In a Disclosures Tribunal hearing, Garda Nicholas Keogh testified that he smuggled printed Pulse files out of an Athlone station in his baton pocket and gave them to politicians. Keogh claims the files were re‑classified crimes he considered "fiddling" and that he hid copies in the station and in his baton to avoid Garda HQ monitoring. He alleges that after his protected disclosure on 8 May 2014, he was targeted, harassed and bullied by Superintendent Patrick Murray. Keogh denies intent to "bring down" Murray and says he was merely reporting bullying. The tribunal, chaired by Judge Sean Ryan, is examining whether Keogh was indeed targeted following his disclosure. The case involves allegations of improper relationships between a senior drug‑unit officer and a heroin dealer, and the alleged suppression of Keogh's complaints by Garda management.
In November 2019, Garda Nicholas Keogh appeared before the Disclosures Tribunal to deny allegations that he had orchestrated a "pincer movement" to undermine the career of Superintendent Patrick Murray. Keogh, who had made a protected disclosure in May 2014 about alleged improper conduct by a senior member of the Athlone drugs unit, claimed he had simply informed Members of Parliament about the matter. He said he had passed information on a suspected car‑tax issue to TDs Clare Daly and Mick Wallace, but denied any intent to target Murray. The tribunal heard that Keogh had lodged a formal bullying complaint against Murray in March 2017 and that he had written to the Policing Authority and to Minister Frances Fitzgerald in 2017, urging that the investigation be concluded before any promotion. Senior Counsel for An Garda Síochána, Shane Murphy, accused Keogh of "orchestrating a pincer movement" and of targeting Murray without basis.
Garda Nicholas Keogh, a whistleblower, testified before the Disclosures Tribunal that he had concerns about whether his complaints were investigated in good faith. He alleged that a senior member of the Athlone drugs unit, identified as Garda A, was in an improper relationship with a heroin dealer, Ms B, who earned an estimated €2,500 a week. Keogh claimed that Ms B's admission in March 2018 was "sat on for five months" before being passed to Detective Inspector Coppinger, and that the matter was not acted on immediately. He also contested that Assistant Commissioner Ann Marie McMahon's disciplinary investigation, which led to a recommendation for a board of inquiry, was not a criminal investigation and that it should not have involved arrests. Keogh's testimony highlighted his belief that the investigation was part of a conspiracy to supply heroin and that the evidence was mishandled.
In a Disclosures Tribunal hearing at Dublin Castle, Garda whistleblower Nicholas Keogh testified that his general practitioner's certificates diagnosing work‑related stress were withheld from the Garda Chief Medical Officer, leading to his absences being recorded as flu and resulting in reduced pay. Keogh claimed the Garda management deliberately mis‑recorded his sickness and that his complaints about the investigation into alleged collusion were sabotaged. He alleged that a senior officer, Garda A, had an improper relationship with a heroin dealer, Ms B, and that the investigation led by former Assistant Commissioner Dónall Ó Cualáin failed to suspend any suspect. Keogh maintained that the investigation was delayed, evidence was mishandled, and that the Garda Superintendent Patrick Murray neither recorded nor reported his stress to the CMO. The tribunal heard Keogh's allegations and the Garda counsel's rebuttals, with no evidence presented to support the claims of sabotage.
In a Disclosures Tribunal hearing, Garda Nicholas Keogh claims he was denied commendations by Garda management after making a protected disclosure on 8 May 2014. He alleges that a senior officer, identified as Garda A, had an improper relationship with a heroin dealer, Ms B, who earned about €2,500 a week. Keogh says he was the investigating officer in the 2015 stabbing of a 77‑year‑old taxi‑driver and the rescue of a woman from the River Shannon, yet was removed from the Pulse unit and excluded from commendations. He disputes the claim that he had no material role in the investigation, citing his involvement in evidence collection. Keogh also notes he received an award from Irish Water Safety in 2016 but no Garda commendation, and he has pursued a personal injury claim for bullying. The tribunal is examining whether Keogh was targeted after his disclosure. Ms B pleaded guilty.
In a Disclosures Tribunal hearing, Garda Nicholas Keogh admitted giving documents to TDs Clare Daly and Mick Wallace alleging that crime figures in his district were being "fiddled" downward, which he described as Garda corruption. Keogh, who is in the second week of the tribunal, claims a senior member of the Athlone drugs unit, identified as Garda A, had an improper relationship with a heroin dealer, Ms B, who earned an estimated €2,500 a week. He also cites a 2015 robbery case that was reclassified by Superintendent Patrick Murray after the complainant withdrew a statement, arguing this reclassification was an example of fiddling. Keogh says he spoke to Daly and Wallace about the massaging of figures, and that he printed the documents and presented them to the TDs. The tribunal heard that Daly had referenced the alleged fiddling in a Dáil speech, claiming evidence of at least eight cases where crimes were reclassified as less serious.
In a Disclosures Tribunal hearing, Garda Nicholas Keogh claims a senior member of the Athlone drugs unit, referred to as Garda A, was in an improper relationship with a heroin dealer, Ms B, who earned an estimated €2,500 a week. Keogh alleges that after making a protected disclosure on 8 May 2014, he was targeted, harassed, or bullied by Garda management. He reports that he had periods of absenteeism in July 2015 due to drinking and stress, and that his superintendent, Patrick Murray, addressed his absences and alcohol issues. Keogh says he was marked as having flu when he was actually suffering from work‑related stress and alcohol abuse, and that the Chief Medical Officer was kept in the dark about his stress. He also claims that his medical certificates were withheld and that he was told he was "under no stress" despite his own statements to the contrary.
In a Disclosures Tribunal hearing, Garda Nicholas Keogh denies alleging a cash theft by three Gardaí and claims Garda management handled the investigation in a "sinister" manner. Keogh, who made a protected disclosure on 8 May 2014, says he never claimed that €800 was stolen by three guards and spent on alcohol and gambling. He alleges that a senior member of the Athlone drugs unit, identified as Garda A, was in an improper relationship with a heroin dealer, Ms B, who earned about €2,500 a week. Keogh states that Garda management investigated the claim, but no evidence was found and the matter was dropped. He accuses the investigation of being targeted, harassed and bullied, and describes the process as unusual and lacking proper follow‑up. The tribunal, chaired by Judge Sean Ryan, is hearing Keogh's testimony and the cross‑examination by counsel for An Garda Síochána. The case remains at the tribunal stage, with no verdict or outcome reported.
During the Disclosures Tribunal, Garda Nicholas Keogh testified that he had planned to "take down" Garda Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan and launch an "all‑out attack" on Garda management. He alleged that a senior member of the Athlone drugs unit, identified as Garda A, had an improper relationship with a heroin dealer, Ms B, who earned an estimated €2,500 a week. Keogh claimed that after making a protected disclosure in 2014, he was subjected to a cover‑up and pressure from Garda management. He described meetings with TDs Clare Daly and Mick Wallace, noting Daly's reassurance that they would eventually bring the matter to light. Keogh also recounted interactions with Detective Superintendent Declan Mulcahy and welfare officer Mick Quinn, highlighting concerns about his drinking and health. Throughout the hearing, Keogh maintained that his intent was to target a specific group within the Gardaí, not all officers, and that his statements were made in a state of both determination and intoxication.
In a hearing at Dublin Castle, Garda medical officer Gda Nicholas Keogh testified that a senior Garda, referred to as Garda A, was in an improper relationship with a heroin dealer, Ms B, who earned about €2,500 a week. Keogh, who made a protected disclosure in May 2014, claimed he was harassed and bullied after the disclosure. He admitted to an alcohol dependency since 2012, which led to periods of sickness and unfitness for duty. Keogh used alcohol and Xanax together, despite warnings that the drugs should not be combined. The Chief Medical Officer recommended Keogh be stood down on 18 December 2015, citing his unfitness for work. Keogh disputed the recommendation, stating he had not been notified of his unfitness and that he had been working on 21 December 2015. The tribunal is examining how Keogh was treated following his disclosure.
In a Disclosures Tribunal hearing, Garda Chief Superintendent Nicholas Keogh accused a senior member of the Athlone drugs unit, referred to as Garda A, of being part of an orchestrated campaign to prevent Keogh's promotion. Keogh alleged that Garda A had an improper relationship with a heroin dealer, Ms B, who earned an estimated €2,500 a week. Keogh claimed he suffered bullying from Superintendent Patrick Murray after making a protected disclosure in 2014, and that the investigation by Assistant Commissioner Michael Finn was delayed and obfuscated, damaging his complaint's timely resolution. Keogh wrote letters to Independent TDs Mick Wallace and Claire Daly, the Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald, the Policing Authority, and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar opposing Murray's promotion. Superintendent Murray stated that Keogh was "casting aspersions" and that Keogh was part of a process to damage him.
In a Disclosures Tribunal hearing, Garda Nicholas Keogh claimed that a senior member of the Athlone drugs unit, referred to as Garda A, had an improper relationship with a heroin dealer, Ms B, who earned an estimated €2,500 a week. Keogh alleged that after he made a protected disclosure in 2014, the investigation team, including former Assistant Commissioner Donall Ó Cualáin and senior detective Declan Mulcahy, was set up on 9 May 2015. He complained of delays, missing evidence, and inappropriate circumstances for taking statements, noting that Garda A's mobile phone was seized on 13 June 2015 and wiped, suggesting he had been tipped off. Keogh said the phone could have revealed contact between Garda A and Ms B. He also claimed that the investigation team interviewed Gardaí in the station while Garda A was on duty, which he described as "insane" and akin to a comedy film.
A Garda has told the Disclosures Tribunal that he was denied a commendation for helping rescue a drowning woman because of his status as a whistleblower. Garda Nicholas Keogh, based in Athlone, alleges that management withheld recognition for his role in pulling a woman from the River Shannon in September 2019, despite receiving an award from Irish Water Safety. The tribunal, chaired by Judge Sean Ryan, is investigating treatment of Gda Keogh following a protected disclosure he made in 2014 concerning an alleged improper relationship between a senior member of the drugs unit and a heroin dealer. Gda Keogh told the tribunal he had previously received commendations for lesser actions and found the omission "sinister". He cited two further incidents where he claimed recognition was withheld. Sergeant Monaghan and Superintendent Patrick Murray disputed aspects of Gda Keogh's account, with Sgt Monaghan characterising the river rescue as a group effort and stating he was unaware of Gda Keogh's involvement in the other incidents. The hearing continues.
A Garda has told the Disclosures Tribunal that he believes he was deliberately confined to stressful desk duties at Athlone Garda Station because he made a protected disclosure in 2014. Garda Nicholas Keogh alleged that a senior member of the drugs unit engaged in an improper relationship with a heroin dealer. Following the suspension of the officer in question, Keogh was assigned to public office duties in October 2015, work he characterised as the most stressful in the station. He stated his hands were visibly shaking during a meeting with Superintendent Patrick Murray about the assignment. Keogh denied agreeing to the move and expressed belief that management deliberately assigned him to public duties to demonstrate control over whistleblowers. He also alleged that his request for leave to meet the Garda Ombudsman in August 2015 was refused improperly by Superintendent Murray. Judge Sean Ryan is chairing the tribunal's investigation into how Keogh was treated following his disclosure.
A Garda whistleblower, Garda Nicholas Keogh, withdrew an allegation that former Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan had called Superintendent Pat Murray to advise him to alienate Keogh. Keogh had claimed that after a 2014 protected disclosure, he was told by guards at Athlone station to "pull away from" him. He said he had no direct evidence of the call, only that guards relayed the information. Commissioner O'Sullivan denied the allegation, stating it was "completely untrue and without foundation" and that the call never occurred. Superintendent Murray also denied ever speaking with O'Sullivan and said he would not have suggested alienating Keogh. In May, Keogh mentioned Sergeant Andrew Haran as a possible informant, but Haran rejected the claim. Matthias Kelly SC represented Keogh and informed Judge Ryan that the matter was no longer being pursued. The Disclosures Tribunal, chaired by Judge Sean Ryan, heard these statements during its investigation of Keogh's treatment after his disclosure.
In a Disclosures Tribunal hearing, Garda Nicholas Keogh, a whistleblower, accuses Superintendent Patrick Murray of "massaging" crime figures and undermining his work. Keogh alleges that Murray criticised four of his investigations and re‑classified a robbery he recorded as serious to a lower category on the same day, calling it a non‑crime. Keogh claims this was an attempt to discredit him after he made a protected disclosure in 2014. Murray denies targeting Keogh, stating his queries were aimed at ensuring high‑standard investigations. Keogh argues the re‑classifications and persistent scrutiny amount to harassment, while Murray maintains they were procedural. The tribunal considers whether the re‑classifications constitute bullying or corruption, with Keogh insisting he is not alleging corruption. The case remains at the tribunal stage.
Garda Nicholas Keogh admitted to being absent without leave (AWOL) from duty during a four‑day drinking binge from 11 to 14 July 2015, a period he had claimed as sick leave. He reported himself fit for duty on 10 July but then continued drinking and failed to report for work. Keogh's diary entries for 11 and 12 July noted "awol drink." Superintendent Patrick Murray, after reviewing Keogh's statements, recommended the matter be treated as a less serious breach of discipline. Keogh was fined €300 for neglect of duty, a fine upheld by Chief Superintendent Lorraine Wheatley. He denied a discreditable conduct charge and argued that his absence was a mistake. The tribunal also heard of other administrative matters, including a car‑tax notice and travel‑substance payments, but these were not central to the disciplinary decision. Keogh will continue to give evidence in the proceeding.
The Disclosures Tribunal heard that Garda Nicholas Keogh, the first whistleblower under Commissioner Noirín O'Sullivan, claims Garda management sought to remove him from the force. Keogh made a protected disclosure in May 2014 alleging collusion between Garda Aidan Lyons and a drug dealer, Miss B. In June 2014, Lyons reported that a man had approached him about Keogh, claiming Keogh had been involved in a theft and would support a complaint. Keogh was later called to Superintendent Noreen McBrien's office, where he was told an investigation was underway but no details were given. Keogh said the report was authored by Lyons, who was his partner, and that the allegation was never rigorously followed up. He described the process as vindictive and believed management, including Superintendent Patrick Murray, imposed excessive supervision and targeted him. The tribunal heard Keogh's evidence and the case remains under investigation.
During the Disclosures Tribunal, Garda Nicholas Keogh testified that he did not "round up" people to file complaints against a senior member of the Athlone drugs unit, identified as Garda A, whom he alleged was colluding with a heroin dealer, Ms B. Keogh explained that on 18 May 2014 he used the Garda Pulse system to query Garda A following intelligence received on 10 May 2014, and that he had reported his findings to an internal investigation team. He claimed that subsequent requests for a report from Superintendent Noreen McBrien and Sergeant Andrew Haran were unnecessary because the information should have been forwarded to the internal investigators. Keogh also denied that he had persuaded a third‑party complainant, Ms O'Neill, to name Garda A, stating that he had only asked her to name names and guards in general.
At the Disclosures Tribunal in Dublin Castle, Garda Nicholas Keogh testified that he had been bullied and harassed by his superiors after making a protected disclosure in May 2014 about alleged collusion between Gardaí and drug dealers in Athlone. Keogh claimed that the "dogs on the street" were aware of the collusion and that a senior member of the drugs unit had been aiding a heroin dealer, Ms B, who had no prior drug convictions. He said he entered the information into the Garda Pulse system to protect himself and to make it available to all Gardaí. Keogh alleged that he was targeted and discredited by his superiors, that he had been investigated by Assistant Commissioner Michael Finn, and that he had taken sick leave in 2015. The Tribunal is examining whether the questioning and investigations amounted to targeting or discrediting Keogh, while an allegation of mobile‑phone tapping was dropped for lack of evidence.
In a 2019 Disclosures Tribunal hearing, Garda whistleblower Nicholas Keogh alleged harassment and bullying by Garda management after he made a protected disclosure in 2014 about colleagues in Athlone. Keogh, who served in the drug unit from 2009 to 2011, claimed that a drug‑unit colleague, referred to as Garda A, had aided and abetted a woman named Miss B in heroin trade, with a weekly turnover of about €2,500. He recorded this in a Pulse entry. Keogh also reported that a mother's complaint of assault against Miss B was dismissed, though the mother's daughter gave a separate statement. The tribunal examined 22 matters, including allegations that Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan had instructed Keogh's superior to isolate him, and that Keogh faced harassment over car tax, sick leave, back pay, and other workplace issues. The hearing focused on whether these actions constituted targeting or discrediting of Keogh.
In a High Court case, Revenue sought to freeze assets of the Animal Heaven Animal Rescue charity, claiming a debt of €145,000. The court had issued temporary orders restricting the charity's assets to below €191,000 and preventing transfer of its 37 acres in County Kerry to Athlone SPCA. The charity's trustees, including CEO David Hall, were named in the orders. Mr Hall, appointed to the board in 2018, intends to submit a sworn statement to clarify factual matters and address reputational damage caused by online allegations of fraud. Counsel for Revenue agreed to adjourn the hearing until the affidavit is filed, with the injunction remaining in force until the full hearing in May. The case remains at the pre‑hearing stage, with no verdict yet reached.
Paul Fields, 29, a former soldier, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to stealing €3,840 from a Ladbrokes shop in Priorswood on 9 March 2018. He claimed the theft was a "moment of madness" driven by a drug debt and threats of death. Fields had previously served in Chad and had a history of nine convictions, mainly traffic offences. Garda Fergal Duffy reported that the manager, who believed Fields would return the money, was left with a cash bag that Fields snatched while holding the door. Fields was arrested, found with €300, and the rest of the money was unrecovered. Judge Martin Nolan, noting Fields' cooperation and personal circumstances, imposed a two‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence suspended in full on strict conditions.
A financial services company has secured a High Court injunction preventing EBS from terminating an agency agreement to operate three of the building society's branches in Athlone, Longford and Lucan. Betty Martin Financial Services Ltd obtained the injunction from Mr Justice John Jordan on Wednesday, which remains in place pending full resolution of the dispute. BMFS claims the termination followed its refusal to engage in alleged mis-selling of financial products, contrary to Central Bank guidelines. EBS denies the allegations and opposed the application. The judge concluded that BMFS had established a serious issue to be tried and that damages would not constitute adequate remedy. He found no satisfactory explanation from EBS for the proposed termination and noted that the parties had worked together successfully for many years. The judge encouraged both sides to pursue mediation. The case was adjourned for two weeks for final orders.
A High Court judge will deliver judgment next week on an application for an interim injunction in a dispute between Betty Martin Financial Services Ltd and EBS. BMFS operates EBS branches in Athlone, Longford and Lucan under a tied agency agreement. The company seeks to prevent EBS from terminating this agreement, arguing the termination is invalid and motivated by BMFS's refusal to engage in alleged mis-selling of financial products. BMFS contends that when it declined to undertake activities it regarded as unprofessional and contrary to Central Bank guidelines, EBS moved to end the arrangement. EBS denies the allegations and maintains it is entitled to terminate the agreement. The bank further argues that BMFS only raised mis-selling complaints after EBS initiated termination proceedings in 2017, and that no evidence supported such claims. Following a three-day hearing before Mr Justice John Jordan, judgment on the interim injunction application is expected within the coming week.
Garda Keith Harrison secured a High Court order to halt an internal Garda investigation into alleged breaches of discipline by him. The investigation had been initiated following comments made by the Disclosures Tribunal chairman, Mr Justice Peter Charleton, in an interim report. Harrison, who denied the alleged misconduct, argued that the tribunal's comments had no legal effect and could not be used by the Garda Commissioner to discipline him. His lawyers presented the case to Mr Justice Seamus Noonan, who agreed that the court could quash the decision to appoint an officer to investigate the alleged breaches. The court also considered a potential costs order in Harrison's favour. The tribunal had previously rejected Harrison's allegations and those of his partner Marissa Simms, stating they were "entirely without any validity." The High Court struck out the legal proceedings that had been brought to challenge the investigation.
Garda Keith Harrison has launched a High Court challenge seeking to quash findings made against him in reports from the Disclosures Tribunal. The Donegal-based officer alleges a prior professional involvement between tribunal chair Mr Justice Peter Charleton and witness Chief Superintendent Terry McGinn, stemming from the Morris Tribunal (2002-05). Harrison's solicitors argue this relationship breaches natural and constitutional justice and Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights. They seek orders to quash findings in the second and third interim reports, prohibit further publication of those sections, and preclude the judge from dealing with other matters relating to Harrison. The tribunal previously rejected Harrison's request to set aside the reports, describing the steps as "absurd and repugnant." In the interim reports, Mr Justice Charleton found that allegations examined by the tribunal, including those made by Harrison and his partner Marissa Simms, were "entirely without any validity." Harrison had alleged he was the victim of a five-year intimidation campaign following a 2009 arrest of a fellow officer for drink driving in Athlone, and that Simms was compelled to make a statement against him, leading to a Tusla referral. Permission to bring the action was granted on an ex-parte basis by Mr Justice Seamus Noonan, who found arguable grounds had been raised. The matter was adjourned and will return before the courts in two weeks.
Garda Keith Harrison, who appeared before the Disclosures Tribunal, has filed a High Court case to halt an internal Garda investigation into alleged breaches of discipline. Harrison, who denies any misconduct, argues that the tribunal's interim report, which criticised him, has no legal effect and should not be used by the Garda Commissioner to discipline him. The investigation was ordered by a Garda Superintendent after the tribunal found Harrison's and his partner Marissa Simms' allegations—about coercion to testify and a five‑year intimidation campaign—to be "entirely without any validity." Harrison's lawyers claim the Commissioner is acting unlawfully, outside his jurisdiction, and in breach of the 2014 Protective Disclosures Act by relying on the tribunal's findings. The High Court granted permission for the action on an ex‑parte basis, with the case to be heard later this month.
Stephen O'Reilly, aged 30, was convicted of two assaults, two counts of criminal damage and two counts of producing an article at his neighbour's address on 7 May 2016. He was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended, by Judge Keenan Johnson at Tullamore Circuit Criminal Court on 8 February 2017. O'Reilly appealed his conviction, but the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal. The Court held that Section 16 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which allows admission of statements where a witness denies making the statement or gives evidence inconsistent with the statement, was "specifically designed for this type of situation". The Court found no error in the trial judge's decision to admit the witnesses' initial statements under Section 16, and therefore upheld the conviction. The case involved witnesses who had withdrawn their statements after the incident, and the Court considered issues of reliability, fairness, and the interests of justice in its decision.
Ian Hyland, a former private in the Permanent Defence Forces who served for 12 years, has filed a High Court challenge to overturn the decision that his contract was not renewed and that he was discharged in April. The Defence Forces downgraded his medical category in 2008 because of polycystic kidney disease, a condition that Hyland claims was asymptomatic. He argues that doctors treating him in Galway confirmed he was fit for overseas service and contact sports, and that he was entitled to appeal the categorisation to a Medical Board. Hyland seeks an order quashing the discharge, declarations that he was entitled to appeal, and that his medical categorisation should have been reviewed before his discharge. Permission to proceed was granted ex‑parte by Mr Justice Seamus Noonan, and the case is set to return later this month.
Patricia Madden, a barrister and long‑time ICA member, has applied to the High Court for an injunction to stop the Irish Country Women's Association from destroying ballot papers from its 2018 national elections for executive posts. She argues that the ballots, which were mailed with a closing date of 27 April, have not been counted and no declaration of winners has been made, a breach of the ICA's Constitution. The election results should have been announced before the AGM in Athlone on 26 May. Madden says she was informed by the ICA's Procedures Committee Chair that the ballots would be destroyed at the earliest opportunity. The ICA's lawyer gave an undertaking that the ballots would not be destroyed, and the judge adjourned the case to a later date in the month. The injunction seeks to restrain any destruction or interference with the returned ballots.
The Court of Appeal in Dublin has upheld murder convictions against two men in the death of a 23-year-old in June 2014. Leszek Sychulec, aged 35, from Drinan, Ballymahon, County Longford, and Andrzej Gruchacz, aged 36, had been found guilty of murdering Patryk Krupa at Bogganfin, Athlone, County Roscommon. The victim was assaulted and left to drown in the Shannon outside Athlone while incapacitated from head injuries sustained during the attack. A Central Criminal Court jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts in 2016, and both men received mandatory life sentences. Delivering judgment, Mr Justice George Birmingham dismissed all grounds of appeal, finding the trials satisfactory and the verdicts safe. He noted CCTV evidence of exceptional quality from Collins Service Station on the Roscommon Road was central to the investigation, along with DNA and blood evidence recovered from the black BMW used in the abduction and from Sychulec's clothing and watch. Leszek Sychulec pleaded not guilty. Andrzej Gruchacz pleaded not guilty.
Abdirahim Daley, a married father of six, has taken his case to the High Court after Westmeath County Council denied him social housing support. The council ruled that Daley's household net income of €30,200 exceeded the €28,750 threshold set for two adults and six children, and therefore he was not eligible for the allowance. Daley and his wife are unemployed and receive job seekers and rent supplement allowances, and he also receives a carer's allowance for one child. The council included this carer's allowance in the income calculation, a practice the court said was contrary to the 2011 Social Housing Support Household Means Policy, which excludes such allowances. Daley seeks to have the council's decision quashed and his application sent back for reconsideration. The case was adjourned to March after Mr Justice Seamus Noonan granted permission ex‑parte.
Two professional footballers suspended for twelve months following a match-fixing investigation have secured temporary High Court injunctions preventing the Football Association of Ireland from introducing new evidence during their appeal hearing. Igor Labuts, a goalkeeper, and midfielder Dragos Sfrijan, both formerly of Athlone Town AFC in the League of Ireland First Division, were found guilty in September of deliberate actions to manipulate match results arising from a game against Longford Town in April. The players deny wrongdoing and claim the new evidence is prejudicial, was not disclosed at the original disciplinary hearing, and breaches natural justice principles. The FAI maintains it is entitled under its own rules to introduce the material at the appeal, scheduled for December twenty-first. Justice Caroline Costello granted interim injunctions on Wednesday at the High Court. The case has been adjourned to the following week.
Two men convicted of murdering a 23-year-old Polish national in County Roscommon have appealed their convictions at the Court of Appeal. Leszek Sychulec, aged 35, with an address at Drinan, Ballymahon, County Longford, and Andrzej Gruchacz, aged 36, were found guilty by jury in the Central Criminal Court of the killing of Patryk Krupa on 20 June 2014 near Athlone. Both received mandatory life sentences in June 2016. The victim was assaulted, rendered unconscious, and subsequently drowned in the River Shannon. Evidence presented at trial included DNA recovered from Sychulec's belongings and witness testimony. During the appeal hearing, defence counsel for Sychulec challenged the identification procedures used by gardaí, arguing that witnesses were shown a single photograph rather than a range of images. Counsel for Gruchacz raised concerns regarding the admissibility of identification evidence and trial procedure. The prosecution contested these submissions. The three-judge panel reserved judgement. Leszek Sychulec pleaded not guilty. Andrzej Gruchacz pleaded not guilty.
The Charleton tribunal, chaired by Mr Justice Peter Charlton, continued its trial examining allegations that Garda Keith Harrison was targeted for making a protected disclosure. Ms Marisa Simms, Harrison's partner, testified that she was followed by Garda vehicles and received death threats, denying suggestions that Harrison sought whistleblower fame. She stated that a complaint forwarded to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) in October 2013 was not made under pressure. Harrison alleged the GSOC referral was motivated by malice stemming from his previous posting in Athlone and his relationship with Simms, whose brother was charged with the manslaughter of Garda Gary McLoughlin. Social worker Una Coll testified that she contacted Sergeant Brigid McGowan in 2012 regarding an anonymous letter and later learned a referral had been sent for the Simms children. Coll stated that social services consult with Gardaí but do not accept direction from them. Principal social worker Gerry Hone confirmed receiving a notification about the children in October 2013, noting that a box indicating emotional abuse was ticked but further information was required before action could be taken. Hone stated it would be highly inappropriate for an outside agency to direct social work investigations. The tribunal is currently examining contacts between Gardaí and the HSE/Tusla, with details of the protected disclosure yet to be heard.
James Flanagan, 56, received a suspended two‑year sentence for his role in a fake garage scam that involved forged bank drafts. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court found that Flanagan acted recklessly rather than intentionally. He had applied for weekend work advertised on Jobs.ie and was tasked with picking up and dropping off cars for the "garage." On 27 September 2013, he produced a forged €13,800 bank draft to purchase a car from Emmet Lyons at Athlone Train Station. The car was later sold to a woman for €9,000, who was allowed to keep it as she bought it in good faith. Lyons suffered the full loss of €13,800. Flanagan pleaded guilty to production of a false instrument.
At the Central Criminal Court, Symon Tarkowski, a Polish national aged 28 from Tullamore, County Offaly, received a suspended sentence of five years for his role in the false imprisonment of Patryk Krupa at Bogganall, County Rosemmon, on June 20th and 21st, 2014. Mr Krupa, aged 23, subsequently drowned in the Shannon whilst incapacitated from a head injury sustained during a violent assault. Two other men, Leszek Sychulec and Andrzej Gruchacz, were convicted of Mr Krupa's murder and received life sentences in June. Mr Justice Tony Hunt distinguished Tarkowski's involvement from that of the convicted murderers, noting he had not planned the assault and remained in his vehicle during the beating. The judge acknowledged Tarkowski's subsequent cooperation with gardaí and his genuine remorse, whilst criticising his decision to clean his car. The suspended sentence reflected the limited nature of his culpability and the mitigating factors present in his case. Symon Tarkowski pleaded guilty.
A 28-year-old Polish national has been remanded on bail pending sentence after pleading guilty to false imprisonment and withholding information in connection with a fatal assault in County Roscommon in June 2014. Szymon Tarkowski of Tullamore admitted to the charges relating to the death of Patryk Krupa, who drowned in the Shannon near Athlone following a violent attack. At the Central Criminal Court, evidence was heard that Tarkowski drove two men to locate the victim and transported them to the scene, though he remained in the vehicle during the assault itself. He subsequently cleaned his car in an attempt to remove forensic evidence and later provided a voluntary statement to gardai that aided the investigation. Two other men, Leszek Sychulec of Ballymahon and Andrzej Gruchacz, were convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment on the same date. The court heard Tarkowski had no previous convictions and was considered out of his depth, lacking premeditation in his involvement. He will be sentenced on 27 June.
A cage fighter and another man have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of a 23-year-old man who was beaten unconscious and left to drown in the River Shannon near Athlone in June 2014. Leszek Sychulec, aged 34, with an address at Drinan, Ballymahon, County Longford, and Andrzej Gruchacz, aged 35, were convicted by jury at the Central Criminal Court following a five-hour deliberation in April 2016. The court heard that Patryk Krupa was assaulted following an encounter in Athlone town before being driven away by the accused men. His body was discovered face down in the water by associates who became concerned for his welfare. A State pathologist concluded that Krupa died from a combination of severe head trauma and drowning while unconscious. Justice Tony Hunt described the offence as shocking and violent, commending the investigative work of gardaí at Athlone. Concurrent sentences for false imprisonment were also imposed on both men. Sychulec has previous convictions for drugs offences, extortion and robbery. Leszek Sychulec pleaded not guilty. Andrzej Gruchacz pleaded not guilty.
The Court of Appeal has reserved judgment on whether a consecutive sentence can commence earlier when the sentence it follows is under appeal. The case involves a man convicted in Carlow District Court of assault causing harm in January 2016 and sentenced to nine months imprisonment. In April 2016, while still in custody for that sentence, he was convicted in Athlone District Court of driving without insurance and sentenced to three months imprisonment consecutive to the Carlow sentence. He appealed the first sentence and was released on his own bond, but remains in custody under the second sentence, which he argues is illegal because the warrant states the three‑month sentence should only take effect after the nine‑month sentence has legally expired, which is pending appeal. His lawyers filed an Article 40 application for immediate release; Mr Justice Michael White upheld the detention, stating the three‑month sentence was "certain" and must be served unless appealed.
A High Court jury in Co. Westmeath awarded €13,000 in damages to Fergal O'Rourke, 62, after finding he was assaulted during an arrest on 12 July 2009 at a checkpoint in Ballymore. O'Rourke alleged that Garda Darren Murphy kicked, grabbed his throat, punched him, and struck him with an implement while he was on the ground and handcuffed. He also claimed Garda Joanne McGhee did not assault or injure him. The jury, after more than three hours of deliberation, concluded that Murphy had negligently inflicted injuries and intentionally caused emotional distress, and that reasonable force was not used. McGhee was found not to have assaulted or injured O'Rourke. The award was made by Mr Justice Colm MacEochaidh. O'Rourke had previously pleaded guilty to a charge of failing to provide a specimen after his arrest. The case involved a three‑day trial with photographic evidence of his injuries.
In a 2016 case, Fergal O'Rourke, aged 62, sued the State and the Gardai Commissioner for assault and battery after an arrest on 12 July 2009 at a Ballymore checkpoint. He alleged injuries, a lame leg, and nervousness following the incident. The Gardai denied excessive force, stating O'Rourke was arrested after his jeep performed a u‑turn at the checkpoint, left the vehicle, and attempted to escape. Garda Darren Murphy, one of the arresting officers, testified that he used his baton three times to secure O'Rourke, who was described as dishevelled, aggressive, and intoxicated. O'Rourke denied losing his temper or that the force was unreasonable. The trial before a jury and Mr Justice Colm MacEochaidh was ongoing.
In a High Court hearing, 62‑year‑old Fergal O'Rourke from Mullaghcloe, Ballymore, claimed that while handcuffed and on the ground after his arrest on 12 July 2009, a Garda struck him several times with a weapon and another Garda grabbed him by the throat. He said the incident left him with injuries requiring hospital treatment and a lame leg, and that it made him nervous. O'Rourke also alleged that he was kicked and punched, then taken to Athlone Garda Station and later to A&E in Ballinasloe. The defendants denied the allegations, stating O'Rourke was arrested after his vehicle performed a u‑turn at a Garda checkpoint, that he resisted arrest and kicked a Garda, and that the Garda used a baton in self‑defence. O'Rourke testified he had no intention of striking a Garda, had been trying to escape, and had previously pleaded guilty to refusing a breath‑sample after arrest.
A 41‑year‑old Declan O'Cualain was found not guilty by reason of insanity for strangling his brother Adrian Folan with a bungee cord on 4 July 2014. O'Cualain, who lived in An Caoran Beag, An Cheathru Rua, Co Galway, was charged with murder after the body was discovered concealed under rocks near the Cliffs of Moher, Co Clare. He pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, and after 21 minutes of deliberation a jury of nine men and three women returned that verdict. The judge, Justice Margaret Heneghan, exempted the jury from further service for 15 years and ordered O'Cualain to be committed to the Central Mental Hospital. The court heard forensic psychiatrists confirmed he was in an acute manic psychosis state, unable to appreciate the nature of his actions. The case was heard at the Central Criminal Court on 22 April 2016.
At the Central Criminal Court, a cage fighter and a second man have been convicted of murdering a 23-year-old Polish national in June 2014. Leszek Sychulec, aged 34 and resident at Drinan, Ballymahon, County Longford, and Andrzej Gruchacz, aged 35 from Warsaw, Poland, were found guilty of killing Patryk Krupa at Bogganfin, Athlone, County Roscommon. The trial heard that Mr Krupa was assaulted and rendered unconscious before being left to drown in the River Shannon. Evidence presented included witness testimony, DNA findings on Sychulec's belongings, photographic documentation of drag marks leading to the water, and CCTV footage placing both men together at the scene. The jury deliberated for five hours before delivering unanimous guilty verdicts. Sentencing is scheduled for June 13th, when both defendants will receive mandatory life sentences. Leszek Sychulec pleaded not guilty. Andrzej Gruchacz pleaded not guilty. Cage Fighter pleaded not guilty.
The jury in the trial of two men accused of murdering a 23-year-old man at the Central Criminal Court will resume deliberations on Friday morning. Leszek Sychulec, aged 34, of Drinan, Ballymahon, County Longford, and Andrzej Gruchacz, aged 35, with an address in Warsaw, Poland, have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Patryk Krupa at Bogganfin, Athlone, County Roscommon, on 20 June 2014. The court heard that Mr Krupa drowned in the Shannon River following a violent assault that left him unconscious. The prosecution alleges both men transported the deceased to the riverbank, assaulted him, and threw him into the water. The defence has contended that alternative verdicts of manslaughter or assault may be appropriate depending on the evidence of intent. Mr Justice Tony Hunt instructed the jury that they could return alternative verdicts on these lesser charges. The twelve-member jury deliberated for one hour and forty-nine minutes before adjourning for the night.
A 41‑year‑old Galway man, Declan O'Cualain, was charged with murdering his brother Adrian Folan. The prosecution alleged that O'Cualain strangled Folan with a bungee cord, then disposed of the body in a water‑filled pit near the Cliffs of Moher, covering it with rocks. He confessed to the act to a friend and to Gardaí, and was arrested at his home on 7 July 2014. Gardaí found the body, which was later identified at Limerick University Hospital, and evidence of a burnt knife fragment and bungee cords was recovered. O'Cualain pleaded not guilty on the grounds of insanity, claiming he was in an "utterly delusional" state and believed his brother was a paedophile. The trial is ongoing.
At the Central Criminal Court, the jury in the trial of two men charged with murdering a 23-year-old man in County Roscommon has been instructed that it may return alternative verdicts of manslaughter or assault. Leszek Sychulec, aged 34, of Drinan, Ballymahon, County Longford, and Andrzej Gruchacz, aged 35, from Warsaw, Poland, have pleaded not guilty to murdering Patryk Krupa at Bogganfin, Athlone on 20 June 2014. Both deny a further charge of false imprisonment on the same date. The trial heard that Mr Krupa drowned in the Shannon following a violent assault that rendered him unconscious. Mr Justice Tony Hunt advised the jury it could return a manslaughter conviction if it found there was no intention to kill or cause serious injury, or alternatively convict of assault causing harm. DNA evidence linked Mr Sychulec to the deceased. The jury commenced deliberations before lunchtime.
The jury in the trial of two men charged with the murder of a 23-year-old in Athlone is expected to begin deliberating on Thursday. The Central Criminal Court heard that Patryk Krupa drowned following a violent assault on 20 June 2014. Leszek Sychulec, aged 34, of Drinan, Ballymahon, County Longford, and Andrzej Gruchacz, aged 35, with an address in Warsaw, Poland, have pleaded not guilty to murder at Bogganfin, Athlone, County Roscommon. Both also deny charges of false imprisonment on the same date. Mr Justice Tony Hunt began his charge to the jury on Wednesday, completing it on Thursday before the 12-member panel retire to consider their verdicts on four counts. The prosecution contended that the accused men assaulted the deceased and left him to drown in the River Shannon. The defence disputed identification evidence relating to one accused and suggested alternative liability for assault or manslaughter rather than murder.