Kevin McCarthy, aged 23, pleaded guilty to one count of dangerous driving causing the death of 21‑year‑old Thomas Carroll on the N81 near Brittas, Co Wicklow, on 29 May 2014. McCarthy, who had 73 prior convictions including 14 for failing to produce proof of insurance and 18 for failing to produce a licence, was driving at an estimated 100‑120 km/h, well above the 60 km/h speed limit signposted 300 metres before the crash. The vehicle, carrying McCarthy and Carroll, spun out, flipped twice and rolled about ten times before stopping on the wrong side of the road. Carroll, a father‑of‑one, suffered massive head injuries and died shortly after the crash. McCarthy has been sentenced on 28 March, wearing a necklace with a picture of Carroll to remind him of the loss.
Roy Webster, aged 40, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the death of Anne Shortall, aged 47, on Good Friday 3 April 2015 at The Murrough, Co Wicklow. The Central Criminal Court heard that Webster beat Shortall to death with a hammer after she threatened to inform his wife of a prior affair. Shortall's body was found tied with tape in Webster's van. A statement by Carmel Phibbs, a friend of Webster's wife, described Webster as "acting completely normal" that evening, noting he had shown his wife a cut from tiling work and later claimed a woman was missing while helping Gardaí. Detective Sergeant Fergus O'Brien noted Webster's cooperation after his admission. Text and call records between Webster and Shortall from 25 March to 3 April were presented, showing Shortall demanded £6,500 for an abortion and threatened to expose their affair if the money was not paid.
The Supreme Court will hear an appeal by 28‑year‑old Gary Davis of Wicklow, who is alleged to have been an administrator of the Silk Road website, against an order for his extradition to the United States. Davis faces US charges of conspiracy to distribute narcotics, conspiracy to commit computer hacking and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The High Court ordered his extradition in August, and the Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal in September. Davis now seeks to have the Supreme Court consider his extradition, arguing that he suffers from Asperger's Syndrome and that extradition would breach his constitutional rights and the European Convention on Human Rights. The Supreme Court, satisfied that the case raises points of law of general public importance, has agreed to hear the appeal.
Anne Shortall, aged 47, died on Good Friday 3 April 2015 after being struck nine times on the head and having her airways blocked with duct tape. The State Pathologist, Professor Marie Cassidy, examined her body on 7 April 2015 and found no skull fractures but a fractured jaw and swollen brain. She concluded the cause of death was blunt‑force trauma to the head and airway obstruction. The accused, Roy Webster, 40, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. He was alleged to have beaten Shortall after she threatened to expose his affair unless he paid her £6,500 for an abortion. Dr Geraldine O'Kelly, Shortall's GP, testified that she was not pregnant, a fact confirmed by a gynaecological test. The trial is proceeding before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of seven men and four women.
In a trial at the Central Criminal Court, 40‑year‑old Roy Webster of Ashbree, Wicklow, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Anne Shortall, 47, who died on Good Friday, 3 April 2015, at The Murrough. Webster admitted striking Shortall on the head with a hammer three or four times after she threatened to inform his wife about a prior affair. He claimed he had no intention to kill her, describing the act as a panic‑driven response to her threats. After the assault, he drove to a Centra shop, called his wife, returned home, ate dinner, and fell asleep in front of the television, claiming life returned to normal. He later discovered Shortall's body in his van, taped her, and moved her to his workshop. A pathologist's report later confirmed she was not pregnant and had been struck nine times on the head. The case proceeds before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury.
In the Central Criminal Court, Vesel Jahiri, 35, accused of murdering his former partner Anna Finnegan, 25, and assaulting her brother Karl, pleaded not guilty and is now representing himself. On September 7, 2012, Jahiri and his two children stayed with witness Helga Duffy in Dundalk while Finnegan was hospitalized after an overdose. On the night of the alleged murder, Jahiri appeared at Duffy's home, telling her that "something bad had happened" and that Finnegan's brother had attacked him with a chair and a knife. Duffy reported that Jahiri had taken Finnegan to the hospital and wanted to take her brother but was refused. She also said Jahiri had not explained how he entered Finnegan's house. During cross‑examination, Jahiri questioned Duffy about alleged Garda discussions and claimed he had forced Finnegan to a refuge centre. He denied any argument with Finnegan except over cars.
During the trial of Vesel Jahiri, accused of murdering Anna Finnegan, Lisa Finnegan, Anna's sister, testified that the accused told her he was coming for her and her children next. Lisa recalled receiving a call from a woman on her brother's phone that night, who said the accused was in a bad way but an ambulance was on its way. She said the accused later called her, claiming he had taken Anna to hospital, and warned that if anything happened to her or her children, jail would not save them. Lisa said the conversation was on speaker so the accused heard it, and she shouted profanities at him. In cross‑examination, Jahiri denied saying he was coming for her and her children, accusing Lisa of threatening him. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Coffey. Vesel Jahiri pleaded not guilty. Anna Finnegan pleaded not guilty.
A man accused of murdering a woman told gardaí he struck her with a hammer and concealed her body in a workshop after his wife confronted him about his connection to the missing person, the Central Criminal Court has heard. Roy Webster, aged 40, from Co Wicklow has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in relation to Anne Shortall, who went missing on 3 April 2015 in Co Wicklow. The State did not accept his manslaughter plea. Detective Sergeant Fergus O'Brien gave evidence that when Mrs Webster questioned her husband at their home on 7 April about the missing woman, he became emotional and admitted striking Ms Shortall with a hammer. He subsequently revealed that the body was located in their workshop. Mr Webster was arrested on suspicion of murder following gardaí's discovery of human remains at the premises. The trial continues before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury.
A woman sought €5,000 from the man now accused of her murder for an abortion, the Central Criminal Court heard today. The prosecution alleges that Anne Shortall was killed by Roy Webster following a dispute over a pregnancy and a prior sexual encounter. Webster, aged 40 from Ashbree, Ashford, Co Wicklow, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter on April 3, 2015 at The Murrough, Co Wicklow. His plea was not accepted by the State. During evidence, a witness testified that he received a message in late March 2015 requesting €5,000 for an abortion, intended for another man named Steven Armstrong who knew both Ms Shortall and the accused. Ms Shortall's daughters told the court she left her home without her phone or cigarettes on Good Friday, which they found unusual. Text messages indicated she was to meet someone associated with Ashwood Kitchens at a local pub, but she did not return.
Gary Davis, a 28‑year‑old Wicklow resident, is alleged to have been an administrator of the Silk Road website, which sold illicit drugs and hacking software. U.S. authorities seek his extradition on charges of conspiracy to distribute narcotics, conspiracy to commit computer hacking and conspiracy to commit money laundering, with a potential life sentence if convicted. The High Court ordered his extradition in August, and the Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal last week, ruling the appeal was not based on a point of law. Davis has been in custody since his arrest in January 2014, having been on bail for three years. He has argued that extradition would expose him to an inhumane environment, citing his Asperger's Syndrome, depression and anxiety, and the lack of suitable care in U.S. prisons. The Court of Appeal confirmed a 15‑day stay on his surrender, but the appeal was ultimately rejected, leaving the extradition order in place.
Thomas O'Connor, aged 29, was found guilty of murder after he struck John O'Brien, aged 22, with a 1.6‑kilogram rock on 4 June 2010. O'Connor claimed he acted in self‑defence, saying he hit O'Brien "two or three times" after O'Brien attacked him. A post‑mortem showed O'Brien died from catastrophic blunt‑force injuries to the head. The jury, after less than four hours of deliberation, returned a guilty verdict and O'Connor was remanded for sentencing, facing a mandatory life sentence. The trial highlighted O'Connor's admission of striking O'Brien, his subsequent attempts to clean his hands and burn his hoodie, and the prosecution's assertion of overwhelming evidence of murder. The case had previously been overturned in 2014, leading to this retrial. The court noted O'Connor's prior conviction for O'Brien's manslaughter in 2010. The verdict was delivered by Justice Margaret Heneghan.
In a Central Criminal Court case, 40‑year‑old Roy Webster of Ashbree, Ashford, Co Wicklow pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in the death of Anne Shortall, 47, on 3 April 2015. Prosecutor Paul Greene SC argued that Webster and Shortall had a sexual encounter after meeting at a pub on 20 December 2014. Shortall later contacted Webster, claiming she was pregnant and demanding money for an abortion. When she threatened to expose their prior encounter, Webster struck her on the head with a hammer, then transported her body to his workshop, securing her hands with duct tape. He was found to have hidden the body behind wood panels until 7 April, when he informed the Gardaí. Webster admitted to assault, binding, and lying to police, and his defence acknowledged his responsibility for Shortall's death. The jury was instructed to decide whether the offence was murder or manslaughter.
In a 2017 trial in Greystones, Thomas O'Connor, aged 29, faced a murder charge for killing John O'Brien, aged 22, on 4 June 2010. O'Connor pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. He admitted striking O'Brien on the head with a rock, an act that caused catastrophic blunt‑force injuries leading to death. Defence counsel Fergal Kavanagh argued that O'Connor acted in self‑defence, claiming O'Brien had first struck him and that a tussle ensued. The defence portrayed the incident as a tragic, drunken altercation, noting O'Brien's prior aggression toward others. The jury was instructed to consider the evidence beyond a reasonable doubt before deciding on a murder conviction. The case remained pending after a 56‑minute deliberation.
Two families, Margaret and Joe Moorehouse and Sharon and Michael O'Brien, have filed separate High Court actions against Wicklow County Council. They have lived in caravans at an unserviced site on Burnaby Road, Greystones, since last July, lacking basic services such as running water. The families applied for housing in 2013 and have been on the council's list since 2014, but have not received any response to their emergency accommodation requests. They argue the council's failure to respond breaches the State's obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights and infringes their constitutional rights. The actions seek orders directing the council to consider and decide their applications for emergency homeless accommodation through social housing support. Permission to proceed was granted ex‑parte by Mr Justice Seamus Noonan, with the case scheduled for a May hearing.
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, the prosecution presented what it described as "overwhelming evidence" that Thomas O'Connor, aged 29, killed John O'Brien, aged 22, by repeatedly striking him on the head with a rock on 4 June 2010. O'Connor, who pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, admitted striking O'Brien with a rock and claimed the blows were part of a fight. The prosecution argued that the force used was excessive and that O'Connor's admissions, including that he had "gone too far," supported a murder conviction. Defence counsel noted a partial self‑defence claim and highlighted that no witness saw O'Brien moving after the attack. The trial was ongoing, with defence counsel scheduled to address the jury the following day.
Roy Webster, a 39-year-old man from Ashbree, Ashford, Co Wicklow, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Anne Shortall but guilty to her manslaughter. The prosecution rejected the manslaughter plea, and the matter will proceed to trial on the murder charge. Mr Webster is accused of killing Ms Shortall on April 3, 2015, at The Murrough, Co Wicklow. At the Central Criminal Court, Justice Patrick McCarthy swore in a jury of five women and seven men. The judge indicated that the trial is likely to last two weeks. The jury is scheduled to return on Wednesday morning. This report reflects the procedural stage of trial, where the accused's plea was not accepted, resulting in a full trial on the original murder charge rather than a finalised disposal.
In the Central Criminal Court, the trial of Vesel Jahiri (35) for the murder of Anna Finnegan (26) and assault on Karl Finnegan was interrupted when Jahiri, standing before the jury, claimed evidence had been tampered with and that the knife used in the alleged murder had its fingerprints wiped. He also demanded to represent himself and accused the court of illegal detention. Judge Paul Coffey asked the jury to leave the courtroom, after which they returned following a half‑hour break. The case, which began with a jury hearing on Wednesday, is expected to continue for four to five weeks. Karl Finnegan, the deceased's brother, had testified that Jahiri and Anna had been in a relationship for about ten years, had two children, and that their relationship had deteriorated in the months leading up to the September 2012 incident. Jahiri has pleaded not guilty to both the murder and the assault.
During a trial, a witness testified that on 21 September 2012, murder accused Vesel Jahiri, 35, threatened former partner Anna Finnegan, 25, over a phone call. The witness heard Jahiri say, "I know where you fucking are, I'll come and kill yous," after a heated argument about seeing their children and financial matters. Finnegan, who had a protection order and had recently taken an overdose, was frightened and called the Garda station. The witness confirmed that Jahiri had previously threatened to kill Finnegan's sister Lisa and had a history of violence, including stabbing Finnegan at Allendale Glen. The case is being heard by Mr Justice Paul Coffey with a jury, and the trial is expected to last four to five weeks. Vesel Jahiri pleaded not guilty.
Ian Sheridan, 32, of Bray, was given a suspended three‑year sentence after a judge found that a custodial sentence was not necessary. He pleaded guilty to assault causing harm on 21 February 2015 after beating his girlfriend, Patricia Rodriguez, for over an hour and biting her face twice. The assault took place in their home after an argument; Sheridan had been drinking and had a history of drug and alcohol problems. He had previously been convicted of theft, public order and road traffic offences. Sheridan offered Rodriguez €1,600 as a token of remorse, which she declined, and the money was directed to a women's refuge. The judge required Sheridan to keep the peace and participate in a restorative justice programme as conditions of the suspended sentence. The case was heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, prosecutors argue that Vesel Jahiri, 35, stabbed his former partner Anna Finnegan, 25, after their relationship soured. Jahiri, originally from Kosovo and a mechanic, has pleaded not guilty to both murder and assaulting Anna's brother Karl. The prosecution claims Jahiri entered the Allendale Glen home armed with a knife, attacked Karl twice—causing a fractured eye orbit and a chest stab wound—and then stabbed Anna. They assert Jahiri immediately regretted the act, drove Anna to hospital, and later called 999. Jahiri allegedly handed himself in the next day, surrendering the knife he claimed to have taken from Karl. The case will proceed before a jury, with the trial expected to last four to five weeks.
In the Wicklow murder trial, Thomas O'Connor, 29, charged with killing John O'Brien, 22, on 4 June 2010, testified that he had spent the afternoon of that day caring for snakes and other animals at a pet shop on Albert Walk in Bray. Adam Lally, a shopkeeper, confirmed that O'Connor entered the shop around midday and remained until about 4 or 5 pm, feeding the pets, especially the snakes, which O'Connor had an interest in. O'Connor's partner also testified that he had a pet snake in his hands later that night. The trial, held in the Central Criminal Court, has heard that O'Connor pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, admitting he struck O'Brien over the head with a rock. The judge has instructed the jury that no further witnesses will testify until Monday. The case remains at the trial stage.
The trial of former Anglo Irish Bank chairman Sean FitzPatrick, aged 68, has entered its 90th day, making it the longest criminal trial in Irish history. The prosecution alleges that FitzPatrick and his family artificially reduced multi‑million euro loans for two weeks around the bank's financial year‑end by taking short‑term loans from other sources, including Irish Nationwide Building Society. The case centres on FitzPatrick's alleged failure to disclose these loans to auditors between 2002 and 2007. FitzPatrick denies all charges. The trial began in September and was expected to finish by Christmas, but legal arguments have delayed it. Judge John Aylmer told jurors they could take breaks and that the trial would likely extend into April. FitzPatrick faces 27 offences under the 1990 Companies Act, including 22 for misleading auditors and five for furnishing false information between 2002 and 2007. The trial continues.
In the Wicklow murder trial, Thomas O'Connor (29) is charged with killing John O'Brien (22) on 4 June 2010. Paramedic Francoise Coussay testified that O'Brien was found semi‑prone on his right side, without pulse, and that his skull appeared deformed. Advanced paramedic Claire McCann noted blood‑covered head and face, fractures to the left ear, possible brain matter in hair, and a flat cardiac monitor line. Dr Diane Daly examined a heavily blood‑stained rock from the scene and clothes from O'Brien's house, finding DNA from the deceased on the rock, door handles, and tracksuit bottoms, while the tracksuit's waistband matched O'Connor's DNA. The trial is proceeding before Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan and a twelve‑person jury.
Gary Davis, a 28‑year‑old Wicklow man, is alleged to have been an administrator of the Silk Road website, which sold illegal drugs and hacking software. He faces extradition to the United States on charges of conspiracy to distribute narcotics, conspiracy to commit computer hacking and conspiracy to commit money laundering, with a potential life sentence if convicted. Davis has appealed the extradition order on the basis of his Asperger's Syndrome and depression, arguing that he would be subjected to inhumane treatment and lack of appropriate care in a U.S. prison. The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal, stating that the grounds were not a point of law and that the High Court's decision was based on a thorough consideration of evidence, including medical reports. The court affirmed that the extradition order stands, and Davis will be extradited after a 15‑day period. The case remains pending in the United States.
During the trial of Sean FitzPatrick, former Anglo Irish Bank auditor Vincent Bergin denied that a "system failure" occurred during the firm's audit of the bank. The State alleges that FitzPatrick's multi‑million‑euro loans were artificially reduced for two weeks around the bank's year‑end by short‑term loans from other sources, including Irish Nationwide Building Society. Prosecutor Dominic McGinn SC said the case concerns the former chairman's failure to disclose these loans to auditors between 2002 and 2007. Bergin, a partner at EY, led the audit from 2005 to 2008 and testified that the audit file for 2006 did not contain information reconciling the €63.7 million of loans linked to FitzPatrick with the €25 million figure reported in the financial statements. He admitted no evidence that the reconciliation was performed, but denied that a system failure had occurred. Sean FitzPatrick pleaded not guilty.
During a murder trial, witness Cian Wood testified that the deceased, John O'Brien, was aggressive and wanted to fight everyone he encountered that night. Wood, who was drinking with two Wicklow men at Superquinn, described how O'Brien, who was intoxicated, threw a punch at Wood and later punched him in the face. Wood said O'Brien threatened to "slice up" people and that he felt intimidated. He also recounted that O'Brien had been shouting at Thomas O'Connor, the accused, and that O'Brien ran at O'Connor, who then pinned him down. Wood agreed that O'Brien's aggression could have escalated the situation. The court heard additional testimony from O'Connor's partner and O'Brien's family, but the focus remained on O'Brien's hostile conduct that night.
In the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, former Anglo Irish Bank auditor Vincent Bergin testified that he was willing to give the "unvarnished truth" even if it conflicted with his audit firm EY's interests. He confirmed that multi‑million euro loans taken by Sean FitzPatrick (68) and his family were allegedly "artificially reduced" for two weeks around the bank's year‑end by short‑term loans from other sources, including Irish Nationwide Building Society. Bergin, who led the audit from 2005 to 2008, said he would admit mistakes if they existed and that he had sworn an oath to tell the truth. He also noted that the bank had sued EY in 2012 and that EY was involved in proceedings with the Chartered Accountants Regulatory Board. The trial, which had been adjourned for a legal matter, continues tomorrow. Sean FitzPatrick pleaded not guilty.
During a Wicklow murder trial, witness Paul Duffy testified that he saw a man, Thomas O'Connor, beating another man, John O'Brien, on the side of a road. Duffy, his wife and 11‑year‑old daughter were returning from a birthday party when they passed the scene. He described O'Connor standing over O'Brien, striking him about four times with a rock, and not seeing O'Brien move. Duffy claimed to have seen brain matter, describing a mixture of grey and blood. The Deputy State Pathologist later presented a 1,655‑gram rock as the likely weapon that shattered O'Brien's skull, causing catastrophic brain injury. Dr Michael Curtis, the post‑mortem examiner, confirmed O'Brien died from a severe head injury with a comminuted skull fracture and lacerated meninges. The trial continues before Justice Margaret Heneghan and a jury.
During the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, former Anglo Irish Bank auditor Vincent Bergin testified that he was unaware of documents indicating that Sean FitzPatrick's multi‑million‑euro loans were temporarily refinanced. The trial, which has been ongoing for 85 days, focuses on FitzPatrick's alleged failure to disclose the extent of these loans to auditors between 2002 and 2007. Prosecutor Dominic McGinn presented evidence of deposit accounts, loan facilities and letters from Irish Nationwide Building Society offering short‑term loans to FitzPatrick and his wife, amounting to over €62 million in 2007. Bergin, who audited Anglo from 2005 to 2008, stated that he would have raised concerns and possibly resigned if he had known of the refinancing. FitzPatrick, aged 68, denies all 27 charges, including 22 for misleading auditors and five for furnishing false information. The case remains before Judge John Aylmer and a jury.
In a Wicklow murder case, Thomas O'Connor, aged 29, was accused of killing his best friend, John O'Brien, 22, on 4 June 2010. O'Connor told Gardaí that he did not intend to kill O'Brien when he struck him with a rock during a fight that escalated "for no reason." He claimed the altercation began after a night of drinking, during which he had consumed three litres of cider and half a bottle of wine. O'Connor said he had been hit by O'Brien, then grabbed a rock and struck him a few times before fleeing. He admitted to throwing the rock into a ditch, washing his hands at a friend's house, and burning his blood‑stained jumper in a field. O'Connor pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, and the trial is proceeding before Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan and a jury.
In the Central Criminal Court, Tina Roche, the ex‑girlfriend of Thomas O'Connor, testified about the night of John O'Brien's murder. Roche said O'Connor, who was 29, called her shortly before midnight on 4 June 2010 and arrived a few minutes later, looking worried and panting. He sat on her sofa with his hands clenched and covered in dry blood. Roche asked what had happened; he claimed he had been attacked and that the blood was from a cut he did not see. He asked for a cloth, a pot scourer, bleach and firelighters, which Roche gave him. She remembered placing the firelighters on his jumper and asking their purpose, to which he replied "Obviously." The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan, continues with a jury of twelve. Thomas O'Connor pleaded not guilty.
During the Sean FitzPatrick trial, former Anglo Irish Bank auditor Vincent Bergin testified that auditors had no history of problems with loans to the bank's directors. Bergin, a partner at EY, led the audit from 2005 to 2008 and explained that the risk assessment of directors' loans was qualitative, based on routine transaction appearance and no past issues. He noted that the aggregate loan balance, as known to auditors, would not affect the balance sheet. Bergin highlighted the importance of the letter of representation, which ensures that directors and auditors share the same understanding of financial statements; without it, auditors would not issue an audit opinion. FitzPatrick, 68, denies all 27 charges, including 22 for misleading auditors and five for furnishing false information between 2002 and 2007. The trial proceeds before Judge John Aylmer and a jury.
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, Thomas O'Connor, 29, admitted on the first day of proceedings that he killed his best friend, 22‑year‑old John O'Brien, with a rock more than four years earlier. O'Connor pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for an incident at Farrankelly Road, Delgany. The State's case, presented by Denis Vaughan Buckley SC, described the night of 4 June 2010: the pair were drinking in a supermarket carpark, had a quarrel, and O'Brien was struck repeatedly on the head by O'Connor. Witnesses, including a former girlfriend, were expected to testify about O'Connor's blood‑stained hands and claims of being attacked. The trial proceeded before Justice Margaret Heneghan and a jury of twelve. The article reports only the admission and the procedural details of the hearing.
During the trial of former Anglo Irish Bank chairman Sean FitzPatrick, former auditor Kieran Kelly testified that the loans linked to FitzPatrick represented only a very small portion of the bank's loan book. Kelly, a partner at EY, estimated the figure at about 0.20 per cent of the total loan portfolio, which was roughly €19 billion in 2002. He stated that loans to directors were not considered a significant audit risk area and that the disclosure of such loans was viewed as low risk. FitzPatrick, aged 68, has pleaded not guilty to 27 offences under the 1990 Companies Act, including 22 charges of misleading auditors and five charges of furnishing false information between 2002 and 2007. The case is proceeding before Judge John Aylmer and a jury.
Thomas O'Connor, 29, of Burnaby Court, Greystones, admitted killing John O'Brien, 22, in Wicklow in 2010 but denied murder, pleading guilty to manslaughter at Farrankelly Road. He was arraigned and the State rejected his plea. A jury of six men and six women was sworn in; the trial will start tomorrow and is expected to last about two weeks. Thomas O'Connor pleaded not guilty.
During the trial of former Anglo Irish Bank chairman Sean FitzPatrick, it was revealed that auditor Kieran Kelly, a partner at EY, did not remind the Anglo board of the criminal risk of providing misleading information to auditors. Kelly admitted that guidelines allow auditors to warn directors about the offence, but he believed the board, being experienced, did not need such a reminder and that the warning was already included in other documentation. He also noted that the board had submitted letters of representation between 2002 and 2007 detailing loan amounts to directors. Kelly acknowledged that the 2002 letter contained a contradictory declaration and was poorly worded, yet he felt it provided sufficient information. Sean FitzPatrick pleaded not guilty.
In a High Court ruling on 17 February 2017, Mr Justice Michael White overturned a Circuit Court award of €40,000 to hillwalker Teresa Wall, who had fallen on a boardwalk on the Wicklow Way in August 2013. Wall had sued the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) claiming negligence under the 1995 Occupiers Liability Act, arguing that the boardwalk's deteriorated sleepers created a trip hazard. The Circuit Court had found the NPWS negligent and awarded damages. In his judgment, the High Court held that the duty of care under the Act was not absolute, noting that experienced hillwalkers are expected to exercise vigilance on isolated trails. The judge found that Wall's own lack of attention contributed to her fall, and that the NPWS was not negligent for not filling the boardwalk's indentations or replacing the sleepers. The decision was adjourned for two weeks to allow parties to consider the implications.
During a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Kieran Kelly, an auditor for Anglo Irish Bank, denied that he performed "performance theatre" when speaking to investigators from the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) about alleged misconduct by former chairman Sean FitzPatrick. Kelly said he was not trying to buy time or mislead the court, and that his solicitors had advised him to examine documents to understand them. He admitted that in a previous trial he had inadvertently given misleading evidence regarding how his Garda statement was compiled, acknowledging that he had seen portions of another EY auditor's statement before making his own. Kelly also confirmed that his draft statement was prepared by solicitors at A&L Goodbody and emailed to him and others. The trial, which continues before Judge John Aylmer and a jury, involves FitzPatrick's 27 charges under the 1990 Companies Act. Sean FitzPatrick pleaded not guilty.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, Sean FitzPatrick, former chairman of Anglo Irish Bank, faces 27 offences for allegedly misleading auditors about multi‑million euro loans from 2002 to 2007. The case focuses on loan facility letters from Irish Nationwide Building Society (INBS) for 2002‑2004, some up to €18.3 m, and the bank's 2004 annual accounts showing director loans of just over €10 m. Auditing partner Kieran Kelly testified that the loans, if undisclosed during the audit, would have had limited impact unless they were specifically arranged for refinancing at year‑end, which he would deem more significant. FitzPatrick denies all charges. The trial continues before Judge John Aylmer, with defence counsel Bernard Condon requesting an adjournment. The proceedings remain at the evidence‑collection stage.
In the trial of former Anglo Irish Bank chairman Sean FitzPatrick, a chartered accountant, Kieran Kelly of EY, explained that auditors are not required to examine every single document but must obtain sufficient information to form an opinion on the company's financial statements. He emphasized that auditors rely on persuasive evidence and explanations provided by the company, and that a key document, the letter of representation, confirms the accuracy of the accounts before auditors sign off. The court heard three such letters for 2002, 2003, and 2004, all signed by FitzPatrick, which stated that no undisclosed credit facilities existed for directors and that no events had occurred that would necessitate revisions to the figures. FitzPatrick, aged 68, denies all 27 charges, including 22 for misleading auditors and five for furnishing false information between 2002 and 2007. The trial continues before Judge John Aylmer.
Gary Davis, 28, of Wicklow, is alleged to have administered the Silk Road website, which dealt in illegal drugs and hacking software. He faces US charges of conspiracy to distribute narcotics, conspiracy to commit computer hacking and conspiracy to commit money laundering, with a potential life sentence if convicted. The High Court ordered his extradition in August, but he appealed. The Court of Appeal heard the appeal today and has reserved judgment. Davis's lawyers argue that his Asperger's Syndrome and depression would make him vulnerable to inhumane treatment and violence in US prisons, and that he would be isolated from family support. They cite expert testimony from Professor Simon Baron‑Cohen and claim the US prison system lacks the individualized care he needs. The Attorney General's counsel maintains that extradition is lawful and that mental health does not preclude imprisonment. The three‑judge panel will decide the case later.
Sean FitzPatrick, aged 68, faces 27 charges under the 1990 Companies Act for allegedly misleading auditors about multi‑million euro loans between 2002 and 2007. He denies all allegations. On day 75 of his trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, his counsel Bernard Condon SC cross‑examined Kevin O'Connell, a lead investigator from the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE). O'Connell admitted that the methods used to produce witness statements were wrong and unlawful, attributing the mistakes to his inexperience rather than a deliberate effort to secure a prosecution. Condon described the investigation as "a shambles" and accused the ODCE of crafting and creating witness statements to obtain evidence. O'Connell acknowledged that the ODCE had modified its practices after a 2015 ruling by Judge Mary Ellen Ring. The trial continues before Judge John Aylmer.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, former Anglo Irish Bank chairman Sean FitzPatrick (68) faces 27 charges under the 1990 Companies Act, including 22 counts of misleading auditors and five of furnishing false information between 2002 and 2007. The trial has focused on the destruction of documents by Kevin O'Connell, a lead investigator from the Office of Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE). O'Connell admitted shredding five pages relevant to the investigation in May 2015, claiming panic and a wrong decision, and disclosed the act to his superior, Ian Drennan, three days later. He acknowledged that the act was a criminal offence and that no Garda investigation or prosecution followed. The defence argued that a letter from the Chief Prosecution Solicitor offered O'Connell "effective immunity" from prosecution, a claim the DPP rejected. Sean Fitzpatrick pleaded not guilty.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, the court heard that Gardaí were not involved in drafting witness statements that a judge criticised in the prosecution of former Anglo Irish Bank chairman Sean FitzPatrick. Lawyers for FitzPatrick, aged 68, had argued that statements from auditors were produced through coaching and cross‑contamination. The jury was shown a June 2015 letter from Detective Superintendent Gerard Walsh stating that the Garda unit seconded to the Office of Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) had not drafted the statements. The hearing also covered the admission by lead investigator Kevin O'Connell of his involvement in wrongful practices, including shredding documents relevant to the investigation. O'Connell recounted discovering 16 pages of documents, shredding them, and later admitting the mistake to director Ian Drennan. The court also examined CCTV footage of O'Connell bringing documents to a shredding room and his subsequent regret. Sean FitzPatrick pleaded not guilty.
During the 72nd day of the trial of former Anglo Irish Bank chairman Sean FitzPatrick, the court heard that investigators had used unlawful practices when preparing witness statements. FitzPatrick, aged 68, faces 27 offences under the Companies Act, including 22 counts of misleading auditors and five of furnishing false information between 2002 and 2007. Lawyers for FitzPatrick argued that statements from audit manager Vincent Bergin were altered through coaching and cross‑contamination by investigators, with changes suggested by ODCE staff such as Kevin O'Connell and Paul Appleby. The jury saw multiple versions of Bergin's draft statement, with insertions, deletions and notes like "drop" or "delete." Defending counsel Bernard Condon likened the process to a "hokey cokey," noting that judges had ruled the practice unlawful because it prevented the jury from hearing unvarnished witness testimony. The trial continues. Sean FitzPatrick pleaded not guilty.
At the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, the trial of Sean FitzPatrick, 68, continued on day 71 with the cross-examination of Kevin O'Connell, a legal advisor with the Office of Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE). Mr O'Connell admitted to shredding a small number of documents at a later stage, describing it as a 'calamitous error'. The documents pertained to notes from conversations with A&L Goodbody, the lawyers for EY, Anglo's auditors. Mr FitzPatrick has pleaded not guilty to 27 offences under the 1990 Companies Act, including 22 charges of making misleading, false or deceptive statements to auditors and five charges of furnishing false information between 2002 and 2007. Mr FitzPatrick's defending barrister, Bernard Condon SC, suggested that his client was in danger of being jailed due to a 'clanger' of a mistake made by the auditors, EY. The trial is ongoing, with no finalisation of the case yet.
The trial of former Anglo Irish Bank chairman Sean FitzPatrick, aged 68, at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has highlighted significant procedural shortcomings in the investigation led by Kevin O'Connell of the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE). O'Connell admitted that investigators chose not to ask witnesses questions that might have undermined the case, a decision described by FitzPatrick's counsel as "an outrage" and "colossal prejudice." The investigation also failed to probe auditing standards that could have exposed the criminal offence of misleading auditors. O'Connell acknowledged the lack of skilled criminal investigators and the overreliance on civil servants and Gardaí, noting that the ODCE's approach was "very inexperienced." The court heard that the ODCE's witness‑taking procedures were later deemed "sub‑optimal," leading to a shift to Gardaí‑led statements. FitzPatrick remains charged with 27 offences under the Companies Act, including 22 counts of misleading auditors and five of furnishing false information between 2002 and 2007. Sean FitzPatrick pleaded not guilty.
In a January 2017 hearing, defence barrister Bernard Condon challenged the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) to admit that its lead investigator, Kevin O'Connell, had failed to conduct a fair investigation into former Anglo chairman Sean FitzPatrick's alleged non‑disclosure of multi‑million euro loans. O'Connell acknowledged moments of "spectacular naivety" and regretted certain aspects of the probe, attributing errors to limited experience and resources. He denied that the investigation was a "crusade" and insisted mistakes stemmed from a lack of experience and a shortage of Gardaí on secondment. O'Connell also admitted that the ODCE had sought cooperation from Ernst & Young auditors, fearing that probing audit adequacy might jeopardise their willingness to assist. The trial, held at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, focused on FitzPatrick's 27 charges under the Companies Act, including 22 counts of misleading auditors and five of furnishing false information between 2002 and 2007. Sean FitzPatrick pleaded not guilty.
In a trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, former Anglo Irish Bank director Sean FitzPatrick, aged 68, admitted that he first learned of the extent of multi‑million euro loans to himself, his wife and family members in December 2008. The loans grew from about €10 million in 2002 to €103 million in 2007. Prosecutors allege that the bank's auditors were misled by an "artificially reduced" loan figure for two weeks around the year‑end, achieved by short‑term loans from other lenders, including Irish Nationwide Building Society. FitzPatrick faces 27 offences under the 1990 Companies Act, including 22 counts of making misleading statements to auditors and five counts of furnishing false information between 2002 and 2007. He has pleaded not guilty. The trial, presided over by Judge John Aylmer, continues with a jury.
In January 2009, former Anglo Irish Bank secretary Natasha Mercer received a letter from Kevin O'Connell of the Office of Director of Corporate Enforcement demanding documentation from the bank. Mercer described the letter's tone as "quite threatening" and felt compelled to inform the bank's chairman, Donal O'Connor, immediately. She replied within days, noting that auditors had extensive access to the bank's working files. The letter warned that failure to provide assistance could result in offences. The case involves Seán FitzPatrick, aged 68, who is on trial for 27 offences under the 1990 Companies Act, including 22 charges of misleading auditors and five charges of furnishing false information between 2002 and 2007. FitzPatrick's alleged loans rose from about €10 million in 2002 to roughly €100 million in 2007, with accusations that the amounts were artificially reduced for two weeks around the bank's financial year‑end. The trial continues. Seán FitzPatrick pleaded not guilty.