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accused, originally charged with murder, pleaded guilty to lesser offences after their initial not-guilty pleas were withdrawn during trial.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.
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.
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.
John Lawlor, 48, died from a knife wound to a varicose vein below his knee after a dispute with David Shanley, 47, on Christmas Eve 2014 at Ballintray Lower, Courtown Harbour, Gorey, Co Wexford. Shanley called the house, was confronted by Lawlor, and a struggle ensued. Shanley admitted to manslaughter but denied murder, pleading guilty in June. He was sentenced by Mr Justice Paul Butler to five years' imprisonment, with two-and-a-half years suspended, for manslaughter. The judge noted the wound's unusual location and that the offence was on the lower scale for sentencing. Shanley had been in custody since October 10 of that year. The case involved testimony from Detective Inspector Murt Whelan, State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy, and statements from relatives of both parties. The conviction was upheld as manslaughter, not murder.
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.
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.
The trial of seven accused individuals for the murder of Dale Creighton and violent disorder is ongoing before the Central Criminal Court. The defendants, Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, James Reid, Jason Beresford, and Gerard Stevens, all pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. While all initially pleaded not guilty to violent disorder, Jason Beresford changed his plea to guilty on Wednesday. The court heard evidence that the deceased, who died on January 2, 2014, sustained a penetrating stab wound to his right leg in addition to being beaten. James Reid identified himself in CCTV footage holding a knife, claiming he took it from the deceased after it was swung at him, while denying any involvement in the assault. He described the footage as "horrific" and stated he regretted being present. Garda testimony confirmed Reid was arrested and interviewed, where he denied kicking, punching, or stabbing the victim. The trial continues under the direction of Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy.
The trial of seven Dubliners charged with the murder of 20‑year‑old Dale Creighton began on 13 October 2016. The defendants – Aisling Burke (23), David Burke (28), Graham Palmer (26), Ross Callery (23), James Reid (26), Jason Beresford (23) and Gerard Stevens (27) – all pleaded not guilty to murder and violent disorder, though Beresford later pleaded guilty to the disorder charge. Evidence from Garda Jennifer Walsh and Garda Avril Sharpe described a New Year's Day incident at the Tallaght footbridge where Creighton was found unconscious and badly beaten. The garda saw blood on the clothing of Palmer and Burke, and the footage showed the group leaving the bridge. The trial, before Justice Deirdre Murphy and a balanced jury, will continue on Friday morning. The court heard that Palmer was arrested at the scene and Reid was arrested the next day in Tallaght. The case remains at the Central Criminal Court.
The trial of seven Dubliners accused of murdering 20-year-old Dale Creighton is ongoing before the Central Criminal Court. Creighton died on January 2, 2014, following an incident at the footbridge over the Tallaght bypass on New Year's Day. While all seven defendants initially pleaded not guilty to murder and violent disorder, Jason Beresford (23) pleaded guilty to violent disorder on January 1, 2014, during the trial. The remaining six accused—Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, James Reid, and Gerard Stevens—maintain their not guilty pleas to both murder and violent disorder. The matter was not adjourned; the trial proceeded as normal. Witness Carl O'Leary testified that he saw Creighton holding a knife on the footbridge after hearing a commotion about a phone robbery. His girlfriend, Shannon Downes, identified a white jacket belonging to a woman who claimed she was assaulted and robbed. Another witness, Sophie Percy, described seeing men at the bottom of the bridge, with footage showing one passenger punching a man not before the court. The trial continues with the jury hearing further evidence.
The trial of seven Dubliners charged with the murder of 20-year-old Dale Creighton is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. All defendants, including Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, James Reid, Jason Beresford, and Gerard Stevens, have pleaded not guilty to murder and violent disorder. Prosecution counsel Seán Gillane SC alleged the group acted together to inflict serious injury or death during a 'vicious, prolonged' attack on New Year's Day 2014. Evidence presented includes CCTV footage and testimony from witness Síle McCarthy, who described seeing six or seven individuals surround, kick, and punch Creighton on the footbridge over the Tallaght bypass. The prosecution stated Creighton was thrown 'like a rag doll' down steps before being returned to the bridge, suffering blunt force injuries to the head and face that caused his death on January 2, 2014. The matter is currently at the trial stage before Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy and a jury; it has not been finalised and is expected to last approximately six weeks.
In a Central Criminal Court sentence hearing, a 48‑year‑old father of three was found to have died from a knife wound to a varicose vein in his leg on Christmas Eve 2014. The victim, John Lawlor, was stabbed by David Shanley, 47, who had pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Shanley, who was in a relationship with Lawlor's ex‑wife, claimed a struggle and that the knife fell from his pocket during an altercation. A post‑mortem confirmed death by hemorrhage and shock from the incised vein. The court heard victim impact statements from Lawlor's family, who described the loss and the emotional toll. Justice Paul Butler remanded Shanley in custody pending sentencing in two weeks. David Shanley pleaded not guilty.
The trial of seven accused individuals for the murder of Dale Creighton is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy addressed the jury, warning them against conducting internet searches or discussing the case, emphasizing that their verdicts must rely solely on evidence presented in court. The accused, Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, James Reid, Jason Beresford, and Gerard Stevens, are charged with murdering Mr. Creighton, who died on January 2, 2014, following an incident at the Tallaght bypass footbridge. All seven defendants have pleaded not guilty to the murder charges. Additionally, each accused pleaded not guilty to violent disorder at the same location on New Year's Day. The court highlighted the gravity of the proceedings, noting that murder is the most serious offence in the criminal calendar. The trial is currently at the trial stage, with no findings, sentences, or finalizations recorded. The matter was adjourned and will continue the following morning.
The trial of seven Tallaght residents accused of murdering 20‑year‑old Dale Creighton on 2 January 2014 has been adjourned to Monday. All seven, aged in their twenties, pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and to violent disorder at the footbridge over the Tallaght bypass. The accused are Aisling Burke (23), David Burke (28), Graham Palmer (26), Ross Callery (23), James Reid (26), Jason Beresford (23) and Gerard Stevens (27). A jury of six men and six women was sworn in to hear the case, which was scheduled to open that morning but was postponed because no judge was available. The court expects the trial to last up to six weeks. The incident occurred on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day, and the victim and all accused were from Tallaght. The trial will resume on Monday.
In a Tallaght court hearing on 6 October 2016, a woman and six men, all in their twenties and residents of Tallaght, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 20‑year‑old Dale Creighton, who died on 2 January 2014. The alleged killing took place at the footbridge over the Tallaght bypass between Saint Dominic's Road and Greenhills Road, about two days after an incident on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. The accused—Aisling Burke (23), David Burke (28), Graham Palmer (26), Ross Callery (23), James Reid (26), Jason Beresford (23) and Gerard Stevens (27)—were charged with murder and violent disorder on the same occasion. All seven were arraigned before the Central Criminal Court, and the judge, Justice Patrick McCarthy, swore in a jury of six women and six men, noting that no juror should be from the Tallaght area. The trial was scheduled to begin the following day and could last up to six weeks.
Leonard Dumbrell, 28, of Clonattin Village, Gorey, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment and a five‑year driving disqualification for car theft and two counts of dangerous driving in Dublin City Centre. The sentence was imposed by Judge Mary Ellen Ring on 30 July 2015. Dumbrell's appeal was dismissed by Mr Justice Alan Mahon on 28 July 2016. Mahon noted that Dumbrell had entered a car with the engine running, left the owner, and then drove away. A Garda chased him, and Dumbrell broke a red light, made illegal turns, weaved through traffic, mounted a pedestrian median on O'Connell Bridge, and crashed in Temple Bar. He had 108 previous convictions and was arrested a short distance away. Mahon found the three‑year term not "lenient" given his record and that the sentencing judge had considered rehabilitation. The appeal was therefore dismissed. Leonard Dumbrell pleaded guilty.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 28 July 2016, Justice Paul Butler granted bail to David Shanley, 47, who admitted to a Christmas Eve killing. Shanley pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of John Lawlor, who died on 24 or 25 December 2014 at Ballinatray Lower, Courtown Harbour. The State accepted the plea. Shanley had previously been on bail from the High Court but was found to have breached conditions by living at his partner's address rather than his parents' home. His partner is the deceased's widow, who is receiving ongoing hospital treatment, and Shanley is her carer. The bail terms now require Shanley to reside with his parents. The case was adjourned to 10 October 2016.
David Shanley, 47, of Courtown Harbour, Gorey, Co. Wexford, admitted to killing a 42‑year‑old man on Christmas Eve 2014 and pleaded guilty to manslaughter. He has been on bail since the High Court charged him, with conditions that he reside at his parents' address. However, he has been living with the deceased's widow and daughter at the widow's house, a situation that has caused concern for the family. Shanley is a carer for his partner, who has serious health problems and is receiving ongoing treatment in hospital. The court heard that a probation report was not yet completed, so sentencing was deferred. The case was adjourned to next Thursday morning to consider a variation of the bail conditions. The judge expressed dissatisfaction with the current bail arrangement but deferred to the bail judge's decision. The matter remains pending. David Shanley pleaded not guilty.
David Shanley of Courtown Harbour, Gorey, Co. Wexford, pleaded guilty to manslaughter for the Christmas Eve killing of 42‑year‑old John Lawlor on 24 or 25 December 2014 at Ballinatray Lower, Courtown Harbour. He had previously pleaded not guilty to murder. The prosecution's counsel, John O'Kelly SC, accepted the guilty plea. Shanley's counsel, Patrick Gageby SC, noted a complex inter‑family relationship in the case. Justice Patrick McCarthy allowed Shanley to remain on continuing bail until a further hearing on 22 July, when a probation report will be produced. No objection to bail was raised.
Noel Smith otherwise Smyth, 53, of Manomolin, Gorey, was convicted of harassment, making an unwarranted demand with menaces and money laundering between April and June 2009. He pleaded not guilty at Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court, was found guilty by a jury and sentenced to nine years' imprisonment, with the final three years suspended by Judge Gerard Giffin on 7 April 2014. The prosecution argued that a named individual received drugs from Smith about fifteen times and was pressured by Smith to pay for them; the individual had gone to his mother for money in summer 2008 and entered rehab in March 2009. Smith's appeal was dismissed by the Court of Appeal, which found the trial satisfactory and the conviction safe. The appeal was rejected on grounds including telephone records, search warrants and the alleged hoax bomb device found under a mother‑of‑three's car in June 2009.
A solicitor who admitted to dishonestly obtaining a mortgage with AIB for €297,000 between May 5, 2009, and July 20, 2009, has been given a suspended sentence. Declan McEvoy (50), who was principal at William Early Solicitors in Carlow town, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. His defence counsel highlighted that McEvoy was under extreme financial pressure and that he made a serious error in judgment to resolve issues that were not entirely his creation. Judge Melanie Greally noted that McEvoy's actions brought disgrace upon himself and his profession, which was an aggravating factor. However, she acknowledged his exceptional mitigation and the likelihood that he would not re-offend, leading her to impose an 18-month suspended sentence. The matter was adjourned following the sentence. Another Carlow defendant was also present, but no charges were listed against them, and their plea and sentence details were not provided.
A Carlow solicitor, Declan McEvoy (50), who pleaded guilty to dishonestly obtaining a mortgage with AIB for €297,000 between May 5, 2009, and July 20, 2009, will be sentenced next week. McEvoy, who was principal at William Early Solicitors in Carlow town, admitted to the charge at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. His defence counsel, Felix McEnroy SC, stated that McEvoy made a serious error in judgment to address financial issues arising from his father's firm, JM McEvoy in Gorey, which was under investigation by the Law Society. McEvoy used the mortgage proceeds to clear debts in his father's firm. The case was adjourned by Judge Melanie Greally until April 27, next, for sentencing. Another Carlow defendant also pleaded guilty, but no charges were specified. The matter was adjourned and not finalised. McEvoy, who has no previous convictions, has been living in Australia since 2012 and returned to Ireland last January, surrendering his passport. He has been remanded on continuing bail.
David Gorey, an accountant aged 33 from Kilbride, Trim, stole €489,000 from ABM Construction Ltd between August 2009 and July 2013. He used the money to pay off a €5,000 credit union loan, a €15,000 car loan, buy three BMWs worth €100,000, and fund gambling and social activities. Gorey altered payment certificates, had company directors sign them, and transferred the cash to his own accounts. He pleaded guilty to four sample theft charges. The court, after a victim impact report, noted the significant breach of trust and the impact on the business. Judge Melanie Greally imposed a two‑year custodial sentence, citing the large sum stolen and the loss of trust. Gorey had no serious prior convictions, had cooperated with investigators, and was considered low risk of re‑offending. He is now employed as a floor manager in a Trim restaurant.
John Stokes, 25, of Beachside, Riverchapel, Gorey, was jailed for five and a half years for a series of violent and theft offences. He first threatened a woman, Mary Kate McDonagh, with a crossbow in December 2014, then robbed a handbag from a woman in Ballsbridge in January 2015, and again stole a handbag from an elderly lady in Baggot Street in February 2015. Stokes had 48 prior convictions, mainly for traffic offences but also for theft, robbery, false imprisonment, burglary and knife possession. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Melanie Greally sentenced him to five and a half years, suspending the final 18 months on the condition he engage with the Probation Service for two years. The sentence reflected the seriousness of each offence and Stokes' history of drug use and lack of post‑release supervision.
Noel Smith otherwise Smyth, 53, of Gorey, Co Wexford, has appealed his conviction for harassment, making an unwarranted demand with menaces, and money laundering alleged between April and June 2009. At Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court, Smith pleaded not guilty but was found guilty by a jury. On April 7, 2014, Judge Gerard Giffin sentenced him to nine years' imprisonment, with the final three years suspended. The prosecution alleged Smith pressured a named individual to pay for drugs and made threatening calls to the individual's mother. Defence counsel Remy Farrell SC argued that police entry into Smith's dwelling was unlawful, noting Smith was "present with a pitchfork" when gardaí arrived with a warrant under section 29 of the Offences Against the State Act, a provision later ruled unconstitutional. Farrell contended that a detective sergeant's later assertion of section 6 arrest powers was a "legal confection" manufactured after the event, as the officer did not invoke such powers at the time. He described the silent invocation of police entry powers as "wholly obnoxious to Irish law." The Court of Appeal, comprising Mr Justice George Birmingham, Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan, and Mr Justice John Edwards, heard the arguments and reserved judgment. The matter remains pending, with no final decision issued.
In December 2013, Johanna Kelly, aged 42, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Patrick O'Brien, a 60‑year‑old man, and was sentenced to a term with two years suspended on the condition that she engage with addiction rehabilitation and educational courses. In December 2015, the Central Criminal Court heard that since her release earlier that year, Ms Kelly had missed appointments with probation services and failed to attend the rehabilitation programme at Cluain Mhuire Addiction Treatment Centre. Probation officer Catherine Lambert reported that Ms Kelly missed a September appointment because she could not get out of bed after drinking too much, and that she had seen other people drinking at her home in Gorey. She also noted that Ms Kelly had not attended a hairdressing course arranged by social services.
A 21‑year‑old Wexford resident, Eric Sutcliffe, was sentenced to 16 months in jail for robbing a Domino's Pizza delivery man and driving off in the victim's car. Gardaí traced the crime to Sutcliffe after he left fingerprints on a two‑litre bottle of Coke at the scene. The delivery man's €1,300 car was found burnt the following day, and the insurer declined to pay because of the nature of his job. Sutcliffe pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to robbing cash and car keys on Reuben Walk, Rialto, Dublin, on 3 November 2013. He has 62 prior convictions, including road traffic offences and thefts, and had accumulated 58 of those since the robbery. The judge, taking into account his cooperation and early guilty plea, imposed a two‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence with the final 14 months suspended.
Leonard Dumbrell, aged 26, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment for leading Gardaí on a high‑speed chase through Dublin city centre in a stolen car. He stole the vehicle in Ballsbridge, drove it at speed and in the wrong direction, nearly knocking over pedestrians on O'Connell Bridge before crashing it at Temple Bar Square. The court noted he had 108 previous convictions, including car thefts, assaulting a Garda and violent disorder, and that he had previously been allowed out on bail for drug treatment but failed to appear. Judge Mary Ellen Ring imposed concurrent sentences totalling three years, ordered that time already spent in custody be taken into account, and disqualified him from driving for five years. The case was heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where the court considered the evidence of the chase and the subsequent crash. Leonard Dumbrell pleaded guilty.
Philip Doyle, aged 38, was convicted of manslaughter for the death of his ex‑fiancée's three‑and‑a‑half‑month‑old baby, Ross Murphy, in April 2005. The Central Criminal Court, after a four‑week trial, returned a unanimous verdict of manslaughter, and Doyle was sentenced to 11 years' imprisonment on 15 May 2012. Doyle appealed, arguing that the trial judge had not adequately considered expert medical evidence and that the injuries could have resulted from an accidental fall. The Court of Appeal, led by Mr Justice Seán Ryan, rejected the appeal, stating that the conviction was "safe" and the trial was "satisfactory." Mr Justice Ryan noted that the jury had been properly instructed to weigh expert testimony and that the evidence supported the conclusion that the baby's severe injuries were inflicted by Doyle rather than by an accidental fall. The appeal was dismissed, leaving Doyle's conviction and sentence intact. Philip Doyle pleaded not guilty.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Sandra Doyle, aged 37, was found not guilty of stealing over €102,000 from the AIB bank account of retired chef Fergus Brugha, aged 62. Doyle had pleaded not guilty to 131 theft charges covering transactions between September 2008 and May 2010, including payments to Ticketmaster, a veterinary clinic, a beauty clinic, a Dundrum credit union, and mobile phone top‑ups. Judge Patrick McCartan directed the jury to acquit, stating the evidence was "entirely confused and inconclusive" and that there was insufficient proof to sustain the charges. Doyle denied all allegations, claiming she had not made any payments without permission and had not used Brugha's card. The judge noted Brugha's own uncertainty about some transactions and his admission that he may have authorized certain payments, leaving the jury to decide which, if any, were authorized. The case concluded with Doyle's acquittal.
The trial of Sandra Doyle, aged 37, continues at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. She denies stealing money from the AIB bank account of retired chef Fergus Brugha, aged 62, over a three‑year period. Evidence shows disputed transactions to Ticketmaster, online motor tax, a veterinary clinic, a beauty clinic, a Dundrum credit union account and mobile phone top‑ups. Doyle, of McCabe's Villas, Booterstown, pleaded not guilty to 131 theft counts at AIB Bank, Morehampton Road, Donnybrook, covering September 2008 to May 2010. Judge Patrick McCartan told the jury to return tomorrow after the State finished its evidence.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Fergus Brugha, aged 62, testified that he never authorised Sandra Doyle, aged 37, to withdraw €102,000 from his AIB bank account over a three‑year period. Doyle, who lives in Booterstown and previously in Gorey, pleaded not guilty to 131 theft counts covering the period from September 2008 to May 2010. The disputed transactions included payments to Ticketmaster, online motor tax, a veterinary clinic, a beauty clinic, a Dundrum credit union account and mobile phone top‑ups. Brugha explained that he had given Doyle money for a college course and a catering job, and that they had a non‑sexual, friendship‑based relationship. He noted that he had not regularly checked his statements and that he had been unaware of the withdrawals until he noticed money moving to a credit union account. The trial, presided over by Judge Patrick McCartan, is scheduled to continue until Friday.
During the 42‑day trial of 42‑year‑old Graham Dwyer at the Central Criminal Court, a detective presented a hand‑drawn map supplied by Dwyer's solicitor that led Gardaí to two knives in the basement of A&D Wejchert Architects. The map, titled 'Items of Interest', identified a shelf and two file boxes where the knives were found. One knife was a Buck Special 119, delivered to the office on 21 August 2012, and the other a flick knife. Dwyer is charged with the murder of 36‑year‑old childcare worker Elaine O'Hara, who disappeared on 22 August 2012 after leaving a mental health hospital. The trial also heard evidence of a spade found near O'Hara's remains and other items linked to Dwyer, but no verdict has yet been reached.
In October 2016, the Central Criminal Court will hear the trial of eight Tallaght residents charged in the murder of 20‑year‑old Dale Creighton, who died on 2 January after being injured on a footbridge on Saint Dominic's Road. Seven defendants—Aisling Burke (21), David Burke (26), Graham Palmer (24), Ross Callery (21), James Reid (24), Jason Beresford (21) and Gerard Stephens (25)—are charged with murder. A eighth defendant, James O'Brien (22), is charged with assault causing harm. The trial is expected to last eight weeks, with the first hearing set for 3 October 2016.
Leonard Dumbrell, 26, from Wexford, led Gardaí on a high‑speed chase through Dublin's city centre after stealing a car in Ballsbridge. He drove the vehicle at speed, up the wrong way on one‑way streets, and crashed it at Temple Bar Square. The court heard he nearly knocked over pedestrians on O'Connell Bridge while evading police. Dumbrell pleaded guilty to car theft in Dublin 4 and two counts of dangerous driving in Dublin city centre on 2 January 2013. He has 108 prior convictions, including car thefts, assaulting a Garda and violent disorder. Judge Mary Ellen Ring remanded him in custody until sentencing but granted bail to attend an eight‑week residential drug treatment programme, with a four‑week after‑care programme to follow. The court warned that any breach of the bail bond would result in remand in prison. The case highlights the Gardaí's pursuit of a repeat offender with a serious drug problem.
In a High Court hearing on 16 October 2014, Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns announced that the court would intensify judicial management to maximise efficient use of court time, following a Supreme Court decision urging tighter case management. The comments were made in a case where Mr Kevin Breen, a signalman at Iarnrod Eireann, was awarded €25,000 in damages for alleged bullying by a colleague, Mr Louis Naessens, between 2004 and 2010 at Gorey Rail Station. Breen claimed repeated criticism, confusing instructions and threats from Naessens, and that an internal investigation in December 2009 found Naessens' conduct amounted to bullying. Breen said the company failed to act, despite offering a Corrective Coaching Programme, and that the bullying continued until his transfer to Arklow Station in February 2011. Iarnrod Eireann denied the claims, stating it had undertaken counselling, mediation and investigation.