Danny Keena, a 55‑year‑old farmer from Empor, Ballynacargy, was found guilty of murder by a jury at the Central Criminal Court after he strangled his former partner, 43‑year‑old Brigid Maguire, on 14 November 2015. Maguire and their two children had left Keena in September 2015. Keena pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, claiming provocation after Maguire accused him of being a bad father. The court heard that Keena had previously strangled Maguire to the point of dizziness, but the jury did not hear the witness statement that described a prior strangulation that stopped her breathing. The jury returned a verdict of guilty of murder, 11 to 1, after 4 hours and 55 minutes of deliberation. Keena will receive a mandatory life sentence, with remand pending sentencing.
The jury has resumed deliberations in the Central Criminal Court trial of Danny Keena, a 55‑year‑old farmer from Empor, Ballynacargy, who is charged with murdering his former partner, 43‑year‑old Brigid Maguire, by strangulation on 14 November 2015. Keena pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. He had previously strangled Maguire to the point of dizziness, and she and their two children left him only two months before her death. The defence seeks a manslaughter verdict on the grounds of provocation, citing that Maguire accused him of being a bad father. The prosecution argues that provocation is inappropriate, noting his prior strangulation and threats to kill her. Judge Patrick McCarthy reminded the jury that the only options were guilty of murder or not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter, and that the accused's remorse was irrelevant.
The jury will resume deliberations on Monday in the Central Criminal Court trial of Danny Keena, a 55‑year‑old farmer from Empor, Ballynacargy, Co. Westmeath, who is charged with murdering his 43‑year‑old mother‑in‑law, Brigid Maguire, by strangulation on 14 November 2015. Keena pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter at her home on Main Street, Ballynacargy. He had previously strangled her to the point of dizziness, and she and her two children had left him only two months before her death. The defence seeks a manslaughter verdict on the basis of provocation, citing an alleged remark by Ms Maguire that he was a bad father to their son. The prosecution argues that the case is not suitable for a provocation defence, noting testimony that Keena had previously strangled her and threatened to kill her.
Danny Keena, 55, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in the death of 43‑year‑old Brigid Maguire, who was strangled on November 14, 2015, at her home on Main Street, Ballynacargy. During his closing speech in the Central Criminal Court, Keena, through his barrister, requested a verdict of manslaughter on the grounds of provocation, citing Maguire's remark that he was a bad father. Prosecutor Remy Farrell argued that the case did not meet the provocation defence, noting Keena's prior threats to kill his partner and his description of the strangulation method. Defence counsel Colm Smyth highlighted the couple's separation, Keena's financial support for the family, and Maguire's hostile communication, arguing that these circumstances triggered Keena's reaction. The court heard both sides' closing arguments before the jury considered the verdict.
During the Central Criminal Court trial of Danny Keena, the teenage son of the accused, who is not named because of his age, gave emotional testimony about his father's behaviour towards his mother, Brigid Maguire. He described how Keena had threatened to kill her, saying "I'd kill you," and had repeatedly harassed her, including an incident where he spilled milk on her hair. The son recalled being woken one night in sixth class when Keena held a hammer and threatened his mother, and that he and his sister tried to protect her but were prevented from leaving. He said that after the family moved out in September 2015, Keena continued to threaten her. The son's testimony was interrupted by a break when he became upset. The trial is proceeding before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of seven men and five women.
Danny Keena, a 55‑year‑old farmer from Empor, Ballynacargy, Westmeath, is on trial for the murder of 43‑year‑old Brigid Maguire, the mother of his two children. He pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. During the trial, Keena demonstrated to Gardaí how he strangled Maguire after a dispute at her new home. He described following her to her bedroom, arguing, and then choking her for a few minutes until she fell and her tongue turned blue. He claimed he did not intend to kill her, stating he panicked when she was dying. Keena also admitted having attempted suicide twice and that he had threatened to kill himself. The court heard a post‑mortem report indicating extensive neck injury and asphyxiation as the cause of death. The trial is proceeding before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury.
In the Central Criminal Court, the niece of Danny Keena, charged with murdering Brigid Maguire, testified that he had threatened to run his car into her if they met on the road. She recalled a phone call six or seven weeks before Maguire's death, during which Keena said he was "sick of it all" and would kill himself after driving into her. The niece, who had a good relationship with Keena, said she did not believe he would hang himself. She also confirmed that she had not told the Gardaí about the call. The court heard that Maguire's post‑mortem revealed extensive neck injury and asphyxiation. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, continues with a jury of seven men and five women.
In the Central Criminal Court, Jade Maguire testified that her father, Danny Keena, had threatened to kill her mother, Brigid Maguire, with a hammer and later a poker before Brigid's strangulation on 14 November 2015. Jade and her brother had left the Keena household weeks earlier, but Keena returned with a baseball bat and attempted to stop them from leaving. Jade described hearing her father shout that he would kill her mother and seeing marks on Brigid's neck. She found Brigid lying dead on the floor after entering the house. Keena, 54, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, is expected to last five days, with a jury of seven men and five women hearing the evidence.
Danny Keena, 54, of Empor, Ballynacargy, Westmeath, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of his partner, 41‑year‑old Brigid Maguire, who was strangled in her home on 14 November 2015. He pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea rejected by the Director of Public Prosecutions. A jury of seven men and five women is hearing the case. Prosecutor Remy Farrell SC described the couple's long‑term partnership, their two teenage children, and the breakdown of their relationship by 2015. He noted that Maguire's daughter, Jade, found her mother lying on the floor and that the mother had been dead for some time, having been strangled. Farrell highlighted that Keena was absent at the time of the killing, had fled, slept rough, and later admitted the killing at a neighbour's house.
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.
In a 2017 appeal, a 58‑year‑old carer from Mullingar was found guilty of indecent assault on a 24‑year‑old vulnerable male resident at a residential care centre. The resident, who had a mild intellectual disability and various physical ailments, alleged that the carer, while the resident was bathing at about 8 pm, had put his hand in the bath and attempted to touch him. The resident had previously complained to a nurse in December, leading to an internal investigation and the carer's suspension with pay, after which he was allowed to resume work. Gardaí later opened a criminal investigation, resulting in the 2014 conviction of a single count of indecent assault, for which the court imposed a wholly suspended 12‑month sentence. The Court of Appeal upheld the conviction, ruling that the offence covers both the apprehension of and actual uninvited, unwelcome physical contact. The appeal was dismissed on all grounds. The unnamed 58-year-old pleaded not guilty.
A garda inspector testified at the Charleton tribunal that she received no instruction to inform the Office of the Garda Commissioner that an allegation of serious sexual abuse against Sergeant Maurice McCabe was false. Inspector Karen Duffy, then holding sergeant rank in the office of assistant commissioner Kieran Kenny, confirmed she forwarded correspondence reporting the allegation to the commissioner's office in May 2014 as directed. However, she stated she was never instructed to send subsequent correspondence clarifying that the allegation contained administrative errors and that the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed no prosecution in 2007. A HSE manager told the tribunal the error, which involved disclosure of a surname from an unrelated case, did not constitute a data protection breach. An interim director with Tusla acknowledged significant failures in oversight and governance across multiple levels of the process, including non-compliance with Children First guidelines and record-keeping regulations. The tribunal, examining claims that Sergeant McCabe was subjected to a smear campaign, continues.
In 2017 the Charleton tribunal heard that a false rape allegation had remained on Sergeant Maurice McCabe's file until that year. The allegation was forwarded to the Garda Commissioner in May 2014 by Assistant Commissioner Kieran Kenny after receiving a report from Chief Superintendent James Sheridan. The DPP had directed in 2007 that no prosecution should be made against McCabe following an allegation of inappropriate touching by Ms D. A Tusla file opened in 2013 after Ms D sought counselling mistakenly added unrelated allegations. The tribunal is investigating whether McCabe was the target of a smear campaign. A subsequent Tusla report, sent to Kenny after the error was discovered, was not forwarded to Garda HQ. Kenny wrote to the Commissioner on 16 May 2014, enclosing Sheridan's correspondence. Sheridan later wrote on 23 May 2014 that Tusla had realised the error and no further Garda investigation was needed.
The Charleton tribunal heard that Sergeant Maurice McCabe was forced to retreat into his garda station following a confrontation with family members of the woman who alleged he sexually assaulted her. In 2007, the DPP recommended against bringing charges, stating there was no evidence an offence had been committed. The tribunal is examining claims of a smear campaign against Sgt McCabe. In 2008, Sgt McCabe wrote to Superintendent Michael Clancy regarding incidents involving the accuser's father, a garda colleague. Inspector Noel Cunningham, who had previously investigated the 2007 allegations, was instructed to investigate the 2008 claims despite knowing both parties. Sgt McCabe subsequently went on sick leave and was transferred to Mullingar. Supt Cunningham denied taking part in a smear campaign or ignoring a 2013 letter from HSE social worker Keara McGlone, who is the applicant in this matter. Retired Chief Superintendent James Sheridan stated he believed the sexual assault allegation against Sgt McCabe could not be right. In May 2014, a Tusla notification containing an inaccurate allegation was sent to Bailieboro Garda Station. Superintendent Leo McGinn recommended a review by officers outside the Cavan-Monaghan division, noting the DPP's non-prosecution direction. He stated he had no animus toward Sgt McCabe and did not meet him. A July 2014 meeting in Mullingar discussed the confusion over different allegations and cut-and-paste errors, with minutes sent to the garda commissioner's office.
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.
In a Court of Appeal decision on 16 June 2017, Elaine Newman, aged 32, was awarded €200,000 in damages after losing an eye in a 2007 accident at the home of Marie and Patrick Cogan in Delganstown, Delvin, Co. Westmeath. Newman had sued the Cogan parents under the Occupiers Liability Act 1995, claiming they failed to take reasonable care as occupiers. The High Court had dismissed her case in 2012, ruling that the Cogan parents could not be held liable for choosing non‑shatterproof glass for the door. The Appeal Court, in a unanimous judgment by Justices Mary Finlay Geoghegan, Mary Irvine and Gerard Hogan, overturned that decision. The court held that the Cogan parents were liable because the glass installed in 2000/01 did not meet the standard of safety glass expected of a competent tradesman, and that the accident caused by Emmett Cogan's fall and the resulting glass shards led to Newman's loss of an eye.
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.
Mei Hui Chen, 37, was convicted by a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court jury of assaulting his brother, Michael Chen, on 8 June 2016. Chen stabbed his brother five times in the back and thighs after a brief encounter outside a pub on Westmoreland Street. The jury found him guilty of assault causing serious harm and assault causing harm. He was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment, with the final three years suspended, and the sentence backdated to the date of the offence. Chen was arrested shortly after the attack and has remained in custody. The court noted that Michael Chen suffered a punctured kidney, spent 14 days in hospital, and had to sell his restaurant and faced marital difficulties as a result of the incident. Chen had no fixed address at the time of the assault and had recently come to Dublin to seek work. The judge ordered him to stay away from his brother and his family upon release. The unnamed man pleaded not guilty.
A 44-year-old man from County Louth has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation, a charge he denies relates to the Irish Republican Army. Michael Connolly of Dundalk faced trial at the Special Criminal Court, where the prosecution alleged he was observed driving in convoy with another man who was later found in possession of improvised explosive devices. The prosecution's case relied significantly on evidence from a Garda Assistant Commissioner regarding his belief in Mr Connolly's membership status, along with interviews conducted under statutory powers. The defence argued that this evidence lacked independent corroboration and fell short of legal requirements, contending the case should fail. The three-judge court rejected an earlier defence application for a directed acquittal. Judgment is scheduled for delivery on 1 June 2017.
A 44-year-old man from Dundalk, County Louth, will have the Special Criminal Court determine tomorrow whether his trial for alleged IRA membership can proceed. Michael Connolly has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation on 16 December 2014. The prosecution alleges he was observed by gardaí driving in convoy along the N52 with another man who was later found with two improvised explosive devices. The defence applied today for a direction that the evidence was insufficient, arguing there were defects in the assistant commissioner's opinion underpinning the case and that Mr Connolly's presence at commemorations and demonstrations, or his association with previously convicted individuals, did not necessarily indicate IRA membership. The defence also contended there was no evidence Mr Connolly possessed or knew of the explosive devices. The three-judge court noted the application raised matters of sufficient substance and indicated closing speeches would be heard tomorrow.
Gardaí forcibly removed a man from his vehicle during a roadside stop on the N52 in County Meath in December 2014, the Special Criminal Court heard. Michael Connolly, aged 44, of Dundalk, County Louth, has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army. The prosecution alleges that Connolly was observed driving in convoy with another vehicle. Detective Sergeant Daniel O'Driscoll told the court that gardaí became suspicious the cars may carry firearms or explosives and moved to stop them at Mitchelstown Cross. When Connolly did not comply with orders to turn off his ignition, another detective broke the car window and removed him forcibly. A brown paper bag recovered from the second vehicle contained two items wrapped in bubblewrap and black tape, which Detective Sergeant Padraig Boyce described as resembling improvised explosive devices. The court also examined CCTV footage from a petrol station on the N52. The trial, before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and two other judges, continues.
A trial at the Special Criminal Court has heard surveillance evidence relating to the movements of two vehicles through counties Westmeath and Louth on 16 December 2014. Michael Connolly, aged 44 and of Grange Drive in Dundalk, County Louth, has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army. The prosecution alleges that officers from the National Surveillance Unit observed Mr Connolly driving in convoy with another man, who was subsequently found in possession of two improvised explosive devices. During proceedings before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and two other judges, several NSU officers provided evidence regarding the movements of a blue Fiat Punto and a black Vauxhall Vectra. Witnesses described observations of the vehicles parting and reuniting at locations in Mullingar and Delvin. The trial continues before the court.
Michael Connolly, aged 44 and resident of Grange Drive in Dundalk, County Louth, has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army on 16 December 2014. The Special Criminal Court heard opening arguments from the prosecution that Mr Connolly was observed driving in convoy with another man, Brian Fitzpatrick, following observations by members of the National Surveillance Unit. The court was told the men left the same house together in separate vehicles in the Ardee area before travelling in convoy towards Mullingar. It was further stated that two improvised explosive devices were discovered in Fitzpatrick's vehicle when both cars were stopped on the N52. The prosecution case will rely on evidence from Garda Assistant Commissioner Michael O'Sullivan regarding his belief of Mr Connolly's membership, along with garda interviews conducted under the Offences Against the State Act. The trial, before Mr Justice Tony Hunt presiding with Judge John O'Hagan and Judge Flann Brennan, continues before the three-judge, non-jury court.
An 87-year-old man has initiated High Court proceedings in relation to allegations that his nephew withdrew over €130,000 from his bank account for personal use. Patrick Hogan, from Harristown in County Meath, granted his nephew Thomas Kelly a mandate in 2012 to manage withdrawals from his credit union account. According to evidence presented to the court, a forensic accountant calculated that Mr Kelly withdrew approximately €153,000 between 2012 and 2016, with an estimated €133,000 allegedly spent without authorisation. Mr Justice Paul Gilligan granted an interim freezing injunction preventing Mr Kelly from reducing his assets below €200,000 and temporarily prohibited the sale of a property he owns. The matter was adjourned to the following week. A complaint has been made to An Garda Síochána regarding the allegations.
Patrick Joyce, a 23‑year‑old from Greenpark Meadows, Mullingar, was charged with violent disorder and assault against Michael and Annemarie Nevin on 13 October 2016. The High Court heard his bail application on 29 March 2017. The State objected to bail under Section 2 of the Bail Act, which allows refusal if the court believes the person may commit a serious offence while on bail. Garda Bobby Feery, representing the State, agreed with the objection. During cross‑examination, Joyce's counsel suggested that offering an alternative address might reduce concerns. Judge Tony Hunt noted that the evidence might be "a bit short of it" for a serious offence. Consequently, the court granted bail on Joyce's own bond of €300 and an independent surety of €4,000, with €2,000 to be lodged in court.
Danny Keena, 54, of Empor, Ballynacargy, Westmeath, faces trial for the murder of Brigid Maguire, who was found dead on Main Street, Ballynacargy, on 14 November 2015. Keena had pleaded guilty to manslaughter, but the Director of Public Prosecutions rejected the plea, stating it was not acceptable. Consequently, a jury trial has been scheduled for 2 October, and the case is expected to last one week.
During the second day of Andresj Krauze's murder trial, the jury heard that his brother, Sergejs Krauze, had been convicted of manslaughter in the death of Juris Buls. Garda Cormac Bane presented CCTV footage from Glenamaddy showing a maroon‑coloured Honda Accord, similar to Sergejs's car, arriving an hour after Buls' girlfriend left his home. The footage also suggested a black Audi, Buls' vehicle, was seen driving around four hours after Buls was last seen alive. The prosecution alleged that Buls was killed in his home by Andresj Krauze shortly after the Honda arrived, and that his body was taken to a wooded area 7 km outside Glenamaddy. The case was heard by a jury of six men and six women, and the trial continues before Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan. Andresj Krauze pleaded not guilty.
Martin Stokes, 25, of Corkhill, Kinnegad, was convicted of defilement of a child under 15 and of raping a 14‑year‑old girl in Westmeath on 3 June 2011. He denied the rape and assault, claiming the contact was consensual. A Central Criminal Court jury found him guilty on all counts and sentenced him to 12 years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended by Mr Justice Carroll Moran on 7 August 2015. Stokes' appeal against conviction was dismissed in December. On appeal, the Court of Appeal re‑sentenced him to 10 years' imprisonment, suspending the final three years. Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan noted that the original judge had given undue weight to Stokes' lies, leading to an error in the starting point of the sentence. The Court of Appeal considered the four‑year delay, Stokes' age at the time of the offence, and the need for rehabilitation, and imposed a good‑behaviour bond for the suspended period. Martin Stokes pleaded not guilty.
A mother‑of‑one, Aisling Burke, originally charged with murdering Dale Creighton, began a one‑year jail term for violent disorder during the fatal attack on a Tallaght footbridge. The 14‑minute assault on the 20‑year‑old Creighton started after Burke's mobile phone was stolen as she walked home from a night club. Burke had been sentenced to five years with four suspended last week, but was given a week to arrange care for her child. She returned to the Central Criminal Court today. The court found that Burke did not inflict any physical violence on Creighton and sentenced her to five years in prison, suspending the final four years for two years on condition of good behaviour, keeping the peace and probation supervision. She was not required to enter a bond in court but will do so before the governor or a deputy of the governor in prison.
Five men were sentenced at the Central Criminal Court for the killing of Dale Creighton, who died from blunt force injuries after a 14-minute assault at a Tallaght footbridge in 2014. The defendants, originally charged with murder, changed their pleas to guilty of manslaughter. Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy described the attack as prolonged and vicious, noting that the victims were 'pretty normal, average young people.' Graham Palmer (26) was jailed for five years; Ross Callery (23) and Jason Beresford (23) each received six-year sentences; David Burke (28) was sentenced to seven and a half years; and Gerard Stevens (27) received three years. Aisling Burke (23), who pleaded guilty to violent disorder, was given a five-year sentence with the final four years suspended for two years, though the imposition of this sentence was adjourned for one week to allow her to arrange childcare. James Reid (26), who pleaded guilty to possession of a knife, received a fully suspended two-year sentence and entered a €1,000 bond to be of good behaviour for two years. The victim's family expressed disappointment at the leniency of the sentences, particularly regarding the suspended portions.
Martin Stokes, a 25-year-old man from Kinnegad, Westmeath, appeared before the Court of Appeal to challenge the severity of his sentence. He had previously pleaded not guilty to the defilement of a child under 15 in Westmeath on June 3, 2011, as well as rape and sexual assault. A Central Criminal Court jury found him guilty on all counts, and he was sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended, by Mr Justice Carroll Moran in August 2015. Stokes's earlier appeal against conviction was dismissed in December. In today's hearing, his barrister, Padraig Dwyer SC, argued that the sentence was excessive, noting the absence of additional violence or threats. Dwyer contended that the trial judge placed undue emphasis on Stokes's denials and the resulting trauma to the victim, while also highlighting the personal impact on Stokes, including the end of his marriage and separation from his child. Conversely, counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions, Pauline Walley SC, maintained the sentence was proportionate, citing the victim's severe depression, anxiety, and the disruption to her education caused by multiple trial dates. The court, comprising Mr Justice George Birmingham, Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan, and Mr Justice Alan Mahon, reserved its judgment, indicating it hopes to deliver its decision as soon as possible. The matter remains adjourned pending this final ruling.
Seven defendants appeared before the Central Criminal Court for sentencing following the death of Dale Creighton, who died from blunt force injuries sustained during an assault on a Tallaght footbridge on New Year's Day 2014. Originally charged with murder, the group pleaded guilty to lesser offences on the 15th day of their trial. Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, Gerard Stevens, Jason Beresford, and David Burke each pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Jason Beresford also pleaded guilty to violent disorder, as did Aisling Burke. James Reid pleaded guilty to possession of a knife with a blade or sharp point. The court heard victim impact statements from Creighton's parents, who expressed their enduring grief and stated they would never forgive those responsible. Counsel for the defendants submitted mitigation, noting that most expressed remorse and had no prior convictions. Aisling Burke's counsel highlighted her status as a mother and her early plea. Graham Palmer's counsel noted his cooperation with Gardaí and admission of involvement in punching and slapping the deceased. David Burke's counsel argued he did not cause serious harm and attempted to stop others. The judge is now considering appropriate sentences for these admitted offences.
James Walsh, aged 30, pleaded guilty to possession of a pistol with intent to endanger life after a shooting at the Church of the Transfiguration in Clondalkin on 26 March 2014. He shot himself in the leg while escaping the scene. The prosecution sought a nolle prosequi on a separate attempted murder charge against Michael Frazer, 37, who was shot twice and later sought sanctuary at a Garda station. On 1 December 2016, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy sentenced Walsh to ten years' imprisonment, backdated to his initial custody on 5 December 2014. The judge highlighted strong circumstantial evidence, including a black jacket, a mobile phone, and a spent bullet found in Walsh's car, linking him to the shooting. Walsh had spent two years in custody awaiting trial and had prior convictions. The sentence reflected the seriousness of using a firearm to endanger life.
Martin Stokes, aged 25, of Corkhill, Kinnegad, was convicted of defilement of a child under 15 and of raping a 14‑year‑old girl in a field in Westmeath on 3 June 2011. He pleaded not guilty, denied knowledge of the girl and later claimed their interaction was consensual. A Central Criminal Court jury found him guilty on all counts. He received a 12‑year sentence, with the final two years suspended by Mr Justice Carroll Moran on 7 August 2015. Stokes appealed on 14 grounds, including the admission of inadmissible hearsay that he had threatened the complainant and other procedural objections. The Court of Appeal, after considering the grounds cumulatively, rejected the appeal. Stokes did not react to the judgment and will appeal the severity of his sentence in the next term.
The sentence hearing for seven accused in the 2014 death of Dale Creighton was adjourned, with Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy indicating sentences will be announced in January. The accused, originally charged with murder, pleaded guilty to lesser offences after their initial not-guilty pleas were withdrawn during trial. Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, Gerard Stevens, Jason Beresford, and David Burke pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Jason Beresford and Aisling Burke pleaded guilty to violent disorder. James Reid pleaded guilty to possession of a knife. Evidence presented included CCTV footage and testimony from Sergeant Brian Cagney, who stated Creighton was found unconscious on a Tallaght footbridge without a mobile phone, despite an allegation he had stolen one. Creighton died from blunt force injuries. The court noted prior convictions for David Burke, James Reid, and Gerard Stevens. A letter from Beresford, read by counsel, apologized to the Creighton family. The matter remains pending final sentencing.
In a sentencing hearing that began on 19 December 2016, five Dublin men who had admitted killing a 20‑year‑old on a Tallaght footbridge on New Year's Morning 2014 were sentenced. The men, all in their twenties and from Tallaght, had originally been charged with murder but the charges were dropped on the 15th day of the trial after they pleaded guilty to lesser offences. The victims' death was caused by blunt force injury to the head and face. The defendants – Aisling Burke (23), David Burke (28), Graham Palmer (26), Ross Callery (23), James Reid (26), Jason Beresford (23) and Gerard Stevens (27) – had all pleaded not guilty to murder but later pleaded guilty to manslaughter, violent disorder or possession of a knife. The court heard CCTV footage and Garda interview memos during the hearing.
James Walsh, 30, pleaded guilty to possession of a pistol firearm with intent to endanger life at the Church of the Transfiguration, Clondalkin, on 26 March 2014. The offence arose from a shooting that occurred at the church that evening. Walsh's plea was accepted by the Director of Public Prosecutions and a nolle prosequi was entered on a count of attempted murder of Michael Frazer, 37, who was shot and later presented to Clondain Garda Station bleeding and distressed. Walsh had a prior firearms offence in 2006, for which he was convicted in 2007. Counsel for the DPP argued that a mandatory minimum of 10 years applies to a second firearms offence under legislation enacted 1 November 2006. Counsel for Walsh contended that the court was not bound to impose the minimum and urged consideration of his guilty plea and rehabilitation efforts. Judge Patrick McCarthy noted the seriousness of firearms offences and the limited discretion in sentencing.
The Central Criminal Court heard that James Walsh, aged 30, pleaded guilty to possession of a pistol with intent to endanger life after a shooting at the Church of the Transfiguration in Clondalkin on 26 March 2014. The prosecution argued that Walsh shot himself in the leg while escaping the scene, an act supported by circumstantial evidence including CCTV, ballistic and DNA findings linking a blue Fiat Stilo to the crime scene and to Walsh. Witnesses described a man in black and a Mini Cooper involved in the incident. Walsh was arrested on 5 December 2014 and remanded in custody pending the remainder of his sentence hearing on 14 December. The court noted his prior convictions, including a Firearms Act offence that could impose a mandatory minimum of ten years in prison. The case also involved a nolle prosequi on a separate attempted murder count against Walsh.
At the Central Criminal Court, Ross Callery and Gerard Stevens were remanded in custody to await sentencing for their part in the killing of Dale Creighton. The seven accused, originally charged with murder and violent disorder, had their pleas changed on the 15th day of the trial. Callery and Stevens pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Jason Beresford pleaded guilty to manslaughter and violent disorder. James Reid pleaded guilty to possession of a knife. Aisling Burke pleaded guilty to violent disorder. Graham Palmer and David Burke pleaded not guilty to manslaughter. All murder charges were dropped. The court granted Aisling Burke bail until sentencing. Callery and Stevens, who had been on bail, were remanded in custody after answering their bail. The other accused, including Palmer, Beresford, Reid, and David Burke, were remanded in custody for sentencing on December 19th. The court noted a medical report might assist regarding Stevens. The incident occurred on New Year's Morning 2014 at a footbridge in Tallaght, where Creighton was assaulted and died the following day from blunt force injuries.
At the Central Criminal Court, the jury was discharged after five accused changed their pleas from not guilty to murder to guilty to manslaughter, while two co-accused admitted to lesser charges. The case concerns the death of Dale Creighton, who was assaulted at a Tallaght footbridge in 2014 and died from blunt force injuries. Aisling Burke pleaded guilty to violent disorder. James Reid pleaded guilty to possessing a knife. Ross Callery, Jason Beresford, David Burke, Graham Palmer, and Gerard Stevens all pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The court granted Aisling Burke bail until sentencing. Ross Callery and Gerard Stevens were remanded on bail until next Monday. Jason Beresford, David Burke, Graham Palmer, and James Reid were remanded in custody. The court directed probation reports for Callery, Stevens, Beresford, Aisling Burke, David Burke, and Palmer, as well as a victim impact report. The matter was adjourned, with sentencing scheduled for December.
The Central Criminal Court trial of seven Dubliners accused of murdering Dale Creighton and violent disorder is ongoing. Creighton was assaulted on New Year's Morning 2014 at a Tallaght footbridge and died the following day. All seven accused initially pleaded not guilty to both charges. However, Jason Beresford later changed his plea, admitting to the violent disorder charge while maintaining his not guilty plea to murder. The other six accused—Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, James Reid, and Gerard Stevens—continue to contest both allegations. On the 14th day of the trial, the jury reviewed CCTV footage showing five accused running from the scene as gardai arrived. Sergeant Brian Cagney described specific actions, including kicks by Callery and Beresford, and strikes by Stevens, Palmer, and Beresford. The footage captured Beresford, Callery, Palmer, Aisling Burke, and David Burke fleeing simultaneously upon seeing police lights. James Reid and Gerard Stevens were seen moving separately. The matter was adjourned, with the prosecution case expected to conclude on Tuesday.
The Central Criminal Court trial of seven Dubliners charged with the murder of Dale Creighton has heard expert evidence regarding his cause of death. Creighton, 20, was assaulted on New Year's Morning 2014 at the footbridge over the Tallaght bypass and died the following day. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis testified that Creighton sustained extensive blunt force trauma to the head and face, resulting in brain swelling, diffuse axonal injury, and brain stem compression. He identified a fractured skull, broken nose, dislocated thumb, and a stab wound to the thigh, noting the latter was likely inflicted by an implement other than a knife. Toxicology revealed modest alcohol and trace cocaine levels. Dr Curtis concluded the cause of death was blunt force injury, stating that axonal injury could result from direct violence or prolonged coma. Under cross-examination, he acknowledged that injuries from an earlier assault by a man not before the court could have contributed to the fatal brain damage. The accused are Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, James Reid, Jason Beresford, and Gerard Stevens. All pleaded not guilty to murder. While all initially pleaded not guilty to violent disorder, Jason Beresford later changed his plea to guilty for that specific charge. The trial continues before Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy and a jury.
The Central Criminal Court trial of seven accused individuals charged with the murder of Dale Creighton and violent disorder is ongoing before Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy. The defendants, Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, James Reid, Jason Beresford, and Gerard Stevens, have all pleaded not guilty to murder. While initially pleading not guilty to violent disorder, Jason Beresford subsequently changed his plea to guilty on that specific charge. On the 13th day of the trial, the jury reviewed CCTV footage of the fatal assault, which occurred on New Year's Day 2014 at a footbridge over the Tallaght bypass. Sergeant Brian Cagney provided commentary, identifying specific actions attributed to the accused, including David Burke striking the deceased and Ross Callery punching him. The sergeant also noted that James Reid was seen holding a knife and phone, and that Gerard Stevens slapped the deceased. Additionally, the jury heard evidence regarding James O'Brien, who was charged with assault causing harm after allegedly kicking and punching the victim. The matter remains at the trial stage and has not been finalised.
A 66-year-old man from Drumlish, County Longford has been convicted at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin of possessing an explosive substance and making bomb threats during a state visit in May 2011. Donal Billings was found guilty of unlawfully possessing an explosive device at Longford railway station car park on May 16th, 2011, and of four counts under the Criminal Law Act of 1976 relating to false bomb reports. He was convicted of making false reports claiming bombs had been placed at Busáras and Sinn Féin headquarters in Dublin, at Dublin Castle, and at Cork airport. The court heard that an improvised explosive device was discovered on a passenger bus following one of the telephoned threats. Evidence established that phone calls making the threats were made using a SIM card purchased by Billings in Longford and traced to his mobile phone's unique identifier. The three judges rejected his claims of coincidence and found him an unreliable witness. Billings was remanded in custody pending sentencing on November 30th.
The Central Criminal Court trial of seven accused in the 2014 murder of Dale Creighton continues before Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy. The defendants, including Jason Beresford, Gerard Stevens, Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, and James Reid, face charges of murder and violent disorder. While all initially pleaded not guilty to both counts, Beresford subsequently changed his plea to guilty on the violent disorder charge. The remaining six accused maintain their not guilty pleas to both murder and violent disorder. Evidence presented includes garda interviews with Stevens, who admitted to kicking, punching, and slapping the victim on the Tallaght bypass footbridge. Stevens stated he did not know why he acted and described the incident as a moment of madness. Cross-examination highlighted that Stevens became distressed while reviewing CCTV footage. Additionally, testimony regarding Aisling Burke confirmed she was arrested shortly after the assault and examined for injuries, though no probative evidence emerged from her interview. The trial is ongoing, with no final verdict or sentencing recorded at this procedural stage.
The Central Criminal Court trial of seven accused individuals for the murder of Dale Creighton and violent disorder is ongoing before Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy. The defendants, Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, James Reid, Jason Beresford, and Gerard Stevens, have all pleaded not guilty to murder. While all initially pleaded not guilty to violent disorder, Jason Beresford subsequently changed his plea to guilty on that specific charge. The jury is currently hearing evidence regarding garda interviews with David Burke, who was arrested in Tallaght on January 2, 2014. Mr. Burke alleged that the deceased pulled a knife on him and stole his sister's phone, prompting him to strike the victim. He denied participating in the fatal assault, claiming he attempted to stop others and protect the deceased. However, when shown CCTV footage, he admitted to hitting and kicking Mr. Creighton, stating he did so in self-defense. The trial continues with further evidence to be presented to the jury.
The Central Criminal Court trial of seven Dubliners accused of the murder of Dale Creighton continues before Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy. The accused, Jason Beresford, Ross Callery, Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, James Reid, and Gerard Stevens, have all pleaded not guilty to murder. While each initially pleaded not guilty to violent disorder, Jason Beresford subsequently changed his plea to guilty on that specific charge. The jury is currently hearing evidence regarding garda interviews with Ross Callery, who allegedly assaulted Mr Creighton on New Year's Morning 2014 at the Tallaght bypass footbridge. Mr Creighton died in hospital the following day. Detective Garda Kieran McGrath testified that Callery admitted to kicking the victim while he was on his hands and knees, describing the force as a seven out of ten. Callery stated he was protecting himself by not identifying other participants and expressed shock upon learning of the death, stating he did not intend for the victim to die. The trial is ongoing, with no final verdict or sentence recorded at this procedural stage.
The Central Criminal Court trial of seven Dubliners accused of murdering Dale Creighton, who died after being assaulted on New Year's Morning 2014 at a Tallaght footbridge, continues before Justice Deirdre Murphy. The accused are Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, James Reid, Jason Beresford, and Gerard Stevens. All initially pleaded not guilty to murder and violent disorder; however, Jason Beresford later changed his plea to guilty for violent disorder. The others maintain their not guilty pleas to both charges. Evidence heard included garda interviews with Graham Palmer, who alleged the victim was already injured before he arrived. Palmer admitted punching the victim in the stomach and face, stating he did so to get his attention, while denying causing the fatal injuries. He expressed regret for his actions. The trial is ongoing and was adjourned to continue on Monday.
A 66-year-old man from Drumlish, County Longford has told the Special Criminal Court that he was visiting his brother in hospital on the night an improvised explosive device was discovered on a Dublin-bound passenger bus on the eve of a royal state visit in May 2011. Donal Billings denies unlawful possession of an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park and four charges under the Criminal Law Act of 1976 relating to false bomb reports made to gardaí, including threats involving Busáras, Sinn Féin headquarters, Dublin Castle and Cork airport. The prosecution alleges Mr Billings placed the device on the bus and made threatening calls during the Queen's visit. Giving evidence through an interpreter, the accused stated there was no forensic evidence, witnesses or fingerprints linking him to the charges and characterised the case against him as entirely circumstantial. He told the court he found a SIM card in a carpark and picked it up. The trial continues.
The trial of seven Dubliners charged with the murder of Dale Creighton and violent disorder is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. Creighton, a 20-year-old Tallaght native, died in hospital on January 2, 2014, after being assaulted on New Year's Morning 2014 at the footbridge over the Tallaght bypass. The accused are Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, James Reid, Jason Beresford, and Gerard Stevens. All pleaded not guilty to murder. While all initially pleaded not guilty to violent disorder, Jason Beresford later changed his plea to guilty for that specific charge. During cross-examination, Beresford admitted to kicking Creighton in the head and punching him in the stomach, stating he was "stupidly drunk and furious." He denied stamping on the victim. The court also heard that James O'Brien, who was seen on CCTV punching and kicking Creighton, was charged with the lesser offence of assault causing harm. O'Brien pleaded not guilty to this charge. The jury was dismissed to allow the court to address a legal issue, with proceedings scheduled to resume on Wednesday.