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2014-04-30 · Tipperary
The Central Criminal Court is continuing the trial of Maurice Power, a 31‑year‑old from Dranganbeg, Kilmoyler, Cahir, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Shane Rossiter, 30, in Co. Tipperary on 17 October 2012. A jury of seven women and five men was sworn in for a three‑week trial, but legal matters are being addressed while the jury is absent, with the jury scheduled to hear evidence the following day.
2014-04-28 · Tipperary
A 31‑year‑old man from Dranganbeg, Kilmoyler, Cahir, named Maurice Power, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Shane Rossiter, 30, in County Tipperary on 17 October 2012. A jury of seven women and five men was sworn in at the Central Criminal Court for a three‑week trial that is set to begin on Tuesday.
2014-04-11 · Dublin
In a 2014 Central Criminal Court hearing, Andrzej Benko, aged 42, was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment for attempting to murder his wife, Joanna Benko, on her 32nd birthday. Benko admitted striking her head with a lump hammer at least three times while she slept, an act that left her with severe head injuries, permanent wheelchair dependence, communication difficulties and lifelong care needs. He had previously pleaded not guilty to the charge in 2010, but a jury found him guilty after less than three hours of deliberation. Judge Patrick McCarthy noted Benko's remorse and a psychological report indicating no future criminality, yet imposed a 15‑year term in the most serious category. Benko apologized to his wife and family in court, acknowledging his guilt and the harm caused. The case highlighted the lasting impact on Joanna Benko and her son. Andrzej Benko was convicted.
2014-04-10 · Dublin
A 33‑year‑old Dublin man, Alan Harte, was found not guilty of murdering his friend Peter Gunn, a 28‑year‑old who was stabbed to death in 2009. Harte was convicted of impeding the prosecution after he admitted helping to dispose of Gunn's body at Dunsoughly Lane. The trial, held at the Central Criminal Court, heard that Harte, Gunn and two other friends had been drinking in a pub before going to a flat in Cabra Park where the murder took place. Harte claimed that Kastriot Boza, who was also present, stabbed Gunn and forced Harte to help hide the body. Boza was later jailed for four years for impeding the prosecution, while Harte was remanded for sentencing on 19 May. The jury deliberated for just over two hours before reaching a unanimous verdict of not guilty of murder but guilty of impeding the prosecution. The case was heard in the Central Criminal Court.
2014-04-08 · Dublin
During the fifth day of his trial at the Central Criminal Court, Alan Harte, a 33‑year‑old Dublin father of two, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 28‑year‑old Peter Gunn on 4 January 2009. Harte testified that he, Gunn and another man had been drinking on 3 January when Kastriot Boza, an Albanian, joined them. He claimed that Bo — who had previously been questioned for a sexual‑assault allegation but never prosecuted – threatened to kill Gunn, then stabbed him in the chest and back. Harte admitted that after the stabbing he and the other man helped Bo to dispose of the body, placing it in a black bag and dumping it in a ditch at Dunsoughly Lane. He stated that he had no choice but to assist, fearing Bo would cut up the body in the flat.
2014-04-07 · Dublin
During a murder trial, the resident of a flat where a killing occurred returned from holidays to find his meat knife missing and his carpet replaced. The case concerns Alan Harte, 33, charged with murdering his friend Peter Gunn, 28, on 4 January 2009 in Cabra Park, Cabra, Dublin. Harte, who lives at Clareville Grove in Glasnevin but is from East Wall, pleaded not guilty. Roland Ziu, who allowed an old friend, Kastriot Boza, to stay in his flat while he was away, testified that upon his return he discovered the carpet had been changed and the meat knife was gone. Ziu said Boza claimed a girl had become drunk and ill in the flat, prompting the carpet change. Boza later testified that Harte stabbed Gunn in the flat after a beer gathering. Detective Superintendent Colin Fox noted Gunn's close family ties. The prosecution has closed its case before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of twelve.
2014-04-07 · Cork
In 2012, Diane Ward, 44, of Charleville, admitted to smothering her eight‑year‑old son Anthony at their home on 3 September. A suicide note reading "bury us together" was found in an envelope with paracetamol tablets. Ward claimed she had killed Anthony because she feared no one would care for him if she died. She had a history of recurrent depressive disorder and had previously attempted suicide. The court heard that Anthony had been diagnosed with ADHD in 2011, causing family conflict. Ward's sentencing was adjourned to 7 July by Mr Justice Barry White, who noted her desire to return to her community but also the high risk of suicide. The case remains pending, with no final sentence announced. Diane Ward pleaded guilty.
2014-04-07 · Dublin
A man has apologised to his wife for attempting to murder her by hitting her over her head with a hammer on her birthday while she slept. Andrzej Benko (42) of Ladyswell Road, Mulhuddart had admitted hitting Joanna Benko's head with a lump hammer at least three times. However, he had pleaded not guilty to her attempted murder at that address on July 5, 2010. Last month, the jury took under three hours to reach a unanimous verdict of guilty. Mrs Benko is confined to a wheelchair most of the time as a result of her injuries, the Central Criminal Court heard. Now 35, she also has communication difficulties, will depend on full-time care for the rest of her life and is no longer able to look after her son. Today Benko wept while he addressed the court to apologise to his wife and her family who were present for the hearing. A recording of the emergency call was played in court. "The problem is that probably I killed my wife and now I'm on my way to you to be jailed," he said. "Ring an ambulance. Her brother said he was "completely distraught" when he heard what happened to her and said his life had been "turned upside down." Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy remanded Benko in custody and will hand down sentence on Friday.
2014-04-07 · Dublin
In April 2014, the appeal of two Laois brothers, Eamonn Flanagan (42) and Seamus Flanagan (35), who had been convicted and sentenced to three years in prison for raping a woman in a Red Cow Hotel room in March 2008, was adjourned to the next court term. The brothers had pleaded not guilty to vaginal and anal rape respectively. The appeal court had previously considered that a key prosecution witness, Daniel Lynch, claimed he was pressured by Gardaí to state that the brothers were at the hotel room door when he left. No DNA from the brothers was found on the victim and CCTV showed the rapes occurred within a two‑minute window. Counsel for Seamus requested the adjournment to allow an affidavit concerning Lynch's testimony. Judge John MacMenamin noted that the case could not proceed today and would be listed for the first day of the next term, beginning 28 April. The appeal remains pending.
2014-04-04 · Dublin
The trial of Alan Harte, a 32‑year‑old from Glasnevin, is hearing evidence that Peter Gunn, 28, was stabbed through the heart and left in a water‑filled ditch on 4 January 2009. State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy described the autopsy findings: deep knife wounds to the face, trunk, right hand and internally to the heart and left lung, with a large gaping wound to the heart and collapsed left lung. Two litres of blood were found in the left chest cavity, and a back wound cut into the spine. Toxicology showed alcohol, cocaine and an amphetamine. Cassidy concluded Gunn died of a stab wound to the chest. A witness, Heyrush Rama, testified that he drove Gunn's body to the ditch after being asked for a lift by Kastriot Boza, who later claimed Gunn was murdered. Rama received a two‑year sentence for withholding information. The case remains at the trial stage.
2014-04-03 · Dublin
In a Dublin murder trial, Alan Harte, aged 32, pleaded not guilty to the stabbing death of Peter Gunn, 28, on 4 January 2009 in Cabra Park. Harte, who lives in Clareville Grove, Glasnevin, claims that a prosecution witness, Kastriot Boza, was the one who killed Gunn after a confrontation about Harte's uncle. Boza testified that he saw Harte stab Gunn in the chest, but Harte's barrister, Patrick Marrinan SC, cross‑examined him, suggesting that Harte was the one who had spoken aggressively to Gunn and threatened to kill him. Boza denied both the threat and the claim that Harte had stabbed Gunn, insisting he was telling the truth about the cold‑blooded killing. The case is being heard by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy with a jury of twelve.
2014-04-02 · Dublin
A 32‑year‑old Dublin man, Alan Harte, is on trial for the murder of his friend Peter Gunn, aged 28, who was stabbed in the chest on 4 January 2009 in Cabra Park. A witness, Kastriot Boza, 41, testified that he and the two men had been drinking in a city pub early that morning. Boza described a confrontation in which Harte allegedly used a butcher's knife to stab Gunn, who collapsed. Boza also recounted that after the killing, the accused and another man removed Gunn's belongings, disposed of the body in a water‑filled ditch, and attempted to conceal the scene. Boza was later prosecuted for impeding the investigation and received a six‑year sentence with two years suspended. The trial is proceeding before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy with a jury of six men and six women. Alan Harte pleaded not guilty.
2014-04-01 · Dublin
The Central Criminal Court adjourned the murder trial of a 32‑year‑old Dublin man, Alan Harte, who is charged with killing 29‑year‑old Peter Gunn on about 4 January 2009 in Cabra Park. Harte, who lives at Clareville Grove, Glasnevin, pleaded not guilty. Judge Patrick McCarthy postponed the trial for a day for legal reasons; it will resume tomorrow morning and is expected to conclude by the end of next week.
2014-03-31 · Dublin
A 32‑year‑old Dublin man, Alan Harte of Clareville Grove, Glasnevin, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 29‑year‑old Peter Gunn on or about 4 January 2009 in Cabra Park, Cabra. Harte, who is from the East Wall area, is charged with the killing that allegedly followed a stabbing in a flat in Cabra Park. He was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court, where a jury of six men and six women was sworn in. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, began today and is expected to conclude by the end of next week.
2014-03-31 · Dublin
The murder trial of Graham Dwyer, charged with killing Dublin childcare worker Elaine O'Hara (37) on 22 August 2012, has been moved forward by three months at the defence's request. Dwyer, a 41‑year‑old architect from Foxrock, is in custody awaiting trial. His barrister, Ronan Kennedy BL, informed Justice Barry White that Dwyer had been refused bail by the High Court but could apply for an earlier trial if available. The trial, originally set for 13 April next year, is now scheduled for 19 January next year and is expected to last six weeks.
2014-03-26 · Dublin
In the Central Criminal Court, Jacky Lumi, aged 42, continues to face trial for the murder of his flatmate, Kamal El Habsati, a 31‑year‑old Moroccan‑born Dutch national. The alleged killing occurred on 1 December 2012 in a Dublin apartment. Lumi, who had fled to Europe but later surrendered in Rome, pleaded not guilty and seeks a manslaughter verdict, claiming provocation and loss of control after a dispute over unpaid bills and late‑night cooking. The prosecution presented evidence that El Habsati had been slow to pay rent and bills, and that a physical fight erupted when he refused to pay an internet bill. The jury, composed of seven men and five women, has deliberated for five hours over two days and will resume tomorrow morning before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy. The case remains in the deliberation stage.
2014-03-25 · Dublin
A jury has begun deliberations in the trial of Jacky Lumi, 42, who is charged with murdering his flatmate Kamal El Habsati, 31, in a Dublin apartment. The alleged killing occurred on 1 December 2012 after a dispute over bills. El Habsati was found a few days later with a knife protruding from his heart and 21 stab wounds. Lumi had previously fled across Europe but returned to Ireland after surrendering in Rome. His defence lawyers have requested a verdict of manslaughter, claiming that Lumi was provoked by El Habsati and lost control. The trial heard that El Habsati had annoyed Lumi by being slow to pay rent and by cooking after midnight, and that a physical fight began when El Habsati refused to pay an internet bill. The jury, consisting of seven men and five women, deliberated for just over three hours before asking the judge to repeat the definitions of murder and manslaughter. Jacky Lumi pleaded not guilty.
2014-03-24 · Dublin
In the Central Criminal Court, Jacky Lumi, 42, pleads not guilty to murdering Dutch national Kamal El Habsati, 31, on 1 December 2012. El Habsati was found in their Dublin flat with a knife in his heart and 21 stab wounds. Lumi, who had fled to Europe and later returned to Ireland, is defended by Patrick Marrinan SC, who urges the jury to convict him of manslaughter rather than murder. Marrinan argues that a temporary loss of control, provocation, and Lumi's martial‑arts training to seize the knife could reduce the charge. Prosecutor Caroline Biggs SC counters that Lumi set up the confrontation, disconnected the victim's internet, and that his actions show self‑control, supporting a murder conviction. Judge Patrick McCarthy has instructed a jury of seven men and five women to deliberate tomorrow.
2014-03-24 · Cork
The Court of Criminal Appeal has reserved judgement on an appeal by Przemyslaw Jakubowski, 39, who was jailed for fifteen years for ambushing a woman in a Cork town public toilet and subjecting her to over half an hour of rape and sexual violence. Jakubowski, who had previously been convicted of attempted rape, was found guilty on eleven counts including rape, oral rape, anal rape, threats to kill, assault causing harm, sexual assault and false imprisonment, and not guilty on one count of oral rape. The appeal was based solely on the alleged invalidity of a search warrant used to introduce evidence from a search of Jakubowski's house. The Court of Criminal Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice Donal O'Donnell, has therefore reserved judgement.
2014-03-24 · Dublin
In March 2014, Jonathan Dunne, aged 28, began an appeal against his life sentence for the murder of his friend Ian Kenny, aged 21, who died two years after being shot in the head on 4 July 2007. Dunne had previously pleaded guilty to an attempted murder charge and was serving a 12‑year term when the murder conviction was secured. The appeal focuses on causation, arguing that the trial judge erred by refusing a defence application concerning the medical treatment of Kenny after his admission to Beaumont Hospital in July 2009. Counsel Michael Bowman contends that Kenny was removed from a medical environment to a "quasi‑palliative" setting, and that this decision, made by third parties, should not be attributed to Dunne. The State's counsel, Denis Vaughan‑Buckley, maintains that the shooting was the legal cause of death and that the defence of duress was not applicable. Judge Donal O'Donnell will reserve judgment on the appeal.
2014-03-24 · Cork
Diane Ward, 45, of Charleville, pleaded guilty to manslaughter of her eight‑year‑old son on 3 September 2012. She was due to be sentenced at the Central Criminal Court on 24 March 2014, but the hearing was adjourned for two weeks. Prosecutor Timothy O'Leary said the status remained unchanged and requested an additional week before sentencing. Defender Mary Rose Gearty noted the case had already been adjourned several times. Justice Paul Carney set the new sentencing date for 7 April. Diane Ward pleaded not guilty.
2014-03-24 · Sligo
TodaySimon McGinley, 30, of Connaughton Road, Sligo, appeared at the Central Criminal Court where a jury was sworn in for his trial. The defendant was arraigned and pleaded not guilty to the murder of Eugene Gillespie, 67, in County Sligo on September 22, 2012. However, he admitted to the manslaughter of Mr Gillespie. Additionally, McGinley pleaded guilty to the false imprisonment of Mr Gillespie and trespass to commit robbery at the victim's home in Old Market Street on September 19, 2012. Prosecuting counsel Sean Gillane SC stated that the manslaughter plea was not acceptable, leading to the swearing in of a jury comprising seven women and five men for a two-week trial. The matter is currently at the trial stage, with proceedings presided over by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan. The trial was scheduled to begin the following day. No sentence or final disposal has been recorded in this report, as the case is proceeding to a full jury trial to determine the outcome of the contested murder charge.
2014-03-21 · Dublin
Jacky Lumi, 42, stands trial at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of fellow Dutch national Kamal El Habsati, 31, who was found dead in their Dublin apartment on 1 December 2012 with a knife protruding from his chest. Lumi, who had previously fled to Europe and later returned to Ireland after surrendering in Rome, pleaded not guilty but admitted to being 100 per cent guilty during a police interview shown to the jury. He explained that a long‑term diagnosis of borderline personality disorder and depression, coupled with a history of burnout, had contributed to a confrontation over rent and bills. He claimed that a dispute over unpaid money led him to "snap," knock El Habsati to the floor, seize a knife, and stab him 21 times. The jury, presided over by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, must decide whether Lumi is guilty of murder or manslaughter.
2014-03-21 · Dublin
Tadhg Costello, a 19-year-old from Monkstown, County Dublin, remains on bail pending an appeal after sentencing for the alleged attempted murder of Josh Leahy. Costello initially pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder, assault causing harm, and unlawful possession of a knife at Johnson's Court in Dublin city on May 31, 2012. However, he changed his plea to guilty for attempted murder during his Central Criminal Court trial last November, following a ruling that his garda interviews were admissible. The other two counts were taken into consideration. Mr Justice Paul Butler sentenced Costello to six years imprisonment, suspending the final three years. The judge deferred the committal order for three weeks to allow Costello to seek bail from the Court of Criminal Appeal. Costello must present himself to Dun Laoghaire Garda Station before midday on April 11. The defence intends to appeal at least the conviction. Mr Justice Butler noted the case was exceptional, citing Costello's lack of previous convictions and his status as a minor at the time of the offence. The judge described the attack as serious, noting Costello stabbed the victim six times with intent to kill but showed no immediate remorse. The victim, now 19, suffered a collapsed lung and continues to experience pain and nightmares. The matter was adjourned to allow the defence to consider the judgment and pursue the appeal.
2014-03-20 · Dublin
Jacky Lumi, 42, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Kamal El Habsati, 31, in their Dublin flat on 1 December 2012. The victim was found in the bathroom with a knife in his chest after his employer reported him missing. Lumi claimed he was a 'psychopath' and that the 21 stab wounds inflicted were a 'massacre'. He said he could only recall stabbing the victim two or three times, but the court heard he had stabbed him 21 times. Lumi also admitted to fleeing across Europe, eventually surrendering in Rome, and described his emotional state and family reactions. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury, who must decide whether Lumi is guilty of murder or manslaughter. The article reports only the facts presented in the trial and does not state any outcome.
2014-03-19 · Dublin
In December 2012, Dutch national Kamal El Habsati, aged 31, stabbed his flatmate Jacky Lumi to death in their Dublin apartment. El Habsati fled across Europe and later surrendered to police in Rome. He was repatriated to the Netherlands and banned from Italy for five years. The case is now before the Central Criminal Court, where El Habsati has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Detective Sergeant Patrick O'Toole testified that after discovering the body, he requested an Interpol alert for Lumi, who was in Rome. Lumi called to confirm the death and said El Habsati had admitted to stabbing him. The trial continues before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, with a jury of seven men and five women to decide the outcome.
2014-03-19 · Dublin
Eugene Cullen, 30, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Seamus O'Byrne, 27, in south Dublin. The Central Criminal Court heard that O'Byrne was shot dead at Tymon Park North, Tallaght, on 13 March 2009, in front of his girlfriend Sharon Rattigan and their baby. Rattigan tackled the assassin and was shot in the leg while disarming him. The prosecution alleged that Cullen was not the gunman but a participant in the planning and execution of the murder, acting by common design. He was the second person convicted for the crime; Garrett O'Brien was the gunman, sentenced to life in 2012. The jury, after 3 hours 41 minutes, returned a unanimous guilty verdict. Mr Justice Barry White imposed a mandatory life sentence, back‑dated to 8 May 2012 for time spent in custody. Eugene Cullen pleaded not guilty.
2014-03-18 · Dublin
In a Dublin murder trial, a 42‑year‑old man, Kamal El Habsati, was found dead with a knife in his chest on 5 December 2012. The accused, 31, claimed he had told his letting agent on 29 November that he was leaving because he would "end up killing" his flatmate, citing a dispute over bills. The agent, Bobby Prenderville, said the accused was unhappy at work and fed up with the flatmate, Jacky Lumi, who had left the country by the time the body was discovered. Prenderville recalled that the accused had said he would kill him, but he had not taken it seriously. The accused pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court, where the case is heard by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury. The trial continues.
2014-03-18 · Cork
Diane Ward, 45, of Charleville, pleaded guilty to manslaughter for the 2012 death of her eight‑year‑old son. She appeared at the Central Criminal Court, where she denied murder but admitted manslaughter. The Director of Public Prosecutions accepted the plea. Psychiatric evidence was not yet available, so sentencing was postponed to the following Monday to allow time for that evidence to be presented. Diane Ward pleaded not guilty.
2014-03-18 · Sligo
The Court of Criminal Appeal has dismissed an appeal against a life sentence imposed on a man convicted of raping four of his daughters over an 18-year period. The three-judge court ruled that the sentencing judge was entitled to impose the maximum penalty. The man, now aged 52, pleaded guilty in December 2011 at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Castlebar, County Mayo, to sample counts of rape and child cruelty spanning from 1991 to 2009. The appellant's counsel argued that the trial judge erred in principle by prioritising victim reassurance in sentencing, and that mitigating factors including a late guilty plea and the man's dysfunctional background and alcohol abuse should have been weighted more heavily. The court rejected these submissions, finding that credible threats made by the man to one victim were an exceptional circumstance the sentencing judge was entitled to consider. The court determined that no mitigating factors could outweigh the horrific and exceptional nature of the offences.
2014-03-18 · Limerick
Limerick, 20‑year‑old man, formerly a teenager in HSE care, beat a 16‑year‑old schoolboy unconscious in an unprovoked attack, leaving the boy with permanent brain damage. CCTV showed the assailant delivering 65 kicks, 26 punches and 26 stamps to the boy's head, two stamps to his chest, and continuing the assault after the victim stopped moving. The attacker claimed he was "stoned out of his head on vodka and tablets." He was originally charged with attempted murder but pleaded guilty to intentionally causing serious harm, receiving a 15‑year sentence with the final three years suspended. The Court of Criminal Appeal ruled that the sentencing judge failed to consider the impact of the man's severe dysfunctional background and substance‑abuse problems.
2014-03-14 · Dublin
A 31‑year‑old man, Kamal El Habsati, was found dead in his Dublin apartment on 5 December 2012 with a knife protruding from his chest and 21 stab wounds, described by the court as a case of overkill. His employer had reported him missing after several days of absence, and his flatmate, Jacky Lumi, a 42‑year‑old Dutch man who had left the country by the time of the discovery, later told Gardaí that he had stabbed El Habsati following a dispute over bills. Lumi is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, charged with murdering El Habsati on 1 December 2012. The state pathologist, Professor Marie Casssidy, testified that the wounds involved the heart, lungs and liver, with the knife left in the heart, and that the pattern suggested some defensive injuries and that the victim may have been on the ground when some wounds were inflicted. The unnamed 31-year-old pleaded not guilty.
2014-03-10 · Dublin
A Dutch man, Jacky Lumi, aged 42 and originally from Holland, will stand trial for the murder of 31‑year‑old Kamal El Habsati on 1 December 2012 at Linn Bhla, Santry Cross in Ballymun. Lumi, who has no fixed abode, pleaded not guilty. The trial will begin Thursday before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy at the Central Criminal Court and is expected to last seven days, with a jury of seven men and five women.
2014-03-10 · Sligo
In March 2014 a 68‑year‑old man, who had been sentenced in January 2012 to eight years' imprisonment with two years suspended for seven counts of indecent assault on his nephew, was told he must await the outcome of his appeal. The conviction stemmed from alleged assaults that took place in the man's home between October 1988 and April 1991, when the victim was aged 13 to 16. The man pleaded not guilty. During the appeal counsel, Mr Hugh Hartnett SC, argued that the trial judge should have issued a corroboration warning and a delay warning, citing the absence of a potential witness who had been present in the house at the time of the alleged offences. The State's counsel, Ms Isobel Kennedy SC, maintained that the judge's decisions on corroboration and the lack of a witness were within his discretion.
2014-03-06 · Dublin
A jury will begin deliberating on whether 42‑year‑old Andrzej Benko intended to kill his sleeping wife, Joanna, on her 32nd birthday. Benko, of Ladyswell Road, Mulhuddert, admits striking her over the head with a lump hammer at least three times. He pleaded not guilty to attempted murder on 5 July 2010. The trial, held at the Central Criminal Court, noted that Mrs Benko is now largely confined to a wheelchair, has communication difficulties and will need full‑time care. Benko told Gardaí he had bought red roses for her that morning, was disappointed she did not wake, found a hammer while looking for a vase, and carried it upstairs before striking her. The prosecution argued that the act of striking a sleeping, defenseless woman with a heavy hammer at least three times demonstrates intent to kill.
2014-03-03 · Dublin
A 32‑year‑old Dublin man, Thomas Ryan of McKee Park, pleaded guilty to attempting to murder Patrick Charles O'Neill on 26 August 2013 at Glasnevin Avenue, Ballymun. He was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court, where Mr Justice Paul Carney ordered a victim impact report and remanded him in custody for sentencing on 6 May.
2014-03-03 · Dublin
A 42‑year‑old man, Andrzej Benko of Ladyswell Road, Mulhuddert, will stand trial on Tuesday for attempting to murder his wife Joanna Benko at their Dublin home on 5 July 2010. He pleaded not guilty. The three‑day trial, before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, will be heard by a jury of two women and ten men.
2014-02-28 · Tipperary
John Hannigan, 46, of River House, New Quay, Clonmel, was found guilty of murder and assault causing harm to Anthony Fallon, also 46, on 18 January 2012. The trial, held at the Central Criminal Court, lasted eight days. Hannigan claimed he had lost his temper when Fallon would not stop talking and punched him "hard and fast" like Bruce Lee. A post‑mortem revealed 31 rib fractures, collar and breastbone fractures, and blunt force trauma to the head and trunk as the cause of death. Hannigan had called an ambulance before 7 a.m. and later admitted responsibility to the Gardaí. The jury, after four hours of deliberation, returned a unanimous verdict of murder and assault. Judge Paul Carney imposed a mandatory life sentence, remanding Hannigan in custody until 12 May for sentencing on the assault charge. John Hannigan pleaded not guilty.
2014-02-27 · Dublin
In the murder trial of 30‑year‑old Eugene Cullen, the State Pathologist Marie Cassidy testified that the deceased, Seamus O'Byrne, suffered five gunshot wounds, including one to the head, three to the back and one in the hip. She noted injuries to the brain, heart and lungs and stated the cause of death was the chest wounds, with head and leg wounds contributing. The prosecution alleged Cullen was not the gunman but part of a four‑man plot. Witnesses described a silver car and a Volkswagen Passat seen near the scene, and a silver Nissan Primera with a flat tyre. Garda investigations involved house‑to‑house enquiries, CCTV footage from an Applegreen station, and the discovery of a left‑handed black glove in a drain. The trial is proceeding before Mr Justice Barry White with a jury of five men and seven women. Eugene Cullen pleaded not guilty.
2014-02-26 · Tipperary
In a 2014 trial at the Central Criminal Court, 46‑year‑old John Hannigan of Clonmel pleaded not guilty to murder and assault charges over the death of Anthony Fallon on 18 January 2012. Hannigan testified that he had no role in the killing and that he had been panicking when he told Gardaí he had given Fallon 'Bruce Lee' punches. He described a night of heavy drinking with Joseph O'Riordan, who he said was the one who struck Fallon repeatedly, including with a chair and a kettle. Hannigan claimed he only struck Fallon's shoulder to break up the fight and that he helped Fallon to his apartment and called 999. The prosecution read excerpts from Hannigan's earlier Garda interviews, where he admitted to punching Fallon 'hard and fast', which he denied. The post‑mortem found 31 fractures to Fallon's ribs, and O'Riordan is in jail after pleading guilty to assault.
2014-02-26 · Dublin
In a Tallaght murder trial, Sharon Rattigan gave evidence about a shooting that occurred on 13 March 2009. She lived with her partner and two children in Tymon Park North and had planned to leave her son at her mother's house that night. Rattigan said she saw a hooded man in dark clothes with a gun approaching the garden, and that he shot at Seamus O'Byrne, who was then killed. She claimed she ran to stop him, was shot in the leg, and then grabbed the gun, struggling with the attacker who repeatedly struck her. Rattigan said she threw the gun into her car and the man fled. She also attempted to help O'Byrne, who was lying on the ground, before being taken to hospital. The trial is before Mr Justice Barry White and a jury, with Eugene Cullen, 30, pleading not guilty to the murder.
2014-02-25 · Tipperary
In the Central Criminal Court, John Hannigan, 46, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Anthony Fallon and to assault causing harm. During Garda interviews, Hannigan described punching Fallon "like the film Fists of Fury," claiming he had the ability to kill but no intention. He admitted giving several statements, some of which were lies, and expressed regret, calling the incident a tragic accident. Hannigan denied giving crush‑type injuries, despite the State Pathologist's findings of severe crush injuries and 31 rib fractures. The State alleged Hannigan and Joseph O'Riordan assaulted Fallon at his flat, then violently assaulted him in a car park and helped him into River House where he died. O'Riordan is jailed, having pleaded guilty to assault. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Carney and a jury of eight men and three women.
2014-02-24 · Tipperary
In a 2014 trial, John Hannigan, 46, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Anthony Fallon, 46, in Clonmel on 18 January 2012. Hannigan testified that Joseph O'Riordan had assaulted Fallon in his flat, striking him on the head with a chair and later using a kettle and belt. Hannigan described the scene as a "bloodbath" and "horror show," noting a one‑inch gash and blood spurt. He claimed he only hit Fallon in the chest to break up a fight. The State's case alleges Hannigan and O'Riordan also assaulted Fallon in a car park and transported him to River House, where he died. A post‑mortem found 31 rib fractures and blunt force trauma to the head and trunk as the cause of death. O'Riordan, who pleaded guilty to assault, remains in jail. The case is before Mr Justice Paul Carney and a jury of eight men and three women.
2014-02-24 · Dublin
A trial date has been set for south Dublin architect Graham Dwyer, aged 41, who is accused of murdering childcare worker Elaine O'Hara, aged 37, on 22 August 2012. O'Hara's remains were discovered in the Dublin mountains on 13 September 2013. Prosecutor Mr Sean Guerin SC told the Central Criminal Court that the trial would last six weeks. Defence counsel Mr Remy Farrell SC noted that further bail applications might be made, citing Dwyer's repeated bail refusals. Judge Paul Carney fixed the trial for 13 April 2015.
2014-02-20 · Tipperary
In a Tipperary murder trial, the State Pathologist, Professor Marie Cassidy, testified that the deceased, Anthony Fallon, suffered 31 rib fractures and other severe injuries. She concluded that Fallon died from blunt force trauma to the head and trunk, with linear wounds on his face and head, extensive bruising, and haemorrhage to the brain. Internal examination revealed fractures to the breast bone, broken collar bone, and a litre of blood in the chest cavity. Cassidy described the chest injuries as likely causing respiratory insufficiency and severe incapacitation. She suggested the injuries were sustained close to where Fallon was found and that multiple assaults may have occurred. The State alleges that John Hannigan and Joseph O'Riordan assaulted Fallon at his flat, then in a car park, before he died at River House. O'Riordan has pleaded guilty to assault; the trial continues before a jury. John Hannigan pleaded not guilty.
2014-02-19 · Tipperary
In a murder trial in the Central Criminal Court, Garda Shane Kiely testified that 46‑year‑old John Hannigan of River House, New Quay, Clonmel, had arrived at the scene of a suspicious death on 18 January 2012, the day Anthony Fallon, also 46, was found dead in his flat on Abbey Street. Kiely described Hannigan standing outside the apartment complex when Fallon was lying in the foyer, with a blood‑stained face and swollen injuries. The Garda noted that Hannigan had a graze on a left knuckle and that he was visibly upset, crying and shaking. He also reported seeing blood on the left side of Hannigan's clothing. The State alleges that Hannigan and Joseph O'Riordan assaulted Fallon earlier that morning, then took him to River House where he died of his injuries. O'Riordan has pleaded guilty to assault. The trial is before Mr Justice Paul Carney and a jury of eight men and four women. John Hannigan pleaded not guilty.
2014-02-18 · Tipperary
In a 2014 murder trial, William O'Riordan, a former glass blower aged 39, testified that the accused, John Hannigan, admitted to killing Anthony Fallon, 46, on 18 January 2012. O'Riordan described walking through Clonmel that morning, hearing about an incident on the quay side, and later meeting Hannigan and his brother Joseph O'Riordan. He recounted asking Hannigan if he was involved, to which Hannigan replied, "No. I've nothing to do with it. Why are you asking me?" O'Riordan then claimed Hannigan admitted to killing Fallon. The witness also noted that Hannigan had assaulted Fallon and that the victim was badly beaten before being taken to a shop where he was given alcohol. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul Carney, continued with a jury of eight men and four women. The prosecution argued that Hannigan and O'Riordan assaulted Fallon before he died of his injuries at the scene. The case remained in progress. John Hannigan pleaded not guilty.
2014-02-17 · Waterford
A 47‑year‑old Waterford man, Gerald Vollrath, will be sentenced next week for attempting to murder his 83‑year‑old mother, Vera Vollrath, while she lay in a nursing home. The mother died on 9 January 2012 at Killure Bridge Nursing Home, an outcome that had been expected after a severe stroke and Alzheimer's. Gerald admitted placing a pillow over her face for up to two minutes on the night of 8 January, an act that was later pleaded guilty as attempted murder after the murder charge was dropped. He claimed he acted out of compassion, believing his mother would not want to be a burden and that her death was imminent. The court will consider his admission and the circumstances of his mother's frail state before sentencing. The hearing was adjourned for a week. Gerald Vollrath pleaded not guilty.
2014-02-17 · Tipperary
A 46‑year‑old Tipperary man, John Hannigan of River House, New Quay in Clonmel, pleaded not guilty to two charges: the murder of Anthony Fallon (46) on 18 January 2012 in Clonmel and an assault on Fallon at a flat on Abbey Street on the same day. He was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, where he was dressed in a grey sweater and black shirt. Mr Justice Paul Carney swore in a jury of eight men and four women, and the trial is set to begin on Tuesday and is expected to last two weeks.
2014-02-14 · Dublin
The Court of Criminal Appeal has reserved its judgment on the appeal by Warren and Jeffrey Dumbrell against their second conviction for the murder of Christopher Cawley. The brothers, who pleaded not guilty to killing the 33-year-old at Tyrone Place flats in Inchicore on October 29, 2006, were sentenced to life imprisonment in February 2011. Their initial 2008 conviction was quashed in 2010 as unsafe due to judicial comments, leading to a retrial. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC argued that the trial judge erred by failing to properly direct the jury against conducting internet enquiries and by not warning the jury about the victim's previous convictions for carrying knives, which Jeffrey Dumbrell claimed were relevant to his self-defence claim. The prosecution, represented by Paul Burns SC, countered that the brothers received a fair trial and that the jury was trusted to act judicially. The court heard that Cawley's family witnessed the fatal stabbing. The appeal is currently pending, with the Chief Justice indicating that the judgment will be reserved.