In the Central Criminal Court trial, 35‑year‑old Robert Lawlor denies attempting to murder Fiona Mitchell on 26 May 2018 and denies threatening her son Derek. Mitchell, who confirmed her son's childhood friend Kane McCormack was shot dead 18 months earlier, says she does not know if McCormack was involved in the Hutch‑Kinahan feud. She also denies claims that her home is a "half‑way house" of partying and drug use. Witnesses include a taxi driver who met Lawlor on the night of the alleged shooting and a Garda who observed Lawlor's agitation at his home. Lawlor has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, a threat to Rachel Kirwan, and shooting a dog. The trial proceeds before Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of twelve.
During the attempted‑murder trial of Robert Lawlor, the Central Criminal Court heard that Garda Cathal Hickey recovered four bullets from the Mitchell residence after the shooting on 26 May 2018. One bullet lay on the kitchen floor, another in the hallway, a third was found in the dog basket of the shed, and a fourth was on the decking outside the back patio. Hickey also traced a line of blood from a bullet in the dog shed to a decking area where a dead German Shepherd, Chopper, was found. He reported bullet holes in the front door at 79 inches and in the kitchen‑hallway door at 64 inches. Sergeant Noel Smith admitted moving a bullet from outside the house to inside the property at about 8 am, citing concern that it might be removed by someone else. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul McDermott, continues with a jury of seven men and five women. Robert Lawlor pleaded not guilty.
In the Central Criminal Court, Robert Lawlor, 35, pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, firearm possession, a threat to Rachel Kirwan, and shooting a dog. Detective Sergeant Noel Smith testified that Lawlor was seen in black clothing, agitated and aggressive on the evening of the shooting. Smith described Lawlor's erratic behaviour, his confrontation with Gardaí, and his departure from home, prompting Smith to contact Kirwan and the Armed Support Unit. Kirwan, who had been in a relationship with Lawlor and later with Fiona Mitchell's son Derek, broke down during questioning about photographs of Derek. She refused to answer questions about the photos, stating her life was worth more than the images. The trial remains before a jury.
A 27‑year‑old Laois man was found guilty of raping a sleeping woman at a Kildare house party on 21 June 2015. The trial, held at the Central Criminal Court, heard that the woman had gone to bed in her sister's house, fell asleep in her clothes, and woke to find the accused in her bed having sex with her. She screamed and fled the room. The defence claimed the man had asked to lie beside her, that she had consented, and that they had consensual sex for a few minutes before she withdrew. The prosecution argued a sleeping person cannot give consent and presented evidence that the woman's account was consistent. The jury returned a guilty verdict; the judge remanded the man on continuing bail and adjourned sentencing to 3 February. The case remains at the trial stage. The unnamed 27-year-old pleaded not guilty.
Joseph Hillen, aged 25, was sentenced to nine years' imprisonment, with the final year suspended, after the Court of Appeal found his original six‑year term too lenient. Hillen admitted stabbing taxi driver Martin Mulligan, aged 53, in a rural area near Dundalk on 28 September 2015, but denied murder. He was found guilty of manslaughter by a jury and originally sentenced to seven years, with one year suspended. The appeal, brought by the Director of Public Prosecutions, led to a new sentence of nine years, again with the final year suspended. Hillen's case involved two serious stab wounds, a 22.5‑cm abdominal wound and a through‑and‑through thigh wound. He had previously been convicted of dangerous driving while on bail for the killing and had 15 prior convictions, none for violence. The court noted his role as a father of two children and the impact on the Mulligan family.
A 69‑year‑old man was sentenced by a Central Criminal Court jury to 20 years' imprisonment for indecent assault and rape of his grandson between 2004 and 2015, and for indecent assault, rape and attempted rape of three daughters between 1981 and 1987. The sentences were consecutive, giving a headline term of 20 years. The Court of Appeal, after hearing the case, suspended the final two‑and‑a‑half years of the sentence, citing the defendant's age and the likelihood that he would die in custody. The court kept the 20‑year term but removed the last 2½ years from the period to be served. The barrister for the defendant argued that a 20‑year sentence would effectively mean the man would serve the rest of his life in prison, while the Director of Public Prosecutions noted that 69 was not "very old" and that no medical evidence suggested ill‑health. The unnamed 69-year-old pleaded guilty and was convicted.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 25 November 2019, Noel Lenihan, a 67‑year‑old martial arts instructor from Galway, was sentenced to four years' imprisonment for the manslaughter of Christopher McGrath, aged 38. The court found that Lenihan and McGrath had a long‑standing, "intimate" and "dysfunctional" relationship, complicated by alcohol and drug use. McGrath had been staying at Lenihan's home and, on the night of 12 March 2017, entered the house after scaling a wall and threatening Lenihan. A struggle ensued; Lenihan stabbed McGrath with a steak knife, claiming self‑defence. Pathology revealed five knife wounds, including a fatal heart wound. Lenihan pleaded guilty to manslaughter, and the judge noted his remorse, guilty plea, and lack of prior convictions as mitigating factors, reducing the headline sentence from seven to four years, back‑dated to 1 November 2019.
Paul Wells Junior (33) was found guilty at the Central Criminal Court of impeding the prosecution of his father, Paul Wells Senior (51), by disposing of a blood-stained chainsaw. The court heard the weapon had a piece of "brown meat" embedded in its motor. Wells Junior had pleaded not guilty to disposing of the chainsaw motor between January 19 and 20, 2016, in Co Kildare, and not guilty to disposing of the blade and chain on January 20, 2016. A jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict on both counts after three hours and 55 minutes of deliberation. The judge directed a probation report and remanded Wells Junior on continuing bail until February 10, when his sentence hearing will take place. This follows the life sentence handed to Wells Senior last year for the murder of Kenneth O'Brien at his home in Finglas on January 15 or 16, 2016. Ms Justice Carmel Stewart extended sympathies to the O'Brien family, noting they had to listen to harrowing details again during this second trial. The matter was adjourned for sentencing.
In November 2019 the Central Criminal Court struck out contempt of court proceedings against Facebook Ireland Limited and Twitter International Company that had been brought over the sharing of the identities of the two 15‑year‑old boys who murdered schoolgirl Ana Kriegel. The injunction, originally imposed by Mr Justice Michael White on 19 June 2019 and extended by Mr Justice Paul McDermott on 26 July 2019, required the platforms to remove any photographs or material identifying the boys. The court noted that the injunction had been discharged and the proceedings struck out after the boys' sentencing on 5 November 2019, with the platforms having cooperated in removing offending material and halting its proliferation online. The court also confirmed that any breach of the injunction would constitute contempt of court and a criminal offence under the Children Act 2001.
In a Central Criminal Court trial, Paul Wells Junior, aged 33, faces charges of impeding his father's apprehension by disposing of the chainsaw used to dismember murder victim Kenneth O'Brien. The jury, after two and a half hours of deliberation, was instructed by Judge Stewart to consider each count separately: disposing of the chainsaw motor and disposing of the chain and blade. The prosecution alleged that Wells Junior knowingly removed the equipment, while the defence argued he acted under a reasonable excuse, citing a history of abuse and fear of his father. Judge Stewart emphasized that the burden remained on the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that no reasonable excuse existed. The jury was required to reach a unanimous verdict on both counts before proceeding with further deliberations. The case remains pending, with no verdict announced yet. Paul Wells Junior pleaded not guilty.
Anthony Walsh, 32, of no fixed abode, appeared in the Court of Appeal to challenge his conviction for the murder of Dermot Byrne, 54, at North St, Swords, Co Dublin, on July 16, 2017. Walsh had admitted killing Mr Byrne but denied the charge of murder, claiming self-defence and provocation. A Central Criminal Court jury found him guilty, and Ms Justice Eileen Creedon imposed the mandatory life sentence on October 22, 2018. In the appeal, Walsh's counsel, Brendan Grehan SC, argued that the trial judge erred by admitting a voice recording sent by Walsh to a friend shortly after the incident. The recording contained statements such as "I'm going to fucking jail" and references to a "poor old fella being kicked to death," followed by laughter. Grehan SC contended this evidence was highly prejudicial and not probative, while the Director of Public Prosecutions' counsel, Vincent Heneghan SC, maintained it was admissible as an admission of how the victim died. The appeal panel, presided over by Mr Justice George Birmingham with Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly, reserved its judgement. Consequently, the matter was adjourned, and Walsh must wait to hear the outcome of the appeal against his conviction.
Joseph Hillen, aged 25, was found guilty of manslaughter for stabbing taxi driver Martin Mulligan, aged 53, near Dundalk on 28 September 2015. Hillen admitted stabbing Mulligan after an altercation but denied murder. He was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment, with the final year suspended, by Ms Justice Eileen Creedon on 28 January 2019. The sentencing judge noted the jury's view that Hillen believed he was acting in self‑defence. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has appealed, arguing the sentence was unduly lenient, citing the brutality of the attack, Hillen's prior convictions, and his lack of honesty. The Court of Appeal will consider the appeal, with no decision yet announced. The case remains at the appeal stage. Joseph Hillen pleaded not guilty.
Paul Wells Junior, aged 33, stands trial for disposing of a chainsaw motor, blade and chain that were used to dismember Kenneth O'Brien. He is charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of his father, Paul Wells Senior, who was later convicted of O'Brien's murder. The defence argues that Wells Junior acted in panic, was physically abused by his father, and did not intend to obstruct the investigation. He voluntarily gave a statement to Gardaí on 5 February 2016 and was arrested the next day on suspicion of murder. The prosecution maintains that Wells Junior knew his father had committed the offence when he disposed of the chainsaw and fully understood the consequences. The case is before the Central Criminal Court, with the jury to deliberate on the charges of impeding the investigation. The trial is ongoing and no verdict has yet been reached. Paul Wells Junior pleaded not guilty.
In a trial held on 18 November 2019, Fiona Mitchell testified that on 26 May 2018 she was in her garden when a man named Robert Lawlor, whom she recognised from social media, appeared at her patio door holding a gun. Mitchell said she heard two gunshots as she fled, locked the kitchen door, and ran to her neighbour's house where she hid. She described seeing two men on a wall outside her home, but confirmed only one man was in her garden and house. Mitchell also stated that her German Shepherd, Chopper, was shot dead that night. She claimed to have heard a threat from Lawlor to kill her mother and to "take her out of misery." The case is before Mr Justice Paul McDermott. Robert Lawlor pleaded not guilty.
Keith Brady, 32, of Cartron Estate, Sligo, was found guilty of murdering musician Matt Kivlehan after three trials. The jury at the Central Criminal Court returned a guilty verdict in one hour and 25 minutes following a two-week trial. Brady had previously denied the murder, which occurred on August 2 or 3, 2015, at Kivlehan's home on Holborn Street. His plea of guilty to manslaughter was rejected by the Director of Public Prosecutions. The court heard that Kivlehan, who was 60 and suffering from ill-health and intoxication, was stabbed twice in the neck. Evidence indicated the scene was staged to resemble suicide, with a knife placed on the victim's chest, while Brady allegedly ordered heroin to be brought to the apartment. Mr Justice Alex Owens sentenced Brady to the mandatory term of life imprisonment, backdated to November 24, 2016, when he first entered custody. In a separate matter, Janice Brady, 29, pleaded guilty to impeding the apprehension or prosecution of her brother, knowing or believing he was guilty of a killing. The victim's brother, Christopher Kivlehan, stated that the family remains appalled by the death and that stress contributed to the death of another brother, Padraic. The judge thanked the jury and exempted them from further service for five years.
A 19‑year‑old, Alexander Whelan, pleaded guilty to manslaughter for the death of 56‑year‑old Bruno Rolandi in a domestic incident at Green Road, Ballymoran, Edenderry, Offaly, on 19 November 2017. Whelan, who lived on Green Road, Lumville, Edenderry, was charged with murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter at the Central Criminal Court. The prosecution accepted the plea. Defence counsel noted Whelan was 18 at the time of the incident. Judge Michael White ordered a probation report and remanded him on continuing bail until 3 February 2020 for sentencing.
A 49-year-old man from Co Wicklow was sentenced to seven years in prison after being convicted by a jury at the Central Criminal Court of four counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault. The offences, which occurred between 1987 and 1989, involved the sexual abuse of a child who was approximately nine years old at the time. The defendant had pleaded not guilty to all charges. Mr Justice Michael White set a headline sentence of 11 years but reduced it to seven, citing the man's constructive life since the offending. The court noted the victim's exceptional courage, as she gave evidence six times across multiple trials, several of which collapsed due to witness unavailability or document issues before the final conviction in March. The judge ruled that an existing order preventing the publication of the victim's and the offender's names would remain in place. The victim, now a married mother, stated she came forward in 2013 to right a terrible wrong and finally achieved justice and closure. Defence counsel highlighted the defendant's good character and the impact a custodial sentence would have on his son with special needs.
A man convicted of raping two women in Sligo town has launched an appeal against his conviction at the Court of Appeal. Clement Limen, aged 47, of North Court, Quayside, Sligo, was found guilty by jury at the Central Criminal Court of raping two women at his apartment on June 2, 2014, following their meeting at a nightclub during a bank holiday weekend. He was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years imprisonment in December 2017. The defence contends that prosecuting counsel inadvertently introduced the concept of "system evidence" during closing arguments to the jury, potentially creating prejudicial inferences about corroboration between the complainants' accounts. The prosecution disputes this characterisation, maintaining that the counsel's language carried only ordinary meaning and that matters of corroboration were properly left to the jury's determination. The Court of Appeal, presided over by President Mr Justice George Birmingham, sat with two fellow justices and has reserved judgement on the appeal.
A man accused of murdering a musician in County Sligo has heard prosecution counsel argue that his actions before and after the alleged killing demonstrate deliberate intent, despite claims of intoxication. Keith Brady, aged 32 of Cartron Estate, Sligo, is charged with murdering Martin Kivlehan, 60, at his home on New Apartments, Holborn Street on August 2nd or 3rd, 2015. Mr Brady has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. At the Central Criminal Court, prosecution counsel Paul Murray SC told the jury that Mr Brady made multiple conscious decisions following the death, including arranging heroin delivery to the house, altering his clothing, and providing false accounts to gardaí. Mr Murray contended that evidence including two stab wounds to the neck, a knife swap at the scene, and Mr Brady's demonstrated capability to make deliberate choices before and after arrest undermines the defence assertion that intoxication negated intent to kill or cause serious harm. The trial before Mr Justice Alex Owens continues.
Keith Brady, aged 32, of Cartron Estate in Sligo, stands charged with murder following the death of a local musician at New Apartments on Holborn Street in August 2015. He has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. At the Central Criminal Court, the jury heard evidence of interviews conducted by gardaí. In an August 2015 interview at Sligo Garda Station, Mr Brady admitted stabbing the deceased and stated that matters had spiralled beyond his control. However, during a subsequent November interview at Ballymote Garda Station, he denied involvement and claimed memory loss due to intoxication. The court was informed that Mr Brady later approached prison authorities at Castlerea Prison in Roscommon in December 2015, requesting to speak with a sergeant who had previously interviewed him. During this meeting, Mr Brady provided a detailed account in which he acknowledged responsibility, expressed remorse to the deceased's family, and described the incident as unintentional. The trial continues.
The trial of Aaron Brady, 27, accused of murdering Garda Adrian Donohoe in 2013, was postponed until January 2020 for logistical reasons. Brady, who lives on New Road, Crossmaglen, was due to begin on Monday but a defence application delayed the start. The judge, Mr Justice Michael White, said a jury could not be sworn in as planned and a new trial date would be set. He also announced that the court would actively address outstanding issues and arrange for an enlarged 15‑person jury. The pre‑trial hearing will continue, and the court aims to resolve all matters before the new start date. The trial was originally scheduled for October 8 and then November 11, each postponed to handle pre‑trial matters.
A man has been sentenced to twelve years imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court following his conviction on charges of rape, oral rape, and sexual assault. Richard Moloney, aged 41, of Tullaskeagh Drive, Roscrea, County Tipperary, was found guilty of offences against his then 16-year-old foster daughter at their home on 16 July 2016. The jury's verdict followed trial in July this year. Mr Justice Alex Owens imposed the sentence this morning, noting Moloney's breach of trust as a foster parent and his denial of wrongdoing throughout proceedings. The judge described the crimes' impact on the victim as profoundly destructive. A four-year post-release supervision order was also imposed, with conditions including distance from the victim and engagement in alcohol treatment. Moloney carries ten previous convictions for assault and public order matters. The victim, who has waived anonymity, expressed satisfaction with the sentencing outside court.
Two Leitrim men were convicted by a jury at the Central Criminal Court following an 11-day trial. The first accused was found guilty of rape, while the second accused was found guilty of oral rape by majority verdict. The jury failed to reach an agreement on the count of rape against the second man. Both defendants had pleaded not guilty to the charges, which alleged they raped a woman in a flat in 2017 after she blacked out at a party. The prosecution alleged the complainant was vulnerable and unable to consent, while the defense maintained she was aware and consented. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon rejected defense submissions for bail, stating the men had been found guilty of very serious charges and their remand status must change. She remanded both men into custody for a sentence hearing scheduled for January 17. The men cannot be named to protect the complainant's anonymity. The jury's deliberations lasted just over six hours, with the foreman initially reporting a deadlock before the judge allowed a majority verdict.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Paul Wells Junior (33) continues before Ms Justice Carmel Stewart and a jury. Wells Junior, of Beatty Park, Celbridge, Co Kildare, has pleaded not guilty to disposing of a chainsaw motor between January 19 and 20, 2016, and not guilty to disposing of a chainsaw blade and chain on January 20, 2016, in Co Kildare. The prosecution alleges he impeded the apprehension or prosecution of his father, Paul Wells Senior (51), by disposing of the chainsaw. Wells Senior, of Barnamore Park, Finglas, Dublin 11, was jailed for life last year after being found guilty of murdering Kenneth O'Brien at his home in Finglas on January 15 or 16, 2016. Evidence presented includes garda interviews where Wells Junior stated he received the chainsaw from his brother and later disposed of its parts in the Grand Canal and The Curragh. He testified that he believed his father was responsible for the murder and that he disposed of the items out of fear. The trial resumes on Thursday.
A 35‑year‑old man, Robert Lawlor, pleaded not guilty to attempted murder of Fiona Mitchell, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, a threat to Rachel Kirwan, and shooting a dog. The Central Criminal Court heard that the attempted murder occurred on 26 May 2018 at Moatview Avenue, Priorswood, when Lawlor, armed, entered Mitchell's garden, fired a shot that shattered the patio door, and fired again as she fled. Mitchell escaped through the front door; Gardaí arrived but the gunman and a second man had fled. A dog that had been barking and raising the alarm was shot dead. Lawlor's alleged motive was that Mitchell's son, Derek, was in a relationship with Lawlor's former partner, Rachel Kirwan, a relationship Lawlor could not accept. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
At the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, a garda inspector has denied allegations that he fabricated evidence against a Sligo man charged with murder. Inspector Patrick Harney testified that Keith Brady, aged 32, of Cartron Estate, made certain statements upon being charged with the death of Martin Kivlehan on 2 or 3 August 2015 at New Apartments, Holborn Street, Sligo. The defence barrister, Kenneth Fogarty SC, contended that a particular statement attributed to Mr Brady was not included in the inspector's written account, and suggested the omission was designed to present his client unfavourably. Inspector Harney stated the remark appeared in his notebook and was recorded at the time. Mr Justice Alex Owens cautioned the defence counsel on proper procedure when making such allegations. Mr Brady has pleaded guilty to manslaughter but denies murder. The trial before Mr Justice Owens and jury continues. Keith Brady pleaded not guilty.
A 66‑year‑old man from Munster was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment, with one year suspended, for raping his adult special‑needs daughter twice in 2016 while her mother was terminally ill in hospital. The judge described the offences as an egregious breach of trust, noting the daughter's vulnerability and the aggravating factor of the mother's illness. The defendant pleaded guilty, which the court considered mitigating, and he expressed remorse and apologized to his daughter. He was ordered to participate in the Better Lives Programme and to have no contact with his daughter during the suspended year, except under supervision. Social services will issue a care order for the daughter, and the judge extended best wishes to her, acknowledging her continued bond with her father and the pain she endured. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime and the defendant's background of childhood neglect and abuse.
The rape trial of two men at the Central Criminal Court was adjourned after the jury reported being deadlocked. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon informed the nine-man and three-woman jury that they could return a majority verdict, requiring at least ten jurors to agree. The jury had deliberated for three hours and previously requested to hear the complainant's evidence again, which was read from a transcript. The prosecution alleges that on a date in 2017, the complainant woke in a bedroom to find the defendants raping her on two occasions. Both accused pleaded not guilty to rape; the second accused also denies a charge of oral rape. The defendants, who knew the complainant from school, assert the activity was consensual. Defense counsel for the first accused argued the complainant made the allegation due to distress over overheard conversations, while counsel for the second accused contended the prosecution's claim that she was comatose was unsupported, noting witnesses saw her smiling and cuddling. Prosecution counsel highlighted that the first accused had recently moved into the flat, purchased condoms, and texted friends that he had "christened" the flat. The jury was sent home to resume deliberations on Tuesday morning.
The Central Criminal Court heard that Christopher McGrath, aged 38, was stabbed to death on 12 March 2017 at the home of Noel Lenihan, a 67‑year‑old martial arts instructor from Mervue, Galway. McGrath had previously been in an intimate relationship with Lenihan and had been staying at Lenihan's house after failing to secure a room at a homeless shelter. Lenihan was charged with murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter on 12 March 2017. He claimed he stabbed McGrath in self‑defence after a struggle in which McGrath had allegedly threatened to choke him. Acting State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan found five knife wounds, including a fatal frontal wound to the heart. Lenihan accepted responsibility, expressed remorse, and pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The court considered his age, ill‑health, previous good character and remorse before sentencing, which was scheduled for 25 November.
A man convicted of sexually assaulting a young child has been remanded in custody at the Central Criminal Court following his apprehension. The 24-year-old was found guilty on all fourteen counts of sexual assault at two Dublin locations between June 2008 and October 2011, when the victim was aged between five and eight years old. A jury returned unanimous verdicts after a four-day trial in May 2018. The defendant absconded before the verdict was delivered and remained at large for several months. Mr Justice Michael White imposed a seven-year sentence in December 2018 in the man's absence. Upon his arrest today, the court formally recorded that the sentence will commence from the date of his apprehension. The judge noted the defendant's youth as a mitigating factor, as he was himself a minor during the offences. A victim impact statement detailed the child's ongoing psychological trauma. The defendant was arrested in County Cavan, where he had relocated with his family. The unnamed 24-year-old pleaded not guilty.
A 35‑year‑old man named Robert Lawlor pleaded not guilty to an attempted murder charge. He is accused of trying to kill Fiona Mitchell on 26 May 2018 at Priorswood, Dublin. Lawlor denied the allegation. A jury of seven men and five women was sworn in at the Central Criminal Court before Mr Justice Michael White. He is scheduled to appear before Mr Justice Paul McDermott tomorrow morning, and the trial is expected to last two weeks.
A 21‑year‑old man, Blake Sweeney, was sentenced to eight years and six months' imprisonment for the manslaughter of Robert Elston, 33, after Sweeney stabbed Elston twice in the abdomen. The incident occurred on 23 May 2018 when Elston set fire to a car in the Sweeney family driveway. Sweeney, who had been told by his mother to stay at home, pursued Elston into the house armed with a knife. The judge noted that Sweeney had no pre‑meditation, had offered to plead guilty, and had cooperated with Gardaí. The sentence was reduced from a headline of ten years to eight years and six months, with the last 18 months suspended, and was back‑dated to the date of the offence. The case was heard at the Central Criminal Court by Mr Justice Tony Hunt. Blake Sweeney was acquitted.
The Central Criminal Court trial of two men accused of raping a woman in a Leitrim flat in 2017 has entered jury deliberations. The first accused pleaded not guilty to rape, while the second accused pleaded not guilty to rape and oral rape. Prosecution counsel Eilis Brennan SC argued that the defendants did not care if the victim was consenting, citing evidence that they invited other men to the bedroom and made derogatory comments outside the room. The complainant testified that she woke to find the men raping her on two occasions. In defense, Conor Devally SC for the first accused contended that the sex was consensual and that the complainant later felt demeaned by the behavior of others, leading her to reconstruct the night. Colm Smyth SC for the second accused argued that the prosecution's claim of incapacity was a "spin," asserting the woman was in full control and had consented to oral sex. He also criticized the Garda investigation, alleging that untested DNA evidence was not seized. The jury began deliberations after lunch and will resume on Monday morning.
Two men from Leitrim have pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to charges of rape arising from an alleged incident in a flat in the county in 2017. The prosecution alleges that on two occasions during one night, a woman regained consciousness to find herself being raped by the defendants. The second accused also denies oral rape. The accused men, now in their 20s and known to the complainant from school, have entered pleas of not guilty. During the trial before Justice Eileen Creedon, the first defendant told gardaí he was being "set up" and that all sexual contact had been consensual. He claimed the woman later felt betrayed when he left the bedroom to address discomfort with his contact lenses. The prosecution contends the woman was too intoxicated to consent and that the defendant was aware of this. The trial continues.
In a hearing before Mr Justice Paul McDermott, the Central Criminal Court set the earliest possible release dates for two teenage boys convicted of murdering and sexually assaulting 14‑year‑old Ana Kriegel. Boy A, now 15, faces a life sentence with a review after 12 years and an additional eight‑year term for aggravated sexual assault; his earliest release from the custodial portion is June 18, 2031. Boy B, also 15, received a 15‑year detention sentence with a review after eight years; his earliest release is June 18, 2027. Both boys will be detained at a young offenders centre until age 18, then transferred to an adult prison. Mr Justice McDermott ordered bi‑annual probation, governor and education reports to be prepared for the reviewing court, beginning after their release from Oberstown detention centre. The reports aim to inform the court of the boys' development and progress, not to micro‑manage their sentences.
Two Leitrim men have pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to charges of rape and oral rape following an alleged incident at a flat in a Co Leitrim town in 2017. A witness told the trial that the first accused emerged from a bedroom and disclosed he had engaged in sexual activity with the woman, displaying scratches on his back. The witness further testified that the second accused stated he would attempt oral sex with the woman, claiming prior consent to such activity. Medical evidence presented indicated the complainant had bruising in her throat and a swollen uvula. The woman testified she did not consent to sexual contact with either man and had lost consciousness before finding them engaged in sexual activity with her upon regaining awareness. The trial before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury continues.
At the Central Criminal Court, a trial heard that a woman alleging rape initially described three men as being involved in the assault. The complainant told the court she attended a party at a flat in a County Leitrim town in 2017 where she consumed alcohol. She stated she lost consciousness and awoke to find the first accused assaulting her. She reported hearing male voices and subsequently blacked out again, regaining consciousness as the second accused was assaulting her. Two Leitrim men have pleaded not guilty to rape charges. The second accused also denies oral rape. During cross-examination, the defence put to the complainant that she had previously given an account involving three assailants. The complainant confirmed this, noting she had heard voices in the room. A nurse from the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit in Mullingar confirmed the complainant initially reported three men were involved. The nurse stated she observed genital injuries consistent with non-consensual activity, though acknowledged such injuries could also occur during consensual contact.
A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court heard that blood matching a musician found stabbed to death in his Sligo home was present on two knives recovered from the scene. A forensic scientist told the court that DNA evidence from a knife discovered on the body of Martin Matt Kivlehan, who died on August 3, 2015, matched the deceased. Blood matching Mr Kivlehan was also found on a second knife located in the kitchen. A garda ballistics expert noted the positioning of one knife on the victim's chest and observed two stab wounds, stating he had never encountered a scene where a person had inflicted two such injuries on themselves. Witnesses described Mr Kivlehan as a well-liked man who enjoyed company. Keith Brady, aged 30, of Cartron Estate, Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. That plea was rejected and his trial continues before Mr Justice Alex Owens.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Paul Wells Junior (33) continues, with the validated procedural stage identified as sentence. Wells Junior, of Beatty Park, Celbridge, Co Kildare, has pleaded not guilty to charges alleging he impeded the apprehension or prosecution of his father, Paul Wells Senior (51), and disposed of a chainsaw motor and blade in Co Kildare between January 19 and 20, 2016. The prosecution alleges Wells Junior dumped these items knowing his father had taken a life. Paul Wells Senior was previously convicted of murdering Kenneth O'Brien (33) at his home in Finglas on January 15 or 16, 2016, and was jailed for life last year. Wells Senior admitted dismembering the victim and dumping the body in the Grand Canal. Detective Sergeant Gerard Moore testified that the chainsaw motor was found at Pike Bridge, Maynooth, while the blade and chain were recovered at the Curragh. Wells Junior told gardai he feared being shot by his father during a drive on January 16, after which he heard splashes near the canal. The court heard that Wells Senior was a known IRA member with prior firearms convictions. The matter remains at the sentence stage.
At the Central Criminal Court, a woman has given evidence of alleged sexual assaults following a party in a County Leitrim flat in 2017. The complainant told the jury she awoke twice from unconsciousness to find herself being assaulted by two men she had previously known. She recalled hearing male voices outside the bedroom discussing how to remove her from the premises. Both defendants, now in their 20s, have pleaded not guilty to rape. The second accused additionally denies oral rape. The men maintain the sexual contact was consensual. During examination, the woman described physical force, throat pressure, and distress. She subsequently contacted her boyfriend and attended a Sexual Assault Treatment Unit for examination. The court heard she received a Snapchat message saying "soz" from the first accused. The trial before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury continues.
Eimear Dunne, aged 16 when she met Kenneth O'Brien, gave evidence at the Central Criminal Court that her partner's body was found in a canal. She described their relationship, noting they bought a house together in 2006 and that O'Brien worked in machinery in Australia before returning in December 2015. On 15 January 2016, Dunne received a text from a number she believed to be O'Brien, claiming he had lost his phone and was drinking. A second text at 7.49 am the next morning said he was heading to a ferry to move abroad with another woman. Dunne said she was shocked, dropped to her knees, and later found his laptops and toothbrush still at home. She reported him missing on 16 January and noted missing luggage and a monthly €5,000 transfer to Wells Sr. The trial will continue before Ms Justice Carmel Stewart and a jury.
A 32-year-old man charged with murder at the Central Criminal Court has expressed remorse through his legal counsel. Keith Brady of Cartron Estate, Sligo, pleads not guilty to the murder of 60-year-old Martin Kivlehan on August 2nd or 3rd at New Apartments, Holborn Street, Sligo, but has admitted manslaughter. During the trial before Mr Justice Alex Owens, Brady's counsel conveyed to the deceased's brother, Christopher Kivlehan, that his client is "deeply ashamed" of the circumstances. The prosecution outlined that the musician suffered two stab wounds to the neck and was significantly intoxicated at the time of death. Evidence indicated the wounds were severe, with one severing major arteries. Friends described the deceased as a talented, well-liked gentleman and accomplished musician. The trial, involving a jury of eight men and four women, continues at the Central Criminal Court.
A judge at the Central Criminal Court has warned jurors at a murder trial not to conduct independent investigations into the case. Mr Justice Alexander Owens addressed the jury hearing the case against Keith Brady, aged 32, from Cartron Estate in Sligo, who is charged with the murder of Martin Kivlehan between 2 and 3 August 2015 at New Apartments, Holborn Street, Sligo. Brady pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, though the Director of Public Prosecutions did not accept this plea and the trial for murder will proceed. The judge cautioned jurors against using internet searches, social media platforms, or map applications to research details. He warned that non-compliance would constitute contempt of court and instructed them to avoid discussing the case outside the courtroom. Evidence was set to begin the following day, with the prosecution expected to open its case at 10.30am. The trial was anticipated to last approximately two weeks.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 5 November 2019, a 43‑year‑old woman was ordered to remain committed to the Central Mental Hospital (CMH) after being found not guilty of murdering her three‑year‑old daughter by smothering her with a pillow. The court had previously vacated the committal order because no bed was available, but a bed became available two days after the verdict. Mr Justice Michael White, after hearing evidence from consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr Ronan Mullaney, confirmed that the woman should continue to be detained at the CMH for further treatment, with ongoing review by the Mental Health Review Board. Dr Mullaney's report noted the woman's history of depressive episodes, her cooperation after the verdict, and her willingness to continue treatment with anti‑psychotic Olanzapine and anti‑depressant Sertraline, as well as psychological work.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Mr Justice Paul McDermott sentenced Boy B, then 13, to 15 years' detention for luring 14‑year‑old Anastasia Kriegel to an abandoned farmhouse where she was sexually and violently assaulted and murdered by his friend. The judge noted Boy B watched the assault, did not intervene or seek help, and was aware of the events, yet remained indifferent. He had fabricated lies about the incident, which the judge described as "clear and brazen." Boy B has not accepted the jury's verdict and maintains he had no part in the crime. Defence counsel highlighted his low risk of re‑offending, personal difficulties, and suicidal tendencies, while also noting his remorse for not intervening. The sentence includes a review after eight years. The case remains at the sentencing stage, with no further outcome reported. The unnamed boy was convicted.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 5 November 2019, Mr Justice Paul McDermott sentenced a 15‑year‑old boy, referred to only as Boy A, to life imprisonment for the violent sexual assault and murder of 14‑year‑old Ana Kriegel. The sentence will be reviewed after 12 years. The judge described the crime as the most serious, disturbing and shocking type, citing the extreme violence used, including a headlock, choke hold, kicking, striking with a stick and a block. Boy A had previously denied the sexual assault and offered an alternative explanation for forensic evidence. The prosecution presented CCTV footage, DNA evidence linking Boy A to Ana's body and scene, and circumstantial evidence of injuries he claimed were from a random assault. Ana was found dead in an abandoned house in Lucan on 14 May 2018, with blunt‑force injuries to the head and neck. The unnamed accused was convicted.
At the Central Criminal Court, the trial of two men accused of raping a student in a Donegal town in February 2015 has reached the closing submissions stage. The accused, aged 29 and 33, both pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape. The complainant alleged she was too intoxicated to consent after a night of drinking. Prosecution counsel Seamus Clarke SC argued that video evidence demonstrated the complainant's severe intoxication and lack of consent, noting the older man admitted intercourse while the younger denied it, despite DNA evidence linking him to the incident. Defence counsel Colman Fitzgerald SC and Barry White SC contended the State failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the complainant did not consent or that the accused knew she did not. They highlighted potential reasonable doubts regarding the level of intoxication and suggested DNA traces could result from cross-contamination. Mr Justice Alex Owens adjourned the matter, instructing the jury to begin deliberations after he continues his charge tomorrow. The case remains unresolved pending the jury's verdict.
An unnamed 26-year-old man, who cannot be named to protect the victim's identity, received a fully suspended sentence at the Central Criminal Court following an appeal process. The appellant had previously been convicted of rape in 2016, a verdict quashed by the Court of Appeal in 2018 due to improper questioning regarding the complainant's contraceptive use. In the subsequent proceedings, he pleaded guilty to defilement of a child at his family address on October 4 and 5, 2014, while pleading not guilty to an alleged rape on the same dates. A jury acquitted him of the rape charge in July of this year. Mr Justice Paul McDermott sentenced the man to 15 months imprisonment, suspended in full for two years, conditional on his compliance with Probation Service directions. The judge also ordered that the man must not approach the victim or her family by any means. Although the man had served 24 months in custody following the initial trial, the court noted his late guilty plea, lack of prior convictions, and family circumstances as mitigating factors. The judge criticized the appellant for abusing the criminal justice process through persistent lying and subjecting the victim to extensive cross-examination. The matter was not adjourned; the sentence was finalized with the specified conditions and prohibitions.
Paul Wells Junior (33) is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, accused of impeding the investigation into the murder of Kenneth O'Brien. The prosecution alleges that Wells Junior disposed of a chainsaw motor and blade in Co Kildare between January 19 and 20, 2016, knowing his father, Paul Wells Senior, had committed the crime. Wells Junior has pleaded not guilty to these charges. The trial follows the sentencing of Paul Wells Senior (51), who was jailed for life last year after being found guilty of murdering O'Brien at his home in Finglas on January 15 or 16, 2016. Prosecuting counsel Michael Bowman SC outlined that O'Brien died from a close-range gunshot and was subsequently dismembered with the chainsaw, which was later dumped in the Grand Canal and the Curragh. The prosecution contends that Wells Junior acted with knowledge of the offense, despite enduring a 'life of hardship' under his father. The case is before Ms Justice Carmel Stewart and a jury of twelve, with proceedings expected to last up to three weeks.
A 29-year-old man accused of rape has made no comment when questioned about forensic evidence linking him to the alleged offence, the Central Criminal Court has heard. The defendant, a non-national residing in Donegal, is charged alongside a 33-year-old co-accused with two counts of rape of a woman in February 2015. Both men have pleaded not guilty. Forensic evidence presented during trial indicated that semen found on the complainant's underwear and inside a condom retrieved from the flat where the alleged assault occurred matched the defendant's DNA profile. When gardaí informed the accused of these findings and afforded him an opportunity to respond, he declined to comment. The prosecution concluded its case on Friday. The defence indicated it will not call witnesses. Closing arguments are scheduled for Monday, with jury deliberations expected to commence Tuesday following the judge's charge.