Martin Reilly, 27, of Father Matthew Court, Tipperary Town, was convicted of burglary at a private home on Cashel Road, Clonmel, on 27 June 2011. He was found guilty by a jury at Clonmel Circuit Criminal Court and originally sentenced to eight years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended. In the Court of Appeal, Reilly's conviction was upheld but his sentence was reduced by two years. The Court, led by Mr Justice George Birmingham, noted that the victim was a restaurateur who discovered his house "upended" and his life savings of €35,000 had been taken. Gardaí recovered the money after Reilly fled, dropping the bag into nettles. The Court considered Reilly's prior convictions and, after reviewing the case, imposed a new sentence of six years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended. The appeal was heard by Mr Justice Birmingham, Mr Justice Seán Ryan and Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan. Martin Reilly pleaded not guilty.
During the 42‑day trial of 42‑year‑old Graham Dwyer at the Central Criminal Court, a detective presented a hand‑drawn map supplied by Dwyer's solicitor that led Gardaí to two knives in the basement of A&D Wejchert Architects. The map, titled 'Items of Interest', identified a shelf and two file boxes where the knives were found. One knife was a Buck Special 119, delivered to the office on 21 August 2012, and the other a flick knife. Dwyer is charged with the murder of 36‑year‑old childcare worker Elaine O'Hara, who disappeared on 22 August 2012 after leaving a mental health hospital. The trial also heard evidence of a spade found near O'Hara's remains and other items linked to Dwyer, but no verdict has yet been reached.
The case against former minister Michael Lowry, aged 60, was adjourned at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Lowry faces four charges of knowingly filing incorrect tax returns in 2003 and 2007. He had appeared before Thurles District Court last year and was sent to Nenagh Circuit Court on a €500 bail bond. The trial was later transferred to Dublin at the request of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Judge Martin Nolan adjourned the case to a further mention date on 27 February 2015, and Lowry is excused from attending the next court date.
The High Court has granted Independent TD Michael Lowry permission to challenge the proceedings of his trial on alleged tax offences before the Dublin Circuit Court. Judge Seamus Noonan, hearing the application, was satisfied that Lowry had an arguable case for a halt and ordered a stay pending further court orders. Lowry faces four charges of filing incorrect tax returns in 2003 and 2007, which he denies. He argues the prosecution is extraordinary because the alleged payments were declared and paid, and claims unfair selective treatment. Lowry also seeks prohibition orders on grounds of alleged prejudicial publicity and wrongful release of taxpayer information. He contends the transfer of the trial to Dublin breaches his rights and that media reports of a handwritten note to Taoiseach Enda Kenny prejudiced his case. The trial is scheduled for mention before the Dublin Circuit Court, but the court has indicated it may not be heard until late 2015 or early 2016.
In the Graham Dwyer murder trial, the jury heard that a search of Dwyer's home and workplace on 17–18 October 2013 yielded 219 exhibits, including computers, hard drives, and financial documents. Among the seized items were letters from A&D Wejchert Architects informing Dwyer of pay cuts: a 10 % reduction from €87,350 to €78,615 in December 2010, and a further cut to €70,000 in June 2011. The prosecution argued the pay‑cut documents were relevant, while Dwyer's defence counsel noted no instruction to seek such documents. Other seized items included a jacket, a wetsuit, and a two‑drawer filing cabinet containing the pay‑cut letters. The trial also covered CCTV stills from Ms O'Hara's apartment block and the discovery of her skeletal remains at Killakee, but the focus of this hearing was the evidence of the pay cuts and the breadth of the search.
In a Central Criminal Court trial, a jury examined CCTV footage from Belarmine Plaza in Dublin that appears to show Graham Dwyer, aged 42, with Elaine O'Hara, aged 36, outside her home in the months before her murder. The footage, covering January to August 2012, includes several instances where Dwyer is seen entering and leaving the building, sometimes accompanied by O'Hara, and carrying a backpack that matches a bag recovered from Vartry Lake. The prosecution highlighted these clips to suggest a relationship between Dwyer and O'Hara. Dwyer is charged with O'Hara's murder, which occurred on 22 August 2012 after she was discharged from a psychiatric hospital. The trial also covered the discovery of her skeletal remains at Killakee and the subsequent search of Dwyer's home and workplace, where various items were seized. The case is proceeding before Mr Justice Tony Hunt with a jury of twelve.
In a High Court case on 28 January 2015, REL Cooling Services Ltd, a Dublin‑based company that installs specialised beer and cider cooling systems for pubs, secured temporary injunctions against former employees David McDonald and Niall Rhattigan and their new company, Refrigeration Ecocool Ltd. REL alleges that McDonald and Rhattigan, while employed as regional sales managers, unlawfully used confidential client information to set up a rival business with identical initials. The injunctions, granted ex‑parte by Mr Justice Paul Gilligan, prohibit the defendants from directly or indirectly breaching REL's contracts with employees or customers, and from using REL's client or price information for their own benefit. REL claims the new firm is passing itself off as REL and is harming the company's business. The injunctions are temporary and the matter is set to return to court early next week.
The High Court has struck out a damages action brought by Lorcan Roche Kelly against the State following the murder of his wife, Sylvia Roche Kelly, in December 2007. Ms Roche Kelly, a mother of two, was killed at The Clarion Hotel in Limerick by Gerard McGrath, who was later sentenced to life imprisonment. Mr Roche Kelly had sued the State, the Garda Commissioner, and the Minister for Justice, claiming that McGrath should have remained in custody rather than being granted bail on charges relating to an assault on a taxi driver in County Cavan and false imprisonment in County Tipperary. High Court President Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns dismissed the claim, acknowledging the case's tragic nature but finding it disclosed no reasonable cause of action under existing law. While the judge described the handling of bail procedures by An Garda Síochána as negligent and disgraceful, he concluded that McGrath's actions were not reasonably foreseeable and that no special duty of care towards the deceased had arisen.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 20 January 2015, Mihail Lurescu, aged 28, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after striking his former wife on 17 July 2013 at their former Dublin home. Judge Martin Nolan remanded Lurescu in custody for three weeks, stating the detention would serve as a warning against future similar conduct. The victim, who is now legally separated from Lurescu and has a child with him, reported that he punched her in the head, told her to clean blood from her face, took her mobile phone, and threatened to go to jail. She suffered a fractured cheekbone and bruising. Garda Enda Muldoon informed the judge that jailing Lurescu would not aid the family. Lurescu's defence, represented by Keith Spencer BL, argued the incident was isolated and that the victim did not want him imprisoned. The judge noted Lurescu's ten prior convictions were for traffic and non‑violent public order offences.
David Church, a 39‑year‑old father of four from Parnell Street, Dublin, was sentenced to five years' imprisonment for fraudulently claiming €478,052 in Jobseekers' Allowance and Rent Allowance over a 12‑year period. He used six false identities, obtained by purchasing birth certificates in the UK, to file welfare claims in Dublin between 2002 and 2013. The fraud was uncovered when facial‑recognition software matched the same photograph on multiple welfare identities. Church pleaded guilty to 13 sample counts at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, admitting he had used the money for drinking, gambling and loans, while also providing for his family. The court noted his lack of prior convictions and his cooperation with Gardaí, and Judge Martin Nolan highlighted his potential for rehabilitation. The case was brought by the Department of Social Protection and the Gardaí, who detected the scam through image‑matching and CCTV evidence.
Brian and Mary O'Shaughnessy, who owned a two‑bedroom farmhouse in Annaholty, Birdhill, Co. Tipperary, had their home demolished on 6 September 2006 without notice during construction of the N7 dual carriageway. The couple, who were renovating the house and had obtained planning permission, claimed the demolition was negligent and filed a High Court damages action against Limerick County Council, the National Roads Authority, RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd, EGIS Route Scetauroute SA, and Midland Fencing Ltd. In January 2015 the O'Shaughnessys settled their action and were "out of the case," though the defendants continue to dispute liability. The settlement terms were confidential. The court remains to decide which defendant is responsible for the demolition. The O'Shaughnessys had purchased the house for IR£34,500 in 1998, had lived there, and had intended to reside there permanently. The demolition left them homeless, unable to meet mortgage repayments, and led to possession orders that are now on hold.
David Church, a 39‑year‑old father of four from Dublin, pleaded guilty to 13 counts that represented 199 charges of fraudulently claiming Jobseekers' Allowance and Rent Allowance between September 2002 and July 2013. He used six false identities, created in the UK by purchasing birth certificates, to claim a total of €478,052 from the State, an average of about €40,000 a year. The fraud was uncovered when facial‑recognition software matched the same photograph on multiple welfare identities. Church admitted to using the names Adam Cole, Paul Anthony O'Brien, Derek O'Brien and Darren O'Brien, and later confessed to five additional names. He had no prior convictions and was arrested in July 2013 after Gardaí observed him claiming benefits under false names at post offices. The court will sentence him tomorrow, with a remand in custody.
Brian and Mary O'Shaughnessy brought a claim to the High Court after their rented two‑bedroom farmhouse at Annaholty, Birdhill, Co. Tipperary was demolished on 6 September 2006 without notice while the N7 dual carriageway was being built. The couple had purchased the house for IR£34,500 in 1998, lived there, and had begun renovations in 2006, having sought planning permission. They were told in 2003 that their property would not be acquired for the road. The demolition was carried out by Midland Fencing Ltd, a subcontractor of RPS Scetauroute JV, which described the house as derelict and uninhabited. The defendants—Limerick County Council, the National Roads Authority, RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd, EGIS Route Scetauroute SA, and Midland Fencing Ltd—deny negligence. The O'Shaughnessys seek damages for loss of home, loss of mortgage payments, and exemplary damages, having received only two €10,000 payments from the council.
In 2010, Gerard Brett, aged 68, was found guilty of dangerous driving that caused the death of Benedict Brady, 87, on Portrane Road, Dublin. He was sentenced in 2012 to two years' imprisonment. On appeal in 2014, the Court of Appeal suspended the remaining 18 months of his sentence, citing his serious kidney condition requiring dialysis three times a week and his previously unblemished character as a psychiatric nurse. The court noted that Brett had driven while intoxicated, weaving across the road, and that his impaired capacity contributed to the fatality. The suspended portion was conditional on Brett keeping the peace, maintaining good behaviour, and entering a €100 bond. He was also directed not to apply for a driving licence. The decision was made by Mr Justice Sean Ryan, with counsel for the applicant Mícheál P O Higgins SC and counsel for the State Vincent Heneghan BL presenting their arguments.
The Central Bank obtained High Court orders that bar Smart Resolutions Mediation Ltd, based in Cashel, and its directors Geraldine and Thomas Quigley, as well as Clonmel C&R Management Consultants Ltd, based in Clerihan, Clonmel, and its directors Thomas and Cathal Quigley, from providing or offering debt‑management services. The orders also prevent any company controlled by the defendants from receiving remuneration for such services. The bank, represented by Maurice Collins SC, said the orders were sought after new information indicated the defendants were offering debt‑management services without authorization. The High Court President, Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns, granted the orders ex‑parte and set a return date later in the month. The bank also requested that the respondents preserve all books and records related to the services they provide and cooperate fully with the Central Bank.
Andrew Hoare, 27, of Monakeeba, Thurles, was convicted of robbery at a shop in Thurles on 2 September 2012. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to seven years imprisonment by Judge Thomas Teehan at Clonmel Circuit Criminal Court on 11 April 2013. In the robbery, Hoare entered the shop armed with a knife and demanded money from the shop‑owner's son, Mr Scanlon. Scanlon resisted and tried to wrestle the knife, resulting in a struggle that left Scanlon with an injured hand and a sum of money taken. Scanlon chased Hoare down the street, and Gardaí launched a "general manhunt." Hoare fled toward the railway station; Gardaí stopped the train and found him in the toilet, where money was recovered and he was arrested. On 5 December 2014, the Court of Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice Seán Ryan, reduced Hoare's sentence from seven to five years imprisonment, stating that while the offence was serious, the reduction was permissible.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, former Anglo Irish Bank executives William McAteer (64) and Pat Whelan (52) were informed that their trial for alleged fraudulent loan of over €8 million would begin on 16 January 2017. McAteer is accused of securing the loan to repay a Bank of Ireland personal loan in September 2008, while Whelan is alleged to have been a party to the same loan. Both men intend to plead not guilty. Judge Mary Ellen Ring set a four‑week trial and ordered witnesses and exhibits, allowing parties to re‑enter the case if needed.
Three Dublin water‑meter protesters—Paul Moore, Damien O'Neill and Terence Sheridan—were found to have breached a High Court order that barred them from entering a 20‑metre exclusion zone around sites where GMC Sierra Ltd was installing meters. The court committed each man to 28 days' imprisonment for contempt of court, but suspended the sentences for six months on the condition that they comply with the order. The judge also awarded costs to the contractor. The article reports that the protesters had not denied entering the zone and that the court considered affidavits and witness statements but not video evidence. No violence was alleged against workers, and the fourth protester, Derek Byrne, was not sentenced. The case highlights the court's insistence on respecting its orders.
The State has requested an enlarged jury panel for the trial of former Anglo Irish Bank executive William McAteer, aged 63, and three co‑accused. The men are charged with conspiring to mislead investors about the bank's deposit books by transferring €7.2 billion to inflate the bank's value between March and September 2008. McAteer, John Bowe (50), Denis Casey (54) and Peter Fitzpatrick (61) also face separate charges of falsifying accounts under section 10 of the Theft and Fraud Act. The case was listed for mention before Judge Mary Ellen Ring on 24 November 2014 to monitor disclosure progress. Counsel for the prosecution, Diana Stuart BL, noted that the first stage of disclosure was almost complete and requested a new mention date to allow continued monitoring. The prosecution also applied for an enlarged jury panel, and the defence teams agreed with the submission.
In a 2014 appeal, the Court of Appeal reduced the 24‑year‑old Jason Morrissey's 14‑year sentence for unlawfully killing 25‑year‑old James Tynan to ten years, while keeping his other convictions intact. Morrissey had pleaded guilty to the unlawful killing after striking Tynan with a single punch on February 19, 2012, at Liberty Square in Thurles. The court noted that the fatal blow was not a premeditated assault and that Tynan died the next day after falling to the ground. Morrissey's case also included three separate assault sentences and a theft sentence, all running concurrently, for a total of 21 years with three years suspended. The appeal was limited to the unlawful‑killing conviction, and the Court of Appeal confirmed the ten‑year sentence as appropriate and proportionate. The other convictions and their start dates remained unchanged.
In a 2014 appeal, Liam McCarthy, aged 30, failed to overturn a nine‑year sentence for assaulting army veteran Martin Butler, aged 51, with an ornamental sword. The attack, described as savage, left Butler with brain damage, partial paralysis, and permanent communication difficulties. McCarthy had previously served a suspended sentence for assault and was under its terms when he struck Butler from behind, striking the left side of his head and causing a penetrating brain injury. McCarthy pleaded guilty to assault causing serious harm, producing an offensive weapon, and violent disorder. The Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal, noting that any provocation or self‑defence was grossly excessive and that the nine‑year sentence was appropriate for the severity of the assault. The judge also observed that the earlier suspended sentence had not deterred the offence. The appeal was dismissed.
Two men from Limerick, Thomas McMahon, 32, and Noel Noonan, 35, were sentenced by the Special Criminal Court to two-and-a-half years each for membership of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Both pleaded guilty to a single charge of IRA membership on 7 February 2013. The court was presented with evidence of three rocket launchers, launch tubes and mortar drills seized during the investigation. McMahon, a former chef from Ros Fearna, Murroe, and Noonan, who lived at St. Patrick's Hostel, Clare Street, had previously been convicted of false imprisonment and two threats to kill; Noonan had prior convictions for assault. Both men denied IRA membership and knowledge of the equipment at the time of arrest, but later entered guilty pleas. The judge, Justice Paul Butler, imposed a four‑year sentence, with the final year and a half suspended upon each man's payment of a €500 bond and a promise not to commit further offences or associate with members of unlawful organisations.
In October 2014, a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court sentenced Alan Hatch, 38, to six‑and‑a‑half years in prison for the one‑punch manslaughter of Liam Bennett, 46, who died a week later after a severe brain injury. The incident occurred on August 8, 2013, along the canal near the Golden Bridge Industrial Estate. CCTV showed Bennett swinging his elbow at Hatch as they passed, but the footage did not capture contact. Hatch pleaded guilty to the unlawful killing and to a separate handbag robbery. The judge accepted that Hatch did not intend to kill Bennett but found the assault gratuitous and without justification. A 12‑month portion of the sentence was suspended, and the term was back‑dated to August 3, 2013, the date of Hatch's custody for the offence. Bennett's family expressed deep grief and a hope that no one else would suffer similar violence.
A judge ordered that the Quinn family receive transcripts of the criminal trial of former Anglo Irish Bank executives after the bankers' lawyers withdrew objections. The transcripts were requested by the Quinn family, who had previously been described by Pat Whelan's lawyers as a "fishing expedition." Whelan (52) and William McAteer (63) were convicted in April of breaching the Companies Act by illegally lending money to the Maple Ten investors to support Anglo's share price. They were found guilty on ten charges each and sentenced to 240 hours of community service, while being acquitted on six further charges each involving loans to Quinn's family. The trial recorded €450 million loaned to Maple Ten and €160 million to Quinn's wife and five children. Michael Staines, solicitor for Whelan and McAteer, agreed to release the transcripts on the condition they be used only for civil proceedings by the Quinn family.
In October 2014 the High Court heard a case involving the trade union Unite and several of its members who had mounted a picket at a construction site in Lucan where JJ Rhatigan was building a new school. Rhatigan sought injunctions against Unite, two of its officials and other members, alleging that the picket had caused vehicles to be blocked, a lorry to be damaged, a senior employee to be assaulted and a bus driver to be racially abused. Two Unite members had also scaled a 200‑ft crane on the site, leading to its closure by Gardaí. Mr Justice Paul Gilligan accepted undertakings from the defendants not to trespass, intimidate, assault or damage property at Rhatigan sites, and to limit the number of picketers at each site. He also granted an injunction restraining anyone with knowledge of the orders from interfering with access to the sites.
In a High Court hearing on 8 October 2014, lawyers for builders JJ Rhatigan & Co argued that protests at a new school site in Lucan had been "appalling" and should be restrained. They claimed that Unite members had blocked vehicles, damaged a lorry, assaulted a senior employee, racially abused a bus driver, and had two protesters climb a crane at the site. The site was closed, and the builders sought injunctions against Unite, Patrick Molloy, Stephen Gleeson, and others to prevent interference with access and to vacate the crane. The court granted Rhatigan's permission to serve short service proceedings. Unite's counsel said any order prohibiting picketing would be "too far" and offered an undertaking not to intimidate or block entrances. The judge expressed concern about Unite's control over its members and noted the two men on the crane were not helping anyone. The hearing was set to resume the following day.
Builders JJ Rhatigan & Co have taken High Court action against the trade union Unite over a dispute at a new school site in Lucan. The builders seek injunctions to stop Unite members from blocking vehicles and interfering with access to the site, citing incidents where protesters allegedly damaged a crane and caused the Gardai to shut the site for health and safety reasons. JJ Rhatigan denies Unite's claim that subcontracted workers were paid less than €5 per hour and says the subcontractor was paid €25,000. The court granted the builders permission to serve short service proceedings on Unite, its members and the subcontractor Gleeson & Molloy Bricklaying Services. The injunctions also cover other Rhatigan sites, including Griffeen Valley, St Patrick's College Drumcondra, the Radisson Blu Hotel and Golden Lane. The case is set to return to the court on Wednesday.
The High Court has granted leave to Edward Buckley of Gurtnara, Upperchurch, Thurles, and Edel Grace of Grousehall Milestone, Thurles, to challenge An Bord Pleanala's decision to grant planning permission for a windfarm in County Tipperary. The applicants, represented by David Browne BL, seek to quash the Board's August 12 decision, which allowed Ecopower Developments Ltd to construct a development comprising 22 turbines, ancillary works, an access road, and buildings. The proposed site is located at Upperchurch, with turbines reaching an overall height of 126.6m. The applicants allege that the Board acted outside its powers, contrary to the 2000 Planning and Development Act, and in breach of the 1992 EU Council Habitats Directive. Specifically, they contend that permission was granted after Mr Buckley withdrew his written consent for his lands to be used for a required access road at Knocknameena. They further argue that the Board failed to conduct an environmental impact assessment and that the decision breaches EU directives on the conservation of natural habitats. Mr Justice Michael Peart granted the application on an ex parte basis, with the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and Ecopower listed as notice parties. The matter was made returnable to date in late November.
In 2009, John Paul Buck, aged 34, was sentenced to life imprisonment by Mr Justice George Birmingham after a Central Criminal Court jury found him guilty of fatally stabbing 30‑year‑old Fergus Roche in a vacant house on 1 October 2005. The jury also convicted Buck of arson, for which a concurrent five‑year sentence was imposed. The post‑mortem revealed Roche died from a single chest wound before the fire, indicating he was stabbed while asleep. Buck denied involvement, but Detective Garda Larry Bergin testified that Buck confessed to the murder in August 2006 during a patrol‑car interview, describing Roche as his "best friend". The appeal, presented by Mr Michael Delaney SC, argued that the confession was improperly admitted, that the search of Buck's home was inadmissible, and that media coverage of an alleged escape attempt by Buck's brother had prejudiced the jury. The Court of Criminal Appeal reserved judgement on the appeal.
In a 2014 Central Criminal Court hearing, Maurice Power, aged 31, was found guilty of murdering his childhood friend Shane Rossiter, 30, in October 2012. Power denied the murder but admitted to a long‑standing feud, including a stabbing seven years earlier. He claimed fear for his family and himself. The trial, lasting four weeks, included Power's full confession after his arrest on 11 December 2012. Pathologist Marie Cassidy described shotgun entry wounds to Rossiter's chest and abdomen, with no exit wounds, causing fatal internal injuries. The jury, composed of seven women and five men, deliberated over two days and returned a guilty verdict by 11 to 1. Justice Deirdre Murphy sentenced Power to life imprisonment. The impact statement by Rossiter's sister, Jenna, highlighted the sudden loss of a brother and the profound grief felt by the family.
The Central Criminal Court jury began deliberations on the murder of Shane Rossiter, a 29‑year‑old Tipperary resident, by Maurice Power, 31, of Dranganbeg. Power pleaded not guilty. Justice Deirdre Murphy explained that the case hinges on Power's 2012 confession to gardai, noting that jurors must assess its reliability and any independent confirmation. She highlighted circumstantial evidence linking Power to the black Audi used in the crime, including CCTV showing him refuelling the vehicle. The defence argued the confession was unreliable due to repeated off‑camera interactions and inconsistencies in Power's account, such as differing distances to the shots fired. Pathologist Marie Cassidy had identified two shotgun wounds at varying ranges. The jury, after over two and a half hours, requested to view the confession interview and CCTV footage before concluding. The trial remains at the deliberation stage.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Judge Deirdre Murphy began her charge to a jury of twelve about Maurice Power, 31, who denies murder. Power is accused of firing two shots at Shane Rossiter, 29, on 17 October 2012 in Tipperary, allegedly causing fatal injuries. The trial proceeds with the jury set to deliberate tomorrow. Maurice Power pleaded not guilty.
In a Tipperary murder trial, the jury heard closing speeches on the case of Maurice Power, 31, accused of shooting Shane Rossiter, 29, on 17 October 2012. Prosecutor Anthony Sammon SC urged the jury that the evidence was compelling, citing circumstantial facts such as Power's car seen "burning in a bog," the disposal of his mobile phone, and his own statements to Gardaí about shooting Rossiter twice. He highlighted a detailed confession recorded in Interview Seven, describing Power as relaxed and uncoerced. Defence counsel Dominic McGinn SC challenged the reliability of the confession, arguing that Power's relaxed demeanor did not prove truthfulness and that inconsistencies existed between his account and forensic evidence. He questioned the Gardaí interview process and the lack of a recovered firearm, suggesting the confession alone was insufficient to prove guilt. The jury, composed of seven women and five men, will return next Tuesday for deliberation under Justice Deirdre Murphy. Maurice Power pleaded not guilty.
The murder trial of Maurice Power, 31, of Dranganbeg, Kilmoyler, Cahir, was delayed because the jury foreman could not attend the Central Criminal Court. Power has pleaded not guilty to the killing of Shane Rossiter, 29, in County Tipperary on 17 October of the previous year. The prosecution says Power fired two shots that caused catastrophic injuries leading to Rossiter's death. Justice Deirdre Murphy explained the foreman's illness, thanked the jury for their patience, and scheduled the trial to resume tomorrow, with a conclusion expected early next week.
During the murder trial of Maurice Power, 31, the court heard that Power had told his mother, Janet Fullop, he was not involved in the death of Shane Rossiter, 29, who was killed in Tipperary on 17 October 2012. Fullop, who had previously informed Gardaí about the close relationship between her son and the Rossiter family, testified that she had persuaded Power to go to the Garda station after the murder. Power's defence counsel, Dominic McGinn SC, confirmed that Fullop had told the Gardaí about the family ties and that she had encouraged her son to cooperate with the police. The prosecution, led by Anthony Sammon SC, also presented evidence that Power had taken a chip from a private security camera, claimed to have burned it, and had told Gardaí that he had asked Sharon O'Donnell about the camera. The trial is proceeding before a jury of seven women and five men, presided over by Justice Deirdre Murphy. Maurice Power pleaded not guilty.
During a murder trial, the burnt-out remains of a car matching that of the accused, Maurice Power, were discovered by Gardaí 20 minutes from Clonmel. Power, 31, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Shane Rossiter, 29, in County Tipperary on 17 October 2012. The court heard that Gardaí searching for Power's vehicle found a burnt Audi in a bog outside Clonmel. Identification occurred after an embossed chassis number was located beneath the bonnet. Under cross‑examination, Garda Lorraine Hogan explained that manpower constraints had led to off‑camera contact with the accused. Defence counsel Dominic McGinn suggested that Power was pressured to confess during cigarette breaks, a claim denied by Detective Garda Adrian Cooke. The trial proceeded before a jury of seven women and five men, presided over by Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy.
In a murder trial in Tipperary, Maurice Power, aged 31, pleaded not guilty to the killing of Shane Rossiter, aged 29, on 17 October 2012. The court heard that Power told Gardaí he would "do 15 to 20 years knowing that it is over" after Rossiter's death. He claimed he had decided to keep Rossiter close and did not want to show fear. When asked if he could have repaired the relationship, Power said the situation had been ongoing for years and that he would have been dead five times over. He denied regret, stating he did not want to look over his shoulder. Garda Adrian Cooke denied that Power was pressured into making the statement, and the trial continues before a jury presided by Justice Deirdre Murphy.
In May 2014 the High Court dismissed a legal action by Tipperary Town solicitors who sought to have the historic courthouse on St Michael Street reopened for public use. The lawyers argued that the Courts Service, under the Court Services Act 1998, had a statutory duty to maintain and provide the courthouse, which had been closed in 2010 after falling into disrepair and a ceiling collapse. They requested declarations that the state's failure to provide an adequate courthouse breached the rights of the public, court staff, the judiciary and the legal profession. The Courts Service denied any failure, noting it had sought funding for repairs and provided alternative venues such as the Excel Heritage Centre for district court sittings and Clonmel for circuit court sittings.
In a murder trial, Maurice Power, 31, pleaded not guilty to the killing of Shane Rossiter on 17 October 2012 in Tipperary. Prosecutor Anthony Sammon SC confirmed that Power told Garda Adrian Cooke that the incident was over, that he would go to jail and that no one else would be harmed. Power said the weapon was destroyed in pieces with a grinder and that he felt "very relieved, like a serious weight was lifted" and that he was safer and happier since the shooting. During cross‑examination, defence counsel Dominic McGinn SC questioned Garda Larry Burgan about time spent with Power outside formal interviews, alleging bullying and cajoling. Burgan denied this, stating that Power's statements were voluntary. The trial is proceeding before a jury of seven women and five men presided over by Justice Deirdre Murphy.
In the trial of Maurice Power, 31, of Dranganbeg, Kilmoyler, Cahir, the accused pleaded not guilty to the murder of 29‑year‑old Shane Rossiter on 17 October 2013. Power admitted to the Gardaí that he had "let a shot" at Rossiter at 6.45 am that morning. He claimed the shooting was a "kill or be killed" situation, citing a seven‑year history of conflict and a belief that he was being set up. Power said he fired a sawn‑off shotgun twice – once from the passenger seat of his car and again from inside Rossiter's house – killing him in the chest and on the right side. He also stated that he had burned his car and disposed of the weapon. The case is proceeding before a jury presided by Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy.
In a murder trial in County Tipperary, Maurice "Mossy" Power, aged 31, pleaded not guilty to the killing of Shane Rossiter on 17 October. The prosecution alleged Power fired two shots at Rossiter, causing fatal injuries. Power was also alleged to have received a CCTV camera chip from resident Sharon O'Donnell in Clonmel in October 2012, which he claimed was for his own peace of mind. Garda Larry Burgan reported that Power was not arrested on 17 October and was free to leave the station after a brief interview. Power claimed he had been driving around with friends, met Rossiter and his brother, and later went to his father's house. The trial is proceeding before a jury presided by Justice Deirdre Murphy.
In 2011, Noel Holland, aged 40, was sentenced to eight years in prison by Mr Justice Paul Carney at the Central Criminal Court for sexually assaulting an 18‑year‑old girl at his home. Holland had invited the victim to his house under the pretense of arranging a taxi, then assaulted and attempted to choke her. The victim later sent text messages to her family while Holland was in the bathroom, and she is now deceased. Mr Justice Carney declared Holland a sex offender, suspended the final three years of the sentence, and imposed five years of post‑release supervision, ordering him to keep away from the victim. Holland appealed the sentence's severity to the Court of Criminal Appeal, which upheld the sentence as entirely appropriate. Noel Holland pleaded guilty.
The Central Criminal Court is hearing a legal argument in the murder trial of Maurice "Mossy" Power, 31, who has pleaded not guilty to the killing of 29‑year‑old Shane Rossiter on 17 October 2012. The prosecution says Power fired two shots that caused catastrophic injuries leading to Rossiter's death. No evidence will be presented until Thursday.
The Central Criminal Court is hearing a legal argument in the murder trial of Maurice "Mossy" Power, 31, who has pleaded not guilty to the killing of 29‑year‑old Shane Rossiter on 17 October 2012 in County Tipperary. The prosecution claims Power fired two shots that caused catastrophic injuries leading to Rossiter's death. No evidence will be presented before Thursday, and the trial is currently focused on legal issues.
In 2009, John Paul Buck, aged 34, was sentenced to life imprisonment by Mr Justice George Birmingham after a Central Criminal Court jury found him guilty of fatally stabbing 30‑year‑old Fergus Roche in a vacant house on 1 October 2005. Buck also set fire to the house and received a concurrent five‑year arson sentence. The appeal court heard that an alleged confession by Buck to Detective Garda Larry Bergin in August 2006 was admitted as evidence. Buck denied the confession, but the detective claimed Buck admitted stabbing Roche while he slept, describing Roche as his "best friend". The appeal argued the confession was improperly admitted, citing late cautioning, the lack of tape, and the influence of media coverage on the jury's deliberations. The court postponed further hearing to the next two to three weeks. Buck had seven prior convictions, including arson, robbery, and burglary.
John Hannigan, 46, of River House, New Quay, Clonmel, was sentenced to three years in prison for assault causing harm to Anthony Fallon, whom he later murdered. Hannigan already serves a life sentence for the murder of Fallon, a fellow father of two, which occurred on 18 January 2012. The assault took place early that morning in Fallon's Abbey Street flat, where Hannigan and Joseph O'Riordan subjected Fallon to a prolonged attack. Neighbours heard the assault, and after leaving the flat the trio went to a shop where the shopkeeper did not recognise Fallon due to his injuries. The murder happened in a car park after the shop. Hannigan admitted striking Fallon with "Bruce Lee" punches because he "wouldn't shut up." The post‑mortem found 31 fractures to Fallon's ribs, collar and breast bones, with blunt‑force trauma to the head and trunk as the cause of death. The unnamed man pleaded guilty.
In the Central Criminal Court, Maurice "Mossy" Power, aged 31, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 29‑year‑old Shane Rossiter, who died after being shot twice on 17 October 2012. The prosecution said the shots were fired at about 6.30 am following a house party in Church Lane, Golden, Co. Tipperary. Witnesses included Paul McCarthy, who fled to a graveyard after the first shot, and Rachel Keating, who had known Rossiter for a week and testified that Rossiter had called Power to arrange a delivery of weed. Keating described a conversation about money owed and a kiss goodnight before Rossiter was shot. Paramedic T.J. Connolly reported that Rossiter was taken to South Tipperary General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead an hour later. The trial is now addressing legal issues before a jury of twelve, presided over by Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy.
In the Central Criminal Court trial of Maurice Power, a 31‑year‑old Tipperary man charged with the murder of Shane Rossiter, the sister of the 29‑year‑old victim testified that Power had told her he was planning to sort out differences with her brother shortly before the shooting. Power was said to have approached the Rossiter family after the victim's return from Australia, apologising for past conflicts. Witnesses described a brief encounter between Power and the victim the evening before the killing, with no apparent tension. Liam O'Sullivan, a neighbour, heard two gunshots at 6.30 am on 17 October 2012 and saw a man in a grey hoodie leave the house. Paul McCarthy, who called emergency services, reported seeing a gun barrel exit a car window and hearing a shot. The prosecution noted that a black Audi A4, later burnt out in a Waterford bog, was linked to Power's partner. The trial continues.
In the trial of Maurice Power, 31, accused of murdering 29‑year‑old Shane Rossiter on 17 October 2012, a witness, Paul McCarthy, testified that he felt he was being set up by Rossiter. McCarthy, who is now in custody, said he was in the house on Church Lane, Golden, when Rossiter asked him to go outside. He claimed to have seen a gun barrel from a car, ran, and called emergency services after hearing one shot. McCarthy admitted taking drugs that night and that he could not recall details, including Rossiter's name. He also denied calling for weed delivery and said he had told Gardaí he was being set up. The prosecution alleged Power fired two shots, causing Rossiter's death. The trial is set to continue before a jury presided by Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy. Maurice Power pleaded not guilty.
In the Central Criminal Court, Maurice Power, aged 31, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 29‑year‑old Shane Rossiter, who died on 17 October 2012 after being shot at a house party in Church Lane, Golden, Co. Tipperary. State Pathologist Marie Cassidy testified that a post‑mortem at Waterford Regional Hospital revealed two shotgun entry wounds to Rossiter's chest and abdomen, with no exit wounds, causing catastrophic internal injuries and massive blood loss. The wounds damaged the right lung, heart, liver, spleen, bowel, aorta and inferior vena cava, leading to death by blood loss. Cassidy noted Rossiter had taken cocaine, heroin, amphetamine and benzodiazepam, but these substances were not the cause of death. The trial continued on Tuesday before a jury of seven women and five men, presided over by Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy.