A 31-year-old man from Geevagh, County Sligo has had his sentence referred for review by the Court of Appeal after being convicted of dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm, drink driving and driving without insurance. The offences arose from a collision on a country road near Boyle, County Roscommon, on 24 September 2017, when his vehicle struck two cyclists. One victim sustained spinal fractures and hip dislocation, requiring prolonged recovery and leaving her unable to return to her former employment as a teacher. The other cyclist suffered significant pelvic fractures and required intensive care treatment. At sentencing in Roscommon Circuit Court, the defendant received four years imprisonment with the final two and a half years suspended, along with an eight-year driving disqualification. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed the sentence as unduly lenient. The Court of Appeal found the original sentence was indeed unduly lenient and determined that re-sentencing was necessary. The court indicated it would consider all available options, including the possibility of imposing a substantial fine. Judgement is expected by month's end.
Stefan Schaufler, a 53-year-old engineer formerly employed in Formula 1, has appealed his sentence at the Court of Appeal for an attack on his 81-year-old landlord in Sligo on 20 June 2018. Schaufler lured Michael Lally to a bedroom under false pretences before beating him with a metal bar, stealing his wallet and car, and confining him in a locked room for 29 hours. Mr Lally sustained life-threatening injuries including multiple facial and skull fractures, a brain bleed, and spinal fractures. At Sligo Circuit Court, Schaufler pleaded guilty to assault causing serious harm, false imprisonment, and robbery. Judge Francis Comerford imposed concurrent sentences totalling nine years imprisonment. Schaufler's barrister argued the sentencing judge erred in severity and failed to adequately consider mitigating factors. The Director of Public Prosecutions contended the offence's gravity justified the sentence, noting Mr Lally's survival depended on chance discovery. Court President Justice George Birmingham reserved judgement pending full deliberation by the three-judge panel.
The High Court has appointed provisional liquidators to two fashion retail companies that operated thirteen Pamela Scott stores across Ireland. Arzac Developments Ltd ran ten stores while Richard Alan & Co operated three, with outlets in locations including Sligo, Dublin, Limerick, Tralee and Cork. The firms, employing 104 people, sought winding up orders citing challenging market conditions, rising operating costs and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which rendered them insolvent. Mr Justice David Keane appointed insolvency practitioners Eamonn Richardson and Ian Barrett of KPMG as joint provisional liquidators. The court heard the companies faced pressure from landlords, reduced footfall and changes to wage subsidy schemes. Both firms were dependent on their parent company, Flairline Fashion Ltd, for administrative and financial support, which was no longer available. The judge made the cases returnable to November.
John Tierney, aged 53, of Rockhouse, Gowna, County Cavan, received a fully suspended sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following his guilty plea to dangerous driving causing death. The collision occurred on the N4 motorway near Junction 3 in Lucan, County Dublin, on 10 December 2018, when Tierney's vehicle suddenly moved into a bus lane, striking the motorcycle of Stephen Fee, who was fatally injured. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a one-year custodial sentence, suspended in full, and disqualified Tierney from driving for eight years. The court heard that Tierney's vehicle had begun losing power due to a diesel particle filter issue, leading him to change lanes without ensuring the path was clear. Tierney had no previous convictions. The judge characterised the driving as a misjudgement rather than reckless behaviour, citing strong mitigating factors including Tierney's guilty plea, cooperation with gardaí, and significant health difficulties. Impact statements from the victim's family were read to the court.
A woman from Riverstown, County Sligo, has had her prison sentence increased by the Court of Appeal following a challenge by the Director of Public Prosecutions. The 23-year-old was convicted of dangerous driving causing the death of a pedestrian in Dundalk in October 2017. She had thrown a sauce carton into another vehicle, prompting a high-speed chase through the town that resulted in both cars striking a 29-year-old man. The sentencing judge at Dundalk Circuit Court imposed three years imprisonment with two years suspended. The DPP appealed, citing undue leniency. Court President Justice George Birmingham ruled that the original sentencing judge erred in suspending an additional six months beyond what her co-accused received. The Court of Appeal re-sentenced her to three years with eighteen months suspended, requiring her to serve a greater proportion of her sentence than originally ordered. The unnamed 23-year-old pleaded guilty.
Jamie Nulty, aged 22, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to burglary at Castaheany, Clonee on 15 July 2017, when he was 19. He broke into the home of Sarah Kearney while she was in bed, armed with a screwdriver that he had entered through a downstairs window. Nulty demanded money, took her bank card and PIN, and searched the house while holding the screwdriver. He attempted to take a computer and later tried to stop Kearney from calling 999, grabbing her arm and throwing her onto the bed. The ordeal ended when he left, putting a tea towel on his head and riding a bike. Kearney suffered post‑traumatic stress disorder and claimed €1,000 in losses. Nulty also pleaded guilty to dangerous driving on 17 February 2017; he was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on 29 July. The court heard he had 23 previous convictions and was on bail for the earlier offence.
In a Dublin junction at Swords Road and Collins Avenue, truck driver Prince Aibangbe (51) was sentenced to three years' imprisonment, with a two‑year suspended portion, after he broke a red light and fatally struck 21‑year‑old Gerard Whyte. Aibangbe had stopped past the white stop lines and, believing he had a green filter light, pulled off to the left. Witnesses and CCTV confirmed he moved through a red light. He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death. The judge noted his guilty plea, remorse, and cooperation, and disqualified him from driving for six years. Aibangbe had nine prior convictions, including four for traffic offences, and had previously been fined for driving without insurance and failing to display an NCT. The sentence was intended as a deterrent for large‑vehicle drivers at junctions.
The Director of Public Prosecutions is appealing a sentence imposed on a Louth woman convicted of dangerous driving causing death. Eimear White pleaded guilty at Dundalk Circuit Court to causing the death of a pedestrian on the Old Newry Road in October 2017. Judge James McCourt sentenced White to three years imprisonment with the final two years suspended. The DPP has challenged the sentence as unduly lenient. The Court of Appeal has scheduled a hearing for 26th June, at which counsel indicated that relatives of the deceased wish to attend and that CCTV footage will be presented. The case concerns an incident in which a man was struck after exiting a taxi at Dowdallshill.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, truck driver Prince Aibangbe (51) pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of 21‑year‑old Gerard Whyte on 31 May 2019. Aibangbe claimed he believed he had hit a kerb after mistakenly thinking a green filter light was on, but was later informed by his boss that dash‑cam footage showed he had driven through a red light at the Swords Road/Collins Avenue junction. Witnesses, including a bus driver and a truck driver, confirmed the truck broke the red light and that Whyte was crossing as the green man appeared. Aibangbe had nine prior convictions, including four for road traffic offences, and had recently been fined €400 for driving without insurance and failing to display an NCT. He expressed remorse, wrote a letter to the court, and asked the Whyte family for forgiveness.
A construction worker from Sligo has been sentenced to three years' imprisonment for his involvement in a tax fraud scheme at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Martin Stokes, aged 35, pleaded guilty in April 2016 to charges under the Theft and Fraud Offences Act, including forgery and deception, relating to offences committed in 2006, 2008 and 2011. He was one of five people who registered as contractors while falsely undertaking to remit tax payments on behalf of sub-contractors. Revenue issued approximately €107,000 in tax refunds and credits to bank accounts controlled by another individual, which were subsequently withdrawn via ATMs. Stokes failed to appear for sentencing in June 2016 and was arrested abroad before being returned to Ireland. Judge Martin Nolan described the scheme as relatively sophisticated and noted it exploited weaknesses in the contractor tax system. Stokes, who has previous convictions for dangerous driving, deception and counterfeiting, was credited with character references and community contributions, resulting in a reduction from an indicative sentence of five years.
The High Court in Dublin has dismissed an appeal brought by a County Sligo man seeking to overturn a possession order relating to his family home. Keith McNair had appealed a 2016 Circuit Court decision, made in favour of Start Mortgages DAC, concerning his property at Lisheen, Loughaneeteen, Calry. Mr McNair raised several grounds of appeal, including alleged breaches of the Family Home Protection Act 1976 and non-compliance with the Code of Conduct for Mortgage Arrears. He also argued the 2007 mortgage agreement was unlawful due to Start's authorisation status and claimed violations of EU consumer protection directives. Mr Justice Garrett Simons dismissed all grounds, finding Start was entitled to possession as the registered charge holder. The judge noted Mr McNair had not disputed significant arrears exceeding €470,000, with no repayments made since July 2011. A six-month stay on execution was imposed, with permission granted to apply for extension should pandemic conditions persist.
The High Court approved a €12 million settlement in a personal injury action brought by Robyn Kilgallon against the HSE. The applicant, now nine years old, alleged that Sligo General Hospital was negligent in February 2011 when she was ten months old. It was claimed that despite presenting with severe symptoms, including a high temperature and unresponsiveness, she was sent home by a junior doctor without admission. Her condition deteriorated, leading to readmission, transfer to Belfast, and a diagnosis of bacterial meningitis that resulted in severe, life-lasting brain injuries. Liability was admitted by the HSE. Counsel for the applicant, Alistair Rutherdale BL, instructed by Donnacha Anhold, stated the matter was resolved following mediation. He argued that on the balance of probabilities, timely admission and antibiotic treatment would have prevented the catastrophic injuries. Mr Justice Kevin Cross approved the settlement figure, noting the applicant's complex medical needs and lifelong care requirements. The judge paid tribute to the parents, Declan Kilgallon and Cabrini Fallon, for their efforts. Outside court, solicitor Anhold noted the HSE had apologized but criticized the lack of communication regarding system changes to prevent recurrence. The family expressed gratitude to their legal team and indicated plans to move to a home adapted for Robyn's needs.
A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court has been halted after three jurors notified the court they could not attend proceedings. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon discharged the 12-member jury on 18 March, noting that one juror would likely be unable to participate further, while the availability of the other two remained uncertain for at least one week. Rafal Karaczyn, aged 34, of Crozon Park, Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of his wife Natalia, aged 30, at their home between 29 April and 1 May 2018. The closing speeches from prosecution and defence had been scheduled for the trial's final stage. Both the Director of Public Prosecutions and the defence counsel consented to the jury's discharge, citing the unfairness of reassembling jurors at an unknown future date. Ms Justice Creedon agreed, acknowledging the trial had nearly concluded but prioritising the accused's fair trial rights. Mr Karaczyn was remanded in custody on bail pending 30 March.
At the Central Criminal Court, Ms Justice Eileen Creedon instructed a jury on 12 March 2020 to return on Wednesday to conclude closing speeches in the trial of Rafal Karaczyn, aged 34, of Crozon Park, Sligo. The judge relayed directions from the President of the High Court that existing trials should be completed where possible amid emerging public health concerns. Mr Karaczyn has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in relation to the death of his wife at their Sligo home between 29 April and 1 May 2018. The jury of seven women and five men was informed that closing arguments, the judicial charge, and their deliberations remained outstanding. The court indicated the registrar would remain available to assist jurors between the adjournment and the scheduled resumption.
Janice Brady appeared before the Central Criminal Court on Wednesday for a hearing regarding an alleged breach of conditions attached to her suspended sentence. In November 2017, Brady pleaded guilty to impeding the apprehension or prosecution of her brother, Keith Brady, who was found guilty of the murder of musician Martin Kivlehan in Sligo in 2015. Following a December hearing, the court suspended the balance of Brady's four-year prison term, conditional on her residing with her father in Ballyshannon, Co Donegal. Probation officer Michelle McShane reported difficulties locating Brady, who was understood to be living in temporary accommodation in Dublin but had not notified the Probation Service of her change of address. Detective Sergeant Martin McHale testified that Brady had not been involved in any trouble since the suspension of her sentence. Mr Justice White, who had issued a warrant for her arrest earlier that day due to her failure to appear at the start of the sitting, warned Brady that she would return to jail if she failed to keep in contact with the Probation Service regarding her residence. The matter was adjourned.
At the Central Criminal Court, the trial of Rafal Karaczyn, 34, of Crozon Park, Sligo, continued. He has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his 30-year-old wife, Natalia Karaczyn, but guilty to her manslaughter at their family home between April 29th and May 1st, 2018. Witness Piotr Korsak, a friend of the accused, testified that he perceived Karaczyn as "mentally devastated," "depressed," and potentially suicidal in the months preceding the death. Korsak stated he offered Karaczyn a place to stay to help him "stay away from trouble," though Karaczyn declined until after his son's First Holy Communion. Korsak denied observing violence and expressed shock upon learning of the death. The court also heard new translations of Karaczyn's eighth Garda interview, where he admitted strangling his wife. The prosecution clarified that his statement about being "under big stress" translates from Polish to "uncontrolled," "in a rage," or similar to "amok." Additionally, his remark "I don't know what was with me this time" was translated as "I don't know what got inside me." Justice Eileen Creedon adjourned the proceedings, directing the jury to return the following day at 11am to hear closing speeches from the prosecution and defence.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has viewed video evidence from Ballymote Garda Station in which a man described to detectives how he killed his wife. Rafal Karaczyn, aged 34, from Crozon Park in Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The footage, recorded on 2 May 2018, showed Mr Karaczyn explaining to gardaí that he strangled his 30-year-old wife Natalia at their home between 29 April and 1 May 2018. During the interview, he demonstrated the actions using a toilet roll held in both hands. The court heard that Mr Karaczyn was placed on suicide watch by District Court order the day after his admission. Earlier interviews were also shown to the jury, in which Mr Karaczyn had denied involvement and alleged that an unknown man had threatened him. The trial continues before Justice Eileen Creedon.
At the Central Criminal Court, a jury heard text and Facebook messages exchanged between a Sligo couple in the months preceding the woman's death. Rafal Karaczyn, aged 34, of Crozon Park, Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in relation to the death of his wife Natalia Karaczyn, aged 30, at their family home between 29 April and 1 May 2018. The prosecution presented communications spanning from March 2017 onwards, depicting deteriorating relations and the accused's repeated attempts at reconciliation despite the complainant's explicit requests to be left alone. The court heard that the accused told the complainant she was "not free" and would not do as she wished. In the weeks before her death, the complainant told the accused to leave their home immediately and that he could no longer enter the house. The trial was continuing.
At the Central Criminal Court, a jury has heard evidence from the eighth garda interview with a 34-year-old man charged with the murder of his wife. The accused, from Crozon Park in Ballymote, Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. During questioning at Ballymote Garda Station on May 2nd, 2018, he admitted to strangling his wife following her return from a night out on April 29th, 2018. He told detectives he woke when she arrived home and, after she pushed and slapped him during an argument, he strangled her. He described feeling "very big regret and grief" afterwards. The accused also told gardai he subsequently moved her body to a car boot but dropped it on the kitchen floor as it was too heavy. In earlier interviews, he had provided an account involving threats from an unknown man, but later admitted these claims were false. The trial at the Central Criminal Court is continuing.
A man has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter following the death of his wife at their home in Crozon Park, Sligo, between 29 April and 1 May 2018. Rafal Karaczyn (34) denied to gardaí that he killed his wife because he was angry and jealous, the Central Criminal Court heard. The Acting State Pathologist gave evidence that the deceased, aged 30, died from asphyxia due to external pressure on the neck and that death was not instantaneous. Bruising on her left forearm may have been defensive injuries. The court heard that the accused initially denied involvement during his first four interviews with gardaí, later providing an account of discovering his wife in a distressed state and subsequently transporting and concealing her body. The trial continues.
A man on trial for murder told gardaí at Ballymote Garda Station in County Sligo to search for CCTV footage of a six-foot man with red hair, whom he claimed had threatened him with a gun weeks before his wife disappeared. The Central Criminal Court heard evidence from four interviews conducted with the accused on April 30th and May 1st, 2018. Rafal Karaczyn, aged 34, of Crozon Park, Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of his wife Natalia, aged 30, at their family home between April 29th and May 1st, 2018. The jury previously heard that on May 2nd, 2018, the accused told his sister-in-law he had strangled his wife. CCTV footage showed him moving her silver Peugeot car early on April 29th and driving towards Holywell Road. A former employer described him as gentle and mild-mannered. The trial continues.
Owen Cummins, 41, of Cabra, Dublin 7, was sentenced to nine years and six months imprisonment by the Special Criminal Court for possessing a Beretta 92s handgun and silencer in suspicious circumstances. The offence occurred on September 6, 2017, in Inchicore, Dublin 8, during a confrontation with armed gardai. Cummins pleaded guilty to the charge. The court heard that Cummins drove a jeep towards Garda Stephen Gillespie, who was restraining co-accused Andrew O'Keeffe on the ground. Fearing for his life, the garda discharged his firearm, causing Cummins to swerve and collide with a parked vehicle. Mr Justice Hunt, sitting with Judges Griffin and Dempsey, reduced the headline sentence from 12 years to nine years and six months, citing mitigating factors including Cummins' guilty plea and the recent death of his 19-year-old child. A further 18 months of the sentence was suspended to encourage rehabilitation. The sentence was backdated to May 27, 2019. Cummins has 68 previous convictions. Separately, co-accused Andrew O'Keeffe, 30, of Cabra West, pleaded guilty in June 2018 to possessing a 9mm Beretta handgun and silencer in suspicious circumstances on the same date. He was sentenced in August 2018 to nine years imprisonment with one year suspended.
A garda has testified at the Central Criminal Court that he discovered the body of a woman in a forested area off the Holywell Road near Ballymote, County Sligo, after being directed there by the accused man. Garda James Kenneally told the court that on the afternoon of May 1st, 2018, he located the partially concealed remains in dense woodland following specific directions from the defendant. Rafal Karaczyn, aged 34, of Crozon Park, Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of his wife, Natalia Karaczyn, aged 30, at their home between April 29th and May 1st, 2018. The garda also described earlier observations at the family home, including a washing machine containing dark shoes and the defendant's apparent anxiety when asked to contact his wife. Upon arrest on suspicion of murder, Karaczyn replied to caution by questioning what proof existed. The trial at the Central Criminal Court continues.
The High Court has ruled that debt-for-equity swaps cannot be approved within personal insolvency arrangements without the explicit consent of the relevant secured creditor. Mr Justice Denis McDonald delivered the judgment in dismissing an appeal brought by a Sligo woman against a Circuit Court refusal to approve her Personal Insolvency Arrangement. The applicant had proposed offering her bank over 43 per cent equity in her family home as part of a debt restructuring proposal, which the bank rejected. The judge found no provisions within the 2012 to 2015 Personal Insolvency Acts permit court approval of such swaps without creditor consent. The case is considered significant within personal insolvency law, with approximately 100 similar cases pending before the courts. Mr Justice McDonald indicated that legislative amendments would be required if arrangements of this nature are to proceed without creditor agreement, stating such changes are a matter for the Oireachtas.
At the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, a jury heard evidence regarding the movements of a woman on the morning she died. CCTV footage showed the 30-year-old returning to her home in Crozon Park, Sligo at 6.23am on 29 April 2018 following a night out. Nearly two hours later, her husband sent a text to her phone asking "where are you?", the court heard. Garda evidence placed the defendant in a silver Peugeot at the time of the message, with footage tracking his movements that morning, including driving up the side of the house and later towards Holywell Road before returning home. Rafal Karaczyn, aged 34, of Crozon Park, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. A witness told the court she observed the defendant's wife and another individual kissing at a bar shortly before 3am that night. The trial before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon continues.
At the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, a trial heard evidence on Monday concerning the movements of a 30-year-old woman in the hours before her death. A man gave testimony that he accompanied the woman to his home in Sligo in the early morning of April 29th, 2018, and walked her partway home after approximately two hours. A garda told the court that CCTV footage showed the woman entering her family home at 6.23am that morning. Rafal Karaczyn, aged 34, of Crozon Park in Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of his wife between April 29th and May 1st, 2018. The trial, before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury, continues to hear evidence regarding the circumstances surrounding her death.
Natalia Karaczyn's sister has given evidence at the Central Criminal Court regarding CCTV footage she viewed in the hours following her sibling's disappearance in April 2018. Magdalena McMorrow told the jury she saw her sister walking towards her home in Crozon Park, Sligo, on footage recorded from a property situated 170 metres away. Mrs McMorrow said she had received a text from Natalia's husband, Rafal Karaczyn, on the morning of Sunday, 29 April, stating that Natalia had not returned home following a night out. After locating the CCTV footage later that day, Mrs McMorrow conducted a search of the family home with Mr Karaczyn. Natalia's body was subsequently identified on the evening of Tuesday, 1 May. Rafal Karaczyn, aged 34, of Crozon Park, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The trial before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon continues.
A fresh jury was sworn in at the Central Criminal Court on Thursday following the discharge of a previous panel in the trial of a man accused of murdering his wife. Rafal Karaczyn, aged 34 and from Crozon Park in Sligo, faces a charge of murder in relation to the death of his wife at their family home between 29 April and 1 May 2018. The original jury of seven women and five men heard evidence over two days before being discharged by Ms Justice Eileen Creedon, who cited unspecified reasons preventing the trial's continuation. The jurors were excused from future jury service for five years. Mr Karaczyn subsequently indicated a plea of not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. A replacement jury of identical composition was empanelled by Mr Justice Paul McDermott, with the trial expected to last approximately two weeks.
At the Central Criminal Court, the sister of a thirty-year-old woman whose body was discovered near Ballymote in May 2018 gave evidence regarding her brother-in-law's alleged confession. Rafal Karaczyn, aged thirty-four, of Crozon Park, Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder. The deceased's sister testified that she was present at Ballymote Garda Station when the accused told her he had killed his wife, describing how he allegedly strangled her during an argument in their home on the morning of 29 April 2018. The witness stated she responded by telling him "we forgive you," observing he was distressed throughout the conversation. Two friends of the deceased also gave evidence, recounting her activities on the evening before her disappearance and describing subsequent contact with the accused in which he expressed concern for his wife's whereabouts. The trial before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon continues.
At the Central Criminal Court, the sister of Natalia Karaczyn gave evidence regarding her brother-in-law's account of events surrounding the 30-year-old's death. Rafal Karaczyn, aged 34, of Crozon Park in Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to her murder, which allegedly occurred at their family home between 29 April and 1 May 2018. The witness testified that the couple had been separated for a year prior, living in separate bedrooms, and that Mr Karaczyn was unwilling to move out. She described receiving a message from him on 30 April indicating his wife was missing, and subsequently alerting gardaí. The witness recounted that Mr Karaczyn later told her Natalia had become involved with dangerous individuals who threatened violence unless he allowed them access to their home. However, whilst alone with him at Ballymote Garda Station, he allegedly confessed to strangling his wife during an argument in a bedroom. The trial before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon continues.
A man accused of murdering his wife in Sligo told gardai that he lay down with her for approximately ten minutes after killing her, the Central Criminal Court has heard. Rafal Karaczyn, aged 34, of Crozon Park, Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his wife Natalia, aged 30, at their family home between April 29th and May 1st, 2018. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury, commenced on this date and is expected to last three weeks. The prosecution outlined that Mr Karaczyn initially denied responsibility but later admitted to gardai that he strangled his wife. Gardai discovered her body in a remote location on May 1st after Mr Karaczyn directed them to it. The court will hear evidence from the deputy State pathologist confirming asphyxia as the cause of death, alongside CCTV footage and Garda interviews. The trial continues tomorrow.
Rafal Karaczyn, a 33-year-old man from Crozon Park, Sligo, has gone on trial accused of murdering his 30-year-old wife, Natalia Karaczyn. The defendant, who is also from Poland, has pleaded not guilty to the charge of killing his wife at their family home in Crozon Park between April 29th and May 1st, 2018. A jury of seven women and five men was sworn in by Mr Justice Paul McDermott, who advised the panel to expect the proceedings to last approximately three weeks. The trial is currently underway before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon. As the matter is at the trial stage, no findings, sentences, or final disposals have been recorded. The allegations remain contested, and the court process is ongoing.
At the Central Criminal Court, evidence emerged that Aaron Brady was subject to bail conditions and a curfew when Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe was fatally shot on 25 January 2013 at Lordship Credit Union in Bellurgan, County Louth. Mr Brady, aged 29 and from Crossmaglen, County Armagh, has pleaded not guilty to capital murder and to robbing approximately €7,000 in cash and cheques from the same location on the same date. Inspector Mark Phillips told the court that Mr Brady attended Dundalk Garda Station on 5 February 2013 to provide a voluntary statement. The accused outlined his background and movements in the days preceding the detective's death. A wildlife ranger also testified that he discovered a burned-out car on Cumsons Road in south Armagh on 26 January 2013, the day after the shooting. The trial before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury continues at the Central Criminal Court.
Owen Cummins, 41, of Cabra, Dublin 7, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to possessing a Beretta 92s handgun and silencer in suspicious circumstances on September 6, 2017. The court heard that gardai, acting on intelligence regarding a potential hit in Ballyfermot, pursued a Citroen Berlingo van driven by Cummins. After a collision, Cummins fled in a Hyundai Tucson jeep, driving directly at Garda Stephen Gillespie, who was restraining passenger Andrew O'Keeffe. The garda discharged his firearm to dissuade the vehicle, which subsequently struck a parked Volkswagen Passat. Cummins then abandoned the jeep. O'Keeffe, 30, previously pleaded guilty to possessing the firearm and was sentenced in August 2018 to nine years' imprisonment, with one year suspended. Cummins, who has 68 previous convictions, was represented by Michael O'Higgins SC, who described him as a former heroin addict acting as a driver under instructions. The matter was adjourned, with Mr Justice Tony Hunt scheduled to sentence Cummins on March 3.
A man convicted of raping two women at his Sligo apartment has failed in his appeal against conviction at the Court of Appeal. Clement Limen, aged 47, of North Court, Quayside, Sligo town, was found guilty by jury at the Central Criminal Court of the offences committed on 2 June 2014. The trial heard that Limen had invited the women, lifelong friends in their 30s, to his flat following a chance meeting at a nightclub during a bank holiday weekend. Evidence indicated that after consuming drinks prepared by Limen, both women lost consciousness and were subsequently assaulted. Limen denied the charges, claiming consensual contact with one woman and denying contact with the other. Mr Justice Paul Coffey imposed a sentence of seven-and-a-half years in December 2017. Limen's appeal centred on claims regarding the trial judge's rulings on evidence and detention procedures. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, found no grounds for intervention and dismissed the appeal.
Keith Brady, 32, of Cartron Estate, Sligo, was found guilty of murdering musician Matt Kivlehan after three trials. The jury at the Central Criminal Court returned a guilty verdict in one hour and 25 minutes following a two-week trial. Brady had previously denied the murder, which occurred on August 2 or 3, 2015, at Kivlehan's home on Holborn Street. His plea of guilty to manslaughter was rejected by the Director of Public Prosecutions. The court heard that Kivlehan, who was 60 and suffering from ill-health and intoxication, was stabbed twice in the neck. Evidence indicated the scene was staged to resemble suicide, with a knife placed on the victim's chest, while Brady allegedly ordered heroin to be brought to the apartment. Mr Justice Alex Owens sentenced Brady to the mandatory term of life imprisonment, backdated to November 24, 2016, when he first entered custody. In a separate matter, Janice Brady, 29, pleaded guilty to impeding the apprehension or prosecution of her brother, knowing or believing he was guilty of a killing. The victim's brother, Christopher Kivlehan, stated that the family remains appalled by the death and that stress contributed to the death of another brother, Padraic. The judge thanked the jury and exempted them from further service for five years.
A man has been convicted of murdering a Sligo musician following three separate trials. Keith Brady, aged 32, of Cartron Estate in Sligo, was found guilty of the murder of Martin Kivlehan at the Central Criminal Court. The offence occurred on 2 or 3 August 2015 at Mr Kivlehan's home on Holborn Street in Sligo. Brady had initially denied the charge but subsequently offered a plea of guilty to manslaughter, which the Director of Public Prosecutions rejected. The jury, comprising eight men and four women, reached their guilty verdict after deliberating for one hour and 25 minutes. This conviction followed two earlier trials, during which a jury previously failed to reach agreement on a verdict and a second trial collapsed after a broadcast programme that the trial judge considered likely to have prejudiced the jury.
A man convicted of raping two women in Sligo town has launched an appeal against his conviction at the Court of Appeal. Clement Limen, aged 47, of North Court, Quayside, Sligo, was found guilty by jury at the Central Criminal Court of raping two women at his apartment on June 2, 2014, following their meeting at a nightclub during a bank holiday weekend. He was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years imprisonment in December 2017. The defence contends that prosecuting counsel inadvertently introduced the concept of "system evidence" during closing arguments to the jury, potentially creating prejudicial inferences about corroboration between the complainants' accounts. The prosecution disputes this characterisation, maintaining that the counsel's language carried only ordinary meaning and that matters of corroboration were properly left to the jury's determination. The Court of Appeal, presided over by President Mr Justice George Birmingham, sat with two fellow justices and has reserved judgement on the appeal.
A man accused of murdering a musician in County Sligo has heard prosecution counsel argue that his actions before and after the alleged killing demonstrate deliberate intent, despite claims of intoxication. Keith Brady, aged 32 of Cartron Estate, Sligo, is charged with murdering Martin Kivlehan, 60, at his home on New Apartments, Holborn Street on August 2nd or 3rd, 2015. Mr Brady has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. At the Central Criminal Court, prosecution counsel Paul Murray SC told the jury that Mr Brady made multiple conscious decisions following the death, including arranging heroin delivery to the house, altering his clothing, and providing false accounts to gardaí. Mr Murray contended that evidence including two stab wounds to the neck, a knife swap at the scene, and Mr Brady's demonstrated capability to make deliberate choices before and after arrest undermines the defence assertion that intoxication negated intent to kill or cause serious harm. The trial before Mr Justice Alex Owens continues.
Keith Brady, aged 32, of Cartron Estate in Sligo, stands charged with murder following the death of a local musician at New Apartments on Holborn Street in August 2015. He has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. At the Central Criminal Court, the jury heard evidence of interviews conducted by gardaí. In an August 2015 interview at Sligo Garda Station, Mr Brady admitted stabbing the deceased and stated that matters had spiralled beyond his control. However, during a subsequent November interview at Ballymote Garda Station, he denied involvement and claimed memory loss due to intoxication. The court was informed that Mr Brady later approached prison authorities at Castlerea Prison in Roscommon in December 2015, requesting to speak with a sergeant who had previously interviewed him. During this meeting, Mr Brady provided a detailed account in which he acknowledged responsibility, expressed remorse to the deceased's family, and described the incident as unintentional. The trial continues.
At the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, a garda inspector has denied allegations that he fabricated evidence against a Sligo man charged with murder. Inspector Patrick Harney testified that Keith Brady, aged 32, of Cartron Estate, made certain statements upon being charged with the death of Martin Kivlehan on 2 or 3 August 2015 at New Apartments, Holborn Street, Sligo. The defence barrister, Kenneth Fogarty SC, contended that a particular statement attributed to Mr Brady was not included in the inspector's written account, and suggested the omission was designed to present his client unfavourably. Inspector Harney stated the remark appeared in his notebook and was recorded at the time. Mr Justice Alex Owens cautioned the defence counsel on proper procedure when making such allegations. Mr Brady has pleaded guilty to manslaughter but denies murder. The trial before Mr Justice Owens and jury continues. Keith Brady pleaded not guilty.
A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court heard that blood matching a musician found stabbed to death in his Sligo home was present on two knives recovered from the scene. A forensic scientist told the court that DNA evidence from a knife discovered on the body of Martin Matt Kivlehan, who died on August 3, 2015, matched the deceased. Blood matching Mr Kivlehan was also found on a second knife located in the kitchen. A garda ballistics expert noted the positioning of one knife on the victim's chest and observed two stab wounds, stating he had never encountered a scene where a person had inflicted two such injuries on themselves. Witnesses described Mr Kivlehan as a well-liked man who enjoyed company. Keith Brady, aged 30, of Cartron Estate, Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. That plea was rejected and his trial continues before Mr Justice Alex Owens.
A 32-year-old man charged with murder at the Central Criminal Court has expressed remorse through his legal counsel. Keith Brady of Cartron Estate, Sligo, pleads not guilty to the murder of 60-year-old Martin Kivlehan on August 2nd or 3rd at New Apartments, Holborn Street, Sligo, but has admitted manslaughter. During the trial before Mr Justice Alex Owens, Brady's counsel conveyed to the deceased's brother, Christopher Kivlehan, that his client is "deeply ashamed" of the circumstances. The prosecution outlined that the musician suffered two stab wounds to the neck and was significantly intoxicated at the time of death. Evidence indicated the wounds were severe, with one severing major arteries. Friends described the deceased as a talented, well-liked gentleman and accomplished musician. The trial, involving a jury of eight men and four women, continues at the Central Criminal Court.
A judge at the Central Criminal Court has warned jurors at a murder trial not to conduct independent investigations into the case. Mr Justice Alexander Owens addressed the jury hearing the case against Keith Brady, aged 32, from Cartron Estate in Sligo, who is charged with the murder of Martin Kivlehan between 2 and 3 August 2015 at New Apartments, Holborn Street, Sligo. Brady pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, though the Director of Public Prosecutions did not accept this plea and the trial for murder will proceed. The judge cautioned jurors against using internet searches, social media platforms, or map applications to research details. He warned that non-compliance would constitute contempt of court and instructed them to avoid discussing the case outside the courtroom. Evidence was set to begin the following day, with the prosecution expected to open its case at 10.30am. The trial was anticipated to last approximately two weeks.
Keith Brady, 32, of Cartron Estate, Sligo, is facing trial for the alleged murder of Martin 'Matt' Kivlehan. The incident is alleged to have occurred between August 2 and August 3, 2015, at New Apartments on Holborn Street, Sligo. At the procedural stage, Mr. Brady pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder but entered a plea of guilty to the alternative charge of manslaughter. The Director of Public Prosecutions rejected the manslaughter plea, meaning the accused will proceed to trial on the murder charge. The matter was not adjourned; instead, a jury of eight men and four women was sworn in to hear the case before Mr. Justice Alex Owens. The trial is expected to last approximately two weeks. As the plea to manslaughter was not accepted, no sentence, suspended portion, or effective custody period has been determined at this stage. The allegations remain contested, and no finding of guilt has been established. The report confirms the rejection of the alternative plea and the commencement of the trial process, with no final disposal or conditions imposed prior to the jury's deliberation.
In October 2019 the Court of Appeal upheld a 15‑year prison sentence that had been imposed on Joseph Hogan, a 66‑year‑old resident of Rose Court, Keyes Park, Limerick city, for the rape and sexual assault of his niece. Hogan had been convicted in 2015 on three counts of rape and one count of attempted rape, with an additional ten‑year term for three counts of sexual assault, all of which were to run concurrently. The offences occurred between 1984 and 1988 when the victim, Ms Sonya Stokes, was aged between seven and eleven. Hogan had pleaded not guilty to all counts. The appeal court found no error in the original sentencing and confirmed that the 15‑year term was within the appropriate range for the seriousness of the offences, given the victim's age and the breach of trust involved.
In July 2019, a Dublin couple, Clare Ellis (34) and Gareth Boyle (32), pleaded guilty to attempting to obtain services by deception from KBC Bank after forging documents to secure a €239,000 mortgage. They had believed they would never qualify for a housing loan and had paid a "creative accountant" €2,500 for the false paperwork. The bank, suspicious of the documents, notified Gardaí, who found the couple cooperative and contrite. Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin, noting the case was "not a highly sophisticated" deception, sentenced Ellis to 120 hours and Boyle to 100 hours of community service, replacing six‑ and five‑month prison terms. The judge highlighted that the bank suffered no loss but was misled, and that the couple's actions were driven by a desire to keep a roof over their heads and those of their children. The sentencing reflected the judge's view that the offence was "highly unusual and exceptional.".
A 32-year-old man from Sligo has been found not guilty by reason of insanity of murdering his neighbour at Connolly Street in February 2018. Richard McLaughlin, with an address at The Laurels, Woodtown Lodge, was committed to the Central Mental Hospital following the Central Criminal Court hearing, which concluded on 26 July. The court heard that McLaughlin broke into the home of Jimmy James Loughlin and fatally assaulted him with a crowbar while experiencing delusions stemming from paranoid schizophrenia. Forensic evidence indicated the victim died from traumatic head injuries sustained during the attack. Two consultant psychiatrists testified that McLaughlin's mental illness prevented him from knowing his actions were wrong and rendered him unable to prevent himself from committing the killing. Justice Carmel Stewart ordered McLaughlin's commitment to the Central Mental Hospital for inpatient care, finding no doubt he was suffering from mental disorder.
Patrick McMorrow, aged 51, of Caltragh Crescent, Sligo, has failed in his appeal against a ten-year sentence imposed for a knife attack at the Crozon Inn in October 2016. McMorrow pleaded guilty to assault causing serious harm to two victims following an altercation at a post-funeral gathering. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice George Birmingham, upheld the sentence handed down by Judge Keenan Johnson in June 2018, with the final two years suspended. One victim was stabbed five times and required intensive care treatment, whilst the second suffered a collapsed lung. The appeal court rejected submissions that the sentencing judge had placed excessive emphasis on deterrence when referencing local knife crime prevalence. Mr Justice Birmingham stated there was nothing improper in the trial judge's remarks concerning the frequency of such offences or the expectation of severe penalties.
A 32-year-old man, Richard McLaughlin, who was found not guilty by reason of insanity of the murder of Jimmy 'James' Loughlin (20) in Sligo on February 24, 2018, has been committed to the Central Mental Hospital (CMH) following an appeal. The court heard that McLaughlin broke into Loughlin's home and beat him to death with a crowbar while suffering from delusions caused by paranoid schizophrenia. Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan confirmed that Loughlin died from traumatic head injuries. During the trial, it was revealed that McLaughlin had a history of mental health issues, including previous admissions to St Columba's Hospital in Sligo and concerns raised by psychiatrists about his risk of violence. Dr Sally Linehan, a consultant forensic psychiatrist at the CMH, testified that McLaughlin has been compliant with his treatment plan and has begun to develop insight into his illness. She recommended his commitment to the CMH for inpatient care. Dr Conor O'Neill, also a consultant forensic psychiatrist, confirmed that McLaughlin suffered from schizophrenia and did not understand that his actions were wrong at the time of the attack. The court, having heard evidence from two consultant psychiatrists, concluded that McLaughlin met the criteria for the special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. The matter was adjourned for the Mental Health Review Board to review his condition every six months.