Court archive
Court reports mentioning Athboy, Meath
2026-04-24 · Dublin
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court sentenced Dubliner Michael McGinley to a global term of three years for escaping from lawful custody and unlawfully using a vehicle. McGinley pleaded guilty to both charges. The court heard that on April 23, 2024, while remanded at Balbriggan Garda Station, McGinley asked to be taken out for a cigarette. He subsequently ran and cleared a six-foot perimeter wall, evading capture for two months until his arrest in Athboy, Co Meath, on June 19, 2025. He also admitted to driving a Hyundai stolen from Co Kerry on April 21, 2025. Judge Orla Crowe noted that while the escape was not pre-planned or sophisticated, McGinley hid for a significant period. Acknowledging his youth and potential for rehabilitation, the judge imposed a three-year sentence, with the final six months suspended on strict conditions. She also directed 12 months of probation supervision following his release. The sentence was backdated to June 19, 2025, when he entered custody. The matter was finalised with the imposition of this sentence.
2025-12-05 · Meath
The Court of Appeal has quashed the original sentence of David Hamilton and resentenced him to eight and a half years for the rape, oral rape, and sexual assault of two female relatives in Meath between 2004 and 2008. Hamilton, who pleaded guilty to the charges, had previously been sentenced to seven and a half years by Mr Justice Tony Hunt at the Central Criminal Court. The Director of Public Prosecutions successfully appealed on the grounds that the original term was unduly lenient. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy noted the prolonged nature of the abuse and the defendant's awareness of its wrongfulness. The new sentence includes a suspended final year, with the suspension remaining in place for life. Jonathan Hamilton, David's brother, was separately sentenced to three years for one count of rape and sexual assault of the older victim in 2005, with the final six months suspended for life. The younger victim stated she was happy with the additional year added to David Hamilton's term, expressing hope to begin healing without fear.
2025-07-08 · Meath
Gwen Doyle, a receptionist at Athboy Family Practice, claims she was constructively dismissed in October 2024 after a colleague repeatedly called her a "lazy b***h." She says the apology she received from the colleague and the practice manager was not genuine, but rather dictated. Doyle alleges the clinic's management failed to investigate her formal grievance and did not address the toxic work environment, leaving her with no other option. Her union, Siptu, presented the case to the Workplace Relations Commission, arguing the employer's efforts were insufficient. The employer's solicitor, Terry Gorry, contended that "strenuous efforts" were made to resolve the issue. The WRC hearing is adjourned to later in the summer for further cross‑examination.
2025-04-10 · Kerry
During a seven‑week trial with a 15‑juror panel, Daniel Blanaru, 37, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his 26‑year‑old partner, Larisa Serban, on 12 August 2022. Serban was found early in the morning on the floor between her bedroom and hallway, having died from a 12‑cm stab wound to the chest that punctured her heart, lung and aorta. The prosecution alleged that Blanaru, described as "controlling and jealous", killed Serban in cold blood after a sustained brutal attack. Blanaru pleaded not guilty but admitted guilt during custody interviews. He has six prior Irish convictions for road traffic offences and four theft offences in France. The sentencing judge, Ms Justice Eileen Creedon, imposed a mandatory life sentence, noting the crime involved needless and horrific violence. The victim's family, including Serban's mother, eldest son and siblings, delivered impact statements expressing grief and condemning the killer's actions.
2025-04-01 · Kerry
Daniel Blanaru, 37, was convicted of the murder of Larisa Serban at the Central Criminal Court. The jury, comprising ten men and two women, deliberated for three hours and two minutes before returning a unanimous verdict. Blanaru had pleaded not guilty to the murder of Ms Serban at her home in Rathmore, Athboy, Co Meath, on or about August 12, 2022. The prosecution alleged she died from a sustained and brutal attack, including a fatal stab wound to the chest. Although Blanaru initially told gardaí he was guilty, he later claimed the stabbing was accidental. The court heard evidence of prior threats and controlling behavior alleged by the victim's family. Following the conviction, Blanaru will be sentenced to the mandatory term of life imprisonment at a sentencing hearing scheduled for April 10. Members of the victim's family will be invited to make statements to the court at that time. The matter is now at the sentencing stage, with the specific disposal to be determined by the judge on the specified date.
2025-03-31 · Kerry
In a County Meath murder trial, a 37‑year‑old man named Daniel Blanaru, from Rathmore, Athboy, has pleaded not guilty to the stabbing death of his partner, Larisa Serban, aged 26, which occurred on or about 12 August 2022. Serban's body was discovered early the next morning in the bedroom‑hallway area of their home, with two stab wounds: one to the chest that punctured the heart, lung and aorta, and another to the arm that fractured a bone. The trial, lasting seven weeks, was heard by an enlarged jury of eleven men and four women. Defence counsel Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha concluded his closing address, while Justice Eileen Creedon explained the law and the evidence, noting that the prosecution bears the burden of proof beyond reasonable doubt. She outlined the possible verdicts—guilty or not guilty of murder, or not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter—and instructed the jury to remain dispassionate and objective.
2025-03-28 · Meath
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, the Director of Public Prosecutions presented evidence that Daniel Blanaru, 37, from Rathmore, Athboy, Co Meath, murdered 26‑year‑old Larisa Serban on or about 12 August 2022. Prosecutor Eilis Brennan SC described the attack as sustained and brutal, noting that Blanaru stabbed Serban in the heart, severed a bone in her elbow, and inflicted multiple defensive injuries on her. She highlighted that Serban's body showed numerous incise wounds, abrasions and puncture wounds consistent with defensive actions, while Blanaru had only a minor nick. Brennan urged jurors to focus on the evidence rather than defence theories, which included claims of accidental injury and self‑defence. She also referenced a toxicology report showing no alcohol or drugs in Serban's system and CCTV footage of Blanaru leaving the scene. Daniel Blanaru pleaded not guilty.
2025-03-20 · Kerry
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, forensic scientist Dr Yvonne O'Dowd testified that blood on Daniel Blanaru's t‑shirt matched the DNA of his partner, Larisa Serban, who was stabbed to death in their Co Meath home. She described extensive blood stains and spatter on walls, floors and doors, noting drip trails and pools that suggested a bleeding victim. O'Dowd examined knives, clothing and swabs, finding Serban's DNA on the t‑shirt and a mixed profile on Blanaru's shorts. No blood was found on a small knife in the house or in Blanaru's car. Blanaru, 37, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 26‑year‑old Serban on 12 August 2022. The case remains before Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury.
2025-03-18 · Kerry
In the murder trial of Daniel Blanaru, the Central Criminal Court heard that emergency services received two 999 calls from a phone linked to Larisa Serban before she was found dead at her home in Co Meath. The first call, at 1.41 am, lasted nine seconds, had no dialogue, and was traced to a cell site in Rathmore. The second call, at 1.46 am, lasted eight seconds and included a female voice speaking in a foreign dialect, though the words were not discernible. Detective Garda Conor Carolan explained the cell site and Advanced Mobile Location data used to locate the calls. The jury also heard from interpreter Stanislav Olaru, who confirmed he had translated Mr Blanaru's statements in real time during Garda interviews, noting that the defence's translator used recorded tapes. The trial continues before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury. Daniel Blanaru pleaded not guilty.
2025-03-14 · Meath
The murder trial of Daniel Blanaru (37) for the death of Larisa Serban (26) on 12 August 2022 has focused on the missing knife that caused the fatal stab wound to Serban's heart. Detective Sergeant Robert Madden testified that the knife has never been recovered and that Blanaru was the last known person to have it. Blanaru's interviews have shown inconsistent statements about the knife's location, and he has refused to disclose its whereabouts. The court heard video of a third interview in which Blanaru described the knife as a white kitchen knife with a silver blade about six inches long, very sharp and smooth. Gardaí have conducted extensive searches for the knife, but it remains missing, leaving the case to proceed without the weapon as evidence. The trial continues with Blanaru pleading not guilty.
2025-03-13 · Meath
During the trial of Daniel Blanaru, a 37‑year‑old accused of murdering his partner Larisa Serban, Detective Sergeant Robert Madden was cross‑examined by defence counsel Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha. The defence argued that Madden had "already judged" Blanaru before the interview, claiming the detective had decided the accused had committed murder. Madden denied this, stating that each investigation is approached with an open mind and that any admission by a suspect must be corroborated with evidence. He explained that photos of the crime scene were shown to establish the murder weapon's location and that a doctor assessed Blanaru's fitness for interview after a night of sleeplessness. Madden also refuted claims that he had caused Blanaru pain to elicit information, insisting the interview was conducted professionally. The trial proceeds before Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury. Daniel Blanaru pleaded not guilty.
2025-03-12 · Meath
During the Central Criminal Court hearing, Detective Sergeant Mark Looby explained that Daniel Blanaru, a 37‑year‑old from Rathmore, Athboy, Co. Meath, repeatedly deflected questions during his August 12, 2022 interview at Ashbourne Garda Station. Looby described how Blanaru would shift from the questions asked, often speaking about unrelated matters. The detective also denied the defence's claim that Gardaí had "pushed" a narrative onto Blanaru. He stated that Blanaru's statements about the knife and the victim's injuries were his own free narrative, not imposed by the Garda. Looby noted that Blanaru had admitted to being guilty and wanting to be locked up, but had not agreed to any statements for the sake of agreement. The trial continues before Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury. Daniel Blanaru pleaded not guilty.
2025-03-10 · Meath
During the Central Criminal Court trial of Daniel Blanaru, a 37‑year‑old accused of murdering his partner Larisa Serban, Detective Sergeant Mark Looby rejected the defence's claim that the interview was tainted by the accused's tiredness. Looby told the jury that Blanaru had changed his account three times and that the detective did not accept that the accused's statements about being tired raised any concern. The detective noted that Blanaru had admitted to being drunk and unable to remember everything, but he insisted that the interview was conducted properly. Looby also stated that the accused had not introduced the word "knife" into his narrative and that any mention of a knife was a new account given during the interview. The trial continues tomorrow before Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury. The unnamed 37-year-old pleaded not guilty.
2025-03-07 · Kerry
In a County Meath murder case, Daniel Blanaru, 37, pleaded not guilty to the stabbing death of Larisa Serban, 26, on 12 August 2022. During his fourth and final Garda interview, Blanaru admitted to killing Serban, saying, "I am guilty, I killed her. Please lock me up." He denied seeing Serban with another man before her death and claimed he had found her with her brother and a "tall guy." Gardaí presented statements from his sister and her husband, who alleged Blanaru had beaten and cut Serban. Blanaru also described throwing a knife he had found in his car onto the floor, which he could not recall removing. The trial heard video of Blanaru crying while viewing crime‑scene photographs and his refusal to return to the scene or retrieve the knife. The case proceeded to the Central Criminal Court with an enlarged jury.
2025-03-06 · Meath
In a murder trial, a 37‑year‑old man from Rathmore, Athboy, Co. Meath, pleaded not guilty to the killing of his 26‑year‑old partner, Larisa Serban, on or about 12 August 2022. He told Gardaí that he might have stabbed her with a very sharp kitchen knife, but he could not say how deep the wound was. Gardaí reported that the stab wound to Serban's chest was 12 cm deep, penetrating the rib and left lung, and that defensive wounds were present on her hands, forearms, arms and legs. The State argued that the victim could not have inflicted the wound herself. The jury heard the accused's statements, the pathologist's report, and the Garda interview footage, and the trial will continue before Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury.
2025-03-05 · Meath
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a 37‑year‑old man named Daniel Blanaru, who pleaded not guilty to the murder of his 26‑year‑old partner Larisa Serban, told Gardaí that it was possible he had put a knife into her body during a pushing and shoving argument. Blanaru, from Rathmore, Athboy, claimed that after an argument in their Co Meath home, Larisa had a knife in her hand and that he had taken it from her. He said the knife was already in his hand when he turned with her and that it was "possible" he had put it into her body, indicating the left side near the heart. He said he struck her once when trying to take the knife away. Gardaí questioned him about his reaction to her being stabbed and his subsequent taking of cocaine, to which he replied that he had taken the cocaine before the knife was in her chest.
2025-03-04 · Kerry
In a Rathmore murder case, Daniel Blanaru, 37, denied killing his partner Larisa Serban, 26, who died from stab wounds. During an August 2022 interview at Ashbourne Garda Station, Blanaru claimed that Serban had a knife in her bag to protect herself and that she had approached him with it during an argument. He said the knife accidentally struck her as he turned, and that she had been upset. Blanaru also admitted to pushing and hitting Serban, and to being drunk and smoking that night. He stated he could not remember the exact time he left the house and that he had called his brother to check on a party. The Central Criminal Court heard this testimony and video footage, and the trial continues before Justice Eileen Creedon.
2025-03-03 · Meath
A man accused of murdering his partner at their County Meath home in August 2022 told gardaí during interview that he pushed and hit her following a dispute over a gathering at their residence, the Central Criminal Court has heard. Daniel Blanaru, aged 37, from Rathboy, Athboy, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Larisa Serban, aged 26, on or about 12 August 2022. During his first interview at Ashbourne Garda Station on 12 August 2022, Mr Blanaru stated through an interpreter that he discovered his partner hosting a party with her brother and another man when he returned home from Navan. He described an altercation in which physical contact occurred, claiming the other man intervened. Mr Blanaru told detectives he subsequently travelled to Drogheda and contacted gardaí, learning thereafter that Ms Serban had died. The trial, before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury of fifteen, continues.
2025-02-27 · Meath
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a 37‑year‑old man named Daniel Blanaru, accused of murdering his 26‑year‑old partner Larisa Serban, appeared at a Garda station with blood on his clothes and was described as crying hysterically. Blanaru told officers he had drunk half a bottle of whiskey the night of the stabbing at their Co Meath home. He also claimed he had begged the deceased's brother for cocaine that night. Garda John Wallace recounted seeing Blanaru pacing, handing over his licence, and later crying while in custody. Garda Rachael Carr observed him crying repeatedly in the cell. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Eileen Creedon, will continue next Monday with an enlarged jury. The State maintains that Blanaru was a jealous and controlling partner who stabbed Larisa on or about 12 August 2022. The accused has pleaded not guilty.
2025-02-26 · Kerry
In the Central Criminal Court, the jury heard that Daniel Blanaru (37) begged his brother, David Serban, for cocaine on the night Larisa Serban (26) was found stabbed in her home. Blanaru, from Rathmore, Athboy, Co Meath, pleaded not guilty to her murder. The State argued that Larisa was killed by her jealous, controlling partner. Serban testified he left the house at about 1 a.m. on 12 August 2022, with no arguing, and that he had stopped at a bank to withdraw money for rent. He denied planning to buy cocaine or return to Rathmore after. He claimed he was the last person to see Larisa alive and that he would have been present if a struggle had occurred. Garda evidence showed Blanaru presented himself at a station at 6 a.m., shouting in a foreign language and saying "my wife, my wife, we fight." The trial continues tomorrow.
2025-02-25 · Kerry
During the murder trial of Daniel Blanaru, the father of the victim, Larisa Serban, testified that his daughter had hidden the fact that her partner was physically abusing her. He also claimed that Blanaru had threatened to kill Larisa, saying he would "hear about" it. The father, Ronet Serban, stated that he had advised Larisa to "get rid" of Blanaru because he was violent. He recalled Blanaru's threat that one day Larisa would lose everything and that he would kill her. The father said he did not take the threat seriously at the time. Larisa's sister, Sarah Serban, also testified that she had advised Larisa to break up with Blanaru because of his jealousy and possessiveness. The trial continues before Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury. Daniel Blanaru pleaded not guilty.
2025-02-24 · Kerry
During the trial, Georgeta Serban, mother of the 26‑year‑old Larisa Serban, testified that her daughter's partner, Daniel Blanaru (37), threatened to kill Larisa if her family interfered in their relationship. She described Blanaru as extremely possessive, paranoid and controlling, noting that he had no stable employment and that his jealousy intensified after Larisa's children were born. Serban said Blanaru would dictate what Larisa wore, forbid her from wearing tight clothing, and accuse her of infidelity whenever she spoke to other men. She recalled that a month before Larisa's death, Blanaru warned that he would kill her if the family intervened. Serban also recounted that Larisa lived a controlled, depressed life and that she had spoken to her daughter on the night before her death. The case is proceeding before Justice Eileen Creedon with an enlarged jury. Daniel Blanaru pleaded not guilty.
2025-02-20 · Kerry
During the Central Criminal Court hearing on 20 February 2025, Raul‑Cosmin Tache, the brother‑in‑law of Daniel Blanaru, gave evidence about statements he made to Gardaí on 12 and 16 August 2022. Tache confirmed that he had recorded Blanaru's claims that the accused had "beat her" and "cut her with a knife" and that he had been "desperate and crying" when he arrived at the house. Tache also stated that Blanaru said he had "beat up his wife" and was unsure whether he had killed her. Tache admitted he could not recall all the words spoken at the time, citing stress and panic, but acknowledged the statements were written down. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Eileen Creedon, continues with an enlarged jury. Daniel Blanaru pleaded not guilty.
2025-02-19 · Kerry
During the Central Criminal Court trial of Daniel Blanaru, 37, accused of murdering his partner Larisa Serban, 26, his sister Simona Terezia Ciurar gave evidence. She stated that she does not remember her brother saying "I killed her" or "I put a knife in" the victim, despite earlier statements to Gardaí on 12 and 16 August 2022. Ciurar explained that she was crying and stressed when she made those statements and could not recall all the words. She confirmed that she had signed the statements and that she had called her brother Leon to check Serban's house after an argument. The jury heard that Ciurar's memory of the brother's words was uncertain, and the trial will continue tomorrow before Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury. Daniel Blanaru pleaded not guilty.
2025-02-18 · Kerry
In the Rathmore murder trial, Narcisa Serban, sister of the victim Larisa Serban, denied that her husband Marcus Cranus had any sexual or violent involvement with Larisa. She called the defence's suggestion that she was "covering up" for her husband "nonsense" and described the claim of a prior sexual relationship as "disgraceful." Marcus Cranus, through a Romanian interpreter, denied any sexual relationship with Larisa and denied having performed chest compressions on her, stating he had only attempted cardiac massage because he was trained in first aid. He also denied any physical or violent struggle with Larisa. Witness Simona Terezia Ciurar confirmed that Daniel Blanaru had come to her house on the morning of the murder, claimed an argument with Larisa, and later tried to jump out of the car, an action stopped by her husband Raul. The trial continues before Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury. Daniel Blanaru pleaded not guilty.
2025-02-17 · Kerry
During the Central Criminal Court hearing, Daniel Blanaru (37) was described as sounding "desperate" and "panicked" when he spoke to his brother on a phone call, telling him to "go quick" to his home because he believed he had stabbed his partner, Larissa Serban (26). The court heard that the accused had also mentioned catching Larissa in bed with someone else. Narcisa Serban, Larissa's sister, testified that she arrived at the scene with her partner at about 5:30 am, finding Larissa in a "pool of blood" with "foam" at her mouth and a stiff body. She reported that Gardaí initially denied entry and later searched the house. The evidence will continue before Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury. Daniel Blanaru pleaded not guilty.
2025-02-13 · Meath
During the Central Criminal Court hearing, Daniel Blanaru (37) denied murdering his partner, Larisa Serban (26). A witness, Adriana Kovaciu, testified that she overheard Blanaru on a phone call with his brother, claiming he had caught Serban in bed with another man and stabbed her. She and her family rushed to the Athboy house where Serban lived, finding her on the floor with a large blood pool and a chest cut. Serban was declared dead after no pulse was found. Kovaciu also recalled a prior argument where Serban had a bruised elbow and was frightened. Blanaru has pleaded not guilty to the murder, and the trial continues before Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury. The prosecution maintains that Blanaru intended to kill or seriously injure Serban.
2025-02-11 · Kerry
In a murder trial in County Meath, the State presented a case that Daniel Blanaru, 37, stabbed his partner Larisa Serban, 26, to death on 12 August 2022. Prosecutor Eilis Brennan described the relationship as turbulent, jealous and controlling, citing a violent incident on 31 July 2022 at a house in Balbriggan where Serban called emergency services. Brennan said Serban was found early that morning with heavy bleeding from a chest laceration and that a stab wound caused fatal injury to her heart, lung and aorta. She noted that Blanaru's Gardaí interview was confusing and that blood at the scene could link to him. The trial will continue before Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury. The prosecution maintains that Blanaru intended to kill or seriously injure Serban. Daniel Blanaru pleaded not guilty.
2025-02-10 · Kerry
A jury has been empanelled to hear the trial of Daniel Blanaru, 37, who is accused of murdering his partner, 26‑year‑old Larisa Serban, in Rathmore, County Meath, on 12 August 2022. Blanaru pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court. The trial will begin tomorrow before Justice Eileen Creedon, with a jury of seven men and five women. Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions is Eilis Brennan SC, and Blanaru's counsel is Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha SC.
2024-07-31 · Meath
A 24‑year‑old man, Camden Konopka, was sentenced to a ten‑year suspended term for attempting to murder his mother by setting fire to their home, locking her inside and discarding the keys. The judge, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, back‑dated the sentence to May 2020 and ordered that the balance of the term be suspended for ten years, during which Konopka must be supervised by Nua Healthcare Services. He is required to remain at a supervised location, follow all staff directions, take his medication, and may not contact his mother directly unless she initiates communication. Konopka has been in custody for over four years and has a history of mental illness. The court noted the case was "distressing" and that the punitive element had been adequately addressed. The sentence aims to minimise future harm to Konopka and those around him. Camden Konopka pleaded guilty.
2024-02-07 · Dublin
An Irish couple had €177,000 earmarked for a retirement home stolen in a phishing scam and transferred to a money mule. Mark Farley, 42, allowed his bank account to be used in the fraud and pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to handling the proceeds of criminal conduct between 8 and 18 December 2020. He received a fully suspended sentence of three years. Farley has 16 previous convictions, including traffic, public order and criminal damage. The judge said Farley had run up a debt and that third parties had taken advantage of his hold over him, but that his own activities put him under their sway. The authorities discovered the fraud in time and the €177,000 was returned to the couple within 16 days. Farley's account was frozen and he had not used it for some time, though it had been used for his electrician business.
2023-12-18 · Meath
In a sentencing hearing, a 23‑year‑old man, Camden Konopka, pleaded guilty to attempting to murder his mother, Fiona Konopka, and to criminal damage. He set fire to their home on 19 September 2019, then locked his mother in and discarded her keys. The fire caused €60,289.47 in damage, mainly to a couch in the living room. Konopka had a history of mental illness, including schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder, and had been under psychiatric care. He claimed he had consumed opium, antidepressants and wine the day before the fire, feeling suicidal. He also admitted to using his mother's keys to lock the door and throwing them away. The court remanded him in custody and scheduled a probation report for 1 March next year. The mother was not present at the hearing and has since been rehoused.
2023-07-17 · Meath
A 23‑year‑old man pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court for attempting to murder his mother in Co Meath four years ago. Camden Konopka, of Castleview Court, Delvin, was arraigned on a single count of attempting to murder Fiona Konopka at Coille Dios, Athboy on 19 September 2019. Mr Justice Tony Hunt set a sentencing hearing for 6 November this year.
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.
2020-01-20 · Meath
The High Court approved a Personal Insolvency Arrangement for Neal Sweeney of Liscarton House, Navan, who owes over €2 million. The arrangement is the first approved by the High Court to involve a debt‑for‑equity swap. Sweeney's main secured creditor, Promontoria Scarriff DAC, accepted a 41 % share in his family home, valued at €600 000, in exchange for the debt. Other creditors include Promontoria Finn Ltd and Cabot Finance Ireland Ltd. The debt arose from arrears on the mortgage of the family home and residual debt from a previously sold property. Sweeney, who now works in the building sector, will continue to repay the €350 000 mortgage. The decision was made by Mr Justice Denis McDonald and was not contested by the creditors. The case is part of a broader trend of debt‑for‑equity swaps pending before the High Court.
2018-04-16 · Louth
The High Court ruled that money seized from firms linked to associates of Republican Thomas "Slab" Murphy by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) is the proceeds of crime. CAB had begun investigating fuel laundering in 2012, focusing on the Murphy family of Hackballscross, Dundalk, Co Louth and their associates. In 2013 CAB obtained seizure orders against bank accounts of a dozen companies and individuals involved in the scheme. The court ordered that property recovered, including €266,000 in frozen accounts, be held for the State under the 1996 Proceeds of Crime Act. The seized firms—Athboy BioFuels Ltd, TCF Fuels Benali Marketing, Save Fuels Ltd, Hibernia Fuels Ltd, Vienna Fuels and Shin Ram Ltd—were part of an elaborate fuel laundering operation that involved laundering marked green diesel into unmarked white diesel for profit.
2016-01-29 · Meath
In a High Court ruling on 29 January 2016, Mr Justice Paul Gilligan referred serious complaints about the removal of a bank‑appointed receiver from McElhinneys of Athboy to the Garda Commissioner. Barry Forrest, the receiver appointed by the Bank of Ireland, claimed he entered the store peacefully on 16 January 2014 under a court order, but was violently intimidated and forced out by a mob of up to 40 people he said had been called by general manager Neal Sweeney. Sweeney and businessman Dr Michael Grimes disputed this, asserting that the premises were taken by force by a gang of "thugs, goons and gangsters" and that Dr Grimes's company was in possession of the store. The judge denied Dr Grimes's claim of possession, refused to join him to the proceedings, and dismissed his application to restrain Forrest and the bank. The court had previously granted the receiver possession of the premises and ordered all parties to vacate.
2016-01-18 · Meath
The High Court adjourned a dispute over possession of McElhinneys of Athboy. Bank of Ireland appointed receiver Barry Forrest had sought possession of three Sweeney family‑owned premises—McElhinney's Department Store, McElhinney's Bridal Shop and Guinans—after the owners failed to repay €2.34 million. In September, the court adjourned Forrest's application to commit the Sweenys to prison for allegedly not complying with an agreement to hand over the properties. Two properties were handed over, but Forrest could not secure the department store and sought committals. Dr Michael Grimes, who claims his UK‑registered company, also named McElhinney Fashions Limited, is the sole owner and operator of the store, argues he has possession and seeks injunctions against the bank and Forrest. The judge set the matter back to Thursday next week to allow motions from the receiver and Dr Grimes. The case remains pending.
2015-06-25 · Cork
Edward Bryan, a former Christian Brother aged 61, was returned to prison after an appeal. He had been convicted in 2013 of indecently assaulting three boys at North Monastery secondary school in Cork between 1984 and 1990, on seven of ten counts. He had been sentenced to five years imprisonment, but a 2013 bail allowed him to challenge the conviction and sentence. In May 2015, one count was quashed, the others upheld, and the appeal dismissed. During the sentence appeal, Bryan cited a Court of Appeal ruling that the maximum sentence for indecently assaulting a male at that time was two years, not ten. The Court of Appeal, however, imposed three consecutive 10‑month sentences, totaling two‑and‑a‑half years in prison. The judge noted Bryan's role as a teacher, his involvement in basketball, the nature of the abuse, and his otherwise good character. He was taken to custody and returned to prison. Edward Bryan pleaded not guilty.
2014-10-15 · Meath
In a High Court hearing on 15 October 2014, the dispute between McElhinneys fashion stores in Athboy, the Sweeney family owners, and the Bank of Ireland (BOI) was resolved. BOI had appointed receiver Mr Barry Forrest in March 2013 after the Sweeneys failed to repay €2.34 million owed on loans secured by three properties: McElhinneys Department Store, McElhinneys Bridal Shop, and Guinans on Main Street. Forrest had sought possession orders for these premises. The Sweeneys and McElhinneys Limited had initially opposed the orders, arguing a lease entered in July 2010 entitled them to trade on the premises and that BOI had been informed of the lease in September 2010 with rent of €3,000 per month paid until the receiver's appointment. Mr Justice Paul Gilligan dismissed the receiver's application before Christmas.