In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 22 June 2016, 50‑year‑old Denis Leahy pleaded guilty to attempting to murder Rose Kenny, 51, after a vicious knife attack on 23 September 2014 at School Street Flats, Dublin 8. Leahy, who had been in a relationship with Kenny 15 years earlier, admitted to stabbing her a large number of times, including three times to the neck, chest, abdomen and shoulder. Kenny was taken to St James's Hospital and survived. Leahy had previously admitted the assault to Gardaí at Kevin Street Garda Station and was arrested at Mountjoy Garda Station. The court heard that Leahy had no contact with Kenny for seven years until after her father's death, and that the only motive identified was a claim that Kenny had called the police on him. Leahy was remanded in custody pending sentencing on 14 July 2016. The case was closed after the guilty plea, with no further trial proceedings. Denis Leahy pleaded not guilty.
The 42‑year‑old accused of rape, assault and threats against his wife told Gardaí that "black magic" had been used on their relationship. He claimed he had been cursed in his native country by someone who wanted the marriage to end so he could marry that person's daughter. He pleaded not guilty to rape, assault causing harm and five counts of threatening to kill or cause serious harm between 24 May and 1 August 2014, and had previously pleaded guilty to assaulting his wife with a hammer in August 2014. During Garda interviews he denied raping or threatening his wife, said he had shoved her once but denied head‑butting or telling her he would kill her, and admitted attacking her with a hammer outside her parents' home on a later date.
At the Central Criminal Court, a forensic expert testified that blood found on clothing and a shoe belonging to Dariusz Weckowicz matched that of Bogdan Michalkiewicz, who died on 13 May 2013 at his home in Westside, Letterkenny, County Donegal. Dr Alan McGee of Forensic Science Ireland examined items Weckowicz surrendered to gardaí four days after the alleged killing. Blood patterns on the jacket indicated Weckowicz was within two metres of the deceased while actively bleeding. Three knives recovered at the scene also bore the victim's blood. Defence counsel questioned whether the evidence established Weckowicz's involvement in inflicting injuries, with Dr McGee stating he could not rule anything in or out. A second forensic witness found bloody footprints on items at the scene that did not match Weckowicz's shoes. Weckowicz, aged 51, and Krzystof Grzegorski, aged 22, both of Letterkenny, stand charged with murder. Grzegorski pleaded guilty to manslaughter, though the State rejected this plea. Weckowicz pleaded not guilty. The trial before Justice Patrick McCarthy continues.
Denis Leahy, a 50-year-old man from Queen Street, Dublin 7, has gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court. He is accused of attempting to murder Rose Kenny, 51, at School Street Flats in Dublin 8 on September 23, 2014. Mr. Leahy pleaded not guilty to the charge of attempted murder. However, he pleaded guilty to the separate allegation of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Ms. Kenny at the same address on the same date. A jury of nine men and three women was sworn in for the proceedings. Mr. Justice Patrick McCarthy addressed the jury, stating that the trial is expected to last four days. He instructed them to decide the case based solely on the evidence heard in court. The trial is scheduled to begin in evidence before Mr. Justice Paul Butler. The matter is currently at the trial stage, with the not guilty plea to the primary charge remaining contested.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a woman accused a Dublin garda of failing to investigate her complaints about alleged rape, assault and threats by her husband. She said the husband raped her in May 2014, threatened to cut her face with a knife, and on 8–9 June 2014 threatened her, harassed her and crashed into her car, prompting a complaint to gardaí. She expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of her complaint, noting that a different station took over the investigation in August 2014 after the husband assaulted her with a hammer. She claimed the garda had not followed up or taken the complaint seriously. The husband pleaded not guilty to rape, assault causing harm and five counts of threats to kill or cause serious harm, but had pleaded guilty to assault with a hammer. The trial continues before Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy and a jury.
Ciprian Grozavu, a 42‑year‑old Romanian, was convicted of murdering Jonathan Duke in Bandon on 12 November 2011 and received a mandatory life sentence from Mr Justice Paul Carney on 17 July 2013. He has now filed an appeal in the Court of Appeal. His barrister, Thomas Creed SC, argued that the trial judge failed to give the jury a clear option to return a manslaughter verdict, potentially prejudicing another case, and that the judge incorrectly addressed the jury on common design and did not discharge them at the end of the prosecution's case. The Director of Public Prosecutions' counsel, Timothy O'Leary SC, maintained that the trial was never a murder/manslaughter trial and that the defence had always claimed Grozavu did not commit the murder. The three‑judge panel, consisting of Mr Justice George Birmingham, Mr Justice Alan Mahon and Mr Justice John Edwards, has reserved judgment on the appeal. Ciprian Grozavu pleaded not guilty.
In a decision at Killarney Court, Judge Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy dismissed the murder charge against 25‑year‑old Laura Dempsey, who had been accused of killing 33‑year‑old Kieran Farrelly in October 2014. Dempsey, who has no fixed address, had been slated for trial at the Central Criminal Court in June 2017. She applied to have the charge withdrawn under Section 4E of the Criminal Justice Act 1999, and the judge found the case insufficient for trial, ruling that the charge be dismissed.
In a June 3 hearing at the Central Criminal Court, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy ordered Johanna Kelly, 43, back to prison for one year to serve part of a suspended sentence. Kelly had earlier pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of her 60‑year‑old grandfather, Patrick O'Brien, in December 2013, and received a six‑year sentence with two years suspended on the condition of abstaining from alcohol and engaging with probation services. The judge was informed that Kelly had failed to meet those conditions, including a failed attempt to attend a rehab clinic where she was removed after becoming violent. She also had a one‑week sentence for theft. Kelly pleaded for another chance, but the judge imposed a 12‑month custodial term, reducing the suspended portion from two to one year, and backdated it from May 28. The decision was presented as a final opportunity for rehabilitation.
Julian Cuddihy, 43, was committed to the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum for inpatient care following a trial at the Central Criminal Court. He was accused of murdering his parents, Kathleen (73) and James (77), at their home in Churchtown, Carndonagh, Co Donegal, on October 22, 2014. Cuddihy pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, and a jury delivered a unanimous verdict after less than an hour of deliberation. Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan ordered his committal based on a report by Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist Dr Sally Lenihan, who assessed Cuddihy as suffering from paranoid schizophrenia requiring care available only at the designated centre. The court found he was suffering from a mental disorder under the 2006 Criminal Law (Insanity) Act. Evidence presented at trial detailed Cuddihy's deteriorating mental health, including paranoid delusions involving aliens and the belief that his mother was poisoning him. He reportedly believed killing his parents would send them to heaven. The State Pathologist confirmed multiple axe wounds to the victims' heads and stab wounds to James Cuddihy. The judge expressed deepest sympathies to the family, who conducted themselves appropriately during the difficult proceedings.
In a rape trial, a woman alleged her husband raped her in their home while their son slept downstairs. She had obtained a barring order from the District Court but was told by the judge that she must facilitate access for her husband to their child. She said she arranged meetings in public places for safety. She did not use the word "rape" when applying for the order, finding it difficult. The accused, 42, pleaded not guilty to rape, assault causing harm and five counts of threats to kill or cause serious harm between May 24 and August 1, 2014, and had previously pleaded guilty to assaulting his wife with a hammer in August 2014. The trial, before Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy and a jury of eleven men and one woman, heard the woman's statements about her fear, attempts to leave, and the judge's instructions to maintain contact for their son's access. The case remains ongoing.
A witness at the Central Criminal Court told the jury that a man accused of murder knelt down and swore on his knees that he had not been involved in the killing. Adam Kycwaik said he encountered the accused, Dariusz Weckowicz, a few days after his friend Bogdan Michalkiewicz was discovered beaten to death at his home in Westside Apartments, Letterkenny, County Donegal on May 13, 2013. Mr Weckowicz, aged 51, and Krzystof Grzegorski, aged 22, both formerly of Letterkenny, face murder charges. Mr Grzegorski has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea the State did not accept. Mr Weckowicz has pleaded not guilty to murder. The witness testified that Mr Weckowicz told him he had been present at the scene but was intoxicated and did not participate in the assault. The trial continues before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a 42‑year‑old man accused of raping his wife pleaded not guilty to rape, assault causing harm and five counts of threats to kill or cause serious harm between 24 May and 1 August 2014. He had previously pleaded guilty to assaulting his wife with a hammer in August 2014. The wife testified that the accused threatened her repeatedly, saying "I can rape you if I want" and "I'm going to finish this tonight," and that he had called her while she was on holiday in Spain, claiming to know her location. She described incidents where he followed her, attempted to seize her keys, and crashed into her car at traffic lights. She also reported that he had installed apps on her phone without permission and turned on location services. The trial is before Justice Isobel Kennedy and a jury of eleven men and one woman.
In August 2010, a Dublin man aged 79 was convicted by a Central Criminal Court jury of 87 counts of sexually assaulting and raping his two daughters, aged five to eleven, and assaulting his son, aged three to six, between 1997 and 2002. He denied the charges. Mr Justice George Birmingham sentenced him to life imprisonment on 4 October 2010 for the rape of his daughters and imposed additional determinate sentences for other offences. In October 2010 the Court of Appeal was informed that the man, who had appeared for his appeal, was too ill to attend the hearing. His appeal against conviction was dismissed in May 2011 by Mr Justice John Edwards, who described the trial as "satisfactory" and the conviction as "safe". The man died before he could appeal the severity of his life sentence, and the Court of Appeal struck out the appeal.
In a Central Criminal Court trial, a 42‑year‑old man was accused of threatening his wife with a knife and saying, "I can rape you if I want," before allegedly raping her on 25 May 2014. He had previously poured lighter fluid around the house while their child was present and had threatened to cut her face open. The wife, who had been arguing with him about ending the relationship, said he pushed her upstairs and raped her while naked. She claimed he told her, "The guards will never arrive in time, don't even think about it," and that he had said, "I can do this if I want; I can rape you if I want." She obtained a temporary barring order the next day. The unnamed 42 year old pleaded not guilty.
In the 2016 murder trial of 38‑year‑old Deivydas Zigelis, the Central Criminal Court heard that 26‑year‑old Alexander Karpov died from a single stab wound to the heart. Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster testified that the wound was nine centimetres deep, passing between the third and fourth ribs into the right ventricle and piercing the aortic cusp. She found almost 500ml of fresh blood clot in the pericardial sac, which she said stopped the heart. No defensive wounds were observed. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Butler.
Sean Flanagan, aged 31, was convicted of murdering Ger McMahon in January 2012 and sentenced to life imprisonment by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan on 3 December 2013. The Central Criminal Court found that McMahon was attacked from behind while mounting the steps to his cousin's house on Lenihan Avenue, suffering 16 wounds that fatally damaged his lung, liver and kidney. The trial noted that Flanagan and McMahon had a shared ex‑girlfriend and did not get along. Flanagan's appeal against conviction was dismissed by Mr Justice Alan Mahon on 14 June 2016. Mahon found no evidence that the house was McMahon's residence, that the gardaí were lawfully invited, and that Flanagan's constitutional rights were breached. He upheld the trial judge's rulings as reasonable and correct. Flanagan's uncle, Paul Colbert, 49, was also found guilty of the murder, while his brother, Ian Flanagan, 27, was convicted of assisting an offender by hiding a CCTV device. Sean Flanagan pleaded not guilty. Ian Flanagan pleaded not guilty.
A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court heard evidence today of a violent attack on a Polish man at Westside Apartments in Letterkenny, Co Donegal. Bogdan Michalkiewicz, aged 41, was found dead two days after the alleged assault on 13 May 2013. The prosecution opening outlined that Mr Michalkiewicz, who lived alone and received a disability pension due to arthritis, sustained multiple stab wounds and blunt-force injuries, including head trauma from a television. Krystof Grzegorski, aged 22, of Hazelbrook Park, Letterkenny pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter; the prosecution rejected this plea. His co-accused, Dariusz Weckowicz, aged 51, pleaded not guilty to murder. A Detective Sergeant from the Garda Technical Bureau gave evidence describing the scene, including blood stains, a knife, and a damaged television. The trial continues before a jury of eight men and four women.
In a 2016 trial, a 42‑year‑old man faced charges of rape, assault, and multiple threats to kill his wife amid a deteriorating marriage. The prosecution alleged he threatened her with a knife after she announced she was leaving, raped her, and forced her to promise not to leave. He also allegedly threatened to kill her and used a hammer in a prior assault. The wife had obtained a barring order, yet the accused reportedly continued threats, including calling her "you're dead." The couple met occasionally to discuss their son, but meetings were tense and threats persisted. The accused pleaded not guilty to the current charges, having previously pleaded guilty to an assault with a hammer. The case proceeded before Justice Isobel Kennedy and a jury of eleven men and one woman.
A man from Clare has appealed an 18-year prison sentence imposed for the sexual abuse of a child over a three-year period. The 26-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to sample counts of rape and sexual assault of a girl between 2009 and 2012. The sentence, which included a five-year suspension, was handed down in July 2015. During the appeal hearing at the Court of Appeal, the defendant's counsel referenced a comparable case from Roscommon, arguing that the headline sentence was disproportionate when compared to similar convictions. The counsel submitted that an appropriate sentence range for such offending would be between ten and twelve years, particularly given the guilty plea entered. The Director of Public Prosecutions' counsel countered that the sentencing judge had correctly placed the case in the highest category, citing the severe and lasting impact on the victim. The Court of Appeal reserved judgement on the appeal.
A 38‑year‑old Lithuanian man, Deivydas Zigelis, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the 2014 murder of 26‑year‑old Alexander Karpov, a Latvian, who was stabbed at a house on Spa Street, Portarlington. Zigelis pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea the prosecution rejected. The jury heard a 999 call made by Zigelis at 5 pm, during which he gave the address and said someone had died. Garda Sharon Murray recorded the call and later spoke with Garda Michael Wynn, who described arriving at the house, finding one man on the couch and another on the ground, and Zigelis claiming he did not know what had happened. Detective Sergeant Pat O'Brien showed photographs of the scene, noting it was unkempt with debris and a bag of sugar in the kitchen.
David Mahon, aged 45, was sentenced to seven years' custody for the manslaughter of Dean Fitzpatrick, the older brother of missing teenager Amy Fitzpatrick. The conviction followed a trial in which Mahon pleaded not guilty to the murder of Dean's father, a charge he was cleared of. The sentencing judge, Justice Heneghan, considered aggravating factors such as the use of a knife and the fact that Mahon described himself as Dean's stepfather, as well as mitigating factors including his early plea of guilty to manslaughter, cooperation with Gardaí, expressions of remorse and his lack of a violent history. The judge noted Mahon's previous conviction for dangerous driving, which had been suspended, and the fact that the murder occurred during the suspension. The seven‑year term was back‑dated to the date of Mahon's conviction, with credit given for time spent in custody before bail. Mahon was taken into custody immediately after the sentencing.
A 28-year-old Polish national has been remanded on bail pending sentence after pleading guilty to false imprisonment and withholding information in connection with a fatal assault in County Roscommon in June 2014. Szymon Tarkowski of Tullamore admitted to the charges relating to the death of Patryk Krupa, who drowned in the Shannon near Athlone following a violent attack. At the Central Criminal Court, evidence was heard that Tarkowski drove two men to locate the victim and transported them to the scene, though he remained in the vehicle during the assault itself. He subsequently cleaned his car in an attempt to remove forensic evidence and later provided a voluntary statement to gardai that aided the investigation. Two other men, Leszek Sychulec of Ballymahon and Andrzej Gruchacz, were convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment on the same date. The court heard Tarkowski had no previous convictions and was considered out of his depth, lacking premeditation in his involvement. He will be sentenced on 27 June.
Two men from Letterkenny, County Donegal, are to stand trial at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of Bogdan Michalkiewicz. Dariusz Weckowicz, aged 51, and Krzystof Grzegorski, aged 22, both entered not guilty pleas to the charge. The alleged offence occurred on 13 May 2013 at Westside Apartments in Letterkenny. Justice Patrick McCarthy informed the jury that proceedings are expected to extend over approximately three weeks.
A jury was sworn in at the Central Criminal Court to hear the trial of Deivydas Zigelis, a 38‑year‑old Lithuanian resident of Spa Street, Portarlington, who was accused of murdering Alexander Karpov, a Latvian man, on 15 February 2014. Zigelis pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea the prosecution did not accept. The trial will proceed tomorrow before Justice Paul Butler and a jury.
A Dublin man pleaded guilty to six counts of sexual assault and rape against a young girl, with offences dated between 10 October 2004 and 31 March 2007. He entered the pleas before a jury of eight men and four women, having previously denied one charge. The State accepted the pleas as representative, with full facts to be heard at a later sentencing hearing. Mr Justice Robert Eagar remanded the man on continuing bail until 28 July for sentencing, ordered a probation report, and noted that registration as a sex offender was automatic under the law.
A man charged with the murder of his parents in Carndonagh, County Donegal in October 2014 has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity at the Central Criminal Court. Evidence heard today indicated that Julian Cuddihy's family had sought psychiatric intervention in the weeks preceding the deaths of Kathleen and James Cuddihy. A detective garda from Buncrana told the court that the accused's father had cancelled a mental health appointment six days before the incident. Consultant psychiatrist Dr Damian Mohan testified that the accused's parents held concerns about stigma and forced hospitalisation. The court heard that the accused experienced severe delusions, including beliefs about poisoning, alien abduction, and voices commanding him to harm family members. State pathologist evidence detailed multiple head wounds inflicted with an axe and additional stab wounds. The trial continues before Justice Margaret Heneghan and jury.
An autistic man, Bijan Afshar, 23, was found not guilty by reason of insanity for murdering his mother, Lynn Cassidy, 50, in Bray, County Wicklow, on 26 or 27 June 2014. The Central Criminal Court, after less than an hour of deliberation, ordered his committal to the Central Mental Hospital (CMH) in Dundrum. Justice Isobel Kennedy acted on a report by Dr Anthony Kearns, who diagnosed Afshar with autism and a mental disorder that impaired his thinking, emotions and judgment. Dr Kearns and defence counsel Michael O'Higgins agreed that Afshar was vulnerable and required inpatient care to prevent further harm. The court noted that Afshar would be reviewed by the Mental Health Board and considered for discharge under Section 13 of the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act. Justice Kennedy thanked the jury and exempted them from service for 15 years.
In June 2016, an 18‑year‑old man from Wicklow was sentenced to six years in prison for raping two children, one of whom had Down Syndrome. He pleaded guilty to four counts of rape, one count of threatening to kill and one count of sexual assault committed between 20 June 2013 and 31 December 2014. The offences were described by Justice Patrick McCarthy as "of the utmost gravity" because they involved children and a child with a mental disability. The accused threatened to kill a victim to prevent reporting. The first victim, a boy aged ten at his first rape and eleven at the second, suffered a permanent scar and ongoing psychological harm. The second victim, a girl with Down Syndrome, reported that the accused kissed her and inserted his tongue into her mouth. She now self‑harms and distrusts men. The defendant, who had no prior convictions, was 15 when he first offended and has attempted suicide.
A 39‑year‑old Polish man, Jaroslaw Kupper, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to sexually assaulting a woman on 28 September 2013. The assault took place after the pair had met briefly a few weeks earlier in a Cork pub. On the night of the offence, Kupper and the woman kissed before moving to a nearby laneway where he became pushy and aggressive, grabbing her arm and pushing her to the ground. While she was on the ground he pulled down her jeans and underwear, and she screamed for help. A neighbour heard her cries and called the gardai. The victim described seeing Kupper's erect penis rubbing against her vagina for a few seconds before she managed to push it away. Kupper, a carpenter from Millbrook, Middleton, Cork, had no prior convictions and is married. The court heard that both he and the victim had been drinking.
Julian Cuddihy, 44, pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder by reason of insanity at the Central Criminal Court. He is charged with killing his mother, Kathleen Cuddihy, 73, and his father, James Cuddihy, 77, at their home in Churchtown, Carndonagh, Co Donegal, on October 22, 2014. Defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC stated that Cuddihy admits to the killings and accepts the facts outlined by gardai. Prosecution counsel Denis Vaughan Buckley SC told the jury that two psychiatrists would testify that Cuddihy, a paranoid schizophrenic, suffered from delusions at the time. Dr Damian Mohan will evidence that Cuddihy believed his mother commanded him to kill her and held a grudge related to his desire to join the IRA. Dr Fiona Toal will state that Cuddihy believed he was facilitating their entry to heaven and felt compelled by voices. Both doctors concluded his mental illness prevented him from stopping the act. Detective Garda Bernard Mullins responded to a 999 call from Cuddihy's brother, who found the victims dead. State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy concluded both died from head trauma. The trial continues before Justice Margaret Heneghan and a jury of 12.
In a hearing at the Central Criminal Court, Justice Patrick McCarthy considered whether to remand Johanna Kelly, 43, who had been released on conditions of sobriety and probation after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of Patrick O'Brien, 60, in December 2013. Kelly had been sentenced to six years in prison with two years suspended, contingent on compliance with the judge's conditions. Probation officer Katherine Lambert reported that Kelly had failed to meet those conditions, citing an incident at a rehab clinic, Cluain Mhuire, where she was removed after becoming violent while intoxicated. Lambert also noted that Kelly had previously pleaded guilty to theft and received a one‑week sentence. Kelly pleaded for another chance, expressing remorse and a desire to remain sober. Justice McCarthy described her breach as "egregious" and indicated he would consider sentencing her to serve the remaining two years of her sentence, but remanded her in custody until 20 June.
In a Wicklow case, a 51‑year‑old man was sentenced to 21 years in prison, with the final seven years suspended, for raping and sexually assaulting two of his step‑sons hundreds of times over a ten‑year period. He also abused one boy with a device he created and forced the boys to commit incest with each other. The judge, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, described the evidence as "industrial quantities" and said the crimes had caused permanent, irreparable damage. The defendant pleaded guilty to 165 counts of rape and sexual assault against one boy and 40 similar offences against his brother between 1993 and 2003. He was ordered to be supervised by Probation Services for five years post‑release, undergo rehabilitation, and have no contact with the two boys. The anonymity orders remain in place for the time being. The victims, who have chosen to waive anonymity, gave moving evidence of the abuse.
The trial of Aivars Sondors, 54, is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. He faces three counts of assisting an offender without reasonable excuse by allegedly impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Marius Gaizutis, who has already been convicted of unlawfully killing 44-year-old Lithuanian Audrius Butkus. Sondors, of Sycamore Close, Termon Abbey, Drogheda, pleaded not guilty to all three counts, claiming he acted under duress. The charges relate to incidents on September 9th or 10th, 2013, including moving Butkus's body from Marsh Road to Mornington Beach and cleaning the scene. Defence counsel Colman Fitzgerald SC argued the core issue was why Sondors acted, emphasizing duress and reasonable excuse, noting that threats need not be expressed. Prosecution counsel Patrick Gageby SC countered that obedience to orders is not a defence and highlighted that Sondors had the opportunity to contact gardai. The jury is expected to begin deliberations after being charged by Ms Justice Carmel Stewart. The matter remains at the trial stage, with no final verdict or sentence recorded in this report.
Sean Flanagan, serving a mandatory life sentence for the murder of Ger McMahon in Limerick in January 2012, must await the outcome of his appeal against conviction. Flanagan, who pleaded not guilty, was found guilty by a jury and sentenced by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan on December 3, 2013. The Central Criminal Court heard that McMahon was attacked from behind while mounting steps, sustaining fatal injuries. During the appeal hearing, defence counsel argued that Gardaí entered Flanagan's uncle's home without a warrant and failed to caution him, rendering evidence inadmissible. The prosecution countered that Flanagan's voluntary cooperation negated any unfairness. The court, comprising Mr Justice George Birmingham, Mr Justice Alan Mahon, and Mr Justice John Edwards, reserved its judgment. Flanagan's uncle, Paul Colbert, was also found guilty of murdering McMahon after denying the charge. Additionally, Flanagan's brother, Ian Flanagan, pleaded not guilty but was found guilty on two counts of assisting an offender by hiding a CCTV device. The matter remains pending the appellate court's decision.
The trial of Aivars Sondors, 54, at the Central Criminal Court has concluded its evidentiary phase. Sondors is charged with three counts of assisting an offender by impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Marius Gaizutis, who has already been convicted of unlawfully killing 44-year-old Lithuanian Audrius Butkus. The allegations, dated September 9th or 10th, 2013, include moving Butkus's body from Marsh Road, Drogheda, to Mornington Beach; cleaning the scene; and disposing of items from Burke House, Mathew's Lane. Although Sondors admitted the underlying acts, he pleaded not guilty to all three counts, claiming he acted under duress. During cross-examination, he stated his basement was "red with blood" when his flatmate ordered him to help move the body. He explained omissions in his garda interviews as fatigue and attributed sand in his car to frequent family visits to the beach. Ms Justice Carmel Stewart informed the jury that evidence has finished. The matter is not adjourned; the trial proceeds to closing speeches, expected to begin this afternoon.
The trial of Aivars Sondors, 54, is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. He faces three counts of assisting an offender by allegedly impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Marius Gaizutis, who has already been convicted of unlawfully killing 44-year-old Lithuanian Audrius Butkus. Sondors, of Sycamore Close, Termon Abbey, Drogheda, pleaded not guilty to all three counts, claiming he acted under duress. The allegations include moving Butkus's body from a shared residence on Marsh Road to Mornington Beach, cleaning the scene, and disposing of items from Burke House, Mathew's Lane. In his defence evidence on the fifth day of the trial, Sondors testified that Gaizutis, whom he had known for 40 years, woke him in the night and demanded his car keys. He stated he was threatened with violence and subsequently helped move a body from a blood-covered basement, describing the scene as resembling a slaughter house. Sondors claimed he believed Gaizutis would kill him if he refused. Cross-examination by Patrick Gageby SC began this afternoon and is scheduled to continue tomorrow morning before Ms Justice Carmel Stewart and a jury. The matter remains at the trial stage with no finalisation or sentence recorded.
A 24‑year‑old man, Michael Kinsella of Swiftbrook Close, Tallaght, was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court for his role in the brutal killing of Adil Essalhi on 6 January 2011. Kinsella pleaded guilty to manslaughter in December 2015. Justice Deirdre Murphy described the death as "dreadful" and noted that Kinsella admitted bringing a knife, which he used to stab Essalhi twice while his uncle, Wayne Kinsella, attacked him with a machete. The judge accepted the manslaughter plea, found Kinsella acted under an immediate threat of violence, and refused to suspend any part of the sentence. She recommended that the Minister for Justice consider a reduction if Kinsella engages with educational and psychiatric services while in prison. A further hearing is scheduled for 25 July to decide on back‑dating the sentence. Michael Kinsella was convicted.
A 53-year-old man from Raphoe in County Donegal has been sent forward for trial at the Central Criminal Court, charged with the murder of a 67-year-old pensioner. Samuel James Clarke, of Magherennan, is accused of killing Seamus Doherty at a property in Drumacnoo, Churchill on June 16th or 17th, 2012. Justice Patrick McCarthy set a trial date of February 27th, 2017. The case will proceed to the Central Criminal Court, where the defendant will face the charge relating to the death that occurred in the Donegal locality over three years prior to the court proceedings.
A 49‑year‑old Laois man was sentenced to two and a half years' imprisonment after a jury convicted him of indecent assault on a girl aged between nine and eleven in a field between 1983 and 1985. The jury acquitted him of rape. The accused, who is married with children and has no prior convictions, denied the allegations. He has not been in the attention of the Gardaí since the offence. Justice Isobel Kennedy noted that the victim, now 42, had testified that the man forced her to perform oral sex and that her younger sibling witnessed him removing her clothing. She described the lasting impact of the abuse, including flashbacks and a period of alcohol use, and her subsequent sobriety and personal growth. The judge imposed the custodial sentence, while the defence argued for a non‑custodial outcome, citing the accused's responsible employment and changed life. The court accepted the custodial sentence.
An autistic 23‑year‑old, Bijan Afshar, was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the murder of his 50‑year‑old mother, Lynn Cassidy, who died on 26 or 27 June 2014 at their home in Deepdales, Bray, Co Wicklow. Afshar beat his mother to death after she told him she could not prevent the sale of the house he shared with his father. He pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity and the jury of six men and six women delivered a unanimous verdict after less than an hour of deliberations at the Central Criminal Court. Afshar was committed to the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum. Justice Isobel Kennedy ordered that he be examined by an approved medical officer who will report to the court on his condition and ongoing treatment on 8 June.
A 54‑year‑old man, Aivars Sondors of Termon Abbey, was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court on 26 May 2016. He faced three counts of assisting an offender by impeding the investigation of a homicide that occurred on 9 or 10 September 2013. The alleged victim was 44‑year‑old Audrius Butkus, who was reportedly beaten to death in the basement of a house on Marsh Road, Drogheda, and whose body was moved to Mornington Beach. Sondors is accused of moving the body, cleaning the scene, and disposing of evidence such as carpet, clothing, a nail brush, a bin bag, bottles and tins. He pleaded not guilty to all counts. His barrister admitted the allegations but argued that the jury should decide whether duress was involved. The trial was set to continue on Friday morning before Ms Justice Carmel Stewart.
In a 2016 hearing at the Central Criminal Court, Bijan Afshar, aged 23, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity for the murder of his mother, Lynn Cassidy, at their Deepdales home in Bray on 26 or 27 June 2014. Dr Brenda Wright, a forensic psychiatrist, testified that Afshar, who has autism with depression, had no control over his actions when he beat his mother to death. She explained that the impending sale of the family house, following his parents' separation, caused him extreme distress and that he believed his only options were to stop the sale or kill himself. Dr Wright described his late‑diagnosed autism, his obsessive behaviours, and his poor emotional regulation, concluding that he was unable to refrain from the assault due to his mental disorder. The prosecution, represented by Dr Ronan Mullaney, agreed with this assessment. The case was set to continue before Justice Isobel Kennedy and a jury of twelve.
A 16‑year‑old boy pleaded guilty in the Central Criminal Court to 13 counts of sexually abusing his half‑sister between 1 February 2014 and 13 August 2014. The boy, who was 14 at the time, admitted raping, anally penetrating and forcing oral sex on the girl, who was aged eight to nine. The abuse ceased after the girl confided in her parents, who confronted the boy and reported him to the Gardaí. The boy repeated his admissions of guilt to the police. In a victim impact statement, the girl described the abuse as occurring mainly at night, her fear of choking during oral sex, and her ongoing distress and confusion about family life. The court noted the boy's remorse and that he was receiving counselling. The matter was adjourned to 18 July for a further hearing.
Anthony Hussey, 24, pleaded guilty to raping a 74‑year‑old woman in her home on 20 September 2014. He broke in wearing a balaclava, claimed his boss forced him, and forced the victim to the floor, removing her clothing and assaulting her vaginally and anally. He later told the victim she enjoyed it and covered her with a duvet before leaving. The victim's impact statement described her as sobbing, terrified, and feeling "broken" and "humiliated". Hussey was remanded in custody until 7 June for sentencing. He had no prior Garda record, was a bar manager, and had been registered as a sex offender when he entered his plea. The article reports the victim's emotional state and Hussey's apology letter, but no sentencing outcome is given.
In a Central Criminal Court case, a 37‑year‑old Meath man was convicted of sexual assault and anal rape of a girl aged 12‑14 who stayed at his family home between 1999 and 2001. The victim, who had not spoken out until becoming a mother, described the assaults as taking away her innocence and causing lasting trauma. She reported that the man began by touching her leg and rubbing her vagina, then forced her to masturbate him, and later inserted his penis into her anus, an act that caused her to cry. The assaults continued for months before she fled to avoid his presence. The man denied any misconduct. Mr Justice Tony Hunt sentenced him to seven‑and‑a‑half years, suspending the last two‑and‑a‑half years on the condition of good behaviour and no contact with the victim. The sentence reflected the severity of the offences and the absence of prior convictions.
Kenneth Cummins, aged 28, was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Central Criminal Court for the murder of Thomas Horan, a 63‑year‑old man described as mentally challenged. Cummins initially pleaded not guilty but changed to guilty after four weeks of trial. The prosecution presented evidence that Horan was strangled and suffocated, with injuries consistent with a severe beating, and that Cummins and his sister Sabrina were involved in the assault. Cummins had 77 prior convictions, including 46 for public order offences, and a history of alcohol dependency and psychiatric treatment. The judge, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, imposed a life sentence backdated to 8 January 2014, noting Cummins' guilty plea and the violent nature of the killing. No further legal actions were mentioned in the article.
A man acquitted of raping his partner was sentenced to two-and-a-half years' imprisonment for punching her in the face when she was seven months pregnant. He had pleaded guilty to assaulting her on 14 October 2015. The Central Criminal Court jury found him not guilty of rape and sexual assault. The victim described feeling worthless and powerless and reported recurring nightmares. The judge, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, described the offence as serious violence, noting the partner's pregnancy. He imposed a two-and-a-half year term, suspended the final nine months, and backdated it to the time the man entered custody in October.
In a 2016 case, Bijan Afshar, aged 23, pleaded not guilty to the murder of his mother, Lynn Cassidy, 50, by reason of insanity. The trial, held at the Central Criminal Court, was expected to last three days. Afshar was charged with killing his mother on 26 or 27 June 2014 at her home in Deepdales, Bray. Prosecutor Paul Burns SC informed the jury that two psychiatrists would testify about Afshar's mental condition, specifically his Asperger's Syndrome diagnosis in 2008, and whether it made him unable to refrain from the act. Afshar, the eldest of four sons, had a strained relationship with his mother and had been living with his father and one brother after his parents split. He claimed he was worried about losing the family house, which had been sold, and that his mother's responses were "robotic." Afshar described grabbing his mother by the neck, hitting her with a white mug, and then leaving the scene.
The prosecution has finished presenting its case in a child‑abuse trial after six weeks of evidence. The case involves a boy who had alleged that his parents sexually abused him, including rape, use of a hot poker, forced incest and other violent acts, and that the father filmed some incidents. The boy, now 12, had previously retracted the allegations, claiming only physical abuse occurred, but later insisted the allegations were true and that he retracted them to avoid the trial. The guardian ad litem, an independent social worker, stated she did not believe the boy's retractions were genuine. The parents face 82 abuse charges between 2007 and 2011 and have pleaded not guilty to 16 counts each of sexual exploitation and one count of child cruelty. The trial will continue with legal arguments tomorrow and the defence may call evidence. The court will adjourn for lunch on Saturday if the weather is good.
In 2010, a 78‑year‑old Dublin man was convicted by a Central Criminal Court jury of 87 counts of sexual assault and rape of his two daughters, aged five to eleven, and of assaulting his son, aged three to six, between 1997 and 2002. He denied the charges. Mr Justice George Birmingham sentenced him to life imprisonment for the rape of his daughters and imposed additional determinate sentences for other offences. In October 2016, the Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal on all grounds. Mr Justice John Edwards, sitting with Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan and Mr Justice Alan Mahon, found the trial satisfactory and the conviction safe. The appeal was dismissed after the appellant was too ill to attend the hearing, and his appeal against sentence was scheduled for June 16. The case had originally involved 113 counts, with the jury acquitting on two, failing to agree on seven, and returning not‑guilty verdicts on 17 further counts.