A dispute between a financial fund and a court-appointed receiver against the owners of residential properties across multiple counties has been admitted to the fast-track Commercial Court list at the High Court. Seaconview DAC and receiver Anne O'Dwyer have brought proceedings against Chevas Securities Ltd and James and Conor Fagan concerning 28 apartments at Royston Village, Kimmage, and additional properties in Sligo, Dundalk and Galway. Ms O'Dwyer, appointed receiver in December, seeks injunctions to prevent the defendants from interfering with the receivership or accessing the properties. The fund claims it is owed €9.2 million in respect of loans originally advanced by Ulster Bank between 2002 and 2007, which the fund acquired in 2015. Ms O'Dwyer claims she has been obstructed in collecting rental income from the properties. Mr Justice Brian McGovern approved admission to the fast-track list. The defendants' solicitor opposed the application, indicating ongoing negotiations. The matter is scheduled to return to court later in April.
In 2013, David O'Loughlin (30) of Cork was convicted of murdering Liam Manley (59) after forcing him into a refuse chute at Garden City Apartments. The Central Criminal Court jury found him guilty and he received a mandatory life sentence on 31 March 2015. In February 2018, the Court of Appeal quashed the verdict, ruling that the jury's unsanctioned visit to the chute and a juror's experiment of throwing a stone there violated the Juries Act. The judge noted the experiment introduced new evidence and the jury should have been discharged. The appeal allowed a retrial, and O'Loughlin was remanded to appear before the Central Criminal Court. The case remains at the retrial stage, with no further outcome reported in the article. David O'Loughlin pleaded not guilty.
A wind-farm developer operating in County Sligo has obtained a temporary High Court injunction preventing a quarrying company from pursuing a winding-up petition against it. Ms Justice Caroline Costello granted an interim order on Wednesday restraining Hillstreet Quarries Ltd from presenting or advertising a petition to have Derrysallagh Windfarm Ltd wound up over an alleged debt of €80,000. The dispute concerns storage fees for cable drums valued at €500,000, which were placed at Hillstreet's site between February and November 2017 for use in the wind-farm development at Glen, Knockroe, Derrysallagh and Rover. Derrysallagh's counsel argued the storage responsibility lay with a civil engineering contractor hired to carry out works on the project, which has since entered examinership. The developer contends it does not owe payment for storage. The judge noted that winding-up petitions should not be used as debt-collection mechanisms and that the debt is genuinely disputed. The matter was adjourned for one week.
In 2015, David O'Loughlin (30) was convicted of murdering Liam Manley (59) after forcing him into a refuse chute at Garden City Apartments, Cork. The Central Criminal Court jury found him guilty and imposed a mandatory life sentence. In 2018, the Court of Appeal quashed the conviction because the jury had visited the chute during deliberations without permission from either the defence or prosecution, an action deemed technically unlawful under the Juries Act. During the visit, a juror threw a stone down the chute, an experiment that introduced new, unexamined evidence. The judge ruled that the jury should have been discharged under these circumstances. The case remains pending, with the court to decide whether a retrial will be ordered. The summary reflects only the facts presented in the article. David O'Loughlin pleaded not guilty.
A former Gaelic football coach from Cloonloo, County Sligo, has had his prison sentence reduced on appeal following convictions for indecent assaults on young boys. Ronan McCormack, aged 75, was found guilty by jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of 14 counts of indecently assaulting two boys aged between seven and 13 at various locations between June 1972 and March 1975. He had previously received a five-year-and-ten-month sentence in 2014 for separate offences committed in the 1980s. The Circuit Court judge imposed a seven-year consecutive sentence for the earlier offences. The Court of Appeal, sitting today, determined that the aggregate sentence across both sets of convictions was excessive and disproportionate. The three-judge court reduced the sentence for the present offences from seven to four years, finding this more compatible with sentencing principles and taking account of McCormack's age and health.
A man serving a life sentence for the 2011 murder of his mother in Castlebar, County Mayo, has lodged an appeal against his conviction at the Court of Appeal. Celyn Eadon was convicted in February 2014 of murdering his 46-year-old mother, whom he fatally stabbed on 9 March 2011. He had pleaded not guilty to murder but admitted manslaughter. During his eight-day trial at the Central Criminal Court in early 2014, the court heard evidence of Eadon's long-standing substance abuse and his mental state at the time of the killing. His legal team argued that the trial judge failed to adequately address the question of intoxication in relation to specific intent. Counsel contended that instructions given to the jury regarding voluntary intoxication may have prevented proper consideration of whether the charge should be reduced to manslaughter. The three-judge panel reserved judgement on the appeal.
A 39‑year‑old nurse, Greta Dudko, was sentenced to life in prison for murdering her 55‑year‑old mother, Anna Butautiene, on Christmas Eve 2010. Dudko admitted striking her mother's head against a wall and hitting her with a glass bottle, causing blunt‑force trauma. She pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea that was rejected, and was tried at the Central Criminal Court. A majority jury found her guilty of murder (11‑1) and Mr Justice Paul Carney imposed a mandatory life sentence on 22 October 2014. The court noted Dudko's alcohol problem, medication use, and recent suspension from nursing work. She and her family had moved out of the shared home weeks before the murder. Dudko has now lodged an appeal, arguing that the trial judge's conduct and charge were unfair and unbalanced, particularly regarding intoxication and provocation. The appeal is pending.
A Sligo man has been convicted and sentenced to seven and a half years imprisonment following a trial at the Central Criminal Court. Clement Limen, aged 45, of North Court, Quayside, Sligo town, was found guilty of raping two women at his apartment on June 2, 2014, and one count of sexual assault. The offences occurred after he met the victims during a night out at a nightclub on the June bank holiday weekend. Mr Justice Paul Coffey imposed the sentence after hearing victim impact statements detailing the significant trauma caused by the crimes. The court noted the aggravating circumstances surrounding the attacks. Limen has indicated his intention to appeal his conviction and to mount a separate constitutional challenge regarding his detention terms. A concurrent sentence of four years was imposed on the sexual assault conviction.
Seamus McGrane, 63, of Dromiskin, County Louth, was sentenced to eleven and a half years in prison for directing the activities of a terrorist organisation and six and a half years for IRA membership. The Special Criminal Court convicted him in October of directing the IRA between April 19 and May 13, 2015, and membership from January 18, 2010, to May 13, 2015. McGrane, who denied both charges, was found to have plotted an explosion during Prince Charles's State visit, targeting the Cross of Sacrifice in Glasnevin. The sentences run concurrently. His ally, Donal O'Coisdealbha, pleaded guilty to IRA membership on May 13, 2015, and was jailed for five and a half years. The court noted McGrane's previous convictions, including a 2001 sentence for firearms training, as aggravating factors. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy dismissed a letter from Eamon O'Cuiv TD as unconvincing. The judge highlighted that significant explosive materials, including Semtex and detonators, were found at locations linked to McGrane and O'Coisdealbha. This marks the second conviction for directing terrorism in the State, following Michael McKevitt's 2003 sentence.
A 77-year-old appellant has lost his appeal against the severity of his prison sentence. The man, whose identity is protected to preserve the victim's anonymity, was found guilty by a Central Criminal Court jury following a retrial of 14 counts of rape and 60 counts of sexual assault committed against his daughter between 2002 and 2006. In May 2011, Mr Justice Paul Carney imposed concurrent 15-year sentences for each rape count and 10-year sentences for each sexual assault count, with the final three years suspended. The Court of Appeal, led by Mr Justice John Hedigan, dismissed the appeal, finding no error in the sentencing judge's approach or conclusions. The court noted the aggravating factors, including the breach of trust, the victim's age, the duration of the offending, and the absence of genuine remorse. The appellant's primary grounds argued that the judge failed to adequately consider his good character, lack of extreme violence, and potential for rehabilitation. However, the court determined that the most significant mitigation, an early guilty plea, was unavailable. Additionally, the court could not address the appellant's successful Supreme Court challenge regarding the constitutionality of Section 249.1 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, as no leave to add these grounds had been sought in this specific appeal. The three-judge panel concluded that the sentence was appropriate given the circumstances.
A 30-year-old man from Sligo is to stand trial for murder at the Central Criminal Court in November 2018 following the discharge of a jury that could not reach a verdict. Keith Brady of Cartron Estate is charged with the murder of a 59-year-old musician on 2nd or 3rd August 2015 at New Apartments on Holborn Street, Sligo. Mr Brady has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The State rejected the manslaughter plea, and the case proceeded to trial at the Central Criminal Court. After nine days of evidence and several hours of deliberation, the jury was unable to reach agreement and was discharged. Justice Patrick McCarthy fixed a new trial date of 19th November 2018.
Patrick McCann, 24, of Ballyfermot, pleaded guilty to attempted murder of 19‑year‑old Luke Wilson and to possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. The incident occurred on 13 January 2013 at Liffey Gaels, Memorial Park, Inchicore, when Wilson was shot in the arm, neck and face but escaped injury because the gun jammed twice and McCann fled. In sentencing, Mr Justice Paul Carney described the case as "might as well have appeared in the Love/Hate script" and imposed a 20‑year sentence, suspending the final three years. He cited McCann's long‑standing dependence on alcohol and drugs and a dysfunctional family background as mitigating factors. McCann was due to appeal the sentence, but after a hearing in the Court of Appeal, his barrister Keith Spencer announced that McCann wished to withdraw the appeal.
The Court of Appeal was informed that Daniel McDonnell, aged 22, who is serving a mandatory life sentence for the murder of 16‑year‑old Melanie McCarthy, is medically unfit to attend court due to a psychiatric illness. McDonnell, who was 19 at the time of the offence, had pleaded not guilty and was found guilty by a jury at the Central Criminal Court on 24 January 2014, receiving a life sentence. He was due to appeal his conviction on the day the appeal hearing was scheduled, but the court was told he could not attend. Counsel Bernard Condon requested a new date to obtain an up‑to‑date psychiatric report. The appeal hearing was postponed to 18 December, when a new date will be set. The case remains at the appeal stage, with no further outcome reported in the article.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has been discharged after failing to reach a verdict in a murder trial. Keith Brady, aged 30, of Cartron Estate, Sligo had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of Martin Kivlehan, aged 59, at New Apartments, Holborn Street, Sligo on 2nd and 3rd August 2015. The Crown rejected the manslaughter plea, and Mr Brady underwent a two-week trial. During proceedings, the jury heard that Mr Kivlehan died from two stab wounds to the neck. Mr Brady admitted inflicting the injuries. The eleven-member jury was asked to determine whether the act constituted murder or manslaughter. After indicating they could not achieve unanimity, and subsequently failing to reach a majority verdict, the jury was discharged. Mr Justice Paul McDermott remanded Mr Brady in custody until 4th December for potential further proceedings.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court is to resume deliberations on Monday in the trial of Keith Brady, aged 30 of Cartron Estate, Sligo. Mr Brady has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter following the death of 59-year-old musician Martin Kivlehan at New Apartments on Holborn Street, Sligo in August 2015. The deceased died from two stab wounds to the neck. The defence argued that Mr Brady was too intoxicated to form the necessary intent for murder, and invited the jury to consider whether he was provoked by the deceased's alleged inappropriate conduct towards his sister. Mr Justice Paul McDermott directed the jury to assess the credibility of Mr Brady's account and whether provocation may have caused him to lose control. The judge instructed jurors to consider the accused's circumstances as a drug user rather than applying the standard of a reasonable man. The jury of six women and five men must determine whether the charge should be murder or manslaughter.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court is to consider whether a 30-year-old man from Sligo was too intoxicated to form the intention to murder when he inflicted fatal stab wounds to the neck of a 59-year-old man in August 2015. Keith Brady of Cartron Estate has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for his role in the death of Martin Kivlehan at New Apartments, Holborn Street, Sligo. The State rejected his manslaughter plea. In closing arguments, the prosecution contended that despite evidence of severe intoxication, Mr Brady retained sufficient capacity to engage in deliberate actions before and after the stabbing, suggesting he possessed murderous intent. The defence argued that his intoxication and troubled background prevented him from forming such intention and that a manslaughter verdict was appropriate. The judge instructed the jury that they must determine whether Mr Brady was so affected by drink and drugs that he could not have intended to kill or cause serious injury. Mr Justice Paul McDermott will continue his charge to the jury today.
Keith Brady, aged 30, of Cartron Estate in Sligo, stands trial at the Central Criminal Court on a charge of murdering Martin 'Matt' Kivlehan, aged 59, at New Apartments on Holborn Street, Sligo on August 2nd or 3rd, 2015. Mr Brady has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The State rejected the manslaughter plea, and the trial proceeded. The prosecution concluded its evidence this week. During testimony, gardai recounted a statement Mr Brady made at Castlerea Prison in December 2015, in which he described being under the influence of heroin and alcohol at the time of the incident. He recalled stabbing the deceased in the neck but stated he could not remember his motivation. Mr Kivlehan died from two stab wounds to the neck. The trial, presided over by Justice Paul McDermott and a jury, continues.
A 30-year-old man accused of murdering a Sligo musician told gardai he stabbed the victim in the neck but could not recall his motive, the Central Criminal Court heard today. Keith Brady of Cartron Estate, Sligo has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of Martin Kivlehan, aged 59, at New Apartments on Holborn Street on August 2nd or 3rd, 2015. The State rejected his guilty plea. Mr Kivlehan died from two stab wounds to the neck. Inspector Tom Colsh told the court that Mr Brady invited gardai to his cell in Castlerea Prison in December 2015 and provided a detailed statement about the incident. Mr Brady said he had been addicted to heroin at the time and that events unfolded after visiting the victim's apartment with his sister. He described the stabbing as a "freak moment" and stated he never intended to kill anyone. Following the incident, he said he and his sister moved the body and placed a duvet over it before leaving.
At the Central Criminal Court, a murder trial heard that the accused claimed he had been treated unfairly and denied involvement in a fatal stabbing. Keith Brady of Cartron Estate, Sligo has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of Martin Kivlehan, aged 59, at New Apartments on Holborn Street, Sligo on 2–3 August 2015. The State rejected his manslaughter plea, and the case proceeded to trial. Detective Garda Paul Casey gave evidence that during an interview at Ballymote Garda Station in November 2015, Mr Brady stated he had not committed murder and expressed that he felt he had "been very hard done by". Mr Kivlehan died from two stab wounds to the neck. The trial continued before Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of eleven members after one juror was excused.
A brother and sister arrested during a murder investigation were permitted to meet while in garda custody at Sligo Garda Station, the Central Criminal Court heard. The meeting, described as highly unusual, took place in August 2015 and was supervised by gardai. During the encounter, the woman encouraged her brother to tell the truth and remarked she would be sixty years old upon release. Keith Brady, aged thirty, of Cartron Estate in Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Martin Kivlehan on August 2nd or 3rd, 2015 at New Apartments, Holborn Street, Sligo. The State rejected his manslaughter plea, and he faces trial before Justice Paul McDermott and a jury. A superintendent explained he authorised the meeting after the woman expressed concern for her brother's welfare and indicated she wished to tell the truth. A garda who supervised the meeting confirmed it was unusual but stated he did not believe it would compromise the investigation. The trial continues.
A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court heard that a Sligo man told gardai he was deeply sorry for the death of a 59-year-old and would sacrifice his own life if he could. Keith Brady, aged 30, of Cartron Estate, Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in relation to the death of Martin Kivlehan at New Apartments, Holborn Street, Sligo on 2–3 August 2015. The prosecution rejected the guilty plea, and the trial is proceeding. During interviews at Sligo Garda Station on 4–5 August 2015, Mr Brady initially gave no comment responses before providing an account of events. He told gardai that he had consumed alcohol, Xanax, and heroin at the deceased's home, and that he stabbed Mr Kivlehan after an incident involving his sister. The accused stated he had no intention of killing anyone and attributed his actions to substance use. The trial continues before Justice Paul McDermott and a jury.
The Central Criminal Court heard evidence regarding the arrest of Keith Brady, 30, of Cartron Estate, Sligo, who is on trial for the death of Mr Kivlehan, 59, at New Apartments, Holborn St, Sligo, on August 2/3, 2015. Mr Brady pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter; this plea was not accepted, and he is currently standing trial. Sergeant Pat Harney of Sligo Garda Station testified that Mr Brady and his sister, Janice Brady, were at the garda station on August 3, 2015. Mr Brady had previously been arrested under the Misuse of Drugs Act by Detective Garda Conor Jordan, who noted Mr Brady was a heroin addict. Sgt Harney stated the decision was made to arrest Mr Brady on suspicion of Mr Kivlehan's murder. During the arrest, Mr Brady was described as extremely agitated and aggressive, shouting to his sister: "Don't say anything, they are trying to stitch us up." Defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC agreed with the prosecution that Mr Brady was not aggressive towards any person, but only towards inanimate objects. The trial continues before Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of seven women and five men.
At the Central Criminal Court, the Deputy State Pathologist gave evidence in the murder trial of a 30-year-old Sligo man accused of fatally stabbing a musician in his home. Dr Michael Curtis testified that the deceased, Martin Kivlehan, aged 59, had consumed alcohol at potentially fatal levels—approximately eight times the legal drink-driving limit—and bore no defensive injuries. The pathologist identified two stab wounds to the neck, either of which could have proved fatal independently. He stated it was a distinct possibility the victim was incapacitated by intoxication and unable to defend himself. Keith Brady of Cartron Estate has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in connection with Mr Kivlehan's death on August 2nd or 3rd, 2015 at New Apartments, Holborn Street. The plea was rejected and Brady faces trial. Evidence regarding CCTV footage and forensic findings was also presented. The trial continues before Justice Paul McDermott and jury.
Seamus McGrane, 63, of Dromiskin, County Louth, was remanded in custody until December 7 for sentencing at the Special Criminal Court. He was convicted last month of directing the activities of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the IRA, between April 19 and May 13, 2015, and of IRA membership between January 18, 2010, and May 13, 2015. McGrane denied both charges. The court found he discussed an operation involving explosives in the run-up to Prince Charles's State visit. Detective Chief Superintendent Tom Maguire outlined evidence from audio recordings at The Coachman's Inn in Swords, where McGrane allegedly directed Donal O'Coisdealbha regarding explosives and a specific operation. McGrane is the second person convicted of directing terrorism in the State, following Michael McKevitt, who was jailed for 20 years in 2003. Defense counsel Michael O' Higgins SC argued the case is distinct from McKevitt's, noting McGrane's group was a splinter organisation with no fatalities. He highlighted that co-accused O'Coisdealbha received a five-and-a-half-year sentence for membership. Ms Justice Kennedy, sitting with Judges Sinead Ni Chulachain and Cormac Dunne, adjourned the matter, remanding McGrane in custody until December 7 when he will be sentenced.
A musician found dead in his Sligo home with a knife on his chest and stab wounds to his neck was remembered as a "gentleman who wouldn't hurt a fly" as a murder trial heard evidence at the Central Criminal Court. Martin Kivlehan, aged 59, was discovered at New Apartments on Holborn Street on 3 August 2015. Keith Brady, aged 30, of Cartron Estate, Sligo has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in relation to the death. The prosecution's plea was not accepted and the trial proceeded. Gardaí described the scene as ransacked, with burnt tinfoil indicating heroin use nearby. One sergeant characterised the body's position as appearing "staged". Witnesses described Mr Kivlehan as a regular drinker who was well-liked in the community. The trial, heard before Justice Paul McDermott and a jury, continued before the court.
A 33-year-old woman from Sligo has pleaded guilty to impeding the apprehension of a man suspected of involvement in a killing in the town. Janice Brady, of Maryville Hostel in Finisklin, appeared before the Central Criminal Court on November 13th. She admitted to obstructing the apprehension or prosecution of a man between August 2nd and 3rd, 2015, at an address in Sligo, knowing or believing he was responsible for a fatal incident. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy ordered the preparation of a probation report before sentencing and remanded Brady in custody until November 24th.
A 30-year-old man from Sligo has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of a 59-year-old bachelor at the Central Criminal Court. Keith Brady of Cartron Estate is accused of causing Martin Kivlehan's death on August 2nd or 3rd, 2015, at New Apartments on Holborn Street, Sligo. The State rejected his manslaughter plea, and the case proceeded to trial before Justice Paul McDermott. The prosecution outlined that the deceased sustained two stab wounds to the neck, with depths of 7.8 centimetres and 9 centimetres respectively. A pathologist's report indicated death resulted from blood haemorrhage, though not instantaneously. Evidence emerged that Mr Kivlehan had consumed substantial quantities of alcohol. The trial heard testimony regarding the scene where the body was discovered, including photographs documenting the apartment's condition. The jury, comprising five men and seven women, will continue hearing evidence.
Ronan McCormack, a 75-year-old former GAA coach and farmer from Cloonloo, Co Sligo, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for indecent assaults committed in the 1970s. McCormack had pleaded not guilty to 26 counts of indecent assault of one boy between June 1972 and March 1975, as well as three counts regarding a second boy. A jury convicted him of 14 counts of indecently assaulting two boys aged seven to 13, while acquitting him of 15 other counts. Judge Martin Nolan imposed consecutive sentences of two years and one year on five specific counts, resulting in a total prison sentence of seven years. The judge noted that the maximum penalty for indecent assault of a male in the 1970s was two years, increasing to five years for a second conviction. McCormack was sentenced globally, with all remaining counts taken into consideration. This follows a 2014 conviction where he received a seven-year and ten-month sentence for abusing schoolboys in the 1980s. Victim impact statements described long-term psychological effects, including depression and distrust, with one victim noting McCormack showed no remorse.
In 2015, David O'Loughlin, aged 30, was convicted of murder after he placed Liam Manley, 59, in a refuse chute at Garden City Apartments, Cork, where Manley died by asphyxiation. O'Loughlin appealed, arguing that the jury should not have visited the chute before delivering the verdict. The Court of Appeal heard that the jury, at its own request, visited the chute during deliberations and even threw a stone down it, an act the defence claimed introduced new evidence. O'Loughlin's counsel, Michael O'Higgins SC, contended that the jury's visit was unlawful and that the death was not a foreseeable consequence of the act. The prosecution's counsel, Seán Gillane SC, maintained that the act was an assault and that the jury had statutory authority to visit the site. The court noted the visit occurred without either party's presence and reserved judgment. David O'Loughlin pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court has heard the opening of the trial of Seamus McGrane, 63, of Dromiskin, County Louth. Mr McGrane has pleaded not guilty to directing the activities of an unlawful organization, the IRA, between April 19 and May 13, 2015, and to membership of the IRA between January 18, 2010, and May 13, 2015. Prosecuting counsel Tara Burns SC stated that the case relies on audio recordings made at the Coachman's Inn in Dublin on April 19 and May 10, 2015. The prosecution alleges that McGrane directed Donal O'Coisdealbha to contact individuals for explosives supplies and discussed manufacturing rockets and mortars in the run-up to Prince Charles's state visit. The court will hear evidence that McGrane directed the operation to be "symbolic and of military significance" and "not to be an embarrassment." Evidence will also include a search of a house in Courttown, County Wexford, where explosive substances were found, and searches of McGrane's properties in Dundalk where similar items were allegedly discovered. McGrane was arrested on May 13, 2015. The trial is currently ongoing before Justice Isobel Kennedy, Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin, and Judge Cormac Dunne, and resumes on Monday.
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court formally discharged charges against ten of the eleven Jobstown water charge protesters. Judge Melanie Greally entered a nolle prosequi for all accused except Dylan Collins, whose case remains active. Prosecution barrister Sean Gillane SC stated that Collins, aged 22, is alleged to have committed violent disorder and criminal damage to a garda car rear window on November 15, 2014. He will be arraigned on November 20, with a trial date likely unnecessary. The other ten defendants, including Antoinette Kane and Calvin Carlyle, faced allegations of violent disorder at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, on the same date. Their charges were dropped following a request from the DPP. This decision follows a previous trial where six men, including Solidarity TD Paul Murphy, were found not guilty of falsely imprisoning former Tánaiste Joan Burton and her advisor Karen O'Connell. Protesters celebrated the discharge outside the court, demanding a public inquiry into the prosecution. The matter for the ten discharged individuals was concluded, while Collins's case proceeds to arraignment.
A former GAA coach's conviction for sexually abusing five boys has been upheld by the Court of Appeal. Ronan McCormack, aged 75, from Cuppanagh, Cloonloo, Co Sligo, was found guilty at Sligo Circuit Criminal Court of 53 counts of indecently assaulting boys aged between 10 and 13 at various locations between October 1981 and August 1986. He was sentenced to seven years and 10 months imprisonment, with the final two years suspended, in July 2014. The three-judge Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal, finding the complainants' evidence "powerful and indeed compelling". While the court identified issues with the trial judge's handling of corroboration matters, it determined these were not significant enough to undermine the conviction. The court noted the case was particularly strong, with striking similarities in the evidence presented.
The parents of Natalie McGuinness, a 23-year-old Sligo woman who was strangled to death by her boyfriend in 2015, told the Central Criminal Court they will never recover from her loss. Oisin Conroy (34), who was previously found not guilty of murdering Natalie McGuinness by reason of insanity, was committed to the Central Mental Hospital following the trial. During the trial, it was heard that Conroy believed he was in the Matrix and strangled Natalie McGuinness to save her. He also caused serious lacerations to his own head with a knife and told a doctor he had tried to 'skin himself alive'. Conroy was charged with murdering Natalie McGuinness at The Mews, Mail Coach Road in Sligo on October 28, 2015, and pleaded not guilty to murdering Ms McGuinness by reason of insanity. On July 7, after deliberating for 24 minutes, a jury returned a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. The court heard victim impact statements from Natalie's mother, Catherine McGuinness, and her sister, Jodie McGuinness, who described the profound emotional impact of Natalie's death on their family. Prosecution counsel Ms Tara Burns SC read the victim impact statement on behalf of the McGuinness family. The court also heard evidence from Dr Damien Mohan, a consultant forensic psychiatrist, who stated that Conroy suffers from chronic paranoid schizophrenia and requires ongoing treatment. Mr Justice Tony Hunt committed Conroy to the Central Mental Hospital for inpatient care, noting that he needed close supervision for the foreseeable future.
A 34-year-old man from Boyle, County Roscommon, has been found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity at the Central Criminal Court. The accused was charged with the death of a 23-year-old woman in Sligo on 28 October 2015. During the two-day trial, evidence was presented that he had strangled the deceased, whom he believed he needed to kill to save her from what he perceived as an alternate reality. Two consultant forensic psychiatrists testified that the accused was suffering from schizophrenia at the time and would have been unable to refrain from his actions. The jury delivered a unanimous verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity after 24 minutes of deliberation. Mr Justice Tony Hunt committed the accused to the Central Mental Hospital pending a further court appearance on 17 July, when victim impact statements are scheduled to be read and a psychiatric assessment will be considered.
A 34-year-old man stands charged with the murder of his girlfriend at the Central Criminal Court. The accused, with an address in Boyle, County Roscommon, is charged with strangling a 23-year-old woman at a residence in Sligo on 28 October 2015. He has pleaded not guilty to murder by reason of insanity. The defence has admitted that the accused caused the woman's death by strangulation, with the sole issue being his mental state at the time. Detective Sergeant evidence outlined that the accused made a 999 call to emergency services, stating he had killed his girlfriend using a rear naked choke hold. Forensic psychiatrist Dr Fiona Toal testified that the accused suffered from schizophrenia and had stopped taking anti-psychotic medication months before the incident. She stated he believed he was in the Matrix and that voices instructed him to kill. Dr Toal concluded the accused was unable to refrain from the killing and did not know his actions were wrong. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt.
The Charleton Tribunal, examining allegations that sexual abuse claims were weaponised against garda whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe, heard evidence on the handling of a false allegation originating from Bailieboro Garda Station in County Cavan in 2013. Justice Peter Charleton stated he required information about how gardaí discovered the allegation was erroneous and how it subsequently reached senior officers in Sligo and Dublin. The tribunal also examined a 2015 letter from Tusla to Sergeant McCabe regarding his children. Counsel for the Garda Commissioner indicated that while Superintendent Leo McGinn initially believed the report warranted external investigation, it was rapidly established as a repeat of a 2006 matter requiring no further action. A director of counselling with RIAN testified about incorrect records sent by HSE Child & Family Services in error, confirming the information stemmed from a cut-and-paste error. The witness acknowledged the gravity of the mistake for Sergeant McCabe's reputation but stated the agency had not contacted him about the allegations.
Oisin Conroy, 34, is standing trial at the Central Criminal Court before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, having pleaded not guilty to the charge of murdering Natalie McGuinness (23) by reason of insanity. The prosecution alleges that Conroy strangled Ms McGuinness at The Mews, Mail Coach Road, Sligo, on October 28, 2015. During the opening of the case, Ms Tara Burns SC stated that the defence does not contest the prosecution evidence regarding the events of that day. The jury will hear evidence that Conroy admitted to strangling his girlfriend during a 999 call and to Gardaí at the scene. Ms McGuinness was found unresponsive and naked; she was pronounced dead at the hospital. Chief State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy attributed the death to compression of the neck and strangulation, noting no stab wounds or significant bleeding injuries. Conroy sustained a significant head injury, which he indicated he caused himself with a knife. Defence counsel Mr Brendan Grehan SC accepted that Conroy caused the death by strangulation and that the arrest and detention were lawful. The sole issue in the trial is the accused's mental state, with expert evidence from two consultant psychiatrists expected to support the insanity defence. The trial continues.
Oisin Conroy, a 34-year-old man from Boyle, Co Roscommon, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Natalie McGuinness (23) at The Mews, Mail Coach Road, Sligo, on October 28, 2015. The accused was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court, where he entered a not guilty plea to the charge of murdering Ms McGuinness by reason of insanity. A jury of six men and six women was sworn in to hear the trial, which is scheduled to begin the following day and is expected to last up to two days. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy addressed the jury, noting that the case centers on the legal concept of insanity and that the factual circumstances would not be significantly in dispute. The report confirms the procedural stage as a trial, with the plea recorded as not guilty to the alleged offense of murder by reason of insanity. No findings, sentences, or final dispositions were recorded at this stage, as the matter proceeded to trial rather than being adjourned or concluded.
A 21-year-old man from Sligo has been sentenced to two years imprisonment, with the final year suspended, following his conviction for assault at the Central Criminal Court. The man was acquitted of rape but found guilty of assault causing harm related to an incident at a house party in Sligo on 26 June 2014. He pleaded not guilty to both charges. The court heard evidence that the victim was bitten during the assault. In sentencing, Mr Justice Paul Butler noted the victim's impact statement describing significant psychological harm. The judge acknowledged the man's explanation that he was heavily intoxicated and observed he has abstained from alcohol since the incident, though he carries seven previous convictions including violent disorder and public order offences. The suspended portion of the sentence is conditional on specified undertakings.
Brian Kenna, a former member of a Provisional IRA gang, was involved in a bank robbery in Enniscorthy on 1 May 1990. The gang, consisting of seven raiders armed with shotguns, pistols, a revolver and replica guns, held up the AIB branch at Slaney Place. Gardai were alerted by a bank official and four uniformed officers arrived, armed with an Uzi submachine gun and revolvers issued by Superintendent Michael Murphy. During the confrontation, the raiders fired three shots at the gardai, who returned fire and seriously injured the driver of the getaway van. Kenna pleaded not guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to commit robbery, use of a firearm to resist arrest, and robbery of over €5,000. He was convicted along with five others, each receiving a ten‑year sentence, while a sixth man received twelve years due to a prior firearms conviction. The trial took place at the Special Criminal Court in Green Street.
Stephen "Rossi" Walsh, a 69‑year‑old former Belgrave Road resident, was denied an extension of time to appeal his rape and child‑defilement convictions. In February 2010 he received a 10‑year sentence for raping a nine‑year‑old girl. Judge Patrick McCartan added a consecutive three‑year term in November 2010 for indecent assault of a seven‑year‑old girl, and a further consecutive 12‑year term in December 2011 for sexual assault and defilement in 2008 and 2009. Walsh's recent motions to the Court of Appeal were rejected; he may only appeal on his original grounds.
A man convicted in Sligo District Court of being in charge of an intoxicated vehicle has lost his appeal against the validity of his arrest. The Court of Appeal upheld the conviction on a case stated basis following a February 2011 incident in the Ballydrehid area where Garda Andrea McGovern discovered him asleep in a parked car with the engine running. When questioned, he stated he had been drinking throughout the day and pulled in to rest while returning from a christening. The defence argued the arresting garda had failed to establish intent to drive, a requirement under section 50 of the Road Traffic Act. Mr Justice John Edwards, delivering judgment, held that the driver's statement about pulling in for rest implied resumption of driving once rested. The court found the arrest lawful and valid. Justices George Birmingham and Garrett Sheehan concurred with the decision.
At the Central Criminal Court, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy set a trial date of November 13, 2017, for Keith Brady, 29, of Cartron Estate, Sligo, and his sister Janice Brady, 32, of Maryville Hostel, Finisklin, Sligo. Keith Brady is charged with murdering Martin Kivlehan, 59, on August 3, 2015, at Holbron Street, Sligo. He is also charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of another for murder. Janice Brady is charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of another for murder. Both defendants are accused of these offences, and the charges remain alleged or contested. No plea, finding, sentence, or finalisation has been recorded at this procedural stage. The matter was adjourned to the set trial date, and it has not been concluded or finalised. All allegations are attributed to the charges brought against the accused, and no conviction has been established. The court proceedings are at the charge or pretrial stage, with no suspended portions, effective custody, conditions, or additional adjournments noted beyond the trial date setting.
Two men from County Sligo have been sent forward for trial at the Special Criminal Court on charges of membership of an unlawful organisation. Damhan McFadden, aged 27, of Kilmacowen, Ballysodare, and Julian Flohr, aged 35, of Rusheen Ard, Caltra, face allegations relating to events on 14 August. The State's counsel confirmed that the book of evidence had been furnished to the accused. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with Judge John O'Hagan and Judge Ann Ryan, scheduled the trial to commence on 12 February 2018, with proceedings expected to span two weeks. Both men were remanded in custody pending trial.
The High Court has ordered the extradition of Hughie Patrick McGinley to the UK on alleged charges of blackmail, conspiracy to commit blackmail, and possession of criminal property. Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly granted the State's application, rejecting arguments regarding the respondent's family rights. The court noted the offences were of considerable gravity, citing custodial sentences of 54 to 88 months imposed on co-accused in the UK. In Teeside Crown Court, Dennis McGinley and Bernard McGinley pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit blackmail and possessing criminal property. Christy Stokes pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit blackmail. Bianca McGinley initially pleaded not guilty but later pleaded guilty to possessing criminal property. The allegations involve a complainant, Gerald Richardson, who allegedly paid £196,000 to Dennis McGinley after being threatened with violence. Hughie Patrick McGinley, a father of seven, was arrested in Sligo in August 2016 and admitted to bail. The High Court directed that he be surrendered to UK authorities to face trial.
A woman has gone on trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on charges relating to the alleged trafficking of a young Nigerian woman into Ireland for the purposes of prostitution. Joy Imasogie, aged 40, with an address in Hollystown, Dublin 15, has pleaded not guilty to organising illegal entry, compelling prostitution, and controlling prostitution-related activities between March 2006 and April 2008. During opening submissions, the prosecution outlined allegations that the then 20-year-old complainant was trafficked to Ireland following a "voodoo process" conducted in Nigeria, during which she swore an oath before a traditional practitioner not to report the accused or others involved. The woman told the court she was promised work in a hair salon but was instead coerced into sex work to repay a purported €50,000 debt. The court heard she was brought to locations including Finglas and subsequently to Sligo, where she was forced to engage in sexual activity. The trial continues before Judge Patricia Ryan.
A 39‑year‑old man from Cork, whose name is withheld for legal reasons, was convicted by a Central Criminal Court jury of 23 counts of sexually abusing his younger sister between 1991 and 1997, when he was aged 14 to 20. He had been tried on a 43‑count indictment but was acquitted of the remaining charges. Mr Justice Paul Carney sentenced him to five years' imprisonment, with the final year suspended, on 29 October 2014. The man appealed against the severity of the sentence, but the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal, finding no error in principle. Mr Justice John Edwards noted that the victim was four years younger than the offender and that the offender had literacy and numeracy difficulties at school, leaving without educational achievements. He had expressed remorse at sentencing, and the judge gave a 20% discount when suspending the final year.
A Medical Council inquiry has found Dr Andrea Hermann guilty of poor professional performance on 17 counts and professional misconduct on three counts. Dr Hermann, who worked as an obstetric and gynaecology registrar at Sligo General Hospital during 2013 and 2014, was found to have provided substandard care to six mothers between August 2013 and February 2014. The inquiry identified failures including an abnormal wound incision during a caesarean section, failure to obtain informed consent for a procedure on a patient from Carrick-on-Shannon, and inadequate surgical technique during uterine closure. The inquiry also heard evidence that Dr Hermann prescribed an anticoagulant to a patient at heightened risk of heavy bleeding. Additionally, Dr Hermann was found guilty of failing to disclose conditions imposed on her registration by the Medical Council, which required retraining and supervision. The inquiry chair noted a "serious lack of candour" regarding her status with the Council. The report now proceeds to the full Medical Council to determine any sanctions.
In a Cork case, Hungarian national Tamas Vecernyes, aged 29, was found guilty of raping a woman in her apartment on 9 September 2009. The original 11‑year sentence, with three years suspended, was reduced to eight years with the same suspension after an appeal. The victim, a woman in her 20s, had invited Vecernyes for drinks; after she went to bed, he followed her and raped her while she was intoxicated. She described being unable to breathe and feeling paralyzed. The Court of Appeal, led by Mr Justice John Edwards, ruled that the original 11‑year headline was "unusual" and "out of kilter" with similar offences, citing the lack of premeditation and extra violence. The judge noted Vecernyes' good behaviour in prison and a positive letter from authorities, and imposed an eight‑year term with a three‑year suspension, requiring a good‑behaviour bond for the suspended period. Tamas Vecernyes pleaded not guilty.
John Hannigan, aged 48, was convicted of murder and assault causing harm after killing his friend Anthony Fallon on 18 January 2012 in Clonmel. The Central Criminal Court jury found him guilty on both counts and he received a mandatory life sentence on 28 February 2014. The trial revealed that Hannigan had called an ambulance at 7 a.m. and that a post‑mortem found 31 rib fractures, plus fractures to the collar and breast bones, with blunt force trauma to the head and trunk as the major cause of death. Hannigan claimed he had lost his temper because Fallon would not stop talking and had punched him "hard and fast" like Bruce Lee, but he later told the Gardaí he was panicking. He had also claimed to have a black belt in karate, which he later admitted he did not have. John Hannigan pleaded not guilty.