In October 2014, Adrian Mooney, a 36‑year‑old from Offaly, was jailed for nine years after pleading guilty to 11 rape charges in 2008. He forced a young woman to have sex with him up to three times a week, threatening her with IRA punishment. His sentence included registration as a sex offender and five years of post‑release supervision. Mooney has now filed a High Court application seeking early release under the 2007 Prison Rules, claiming entitlement to a one‑third remission because he has served more than 66% of his sentence and has shown good behaviour, participated in prison programmes, and taken education courses. The Minister for Justice has not yet responded. Mr Justice Michael Peart granted Mooney permission to bring judicial review proceedings to compel the Minister to decide on the remission. The case is returnable later in the month. Similar applications by other prisoners, including former Real IRA member Michael McKevitt, are also pending.
The prosecution case has concluded in the non-jury trial of Ursula Shannon, John McGreal, and Colin Brady, who are charged with the possession of two handguns and 32 rounds of ammunition at Tullybeg, Rahan, Co Offaly, on November 27, 2012. The three defendants, aged 30, 37, and 24 respectively, each pleaded not guilty to these charges, as well as to the unlawful possession of a 9mm Taurus PT92 pistol, a 9mm Walther P5 pistol, a ZGJY stun gun, and additional 9mm ammunition. A fourth co-accused, John Troy, pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of the same firearms and stun gun; he will be sentenced at a later date. Evidence presented indicated the accused were wearing wigs and disguises when intercepted by armed gardai outside a firearms dealer. The prosecution alleged the group intended to rob the shop, an accusation the accused did not challenge during cross-examination. Mr Justice Butler remanded McGreal and Shannon on continuing bail until February 12, when the case will be listed for judgement. Mr Justice Butler remanded Brady in custody with consent to bail until that date.