Court archive
Court reports mentioning Duleek, Meath
2024-11-05 · Louth
The Court of Appeal has upheld the 14-year jail term and lifetime driving ban imposed on Michael Collins (50), of St Finian's Park, Drogheda, Co Louth, who was convicted of dangerous driving causing the death of Jillian Thornton on May 27, 2016, at Waterside Great, Duleek, Co Meath. The conviction followed a trial lasting almost two weeks at Trim Circuit Court in July 2019. Collins was also convicted on two charges of endangerment, 12 charges of dangerous driving, and of driving under the influence of cannabis on the same date. At the Court of Appeal on October 11 this year, defence counsel Michael Lynn argued that the overall sentence of 15 years with one year suspended was 'clearly disproportionate' and that the 14-year term was 'almost double' that imposed in other more severe cases, contrary to the totality principle of sentencing. He also challenged the imposition of a three-year sentence for one endangerment charge and a five-year sentence for the other, while making the 10-year sentence consecutive to the longer sentence of five years. Additionally, he argued that the judge had made an error in imposing a life-long driving disqualification on Collins. The appeal was dismissed, with the court finding that no double counting or error in principle had taken place in the sentencing. The court also dismissed Collins' appeal against his driving ban, stating that he still posed a risk to members of the public and should not be allowed to return to the road. The matter was adjourned and never described as concluded or finalised.
2024-10-11 · Louth
Michael Collins, 50, of Drogheda, was convicted of dangerous driving causing the death of 20‑year‑old Jillian Thornton after a 35‑minute pursuit by Gardaí. He was found to have been high on cannabis and was driving head‑on, without lights, and on the wrong side of the road. The trial, held at Trim Circuit Court in July 2019, also found him guilty of two endangerment charges, 12 dangerous driving offences and driving under the influence. Collins was sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment, with one year suspended, and a life‑long driving disqualification. At the Court of Appeal he argued the sentence was manifestly excessive, citing the lack of aggravating factors such as leaving the scene or disqualification at the time, and that the disqualification would impair his rehabilitation. The appeal was dismissed, with the judges reserving judgment on the appeal decision.
2023-07-25 · Louth
Michael Collins, 49, was convicted in 2019 of dangerous driving causing the death of 20‑year‑old Jillian Thornton, who was thrown from his car when it split in two during a crash near Ballymagarvey on the N2. Collins had been driving under the influence of cannabis and had fired his legal team at the start of the trial, choosing to represent himself. The Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal, ruling that the right to self‑representation is a constitutional right that can only be overridden in extreme circumstances. The court found Collins fit to plead, medically assessed as capable of defending himself, and that no breach of EU law occurred. The appeal was rejected, affirming that Collins' decision to defend himself was a voluntary, informed choice. The case remains at the trial stage with the 14‑year sentence upheld.
2023-05-19 · Louth
Michael Collins (49) appealed his conviction at the Court of Appeal, arguing he should not have been permitted to represent himself during his 2019 trial. Collins was found guilty of dangerous driving causing the death of Jillian Thornton on May 27, 2016, in Duleek, Co Meath, and was jailed for 14 years by Trim Circuit Court. He was also convicted of two charges of endangerment, 12 charges of dangerous driving, and driving under the influence. Collins, of Drogheda, Co Louth, had dismissed his legal team before the trial began. His counsel, Michael Lynn SC, submitted that Collins was incapable of running a coherent defence due to paranoia and that forcing legal representation would have ensured a fair trial. The State's counsel, Carl Hanahoe BL, countered that Collins had the fundamental right to self-representation and was found fit to be tried. The court described the argument as a "very radical proposition" without precedent in Irish courts. The appeal was adjourned, with the court reserving its judgement.
2022-11-18 · Meath
Boguslaw Sajor, 34, of Timahoe, Co Kildare, was sentenced by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to seven and a half years in prison for transporting more than €1.5 million worth of cannabis from Malaga, Spain, to Ireland. The goods were intercepted at a Duleek Business Park address that did not correspond to any company, and the pallets were seized. Gardaí followed Sajor's Mercedes Sprinter van, stopped it on the N7, and obtained three search warrants for his residential and business addresses. A small amount of cannabis, weighing scales, a tracking device, and an encrypted mobile app were found at his home; the app contained messages about "35 greens" and instructions for dividing the drugs. In the van, three mobile phones were recovered, one with the encrypted app. Gardaí searched the pallets and found €692,000 of cannabis herb and €900,000 of cannabis resin, totalling €1,592,000. The unnamed man pleaded guilty.
2022-07-05 · Dublin
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Mark Lynch, aged 37, was acquitted of assault causing serious harm by direction of the trial judge. Lynch had pleaded not guilty to the charge that he struck Jason Finnegan with a shovel during a dispute on a building site in Garristown. The prosecution alleged that Finnegan fell and sustained head injuries after being hit by a shovel, then was kicked and struck on the head. Lynch testified that he had struck Finnegan with his fist to defend his father, Ernie Lynch, who was also present. Judge Pauline Codd, after a legal application by Lynch's counsel, ruled that the jury could not be satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that Lynch used a shovel or intended serious harm. Consequently, the judge directed the jury to find Lynch not guilty. The case was described as difficult and harrowing.
2021-07-14 · Cavan
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence regarding a Renault Kangoo van allegedly used in the abduction of businessman Kevin Lunney. Witness James Maguire testified that he purchased the vehicle for €400 from a man known as "David" on October 23, 2019, before it was seized by gardai. Prosecution counsel Sean Guerin SC stated that forensic examiners found blood with DNA matching Mr. Lunney on a van door and DNA matching one accused on the driver's seat. The court also heard from police analysts who compared CCTV footage of the van's movements on September 17, 2019, with mobile phone data attributed to two of the accused. Mr. Lunney testified that he was bundled into a car boot, taken to a container where he was threatened to resign from Quinn Industrial Holdings, and subjected to severe physical abuse, including having his leg broken and letters cut into his chest. He was later left on a country road in Co Cavan. Alan O'Brien, Darren Redmond, and Luke O'Reilly, along with a 40-year-old man identified as YZ, have all pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm to Mr. Lunney at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, Co Cavan on September 17, 2019. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, Judge Gerard Griffin, and Judge David McHugh.
2021-06-21 · Cavan
The Special Criminal Court examined CCTV footage on Monday as part of the trial relating to the abduction and assault of Kevin Lunney, a director of Quinn Industrial Holdings, in September 2019. Detective Garda Alan Jones spent three days presenting video evidence compiled during the garda investigation, covering locations across Dublin, Cavan, Westmeath and Louth. Prosecution counsel Sean Guerin SC indicated that footage allegedly documents interactions between individuals and vehicles connected to the alleged offences. One sequence purportedly shows a Renault Kangoo van deposited at a yard in Duleek, County Meath on October 23rd, 2019. Defence counsel challenged the admissibility of the CCTV material. Three men have pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm: Alan O'Brien, aged 40, and Darren Redmond, aged 27, both of East Wall, Dublin, and Luke O'Reilly, aged 67, of Kilcogy, County Cavan. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and judges Gerard Griffin and David McHugh.
2021-06-02 · Cavan
The Special Criminal Court has heard the opening of the trial of Luke O'Reilly, Darren Redmond, Alan O'Brien, and a fourth unnamed accused, all of whom pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm to Kevin Lunney. The prosecution alleges that on September 17, 2019, Lunney was abducted from Co Fermanagh, driven to a site in Co Cavan, and assaulted by men acting on behalf of others. Lunney was allegedly threatened with death, forced to resign from Quinn Industrial Holdings, had his leg broken, and had his chest scored with a blade. The State contends that O'Brien, Redmond, and the unnamed accused directly participated in the offences, while O'Reilly provided material assistance by purchasing bleach to conceal evidence. Prosecution counsel Sean Guerin SC stated that the court will examine CCTV, DNA, and phone data linking the accused to a Renault Kangoo van containing Lunney's blood and Redmond's DNA. The trial, expected to last four months, will also address the admissibility of digital evidence. The matter is currently at the sentence stage, with the court proceeding to hear evidence from approximately 250 witnesses.
2020-11-16 · Dublin
In a High Court sentencing hearing, Mr Justice Tony Hunt imposed a mandatory life sentence on Sebastian Barczuk, 32, for the murder of his former flatmate, Michal Kurek, 33, who was found dead in a country lane in Ballyboughal on 4 August 2017. Kurek's body bore 62 stab wounds, including 25 to his back, and a Nokia 105 phone was recovered from his pocket. Barczuk was convicted by an 11‑1 jury after a trial that presented evidence of DNA on the phone, cell‑site data linking the accused's phone to the area at the time of the discovery, and CCTV footage of a Fiat Punto associated with Barczuk. The judge noted an "air of mystery" surrounding the motive and described the case as tragic, while acknowledging the evidence pointed toward Barczuk's guilt. The sentence was back‑dated to 6 April 2018, when Barczuk entered custody. Sebastian Barczuk pleaded not guilty.
2020-10-08 · Dublin
In a Central Criminal Court case, a jury found Sebastian Barczuk, aged 32, guilty of murdering his former flatmate Michal Kurek, aged 33, who was homeless and had addiction difficulties. Kurek was discovered on 4 August 2017 in a country lane in Ballyboughal, north County Dublin, with 62 stab wounds, including 25 to the back. Evidence included a Nokia 105 phone found in Kurek's jeans, still powered on, and DNA from the phone that matched Barczuk. Cell‑site data showed both phones connected to a site near Ballyboughal at the time of the discovery. CCTV footage of a blue Fiat Punto, sold by Barczuk to a woman on 2 August, was also presented. The jury deliberated nearly 13 hours over four days and returned a majority verdict of 11‑1. Barczuk was sentenced to life imprisonment, with the judge reserving the sentencing date for 2 November. Sebastian Barczuk pleaded not guilty.
2020-09-28 · Dublin
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, 32‑year‑old Sebastian Barczuk pleaded not guilty to the murder of his former flatmate, 33‑year‑old Michal Kurek, who was found dead with 62 stab wounds in Ballyboughal on 4 August 2017. Barczuk, who described Kurek as a close friend and "like a brother," claimed he was shocked by the death and denied any involvement. He said he had known Kurek since 2010, that they lived together for two years, and that Kurek was homeless at the time of his death. Barczuk was arrested on 4 April 2018 after Gardaí interviewed him in Duleek and Balbriggan. The trial is ongoing, with the jury hearing evidence of Barczuk's statements, phone activity, and a possible connection to a Fiat Punto sold to him on 2 August 2017. The case remains at the investigative stage, with no verdict yet reached.
2020-09-11 · Dublin
At the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Jonathan Coelho (29) was sentenced to 20 months in prison for four counts of dangerous driving, one count of endangering pedestrians, and one count of driving without insurance on July 31, 2019. Coelho had previously pleaded guilty to these charges and admitted to driving at speed through red lights and in the wrong direction in Dublin city centre before crashing into a lamp post. The court heard that Coelho was disqualified from driving in the UK at the time of the incident. Judge Melanie Greally backdated the sentence to account for the time Coelho had spent in custody since his arrest in July 2022. Coelho was acquitted of charges of endangering and assaulting Garda Conor Murray, following a jury's not guilty verdict. His co-accused, Federico Carvalho (31), pleaded not guilty to the same charges and was not sentenced. Coelho's legal representative highlighted his recent cancer diagnosis and requested the sentence be suspended to allow him to return to Italy for treatment. The judge noted that Coelho posed a risk to pedestrians and road users and paid tribute to the gardaí for their efforts in stopping the dangerous driving. The matter was concluded at the sentence stage.
2020-09-07 · Dublin
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, two men, Jonathan Coelho, 29, and Federico Carvalho, 31, were acquitted of assaulting and endangering Garda Conor Murray. The case centred on an incident on 31 July 2019 at St Lukes' Avenue, Dublin 8, where the accused were driving a vehicle that reversed at speed, causing Garda Murray to be thrown from the car. The jury, after 18 minutes of deliberation, found the men not guilty of the assault and endangerment charges. Coelho had pleaded guilty to dangerous driving offences, admitting he had driven at speed through red lights and in the wrong direction, and had crashed into a lamp post. He was remanded in custody pending sentencing for those dangerous driving charges. Carvalho was discharged from the indictment and released. The trial concluded with the jury's unanimous verdict and the judge adjourned the case for sentencing next Friday.
2020-09-04 · Dublin
In the trial of Jonathan Coelho, 29, and Federico Carvalho, 31, the jury heard closing speeches after the defendants were charged with assault causing harm to Garda Conor Murray. The incident occurred on 31 July 2019 when the car, driven by Coelho, reversed at speed with Garda Murray hanging out of the passenger window. Coelho pleaded guilty to dangerous driving charges, admitting he drove at speed through red lights and in the wrong direction, but denied the endangerment charge. Carvalho denied striking the Garda. Garda Murray described being pulled half‑inside the vehicle, the driver kicking him repeatedly, and being thrown from the car after a final kick. The prosecution argued that CCTV and witness testimony proved the defendants' guilt, while the defence contended that the Garda's actions and the defendants' intentions were misrepresented. The jury will be instructed by Judge Melanie Greally on Monday.
2020-09-03 · Dublin
During the third day of the trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Jonathan Coelho (29) and Federico Carvalho (31) were heard by a jury about an incident on 31 July 2019 in which Garda Conor Murray was dragged by a car that reversed at speed. Coelho told the court that he had driven off because he had no insurance, claiming he had never had trouble with police before and that his only mistake was not having insurance. He denied punching or kicking the Garda and said he would never attack police. He also said the accelerator was stuck after the crash, causing the car to reverse, and that he was not pressing it. Carvalho, a passenger, said he repeatedly urged the driver to stop and that he was terrified. He denied hitting the Garda and said he would never hurt anyone. Jonathan Coelho pleaded not guilty. Federico Carvalho pleaded not guilty.
2020-09-02 · Dublin
On 31 July 2019, Jonathan Coelho, 29, drove a car at speed through red lights in Dublin, crashing into a lamp post. He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving charges. Coelho and Federico Carvalho, 31, are accused of assaulting Garda Conor Murray, who was dragged into the moving vehicle's passenger side window. Murray claims he was pulled in, struggled, and was kicked repeatedly, including a final kick to his face, before being thrown out. He also alleges the driver kicked him with his left foot while the car was moving, a claim his counsel deems mechanically impossible. Murray disputes this, stating the car was moving at speed and that he was struck multiple times. The trial is ongoing before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury.
2020-09-01 · Dublin
During a trial in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Garda Conor Murray recounted an incident on 31 July 2019 in which he was attacked and dragged by a reversing car. He claimed he had been holding the handbrake lever while his legs dangled from the passenger window. After the vehicle, driven by Jonathan Coelho (29) and with Federico Carvalho (31) as passenger, crashed into a lamp post following a high‑speed chase, Murray said he was pulled into the car as the driver started it again. He described being struck by punches and kicks, the passenger kneeling on him, and both men shouting in a foreign language and repeatedly saying "fuck you." Murray said he struggled to escape, was thrown from the car, and was dragged a short distance before the vehicle stopped. He sustained serious injuries, was taken to hospital, and the case remains before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury. The unnamed accused pleaded guilty.
2019-06-24 · Meath
Patrick Nevin, 37, was sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment for raping two women in Meath after meeting them on Tinder. He pleaded guilty to the July 12, 2014 rape in Bellewstown and to a second sexual assault four days later. Nevin had previously been convicted of a sexual assault on a Brazilian woman at UCD in 2014 and had a 5½‑year sentence for that offence. The judge, Ms Justice Creedon, found the attacks pre‑meditated and callous, noting Nevin's predatory conduct and hostility toward women. He received a 14‑year term with the final two years suspended, and a five‑year post‑release supervision order that includes restrictions on physical performance, internet use and contact with others. The sentence was back‑dated to June 2015. Nevin has been in custody since September 2014.
2019-04-12 · Dublin
In 2016, Stefan Saunders (41), Francis Murphy (39) and Damien Noonan (32) conspired to rob a cash‑in‑transit van in Co. Meath, planning the heist over more than two months. They pleaded guilty to conspiracy, possession of a semi‑automatic pistol and possession of a stolen BMW used as a getaway vehicle. Each received a 10‑year sentence, with 2½ years suspended, imposed by Judge Michael O'Shea in 2018. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed, arguing the sentences were unduly lenient, citing the robbery's scale, the firearm's readiness and the gang's professional conduct. The Court of Appeal, led by Justice George Birmingham, rejected the appeal, holding the sentences were at the outer limits of the judge's discretion and therefore appropriate. No further action was taken.
2019-03-29 · Dublin
In 2016, a trio of men—Stefan Saunders (40), Francis Murphy (39) and Damien Noonan (32)—conspired to rob a cash‑in‑transit van carrying over €2 million in County Meath. They were caught after Gardaí arrived, but the men had already prepared the scene: they broke into a disused bank, disabled the alarm, sprayed bleach, and waited with a stolen BMW X5. Saunders carried a semi‑automatic pistol with eight blank rounds, Murphy had a crowbar, and Noonan possessed the stolen vehicle. All three pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery, possession of a firearm, and possession of a stolen vehicle. On 12 June 2018 they were each sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment, with a two‑and‑a‑half‑year suspended portion. The Director of Public Prosecutions has applied for a review, arguing the sentences were unduly lenient, while the Court of Appeal has reserved its judgment. The case remains at the appeal stage.
2018-11-19 · Dublin
Patrick Nevin, aged 37, is set to be sentenced for two rape offences committed after meeting victims on Tinder in July 2014. He pleaded guilty to raping a woman in Bellewstown and sexually assaulting another in County Meath. Both victims testified that Nevin had convinced them to meet for a drive, then raped them in secluded locations. The first victim described feeling "tainted, dirty and stupid" and said the attack altered her life. The second victim recounted being forced into sexual acts and later experiencing severe anxiety. Nevin's prior convictions include assault on a former partner in 2001 and a firearms offence in 2012. He remains in custody awaiting sentencing on 17 December, with the court considering his guilty pleas and expressions of remorse. The court heard that Nevin had completed education while in custody and had worked as a software engineer.
2015-04-20 · Meath
Keith Sullivan, a Meath resident, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment after he deliberately knocked over a post mistress, Ms Vivienne Griffin, and reversed his vehicle over her. The incident occurred on the night of a First Communion when Sullivan, who had a history of violent and threatening behaviour, drove his car at the Griffin family home in a threatening manner. Ms Griffin sustained multiple bruises and a cut to her lip, was unable to return home that night and later stayed with her mother. Sullivan pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and failing to provide a blood or urine specimen. The judge noted that Sullivan had reflected on his actions and appeared remorseful, but the seriousness of the crime warranted the custodial sentence. The case was heard at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
2015-02-23 · Dublin
Swords District Court heard several matters presided over by Judge Denis McLoughlin. Jandean Hyland, who pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, had his case struck out after paying €750 compensation. Anthony Lambe, convicted of causing criminal damage, was fined €200 and remanded on continuing bail until May 18th to pay the fine. Patrick McDonagh was convicted and fined €250 for theft, while his brother Eddie McDonagh, also convicted of theft, was given the benefit of the Probation & Offenders Act. Karl McQuillian, who pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis, had his case adjourned until May 18th for a Probation & Welfare report to assess suitability for 200 hours of community service in lieu of a five-month prison sentence. Algars Putnins, who pleaded guilty to intoxication, obstruction, and threatening behaviour, was remanded on continuing bail to reappear in May to make a €200 charitable contribution, with the Probation Act to be applied if the donation is made. Martin Maughan, who pleaded guilty to careless driving and failing to give a specimen, was disqualified from driving for four years and fined €300.
2015-02-20 · Meath
In February 2015 the Court of Appeal dismissed James Mansfield Junior's appeal against a €6.32 million summary judgment issued by the Commercial Court. The judgment arose from loans AIB advanced between 2003 and 2009 for the purchase of land in Duleek, Co Meath, and the development of apartment blocks, an underground car park and commercial units. Mansfield, together with three other parties, formed the "Duleek Partnership" to acquire the land. The Commercial Court found none of the four parties had an arguable defence and granted summary judgment. Mansfield appealed, arguing he was dyslexic and had signed the loan agreement by mistake (non‑est‑factum). The Court of Appeal, sitting with Justices Mary Finlay Geoghegan, Michael Peart and Alan Mahon, rejected the appeal, holding that Mansfield knew he was signing a legal document that created obligations and that no evidence showed he had asked questions about the liability he was undertaking.
2014-12-01 · Dublin
Swords District Court heard four matters. Jandean Hyland pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after allegedly headbutting a victim at a nightclub. Judge Dempsey ordered Hyland to pay €1,250 in compensation by February 23rd to avoid a conviction. Keith Hammond pleaded guilty to using violent and threatening behaviour at a Garda station. The case was remanded until January 15th to assess suitability for an Adult Caution. Arthur Creedy pleaded guilty to theft for using a receipt to refund stolen runners. Judge Dempsey sentenced him to one month in prison, stating he would not increase his current sentence. Patrick Clarke was found guilty of driving without a licence and no tax after the judge proceeded in his absence. He was fined €200 for no tax and €100 for driving without a licence. A charge of no insurance was dismissed. All proceedings were handled by Judge Dermot Dempsey.
2014-11-03 · Dublin
Swords District Court heard several matters. Dwaine O'Connell, 26, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of €3,000 worth of cannabis resin for sale or supply and €350 of cannabis herb. Judge John Coughlan sentenced him to eight months in prison, but O'Connell appealed the sentence after recognisance was fixed. Jandean Hyland, 26, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, but the case was adjourned until December 1st because the victim was not in court and jurisdiction issues needed resolution. David Bennett, 32, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm; his case was adjourned until November 11th for Judge Dermot Dempsey to determine compensation to avoid a prison sentence. Andrew Cooley, 21, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen and was disqualified from driving for four years and fined €75; a separate charge of making off without payment of a taxi fare was struck out. Kevin Harris, 24, is alleged to have driven under the influence of an intoxicant; his case was adjourned until December 22nd for hearing.
2014-07-04 · Dublin
Balbriggan District Court heard various matters. James Reid pleaded guilty to hit and run, failing to stop, failing to provide information, failing to keep the vehicle at the scene, failing to report the incident, and having no tax. Judge Dermot Dempsey convicted Reid, fined him €400 for the hit and run offences, fined him €100 for no tax, and disqualified him from driving for six months. Piotr Boryslawski pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis. The judge ordered him to pay €300 to the Molly McNally Trust Fund by month's end, stating the charge would be struck out if paid. Several defendants were remanded on continuing bail. James Walsh, charged with cultivating cannabis, was adjourned to September 18 for service of the Book of Evidence. Gareth Lokko, alleged to have breached a barring order and caused criminal damage, was remanded to July 24. Kevin Harmon, alleged to have assaulted another man causing harm, was remanded to September 25 for DPP directions. Lorna Daly, alleged to have stolen petrol and used a false registration plate, was remanded to July 24 for a plea. Jandean Hyland, charged with assault causing harm, was remanded to July 31. Stephane Mbama, alleged to have dangerous driving and driving without insurance, was remanded to July 31. Michael Bollard, alleged to have breached a safety order, was granted bail with conditions and adjourned to July 17.