Court archive
Court reports mentioning Charlestown, Mayo
2026-07-02 · Dublin
A murder trial jury has viewed CCTV footage showing Mark Carroll running from a house in north Dublin clutching his chest, followed by Derek Boyd, the accused in his murder. The footage, presented by Garda Ronan Kelly, showed Carroll arriving at the house on June 8, 2024, and spending time with his girlfriend Megan Rock and Boyd. At 5:30 pm, all three were seen outside the house. At 00:55 on June 9, Carroll was seen running from the house, followed by Rock, and then Boyd. Prosecuting counsel stated that no direct evidence of the stabbing would be presented, but jurors were asked to infer it occurred during the seven minutes between the two men's movements. The footage also showed Boyd leaving the house, shouting, and running back inside. He was later seen climbing over the roof and into a back garden before boarding a taxi. Boyd and his partner, Chantelle Harcourt, have both pleaded not guilty to the charges. The trial continues before Ms Justice Melanie Greally and a jury of seven men and five women.
2026-06-19 · Dublin
The Court of Appeal has ruled that the privacy rights of Kevin Braney, a former leader of the New IRA in Dublin, were not breached when gardaí used a surveillance device to listen in on him conversing with members of a criminal gang at a KFC restaurant. Braney was found guilty of murder in February 2019 by the Special Criminal Court for the killing of dissident republican Peter Butterly in 2013. The court dismissed Braney's appeal, with Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy stating that the grounds raised were not proven. Braney's legal team had argued that gardaí did not obtain proper authorisation before using the listening device and that the recording should not have been admitted as evidence. However, the court upheld the use of the device under the Criminal Law (Surveillance) Act 2009, noting that the superintendent believed an emergency justified the action. The court also rejected arguments that the audio evidence was of insufficient quality and that the testimony of David Cullen, a former accomplice who became a witness, should have been excluded.
2026-04-27 · Mayo
A service station operator in Charlestown, County Mayo, has been ordered to pay €1,250 in compensation to a former employee following a determination by the Workplace Relations Commission. Eve Kilcoyne, who worked as a cash office worker for Macs Place Ltd since 2016, was dismissed in 2024 after the business shifted towards card payments. While the tribunal found the role had become redundant due to declining cash transactions, the dismissal was deemed unfair on procedural grounds. The company failed to provide adequate consideration of alternatives, denied the worker representation rights, and offered no appeals process. Adjudicator Louise Boyle also found the employer in breach of the Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994 for failing to provide updated employment terms when duties changed. Ms Kilcoyne received €800 compensation for unfair dismissal and €450 for the statutory breach.
2026-02-26 · Galway
Adrian Behan was found not guilty by reason of insanity of 23 criminal damage charges and 10 theft counts involving telecommunications sites in Mayo and Galway. A jury at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court returned the unanimous special verdict after hearing that he had been experiencing an acute psychotic episode caused by schizophrenia.
2026-02-25 · Mayo
Adrian Behan pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to 23 criminal damage charges and 10 theft counts concerning alleged incidents at telecommunications sites in Mayo and Galway. The trial heard that cables, wiring, antennae and electrical equipment were damaged or stolen. The case continued before Judge Eoin Garavan.
2025-03-21 · Dublin
Kevin Braney, aged 49, is appealing his conviction for the murder of Peter Butterly at the Special Criminal Court. The appeal, heard before a three-judge panel, centres on two main issues: the lawfulness of surveillance authorisation and the admissibility of evidence from an accomplice-turned-State's witness. Braney's counsel argues that gardai breached his privacy rights by deploying a listening device at a KFC restaurant in Charlestown Shopping Centre, Finglas without proper district court authorisation. The defence contends a superintendent in County Meath could have sought judicial approval at nearby Balbriggan District Court rather than relying on emergency powers under the Criminal Law (Surveillance) Act 2009. The Director of Public Prosecutions argues the superintendent acted appropriately given time constraints when the criminal meeting emerged. The prosecution also disputes whether private conversation expectations apply in a public restaurant setting. Additionally, Braney's legal team challenges the trial court's reliance on evidence from David Cullen, who pleaded guilty to firearms offences and entered witness protection. The defence characterises Cullen as unreliable and willing to lie in his interests.
2025-03-20 · Dublin
The Court of Appeal is hearing an appeal by Kevin Braney, who was convicted by the Special Criminal Court of the 2013 murder of Peter Butterly. Counsel for Braney argued that the conviction should be overturned because the trial relied on the evidence of David Cullen, a State's witness described as a perjurer and accomplice. Cullen had previously pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol, receiving a seven-year sentence with half suspended, in exchange for dropping a murder charge. The defence contended that Cullen's credibility was undermined by his admitted dishonesty and personal animus toward Braney. The Director of Public Prosecutions countered that the circumstantial evidence, including observed movements of gang members, was compelling and supported Cullen's testimony that Braney instructed the killing. Braney, who was previously sentenced in 2018 to four years and six months for IRA membership, was found guilty of premeditated murder in February 2019. Co-defendants Edward McGrath, Sharif Kelly, and Dean Evans also received life sentences for the murder, with Evans identified as the shooter. The three-judge Court of Appeal will hear further submissions from both parties before making a decision.
2025-01-30 · Dublin
Two individuals have been sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following their guilty pleas to conspiracy charges relating to a scheme to impersonate learner drivers during theory examinations. Alina Glont, aged 42, of Charlestown Place, Finglas, Dublin 11, and Daniel Stepien, aged 29, of Annfield Court, Clonsilla, Dublin 15, were convicted of conducting unauthorised theory tests on behalf of third parties between September 2018 and June 2021. Gardaí identified 124 incidents where members of a five-person group sat tests for others, with Stepien completing 68 examinations and Glont 20. Third parties reportedly paid between €1,000 and €2,000 each to the group. Judge Martin Nolan described the operation as a serious criminal enterprise generating approximately €100,000 in profits. Stepien received a 32-month sentence, backdated to December 2024, while Glont was sentenced to two and a half years, with the judge accepting elements of her duress claim involving an ex-partner.
2025-01-29 · Dublin
Two individuals pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to conspiracy charges relating to a scheme in which they impersonated learner drivers and sat theory tests on behalf of third parties. Alina Glont, aged 42 of Charlestown Place, Finglas, Dublin, and Daniel Stepien, aged 29 of Annfield Court, Clonsilla, Dublin, carried out 88 tests between September 2018 and June 2021. Detective Garda Barry Cormack outlined that a total of 124 incidents were identified, with Stepien completing 68 tests and Glont 20. The Road Safety Authority initiated an investigation in January 2021 following confidential information, subsequently reporting 36 potential impersonations to gardaí. Evidence indicated third parties paid between €1,000 and €2,000 for the service. Upon searching Glont's home, gardaí recovered seven prepaid debit cards registered with false names and used to book over 100 tests. Both defendants presented mitigation, with defence counsel highlighting Stepien's status as lowest-ranking participant and Glont's claims of coercion by an ex-partner. Judge Martin Nolan adjourned sentencing to the following day.
2025-01-23 · Dublin
Joseph Boyle, 42, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for violent offences committed while on bail. He pleaded guilty to assault causing serious harm, robbery, theft, and threatening to kill or cause serious harm. Judge Martin Nolan jailed Boyle for eight and a half years, imposing a five-year sentence for the assault causing serious harm and a consecutive three-and-a-half-year term for the remaining charges. The court heard Boyle had 86 previous convictions and that his single punch to a victim's head on Phibsborough Road resulted in a life-threatening traumatic brain injury, requiring five and a half months of hospitalisation. Other offences included knife robberies of tourists and security staff. In a related matter, Kia O'Connor, 34, pleaded guilty to violent disorder for throwing a bottle at a woman during an altercation in which Boyle brandished a knife. Judge Nolan jailed O'Connor for one year. Both defendants were of no fixed abode. The judge noted Boyle's chronic drug problem and violent temperament, describing him as a menace. O'Connor's defence highlighted her personal setbacks and drug addiction. The matter was finalised with these custodial sentences.
2024-12-20 · Dublin
Sam Collins, a 30-year-old electrician from Sandyford, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of drugs for sale or supply following an incident on August 26, 2023, at Charlestown Place, Finglas. Gardaí discovered approximately €58,879 worth of drugs during a search of his vehicle and home after he was observed at the location. The court heard Collins was storing the drugs for a third party and that he had no previous convictions. Defence counsel highlighted his mental health difficulties at the time and noted his otherwise solid work history and family circumstances. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a four-and-a-half-year prison sentence, fully suspended, citing exceptional circumstances including Collins' early guilty plea, clean record, and unlikely prospect of reoffending.
2024-11-05 · Dublin
At the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, a murder trial heard that Dean Caffrey (38) made enquiries about renting a storage unit shortly after the death of Sean McCarthy (28). Mr Caffrey, of Beaucort, Achill Road, Drumcondra, denies murdering Mr McCarthy, whose body was discovered in a wardrobe at the accused's apartment four days after he went missing in August 2022. Prosecution counsel Kathleen Noctor SC told the court that the accused had told gardaí the deceased arrived armed and threatened him over a suspected heroin theft, and that a struggle ensued during which he discharged a firearm fatally. Emma Flynn, an employee of a Dublin storage company, testified that on 3 August 2022, a man identifying himself as Dean Caffrey submitted an online request for a storage unit at the Charlestown depot. Ms Flynn confirmed she subsequently spoke with the customer by telephone. The trial, before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury, continues. Dean Caffrey pleaded not guilty.
2024-06-26 · Dublin
Eddie Rockets (Ireland) Limited and Rockets Franchising DAC have secured a temporary injunction from the High Court restraining the alleged unauthorised transfer of two restaurant franchises. The proceedings concern franchises at Charlestown Shopping Centre in Finglas and at Clarehall in North Dublin, which the plaintiffs claim were transferred in breach of sale and franchise agreements. The defendants include Ziggy Investments Limited, which held the franchises since 2020, shareholders Lisa Marie Deegan and Jacinta Deegan, and businessman Brian Dunne, a former Eddie Rockets franchise holder alleged to have acquired Ziggy Investments. The court heard that Eddie Rockets had agreements in place to purchase the franchises, but learned this month that Ziggy Investments had been sold. Mr Justice David Nolan granted the temporary injunction on an ex-parte basis, restraining the defendants from breaching the franchise agreements and preventing Mr Dunne from interfering with the plaintiff's intellectual property. The matter returns to court later in the week.
2024-03-21 · Dublin
A man convicted of killing his wife in Finglas, Dublin in 2021 has been returned to the Central Mental Hospital for continued treatment. Diego Costa Silva, aged 35, was found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity following his trial at the Central Criminal Court earlier this month. He had pleaded not guilty to the charge relating to the death of his wife on November 4, 2021 at their home in Charlestown Place. Evidence presented to the jury established that Mr Costa Silva was suffering from cannabis-induced psychosis at the time, causing him to believe his wife was possessed and posed a threat to him. Two forensic psychiatrists confirmed he met the criteria for a finding of insanity under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006. At today's hearing, Mr Justice Michael MacGrath ordered his return to the Central Mental Hospital, where a consultant psychiatrist confirmed he continues to require in-patient treatment. His case will be reviewed again on July 29.
2024-03-08 · Ireland
A man from Charlestown, County Mayo, has been found not guilty of murdering his wife by reason of insanity at the Central Criminal Court. The jury unanimously determined that Diego Costa Silva was suffering from cannabis-induced psychosis when he killed his wife, Fabiola De Campos Silva, at their home in Finglas, Dublin, on 4 November 2021. Two forensic psychiatrists gave evidence that Mr Silva's mental disorder caused him to believe his wife was possessed by a serpent and would kill him. Medical professionals had noted signs of psychosis after he was detained two days before the killing and recommended he remain as a voluntary patient, but he left hospital. Mr Silva was remanded to the Central Mental Hospital for assessment, with the case to return to court on 22 March for a psychiatric report on his current condition. The jury deliberated for two hours and 24 minutes before reaching their verdict.
2024-03-07 · Dublin
Diego Costa Silva, 35, pleaded not guilty to the murder of his wife, Fabiola Camara De Campos Silva, 33, at their home in Charlestown Place, Finglas, Dublin 11, on November 4, 2021. The Central Criminal Court heard evidence from two consultant psychiatrists who agreed that Mr Costa Silva suffered from a cannabis-induced psychotic disorder, a mental disorder under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006. They testified that he believed his wife was possessed by a serpent and that he had to decapitate her to ensure the serpent was dead. Both experts stated that due to this disorder, Mr Costa Silva did not understand the nature and quality of his actions or that they were wrong. Prosecution and defence counsel both submitted that the evidence supports a finding of not guilty by reason of insanity. Mr Justice Michael MacGrath has begun charging the jury, who will consider their verdict tomorrow. The matter is at the sentencing stage following the validated procedural stage, though the final verdict is pending.
2024-03-06 · Dublin
Diego Costa Silva, 35, pleaded not guilty to the murder of his wife, De Campos Silva, 33, at their home in Charlestown Place, Finglas, on November 4, 2021. The Central Criminal Court jury is being asked to return a special verdict under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006. Detective Garda Carl Smith testified that Mr Costa Silva told gardai he heard voices and believed his wife was possessed, stating, "sometimes you have to behead somebody." He alleged he felt unsafe after confessing to infidelity and feared his wife would kill him. He described striking her with a cup, choking her, stabbing her, and cutting off her head with a knife. Det Sgt Louise McHugh stated that following interviews, Mr Costa Silva was released from detention before she arrested and charged him with murder. Garda Colin Miley testified that two days prior, he found Mr Costa Silva distressed and disorientated while running barefoot in Dublin city centre. Mr Costa Silva was detained under the Mental Health Act and taken to the Mater Hospital, where he expressed suicidal thoughts. A urine analysis was positive for cannabis. The accused has only previous convictions for minor road traffic matters. The trial continues before Mr Justice Michael MacGrath.
2024-03-05 · Dublin
A trial at the Central Criminal Court has heard allegations that Diego Costa Silva, aged 35, fatally attacked his wife at their apartment on Charlestown Place, Finglas, Dublin in November 2021. The prosecution alleges that Mr Costa Silva struck his wife, Fabiola Camara De Campos Silva, aged 33, with knives and severed her head from her body. Emergency services were called in the early morning of November 4th, with the accused telling responders he believed he had killed his wife. Gardaí discovered the deceased in a doorway with knife wounds and a blade protruding from her chest. Mr Costa Silva has pleaded not guilty to murder. The defence has made admissions regarding the death but indicated it will seek a special verdict under the Criminal Law Insanity Act 2006, centring on the accused's mental state at the time. Psychiatric evidence from both prosecution and defence experts will be presented to the jury. The trial before Mr Justice Michael MacGrath continues.
2024-03-04 · Dublin
A 35-year-old Brazilian man pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court today to the murder of his wife at their home in Dublin in November 2021. Diego Costa Silva is charged with the killing of Fabiola Camara De Campos Silva at Charlestown Place, Finglas. The trial, which opened before Mr Justice Michael MacGrath and a jury, is expected to last approximately five days. The court will consider the question of insanity as a special verdict. The prosecution's case will be supported by evidence from gardaí, emergency service personnel, and two consultant forensic psychiatrists. Both the accused and his wife had emigrated from Brazil, with Mr Costa Silva having worked at a public house in Blanchardstown.
2023-03-15 · Roscommon
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has convicted Stephen Silver of the capital murder of Garda Colm Horkan in Castlerea, County Roscommon, on 17 June 2020. Silver, a 46-year-old motorcycle mechanic, was sentenced to a minimum of 40 years imprisonment. The court heard that Silver had deliberately provoked an encounter with gardaí that evening, conducting dangerous motorcycle manoeuvres around the Knockroe estate in Foxford and making verbal challenges to armed officers. When Garda Horkan, a 25-year veteran based in Charlestown, County Mayo, approached Silver and his companion James Coyne, a struggle ensued over the officer's firearm. Silver disarmed Garda Horkan and fired eleven shots at the wounded officer as he lay on the ground. The defence argued Silver was experiencing a relapse of bipolar affective disorder at the time, but the jury rejected this claim. Expert testimony established that Silver's pattern of prior involuntary psychiatric admissions had created a "learned impunity" whereby he expected diffusion and hospitalisation rather than serious criminal consequences. Garda Helen Gillen, who witnessed the incident, confronted and arrested Silver unarmed. Stephen Silver pleaded guilty.
2023-01-31 · Mayo
At the Central Criminal Court, Stephen Silver, aged 46, a motorbike mechanic from Foxford, County Mayo, pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Garda Colm Horkan on June 17, 2020, at Castlerea, County Roscommon. He has pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The prosecution opening alleged that following an encounter on the main street in Castlerea, Mr Silver engaged in a struggle with the uniformed officer, seized his firearm, and discharged it multiple times, causing fatal injuries. The court heard that Mr Silver told gardai at the scene that the deceased had attempted to attack him. The defence intends to raise issues of bipolar disorder and diminished responsibility due to mental health difficulties. The trial, before Ms Justice Tara Burns and a jury of twelve, is expected to last six weeks. The main disputed issue concerns Mr Silver's state of mind at the time of the incident.
2022-11-17 · Dublin
The High Court has appointed an interim examiner to Blacklough Construction Limited following an application on grounds of cash-flow insolvency. The company, which has 48 employees and engages subcontractors, is currently constructing over 360 social housing units across five sites for Respond Housing Association, including developments in Charlestown, County Mayo, and locations in Dublin, Meath, Westmeath and Louth. An independent expert's report indicated the company has reasonable prospects of survival if certain steps are taken. Counsel attributed the firm's difficulties primarily to a 33 per cent rise in building material costs since 2020, alongside a potential planning permission issue at the Carrickmines site in Dublin. Trade creditors are owed over €3 million. Chartered accountant Joe Walsh was appointed as interim examiner by Mr Justice Michael Quinn on Thursday. The court was satisfied that creditors would fare better under an examinership than in liquidation. Proceedings were adjourned to later in the month, with creditors to be notified of the application.
2022-01-20 · Dublin
A former Revenue employee received a fully suspended eighteen-month sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for her role in generating fraudulent tax refunds. Linda Kinsella, aged 38, pleaded guilty to two counts of dishonestly inducing a gain by deception and one count of using a false instrument at Revenue offices on Belgard Road, Dublin 24, between December 2013 and June 2015. She created false tax returns totalling over €8,000 for her ex-boyfriend Eric Maher and his twin brother Brian Maher. Both men also received suspended eighteen-month sentences after pleading guilty to stealing from the Revenue Commission. Eric Maher obtained €1,921.95 while Brian Maher, with an address in Charlestown Shopping Centre, Finglas, obtained €6,121.45. Judge Martin Nolan noted Kinsella was the "vital cog" in the scheme, though the brothers had imposed upon her to some degree. All three accused have since repaid the money in full. Kinsella lost her job following the investigation.
2020-11-26 · Dublin
Chrissy Mwandira, a 23-year-old Malawian national, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for possession of the proceeds of criminal conduct. She pleaded guilty to possessing €10,000 in stolen funds deposited into her account on September 18, 2018. Prosecution evidence indicated that emails regarding a payment from the Peninsula Group to the Herbert Group were hacked, allowing false bank details to be substituted. Mwandira stated she had met an individual on the dating app Tinder, whom she believed was a romantic contact assisting her with school fees. She provided her bank details to this person and was shocked when the funds appeared. The judge noted there was no suggestion Mwandira was linked to the hacking or had offered her account for the offence. Judge Melanie Greally described the case as one of negligence rather than intent, characterizing Mwandira as a diligent, hard-working person who was taken in and cast aside. Mwandira, who has no previous convictions, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment. However, the sentence was suspended in full on strict conditions. The court also ordered that €500 in compensation, raised by the defendant, be handed over to the injured party.
2019-11-07 · Meath
The Special Criminal Court trial of Laurence Murphy and Ray Kennedy, both charged in connection with the killing of Peter Butterly, entered legal argument regarding the retention of mobile phone data under the Communications (Retention of Data) Act 2011. This legal challenge is linked to the case of convicted murderer Graham Dwyer, whose appeal against a High Court declaration that the Act breached EU law is due before the Supreme Court in December. Murphy and Kennedy pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation, styled the IRA, on March 6, 2013. Kennedy is additionally charged with carrying out an act intending to pervert the course of justice by destroying a mobile telephone SIM card. The prosecution alleges the killing was meticulously planned. Four men—Kevin Braney, Edward McGrath, Sharif Kelly, and Dean Evans—have already received life sentences for the murder. Michael McDermott and Frank Murphy, the latter being Laurence Murphy's brother, have also been jailed for their roles in the killing. The trial continues before Ms Justice Tara Burns, Judge Sarah Berkeley, and Judge Michael Walsh.
2019-10-31 · Meath
The Special Criminal Court trial of Laurence Murphy and Ray Kennedy, both accused of IRA membership on March 6, 2013, continued with the court listening to a secret audio recording from a KFC in Charlestown. Both men pleaded not guilty to the membership charge; Mr. Kennedy also faces a charge of perverting the course of justice by destroying a SIM card. The prosecution alleges the men attended a "debrief" meeting the day after the murder of Peter Butterly. The court heard that gardai surveillance identified Kevin Braney, Frank Murphy, and Laurence Murphy at the outlet. Kevin Braney was previously sentenced to life imprisonment for the premeditated murder of Mr. Butterly, a finding he had denied. Frank Murphy, a brother of the accused, was jailed for three years, with the final year suspended, after pleading guilty to impeding the prosecution of State witness David Cullen. Other individuals, including Edward McGrath, Sharif Kelly, and Dean Evans, received life sentences for the murder. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Tara Burns, Judge Sarah Berkeley, and Judge Michael Walsh, was adjourned and resumes next Wednesday.
2019-10-22 · Dublin
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned the trial of Laurence Murphy and Ray Kennedy, who both pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation. The court heard that Dave Cullen, a State's witness in the Peter Butterly murder case, was not prosecuted for alleged perjury due to fears he would not return to Ireland from a protection program abroad. Cullen had previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in suspicious circumstances. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Tara Burns, was paused after the defence requested documentation regarding the decision not to prosecute Cullen. The matter was adjourned until tomorrow. In related proceedings, Kevin Braney was found guilty of premeditated murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. Frank Murphy, brother of the accused Laurence Murphy, pleaded guilty to impeding the apprehension of Cullen and was jailed for three years, with the final year suspended. Michael McDermott, who played a role in the murder, has also been jailed. The court noted that Cullen's evidence was used in the convictions of four individuals for Butterly's murder.
2019-10-16 · Meath
An accused man was observed meeting two individuals convicted in connection with the fatal shooting of dissident republican Peter Butterly one day after the killing, the Special Criminal Court heard today. Surveillance officers told the non-jury court that on March 7, 2013, Laurence Murphy was seen at a fast-food outlet in Charlestown Shopping Centre in Dublin alongside Kevin Braney and Frank Murphy. Butterly, aged 35, was shot dead on March 6, 2013, outside a public house in Gormanston, County Meath. Braney was sentenced to life imprisonment earlier this year following conviction for the premeditated murder. The prosecution contends the group gathered for a debrief regarding the previous day's events. Murphy, of Bettystown, County Meath, and Ray Kennedy, of Blanchardstown, Dublin, have pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA on that date. Kennedy faces an additional charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice. The trial continues.
2019-10-08 · Dublin
The Special Criminal Court heard the opening of the prosecution case against Ray Kennedy and Laurence Murphy, who have pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh Na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA. Kennedy, 39, is additionally charged with carrying out an act intending to pervert the course of justice by destroying a mobile telephone SIM card. The trial concerns the killing of dissident republican Peter Butterly in March 2013. Prosecution counsel alleged that Kennedy arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting, having arranged a meeting with the victim, and subsequently destroyed a SIM card. It was further alleged that Murphy's vehicle passed the location two days prior to the incident and that he attended a debriefing meeting afterwards. The court heard that four other men have already received life sentences for the murder, while Michael McDermott and Frank Murphy, the latter being Laurence Murphy's brother, have also been jailed for their roles in the killing. David Cullen, whose plea to a lesser charge was accepted in 2014, turned State's witness. The trial is ongoing before a three-judge panel and resumes tomorrow.
2019-07-29 · Dublin
A 54-year-old woman from Dublin has received a fully suspended five-year sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for storing over €192,000 worth of drugs at her home. Catherine Byrne pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply on May 29, 2018. Her co-accused, Robert Yeates, aged 32, also pleaded guilty to possession of a shotgun at a location in Finglas North on the same date. The court heard that Byrne became involved in the offence to settle her daughter's drug debt after threats were made against her family. Judge Martin Nolan found her culpability low, noting she acted under duress to protect her daughter from serious individuals. Yeates received a three-and-a-half-year suspended sentence conditional on keeping the peace and maintaining good behaviour for that period. Byrne has 21 previous convictions for road traffic offences, while Yeates has two similar prior convictions.
2019-03-11 · Meath
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned the sentencing of Frank Murphy and Michael McDermott to April 1, remanding both men in custody. Murphy, 58, pleaded guilty in November 2018 to committing an act to impede the apprehension or prosecution of David Cullen, whom he allegedly believed was guilty of possessing a firearm. McDermott, 60, pleaded guilty to helping an unlawful organisation, identified as the IRA, murder Peter Butterly. The court heard evidence that Butterly was shot dead in a Meath car park in March 2013. David Cullen, who was originally charged with murder, pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol. His plea was accepted by the DPP, resulting in a nolle prosequi on the murder count. Cullen turned State's witness and was sentenced to seven years in prison, with three and a half years suspended, for the firearm possession. The court noted that four other men have already received life sentences for Butterly's murder. Neither Murphy nor McDermott has previous convictions. The judges, presiding over the non-jury court, indicated they will deliver their sentences on April 1.
2019-02-08 · Dublin
The leader of the so-called New IRA in Dublin, Kevin Braney (44), was today jailed for life for the murder of Peter Butterly (35) almost six years ago. Braney was found guilty by the Special Criminal Court last Monday of the 'premeditated' murder of Mr Butterly, who was chased and shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath, on March 6, 2013. Braney had pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Butterly. Mr Justice Paul Coffey, presiding, said the court was driven 'irresistibly' to the conclusion that Braney was involved in the organisation and planning of Mr Butterly's murder beyond a reasonable doubt. In 2018, Braney was sentenced to four years and six months after he was found guilty of IRA membership by the Special Criminal Court. Mr Justice Coffey, sitting with Judge Martin Nolan and Judge James Faughnan, then sentenced Braney to the mandatory term of life imprisonment, backdated to when he first went into custody for this matter on September 14, 2017. Ms Caroline Cummings BL asked the court that a 'nolle prosequi' be entered on the outstanding count of membership, meaning the State will not be proceeding with the prosecution in relation to this count. Edward McGrath (37), Sharif Kelly (49), and Dean Evans (27) have all received life sentences at the Special Criminal Court after they were convicted of Mr Butterly's murder. The court found that Braney had been involved and participated in Mr Butterly's murder.
2018-01-19 · Dublin
A store manager from Finglas has been sentenced to two years imprisonment, with the final twelve months suspended, following his conviction for theft at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Artur Szymkowiak, aged 38, pleaded guilty to stealing over €26,000 from Maxi Zoo at Clearwater Retail Park between February 2015 and June 2016. Judge Karen O'Connor acknowledged Szymkowiak's previously unblemished record and personal financial difficulties, but noted that debt alone does not justify breaching an employer's trust. The court heard that Szymkowiak, who worked as store manager, initially took money from lodgements to address rent arrears and unexpected expenses. What began as an attempt to borrow funds escalated as he made increasingly irregular lodgement payments. When confronted by gardaí in July 2016, Szymkowiak immediately confessed and cooperated fully. The stolen money has not been recovered. Szymkowiak has since lost his employment at the retailer.
2017-11-28 · Dublin
Daniel Polanksi, 33, of Charlestown Place, Finglas, Dublin, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. He pleaded guilty to one count of possessing three signal blockers used for breaking into cars on March 7 this year. He also pleaded guilty to one count of possessing crowbars, torches, binoculars, and pen-knives for use in a theft on the same date. Judge Karen O'Connor imposed a sentence of three years and three months. The court heard that gardaí recovered the items from a vehicle at St Margaret's Road, Finglas, along with a USB stick and an iPod allegedly stolen from other cars. Polanksi has 72 previous convictions, including 40 for theft. Two further counts relating to the theft of the USB stick and iPod were taken into account. Defence counsel Luigi Rea BL noted Polanksi is currently in custody for a previous offence, is an enhanced prisoner, and is attending addiction counselling. The matter was finalised with the imposition of the custodial sentence.
2017-04-24 · Mayo
A director of a carpet company based in Charlestown, County Mayo, admitted at the Central Criminal Court to breaching competition law through a price-fixing arrangement. Brendan Smith, aged 39 and a director of Aston Carpets and Flooring, pleaded guilty to engaging in an anti-competitive agreement with a rival firm between July 2012 and April 2013. The agreement involved the companies coordinating bids to artificially inflate prices for their products. Smith further admitted to a second charge of attempting to obstruct a prosecution investigation by instructing an individual to delete emails in April 2013. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy remanded Smith on bail pending sentencing on May 4th.
2015-06-25 · Mayo
Four men convicted of assaulting two off-duty gardaí at Charlestown in June 2012 have been imprisoned following a successful appeal by the Director of Public Prosecution against their original suspended sentences. Nico Barrett, aged 22, of Humbert Street, Sligo; David Leonard, aged 32, formerly of Rhue, Sligo; Daniel Phelan, aged 23, of Tower Crescent, Connolly Park, Sligo; and David Skeffington, aged 23, of Rathscanlon, Charlestown Road, Tubbercurry, had pleaded guilty to assault causing harm at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court. The trial judge imposed three-year suspended sentences on Barrett, Leonard, and Skeffington, and a two-year suspended sentence on Phelan in October 2014. The Court of Appeal found the sentences unduly lenient. Mr Justice John Edwards, speaking for the three-judge court, stated that custodial sentences were unavoidable and that assaults on peace officers must be severely punished. Barrett received 14 months imprisonment, whilst the other three received 12 months each.
2015-03-06 · Dublin
James Cahill, a former apprentice butcher, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to the theft of €49,204 from McArdle Meats on December 24, 2013. Judge Desmond Hogan suspended a four-year prison sentence for three years, imposing conditions that Cahill keep the peace for that period and complete 240 hours of unpaid community work. The court heard that Cahill, who had no previous convictions, admitted knowing the shop's safe codes, which allowed him to steal two days of takings during a period of chronic cocaine addiction and drug-induced paranoia. Prosecution evidence indicated that Cahill later handed €17,000 of the stolen money to gardaí and led officers to a further €5,000 stashed in a shoe. It was noted that a third party had threatened Cahill with a lump hammer for some of the cash, though his father managed to retrieve a portion of it. The butchers remained out of pocket by €17,000 after receiving €10,000 in insurance compensation. Judge Hogan described the offence as being at the higher end of the middle range of seriousness but accepted Cahill's genuine remorse, early guilty plea, and significant strides towards rehabilitation.
2015-02-12 · Dublin
Andrew Larkin, aged 31 of Phibsboro Road, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to burglary committed on 23 April 2013. Garda evidence indicated that Larkin and another man forced entry to Charlestown Shopping Centre on Cardiffsbridge Road, Finglas, at 1am and broke into the Romeo and Juliet hair salon. They attempted to access cash registers, retrieving only €30, before taking approximately €1,000 worth of hair care products and equipment in black bin bags. The stolen goods were recovered during a subsequent garda search of Larkin's home at Dunsink Drive, Finglas. When presented with CCTV footage, Larkin admitted his involvement. He has two prior convictions for burglary. Judge James O'Donohoe imposed a one-year jail sentence, suspended for two years, conditional on Larkin engaging in drug counselling.
2015-01-29 · Dublin
The Special Criminal Court has excluded the public during evidence from the Garda National Surveillance Unit in the ongoing trial of eight Dublin men. Kevin Braney, Des Christie, Eamon McNamee, Hubert Duffy, William Jackson, Declan Phelan, John Brock, and Darren Murphy all pleaded not guilty to the alleged charge of membership of an illegal organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA on March 29th, 2013. The prosecution alleges that surveillance officers observed the accused at locations in Finglas and Clondalkin on that morning. Following their arrest by the Emergency Response Unit at a used car sales lot, the state claims gardai recovered items including a Glock pistol, balaclavas, and cable ties. During cross-examination, a detective invoked privilege regarding his location, citing operational security. The prosecution intends to rely on surveillance sightings, recovered items, and the defendants' responses to garda questioning, where some denied membership while others provided untrue answers. The court will hear opinion evidence from Detective Chief Superintendent Peter Kirwan. The matter is currently at the charge or pretrial stage, and the trial is continuing.
2014-12-15 · Mayo
A former apprentice butcher pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to stealing €49,204 from McArdle Meats in Charlestown Shopping Centre, Finglas, on 24 December 2013. James Cahill (22), of Ferrycarrig Park, Coolock, took advantage of his knowledge of the shop's safe codes to remove two days of takings in the early hours of Christmas Eve. He had no previous convictions. Gardaí recovered €17,000 in a bag handed over by Cahill and a further €5,000 hidden in a laneway. The court heard Cahill was struggling with cocaine addiction at the time and had been absent from work due to his condition. The business ultimately suffered a loss of €17,000 after receiving €10,000 in insurance compensation. Judge Desmond Hogan described the offence as falling at the higher end of the middle range of seriousness but acknowledged Cahill's drug-induced state, early guilty plea, remorse and rehabilitation progress. Sentencing was adjourned until March 2015 to assess suitability for community service, though a custodial sentence has not been ruled out.
2014-07-22 · Dublin
Swords District Court heard several cases presided over by Judge Dempsey. Mark Jackson was found guilty of attempting to drive under the influence of alcohol after crashing a car in Rathbeale Road; he was fined €750 and disqualified for three years, with the disqualification postponed until January 8th. Jason Harford pleaded guilty to possessing a window-breaking implement and cannabis; he received a three-month suspended sentence for the implement and a €150 fine for the drugs. Sean Brennan pleaded guilty to intoxication and abusive behaviour; the court remanded him on bail until October 13th for a probation report, with 240 hours of community service proposed in lieu of a two-month prison sentence. Edward Doherty pleaded guilty to intoxication and abusive behaviour; he was convicted and fined €200, with a warning regarding future custodial sentences. Philip Garland pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis and was convicted and fined €200. Mark Sheridan, alleged to have threatened to kill another man and possessed an imitation firearm, was remanded on continuing bail until September 8th for service of the Book of Evidence. Ivans Zinkevics, alleged to have committed trespass and intoxication offences, was remanded on continuing bail until September 15th for a hearing.