Michael Ferris, 63, was jailed for five years at the Central Criminal Court for manslaughter after repeatedly driving a teleporter into his neighbour Anthony O'Mahony, 73, during a long‑standing dispute over a noisy bird‑scaring device. The jury found Ferris not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter by a 10‑to‑two majority. At the sentence hearing, Justice Carmel Stewart imposed a six‑year prison term with one year suspended, back‑dated to the day of the offence. The judge cited Ferris's admission of guilt, his remorse, lack of prior convictions and his age as mitigating factors. The family of the deceased, led by niece Ann O'Carroll, expressed that they believed justice was not served, arguing the sentence was too lenient and that the case exemplified victim blaming in Irish courts. The judge noted the severity of the injuries inflicted and the impact on the victim's family.
A 31-year-old man from Cartron Estate in Sligo is on trial at the Central Criminal Court charged with murdering Martin Kivlehan, a 59-year-old musician, between 2nd and 3rd August 2015. The accused has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. During closing arguments, the prosecution submitted that the defendant inflicted two stab wounds to the neck with deliberate intent and deadly precision. The defence argued for a manslaughter verdict on grounds of either provocation or lack of capacity to form murderous intent due to drug intoxication at the time. Defence counsel submitted that the accused had reacted in a drug and alcohol-induced state after perceiving a threat to his sister. Justice Carmel Stewart was due to charge the jury on Monday.
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, the state pathologist, Professor Marie Cassidy, presented evidence that 35‑year‑old Alan O'Neill died from a bullet that entered his thigh, passed through his right arm, and then struck his right side, puncturing his liver and the aorta. The bullet also traveled through the pelvic cavity. A second bullet entered O'Neill's right leg and moved upward without damaging major structures. The pathologist concluded that the fatal wound was the one that damaged the aorta and liver, with the leg wound being a contributing factor. The trial, presided over by Justice Paul McDermott, involves 22‑year‑old Warren Nolan, who pleaded not guilty to O'Neill's murder and to setting fire to a car in Tallaght. The prosecution alleges Nolan shot O'Neill in the front driveway of his home and then fled in a car that was later set on fire.
In a Central Criminal Court trial, 32‑year‑old Renars Veigulis was acquitted of murdering his 29‑year‑old partner, Rita Apine, who died after falling down the stairs of their Freshford home on 14 May 2017. Veigulis maintained from the outset that he was playing with his daughter when he heard a "boom, boom, boom" and later found Apine at the bottom of the stairs with blood on her head. The jury heard forensic testimony that Apine's injuries were not consistent with a simple fall, citing multiple lacerations, bruising, and blood spatter patterns that suggested blunt‑force trauma. The prosecution presented pathologist Dr. Linda Mulligan's findings and forensic science evidence, while Veigulis's counsel argued that the injuries could result from a complex fall and that the pathologist had never seen such patterns before. After 10 hours and 21 minutes of deliberation, the jury returned a not‑guilty verdict, and Veigulis was released.
A Sligo man charged with murder at the Central Criminal Court has pleaded not guilty to killing a musician but guilty to manslaughter. Keith Brady, aged 31, of Cartron Estate in Sligo, is accused of murdering Martin Kivlehan on a date unknown between 2nd and 3rd August 2015 at the victim's home on Holborn Street. During the trial, evidence emerged that Brady initially admitted to the killing following encouragement from his sister. However, when re-interviewed months later with new mobile phone evidence, he retracted this admission, claiming he had made a false confession to escape the interview situation. Subsequently, while remanded in Castlerea prison, Brady contacted gardaí unprompted and provided a detailed account of the incident, stating he stabbed Mr Kivlehan during an altercation but could not explain his actions. He expressed remorse and asked that a message of apology be conveyed to the victim's family. The trial continues.
In the Central Criminal Court, a 60‑year‑old Limerick man, Desmond Coyle, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 58‑year‑old Calo Carpaci on 24 May 2017. The prosecution presented a paramedic's statement: Mary O'Brien, who arrived at the scene at 1.40 pm, observed a single chest wound slightly left of centre on the victim, who was unresponsive and had no pulse. No other injuries were noted on a head‑to‑toe examination. Additional evidence included statements from a post‑office clerk, a neighbour, and CCTV footage showing Coyle's movements from his home to Roches Row, his brief entry into the victim's residence, and his likely alcohol influence. The defence acknowledged the legality of Coyle's arrest and detention, noting he was intoxicated and unfit for questioning. The trial was scheduled to continue the following day before a jury of twelve.
During the murder trial of 22‑year‑old Warren Nolan, Detective Garda Conor Harrison testified that he has "contempt for that kind of carry on" regarding media leaks that he said frustrate investigations. Harrison, who was on an unmarked patrol when the shooting of Alan O'Neill on 27 May 2015 occurred, described how he heard a car revving and saw a youth running from a burning vehicle. He arrested Nolan at Belfry Square shortly after the shooting, handcuffed him, and charged him under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act for unlawful possession of a firearm. Harrison noted that Nolan repeatedly said, "I only set the car on fire." The trial is proceeding before Justice Paul McDermott with a jury of twelve. Warren Nolan pleaded not guilty.
A 60‑year‑old man, Desmond Coyle of Davis Street, Limerick, has gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of 58‑year‑old Calo Carpaci at Roches Row on 24 May 2017. Coyle pleaded not guilty. Prosecutor Anthony Sammon SC said the case will hinge on CCTV footage showing Coyle leaving his flat, the route he took to Roches Row, and a brief entry into Carpaci's residence. Sammon argued that Coyle was under the influence of alcohol, a factor he claimed would not negate intent. Witness statements, evidence of Coyle's arrest, detention and Garda interviews will be presented. Defence counsel Mark Nicholas SC will make admissions under section 22 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, which may shorten the trial. The hearing is before Justice Michael White and a 12‑person jury and is expected to last two weeks.
The Central Criminal Court is hearing a 32‑year‑old man, Renars Veigulis, who denies murdering his 29‑year‑old partner, Rita Apine, at their Freshford home on about 14 May 2017. Veigulis says he was in the kitchen with his daughter when he heard a series of bangs and later found Apine bleeding at the bottom of the stairs. The prosecution argues her injuries are inconsistent with a simple fall and that he beat her to death. The jury has deliberated for over six hours and will resume tomorrow. Renars Veigulis pleaded not guilty.
The trial of Warren Nolan, 22, is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. Nolan, of Rowlagh Park, Clondalkin, has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Alan O'Neill on 27th May 2015 at his home on Kiltalown Road, Tallaght. He has also pleaded not guilty to damaging a car by fire at Belfry Square in Tallaght on the same date. Witness Sonya Glass testified that she observed a light-coloured car revving and later saw it alight near Belfry Manor. She described seeing a person run from the vehicle towards steps, where they were restrained by individuals with torches, whom she identified as gardai. Glass stated she initially believed the incident involved a person setting fire to a car. Detective Garda Con Harrison, who was on patrol nearby, testified that he heard a vehicle approaching rapidly and saw a young man appear at the top of the steps. Harrison stated he shouted 'armed gardai' and lunged towards the individual as he observed the burning car. The matter is currently at the trial stage and has not been finalised. The proceedings are expected to continue for up to two weeks.
In November 2015 a 46‑year‑old Limerick man, who had molested a girl aged six to nine over three years, contacted her again on Instagram. The girl, now 16, screamed that he was back, prompting her parents to notify Gardaí. The man had pleaded not guilty to 19 counts of sexual assault between 2009 and 2012. At the Central Criminal Court he was convicted of six counts of sexual assault and two of sexual exploitation. Justice Tara Burns described the abuse as extremely serious, noting the man had gained the victim's trust through domestic help and teaching her to ride a bicycle. She imposed a seven‑year prison term for the most serious assault, concurrent six‑year and four‑year sentences for other assaults, and a two‑year sentence for exploitation. The judge praised the victim's courage and highlighted the lasting impact on her trust and innocence.
A superintendent has told the Central Criminal Court that he facilitated an unusual meeting between two detained siblings on humanitarian grounds rather than as an investigative strategy. Keith Brady, aged 31, of Cartron Estate in Sligo town, is charged with the murder of Martin Kivlehan between 2nd and 3rd August 2015. He has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. During cross-examination on the sixth day of the trial, Superintendent Jim Delaney explained that he permitted the meeting between Mr Brady and his sister Janice after she became distressed, noting both detainees had been unruly. Defence counsel suggested the meeting was designed to prompt a breakthrough in the investigation, given that Mr Brady provided admissions immediately afterwards. Superintendent Delaney maintained the decision was motivated by humanitarian concern. The court heard Mr Brady subsequently made statements expressing remorse and provided an on-camera apology to the deceased's family. Legal argument is currently underway before Ms Justice Carmel Stewart, with jury proceedings resuming Thursday.
A man charged with murder in connection with the death of a Sligo musician has told gardaí that the killing was "a moment of madness" following drug use. Keith Brady, aged 31, of Cartron Estate in Sligo town, denies murdering Martin Kivlehan, aged 59, at The New Apartments on Holborn Street between 2nd and 3rd August 2015. He has pleaded guilty to manslaughter. At the Central Criminal Court, a jury viewed video recordings of garda interviews in which Brady expressed remorse, stating he would give his life for the deceased if he could. He told gardaí he was not a violent person and apologised to the victim's family. Brady has indicated he believed the deceased had acted inappropriately towards his sister. The trial, now in its sixth day, continues. Cartron Estate pleaded not guilty.
Gardai arrested Warren Nolan (22) after a woman smoking on her balcony noticed a suspicious car. The Central Criminal Court heard that Nolan is accused of murdering 35‑year‑old Alan O'Neill on 27 May 2015. O'Neill was shot outside his Tallaght home and died from gunshot wounds. Nolan also pleaded not guilty to damaging a car by fire at Belfry Square on the same date. Prosecutor Shane Costelloe argued that Nolan fired the shots that killed O'Neill and that the burnt‑out car was the one used in the shooting. Evidence includes gloves found on Nolan with gunshot residue, forensic analysis, bullet holes, bullets, and CCTV footage. The trial is before Justice Paul McDermott with a jury of twelve. The prosecution has begun calling witnesses. The case remains at the trial stage.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Renars Veigulis, aged 32, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Rita Apine, aged 29, who died after falling down the stairs at their Freshford home on 14 May 2017. Veigulis claimed he was in the kitchen with his daughter when he heard a noise from the stairs, found his wife injured, and called emergency services, but she later died. Prosecutors, led by Vincent Heneghan SC, argued that blood spatter on walls and a hoodie, along with head injuries, proved Apine was beaten to death. They cited Deputy State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan, who said the injuries were unlikely from a simple fall, and forensic scientist Dr Stephen Doak, who suggested a baby gate could have been a weapon.
The trial of Keith Brady, 31, of Cartron Estate in Sligo, continued at the Central Criminal Court on its fifth day. Brady is charged with murdering Martin Kivlehan, 59, on a date unknown between August 2nd and 3rd, 2015, at The New Apartments on Holborn Street. He has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. During cross-examination, Sergeant Martin McHale read memos from a fourth garda interview conducted on August 5th, 2015. In these statements, Brady alleged that he and his sister, Janice Brady, were "off their heads" on drugs. He claimed he stabbed the deceased because he believed Mr Kivlehan had "touched her up," while stating that Janice put a knife to the victim's throat. Brady expressed regret, noting he did not want the man dead. The court previously heard that the deceased sustained two stab wounds to his neck and was found by friends on the morning of the August bank holiday. The jury began viewing a video of this interview and will continue watching the remainder when the trial resumes on Tuesday morning. The matter is currently ongoing and has not been finalised.
A rape trial in Dublin collapsed after a newspaper article in the Irish Independent suggested the defendant was guilty and the complainant a victim. The trial, which had run for six days, was at its closing stages when the article appeared. Mr Justice Paul McDermott granted the defendant's application to discharge the jury, stating the article "came close to scandalising the court" and that it juxtaposed an ongoing trial with public opinion, implying unfairness. He warned that the publication could undermine the defendant's right to a fair trial and that the jury could not be asked to disregard the article. The judge noted the trial had been conducted professionally and that the article's criticism of the trial process was unacceptable. The case was therefore dismissed, with the defendant awaiting a potential retrial.
During a two‑week trial in Tralee, dairy farmer Michael Ferris (63) was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter for the death of neighbour Anthony O'Mahony (73) on 4 April 2017. Ferris admitted to blocking a small road with a New Holland teleporter and driving it at O'Mahony's car, causing catastrophic injuries that killed him. The victim impact statement, read by O'Mahony's brother Seamus, described the brutal nature of the attack and the emotional toll on the family, who feel their brother's good character was unfairly attacked in court. Seamus expressed fear that Ferris might "snap again" and that the family will live in fear of encountering him on the road. The statement highlighted the family's isolation and the lasting pain of the incident. The court has remanded Ferris in custody until his sentencing on 3 December.
A 22‑year‑old Dubliner, Warren Nolan of Rowlagh Park, Clondalkin, is set to go on trial for the murder of 35‑year‑old Alan O'Neill on 27 May 2015 at Kiltalown Road, Tallaght, where O'Neill lived. Nolan is also charged with setting fire to a car at Belfry Square on the same day. He pleaded not guilty to both charges. The trial will begin tomorrow and may last up to two weeks.
A 26‑year‑old Limerick man pleaded guilty to raping a 19‑year‑old woman on 5 November 2015. The victim had ended a brief relationship with the defendant's brother a few weeks earlier and had agreed to go to the defendant's house, where she was raped. The defendant also faces charges of intimidation and perverting the course of justice. After the rape, the defendant sent threatening Facebook messages to the victim's sisters, demanding they drop charges. The victim's sister reported the messages to Gardaí. In a victim impact statement, the woman said the rape altered her life, eroding her trust and leaving her fearful. Mr Justice White adjourned sentencing to 22 February, ordered a probation report, and imposed a condition that the defendant keep away from the victim's residence and have no contact with her by any means.
Renars Veigulis, aged 32, was arrested on suspicion of murdering his partner, Rita Apine, aged 29, at their Freshford home on or about 14 May 2017. He pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court. Veigulis maintains that Apine fell down the stairs, but forensic evidence presented by Dr Stephen Doak indicated that the blood‑staining on the wall beside the first step and on the baby‑gate at the bottom of the stairs suggested a forceful event. Doak also found hair‑swipe blood patterns and used luminol to reveal hidden blood marks, concluding that the wall had been wiped clean. During police interviews, Veigulis denied cleaning the wall, stating he had only performed CPR and called an ambulance. He also denied seeing any bruising on Apine's face, despite a paramedic's observation of bruising. The trial continues before a jury presided by Ms Justice Tara Burns.
A teenage boy, whose name is withheld because he is a minor, pleaded guilty to attempting to murder a woman on 23 December 2017 at Sea Front, Queen's Road, Dun Laoghaire. He was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court on 23 November 2018, wearing a navy jumper and blue jeans. The boy is currently detained in Oberstown. Judge Michael White directed the preparation of a Probation Services report and a victim impact statement, and set a sentencing hearing for 25 February 2019.
Keith Brady, of Cartron Estate in Sligo, is charged with the murder of Martin Kivlehan, a musician, at his home on Holborn Street between 2nd and 3rd August 2015. He has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea the State rejected. At the Central Criminal Court, Detective Sergeant Patrick Harney testified that Brady was arrested on 3rd August 2015 and denied involvement, stating he "never murdered anyone." Brady became agitated during questioning, pacing and punching a desk whilst requesting a Bible. Sergeant Martin McHale told the court that during interview the following day, Brady refused to provide a DNA swab, citing legal advice. He denied responsibility for Kivlehan's death but declined to answer questions about his whereabouts that night or provide an alibi, instructing gardai "no comment." Brady had been initially arrested under the Misuse of Drugs Act earlier that evening but no drugs were found. The trial before Justice Carmel Stewart continues.
In the Central Criminal Court, Renars Veigulis (32) pleaded not guilty to the murder of his partner, Rita Apine (29), who died on 14 May 2017. Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan testified that Apine's injuries were inconsistent with a simple fall down the stairs, as Veigulis claimed. She described extensive blood staining, shoeprints, and a blood‑stained slipper on the tenth step, but noted the house was otherwise neat. Apine died from massive blood loss due to blunt force trauma to the head, with three full‑thickness lacerations on the right side of her head of different shapes and impact surfaces, and bruising on both eyes and forearms. She also had therapeutic levels of citalopram and a tattoo reading "through pain comes strength." Dr Mulligan acknowledged some injuries could result from a fall but argued others could not be easily explained by such a fall.
At the Central Criminal Court, a pathologist has given evidence that a musician found dead in his Sligo home was severely intoxicated at the time of his death. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis told the trial of Keith Brady, aged 31 from Carton Estate in Sligo, that the deceased sustained two stab wounds to the neck. One wound severed the carotid artery and would have proved fatal within minutes. Dr Curtis stated the deceased had consumed alcohol at more than eight times the legal driving limit, rendering him likely incapacitated and unable to defend himself. The pathologist noted no defensive injuries were present. Mr Brady has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter concerning events at a residence on Holborn Street in Sligo between August 2 and 3, 2015. The trial, before Justice Carmel Stewart and jury, continues at the Central Criminal Court.
A scenes of crime expert has told the Central Criminal Court that a musician found dead in his Sligo home was likely in a seated or recumbent position when one of two fatal neck wounds was inflicted. Keith Brady of Cartron Estate is charged with murdering Martin Kivlehan, aged fifty-nine, at his residence on Holborn Street between 2nd and 3rd August 2015. Mr Brady has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea rejected by the State. Detective Sergeant Shane Curran of the Garda Technical Bureau described discovering the body on the living room floor surrounded by alcohol and paraphernalia suggesting drug use. Blood spatter analysis on a nearby radiator indicated arterial bleeding consistent with a stab wound at that height. A forensic scientist confirmed blood matching the deceased was found on two knives recovered from the scene. The trial continues before Justice Carmel Stewart and jury.
In the Central Criminal Court, Renars Veigulis, aged 32, pleaded not guilty to the murder of his partner, Rita Apine, aged 29, who died on or about 14 May 2017. A forensic scientist testified that blood stains on Veigulis's clothing were more likely caused by a strike than by CPR. The scientist described contact‑blood staining and a spatter pattern on a white hoodie belonging to Veigulis, concluding the pattern was consistent with force applied to wet blood. The prosecution argued that Apine's injuries were inconsistent with a fall, while the defence highlighted the possibility of a strike. Detective Sergeant James O'Brien gave evidence that he arrived at the scene after Apine had been removed, saw blood on the floor, and later arrested Veigulis on suspicion of murder. The trial also heard Veigulis's witness statement, in which he described the day's events and the discovery of Apine at the bottom of the stairs. The case remains at the trial stage.
A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court has heard evidence that the death scene of a 59-year-old Sligo man appeared staged to resemble a suicide. Keith Brady, aged 31 and of Cartron Estate in Sligo, faces a charge of murdering Martin Kivlehan at The New Apartments on Holborn Street between 2nd and 3rd August 2015. He has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. Witnesses, including two lifelong friends and the deceased's brother, described finding Mr Kivlehan with a knife in his hand. A garda present at the scene testified that the circumstances did not appear consistent with suicide, noting that cabinet doors had been opened and drug paraphernalia was visible. The prosecution outlined that the deceased had sustained two stab wounds to the neck at a 45-degree angle and had very high levels of alcohol in his system. The trial before Ms Justice Carmel Stewart is expected to continue for more than two weeks, with the jury required to consider the accused's intoxication at the time of the alleged killing.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court is hearing evidence in the trial of a 31-year-old Sligo man charged with murdering Martin Kivlehan in the town during August 2015. Keith Brady, of Cartron Estate, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter following the death of the 59-year-old at The New Apartments on Holborn Street. The prosecution opening outlined that the defendant's level of intoxication at the time of the alleged offence would be a key consideration for jurors when determining whether the necessary intent for murder was present. The deceased, described as a talented musician, was found with two stab wounds to the neck. A garda investigation identified the accused following enquiries involving his sister. The trial before Ms Justice Carmel Stewart is expected to exceed two weeks.
The trial of Renars Veigulis, aged 32, for the murder of his partner Rita Apine, aged 29, began on 19 November 2018. Veigulis pleaded not guilty and claimed Apine fell down the stairs, while the prosecution argued her injuries were inconsistent with a fall. Both were Latvian; they had lived in Freshford since 2016. Garda Edward Laffin testified that he saw a "considerable amount of blood" at the scene and that neighbours reported nothing "untoward" before the incident. Detective Garda Ronan Lawlor described the forensic findings: a two‑bedroom terraced house with a hallway and stairs, blood on the floor, a slipper soaked in blood, and airborne blood stains on walls and ceiling. CCTV footage showed medical staff and Gardaí around the house and Veigulis' movements. The case proceeded to a jury of seven men and five women under Ms Justice Tara Burns.
In a four‑week trial at the Central Criminal Court, the judge, Mr Justice Michael White, informed the jury that an alternative verdict of accessory after the fact was available under Section 7(2) of the Criminal Law Act 1997. The case concerned Stephen Tynan, 41, of Deerpark Lodge, Kiltipper, Tallaght, and Raymond Fitzgerald, 37, of Knockmore Grove, Killinarden, Tallaght, who were charged with murdering Andrew Guerrine, a cousin of Tynan, between 22 and 23 May 2015. Guerrine's body was found early on 23 May on Steelstown Lane, Rathcoole, with 20 stab wounds, two penetrating the skull and spine. The prosecution alleged a pre‑planned murder, citing circumstantial evidence, but no DNA, weapon or eyewitness link. Both defendants pleaded not guilty and their barristers argued that any suspicious circumstances could be explained by them being accessories after the fact. The prosecution did not seek the alternative verdict, instead pursuing a murder conviction.
A 38-year-old man from Roscommon has pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of a woman in County Roscommon. Gerard Mooney of Castle Hill, Castlerea appeared before the Central Criminal Court on 19th November 2018, where he admitted attempting to murder the woman on 12th February 2017 at Cartron, Carrick-on-Shannon. Mooney had previously pleaded guilty to related offences including burglary, assault causing harm, possession of a shotgun, making threats to kill or cause serious harm, criminal damage, and harassment of the woman between 7th and 12th February 2017. A trial scheduled for May 2019 was vacated following the guilty pleas. Mr Justice Michael White directed preparation of a urinalysis report, a Governor's report from Castlerea Prison, and a victim impact statement. The accused was remanded in custody pending sentencing on 18th December 2018.
Leona O'Callaghan, 37, addressed the court and said that Patrick O'Dea, 51, who is also known as "Whacker", raped her when she was 13 in 1994 and 1995. O'Dea pleaded guilty to sexual assault and rape. O'Dea isolated O'Callaghan from friends, manipulated her, and told her that the bleeding was a sign of virginity being broken. O'Callaghan described the physical pain, the use of a basin of ice, and the long‑term mental anguish, including self‑harm and suicidal attempts. She said the abuse affected her later relationships and her children. Judge Deirdre Murphy sentenced O'Dea to 18½ years, suspended the last 18 months on condition of treatment, and imposed a three‑year post‑release supervision order. O'Callaghan concluded that O'Dea did not win.
Patrick Nevin, aged 37, is set to be sentenced for two rape offences committed after meeting victims on Tinder in July 2014. He pleaded guilty to raping a woman in Bellewstown and sexually assaulting another in County Meath. Both victims testified that Nevin had convinced them to meet for a drive, then raped them in secluded locations. The first victim described feeling "tainted, dirty and stupid" and said the attack altered her life. The second victim recounted being forced into sexual acts and later experiencing severe anxiety. Nevin's prior convictions include assault on a former partner in 2001 and a firearms offence in 2012. He remains in custody awaiting sentencing on 17 December, with the court considering his guilty pleas and expressions of remorse. The court heard that Nevin had completed education while in custody and had worked as a software engineer.
The jury in the Central Criminal Court has begun deliberating in the trial of Desmond Duffy, a 70-year-old man who pleaded not guilty to the murder of his partner, Desmond 'Dessie' Sullivan (59). The alleged killing occurred at their shared home in Somerville Park, Rathmines, Dublin 6, on May 23, 2016. Mr Justice Paul McDermott directed the six men and six women on the three possible verdicts: guilty of murder, not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter, or not guilty. The court heard that Mr Duffy claimed he acted in self-defence after being attacked, a defence he maintained to gardai and during trial evidence. Witnesses reported an ongoing row between the couple from approximately 9.15pm until 10pm that night. The judge explained that if the jury finds Mr Duffy used excessive force despite believing he was acting in self-defence, he may be guilty of manslaughter. Alternatively, if the prosecution proves beyond reasonable doubt that he intended to kill or cause serious injury without reasonable provocation or self-defence, he is guilty of murder. Mr Justice McDermott reminded the jury of the presumption of innocence and noted that Mr Duffy has no previous convictions. After spending just over two hours in deliberation, the jury was adjourned and will return to court tomorrow to continue their consideration.
A 31-year-old man from Sligo has admitted to the killing of Martin Kivlehan but denies the charge of murder. Keith Brady, of Cartron Estate, appeared before the Central Criminal Court where he pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The death occurred at The New Apartments, Holborn Street, in Sligo Town between 2nd and 3rd August 2015. A jury of twelve has been sworn in to hear the trial, which commenced before Ms Justice Carmel Stewart and is expected to extend beyond two weeks. The case centres on the circumstances surrounding the death of the 59-year-old man more than three years prior to proceedings.
Patrick O'Dea, aged 52, was sentenced to 18½ years in prison for raping and repeatedly sexually assaulting a teenage girl, Leona O'Callaghan, who was aged 12 to 14 at the time of the offences. O'Dea pleaded guilty to charges of sexual assault and rape committed in 1994 and 1995. He had 42 prior convictions, including a sexual assault of a girl under ten, and had previously received a 15‑year sentence for multiple rapes and assaults of a single girl between 1998 and 2004. The judge suspended the last 18 months of the sentence, recognising his guilty plea and willingness to undertake a psychological assessment, and imposed a three‑year post‑release supervision order. O'Dea was required to participate in the "Building Better Lives" sex‑offender treatment programme. The court noted the severe psychological damage inflicted on Ms O'Callaghan, who had made three suicide attempts, and highlighted O'Dea's pattern of offences against young girls.
In a trial in Kilkenny, Renars Veigulis, aged 32, pleaded not guilty to the murder of his partner, Rita Apine, aged 29, who died on or about 14 May 2017 after falling down the stairs of their Freshford apartment. Veigulis told ambulance staff that he heard a "boom, boom, boom" and found Apine at the bottom of the staircase, claiming she had fallen. The prosecution argued that Apine's injuries were inconsistent with a fall, citing forensic evidence of blood spatter on the wall and on Veigulis's clothing, and a post‑mortem showing severe blunt‑force trauma. Veigulis's defence maintained that Apine died from the fall, and his 999 call was recorded as showing distress. The case is being heard by a jury presided over by Ms Justice Tara Burns.
In the Central Criminal Court, the defence counsel for Stephen Tynan, 41, and Raymond Fitzgerald, 37, argued that the suspicious circumstances the State attributes to their alleged murder of Andrew Guerrine could be explained by them acting as accessories after the fact. Tynan's lawyer highlighted that he had no prior serious criminal record and was "hardly the typical candidate" for a gruesome attack, suggesting he may have been a middleman in a drug deal and later got involved in the aftermath. Fitzgerald's counsel focused on the lack of evidence that he was part of a joint enterprise to murder, noting that the prosecution's footage of him wiping a car door did not prove guilt. Both lawyers urged the jury to consider the possibility that each accused was not the murderer but merely assisted after the fact, and to find them not guilty if that was a reasonable possibility.
In the Central Criminal Court, a woman identified the body of her friend Rita Apine, whose partner Renars Veigulis is on trial for her murder. Veigulis, 32, pleaded not guilty to killing Apine, 29, at their Freshford home on 14 May 2017. He claimed Apine fell down the stairs, but prosecutors argued the injuries were inconsistent with a fall. Evidence from Latvian national Gatis Kuhalskis, a former colleague, indicated Veigulis told him Apine had fallen and hit her head on a child‑safety gate, yet Veigulis denied witnessing the fall. Estonian national Julia Sinjagina, a close friend, confirmed Apine's identity after her death, noting the body's face and body were "two different faces, two different bodies." Forensic findings showed blood spatter inconsistent with a fall and severe blunt‑force trauma, contradicting Veigulis's account. The trial continues before a jury presided by Justice Tara Burns.
The trial of Stephen Tynan and Raymond Fitzgerald for the alleged murder of Andrew Guerrine is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. Both defendants, who are from Tallaght, have pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Guerrine at an unknown location between May 22 and May 23, 2015. In his closing address, prosecutor Brendan Grehan SC acknowledged the absence of fingerprints, DNA, a murder weapon, or eyewitness testimony. However, he argued that circumstantial evidence strongly links the accused to the crime. Key evidence includes a child's jacket entangled in the victim's legs when the body was dumped on Steelstown Lane in Rathcoole. The prosecution contends this jacket was connected to a car later found burnt out, which the accused had pushed into a petrol station. Mr Grehan highlighted phone records showing Tynan's phone was inactive during the critical period and Fitzgerald's phone ceased activity shortly before 1am on May 23. He also cited CCTV footage of the car on Steelstown Lane and alleged lies in Fitzgerald's statement to gardai. The prosecution asserts the murder was premeditated, citing efforts to procure a vehicle before the victim arrived in Tallaght. The defense barristers are scheduled to deliver their closing speeches on Friday morning.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 15 November 2018, 70‑year‑old Desmond Duffy pleaded not guilty to the murder of his 59‑year‑old partner, Desmond 'Dessie' Sullivan, who died on 23 May 2016 in their Dublin home. Duffy told the court that he had been abused for decades by Sullivan and that he was acting in self‑defence when he pushed Sullivan in the bedroom after a drunken argument. He claimed he had no intention to harm Sullivan and that he had tried to leave the house but was prevented from doing so. Duffy also recounted that he had stayed with Sullivan for 36 years despite the abuse, and that he had been emotionally devastated by the loss. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul McDermott, was set to continue the following day with a jury of twelve.
The Central Criminal Court heard that Stephen Tynan (41) and Raymond Fitzgerald (37) are on trial for the murder of Andrew Guerrine, Tynan's cousin, who was found dead on Steelstown Lane in Rathcoole on 23 May 2015 with 20 stab wounds, including two that penetrated his skull and spine. CCTV footage showed a dark‑coloured hatchback stalling at a petrol station on Fortunestown Way at 5.20 am that morning, with the accused men exiting and pushing the vehicle to the pumps. Garda Warren Farrell presented stills and footage from the night and morning, noting the car's defective lights and a grey Duffer sweater seized from Tynan that matched the one seen in the footage. A statement taken from Fitzgerald on 5 June 2015 claimed he was at home that night, not with Tynan, and that he had gone to the gym the next morning. The prosecution has closed its case and the jury is to return tomorrow. Stephen Tynan pleaded not guilty. Raymond Fitzgerald pleaded not guilty.
In a 2018 trial at the Central Criminal Court, Renars Veigulis, aged 32, pleaded not guilty to the murder of his partner, Rita Apine, aged 29, who died at their Freshford home around 14 May 2017. The jury heard that Veigulis called emergency services at 12:18, claiming Apine had fallen down the stairs. He was described as distressed, breathing heavily, and crying during the call. He gave conflicting details about the fall, such as the height and the location of bleeding. Emergency‑call taker Laura Bunbury provided instructions on first aid and CPR, noting Veigulis's panic. Medical witnesses, including Dr Leonard de Villiers and paramedics, described a large head wound and extensive blood spatter in the house. The trial continued the following day with a jury of seven men and five women presiding by Ms Justice Tara Burns.
In the Central Criminal Court trial of Stephen Tynan, 41, and Raymond Fitzgerald, 37, the brother of Andrew Guerrine, the man stabbed to death in 2015, identified the accused on CCTV footage. Paul Guerrine showed stills from a dark‑coloured hatchback that stalled at a petrol station on Fortunestown Way at 5.20 am on 22 May 2015. He recognised Fitzgerald and Tynan, stating he had known Fitzgerald for over 20 years and that he and Tynan were first cousins. The trial heard that Guerrine's body, found on Steelstown Lane in Rathcoole early on 23 May, bore 20 stab wounds, two penetrating his skull and spine. Both men pleaded not guilty to the murder of Guerrine's cousin. The court considered the CCTV evidence as part of the proceedings.
The Central Criminal Court heard the murder trial of 32‑year‑old Renars Veigulis, who pleaded not guilty to the death of his 29‑year‑old partner, Rita Apine, at their Freshford home on 14 May 2017. Veigulis had told gardaí that Apine had fallen down the stairs, but a post‑mortem revealed severe blunt‑force injuries inconsistent with a fall. Forensic evidence showed blood spatter on the scene and on Veigulis's clothing that did not match a simple fall, and investigators noted that blood had been wiped from a wall before paramedics arrived. The court heard that Veigulis maintained his version of events during garda interviews, while the forensic team and the post‑mortem findings contradicted his account. The trial is proceeding before Justice Tara Burns.
During a Central Criminal Court hearing on 13 November 2018, Stephen Tynan (41) of Deerpark Lodge, Kiltipper, Tallaght, and Raymond Fitzgerald (37) of Knockmore Grove, Killinarden, Tallaght, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Andrew Guerrine, Tynan's cousin, who was found dead on Steelstown Lane, Rathcoole, on 23 May 2015. Guerrine's body had 20 stab wounds, two penetrating his skull and spine. Tynan testified that he last saw Guerrine the week before the murder, when Guerrine stayed overnight at Tynan's apartment and later left to collect €80. Tynan described a confrontation in which Guerrine allegedly injected drugs; Tynan claimed he struck Guerrine in response. Tynan characterised Guerrine as a "real soft lad" who was not violent but "always wheeling and dealing." The trial continued later that day.
The Central Criminal Court heard the trial of Stephen Tynan, 41, and Raymond Fitzgerald, 37, both from Tallaght, who have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Andrew Guerrine, Mr Tynan's first cousin. Guerrine's body was discovered on Steelstown Lane, Rathcoole, early on 23 May 2015, with 20 stab wounds, two penetrating his skull and spine. Garda Eamon O'Neill testified that he escorted the body to the mortuary and that the deceased's sister identified him. Items taken from Guerrine included earphones, a gold chain, a letter, €350 in cash, and a box of tablets. The cash was found in his sock and the tablets in his hoodie. Forensic scientist John Power identified the tablets as 96 Zopiclone, a tranquiliser similar to Diazepam, though not then a controlled drug. A witness had told the Gardaí that Guerrine was on his way to sell 3000 Diazepam tablets on the night he disappeared. The trial continues.
In a trial at the Central Criminal Court, Desmond 'Des' Duffy, aged 70, is accused of murdering his partner, Desmond 'Dessie' Sullivan, aged 59, at their home in Somerville Park, Rathmines, on 23 May 2016. A friend, Lois Farrell, testified that Duffy was a "big soft teddy bear" and a gentleman, describing him as intelligent but lacking confidence, often submissive and quiet when Sullivan, who she said was the boss in the relationship, was drunk. Farrell recalled that Sullivan would put Duffy down, interrupt him, and become rude and disrespectful. She noted that Duffy never raised his voice or fought back. Duffy pleaded not guilty, claiming self‑defence. State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy explained that Sullivan died from neck compression causing oxygen deprivation, with petechiae around the eyes suggesting pressure applied for a few seconds. The prosecution's evidence was concluded, and the jury was instructed to return on Wednesday.
A 32‑year‑old man, Renars Veigulis of Old Bridge Street, Freshford, is set to go on trial in the Central Criminal Court for the murder of 29‑year‑old Rita Apine on or about 14 May 2017. He pleaded not guilty. A jury of five women and seven men has been empanelled. The trial is expected to last three weeks.