A sentencing hearing has taken place in the Special Criminal Court for Shane Blackhall (21) and Co-accused O'Donovan (19), both of whom have pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to drug dealing, firearm possession, and involvement in a criminal organisation. Blackhall admitted to possessing cocaine, cannabis, and diamorphine for sale or supply at Mungret Court on June 10, 2025, and possessing a firearm on January 6, 2025, at Hyde Avenue in Limerick, in circumstances giving rise to a reasonable suspicion that he did not have it for a lawful purpose. He also admitted to unlawfully using a mechanically propelled vehicle without the consent of the owner on June 1, 2025, at Ashbourne Avenue, Limerick. O'Donovan admitted to participating in or contributing to activity intending to facilitate the commission of a serious offence by the O'Donoghue criminal organisation, to wit, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, between April 26 and May 8, 2025. He also faces three further charges of unlawfully using a mechanically propelled vehicle without the consent of the owner, in Limerick on April 27, 2025, and May 8, 2025, and in Monasterevin on April 26, 2025, as well as a charge of arson at Ashroe, Limerick, on May 8, 2025. The matter was adjourned for sentencing on July 27. Five other men are also due to stand trial in relation to their alleged involvement in these offences.
Mark Salmon (33), a drug dealer, was jailed for ten years for making threats to kill and damage property, as well as possessing cocaine and proceeds of crime. Salmon threatened a mother that he would get 'junkies' to rape her son if she failed to repay a €157,000 debt. Presiding judge Mr Justice Patrick McGrath noted the severity of the threats and Salmon's role in the drug trade. Salmon had pleaded guilty to the charges and the court considered mitigating factors such as his early guilty plea and efforts at rehabilitation. The court also noted that Salmon had previously been involved in criminal activities and had a history of intimidation. The victim's mother had to leave her home and her son fled the country due to fear. Salmon was also found in possession of €35,000 worth of cocaine and had unexplained income from criminal activities. The court ordered the forfeiture of cash and the destruction of the drugs seized.
The Special Criminal Court is seeking a comprehensive probation report to address the radicalisation of a self-described jihadist who was inspired by terrorist organisation Isis when he set fire to a pub owned by Conor McGregor and later stabbed a garda on a Dublin street while shouting Allahu Akbar'. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, presiding at the three-judge court, was expected to deliver a sentence today for 24-year-old Abdullah Khan. However, Ms Justice O'Connor said Khan will require "significant post-release supervision" and therefore the court wished to have the assistance of a probation report. She said the court is requesting a structured report from the probation service that will address Khan's radicalisation. To assist the service, Ms Justice O'Connor ordered that they be furnished with an expert report drawn up as part of the prosecution case. Ms Justice O'Connor adjourned the matter to July 13 for an update. Khan remains in custody. Khan, with an address in Dublin that cannot be published due to a court order, previously pleaded guilty to eight charges.
The Special Criminal Court sentenced seven men to prison terms ranging from ten to twelve years for conspiring to import an estimated €42 million worth of cocaine into Ireland. All defendants, including Gary Monks, Miljan Koprivica, Conor Costello, Ryan Watson, Hanz Pangahin, Christopher Ampo, and Feljon Lao, entered guilty pleas to offences under section 71 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. The court found that the group operated as structured cells under the control of an international cartel, using the MV Royal to transport 400 to 600kg of cocaine from the Amazon to the Shannon Estuary. Presiding Judge Karen O'Connor emphasized the need for a significant deterrent to protect Ireland's coastline from such criminality. Sentences varied based on individual roles and mitigating factors. Koprivica received the maximum twelve-year term for acting as a trusted conduit between criminal cells. Monks received the minimum ten-year sentence due to evidence of post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from service in conflict zones. Costello, Watson, Lao, Ampo, and Pangahin each received ten-and-a-half-year sentences. The matter was finalized with these custodial sentences imposed.
Stephen Carberry, 48, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to charges of assisting an offender and facilitating the murder of Keane Mulready-Woods. He admitted to transporting and disposing of the teenager's body parts between January 13 and 15, 2020, while on bail for drug offences. The court heard victim impact statements from Keane's parents, who described the "cruelty and inhumanity" of the disposal. Carberry, who has 77 previous convictions, was alleged to have collected two sports bags from Rathmullan Park, Drogheda, and dumped one in Moatview, Dublin. His co-accused, Gerard Cruise, 51, also pleaded guilty to facilitating the murder under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. In February 2023, co-accused Paul Crosby was sentenced to ten years for the same offence, while Cruise received seven-and-a-half years with the final six months suspended for two years. Ms Justice O'Connor adjourned Carberry's case to Monday, March 9, for sentencing, noting the panel could not imagine the depth of the family's pain.
The Special Criminal Court adjourned the trial of four men accused of assaulting Barry Moore until Monday morning. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor warned Moore, who appeared via videolink, that he could be imprisoned for refusing to give evidence. Moore stated he would not testify despite understanding the consequences. The DPP argued that Moore's prior statements should be admitted as evidence, asserting they point exclusively to the guilt of the accused. The State alleges that Jason Hennessy Jr, Brandon Hennessy, Kenneth Fitzsimons, and Dean Fitzsimons assaulted Moore in a shed in Blanchardstown on February 12, 2025, branding him with the word 'RAT'. All four defendants pleaded not guilty to charges including false imprisonment, causing serious harm, and participating in criminal organisation activities. Jason Hennessy Jr is further charged with threatening property damage and producing a branding stamp. Brandon Hennessy is charged with producing a steel breaker bar. Dean Fitzsimons is charged with threatening to kill or cause serious harm and producing a metal branding stamp and steel breaker bar. Kenneth Fitzsimons is charged with producing a steel breaker bar and an axe. Devon Hennessy, who is not part of this trial, previously pleaded guilty to falsely imprisoning and assaulting Moore to enhance criminal gang activities. The court will consider medical evidence, CCTV, and blood stains. Ms Justice O'Connor asked the State to continue reviewing Moore's custody arrangements as the trial was adjourned.
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned Sean McGovern's legal aid application to November 24, stating it remains unsatisfied with the documentation provided. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor emphasized that the court is not a rubber stamp and must exercise due diligence regarding taxpayers' money, noting that instructions received were scant. McGovern, aged 39, with a previous address at Kildare Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12, is charged with the murder of Noel Kirwan on December 22, 2016, at St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin. He also faces charges of directing a criminal organisation in connection with that murder, facilitating a criminal organisation in the murder of Mr Kirwan, and similar offences related to a conspiracy to murder James Gately and the surveillance of Gately. Counsel Seán Guerin SC argued that the legal team could not travel to Portlaoise to take instructions without legal aid being assigned, claiming the necessary forms were completed. However, the court ordered that further instructions be taken from McGovern. The matter was previously adjourned on several occasions, and McGovern was extradited from the United Arab Emirates to face these charges, with his lawyers having previously raised concerns about the legality of his return.
A man accused of conspiring to steal vehicles with garda killer Aaron Brady has been refused bail ahead of his retrial at the Special Criminal Court. James Flynn, aged 43, with an address in Newry, County Down, faced objections from gardaí who contended he poses a flight risk. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, presiding over the three-judge, non-jury court, noted that Mr Flynn holds citizenship of the United Kingdom and the United States and has established businesses in both jurisdictions. The judge cited evidence of his financial capacity to evade justice and rejected submissions that his ties to the Republic of Ireland are sufficiently substantial. Proposed bail conditions, including residence with his mother-in-law in Monaghan, did not allay the court's concerns regarding the seriousness of the charges and the probable sentence upon conviction. The Court of Appeal previously quashed Mr Flynn's conviction on the conspiracy charge and ordered a retrial, finding the Special Criminal Court had breached his constitutional right to natural justice by amending the indictment without consulting legal representatives.
In the Special Criminal Court, six of seven men accused in connection with the seizure of 2.25 tonnes of cocaine on the MV Matthew are set to apply for dismissal of charges under the Criminal Procedure Act. The hearings, expected to last three to four days, will determine if the cases proceed to trial. The seized drugs, valued at over €157 million, were recovered in September 2023 during an Army Rangers operation. The six applicants include Ukrainians Mykhailo Gavryk, Vitaliy Vlasoi, and Vitaliy Lapa; Iranians Soheil Jelveh and Saeid Hassani; Dutch national Cumali Ozgen; and Filipino Harold Estoesta. However, Vitaliy Lapa is not making an application and remains accused of offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 and the Criminal Justice Act 2006. The other six face similar charges, with five additionally charged under the Criminal Justice (Illicit Traffic by Sea) Act 2003. Separately, UK national Jamie Harbron, 31, has already pleaded guilty to attempting to possess cocaine for sale or supply between September 21 and 25, 2023. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for later this year. The court noted that details of the dismissal applications cannot be reported. The matter regarding the six applicants is currently at the pre-trial application stage, with the trial itself not yet concluded.
The Special Criminal Court has ruled that Garda Dermot Sloane may narrate CCTV footage of the fatal shooting of Jason Hennessy Snr at Browne's Steakhouse in Blanchardstown on Christmas Eve 2023. Presiding Judge Kerida Naidoo determined that the garda, described as an "ad hoc expert" due to his familiarity with the footage, is entitled to provide a descriptive narrative to highlight relevant aspects, while emphasizing that the three-judge panel will determine the facts. The trial involves Noah Musueni, David Amah, and Michael Andrecut, who are accused of murdering gunman Tristan Sherry after he shot Mr Hennessy. All three pleaded not guilty. Wayne Deegan is also charged with murder but is awaiting a neuro-psychologist report for a later trial. Jonas Kabangu, Diarmuid O'Brien, and Brandon Hennessy are charged with violent disorder, all pleading not guilty. Jaures Kumbu previously pleaded guilty to removing the sub-machine gun used in the killing, which has not been retrieved. The court adjourned the trial to Monday to allow parties time to consider potential edits to the garda's narrative before it is heard.
The Special Criminal Court is currently hearing the trial of Noah Musueni, David Amah, and Michael Andrecut, who are charged with the murder of Tristan Sherry at Browne's Steakhouse in Blanchardstown on December 24, 2023. All three accused pleaded not guilty. Wayne Deegan, also charged with murder, is awaiting a neuro-psychological report and will be tried later. Jonas Kabangu and Brandon Hennessy, the son of shooting victim Jason Hennessy Snr, are on trial for violent disorder arising from the same incident; both pleaded not guilty. Jaures Kumbu previously pleaded guilty to removing the sub-machine gun used in the killing, a weapon that has not been retrieved. During the trial, the court viewed CCTV footage allegedly showing Sherry being disarmed and beaten to death by a group. Prosecution counsel described the attack as involving savage violence, including kicking and striking with chairs. Defence counsel objected to the prosecution providing a narrative of the footage, arguing the visuals are self-evident. While five of the six accused accepted their identification in the footage, Brandon Hennessy's legal team raised an objection to his alleged identification. Garda witnesses testified to arriving at the scene to find a male with multiple injuries. The trial continues before a three-judge panel.
The Court of Appeal heard submissions on 8 October concerning the convictions of Jason Bonney and Paul Murphy, who were found guilty at the Special Criminal Court in 2022 of facilitating a murder at the Regency Hotel, Whitehall, Dublin on 5 February 2016. Their barristers argued the trial was unfair and that judges made conclusions unsupported by evidence, including claims that one gunman travelled in Murphy's Toyota Avensis and that the vehicle was later part of a getaway convoy from St Vincent's GAA ground. They contended insufficient evidence existed to prove the men knew of a criminal organisation or that they were facilitating serious crime. The DPP's counsel countered that identifications could be made by CCTV registration details and that the men's knowledge could be inferred from their actions in relation to the meticulously planned offence. Issues regarding un-cautioned interviews and vehicle searches were also raised. The three-judge court reserved judgement. Murphy, aged 62 of Swords, received nine years imprisonment; Bonney, aged 53 of Portmarnock, received eight and a half years.
The Special Criminal Court adjourned the sentencing hearing for Aaron Brady, who murdered Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, and the related proceedings concerning Brady's alleged campaign of witness intimidation during his 2020 trial. The court was also scheduled to hear evidence on Dean Byrne, who denies conspiring with Brady to pervert the course of justice. Mr Justice Paul Burns announced that the verdict on Byrne is not yet ready and adjourned both matters to 14 June. Byrne, aged 30, is accused of conspiring with Brady in Mountjoy Prison between 8 April and 22 June 2020 to persuade prosecution witness Daniel Cahill not to testify at Brady's murder trial, an act intended to pervert the course of justice. Byrne pleaded not guilty. Brady, aged 33, was previously convicted of Donohoe's murder in 2013 and has pleaded guilty to a 2020 charge of recording a witness interview to pervert the course of justice.
The Special Criminal Court rejected arguments that the charge against Dean Byrne should be dismissed. Byrne, 30, from Cabra Park, Phibsborough, Dublin, is accused of conspiring with Aaron Brady, the convicted garda killer, to persuade prosecution witness Daniel Cahill not to give evidence at Brady's murder trial. The court found that, at its highest, the prosecution case could prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Byrne conspired with Brady between April 8, 2020 and June 22, 2020 while both were in Mountjoy Prison's D‑wing. Byrne allegedly used a smartphone to disseminate Cahill's garda statement and recruited members of Cahill's family to discourage him from testifying. The court will hear closing arguments tomorrow before delivering a verdict. The case remains ongoing.
The Special Criminal Court will decide next week whether to direct the acquittal of Dean Byrne, a 30‑year‑old from Cabra Park, Phibsborough, Dublin, who is accused of conspiring with Aaron Brady to persuade witness Daniel Cahill not to give evidence at Brady's murder trial. Byrne's lawyers argue that he genuinely believed Cahill would perjure himself and that his motive was to prevent an injustice, requesting the court to direct an acquittal. The Director of Public Prosecutions, represented by Lorcan Staines SC, counters that any attempt to persuade a witness not to give evidence is an attempt to pervert the course of justice, and that such concerns can be addressed by providing information to the Gardaí or the DPP. The case, which has been heard for two days, will be judged by the three‑judge panel on Tuesday.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 12 June 2023, witnesses described the moment Ross Hutch, a cousin of Gareth Hutch, discovered his nephew's body at Avondale House after a shooting. Ross was seen clutching his head, roaring, and screaming "oh, no, no, no" as he approached the body lying between two cars. Video showed the shooting, with two gunmen firing at Gareth before fleeing. Ross chased the men through a pedestrian exit. Gardaí reported a volatile scene with up to 50 people shouting abuse. Ross told officers "do your job" and later said "It's the f**king feud." Thomas McConnell, 37, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Gareth Hutch, 36, which occurred on 24 May 2016. The court heard evidence of the shooting, the weapons used, and the post‑mortem report indicating four gunshot wounds. The trial was set to continue the following day.
The Special Criminal Court admitted a back tattoo as evidence in the case of Brendan Treanor, 34, and James Flynn, 32, charged with the robbery of €7,000 at Lordship Credit Union in Bellurgan, Co Louth, on 25 January 2013, which resulted in the shooting death of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. The tattoo, featuring guns, bullets, gangsters, money, knuckle dusters and a BMW X5, was described by the prosecution as "almost a glorification" and a "pictorial admission" of Treanor's involvement. Treanor's lawyers argued it was irrelevant, but Mr Justice Tony Hunt ruled that the court would consider it as part of the overall evidence, stating that excluding it would be a failure of logic, reason and common sense. Treanor and Flynn have pleaded not guilty to each charge. The trial continues tomorrow.
The Court of Appeal has issued a ruling in the case of Patrick Dowdall, the appellant in the Regency Hotel shooting trial. Dowdall had previously pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of facilitating the shooting of David Byrne. The specific allegation was that he participated in activity intending to facilitate a serious offence by a criminal organisation, namely the murder of Byrne, by making a room available at the Regency Hotel in Drumcondra, Dublin 9, on February 4, 2016. Following his initial conviction, Dowdall was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment. However, after successful appeals, he was re-sentenced to seven years and 11 months. The current appeal resulted in a further reduction, with Dowdall now sentenced to four years' imprisonment. The procedural stage is an appeal, and the matter has been finalised with this revised sentence. Co-accused Jason Bonney was also involved in the proceedings, though specific details of his plea or sentence are not detailed in this summary. The court emphasized that the allegations against Dowdall were based on his admission of guilt to facilitating the crime, rather than direct participation in the shooting itself. The decision reflects the appellate court's review of the sentencing and charges, resulting in a reduced term of custody for the appellant.
At the Special Criminal Court on 10 February 2023, Paul Crosby of Rathmullan Park, Drogheda, was sentenced to ten years imprisonment with the final six months suspended for two years, following his guilty plea to facilitating the murder of seventeen-year-old Keane Mulready-Woods. His co-accused Gerard Cruise, with addresses in Drogheda and Dublin, received seven-and-a-half years with the final six months suspended. Both men pleaded guilty to charges under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 of assisting a criminal organisation in the killing, which occurred in January 2020. Mr Justice Tony Hunt described the treatment of the teenager's remains as "disgraceful and inhuman". Evidence established that Crosby arranged to meet the victim and travelled with Cruise to Rathmullan Park where the murder took place. The judge found Crosby held a higher level of involvement in the criminal organisation than Cruise. The court heard the chief suspect, Robert Lawlor, was subsequently shot dead in Belfast. The victim's mother provided a detailed impact statement to the court.
The Special Criminal Court has heard testimony concerning a credit union robbery in County Louth in January 2013 during which Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe was fatally shot. Staff from Lordship Credit Union and Cooley Credit Union in Bellurgan described a coordinated assault as they prepared to transport takings to a bank in Dundalk under Garda escort. The secretary at Lordship reported that three men blocked the exit and forced entry to his vehicle, stealing approximately €7,000 in cash and cheques before gunshots rang out. A colleague from Cooley Credit Union, who remained in her car during the incident, witnessed the attack and subsequently discovered the detective wounded nearby. Brendan Treanor and James Flynn face charges of robbery and conspiracy to commit creeper-style burglaries across four counties between September 2012 and January 2013. Both have pleaded not guilty. Aaron Brady, convicted of Detective Donohoe's murder and serving life with a forty-year minimum, is named as a co-conspirator. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and two other judges.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence from victims of "creeper" burglaries in the ongoing trial of two men accused of conspiring to commit such break-ins across the border region. Brendan Treanor and James Flynn, both charged with conspiracy to steal car keys from residential properties between September 2012 and January 2013, have pleaded not guilty. They face additional charges relating to a seven-thousand-euro robbery at Lordship Credit Union in Co Louth on 25 January 2013. Detective Garda Neil Brady outlined gardaí investigations into overnight burglaries in Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Westmeath where door locks were forced to access vehicles. Five witnesses gave accounts of thefts from their homes, including a vehicle stolen from Virginia, Co Cavan in October 2012 whose engine was later recovered on the M1 motorway. Other victims described vehicles taken from properties in Westmeath following forced entry during January 2013. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt.
The Special Criminal Court has ruled that burglary and robbery charges against two men will be heard together, rejecting an application to separate the trials. Brendan Treanor, aged 34, formerly of Dundalk, County Louth, and James Flynn, aged 32, from South Armagh, face conspiracy charges relating to house burglaries between September 2012 and January 2013, and robbery charges stemming from a credit union incident in Bellurgan, County Louth on 25 January 2013. Both have pleaded not guilty. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding over the three-judge court, exercised his discretion to combine the trials while confirming each charge will be considered separately. The court heard evidence from Virginia and Monaghan residents describing break-ins and car thefts during the relevant period. Detective Garda Laura Bolger provided maps charting distances between alleged theft locations and properties connected to the accused. Aaron Brady, previously convicted of murder and burglary in the same matter, is serving a life sentence with a forty-year minimum and is appealing his conviction.
The Special Criminal Court heard that Jonathan Dowdall, a former co-accused of Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch who has turned State's witness, asked a garda 'is there any way out' and 'if him and his family could get into the Witness Protection Programme' in the days following his arrest. The status of Dowdall's Witness Protection Programme (WPP) application remains unknown, with a decision expected in the middle of this month. Gerard Hutch (59), of The Paddocks, Clontarf, Dublin 3, denies the murder of David Byrne (33) during a boxing weigh-in at the Regency Hotel on February 5, 2016. His co-accused, Paul Murphy (61), of Cherry Avenue, Swords, Co Dublin, and Jason Bonney (52), of Drumnigh Wood, Portmarnock, Dublin 13, have pleaded not guilty to participating in or contributing to the murder of Mr Byrne by providing access to motor vehicles on February 5, 2016. The court also heard that Patrick Dowdall was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment in June 2017 and later re-sentenced to 7 years and 11 months after successful appeals, following his guilty plea to falsely imprisoning Mr Hurley and threatening to kill him at Jonathan's family home on January 15, 2015. The matter was adjourned and never described as concluded or finalised.
The Special Criminal Court heard the final day of cross-examination of Jonathan Dowdall, a State's witness in the trial of Gerard Hutch, who is accused of the murder of David Byrne. Dowdall, who pleaded guilty to facilitating the murder by providing a room at the Regency Hotel, denied allegations that he is a manipulator or liar. The defence challenged his testimony regarding alleged meetings with Hutch, playing audio recordings and phone data that contradicted his timeline. The court refused to allow the defence to play a video of Dowdall waterboarding Alexander Hurley, noting that Dowdall had already pleaded guilty to that offence and was re-sentenced to seven years and 11 months imprisonment following a successful appeal. His father, Patrick Dowdall, who also pleaded guilty to the same offence, was re-sentenced to four years imprisonment after his appeal. The trial continues with Hutch, who denies the murder charge, and co-defendants Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney, who pleaded not guilty to charges of participating in the murder by providing access to vehicles. The matter remains ongoing, with no finalisation or adjournment recorded in this report.
Gerard Hutch, 59, of Clontarf, Dublin 3, pleaded not guilty to the murder of David Byrne, who was shot dead at the Regency Hotel on February 5, 2016. He also faces charges of facilitating the murder by making a hotel room available on February 4, 2016, and providing access to motor vehicles on February 5, 2016. Jonathan Dowdall, 44, of Cabra, Dublin 7, pleaded guilty to facilitating the murder by making the room available. He was sentenced to four years' imprisonment for this offence, and a nolle prosequi was entered on the murder charge. Patrick Dowdall, 65, also pleaded guilty to the same facilitation charge and was jailed for two years before the trial began. Paul Murphy, 61, of Swords, Co Dublin, and Jason Bonney, 50, of Portmarnock, Dublin 13, pleaded not guilty to participating in or contributing to the murder by providing access to motor vehicles on February 5, 2016. The trial is ongoing, with cross-examination of the State's witness, Jonathan Dowdall, continuing before the Special Criminal Court.
The Special Criminal Court heard cross-examination of State's witness Jonathan Dowdall in the trial of Gerard Hutch, who pleaded not guilty to the murder of David Byrne. Dowdall, a former Dublin city councillor, denied using bomb timers as a bargaining tool to mediate the Hutch-Kinahan feud. He described references to bombing a house in Finglas or killing individuals as "nonsense" and "hypothetical stuff," insisting none of it happened. Defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC accused Dowdall of telling an "opportunistic lie" regarding his interpretation of audio recordings. The State alleges Hutch asked Dowdall to arrange a meeting with republican contacts to resolve the feud. While Dowdall testified that Hutch admitted to shooting Byrne with "Mago" Gately, the defence contends this was a lie. The court viewed CCTV of alleged trips to Northern Ireland. In a separate procedural development, a nolle prosequi was entered on the murder charge against Dowdall following his sentence on October 3. Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney, who pleaded not guilty to participating in the murder by providing access to motor vehicles, remain defendants in the case.
The Special Criminal Court has sentenced Jonathan Dowdall to four years in prison for facilitating the murder of Kinahan Cartel member David Byrne. Dowdall pleaded guilty to charges related to the February 5, 2016, Regency Hotel shooting. The court heard evidence that Dowdall facilitated the Hutch gang in this notorious killing. While Dowdall's case has been finalized with a custodial sentence, the trial of co-accused Gerard Hutch remains ongoing. Hutch, who pleaded not guilty to participating in or contributing to the murder by providing access to motor vehicles, faces a non-jury trial. The court recently heard ten hours of audio recordings allegedly captured by a garda bugging device during a trip to Northern Ireland. The State's case relies on these conversations, where Hutch allegedly discussed the Kinahan cartel's ambition to become the biggest gang in Europe. However, the defense, led by Brendan Grehan SC, argues that the State acted illegally by using the device outside the jurisdiction, seeking to exclude the evidence as illicit fruit. The court is currently hearing legal arguments on the admissibility of this evidence in a voir dire proceeding. Other defendants, Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney, also pleaded not guilty to similar charges of contributing to the murder by providing vehicle access. The matter regarding Hutch's admissibility challenge is not yet concluded, with the judges set to rule on the extraterritoriality issue.
The Special Criminal Court has sentenced Jonathan Dowdall to four years' imprisonment for facilitating the Hutch gang in the murder of Kinahan Cartel member David Byrne. Dowdall, a former Sinn Fein councillor, pleaded guilty to the charge. The court also heard evidence in the ongoing trial of co-accused Gerard Hutch, who pleaded not guilty to the same murder. The trial featured audio recordings of conversations between Hutch and Dowdall, allegedly captured while travelling to the North. In these recordings, Hutch stated that Daniel Kinahan looked "in a fuckin heap" following the Regency Hotel attack and claimed police were "going around like headless chickens." The prosecution presented these tapes as core evidence, while the defence argued for their exclusion, claiming the vehicle was outside the State's jurisdiction for most of the recording. Other defendants Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney also pleaded not guilty. The court proceedings focused on the admissibility of the bugged conversations, with the defence contending the evidence was illicit. The sentencing of Dowdall marks a significant development in the case, while the trial for Hutch and others continues.
A garda has given evidence at the Special Criminal Court trial of three men accused of involvement in the murder of Kinahan Cartel member David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in February 2016. The officer told the court that a BMW X5 belonging to Jason Bonney, seized in Donaghmede on 20 February 2016, appeared to have been recently valeted and cleaned, with a fresh smell detected inside the vehicle. Bonney, aged 51, of Drumnigh Wood, Portmarnock, Dublin, has pleaded not guilty to participating in or contributing to the murder by providing access to motor vehicles. Co-accused Gerard Hutch and Paul Murphy have also denied involvement. Detective Sergeant Patrick O'Toole gave evidence regarding searches of addresses in Dublin, including Champions Avenue and Buckingham Village, during which various items were recovered. The court heard that a Ford key observed during an initial search of Champions Avenue was not seized in error, requiring gardaí to obtain a second warrant. The trial continues before Ms Justice Tara Burns and two other judges.
The Special Criminal Court has viewed CCTV footage presented by the State, which allegedly shows Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch making two separate journeys to Northern Ireland with former Sinn Fein councillor Jonathan Dowdall shortly after the murder of Kinahan Cartel member David Byrne at the Regency Hotel. The footage also shows Patrick Hutch Senior in the same area of north Dublin as convicted IRA member Shane Rowan a month after the attack. Rowan was stopped with three assault rifles used in the Regency Hotel shooting. Jonathan Dowdall has been jailed by the Special Criminal Court for four years for facilitating the Hutch gang in the murder of David Byrne. Gerard Hutch has pleaded guilty to charges related to the murder of David Byrne, but the matter is still ongoing. County Donegal was jailed for seven and a half years for possession of assault rifles and ammunition and received a concurrent sentence of four years for IRA membership, backdated to March 9, 2016. The trial continues tomorrow before Ms Justice Tara Burns, presiding, sitting with Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge Grainne Malone.
The Special Criminal Court ordered the forfeiture of a black Mercedes S350, valued at about €50,000, from Thomas Rooney, a 52‑year‑old member of an international crime gang. Rooney had pleaded guilty to money‑laundering offences under the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing) Act 2010, and was found in possession of large sums of cash and encrypted devices. The vehicle, purchased in 2018 for €72,000, was used by Rooney to transport cash as part of an industrial‑scale laundering operation. The court noted that the car could have been used for legitimate business but that its use in criminal activity made it subject to forfeiture. Rooney was sentenced to six years' imprisonment in January of this year. The forfeiture order was granted by Mr Justice Tony Hunt.
The Special Criminal Court has decided to consider verdicts in the case of former soldier Lisa Smith, who is charged with membership of the Islamic State and financing terrorism. The court found that there is sufficient evidence to assess whether Ms Smith was a member of Isis and whether she funded the organisation. Her lawyers had requested not‑guilty verdicts on the basis that the prosecution case lacked evidence and that a verdict would be unfair. Mr Justice Tony Hunt rejected this request, stating that the prosecution case could support a conviction without a miscarriage of justice and that the evidence should be weighed during deliberations. He also noted that withdrawing the case at this stage would be an exceptional measure. Regarding the financing charge, the court found enough evidence to consider Ms Smith's intent or knowledge when she sent €800 to a man alleged to be an Isis member. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.
In the Special Criminal Court, Mr Justice Tony Hunt decided to admit the evidence of Dr Florence Gaub, a social scientist and director at the European Union Institute for Security Studies, regarding Lisa Smith's alleged membership in the Islamic State. Dr Gaub argued that anyone who travelled to Syria in support of the Islamic State, including those who sent money, joined its territory, or carried out attacks, became a member of the terrorist group. She also claimed that such travellers received preferential treatment such as better housing, food, and internet access. Mr Justice Hunt noted that while the court would consider Dr Gaub's testimony, it would weigh it against the claim that her sources were limited. Lisa Smith, aged 40, from Dundalk, has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful terrorist group between 28 October 2015 and 1 December 2019, and to financing terrorism by sending €800 in May 2015.
The Special Criminal Court will decide tomorrow whether to admit the opinion evidence of Dr Florence Gaub, a political scientist, in the trial of Lisa Smith. Ms Smith, 40, from Dundalk, has pleaded not guilty to membership in the Islamic State between 28 October 2015 and 1 December 2019, and to financing terrorism by sending €800 to a named man on 6 May 2015. Dr Gaub, a director at the European Union Institute for Security Studies, told the court that the Islamic State or caliphate announced by Abu Bakr al‑Baghdadi was the same as the terrorist organisation Isis, and that a person became a member of Isis when they joined the state "actively with any type of act of support". Such support could be a tweet, sending money, joining Isis‑controlled territory or carrying out a terrorist attack.
The Special Criminal Court has found Daniel O'Callaghan guilty of all 16 counts relating to ATM thefts in Cavan and Monaghan in 2019. O'Callaghan, who pleaded not guilty, was convicted of offences under Sections 72 and 73 of the Criminal Justice Act, including the attempted theft of an ATM in Virginia and the theft of an ATM in Castleblayney. He was also found guilty of possessing €125,930 and €298,000 in cash at Tullypole, Co Meath, intending to facilitate a criminal organisation. Ms Justice Tara Burns stated that circumstantial evidence led to the inevitable conclusion that O'Callaghan was intimately involved in the gang's joint enterprise. He has been remanded in custody for a sentencing hearing scheduled for March 4. In related proceedings, Gerard Duffy and Ciaran Duffy pleaded guilty to various offences, including participating in the movement of cash and attempting to steal an ATM. Stephen Duffy also admitted to possessing cash in association with a criminal organisation. The three brothers are scheduled to be sentenced on March 4. Additionally, Niall Finnegan, who pleaded guilty to possessing €103,000 in proceeds from the thefts, was previously jailed for four-and-a-half years, with the final 18 months suspended.
Three men have been sentenced following their conviction for the abduction and assault of Kevin Lunney, a director of Quinn Industrial Holdings, at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, County Cavan on 17 September 2019. At the Special Criminal Court, a man identified as YZ received 30 years imprisonment, Alan O'Brien of East Wall, Dublin 3 was sentenced to 25 years, and Darren Redmond, also of East Wall, Dublin 3, received 18 years with the final three years suspended. Mr Justice Tony Hunt delivered the sentences, stating that life imprisonment was not imposed because the most severe penalties should be reserved for those who finance or benefit from such crimes. The judge noted Mr Lunney's composed testimony and described the assault as premeditated and casual brutality. Evidence showed Mr Lunney was forced into a vehicle, taken to a container where he was threatened, tortured with bleach, beaten, and had letters carved into his chest before being abandoned on a country road.
The Special Criminal Court has extended an order protecting the identity of a man convicted of inflicting the most severe injuries on businessman Kevin Lunney during a 2019 kidnapping in Cavan. The anonymity order, which was due to expire on 13 December, has been extended until 20 December to allow the defendant's legal team time to seek a High Court order for continued anonymity pending other outstanding legal matters. The defendant and two co-accused are scheduled to be sentenced on 20 December for their roles in the abduction and assault of Mr Lunney at Ballinagh on 17 September 2019. All three men were convicted of false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm. During trial, the court heard evidence that the defendant drove Mr Lunney to a remote farmyard where he was subjected to severe violence including being struck with a baseball bat and cut with a Stanley knife. The presiding judge noted the defendant was heavily involved in the crimes and responsible for inflicting most of the victim's serious injuries.
The Special Criminal Court will deliver a judgement in the New Year in the trial of property magnate Jim Mansfield Jnr, who denies setting up one of his employees to be kidnapped by a criminal gang. Mr Mansfield pleaded not guilty before the three‑judge, non‑jury court in October last year but due to a number of lengthy adjournments, the trial continued until last month. Mr Justice Alex Owens, presiding, had indicated that a judgement might be delivered today. At a brief hearing this morning Mr Justice Owens said that the court has not concluded its consideration of the evidence and judgement will be delivered on January 17 next. Mr Mansfield Jnr (54), of Tasaggart House, Garters Lane, Saggart, Co Dublin, has pleaded not guilty to conspiring with one or more persons to falsely imprison Martin Byrne on a date unknown between January 1, 2015 and June 30, 2015.
The Special Criminal Court has rejected a defence application to adjourn the verdict in the trial of four men accused of false imprisonment and assault causing serious harm to Kevin Lunney. The defence sought a delay until a Court of Justice of the European Union opinion is issued in the case of Graham Dwyer, who is challenging the use of mobile phone data evidence in his 2015 murder conviction for the killing of Elaine O'Hara. Dwyer's legal team argues that Ireland's handling of such data violated EU fundamental rights. In the current trial, Luke O'Reilly, Darren Redmond, Alan O'Brien, and an unnamed fourth accused, referred to as 'YZ', all pleaded not guilty to the charges relating to the September 2019 incident in Co Cavan. The trial, which sat for 40 days, relied on phone evidence similar to that in the Dwyer case. Despite the defence argument that a potential conviction could be complicated by the pending European ruling, the court refused the adjournment. The three-judge panel, led by Mr Justice Hunt, fixed Monday, November 8, as the date to deliver verdicts in all four cases.
The Special Criminal Court has postponed delivery of its verdicts in the case of four men charged with abducting and torturing Kevin Lunney, a director of Quinn Industrial Holdings. The three-judge non-jury court had initially scheduled verdicts for October 22, but has now adjourned to November 8. A 40-year-old man who cannot be named, Alan O'Brien (40) of East Wall, Dublin, Darren Redmond (27) also of East Wall, Dublin, and Luke O'Reilly (68) of Mullahoran Lower, Kilcogy, County Cavan, have all pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm. The alleged incident occurred at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, County Cavan, on September 17, 2019. The trial, which opened in June, heard evidence spanning forty days and concluded that the complainant was removed from near his home and subjected to violence including beatings and knife wounds.
The Special Criminal Court has been informed of an "absolutely gigantic" amount of disclosure for the trial of former Defence Forces member Lisa Smith, charged with membership of the Islamic State and financing terrorism. Ms Smith, 39, from Dundalk, is on bail and was not required to attend the court hearing. Her barrister, Michael O'Higgins SC, noted the difficulty of handling the large volume of prosecution material. The case was scheduled for a video‑link hearing on Monday, 1 November, with the trial set for 11 January 2022 and expected to last 12 weeks.
The Special Criminal Court heard closing arguments on the final day of the trial of four men charged with the abduction and assault of Kevin Lunney, a Quinn Industrial Holdings director, at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, County Cavan on September 17, 2019. The 40-day trial opened in June. Defence counsel for Luke O'Reilly, aged 68 from Mullahoran Lower, Kilcogy, County Cavan, submitted that the prosecution had not established beyond reasonable doubt that his client knew of the alleged offences. Counsel argued that the evidence showed Mr O'Reilly had been kept uninformed of events and that his purchase of bleach from a local shop was explainable. The three other accused, identified as a 40-year-old man known as YZ, Alan O'Brien aged 40, and Darren Redmond aged 27, both from East Wall, Dublin, have also pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm. The court will deliver its verdict on October 22. The trial was presided over by Justice Tony Hunt, Judge Gerard Griffin, and Judge David McHugh.
The Special Criminal Court asked counsel to update the court on the status of the Lisa Smith trial. Judge Tony Hunt requested a briefing and scheduled a further mention in November. Smith, 39, of Dundalk, faces charges under the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005 for membership of the Islamic State from 28 October 2015 to 1 December 2019 and for financing terrorism by sending €800 via Western Union to a named recipient on 6 May 2015. She is on bail and will not attend the November hearing.
Lisa O'Hara, 32, received a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to nine counts of handling or possessing cash that was the proceeds of crime, totalling €119,126. The Special Criminal Court found she did not know the money's source but was reckless in not questioning her former partner, James Walsh, about it. Walsh, 37, was already serving an eight‑year firearms sentence and was sentenced to six years and nine months for 12 counts of cash handling, with the final two years suspended for four years post‑release. O'Hara was given a two‑year suspended custodial sentence, with a €100 bond, and was warned not to repeat the mistakes that led to her conviction. The court noted her remorse, good work record and role as sole carer for her child.
The Special Criminal Court has rejected a defence application to adjourn the ongoing trial of four men accused of abducting and torturing Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney. The accused, Alan O'Brien, Darren Redmond, Luke O'Reilly, and a man identified as YZ, have all pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC argued that the law regarding the mass retention of mobile phone data is unclear due to conflicting European Court of Justice rulings, requesting a referral to the CJEU. Presiding Judge Tony Hunt refused the application, noting that the legal basis for data retention is provided by the Communications (Retention of Data) Act 2011 and that the Court of Appeal could address any errors later. The court also rejected a defence suggestion to recall witnesses to re-swear oaths, with Judge Hunt stating such a procedure was not practicable. The trial continues before a three-judge panel comprising Mr Justice Hunt, Judge David McHugh, and Judge Gerard Griffin.
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned the 32-day trial of Darren Murphy and Kenneth Donohoe to October 26 for a possible judgment. Both men, who pleaded not guilty to the murder of Eamon Kelly and the possession of a Glock pistol with intent to endanger life, have completed closing speeches. Prosecution counsel Dominic McGinn SC alleged that Murphy drove Sean Connolly, who was jailed for life in 2015 for Kelly's murder, to the scene in a Meriva, while Donohoe was linked to the vehicle via fingerprints and firearms residue. Defence counsel Philipp Rahn BL and Paul Carroll SC argued that the State failed to prove their clients' involvement beyond reasonable doubt, citing issues with CCTV identification credibility and the lack of unique forensic evidence. Presiding judge Justice Alex Owens, sitting with Judges Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin and Dermot Dempsey, adjourned the matter. The trial remains pending, with no final verdict or sentence issued at this stage.
The Special Criminal Court trial of Luke O'Reilly, Alan O'Brien, Darren Redmond, and Cyril McGuinness continued before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, with Judges Gerard Griffin and David McHugh. All four accused have pleaded not guilty to the alleged false imprisonment and intentional causing of serious harm to businessman Kevin Lunney at Drumbrade, Ballinagh, Co Cavan, on September 17, 2019. The court heard evidence from Detective Garda Sean O'Brien regarding interviews with Mr O'Reilly, who was arrested in November 2019. Mr O'Reilly stated he did not recognise a Renault Kangoo van allegedly used by the other accused and claimed he had no knowledge that Mr Lunney was held in a trailer on his land. He described Mr McGuinness, whom he knew as "Dublin Jimmy," as "not a good yoke" and "like a big crazy bastard," adding that he was "actually shocked" to learn of the incident. Mr O'Reilly testified that his only contact with Mr McGuinness around the time of the alleged abduction was to discuss a vehicle import. The prosecution alleges Mr Lunney was threatened, assaulted, and forced to resign from Quinn Industrial Holdings. The trial is ongoing, with the matter not yet finalised.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence of mobile phone contacts the prosecution alleges were connected to the abduction and assault of businessman Kevin Lunney in September 2019. An Garda Síochána intelligence analyst Edel Hannigan presented charts detailing calls between phones attributed to the three accused men and one belonging to Cyril McGuinness, whom the State alleges organised the offence. McGuinness's phone contacted a number associated with Luke O'Reilly multiple times in the weeks preceding the incident, with significant activity recorded on the day of the abduction near Ballinagh, County Cavan. Alan O'Brien, Darren Redmond, and Luke O'Reilly have each pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and two other judges at the Special Criminal Court.
The Special Criminal Court has ruled on the admissibility of evidence in the trial of four men accused of abducting and assaulting businessman Kevin Lunney. Alan O'Brien, Darren Redmond, Luke O'Reilly, and a 40-year-old man identified as YZ have all pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm. Presiding Judge Tony Hunt rejected defence arguments that gardai used mobile phone data and private CCTV in a manner constituting mass surveillance or a breach of privacy rights. The court determined that the evidence was lawfully gathered and proportionate, noting that the investigation targeted specific data rather than engaging in indiscriminate collection. While the judge admitted most mobile phone and CCTV footage, he excluded evidence relating to YZ's partner and restricted the timeframe for data attributed to Redmond. Additionally, footage from two specific locations was ruled inadmissible due to a lack of direct evidence regarding their operation. The court emphasized that privacy rights are balanced against the necessity to investigate serious organized crime. The trial, which also includes Judges Gerard Griffin and David McHugh, continues.
The Special Criminal Court trial of Alan O'Brien, Darren Redmond, Luke O'Reilly, and a 40-year-old man known as YZ continued, with the defence challenging the admissibility of CCTV evidence. The four accused, who have all pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and intentionally causing serious harm against Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney, are facing allegations that they abducted and assaulted him in September 2019. During proceedings, dozens of witnesses from Cavan, Monaghan, Westmeath, and Dublin testified that they provided CCTV footage to gardai upon request, often without questioning the legal basis. Some stated they were unaware of the Data Protection Act, while others noted they were given copies of section 41b, which permits seizure if necessary and proportionate. Northern Irish police officers also testified regarding their data protection training, confirming that service instructions were issued in 2018 following the Act's introduction. Mr Lunney previously testified that he was forced into a car, taken to a container where he was threatened to resign, and subjected to severe physical abuse, including being cut, doused in bleach, and having his leg broken. He was later found injured on a country road. The trial is presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, with Judges Gerard Griffin and David McHugh, and continues.