2025-12-04 · Dublin
'Criminal elements' trying to interfere with justice, Special Criminal Court told as trial witness is remanded in custody
The Special Criminal Court remanded Barry Moore, the alleged victim in the trial of four men, in custody to ensure the proceedings commence. Detective Inspector Liam Donoghue told the court that "criminal elements" were attempting to interfere with justice by issuing threats, causing Mr Moore to be "gripped by fear." Although the court expressed sympathy for Mr Moore's position, Ms Justice Karen O'Connor directed his remand to protect the integrity of the trial, which was scheduled to begin the following day. The four accused—Jason Hennessy Jr, Brandon Hennessy, Kenneth Fitzsimons, and Dean Fitzsimons—face charges of false imprisonment, intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm, and participating in the activity of a criminal organisation. The alleged offences occurred on February 12, 2025, at a house in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. Jason Hennessy Jr is further charged with threatening to damage property and producing a branding stamp to intimidate another person. Brandon Hennessy is charged with producing a steel breaker bar in a manner likely to intimidate. Dean Fitzsimons faces charges of making a threat to kill or cause serious harm, and producing a metal branding stamp and a steel breaker bar. Kenneth Fitzsimons is charged with producing a steel breaker bar and an axe. The trial had been repeatedly delayed due to Mr Moore's failure to attend court, leading to the issuance of a bench warrant. The matter was adjourned to allow the trial to proceed.