A 55-year-old mechanic from Castleblayney, County Monaghan, has been convicted of IRA membership by the Special Criminal Court. James Joseph Cassidy of Tullycollive was found guilty of membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army on September 21, 2016. The three-judge court heard evidence that gardaí discovered a metal tube with drilled holes during a search of his property and adjoining lands. Detective Inspector William Hanrahan identified the item as a booster tube used in explosive devices, similar to one previously seized at Kilcurry. The prosecution argued that Cassidy's false denials to gardaí concerning the tube, combined with evidence of mobile phones and a USB key, demonstrated a pattern of behaviour consistent with IRA membership. Mr Justice Tony Hunt rejected the defendant's claim that others had access to the remote shed, stating the likelihood of someone else placing the device was "so remote and fanciful" as to be dismissed. Cassidy was remanded in custody pending sentencing on April 29.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 20 March 2019, the landlord of a house at Sallins Bridge, Sallins, Co Kildare, testified that his nephew discovered an assault rifle, more than 180 rounds of ammunition, and large amounts of cocaine and heroin in the base of a bed while "clearing out" the property. The landlord, who entered a tenancy agreement with Declan Brady in February 2015, said he had no key to the house and had gained access through a neighbour. He described how the nephew found a cardboard box containing the rifle, magazines, and drug packets wrapped in brown tape. The landlord also reported that Gardaí had searched the premises on 28 January 2017. Michael Brady, 54, is charged with nine counts of possession of firearms, ammunition and drugs, and has pleaded not guilty. The court heard evidence to determine the lawfulness of the Gardaí search. The judge will rule tomorrow.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence regarding a search at Sallins Bridge, Sallins, Co Kildare, on January 24, 2017. Michael Brady, 54, of Blackrock, Co Dublin, pleaded not guilty to nine counts, including alleged possession of €1.5 million worth of cocaine, €1.26 million worth of heroin, an assault rifle, and ammunition. Prosecution counsel Fiona Murphy SC alleged that gardaí failed to find these items during the initial search, which she described as a "very fast-moving operation." She stated that the property owner later discovered drugs and a firearm under a bed. The State's case is that forensic evidence links Mr Brady to the items. Earlier, the court ruled that Mr Brady's arrest and detention were lawful. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Coffey, sitting with Judges Gerard Griffin and David McHugh. Separately, Declan Brady, 52, of Celbridge, Co Kildare, pleaded guilty to possessing 15 firearms and over 4,000 rounds of ammunition at Greenogue Business Park on the same day. He is awaiting sentence. Jonathan Harding and James Walsh were previously sentenced to ten and nine years' imprisonment, respectively, for possessing a "lethal arsenal" of weapons at the same location.
The Special Criminal Court has heard that Michael Brady, 54, is the brother of Declan Brady, who was previously caught with 15 firearms and over 4,000 rounds of ammunition. Michael Brady, of Blackrock, Co Dublin, is currently on trial for allegedly possessing €1.5 million worth of cocaine, €1.26 million worth of heroin, an assault rifle, and more than 180 rounds of ammunition at a property in Sallins, Co Kildare, on January 24, 2017. He has pleaded not guilty to all nine counts on the indictment, including charges under Section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Act and unlawful possession of a 7.62 x 39mm VZ 58 assault rifle and various ammunition. Prosecutors stated the Sallins property was under surveillance as part of a wider operation targeting Greenogue Business Park, where Declan Brady, Jonathan Harding, and James Walsh were arrested earlier that morning. Declan Brady pleaded guilty to possessing the firearms and ammunition at Greenogue and is awaiting sentence. Harding and Walsh were sentenced in January to ten and nine years' imprisonment, respectively, for possessing a "lethal arsenal." The trial has entered legal argument regarding the lawfulness of Michael Brady's arrest in Naas, where he allegedly provided a false name. The court is expected to rule on these issues on Friday before resuming the case.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing in Dublin, Michael Brady, aged 54, was charged with nine counts including possession of an assault rifle, ammunition and nearly €3 million worth of drugs. The indictment alleges that on 24 January 2017 Brady was found at Sallins Bridge, Co Kildare, with €1.5 million of cocaine, €1.26 million of heroin, a 7.62 × 39 mm VZ 58 assault rifle and over 180 rounds of ammunition. Brady was arrested after a traffic stop in Naas where he gave a false name, and was later rearrested under the Offences Against the State Act. He pleaded not guilty to all charges, including possession of the rifle, ammunition and the drugs for sale or supply. The case is being heard by Judges Paul Coffey, Gerard Griffin and David McHugh.
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned the sentencing of Frank Murphy and Michael McDermott to April 1, remanding both men in custody. Murphy, 58, pleaded guilty in November 2018 to committing an act to impede the apprehension or prosecution of David Cullen, whom he allegedly believed was guilty of possessing a firearm. McDermott, 60, pleaded guilty to helping an unlawful organisation, identified as the IRA, murder Peter Butterly. The court heard evidence that Butterly was shot dead in a Meath car park in March 2013. David Cullen, who was originally charged with murder, pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol. His plea was accepted by the DPP, resulting in a nolle prosequi on the murder count. Cullen turned State's witness and was sentenced to seven years in prison, with three and a half years suspended, for the firearm possession. The court noted that four other men have already received life sentences for Butterly's murder. Neither Murphy nor McDermott has previous convictions. The judges, presiding over the non-jury court, indicated they will deliver their sentences on April 1.
Aidan "The Beast" O'Driscoll, a senior Real IRA member, was shot four times on Old Commons Road, Blackpool, Cork, on 7 December 2016. The Special Criminal Court heard that the killing was part of an internal dispute between the Real IRA and the New IRA. Colin Casey (32) and Daniel Hegarty (24) pleaded guilty to four counts of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of O'Driscoll's killers, while Eoin Morrissey (19) pleaded guilty to two such counts. Casey collected the alleged gunmen from Redemption Road, drove them in a white Vauxhall Astra van that he later burned, and was involved in the disposal of the Nissan Almera used by the killers. Hegarty buried a bag used by the killers and set fire to a Honda motorbike and a red Opel Astra. Morrissey supplied a firelighter and followed Hegarty to the site where the Opel Astra was burned.
Former Republican paramilitary Declan "Whacker" Duffy, aged 44, is to be extradited back to Northern Ireland to continue serving a life sentence for the 1992 murder of British army sergeant Michael Newman. Duffy had previously been released on license by a Northern Irish parole board in March 2013 after serving part of his life sentence. He was arrested in December 2015 and, in 2018, sentenced by the Special Criminal Court to six years for falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne and assaulting John Roche. The Under Secretary of State for Northern Ireland revoked his license on 6 June 2016, and a European Arrest Warrant was issued. His lawyers argued that returning him would amount to "double punishment" and cited the Good Friday Agreement, but Justice Aileen Donnelly rejected these claims and ordered his extradition, noting that a licensee remains subject to the original sentence and its conditions.
During the Special Criminal Court trial, Damien Metcalfe, aged 33, was accused of membership in the Irish Republican Army. The prosecution presented evidence that he was seen entering and leaving a house in Riverwood Park, Castleknock, on 7‑8 August 2015. Detective Garda BK, who gave anonymous testimony, observed Metcalfe arriving and departing in a Silver Opal Astra and noted significant activity at the property, including several men and one woman moving in and out and placing baggage in a boot. Metcalfe pleaded not guilty. His barrister, Hugh Hartnett, questioned the deployment of audio‑video surveillance, noting that the witness had no role in its setup and that the process was kept secret. Hartnett also challenged Chief Superintendent Cliona Richardson's statements about the creation of the surveillance authorisation application, highlighting inconsistencies in her accounts. The trial was scheduled to continue the following day before a three‑judge panel of the Special Criminal Court.
The opening day of a Special Criminal Court trial saw the prosecution outline its plan to use audio and video footage from a Garda surveillance operation at Riverwood Park, Castleknock, to convict Damien Metcalfe, 33, of membership in the Irish Republican Army. Metcalfe, who declined to plead in court, stated he was "not guilty." Prosecutor Anne‑Marie Lawlor explained that surveillance had captured him entering the premises on several occasions, suggesting IRA activity there. She also highlighted evidence concerning his detention and interview process. Chief Superintendent Cliona Richardson, who authorised the surveillance after receiving information from a "sensitive source," told the court that she claimed privilege to protect the identity of the source. The trial is set to continue the following day before the three‑judge panel.
The Court of Appeal has reserved its judgment in an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) regarding the sentence of Donal O'Hara. O'Hara, 26, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to assaulting John Roche and falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne at The Towers, Saggart, on June 9, 2015. He was sentenced to four years imprisonment, with the final two years suspended. The DPP argues this sentence is "unduly lenient," with counsel Shane Costelloe SC describing the incident as a "gang of thugs accosting" the victim and characterizing O'Hara as "muscle." Defense counsel Michael O'Higgins SC argued that O'Hara's prompt guilty plea warranted elevated status and distinguished his role from other participants. Those included Dessie O'Hare, who pleaded guilty to the same offences and is awaiting sentence; Declan Duffy, who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six years imprisonment; and Daniel Kane, who pleaded guilty and received five years imprisonment with the final year suspended. The court, presided over by Mr Justice George Birmingham, heard that Duffy's sentence was "capped" at six years. The matter remains adjourned pending the court's decision on whether to increase O'Hara's term.
A Dublin man, Damien Metcalfe, was tried at the Special Criminal Court for alleged membership of the Irish Republican Army on 24 November 2015. Metcalfe, who lives in Monastery Park, Clondalkin, denied the charge, initially refusing to answer when asked how he pleaded. After consulting his defence team, he declared himself "not guilty" but did not stand before the judges. The trial was set to continue the following Tuesday.
Patrick Hutch, aged 26, was released from the Special Criminal Court after the State dropped the murder charge for David Byrne's death at the Regency Hotel on 5 February 2016. The court heard that the shooting occurred during a boxing weigh‑in, with armed men in disguise and tactical garda uniforms entering the hotel. The prosecution alleged Hutch was the man in a wig, part of a shared intent to commit the offence, though he denied owning assault rifles. The Director of Public Prosecutions entered a nolle prosequi, and Judge Tony Hunt discharged Hutch. Hutch's counsel maintained his client's not‑guilty plea and contested the case. Family members of Byrne condemned the outcome as disgraceful. The case was further complicated by the death of Detective Superintendent Colm Fox, whose death was treated as a personal tragedy and not suspected foul play. The court had also considered evidence of emails between four gardai and notes from the late superintendent. Patrick Hutch pleaded not guilty.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Conor Metcalfe, 28, of Monastery Park, Clondalkin, was found guilty of membership in the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and sentenced to four years and six months imprisonment, backdated to 10 December 2018. The court relied on belief evidence from Detective Chief Superintendent Anthony Howard, who asserted Metcalfe was a member on 24 November 2015 based on material reviewed, and on inferences drawn from Metcalfe's failure to answer questions under Section 2 of the Offences Against the State Act. The judge noted Metcalfe's persistent and active membership, though not a high‑level member, and applied a 10% discount for modest mitigating factors. Metcalfe had 13 prior convictions, mainly for criminal damage, public order offences and drunk driving, dating back to 2009. The sentence was imposed by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, with Judges Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin and Cormac Dunne presiding.
A 52‑year‑old man from Co Kildare, Declan Brady, pleaded guilty to possessing fifteen lethal firearms and over 3,000 rounds of ammunition at a Dublin business park in 2017. The firearms included nine revolvers, four semi‑automatic pistols, a sub‑machine gun and an assault rifle. Brady admitted to holding a .357 Magnum Zastava M83/02, two .38 Smith & Wesson Model 37s, a Rossi revolver, an Ingram M11 sub‑machine gun, a 9mm Smith & Wesson semi‑automatic pistol, a Ruger revolver, a Taurus revolver, a Remington Taurus, a Beretta Model 70, a VZ 58 assault rifle, an Amadeo Rossi revolver, a Glock Model 26, a Colt semi‑automatic pistol and a Kaleshnikov pattern magazine.
In Limerick, John O'Donoghue (29) and Paul Whelan (25) were charged with possession of a loaded 9mm Colt semi‑automatic pistol and eight rounds of ammunition, with intent to endanger life, after the weapon was found in a car park on 30 July 2018. The District Court referred them to the Special Criminal Court, where a three‑judge panel—Justice Tony Hunt, Judge Patricia Ryan and Judge Ann Ryan—ordered a non‑jury trial under section 49(e) of the Offences Against the State Act 1939. The men are scheduled to appear again on 21 February.
Sean Ruth, 29, of Rathangan, Co Kildare, was sentenced at the Special Criminal Court for possession of a .38 Special Rossi revolver and a 9mm round. He pleaded guilty to charges under the Firearms Act, 1925. Presiding Judge Paul Coffey, sitting with Judges Gerard Griffin and David McHugh, accepted that these items were unconnected to the larger arsenal recovered from Greenogue Business Park on January 24, 2017. The court noted the firearm and ammunition were incompatible and unused. Considering Ruth's 29 previous convictions as an aggravating factor, the headline sentence was set at four and a half years. This was reduced to three and a half years due to his guilty plea. The final six months of the sentence were suspended on the condition that Ruth enter a peace bond. The sentence was backdated to May 17, 2017, when he entered custody. The court also referenced the convictions of Jonathan Harding and James Walsh, who pleaded guilty to possessing nine revolvers, four pistols, a sub-machine gun, an assault rifle, and ammunition magazines at the same location. In January 2018, Harding was sentenced to ten years with one year suspended, while Walsh received nine years with one year suspended.
The leader of the so-called New IRA in Dublin, Kevin Braney (44), was today jailed for life for the murder of Peter Butterly (35) almost six years ago. Braney was found guilty by the Special Criminal Court last Monday of the 'premeditated' murder of Mr Butterly, who was chased and shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath, on March 6, 2013. Braney had pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Butterly. Mr Justice Paul Coffey, presiding, said the court was driven 'irresistibly' to the conclusion that Braney was involved in the organisation and planning of Mr Butterly's murder beyond a reasonable doubt. In 2018, Braney was sentenced to four years and six months after he was found guilty of IRA membership by the Special Criminal Court. Mr Justice Coffey, sitting with Judge Martin Nolan and Judge James Faughnan, then sentenced Braney to the mandatory term of life imprisonment, backdated to when he first went into custody for this matter on September 14, 2017. Ms Caroline Cummings BL asked the court that a 'nolle prosequi' be entered on the outstanding count of membership, meaning the State will not be proceeding with the prosecution in relation to this count. Edward McGrath (37), Sharif Kelly (49), and Dean Evans (27) have all received life sentences at the Special Criminal Court after they were convicted of Mr Butterly's murder. The court found that Braney had been involved and participated in Mr Butterly's murder.
Kevin Braney, 44, of Tallaght, Dublin, was found guilty by the Special Criminal Court of the premeditated murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly. The three-judge panel, presided over by Mr Justice Paul Coffey, concluded beyond reasonable doubt that Braney was involved in the organisation and planning of the killing, which occurred outside The Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath, in March 2013. Mr Butterly, 35, was chased and shot dead in view of students waiting for a school bus. Braney had pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. The court accepted evidence from State's witness David Cullen, who testified that Braney attended a meeting at Cullen's Balbriggan flat the night before the shooting, where the plan was discussed. Circumstantial evidence further linked Braney to the location and the other perpetrators. The court noted that Edward McGrath, Sharif Kelly, and Dean Evans have already received life sentences for the same murder. In a separate 2018 proceeding, Braney was sentenced to four years after being found guilty of IRA membership by the Special Criminal Court. Following today's verdict, the convicted man was remanded in custody until Friday, when he will be sentenced.
At the Special Criminal Court in Dublin, evidence was heard regarding booster tubes discovered in separate locations linked to an IRA trial. James Joseph Cassidy, aged 55, from Castleblayney, County Monaghan, has pleaded not guilty to charges of IRA membership on 21 September 2016. A garda ballistics expert provided a statement detailing similarities between a booster tube found in a Monaghan shed in 2016 and one recovered from a homemade explosive device discovered in a County Louth church car park in May 2014. Both tubes were identical in length and diameter, painted black, and featured rows of drilled holes. Colonel David Hathaway, an explosives ordnance disposal specialist with two decades of experience, gave evidence describing the construction and function of the Louth device, which contained ammonium nitrate, semtex explosive, and a timing mechanism. The defence challenged the relevance of this evidence, arguing it pertained to device possession rather than the membership charge. Justice Tony Hunt ruled the evidence admissible as circumstantial. The trial continues.
A 55-year-old mechanic from Castleblayney, County Monaghan, is standing trial at the Special Criminal Court on a charge of membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself as the Irish Republican Army. James Joseph Cassidy of Tullycollive has pleaded not guilty to the allegation relating to September 21, 2016. During evidence, Detective Sergeant Padraig Boyce told the court that republican posters were discovered in a television unit during a search of the accused's premises. The posters carried a slogan referencing the Police Service of Northern Ireland and a website address for Republican Unity. Under cross-examination, the detective agreed that Republican Unity is not a proscribed organisation. A black metal pipe approximately 40 centimetres long, featuring drilled holes, was also recovered from a shed on the property. Detective Inspector William Hanrahan testified he had previously encountered similar tubing in relation to other IRA operations, describing it as a booster tube. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and two other judges.
A 55-year-old mechanic from Castleblayney, County Monaghan, has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself as the Irish Republican Army at the Special Criminal Court. James Joseph Cassidy of Tullycollive faces the charge relating to September 2016. The prosecution outlined that gardaí discovered a metal tube during a search of his property in the remote border area, which they allege forms part of an improvised explosive device. The tube was located in a cow shed on the gated property, which featured extensive security measures. Prosecutors indicated evidence would include three mobile phones and items of Republican material recovered at the scene, alongside alleged associations with convicted IRA members. A garda witness testified to photographing the cylindrical metal object at the property. The defence suggested the item was visible rather than hidden and queried whether other metal found at the location could be definitively identified. The trial continues before Justices Tony Hunt, Patricia Ryan, and Ann Ryan.
A Dublin man found guilty of IRA membership will be sentenced next week at the non-jury Special Criminal Court. Conor Metcalfe (28), of Monastery Park, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, was found guilty by the three-judge court in December of membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army (IRA) on November 24, 2015. The court had entered a not guilty plea on Metcalfe's behalf, as he had made no reply when the membership charge was put to him at the start of his trial. The prosecution's case was based on the belief evidence of Detective Chief Superintendent Anthony Howard, who stated he believed Metcalfe was a member of the IRA on November 24, 2015, based on material he had reviewed. This belief evidence was supported by inferences drawn from Metcalfe's failure to answer material questions at interview after gardai had invoked Section 2 of the Offences Against the State Act. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding, said that the 'combined weight of evidence' was sufficient to establish Metcalfe's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. He noted the 'heavy weight' attached to Metcalfe's failure to answer numerous material questions regarding his activities and those of other convicted IRA members. At today's sentence hearing, Detective Inspector William Hanrahan summarised the facts of the case. Det Insp Hanrahan noted that Metcalfe had 13 previous convictions dating back to 2009, including criminal damage, public order offences, and drunk driving. In mitigation, defence counsel Paul Greene SC asked the court to consider that his client was in a long-standing relationship and had four children. He also highlighted that Metcalfe qualified as a weaver in 2015 and had used his time productively in prison taking various courses. Another mitigating factor was that Metcalfe lost his father in 2006 and was of assistance to his widowed mother. Mr Greene stated this was his client's first serious conviction. During the trial, Det Sgt Padraig Boyce gave evidence that he observed Patrick Brennan walking out of Metcalfe's house following his arrest on November 24. Brennan was jailed for four years for IRA membership in 2005. Prosecuting counsel Anne-Marie Lawlor SC noted that Metcalfe was asked material questions about his meeting with David Nooney in Blanchardstown on August 7, 2015, and about his fingerprint being on a document found at David Murray's home in March 2015. Murray was convicted of IRA membership in 2017 and jailed for four and a half years. Ms Lawlor said that Metcalfe adopted a mantra of 'I am not a member of the IRA' when questions were put to him in these interviews. Mr Justice Hunt, who sat with Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin and Judge Cormac Dunne, remanded Metcalfe in custody to next Friday, when he will be sentenced.
A Sligo man has been found guilty of membership of an unlawful organisation by the non-jury Special Criminal Court. Julian Flohr (37), of Rusheen Ard, Caltragh in Sligo, was found guilty of membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, on August 14, 2016. The three-judge court had entered a not guilty plea on Flohr's behalf, as he had made no reply when the membership charge was put to him at the start of his trial last November. Evidence was given at trial that Flohr and his former co-accused Damien McFadden were travelling in a car from which gardai recovered an "inert" training mortar inside a "Spiderman" themed backpack. Both men were arrested under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act for possession of an explosive device and for being a member of an unlawful organisation. Delivering judgement today, presiding judge Mr Justice Tony Hunt said the prosecution had closed its case by saying that the court should accept the belief evidence given by Detective Superintendent Tom Maguire that Flohr was a member of an unlawful organisation. The judge said the court was satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that the combined weight of the two strands of evidence was sufficient to establish Flohr's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Mr Justice Hunt, who sat with Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin and Judge Cormac Dunne, remanded Flohr in custody to next Friday when he will be sentenced. Damhan McFadden (29), of Kilmacowen, Ballysadare in Sligo, pleaded guilty on November 28 to knowingly rendering assistance to an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann otherwise the IRA by transporting a training mortar in furtherance of an unlawful object within the State on August 14, 2016. The offence of providing assistance to an unlawful organisation is contrary to section 21A of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939, as amended by section 48 of the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act, 2005. McFadden had originally pleaded not guilty at the three-judge court to membership of an unlawful organisation on August 14, 2016 and his trial had been underway since November 15. However, McFadden pleaded guilty to the new count on November 28 and a "nolle prosequi" was entered on the membership charge which the defendant had originally been charged with. This meant the State would not be proceeding with the prosecution in relation to that count. At today's brief sentence hearing, Detective Inspector Raymond Mulderrig summarised the facts of the case and told prosecuting counsel Fiona Murphy SC that McFadden had no previous convictions. Mr McFadden was remanded on continuing bail until next Friday, when he will be sentenced. Damien McFadden, co-accused, was remanded on continuing bail until next Friday, when he will be sentenced.
Nathan Foley, a 20‑year‑old "gillie" who assisted a criminal organiser in the 2016 murder of David Douglas, was sentenced to six years' imprisonment by the Special Criminal Court. Foley admitted in November 2017 that he had helped facilitate the murder, an offence under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which carries a maximum penalty of fifteen years. He was found to have driven a Mitsubishi Mirage used in the killing, had scouted the area, placed a petrol can in the getaway car, and supplied phones later discovered in that vehicle. The court noted Foley was not involved in planning but acted as a runner for the main organiser, who had already been dealt with by the court. Mitigating factors included his young age, limited cognitive ability, and guilty plea, leading to a six‑year sentence back‑dated to December 2017.
Sean Ruth, 29, of Rathangan, Co Kildare, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to possessing a .38 Special Rossi revolver and a 9mm round of ammunition. The court heard that DNA evidence linked Ruth to the revolver found in a blood-stained bag at Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, Co Dublin, on January 24, 2017. Prosecution counsel Paul Burns SC stated the maximum sentence for each count is seven years. In mitigation, defense counsel Dominic McGinn SC highlighted Ruth's early guilty plea, which saved the court significant time, and noted that the weapon was not loaded. Mr McGinn also cited support from Ruth's family and courses completed in custody. Mr Justice Paul Coffey, presiding with Judges Gerard Griffin and David McHugh, remanded Ruth in custody until February 8, when he will be sentenced. The matter was adjourned. Jonathan Harding, 45, of Sallins, Co Kildare, and James Walsh, 33, of Clondalkin, Dublin 22, previously pleaded guilty to possessing nine revolvers, four pistols, a sub-machine gun, an assault rifle, and ammunition magazines at the same location. In January 2018, Harding was sentenced to ten years in prison with one year suspended, and Walsh was sentenced to nine years in prison with one year suspended.
Sean Ruth, a 29‑year‑old Kildare resident, pleaded guilty in the Special Criminal Court to possessing a .38 Special Calibre "Rossi" revolver and a 9mm round of ammunition between 1 January 2016 and 24 January 2017. The offences contravene Section 2 of the Firearms Act 1925 and Section 27 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. Ruth had initially pleaded not guilty to unlawful possession of the firearm and ammunition. The court, presided over by Mr Justice Paul Coffey with Judges Gerard Griffin and David McHugh, received the charges under Section 49 of the Offences Against the State Act. After the court was informed of the charges by Detective Garda Brian Johnson and a book of evidence was served, Ruth answered "Guilty" to both counts. He was remanded in custody until Thursday, when sentencing will occur.
Sean Ruth, 29, of Rathangan, Co Kildare, pleaded not guilty at the Special Criminal Court to charges of unlawful possession of a .38 Special Rossi revolver and a 9mm round of ammunition. Prosecutors allege these items were linked to a search at Greenogue Business Park on January 24, 2017, where Jonathan Harding and James Walsh were found. Harding and Walsh previously pleaded guilty to possessing nine revolvers, four pistols, a sub-machine gun, an assault rifle, and ammunition at the site. In January 2018, Harding was sentenced to ten years in prison with one year suspended, while Walsh received nine years with one year suspended. The prosecution contends that DNA evidence recovered from a blood-stained bag containing the revolver, a glove with a 9mm round, and a Ford Focus with a secret ammunition compartment matches Ruth. Counsel stated that Ruth's DNA also matched bloodstains on the car and a radio transmitter. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul Coffey, Judge Gerard Griffin, and Judge David McHugh, is ongoing and was adjourned to resume the following day.
The Court of Appeal has reserved its judgment in the appeal by Donal Billings, who was found guilty by the Special Criminal Court of possessing an explosive substance and making false bomb reports during Queen Elizabeth's 2011 State visit. Billings, sentenced to eight-and-a-half years' imprisonment by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, argues his Irish language rights were violated during the trial. Counsel Martin Giblin SC and Ronan Munro SC, arguing in Irish, contended that the lack of an Irish transcript and the untranslated Explosive Substances Act 1883 breached constitutional rights, independent of fair trial guarantees. They also argued the possession charge should have been dismissed due to insufficient evidence. The DPP's counsel, Garnet Orange SC, countered that the circumstantial evidence, including a bomb found on a bus referenced in Billings' threats, was compelling and that the State facilitated his use of Irish. The appeal, heard before President George Birmingham and colleagues, is the first case in the Court of Appeal conducted in Irish. The court has not yet delivered a decision, meaning the matter remains adjourned pending judgment.
A man from Drumlish, County Longford, has appealed his conviction for possessing an explosive substance and making hoax bomb threats during a state visit in 2011. Dónal Billings, aged 67, was found guilty by the Special Criminal Court of placing a device on a Dublin-bound bus at Longford railway station car park on 16 May 2011, and of making false reports of bombs at multiple locations including Dublin Castle and Cork Airport. He received a sentence of eight-and-a-half years imprisonment. His appeal, heard before the Court of Appeal, is being conducted in Irish, marking the first such case since the court's establishment in 2014. Counsel for Billings argued that the State failed to protect his client's Irish language rights, citing the unavailability of transcripts in Irish and the non-translation of relevant legislation. The hearing continues.
A 24‑year‑old man, Gareth Brophy, has been ordered to appear before the Special Criminal Court for a non‑jury trial. The court, composed of Judges Tony Hunt, Patricia Ryan and Ann Ryan, granted the Director of Public Prosecutions' application under Section 49 of the Offences Against the State Act, stating that ordinary courts were inadequate to secure effective justice. Brophy is accused of murdering 55‑year‑old David Douglas, who was shot six times on July 1, 2016, while taking a meal break at his partner's shop in Shoestown, Bridgefoot Street, Dublin 8. The case follows two other men who have already faced court over the killing: Frederick "Freddie" Thompson, found guilty and sentenced to mandatory life imprisonment in August, and Nathan Foley, who admitted in November to driving one of the four cars used in the murder and will be sentenced on January 25. Brophy was excused from the brief hearing held today.
Former INLA member Dessie O'Hare, known as 'The Border Fox', has pleaded guilty at the non-jury Special Criminal Court to charges of assault and false imprisonment in Dublin. O'Hare, 62, of Slate Rock Road, Newtownhamilton, County Armagh, admitted to assaulting John Roche, causing him harm, at The Towers, Garter Lane, Saggart, County Dublin on June 9th, 2015. He also pleaded guilty to falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne at Rathcoole and Saggart on the same date. The charges were admitted by O'Hare, who responded 'guilty' to both counts when asked by the registrar. Sean Guerin SC, defending, stated that a trial would not be required and that O'Hare could be arraigned on two of the counts. The defence indicated a desire to take two other counts into consideration at the appropriate time. The defence also mentioned that O'Hare has engaged with 'professionals' and requested up-to-date professional assistance for the sentence hearing. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding, sitting with Judge Patricia Ryan and Judge Ann Ryan, remanded the defendant on continuing bail with the same terms and conditions until April 3, when he will be sentenced.
A 19‑year‑old man, Eoin Morrissey, appeared before the Special Criminal Court on 21 January 2018 charged in connection with the murder of Aidan "The Beast" O'Driscoll, a senior Real IRA figure who was shot dead in Cork on 7 December 2016. Morrissey is charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Daniel Hegarty by providing a firelighter to burn a red Opel Astra used by the alleged killers and by following Hegarty to a site where a red Opel Astra was burnt to facilitate transport after the burning. The offences are alleged to have occurred between 8 and 19 December 2016. The Director of Public Prosecutions applied for a Section 49 order and the court directed that Morrissey be tried before the Special Criminal Court. The case was set for mention on 21 January. Earlier, Colin Casey (32) and Daniel Hegarty (24) pleaded guilty to related charges and were remanded on continuing bail until 11 March.
Paul Beatty, 31, pleaded guilty in the Special Criminal Court to unlawful possession of a .38 special calibre Smith & Wesson revolver found at Charlemont Parade, Dublin 3 on 2 June 2018. The offence contravenes Section 27A(1) of the Firearms Act 1964. Prosecutor Gareth Baker informed the court that Beatty could be arraigned on the first count, while defence counsel Bernard Condon noted Beatty's eagerness to enter an early plea. Judge Tony Hunt, with Judges Patricia Ryan and Ann Ryan, remanded Beatty in custody until 28 January when the case will be mentioned.
A 37-year-old man from Caltragh in Sligo has been granted temporary bail over Christmas by the Special Criminal Court pending a verdict in his case. Julian Flohr is charged with membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army. His trial commenced in November, with judgment expected on 25 January. Evidence presented during the trial indicated that Mr Flohr and another man were travelling in a car from which gardaí recovered a mortar round in a backpack. The three-judge court granted him compassionate bail from 24 to 28 December on his own bond of €100 and an independent surety of €1,000. The presiding judge noted Mr Flohr's previous voluntary surrender of bail and emphasised strict compliance with bail conditions.
A Dublin man has been found guilty of IRA membership by the non-jury Special Criminal Court. Conor Metcalfe (28), of Monastery Park, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, was found guilty of membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army on November 24, 2015. The three-judge Special Criminal Court entered a not guilty on Metcalfe's behalf, as he had made no reply when the membership charge was put to him at the start of his trial. The prosecution's case was based on the belief evidence of Detective Chief Superintendent Anthony Howard, who stated he believed Metcalfe was a member of the IRA on November 24, 2015, based on material he had reviewed. This belief evidence was supported by inferences drawn from Metcalfe's failure to answer material questions at interview after gardai had invoked Section 2 of the Offences Against the State Act. Presiding judge Mr Justice Tony Hunt said the 'combined weight of evidence' was sufficient to establish Metcalfe's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. He noted the 'heavy weight' attached to Metcalfe's failure to answer numerous material questions. Mr Justice Hunt, who sat with Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin and Judge Cormac Dunne, remanded Metcalfe in custody to January 25 when he will be sentenced. During the trial, Det Sgt Padraig Boyce gave evidence that he observed Patrick Brennan walking out of Metcalfe's house following his arrest. Brennan was jailed for four years for IRA membership in 2005. The court also heard that Metcalfe was asked material questions about his meeting with David Nooney in Blanchardstown on August 7, 2015, and about his fingerprint being on a document found at David Murray's home in March 2015. Murray was convicted of IRA membership in 2017 and jailed for four and a half years. The matter was adjourned for sentencing on January 25.
Kevin Braney, 44, of Tallaght, was charged with murdering dissident republican Peter Butterly in March 2013. He pleaded not guilty to the murder and was also charged with possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol and seven rounds of ammunition. The Special Criminal Court, after the prosecution's case closed, refused a defence application for a direction to acquit on the firearm charges. The court directed an acquittal on those counts. Braney's defence argued that State witness David Cullen's evidence was unreliable and that no forensic or DNA links tied Braney to the crime. The court noted the absence of any evidence linking Braney to phones or the weapons. The case remains pending, with a judgment expected early next year. Braney was remanded in custody until 18 January.
An Estonian hitman, Imre Arakas, aged 60, was convicted by the Special Criminal Court for conspiring to murder James Gately in Northern Ireland between 3 and 4 April last year. The court found that Arakas had agreed to pull the trigger and had supplied details on how the murder would be carried out, including the use of a silencer. He had been recruited from abroad and had travelled to Ireland for the purpose of the hit. Gardaí prevented the execution of the murder. Arakas pleaded guilty, and the judge noted his cooperation, health difficulties and lack of support in Ireland as mitigating factors. He was sentenced to six years' imprisonment, back‑dated to 4 April 2017, with a combined discount of three years for the mitigating factors. The sentence was imposed by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, with Judges Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin and Cormac Dunne presiding. The conviction was part of a broader effort to disrupt organised crime conspiracies.
Jason Keating, 27, was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment by the Special Criminal Court for facilitating a criminal organisation in the execution‑style murder of Noel "Duck Egg" Kirwan, 62, who was shot six times in his Ford Mondeo on 22 December 2016. Keating admitted in October 2018 to participating in or contributing to the commission of the murder, a serious offence under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, and pleaded guilty to facilitating a criminal organisation in committing murder. The court entered a nolle prosequi on the original murder charge. Keating's role included monitoring a tracking device (Gotek7) placed on Kirwan's car, providing the information to the gunman, and transporting the gunman to and from the scene. He was sentenced to ten years, back‑dated to 2 May 2017, after a mitigating discount of three and a half years for his guilty plea and other factors.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, defence counsel for Kevin Braney, aged 44, argued that evidence from former murder suspect David Cullen should be excluded because Cullen's testimony was a "parody" and riddled with inconsistencies. Braney, charged with the 2013 murder of Peter Butterly, denied the murder and possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol and ammunition. Cullen, who had originally been charged with Butterly's murder, later became a State witness after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of a pistol. Braney's defence sought to exclude Cullen's evidence, withdraw it from the jury, and have the court discharge itself from the prosecution's opening address. The prosecution countered that independent evidence supported Braney's guilt and that opening speeches are not evidence. The court will rule on the applications tomorrow. Kevin Braney pleaded not guilty.
Judges at the Special Criminal Court trial of Kevin Braney have refused an application to exclude mobile phone evidence. Braney, 44, of Tallaght, Dublin, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly and the possession of a 9mm Beretta semi-automatic pistol and ammunition at Blackthorn Apartments, Balbriggan, on March 5, 2013. The defence argued that a recent High Court ruling in the case of Graham Dwyer rendered the retention of such data unlawful under EU law. However, presiding judge Mr Justice Paul Coffey, sitting with Judges Martin Nolan and James Faughnan, ruled the evidence admissible, stating there was no evidence that the operation of the 2011 Act was inappropriate at the time. The prosecution subsequently closed its case. The trial continues, with defence counsel Bernard Condon SC indicating he is unlikely to call evidence but may make a short application. The court previously heard from State's witness David Cullen, who pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol at the Huntsman Inn on the day of the shooting. Cullen described his role as picking up and burying a gun. Prosecution evidence stated that Butterly was shot multiple times outside the Huntsman Inn in Gormanston on March 6, 2013, while students waited for their school bus.
Nathan Foley, 20, of Rosary Road, Maryland, Dublin 8, was sentenced at the Special Criminal Court for participating in or contributing to activity intending to facilitate the murder of David Douglas. The court heard that Foley acted as a 'foot soldier' and 'runner' for a criminal organisation, driving one of four vehicles used in the killing. Mr Douglas, 55, was shot six times at his partner's shop in Bridgefoot Street on July 1, 2016. Foley admitted to the charge under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years. The court noted his early guilty plea and mitigating factors, including a mild intellectual disability and vulnerability, though the judge described his role as significant. Frederick 'Freddie' Thompson, 37, was previously found guilty of Mr Douglas's murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. The source text indicates Foley was remanded in custody until January 25 for sentencing, but the validated procedural stage is sentence. The report details the coordinated use of stolen vehicles, including a Mercedes and a Mitsubishi Mirage driven by Foley, and the subsequent recovery of evidence linking him to the scene. The court acknowledged his 32 previous convictions, including a concurrent sentence for cocaine possession.
Ex-wrestler Imre Arakas, a former Estonian separatist who was 'scarred deeply' by imprisonment in Russia, was remanded in custody until December 12 for sentencing. Arakas admitted to conspiring with others not before the court to murder James Gately in Northern Ireland between April 3rd and April 4th last year, contrary to Section 71 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. The court heard that Arakas purchased a wig in Dublin and used an encrypted Blackberry phone to receive information about Gately's movements. Gardai began an intelligence-led investigation after receiving confidential information about the targeting of Gately by individuals involved in organised crime. Arakas was placed under surveillance upon his arrival in Dublin on April 3, 2017, and was followed to Blakestown Cottages in Dublin 15, where he was arrested the following day. A Blackberry phone, a piece of paper with Estonian writing and the name 'James Gately…in Newry' in English, a mirror, and cash were found at the scene. The Blackberry phone was encrypted and password protected, and messages were found on it that detailed plans to target Gately. The messages were almost instantly deleted after Arakas' arrest, but a garda managed to photograph the open messages before they were removed. The court heard that Arakas had four previous convictions, including causing deliberate bodily harm, escaping from prison, and unlawful handling of firearms. The matter was adjourned and will be sentenced on December 12.
The Special Criminal Court trial of Kevin Braney, 44, of Tallaght, Dublin 24, continued before Mr Justice Paul Coffey. Braney has pleaded not guilty to the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly in March 2013 and the unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol. Protected witness David Cullen, who turned State's evidence after his murder charge was dropped, was cross-examined regarding his credibility. Cullen admitted to past dishonesty, including retaining WPP rent allowance and avoiding prosecution for harassment of an ex-girlfriend, which he denied. The court heard that Cullen was sentenced on July 2, 2014, to seven years in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm, with three and a half years suspended. The trial remains ongoing, with the defence challenging the witness's reliability and the prosecution presenting evidence of the shooting at The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston.
A 29-year-old man from Ballysodare in County Sligo has pleaded guilty before the Special Criminal Court to assisting an unlawful organisation by transporting a training mortar. Damhan McFadden admitted knowingly rendering assistance to the Irish Republican Army by transporting the device on 14 August 2016, contrary to the Offences Against the State Act 1939. McFadden had initially pleaded not guilty to a membership charge, but the State entered a nolle prosequi on that count following his guilty plea to the assistance charge. The three-judge court, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt alongside Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin and Judge Cormac Dunne, remanded him on continuing bail pending sentencing on 25 January. The trial of his former co-accused, Julian Flohr, also from Sligo, continues on a separate membership charge relating to the same date.
The Special Criminal Court trial of Kevin Braney, 44, of Tallaght, Dublin, continues before a three-judge panel. Mr Braney, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly and the unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol and ammunition, faces evidence from protected witness David Cullen. Cullen, who turned State's witness after his murder charge was dropped, testified that he was asked to pick up a gun. He described an evening in March 2013 when Edward McGrath and Mr Braney visited his Balbriggan home, with Mr Braney allegedly stating, "Make sure this is done right and he doesn't get away." Cullen identified a silver Toyota Corolla used in the operation and stated that Dean Evans and McGrath stayed at his apartment the day before the shooting. He further testified that Sharif Kelly dropped him near the scene, where a gun was thrown from a vehicle, leading to his arrest. In related proceedings, Michael McDermott admitted to assisting an unlawful organisation in the murder. Frank Murphy pleaded guilty to impeding the prosecution of Cullen. Meanwhile, Edward McGrath, Sharif Kelly, and Dean Evans have all received life sentences at the Special Criminal Court after being convicted of Mr Butterly's murder. The trial of Mr Braney is ongoing.
Frank Murphy, 58, pleaded guilty in the Special Criminal Court to impeding the apprehension or prosecution of State witness David Cullen, who had previously pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol. Murphy had originally pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly, a trial underway since October, but the DPP directed that he be recharged under Section 7(2) of the Criminal Law Act, 1997. Prosecution counsel confirmed the DPP would not proceed with the original murder charges against Murphy. Co-accused Michael McDermott, 59, pleaded guilty last Friday to assisting an unlawful organisation in the murder of Mr Butterly. Both men were remanded in custody by Mr Justice Paul Coffey, sitting with Judges Martin Nolan and James Faughnan, until January 28, 2019, for sentencing. Kevin Braney, 43, who pleaded not guilty to the murder and related firearm charges, remains in the trial. The court refused Braney's application for the judges to discharge themselves. The trial against Braney continues.
The Special Criminal Court has decided that Patrick Hutch's trial will not resume next month as previously indicated. Judge Tony Hunt confirmed that the case would be listed again on December 3, giving the court more than ten days to handle the matter. Senior prosecutor Sean Gillane explained that the disclosure of the final report into the death of lead investigating Garda Detective Superintendent Colm Fox had not yet been handed to the defence due to an "unanticipated difficulty" on the prosecution side. Gillane said the report was based on a significant amount of documentation and that the December dates previously mentioned would not be productively used, though he requested the listing on December 3 be maintained. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins said the material would be received as soon as possible and that the dates would not be used. Patrick Hutch pleaded not guilty.
A man from Cavan has pleaded guilty before the Special Criminal Court to assisting an unlawful organisation in the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly. Michael McDermott, aged 59, of Ballinagh, Co. Cavan, admitted to knowingly rendering assistance to the IRA in furthering the unlawful killing of Mr Butterly at various locations between 3 and 6 March 2013. Mr Butterly was shot outside the Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co. Meath, on 6 March 2013 in the presence of schoolchildren awaiting buses. McDermott had initially pleaded not guilty to murder and related firearms charges, with trial proceedings commenced in October. He was recharged under the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005 this morning and entered a guilty plea to the fresh count. The prosecution entered a nolle prosequi on the three original charges. McDermott has been remanded in custody pending sentencing on 28 January 2019. Two further defendants, Frank Murphy and Kevin Braney, both deny murder and firearms possession charges relating to the incident. The trial continues before the three-judge court.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Donna Kirwan, daughter of Noel 'Duck Egg' Kirwan, said her father was only guilty of "showing respect" at a childhood friend's funeral. She described him as a hard‑working "grafter" who chose legitimate work over drug sales. The court heard that both her son and daughter contemplated suicide after their father's murder. The victim impact statement was read by a woman from victim support on behalf of Donna. The court also heard that Jason Keating, 27, was present at the scene and facilitated the shooting. Keating had a tracking device on Kirwan's car and was linked to the assailant. Keating pleaded guilty to facilitating a criminal organisation in the murder, and the State withdrew the murder charge, leaving only the facilitation charge pending. The hearing took place before the sentencing of Keating, who was remanded in custody until December 12.