In a 2014 Central Criminal Court hearing, a 65‑year‑old Wicklow farmer, Cecil Tomkins, was found unfit to stand trial for the 2010 murder of his 66‑year‑old brother, Walter Tomkins, at their Cronlea home. Tomkins, suffering from advanced Parkinson's disease, dementia, depression and a history of seizures, was an inpatient at Bloomfield Hospital. His barrister, John O'Kelly SC, presented a multidisciplinary report and a consultant psychiatrist, Dr John Tobin, testified that Tomkins' cognitive impairment prevented him from understanding the proceedings or directing his counsel. Dr Tobin described Tomkins as unable to communicate effectively, disoriented in place and time, and requiring total nursing care. The judge, Mr Justice Paul Carney, agreed with the defence, ruling Tomkins unfit under the Criminal Law Insanity Act and adjourned the case for a further order.
The State has been granted a two‑week adjournment to finish the book of evidence for the trial of architect Graham Dwyer, accused of murdering childcare worker Elaine O'Hara. Dwyer, originally from Cork and now residing in Foxrock, Dublin, was charged on 18 October 2011. O'Hara, aged 37, was last seen on 22 August 2012 near Shanganagh cemetery; her body was found on Killakee Mountain in September 2013. Dwyer pleaded not guilty, was denied bail, and appeared via video‑link before Judge Victor Blake at Cloverhill District Court. The prosecution cited a large file—eight volumes, over 300 statements, and more than 800 exhibits—to justify the adjournment. Dwyer's solicitor confirmed consent to the two‑week period, and the defendant remains in custody until 29 January, when he will appear again. The inquest into O'Hara's death remains adjourned pending criminal proceedings.
An architect, Graham Dwyer, aged 41, from Cork but living in Foxrock, Dublin, is charged with the murder of childcare worker Elaine O'Hara, aged 37, whose remains were found in the Dublin mountains. Dwyer was charged on 18 October 2012 and has pleaded not guilty. He appeared via video link before Judge Grainne Malone at Cloverhill District Court, confirming his presence and consent to a four‑week adjournment for the preparation of a book of evidence. The prosecution said the file comprises eight volumes, and the defence noted that a further two weeks may be required. Judge Malone set the service of the book of evidence for 15 January, to which Dwyer agreed. Earlier hearings revealed Gardaí had taken over 300 statements and more than 800 exhibits. Dwyer was denied bail by Justice Paul Butler in the High Court on 4 November and is expected to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Catherine Nevin, aged 61, has requested that her appeal against a life sentence for the murder of her husband Tom Nevin be heard by the Supreme Court. She argues the case raises exceptional points of law and is in the public interest for the Supreme Court to decide. The Court of Criminal Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice Adrian Hardiman, will hear the appeal in the next court term, starting 13 January 2014, with a hearing expected to last one hour. Nevin has previously denied any involvement in the murder and lost a 2003 appeal.
Graham Dwyer, a 41‑year‑old architect from Cork living in Foxrock, has been charged with the murder of 37‑year‑old childcare worker Elaine O'Hara, whose decomposed body was found in the Dublin mountains. The court heard that Gardaí have taken over 300 statements and collected more than 800 exhibits. Dwyer was remanded in custody for another four weeks after the judge confirmed he was entitled to free legal aid. He appeared via videolink before Judge Grainne Malone at Cloverhill District Court, where the judge accepted his statement of means and granted legal aid. Dwyer confirmed he wanted solicitor Jonathan Dunphy to represent him. The case remains at an advanced stage, with a file expected to go to the DPP in the next two weeks. The inquest into O'Hara's death has been adjourned pending criminal proceedings.
Bernard Daly, 65, former Anglo Irish Bank executive, appeared at Dublin District Court after arrest by the fraud squad. He was charged with four offences under the Taxes Consolidations Act 1997, alleged to have concealed a named account, conspired to obstruct a Revenue officer, and produced incorrect documentation between March and November 2003. Daly pleaded not guilty to each charge. He was remanded on bail with conditions: a €1,000 bond, residence at his current address, 48‑hour notice before traveling outside Ireland or the UK, and weekly sign‑in at Santry Garda station unless abroad. The case will proceed to trial on indictment at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, with a 12‑week adjournment to prepare the book of evidence. His next hearing is scheduled for February 6, when he and a co‑accused will receive the evidence book and return for trial. The judge ordered no prejudicial reporting.
A 54‑year‑old former head of treasury at Anglo Irish Bank, Tiernan O'Mahoney, is to stand trial on indictment in Dublin District Court for four charges under the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. The offences relate to the period from 25 March 2003 to 17 November 2003 and include allegations that he knowingly concealed a bank account, conspired to obstruct a Revenue officer, concealed an account from inspection, and produced incorrect documents. O'Mahoney made no reply to the charges after being cautioned and was given a true copy of the indictment. He was arrested by the Garda Fraud Squad at Bridewell Garda station. Bail was granted on a €100 bond with conditions requiring him to remain at his home in Wicklow, sign on Fridays at Bray Garda station, and give 48‑hour notice of any address change or travel outside Ireland or the UK.