In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, 32‑year‑old Carl Feighery of Millbourne Crescent, Ashbourne, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of Rosemary Douglas on North Road, Finglas, on 9 July 2013. Judge Mary Ellen Ring remanded him on continuing bail until 4 March 2015, when all evidence will be heard. Prosecutor Diarmuid Collins said there was no objection to bail and requested a victim impact report for the sentencing date.
The Special Criminal Court has begun hearing final submissions from defence counsel on the admissibility of evidence against three men charged with murdering dissident republican Peter Butterly. Dean Evans (24), of Grange Park Rise, Raheny, Edward McGrath (33) of Land Dale Lawns, Springfield Tallaght and Sharif Kelly (44), of Pinewood Green Road, Balbriggan have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly (35) who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, at Gormanston Co Meath on March 6 2013. Mr Evans and Mr McGrath have also pleaded not guilty to firearm offences at the same address, on the same date. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), with a last address in Balbriggan, was allegedly "part of the murder plan himself" but turned State's witness against his former co-accused earlier this year.
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.
On 31 October 2014, the Special Criminal Court heard further evidence in the trial of three men charged with the murder of Peter Butterly. Officers from the National Surveillance Unit had been giving evidence, but members of the public were excluded to protect the officers' identities and the unit's methodology. Garda D was escorted through the courtroom custody area because lawyers for the State said he could not walk "out into the public as normal." Public members were again allowed to enter the non‑jury court to hear continuing evidence from the Emergency Response Unit, though that evidence may not yet be admissible. The trial focuses on the legality of the arrests. The accused—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly (35), who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, on 6 March 2013.
Karl Zambra, aged 27, was arrested under Operation Marshall for dealing heroin and cocaine in the St Teresa Gardens flats. He pleaded guilty to possession of heroin and cocaine for sale or supply on 13 and 23 July 2010. During the operation, undercover gardai posed as drug addicts and approached Zambra, who claimed ignorance of their identity and offered them drugs. He directed them to a stairwell where drugs were hidden and later sold three packages of heroin to them for €50 each. The court noted Zambra had 73 prior convictions, including drug dealing, possession, and burglary. Despite this history, he received a suspended jail term, avoiding immediate imprisonment. The case was heard in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, with the prosecution led by Fiona McGowan BL and defense by Dominic McGinn SC. The sentence was a suspended jail term, with no immediate custodial time imposed.
Enda Farrell, a former National Asset Management Agency official aged 38, appeared before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 13 charges of disclosing confidential information in May, June and July 2012, contrary to the 2009 NAMA Act. He was sent forward from the District Court last month. Judge Mary Ellen Ring adjourned the case for arraignment on March 2, 2015.
In the Special Criminal Court, the legality of the arrest of three men charged with the murder of Peter Butterly was a key issue. The defendants—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—had pleaded not guilty to the murder and to firearm offences at the same scene. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), had turned State's witness. The court heard that Butterly, aged 35, was lured to the car park of the Huntsman Inn on 6 March 2013, where a Toyota Corolla entered and shots were fired at his vehicle and as he fled. Prosecutor Úna Ní Raifeartaigh SC reported Butterly was found collapsed and pronounced dead. The case, involving a tracking device on the Corolla, will continue tomorrow before the panel of judges. The public was allowed to re‑enter the courtroom after a surveillance garda was escorted through the custody area. The evidence of the Emergency Response Unit remains potentially inadmissible.
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.
The trial of Dean Evans, Edward McGrath, and Sharif Kelly for the murder of Peter Butterly and associated firearm offences continued in the Special Criminal Court. All three defendants, who are alleged to have shot Butterly dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath, on March 6, 2013, have pleaded not guilty. Evans and McGrath also face firearm charges for the same incident. The court heard evidence from National Surveillance Unit gardaí, who exited the courtroom via the custody area to protect their identities and operational methodology. Defence counsel Gaillíosa O'Lideadha SC argued that the storage of these witnesses in a shared room before testimony compromised the integrity of the process, a claim the prosecution rejected as a logistical necessity. The court has also heard that a fourth man, David Cullen, allegedly part of the murder plan, turned State's witness. Evidence indicated Butterly was lured to the scene, where shots were fired at his vehicle and as he attempted to flee. The prosecution noted this is the first case in the State's history involving a tracking device on a vehicle. The matter was adjourned and continues before a three-judge panel.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 29 October 2014, two surveillance gardaí—identified only as Garda C and Garda F—gave evidence in the murder trial of three men charged with the killing of dissident republican Peter Butterly. The court ordered that neither the identities nor the evidence of eleven gardaí from the National Surveillance Unit be published, citing concerns that disclosure could compromise future surveillance operations and the unit's methodology. The trial involves Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33), and Sharif Kelly (44), all of whom pleaded not guilty to Butterly's murder, a 35‑year‑old who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, on 6 March 2013. The court also heard that a Toyota Corolla entered the car park shortly before the shooting and that a tracking device was sought for the vehicle. The case was set to continue before Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy, Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan and Judge Cormac Dunne.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 28 October 2014, four surveillance gardaí gave evidence in the murder trial of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old dissident republican shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, on 6 March 2013. The defendants – Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44) – pleaded not guilty to the murder and to firearm offences committed at the same address and date. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), had earlier turned State witness. The court excluded the public to protect the methodology of the National Surveillance Unit (NSU) officers, who were identified only as Garda A, Garda E, Garda H and Garda W. The judges ordered that the officers' names be withheld from publication and that none of their evidence be published. The trial continued the next day with the same panel of judges. The case remains in the non‑jury court.
The Special Criminal Court granted bail to Darren Weldon, a 43‑year‑old resident of Drinadaly, Trim, who was arrested on Tuesday for his alleged involvement in the February 22, 2010 bomb attack on Newry courthouse. Weldon was charged with membership of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) on October 14. His counsel, Philipp Rahn BL, applied for bail, and the court, presided over by Justice Deirdre Murphy, Justice Margaret Heneghan and Judge Cormac Dunne, accepted the application without objection from the State. Bail conditions include daily reporting to a local Garda station, surrendering his passport, providing his mobile phone number to Gardaí and maintaining good behaviour. The court noted that the book of evidence will be served at a later date. Detective Garda Kieran Regan, who formally arrested Weldon on Mellowes Road, Finglas, Dublin 11, stated that at the time of arrest he believed Weldon had committed the offence.
In a trial before the Special Criminal Court, three men—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—were charged with the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly (35), who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co. Meath, on 6 March 2013. The defendants pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and to firearm offences at the same address. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), had earlier turned State witness against his co‑accused. 18‑year‑old Sean Brennan, a sixth‑year secondary school student, testified that he was waiting for a bus opposite the Inn when he heard a noise, saw a man with a gun, and heard two to three shots. He described the gun as in the man's right hand and the shots as sharp and quick.
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.
Three judges of the Special Criminal Court admitted that a technical glitch of their own making has delayed the delivery of a ruling in the murder trial of Peter Butterly. The court, presided over by Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy, Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan and Judge Cormac Dunne, will hear from its first witness tomorrow. The case involves three men—Edward McGrath (33), Dean Evans (24) and Sharif Kelly (44)—who have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Butterly, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn on 6 March 2013. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), turned State witness. The court has ordered that members of the public be excluded while eleven National Surveillance Unit officers give evidence, and that none of the officers' evidence be published to protect their methodology.
The Special Criminal Court will hear the first witness in the trial of three Dublin men charged with the murder of Peter Butterly, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, on 6 March 2013. The accused – Edward McGrath (33), Dean Evans (24) and Sharif Kelly (44) – have pleaded not guilty to the murder and to firearm offences at the same address. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), who was part of the murder plan, turned State witness earlier this year. The court has heard that Butterly was lured to the car park by an unknown man, a Toyota Corolla entered the premises, and shots were fired at Butterly's vehicle and when he tried to flee. Gardaí used a tracking device on the vehicle, a first in State history. The court also dealt with pre‑trial applications, the transformation of Cullen into a prosecution witness, and the protection of surveillance evidence.
The Special Criminal Court heard the trial of three Dublin men—Edward McGrath (32), Dean Evans (22), and Sharif Kelly (43)—charged with the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly (35) on 6 March 2013. Butterly was lured to the Huntsman Inn car park, where a Toyota Corolla entered and shots were fired at his vehicle and again when he tried to flee. The men pleaded not guilty to the murder and to firearm offences. The court also considered the use of a tracking device on the Corolla, the first time such a device has been mentioned in a State case. A senior Garda explained the device's deployment was protected to safeguard investigative methods from potential misuse by the IRA or other hostile groups. The court will rule on the disclosure of redacted surveillance material tomorrow. The hearing is set to continue with Judges Margaret Heneghan and Cormac Dunne presiding under Justice Deirdre Murphy.
Thomas Stokes, 32, a father of seven, was sentenced to four years in prison for a series of robberies committed while under the influence of a head shop drug. He admitted to robbing Austrian tourist Elzbieta Steplewski (55) in Clonee on 2 July 2013, and to robbing Lea Giannone (51) and driving under the influence at the Regency Hotel in Whitehall on 29 July 2013. Stokes also stole from a Maxol Service Station on 2 July 2013. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where Judge Martin Nolan imposed a consecutive term of four years, suspending the final two years on strict conditions. The court noted Stokes had 14 prior convictions for traffic offences and had no violent convictions since July. The sentencing followed his confession to the Gardaí and the testimony of witnesses who tracked his getaway car and provided vehicle registration details.
The Special Criminal Court has outlined its reasons for excluding the public during testimony from National Surveillance Unit (NSU) gardaí in the ongoing trial of Edward McGrath, Dean Evans, and Sharif Kelly. The three men, who have pleaded not guilty to the 2013 murder of Peter Butterly at the Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co Meath, face additional firearm charges. Presiding Judge Deirdre Murphy stated that the exclusion order protects the safety of surveillance officers and future state intelligence operations, noting that repeated public exposure of their physical characteristics could compromise their work. While the court permitted the defence to receive the officers' professional names and addresses, it restricted publication of their identities and NSU methodologies. In a separate ruling, the court allowed one minor witness to testify via video link but denied the request for two adult witnesses, citing legislative limits. The prosecution intends to call David Cullen, a former accused who turned state witness, as a key witness. The court ordered the disclosure of seized electronic devices containing keywords related to the case and confirmed whether Cullen was a garda informant, while refusing to disclose his psychiatric records or privileged legal advice. The trial continues on Tuesday before the non-jury court.
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.
The Special Criminal Court has directed that the public be excluded from the courtroom while National Surveillance Unit gardaí give evidence in the trial of Edward McGrath, Dean Evans, and Sharif Kelly. The three men, who have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly, shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn at Gormanston, Co Meath, on March 6th, 2013, face additional firearm charges. The court ruled that the officers' professional names and addresses must be provided to the defence but restricted from publication, balancing safety concerns with the right to a fair trial. The prosecution intends to call David Cullen, who pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol at the same location and date, and was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison in July. The court ordered the disclosure of certain records regarding Cullen's credibility, including confirmation on whether he was a garda informant and PULSE records, while refusing to disclose his psychiatric records. Access to a seized laptop was granted to a defence expert. The court deemed an application to disclose legal notes between Cullen and his lawyers premature. The full trial hearing is expected to commence on Tuesday before Judges Heneghan, Dunne, and Murphy.
Darren Weldon, aged 43, was arrested by the Special Detective Unit on Tuesday as part of an investigation into the February 22, 2010 bomb attack on Newry Courthouse. The attack involved a large car bomb that exploded outside the courthouse, damaging its gate while police were evacuating the area. Weldon, who lives at Drinadaly, Trim, Co Meath, was charged this morning before the non‑jury Special Criminal Court with membership of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). He appeared in court wearing a grey cardigan and jeans and denied ever being a member of the IRA. The court, presided over by Justice Garrett Sheehan with Justice Deirdre Murphy and Judge Margaret Heneghan, remanded Weldon in custody to appear again on October 21. The case is pending further hearings, with potential applications for bail and legal aid expected.
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.
The Special Criminal Court, a non‑jury court, is set to decide on several legal matters in the trial of three men—Edward McGrath (32), Dean Evans (22) and Sharif Kelly (43)—who have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly (35). Butterly was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, on 6 March 2013. The defendants also face firearm charges. The court will consider the State's request to allow surveillance officers to give evidence anonymously, citing a 1996 law that permits such testimony when public interest and safety warrant it. The prosecution seeks to erect a screen between surveillance officers and the public to protect the witnesses' identities. The case also involves forensic evidence, firearm residue, DNA, and testimony from David Cullen (30), who was previously jailed for unlawful possession of a pistol and whose role in the murder plan is contested. The court will rule on these matters tomorrow.
The Special Criminal Court is hearing a prosecution application to allow nine National Surveillance Unit gardaí to give evidence anonymously in the trial of Edward McGrath, Dean Evans, and Sharif Kelly. The three defendants, who have pleaded not guilty to the 2013 murder of Peter Butterly at the Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co Meath, face additional firearm charges. Prosecution counsel argued that the non-jury court's statutory powers permit witness protection to address safety concerns for the officers and their families, citing the court's mandate to control its own procedures. Defence counsel for Evans contended that the court lacks jurisdiction to grant anonymity, describing such a ruling as an extraordinary departure from common law and the right to know one's accuser. He noted that one witness, referred to as Garda A, had already been identified in statements in error. The presiding judge, Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy, highlighted the significant legal implications of setting aside the right to know the identity of an accuser. The court, consisting of Judges Margaret Heneghan and Cormac Dunne, is scheduled to deliver its ruling on the anonymity application tomorrow.
The Special Criminal Court will rule next week on whether nine National Surveillance Unit officers can give evidence anonymously in the trial of Edward McGrath, Dean Evans, and Sharif Kelly. The three men, who have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly and unlawful possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol at the Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co Meath, on March 6th, 2013, face a non-jury hearing. The DPP has applied to withhold the officers' identities and erect a screen to protect their physical characteristics, citing risks to their safety and the security of Garda operations. The prosecution intends to rely on forensic evidence and testimony from David Cullen, who pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of the same firearm and was jailed for three-and-a-half years in July. Cullen, described as part of the murder plan, alleges he was tasked with collecting the gun after the shooting. Defence counsel for McGrath, Evans, and Kelly have sought disclosures regarding Cullen's credibility, including his medical records, witness protection application, and legal notes. Presiding Judge Deirdre Murphy noted the significant interference with cross-examination rights inherent in the anonymity application. The court will deliver its ruling on Tuesday afternoon, when the case resumes before Judges Dunne and Heneghan.
The Special Criminal Court is set to rule on a disclosure application in the trial of Edward McGrath, Dean Evans, and Sharif Kelly. The three men have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn at Gormanston, Co Meath, on March 6th, 2013. McGrath and Evans also face firearm offences at the same address and date, while all three are charged with the unlawful possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol. The prosecution intends to rely on the testimony of David Cullen, who previously pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of the same firearm and was jailed for three-and-a-half years. Cullen's plea was accepted by the DPP, resulting in a nolle prosequi on the murder count. Defence counsel have sought extensive disclosures regarding Cullen's credibility, including medical records, his witness protection application, and confirmation of whether he was a garda informant. The DPP described these requests as an attempt to impugn Cullen's character, while defence lawyers argued the disclosure process was unsatisfactory. The court will also rule on a DPP application to screen nine National Surveillance Unit gardaí to protect their identities. The matter was adjourned for the court's decision on these procedural issues.
In the Special Criminal Court, three men—Edward McGrath (32), Dean Evans (22), and Sharif Kelly (43)—pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly (35), who was shot in the car park of the Huntsman Inn on 6 March 2013. The court heard that Butterly was lured to the car park by an unnamed man and that shots were fired from a Toyota Corolla. The prosecution will present forensic, firearm residue, DNA evidence and testimony from David Cullen (30), who was involved in the murder plan. Cullen, who had previously pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol, was jailed for three‑and‑a‑half years and later became a prosecution witness. He stated he wanted no more to do with the case and sought to separate himself from the accused.
In the Special Criminal Court, three men—Edward McGrath (32), Dean Evans (22), and Sharif Kelly (43)—remain not guilty on charges of murdering Peter Butterly (35) and related firearm offences. The court heard that a former co‑accused, now a prosecution witness, supplied Gardaí with information about a prior fatal shooting, events in Portlaoise Prison, and IRA structure. Witness protection liaison officer reported that David Cullen (30) offered testimony on 25 June, with a security discussion the next day. The Garda liaison explained that witnesses must commit to a new lifestyle and receive retraining. Senior Garda Thomas Maguire confirmed Cullen's willingness to give evidence on the Butterly shooting, other murders, prison happenings, and IRA structure. The court has yet to rule on privilege and screening applications. The case proceeds tomorrow before Judges Cormac Dunne and Margaret Heneghan, with Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy presiding.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence regarding the transformation of David Cullen from a co-accused to a prosecution witness in the trial of Edward McGrath, Dean Evans, and Sharif Kelly. The three men have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn at Gormanston, Co Meath, on March 6th, 2013. McGrath and Evans also face firearm offences at the same address and date, to which they have pleaded not guilty. Cullen, who admitted to the unlawful possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol at the scene, pleaded guilty to that charge. In July, he was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison, with a nolle prosequi entered on the murder count. Detective Inspector Alf Martyn detailed how Cullen's solicitor contacted gardaí in June to propose immunity in exchange for information identifying the masterminds and those involved with the stolen car and gun. Cullen sought witness protection, financial maintenance, and relocation. The DPP approved engagement with Cullen on June 29. The court is currently considering an application by gardaí to erect a screen for nine National Surveillance Unit officers, citing risks to their safety and operational security. The three-judge panel will rule on this and other legal matters next week, with the case continuing in the non-jury court.
Lawyers for three men charged with the murder of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old dissident republican, have applied to the Special Criminal Court for disclosure of documents relating to former co‑accused David Cullen, who turned a state witness. The accused—Edward McGrath (32), Dean Evans (22) and Sharif Kelly (43)—have pleaded not guilty to the murder and to firearm offences committed on 6 March 2013 at the Huntsman Inn car park. Cullen, who had pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol and was jailed for three‑and‑a‑half years, was later found not to be charged with murder. His medical records, psychiatric treatment history and notes with his lawyers are sought to assess his credibility. The court will decide on the disclosure applications tomorrow, with the case continuing before Judges Cormac Dunne, Margaret Heneghan and Justice Deirdre Murphy.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 1 October 2014, the court considered an application by the Director of Public Prosecution to claim legal privilege over three documents relating to the surveillance of three men charged with the murder of Peter Butterly. The accused – Edward McGrath (32), Dean Evans (22) and Sharif Kelly (43) – had pleaded not guilty to the murder and to firearm offences. The court heard that a Toyota Corolla entered the Huntsman Inn car park shortly after Butterly was lured there, and shots were fired, causing Butterly to fall. The prosecution's case relied on forensic, firearm residue, DNA evidence and testimony from David Cullen, who was described as part of the murder plan. During cross‑examination, a senior Garda admitted that one of the documents sought for privilege was relevant to the defence.
In a Special Criminal Court case, the Director of Public Prosecutions has applied to erect a screen between the public and undercover Garda witnesses before they give evidence in the trial of three men charged with the murder of Peter Butterly. The application, made with the Garda Commissioner's knowledge, aims to protect the visual characteristics of nine National Surveillance Unit witnesses. The court will decide tomorrow. The case involves defendants Edward McGrath (32), Dean Evans (22) and Sharif Kelly (43), all pleading not guilty to the murder and related firearm offences. The prosecution's case relies on forensic, firearm residue, DNA evidence and testimony from David Cullen, who was involved in the planning and later pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a Beretta pistol. Cullen was jailed for three‑and‑a‑half years, and a nolle prosequi was entered on the murder count.
Balbriggan District Court heard several matters presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey. Kieran White pleaded guilty to stealing a bottle of wine from Supervalu. After making a €75 donation to the Molly McNally Trust Fund, the court applied Section 1.1 of the Probation Act. Piotr Boryslawski pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis found under his car seat. Following a €300 charitable donation, the charge was struck out. Valerie Dalton, alleged to have been drink driving, was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on September 11th. Paul McGee, charged with criminal damage and breach of a protection order, was remanded on continuing bail for a hearing on October 6th. Eddie McDonagh and Patrick McDonagh, both alleged to have stolen a steel tube from a boat, were remanded on continuing bail to reappear on September 4th. McDonagh also faces allegations of careless driving and not paying a taxi fare, while Patrick McDonagh is alleged to have not paid a taxi fare. All these cases remain at the pre-trial stage with no final sentences passed.
In a High Court hearing on 30 July 2014, Dean Evans, aged 22, was denied bail and remanded in custody. Evans, along with Edward McGrath (32) and Sharif Kelly (43), faces murder charges for the killing of dissident republican Peter Butterly, 35, at the Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, County Meath, on 6 March 2013. The trio were also charged with membership of an illegal organisation claiming to be the Irish Republican Army, or Oglaigh na hEireann, on the same date. Additionally, Evans and McGrath are accused of unlawfully possessing a 9mm calibre Beretta model 9000s semi‑automatic pistol and seven rounds of 9mm parabellum ammunition at their residence, and of possessing the same weapon and ammunition with intent to endanger life at the Huntsman Inn car park.
Three Dublin men – Edward McGrath (32), Dean Evans (22) and Sharif Kelly (43) – are set to stand trial at the Special Criminal Court on 30 September for the murder of Peter Butterly (35) in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath, on 6 March 2013. The men were originally due to appear earlier but the case was adjourned because the prosecution and defence agreed it was not ready. The Director of Public Prosecution intends to call former co‑accused David Cullen (30), who was jailed for 3½ years for unlawful possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol at the same location, to give evidence against the three. David Cullen pleaded guilty.
In 2014 the Court of Criminal Appeal ruled that Martin Conmey's 1972 conviction for the manslaughter of Una Lynskey was a miscarriage of justice. Conmey, aged 63, had been jailed for three years in 1970 before being acquitted in 2010. The appeal court found that early witness statements favouring Conmey were withheld from the defence and were radically inconsistent with later statements. The court noted that no credible evidence established Conmey's involvement in a joint enterprise, a key element of the original case. Conmey's counsel argued that the state had never clarified his role in the killing and that no factual or scientific allegations were directed at him. The court therefore overturned the conviction, allowing Conmey to seek compensation for the miscarriage of justice. The ruling was delivered by Justices Hardiman, McGovern and White.
Swords District Court heard several matters. Alex Mooney and Rory Kirwan pleaded guilty to intoxication and threatening behaviour at the Malahide Festival. Judge Dermot Dempsey agreed to strike out charges against both defendants after they each made a €300 charitable donation. Patrick Mongen was convicted of driving without a licence and fined €75. Aslam Khan, alleged to have assaulted a woman, breached a barring order, and committed careless driving and criminal damage, was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on September 2nd. Adam Meehan pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cocaine and methoxyphenamine tablets. The matter was adjourned to October 20th, with the judge indicating a specific course of action if Meehan proves completion of voluntary work and makes a €400 donation. Kadesh Tracey, charged with unlawful possession of benzodiazepine, obstructing and assaulting a Garda, criminal damage, and failing to stop for gardai, failed to appear, resulting in a bench warrant for his arrest.
Swords District Court heard several cases presided over by Judge Dempsey. Mark Jackson was found guilty of attempting to drive under the influence of alcohol after crashing a car in Rathbeale Road; he was fined €750 and disqualified for three years, with the disqualification postponed until January 8th. Jason Harford pleaded guilty to possessing a window-breaking implement and cannabis; he received a three-month suspended sentence for the implement and a €150 fine for the drugs. Sean Brennan pleaded guilty to intoxication and abusive behaviour; the court remanded him on bail until October 13th for a probation report, with 240 hours of community service proposed in lieu of a two-month prison sentence. Edward Doherty pleaded guilty to intoxication and abusive behaviour; he was convicted and fined €200, with a warning regarding future custodial sentences. Philip Garland pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis and was convicted and fined €200. Mark Sheridan, alleged to have threatened to kill another man and possessed an imitation firearm, was remanded on continuing bail until September 8th for service of the Book of Evidence. Ivans Zinkevics, alleged to have committed trespass and intoxication offences, was remanded on continuing bail until September 15th for a hearing.
The Court of Criminal Appeal has reduced the sentences of Alan Bradley (40) and Wayne Bradley (35) by six months each following an appeal against convictions for conspiring to steal cash from Chubb Ireland on November 2, 2007, at Tesco, Celbridge, Co Kildare. Both men had previously pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. In April 2012, Judge Tony Hunt sentenced Alan Bradley to nine years with two years suspended and Wayne Bradley to seven years with 18 months suspended. Presiding Judge Mr Justice John MacMenamin found an error in principle in the original sentencing, noting that the trial judge appeared to start from the maximum ten-year penalty rather than assessing the case's position on the offending spectrum. Consequently, the appeal court determined that Alan Bradley's appropriate sentence was eight years with one-and-a-half years suspended. For Wayne Bradley, the court considered documentation regarding his health, including panic attacks and ankylosing spondylitis, and determined his appropriate sentence was six years with one year suspended. The court also congratulated gardai on their investigative work which prevented the commission of a more serious crime. The brothers had been involved in an attempted raid directed by the late Eamon Dunne, targeting a van containing nearly one million euro.
A High Court action by William Anthony Rochford, a Co Meath man, aimed at preventing Irish Water from installing a water meter on his property has been resolved. In June, Ms Justice Bronagh O'Hanlon granted temporary ex-parte injunctions to Rochford, who represented himself, preventing Irish Water from trespassing on his property at Steeple Manor, Trim, or installing the meter and its associated plastic box cover. Rochford alleged the housing component was "not fit for purpose" and posed injury risks. During those proceedings, he informed the court that he had been convicted and fined in the District Court on May 27 for obstructing a housing estate entrance, which had previously prevented water meter installation. Today, the matter was mentioned before Mr Justice Paul Gilligan. Cian Ferriter SC, representing Irish Water, informed the court that the case could be struck out on consent. The procedural stage is sentence, reflecting the final resolution of the injunctions through this consent order.
The Special Criminal Court ruled that the murder trial of three Dublin men—Edward McGrath (32), Dean Evans (22), and Sharif Kelly (43)—cannot proceed as scheduled in July 2014. The defendants had pleaded not guilty to the killing of Peter Butterly (35) on 6 March 2013 at the Huntsman Inn car park. The court noted that the Director of Public Prosecution intends to call former co‑accused David Cullen (30) to give evidence, an unprecedented move. Cullen had been jailed for 3½ years for unlawful possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol and a nolle prosequi was entered on the murder count. The State's counsel said disclosure material was still pending and further letters from defence were received. The judge set a disclosure hearing for 17 July and suggested the trial might start in October, pending completion of disclosure and other procedural matters. The defendants remain not guilty on all charges.
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.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 3 July 2014, the court ruled that David Cullen, aged 30, is competent to give evidence for the prosecution in the murder trial of Peter Butterly. Cullen, who was charged with the murder of Butterly, had pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol and was sentenced to three‑and‑a‑half years. He was no longer jointly indicted after his guilty plea, so the court found he could testify against the other accused. The other defendants – Edward McGrath (32), Dean Evans (22) and Sharif Kelly (43) – had pleaded not guilty to the murder and to possession of firearms. The trial was adjourned to Tuesday for further proceedings. The court's decision was described as "unprecedented" in the context of a former co‑accused giving evidence.
At the Special Criminal Court, David Cullen pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol at the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, on March 6, 2013. The court noted that Cullen is to act as a State witness against his co-accused, Edward McGrath, Dean Evans, and Sharif Kelly, who are charged with the murder of Peter Butterly. The Director of Public Prosecutions accepted Cullen's plea, and a nolle prosequi was entered on the murder count. Justice Iseult O'Malley stated the offence merited a ten-year sentence but reduced it to seven years due to Cullen's guilty plea, remorse, and cooperation. She proposed suspending the final three-and-a-half years of the sentence, dating from his March 2013 arrest, resulting in an effective custody period of three-and-a-half years. The court acknowledged Cullen's role in attempting to remove evidence and his renunciation of criminal activity. The matter was finalised with this sentencing proposal.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, a Dublin man, David Cullen, 29, who had been charged with the murder of Peter Butterly, agreed to become a prosecution witness against his three co‑accused. Cullen, of Brackenwood Avenue, Balbriggan, had previously been charged alongside Edward McGrath, 32, Dean Evans, 22, and Sharif Kelly, 43, for the March 6, 2013 killing of Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, at the Huntsman Inn car park in Gormanston, Co. Meath. Cullen made a voluntary statement to Gardaí and indicated he would plead guilty to a firearms offence under Section 27A of the Firearms Act, a plea acceptable to the Director of Public Prosecutions. The Director therefore requested that Cullen be called as a witness in the case against the other three accused. Cullen's arraignment and sentencing were postponed until the following day, and the prosecution has stated it will not call him to give evidence until after he has been sentenced. Edward McGrath pleaded not guilty. Dean Evans pleaded not guilty. Sharif Kelly pleaded not guilty.
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 a 2014 trial, Vesel Jahiri, a Louth Village resident originally from Kosovo, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Anna Finnegan and to assault causing harm to her brother Karl. The case centred on a ten‑year relationship that had deteriorated, with Finnegan and Jahiri having two children. On 21 September 2012, Finnegan was stabbed in the chest and head after Jahiri allegedly burst into the house with a knife. Jahiri claimed Karl produced the knives and that Finnegan was injured while trying to stop her brother. Witnesses, including Anna's cousin Brian Conlon, testified about text messages and alleged threats, but Conlon denied any plot to "wipe out" Jahiri. DNA and fingerprint evidence linked the knife to Jahiri, and a post‑mortem confirmed a fatal single stab wound. The case proceeded before a jury under Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
Albin Morkowski, a 20‑year‑old footballer from Meath, was found guilty of possession of ecstasy tablets at Swords District Court. He had thrown a bag of the drugs, claiming they were Viagra, and said a Polish man on a bus had given them to him. Garda David Smith recorded the incident, noting Morkowski admitted the drugs were his and that he intended to give them to friends. Morkowski had previously been found guilty of possession; an allegation of supply was struck out. He had paid €500 as a charitable donation and submitted a letter stating he had completed 100 hours of voluntary work. Judge Dermot Dempsey was not satisfied with the letter and ordered that the GAA club member who wrote it appear in court on 16 June to verify the voluntary hours before the case could proceed. The case was adjourned to that date.
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.