The High Court has adjourned a constitutional challenge brought by Adam Grant, a 24-year-old from Silverbridge, Co Armagh, regarding the legality of his detention. Grant, who is charged with causing £12,000 worth of criminal damage to an ATM containing £52,000 and possession of stolen property, was remanded in custody to Cloverhill Prison after District Justice Denis McLoughlin refused his bail application at Monaghan District Court. Grant's legal team, led by Colman Fitzgerald SC, argued that the District Judge failed to apply correct Supreme Court criteria for bail refusal. The State, represented by Kieran Kelly BL, contended that Grant's detention is lawful, citing that bail was opposed due to flight risk concerns raised by the Gardaí. The State further argued that the application was not an appropriate case for an Article 40 inquiry. Justice Richard Humphreys, who noted the case raised weighty legal issues, adjourned the matter until Friday to allow for further consideration. The procedural stage remains an ongoing inquiry into the legality of detention, with the case explicitly adjourned rather than concluded.
A 24-year-old man from County Armagh has sought a High Court inquiry into the lawfulness of his detention following charges related to an ATM incident in Inniskeen, County Monaghan. The accused was remanded in custody to Cloverhill Prison after appearing before Monaghan District Court, where an application for bail was refused. He faces charges of criminal damage to an ATM and possession of stolen property. His legal representatives contended before the High Court that the District Court did not apply the correct legal criteria established by the Supreme Court when deciding to refuse bail. Mr Justice Richard Humphreys opened the Article 40 inquiry on Monday. Following discussions between counsel for the accused and the State, the inquiry was adjourned to Wednesday afternoon to allow the State additional time to respond to the claims raised.
Michael McHugh, convicted of the 1985 murder of Garda Sergeant Patrick Morrissey, has lost a High Court action seeking his immediate release from prison. McHugh, with an address in County Armagh, was sentenced to death for the killing, which occurred following an armed robbery at Ardee Labour Exchange in County Louth. His sentence was subsequently commuted to 40 years penal servitude. McHugh argued he was entitled to credit for five months spent in pre-trial custody between July and December 1985, contending this entitled him to release after 30 years served. Mr Justice Paul McDermott dismissed the action, finding the court had no function in compelling the Minister for Justice to grant further sentence remission or commutation. The judge stated the Minister retained discretion to consider McHugh's claim but was not obliged to do so, and was entitled to consider the gravity of the offence. McHugh has served his sentence at Portlaoise Prison and is due for release in December. A related action remains pending before the High Court.
Rory Monaghan, 48, of Clondalkin, Dublin, was sentenced to four years in prison at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to possession of €200,000 worth of cannabis. The drugs were discovered in 19 bags inside a garden shed at his home on February 22, 2014. Monaghan admitted to gardaí that he had agreed to store the cannabis to pay off a drug debt, a claim supported by his defence counsel, Padraig Dwyer SC. Judge Martin Nolan accepted that Monaghan acted solely to settle this debt and noted his immediate admissions, lack of previous convictions, and good family and work history. The judge described the incident as a "huge error of judgement" by a man of mature years who had been taken advantage of. Monaghan, a trained chef and former truck driver, stated he no longer associates with the individuals involved in the offence. His eight and 14-year-old children were at home alone when gardaí forced entry, though one officer remained with them during the search. The court imposed a custodial sentence of four years, reflecting the severity of the offence while acknowledging mitigating factors.
Michael McHugh, convicted in 1985 of the murder of Garda Sergeant Patrick Morrissey, is seeking immediate release from Portlaoise Prison in High Court proceedings against the Governor, the Minister for Justice, the Irish Prison Service, and the DPP. McHugh was originally sentenced to death, a penalty commuted to 40 years' penal servitude by President Patrick Hillery. He argues that he is entitled to credit for five months of pre-trial custody served between July and December 1985, which would mean his sentence expired on July 1, 2024. The State parties oppose the application, contending that McHugh has no automatic entitlement to this credit and that the authorities lack the power to adjust the sentence given the original death penalty. McHugh's counsel, Micheal Ó Higgins SC, submitted that the decision to ignore those months was wrong and that the failure to grant credit breaches his rights to natural and constitutional justice. He also challenges the rejection of his pre-release programme application. The defendants argue that McHugh does not have the power to take the five months into account as the original court sentence imposed was the death penalty. The hearing before Mr Justice Paul McDermott continues.
A man from Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan has failed in his appeal against conviction for sexual exploitation of two children. Peter Clarke, aged 70, was convicted at Dundalk Circuit Criminal Court on two counts relating to an incident on September 9 2011 involving two 12-year-old girls. He had pleaded not guilty to the charges. A jury found him guilty, and he was sentenced to five years imprisonment with the final three years suspended in March 2014. The Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal, with President Seán Ryan stating the trial was "satisfactory" and the conviction "safe". Mr Justice Ryan rejected multiple grounds of appeal, including submissions regarding the lawfulness of Clarke's arrest and detention, the admission of evidence, and jury instructions. The court found it would have been "wholly unstateable" for a jury to interpret Clarke's conduct and words as anything other than an invitation to engage in a sexual act. The judgment was delivered by Mr Justice Ryan, sitting with Ms Justice Mary Finlay Geoghegan and Mr Justice Michael Peart.
A 28-year-old teacher from Letterkenny in County Donegal has had the balance of a 12-month prison sentence suspended on appeal following a conviction for careless driving that resulted in a fatal collision. Declan O'Donnell pleaded guilty at Monaghan Circuit Criminal Court to careless driving at Tulvaragh Lower, Carrickmacross on January 25th, 2013. He was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment on June 17th, 2015. The Court of Appeal found that the sentencing judge had been unduly influenced by the tragic consequences rather than the circumstances of the driving itself. The court noted the absence of aggravating factors, including no evidence of speeding, erratic driving, or impairment. O'Donnell was suspended from driving while travelling home from Dublin to Donegal on a wet evening when his vehicle collided with another car. The appeal court determined the case could be appropriately dealt with through a non-custodial sentence and suspended the remainder of his term conditional on completing 200 hours of community service.
A 45-year-old man from Castleblayney, County Monaghan, has been sentenced to two and a half years' imprisonment following his conviction for drug trafficking. At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Mark Donnelly pleaded guilty to possession of 37 kilograms of cannabis resin on the M1 in north Dublin on 13 February 2014. The drugs carried an estimated street value of €221,400. Donnelly told gardaí he had agreed to transport the narcotics to settle a debt owed to a man who had threatened him. His legal team presented character references from former employers and community members, noting his background as a self-employed joinery worker and involvement with his local hurling club. Judge Martin Nolan described him as a hard-working family man and first-time offender who had made a grave error of judgement under pressure. Detective Garda Eoin Roche confirmed that gardaí, acting on confidential information, intercepted the van as it travelled south from County Louth.
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, a jury has acquitted Gail O'Rorke of attempting to assist the suicide of her friend. The jury returned not guilty verdicts after an eight-day trial and seven hours of deliberation. Ms O'Rorke, a taxi driver from Tallaght with connections to Monaghan, had faced charges of attempting to help Bernadette Forde travel to a euthanasia clinic in Switzerland. Ms Forde, who suffered from severe multiple sclerosis, died in June 2011. Prior to the jury's decision, the trial judge had directed not guilty verdicts on two additional charges relating to the procurement of barbiturates and funeral arrangements. This was the first prosecution under the Criminal Law (Suicide) Act 1993, which criminalises assisting another person's suicide. The judge commended the jury for their careful consideration of what he described as a difficult case.
The trial of Gail O'Rorke, accused of aiding and abetting the suicide of Bernadette Forde, is ongoing before Judge Patrick McCartan at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. O'Rorke, a 43-year-old taxi driver, has pleaded not guilty to charges alleging she helped Forde procure and administer a toxic substance between April 20 and June 6, 2011. She also denies attempting to aid suicide by arranging travel to a Swiss euthanasia clinic and procuring suicide by making funeral arrangements. Evidence heard includes testimony from Forde's nephew, Bernard Forde Monaghan, who stated he had no problem helping his aunt travel to Dignitas, believing he was assisting with logistics. The trip was interrupted when gardaí were alerted. Another witness, Catherine Campbell, testified that O'Rorke tried to dissuade Forde from ending her life. Dr Muna Sabah confirmed Forde died from a lethal concentration of pentobarbital. The trial, expected to last two weeks, continues with a jury of twelve.
The High Court has made an order preventing a solicitor from practising for ten years following admissions of professional misconduct. Mr Patrick E Callanan, who has been a solicitor since 1995 and formerly practised at Wells & O'Carroll Solicitors on Main Street in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, admitted providing false earnings certificates and false employment documentation to several financial institutions to assist his sister in obtaining a mortgage in 2004. He also admitted giving multiple undertakings to lending institutions regarding property charges in Carrickmacross. A Solicitor's Disciplinary Tribunal had found his conduct amounted to misconduct and recommended restrictions on his practice. However, the Law Society applied to the High Court for his removal from the Roll of Solicitors, citing public protection and professional reputation. High Court President Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns imposed a ten-year ban on practice, with any future return to the profession requiring fresh court application.
Paul Haughey, a 35-year-old water meter installer and company director, appeared at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court where the State withdrew its case against him. He had been charged in the District Court last year with removing or attempting to remove a prescribed marker from mineral oil without the consent of the Revenue Commissioners. The alleged offence occurred on September 1, 2011, at Corragarry, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan. Gardaí alleged that Haughey was caught standing on a tanker containing 30,000 litres of diesel, with a potential exchequer loss of €15,000. A search of the yard revealed €110,000 litres of diesel, representing a potential €55,000 loss. Authorities alleged the yard had a capacity to produce 18 million litres of fuel annually, with a total possible loss to the State of €9 million. The offence carried a maximum fine of €10,000 and a sentence of five years in prison on conviction. At the hearing, counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions stated she was not proceeding with the case and applied to strike out the charge. Judge Patricia Ryan agreed to strike out the charge and adjourned the matter until April 24 next, when an application for costs will be heard. No reason was given for the strike-out. Previously, a District Court judge had deferred a decision on granting legal aid to Haughey after noting his firm held a three-year contract with Dublin City Council for installing water meters.
At the Central Criminal Court on April 13th, Kevin Moran was sentenced to twelve years imprisonment, with the final two years suspended, for the manslaughter of archaeologist Emmett Connolly. The thirty-year-old from Lodgeview, Cootehill, County Cavan, pleaded guilty to manslaughter following a jury finding in February that he was not guilty of murder. Mr Connolly, aged thirty-two from Rockcorry, County Monaghan, died from seventeen stab wounds sustained on September 28th, 2013. Mr Justice Paul Carney imposed the sentence on condition that Moran maintain a bond of one thousand euro and remain away from the deceased's family. The court heard evidence regarding the gravity of the attack and its impact on those bereaved. The Connolly family released a statement expressing relief that proceedings had concluded whilst acknowledging their ongoing grief. Moran was remanded in custody from December 7th, 2013.
At the High Court, a matter concerning Jim McConnon and the Official Assignee was adjourned to a date after the Easter holidays. Mr McConnon, a Co Monaghan shopkeeper adjudicated bankrupt in July last year following a €32m judgement by Zurich Bank (now Dunbar Assets Ireland), seeks permission to sue real estate company CBRE. He alleges CBRE negligently valued two sites near Castleblayney at €30m in 2007, a figure he claims was 940% of the true market value, which an independent valuer recently assessed at €3m. Relying on these reports, Mr McConnon borrowed €32m to develop a shopping centre but failed to repay the loans. He also alleges personal injury and defamation against CBRE. As an undischarged bankrupt, Mr McConnon requires the Official Assignee's permission to proceed under Section 44 of the Bankruptcy Act. The Official Assignee, Mr Chris Lehane, stated his office requires a surety before allowing the action to continue, citing potential cost implications for the taxpayer if the claim fails. Mr McConnon's counsel, Vincent P Martin, argued that his client has a constitutional right to proceed even without providing a surety. The judge adjourned the matter to a date after the Easter holidays.
Kevin Moran (30) of Cootehill, County Cavan, was convicted of manslaughter at the Central Criminal Court following a six-day trial concluding in February 2015. He had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of Emmett Connolly (32) from Rockcorry, County Monaghan, on 29 September 2013. The court heard that Mr Connolly was stabbed seventeen times following an argument at Lodgeview, Cootehill. A jury found Moran guilty of the lesser charge. Evidence indicated Mr Connolly, an archaeologist who had recently returned from Australia, sustained multiple wounds primarily to his shoulder and upper back region. Sentencing was adjourned to 13 April. During proceedings, the victim's father delivered an impact statement describing the family's transition from ordinary life to what he characterised as a "journey to hell" following the fatal incident.
Andrew Moore, a 19-year-old college student from Charlemont, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm in Alchemy nightclub, Temple Bar, on March 28, 2014. Judge Martin Nolan suspended a two-year prison sentence, imposing a condition that Moore collects €3,000 to be offered to the victim as a token of remorse. The judge ordered this payment to be made to the gardaí within 18 months, noting that if the victim declines the funds, the court will determine their disposition. The judge described the unprovoked attack as a "cowardly act" and suggested it stemmed from a "spasm of misguided jealousy," while acknowledging Moore's guilty plea and lack of previous convictions. Garda Sergeant Mark Looby testified that the victim, a juvenile, suffered slight scarring at her eye and has become more cautious when going out. Moore had consumed five pints of lager and ten Jager bomb cocktails before swinging at the victim from behind, knocking her to the floor. Defending counsel Karl Monaghan BL characterized the incident as extreme over-indulgence in alcohol, noting Moore has no anger management issues. The matter was finalized with the imposition of the suspended sentence and financial condition.
Two Lithuanian men have been sentenced to four years in prison with the final two years suspended at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following their conviction on extortion and threatening-to-kill charges. Deividas Sutkevicius, aged 29, of Fox Lodge, Ratoath, County Meath, and Arturas Jankus, aged 52, of Cortolvin View, Monaghan, were found guilty of demanding €3,500 and €2,500 with menaces from a Monaghan-based fitter on separate dates in March and April 2011. They were also convicted of threatening to kill or cause serious harm to the same man on those occasions. The offences occurred at a garage between Carrickmacross and Ardee. Both men have been ordered to remain away from the injured party and his family for twenty years. Judge Patricia Ryan imposed the sentence on each count. Both defendants have no previous convictions.
A 70-year-old man from Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan has failed in his appeal against sentences for sexually assaulting two young girls. Peter Clarke pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault committed in May and September 2011. He received two concurrent five-year prison sentences at Monaghan Circuit Criminal Court in January 2013. Clarke's barrister argued the sentencing judge had failed to give proper weight to the guilty plea and had made inappropriate remarks during sentencing. The Court of Appeal yesterday rejected the appeal, finding the trial judge had properly considered all circumstances and mitigating factors. The court was not satisfied the sentences were unduly severe. Clarke remains in custody and will be required to engage with the probation service for seven years following his release.
Darren Wynne, 21, of Athy, Co. Kildare, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court to 12 years imprisonment for possession of a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life. He had previously been convicted by a jury of murdering Jamie Lindsay, 20, in April 2013, for which he is serving a life sentence. Wynne had also pleaded guilty to possession of a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges in suspicious circumstances, an offence for which he received an eight-year sentence. Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan suspended the final two years of each firearms sentence, conditional on Wynne's compliance with his sentence management programme. Both sentences were backdated to April 12, 2013, and run concurrently with the life sentence. The judge considered Wynne's young age, good character, and cooperation with gardai. Two other men, Quentin Monaghan and James Seery, who were tried alongside Wynne, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and possession of a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges in suspicious circumstances. Monaghan was sentenced to eight years imprisonment with two suspended, while Seery received seven years with three suspended for the killing. The court heard evidence that Lindsay was shot in the right eye at point-blank range, and that Wynne claimed he intended only to injure him.
Two men have received sentences totaling 15 years for their part in the killing of a man in Co. Kildare last year. Last week, Darren Wynne (21) was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his best friend Jamie Lindsay (20) who he shot in the face. Wynne of Ballyroe, Athy, Co. Kildare had pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to murdering Mr Lindsay at Coney Green, Coneyboro, Athy on April 6, 2013. Quentin Monaghan (21) of Tullamoy, Stradbally, Co. Laois and James Seery (21) of Canal Side, Athy who were also charged with the murder and were tried alongside Wynne but pleaded guilty to manslaughter during the trial. Today Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan sentenced Monaghan to eight years imprisonment with two suspended for the manslaughter. Mr Justice Sheehan sentenced Seery to seven years imprisonment with three suspended for the killing. Monaghan was sentenced to four years for firearms offences to run concurrently with the manslaughter sentence. Seery was sentenced to three years to run concurrently for firearm offences. Last week Mr Justice Sheehan sentenced Wynne to life in prison for the murder and adjourned sentencing for the firearms offences until November next when probation and psychological reports will be before the court. Although Wynne pleaded guilty to manslaughter during his trial the plea was not accepted by the Director of Public Prosecutions.
A 41-year-old man from Tullyallen, Drogheda has voluntarily surrendered to Northern Irish authorities following his arrest here in June on a European Arrest Warrant. Edward McDonagh appeared before the High Court in connection with 11 alleged offences committed in July and August 2010 across Armagh and Tyrone. The allegations centre on a series of farm burglaries during which a sledge hammer was reportedly used to assault a farmer. A vehicle was also allegedly stolen during the incident. Gardaí in Monaghan observed two men who subsequently crossed the border, leading to arrests at premises in Crossmaglen where false identification was allegedly provided. Two of the charges against McDonagh carry potential sentences of 14 years imprisonment in the North, relating to burglary and concealing criminal property. Mr Justice John Edwards granted the order for surrender, with an application noted to postpone the extradition until after completion of a separate sentence currently being served domestically.
Darren Wynne (21) of Ballyroe, Athy, was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Jamie Lindsay (20) at Coney Green, Athy, on April 6, 2013. Wynne, who pleaded not guilty, was found guilty by a unanimous jury after a trial at the Central Criminal Court. He was also convicted of possession of a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life. Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan adjourned sentencing for these firearms offences until November, pending probation and psychological reports. Although Wynne pleaded guilty to manslaughter during the trial, the plea was not accepted by the Director of Public Prosecutions. Quentin Monaghan (21) of Stradbally and James Seery (21) of Canal Side, Athy, were tried alongside Wynne. Both men pleaded guilty to manslaughter and possession of a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges in suspicious circumstances. Their pleas were accepted by the DPP. Mr Justice Sheehan remanded Monaghan and Seery in custody, and their sentencing is scheduled for July 31. The court heard evidence that Wynne shot Mr Lindsay in the face with a sawn-off shotgun. Monaghan and Seery were alleged to have been part of a joint enterprise, with Seery texting the victim to approach the scene. A victim impact statement from the deceased's sister described the family's heartbreak.
Darren Wynne, 21, of Ballyroe, Athy, Co. Kildare, was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Jamie Lindsay, 20, at Coney Green, Athy, on April 6, 2013. Wynne had pleaded not guilty to murder but was found guilty by a jury at the Central Criminal Court. He was also convicted of possession of a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life. Although Wynne pleaded guilty to manslaughter during the trial, the Director of Public Prosecutions did not accept the plea. Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan sentenced Wynne to life for the murder and adjourned sentencing for the firearms offences until November next, pending probation and psychological reports. Two co-accused, Quentin Monaghan, 21, of Stradbally, Co. Laois, and James Seery, 21, of Athy, were rearraigned during the trial. Both pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, and also pleaded guilty to possession of a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges in suspicious circumstances. These pleas were accepted by the DPP. Monaghan and Seery will be sentenced later. The court heard evidence that Wynne shot Mr Lindsay in the right eye at close range. Wynne claimed self-defence, alleging threats over missing cannabis and threats against his grandmother. The State argued the group intended to scare Mr Lindsay. Wynne's defence raised provocation and accidental discharge. The matter regarding the firearms charges remains adjourned.
At the Central Criminal Court, the wife of Ian Harman (50), from Carrickallen, Co Cavan, testified that her husband had been in a "dark place" and drinking heavily before his admission to a psychiatric unit. Harman has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michael Treanor (82), from Co Monaghan, at the Psychiatric Unit of Cavan General Hospital on 27 June 2011. Mary Harman described her husband as "loveable" and well-liked in the community, though he had previously received treatment for depression and alcohol misuse. The court heard that on the day before the alleged killing, Harman complained of insomnia and paced his ward for twelve hours. CCTV footage showed him continuously walking around the secure unit. State pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy concluded the cause of death was asphyxia by smothering or suffocation. The defence has acknowledged that Harman caused Treanor's death. The trial before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan continues.
A man charged with murder at Cavan General Hospital has been tried at the Central Criminal Court following allegations that he killed a fellow psychiatric patient in June 2011. Ian Harman, aged 50, of Carrickallen, Co Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michael Treanor at the hospital's psychiatric unit. During the trial, the court heard evidence from detective gardaí who interviewed the accused following his arrest. Notes from the interviews were read aloud, in which the accused allegedly described prior fantasies about imprisonment and harm to others before his hospital admission. The accused was further reported to have told gardaí that he had contemplated the killing for several days beforehand and that he had chosen the victim deliberately. The defence has indicated acceptance that the accused caused the death, with focus instead directed toward the question of his mental state at the time. The trial before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan continues before a jury.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has found Darren Wynne guilty of murdering Jamie Lindsay in Athy, Co. Kildare on April 6, 2013. Wynne (21) of Ballyroe, Athy was convicted after the jury deliberated for almost five hours. He was also convicted of possessing a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life. Two co-accused, Quentin Monaghan (21) of Stradbally, Co. Laois and James Seery (21) of Athy, pleaded guilty to manslaughter during the trial and to possessing a sawn-off shotgun in suspicious circumstances. All three men will be sentenced on July 22. The court heard evidence that the twenty-year-old victim was shot at close range. Wynne had claimed the shooting was accidental and raised provocation as a defence. Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan thanked the jury and adjourned proceedings for sentencing.
A psychiatric patient has gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court charged with the murder of a fellow patient at Cavan General Hospital's psychiatric unit on 27 June 2011. Ian Harman, aged 50, of Cootehill, Co Cavan, pleaded not guilty to the killing of Michael Treanor, an 82-year-old man suffering from dementia. The prosecution told the jury that Harman approached a nurse that morning and stated he had smothered the deceased with a pillow. The nurse subsequently found Treanor without a pulse, and resuscitation attempts proved unsuccessful. The defence indicated that Harman accepts responsibility for causing Treanor's death and does not dispute the identity of the deceased, but submitted that the focus should remain on the accused's state of mind at the time. Evidence from gardaí and a forensic psychiatrist confirmed Harman's admissions and his fitness for interview. The trial, heard before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan and a jury, is expected to last approximately one week.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has begun deliberations in the trial of a man accused of murdering his best friend in County Kildare in 2013. Darren Wynne, aged 21, of Athy, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, though prosecutors rejected the plea. He also pleaded guilty to possession of a sawn-off shotgun in suspicious circumstances. Two co-accused, Quentin Monaghan and James Seery, both aged 21, had their manslaughter pleas accepted by the Director of Public Prosecutions and will not face trial. The prosecution case centres on the fatal shooting on 6 April 2013. The defence relies on provocation, claiming the victim made threats. Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan directed the jury that provocation, if reasonably possible, would reduce murder to manslaughter. The jury comprises eight men and four women.
At the Central Criminal Court, Darren Wynne (21) of Ballyroe, Athy, County Kildare was re-arraigned on charges relating to the death of Jamie Lindsay (20) at Coney Green, Coneyboro, Athy on April 6, 2013. Wynne pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The Director of Public Prosecutions did not accept the plea. Evidence was heard from the deceased's former partner regarding a prior incident in March 2013, and from a witness who testified that Wynne attended his house after the shooting, stating he had fired a weapon and later mentioning he had shot his friend. Wynne also pleaded guilty to possession of a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges in suspicious circumstances. Two co-accused, Quentin Monaghan (21) of Tullamoy, Stradbally, County Laois and James Seery (21) of Canal Side, Athy, were re-arraigned and pleaded guilty to manslaughter and to the same firearms offence; those pleas were accepted by the DPP. The trial continues before Justice Garrett Sheehan.
At the Central Criminal Court, the trial of Darren Wynne, Quentin Monaghan, and James Seery for the alleged murder of Jamie Lindsay in Athy, Co. Kildare, continued before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan. Wynne, 21, of Ballyroe, Athy, initially pleaded not guilty to murder but changed his plea to guilty for manslaughter. However, the Director of Public Prosecutions did not accept this plea. Wynne also pleaded guilty to possession of a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges in suspicious circumstances. Co-accused Monaghan, 21, of Tullamoy, Stradbally, and Seery, 21, of Canal Side, Athy, were rearraigned and both pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, pleas which were accepted by the DPP. Both men also pleaded guilty to possession of a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges in suspicious circumstances. The State alleged the defendants were part of a joint enterprise and that Lindsay was shot in the right eye at point-blank range. Wynne allegedly told gardai he shot Lindsay in the shoulder to kneecap him after Lindsay threatened him over missing drugs and his grandmother. The trial was adjourned and continues on Monday.
Two men have changed their pleas at the Central Criminal Court in relation to the death of a man in County Kildare in April 2013. Quentin Monaghan, aged 21, and James Seery, aged 21, initially pleaded not guilty to murder but today pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Both men also pleaded guilty to possession of a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges in suspicious circumstances on 6 April 2013. The Director of Public Prosecutions accepted both pleas. The charges relate to the death of Jamie Lindsay, aged 20, who was shot at Coneyboro estate in Athy. The State's case alleged that Monaghan and Seery provided material assistance to a third accused. A third man, Darren Wynne, remains on trial for murder. The trial is currently in legal argument, with the jury to return on Friday.
Three men were arraigned at the Central Criminal Court, where all pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Jamie Lindsay (20) at Coney Green, Coneyboro, Athy, Co. Kildare, on April 6, 2013. Darren Wynne (21), Quentin Monaghan (21), and James Seery (21) face charges including possession of a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life. While Wynne pleaded guilty to possessing a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges in suspicious circumstances, he and the other two defendants maintained not guilty pleas regarding the murder and other firearm offenses. The State alleges Seery and Monaghan were part of a joint enterprise. Prosecution evidence includes garda interview memos in which Monaghan stated Wynne pointed a gun at his head and forced him to drive, claiming he did not know Lindsay was to be shot. Wynne allegedly told gardai he intended only to injure Lindsay, who he described as his best friend, over a dispute involving missing drugs and threats. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis testified that the cause of death was a shotgun wound to the head, with the right eye destroyed and extensive skull fractures, indicating the weapon was discharged from a couple of feet away. The matter is currently in legal argument, with evidence continuing on Wednesday.
The trial of Darren Wynne, Quentin Monaghan, and James Seery continues before the Central Criminal Court, with Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan presiding. All three defendants, aged 21, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Jamie Lindsay (20) at Coney Green, Coneyboro, Athy, Co. Kildare, on April 6, 2013. Mr Wynne also pleaded not guilty to possessing a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life, though he pleaded guilty to possessing a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges in suspicious circumstances. Mr Monaghan and Mr Seery pleaded not guilty to possessing a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges with intent to endanger life, as well as possessing such items in suspicious circumstances. Prosecution evidence includes garda interview memos where Mr Wynne alleged Mr Lindsay threatened to rape his grandmother and burn his house. Mr Wynne stated he intended only to injure Mr Lindsay over a dispute regarding missing cannabis. The court heard that Mr Lindsay was shot in the right eye at point-blank range. The State alleges Mr Seery and Mr Monaghan were part of a joint enterprise. The matter is ongoing before a jury of eight men and four women.
Three men faced murder charges at the Central Criminal Court following the death of a twenty-year-old in County Kildare in April 2013. Darren Wynne, Quentin Monaghan, and James Seery all pleaded not guilty to murdering Jamie Lindsay at Coneyboro, Athy. Wynne additionally pleaded not guilty to possession of a sawn-off shotgun with intent to endanger life, though he admitted possession of the weapon in suspicious circumstances. Monaghan and Seery pleaded not guilty to related firearms charges. During proceedings, the prosecution presented garda interview notes in which Wynne told officers the deceased had threatened him over missing money and made threats toward his grandmother's home. Wynne stated he obtained a sawn-off shotgun from a graveyard and claimed he only intended to shoot Lindsay in the kneecap. He told gardai he fired a single shot believing it struck the shoulder, and that he did not mean to kill him. The State contends Monaghan and Seery were part of a joint enterprise in the incident. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan, continues before a jury.
The trial of James Seery, Quentin Monaghan, and Darren Wynne, all 21, continues before the Central Criminal Court under Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan. The three men are accused of murdering Jamie Lindsay at Coney Green, Coneyboro, Athy, Co. Kildare, on April 6, 2013. All three pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. Mr. Wynne also pleaded not guilty to possessing a sawn-off shotgun with intent to endanger life but pleaded guilty to possessing a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges in suspicious circumstances. Mr. Seery and Mr. Monaghan pleaded not guilty to both possession charges. Deputy State Pathologist Dr. Michael Curtis testified that Mr. Lindsay died from a shotgun wound to the head, specifically a discharge to the right eye at point-blank range. He noted extensive skull fractures and blunt force injuries, while confirming the deceased had a blood alcohol level of 128mg per cent and cannabis in his system. The prosecution alleges Mr. Wynne fired the weapon after luring the victim into the open, with Mr. Seery and Mr. Monaghan participating in a joint enterprise. The trial is ongoing before a jury of eight men and four women.
Three men have pleaded not guilty to the murder of a twenty-year-old man in County Kildare in April 2013. James Seery, Quentin Monaghan, and Darren Wynne appeared before the Central Criminal Court charged with the killing of Jamie Lindsay at Coney Green, Coneyboro, Athy. Wynne also faces a charge of possession of a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life, though he has pleaded guilty to possession of a shotgun in suspicious circumstances on the same date. Seery and Monaghan have pleaded not guilty to further counts of weapons possession. During the trial, a witness testified that she observed one of the accused discharge a firearm at close range. She described the events leading to the shooting and stated that the accused subsequently disposed of the weapon and clothing. The trial continues before a jury at the Central Criminal Court with Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan presiding.
The trial of three men accused of murdering a 20-year-old in County Kildare opened at the Central Criminal Court this week. James Seery and Quentin Monaghan, both aged 21, pleaded not guilty to murder, whilst Darren Wynne, also 21, pleaded not guilty to the same charge. Wynne additionally pleaded not guilty to possession of a sawn-off shotgun with intent to endanger life, though he admitted possession of the firearm in suspicious circumstances. Seery and Monaghan denied further counts of possessing a sawn-off shotgun with intent to endanger life. The prosecution alleges that Jamie Lindsay was fatally shot at Coney Green, Athy on 6 April 2013. Opening the State's case, counsel contended that Wynne discharged the weapon, whilst Seery and Monaghan provided material assistance through driving and luring the victim to the scene. Witnesses testified that Lindsay had been shouting on the phone shortly before the fatal shooting occurred. The trial continues before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan.
Three men appeared before the Central Criminal Court charged with the murder of a 20-year-old man in County Kildare in April 2013. James Seery, aged 21, of Athy, Quentin Monaghan, aged 21, of Stradbally in County Laois, and Darren Wynne, aged 21, also of Athy, all pleaded not guilty to murdering Jamie Lindsay at Coney Green, Coneyboro. Mr Wynne additionally faced a charge of possession of a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life, to which he pleaded not guilty. However, he entered a guilty plea to possession of a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges in suspicious circumstances on the same date. The trial was adjourned after Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan noted that a juror had become unwell. The jury was directed to reconvene on Monday, with proceedings expected to continue for three to four weeks.
A man convicted of dangerous driving causing death has been returned to prison following a successful appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions at the Court of Criminal Appeal. Kevin McArdle, aged 31, of Longfield, Carrickmacross, was originally sentenced to four years with one year suspended by Monaghan Circuit Court in October 2011. The appellate court found the sentence unduly lenient. McArdle was driving with almost three-and-a-half times the legal alcohol limit on December 27th, 2010, when his BMW collided head-on with a vehicle driven by Stephen Connolly on the Carrickmacross to Ardee road. The collision resulted in the deaths of Mr Connolly's wife, their unborn child, and two passengers in McArdle's vehicle. The Court of Criminal Appeal substituted the original sentence with six years imprisonment, with the final two years suspended. McArdle was also disqualified from driving for twelve years and ordered to serve a further one year in custody from the date of judgment.
The Court of Criminal Appeal announced that several appeals may require re-hearings due to the serious illness of Mr Justice Michael Hanna. Chief Justice Susan Denham stated that cases where judgement was reserved and no final decision determined will be reconstituted. This includes the appeal by former priest Tony Walsh (59), who is challenging separate sentences of 16 years and 15 months for rape and sexual abuse. It also affects the case of businessman Anthony Lyons (52), where the court previously found his six-month sentence for violent sexual assault "unduly lenient" but reserved reasons and the replacement sentence. Counsel for the DPP requested time to take instructions on the appropriate course. Additionally, the appeal by Brian Rattigan (32), serving a life sentence for the 2001 stabbing death of Declan Gavin, may need re-hearing as he seeks leave to appeal to the Supreme Court. The court fixed February 14 for the re-hearing of the conviction appeal by brothers Warren and Jeffrey Dumbrell, who were jailed for life for the murder of Christopher Cawley. In contrast, the case of Kevin McCardle (31), who caused three deaths in a head-on collision while over the alcohol limit, will not be reheard. Although the court found his four-year sentence (one suspended) "unduly lenient," judgement has been returned, and only the sentencing portion of his case has been adjourned.
A 34-year-old businessman from Armagh has been charged in connection with an alleged diesel laundering operation worth approximately €9 million annually. The man, a company director with an address in Crossmaglen, was arrested by appointment in Dublin and charged under the Finance Act in relation to an alleged incident at Castleblayney, County Monaghan, in September 2011. Gardaí alleged he was found red-handed at a yard during surveillance, with large quantities of green diesel and laundering equipment present. The operation was said to be capable of processing 18 million litres of diesel per annum, resulting in substantial revenue loss. The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed trial on indictment, meaning the case will proceed to Circuit Court level. Dublin District Court set bail with strict conditions, including a €7,500 personal bond, a €15,000 independent surety, and passport surrender. He was remanded in custody pending a further hearing at Cloverhill District Court on 14 January.
A man in his early twenties has had his sentence increased from two years to three years imprisonment following a successful appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions at the Court of Criminal Appeal. The man pleaded guilty in January at Monaghan Circuit Criminal Court to four counts of sexual assault committed at his mother's home in Monaghan during 2011. The victim, aged five at the time, was in the care of the respondent's mother, who worked as a childminder. Mr Justice Nial Fennelly found the original sentence imposed by Judge John O'Hagan fell outside judicial discretion and was unduly lenient. The appellate court determined the offending constituted a mid-range sexual assault and imposed a five-year sentence with the final two years suspended, conditional on probation supervision upon release.
A 28-year-old student has been further remanded in custody in connection with the death of archaeologist Emmet Connolly, who was fatally stabbed in Cootehill, County Cavan, in late September. Mr Connolly, aged 32 and from Rockcorry, County Monaghan, was discovered at a residence on Lodge View estate in the early hours of 29 September following an incident the previous evening. The accused, Kevin Moran, was charged with murder and made no reply when the charge was put to him. He appeared before Cloverhill District Court for his fourth hearing, where he was further remanded in custody. Consent to High Court bail has been granted but has not yet been taken up. The book of evidence remains incomplete and no plea has been entered. The matter will return before the court on 11 December.
The Court of Criminal Appeal has found that a four-year sentence imposed on a man convicted of dangerous driving causing death was unduly lenient. Kevin McArdle, aged 31, of Longfield, Carrickmacross, was originally sentenced at Monaghan Circuit Criminal Court in October 2011 following a collision on the Carrickmacross to Ardee road on 27 December 2010. Three people died in the incident: Stephen Connolly's wife, their unborn child, and two passengers in McArdle's vehicle. The court heard McArdle had consumed almost three-and-a-half times the legal alcohol limit and was driving on the wrong side of the road at the time. Mr Justice Donal O'Donnell rejected characterisations of the incident as a momentary lapse, describing it instead as an utterly predictable consequence of excessive drinking. The judge adjourned sentencing for two months to allow consideration of whether the custodial portion should be extended, pending psychological and garda reports on McArdle's rehabilitation prospects.