John Byrne, aged 28, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment for stealing a white Mercedes worth over €50,000 and driving it recklessly on the M3 motorway. The vehicle was taken from Charlemont estate near Griffith Avenue on 3 February 2015, and a Garda pursuit began shortly after. Byrne's car hit a roundabout at high speed, nearly flipped, then crashed through a stop sign and a fence before stopping in wasteland. He fled the scene, wading through a river, before being captured. The car was badly damaged and written off. Byrne pleaded guilty to using a car without the owner's consent and recklessly damaging it. He had six prior convictions, including drug misuse and property damage. The court found his actions "appalling" and "extraordinarily reckless," and sentenced him to three years' imprisonment, with the two counts running concurrently.
Brian Reilly, 20, of Boyne View, Navan, was convicted of reckless endangerment and theft of a vehicle after he stole a post van and drove over a postman's foot on 22 August 2013. In March 2015 Judge Patrick McCartan imposed consecutive sentences of five years for the endangerment and four years for the theft, suspending the last three years to deter re‑offending. Reilly appealed, and on 5 July 2016 the Court of Appeal, led by Justice Garrett Sheehan, found that the judge had not identified a headline offence and had not explained why a consecutive sentence was necessary. The appeal court also could not determine how mitigation and Reilly's guilty plea had been considered. Reilly's sentence was reduced to six years, with the final eighteen months suspended for the endangerment and three years for the theft, the sentences running concurrently and back‑dated to 11 September 2014.
Andrew Smith, a 24‑year‑old mechanic from Navan, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to his girlfriend Chloe Cherry on 27 October 2013. The original sentence of two‑and‑a‑half years, with six months suspended, was imposed by Judge Michael O'Shea on 18 June 2015. Smith appealed, arguing that the sentencing judge failed to resolve a factual conflict regarding an alleged incident in which he supposedly locked Cherry in a dog cage. The Court of Appeal, led by Mr Justice Alan Mahon, found that the judge had not conducted a "Newton type hearing" and had accepted the victim's account of the dog‑cage allegation as true, an error in principle. Consequently, Smith was re‑sentenced to two years' imprisonment, with 15 months suspended, and was required to enter a good‑behaviour bond for the suspended period. The appeal did not alter any other aspects of the case.
Mark Donohoe, a 40-year-old man from Navan, Co Meath, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for an assault that occurred on September 2, 2013, at Eurospar, Hartstown Shopping Centre. The defendant pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, specifically on the basis that his actions were excessive, a plea accepted by the prosecution as excessive self-defence. The court heard that the incident began when the victim, Alan McIllroy, head-butted Donohoe following a dispute over personal space in a queue. Donohoe subsequently used a knife to attack McIllroy, who suffered severe facial injuries, including a wound from his ear canal to his cheek. Judge Patricia Ryan found that while Donohoe acted in self-defence, he used force beyond what was required. The judge suspended a two-year prison sentence on the condition that Donohoe keeps the peace and is of good behaviour for that period. Additionally, the court ordered that €4,000, offered by Donohoe in remorse, be paid to the victim. In mitigation, the judge noted Donohoe's unblemished record, excellent educational and working history, volunteer engagement, and his unequivocal state of being under attack.
During a funeral in Dublin, Liam O'Connell, aged 26, attacked Seamus Mooney, 58, after attempting to kick one of Mooney's dogs. O'Connell punched Mooney between six and ten times while Mooney lay on the ground, and also kicked the dog. Mooney defended himself with a walking stick, which he carried after a recent hip replacement. O'Connell pleaded guilty to assault causing harm at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Witnesses observed the assault, and a passing motorist stopped the attack before O'Connell and his family left in a taxi. Gardaí later identified O'Connell and arrested him. Mooney was taken to hospital for swelling, bleeding, cuts and facial numbness. O'Connell was sentenced to 14 months' imprisonment, with no compensation or community service imposed. The case highlighted O'Connell's 16 prior convictions, including violent disorder. The judge noted his drunken state and mourning as mitigating factors but still imposed the jail term.
In a High Court case, Fergus O'Connor, owner of an equestrian centre in Dunmoe, Navan, challenged Offaly County Council's renewal of a national waste collection permit for Tag A Bin Ltd. O'Connor alleged that the waste site's operations were polluting the environment and posing health risks to his clients, workers, and horses, and that the site was within 600 metres of the River Boyne and River Blackwater Special Areas of Conservation. He claimed the council had failed to conduct proper screening, complied with EU Habitat Directives, and had no statutory authority to act as the National Waste Permit Collection Office. O'Connor sought orders quashing the renewal, declarations that the council acted beyond its powers, and that it had no jurisdiction in Meath. The case was heard ex‑parte by Mr Justice Richard Humphreys, who granted O'Connor permission to proceed and set a return date for October. Tag A Bin Ltd and Meath County Council were named as notice parties.
James Murphy, 37, was stopped by Gardaí for erratic driving and found with €44,712 worth of cannabis in his boot. He pleaded guilty to possession for sale or supply at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. A follow‑up search of his home uncovered an additional €404 of cannabis. Murphy had seven prior convictions, including larceny, traffic offences and drug possession. During the interview he claimed he had smoked a joint two hours earlier and that he was transporting drugs "from A to B" for "bit of weed". Judge Melanie Greally, after a cold analysis of the evidence, imposed a five‑year suspended sentence, noting Murphy's efforts to rehabilitate and his low intellectual functioning. The sentence includes 240 hours of community service and 18 months of engagement with the Probation Service. The hearing also recorded Murphy's admission of debt and his desire to leave the drug habit.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 28 June 2016, former Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan Dowdall, aged 39, and his father Patrick Dowdall, aged 59, were charged with intent to commit false imprisonment. The charges involve possession of a sawn‑off shotgun and a handgun, allegedly used to falsely imprison Alexander Hurley at the Dowdalls' Navan Road address on 15 January 2015. The DPP withdrew earlier possession charges and replaced them with these intent charges. Both men were remanded in custody until 22 July for a subsequent mention.
In a Court of Appeal hearing, Andrew Smith (24) contested the claim that he had locked his girlfriend, Chloe Cherry, in a dog cage during an assault. Smith, who pleaded guilty to assaulting Cherry on 27 October 2013, was sentenced in June 2015 to two and a half years in prison, with the final six months suspended. His lawyer, Patrick McCullough BL, argued that the cage allegation was a disputed fact denied by Smith and that the judge treated it as an aggravating factor without investigating it. He also claimed the trial judge failed to consider rehabilitation, Smith's lack of prior convictions, early guilty plea, remorse, and compensation offered. The State's lawyer, Orla Crowe BL, maintained the cage claim was part of the evidence and that it was the defence's responsibility to challenge it. The judge reserved judgment until 5 July.
Christopher Warburton, 22, of Montpelier Park, Dublin, was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to assaulting his ex‑girlfriend, Ashley Caulfield, on 1 September 2015. Warburton approached Caulfield on Kinvara Avenue, Navan Road, after their break‑up in May 2015, and after refusing to let her leave, he grabbed her wrist and forced her to walk with him. While a bystander tried to intervene, Warburton verbally abused the man and a second person in the car before punching Caulfield in the nose. The blow fractured her nose, exposing the bone and leaving a scar. Caulfield was taken to Mater Hospital, where she received four stitches. Warburton, who had 16 prior convictions and was on bail at the time, claimed he had not hit her. The judge described the assault as a serious crime and noted Warburton's history of anger issues. The sentence reflects the severity of the offence.
Jonathan Dowdall (39) and his father Patrick Dowdall (59) were denied bail by the Special Criminal Court on 27 May 2016. Both were charged with intent to commit false imprisonment, allegedly using a sawn‑off shotgun and a .44 calibre revolver to detain Alexander Hurley at their Navan Road home on 15 January 2015. The court, hearing objections from Detective Inspector William Hanrahan and Chief Superintendent John McMahon under Section 2A of the Bail Act, cited serious offence concerns. The men were remanded until 28 June for a further hearing.
In an out‑of‑hours sitting of the Special Criminal Court on 24 May 2016, former Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan Dowdall, aged 37, and his father Patrick Dowdall, aged 59, were charged with firearms offences. Both men were arrested by the Special Detective Unit and accused of possessing a sawn‑off shotgun and a .44 calibre magnum revolver, allegedly intended to facilitate the false imprisonment of Alexander Hurley at their home on 15 January 2015. Jonathan Dowdall was arrested in Clontarf, Dublin 3, while Patrick Dowdall was taken into custody outside Swords Garda Station, Co. Dublin. Neither man applied for bail at the time of arrest. Their barristers, Mr Derek Cooney BL for Jonathan and Ms Annemarie Lawlor BL for Patrick, noted that the DPP had no objection to legal aid and requested that the warrant reflect the men's prescribed medication.
James Murphy, 37, was stopped by Gardaí for erratic driving on 23 February 2014 and a strong smell of cannabis led to a search of his vehicle. The boot contained over €44,000 worth of cannabis, and a follow‑up search of his home uncovered an additional €404 worth. Murphy had previously admitted to transporting drugs "from a to b" for a small amount of weed and claimed he was spending €50 a week on cannabis after overcoming a heroin addiction. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of cannabis for sale or supply. His seven prior convictions include larceny, road traffic offences and a drug possession charge. The case was adjourned to 28 June, with a probation report ordered. The court heard that Murphy's erratic driving was the reason he was caught. The proceedings remain at the pleading stage.
The High Court dismissed a challenge to An Bord Pleanala's refusal to grant planning permission for a 9‑screen cinema, café and retail units in Navan, Co. Meath. The developers had secured permission from Meath County Council for a 1.58‑hectare site adjacent to Dan Shaw Road, including a car park. An Bord Pleanala had refused the permission in July, citing that the development would not consolidate the town centre, would be premature and remote, and conflicted with the Navan Town Development Plan and the county's Development Plan. The developer argued the refusal was based on an inspector's report that mistakenly linked the site to a proposed Central Rail Station, a project with no confirmed delivery date or requirement in the development plan. The court found the board had correctly interpreted the plan and that the refusal was reasonable and consistent with the plan, so the challenge was dismissed.
At the Central Criminal Court, the son of a deceased man gave evidence regarding his final hours with his father on December 29, 2013. Matthew Gralton, aged 22, from Mt Prospect in County Roscommon, and Ross Allen, aged 25, with addresses in Carrickmines, County Dublin and Clara, County Offaly, have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Christy Daly at Bog Lane, Kilbride, Clara. The prosecution alleges that Mr Daly discovered drugs valued at €30,000 concealed on the remote laneway where he resided, and that individuals connected to the drugs subsequently arranged his killing. The State contends that whilst neither accused was the gunman, both had a role in the death. The witness testified that he spent the day with his father and planned to meet him later that evening, but received no response when he attempted to contact him approximately 90 minutes after they parted. Mr Daly's body was discovered in a drain on January 7, 2014.
A witness told the Central Criminal Court that Christy Daly, aged 47, expressed concern about men in dark clothing loitering near his home on the day he went missing. Gary Gonoude gave evidence at the trial of Matthew Gralton, aged 22, from Co Roscommon, and Ross Allen, aged 25, from Co Dublin and Offaly, who have pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Daly at Bog Lane, Kilbride, Clara, Co Offaly between December 29, 2013 and January 7, 2014. Mr Gonoude told prosecuting counsel that when towing a car to Mr Daly's residence on December 29, 2013, they encountered several hooded figures in the laneway. Mr Daly questioned their presence. Defence counsel for Mr Gralton challenged inconsistencies in Mr Gonoude's accounts to gardaí and in court testimony regarding the number and appearance of those present. Mr Daly's brother confirmed they last met that day. The trial continues before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury.
At the Central Criminal Court, a prosecution barrister opened the trial of two men accused of murdering a 47-year-old man in Co Offaly in late 2013. The court heard that the alleged killing occurred at Bog Lane, Kilbride, Clara, between late December 2013 and early January 2014. Matthew Gralton, aged 22 and from Mt Prospect, Co Roscommon, and Ross Allen, aged 25 with addresses in Dublin and Offaly, have each pleaded not guilty to murder. The prosecution alleges both men admitted involvement in the killing during interviews with gardaí in February 2014, though neither claims to have fired the fatal shots. The court was told the victim discovered a €30,000 drugs stash on the laneway where he lived. The prosecution contends this triggered his death at the hands of individuals sent from Dublin. The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds and blunt force trauma, and his remains were discovered in a drain in January 2014. The trial continues before Justice Patrick McCarthy.
At the Special Criminal Court, Robert Day (44), of Cabra, Dublin 7, was sentenced to two years' imprisonment for the unlawful custody of 400 counterfeit €50 notes at Monck Place, Phibsborough, on February 2, 2014. Day pleaded guilty to the charge. His co-accused, Hubert Duffy (49), of Temple Street, Dublin 1, pleaded guilty to possessing a stolen BMW motorcycle at Phoenix Park Racecourse Apartments, Navan Road, between November 11, 2013, and February 2, 2014. Duffy received an 18-month suspended sentence. Detective Superintendent Thomas Maguire of the Special Detective Unit told the court that the counterfeit money was allegedly used to "finance the activities of the IRA." The court heard evidence that Richard Molloy, previously jailed for six years at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for selling €20,000 in counterfeit bills, was involved in the transaction at Clarke's pub. Mr Justice Paul Butler, presiding over the non-jury court, stated that the sentencing ignored allegations that the money was part of an IRA fund-raising operation. Day's sentence was backdated to August 10, 2014. The court noted Day had one prior conviction for assault causing harm, while Duffy had no prior convictions.
Two Dublin men, Robert Day, 44, and Hubert Duffy, 47, pleaded guilty before the Special Criminal Court. Day admitted unlawful custody of 400 counterfeit €50 notes found at Monck Place, Phibsborough, on 2 February 2014. Duffy admitted handling a stolen BMW motorcycle discovered at Phoenix Park Racecourse Apartments, Navan Road, on 12 November 2013. Both were previously charged with membership of an unlawful organisation styled the Irish Republican Army. The court remanded Day in custody and kept Duffy on bail pending sentencing on 10 February.
A 22‑year‑old named Raymond Walsh of Cabra, Dublin 7, was charged with the murder of 41‑year‑old engineer Kevin Molloy, who was found dead on Glendhu Road, Navan Road, Cabra between 23 January and 1 February 2015. The Central Criminal Court set his trial for 11 January 2017.
The family of an infant who died two days after birth at Cavan General Hospital have settled their action against the HSE for €70,000 in the High Court. Francis Flynn and Fiona Watters, from Navan in Co Meath, had sued the health service for mental distress and shock following the death of their son Jamie in November 2012. The infant was delivered by caesarian section but presented with no heartbeat or breath reflex upon delivery. Despite resuscitation efforts and transfer to intensive care at the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin, Jamie died two days later. The HSE admitted liability in July 2014. Mr Justice Richard Humphreys approved the settlement on Monday, directing that €5,000 of the award be paid into court for the benefit of the couple's daughter. An inquest into Jamie's death previously returned a verdict of medical misadventure.
Clive Keogh, a 40‑year‑old former businessman and graphic designer, was found guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of possessing a false travel pass in the name of Brad Pitt, along with four other fake passes on a USB key. He pleaded guilty to one count of possessing a false travel pass with intent to deceive. The judge, Catherine Murphy, noted Keogh's prior 18 minor convictions and his recent shop‑lifting charge, but also acknowledged his progress since July, including enrolment in a training course and secured accommodation. She imposed a nine‑month prison sentence, suspended in full on strict conditions, and ordered 240 hours of community service and engagement with the Probation Service for two years. The sentence was delivered after a Garda investigation that uncovered the fake passes and Keogh's cooperation with the authorities.
Brian Fitzpatrick, 50, of Castleross, Dundalk, was sentenced by the Special Criminal Court to five years' imprisonment, with the last two years suspended, after pleading guilty to possession of an explosive substance under suspicious circumstances. The offence was committed on 16 December at Mitchelstown Cross, Castletown, Navan, Co. Meath. Fitzpatrick pleaded guilty to one of the two counts shortly after the incident and has shown remorse. The court heard that he suffered severe psychiatric problems following a brutal assault 18 years earlier, which left him unable to work and depressed, and that he had received ongoing mental‑health treatment. He is described as a family man; his wife said she would be "lost without him" and that he had helped her after a fall. Fitzpatrick had raised funds for foreign missions and had worked with underage groups in his local GAA club. He had previously worked on boats and in factories in the UK to support his family.
In the murder trial of Kenneth Cummins (28) and Sabrina Cummins (37) for the killing of Thomas Horan (63) at Cambridge Court, Ringsend, a witness testified that he heard a woman's voice say "where's the wallet" early on the morning of January 6th. The witness described CCTV footage showing the Cummins siblings near the pub Sally's and later at Horan's bedsit, with Kenneth allegedly running out of the court and hiding behind a car. He also identified the Cummins as being present at the back door of the bedsit around 4.45am, when a commotion was heard. The witness, a neighbour, reported hearing the exchange and the disturbance that followed. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, is scheduled to continue next week with a jury of twelve. The defendants have pleaded not guilty. The case is expected to last three weeks.
In a dispute over the operation of Bellinter House Hotel in Co Meath, DCM Hotels Ltd sued the hotel's owners, Jay Bourke and John Reynolds, claiming a five‑year lease. The owners denied ever granting such a lease, asserting only a month‑to‑month agreement existed. On the fourth day of the hearing, Mr Justice Paul Gilligan announced the parties had reached a settlement. Under the agreement, DCM will relinquish vacant possession of the hotel by 8 January 2016. From that date, any new owner will assume responsibility for all bookings and staff; if no new owner emerges, the partnership will take on those duties. DCM will cease taking new bookings. The settlement was accepted by counsel for both sides, concluding the court action. The case was heard in 2015.
Brian Fitzpatrick, 49, of Castleross, Dundalk, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to possessing two complete Improvised Explosive Devices in County Meath. The devices were allegedly in his possession on 16 December 2014 at Mitchelstown Cross, Castletown, Navan. The judge remanded him on continuing bail to return on 29 October for sentencing.
Darren Rafferty, aged 40, was sentenced to three‑and‑a‑half years' imprisonment on 5 June 2014 for setting fire to his former fiancée's house in Navan on 14 January 2013. The arson caused about €79,000 of damage to the conservatory, kitchen and house, and four units of the Navan fire brigade attended the scene. Rafferty was arrested at 3.20 a.m. the same day, was intoxicated and could not be interviewed, but later confirmed he started the fire, left the house and returned to the pub, citing frustration over the breakup. He pleaded guilty at Trim Circuit Criminal Court. On 10 July 2015 the Court of Appeal, hearing Mr Justice George Birmingham, upheld the sentence but suspended the balance from 31 July, allowing Rafferty to pursue a job offer in the UK. He was ordered not to contact his former fiancée again.
Patrick Murphy, aged 69, a retired publican and farmer, was sentenced to ten months in prison for failing to file a €107,048 VAT return after selling four apartments in Navan for €871,532 in 2007. The unpaid VAT, plus interest, amounted to €194,000. Murphy had used the money to invest in another property in Navan for €375,000. He pleaded guilty to the non‑remittance of the VAT. The court noted his previous convictions for non‑filing of income tax in 2005 and 2009, both of which were later filed. Judge Martin Nolan described Murphy as a hard‑working, blameless family man but stressed the seriousness of tax fraud. An 18‑month sentence was considered, but the judge imposed a 10‑month term, citing Murphy's age, medical conditions and mitigating factors. The case was heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Clive Keogh, a 40‑year‑old former businessman and graphic designer, was arrested on 7 November 2013 after a Garda stopped him on Parnell Street. The officer noticed Keogh moving a plastic card from his front to his back pocket and discovered a free travel card in his own name that appeared to be fake. Keogh was handed a USB key containing several other false travel passes, which he claimed he had created in an internet shop. He pleaded guilty to one count of possessing a false travel pass with intent to deceive, and admitted possession of four additional passes in the names of Stephen Lyons, Anthony Keegan, David Doyle and Brad Pitt. Keogh said he made the cards to visit his son in Navan and had produced between five and ten such cards for others.
In a murder trial in Drogheda, Judge Margaret Heneghan decided to continue the case with only one defendant, 52‑year‑old Marius Gaizutis, after initially having two. Gaizutis admitted killing 44‑year‑old Audrius Butkus, whose body was found on a Louth beach in 2013. He pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter at arraignment. The co‑accused, 53‑year‑old Aivers Sonders, was charged with assisting an offender by moving the body, cleaning the scene and disposing of evidence, and pleaded not guilty to all three counts. The judge told the jury that they would no longer consider Sonders. The trial continues with further evidence, including CCTV footage of the night of the murder. The case remains at the Central Criminal Court.
Brian Reilly, 18, of Boyne View, Navan, was sentenced to nine years in prison for reckless endangerment and theft of a post van after he stole the vehicle and drove over the foot of postman Gerard Devlin. Reilly, who has more than 100 prior convictions including 22 for car theft, was already serving a sentence for burglary. At the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Patrick McCartan imposed consecutive sentences of five years for theft and four years for reckless endangerment, suspending the last three years to discourage further offences. The incident occurred on 22 August 2013 at Rosscourt Grove, Lucan, when Reilly entered the van, started the engine, and reversed sharply, striking Devlin's foot and dragging him along the ground. Devlin, an independent contractor for An Post, was left in fear for his life. The van was later recovered in Dunshaughlin using a tracking device, and Reilly was arrested nearby. Brian Reilly pleaded guilty.
Four Dublin men—Graham Farrell (32), Christopher Waldron (33), David Waldron (38) and Mark Buckley (33)—were jailed for two years each after pleading guilty to violent disorder at Cabra House on 16 August 2013. The incident involved the men arriving in two cars, armed with a wheel brace and a hand saw, and attacking a victim inside the pub. CCTV footage showed them beating the victim, using a pint glass, a bar stool and the wheel brace, and continuing the assault outside after forcing the victim out. The victim sustained serious injuries but did not cooperate with Gardaí. Judge Martin Nolan described the attack as intentional, pre‑meditated and organised. The prosecution relied on the CCTV evidence, and the men's guilty pleas secured the sentences. The case was heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
In Swords District Court, Mark Sheehan (25) pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and had his case adjourned until April 13th following a request from the Probation Service for further assessment. Sheehan has 15 previous convictions and was previously given a six-month suspended sentence and a six-year driving disqualification. Michael Reilly (21) pleaded guilty to stealing a remote controlled car and was convicted in his absence. As he did not appear to pay the €250 compensation, Judge Dempsey imposed a default order and fined him €250. Helen McDonnell (25) pleaded guilty to using a false driving licence and stealing groceries. Her case was adjourned until March 30th for a repayment meeting with the furniture store and to provide proof of arrangements. Adrian O'Reilly (50) pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour. Judge Dempsey ordered him to make a charitable donation of €250 to Pieta House and applied Section 1.1 of the Probation Act.
Three Lithuanian men—Darius Adamonis (46), his son Darvydas Adamonis (27) and Linas Butrinovicius (29)—were sentenced in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for false imprisonment of student Richard Nagle (25) on 16 October 2013. The men, acting on instructions from landlord Peter Downey, forcibly evicted Nagle from a bedsit in Cabra Park, Dublin. They blocked his exit, demanded his belongings, and led him to his room, where Butrinovicius brandished an air pistol. Nagle, who had paid a €500 deposit for the room, fled with his possessions and reported the incident. The court found the men unaware of the illegality of their actions. Butrinovicius received a two‑year sentence, Darius Adamonis an 18‑month term, and Darvydas Adamonis a two‑year suspended sentence. The case highlighted the unlawful nature of the forced eviction. Darius Adamonis pleaded guilty. Darvydas Adamonis pleaded guilty. Linas Butrinovicius pleaded guilty.
A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court heard that archaeologist Emmett Connolly sustained 17 stab wounds during an incident at a house in Cootehill, County Cavan on September 28, 2013. Kevin Moran, aged 30, of Lodgeview, Cootehill, is charged with Mr Connolly's murder. He pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea the Director of Public Prosecutions did not accept. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis gave evidence describing the fatal injuries, predominantly to the deceased's left shoulder, arm and upper back. Several wounds penetrated deeply, with one reaching 12 centimetres and damaging the left lung. Dr Curtis stated the cause of death was multiple stab wounds. The court heard Mr Connolly, aged 32, an archaeologist who had recently returned from Australia, had high levels of alcohol in his system. The prosecution argued the evidence pointed to murder, while the defence submitted circumstances surrounding Mr Moran's personal loss were relevant to the case. The trial was continuing.
Jonathan Crilly, 29, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of Martin Rooney, 42, in a van crash on 24 April 2013. Crilly was over twice the legal alcohol limit and was driving between 120 and 140 km/h. He was sentenced by Judge Patrick McCartan to three years' imprisonment, with the final 18 months suspended on the condition of good behaviour for two years after release. He was also disqualified from driving for ten years. The incident involved Crilly, Rooney and a third passenger, all from Northern Ireland, who were on a construction job in Dublin. Rooney died at Beaumont Hospital after the van collided with a wall following a red‑light violation. Crilly's prior dangerous driving conviction in Northern Ireland was noted by the court.
In the Swords District Court, several cases were heard. Keith McNamara, 22, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of €1,100 worth of cannabis and to its sale. Judge Dermot Dempsey offered him a chance to avoid conviction if he donates €500 to charity, provides drug‑free urine tests, and submits an updated probation report, with the case adjourned to 8 September. Michael Gibbons, 32, was fined €400 and given a three‑year driving ban after being caught driving erratically while heavily intoxicated; he had a blood alcohol level of 210 mg/100 ml. Christopher Kane, 30, pleaded guilty to intoxication and was fined €250. Michael Reilly, 21, stole a remote‑controlled car worth €34.99; he may avoid conviction if he donates €250 to charity, with the case adjourned to 9 March. Fergal Reilly, 33, was convicted and fined €100 for intoxication that made him a danger to himself and others. All decisions were made by Judge Dermot Dempsey.
A 22‑year‑old Meath man, Graham McGuinness, was sentenced to four years in prison for driving a stolen car into a crowded viewing area at Dublin Airport. He pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a car and a second charge of dangerous driving. McGuinness, who had been disqualified from driving for ten years, drove recklessly up an embankment, jumped out of the moving car, and caused a large crowd of plane‑spotters to scatter. The judge, Martin Nolan, noted that McGuinness had "put the fear of God" into bystanders and suspended the final year of the sentence, citing his youth and potential for rehabilitation. McGuinness had 41 prior convictions, including criminal damage, theft, burglary, drug offences and threats to kill, and had struggled with alcohol and drugs. The court heard he had been in care from age 12 to 17 and had a very difficult, unsettled life with little stability.
Two men from Louth were granted bail by the Special Criminal Court pending the service of a book of evidence for separate offences. Michael Connolly, 42, of Dundalk was charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, the Irish Republican Army, on 16 December. Brian Fitzpatrick, 49, of Dundalk was charged with two counts of possession of an explosive substance under suspicious circumstances, alleged to be two complete Improvised Explosive Devices, on the same day at Mitchelstown Cross, Castletown, Navan, Co. Meath. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan and Judge William Hamill, ordered bail for both men on terms agreed with counsel. The conditions include daily signing at Dundalk Garda station, a curfew from 11 pm to 7 am, surrendering passports, remaining within the jurisdiction, residing at addresses known to Gardaí and providing a mobile phone number for contact. Independent sureties of €20,000 each and bonds of €100 were set, and legal aid was granted.
Two men from Louth, aged 42 and 49, were brought before the Special Criminal Court on 18 December 2014. Michael Connolly of Dundalk was charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Brian Fitzpatrick of Dundalk was charged with two counts of possession of an explosive substance under suspicious circumstances, alleged to be two complete improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Both men were arrested on 16 December at the same car park outside Drogheda Garda Station. Connolly denied membership of the IRA when cautioned, and Fitzpatrick denied possession of explosives. Garda Colm Finnerty and Detective Garda Niall Armstrong gave evidence of the arrests, charges and cautions. The court granted an order to preserve any external CCTV footage from Drogheda Garda Station and remanded both men in custody until Tuesday, when Connolly will apply for bail and legal aid.
Adiodan Kamoru Kareem, 36, was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment for possessing €1.4 million worth of cocaine with intent to sell or supply. He pleaded guilty in May 2011 and was convicted by Judge Michael O'Shea at Trim Circuit Court on 17 February 2012. The appeal against the sentence was dismissed by Mr Justice Seán Ryan on 24 November 2014. Ryan described Kareem as a "devoutly religious" man who had no history of drinking or smoking. He was "caught red-handed" when Gardaí seized a false diplomatic package that had been delivered to a car park in Navan, from which Kareem collected a car and drove to an apartment where a search uncovered the cocaine, €100,000 in cash, mixing agents, a pharmaceutical drug, plastic bags and other paraphernalia. The Court of Appeal confirmed that the mandatory minimum of ten years was justified and that the circumstances did not render the sentence unjust.".
At Balbriggan District Court, Jevgenijs Zurila (32) of Navan pleaded guilty to trespassing and the theft of two containers of diesel worth €150 from Bently Bros Ltd in Lusk on August 14th. Judge Grainne O'Neill convicted him, noting his previous conviction for theft, and fined him €250 for trespass and a further €250 for the theft, warning that a future offence would result in a prison sentence. Joseph McGovern (39) of Donabate pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour towards gardai at Macari's Takeaway in Donabate on May 22nd. Despite mitigation regarding his mother's recent death, Judge O'Neill convicted him and imposed a €300 fine. Catherine Joyce (42) of Balbriggan, who is alleged to have been intoxicated and used threatening and abusive behaviour on October 2nd, had her case adjourned until January 8th as further charges, including an alleged assault on a garda, may be brought. Neil Phipps (29) of Balbriggan, alleged to have assaulted Brian Cranny causing harm on May 9th, had his case adjourned until November 27th pending DPP directions. John Fleming (30) of Skerries, alleged to have driven without reasonable consideration on January 22nd, had his case adjourned until December 4th to seek legal advice.
Kevin Roland, 62, a long‑distance lorry driver, and Seamus O'Hara, 29, a sales assistant, were sentenced to a combined eight years in prison for transporting €442,000 worth of heroin. Roland claimed he had picked up the drugs in Brussels from a Belgian or Dutch man, expecting €4,000 for transport, and planned to drop them off in an unlocked car in Ashtown, Co. Dublin. O'Hara was to drive the car to a business premises in Rialto. After stopping at a petrol station on the Navan Road, O'Hara drove to his Dublin city centre home and left white plastic bags of heroin at his front door. Both men pleaded guilty to possession of three kilos of heroin for sale or supply at Navan Road on 13 September 2012.
Balbriggan District Court heard several matters presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey. Damien Costello pleaded guilty to the theft of €20 of petrol from Topaz on the Ballymun Road on May 10th, 2013, and the theft of €20 of petrol from Applegreen Service Station on the M1 at Lusk on July 22nd, 2013. The Judge stated he would consider Costello for 200 hours of community service in lieu of a two-month prison sentence if Probation Services deem him suitable. Costello was remanded on continuing bail to re-appear on December 11th. Jevgenijs Zurila is charged with the theft of two containers of diesel valued at €150 from Bently Bros Ltd in Lusk on August 14th, and trespass at the same business on that date. The case was adjourned until October 30th. Stephen Nyantakyi is charged with being intoxicated at Hamlet Lane in Balbriggan on September 18th. This matter was adjourned until October 23rd. Przemyslaw Kutak is charged with the theft of six bottles of wine valued at €48 from Supervalu in Lusk on September 22nd, and the theft of two bottles of wine valued at €16 from the same store on September 27th. A bench warrant was issued for his arrest. Additionally, seven vehicles, 25 airbags, seven Eco units, and one car radio were forfeited to the State under the Police Property Act following a search in Balbriggan.
Balbriggan District Court heard several matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Catherine Smith pleaded guilty to theft of €213 worth of gardening items from a Tesco supermarket. The judge indicated he would apply the Probation Act if she makes a charitable contribution. Marek Laska pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis for sale or supply and possession of digital weighing scales. The judge applied the Probation Act, ordering him to attend HOPE and assist other drug users, avoiding a conviction. Linda Murphy pleaded guilty to stealing four blank cheques from her employers. The case was adjourned until September 11th to allow her to provide the remaining €160 in compensation, with a warning of a custodial sentence if unpaid. John Paul Fitzgerald pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis resin. He was convicted, fined €400, and ordered to destroy the drugs, with the judge warning he is close to a prison sentence. James Walsh, alleged to have cultivated cannabis plants, was remanded on continuing bail to re-appear on July 3rd for a plea or trial. Ann McGann was convicted of attempting to drive while intoxicated. She was disqualified from driving for three years and fined €300.
In February 2014, two Dublin men, Robert Day (43) and Hubert Duffy (46), were charged with membership of the Irish Republican Army, an unlawful organisation, before the Special Criminal Court. On 2 February 2014, Day was additionally charged with unlawful custody of 400 counterfeit €50 notes found at Monck Place, Phibsborough, and with handling a stolen BMW motorcycle at Phoenix Park Racecourse Apartments, Navan Road, Dublin 7, between 11 November 2013 and 2 February 2014. Duffy was charged with handling the same stolen BMW motorcycle at the same address on 12 November 2013. Both men were arrested by the Special Detective Unit and other Garda units as part of operations against dissident republican groups. In court, Day pleaded not guilty to both charges, while Duffy made no reply after caution. The men were remanded in custody to appear again on 18 June before the non‑jury court. The case was heard by Justice Iseult O'Malley. The charges remain pending.
In a case heard at the Central Criminal Court, Vera McGrath, aged 65, pleaded guilty to materially assisting the killer of her husband, Bernard Brian McGrath, who was 43 at the time of his death. The offence involved the disposal of evidence linked to Bernard's manslaughter at Lower Coole, Westmeath, committed by Colin Pinder between 16 March and 18 April 1987. Mr Justice Paul Carney adjourned sentencing to the following Thursday and remanded Ms McGrath on continuing bail until that date.
A 65‑year‑old Vera McGrath of Volvenstown, Fordstown, Navan, Co Meath pleaded guilty in the Central Criminal Court to being an accessory after the fact to her husband's manslaughter. She admitted materially assisting the killer, Bernard Brian McGrath, by disposing of evidence linked to his 1987 manslaughter at Lower Coole, Westmeath. The charge named Colin Pinder as the killer. Mr Justice Paul Carney accepted the plea and remanded her on continuing bail for sentencing on Friday.
Marek Laska, a 27‑year‑old university student, was found in possession of 260 g of cannabis, a digital weighing scale and a scoop, items that indicated he was involved in the sale or supply of drugs. He had previously pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis for sale or supply and a digital weighing scale at a house on Main Street in Rush on 6 October 2011. Garda Gerrit Durnin reported that the drugs were found in Laska's bedroom and that the total street value was €3,079. Laska initially claimed the drugs were for his own use and did not accept responsibility for the charge of possession for sale or supply. The Restorative Justice Programme reported that he did not accept that charge. In the Balbriggan District Court, Judge Dermot Dempsey heard that Laska now accepts the charge and the opportunity offered by the programme.
Simon McGinley, 30, of Sligo, is standing trial at the Central Criminal Court for the death of Eugene Gillespie, 67. McGinley pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The State did not accept the manslaughter plea, and a jury was sworn in for the two-week trial. He also pleaded guilty to the false imprisonment of Mr Gillespie and trespass to commit robbery at his home in Old Market Street on September 19, 2012. The prosecution alleges McGinley made a 999 call from an acquaintance's phone, stating a man was tied up in a house across from the Garda station. Garda Sergeant Terry Coleman received the brief call, which was disconnected before details could be clarified. Garda Michael Twyford checked the described property but found nothing untoward. Detective Garda Seamus O'Donnell testified that Mr Gillespie's home was ransacked, with broken furniture and a large blood stain. Paramedic Aidan Duggan found Mr Gillespie unconscious on the floor. The court heard evidence that McGinley placed a bet at 1:35 pm on September 20, 2012, and was seen in a Sligo newsagent on September 23. CCTV footage showed a man believed to be McGinley discarding a SIM card on September 19. The trial continues.