Two members of the Burke family were removed from the Court of Appeal by gardaí on 10 November after loudly protesting when the presiding judge muted Enoch Burke's microphone during proceedings. The court was hearing a civil application by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission for access to ambient audio recordings made in the Four Courts. Mr Justice John Edwards told Sean and Isaac Burke they were in contempt of court before their removal. Enoch Burke, appearing by videolink from Mountjoy Prison, opposed the GSOC application, arguing the court had jurisdiction to decide the matter. The judge expressed concern about whether the Court of Appeal possessed jurisdiction over recordings made when court was not sitting. Mr Justice Edwards adjourned the case to 8 December to address the jurisdictional question. Simeon Burke, with an address at Cloonsunna, Castlebar, County Mayo, was convicted of a public order offence following a disruption at the court in March 2023.
At the Central Criminal Court, a jury has been presented with a bloodied and severely bent knife in connection with the death of Valerie French Kilroy at her rural home near Westport, County Mayo, in June 2019. Park Kilroy, aged fifty, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the charge of murder. The prosecution has indicated that psychiatric evidence will feature prominently in proceedings. The court heard that following the discovery of the deceased's body in a camper van on the property at Kilbree Lower, the accused identified the knife as the instrument he had used. A post-mortem examination determined the cause of death to be ligature strangulation, blunt force trauma, and a stab wound to the neck. The defence's insanity plea requires the jury to consider whether the accused was suffering from a mental disorder at the time that prevented him from understanding the nature or wrongfulness of his actions. The trial, overseen by Mr Justice Paul McDermott, is expected to continue for approximately three weeks.
A Court of Appeal judge has refused the Garda Ombudsman Commission access to ambient audio recordings made during a court incident at the Four Courts in Dublin. The recordings relate to an investigation into garda conduct during a disruption at the Court of Appeal in March when Simeon Burke, aged 24 and resident in Castlebar, County Mayo, was arrested. Burke was subsequently convicted of a public order offence arising from threatening, insulting and abusive words and behaviour. Mr Justice John Edwards declined GSOC's application, citing concerns that the ambient recording system operated without the awareness of those present, potentially amounting to covert audio recording. The judge identified further issues including data protection rights and questions of jurisdiction over the recordings. He noted that the Courts Service, rather than the court itself, may be the appropriate data controller. While not closing the door to a renewed application, Mr Justice Edwards indicated GSOC would need to produce evidence that the ambient system was actually functioning at the time.
A man has been sentenced to eight years imprisonment, with the final year suspended, following his conviction for rape at the Central Criminal Court. Shane Noonan, aged 28, of Castlehilll Park, Turlough Road, Castlebar, County Mayo, pleaded guilty to raping a woman at an address in Castlebar on 11 May 2013. Both were aged 18 at the time and worked together at a fast food restaurant. Justice Eileen Creedon described the offence as cold, predatory and premeditated, noting the victim's obvious vulnerability. She imposed conditions including assessment for a sex offender treatment programme. The victim told the court she had subsequently endured workplace abuse, including offensive songs referencing the assault, which delayed her reporting to gardaí until 2018. She described ongoing trauma, including flashbacks and anxiety. The court heard Noonan's guilty plea, lack of previous convictions and psychological assessment indicating low reoffending risk were mitigating factors.
A man from Castlebar, County Mayo, has been sentenced to six years imprisonment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for two unprovoked assaults committed in January 2023. Celyn Eadon (31) pleaded guilty to causing harm to two men during random attacks on Malahide Road, Artane. The first victim was struck multiple times while using an ATM, and the second was assaulted on a bus. The offences occurred ten days after Eadon's release from a suspended sentence. The court heard that Eadon previously killed his mother in 2014, a murder conviction later quashed, with a subsequent manslaughter plea resulting in a ten-year sentence. Following release in 2021, he assaulted a support worker. Defence counsel submitted that Eadon has an acquired brain injury from prolonged substance abuse, causing cognitive impairment and loss of behavioural restraint. Judge Martin Nolan noted the court faces an unusual challenge, as the likelihood of further offending remains high despite the permanent nature of Eadon's condition. The final two years of the sentence were suspended, conditional on Probation Service supervision.
Gardai and Simeon Burke will receive audio recordings of court proceedings as part of an appeal against his conviction for a public order offence. Burke, aged 24 and with an address in Castlebar, Co Mayo, was arrested following a disruption at the Court of Appeal on 7 March during a hearing concerning his brother Enoch Burke's suspension from Wilson's Hospital School. He was subsequently convicted under the Public Order Act for threatening, insulting and abusive words and behaviour at the Four Courts. Mr Justice John Edwards at the Court of Appeal ruled that only recordings made while the court was sitting should be released, rejecting arguments that ambient recordings constituted covert State surveillance. The judge determined the key issue for the appeal at Circuit Court is whether the judge ordered the courtroom cleared before gardai removed Burke. He permitted parties to seek further recordings if necessary.
The Central Criminal Court in Dublin heard evidence on March 24th regarding a fatal stabbing in Swinford, County Mayo. Matusz Batiuk, aged 33, formerly of Carrabeg Estate, Swinford, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michael McDonagh, aged 24, who died from a single stab wound to the stomach on November 16th, 2020. The wound penetrated to a depth of at least 12 centimetres, causing rapid fatal blood loss. In interviews at Castlebar Garda Station, Mr Batiuk stated he acted in self-defence, claiming the deceased and another man, Paul Maughan, had been behaving aggressively in his home and that he believed he was in mortal danger. He told gardaí he had struck the victim once to make him back away rather than to kill him. The trial continues before Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring and a jury.
A solicitor from Castlebar, Co Mayo is pursuing a High Court judicial review challenge against a Workplace Relations Commission decision rejecting her unfair dismissal claim against law firm Arthur Cox LLP. Ammi Burke was dismissed from the firm in November 2019 and lodged a complaint with the WRC, which was subsequently rejected by an independent adjudication officer. Ms Burke contends the adjudication officer's decision was flawed and made in breach of fair procedures. She argues that under the Unfair Dismissals Acts, adjudication procedures must be inquisitorial in nature and claims the officer refused to summon two witnesses she wished to cross-examine and failed to have certain emails produced as evidence. Arthur Cox LLP denies the claims and will oppose the application. The High Court hearing is scheduled for May 2nd and is expected to last one and a half days. Mr Justice Charles Meenan confirmed he will not preside over the case.
A man charged with murdering his wife in County Mayo has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity at the Central Criminal Court. James Kilroy, aged 49, of Kilbree Lower, Westport, is accused of killing Valerie French Kilroy, aged 41, at their home between 13 and 14 June 2019. His counsel has made formal admissions that the defendant killed his wife. The prosecution has presented evidence including testimony from an Airbnb guest staying in a self-contained area of the property, who reported seeing a man in dark clothing near the house on the evening in question but hearing nothing unusual. A pathologist told the court the victim died from ligature strangulation, blunt force trauma to the head, and a stab wound to the neck. A medical practitioner assessed the defendant at Castlebar Garda Station and noted he had consumed cannabis and alcohol. The defence is expected to call psychiatric evidence on Wednesday. The trial continues before Justice Mary Ellen Ring and a jury.
At the Central Criminal Court, a murder trial heard that James Kilroy, aged 49, a park ranger from Kilbree Lower, Westport, County Mayo, described to gardai how he "waited in the long grass" before attacking his wife at their rural home. The Chief State Pathologist testified that Valerie French Kilroy, aged 41, an occupational therapist and mother of three, died from ligature strangulation, blunt force trauma to the head, and a stab wound to the neck. Mr Kilroy has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to her murder on a date between 13 and 14 June 2019. His legal team has made formal admissions that he killed his wife. During garda interviews, he described the assault as "dark and frenzied" and claimed she was alive when he left her. The trial before Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring continues.
James Kilroy, aged 49, of Kilbree Lower, Westport, County Mayo, stands trial at the Central Criminal Court charged with the murder of Valerie French Kilroy at their home between June 13 and 14, 2019. He has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, though his defence has formally admitted he killed his wife. The jury heard evidence that Garda Leanne Nallen discovered the accused naked and distressed in a field on the morning of June 14 and brought him to Westport Garda Station. Once informed of his transfer to psychiatric care, Mr Kilroy told gardai he had killed his wife. A body was subsequently located in a campervan at the property. The State Pathologist concluded Ms French Kilroy died from ligature strangulation in association with blunt force trauma and a stab wound to the neck. During four interviews, the accused demonstrated to gardai how he had killed his wife and sketched the knife used. The trial continues before Justice Mary Ellen Ring and a jury.
A 49-year-old man has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of his wife at their rural home near Westport, County Mayo, the Central Criminal Court heard today. The prosecution alleges that James Kilroy killed Valerie French Kilroy between 13 and 14 June 2019. Her body was discovered in a camper van on the couple's property approximately 6 kilometres from Westport. A post-mortem examination determined she died from ligature strangulation, blunt force trauma to the head, and a stab wound to the neck. The jury heard that Mr Kilroy was found naked in a field in the Westport area and was subsequently brought to Castlebar Hospital, where he stated he had killed his wife and children. The three young children were found unharmed. The defence is expected to present psychiatric evidence regarding Mr Kilroy's mental state. The prosecution contends he is guilty of murder. The trial, before Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring and a jury, is expected to conclude by month's end.
A consultant psychiatrist has told the Central Criminal Court that Stephen Silver, who stands accused of murdering Garda Colm Horkan with the officer's own firearm, displayed behaviour consistent with his personality rather than mental illness during garda interviews. Professor Harry Kennedy said the accused showed no regret or sympathy for the deceased and appeared angry and self-pitying, but these responses could be attributed to the stress of arrest. The psychiatrist stated that Mr Silver had developed "learned impunity" through a long history of disruptive conduct in Castlebar and surrounding areas, leading him to expect no charges would follow his actions. Mr Silver, aged 46, a motorbike mechanic from Aughavard in Foxford, County Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to capital murder but guilty to manslaughter. The shooting occurred at Castlerea, County Roscommon, on 17 June 2020. The trial, before Ms Justice Tara Burns, continues with the jury's focus on the accused's state of mind at the time of the incident.
A 49-year-old man from Westport, County Mayo has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his wife by reason of insanity at the Central Criminal Court. James Kilroy is charged with murdering Valerie French Kilroy, aged 41, at their home in Kilbree Lower between June 13 and 14, 2019. Ms French Kilroy, an occupational therapist employed by Mayo Mental Health Services, was a mother of three originally from County Cork. A jury of ten men and two women was sworn in to hear the trial before Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring. The court heard that witnesses are primarily from the Castlebar and Westport areas. The trial commenced and is expected to conclude by the end of the month.
A forensic psychiatrist has told the Central Criminal Court that Stephen Silver's mental capacity was significantly impaired at the time Garda Colm Horkan was shot dead at Castlerea, County Roscommon on June 17, 2020. Dr Brenda Wright, interim clinical director at the Central Mental Hospital, gave evidence during Mr Silver's trial that she interviewed the accused on three occasions between August and September 2020. She outlined his extensive psychiatric history, including multiple hospital admissions since 1998 and a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder. Dr Wright stated that when Mr Silver became unwell, he displayed severe psychotic symptoms. A character witness from Castlebar confirmed he had known Mr Silver for 28 years and had observed concerning changes in his behaviour prior to his hospitalisation. Mr Silver, aged 46 of Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The trial before Ms Justice Tara Burns continues.
The Court of Appeal has increased jail sentences for two women convicted in Ireland's first human trafficking case involving alleged voodoo ceremonies. Alicia Edosa and Edith Enoghaghase, originally sentenced in September 2021 following a June 2021 trial at Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court, were found guilty of trafficking women between 2016 and 2018. Evidence indicated victims underwent ceremonies in Nigeria before being coerced into prostitution across multiple locations including Castlebar, Letterkenny and Cavan. Mr Justice George Birmingham rejected their conviction appeals and found original sentences substantially inadequate. Edosa, formerly of Mullingar, has been re-sentenced to seven-and-a-half years imprisonment. Enoghaghase, also formerly of Mullingar, received seven years and one month. The judge noted the sentencing judge faced unprecedented circumstances with no comparative guidelines for this offence type. Alicia Edosa pleaded not guilty. Edith Enoghaghase pleaded not guilty.
Patrick McLoughlin, aged 35, of Torboy, Moydow, County Longford, has been sentenced to five years imprisonment, with the final eighteen months suspended, following his conviction for sexual assault at the Central Criminal Court in Castlebar, County Mayo. A jury found him guilty in March 2022 of sexually assaulting a woman in Galway city centre in August 2017. Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring imposed strict conditions on the suspension, including engagement with the Probation Service. The judge remarked during sentencing that young men must understand that refusal of consent is unambiguous, criticising what she described as a widespread lack of understanding of the word "no" in sexual offence cases. McLoughlin maintains his innocence despite the jury verdict. His associate, Karl Reilly, was separately convicted of rape and sentenced to seven years with eighteen months suspended. The victim provided a statement describing ongoing trauma from the incident. Patrick McLoughlin pleaded not guilty.
A 33-year-old man who abducted his two-year-old daughter from a health centre in County Mayo last October has had sentencing adjourned pending trial on separate charges. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that both parents were heavily involved in substance abuse at the time of the abduction on October 12th. The man pleaded guilty to intentionally taking his daughter during a scheduled access visit. Following a nationwide Child Safety Alert, gardaí located the family at a Dublin hotel where the child was removed and the parents arrested. The court heard that weeks later the man attempted to abduct the child again from a house in County Mayo. He now faces trial in Castlebar Circuit Court next year on charges including assault, burglary and criminal damage. His co-parent, a UK national, pleaded guilty to abduction but failed to appear for sentencing and is now residing in London. Judge Martin Nolan adjourned sentencing until March 8th next.
A solicitor from Castlebar, County Mayo, has initiated High Court judicial review proceedings to challenge a Workplace Relations Commission decision that dismissed her unfair dismissal complaint against her former employer, Arthur Cox LLP. The adjudication officer's May 2022 ruling cited sustained disruptions during the hearing, which prevented the proceeding from continuing as scheduled. The applicant, representing herself, contests the decision as breached fair procedures and argues the adjudication officer incorrectly characterised unfair dismissal claims as adversarial rather than inquisitorial in nature. She also challenges the officer's refusal to summon defence witnesses and produce certain emails she considers material to her case. During proceedings before Ms Justice Marguerite Bolger, a heated exchange occurred between the applicant and the judge regarding amendments to pleadings and the judge's statement on public importance. The judge refused certain amendments but permitted others to be raised at a later hearing stage. The case will return before the court at a future date.
A Workplace Relations Commission adjudicating officer has dismissed an unfair dismissal complaint brought by Ammi Burke of Castlebar, Co Mayo, against Arthur Cox LLC. In his written decision, adjudicating officer Kevin Baneham found that sustained and deliberate obstruction by Ms Burke's mother prevented a key defence witness from being sworn in during the hearing. The officer considered calling gardaí to remove the mother from the hearing room but ruled against this course of action, stating it would be inappropriate for the WRC and would undermine public confidence. Mr Baneham concluded that adjourning would likely result in the same disruption and therefore dismissed the complaint, finding the respondent had not been afforded fair procedures.
A claim of unfair dismissal brought by solicitor Ammi Burke against law firm Arthur Cox has been dismissed by the Workplace Relations Commission following a hearing at which repeated interruptions prevented the proceedings from advancing. Ms Burke, of Castlebar, County Mayo, pursued the claim after her dismissal from the banking and finance division, where she worked as a junior associate. Arthur Cox denies wrongdoing, contending that a breakdown occurred in Ms Burke's professional relationships with three senior partners. During the hearing, Ms Burke sought to have additional witnesses summoned, including a partner and the firm's HR director, and requested disclosure of correspondence. The adjudicating officer, Kevin Baneham, declined these applications. The hearing was suspended multiple times as Ms Burke's mother, present in support, repeatedly interjected despite warnings. After six suspensions and an impasse preventing the respondent from presenting its evidence, Mr Baneham terminated the hearing and dismissed the complaint.
A Workplace Relations Commission hearing into a solicitor's unfair dismissal claim against Arthur Cox has heard competing accounts of an office incident in January 2019. Ammi Burke, from Castlebar, Co Mayo, claims she was unfairly dismissed in November 2019 after three and a half years with the firm. Arthur Cox disputes this, with a senior partner describing Ms Burke as having a "victim mentality" and lacking understanding of office behaviour. The dispute centres on Ms Burke's reaction to a lunch invitation from a senior partner returning from sabbatical. Ms Burke contends she received positive appraisals and was never previously cautioned about her conduct. Arthur Cox states relationships with three senior partners became untenable, leading to termination with three months' pay and a €70,000 ex-gratia payment, which the firm says Ms Burke accepted. Ms Burke argues reputational damage was significant and seeks reinstatement. The hearing before Kevin Baneham continues.
A solicitor from Castlebar, County Mayo, has sought the recusal of an adjudicator appointed to hear her unfair dismissal complaint against Arthur Cox Solicitors in Dublin. The woman alleged the adjudicating officer shared political affiliations and professional connections with the opposing barrister, specifically referencing shared involvement with the Free Legal Advice Centre and Labour Party membership. The adjudicator denied having maintained contact with the barrister and stated he resigned from the Labour Party upon becoming a civil servant. Leading counsel for Arthur Cox characterised the submissions as groundless and the questioning as abusive. At the preliminary hearing before the Workplace Relations Commission, the adjudicator reserved his decision on the recusal application and indicated he would deliver his ruling by email. The substantive hearing of the unfair dismissal case is scheduled to commence the following week at Lansdowne House, Dublin.
Two brothers whose guilty pleas were entered at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court in October 2019 have had their sentences reviewed at the Court of Appeal following challenges on grounds of severity and insufficient weight given to mitigating circumstances. The older brother, convicted of sexually assaulting his sister in 2007-2008 when he was aged 19 to 20, received a three-and-a-half-year sentence with the final 12 months suspended. The younger brother, aged 15 at the time of his offence under child protection legislation, was sentenced to two years with nine months suspended. On appeal, the younger brother's sentence was found to be too severe by the three-judge court, which directed his immediate release subject to probation supervision for 18 months. His suspended portion commenced on 19 November. The older brother's appeal was dismissed, with the court finding the custodial term fell within appropriate judicial discretion.
The High Court has quashed planning permission for a large-scale poultry farm in Co Mayo. Mr Justice Anthony Barr made the order following An Bord Pleanála's consent to quash the permission it had granted in September 2019 for a new poultry house and ancillary facilities at Brownhall Demense, Balla, Castlebar. The decision was challenged through judicial review by Michael O'Connor, a neighbouring resident at Brownhall, Balla, Castlebar. The board agreed to pay Mr O'Connor's legal costs. The original permission was granted to Noel and Ann Mulhern for their wholesale egg production business. The proposed facility was designed to house 12,000 laying hens. Mayo County Council and the board's own inspector had both recommended refusal. Mr O'Connor's challenge raised concerns including noise and odour nuisance, groundwater pollution, disease risk, and potential impacts on the River Moy Special Area of Conservation and the Ballinfad Special Area of Conservation, which supports the protected Lesser Horseshoe Bat species.
Two men arrested in County Mayo have appeared before the High Court in Dublin in connection with a fatal stabbing in Carlisle, United Kingdom. Kane Hull, aged 28, and Liam Porter, aged 32, both of Carlisle addresses, face charges relating to the death of a 24-year-old man on September 18th. The accused are wanted on suspicion of murder or manslaughter, with Porter also facing an additional allegation of assisting an offender. Gardaí arrested both men in the Carracastle area of County Mayo following their alleged departure from the UK on September 22nd. Evidence was provided by officers from Castlebar Garda Station confirming their identities. At today's hearing before Justice Paul McDermott, legal representation sought additional time to prepare objections to the extradition proceedings. The court adjourned the matter to October 22nd, 2021, for further hearing.
A 29-year-old man from Castlebar, County Mayo, has been sentenced to fourteen years' imprisonment for the manslaughter of his mother at their home in Derrycrieve, Islandeady, in March 2011. The Central Criminal Court heard that the defendant killed his 46-year-old mother in a frenzied knife attack whilst under the influence of drugs. His original murder conviction was overturned by the Supreme Court in 2019, which found the trial judge's instruction to the jury on intoxication as a partial defence to be inadequate. The Director of Public Prosecutions subsequently accepted a plea to manslaughter on the basis of intoxication. Mr Justice Michael White imposed the sentence on condition that the final two years remain suspended, subject to strict conditions including supervision by the probation service and residence in high-support accommodation upon release. The judge noted the defendant's violent temperament and eight assault convictions against prison staff, emphasising the need for structured community supervision. The unnamed 29-year-old pleaded guilty.
Celyn Eadon, 29, appeared at the Central Criminal Court for a sentencing hearing regarding the manslaughter of his mother, Noreen Kelly. Eadon admitted to her killing and pleaded guilty to manslaughter, a plea accepted by the DPP after the Supreme Court overturned his previous murder conviction. Defence counsel Patrick Gageby SC argued that gross intoxication deprived Eadon of the intent to kill, noting he suffered a brain injury from juvenile drug use. The DPP, represented by Seamus Clarke SC, assessed the case as high culpability but warned that Eadon would face homelessness if released, as probation services could not currently provide suitable accommodation. Mr Justice Michael White remanded Eadon in custody until February 22, when he will be sentenced. The judge indicated the sentence would include a suspended element of community supervision with strict conditions. Eadon has 13 other convictions, mostly for assaults, committed since his initial life sentence for the 2011 killing in Castlebar, Co Mayo.
A man in his early forties has been imprisoned for three and a half years following his conviction on sexual assault and assault charges at the Central Criminal Court in Castlebar. The jury found him guilty of two counts of sexual assault against his wife and one count of assault causing harm, relating to an incident in Galway city in October 2017. A rape charge could not proceed after the jury failed to reach agreement; the Director of Public Prosecutions subsequently discontinued this count with the victim's consent. The court heard the man forced his wife to a wooded area where he assaulted her, threatening violence and repeatedly striking her. The woman escaped and reported the incident to gardaí. Ms Justice Carmel Stewart imposed a four-and-a-half-year sentence with the final year suspended, backdated to his custody date in April 2019. The judge commended the victim for her courage in coming forward.
A man with convictions for stalking and harassment of former partners was found guilty at the Central Criminal Court in Castlebar, County Mayo, of sexually assaulting his wife in Galway city on October 13, 2017. The 42-year-old man was convicted of two counts of sexual assault and one count of assault causing harm. A jury was unable to reach a verdict on a rape charge, which the Director of Public Prosecutions subsequently dropped with the victim's support. The court heard the man forced his wife to accompany him to a wooded area following an incident at a church where she had sought shelter with other homeless women. Evidence included CCTV footage of the assault. The victim provided an impact statement describing ongoing trauma and psychological effects. The man, who has 24 previous convictions in Ireland and more serious convictions in the United Kingdom, has been in custody since April 2019. Ms Justice Carmel Stewart adjourned sentencing to December 1.
A man convicted of murdering his mother in County Mayo almost a decade ago will be sentenced for her manslaughter in February following a Supreme Court ruling that overturned his murder conviction. The Central Criminal Court hearing was disrupted when the defendant, now aged 29, shouted abuse at the prosecutor while pathology evidence was being presented. The State accepted his plea to the lesser offence on the basis that intoxication can prevent the formation of the intent required for murder. The defendant was 19 when he fatally stabbed his mother multiple times in their home near Castlebar in March 2011. He had initially pleaded guilty to manslaughter, but a jury found him guilty of murder and he received a life sentence in 2014. The Supreme Court found the trial judge's direction to the jury on intoxication and specific intent was inadequate. Justice Michael White remanded the defendant in custody pending sentencing submissions on 8th February, and ordered the Probation Service to prepare a structure should release be considered.
Celyn Eadon, aged 29, of Derrycrieve, Islandeady, Castlebar, Co Mayo, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to the manslaughter of his mother Noreen Kelly on March 9, 2011. Ms Kelly, aged 46, died following a knife attack at their home address. Eadon was originally convicted of her murder in 2014 and sentenced to life imprisonment. However, the Supreme Court quashed his conviction in December 2019, ruling the trial judge's instructions to the jury regarding intoxication and specific intention were inadequate. The court found the jury had not been properly informed that intoxication could constitute a partial defence to murder. The Director of Public Prosecutions accepted Eadon's manslaughter plea. Mr Justice Paul McDermott remanded him in custody pending a sentence hearing scheduled for November 16, 2020.
A man from Claremorris in County Mayo has had his prison sentence reduced following a successful appeal against its severity. Mark Walsh, now aged 32, was originally sentenced to five years imprisonment, with the final year suspended, at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court in October 2019 after pleading guilty to six counts of sexual assault against a young girl committed between 2006 and 2010. The Court of Appeal today reduced his sentence to four years imprisonment with the final year suspended. The three-judge panel found that the sentencing judge had failed to adequately consider Walsh's age at the time of the offences, when he was between 17 and 18 years old. The court also determined that the headline sentence of six years had been set too high and that significant mitigating factors had not been properly weighed. Walsh's sentence is now to be suspended for a period of three years.
The Central Criminal Court will resume jury trials from the end of August across multiple venues in an effort to address the significant backlog of cases suspended during coronavirus lockdown restrictions. Mr Justice Paul McDermott announced that trials will be listed in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, and Castlebar, with Dublin and Cork hosting proceedings for five weeks from August 31st, while the other locations will accommodate trials for shorter periods. Two pilot trials are scheduled to commence in Dublin on July 20th to test safety protocols and social distancing measures. Justice McDermott acknowledged that although resumption of trials represents progress, the capacity will address only approximately 25 per cent of adjourned cases. He noted the impact on complainants, families, and bereaved persons, as well as the continued custody status of numerous accused persons awaiting trial. Courts were adapted with screens and safety measures to facilitate jury proceedings while maintaining public health requirements.
A man from Castlebar, County Mayo, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for sexually exploiting children online. Mark Keogh pleaded guilty to 14 charges of child sexual exploitation and possession of child pornography. Between November 2013 and May 2014, he created a fake Facebook profile posing as a teenage girl named Nicole Doyle and contacted 14 boys aged 13 to 16, requesting naked photographs. Gardaí discovered over 700 sexually explicit images of children on his laptop during a search in February 2016, approximately 400 of which depicted the 12 victims. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a five-year sentence but suspended the final three and a half years. The judge noted Keogh's severe autism, psychiatric difficulties, and genuine need for specialist care, whilst acknowledging the seriousness of the offending and impact on the victims. Keogh has no previous convictions.
The Court of Appeal has refused the Director of Public Prosecutions' challenge to a suspended sentence imposed on a 78-year-old man convicted of child pornography offences. The man, formerly of Clare Island, County Mayo, was sentenced to two years wholly suspended at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court in February 2019 after gardaí discovered 586 video clips and 365 images of child sexual abuse material on his laptop in September 2016. The DPP argued the sentence was unduly lenient and failed to adequately consider deterrence. However, the three-judge Court of Appeal panel, presided over by Justice George Birmingham, found the sentencing judge had approached the matter with care and properly considered substantial mitigating factors. These included the man's own experience of serious childhood sexual abuse, his advanced age, his mental health concerns, and the significant consequences he had already faced, including losing his home and long marriage. The court dismissed the appeal, finding the sentence fell within the permissible range.
A 20-year-old man has been sentenced to five years imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court for the manslaughter of a teenager in Castlebar, County Mayo. The defendant, who cannot be named under court order, was convicted in July 2017 of fatally stabbing 17-year-old Dovydas Jenkas in the early hours of December 19, 2015. The victim, from Mount Street in Claremorris, died from a single stab wound. Justice Eileen Creedon imposed a headline sentence of nine years, reduced to six years with the final year suspended, taking into account the defendant's age at the time—he was fifteen—and subsequent conduct. The judge noted he immediately admitted responsibility, expressed genuine remorse, and has cooperated fully with gardaí and probation services. She found no evidence of prior conflict between the youths and highlighted that the defendant was armed while the victim was not. Sentencing was delayed multiple times owing to the defendant's medical condition, requiring brain surgery. The victim's family has stated they remain devastated by his death. The unnamed 20-year-old was acquitted.
Justice Eileen Creedon will hear medical evidence at the Central Criminal Court regarding whether a young man with a serious brain condition can be imprisoned, three years after his conviction for manslaughter. The offender, now aged 20 and subject to a legal anonymity order, was found guilty of the fatal stabbing of Dovydas Jenkas, aged 17, in Castlebar, County Mayo, in December 2015. He had been acquitted of murder. The court previously heard that Mr Jenkas, from Mount Street in Claremorris, sustained a single stab wound. The judge has indicated the victim's family requires closure and that the defendant should prepare for a custodial sentence. Since conviction, the offender has undergone treatment for his brain condition, including a surgical procedure in 2018. Sentencing has been repeatedly deferred pending medical assessment and court monitoring.
A youth convicted of manslaughter in connection with the death of a teenager in Claremorris, County Mayo, will be sentenced on 20 March following a brief hearing at the Central Criminal Court. The defendant was found guilty in July 2017 of the manslaughter of Dovydas Jenkas, aged seventeen, who died from a stab wound in the early hours of 19 December 2015. He had been charged with murder but acquitted of that charge. Justice Eileen Creedon indicated the offender should expect a custodial sentence and directed him to prepare accordingly. The sentencing hearing had been delayed pending the defendant's recovery from brain surgery. The judge noted that the victim's family requires finality in the matter.
A 26-year-old man from Castlebar, County Mayo has been sent forward for trial at the Central Criminal Court charged with the murder of his mother. Celyn Eadon, of Derrycrieve, Islandeady, faces the charge relating to an incident on March 9, 2011. The trial is scheduled to commence on November 2, with the defence indicating proceedings are expected to conclude within a fortnight. Mr Justice Michael White approved the sending forward of the case following proceedings at court today.
Alan Cawley, aged 32, of Four Winds, Corrinbla, Ballina, County Mayo, has lost his appeal against murder convictions at the Court of Appeal. Cawley was found guilty in 2017 of murdering Thomas Blaine, aged 69, and John Blaine, aged 76, at New Antrim Street in Castlebar on 10 July 2013. He had admitted killing the brothers with a shovel and a walking stick but denied murder, arguing diminished responsibility due to mental health disorders. A jury unanimously rejected this defence, and Mr Justice Paul Coffey imposed mandatory life sentences. Cawley appealed on grounds that the trial judge misdirected the jury regarding intoxication and diminished responsibility. The three-judge appeal panel, led by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, found no error in the trial judge's instructions and dismissed the appeal. The brothers, who had special needs and were under HSE care, were both assaulted fatally during the attack.
A 27-year-old man from Letterkenny, County Donegal, has had his suspended sentence for violent disorder doubled by the Court of Appeal. Johnny McDonagh was convicted in Castlebar Circuit Court following a trial relating to an incident at his grandfather's funeral in Ballyhaunis, County Mayo on 16 June 2016. The court heard he had been sentenced to three years suspended in February 2019, but the trial judge had been mistaken about the sentence imposed on a co-accused. The Court of Appeal found this error had resulted in a manifestly inadequate sentence. The court quashed the original three-year suspended sentence and imposed a new six-year sentence, suspended for five years. The president of the Court of Appeal remarked that McDonagh now has a substantial suspended sentence and must avoid further trouble.
A teenager convicted of the manslaughter of a 17-year-old boy in Claremorris, County Mayo in 2015 has had his sentencing further delayed to allow for additional brain surgery. The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was found guilty of killing Dovydas Jenkas on 19 December 2015 following a jury trial at the Central Criminal Court in Castlebar in 2017. He had previously undergone surgical procedures to address epileptic seizures, including a left temporal lesionectomy in July 2018. Defence counsel informed the Central Criminal Court that the defendant now requires a cranioplasty, a surgical repair of a skull defect, with no confirmed date yet available. Justice Eileen Creedon acknowledged the distress of the deceased's family, noting two years had passed since conviction without sentencing finalisation. The case was adjourned to 14 February 2020, with the defendant remanded on continuing bail pending further medical evidence or completion of surgery.
Martin Conroy, aged 45, has failed in his appeal against a sentence imposed by Castlebar Circuit Court in June 2018. Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin sentenced Conroy to five years imprisonment, with the final 18 months suspended on condition of residential treatment for alcohol addiction, following his conviction for burglary. A further charge of impersonating a garda was taken into consideration. The offence occurred on 12 December 2017 when Conroy broke into a home in Castlebar, County Mayo, and falsely identified himself as a garda to the elderly householder. He fled when asked to produce identification and was subsequently located by gardaí. Conroy pleaded guilty and made full admissions. His legal team argued the sentence was excessive, citing lack of premeditation and his acting alone. However, the Court of Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice John Edwards, upheld the original sentence, finding it not disproportionate given Conroy's 50 previous convictions and the psychological impact on the victim.
Alan Cawley (32) of Four Winds, Corrinbla, Ballina, has appealed his conviction for the murder of two elderly brothers with special needs at the Court of Appeal in Dublin. Cawley was unanimously found guilty by jury in 2017 and received a mandatory life sentence for killing Thomas Blaine (69) and John Blaine (76) at New Antrim Street in Castlebar on 10 July 2013. He admitted the killings but denied murder, claiming diminished responsibility on grounds of mental disorder. The appeal focused on the trial judge's directions to the jury regarding intoxication and its interaction with the diminished responsibility defence. The defence argued the jury may have been directed to exclude intoxication before considering mental disorder, whereas both issues could operate simultaneously. The prosecution maintained the trial judge's instructions were legally sound and that evidence of the crime was overwhelming. A three-judge panel reserved judgment.
A former garda has failed in his appeal against a two-year prison sentence for sexually assaulting a sleeping woman at a Mayo hotel in July 2015. The 37-year-old man pleaded guilty to the offence at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court after initially maintaining his innocence. He was subsequently dismissed from An Garda Síochána following his guilty plea. The Court of Appeal upheld the sentence today, with Ms Justice Marie Baker finding the sentencing judge's approach sound. The original sentence was based on a four-year headline term with a 50 per cent reduction applied for mitigating factors including the man's prior good character and expressions of remorse. Ms Justice Baker stated the discount was appropriate and potentially "generous". She noted the gravity of the offence and the late guilty plea justified a custodial sentence without suspension. The three-judge court found no error in principle and dismissed the appeal. The unnamed 37-year-old pleaded not guilty.
Hassan Bilal, 38, of Tullamore, Co Offaly, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to burglary and theft of catering equipment valued at €10,16 on May 18, 2015. The items included a commercial freezer, fryers, mixing bowls, trays, a chip holder, a burger fryer, a microwave, a blender, and chopping boards. Judge Elma Sheahan adjourned the matter to May 27 to allow Detective Garda Sweeney to ascertain the specific financial losses incurred by victim Gerry Hughes. Bilal was remanded on continuing bail. The court heard that Bilal, along with co-defendants Yasir Ali and Sabih Hassan, had sub-let the premises in Castlebar, Mayo, without permission. Ali, of East Wall, Dublin, previously received a two-year suspended sentence in December 2017 for the same offence. Sabih Hassan received a three-year suspended term in February 2018. A victim impact statement stated Hughes suffered severe physical, mental, and financial stress, noting he remained out of pocket four years later. Defence counsel Niamh Barry BL submitted Bilal was of limited means and had made efforts to change his circumstances. The prosecution noted no evidence supported Bilal's claim of having paid a deposit or rent.
A man convicted of murdering two elderly brothers in Castlebar has been granted an appeal hearing date of 21 June. Alan Cawley, aged 31, of Ballina, Co Mayo, was sentenced to life imprisonment in July 2017 after a jury unanimously found him guilty of killing Thomas Blaine, aged 69, and John Blaine, aged 76, at New Antrim Street on 10 July 2013. Cawley had admitted the killings but denied murder, arguing diminished responsibility on grounds of mental health conditions. The Central Criminal Court rejected this defence. The Court of Appeal fixed the hearing date during a procedural mention. The coroner for Mayo has indicated the inquest into the deaths cannot proceed until the appeal concludes, a matter which has caused concern to the deceased's family. Legal submissions from both parties have now been filed ahead of the June hearing.
A man from Ballina in County Mayo has failed in his appeal against a five-year custodial sentence for causing a fatal collision while driving under the influence of alcohol and cocaine. Declan Moran pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court to dangerous driving causing the death of Martin Wynne, a motorcyclist, on the N26 near Ballinahaglish on 8 May 2016. He also admitted leaving the scene. Moran had attempted an illegal U-turn whilst impaired and collided with Mr Wynne's motorcycle, resulting in fatal injuries. A urine sample taken hours after the incident revealed alcohol levels nearly three times the legal limit. The Court of Appeal upheld the six-year sentence, with the final year suspended, finding the culpability serious and the previous drink-driving conviction a significant aggravating factor.
A teenager convicted of manslaughter following the fatal stabbing of a 17-year-old boy in Claremorris in December 2015 has had his sentencing adjourned at the Central Criminal Court. The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was found guilty of the manslaughter of Dovydas Jenkas in 2017 after a jury rejected a murder charge. Justice Eileen Creedon adjourned sentencing until October to allow the teenager time to recover from recent brain surgery performed to address severe epileptic seizures. Medical evidence presented to the court indicated the defendant suffers from localised epilepsy caused by a brain lesion and has undergone an anterior temporal lobectomy. The judge acknowledged the health grounds for the adjournment whilst noting her concern to finalise proceedings in consideration of the victim's family.