A man accused of murdering his wife at their home in County Mayo will face a retrial at the Central Criminal Court later this year. James Kilroy, aged 49, of Kilbree Lower, Westport, is charged with the murder of Valerie French Kilroy between June 13 and 14, 2019. His initial trial collapsed earlier this month after an unexpected and complex matter arose during proceedings. Justice Mary Ellen Ring discharged the jury on March 20. Mr Kilroy had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The retrial has been scheduled for November 6, 2023. A case management date of June 30, 2023 was set to allow correspondence between the defence and the Director of Public Prosecutions. Transcripts from the earlier trial were granted to the defence.
Patrick Sweeney, Martin O'Toole, Paul Beirne, and David Lawlor have pleaded not guilty to 17 charges each at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The defendants are accused of false imprisonment, assault, aggravated burglary, arson, criminal damage, violent disorder, robbery, and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal at a property in Falsk, Roscommon, on December 16, 2018. The trial heard that a video circulated on social media two days prior to the alleged attack, depicting security personnel at the repossessed residence and describing them as "mercenaries." Sergeant Bernard Kilroy testified that after viewing the footage, a garda presence was maintained at the property, though staffing levels prevented coverage past 3am. The court also heard evidence from court messenger Padraig Gilligan regarding the repossession order. The trial continues before Judge Martina Baxter and a jury.
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.
John Tighe will remain in prison serving a life sentence following the dismissal of his appeal against conviction for the murder of his infant son. Tighe, from Lavallyroe in Ballyhaunis, County Mayo, was found guilty by unanimous jury verdict at the Central Criminal Court in March 2018 of murdering six-and-a-half-month-old Joshua in June 2013. The child died from asphyxiation caused by a wad of tissue lodged in his throat. The Court of Appeal rejected Tighe's challenge to the trial judge's decision to admit extracts from a postmortem report prepared by a pathologist who was unavailable to attend trial for cross-examination. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy ruled that the report constituted a factual record within proper legal bounds and that no unfairness resulted from its admission, particularly as expert evidence based on those findings was subject to cross-examination before the jury. John Tighe pleaded not guilty.
At the ongoing Roscommon eviction trial, a veterinarian testified that an injured Belgian Shepard dog was euthanised due to severe open wounds and distress following an attack at a property in Falsk, outside Strokestown. The incident occurred on December 16, 2018, five days after the property was repossessed. Patrick Sweeney (44), Martin O'Toole (58), Paul Beirne (56), and David Lawlor (43) have each pleaded not guilty to 17 charges at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The charges include false imprisonment, assault causing harm, aggravated burglary, arson, criminal damage, violent disorder, robbery, and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. The prosecution alleges that a group of approximately 30 armed men attacked four security guards present at the property. Security company owner Ian Gordon stated that one of the attackers struck the dog with a baseball bat, causing severe injuries. The trial continues before Judge Martina Baxter and a jury.
A pathologist told the Central Criminal Court in Dublin that a single stab wound measuring at least 12 centimetres in depth caused the death of a 24-year-old Mayo man by severing a vital artery. Dr Kathleen Han Suyin gave evidence during the trial of Matusz Batiuk, aged 33, formerly of Carrabeg Estate, Swinford, who has pleaded not guilty to murder. The accused is charged with the killing of Michael McDonagh at the housing estate on 16 November 2020. Dr Han Suyin conducted the postmortem and confirmed the wound pierced the right common iliac artery, resulting in extensive and rapid blood loss that proved fatal. She stated the depth of the injury made survival impossible. The pathologist noted that while the wound was deep, it remained unclear whether significant force was applied or whether the victim may have moved into the blade. Forensic evidence presented showed the deceased's blood on the knife recovered, along with trace blood matching a witness. The trial continues before Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring.
Fire brigade officers gave evidence on day 13 of the trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court concerning an incident at a property near Strokestown, County Roscommon, on 16 December 2018. Peter Carney, station officer at Elfin fire station, described arriving at the repossessed farmhouse at Falsk to find vehicles on fire and three or four seriously injured security personnel outside. He told the jury that fire officers cordoned off the property following a risk assessment and controlled access to the scene. Brendan Foy, station officer at Strokestown fire station, testified that security guards requested re-entry but were prevented from doing so due to safety concerns and the site being a crime scene. He confirmed standard procedure involved erecting cordon tape and stationing an officer to prevent tampering with evidence. Four men, Patrick Sweeney, Martin O'Toole, Paul Beirne and David Lawlor, have each pleaded not guilty to 17 charges including false imprisonment, assault causing harm, aggravated burglary and arson. The trial before Judge Martina Baxter continues.
A key witness in a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court gave conflicting evidence regarding events at a house in Swinford, County Mayo, on November 16, 2020. Paul Maughan testified that he did not witness the fatal stabbing of Michael McDonagh (24), despite having previously told gardaí that the accused "went for" the deceased with a knife. Mr Maughan admitted breaking into the home of the accused, Matusz Batiuk (33), and stabbing him three months before Mr McDonagh's death, for which he is currently serving a prison sentence. The witness stated that Mr McDonagh carried a carpet knife that evening. When cross-examined, Mr Maughan acknowledged making inaccurate statements to gardaí, including claims that the accused had attacked him, which he later denied. Mr Batiuk has pleaded not guilty to murder. He maintains he believed his life was in danger when he inflicted the fatal wound. The trial continues before Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring.
A security guard gave evidence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court regarding an attack on a repossessed farm at Falsk, near Strokestown, County Roscommon, on 16 December 2018. The witness told the court he was struck repeatedly, cut on the legs with a meat cleaver, doused in petrol, and bound with cable ties during an assault by a large group of armed men. The incident occurred five days after the property's repossession. Four men—Patrick Sweeney of County Donegal, Martin O'Toole of County Mayo, Paul Beirne of County Roscommon, and David Lawlor of County Meath—have each pleaded not guilty to 17 charges including false imprisonment, assault causing harm, aggravated burglary, arson, violent disorder, and robbery. The trial is ongoing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Under cross-examination, counsel challenged inconsistencies between the witness's account to gardaí and his testimony regarding events in the kitchen during the attack.
Patrick Sweeney, Martin O'Toole, Paul Beirne, and David Lawlor have pleaded not guilty to 17 charges each at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The defendants are alleged to have committed false imprisonment, assault causing harm, aggravated burglary, arson, criminal damage, violent disorder, robbery, and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal at Falsk, Strokestown, on December 16, 2018. The trial is currently ongoing before Judge Martina Baxter and a jury. Evidence presented includes testimony from KBC Bank officer Danny Noone, who stated the bank repossessed the property in December 2018 after legal proceedings began in 2009. Noone indicated that public records showed the mortgage holder owned approximately 170 acres and other residential properties. Defense counsel Blaise O'Carroll SC argued that the execution order used for the eviction was invalid due to a missing affidavit of non-compliance. A security guard witness described an attack by approximately 30 armed men who forced entry into the farmhouse, using weapons including batons, crowbars, and a chainsaw. The witness reported being struck and overpowered while attempting to defend himself and colleagues. The trial continues with further evidence scheduled for presentation.
A 33-year-old Polish man has pleaded not guilty to murdering a 24-year-old at Carrabeg Estate in Swinford, Co Mayo on 16 November 2020. The Central Criminal Court heard that Matusz Batiuk told gardai he stabbed the deceased in self-defence after believing his life was in danger. The prosecution contends that when Mr Batiuk retrieved a kitchen knife and inflicted a single stab wound to the abdomen, he acted with intent to kill. Evidence will include recordings of emergency calls made by the accused on the night in question and garda interviews. The court heard the deceased was intoxicated at the time and that there were no defensive wounds on his body. Expert psychiatric evidence concerning the accused's diagnosed schizophrenia will be heard. Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring is presiding over the trial with a jury of nine men and three women. The case is expected to last two weeks.
The murder trial of James Kilroy at the Central Criminal Court collapsed on Monday due to an unexpected and complex matter that emerged during proceedings. Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring discharged the jury of ten men and two women, having sat since March 8, after informing them that an unforeseen issue had arisen unknown to all parties. The judge said both the prosecution and defence required further time to resolve the matter and that no party was at fault. Mr Kilroy, aged 49, from Kilbree Lower, Westport, County Mayo, is charged with murdering his wife Valerie French Kilroy, aged 41, at their home between June 13 and 14, 2019. He had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The defence had made formal admissions that Mr Kilroy killed his wife. The trial was listed for mention on March 27, with the judge expressing hope that a future trial date could be reserved.
Matusz Batiuk, a 33-year-old man formerly residing in Carrabeg Estate, Swinford, Co Mayo, entered a not guilty plea at the Central Criminal Court on 20 March 2023 to the charge of murdering Michael McDonagh, aged 24. The alleged murder occurred at the housing estate in Swinford on 16 November 2020. Justice Mary Ellen Ring empanelled a jury of nine men and three women to hear the trial, which commenced that afternoon and was anticipated to conclude within two weeks. The court was informed that the majority of witnesses in the case originate from the Mayo region, with the deceased having connections to the Ballyhaunis and Knock areas. The accused has resided in Ireland since approximately 2006 or 2007.
A security guard has testified at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in the trial of four men accused of an assault on a rural Roscommon property in December 2018. Michael Kane told the jury he was asleep in a security van at the 30-acre estate near Strokestown when he was awakened by shouting and roaring at approximately 5am on December 16. He described witnessing a colleague being struck and falling to the ground, and hearing a loud mechanical sound. The witness said he and three other security personnel fled the scene, believing they would be killed. Upon returning when emergency services arrived, Mr Kane found the yard ablaze with two cars and four vans on fire. He said he feared finding "charred dead bodies" of his colleagues. Patrick Sweeney, Martin O'Toole, Paul Beirne and David Lawlor have each pleaded not guilty to 17 charges including false imprisonment, assault causing harm, aggravated burglary, arson and violent disorder. The trial before Judge Martina Baxter and a jury continues.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has found Stephen Silver guilty of capital murder following a retrial. Silver, aged 46, a mechanic from Aughaward, Foxford, County Mayo, was convicted of fatally shooting Garda Colm Horkan with the officer's own firearm on 17 June 2020 near Castlerea, County Roscommon. The jury of seven men and five women reached their unanimous verdict after deliberating for eight hours and 39 minutes. A previous jury had been unable to reach agreement in November 2022. Silver had pleaded not guilty to capital murder but guilty to manslaughter. The trial centred on his state of mind at the time of the shooting, with defence evidence suggesting mental illness contributed to his actions, whilst prosecution submissions maintained he acted with intent to kill. Ms Justice Tara Burns will impose sentence on 19 April. Conviction for capital murder carries a mandatory minimum 40-year prison sentence.
A businessman and his wife from Lisheenbrawn, Swinford, County Mayo, have obtained a temporary High Court injunction preventing a mortgage company and a receiver from selling their property. James Murphy and Caroline Hannon initiated High Court proceedings against receiver Hilary Larkin and Start Mortgages DAC, who sought to dispose of the house. The couple claim the receiver lacks valid authority to possess or sell the property they co-own. Mr Justice Brian O'Moore granted the interim injunction on an ex-parte basis on Wednesday, restraining the defendants from selling, transferring, or disposing of the property. The couple, represented by Darach MacNamara BL, acquired the property in 2002 and intend it eventually to serve as a home for their daughter, who has Down Syndrome, autism, and dyspraxia. Mr Murphy claims legal issues surround the receiver's appointment in October 2021 and questions whether those who appointed her held proper authority. The defendants allegedly declined to provide identifying details of the authorising officers. The case was adjourned to early the following week.
At the Central Criminal Court, the murder trial of James Kilroy, aged 49, of Kilbree Lower, Westport, Co Mayo, has been adjourned until Monday afternoon following an unforeseen development. Mr Kilroy, a park ranger, is charged with the murder of his wife Valerie French Kilroy, aged 41, at their rural home on a date between 13 and 14 June 2019. He has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The trial was delayed this morning when High Court judge Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring informed the jury that an unexpected matter had arisen unknown to all parties. She noted that neither party was at fault and that additional time was required to address the issue. Evidence presented to the jury has included testimony from the Chief State Pathologist regarding the cause of death. The defence has made formal admissions that the defendant killed his wife. The trial will resume on Monday.
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.
The trial of Patrick Sweeney, Martin O'Toole, Paul Beirne, and David Lawlor continues before Judge Martina Baxter and a jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The four men, who have all pleaded not guilty, face the same 17 charges each. They are accused of false imprisonment and assault causing harm to four security guards, including Mark Rissen, at a repossessed farm in Falsk, Strokestown, on December 16, 2018. The State alleges the group also committed aggravated burglary, four counts of arson, criminal damage, violent disorder, robbery, and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. Mr. Rissen testified that he was pushed to the ground, struck, and had his hands tied with cable ties during the attack. He reported bleeding from a leg gash and smoke inhalation, requiring treatment at Mullingar Hospital. The court heard that the accused allegedly arrived armed with various weapons, smashed the property, and set vehicles on fire. The trial is currently at the evidence stage, with the prosecution presenting witness accounts of the alleged assault and property damage.
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.
The jury in the Central Criminal Court trial of Stephen Silver continues deliberations in the case concerning the death of Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon on June 17, 2020. Mr Silver, aged 46 and from Aughaward, Foxford, County Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The jury, comprising seven men and five women, has deliberated for over five hours and will resume considerations on a third day. Justice Tara Burns has directed the panel that possible verdicts include capital murder, murder simpliciter, or manslaughter based on diminished responsibility or self-defence. The central issue concerns Mr Silver's mental state at the time of the shooting. The defence argues Mr Silver was experiencing a relapse of mental illness that substantially reduced his responsibility, while the prosecution contends the shooting was a deliberate act motivated by resentment towards gardaí. Expert psychiatric evidence was presented by both the defence and prosecution regarding Mr Silver's mental condition at the time of the incident.
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.
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard testimony on 13 March 2023 in the trial of four men charged in connection with an attack on a repossessed farm near Strokestown, County Roscommon. The managing director of Trinity Asset Management Services described executing a repossession order at Falsk on 11 December 2018, following which he met a large group at Strokestown church before driving in convoy to the property. The State alleges that five days later, approximately 30 people, some masked and carrying weapons, attacked the rural premises, assaulted four security personnel, damaged vehicles, and injured a guard dog. The defence barrister characterised the convoy operation as resembling frontier justice. Patrick Sweeney, Martin O'Toole, Paul Beirne, and David Lawlor, all pleaded not guilty to 53 charges in total, including aggravated burglary, assault causing harm, arson, false imprisonment, criminal damage, and violent disorder. The trial before Judge Martina Baxter and a jury continues.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has begun deliberations in the trial of Stephen Silver, charged with the murder of Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon on 17 June 2020. Mr Silver, aged 46 of Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. Justice Tara Burns instructed the jury of twelve that possible verdicts include capital murder, murder, or manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility or self-defence. The central issue concerns Mr Silver's state of mind at the time of the shooting. Expert evidence was presented regarding whether Mr Silver's bipolar affective disorder was operant during the incident, with the defence and prosecution psychiatrists disagreeing on this point. The judge emphasised that the jury must determine the facts rather than defer to expert testimony. A unanimous verdict is required. Deliberations commenced at 3:40pm and will resume on Tuesday.
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.
At the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, the Chief State Pathologist provided evidence that a woman from Westport, County Mayo, died from ligature strangulation, blunt force trauma to the head, and a stab wound to the neck. Valerie French Kilroy, aged 41, was found in a campervan at her home on Kilbree Lower, Westport, on June 15th, 2019. Park ranger James Kilroy, aged 49, is charged with her murder between June 13th and 14th, 2019. He has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, though his defence counsel has made formal admissions that the accused killed his wife. A witness told the court he observed a naked man walking in circles in a nearby field on the morning of June 14th, heading towards Croagh Patrick. The pathologist detailed multiple injuries including defensive wounds to the deceased's hands and a stab wound measuring 4.7 centimetres in length. The trial continues before Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring.
Stephen Silver, aged 46 of Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, stands trial at the Central Criminal Court on a charge of murdering Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon on 17 June 2020. Mr Silver has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. In closing submissions for the prosecution, Michael Delaney SC argued that the shooting was a deliberate act carried out with intent to kill, and that Mr Silver harboured a seething resentment toward gardaí. The prosecution contends that Mr Silver knew Garda Horkan was a member of An Garda Síochána acting in the course of his duty. The defence of diminished responsibility should be rejected, Mr Delaney submitted, noting that psychiatric evidence regarding Mr Silver's mental state remains disputed. The jury, comprising seven men and five women, will hear closing submissions from the defence before Justice Tara Burns before deliberating.
A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court has heard evidence concerning the death of a forty-one-year-old occupational therapist discovered in a campervan at a rural property near Westport, County Mayo in June 2019. Gardaí located the body in a foetal position with a child's car seat covering the face. Three young children were found in the home in a state of distress, hungry and severely dehydrated. One child requested breakfast cereal, which a garda witness purchased. Park ranger James Kilroy, aged forty-nine, from Kilbree Lower, Westport, is charged with murder. He has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, though his legal representative has made formal admissions that he killed his wife. A consultant psychiatrist from Mayo Mental Health Services assessed the accused on the day of discovery and determined he did not meet criteria for involuntary mental health detention. The accused indicated to the psychiatrist that killing his wife "wasn't part of the plan" and attributed the act to God's will. The trial continues before Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring and a jury.
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 consultant psychiatrist has given evidence at the Central Criminal Court in the trial of Stephen Silver, who is charged with murdering Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon on June 17, 2020. Professor Harry Kennedy told the jury that Mr Silver, aged 46, of Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, was "an unreliable historian" regarding his mental health. The professor said he found no positive evidence that Mr Silver had suffered a relapse of bipolar affective disorder at the time of the shooting. Mr Silver has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The court heard the main issue centres on his state of mind at the time. Cross-examination by defence counsel focused on evidence of abnormal beliefs and behaviour, including Mr Silver's admission to the Central Mental Hospital where he was placed in seclusion. Defence testimony from another psychiatrist suggested Mr Silver's illness had impaired his thinking and judgement. The trial continues.
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.
At the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, a murder trial heard evidence concerning Stephen Silver's mental state in the hours before the fatal shooting of Garda Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon on 17 June 2020. Silver's sister, Marian Bruen, testified that she recognised her brother was unwell during a telephone call on 16 June 2020 and that the family planned to have him admitted to a psychiatric hospital. Dr Brenda Wright, interim clinical director at the Central Mental Hospital, gave evidence regarding her psychiatric assessment of Silver, who is aged 46 and from Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo. The prosecution highlighted apparent inconsistencies in Silver's accounts, including a statement he later acknowledged as untrue when interviewed by consultant psychiatrist Professor Harry Kennedy. Silver has pleaded not guilty to capital murder but guilty to manslaughter. The trial, before Ms Justice Tara Burns, centres on Silver's mental capacity at the time of the shooting.
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.
At the Central Criminal Court, Martin Doyle, aged 53, of Esker, Knock, County Mayo, was convicted following trial of two counts of rape and 25 counts of sexual assault. The offences comprised the rape of his wife on two occasions in May 2009 and once in November 2011, and systematic sexual assault of his daughter between 2004 and 2011 while the family resided in County Meath and subsequently County Sligo. Justice Caroline Biggs imposed a sentence of twelve and a half years imprisonment, with two years post-release supervision to follow. The court heard evidence of assaults occurring in domestic settings and at Lough Gara, Gurteen. Doyle maintained his not-guilty plea throughout proceedings. The judge noted the absence of remorse while acknowledging his work history and lack of previous convictions as mitigating factors. She described the abuse as a systematic pattern causing near-complete destruction of the child victim's childhood. Martin Doyle pleaded not guilty.
At the Central Criminal Court, a psychiatrist gave evidence that Stephen Silver displayed behaviour indicative of mental illness during garda interviews following the fatal shooting of Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, Co Roscommon on 17 June 2020. Dr Brenda Wright, interim clinical director at the Central Mental Hospital, told the court that Silver's conduct during five interviews was facetious, contemptuous and hostile, with incongruent and erratic behaviour including grandiose ideas and disinhibited actions. She stated that Silver's mental state at the time was consistent with a manic relapse of bipolar disorder caused by non-compliance with medication, and that this illness impaired his thinking and judgment. The psychiatrist noted Silver's belief that his companion was in MI6 and other indicators of psychological distress. Silver, aged 46, from Aughavard, Foxford, Co Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to capital murder but guilty to manslaughter. The trial continues, with the jury's main consideration being Silver's state of mind at the material time.
The trial of Patrick Sweeney, Martin O'Toole, Paul Beirne, and David Lawlor continues at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court before Judge Martina Baxter. The four men, who have pleaded not guilty to a total of 53 charges, are accused of participating in an attack during the Strokestown repossession case. The State alleges that on December 16, 2018, a group armed with various weapons assaulted four security guards, caused criminal damage, committed aggravated burglary, false imprisonment, arson, robbery, and animal cruelty. Each defendant is separately charged with 17 of these offences. During cross-examination, witness Ian Gordon, who testified to being forced to eat dog faeces, identified himself in bodycam footage from an eviction five days prior to the alleged assaults. Gordon stated his unlicensed security company was hired to execute a court order at the McGann family property. He described lifting a resident out of a seat to escort him out, denying any use of reinforced knuckle gloves or physical abuse beyond necessary restraint. The jury viewed this footage, which showed the resident being moved while his sister protested. The trial is ongoing and will resume on Monday.
The trial of David Lawlor, Martin O'Toole, Paul Beirne, and Patrick Sweeney continues before Judge Martina Baxter and a jury. The four defendants, who have pleaded not guilty to 53 charges including aggravated burglary, false imprisonment, arson, robbery, and animal cruelty, face allegations of a violent attack on security guards at a property in Falsk, Co Roscommon, in December 2018. Witness Ian Gordon testified that he was forced at gunpoint to eat dog faeces and identified Lawlor's voice during the incident. Under cross-examination, Gordon acknowledged his former service with the Ulster Defence Regiment and admitted his security company, GS Agencies Ltd, operated without a company licence, for which he previously entered a guilty plea. Defense counsel suggested Gordon was mistaken in identifying Lawlor, but Gordon maintained he was 100% certain of the identification. The State alleges a group of approximately 30 armed men assaulted four guards, set fire to vehicles, and beat a guard dog unconscious. The defendants are charged with criminal damage, assault causing harm, and violent disorder. The matter is currently at the trial stage, with proceedings ongoing.
A psychiatrist has given evidence at the Central Criminal Court regarding the mental health history of Stephen Silver, aged 46, of Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, who is charged with the murder of Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon on June 17, 2020. Dr Brenda Wright, interim clinical director at the Central Mental Hospital, testified about multiple hospital admissions spanning from 2010 to 2019, during which Mr Silver experienced psychotic episodes, paranoid delusions, and aggressive behaviour. Dr Wright told the jury that in interviews conducted after the shooting, Mr Silver described experiencing disturbed sleep, increased alcohol consumption, and paranoid thoughts in the days preceding the incident. Regarding the shooting itself, Mr Silver stated he believed he was struggling for his life and that Gda Horkan had a weapon. Dr Wright concluded that Mr Silver's mental capacity was significantly impaired at the time of the shooting. Mr Silver has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The trial continues before Ms Justice Tara Burns.
Four men are standing trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 53 charges arising from an alleged attack on security personnel during a property repossession at Strokestown, County Roscommon, in December 2018. Patrick Sweeney of Ramelton, County Donegal, Martin O'Toole of Claremorris, County Mayo, Paul Beirne of Boyle, County Roscommon, and David Lawlor of County Meath have each pleaded not guilty to charges including aggravated burglary, false imprisonment, assault causing harm, arson, criminal damage, violent disorder, robbery and animal cruelty. A security guard testified that approximately 30 masked individuals arrived at the property armed with weapons, assaulted four security staff, set vehicles alight and fatally injured a guard dog. The witness further told the court of previous hostile encounters with one of the defendants at other eviction sites. The trial is ongoing.
A forensic psychiatrist has told the Central Criminal Court that Stephen Silver, accused of murdering Garda Horkan in Castlerea, County Roscommon, in June 2020, previously experienced psychotic symptoms at the "extreme end" of bipolar affective disorder. Dr Brenda Wright, interim clinical director at the Central Mental Hospital, gave evidence that Mr Silver, aged 46, a motorbike mechanic from Foxford, County Mayo, was diagnosed with manic psychotic symptoms during a 2003 hospital admission. She outlined multiple psychiatric admissions, voluntary and involuntary, during which Mr Silver exhibited extreme agitation, made threats to staff, and refused medication. A 2006 incident saw him barricaded in his apartment with a sword wearing combat gear. Dr Wright testified that Mr Silver's mental capacity was significantly impaired at the time of the shooting. Mr Silver has pleaded not guilty to capital murder but guilty to manslaughter. The trial before Ms Justice Tara Burns continues, with the jury to determine his state of mind at the material time.
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.
Stephen Silver, a forty-six-year-old motorbike mechanic from Aughavard in Foxford, County Mayo, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court accused of the capital murder of Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon on 17 June 2020. Mr Silver has pleaded not guilty to capital murder while knowing or being reckless as to whether the garda was acting in accordance with his duty, and has pleaded guilty to manslaughter. During cross-examination, prosecution counsel Michael Delaney SC questioned Mr Silver's assertion that a woman he was with prior to the shooting was connected to MI6, suggesting the claim had been invented to strengthen his defence. Mr Silver denied this, stating he had genuinely experienced such thoughts. The court heard evidence regarding Mr Silver's psychiatric history, previous incidents involving gardaí, and his pattern of non-compliance with medication following hospital discharge. Mr Silver maintained he did not know the deceased was a garda and stated he had been defending himself. The trial, before Ms Justice Tara Burns, continues.
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.
Stephen Silver (46) of Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon, on 17 June 2020. At the Central Criminal Court, Mr Silver gave evidence describing how he discharged the garda's weapon repeatedly during a struggle, stating he believed the officer was an assailant attempting to harm him. He told the jury he continued firing until ammunition was exhausted. The prosecution challenged his account, suggesting he was aware Garda Horkan was a member of An Garda Síochána and arguing that his conduct that evening, including remarks made in the Knockroe estate, indicated an intention to provoke police intervention. The central issue for the jury concerns Mr Silver's state of mind at the time of the incident. Evidence regarding his mental health history, including a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, has been presented. The trial continues before Ms Justice Tara Burns and a jury of twelve.
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.
Stephen Silver (46), from Aughavard in Foxford, County Mayo, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court charged with the murder of Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon on 17 June 2020. He has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. During evidence, Mr Silver described experiencing mental health episodes since age nineteen, including believing himself to be "the second coming of Jesus" and experiencing paranoid delusions. He told the court he has been hospitalised between sixteen and seventeen times and has schizoaffective disorder. On the day of the incident, Mr Silver said he was at a hotel where he became suspicious of companions and believed English builders present were members of the SAS. He stated he checked underneath his van for explosives due to paranoia and fear. The defence argues Mr Silver's state of mind at the time of the shooting is the central issue in the case. The trial before Ms Justice Burns continues.
Stephen Silver (46), from Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court on a charge of murdering Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon, on 17 June 2020. Mr Silver has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The jury has been directed that the central issue concerns his state of mind at the time of the shooting. Video footage from his fifth police interview, conducted on 19 June 2020, was viewed in court on Tuesday. In the footage, Mr Silver stated the garda would not be dead had he remained in his vehicle. Detective Inspector Brian Hanley put it to the accused that Garda Horkan had identified himself and announced an arrest for assault, and that Mr Silver was aware of the firearm the garda carried. Mr Silver declined to respond. Witness statements were read to the court, including one from a resident of Castlerea who heard shouting and gunshots in rapid succession.
Stephen Silver, aged 46 from Aughavard in Foxford, County Mayo, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court accused of the capital murder of Garda Colm Horkan on June 17th, 2020 at Castlerea, County Roscommon. Mr Silver has pleaded not guilty to murder while knowing or being reckless as to whether the deceased was a garda acting in the course of duty, but has pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The jury's central consideration concerns the accused's state of mind at the time of the shooting. During interview footage presented to the jury on Monday, Mr Silver disputed accounts provided by witness James Coyne, describing them as "lies, absolute bullsh*t". He claimed Garda Horkan "never at any stage indicated he was a detective" and questioned why identification had not been produced. Mr Silver's behaviour during the interviews included refusing to answer questions, whistling, singing, and at one point claiming to be a captain in a cavalry reserve unit. Detective Inspector Brian Hanley testified that the accused was aggressive, angry and threatening prior to his fourth interview.
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.