The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the ongoing trial of Laurence Murphy and Ray Kennedy, who have pleaded not guilty to IRA membership charges dated March 6, 2013, and April 2010. Mr. Kennedy also faces a charge of perverting the course of justice by destroying a SIM card. Prosecution witnesses described a meeting at Bewleys Hotel, Dublin Airport, on May 22, 2010, where Mr. Murphy was observed with Marian Price, Alan Ryan, and Anthony Ryan. The group entered a private function room, though the Ryans did not. Other testimony detailed Mr. Kennedy's presence at a 2011 meeting in Mulhuddert and at a 2012 bail hearing. The court also heard about a 2012 funeral for Alan Ryan, where three shots were fired over the coffin. While four men have already received life sentences for the murder of Peter Butterly, and Michael McDermott and Frank Murphy have been jailed for their roles in the killing, the current proceedings against Murphy and Kennedy remain at the trial stage. The matter was adjourned and continues before Justice Tara Burns, Judge Sarah Berkeley, and Judge Michael Walsh.
A man charged in connection with the 2013 murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly was observed on multiple occasions with slain Real IRA leader Alan Ryan, the Special Criminal Court heard. Laurence Murphy, aged 62, of Bettystown, Co Meath and Ray Kennedy, aged 40, of Blanchardstown, Dublin have pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA on 6 March 2013. Mr Kennedy faces an additional charge of perverting the course of justice. Detective gardaí gave evidence they saw Mr Ryan and Mr Kennedy together in Donaghmede, Dublin on separate occasions in 2011 and 2012. The court heard garda interviews wherein Mr Kennedy stated he and Mr Butterly had arranged to meet at the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath at 2.30pm on the day of the shooting. Mr Murphy was interviewed and denied IRA membership. Four men have already received life sentences following convictions for Mr Butterly's murder, with two others imprisoned for roles in the killing. The trial before Ms Justice Tara Burns continues.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, audio from a covert listening device in a white Volkswagen caddy van revealed two men, Luke Wilson and Joseph Kelly, discussing a planned murder of Gary Hanley. The clip, recorded on 2 November 2017, shows the men frustrated by navigation issues and planning how to approach Hanley's home, including the possibility of shooting a woman and child if they obstructed them. One man repeatedly stated, "Baby or no baby, I don't give a fuck," and expressed willingness to shoot police if present. The court heard that the men had been arrested on 6 November 2017, with a 9mm Beretta pistol seized. The accused, Liam Brannigan, pleaded not guilty, while Wilson, Kelly and Alan Wilson had already pleaded guilty and been jailed for the conspiracy. The hearing focused on the audio evidence and the men's intent to carry out the attack.
A 40‑year‑old Dublin man, Owen Cummins, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to possessing a Beretta 92s handgun and silencer. The offence was alleged to have occurred on 6 September 2017 at Jamestown Road, Inchicore, Dublin 8, where the court inferred he had not obtained the weapon for a lawful purpose. During the arraignment, Cummins answered "Guilty" when asked how he wished to plead. His counsel requested a sentencing date, and the court set 20 January 2020 for sentencing.
In the Special Criminal Court, the prosecution presented evidence regarding the March 6, 2013, shooting death of Peter Butterly at the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath. Laurence Murphy and Ray Kennedy, both accused of IRA membership on that date, have pleaded not guilty. Mr Kennedy is additionally charged with perverting the course of justice by destroying a SIM card. Prosecutors read witness statements from Mr Kennedy, who alleged he met Mr Butterly to discuss false car logbooks and claimed he destroyed his phone's SIM card in panic when a garda requested the device. Mr Kennedy denied IRA membership, stating he attended marches with slain Real IRA leader Alan Ryan because he was "nosy." He also denied luring Mr Butterly to the scene. The court heard that Mr Kennedy knew David Dodrill, who was convicted of IRA membership in April 2010, and acknowledged knowing Dermot Gannon, jailed for IRA membership in 2001. The matter is at the sentence stage, with the accused maintaining their not guilty pleas to the alleged offences.
The Special Criminal Court struck out the charge against Paul Casey, a 49‑year‑old Dublin man, over the discovery of a bomb under a police officer's car in Belfast. Casey had been arrested by the Special Detective Unit as part of a cross‑border investigation and charged on 20 August 2019 with membership of an unlawful organisation, the Irish Republican Army (IRA). The Director of Public Prosecutions withdrew the case, and Mr Justice Hunt, with Judges Gerard Griffin and Ann Ryan, granted the request. The court also noted that the book of evidence for Robert O'Leary, 41, who was charged with the same offence and granted bail on 26 August, will be served on 25 November 2019. O'Leary's trial is expected to take place in late February or early March 2020.
In the Special Criminal Court, Eoin Morrissey (20) was sentenced for two counts of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of the killers of Aidan O'Driscoll. Having pleaded guilty, Morrissey received two two-year suspended sentences on each count. Mr Justice Hunt, sitting with Judges Gerard Griffin and Ann Ryan, cited Morrissey's age, positive probation report, progress since 2016, and willingness to perform community service as mitigating factors. The court ordered him to enter a €100 bond. The judge warned that this was a unique opportunity and that further offending would likely result in custody. Earlier in April, co-accused Colin Casey (32) and Daniel Hegarty (24) were convicted on four counts of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of O'Driscoll's killers. Both pleaded guilty. Casey was sentenced to four years and six months in prison, while Hegarty was jailed for four years. The court noted that Casey and Hegarty provided substantial assistance, including burning vehicles and burying evidence, whereas Morrissey's involvement was less proximate, limited to providing a fire-lighter and transport after the events. The State acknowledged it could not prove the defendants knew a murder was planned. O'Driscoll, a Real IRA figure, was shot in Cork in December 2016.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the ongoing trial of Liam Brannigan, who is charged with conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between September 15th and November 6th, 2017. Brannigan has pleaded not guilty. The prosecution presented secret recordings from vehicles bugged during a Garda investigation into the Kinahan Organised Crime Gang. Audio clips alleged to involve Brannigan discussed planning a killing, including references to using a gun and waiting for a target. The court also heard testimony regarding surveillance of Brannigan in a Renault Laguna and a Volkswagen Caddy. Separately, Luke Wilson, Joseph Kelly, and Alan Wilson have already pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder Mr Hanley and have been jailed. The trial continues.
In the Special Criminal Court, the prosecution presented an audio clip from a listening device secretly placed in a Nissan Primastar van, showing Joseph Kelly and Alan Wilson discussing a planned murder of Gary Hanley. The men talked about routes to Fairview, traffic, and how to approach Hanley, who walks to the gym at 5 pm. They also considered how to escape the area and how to handle the van after the act. Liam Brannigan, 37, is charged with conspiring to murder Hanley and has pleaded not guilty. Three other men—Luke Wilson, Joseph Kelly and Alan Wilson—have already pleaded guilty to the conspiracy and have been jailed. The trial continues with the court hearing further evidence from surveillance officers who observed Brannigan driving the van in various locations in September and October 2017. The case remains an ongoing criminal proceeding.
In the Special Criminal Court, a surveillance garda told a barrister that it was "disgusting" to suggest their evidence was unreliable. The case concerns Liam Brannigan (37) of Bride Street, Dublin 8, charged with conspiracy to murder Gary Hanley between 15 September and 6 November 2017. Brannigan pleaded not guilty. The court heard that Brannigan was arrested minutes after a loaded semi‑automatic pistol was seized during the arrest of two men near Hanley's home on 6 November 2017. Twenty surveillance officers gave evidence about observations of Brannigan and three men who had pleaded guilty to the plot and were jailed – Luke Wilson (24), Joseph Kelly (35) and Alan Wilson (39). The garda testified that on 6 October 2017 he saw Brannigan in the front passenger seat of a black Renault Laguna, but the barrister questioned the reliability of the identification and the absence of notes.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the trial of Liam Brannigan, 37, of Bride Street, Dublin 8, who is charged with conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between September 15th and November 6th, 2017. Brannigan has pleaded not guilty. The court heard that a National Surveillance Unit garda observed Brannigan driving a white Volkswagen Caddy van in the Suir Road area on October 3rd, 2017. This vehicle was later linked to the arrest of two men on November 6th, 2017, during which a 9mm Beretta pistol and silencer were seized. The defence argued that the garda's failure to record weather conditions or distance hindered the ability to test the identification. The court also noted that Luke Wilson, 24, Joseph Kelly, 35, and Alan Wilson, 39, have already pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder Mr Hanley. Luke Wilson, who also admitted unlawful possession of a handgun with intent to endanger life, was sentenced to 11 years. Joseph Kelly, who also admitted a weapons charge, was jailed for a total of 12 years, while Alan Wilson received a six-year sentence. These sentences were handed down following their guilty pleas, distinct from the ongoing trial of Brannigan.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the trial of Ray Kennedy and Laurence Murphy, who have pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh Na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on March 6th, 2013. Mr Kennedy is also charged with carrying out an act intending to pervert the course of justice by destroying a mobile telephone SIM card. Prosecution evidence detailed that Mr Butterly was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath, on that date. Detective Garda Shane Curran testified that a text was sent from Mr Kennedy's phone to the victim's wife at 1.43pm, joking about an IRA arrest, minutes before the killing. The prosecution alleged Mr Kennedy destroyed a SIM card to pervert the course of justice. While four other men have already received life sentences for the murder, and Michael McDermott and Frank Murphy have been jailed for their roles, the current proceedings against Mr Kennedy and Mr Murphy remain at the trial stage. The matter was adjourned to continue on Monday before Ms Justice Tara Burns, presiding alongside Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge Michael Walsh.
A Special Criminal Court hearing on 7 November 2019 considered evidence that Liam Brannigan, aged 37, was driving a white Nissan Primastar van that had been fitted with a listening device by Gardaí. Surveillance officers reported seeing Brannigan in the Blackpitts area on 2 October 2017, heading toward Greenville Avenue, wearing black sunglasses and a cap, and described him as unshaven with stubble. The same van had been seen the day before, on 1 October 2017, with Joseph Kelly driving it in Fairview, and Alan Wilson sitting in the back. Brannigan is charged with conspiracy to murder Gary Hanley between 15 September and 6 November 2017 and has pleaded not guilty. The court heard that the van was used extensively as a spotter car and for surveillance of Mr Hanley. The hearing also noted that other conspirators, including Kelly and Wilson, had pleaded guilty and been jailed. The trial did not address any verdict or sentencing for Brannigan.
In the Special Criminal Court, two mobile phones were excluded from evidence in the ongoing trial of Liam Brannigan, who is charged with conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between September 15th and November 6th, 2017. Mr Brannigan has pleaded not guilty. Mr Justice Paul Coffey ruled that the phones taken from Mr Brannigan's pockets upon his arrest must be excluded due to an "irreconcilable conflict of evidence" regarding which garda searched him. The court rejected applications to exclude a third phone found in a car park and a fourth 085 phone located in church grounds. The 085 number was deemed significant by gardai based on information from three co-accused: Luke Wilson, Joseph Kelly, and Alan Wilson. These three men have already pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder Mr Hanley and were sentenced. Luke Wilson, who also admitted to unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun with intent to endanger life, was jailed for 11 years. Alan Wilson received a six-year sentence, while Joseph Kelly, who also admitted a weapons charge, was jailed for a total of 12 years. The current trial continues with surveillance evidence presented, including CCTV footage and witness testimony identifying Mr Brannigan in a vehicle and at a petrol station on the day of the alleged conspiracy.
A witness in the Special Criminal Court has testified that the shooting of dissident republican Peter Butterly in Gormanston, County Meath on 6 March 2013 was an "IRA operation". David Cullen, now in the Witness Protection Program, gave evidence in trials of Laurence Murphy and Ray Kennedy, both charged with membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA. Mr Kennedy also faces a charge of perverting the course of justice. Cullen said he was asked to dispose of a firearm immediately after the shooting and that he knew beforehand someone would be targeted, though not the victim's identity. He recovered the gun near Gormanston College and was arrested shortly after. Four men have previously received life sentences for Mr Butterly's murder, while two others received custodial sentences. During proceedings, Justice Tara Burns ruled on disclosure issues concerning Cullen's earlier statement that Mr Murphy was "never a member of the IRA", which defence counsel argued was belatedly provided. Laurence Murphy pleaded not guilty. Peter Butterly pleaded not guilty.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Liam Brannigan, 37, charged with conspiracy to murder Gary Hanley, pleaded not guilty. His defence, led by Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha SC, sought exclusion of several mobile phones seized during his arrest and subsequent searches. The phones included two found in Brannigan's pockets, one on a table in the apartment complex's car park, and an 085 phone discovered in the undergrowth behind St Nicholas of Myra Church on Francis Street. The defence argued that the 085 phone was "hugely significant" but that the time lapse between Brannigan's arrest on 6 November 2017 and the phone's discovery on 8 November 2017, as well as the lack of preservation of the scene, undermined its admissibility. They also challenged the legality of the search of Brannigan's home, the manner of his arrest by the Armed Support Unit, and the use of force, citing no statutory basis was provided and that the search breached constitutional rights.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Detective Garda Val Russell explained that after Liam Brannigan (37) was arrested on 6 November 2017 at Hanover Court, he was taken to Mater Hospital for medical treatment. Brannigan, charged with conspiracy to murder Gary Hanley between 15 September and 6 November 2017, pleaded not guilty. Garda John Altendor testified that a blue Nokia phone was found at Brannigan's Bride Street apartment. Detective Garda Peter O'Brien described the apprehension, noting that Brannigan may have had access to firearms and that the arrest involved a safe search. Cross‑examination of Garda officers raised questions about the use of force, with some officers stating that any force used was necessary and not excessive, while the court heard CCTV footage and statements from the officers involved. The trial continues.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the trial of Liam Brannigan (37), of Bride Street, Dublin 8, who is charged with conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between September 15th and November 6th, 2017. Mr Brannigan has pleaded not guilty. Defence counsel suggested to Sergeant David J Campbell of the Armed Support Unit that unnecessary force was used during Mr Brannigan's arrest at Hanover Court, Dublin 8, on November 6th, 2017. The sergeant acknowledged CCTV footage showed officers on top of the accused after he had raised his hands and dropped to all fours, though he stated they were effecting an arrest. Detective Garda Val Russell testified that he arrested Mr Brannigan after hearing a thud and shouting commands, noting the accused fully cooperated. The court previously heard that Luke Wilson (24) and Joseph Kelly (35) were arrested nearby in possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol, silencer, and ammunition. Mr Wilson and Mr Kelly have pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder Mr Hanley. Luke Wilson, who also pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun with intent to endanger life, was jailed for 11 years. Alan Wilson (39), who pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder Mr Hanley, was jailed for six years. Joseph Kelly, who also admitted a weapons charge, was jailed for a total of 12 years.
In the Special Criminal Court, the State's counsel argued that Gardaí must seize CCTV footage when investigating crime, citing a Supreme Court ruling that imposes a positive obligation on police to collect such evidence. The case concerns 37‑year‑old Liam Brannigan, charged with conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between 15 September and 6 November 2017. Brannigan pleaded not guilty. The prosecution presented that Gardaí gathered 3,500 hours of CCTV from Dublin businesses and installed hidden listening devices in cars. Brannigan's lawyers sought to exclude the footage, claiming it breached his privacy rights and that Gardaí had unlawfully used the city's CCTV infrastructure. The State countered that no evidence showed a privacy breach and that the footage was real, probative evidence. The court was instructed to consider the footage as admissible evidence under the law. The trial proceeded under Mr Justice Paul Coffey, with Judges Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin and James Faughnan presiding.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 22 October 2019, Defence Counsel argued that An Garda Síochána unlawfully converted Dublin's CCTV network into a "de facto surveillance operation" in the investigation of Liam Brannigan, 37, charged with conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between 15 September and 6 November 2017. The counsel highlighted that Gardaí collected 3,500 hours of footage from businesses across Dublin and installed secret listening devices in six suspect cars. He noted that the officer directing the CCTV collection denied whether the systems were registered with the Data Protection Commissioner, contrary to law. The counsel contended that Gardaí knowingly used unregistered CCTV systems, thereby breaching data protection and criminal law, and requested exclusion of the CCTV and audio evidence. The court would decide on the submissions by the following Tuesday. Liam Brannigan pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned the trial of Laurence Murphy and Ray Kennedy, who both pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation. The court heard that Dave Cullen, a State's witness in the Peter Butterly murder case, was not prosecuted for alleged perjury due to fears he would not return to Ireland from a protection program abroad. Cullen had previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in suspicious circumstances. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Tara Burns, was paused after the defence requested documentation regarding the decision not to prosecute Cullen. The matter was adjourned until tomorrow. In related proceedings, Kevin Braney was found guilty of premeditated murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. Frank Murphy, brother of the accused Laurence Murphy, pleaded guilty to impeding the apprehension of Cullen and was jailed for three years, with the final year suspended. Michael McDermott, who played a role in the murder, has also been jailed. The court noted that Cullen's evidence was used in the convictions of four individuals for Butterly's murder.
An accused man was observed meeting two individuals convicted in connection with the fatal shooting of dissident republican Peter Butterly one day after the killing, the Special Criminal Court heard today. Surveillance officers told the non-jury court that on March 7, 2013, Laurence Murphy was seen at a fast-food outlet in Charlestown Shopping Centre in Dublin alongside Kevin Braney and Frank Murphy. Butterly, aged 35, was shot dead on March 6, 2013, outside a public house in Gormanston, County Meath. Braney was sentenced to life imprisonment earlier this year following conviction for the premeditated murder. The prosecution contends the group gathered for a debrief regarding the previous day's events. Murphy, of Bettystown, County Meath, and Ray Kennedy, of Blanchardstown, Dublin, have pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA on that date. Kennedy faces an additional charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice. The trial continues.
The Special Criminal Court adjourned the trial of Liam Brannigan, 37, accused of conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between 15 September and 6 November 2017, until next Monday. Brannigan pleaded not guilty. Judge Paul Coffey announced the adjournment after learning his father had died the previous night, stating he could not resume the trial until the following week. The case will resume before Judge Coffey, Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin and Judge James Faughnan at 11 am next Monday. Seán Gillane SC and Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha SC, representing the State and Brannigan respectively, offered condolences to the judge.
Liam Brannigan, 37, of Dublin 8, is on trial at the Special Criminal Court, having pleaded not guilty to conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between September 15th and November 6th, 2017. The court heard evidence from Detective Superintendent William Johnson regarding the deployment of listening devices on five vehicles, including a Seat and a Volkswagen caddy, allegedly used by Brannigan and associates. Johnson stated the surveillance was part of an investigation into the Kinahan Organised Crime Gang. The prosecution alleges the Nissan Primastar and Renault Laguna were used for surveillance and transport in the plot. The court also heard that Luke Wilson, 24, and Joseph Kelly, 35, were arrested after their vehicle was stopped on November 6th, 2017, during which a 9mm Beretta pistol and silencer were seized. Wilson and Kelly have previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder Hanley and unlawful possession of the handgun. Wilson was sentenced to 11 years, Kelly to 12 years, and Alan Wilson, 39, who also pleaded guilty to the conspiracy and weapons charges, was sentenced to six years. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Coffey.
Businessman James Mansfield Jnr, 52, of Saggart, Co Dublin, appeared before the Special Criminal Court to address charges of conspiring to falsely imprison a man and attempting to pervert the course of justice. The accused is alleged to have conspired with one or more persons to falsely imprison Martin Byrne between January 1 and June 30, 2015, in contravention of Section 15 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. He is further accused of attempting to pervert the course of justice by directing Patrick Byrne to destroy recorded CCTV footage at Finnstown House Hotel in Lucan, Co Dublin, between June 9 and June 12, 2015. During the hearing, the court noted that Mr Mansfield intends to apply for legal aid. Mr Justice Paul Coffey, presiding alongside Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin and Judge James Faughnan, remanded Mr Mansfield on continuing bail. The matter was adjourned, with the case set for mention again on November 4 at 11am. This appearance followed his arrest by arrangement and the service of a book of evidence. The court had previously endorsed a warrant for his arrest after the State dropped earlier charges entered against him.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence regarding the harvesting of 3,500 hours of CCTV footage during the trial of Liam Brannigan, who is charged with conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between September 15th and November 6th, 2017. Mr Brannigan has pleaded not guilty. Detective Sergeant Declan O'Connell, who directed the collection of footage from various Dublin premises, admitted to the court that he did not consider the Data Protection Act or the privacy of the public during the operation. The defence, represented by John Berry BL, is taking issue with the admissibility of a proposed 48-minute montage of this footage. The court also heard that Mr Hanley initially declined permission for gardai to access his home CCTV, leading to a warrant being obtained for its seizure. Although the drive was later wiped, material was eventually retrieved. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Coffey. Separately, three men previously convicted of conspiring to murder Mr Hanley have been sentenced. Luke Wilson, who pleaded guilty to the conspiracy and unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun with intent to endanger life, was jailed for 11 years. Alan Wilson, who pleaded guilty to the conspiracy, received a six-year sentence. Joseph Kelly, who admitted the conspiracy and a weapons charge, was jailed for a total of 12 years.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the trial of Ray Kennedy (39) and Laurence Murphy (62), who have pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA on March 6, 2013. Kennedy is also charged with perverting the course of justice by destroying a mobile SIM card. The prosecution presented the statement of Eithne Butterly, widow of dissident republican Peter Butterly, who was shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co Meath, on that date. Mrs Butterly told gardai that Kennedy was a "good friend" to both of them and that her husband had received five death threats, including one from Alan Ryan. She stated her husband told her he was meeting Kennedy at 2pm on March 6, 2013, though Kennedy maintains the meeting was scheduled for 2.30pm. The court heard that four men—Kevin Braney, Edward McGrath, Sharif Kelly, and Dean Evans—have already received life sentences for the murder, while Michael McDermott and Frank Murphy have also been jailed for their roles in the killing. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Tara Burns, Judge Sarah Berkeley, and Judge Michael Walsh, resumes tomorrow.
Ray Kennedy (39) and Laurence Murphy (62) are on trial at the Special Criminal Court, having pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh Na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on March 6, 2013. Mr Kennedy is also charged with carrying out an act intending to pervert the course of justice by destroying a mobile telephone SIM card. The prosecution alleges the pair were involved in the "meticulously planned killing" of dissident republican Peter Butterly (35), who was shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co Meath, on that date. Testimony from Detective Garda Alan Waters indicated that Mr Kennedy arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting, claiming he was meeting his "friend" Mr Butterly. The prosecution suggests Mr Kennedy destroyed the SIM card to destroy evidence. While the current trial is ongoing, four other men—Kevin Braney, Edward McGrath, Sharif Kelly, and Dean Evans—have already received life sentences for Mr Butterly's murder. Additionally, Michael McDermott (60) and Frank Murphy (59), who played roles in the murder, have also been jailed. The trial resumes before Justice Tara Burns, sitting with Judges Sarah Berkeley and Michael Walsh.
During a trial for Liam Brannigan, a 37‑year‑old from Dublin, a detective explained how two tracking devices were found on a white Range Rover belonging to the partner of the intended murder victim, Gary Hanley. The devices were discovered under the vehicle's centre beam after the car was stopped on Beaumont Road. Brannigan is charged with conspiring to murder Hanley between 15 September and 6 November 2017 and has pleaded not guilty. The court also heard about the arrests of Luke Wilson, Alan Wilson and Joseph Kelly on 6 November, who were convicted of conspiring to murder Hanley and received sentences ranging from six to twelve years. The trial will continue the following day.
Businessman James Mansfield Jnr, aged 52, was charged in the Special Criminal Court with conspiring to falsely imprison Martin Byrne and attempting to pervert the course of justice by directing Patrick Byrne to destroy CCTV footage. The alleged false imprisonment of Byrne took place between 1 January and 30 June 2015, while the attempt to destroy footage occurred between 9 and 12 June 2015 at Finnstown House Hotel. Mansfield was arrested by Garda Sergeant Eamon O'Neill at Clondalkin Garda Station under a warrant endorsed by the court. He was cautioned, presented with a true copy of the charge sheet, and remanded on bail to appear again on the following Monday. The court heard no reply from Mansfield during the arrest or when the charge sheet was handed to him.
The Special Criminal Court heard the opening of the prosecution case against Ray Kennedy and Laurence Murphy, who have pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh Na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA. Kennedy, 39, is additionally charged with carrying out an act intending to pervert the course of justice by destroying a mobile telephone SIM card. The trial concerns the killing of dissident republican Peter Butterly in March 2013. Prosecution counsel alleged that Kennedy arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting, having arranged a meeting with the victim, and subsequently destroyed a SIM card. It was further alleged that Murphy's vehicle passed the location two days prior to the incident and that he attended a debriefing meeting afterwards. The court heard that four other men have already received life sentences for the murder, while Michael McDermott and Frank Murphy, the latter being Laurence Murphy's brother, have also been jailed for their roles in the killing. David Cullen, whose plea to a lesser charge was accepted in 2014, turned State's witness. The trial is ongoing before a three-judge panel and resumes tomorrow.
A High Court judge criticised the prison service for failing to bring Liam Brannigan, a 37‑year‑old from Bride Street, Dublin 8, to a Special Criminal Court hearing where he was charged with conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between 15 September and 6 November 2017. Brannigan, who pleaded not guilty and is remanded at Mountjoy Prison, was absent when the trial was set to begin at 11 a.m. The court had issued a production order for his appearance, but the prison service did not comply, creating a misunderstanding. Judge Paul Coffey, joined by Judges Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin and James Faughnan, described the failure as "baffling" and "patently obvious" that the court had ordered his presence. Coffey warned the prison service that such an omission should not recur and noted the absence of any phone call to the court before the scheduled start. The trial was rescheduled to resume at 2 p.m. on the same day.
A court has heard that secretly recorded conversations involving Liam Brannigan (37) from Bride Street, Dublin 8, will be presented as evidence in his trial for conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between September 15th and November 6th, 2017. Brannigan entered a 'not guilty' plea during his arraignment in the Special Criminal Court. Three men who previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder Mr Hanley have already been jailed: Luke Wilson (24), Alan Wilson (39), and Joseph Kelly (35). Luke Wilson was jailed for 11 years for unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun with intent to endanger life, Alan Wilson received six years, and Joseph Kelly was jailed for 12 years. The prosecution will rely on seized phones, vehicles, and audio recordings from a Garda surveillance operation to prove Brannigan's involvement in the plot. The trial will include evidence of detailed discussions about how Mr Hanley was to be shot, how they would react to resistance, and how they would escape. The court will also hear about the arrest of Joseph Kelly and Luke Wilson, during which a semi-automatic pistol, a sound suppressor, and petrol were found. The trial continues tomorrow.
A trial date has not yet been set for Alan Wilson, a 40‑year‑old Dublin man charged with three counts of attempted murder in the 2010 shooting at the Players Lounge pub in Fairview, Dublin 3. Wilson is accused of attempting to kill Brian Masterson, Wayne Barrett and Austin Purcell on 26 July 2010. He is also charged with possession of a .38 Special Smith & Wesson revolver, a .32 Auto Zastava semi‑automatic pistol, and ammunition for both firearms, all with intent to endanger life. In a hearing before a three‑judge panel, Wilson told the gardai he had "absolutely nothing to do with these allegations." Defence counsel James Dwyer SC said his side were not ready for trial, noting the case involved an extensive investigation and ongoing disclosure of material. The Director of Public Prosecutions' counsel, Seán Gillane SC, said much material had already been disclosed.
The State has dropped criminal proceedings against businessman Jim Mansfield Jnr for conspiring to commit false imprisonment and attempting to pervert the course of justice. However, prosecuting lawyers told the Special Criminal Court today that the Director of Public Prosecutions intends to "recommence proceedings" at a later stage. Mr Mansfield (52), of Tasaggart House, Garters Lane, Saggart, Co Dublin had been charged with conspiring with one or more persons to falsely imprison Martin Byrne on a date unknown between January 1, 2015 and June 30, 2015, both dates inclusive. He had also been charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice by directing Patrick Byrne to destroy recorded CCTV footage in relation to the false imprisonment of Martin Byrne between June 9, 2015 and June 12, 2015 at Finnstown House Hotel, Newcastle Road, Lucan, Co Dublin.
The Special Criminal Court will open a trial tomorrow for Laurence Murphy, 62, and Ray Kennedy, 39, who were charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, the Irish Republican Army, in connection with the murder of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, who was shot dead on 6 March 2013 outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co. Meath. Both men pleaded not guilty to the membership charges. Justice Tara Burns, Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge Michael Walsh remanded them on continuing bail until the trial opens.
Paul Casey, 49, of Ballymun, Dublin 11, was granted bail by the Special Criminal Court following a trial-stage hearing. He is charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, on August 20, 2019. His co-accused, Robert O'Leary, 41, of Finglas, Dublin 11, faces the same alleged offence. The charges relate to a cross-border investigation into a car bomb discovered under a police officer's vehicle in Belfast on June 1. At the hearing, the court accepted an independent surety for Casey. Bail conditions require him to sign daily at Ballymun Garda Station, reside at his Ballymun address, provide a mobile number, refrain from applying for travel documents, and avoid Northern Ireland except for visits to his mother with 24 hours' notice to the Special Detective Unit. He must also not associate with IRA members or those charged with offences before the Special Criminal Court, nor contact prosecution witnesses. Justice Carmel Stewart, sitting with Judges Ann Ryan and Sinead Ni Chulachain, released Casey on his own bond of €100 and an independent surety of €5,000. The matter was adjourned until October 21, when a book of evidence is expected to be served on the accused.
Dean Howe, aged 34, was granted a new trial date after he complained that the original date of 7 October 2019 was too soon. He had been returned to the non‑jury Special Criminal Court after being charged in May 2019 with conspiring to murder Mr Hanley at a location within the State between 15 September and 6 November 2017. Howe had previously been given a trial date of 7 October, but his counsel, Paul Carroll SC, argued that the case was substantial and that Howe could not be ready for that date. Judge Tony Hunt, with Judges Ann Ryan and Michael Walsh, adjourned the trial to 13 January 2020, a date expected to last up to six weeks. Howe will be remanded in custody to appear before the court again on that date. Liam Brannigan, aged 37, is also charged with conspiring to murder Mr Hanley and his trial will take place on 7 October.
A Dublin man, Ray Kennedy, 39, was charged at an out‑of‑term sitting of the Special Criminal Court on Tuesday with an act intended to pervert the course of justice by destroying a mobile telephone SIM card. The SIM card was in his possession on 6 March 2013, the day Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, was shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co. Meath. Kennedy had previously been charged in September 2017 with membership of an unlawful organisation, the Irish Republican Army, also known as Oglaigh Na hÉireann. He was warned of a warrant and given a copy of the charge sheet. Kennedy appeared before the three‑judge court wearing a black hoodie and jeans, stood as requested, and was served a book of evidence.
During a bail hearing for Robert O'Leary, 41, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, a senior judge, stated that the second Special Criminal Court will continue to be used fully until legislation removes it. He noted that newspaper reports suggesting the court's suspension were new to the judges. Hunt said the court, established in 2015 and first sitting in 2016, will be used to give people the earliest possible trial dates. He also mentioned that the Department of Justice had cleared the backlog that had caused a two‑year wait for trials in 2016. O'Leary, arrested by the Special Detective Unit in connection with a car bomb found under a police officer's car in Belfast, was charged with membership of an unlawful organisation and was released on bail of €100 with a €10,000 surety, pending a book of evidence to be served on October 21.
Two Dublin men, Paul Casey (49) and Robert O'Leary (41), were charged with membership of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) before the Special Criminal Court. Both were arrested on Tuesday morning by the Special Detective Unit (SDU) as part of a cross‑border investigation linked to a car bomb discovered under a police officer's car in Belfast in June. The charges, brought on 20 August 2019, fall under section 21 of the Offences against the State Act 1939, amended by the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005. Casey was arrested at Londonbridge Road, Dublin 4, and O'Leary at the same location later that day. Both men were taken to Irishtown Garda Station, presented with the charge sheets, and cautioned. They appeared before a three‑judge panel—Justice Tony Hunt, Judge Gerard Griffin, and Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain—where they were remanded in custody pending bail applications due on Monday.
A 34‑year‑old man named Dean Howe, accused of conspiring to murder Dubliner Gary Hanley, expressed frustration at the Special Criminal Court for setting his trial date for October 7, 2019, after claiming his solicitor was not present. Howe told the three‑judge panel that he had no legal representation and questioned the feasibility of a trial that could carry up to ten years. He was charged in May 2018 at Dublin District Court with conspiring to murder Mr Hanley between September 15 and November 6, 2017, an offence under Section 71 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. The court, presided over by Judge Paul Coffey with Judges Gerard Griffin and Michael Walsh, set the trial date and noted it could last up to six weeks.
A 36‑year‑old man named Derek Devoy has been ordered to stand trial before the Special Criminal Court, a non‑jury court, after the Director of Public Prosecutions applied for a Section 49 order. The court, composed of three judges, will hear the case on 8 October. Devoy was previously charged at Dublin District Court in March with possession of a RAK‑PM63 submachine gun, a Yugoslavian M75 hand grenade, a 9mm Makarov PM63 submachine gun, and 11 rounds of 9mm ammunition, all with intent to endanger life or cause serious injury. He is also charged under the Public Order Act for assaulting a garda and a garda sergeant on the same day. The court has accepted the DPP's request that the ordinary courts are inadequate to secure effective justice in this matter. The case will proceed in the Special Criminal Court.
The Special Criminal Court has acquitted Darren Weldon of membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Óglaigh na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on October 14, 2014. Weldon, who pleaded not guilty, was previously convicted of the same offence in January 2017 and sentenced to five years imprisonment with the final year suspended. That conviction was overturned by the Court of Appeal in June 2018, resulting in the current retrial. The prosecution's case relied primarily on the belief evidence of Detective Chief Superintendent Anthony Howard, supported by alleged independent strands including a DNA match to a number plate from the 2010 Newry courthouse bombing, an image of Alan Ryan on Weldon's phone, and adverse inferences from interviews. The court found that the integrity of the number plate was not properly preserved, rendering the DNA evidence unreliable. It also could not draw inferences regarding the phone image or the interviews, as the solicitor's objections to the arrest's lawfulness were reasonable. Consequently, the court found the belief evidence unsupported by independent evidence and acquitted Weldon. This decision follows the procedural stage of an appeal that overturned the prior conviction.
Dean Howe, 34, of Oakfield Place, Dublin 8, was returned for trial to the Special Criminal Court on a charge of conspiring to murder Gary Hanley. The DPP applied for the transfer, arguing ordinary courts were inadequate, and the order was granted by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, sitting with Judges Martin Nolan and Ann Ryan. Howe is the fifth person charged in the alleged plot. At the same hearing, Alan Wilson, 40, of New Street Gardens, Dublin 8, was sentenced to six years after admitting to conspiring with Luke Wilson and others to murder Mr Hanley between September 15 and November 6, 2017. Joseph Kelly, 39, of Kilworth Road, Drimnagh, Dublin 12, was also jailed for six years for admitting to the same conspiracy. Kelly received a concurrent 12-year sentence for pleading guilty to possessing a 9mm Beretta semi-automatic pistol with intent to endanger life at Philipsburgh Avenue, Marino, Dublin 3, on November 6, 2017. Previously, Luke Wilson, 23, of Cremona Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10, was sentenced to 11 years for unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun with intent to endanger life at Philipsburgh Avenue, Fairview, Dublin 3, on the same date. Wilson also received a concurrent six-year sentence for admitting to conspiring to murder Mr Hanley. All sentences for Kelly and Wilson were ordered to run concurrently.
A book of evidence was served at the Special Criminal Court on Alan Wilson, a 40‑year‑old Dublin resident, who faces three attempted‑murder charges for an incident at The Players Lounge pub on 26 July 2010. Wilson is accused of attempting to kill Brian Masterson, Wayne Barrett and Austin Purcell, and of possessing a .38 Special Smith & Wesson revolver, a .32 Auto Zastava pistol and corresponding ammunition with intent to endanger life. During the brief hearing, the court remanded Wilson in custody until 7 October, when his case will be mentioned again.
Michael Brady, aged 54, was sentenced by the Special Criminal Court to eight years and six months' imprisonment, with the final 18 months suspended, for possession of €1.25 million worth of heroin found in the base of a bed at an apartment in Sallins Bridge, Naas, on 24 January 2017. The judge noted that Brady was trusted by a criminal gang to look after the heroin, but was not involved in buying, selling or planning criminal activity. Brady was found not guilty of possessing cocaine, cannabis, an assault rifle and ammunition, and the charge of possessing three ammunition magazines was withdrawn. Brady denied all charges and claimed he only looked after dogs belonging to his brother, Declan Brady, who was jailed for 10 ½ years for supervising a firearms arsenal. The sentence was back‑dated to 12 April 2017, the date of Brady's initial custody. Michael Brady was found guilty.
Three men – Gary Thompson (34), his brother Glen Thompson (24) and Afghan war veteran Robert Browne (35) – were sentenced by the Special Criminal Court to a combined 36.5 years for planning to murder Patrick "Patsy" Hutch. The court heard that the men were intercepted by Gardaí just 250 metres from Hutch's home in Dublin's north inner city, having been caught "red‑handed" during a Garda operation that involved audio surveillance and the seizure of several loaded firearms. Each brother received 12 years and six months, while Browne was sentenced to 11 years and six months. The sentences were back‑dated to 10 March 2018, the day the men were taken into custody. The judge noted the seriousness of the offence, the extensive preparation, and the men's guilty pleas, which led to a 25 % reduction in the headline 18‑year sentences. The operation was praised for its intelligence and effectiveness.
Alan Wilson, aged 40, was sentenced by the Special Criminal Court to six years' imprisonment, back‑dated to 6 November 2017, for conspiring to murder Gary Hanley. Wilson's role involved planning the attack, instructing co‑accused Joseph Kelly and Luke Wilson on routes, vehicle destruction and the method of killing. Wilson also received a six‑year concurrent sentence for conspiracy to murder and a 12‑year sentence for possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, the latter suspended for three years. Joseph Kelly, aged 39, received a six‑year concurrent sentence for conspiracy to murder and a 12‑year sentence for firearm possession, with 18 months suspended for a period of three years. The sentences were imposed concurrently and back‑dated to the date of Kelly's initial custody. The court noted Wilson's early guilty plea and lack of prior convictions as mitigating factors. The judge highlighted the Gardaí's intervention as preventing the planned murder.
Kevin Hannaway, Eva Shannon, Seán Hannaway, David Nooney, and Edward O'Brien have appealed their convictions for roles in an IRA inquiry. The group was convicted at the Special Criminal Court in June 2018 for assisting interrogations of suspected informants at Riverwood Park, Castleknock, on August 7th and 8th, 2015. Kevin Hannaway (71) and Eva Shannon (61) were sentenced to three years and nine months and four years imprisonment respectively for rendering assistance to an unlawful organisation. Seán Hannaway (48) received five years and six months, David Nooney (53) three years and nine months, and Edward O'Brien (42) 16 months for membership of the IRA. Counsel Ronan Munro SC argued that the sole evidence against Kevin Hannaway was an audio recording, challenging its admissibility due to surveillance gaps and alleged breaches of the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009. He noted Hannaway's request to leave the courtroom during playback due to trauma from 1971 detention. Counsel Vincent Heneghan SC contended that Eva Shannon's charge regarding an 'unlawful object' was unclear, though President George Birmingham described the charge as clear and unambiguous. The three-day appeal hearing continues and is expected to conclude on Thursday.