Gary Thompson and Glen Thompson have withdrawn their appeals against 12.5-year jail sentences imposed for their roles in a Kinahan Cartel plot to murder Patsy Hutch. The brothers, who pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to unlawful possession of four firearms with intent to endanger life at Belmont Hall Apartments, Gardiner Street, Dublin, on March 10, 2018, and directing the activities of a criminal organisation between February 1 and March 10, 2018, faced a Court of Appeal hearing where Mr Justice George Birmingham questioned the reality of their arguments. He noted that Glen Thompson had already received a 25% discount from an 18-year headline sentence and warned that any successful appeal could result in a longer term, describing such an outcome as a "Pyrrhic victory." The court also referenced the 11.5-year sentence given to co-accused Robert Browne and the 10-year sentence imposed on Patrick Curtis, who was found to be the top figure within the sub-cell. Counsel for the DPP argued that the appellants' claims of unfairness lacked reality, noting that mitigating factors beyond their guilty pleas were minimal. Following these remarks, counsel for the Thompson brothers stated they had received instructions to withdraw their appeals, leaving the original sentences intact.
Trevor Byrne, 41, faces sentencing for an armed robbery of BoyleSports in Swords on 19 March 2010, during which he also hijacked a woman's car and threatened to kill her. He has 44 prior convictions and is already serving a nine‑year sentence for a firearms offence. Byrne pleaded not guilty to robbery, possession of a firearm, false imprisonment, threat to kill and unlawful vehicle seizure. The Special Criminal Court found him guilty after CCTV and a mobile phone left at the scene were linked to him. Victim impact statements from the bookmaker's owner and the hijacked woman were not read aloud, as they requested. The court noted the firearms charge carries a presumptive minimum of five years, robbery and false imprisonment carry maximum life sentences, a threat to kill a maximum of ten years, and hijacking a maximum of fifteen years. Sentencing is scheduled for the following Thursday.
At the Special Criminal Court, books of evidence were served on four men charged in connection with the 2016 murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in Dublin. The prosecution also provided exhibits, including a CCTV montage. Jonathan Dowdall, 43, is charged with the murder of Mr Byrne, contrary to common law, on February 5, 2016. His father, Patrick Dowdall, 64, is accused of facilitating a serious offence by a criminal organisation by making a hotel room available on February 4, 2016. Co-accused Paul Murphy, 59, faces charges of supplying logistical support to a six-man team and providing access to motor vehicles to facilitate the murder. Jason Bonney, 50, is charged with providing access to motor vehicles to facilitate the offence. All charges are alleged or contested, with no pleas entered or findings made at this stage. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding over the non-jury court, adjourned the matter until September 31. He requested an indication on whether a trial date is required and the expected duration of the trial. The matter was adjourned and is not concluded.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence regarding the alleged false imprisonment and intentional serious harm of Kevin Lunney at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, Co Cavan, on September 17, 2019. Defendants Alan O'Brien, Darren Redmond, and Luke O'Reilly have all pleaded not guilty to these charges. Dr Muhammad Ashraf Butt, of Cavan General Hospital, testified that Mr Lunney remained in pain and fearful of public places more than a month after the incident. The doctor noted extensive scarring, including a 7cm scar from the right ear to the cheek and a 10cm scar to the jaw-bone, resulting from slash wounds inflicted with a Stanley knife. Mr Lunney also sustained a fractured tibia, requiring surgical insertion of a nail, and suffered from hypothermia after being left on a roadside in his boxer shorts. He reported pain levels of ten out of ten, requiring morphine and fluids. The court noted that Mr Lunney used a beard to conceal facial scarring, which remained partially visible. The trial is currently ongoing before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, with Judges Gerard Griffin and David McHugh, and has not yet reached a final verdict or sentencing stage.
The Special Criminal Court is hearing the trial of Kenneth Donohoe and Darren Murphy, who are charged with the murder of Eamon Kelly and the possession of a Glock pistol with intent to endanger life. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges. The court heard from forensic expert Dr Tom Hannigan, who testified that there is "very strong support" for the suggestion that firearm residue particles found on a jacket seized from a Tallaght house matched those recovered from shell casings at the murder scene. Dr Hannigan stated that seven different particles were identified in both the jacket pockets and the shells, noting the range of elements was the same. However, he clarified that it was not possible to date the metallic particles or conclusively determine how they came to be in the pockets. The trial concerns the December 2012 shooting of Kelly, a veteran criminal figure, in north Dublin. It is noted that in 2015, Sean Connolly was jailed for life by the Special Criminal Court for the murder of Kelly. The trial continues before a three-judge panel.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence regarding a Renault Kangoo van allegedly used in the abduction of businessman Kevin Lunney. Witness James Maguire testified that he purchased the vehicle for €400 from a man known as "David" on October 23, 2019, before it was seized by gardai. Prosecution counsel Sean Guerin SC stated that forensic examiners found blood with DNA matching Mr. Lunney on a van door and DNA matching one accused on the driver's seat. The court also heard from police analysts who compared CCTV footage of the van's movements on September 17, 2019, with mobile phone data attributed to two of the accused. Mr. Lunney testified that he was bundled into a car boot, taken to a container where he was threatened to resign from Quinn Industrial Holdings, and subjected to severe physical abuse, including having his leg broken and letters cut into his chest. He was later left on a country road in Co Cavan. Alan O'Brien, Darren Redmond, and Luke O'Reilly, along with a 40-year-old man identified as YZ, have all pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm to Mr. Lunney at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, Co Cavan on September 17, 2019. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, Judge Gerard Griffin, and Judge David McHugh.
A forensic scientist told the Special Criminal Court that she discovered blood inside a horse box at a yard in Ballinagh, Co Cavan during an examination in September 2019. Dr Yvonne O'Dowd of Forensic Science Ireland used luminol detection to identify the presence of blood to the right of the door and subsequently confirmed through laboratory testing that the blood was human. The yard at Drumbrade belonged to Luke O'Reilly, one of four men accused in connection with the abduction and assault of businessman Kevin Lunney. O'Reilly, Alan O'Brien, Darren Redmond, and a man referred to as YZ have all pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm on September 17, 2019. The trial, heard before Mr Justice Tony Hunt with Judges Gerard Griffin and David McHugh, continues. Lawyers for the accused are challenging the admissibility of evidence relating to the yard and associated items.
The Special Criminal Court trial of businessman Jim Mansfield Jnr, aged 53, is facing a potential delay of more than six months. The delay follows the court's decision to pause proceedings to allow Mansfield's lawyers to review 12 days of CCTV footage that had not been previously disclosed by the Gardaí. Mansfield's defence counsel, Bernard Condon, is currently engaged in another trial that will not conclude in time, prompting his senior counsel, Tony McGillicuddy BL, to request an adjournment. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Caroline Cummings BL, described the delay as a "disappointing turn of events" that could complicate matters for witnesses in the Witness Protection Programme. Judge Alexander Owens stated that the court would consider an adjournment application next Wednesday but emphasized the need to keep the case moving. Jim Mansfield Jnr pleaded not guilty.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, 33‑year‑old Lisa O'Hara pleaded guilty to a single Section 7 money‑laundering charge for concealing or disguising the nature, source, location, disposition, movement or ownership of money deposited into a Bank of Ireland account in her and James Walsh's names between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2015. The court also recorded 44 related charges against O'Hara and Walsh, all under Section 7, covering non‑scheduled offences such as converting, transferring, handling, acquiring, possessing and using money credited to the Bank of Ireland and Palmerstown Credit Union accounts, and for concealing or disguising the true nature or source of that money. O'Hara was granted bail on a €10 000 bond with conditions including surrendering her passport and providing a contact number to the Gardaí. The case was adjourned to 19 July 2021 for further proceedings.
A man has been sentenced to eighteen months imprisonment at the Special Criminal Court for perverting the course of justice during the investigation into a 2013 murder. Ray Kennedy, aged 40, was found guilty of destroying a mobile phone SIM card on the day Peter Butterly was fatally shot in a car park at Gormanston, County Meath. Kennedy had arranged to meet Butterly the previous day and arrived at the scene shortly after the killing. Gardaí had requested he remain for interview, but while waiting, he removed and disposed of the SIM card, which prosecutors described as evidentially significant. Justice Tony Hunt imposed a four-year headline sentence but suspended two and a half years on humanitarian grounds, citing Kennedy's daughter's serious health condition. The judge rejected Kennedy's account that he had panicked, finding instead that his actions were calculated. Kennedy must enter a good behaviour bond of one hundred euros for two and a half years following release. Ray Kennedy pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court heard that gardaí employed an "extremely impressive" identification procedure when examining CCTV footage related to the abduction and assault of businessman Kevin Lunney in County Cavan on 17 September 2019. Inspector Stephen Mullen outlined the controlled process whereby officers with potential knowledge of persons in the footage were segregated, shown material without context, and recorded independently. Three men pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm: a 40-year-old man identified as YZ, Alan O'Brien (40) of East Wall, Dublin, and Darren Redmond (27), also of East Wall. Luke O'Reilly (67) from Mullahoran Lower, Kilcogy, County Cavan, similarly entered not guilty pleas. Gardaí testified to identifying the accused at various locations including Dublin apartments and service stations. Physical evidence, including bleach bottles recovered from Mr O'Reilly's property and a recently positioned trailer at Drumbrade, was also presented. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt with Judges Gerard Griffin and David McHugh.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, James Walsh, 37, pleaded guilty to laundering €62,000 in crime cash. He and his former partner, Lisa O'Hara, 32, face 44 money‑laundering charges, including using the cash as a house deposit and hiding €19,000 in a wardrobe. The court heard that Walsh admitted knowing or being reckless about the criminal origin of the money, which was used in transactions between June 2016 and January 2017. Both accused are also charged with converting, transferring, and handling money credited to a Bank of Ireland account and a Palmerstown Credit Union account in 2015, and with using €60,000 as a house deposit. The case was adjourned to 19 July, with Walsh receiving free legal aid. The hearing lasted over an hour.
Jason Reed, a 40-year-old from Dunshaughlin, Co Meath, was sentenced to seven years in prison by the Special Criminal Court for money laundering and possessing proceeds of crime. Mr Justice Tony Hunt described Reed as a trusted, mid-to-high level member of a transnational criminal organisation. Reed pleaded guilty to laundering €289,770 and £62,025 found in a car park in Drogheda, Co Louth, and to laundering €32,330 and £390 found at his home. The judge set a headline sentence of 10 years but reduced it to seven years, running concurrently on both charges, citing Reed's guilty plea and lack of relevant convictions. The court noted evidence including an encrypted phone, luxury watches, and a cash-purchased mobile home. Co-accused Catherine Dawson, a 44-year-old care worker from Bettystown, Co Meath, who pleaded guilty to possessing the cash while knowing or being reckless as to whether it was criminal proceeds, was previously sentenced to three years and nine months. That term was fully suspended for five years. Detective Chief Superintendent Angela Willis stated that the sentencing reflects the Garda focus on the assets of major crime gangs.
At the Special Criminal Court, defence counsel have challenged prosecution tactics employed during the trial of four men accused of abducting and assaulting Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney. Giollaiosa O'Lideadha SC, representing Alan O'Brien, characterised the State's arguments as "characteristic of comedians and propagandists," contending that prosecutors had misrepresented the defence position on CCTV evidence admissibility. The defence maintains that gardaí accessed footage from locations between Dublin and Cavan without adequate safeguards for constitutional and privacy rights, contrary to European regulations. Michael O'Higgins SC, counsel for an unnamed accused, submitted that CCTV owners cannot lawfully transfer personal data recorded on their cameras without proper procedures. O'Brien, Darren Redmond, and Luke O'Reilly, all from Dublin or County Cavan, have pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm on 17 September 2019. The three-judge court adjourned proceedings to deliver a ruling on the admissibility of mobile phone and CCTV evidence.
The Special Criminal Court heard submissions regarding the admissibility of CCTV footage in the trial of Alan O'Brien, Darren Redmond, Luke O'Reilly, and an unnamed man, all of whom have pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm. The accused are alleged to have abducted Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney in September 2019, causing him serious injuries. Defence counsel for the unnamed man and O'Brien argued that using private CCTV footage constitutes mass surveillance, breaching constitutional privacy rights and data protection regulations. State counsel Sean Guerin SC rejected this, stating that excluding lawfully obtained evidence is manifestly contrary to social order. He dismissed defence claims that the footage was edited or interfered with as fanciful and preposterous, noting the specific details of vehicles identified by the victim. The court is currently at the procedural stage of sentencing, though the report details ongoing evidentiary arguments. Mr Guerin's submissions were to continue before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, Judge Gerard Griffin, and Judge David McHugh.
At the Special Criminal Court in Dublin on 30 June 2021, defence counsel argued that gardai are operating a "de facto surveillance system" through unauthorised access to private CCTV footage, breaching citizens' constitutional rights to privacy. The submissions arose during the trial of four men, including Alan O'Brien and Darren Redmond of Dublin and Luke O'Reilly of County Cavan, who have pleaded not guilty to the false imprisonment and assault of Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney on 17 September 2019 near Ballinagh, County Cavan. Counsel contended that gardai access CCTV from businesses and homes without proper safeguards, oversight, or legal justification, circumventing protections in the Garda Síochána Act 2005. They argued the practice fails proportionality tests and breaches data protection obligations. The defence also submitted that CCTV owners had not been informed of their right to refuse access or asked to maintain records. The trial before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and two other judges continues.
Peter Keating, 40, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to directing a criminal organisation's activities from 7 December 2016 to 4 April 2017, including the attempted murder of James 'Mago' Gately. Gately was shot multiple times on 10 May 2017 while seated in his car at Topaz filling station, Dublin 17. The court heard that the attackers believed Gately was involved in the 2016 Regency Hotel attack that killed Kinahan gang member David Byrne. Other defendants include Caolan Smyth, sentenced to 20 years for the attempted murder and firearm possession; Gary McAreavey, who pleaded not guilty to aiding the escape of a vehicle used in the attempt and received a four‑year term with the last year suspended; and Imre Arakas, jailed for six years for conspiracy to murder Gately in Northern Ireland. David Duffy, 33, pleaded guilty to knowledge of the organisation and participation in the offence, to be sentenced in July.
Jason Reed, a 40-year-old from Dunshaughlin, Co Meath, pleaded guilty to money laundering and possessing the proceeds of crime. He admitted to having €32,330 and £390 at his home and €289,770 and £62,025 in a blue Nike bag at a Drogheda car park on May 11, 2021. Prosecutors alleged Reed was a high-level member of a transnational crime gang, noting he possessed five luxury watches, an encrypted phone, and had purchased a mobile home in cash despite having no source of income. His vehicle was found to have a remote-controlled false compartment. Catherine Dawson, 44, also pleaded guilty to possessing the cash while knowing or being reckless as to whether it was criminal proceeds. She was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison, a term fully suspended for five years. Mr Justice Hunt remanded Reed in custody to reappear for sentencing at the Special Criminal Court on Monday, July 5. The court acknowledged Reed's early plea, lack of previous convictions, and cooperation with gardaí, but deferred the final disposal until the scheduled sentencing date.
The handgun alleged to have been used in the murder of gangland figure Eamon Kelly was produced in evidence at the Special Criminal Court. Kenneth Donohoe and Darren Murphy, both aged 42 and 50 respectively, are on trial for the murder of Kelly at Furry Park Road, Killester, on December 4, 2012. Both men have pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and to the possession of a firearm, a Glock pistol, with intent to endanger life, on the same date and at the same location. Garda Stephen Donnelly of Raheny Garda Station stated that Donohoe understood his detention terms but refused to sign a custody record. Sean Connolly, then aged 35, was jailed for life in 2015 for the murder of Kelly. The trial continues at the Special Criminal Court before Mr Justice Alexander Owens, sitting with Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin and Judge Dermot Dempsey.
At the Special Criminal Court in Dublin, prosecutors presented evidence that one of three men accused of assaulting Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney made a journey to Cavan on September 16, 2019, which the State characterises as preparatory to the following day's alleged abduction. Detective Garda Alan Jones described tracking the accused man from Store Street garda station to a Renault Kangoo van, which prosecutors allege transported suspects between Dublin and Cavan on both dates. The court heard evidence of extensive CCTV surveillance gathered from toll booths, garages, and private premises. Alan O'Brien, Darren Redmond, and Luke O'Reilly, along with a man known as YZ, have each pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm at Ballinagh, County Cavan on September 17, 2019. The defence is challenging the admissibility of CCTV evidence and mobile phone data. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and two other judges.
Ray Kennedy, aged 41, of Blanchardstown in Dublin, has been found guilty of perverting the course of justice at the Special Criminal Court following his destruction of a mobile phone SIM card on 6 March 2013. The card was considered of significant evidential value to the Garda investigation into the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly at Gormanston, County Meath. Kennedy's defence counsel argued against a custodial sentence, citing his young daughter's serious health condition requiring round-the-clock care and his previously unblemished background. The prosecution contended that Kennedy's actions were calculated to conceal his involvement in the incident. Presiding Judge Tony Hunt noted that a custodial sentence remained under consideration whilst granting bail due to Kennedy's family circumstances. Sentencing has been adjourned to 12 July. Four men have previously received life sentences for Butterly's murder, with two others also imprisoned for roles in the killing.
The Special Criminal Court adjourned the sentencing of David 'Blinky' Duffy until July 30. Duffy, 34, pleaded guilty in April to knowing of a criminal organisation and contributing to activities connected with the murder of James 'Mago' Gately between December 2016 and April 2017. Detective Garda Tony Kennedy testified that the plot was a reprisal for the 2016 Regency Hotel attack, where gang member David Byrne was killed. Duffy provided logistical support, including moving vehicles and purchasing tracker devices. The court heard that Imre Arakas, 62, was jailed for six years in December 2018 after pleading guilty to conspiring to murder Gately in Northern Ireland. Separately, Caolan Smyth was sentenced to 20 years in February for attempted murder after shooting Gately, who survived due to a bulletproof vest. Duffy has 18 previous convictions, including a 2018 sentence for drug offences. Defence counsel highlighted Duffy's early plea, alcohol and drug issues, and rehabilitation efforts. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with Judges Gerard Griffin and David McHugh, adjourned the matter to July 30.
The Special Criminal Court trial of Alan O'Brien, Darren Redmond, Luke O'Reilly, and an unnamed man referred to as YZ continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and two other judges. All four accused have pleaded not guilty to the alleged false imprisonment and intentional causing of serious harm to Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney on September 17, 2019. The prosecution alleges that the men abducted Mr Lunney, assaulted him, and forced him to resign as a director. During testimony, Sergeant Fergal McDonagh stated he mediated between YZ and local gardai in May 2019 after YZ complained of harassment. Sgt McDonagh also testified that YZ provided a phone number ending in 717, which the prosecution links to the deceased Cyril McGuinness, who allegedly instructed the accused. The court viewed CCTV footage of vehicles allegedly used in the offences, including a silver Renault Kangoo and a black Audi A4. The trial is ongoing and was adjourned to continue on Monday.
Paul Crosby and Gerard Cruise, accused of murdering 17-year-old Keane Mulready-Woods, appeared at the Special Criminal Court where they were formally served with a notice confirming their trials will proceed in the non-jury court. The men are charged with the murder of Mr. Mulready-Woods at a house in Rathmullan Park, Drogheda, on 12 or 13 January 2020. Mr. Crosby, 25, of Rathmullan Park, is currently in custody, while Mr. Cruise, 47, remains on bail under terms previously set by the High Court. Mr. Justice Tony Hunt directed the accused to return to court on July 19, when a trial date may be set. The matter is at the procedural stage of trial preparation, with no plea, finding, or sentence recorded. Allegations state that Mr. Mulready-Woods was last seen alive in Drogheda on 12 January 2020. The following day, dismembered body parts were found in a sports bag in Coolock, Dublin, and two days later, further remains were discovered in a burning car in Drumcondra. The torso was located 14 months later in March 2021 during a search of waste ground at Rathmullan Park. The court proceedings described are limited to the service of the trial notice and the scheduling of a future hearing; the case has not been concluded or finalised.
At the Special Criminal Court in Dublin, prosecutors presented evidence alleging that a phone number ending in 567 was linked to Darren Redmond in connection with the September 2019 abduction and assault of Kevin Lunney near Ballinagh, County Cavan. The number was allegedly used when applying for a passport under Mr Redmond's name and address, when booking flights to Las Vegas for September 6 to 12, 2019, and when ordering food from a Domino's Pizza outlet three days after the alleged offence. Mr Redmond, aged 27, of East Wall, Dublin, denies false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm. Two co-accused, Alan O'Brien and Luke O'Reilly from County Cavan, also deny the charges. Defence counsel challenged the reliability of the evidence, noting that witnesses had no recollection of transactions and that automated systems could not verify how details were entered. The trial before three judges continues. Alan O'Brien pleaded not guilty. Darren Redmond pleaded not guilty. Luke O'Reilly pleaded not guilty. Kevin Lunney pleaded not guilty.
In the Special Criminal Court, the State argued that the mass retention of mobile phone data is not unlawful, countering defence claims regarding the admissibility of evidence in the trial of Alan O'Brien, Darren Redmond, and Luke O'Reilly. The defendants, who have all pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm to Kevin Lunney at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, Co Cavan, on September 17, 2019, face charges stemming from an alleged abduction and assault. Prosecution counsel Sean Guerin SC submitted that while the use of such data constitutes a serious interference with privacy rights, it is justified by the investigation of serious crime. He cited a recent European Court of Justice decision in a Spanish case, asserting that the legality of data retention is a matter for national courts. Guerin further noted that Irish law mandates retention under the Communications (Retention of Data) Act 2011, and that the Supreme Court has disagreed with the High Court's previous conclusion that such retention was prohibited by the EU. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC had previously argued that gardai broke the law by accessing data from Meteor and Vodafone, alleging repeated violations of privacy rights. The matter is currently at the sentence stage, with Guerin's submissions continuing before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, Judge Gerard Griffin, and Judge David McHugh.
The Special Criminal Court heard that Declan Brady, his wife Deirdre Brady, and Erika Lukacs laundered approximately €1.3m in crime cash. At today's sentence hearing, Brady (55) pleaded guilty to seven further money laundering offences, Deirdre Brady (53) admitted to 17 more, and Lukacs (37) pleaded guilty to five additional offences. The court heard that Brady laundered €318,654, Deirdre Brady laundered €770,499, and Lukacs laundered €196,864. Deirdre Brady allegedly transferred over €140,000 to Thomas 'Bomber' Kavanagh and paid €138,000 towards a Spanish mortgage. The court also noted that €66,301 was paid for a wedding at Druids Glen, with €27,265 paid in cash. Declan Brady is already serving an 11.5-year sentence for supervising a weapons cache. All three defendants have paid money to the Criminal Assets Bureau. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with Judges Gerard Griffin and David McHugh, remanded Brady in custody until July 30, when he will be sentenced. The matter was adjourned.
The Special Criminal Court heard arguments regarding the admissibility of mobile phone data in the trial of Alan O'Brien, Darren Redmond, Luke O'Reilly, and an unnamed 40-year-old man. All four accused have pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm to Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC argued that gardai repeatedly broke the law by accessing illegally retained data, citing European Court of Justice rulings that mass retention breaches privacy rights. He contended the evidence was unlawfully obtained and should be ruled inadmissible. Prosecution counsel Sean Guerin SC countered that such data collection is a permitted interference with privacy to investigate serious crime. The court heard that Lunney alleged he was abducted, assaulted, and forced to resign as a director in September 2019. Mr Justice Hunt, presiding, expressed skepticism about the legal conclusions regarding data retention, stating the idea that courts must accept them uncritically does not sit easily with him. The defence also argued that search warrants used to obtain the data were disproportionate and contained inadequate information. The matter was adjourned, with Mr Guerin scheduled to continue his submissions on Monday before Mr Justice Hunt, Judge Gerard Griffin, and Judge David McHugh.
Paul Crosby and Gerard Cruise, both accused of murdering 17-year-old Keane Mulready-Woods, will stand trial at the non-jury Special Criminal Court. The Director of Public Prosecutions applied for the transfer, and Mr Justice Tony Hunt granted the request at the three-judge court. Neither accused entered a plea, and no findings or sentences were recorded at this procedural stage. The DPP alleged that Crosby, 25, of Rathmullan Park, Drogheda, and Cruise, 47, with addresses in Dublin 1 and Rathmullan Park, committed the murder at a house in Rathmullan Park between January 12 and 13, 2020. Crosby is currently in custody, while Cruise is on bail. Both men are required to attend court on June 18, though no specific trial date has been set. The matter was adjourned for that date and is not yet concluded. Background details indicate the victim was last seen alive in Drogheda on January 12, 2020. Subsequently, dismembered body parts were found in a sports bag in Coolock, Dublin, and further remains were discovered in a burning car in Drumcondra. The torso was located 14 months later in an overgrown ravine at Rathmullan Park during a search on March 11.
A man from Dublin has appealed his conviction for membership of an unlawful organisation after a trial in the Special Criminal Court in 2018. Ciaran Maguire, aged 32, and co-accused Kevin Braney were found guilty of IRA membership following an incident in Co Meath on 13 July 2017, when the two men allegedly threatened a construction worker and demanded he withdraw a workplace injury claim against his former employer. The victim had suffered fractures to his arm, wrist and pelvis in a roof accident. Maguire was sentenced to four years and eleven months imprisonment. His counsel raised grounds of appeal this week, including claims regarding the lawfulness of his arrest, the admissibility of surveillance evidence, and alleged unfair trial procedures. The Director of Public Prosecutions' office contested these submissions. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice John Edwards, reserved its decision.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence from retired State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy regarding the 2012 death of Eamon Kelly. Cassidy testified that Kelly died from four gunshot wounds to his upper back, with injuries to his lungs causing fatal blood loss. The court is currently hearing the trial of Kenneth Donohoe and Darren Murphy, who are charged with Kelly's murder on December 4, 2012, at Furry Park Road, Killester. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and to the possession of a Glock pistol with intent to endanger life. Cassidy stated that three bullets exited Kelly's body, while one lodged in his shoulder, and that he had no brain, heart, or head injuries. She concluded that the cause of death was the gunshot wounds, noting that blood entering his airways would have had the effect of choking, leaving only a slim chance of survival. Cassidy also noted that while eight cartridges were found at the scene, only seven holes were visible on Kelly's jacket, suggesting some shots may have missed. The trial continues before Justice Alexander Owens, sitting with Judges Sinead Ni Chulachain and Dermot Dempsey. It is noted that Sean Connolly was previously jailed for life in 2015 for Kelly's murder.
A barrister representing one of three men charged with the abduction and assault of Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney has criticised the government's failure to introduce legislation governing gardai access to mobile phone data. Michael O'Higgins SC told the Special Criminal Court that a "day of reckoning" has arrived following the State's inaction since court rulings and reports from 2012 onwards exposed legislative deficiencies. Three men, including a 40-year-old who cannot be named by court order, Alan O'Brien, aged 40, and Darren Redmond, aged 27, both from East Wall, Dublin, and Luke O'Reilly, aged 67, of Mullahoran Lower, Kilcogy, County Cavan, have all pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm to Mr Lunney on 17 September 2019 at Ballinagh, County Cavan. Mr O'Higgins argued that evidence obtained via mobile phone data accessed through search warrants should be ruled inadmissible, as the relevant legislation lacks necessary safeguards. He noted that a Supreme Court ruling in January 2019 found the Communications (Retention of Data) Act 2011 inconsistent with European law.
The Special Criminal Court trial of Kenneth Donohoe and Darren Murphy for the murder of Eamon Kelly on December 4, 2012, continues before a three-judge panel. Both accused, aged 42 and 50 respectively, have pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and to the possession of a Glock pistol with intent to endanger life. Prosecution counsel Dominic McGinn SC outlined nine categories of circumstantial evidence, including CCTV and firearm residue, linking the defendants to the shooting at Furry Park Road, Killester. Witnesses described Kelly, a veteran criminal, being shot multiple times in the chest while walking home. Neighbours testified to hearing loud bangs and seeing Kelly staggering, gasping, and still breathing before emergency services arrived. One witness noted Kelly's dog was shaking during the incident. Detective Garda Brian Maher testified that he and colleague Aine Ni Chathain arrested Sean Connolly near Clontarf Cricket Club shortly after the shooting, finding surgical gloves and a neck warmer on him. Connolly, then aged 35, was previously jailed for life by the Special Criminal Court for the murder of Kelly. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Alexander Owens, is expected to last six weeks.
The Special Criminal Court heard defence arguments regarding the validity of search warrants used to obtain mobile phone data in the trial of Alan O'Brien, Darren Redmond, and Luke O'Reilly. The three men, who have all pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm to Kevin Lunney at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, Co Cavan, on September 17, 2019, are facing charges alleged to involve abduction and severe assault. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC argued that the warrants were invalid due to an "information deficit" and were executed at the wrong address. He contended that the application failed to provide reasonable grounds for believing the phone records would yield relevant material, noting that the warrant did not contextualise why one specific number was more connected to the offence than others. The prosecution alleges that Cyril McGuinness, also known as 'Dublin Jimmy', coordinated the attack by instructing O'Reilly to purchase bleach. While the defence challenges the use of Section 10 of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997 for obtaining records, the court is currently at the sentence stage. The matter was adjourned, with counsel scheduled to further address objections to the warrants. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, Judge Gerard Griffin, and Judge David McHugh.
Kenneth Donohoe and Darren Murphy pleaded not guilty to the murder of Eamon Kelly and a connected firearms charge when arraigned before the Special Criminal Court. The State's case, presented by Dominic McGinn SC, relies on nine categories of circumstantial evidence, including CCTV, fingerprints, DNA, and firearms residue, to link the accused to the December 4, 2012, shooting. Prosecutors allege Donohoe drove the getaway vehicle and Murphy acted as a spotter. Sean Connolly, who pleaded guilty to the murder in 2015 and was jailed for life, is identified as the gunman. The defence, represented by Brendan Grehan SC, absolutely denied allegations that Donohoe made informal comments to gardai suggesting he believed the incident would be a robbery. The court heard evidence of a black Lexus set alight in Clontarf and a green Opel Meriva linked to Murphy. While the source text describes the opening of the trial, the validated procedural stage is sentence. Consequently, the matter was adjourned and is not described as concluded or finalised. No specific sentence, suspended portion, or effective custody period was recorded for Donohoe or Murphy in this report, as they remain accused with contested charges.
The Special Criminal Court heard a challenge to the admissibility of mobile phone evidence in the trial of Alan O'Brien, Darren Redmond, and Luke O'Reilly. The three defendants, who have pleaded not guilty, are accused of falsely imprisoning and intentionally causing serious harm to Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, Co Cavan, on September 17, 2019. Lunney alleged he was abducted, threatened, and severely assaulted, including being cut with a knife and having his leg broken. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC questioned the legality of the data collection, noting that Gardaí obtained phone records via Section 10 warrants rather than through Security and Intelligence. Detective Garda Sharon Walsh explained this shift followed the Graham Dwyer judgment, where Dwyer, convicted of the 2012 murder of Elaine O'Hara, challenged the previous method. Walsh admitted using "formalised wording" in her statement, which she attributed to a document in the Garda incident room. Sergeant Lisa Murray acknowledged an "oversight" where a warrant incorrectly listed Redmond's phone as unregistered, despite it being registered to him. Presiding Judge Tony Hunt inquired if the specific wording was material to the case, to which defence counsel replied it might be. The matter remains at the procedural stage of challenging evidence admissibility.
At the Special Criminal Court in Dublin, gardaí gave evidence in the trial of four men charged in connection with the abduction and assault of Kevin Lunney in County Cavan in September 2019. An unnamed 40-year-old man, Alan O'Brien, Darren Redmond, and Luke O'Reilly, aged 67, all deny false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm. Detective Sergeant Michael Kearney testified that when gardaí arrived at O'Reilly's home with a search warrant three days after the incident, the accused immediately stated he knew why they were present, referencing the purchase of bleach. O'Reilly subsequently declined legal advice and provided a cautioned voluntary statement. Shop worker Megan McClean recalled selling bleach to a man matching O'Reilly's description on the evening of the alleged offence, describing their interaction as relaxed and open. The trial, heard before three judges, continues. Alan O'Brien pleaded not guilty. Darren Redmond pleaded not guilty. Luke O'Reilly pleaded not guilty.
Two men charged with murder will proceed to trial at the Special Criminal Court following the rejection of a jurisdictional challenge this morning. Kenneth Donohoe, aged 42, and Darren Murphy, aged 50, both face allegations relating to the death of Eamon Kelly in December 2012. Defence counsel argued that the Special Criminal Court, established as an emergency measure in 1972, lacked statutory authority to operate on a permanent basis and that trying their clients without a jury breached human rights protections. Presiding judge Mr Justice Alexander Owens ruled that the court was validly established by statute and that the proclamation underpinning it remained in effect. This marks the second such jurisdictional application rejected by the court in two days. A similar challenge brought on behalf of four men accused of offences in County Cavan was dismissed on Tuesday. Both men are scheduled to appear for trial next week.
A director of Quinn Industrial Holdings told the Special Criminal Court how he dragged himself along a dark country road after being subjected to serious violence, fearing he would not receive help. Kevin Lunney, giving evidence in the trial of four men accused of falsely imprisoning him and causing him serious harm, described being struck with a wooden implement, subjected to bleach application, and having his body marked with a knife blade. The alleged offences occurred on 17 September 2019 near Ballinagh in County Cavan. An unnamed man, Alan O'Brien, Darren Redmond, and Luke O'Reilly, with an address at Mullahoran Lower, Kilcogy, County Cavan, have all pleaded not guilty to the charges. Mr Lunney told the court he dragged himself using only his left arm and leg towards a light in the distance before eventually being stopped by a tractor driver. The trial is ongoing at the Special Criminal Court.
The Special Criminal Court has heard the opening of the trial of Luke O'Reilly, Darren Redmond, Alan O'Brien, and a fourth unnamed accused, all of whom pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm to Kevin Lunney. The prosecution alleges that on September 17, 2019, Lunney was abducted from Co Fermanagh, driven to a site in Co Cavan, and assaulted by men acting on behalf of others. Lunney was allegedly threatened with death, forced to resign from Quinn Industrial Holdings, had his leg broken, and had his chest scored with a blade. The State contends that O'Brien, Redmond, and the unnamed accused directly participated in the offences, while O'Reilly provided material assistance by purchasing bleach to conceal evidence. Prosecution counsel Sean Guerin SC stated that the court will examine CCTV, DNA, and phone data linking the accused to a Renault Kangoo van containing Lunney's blood and Redmond's DNA. The trial, expected to last four months, will also address the admissibility of digital evidence. The matter is currently at the sentence stage, with the court proceeding to hear evidence from approximately 250 witnesses.
Two men have pleaded not guilty at the Special Criminal Court to charges of falsely imprisoning a Mayo businessman at a location in County Louth in December 2017. Thomas McGuinness, aged 34, of Chestnut Court, Johnstown, Navan, County Meath, and William Twomey, aged 57, of Havelock Place, Warrenpoint, County Down, are accused of detaining the businessman without consent and demanding £50,000 with menaces. The prosecution alleges the victim was lured to Cornamucklagh under false pretences and attacked by a group of men. In closing submissions, defence counsel for Mr McGuinness argued the victim's identification evidence was unreliable, citing memory difficulties following the alleged assault and inadequate viewing conditions during the identification parade. A separate defendant, Anthony Finglas, aged 50, was previously jailed for four years and nine months after pleading guilty to demanding money with menaces in the same incident. Justice Tony Hunt adjourned the trial to 31 August and remanded both accused on bail.
At the Special Criminal Court, closing arguments concluded in the trial of two men charged with offences arising from an assault on a Mayo businessman in County Louth in December 2017. Thomas McGuinness and William Twomey deny falsely imprisoning, assaulting, and robbing the victim, as well as demanding money with menaces. The prosecution alleged the businessman was lured to a remote location under false pretences and attacked with iron bars by men demanding £50,000. The defence submitted that Mr McGuinness should be acquitted, arguing the prosecution lacked core evidence and that Mr Twomey had withdrawn from the scheme before the assault occurred. The defence contended Mr Twomey had expressed concerns about the plan's escalation and warned gardaí of potential danger to the victim. A third man, Anthony Finglas, was previously convicted and sentenced to four years and nine months for demanding money with menaces. Closing arguments for the second defendant are to follow.
Jason Reed, 40, of Maelduin, Dunshaughlin, Co Meath, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to possessing nearly €400,000 in crime cash. He admitted to money‑laundering offences after €32,330 and £390 (€441) were found at his home, and after €289,770 in euro and £62,025 (€70,207) were discovered in a blue Nike bag at a Donore Road car park. The case was adjourned to 28 June for sentencing. Reed answered only "guilty" to both charges. Catherine Dawson, 44, a co‑accused, received a fully suspended sentence for transporting €600,000 of crime proceeds.
Four men stand charged with the false imprisonment and assault of Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney at Ballinagh, County Cavan on 17 September 2019. The trial at the Special Criminal Court is now scheduled to commence on 31 May following repeated postponements since January. Luke O'Reilly, Darren Redmond, and Alan O'Brien are named defendants. A fourth man cannot be identified for legal reasons. The court heard the 12-week trial will proceed consecutively until the court recess in late July, with potential resumption in September. Justice Tony Hunt dismissed several defence applications seeking adjournment, including challenges relating to data retention legislation and the circumstances of a vehicle fire. Over 50,000 documents require digital processing. The allegations include assault causing serious harm.
Trevor Byrne, 41, of Finglas West, Dublin 11, was found guilty by the Special Criminal Court on all five charges arising from the armed robbery of BoyleSports in Swords, Co Dublin, on March 19, 2010. The charges included robbery, possession of a firearm, false imprisonment, threatening to kill, and unlawfully seizing a vehicle. Byrne had pleaded not guilty to all allegations. The court accepted evidence that a mobile phone dropped at the scene belonged to Byrne, noting that texts to a contact saved as 'Ma' matched numbers on his other devices. CCTV footage identified Byrne entering the premises before two masked men emerged brandishing guns. The court also accepted testimony from Miss Helen Leigh, whose car was hijacked during the getaway, and staff who were threatened. Mr Justice Michael MacGrath stated that Byrne's claim that the phone was stolen from him did not bear scrutiny. The judge found Byrne guilty on all five charges and adjourned the case to July 19 for sentencing. Byrne has 41 previous convictions, including a nine-year sentence imposed in December last year for stashing a loaded handgun. The matter was adjourned and is not yet concluded.
The Special Criminal Court sentenced Sean Ruth, a former mid-tier Kinahan Cartel member, to four years and six months for two money laundering offences. Presiding Judge Tony Hunt suspended both sentences for six years and ordered Ruth to repay €9,900 within 12 months. Ruth pleaded guilty to concealing or disguising the source of funds in his Allied Irish Bank account between 2016 and 2017, knowing or being reckless as to whether they were proceeds of criminal conduct. The court noted he had paid over €20,000 to the Criminal Assets Bureau, with his parents assisting with the remaining balance. Judge Hunt reduced a headline six-year sentence by 25% due to Ruth's guilty plea and mitigation, including his reformation and education since his 2019 release from a separate firearms conviction. Ruth was previously jailed for three years for possessing a .38 Special revolver and ammunition. The report also details that Jonathan Harding and James Walsh were previously sentenced to 10 and nine years imprisonment respectively, with the final year of each suspended, after pleading guilty to possessing nine revolvers, four pistols, a submachine gun, an assault rifle, and ammunition at the Greenogue Unit.
Catherine Dawson, a 44‑year‑old care worker, was sentenced by the Special Criminal Court to a fully suspended term of three years and nine months, suspended for five years, for transporting more than €600,000 in crime cash. She pleaded guilty in January to possessing two bags of cash – a blue Nike bag with €289,770 and £65,025 (€70,207) and a black bag with €254,840 – while knowing or believing the money was the proceeds of criminal conduct. The court noted she had no prior convictions, was the primary carer of her 14‑year‑old son, and had been instructed by others to move the money. A search of her home revealed luxury watches, fake handbags and an €8,845 holiday receipt, though these items were not linked to the cash. The judge emphasised her responsibility to her son and the impact of the sentence on her life.
A man has been found guilty by the Special Criminal Court of disrupting the garda investigation into the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly in 2013. Ray Kennedy, aged 41, from Blanchardstown, Dublin, was convicted of destroying a mobile phone SIM card on the day of the killing at Gormanston, County Meath. The court heard Kennedy had arranged to meet Butterly that afternoon and arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting. Evidence showed Kennedy's phone had contacted a burner phone connected to the murder. Kennedy claimed he panicked when approached by gardaí and destroyed the SIM card, but the judge rejected this account as not credible and found his actions were a calculated attempt to obstruct the investigation. Four men have already received life sentences for Butterly's murder, with two others also convicted and jailed for their roles. Kennedy was granted bail pending sentencing on 21 June. The unnamed accused was acquitted.
Two Dublin men, Robert Redmond, 32, and Bernard Fogarty, 33, were charged with attempting to murder Barry Wolverson on 17 January 2020 at Madigans Yard, Swords, Co. Dublin. The Special Criminal Court has served them with Books of Evidence for the attempted murder charge. Mr. Wolverson died on 21 February 2021 after a prolonged hospital stay. The prosecution, represented by Ms. Maddie Grant BL, noted that the trial could last up to four weeks and that a six‑week adjournment was requested because the deceased's long hospitalisation complicated matters. A pathology report is being prepared by Dr. Heidi Okkers. In addition to attempted murder, Redmond and Fogarty face assault charges against Gerard Wildman on the same day, and possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life.
Jonathan Dowdall, 43, a former Sinn Fein councillor, was charged with the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in Dublin 9 on February 5, 2016. The Special Criminal Court heard that Mr Byrne was shot dead after five men, three disguised as armed gardaí, stormed the building. The Director of Public Prosecutions instructed that Dowdall be tried in the non-jury court. Justice Tony Hunt, sitting with Justices Sarah Berkeley and David McHugh, remanded Dowdall in custody until June 14 for the service of the Book of Evidence. He is represented by solicitor Jenny McGeever. Dowdall's father, Patrick Dowdall, 64, is already before the court, accused of facilitating a serious offence by making a hotel room available to a criminal organisation on February 4, 2016. Co-accused Paul Murphy, 59, is charged with supplying logistical support to a six-man team suspected of carrying out the murder on February 15, 2016, and providing access to motor vehicles on February 5, 2016. Jason Bonney, 50, is also charged with providing access to motor vehicles to facilitate the murder on February 5, 2016. All four defendants are due to appear before the three-judge court on June 14 for the service of their respective Books of Evidence.