At an out‑of‑hours sitting of the Special Criminal Court, a 34‑year‑old Dublin man, Darren Gleeson of Corduff Green, Blanchardstown, was charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, namely the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Gleeson was arrested by Detective Garda Sean Finnegan under section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act on 18 May 2017 and brought to the court on 19 May. In the court, the judge explained the charge to him; Gleeson did not respond. He was remanded in custody until 25 May, when a bail application is expected. The case was heard by Judges Tony Hunt, John O'Hagan and Flann Brennan. No further details of the proceedings or evidence were provided in the article.
At the Special Criminal Court, a Detective Garda Unit officer gave evidence regarding the arrest of a man accused of IRA membership. Detective Garda Paul Cornish denied that any attempt had been made to extract the accused, Michael Connolly (44), from a vehicle through its window during an operation in Convoy, County Donegal. The detective clarified that the term "extracted" in his statement referred simply to opening the car door. Mr Connolly, of Dundalk, County Louth, has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army on 16 December 2014. The prosecution alleges Mr Connolly was observed by gardaí driving in convoy with another man later found in possession of improvised explosive devices. Detective Garda Cornish told the court he had been briefed about suspected IRA activities involving the movement of firearms and explosives. The non-jury trial before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, Judge John O'Hagan, and Judge Flann Brennan continues.
The Special Criminal Court adjourned the sentencing of Jonathan Dowdall and his father, Patrick Dowdall, until May 30th. Both men, of Navan Road, Dublin 7, had previously pleaded guilty to falsely imprisoning and threatening to kill Alexander Hurley on January 15th, 2015. The court heard that the defendants believed Hurley was attempting to defraud them of bank details after he contacted them via donedeal.ie regarding a motorbike sale. During the incident, which lasted three hours, Hurley was detained in a garage, bound to a chair, and subjected to waterboarding and threats of violence. Jonathan Dowdall's counsel, Mr Michael O'Higgins SC, submitted that the court should consider new issues before passing sentence. He disputed allegations that his client was a leading IRA member or a friend of Sinn Fein TDs Mary Lou McDonald and Gerry Adams, stating these claims were not accepted by the defendant. Counsel also noted that Hurley had previous convictions for dishonesty. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy agreed to adjourn the matter to allow the court to take these submissions into account. The report notes that neither defendant has previous convictions, and both expressed apologies for the violence inflicted on the injured party.
A 44-year-old man from Scotstown, County Monaghan, has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organization styling itself the Irish Republican Army at the Special Criminal Court. The accused, Jim Smyth of Aghalissabeagh, faces an allegation dating to November 25th, 2015. During a voir dire hearing to determine the legality of his arrest, Detective Chief Superintendent Tom Maguire told the court that Mr Smyth was suspected of using his own land and his mother-in-law's property at Knockatallon for IRA activities. Detective Sergeant Gerard O'Doherty described confronting a man on the laneway at approximately 9pm, drawing his firearm and identifying him as Mr Smyth. When asked his whereabouts, the accused stated he had been attending Mass and was present to check on horses. The detective expressed concern about the explanation given the darkness and overgrown conditions. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, presiding with two other judges, is expected to rule tomorrow on whether the arrest was lawful. The trial continues.
A Monaghan man has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organization styling itself the Irish Republican Army before the Special Criminal Court. Jim Smyth, aged 44, with an address at Aghalissabeagh, Scotstown, is accused of IRA membership on November 25th, 2015. The prosecution opening heard that gardaí conducted an operation near two derelict houses at Knockatallon, County Monaghan, following a briefing by senior officers at Monaghan Garda Station. A detective garda gave evidence of observing Mr Smyth walking up a laneway at approximately 9:25pm before his arrest by Detective Sergeant Gerry Doherty. The prosecution outlined that interviews conducted under the Offences Against the State Act would be heard, along with evidence from a seven-day search following his arrest. A fingerprint matching Mr Smyth's was found on a medicine pillbox recovered during the search. The trial, before Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy and two other judges, continued.
Gardaí forcibly removed a man from his vehicle during a roadside stop on the N52 in County Meath in December 2014, the Special Criminal Court heard. Michael Connolly, aged 44, of Dundalk, County Louth, has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army. The prosecution alleges that Connolly was observed driving in convoy with another vehicle. Detective Sergeant Daniel O'Driscoll told the court that gardaí became suspicious the cars may carry firearms or explosives and moved to stop them at Mitchelstown Cross. When Connolly did not comply with orders to turn off his ignition, another detective broke the car window and removed him forcibly. A brown paper bag recovered from the second vehicle contained two items wrapped in bubblewrap and black tape, which Detective Sergeant Padraig Boyce described as resembling improvised explosive devices. The court also examined CCTV footage from a petrol station on the N52. The trial, before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and two other judges, continues.
Brian Kenna, 54, of Crumlin Park, Dublin, was convicted by the Special Criminal Court of membership in the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Kenna had denied being a member of the unlawful organisation on 21 November 2015. The court heard testimony from Garda Assistant Commissioner Michael O'Sullivan, who believed Kenna was an IRA member on that date. Evidence included a briefing by Chief Superintendent Tom Maguire to the Special Detective Unit (SDU) that Kenna would be in Portlaoise prison engaging in IRA activities. CCTV footage showed Kenna arriving at Portlaoise prison at 10:20 am and leaving with white objects that were later identified as Christmas cards. While being searched in the prison carpark, a small item wrapped in cling film was found in Kenna's pocket. The item was an IRA communiqué containing three cigarette papers with handwritten notes. The message detailed a debriefing of three men who had been arrested after an intercepted IRA operation in Rathkeale, County Limerick.
Michael Connolly, aged 44 and resident of Grange Drive in Dundalk, County Louth, has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army on 16 December 2014. The Special Criminal Court heard opening arguments from the prosecution that Mr Connolly was observed driving in convoy with another man, Brian Fitzpatrick, following observations by members of the National Surveillance Unit. The court was told the men left the same house together in separate vehicles in the Ardee area before travelling in convoy towards Mullingar. It was further stated that two improvised explosive devices were discovered in Fitzpatrick's vehicle when both cars were stopped on the N52. The prosecution case will rely on evidence from Garda Assistant Commissioner Michael O'Sullivan regarding his belief of Mr Connolly's membership, along with garda interviews conducted under the Offences Against the State Act. The trial, before Mr Justice Tony Hunt presiding with Judge John O'Hagan and Judge Flann Brennan, continues before the three-judge, non-jury court.
During the Special Criminal Court hearing on 5 May 2017, the prosecution alleged that Brian Kenna, 54, used Christmas cards to smuggle a "secret and sensitive" IRA communiqué out of Portlaoise prison. Prosecutor Ronan Kennedy presented CCTV evidence showing Kenna carrying fifteen Christmas cards and later being stopped in the carpark where a document fell from his right jeans pocket. Kennedy argued the pocket was not accidental and that Kenna was aware of the contents, describing the cards as a perfect cover for a sinister document. Kenna's defence, led by Siobhan Stack, contended that the case hinged on a single document that did not mention him or the Gardaí's interception, and that there was no evidence Kenna had seen it. Judge Tony Hunt remanded Kenna on continuing bail until the verdict next Thursday.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Brian Kenna, 54, pleaded not guilty to membership of the Irish Republican Army. The court considered handwriting evidence from an alleged IRA communiqué smuggled from Portlaoise prison. Detective Garda John Sweetman examined the communiqué, written on three cigarette papers, and compared it with Christmas cards Kenna carried. He concluded the comparison was inconclusive and could not reliably determine common authorship. The trial is set to resume on Friday morning before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, Judge John O'Hagan, and Judge Flann Brennan.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence regarding a secret communiqué allegedly smuggled out of Portlaoise prison by Brian Kenna. Kenna, who pleaded not guilty to membership of the IRA, was found with the document in his pocket during a search. Detective Chief Superintendent Tom Maguire testified that the message, written on cigarette paper, was a debriefing of three men involved in an intercepted IRA operation, intended for the group's leadership in Northern Ireland. The debriefing concerned Conor Hughes and Darren Fox, who admitted to the unlawful possession of a sawn-off shotgun and two shotgun cartridges in County Limerick, and James Smithers, who was found guilty of IRA membership. Maguire stated the debriefing was conducted by the IRA's commanding officer in Portlaoise prison and referenced three other leading members in Northern Ireland. Kenna was interviewed under Section 2 of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act, 1998, allowing inferences to be drawn from his silence. He denied travelling to the prison for IRA activities, claiming he visited in his capacity with the Irish Prisoners' Welfare Association to raise welfare concerns. Kenna stated he was unaware of the note, suggesting it may have been hidden among Christmas cards handed to him. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, sitting with Judges John O'Hagan and Flann Brennan.
Joseph Walsh, Michael Gilmartin, and Sean Walsh, all accused of membership in an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army (IRA), appeared at the Special Criminal Court. Walsh (36) of Glengarriff Road, Fair Hill, and Gilmartin (46) of Chestnut Drive, Cluain Ard, Newtown, Cobh, were freshly charged with possession of firearms and ammunition. The new allegations state that on December 14, 2016, they possessed a 9mm parabellum pistol, a suitable magazine, a double-barrel sawn-off shotgun, 14 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and eight shotgun cartridges at the Chestnut Drive address. These charges follow earlier allegations of IRA membership against all three men, including Sean Walsh (50) of St John's Well, Fair Hill, who was arrested in Cork in December 2016. No pleas were entered, and no findings or sentences were recorded at this procedural stage. The court remanded the men in custody until May 26, when their case is listed for mention again. The matter was adjourned and is not concluded.
The Special Criminal Court heard that Jonathan Dowdall and his father, Patrick Dowdall, admitted to falsely imprisoning and threatening to kill Alexander Hurley at their Navan Road, Dublin 7, home on January 15, 2015. Both defendants pleaded guilty to these charges. The court viewed mobile phone footage showing Jonathan Dowdall, wearing a balaclava, holding a tea-towel to Mr. Hurley's face and pouring water over his head. Prosecutors stated the Dowdalls believed Mr. Hurley was attempting to defraud them by seeking bank details under the guise of being a barrister. Mr. Hurley, who has two prior fraud convictions, was bound to a chair for three hours and subjected to threats of violence. In a victim impact statement, Mr. Hurley described the incident as brutal, noting he lost his job and friends and that his psychological injuries would never fully heal. Defense counsel apologized on behalf of the defendants, who have no previous convictions. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, presiding with Judges Sinead Ni Chulachain and James Faughnan, remanded the Dowdalls in custody until May 19, when they will be sentenced.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, judges ruled that the search and arrest of Brian Kenna, 54, were lawful. Kenna, who lives in Crumlin, Dublin, pleaded not guilty to membership of the unlawful organisation Oglaigh na hEireann (IRA). The court accepted that Detective Sergeant Padraig Boyce had reasonable suspicion to stop and search Kenna outside Portlaoise prison after an alleged IRA communiqué fell from his pocket. The judge confirmed Boyce's independent view that Kenna was an IRA member. The court will decide tomorrow on an application challenging the legality of the car search.
Brian Kenna, 54, of Crumlin Park, was arrested by Gardaí while allegedly smuggling an IRA communiqué out of Portlaoise prison on 21 November 2015. He pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation, namely Oglaigh na hEireann (the IRA). Detective Sergeant Padraig Boyce, of the Special Detective Unit, informed Kenna that he would be searched under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act. During the search, Kenna's jeans pockets yielded a small paper wrapped in cling film, which Boyce identified as an IRA communiqué. Kenna denied knowledge of the paper and laughed. He claimed he was visiting two prisoners, Tony Carroll and Kevin Devlin. The prosecution presented evidence that Kenna was a representative of the Irish Republican Prisoners' Welfare Association and that he was an IRA member on the date in question. The defence, led by Siobhan Stack SC, challenged the legality of the stop and search, the arrest, detention and seizure of Kenna's car.
A 24-year-old man from Clonmel in County Tipperary has pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to possessing a firearm and explosive devices. Dylan Cahill admitted to having a .380 calibre Colt semi-automatic pistol and four rounds of ammunition at a location in Glefarne, County Leitrim on 13 May 2015. He also pleaded guilty to possession of two improvised explosive devices at the same address on that date. The non-jury court, presided over by Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy alongside two other judges, remanded Cahill in custody pending sentencing scheduled for 15 May 2017.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 7 April 2017, Mark Heffernan, a 32‑year‑old Limerick resident, was acquitted of alleged involvement in a 2015 assault that left a 53‑year‑old victim, Dan Quilligan, with a nail embedded in his left foot. Heffernan denied assaulting Quilligan on 14 September 2015 at 6 Larch Court. The court found the evidence insufficient to convict him. The prosecution had presented a tracking device indicating an Audi parked outside the Larch Court house, with Heffernan as the driver, and CCTV footage showing him with Gerard Mackin, a 33‑year‑old Northern Irishman, and Patrick Hayes, a 52‑year‑old Limerick resident, both of whom admitted to the assault. The judge noted that while Heffernan's association with the other men was evident, the indictment was too narrow to secure a conviction. Consequently, the court acquitted Heffernan of all charges.
Two Dublin men, Edward McGrath (35) and Sharif Kelly (47), were sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly (35), who was shot dead on 6 March 2013 outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co. Meath. The Special Criminal Court described the killing as "premeditated slaughter". McGrath was also convicted of firearms offences related to the same incident and received an additional seven‑year sentence for each offence. Kelly's role involved dropping a co‑accused, David Cullen, outside Gormanston College to dispose of the gun and then driving McGrath and the gunman away. The court noted that neither McGrath nor Kelly had prior convictions and highlighted the shock of their involvement in a planned, callous murder. Mrs. Eithne Butterly, the victim's wife, delivered a victim impact statement describing her husband's love for his children and the lasting pain of his death. Mr. Justice Tony Hunt imposed the life sentences on both men.
David Murray, 56, of Finglas, Dublin, was convicted by the Special Criminal Court for membership in the Irish Republican Army. He pleaded not guilty to the charge of belonging to an unlawful organisation. The court found evidence of a "shopping‑list" of chemicals used to make explosives in his bedroom, described as the most significant and sinister document. The list was remarkably similar to one found in the van of Stephen Hendrick, who was later sentenced to eleven years for firearms and explosives offences. Other items seized included a transcript of a bail hearing, handwritten notes on IRA intelligence about a cigarette delivery‑van in Limerick, security company details, and fund‑raising notes for republican prisoners. Murray was sentenced to four and a half years in prison, back‑dated to 1 April, after a non‑jury trial on 25 March 2015. The judge described his involvement as profound, active and wide‑ranging in subversive activities.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 5 April 2017, Assistant Commissioner Michael O'Sullivan informed the court that he believed 56‑year‑old David Murray of Cappogue Cottages, Finglas, was a member of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). The prosecution, represented by Gareth Baker BL, presented evidence they described as "significant and compelling," including a shopping list of chemicals used for explosives found in Murray's bedroom, which was remarkably similar to a list discovered in the van of Stephen Hendrick, a 48‑year‑old convicted in a separate case of possessing explosives after a bomb‑factory was found in his garden. Baker also cited a "connection" between Murray and Hendrick, noting that Hendrick had been sentenced to 11 years for firearms, ammunition and explosives. David Murray pleaded not guilty.
The article reports that Nathan Killeen, the getaway driver in the 2009 murder of businessman Roy Collins, has filed an appeal against his conviction. Killeen, aged 27, was found guilty by a Special Criminal Court after a 29‑day trial, alongside co‑accused Wayne Dundon, who was 39. The court had given both men mandatory life sentences. Killeen's barrister, Giollaiosa O Lideadhda SC, argues that the trial judge failed to provide reasons, to analyse forensic evidence, and to address collusion issues, particularly concerning witness Lisa Collins. He also contends that the court did not adequately assess the reliability of prosecution witnesses or the disclosure of evidence. The appeal will be heard by a panel of judges, including Justice George Birmingham, Justice Alan Mahon and Justice John Edwards, on the following day. The article focuses solely on the appeal filing and the arguments presented by Killeen's counsel. Nathan Killeen pleaded not guilty. Wayne Dundon pleaded not guilty.
Jim Smyth, a 43-year-old man from County Monaghan, is scheduled to face trial at the Special Criminal Court on May 15th. He is charged with membership of an unlawful organization, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, on November 25th, 2015. The allegations stem from his arrest in Carrickmacross by the Special Detective Unit in November 2015, which was part of ongoing investigations into dissident republican activity. During these operations, gardai discovered a cache of firearms, including AK47 assault rifles, mortars, detonators, and other IED components. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding at the three-judge court, fixed the trial date, which is expected to last two weeks. The matter was not concluded; instead, Mr Smyth was remanded on continuing bail until the start of his trial. No plea, finding, or sentence has been recorded at this procedural stage, as the case remains at the pre-trial phase with the trial date set for next month.
During a Special Criminal Court hearing on 4 April 2017, a Dublin man named David Murray, aged 56, was questioned by Gardaí about his alleged friendship with Stephen Hendrick, a 48‑year‑old convicted of possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives. Murray, who lives in Cappogue Cottages, Finglas, denied IRA membership and made no reply when asked if he was a friend of Hendrick. Gardaí had previously observed the two men together outside Lloyd's pub on Amiens Street on 12 September 2014. In March 2015, a search of Murray's bedroom uncovered a shopping list for chemicals used in making explosives, which the prosecution said was "remarkably similar" to a list found in Hendrick's van. The case is being heard by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, with Judges John O'Hagan and Ann Ryan presiding. David Murray pleaded not guilty.
Frederick "Freddie" Thompson, aged 36, will be tried at the Special Criminal Court for the alleged murder of David Douglas, aged 55, who was shot dead on 1 July last year. Thompson was charged at Cloverhill District Court and is currently in custody. The Director of Public Prosecutions has applied for a non‑jury trial, arguing that ordinary courts are inadequate for effective administration of justice. The order was made by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, with Judges John O'Hagan and Ann Ryan presiding.
Wayne Dundon, aged 39, has lodged an appeal against his conviction for the murder of businessman Roy Collins, 35, who was shot at Coin Castle Amusements, Roxboro, on 9 April 2009. Dundon, a Limerick criminal, pleaded not guilty at the Special Criminal Court, which found him had ordered the murder from prison and that Nathan Killeen, 27, was the getaway driver for gunman James Dillon. The court, presided over by Ms Justice Iseult O'Malley, delivered a verdict after a 29‑day trial, sentencing Dundon and Killeen to mandatory life imprisonment. Dundon's barrister, Remy Farrell SC, argues the court failed to address controversies, inconsistencies in witness accounts, and specific factual issues, particularly the testimony of 'Noddy' McCarthy and other witnesses. He contends the court's reliance on uncorroborated testimony and its treatment of prosecution witnesses as non‑accomplices were defective, and he seeks a quashing of the conviction. The appeal will be heard by the Court of Appeal tomorrow.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, a Bulmers pint‑glass labelled "prisoners' fund" was discovered in the converted shed of David Murray, a 56‑year‑old from Cappogue Cottages, Finglas, who is pleading not guilty to membership of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). The shed, used as a bar, also contained a poster for the Irish Republican Prisoners' Welfare Association. Detective Garda Paul Mulcahy reported that a list of items found in Murray's bedroom included sulphur, potassium nitrate and charcoal – the ingredients of black powder – and other components such as alarm‑clocks, circuit‑boards and flash‑bulbs used in improvised explosive devices. Sergeant Kieran Regan found two black bags of military clothing and T‑shirts in another bedroom. Statements from the National Surveillance Unit noted that on 3 September 2014, Murray and Stephen Hendrick left Power City together; Hendrick, who lives in Ballymun, was sentenced last year to eleven years for firearms, ammunition and explosives.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 31 March 2017, the charge of false imprisonment against Mark Heffernan, aged 32, was dismissed. Heffernan had been accused of participating in a nail‑gun assault on Dan Quilligan, a 53‑year‑old resident of Rathkeale, who was beaten and had a nail driven into his left foot in a Limerick house. Heffernan denied imprisoning Quilligan at 6 Larch Court on 14 September 2015 and pleaded not guilty to the assault. Judge Tony Hunt ruled that any evidence of false imprisonment was integral to the assault and should be dealt with under the assault charge. He also excluded part of protected witness Tom Lillis's testimony, stating it did not meet the standard for a jury conviction. The case will resume on Monday with Judges John O'Hagan and Ann Ryan present.
Wayne Dundon, 39, of Limerick, failed to secure a different panel of judges for his appeal against a murder conviction. Dundon and Nathan Killeen, 27, were found guilty of the 2009 murder of Roy Collins, a 35‑year‑old businessman, at Coin Castle Amusements. The Special Criminal Court held that Dundon ordered the killing from prison and Killeen acted as getaway driver for gunman James Dillon. Both men received mandatory life sentences on 15 July 2014. Dundon's lawyers applied to the Court of Appeal for a new court composition, citing alleged overlap of factual matters with a prior threats‑to‑kill case involving the Collins family. Justice George Birmingham dismissed the application, stating no objective basis existed for recusal and that the Court of Appeal must hear the case as assigned. Dundon and Killeen remain scheduled to appeal their convictions on Monday. Wayne Dundon pleaded not guilty. Nathan Killeen pleaded not guilty.
During a Special Criminal Court hearing, Detective Garda Colm Finnerty reported that a list of items seized from the bedroom of David Murray, a 56‑year‑old man accused of IRA membership, included shotgun cartridges, chemicals for explosives, six small alarm clocks, six large rocket‑type fireworks, six circuit boards, six tubes of solder, six flash bulbs, two steel 45‑gallon drums and face masks. The detective noted that the list was almost identical to one found in the van of Stephen Hendrick, who was sentenced to eleven years for firearms, ammunition and explosives. In addition to the list, documents seized included a transcript of a 2014 Special Criminal Court bail hearing for an IRA‑membership case, a handwritten note about a cigarette delivery van in Red Cow that might be an intelligence document, a photocopy of a Garda letterhead with Chief Superintendent Patrick Leahy's signature, a handwritten note on security companies, and a document noting minutes of a meeting.
During a Special Criminal Court hearing on 28 March 2017, the prosecution presented evidence that a shopping‑list of chemicals used for explosives was found in the home of David Murray, 56, of Cappogue Cottages, Finglas, Dublin. Murray is pleading not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styled the Irish Republican Army (IRA). The prosecution, represented by Gareth Baker SC, said Chief Superintendent Michael O'Sullivan would testify that he believed Murray was an IRA member on the day in question, and that supporting evidence would include various documents and items seized from Murray's house. The list, which Baker said bore a striking similarity to a list found in the van of Stephen Hendrick, a former IRA member convicted in 2014 of firearms and explosives offences, was presented as a shopping‑list of items commonly used in producing explosives.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, former Sinn Fein councillor Jonathan Dowdall, aged 38, and his father Patrick Dowdall, aged 59, pleaded guilty to falsely imprisoning and threatening to kill Alexander Hurley. The alleged offences occurred on 15 January 2015 at Navan Road, Dublin 7, where the Dowdalls detained Hurley without consent and threatened his life. Judge Isobel Kennedy remanded both men in custody until 28 April, when sentencing will take place. Jonathan Dowdall's counsel will prepare a psychological report, while the State will seek a victim impact statement.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, a detective reported that a protected witness, Tom Lillis, directed Gardaí to a site where he had disposed of two suits after being instructed by another man. The witness claimed to have seen the accused, Mark Heffernan, in a white suit at the Larch Court house on the day of an alleged assault on Dan Quilligan. Heffernan, aged 32, has pleaded not guilty to assaulting Quilligan and to false imprisonment at the same address on 14 September 2015. Heffernan's lawyers objected to the protected witness's evidence. The court considered the witness statement as part of a voir dire to assess its admissibility. The trial will resume on Monday before Justice Tony Hunt, Judge John O'Hagan and Judge Ann Ryan.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 23 March 2017, a protected witness, Tom Lillis, testified that he cleaned up blood from a kitchen after a man allegedly had his foot nailed to the floor. Lillis said he saw the accused assaulting and falsely imprisoning 53‑year‑old Dan Quilligan at a house in Limerick on the day of the alleged assault. The prosecution alleged that three men were involved in a joint enterprise, with Mark Heffernan (32) pleading not guilty to assault and false imprisonment. Lillis described being told to leave the house, returning to find blood spattered across the kitchen, and cleaning it with bleach and tea towels over about 30 minutes. He also claimed another man asked him to dispose of two white suits, which he threw over a high wall 300 yards away.
In the Special Criminal Court, a protected witness named Tom Lillis testified that he saw Dan Quilligan, a Rathkeale resident, in the house where the alleged assault and false imprisonment occurred. The prosecution alleges that three men, including Mark Heffernan, 32, of Swallow Drive, John Carew Park, Limerick, participated in a joint enterprise that led to Quilligan being beaten and having his left foot nailed to the kitchen floor of a Limerick house on 14 September 2015. Heffernan has pleaded not guilty to assaulting Quilligan and to falsely imprisoning him at the same address on the same date. During cross‑examination, Heffernan's counsel, Ronan Munro SC, questioned Lillis about whether he knew Heffernan prior to the alleged offences. Lillis replied that he had seen Heffernan once or twice but could not confirm personal acquaintance.
Nathan Foley, 18, lives on Rosary Road, Dublin 8. He was charged at Dublin District Court with the murder of David Douglas, 55, who was shot dead on 1 July 2016 at Bridgefoot Street. Foley is also charged with damaging a car on 4 July 2016 at Strand Road, Dublin 4. State solicitor Michael O'Donovan informed the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions was applying for Foley to be tried in the Special Criminal Court. Judge Tony Hunt, with Judges John O'Hagan and Ann Ryan, granted the order.
The Special Criminal Court's trial of 33‑year‑old Lithuanian Eimantas Valteris collapsed after a taped conversation between Valteris and two Gardaí was played. In the recording, the Gardaí, including Detective Sergeant Padraig Boyce, warned Valteris that if he did not accept responsibility for three firearms and four silencers, his wife would be arrested and their child would go into care. They also threatened to arrest his partner if he refused to cooperate. The Director of Public Prosecutions entered a nolle prosequi before the tape was fully played, and the court discharged Valteris. The case had originally involved Valteris's alleged unlawful possession of a .32‑inch semi‑automatic pistol, with evidence of the weapon being found in a VW Passat that had been stopped by Gardaí in Castlebellingham. The trial was the first at the Special Criminal Court involving a Lithuanian defendant. Eimantas Valteris pleaded not guilty.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, a 53‑year‑old man named Dan Quilligan claimed he was assaulted and had his left foot nailed to the kitchen floor of a Limerick house. Mark Heffernan, aged 32, pleaded not guilty to assault and false imprisonment charges. The prosecution alleged a joint enterprise involving three men, with Quilligan being struck in the face and his foot nailed. Detective Garda Alan Curry presented forensic evidence of strike‑marks on the floor, two of which matched nail strikes. The trial is ongoing before Justice Tony Hunt, Judge John O'Hagan and Judge Ann Ryan.
A 53-year-old Cork man has been sentenced to four-and-a-half years imprisonment for membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army. Martin McHale, with an address at Blackwater Grove, Togher, Cork, was convicted by the non-jury Special Criminal Court in February following trial. The court found McHale travelled to Monaghan in a van containing approximately 500 kilogrammes of agricultural fertiliser. He had initially denied knowledge of the contents, claiming to gardaí he had borrowed the van for a drinking session. However, forensic evidence recovered from a glove in the van established both fertiliser residue and McHale's DNA. The Special Criminal Court panel, presided over by Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy alongside Judge Gerard Griffin and Judge Gerard Haughton, determined that McHale's statements to gardaí were false and misleading and that he was a trusted transporter of the material. McHale refused to identify the van's owner. Evidence from Assistant Commissioner Michael Finn indicated McHale was an IRA member.
Two Limerick men, Gerard Mackin (33) and Patrick Hayes (52), pleaded guilty to a "depraved and barbaric" assault on 53‑year‑old Dan Quilligan on 14 September 2015 at 6 Larch Court. Quilligan was nailed to the kitchen floor with a nail‑gun, causing lasting pain and trauma. The Special Criminal Court, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, described the assault as "most grievous". Both men were sentenced to three years' imprisonment. A separate charge of falsely imprisoning Quilligan was dropped by the State. The case was presented as a pre‑planned joint enterprise, with CCTV evidence linking Mackin's car to the scene. Quilligan's victim impact statement highlighted the lasting physical and emotional damage, stating the incident had "shattered my life". The trial of co‑accused Mark Heffernan, who pleaded not guilty, will resume on Monday.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Dan Quilligan, a Limerick resident, alleged that on 14 September 2015 he was beaten and had his left foot nailed to the kitchen floor of a house at 6 Larch Court, Limerick. Quilligan, who was drinking with a friend at the train station that day, was taken to the house by his friend in a van. He reported being struck on the jaw and head, having a belt used against him, and that a nail gun was fired into his right foot while his left foot was nailed to the floor. He said he did not know the assailants' names, though two men were at the door. Three men—Gerard Mackin (33), Mark Heffernan (32), and Patrick Hayes (52)—are on trial for assault and false imprisonment, all pleading not guilty. The prosecution claims the call that directed Quilligan and his friend to the house came from Hayes' phone.
The Special Criminal Court in Dublin opened a trial on 14 March 2017 for Eimantas Valteris, a 33‑year‑old Lithuanian, who is the first Lithuanian charged with terrorism‑related offences in Ireland. Valteris was arrested by the Gardaí in 2013 during an operation targeting dissident republican activity in the border area. He pleaded not guilty to unlawful possession of a .32 inch (7.65 mm) calibre IZH 79‑8 semi‑automatic pistol, serial number TPB358706, found at his car‑sales depot in Balmoral Industrial Estate, Navan, County Meath, on 10 June 2013. The prosecution, presented by Tony Mc Gillicuddy, claimed Valteris operated the depot and stored the firearm on his premises, acting in a storage and transfer role.
A book of evidence has been served on a man accused of membership of an unlawful organisation before the Special Criminal Court. James Joseph Cassidy, aged 53, of Tullycollive, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan, is charged with membership of an organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army on 21 September 2016. The State solicitor confirmed to the three-judge court that the book of evidence was ready for service on the accused. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, sitting with Judge John O'Hagan and Judge Ann Ryan, remanded Mr Cassidy on continuing bail. The case is listed for mention again on 24 April.
Two Dublin men, Edward McGrath (35) and Sharif Kelly (47), were found guilty by the Special Criminal Court of the callous, brutal and pre‑meditated murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly (35) on 6 March 2013 outside The Huntsman Inn, Gormanston. The court described the killing as an ambush carried out in the carpark, with Butterly shot by a handgun held by Dean Evans (24), who was absent from the trial. McGrath was also convicted of firearms offences from the same incident. The trial, lasting 31 days, relied on forensic evidence from a stolen Toyota Corolla, a green Opel Zafira, and a bag seized from the Corolla, which contained a black semiautomatic pistol. DNA and residue tests linked the men to the shooting. The court remanded McGrath and Kelly in custody pending sentencing. The case did not involve any subsequent verdicts or appeals.
A 53-year-old Cork man has been remanded in custody pending sentencing following his conviction for membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army. Martin McHale, with an address in Togher, Cork, was convicted by the Special Criminal Court last month after denying the charge. He had claimed to gardaí that he travelled to Monaghan for a social visit and was unaware of approximately 500 kilogrammes of agricultural fertiliser found in a van he was driving. Detective gardaí observed McHale and another man acting suspiciously at a filling station in the Monaghan area, which was under surveillance for dissident activity. Following a search, the fertiliser was discovered in the vehicle. Forensic analysis later identified McHale's DNA and fertiliser traces on a glove found in the van. The court found his account false and misleading. Assistant Commissioner Michael Finn gave evidence that he believed McHale to be an IRA member based on reliable information. McHale will be sentenced on 16 March.
Judges in the Special Criminal Court will deliver a verdict on March 9th in the murder trial of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old dissident republican shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, on March 6th, 2013. Two Dublin men, Edward McGrath (35) of Springfield, Tallaght, and Sharif Kelly (47) of Balbriggan, are charged with the murder and have pleaded not guilty. McGrath also pleaded not guilty to firearms offences. A third accused, Dean Evans (24) of Raheny, failed to appear and has not been located. The court heard evidence from a protected witness, David Cullen, who was originally accused of the murder and implicated McGrath and Kelly. The trial also considered surveillance testimony and DNA evidence found on a vehicle near the scene. Both accused remain on continuing bail until the verdict.
In the Special Criminal Court, two Dublin men, Edward McGrath (35) and Sharif Kelly (47), pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly (35), who was shot outside The Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, on 6 March 2013. McGrath also denied firearms offences. A third accused, Dean Evans (24), was absent. The court accepted evidence from protected witness David Cullen, who implicated McGrath and Kelly. Prosecutor Paul O'Higgins highlighted extensive evidence against McGrath, including DNA on a silver Toyota Corolla and gun residue on his jacket, and evidence against Kelly, such as his arrest in a green Opel Zafira and a bag of clothes with Evans' fingerprints. Defence counsel Giollaíosa Ó'Lideadha dismissed Cullen's testimony as unreliable, citing contradictions and lack of independent corroboration. The trial's closing speeches concluded before a hearing on Monday before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, Judge John O'Hagan and Judge Ann Ryan.
The Special Criminal Court has heard evidence in the ongoing trial of Edward McGrath and Sharif Kelly, who are accused of the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly and associated firearms offences. Both men have pleaded not guilty to all charges. A third accused, Dean Evans, failed to appear and has not been located; the non-jury court decided to proceed with the trial for McGrath and Kelly in his absence. Forensic scientist Sandra McGrath testified that DNA samples matching the profiles of the two accused were found on a balaclava and a black wig seized from a Toyota Corolla stopped near the scene of the shooting. The court heard that the car was being monitored by the National Surveillance Unit. The witness stated that DNA matching Evans' profile was found on the balaclava, gloves, and clothing recovered from a second vehicle, an Opel Zafira. Conversely, DNA matching McGrath's profile was identified on the black wig. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, sitting with Judge John O'Hagan and Judge Anne Ryan. The matter remains at the trial stage, with no findings, sentences, or finalisations recorded for the accused to date.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, forensic evidence was presented that strongly supports the view that Dean Evans, a 24‑year‑old Dublin man, was the gunman who shot Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old dissident republican, outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston on 6 March 2013. Dr John O'Shaughnessy, a forensic scientist, examined a grey knitted sweater seized from Evans and found firearm discharge residue on the cuffs and sleeves, indicating that Evans had fired a weapon. Residue was also found on a jacket taken from co‑accused Edward McGrath, suggesting that the jacket wearer was near the discharge. Evans has not appeared for trial and remains unlocated. The court is proceeding with the trial of co‑accused Edward McGrath (35) and Sharif Kelly (47), both of whom pleaded not guilty to the murder and, in McGrath's case, to firearms offences. The hearing was presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt with Judges John O'Hagan and Ann Ryan.
A Cork man has been convicted of membership of the Irish Republican Army at the Special Criminal Court following a trial centred on the discovery of half-a-tonne of fertiliser in a van he was driving in Monaghan. Martin McHale, aged 53, had pleaded not guilty to the charge. The court heard that McHale told gardaí he had travelled to Monaghan for a social visit and was unaware of the ammonium nitrate-based fertiliser bags found in the borrowed vehicle. Detective gardaí became suspicious after observing two men in a van at a filling station in Monaghan town on the night in question, and subsequent searches revealed ten 50kg bags of fertiliser. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy found McHale guilty, stating the three-judge court was satisfied the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The judge determined McHale's account lacked credibility and noted his failure to answer material questions during garda interviews. McHale was remanded on continuing bail pending sentencing on March 6th.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 20 February 2017, a defence barrister argued that the court had been misled regarding the evidence of a protected witness in the Peter Butterly murder case. Butterly, aged 35, was shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston on 6 March 2013. David Cullen, originally accused, turned State witness over a year later and gave evidence implicating his former co‑accused. Edward McGrath (35) and Sharif Kelly (47) pleaded not guilty to the murder; McGrath also pleaded not guilty to firearms offences. Dean Evans (24) failed to attend and was not located. The court proceeded with McGrath and Kelly in Evans's absence. Cullen testified for over four days in a voir‑dire, and his evidence will be reviewed by the judges. Defence counsel Giollaíosa Ó'Lideadha SC contended that omissions in police note‑taking deprived the court of essential material, alleging a deliberate policy of not recording conversations.