Court archive
Court reports mentioning Clonmellon, Westmeath
2023-02-08 · Louth
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence from victims of "creeper" burglaries in the ongoing trial of two men accused of conspiring to commit such break-ins across the border region. Brendan Treanor and James Flynn, both charged with conspiracy to steal car keys from residential properties between September 2012 and January 2013, have pleaded not guilty. They face additional charges relating to a seven-thousand-euro robbery at Lordship Credit Union in Co Louth on 25 January 2013. Detective Garda Neil Brady outlined gardaí investigations into overnight burglaries in Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Westmeath where door locks were forced to access vehicles. Five witnesses gave accounts of thefts from their homes, including a vehicle stolen from Virginia, Co Cavan in October 2012 whose engine was later recovered on the M1 motorway. Other victims described vehicles taken from properties in Westmeath following forced entry during January 2013. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt.
2017-07-10 · Louth
A Luth man has been sentenced to three years in prison following his conviction for membership of an unlawful organisation. Michael Connolly, aged 45, of Dundalk, was found guilty by the Special Criminal Court of membership of the IRA. The three-judge, non-jury court heard evidence that Connolly had travelled in convoy with another individual in the Ardee area on December 16th, 2014. The second man was subsequently stopped and found in possession of two improvised explosive devices. Telephone contact between the two men was also established. During sentencing, the presiding judge described the operation as "very well-planned" and noted the sophisticated nature of the devices recovered. The court considered Connolly's employment history and family circumstances as mitigating factors, whilst treating the apparent purpose behind his involvement as an aggravating consideration. Connolly had previously denied the charge.
2017-06-01 · Louth
A 44-year-old man from Dundalk in County Louth has been convicted of membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army by the Special Criminal Court. Michael Connolly, of Grange Drive, was found guilty following a trial before three judges. The court heard evidence that Connolly was observed driving in convoy with another man in the Ardee area on December 16th, 2014. Both vehicles travelled together to Mullingar, where the other man was found in possession of two improvised explosive devices. The judges accepted belief evidence from a Garda assistant commissioner regarding Connolly's membership and found he was a willing and knowing participant in the enterprise. The court drew inferences from Connolly's silence when questioned on specific matters, finding this corroborated other evidence. Connolly had pleaded not guilty to the charge. He was remanded in custody pending sentencing on July 10th.