A security guard has given evidence to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court regarding an alleged assault at a rural property in Roscommon on 16 December 2018. The witness, who owns a security company, described the moment a dog in his care was struck with a baseball bat during the incident. He told the court that a group of approximately 30 to 40 men arrived at the farmhouse in the early morning, some wearing balaclavas and high-visibility clothing, and that he feared for his life as the assault unfolded. Four men have pleaded not guilty to 53 charges in relation to the incident, including aggravated burglary, false imprisonment, assault causing harm, arson, violent disorder, robbery and animal cruelty. The defendants are Patrick Sweeney from Ramelton, County Donegal; Martin O'Toole from Claremorris, County Mayo; Paul Beirne from Boyle, County Roscommon; and David Lawlor from County Meath. The trial before Judge Martin Baxter continues.
Four men have gone on trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court accused of involvement in a sustained and brutal attack on security personnel at a repossessed property near Strokestown, County Roscommon in December 2018. Patrick Sweeney, Martin O'Toole, Paul Beirne and David Lawlor each face 17 charges including false imprisonment, assault causing harm, aggravated burglary and arson. The prosecution alleges that approximately 20 to 30 people arrived at the rural house around 5am on 16 December 2018, armed with various weapons, and attacked four security guards who were guarding the property. The court heard that the guards were seriously assaulted, had their hands tied with cable ties and their shoes removed. A German Shepherd dog at the property was beaten and subsequently had to be put down. All four defendants have pleaded not guilty. The prosecution intends to rely on the legal principle of joint enterprise to establish liability. The trial, before Judge Martin Baxter, is scheduled to run for five weeks.
A former solicitor from Claremorris, County Mayo, has been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for stealing over €200,000 from four client families. David Doyle, aged 68, pleaded guilty to nine charges of theft totalling €218,579 committed between December 2008 and November 2016. Judge Martin Nolan heard that Doyle had misappropriated funds through a method known as "teeming and lading," transferring money between accounts to conceal the offences whilst addressing his personal debts. The court noted that Doyle eventually self-reported the fraud to his senior partner in October 2017 after 38 years of practice. He was subsequently struck off the register by the Law Society. Judge Nolan acknowledged that Doyle had sold his family home to repay clients in full and expressed remorse for breaching the trust of his clients and profession. Doyle cooperated with gardaí following his arrest in December 2020 and has no previous convictions.
Muiris Flynn, an electrician convicted of dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to Ms Áine O'Connor and Catherine Carey, drink-driving, and driving without insurance in Doon, Co Roscommon, on 24 September 2017, has won an unfair dismissal claim against Irish Rail. Flynn pleaded guilty to these charges and was sentenced in October 2019 to four years in prison, with the final 30 months suspended. Although the Court of Appeal later deemed the original sentence unduly lenient, it did not increase the active custody portion, instead imposing a €20,000 fine. Irish Rail terminated Flynn's employment in March 2020, arguing his contract was frustrated by his imprisonment. However, the Workplace Relations Commission rejected this argument. Adjudicating officer Brian Dolan found that Irish Rail failed to consult Flynn and that his absence did not necessitate termination. The tribunal awarded Flynn €4,000 in compensation, noting that while his conduct contributed to the dismissal, the employer had not proven the contract ended by frustration. This decision upholds Flynn's complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977, confirming that his dismissal was unlawful despite his criminal conviction and imprisonment.
A 68-year-old former solicitor from Claremorris, County Mayo, has been remanded on bail pending sentencing in November following his admission to four counts of theft. David Doyle pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to stealing cash totalling over €53,000 from a number of individuals between April 2009 and November 2016. The prosecution indicated that further guilty pleas would be sought. Judge Melanie Greally adjourned sentencing to 10 November, when evidence and victim impact statements will be heard. Doyle remains on continuing bail in the interim.
Muiris Flynn, a 32-year-old electrician from Co Sligo, is appealing his unfair dismissal from Iarnród Éireann to the Workplace Relations Commission. Flynn, who pleaded guilty in 2019 to dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to Ms Áine O'Connor and Catherine Carey, drink-driving, and driving without insurance in Co Roscommon, was sentenced to 30 months in prison with the final year suspended. He served 10 months of this sentence. In March 2020, while incarcerated, he received a letter terminating his contract due to frustration. Iarnród Éireann's solicitor, John Brosnan, stated the company relied on legal advice that Flynn could not fulfil his contract while in jail and that a disciplinary process was inappropriate. Flynn's barrister, Michael Kinsey, argued the dismissal was a "flag of convenience" and highlighted that Flynn's employee handbook allowed for leave of absence up to two years. Adjudicating officer Brian Dolan noted the termination letter was sent halfway through Flynn's term, questioning the legal basis of frustration. The matter was adjourned, with the adjudicator to issue a decision in due course based on case law and Flynn's evidence. Separately, the Court of Appeal previously found Flynn's original sentence unduly lenient but did not increase his active custody, instead ordering a €20,000 fine.
A man from Claremorris in County Mayo has been sentenced to eighteen months imprisonment, with the final six months suspended, after pleading guilty to distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material. Brian Payne, aged 39, sent explicit images of minors to a contact in Manchester via messaging application between January 2016 and January 2017. Gardaí discovered five such images following a search of his Dublin residence in February 2017. At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Elma Sheahan imposed the sentence while acknowledging Payne's cognitive limitations and directing that he undertake therapeutic intervention. The judge emphasised that such offending creates demand for child exploitation and is not victimless. Payne was ordered to comply with two years post-release supervision as a condition of the suspended portion of his sentence.
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.
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 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.
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.
A 40-year-old man accused of murdering his six-month-old son told gardai "I did all I could" as the child died in his arms. The Central Criminal Court jury heard statements made by John Tighe of Lavallyroe, Ballyhaunis, County Mayo, during interviews at Claremorris Garda Station in 2013 and 2014. Mr Tighe has pleaded not guilty to murdering Joshua Sussbier Tighe on 1 June 2013. According to his account, the infant became unresponsive while being changed and appeared to be choking on a baby wipe or tissue. He called emergency services and attempted resuscitation following their instructions. A retired paediatric consultant told the court that a tissue would not naturally lodge in a young child's throat and would require deliberate force to reach that location. The trial before Justice Patrick McCarthy continues.
A teenager convicted of manslaughter in connection with a fatal stabbing in County Mayo has had his sentencing adjourned pending brain surgery. The Central Criminal Court in Dublin heard that the defendant, who cannot be identified due to his age, has developed epilepsy causing multiple daily seizures and is currently unfit for custody. The 17-year-old was found guilty of manslaughter, not murder, following a trial at the court sitting in Castlebar. The victim, Dovydas Jenkas of Claremorris, died from a single stab wound on 19 December 2015. Medical evidence from a consultant neurologist indicated the defendant has a localised brain lesion requiring surgery within three to four months, with subsequent observation periods making immediate imprisonment inadvisable. Justice Eileen Creedon adjourned the matter to 24 July for a further update on the defendant's medical situation.
A teenager will be sentenced next month for the manslaughter of a 17-year-old boy in Claremorris, County Mayo, in December 2015. The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was convicted of manslaughter by jury at the Central Criminal Court in Castlebar in July following a not guilty verdict on a murder charge. The victim, Dovydas Jenkas, died from a single stab wound in the early hours of 19 December 2015. A consultant's report is to be prepared and sentencing has been adjourned until 12 February to allow its completion. Justice Eileen Creedon agreed to the adjournment, noting her wish to conclude proceedings given the length of time the matter has been ongoing. Detective evidence indicated the deceased had visited the accused's home late on the evening in question and that an altercation occurred in the garden area.
A teenager who fatally stabbed a 17-year-old in Claremorris on 19 December 2015 will be sentenced as an adult when he returns to the Central Criminal Court in January 2018. The accused, who turns 18 this month, was convicted of manslaughter by jury at the court sitting in Castlebar in July following a not guilty verdict on murder. The victim, Dovydas Jenkas of Mount Street, Claremorris, died from a single stab wound. A consultant neurologist has prepared a report for sentencing, though the expert requires further consultation with colleagues before forming definitive conclusions on the defendant's prognosis and future condition. The defence has highlighted that the accused suffers from an epileptic-type condition involving frequent seizures and episodes of altered awareness. Justice Eileen Creedon noted both prosecution and defence were satisfied to proceed and adjourned sentencing to 16 January, requesting an updated probation report and medical documentation.
A teenager convicted of manslaughter in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 17-year-old in Claremorris, County Mayo, is experiencing an epileptic-type condition characterised by up to ten seizure-like episodes daily, the Central Criminal Court heard during sentencing proceedings in Castlebar. The accused, now aged 17, was found guilty of manslaughter in July following a jury trial, having been acquitted of murder. The victim, Dovydas Jenkas, died from a single stab wound in the early hours of 19 December 2015. At the sentence hearing, the defence outlined that the teenager's medical condition involves transient alterations of consciousness and automatic behaviours, with no memory retention during episodes. The court learned that neurological specialists are pursuing diagnostic assessment and potential surgical intervention. The defence highlighted mitigating factors including the accused's previous good character, low re-offending risk, positive probation report, and educational potential. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon indicated reluctance to proceed with sentencing pending clarification of the teenager's medical status. The hearing was adjourned to 21 November to receive medical evidence from the accused's physician.
A teenager who pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of a fellow 17-year-old in Claremorris, County Mayo, will be sentenced next month at the Central Criminal Court. The accused, now 17, was convicted by jury in July following a trial at the court sitting in Castlebar. He cannot be named due to his age. The deceased, Dovydas Jenkas of Mount Street, Claremorris, died from a single stab wound in the early hours of 19 December 2015. Evidence presented during sentencing indicated both families had relocated from Lithuania to Claremorris and the boys knew each other through their secondary school and playing basketball together. The court heard the fatal stabbing occurred in a garden during an altercation that began when the accused discovered the deceased in his mother's bedroom with his younger sister. Justice Eileen Creedon adjourned sentencing. Medical evidence is scheduled for hearing on 7 November, with sentencing expected on 14 November.
Two brothers from Claremorris in County Mayo have been sentenced to five and a half years' imprisonment by the Special Criminal Court, with the final two and a half years suspended. Colin Mannion, aged 37, and Brian Mannion, aged 34, of Burriscarra, Clogher, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of explosive substances including RDX, PETN, detonators and electrical components discovered at their home on 9 June 2012. Charges of membership of an unlawful organisation were not proceeded with. The court heard that gardaí found materials and equipment consistent with bomb manufacturing in a metal container in a shed on the property. Mr Justice Tony Hunt noted the men had relevant professional qualifications and skills. Mitigation factors included their guilty pleas, limited involvement of two to three months, good character prior to the offences, and sworn undertakings to refrain from subversive activities. The sentence was backdated to 7 June 2017.
Two brothers from Claremorris, County Mayo, have pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to unlawful possession of explosive substances discovered during a garda raid on their home in June 2012. Colin Mannion, aged 37, and Brian Mannion, aged 34, of Burriscarra, Clogher, admitted possessing RDX, PETN, detonators, and electronic components found in a shed on their property. The men face additional charges of membership of an unlawful organisation. Armed gardaí executed a search warrant and found the brothers in the shed, where audio-visual surveillance had previously been conducted. Evidence presented at sentence hearing included fingerprints, recorded footage, and expert analysis confirming the explosive nature of recovered materials. Both men have given undertakings to the court against future involvement in such activities. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with two other judges, remanded both men in custody pending sentencing. Their legal representatives sought leniency, citing guilty pleas and limited duration of involvement.
A trial date has been set for a teenager charged with murder in County Mayo. The 17-year-old accused, who cannot be named due to his age, faces a charge of murdering 17-year-old Dovydas Jenkus on 19 December 2015 at Claremount Manor in Claremorris. The defendant, with an address in County Mayo, will stand trial at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Castlebar on 11 July. The alleged incident occurred approximately eighteen months before the court proceedings were scheduled.
Two brothers from Claremorris, County Mayo, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court on 26 May 2017 to unlawful possession of explosives. Colin Mannion, aged 36, and Brian Mannion, aged 34, both of Burriscarra, Clogher, admitted to possessing RDX, PETN, one loaded detonator, two unloaded detonators, and three electrical component parts at their home address on 9 June 2012. The brothers face a separate charge of membership of an unlawful organisation on the same date. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, sitting with Judge John O'Hagan and Judge Flann Brennan, remanded both men on continuing bail. They are due to appear for sentencing on 14 June 2017.
A 16-year-old boy has been sent forward for trial at the Central Criminal Court charged with murder following the death of a 17-year-old in Claremorris, County Mayo. The deceased, Dovydas Jenkus, sustained injuries on December 19th of last year and subsequently died. The teenager appeared before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, who set a trial date of July 19th. The case will proceed to the Central Criminal Court this summer.
A High Court judge presiding over the Special Criminal Court has expressed growing scepticism regarding the establishment of a second such court, which the Government announced in October 2015. Mr Justice Paul Butler made the remarks during proceedings concerning two brothers from Claremorris, County Mayo. Colin Mannion, aged 33, and Brian Mannion, aged 31, both of Burriscarra, Clogher, face charges of membership of an unlawful organisation, namely the IRA, on 9 June 2012. They are also charged with unlawful possession of explosive substances and related components discovered at their home on the same date. The second court was proposed to address a significant backlog in the existing court's caseload. Mr Justice Butler indicated he remained doubtful that a trial date would be fixed at the next mention, scheduled for 26 January 2016.
A woman from Claremorris, County Mayo, has settled her High Court action against her former employer and an insurance company over disputed income protection payments. Rose Prendergast ceased work at Baxter Healthcare's Castlebar facility in 2002 following a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia, a condition causing chronic widespread pain. Her employment was terminated by mutual agreement in 2008. She subsequently applied for benefits under a group income protection plan underwritten by Irish Life Insurance, but her claim was refused. Mrs Prendergast pursued legal proceedings seeking specific performance of the income protection plan, damages for breach of contract, and damages for alleged misrepresentation. Both defendants denied the claims. The settlement was reached on the third day of the High Court hearing before Mr Justice Donald Binchy. Terms of the settlement remain confidential and were not disclosed in open court.
A woman has initiated High Court proceedings against Baxter Healthcare and Irish Life Insurance over the alleged refusal to pay benefits under a group income protection scheme. Rose Prendergast ceased employment at Baxter's Castlebar facility in 2002 following the onset of serious health difficulties, including fibromyalgia characterised by chronic widespread pain affecting her legs, back and neck. Her employment was formally terminated in 2008 by mutual agreement. She subsequently claimed benefits under the income protection plan underwritten by Irish Life but alleges her application was wrongfully rejected. Mrs Prendergast, from Claremorris, County Mayo, seeks specific performance of the scheme and damages for breach of contract and misrepresentation. Both defendants deny the claims. Baxter contends it processed the application appropriately and that the refusal decision rested solely with the insurer. Irish Life disputes allegations of negligence. The case continues before Mr Justice Donald Binchy.
Finbar Tolan, a cattle dealer and farmer from Middle Mace, Claremorris, Co Mayo, is suing Aurivo Co Op, formerly Connaught Gold Co Op Society Ltd, in the High Court for alleged breach of contract. The applicant claims the defendant failed to honour a July 2012 agreement regarding credit terms for cattle purchased at Balla and Ballinrobe marts. Mr Tolan alleges that after securing bank arrangements to comply with reduced credit terms, the co-op sought further amendments in August 2012. He claims he was subsequently barred from trading at the Balla mart, preventing him from fulfilling a contract to deliver ninety cattle to a meat plant, which led to the loss of that contract and his eventual exit from business. The defendant denies these claims, stating the action was a response to separate High Court proceedings it brought in October 2012. The co-op secured a judgment for €154,000 in those proceedings, which has been appealed to the Supreme Court. Mr Tolan stated he wished to consolidate the two matters, but his application was refused. The case, heard before High Court President Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns, continues.
A 23-year-old man from Mount Prospect, Roscommon, has been sentenced to ten years imprisonment, with the final two years suspended, following his conviction for manslaughter at the Central Criminal Court. Ray Gralton pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Sara Staunton, a 28-year-old mother-of-two, who died at her home in Portagh, Mayo Abbey, Claremorris on 13 December 2013. The court heard the pair had been in a turbulent relationship marked by heavy alcohol consumption. During the evening of her death, a violent altercation occurred between Gralton and Ms Staunton, during which she sustained severe blunt force trauma to the head. A pathologist confirmed multiple bruises and brain damage. Mr Justice Paul Carney noted the offence's inherent gravity and the impact on the deceased's family. In imposing sentence, the judge acknowledged Gralton's remorse and good work record. The suspended portion is conditional on a €1,000 bond and that Gralton maintain distance from the Staunton family.
Ray Gralton, aged 23, of Mount Prospect, Roscommon, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Sara Staunton at the Central Criminal Court on March 23rd, 2015. Ms Staunton, aged 28, died at her home in Portagh, Mayo Abbey, Claremorris on December 13th, 2013. The court heard evidence that the couple had been in a turbulent relationship lasting twelve months, characterised by domestic violence and alcohol abuse. On the night in question, a violent altercation occurred involving multiple physical confrontations. A post-mortem examination determined Ms Staunton died from severe blunt force trauma to the head. Detective evidence indicated beer cans struck to her head were the likely cause of death. Victim impact statements from Ms Staunton's mother and former partner detailed the profound effect on her two children. Mr Justice Paul Carney remanded Gralton in custody pending sentencing scheduled for April 13th, 2015.
A 23-year-old man from Mount Prospect in Roscommon has pleaded guilty to manslaughter before the Central Criminal Court. Ray Gralton was arraigned on Monday in connection with the death of a woman in December 2013. He entered a not guilty plea to murder but accepted responsibility for manslaughter in the incident at Mayo Abbey, Claremorris. The State indicated acceptance of the guilty plea. Mr Justice Paul Carney remanded Gralton in custody pending sentencing, which has been scheduled for 23 March to allow time for the preparation of a probation report.
John Biggins, a 35-year-old man from Claremorris, County Mayo, was ordered by the Central Criminal Court to return to the Central Mental Hospital following his acquittal. Biggins had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of his father, Thomas Biggins, who was shot twice with a shotgun at their home in May 2012. The jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity after a two-day trial. Consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr Sally Lenihan testified that Biggins, who has chronic schizophrenia, has made good progress in rehabilitation but requires ongoing specialist care. She recommended his return to the hospital, a recommendation accepted by Mr Justice Paul Carney. Defence expert Dr Paul O'Connell had previously stated that Biggins suffered from psychotic symptoms and paranoid delusions, fulfilling criteria under the Mental Insanity Act. The court noted that Biggins was diagnosed with severe schizophrenia and mild intellectual disability. The judge issued the order based on the psychiatric recommendations, ensuring the defendant continues to receive the necessary specialist treatment for his condition.
John Biggins, 35, of Ballynalty, Cross, Claremorris, was found not guilty by reason of insanity of murdering his father, Thomas Biggins, 70, at their home on May 6, 2012. The Central Criminal Court jury returned a unanimous verdict after 27 minutes of deliberation. Biggins had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The court heard that Biggins was diagnosed with severe schizophrenia and mild intellectual disability. Defence psychiatrists testified that he met the criteria under the Mental Insanity Act, citing psychotic symptoms and paranoid delusions. Prosecution counsel Bernard Condon SC requested an order to commit Biggins to the Central Mental Hospital, with a return date set for the following Wednesday to appear before the court. Mr Justice Paul Carney thanked the jury and exempted them from further service for life. Evidence indicated Biggins shot his father twice with a legally held shotgun. After the incident, Biggins rang 999, told Garda Mark Kilbride he was turning himself in, and drove to Ballinrobe Garda Station, where he was cooperative. Detective Sergeant James Carroll described the post-event behavior as "quite bizarre," noting Biggins stated, "I just shot the aul lad…I'll be going to jail now." The matter was adjourned for the proposed disposal hearing.
John Biggins, 35, of Ballynalty, Cross, Claremorris, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, presided over by Mr Justice Paul Carney, accused of murdering his father, Thomas Biggins, 70, at that address on May 6, 2012. The accused entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. Prosecution counsel Bernard Condon SC stated the defence of insanity is being raised, with the burden on the accused to prove insanity. The court heard the accused was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and on disability allowance. Evidence indicated the victim was shot twice with his own legally held shotgun in his yard; Prof Marie Cassidy identified a shotgun wound to the left chest as the cause of death. Det Sgt James Carroll testified that the accused handed himself in at Ballinrobe Garda Station after calling 999, stating, "I just shot the aul lad…I'll be going to jail now." He was co-operative during detention. The accused told gardai he had contemplated suicide and had searched websites on how to kill himself. A hangman's noose and two ropes were found in a barn loft. The accused has no previous convictions. The trial continues.
A 35-year-old man from Claremorris in County Mayo has pleaded not guilty to murdering his elderly father by reason of insanity at the Central Criminal Court. John Biggins of Ballynalty, Cross, Claremorris faces a charge of murdering Thomas Biggins, aged 71, at the same address on May 6th 2012. Following his arraignment before Mr Justice Paul Carney, a jury of seven men and five women was sworn in to hear the trial. The proceedings are scheduled to commence on Thursday and are anticipated to last approximately two days.
Two brothers from Claremorris in County Mayo have been remanded to stand trial at the Special Criminal Court in December 2015 on charges relating to membership of an unlawful organisation and explosives offences. Colin Mannion, aged 33, and Brian Mannion, aged 31, both of Burriscarra, Clogher, face allegations of IRA membership on 9 June 2012. They are also charged with unlawful possession of explosive substances including RDX and PETN, along with detonators and electrical components found at their home on the same date. At a hearing this week, legal representatives for both men sought a trial date, which the presiding judge, Ms Justice Iseult O'Malley, fixed for 2 December 2015. The court imposed strict procedural requirements, including notification of any alibi defence within 14 days and provision of witness notice 21 days before trial.