The Special Criminal Court has adjourned the trial of Eamonn Cumberton, who is accused of the murder of 35-year-old Michael Barr in the Sunset House pub in Dublin's north inner city on April 25th, 2016. Mr Cumberton, of Mountjoy Street, Dublin 7, has pleaded not guilty to the charge. The court previously heard that Mr Barr was shot seven times at the bar counter. The prosecution alleges that Mr Cumberton is inextricably linked to items recovered from a partially burnt-out silver Audi, identified as the alleged getaway car, which were themselves linked to the shooting. Defence counsel Bernard Condon SC objected to the admissibility of DNA evidence found on a rubber mask recovered from the vehicle. He argued that the Forensic Science Ireland method, which uses STRMIX software to calculate likelihood ratios, improperly reduces guilt or innocence to mathematical probability. Condon submitted that this case requires special rules as it is the first criminal trial in Ireland to use STRMIX. Prosecuting counsel Dominic McGinn SC countered that likelihood ratio calculations are an established scientific practice. The court has not yet ruled on the admissibility of the evidence. The trial was adjourned until next Tuesday, when Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with Judges Patricia Ryan and James Faughnan, will deliver a ruling on the matter.
John O'Brien, 55, of North Great Clarence Street, Dublin 1, was released on bail by the Special Criminal Court after being charged with knowingly possessing an explosive substance. He is alleged to have possessed ten 400-gram blocks of TNT and the explosive head of an RGD33 hand grenade at his home address on June 2, 2017. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with Judges Patricia Ryan and James Faughnan, remanded O'Brien in custody with consent to bail until December 21, when his case is listed for mention again. The matter was adjourned. O'Brien was released on an independent surety of €15,000, with conditions requiring him to sign daily at Store Street Garda Station, avoid association with others charged or convicted before the Special Criminal Court, refrain from attending republican commemorations or marches, and not apply for a passport. Gardai did not object to bail. Co-accused Declan McDermott and Martin Manning, both with unknown addresses, are also due to attend court on December 21. McDermott is charged with possessing the same explosive substances at Spring Garden Street, Dublin 3, on June 2, 2017, and with membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA. Manning is charged with possessing the same explosive substances at the same location and date. All charges remain alleged or contested at this pretrial stage.
During the Special Criminal Court hearing of Eamonn Cumberton, who is accused of murdering Michael Barr at the Sunset House pub, a defence expert challenged the reliability of the DNA analysis software used by Forensic Science Ireland. The court had previously heard that DNA on a rubber mask from the alleged getaway car was more likely to belong to Cumberton and two unknown individuals than to three unknown individuals. Cumberton, aged 30, pleaded not guilty to the shooting of Barr, who was 35, on 25 April 2016. Bernard Condon SC represented Cumberton and objected to the admissibility of the DNA evidence, leading to a voir dire. Allan Jamieson, a forensic scientist for the defence, testified that the software STRMIX, which calculates likelihood ratios, may be flawed because it "fits the defendant to the evidence" rather than deriving conclusions from the evidence itself.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, DNA matching the accused, Eamonn Cumberton, was found on a baseball cap recovered from the alleged getaway car in the murder of Michael Barr. Cumberton, 30, pleaded not guilty to the April 25, 2016 shooting of the 35‑year‑old manager of the Sunset House pub. The prosecution argued that Cumberton was "inextricably linked" to items from the partially burnt‑out silver Audi, including the cap and a rubber mask found in the rear. Forensic scientist Rodney Lakes presented a mixed DNA profile on the cap, with a major contributor matching Cumberton's DNA. A similar mixed profile on the mask was also reported. Cumberton's defence objected to the admissibility of the DNA evidence, leading to a voir‑dire hearing. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, Judge Patricia Ryan and Judge James Faughnan.
Eamon McNamee, 37, pleaded guilty in the Special Criminal Court to possessing a firearm with intent to commit assault causing harm on 19 January 2013 at Fairgreen, Saggart. The court accepted the plea, and the prosecution noted that McNamee had been on bail for over two years. The judge ordered that his bail be varied so he must sign in at a Garda station daily. McNamee was remanded on continuing bail until 29 January next year, when sentencing will take place.
The Special Criminal Court heard that Eamonn Cumberton, 30, of Mountjoy Street, Dublin 7, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 35‑year‑old Michael Barr, who was shot seven times at the counter of the Sunset House pub on 25 April 2016. The prosecution argued that Cumberton was "inextricably linked" to items recovered from a silver Audi, the alleged getaway car, which was found partially burnt near the scene and whose items were also linked to the shooting. Jonathan Gallagher, a Emirates employee, testified that on 26 April Cumberton tried to board a flight to Dubai but his passport was invalid; he later returned with a new passport and attempted to board again the next day. Garda Shane Connolly presented CCTV footage showing a car driving toward the pub, parking opposite, then moving to Walsh Road where it was set on fire.
Two men, John O'Brien, 55, and Declan McDermott, were charged at the Special Criminal Court on 8 December 2017 with knowingly possessing four kilograms of TNT. O'Brien was accused of having ten 400‑gram blocks of TNT and the explosive head of an RGD33 hand grenade at his North Great Clarence Street home on 2 June. McDermott was charged with the same items at Spring Garden Street, Dublin 3, on the same date. Detective Garda Rory Geelon reported arresting O'Brien and presenting him to the court, where he read the charge sheet and O'Brien made no reply. Detective Garda Eamonn Hoey met McDermott, handed him the charge sheet, and after caution he also made no reply. The court remanded McDermott and a third co‑accused, Martin Manning, on continuing bail until 21 December, while O'Brien was remanded in custody until a bail application is expected next Thursday.
Seamus McGrane, 63, of Dromiskin, County Louth, was sentenced to eleven and a half years in prison for directing the activities of a terrorist organisation and six and a half years for IRA membership. The Special Criminal Court convicted him in October of directing the IRA between April 19 and May 13, 2015, and membership from January 18, 2010, to May 13, 2015. McGrane, who denied both charges, was found to have plotted an explosion during Prince Charles's State visit, targeting the Cross of Sacrifice in Glasnevin. The sentences run concurrently. His ally, Donal O'Coisdealbha, pleaded guilty to IRA membership on May 13, 2015, and was jailed for five and a half years. The court noted McGrane's previous convictions, including a 2001 sentence for firearms training, as aggravating factors. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy dismissed a letter from Eamon O'Cuiv TD as unconvincing. The judge highlighted that significant explosive materials, including Semtex and detonators, were found at locations linked to McGrane and O'Coisdealbha. This marks the second conviction for directing terrorism in the State, following Michael McKevitt's 2003 sentence.
The Special Criminal Court is hearing the case of Eamonn Cumberton, 30, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michael Barr, 35, who was shot seven times at the Sunset House pub in Dublin on 25 April 2016. The prosecution argues that Cumberton is "inextricably linked" to items recovered from a silver Audi, the alleged getaway car, which was found partially burnt near the scene, and that those items are "inextricably linked" to the shooting. The trial will continue tomorrow before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, with Judges Patricia Ryan and James Faughnan presiding.
Darren Gleeson, 35, of Corduff Green, Blanchardstown, pleaded guilty to membership of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) at the Special Criminal Court. He had ordered two grenades via the Dark Net, paying with Bitcoin under the alias "guilleoteen." The package was intercepted and delivered to his girlfriend's address on 18 May 2017. Gleeson signed the DHL receipt as "Darren Kinsella" and accepted the inert grenades, carrying a Stanley knife. Gardaí arrested him that day and he was later taken to Finglas Garda Station. He had a history of four burglaries and two robberies but no prior unlawful‑organisation convictions. The court, presided over by Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, Judge Sinead Ni Chúlacháin and Judge Cormac Dunne, sentenced him to three years and six months' imprisonment, back‑dated to 18 May 2017. The sentence reflected the potential harm of the explosives and his guilty plea, with mitigating factors including cooperation and family circumstances. The maximum penalty was eight years.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, judges ruled that the arrest of Eamonn Cumberton, 30, accused of murdering Michael Barr, 35, at the Sunset House pub on 25 April 2016, was lawful. Cumberton pleaded not guilty. The prosecution argued he was linked to items recovered from a partially burnt car near the scene, and that forensic evidence connected him to the shooting. Evidence was presented that Cumberton was arrested at Dublin Airport on an outstanding bench warrant one month after the murder and later, on 27 May, was arrested by Inspector Brian Delaney on suspicion of murder. The court found the arrest valid and proper, rejecting the defence's claim that it was a contrivance. The case continues.
In a non‑jury Special Criminal Court hearing, Gardai objected to bail for 20‑year‑old Nikita Murtagh, charged with unlawful possession of a CZ model 70 semi‑automatic pistol, two rounds of 7.65 Browning ammunition and a shotgun cartridge recovered at Connolly train station on 19 July. Garda Marguerite Reilly argued that bail should be denied to prevent a further serious offence and that Murtagh was a flight risk. Murtagh denied that she would commit a serious offence if granted bail. The court adjourned the hearing to Wednesday morning for the defence to submit documentation to the State.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, judges will decide next week whether the arrest of Eamonn Cumberton, 30, of Mountjoy Street, Dublin 7, was lawful. Cumberton has pleaded not guilty to the murder of 35‑year‑old Michael Barr, who was shot in the Sunset House pub on 25 April 2016. The prosecution argues that Cumberton is "inextricably linked" to items recovered from a partially burnt car near the scene and that those items were "inextricably linked" to the shooting. The defence challenges the legality of the arrest, citing that Inspector Brian Delaney's evidence was "unsatisfactory" and that the grounds for arrest were based on "inadequate information." Delaney had arrested Cumberton on 27 May 2015 on suspicion of murder, citing confidential information, forensic links to the getaway car, and his movements after the shooting. Cumberton travelled to Thailand two days after the incident.
The Special Criminal Court heard that the butt of a cigarette smoked by Eamonn Cumberton, 30, in a garda station was seized and sent to a forensic science laboratory for analysis. Cumberton, who is accused of murdering 35‑year‑old Michael Barr in the Sunset House pub on 25 April 2016, pleaded not guilty. The prosecution argues that Cumberton is "inextricably linked" to items recovered from a partially burnt‑out car near the scene, and that those items are "inextricably linked" to the shooting. The defence is contesting the legality of Cumberton's arrest. Evidence is being heard in a voir dire to determine its admissibility. The court noted that before being taken from the station, Cumberton smoked a cigarette in the back yard and discarded the butt, which Sergeant Michael Donnellan recovered along with a plastic cup from his cell. Both items were sent to the forensic lab for DNA analysis.
The Special Criminal Court heard that Inspector Brian Delaney was "fairly satisfied" that 30‑year‑old Eamonn Cumberton had a "significant role" in the murder of 35‑year‑old Michael Barr, the manager of the Sunset House pub, on 25 April 2016. Delaney said items recovered from a partially burnt Audi near the scene – masks, hats, firearms and ammunition – linked the car to the shooting and that Cumberton was listed as a suspect early in the investigation. On 26 May, the inspector received information that Cumberton had a baseball cap and a rubber mask from the getaway car, which further convinced him of Cumberton's involvement. Cumberton had tried to leave for Bangkok after the shooting, but his passport had expired; he later obtained an emergency passport and flew to Bangkok, returning to Dublin on 25 May. Eamonn Cumberton pleaded not guilty.
Ciaran Ryan, 23, of Summerhill, Dublin 1, pleaded guilty at the non-jury Special Criminal Court to possessing a semi-automatic pistol at Connolly Station in Dublin on July 19th. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with Judge Patricia Ryan and Judge James Faughnan, accepted the plea. The court remanded Ryan in custody until December 20th, when he will be sentenced. The matter was adjourned for sentencing and is not yet concluded.
During the Special Criminal Court hearing on 23 November 2017, evidence was presented linking a bullet and a mobile phone found beside a partially burnt-out car to the 2016 murder of Michael Barr, 35, at the Sunset House pub. The prosecution argued that Eamonn Cumberton, 30, was "inextricably linked" to the items recovered from the car, which was allegedly used as a getaway vehicle. Witness James Fogarty testified that a car appeared on Walsh Road, with flames on the passenger side, and that a silver car was approached by three individuals. Detective Garda Michael Harkin described finding a 9mm bullet and a ringing phone near a grey Audi, noting the bullet had not moved. Garda Emmett O'Byrne reported a single 9mm round near the Audi's rear passenger wheel. Stephen Clifford, present at the pub, described seeing masked men with a gun at Barr's head. Eamonn Cumberton pleaded not guilty. Sunset House pleaded not guilty.
Two men wearing "Freddie Kruger" masks entered the Sunset House pub in Dublin on the night of a shooting. Eamonn Cumberton, aged 30, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 35‑year‑old Michael Barr, who was shot dead in the pub on 25 April 2016. The prosecution argued that Cumberton was "inextricably linked" to items seized from a partially burnt‑out car near the scene, and that those items were "inextricably linked" to the shooting. Witnesses, including Theresa Smyth, described the masked men as "Freddie Kruger" or "Halloween" masks and said they entered the bar, after which a shooting occurred. Smyth said she saw Barr on the ground with blood from his head and that she "crawled over and blessed him." James Dunne, who was organising a raffle that night, recounted seeing a man with a weapon and fleeing with his daughter.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Eamonn Cumberton, aged 30, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michael Barr, 35, the manager of the Sunset House pub in Dublin. Barr was shot on 25 April 2016 after two masked men in boiler suits entered the pub between 8:30 and 9:33 pm. Barr was shot seven times – five to the head, one to the shoulder and one to the neck – and died at 10:12 pm. Evidence will show that the shooters used a firearm found in a silver Audi, which was set on fire by three people on Walsh Road. The Audi contained loaded firearms, masks, balaclavas and boiler suits. Cumberton and another man flew to Thailand the day after the shooting. The defence will challenge all prosecution evidence, and the case will be heard in a voir dire to determine admissibility. The trial will resume tomorrow with Mr Justice Tony Hunt presiding.
Ciaran Ryan, aged 23, was charged in July at Dublin District Court with three firearms offences: possession of a CZ semi‑automatic pistol with two rounds of 7.65 Browning ammunition and one shotgun cartridge, allegedly committed at Connolly Station on 19 July. The Special Criminal Court, a three‑judge non‑jury court, was instructed by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin and Judge James Faughnan to try Ryan after the State applied for a non‑jury trial. His co‑accused, Nikita Murtagh, 20, faces the same charges and will also be tried before the Special Criminal Court.
Two Dublin men, Kevin Braney, 43, and Ciaran Maguire, 29, were arrested in August on charges of membership in the Irish Republican Army, an unlawful organisation. Braney's address is Glenshane Crescent, Tallaght, Dublin 24, and Maguire's is Kippure Park, Finglas, Dublin 11. Both were remanded in custody and are scheduled to appear before the non‑jury Special Criminal Court on 7 March next year, a trial that is expected to last a little over two weeks.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Darren Gleeson, 35, pleaded guilty to membership of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) on 18 May 2017. The court heard that the Special Detective Unit had investigated attempts to import explosives into Dublin. Two parties were identified on the Dark Net, one using the alias "guilleoteen" who sought two grenades and paid with Bitcoin. The grenades were intercepted and a controlled delivery was arranged to Gleeson's address, where he accepted the package. Gleeson was arrested for IRA membership and has prior convictions for knife possession, burglary and robbery. He pleaded guilty early, and the court remanded him in custody until 7 December when sentencing will occur. The case remains at the membership charge stage.
Seamus McGrane, 63, of Dromiskin, County Louth, was remanded in custody until December 7 for sentencing at the Special Criminal Court. He was convicted last month of directing the activities of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the IRA, between April 19 and May 13, 2015, and of IRA membership between January 18, 2010, and May 13, 2015. McGrane denied both charges. The court found he discussed an operation involving explosives in the run-up to Prince Charles's State visit. Detective Chief Superintendent Tom Maguire outlined evidence from audio recordings at The Coachman's Inn in Swords, where McGrane allegedly directed Donal O'Coisdealbha regarding explosives and a specific operation. McGrane is the second person convicted of directing terrorism in the State, following Michael McKevitt, who was jailed for 20 years in 2003. Defense counsel Michael O' Higgins SC argued the case is distinct from McKevitt's, noting McGrane's group was a splinter organisation with no fatalities. He highlighted that co-accused O'Coisdealbha received a five-and-a-half-year sentence for membership. Ms Justice Kennedy, sitting with Judges Sinead Ni Chulachain and Cormac Dunne, adjourned the matter, remanding McGrane in custody until December 7 when he will be sentenced.
Jonathan Harding, 44, pleaded guilty in the Special Criminal Court to possessing a cache of firearms at Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole. The cache included ten revolvers, four pistols, a sub‑machine gun, an assault rifle and various ammunition magazines. Harding was remanded in custody until 11 January next year, when he and co‑accused James Walsh, 33, will be sentenced. Declan Brady, 51, was also remanded until 8 December for unlawful possession of five revolvers, twenty rounds of ammunition and a silencer found on 24 January at the same unit.
At the Special Criminal Court, Darren Gleeson, 34, admitted to being a member of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) on 18 May 2017. He pleaded guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation. The court, presided over by Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy with Judges Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin and Cormac Dunne, remanded him in custody until 14 November, when sentencing will occur. Paul Greene SC suggested a possible re‑arraignment on the charge.
Nikita Murtagh, aged 20, was charged in July at Dublin District Court with unlawful possession of a CZ model 70 semi‑automatic pistol, two rounds of 7.65 Browning calibre ammunition and a shotgun cartridge. The items were allegedly recovered by gardai on a Dublin‑to‑Belfast train at Connolly Station on 19 July. At a brief hearing on 1 November, the Director of Public Prosecutions applied under Section 49 of the Offences Against the State Act for Murtagh to be tried before the Special Criminal Court. Judge Tony Hunt, with Judges Patricia Ryan and James Faughnan, granted the order.
Patrick Kennedy, 69, pleaded guilty in the Special Criminal Court to unlawfully possessing two revolvers: a .455 Colt New Service and a .455 Webley Mark 6 with serial number 324736. He admitted the weapons were in his possession at James' Street, Dublin 8, on 14 September 2013. Judge Tony Hunt remanded him on continuing bail until 11 January next year, when sentencing will occur.
Real IRA leader Seamus McGrane was bugged by the Gardai as he plotted in a well-known Dublin pub with another man to carry out an operation involving explosives during the run-up to the State visit of Prince Charles two years ago. The Garda National Surveillance Unit planted a sophisticated listening device in the snug of the Coachman's Inn on the Airport Road, which recorded conversations between McGrane – a founder of the Real IRA – and engineering graduate Donal O'Coisdealbha. McGrane (63), from Dromisikin in Co Louth, is only the second person to be convicted of directing a terrorist organisation in the State. His former colleague and fellow founder of the Real IRA Michael McKevitt was jailed for 20 years in 2003 for directing terrorism between August 1999 and October 2000. He was released from prison in 2016. During McGrane's trial at the Special Criminal Court, during which there was no cross-examination of prosecution witnesses, the court heard recordings of the conversations between McGrane and O'Coisdealbha in April, 2015. McGrane told O'Coisdealbha: 'Go with whatever plan you wish. I think he's coming on the 19th (a reference to Prince Charles). I don't like an embarrassment.' McGrane then mentioned 'military significance.' 'Symbolic,' O'Coisdealbha replied. 'Symbolic is right,' replied McGrane. The two men were heard in the recording of April 19th discussing a location 'around 400 metres from the target.' Detective Sergeant Padraig Boyce said that the location being discussed was approximately 400 metres from the Cross of Sacrifice, a monument in Glasnevin Cemetery commemorating British and Irish soldiers who fought in World War 1. The two men were also recorded discussing a bomb found on a train line in Northern Ireland in February 2015 and an attack on MI5 Headquarters in London in April, 2010. The court also heard that gardai found bomb making components in a field adjacent to McGrane's house. McGrane was jailed for four years by the Special Criminal Court in 2001 after he pleaded guilty to training others in the use of firearms.
A Real IRA leader, Seamus McGrane, has been found guilty by the Special Criminal Court of directing the activities of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army (IRA), between April 19th and May 13th, 2015. He was also convicted of IRA membership between January 18th, 2010, and May 13th, 2015. McGrane, of Little Road, Dromiskin, County Louth, had denied both charges. The court heard that there was 'the clearest evidence of directing an illegal organisation,' including audio recordings from April and May 2015, which showed McGrane issuing instructions to Donal O'Coisdealbha regarding meeting others and providing bomb-making material. The recordings also referred to a 'military operation' of significance and 'the main attack' on May 19th, the date Prince Charles was due to carry out a State visit. Gardai discovered a veritable arsenal of weapons and explosives substances in hides on land adjoining McGrane's house. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, presiding, sitting with Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain and Judge Cormac Dunne, remanded Mr McGrane in custody for sentencing on November 14th next. Michael McKevitt was jailed for 20 years in 2003 for directing terrorism.
During a Special Criminal Court hearing on 25 October 2017, the court ruled that members of the public would be excluded from the trial of Darren Gleeson, a 34‑year‑old Dublin resident accused of IRA membership. Gleeson pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation. Prosecutor Fiona Murphy applied to protect the identity of an undercover FBI agent, known as Agent Peter, citing risks to his life and ongoing operations. The court granted the application, ordering the public's exclusion while Agent Peter gave evidence. Gleeson was remanded in custody until the trial resumes next Tuesday.
Vincent Banks, aged 49, of Smithfield Gate Apartments in Dublin 7, has been sentenced to five years imprisonment following his conviction by the Special Criminal Court in July for membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA. The non-jury court heard that Banks purchased a Toyota Camry in a clandestine manner, which was subsequently used in the November 2012 murder of David Black, a Northern Irish prison officer shot whilst en route to Maghaberry prison. Evidence presented to the three-judge court included forensic links between Banks and the vehicle, including his fingerprint on the car's registration certificate, which he had signed under a false name. An ordnance survey map with the Leitrim page removed and bearing Banks' fingerprints was recovered from a friend's vehicle. Justice Isobel Kennedy noted Banks held a position of trust within the organisation. The sentence was backdated to April 16th 2016. Banks was previously acquitted in 2014 of withholding information related to Mr Black's death.
James Walsh, 33, pleaded guilty in the Special Criminal Court to possessing a cache of firearms, including ten revolvers, four pistols, a sub‑machine gun, an assault rifle and ammunition magazines, found on 24 January at Greenogue Business Park. He was remanded in custody until 11 January next year, when sentencing will occur. Co‑accused Jonathan Harding, 44, and Declan Brady, 51, were also remanded until 10 November, when their cases will be mentioned again. Both were charged with unlawful possession of five revolvers, twenty rounds of ammunition and a silencer, also discovered on 24 January at the same unit.
In a case before the Special Criminal Court, Declan Duffy, 43, and Christopher Maguire, 38, both pleaded guilty to falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne in Rathcoole/Saggart on 9 June 2015. Duffy also admitted assaulting John Roche on the same day, while Maguire admitted falsely imprisoning Lisa Byrne. Daniel Kane, 28, was charged but did not attend court. Mr Justice Tony Hunt set a sentencing date of 18 December, remanded Duffy in custody and kept Maguire on continuing bail until that date.
Judges at the Special Criminal Court have remanded Seamus McGrane in custody until October 31st, when judgement will be delivered in his trial. The 63-year-old from Dromiskin, County Louth, pleaded not guilty to directing the activities of an unlawful organization, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, between April 19th and May 13th, 2015. He also denies being a member of the IRA between January 18th, 2010, and May 13th, 2015. The prosecution alleged that McGrane discussed an operation involving explosives in the run-up to the State visit of Prince Charles. Tara Burns SC argued that audio recordings of McGrane and Donal O'Coisdealbha in a Dublin pub, along with explosive materials found on McGrane's property, established that McGrane was acting as an authority in the IRA. She stated the evidence indicated he issued instructions regarding meeting people and providing bomb-making material. Michael O'Higgins SC, for the defence, contended that the recordings showed O'Coisdealbha was developing explosives independently of McGrane, describing their relationship as symbiotic rather than one of direction. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, presiding with Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain and Judge Cormac Dunne, remanded McGrane in custody pending the delivery of judgement on October 31st.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Seamus McGrane, 63, of Dromiskin, County Louth, pleaded not guilty to charges of IRA membership from 18 January 2010 to 13 May 2015 and of directing the activities of an unlawful organization styled the Irish Republican Army between 19 April and 13 May 2015. McGrane denied being an IRA member and denied purchasing Shamrock glucose in that capacity. The court heard that he was interviewed under Section 2 of the Offences Against the State Act on 15 April 2015, and that he refused to answer questions about IRA membership. An audio recording of a conversation in a Dublin pub, bugged by detectives, was presented, in which McGrane spoke of using Shamrock glucose to manufacture explosives. Chief Superintendent Sean Ward provided belief evidence that McGrane was an IRA member during the relevant period.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Seamus McGrane, aged 63, was accused of directing IRA activities between 19 April and 13 May 2015. He allegedly told Donal O'Coisdealbha that an operation would target a site of "military" and "symbolic" significance, with reference to the State visit of Prince Charles on 19 May 2015. McGrane denied membership in the IRA from 18 January 2010 to 13 May 2015. A recorded conversation from 10 May 2015, captured by bugged microphones, described rocket building and testing, and mentioned a target 400 metres from the Cross of Sacrifice in Glasnevin cemetery. Garda searches on 13 May 2015 at McGrane's home and business uncovered bomb‑making components, including detonators, ammunition, a rocket, fireworks, a revolver, potash, syrup, mortar tubes, a garda uniform and a checkpoint sign. The case remains before Judges Kennedy, Ni Chulachain and Dunne. Seamus McGrane pleaded not guilty.
An Estonian man, Imre Arakas, aged 58, was charged in April at Dublin District Court with conspiring to murder James Gately in Northern Ireland between 3 and 4 April. The offence falls under Section 71 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. At a brief hearing today, State solicitor Michael O'Donovan requested that Arakas be charged and tried before the non‑jury Special Criminal Court. Judge Tony Hunt granted the order, allowing the DPP to direct the trial to that court if ordinary courts are deemed inadequate for effective administration of justice.
Jason Keating, 26, of Lower Main Street, Rush, Co Dublin, is accused of murdering Noel 'Duck Egg' Kirwan, 62, outside Kirwan's house on St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, on 22 December 2016. The case is being heard in the non‑jury Special Criminal Court. Mr Justice Tony Hunt set the trial date for 1 October 2017, and Keating has been remanded in custody until that date.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Seamus McGrane, 63, of Dromiskin, County Louth, pleaded not guilty to directing the activities of an unlawful organisation styled the Irish Republican Army (IRA) between 19 April and 13 May 2015. The court listened to an audio recording from a surveillance device placed in the Coachman's Inn pub in Dublin on 19 April 2015. In the recording, McGrane described mixing fertiliser, glucose and corn syrup, grinding the fertiliser, adding sugar and corn syrup, and testing the resulting compound. He also spoke of boiling the materials, discussing chemical ratios, and a timer device. McGrane mentioned a "science graduate" who could assist, and talked about strategies for England and other areas. He questioned the relevance of the IRA in 2016 and criticised police and Sinn Féin. The trial continues before Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain and Judge Cormac Dunne.
A Dublin man convicted of IRA membership will be sentenced later this month at the Special Criminal Court. Vincent Banks, aged 49, of Smithfield Gate Apartments in Dublin 7, was found guilty in July of membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army. The conviction relates to his role in purchasing a Toyota Camry that was subsequently used in the fatal shooting of Northern Ireland prison officer David Black in November 2012. During sentencing proceedings, detectives outlined how Banks had acquired the vehicle under a false name and how forensic evidence, including fingerprints on a car registration certificate and an ordnance survey map of County Leitrim, connected him to the car. The map had a page displaying County Leitrim torn out. Banks' fingerprints were also found on the document. The court heard Banks has no significant previous convictions. He was remanded in custody pending sentencing on 23rd October.
The Special Criminal Court has heard the opening of the trial of Seamus McGrane, 63, of Dromiskin, County Louth. Mr McGrane has pleaded not guilty to directing the activities of an unlawful organization, the IRA, between April 19 and May 13, 2015, and to membership of the IRA between January 18, 2010, and May 13, 2015. Prosecuting counsel Tara Burns SC stated that the case relies on audio recordings made at the Coachman's Inn in Dublin on April 19 and May 10, 2015. The prosecution alleges that McGrane directed Donal O'Coisdealbha to contact individuals for explosives supplies and discussed manufacturing rockets and mortars in the run-up to Prince Charles's state visit. The court will hear evidence that McGrane directed the operation to be "symbolic and of military significance" and "not to be an embarrassment." Evidence will also include a search of a house in Courttown, County Wexford, where explosive substances were found, and searches of McGrane's properties in Dundalk where similar items were allegedly discovered. McGrane was arrested on May 13, 2015. The trial is currently ongoing before Justice Isobel Kennedy, Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin, and Judge Cormac Dunne, and resumes on Monday.
The Special Criminal Court has scheduled a trial for May 30, 2018, for three men accused of murdering 35‑year‑old Gareth Hutch, nephew of Gerry "the Monk" Hutch. Hutch was shot as he entered his car outside Avondale House flats on North Cumberland Street, Dublin, on May 24, 2017. The accused are Regina Keogh, 39, of Kings Inn Street; Jonathan Keogh, 31, of north inner city Dublin; and Thomas Fox, 30, of Rutland Court, Dublin 1. All three were remanded in custody and the case was listed for mention again on December 12, 2017.
Frederick "Freddie" Thompson, aged 36, and Nathan Foley, aged 18, are charged with the murder of David Douglas, 55, who was shot dead on 1 July 2016 at Bridgefoot Street, Dublin. Foley is also charged with damaging a car on 4 July 2016 at Strand Road, Dublin. Both men are remanded in custody. The non‑jury Special Criminal Court, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, has set a trial date for 30 April next year, with the trial expected to last two weeks. The case was listed for mention again on 21 December.
Declan Duffy, aged 43, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to assaulting John Roche and to falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne, both offences committed on 9 June 2015. The court, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, remanded Duffy in custody until 18 October, when the case will be mentioned again. The judge ordered victim impact statements to be prepared for a future sentencing hearing. Duffy's co‑accused, Christopher Maguire (38) and Daniel Kane (28), were also involved in the same false imprisonment allegations, with Kane failing to attend court.
Books of evidence were served on Kevin Braney, 43, and Ciaran Maguire, 29, both charged with membership of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) at the Special Criminal Court. They were arrested in August by Gardaí investigating dissident republicans. Mr Justice Tony Hunt remanded them in custody until November 16, when the case will be mentioned again.
Christopher Maguire, 38, pleaded guilty in the Special Criminal Court to falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne and Lisa Byrne in Saggart on 9 June 2015. The court accepted the plea, remanded him on continuing bail until 18 October when sentencing will occur, and ordered victim impact statements to be prepared.
Jason Keating, aged 26, was charged with the murder of Noel 'Duck Egg' Kirwan, 62, who was shot in the head and chest outside his Ford Mondeo on St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin, on 22 December 2016. The DPP applied for Keating to be tried at the Special Criminal Court, a non‑jury court, and the application was granted by Judge Isobel Kennedy. The court will now hear the case in the Special Criminal Court, where the ordinary courts are deemed inadequate for effective administration of justice.
Two men, Laurence Murphy, 60, and Ray Kennedy, 38, were granted bail by the Special Criminal Court after being charged with membership of the unlawful organisation Oglaigh na hEireann (IRA) in connection with the murder of Peter Butterly, 35, who was shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co. Meath on 6 March 2013. Solicitor Rioghnach Corbett informed the court that the State consented to the bail applications, subject to conditions. Murphy's bail was set on a €100 bond and a €10,000 independent surety; Kennedy's bail was on a €100 bond and a €16,000 independent surety. Conditions require both men to surrender passports, not apply for new travel documents, sign daily at an agreed Garda station, reside at an agreed address, observe a curfew from 12 am to 7 am, stay within jurisdiction, avoid Northern Ireland, refrain from attending Republican commemorations, and not contact prosecution witnesses.
The charge against Dublin man Jason Keating, 26, for the murder of Noel Kirwan, 62, outside Kirwan's house on St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin, on 22 December 2016, has been struck out by the Special Criminal Court. The Director of Public Prosecutions applied for the strike‑out, and the presiding judge, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, told Keating he was "free to go". Keating's counsel, Mr Giollaiosa O Lideadha SC, noted difficulties with the original certificate and charge sheet and that the prosecution intends to restart proceedings against him.
Kevin Braney, a 43‑year‑old Dublin man, was charged by the Special Criminal Court with membership of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and with the murder of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, who was shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co. Meath on 6 March 2013. Braney is also charged with possession of a 9 mm Beretta pistol and seven rounds of ammunition, allegedly intended for a murder on 5 March 2013 at Blackthorn Apartments, Balbriggan. He was brought before the court on 14 September 2017, where he protested the charges as politically motivated and demanded a jury trial. The court, following the Director of Public Prosecutions' request, ordered that he be tried before the Special Criminal Court. Judge Tony Hunt remanded him in custody for a further hearing on 21 September. No objections were raised to Braney's application for legal aid.