In Swords District Court, Judge Dermot Dempsey applied the Probation Act to 34‑year‑old Natasha Reilly, who breached a Protection Order by being drunk and threatening to "smash the face" off her victim. Reilly had been remanded in custody since 19 May and had detoxed, completed an anger‑management course and remained in custody to address her chronic alcoholism. She is now focused on staying sober and rebuilding her relationship with her children. The court also heard other cases: a 32‑year‑old woman, Jennifer Reilly, was remanded on continuing bail for alleged theft of two pairs of shoes; a 22‑year‑old man, Jamie Bowbrick, was given further time to pay a €350 charitable donation after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis and obstruction; a 38‑year‑old woman, Gillian O'Donnell, was remanded on continuing bail for alleged theft of a pair of boots; a 28‑year‑old man, Mark Jackson, was remanded on continuing bail for.
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.
Three men—Gareth Mulley (44), William Burns (38) and David Gallagher (37)—appeared before the Special Criminal Court on 28 May 2014. They were charged with explosives offences and membership of the unlawful organisation Oglaigh na hEireann (the IRA). Burns, of Ardoyne, Belfast, was accused of unlawfully possessing PETN and RDX, a 50‑litre beer keg, 50 kg of ammonium nitrate homemade explosive, an improvised detonation cord, a steel booster tube and a time‑and‑power unit found at Kilcurry Church on 25 May. Mulley, of Dundalk, and Gallagher, of Drogheda, were charged with IRA membership on the same date. The Special Detective Unit arrested the men on Sunday evening and presented evidence to the court. No bail applications were made, but legal aid was granted to Mulley. Judge Iseult O'Malley remanded the men in custody, ordering a video‑link appearance on 4 June, with liberty to apply for bail if a production order is sought.
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.
Shelia Flannery, a retired horse breeder and trainer, resolved her High Court action against Sean Kavanagh regarding a disputed plot of land in Dunboyne, Co Meath. Ms Flannery alleged that in August 1996, she placed the land in Mr Kavanagh's name for safe keeping, trusting him to hold it in her benefit. Mr Kavanagh denied these claims, asserting they were not business partners and that the transfer was made in lieu of payment for debts and services he provided, including stabling and veterinary fees. Ms Flannery also brought proceedings against ACC Bank, which stated it would abide by any court order. At the High Court, Mr Justice Michael White was informed by counsel Benedict Ó Floinn SC that the matter had been resolved. The court made a declaration that the land was held in trust by Mr Kavanagh for Ms Flannery and directed him to transfer the property to her. Helen McCarthy Bl, representing Mr Kavanagh, confirmed his consent to the agreement. No order was made in relation to ACC Bank. The Judge welcomed the settlement, and the matter was adjourned for six months to allow for the implementation of the settlement. During the hearing, Ms Flannery detailed her financial difficulties in 1996, while Mr Kavanagh maintained he had assisted her during that period.
In a High Court case, retired horse trainer Shelia Flannery alleges that in August 1996 she transferred a plot of land in Dunboyne, Co. Meath to businessman Sean Kavanagh for safekeeping, with the understanding that he would hold it in trust for her benefit. Flannery claims Kavanagh subsequently registered the property in his own name, breaching his duty and interfering with her property rights. She seeks a declaration that the transfer is null and void, that Kavanagh holds the site in trust for her, and orders for him to divest any beneficial interest. Kavanagh denies being a partner, stating the land was transferred in lieu of payments for services and expenses he incurred on Flannery's behalf. He asserts the value of the land did not cover what he was owed, and that Flannery never agreed to transfer the property to him. The case is before Mr Justice Michael White.
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.
Albin Morkowski, a 20‑year‑old Meath footballer, was found guilty of possession of ecstasy tablets at Swords District Court. He claimed the tablets were given to him by a man on a bus and that he thought they were Viagra. Morkowski admitted the explanation was ridiculous but showed the bag to friends who did not recognise the pills. Garda David Smith observed Morkowski discard a plastic bag containing ten ecstasy tablets worth €100 behind a concrete pillar on Thornleigh Avenue at midnight on 23 June 2013. Morkowski signed the garda's notebook admitting the drugs belonged to him and that he intended to give them to friends. The alleged supply charge was struck out. Judge Dermot Dempsey ordered Morkowski to pay €500 to court and complete 100 hours of voluntary work before reconsidering the case in June. The case was adjourned to 9 June.
Damien Murtagh, a 28-year-old from Clonee, Dublin, was sentenced at Swords District Court after pleading guilty to charges arising from an incident on September 22, 2013. He admitted to using threatening and abusive behaviour and being intoxicated at The Old Boro pub in Swords. Additionally, he pleaded guilty to violent behaviour at Swords Garda Station and refusing to provide his name and address to gardai. Judge Dermot Dempsey noted that Murtagh is on his second community service order, warning him that this is his final chance. Instead of a two-month prison sentence, the court imposed a total of 240 hours of community service work. Garda Elaine Duffy testified that Murtagh, who was highly intoxicated, threatened to kill her and other officers. The defence solicitor stated that Murtagh had consumed significant alcohol while watching the All-Ireland final and agreed his behaviour was appalling. The court acknowledged Murtagh's history of 21 previous convictions, including six for public order offences, before finalising the sentence.
The High Court has ruled that the criminal offence of 'offending modesty' under Section 18 of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 1935 is unconstitutional. Mr Justice Gerard Hogan declared the provision 'hopelessly vague' and inconsistent with Articles 15 and 40 of the Constitution, effectively striking it down. This decision impacts two applicants, Kevin McInerney and Brendan Curtis, who challenged the State and the DPP. Mr Curtis, of Martry, Kells, Co Meath, was awaiting trial for allegedly exposing himself at Camden Place, Dublin, in May. Mr McInerney, of Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, was convicted by the District Court in 2013 for allegedly masturbating in his car at Rathfarnham Shopping Centre in 2011 and sentenced to three months imprisonment. His appeal was adjourned by the Circuit Court pending the outcome of this High Court action. The judge agreed with the applicants that the offence lacked clear standards and invited arbitrary application. While the ruling invalidates the current statute, the judge noted that the Oireachtas may still legislate new offences addressing such conduct, provided they meet constitutional requirements for legal certainty.
A 32‑year‑old Dublin man, Alan Harte, is on trial for the murder of his friend Peter Gunn, aged 28, who was stabbed in the chest on 4 January 2009 in Cabra Park. A witness, Kastriot Boza, 41, testified that he and the two men had been drinking in a city pub early that morning. Boza described a confrontation in which Harte allegedly used a butcher's knife to stab Gunn, who collapsed. Boza also recounted that after the killing, the accused and another man removed Gunn's belongings, disposed of the body in a water‑filled ditch, and attempted to conceal the scene. Boza was later prosecuted for impeding the investigation and received a six‑year sentence with two years suspended. The trial is proceeding before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy with a jury of six men and six women. Alan Harte pleaded not guilty.
A wanted human trafficker, Mihai Stancu (46), has been released by the High Court following his conviction by Romanian authorities while absent, which affected the warrant for his extradition. The surrender of Stancu, who resides at Summerhill, Dublin 1, has been sought by Romanian authorities since last year. A European Arrest Warrant was issued for his surrender for prosecution on the alleged offences of constituting an organised crime, human trafficking, and the illegal deprivation of liberty. Counsel for the Minister for Justice, Elva Duffy BL, informed the court that Stancu was accused of being involved in the trafficking of a person for the purposes of prostitution. She stated that it had been confirmed that Stancu was convicted in Romania of the offences contained in the prosecution warrant, and his proposed surrender was now a 'sentencing matter'. The court noted that the state had a difficulty with the warrant as it was currently formed and could no longer stand over detaining him. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy stated that 'he should not be before the court at all on this warrant' which could no longer be relied upon. The question arose as to whether he should remain in custody. Stancu was remanded in custody in March of this year after gardaí objected to granting him bail on grounds that he posed a flight risk. The judge remanded Stancu on a bail bond of €100 and ordered that he sign on at Store Street garda station on Friday. Stancu has multiple previous convictions in Romania. He is due before the court again next Tuesday, April 8 2014, while lawyers for the state seek clarification from Romanian authorities on his proposed surrender.
A 19‑year‑old youth was placed on a six‑month Probation Bond after he punched a 14‑year‑old boy on a train from Gormanston to Skerries and stole his Apple iPod. The youth approached the victim, tried to seize the iPod, then struck the boy several times in the face, leaving severe bruising. He disembarked at Balbriggan Train Station with the device, and Gardaí later found him on Balbriggan Beach still in possession of the stolen iPod. He pleaded guilty to the theft before Balbriggan District Court on 10 August of the previous year. The Director of Public Prosecutions had directed a summary disposal of the case. Defence solicitor Fiona D'Arcy noted the youth's difficult upbringing, including physical abuse from his mother, and that he has no drink or drug problem.
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.
Swords District Court heard three matters involving alleged drug possession and criminal damage. Derek Boylan, 32, of Swords, is alleged to have unlawfully possessed cocaine and cannabis for sale or supply at his home in May 2013. Defence solicitor Patrick Jackson sought to have the case struck out due to delays in the Book of Evidence, arguing the State exceeded the 42-day preparation limit. Judge Dermot Dempsey acknowledged the delay but remanded Boylan on continuing bail until April 7, marking the date as peremptory against the State, meaning the case could be struck out if the evidence is not ready. Athula De Silva, 44, of Ashbourne, Co Meath, is charged with trespass, threatening and abusive behaviour, and intoxication at a Swords address in December 2013, and with causing criminal damage to a car wing mirror in January 2014. His case was adjourned, and he was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on May 26. In a separate matter, charges against Karen O'Connor, 22, of Raheny, for unlawful possession of cannabis for sale or supply in May 2013 were struck out at the direction of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
A truck driver, Gavin John Maloney, 34, was extradited by the Irish High Court to the UK to face questioning over alleged unpaid VAT on cigarettes worth about £1.06 million that were seized from his truck. Maloney, who lives in Creewood, Slane, was detained by UK police, released on bail, and then absconded. His lawyers argued for bail during transfer, citing delays in executing the arrest warrant and his family responsibilities. The court noted the seriousness of the alleged offence and that Maloney was aware of his legal obligation to return. Maloney stated he intended to contest the charges and that he could not afford to travel to London for questioning. The judge acknowledged the personal hardship the extradition would cause but upheld the extradition order. The seizure involved 32 pallets of 6.4 million cigarettes.
Swords District Court heard three matters. Owen Mooney, 43, pleaded not guilty to drink driving and driving without insurance. Judge Dermot Dempsey convicted him, rejecting his claim he was not the driver. Mooney was sentenced to five months in prison and fined €750 for drink driving, with a six-year disqualification. He received a concurrent four-month prison sentence and eight-year disqualification for driving without insurance. Ivo Ignatenki, 26, pleaded guilty to drink driving and having no insurance. He was sentenced to three months in prison, suspended, and bound to the peace for two years. He was fined €750 and disqualified for six years for drink driving, and fined €200 with a two-year disqualification for no insurance. Raymond O'Hara, 47, is alleged to have committed burglary at Portmarnock Hotel. The matter was adjourned because the injured party was unavailable. Judge Dempsey remanded O'Hara on continuing bail to reappear on April 28th.
At Balbriggan District Court, Peter Flood (32) pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after allegedly headbutting his former partner, breaking her nose. Judge Dermot Dempsey sentenced Flood to 240 hours of community service work in lieu of a six-month prison term, bound him to the peace for two years, and ordered him to continue anger management and drug treatment. In a separate matter, David El Masri (32) pleaded guilty to custody of equipment for making copies and ten charges of copying movies for sale. Judge Dempsey struck out the case after El Masri paid €500 to Balbriggan St Vincent de Paul and ordered the destruction of counterfeit material. Neil O'Brion (27) pleaded guilty to using threatening and abusive behaviour towards gardai. His case was struck out following a €500 donation to AWARE charity. Finally, Bridget McDonagh (27), who is alleged to have committed social welfare fraud by concealing allowances, was remanded on continuing bail. The judge granted the State eight additional weeks to complete the book of evidence, with McDonagh scheduled to reappear on May 8th.
Rory Grant (48) pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of an intoxicant and having no insurance on May 20, 2013, at Chieftain's Drive in Balbriggan. Judge Patrick Clyne sentenced him to four months, suspended for two years, for the driving offence, and a concurrent four-month sentence, suspended for two years, for the insurance offence. Grant was also disqualified from driving for four years. Stephen O'Shaughnessy (23) pleaded guilty to trespass, theft of alcohol, and handling stolen property. The matter was adjourned until May 1st, with the judge requiring O'Shaughnessy to cooperate with Probation Services and provide €376 in compensation. Sean Lynch (26) is alleged to have assaulted a person by sticking a lit cigarette in their eye at Home Nightclub in Balbriggan on July 31, 2011. He was remanded on continuing bail, and the case was adjourned until March 27th. Billy Atete (44) pleaded guilty to failing to provide a breath sample at Balbriggan Garda Station on February 2. He was fined €250 and disqualified from driving for four years.
In Balbriggan District Court, Philip Dunne (28) of Woodland Court, Rush, faced charges of failing to give a blood sample, criminal damage, and dangerous driving on November 14th. His case was adjourned until March 27th following a disclosure order request by his solicitor, Fiona Darcy. Aaron Conway (20) of Aghaneen Park, Dundalk, pleaded guilty to possession of counterfeit cigarettes for sale without excise duty. His case was struck out after he made a €300 charitable donation to Balbriggan St Vincent De Paul Society. Mark Duignam (37) of Palmer Court, Rush, had his four-month suspended sentence activated after breaching bail conditions. He was previously convicted in May 2013 for theft of €57 worth of groceries from Supervalu in Lusk. Judge Coughlan sentenced him to four months in prison. Noel Orange (30) of Reynoldstown, The Naul, was charged with refusing to give a blood sample on January 31st. His case was adjourned for hearing, with a remand on continuing bail to appear before Swords District Court on March 10th. William O'Gorman (39) of Baron's Hall House, Balbriggan, was charged with theft of a track suit top from St Vincent de Paul on February 14th. His case was remanded on continuing bail until March 28th, with free legal aid granted. Balbriggan Sunday Market was an applicant in a case involving possession of counterfeit cigarettes for sale without excise duty and refusal to give a blood sample, with charges admitted and a guilty plea.
A Dublin man pleaded guilty at Swords District Court to threatening and abusive behaviour following an incident at a public house on September 22nd, 2013. Damien Murtagh, aged 28, of Clonee, Dublin 17, also admitted violent behaviour at Swords Garda Station and refusing to provide gardaí with his name and address. Garda Elaine Duffy gave evidence that Murtagh became verbally abusive in the pub car park after being asked to leave due to intoxication, making threats towards her and other members. The court heard Murtagh had consumed considerable alcohol while attending an All-Ireland football final. He has 21 previous convictions including six for public order offences. His defence solicitor submitted that Murtagh's memory of events remained unclear and he acknowledged his behaviour was unacceptable. Judge Dermot Dempsey remanded him on continuing bail until April for a Probation and Welfare Report, indicating consideration of 240 hours community service in place of two months imprisonment if deemed suitable.
Three men – Eoin Maguire (29), Cornelius Price (32) and Edward Price (24) – appeared before Judge Dermot Dempsey at Balbriggan District Court charged with several offences alleged to have occurred in December 2013. They are charged with assault causing harm to Clifford Whitehouse and James Whitehouse on 20 December 2013 at Bremore Castle, with the production of a Stanley knife on the same day, and with reckless endangerment of a garda at Balbriggan Garda Station on 22 December 2013. Maguire made no reply after arrest, while Price replied that he had said what he had to say. Maguire was granted bail with conditions to sign on three times a week at Drogheda Garda Station, stay away from witnesses, avoid Balbriggan and reappear on 3 April. Price was refused bail and remanded to Cloverhill to appear on 13 February.
Swords District Court sentenced Kevin McCabe to four months in prison and disqualified him from driving for six years after he pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and a licence. Judge Dermot Dempsey noted McCabe's 11 previous convictions, including two prior disqualifications, and imposed a €200 fine. In a separate matter, Josephine Farrell pleaded guilty to contravening a safety order by allegedly threatening a man. The court applied the Probation Act, citing evidence that Farrell, who has bipolar disorder, had missed medication for three days. Darragh Quinn pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis herb. The charge was struck out after the court ordered €400 in his possession to be paid to Swords Foroige Youth Group. Additionally, Paul Kehoe was disqualified for four years and fined €400 for failing a breath sample, with a further €100 fine for lacking an NCT. His disqualification was postponed until June 1st. Finally, Danny Bowers, alleged to have driven without insurance and while drink driving, had his case adjourned until February 17th because the prosecuting garda was unavailable to give evidence.
A 50‑year‑old woman from County Louth, Paula Reid, is accused of stealing €19,604 from Hugh Burrows & Sons Ltd over a four‑year period between November 2008 and December 2012. She faces 65 theft offences and has been sent forward for trial by judge and jury in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Reid appeared at Balbriggan District Court, where a State solicitor confirmed the evidence was ready and served. Judge Dermot Dempsey assigned senior and junior counsel, gave her an alibi caution, and remanded her on continuing bail to appear on 14 February.
In a case heard at Balbriggan District Court, 19‑year‑old Alan Joyce was remanded on continuing bail pending a Probation & Welfare Report. Joyce, who lives in Finglas, was found on a train from Gormanston to Skerries and attempted to seize a 14‑year‑old boy's iPod. He punched the boy several times, causing severe bruising, and then left the train at Balbriggan Station with the stolen device. Gardaí later located him on Balbriggan Beach in possession of the iPod. Joyce had previously pleaded guilty to the theft of the iPod on 10 August of the previous year. The Director of Public Prosecutions had directed summary disposal of the case. Defence solicitor Ms Fiona Darcy explained that Joyce had been in HSE care since 2010 and had a difficult upbringing, noting that he had no drink or drug problem.
Ruairi O Ceallaigh, aged 42, pleaded guilty to stealing nearly €3m from his family‑run law firm, Sean O Ceallaigh & Company, in Dublin. He was arrested by the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation and charged with seven offences under the Theft and Fraud Act. The charges cover a four‑year period of misappropriation, including €1,551,366 between September 2008 and November 2008, and additional sums of €134,831, €151,078, €250,000, €509,646, €75,000 and €144,644 from client accounts. The Director of Public Prosecutions directed a trial on indictment, so the case will be heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. O Ceallaigh appeared at Dublin District Court, accepted the signed plea, and was remanded on continuing bail with his father acting as surety. He will face sentencing at the Circuit Court on 7 February. The court noted that a book of evidence was not required for the signed plea. The case remains at the indictment stage.
At Balbriggan District Court, Judge Dermot Dempsey addressed several matters. Marek Laska, 27, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis for sale or supply and possession of digital weighing scales. Although Laska claimed the drugs were for personal use, the judge noted the scales were indicative of supply. Laska was remanded on continuing bail, and the case was adjourned until April 10th for a Restorative Justice Programme report. In a separate matter, the National Education Welfare Board reported that an unnamed teenager is making positive progress in school attendance. The judge adjourned the case until February 20th for review. Additionally, Sean Donnelly, 24, and Craig Donnelly, 22, pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour. Both men paid €350 to local charities, and the judge struck out the charges, avoiding convictions. Finally, Keith Blackburn, 52, was remanded on continuing bail after being charged with violent behaviour and failing to comply with garda directions. His case was adjourned until January 9th for a plea or hearing date.
Arvis Jakobsons, 26, of Swords, pleaded guilty to criminal damage after smashing the front and bathroom doors of his ex‑partner's house on Main Street, Rush. Gardaí were called when the ex‑partner reported the intrusion. The damage was estimated at €400. Judge Dermot Dempsey demanded Jakobsons pay for the repairs, which he did by contributing €250 in court. After the payment, the charge was struck out. Separately, Stephen O'Shaughnessy, 23, of Stamullen, pleaded guilty to trespass, theft of alcohol, and handling stolen property. He was remanded on continuing bail, required to pay €426 in compensation, and was ordered to appear again on 28 February 2014. Finally, Niall Byrne, 31, of Balbriggan, was disqualified from driving for four years and fined €500 after Garda Derek Dalton seized his car for lacking insurance and tax, following a prior two‑year disqualification in 2012. All proceedings were held at Balbriggan District Court.
Ruairi O Ceallaigh, a 42‑year‑old former solicitor, was arrested by the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation and charged with seven offences under the Theft and Fraud Act. He is accused of misappropriating about €2.8 million from client accounts at his family‑run firm, Sean O Ceallaigh & Company, over a four‑year period. The alleged thefts include €1,551,366 from a named estate between September 2008 and November 2008, and six other sums ranging from €134,831 to €509,646 from client accounts between 2006 and 2010. O Ceallaigh was brought to Bridewell Garda station, then appeared before Judge Patricia Ryan at Dublin District Court, where he was remanded on bail of €200 with his father, Sean O Ceallaigh, acting as surety for €5,000. He is to face trial on indictment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, with no plea indicated yet. The case will proceed before a judge and jury.
A 28‑year‑old serial burglar, Florin Marticie, was found guilty of trespassing and sentenced to six months in prison. He claimed he did not know why he was arrested and said he was only going to a bus stop after finishing a morning's work for a friend. Marticie denied involvement in an attempted break‑in at a house in Ardla, Skerries, on 8 August. Detective Garda Vincent Healy reported that two men were seen near the house after the alarm went off, and that a pot plant had been thrown at a back window. Marticie was arrested after the Garda saw him walking past the bus stop. The court heard he had three previous convictions for burglary and theft and was currently serving a sentence.
Paula Reid, 50, of Drogheda, is accused of stealing €19,604 from Hugh Burrows & Sons Ltd, a knitwear manufacturer in Balbriggan, over a four‑year period from November 2008 to December 2012. She faces 64 theft offences. The case was presented at Balbriggan District Court where Sergeant Tony Tighe gave evidence of her arrest, charge and caution. Judge Dermot Dempsey directed a trial on indictment and remanded Reid on continuing bail to re‑appear on 26 January next year. The court also heard the case of Gunars Baumanis, 45, who was convicted of dangerous driving, hit and run, failing to remain at the scene and displaying a false tax disc. Baumanis was given a three‑month suspended sentence, a four‑year driving disqualification for dangerous driving, a six‑month disqualification for failing to stop, a €300 fine for the offence and a €100 fine for failing to report the incident. Gunars Baumanis pleaded guilty.
Swords District Court heard three matters. Gary McQuillian, 23, pleaded guilty to being drunk and a source of danger after jumping onto a moving taxi's bonnet. Judge Dermot Dempsey applied Section 1.1 of the Probation Act, meaning McQuillian escaped a conviction. Ronan Healy, 34, pleaded guilty to drink driving after failing to stop at a junction, causing a squad car to brake to avoid a collision. Healy, who has four previous convictions including one for drink driving, was convicted, disqualified from driving, and fined €600. Sam Maughan, 19, pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour at a Debs Ball. Maughan, who has 22 previous convictions, was remanded on continuing bail to appear before Court 5 at the Criminal Courts of Justice on November 21st to have a suspended sentence re-entered. The court noted Maughan had threatened Gardaí and had to be restrained by door staff. All defendants were represented by solicitors, and evidence was presented by Gardaí Brian Morrissey, Lucy Woods, and Daniel Rogers.
Eimantas Valteris, Patrick McDonagh, and Park Vale were charged before the Special Criminal Court with the unlawful possession of a .32 inch auto (7.65mm) calibre IZH 79-8 model Baikal semi-automatic pistol, serial number TPB358706. Valteris is alleged to have possessed the firearm at Balmoral Industrial Estate, Navan, Co. Meath, while McDonagh is alleged to have possessed it at Main Street, Castlebellingham, Co. Louth, both on June 10, 2013. McDonagh is additionally charged with membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army. The matter is at the trial stage, with all charges alleged or contested. During a bail variation hearing, counsel for Valteris requested an amendment to his curfew conditions to accommodate employment as a security guard. The court, presided over by Mr Justice Paul Butler with Judges Margaret Heneghan and William Hamill, granted the variation, adjusting the curfew to 6am to 7am with gardai consent. The court remanded the accused men on continuing bail until December 12. No pleas, findings, sentences, or finalisations were recorded in this report.