leader, lost his latest attempt to have his appeal over a 2003 conviction for directing terrorism heard by the Supreme Court. He argued that a 2012 Supreme Court ruling had found a Garda search warrant used in a separate case invalid because it was issued by a Garda superintendent involved in the case, and claimed a warrant used to search his home was similarly invalid. The State rejected his claims, arguing the 2012 decision could not be applied retrospectively and that McKevitt had not challenged the use of evidence gathered under the warrant during his trial. The Court of Criminal Appeal, comprising Justices John MacMenamin, Brian McGovern and John Edwards, found McKevitt's application "entirely misconceived" and refused to refer it to the Supreme Court. McKevitt, 63, from Blackrock, Co. Louth, denied the charges on which he was jailed and had previously lost appeals in 2005 and 2008.
In a Dublin 15 murder case, 33‑year‑old Vesel Jahiri, a Louth Village resident originally from Kosovo, pleaded not guilty to the killing of Anna Finnegan on 21 September 2012. He also pleaded not guilty to assault causing harm to Finnegan's brother Karl on the same day. The court heard that Jahiri and Finnegan had a ten‑year relationship that had deteriorated, with two children and access issues. On the night of the incident, Jahiri allegedly burst into Finnegan's kitchen with a knife, an altercation ensued, and Finnegan was stabbed in the chest and head. Jahiri claimed Karl produced the knives and that Finnegan was injured while trying to stop him. An electrician, Damian Lynch, testified that Jahiri told him Finnegan was "OK" and that Karl had been badly hurt. The case is set to continue before a jury.
In a 2014 trial, a jury viewed CCTV footage of a 25‑year‑old mother of two, Anna Finnegan, being driven to hospital by Vesel Jahiri, who is accused of her murder. The footage shows Jahiri, a 33‑year‑old man originally from Kosovo, arriving at the hospital at 20:49 on 21 September 2012 in a white Ford Focus. He allegedly lifted Finnegan from the back seat, and witnesses describe her appearing to slip from his grasp. Finnegan was later found unconscious with a wound on her chest. Jahiri also faces a charge of assault causing harm against Finnegan's brother, Karl, on the same day. The case is set to continue before a jury with Mr Justice Paul McDermott presiding. The trial focuses on the events of that night and the alleged actions of Jahiri. Vesel Jahiri pleaded not guilty.
The Central Criminal Court heard evidence in the ongoing trial of Vesel Jahiri, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Anna Finnegan and the assault causing harm to her brother, Karl, at Allendale Glen, Clonsilla, Dublin 15, on September 21, 2012. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis testified that Ms Finnegan died from a single, non-survivable stab wound to the left chest. He stated the knife penetrated between the seventh and eighth ribs, slicing through the pancreas and stomach before terminating at the abdominal aorta. Dr Curtis noted there were no defensive wounds on the deceased, though he agreed with defence counsel that he could not exclude the possibility she was injured while intervening in a fight. Witness Ms Joan Broe described seeing Jahiri advance aggressively toward the Finnegan siblings, alleging he punched Karl and then attacked Anna, causing her to flee. Jahiri is alleged to have pursued her, jumping on her and punching her before she collapsed. The defence contends that Karl Finnegan produced the knives and that Anna was fatally injured while trying to stop her brother from stabbing Jahiri. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of six men and five women.
In a 2014 Central Criminal Court hearing, Vesel Jahiri, 33, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Anna Finnegan and to assault causing harm to her brother Karl. The case involved a ten‑year relationship that had deteriorated, with two children. Witness Karl Finnegan testified that Jahiri entered Finnegan's home with a knife, leading to an altercation in which Finnegan was stabbed in the chest and head. Finnegan fled, collapsed on the roadside, and later died. Finnegan's brother claimed he had no memory of the fight, attributing his amnesia to refusing to recall the incident. Defence counsel Brendan Grehan presented Jahiri's version, denying the presence of a knife and arguing Finnegan's injuries were a result of her attempt to stop an attack. The trial proceeded to a jury hearing on the following day.
In the Central Criminal Court, Vesel Jahiri, aged 33, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Anna Finnegan and to assault causing harm to her brother Karl on 21 September 2012. Prosecutor Patrick Marrinan described a ten‑year relationship that had deteriorated, noting that the couple had two children. Witness Karl Finnegan testified that he was having tea with Anna when Jahiri burst into the house with a knife. He claimed to have seen the knife, describing it as having a wooden handle with rivets, and said he was stabbed in the chest and head while Anna fled. Finnegan also stated that he had made statements to Gardaí in 2014, detailing the events and the alleged knife. The case was set to continue before a jury with Justice Paul McDermott presiding.
In the Central Criminal Court, Vesel Jahiri, aged 33, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Anna Finnegan and to assaulting her brother Karl. Karl testified that he and Anna were having tea when a bang was heard at the front door. He saw Jahiri entering with a knife, and Anna screamed and fled. Karl claimed he was stabbed in the head and chest by Jahiri, who said he acted in self‑defence and had no part in stabbing Anna. Karl described being on the ground, possibly blacking out, and later seeing Anna collapse. He noted Jahiri's presence near Anna but no visible injuries. Jahiri's defence argued that a recorded conversation with social worker Karen Byrne was misrepresented. The case remains before a jury presided by Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
In a Dublin Central Criminal Court trial, the jury heard that Vesel Jahiri, aged 33, had not told social workers that it would be easy for him to stab his former partner, Anna Finnegan, aged 25, as alleged by witnesses. The social worker, Karen Byrne, testified that Jahiri had threatened to kill Finnegan and their children. She claimed that Jahiri had said it would be easy to stab Finnegan but would not do so because he loved her. During cross‑examination, defence counsel played an audio recording of the conversation. Byrne stated that the tape was "doctored" and that a portion of the recording was missing. The case was set to continue before a jury of 6 men and 5 women, presided over by Mr Justice Paul McDermott. Vesel Jahiri pleaded not guilty.
Bridget McDonagh, 27, of Hampton Court, Balbriggan, is accused of fraudulently claiming €70,000 in social welfare payments over a year and a half. She allegedly concealed Carer's Allowance and Child Allowance between 1 March 2008 and 10 December 2009, with payments sent to Yellowbatter Post Office in Drogheda and Phibsboro Post Office in Dublin. The Balbriggan District Court heard she committed 75 offences. The Director of Public Prosecutions has sent all 75 charges to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where she faces trial and remains on continuing bail.