The Special Criminal Court has ordered the exclusion of the public during evidence from six Garda National Surveillance Unit (NSU) members in the ongoing trial of eight Dublin men. Presiding Judge Paul Butler ruled that the officers must not be named and that specific details regarding NSU tradecraft and methodology are subject to publication bans, citing risks to their safety. The defendants—Kevin Braney, Des Christie, Eamon McNamee, Hubert Duffy, William Jackson, Declan Phelan, John Brock, and Darren Murphy—each pleaded not guilty to the alleged charge of membership of an illegal organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, on March 29, 2013. Prosecution counsel Tara Burns SC stated that the men were arrested at a used car sales lot in Clondalkin on Good Friday, 2013, following surveillance. Items allegedly found during subsequent searches included cable ties, balaclavas, a Glock pistol, a baseball bat, and pepper spray. The prosecution case relies on NSU sightings, the seized items, the defendants' responses to garda questioning, and opinion evidence from Detective Chief Superintendent Peter Kirwan. The trial is continuing.
The Special Criminal Court has been asked to direct a finding of not guilty for three men charged with murdering Peter Butterly after privileged information was disclosed in the trial. The men—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—were charged with the murder of the 35‑year‑old father of two, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, on 6 March 2013. Evans and McGrath also pleaded not guilty to firearm offences. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), who had previously testified against the trio, was already serving a three‑and‑half‑year sentence for lesser offences. The court had ruled that Evans and McGrath were lawfully before the court, but the defence amended their application after a previously redacted portion of Cullen's statement was disclosed. The statement, made to Gardaí in July, indicated that Cullen had distanced himself from McGrath and had never really liked him.
The Special Criminal Court will hear legal applications from the defence tomorrow in the trial of three Dubliners charged with murdering Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath on 6 March 2013. The accused are Dean Evans (24) of Raheny, Edward McGrath (33) of Tallaght, and Sharif Kelly (44) of Balbriggan, all of whom have pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and to firearm offences. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), who had been part of the alleged murder plan, turned State's witness and is currently serving a three‑and‑half‑year sentence for lesser offences. The court has ruled that Evans and McGrath were lawfully before the court, and the defence has received new material and will make further applications on Thursday morning.
The Special Criminal Court is set to rule tomorrow on a defence application to direct a finding of not guilty for three men charged with the murder of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co. Meath, on 6 March 2013. The accused are Dean Evans (24) of Raheny, Edward McGrath (33) of Tallaght, and Sharif Kelly (44) of Balbriggan, all of whom have pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and, in the case of Evans and McGrath, to firearm offences. The trial, now in its 52nd day, also involves David Cullen (30), who was alleged to have been part of the murder plan but has turned State's witness and is currently serving a three‑and‑half‑year sentence for lesser offences. Cullen has provided evidence implicating the three men.
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned the trial of three men charged with the murder of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, until tomorrow. Butterly was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co. Meath, on 6 March 2013. The accused are Dean Evans (24) of Raheny, Edward McGrath (33) of Tallaght, and Sharif Kelly (44) of Balbriggan, all of whom pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. They also pleaded not guilty to firearm offences. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), who had been involved in the murder plan, turned State's witness and is serving a three‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence for other offences. The court, presided over by Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy, heard applications for a not‑guilty finding and will continue the hearing tomorrow. The trial is in its 51st day.
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned the trial of three men charged with the murder of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, until the New Year. Butterly was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co. Meath, on 6 March 2013. The accused are Dean Evans (24) of Raheny, Edward McGrath (33) of Tallaght, and Sharif Kelly (44) of Balbriggan, all of whom pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and to firearm offences on the same day. The trial, which entered its 45th day, also heard that David Cullen (30), who had previously been involved in the plan, had turned State's witness and is serving a three‑and‑half‑year sentence for other offences. Justice Deirdre Murphy announced that the case would resume on 13 January.
The Special Criminal Court will decide on the admissibility of a set of evidence in the trial of three men accused of murdering Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co. Meath, on 6 March 2013. The defendants – Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44) – have pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and to firearm offences. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), who had been involved in the murder plan, turned State's witness and is serving a three‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence for lesser offences. The trial has heard that Butterly was lured to the car park by an unknown man, shots were fired at his vehicle and again when he tried to flee, and he was found collapsed by a lone Garda and pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
The Special Criminal Court is hearing submissions on the admissibility of a tranche of evidence in the non‑jury murder trial of three men charged with the killing of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co. Meath on 6 March 2013. The defendants – Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44) – have pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and to firearm offences. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), who had been involved in the murder plan, turned State's witness and is serving a three‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence for lesser offences. The court has heard that Butterly was lured to the car park by another man, shots were fired at his vehicle and again when he tried to flee, and he was found collapsed by a lone Garda and pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
The Special Criminal Court has set a trial date for three men—Gareth Mulley (45), David Gallagher (37), and William Burns (38)—charged with possession of explosive devices, including an adapted 50‑litre beer keg, 50 kg of homemade ammonium nitrate, PETN, RDX, an improvised detonation cord, steel booster tube, and time‑and‑power unit. All were arrested in May 2014 by An Garda Síochana's Special Detective Unit during investigations into dissident republican activity. Mulley and Gallagher are also charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, namely Oglaigh na hÉireann (the Irish Republican Army). The court, presided over by Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy, set the trial for 5 July 2016, expected to last two to three weeks, and issued witness orders and instructions on alibi evidence and witness notice. Counsel for Burns sought a variation of bail conditions to allow night taxi work, which the court removed.
In a murder trial in Dublin, a former co‑accused turned State witness, David Cullen, testified that his former co‑accused were "screwed" because of the evidence against them. The Special Criminal Court found Cullen's evidence admissible. The case concerns the 2013 shooting death of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston. The accused are Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44), all of whom pleaded not guilty to murder and, for Evans and McGrath, to firearm offences. Cullen, aged 30, had previously been involved in the murder plan and is now serving a three‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence for other offences. Gardaí and the Prison Service implemented extra security for his testimony, which caused long queues outside the Criminal Courts of Justice.
The Special Criminal Court will decide on Tuesday whether a prosecution witness's evidence is admissible in the trial of three Dublin men charged with the murder of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co. Meath, on 6 March 2013. The defendants—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—have pleaded not guilty to the murder and to firearm offences. The trial, now in its 42nd day, has heard that Butterly was lured to the car park by another man, that a Toyota Corolla entered the car park and shots were fired at his vehicle, and that further shots were fired when he tried to flee. CCTV footage captured vehicles entering and exiting the car park but did not show the killing.
The Special Criminal Court is set to decide whether a prosecution witness's evidence can be admitted in the case of three men charged with the murder of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn in Gormanston on 6 March 2013. The defendants—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—have pleaded not guilty to the murder and to firearm offences. The trial, now in its 41st day, has heard that Butterly was lured to the car park by an unknown man, that a Toyota Corolla entered the premises, and that shots were fired at his vehicle and again when he tried to flee. CCTV footage captured vehicles entering and leaving the car park but did not show the killing. A witness was heard in a 'Voir Dire' today, and the court will later rule on the admissibility of that witness's evidence.
The Special Criminal Court examined CCTV footage from the car park of the Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, where Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, was shot dead on 6 March 2013. Three Dublin men—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—are on trial for his murder and have pleaded not guilty. Evans and McGrath also pleaded not guilty to firearm offences. The footage shows vehicles entering and exiting the car park but does not capture the shooting. Witnesses, including Detective Garda Shane Curran, were heard in a 'Voir Dire' session, and the court will decide later whether the footage is admissible. The trial continues with Justice Deirdre Murphy presiding, and McGrath's legal team will cross‑examine David Cullen, a former co‑accused who has turned State's witness. The case remains at the trial stage.
The Special Criminal Court has ordered an examination of the communications between David Cullen, the chief prosecution witness in the murder trial of Peter Butterly, and his solicitor from 6 March 2013 to 5 June 2014. Cullen, who was a co‑accused in the case and later became a State witness in June 2014, has already been dealt with by the court for lesser offences. He has agreed to voluntarily disclose documents relating to his communications with his solicitor since 5 June 2014, but this does not waive his claim to legal professional privilege. Defence lawyers sought disclosure of all communications, but Cullen claimed privilege during cross‑examination after giving evidence implicating the three accused men—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—in the murder of the 35‑year‑old Peter Butterly in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co. Meath on 6 March 2013. Dean Evans pleaded not guilty. Edward McGrath pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court has reserved its decision on whether senior counsel Dominic Mc Ginn SC has a right of audience to advise the main prosecution witness, David Cullen, during the ongoing trial. The procedural issue arose on the thirty-third day of the trial, where Cullen claimed legal professional privilege over communications with his solicitor during cross-examination. Presiding Judge Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy described the situation as unprecedented and directed that Mc Ginn be provided with relevant trial extracts to advise Cullen on the nature of the disclosure sought by the defence. The defence was ordered to supply a list of the information they seek to disclose to ensure a fair trial. The court will hear further submissions on the disclosure issue tomorrow. The trial concerns the alleged murder of Peter Butterly, a 35-year-old father of two, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co Meath, on March 6, 2013. Defendants Dean Evans, Edward McGrath, and Sharif Kelly have all pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. Evans and McGrath have additionally pleaded not guilty to firearm offences on the same occasion. Cullen, who allegedly turned State's witness, had previously implicated the three accused in the killing. The matter remains at the pre-trial or trial stage regarding procedural rights, with no final verdict or sentence issued.
The Special Criminal Court has ordered that two counsel be assigned to advise David Cullen, the chief prosecution witness, during his cross-examination in the ongoing trial of three men accused of murdering Peter Butterly. Presiding Judge Deirdre Murphy described the situation as unprecedented, noting a lack of superior court guidance regarding legal professional privilege. The court directed that excerpts from Cullen's previous evidence be made available to his legal team, a move opposed by the defence. Cullen, who pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol at the Huntsman Inn and was jailed for three-and-a-half years in July, turned State's witness after a nolle prosequi was entered on the murder count. He testified that he was tasked with picking up a gun outside Gormanston College, where he was arrested after it was thrown from a car. The trial continues before a three-judge non-jury court. Dean Evans, Edward McGrath, and Sharif Kelly have all pleaded not guilty to murdering the 35-year-old father of two. Evans and McGrath have additionally pleaded not guilty to firearm offences on the same occasion. The matter remains at the trial stage, with the court proceeding with the cross-examination of the State's witness.
The Special Criminal Court has ruled that the arrest of three men accused of the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly in Co Meath in 2013 was lawful. The court heard that the three accused, Dean Evans (24), Dublin Edward McGrath (33), and Sharif Kelly (44), were detained by members of the National Surveillance Unit shortly after the fatal shooting. Defence lawyers had argued that the arrest and detention of the men was unlawful and that their constitutional rights were breached. However, Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy stated that there had been no infringement of the constitutional rights of the three accused. The judge said that Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act was properly invoked and that the men were correctly arrested in or around 2.05 pm on March 6th, 2013. The three men have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly and firearm offences at the same address on the same date. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), was allegedly part of the murder plan but has become a State's witness. The trial is continuing.
The Special Criminal Court convened early on 6 November 2014 to hear submissions about the admissibility of evidence in the murder trial of Peter Butterly. The accused—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—had pleaded not guilty to the killing of Butterly (35) and to related firearm offences. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), had previously turned State witness. The court entered a voir dire to decide on the legality of the arrests, detentions and vehicle searches. Judges Deirdre Murphy, Margaret Heneghan and Cormac Dunne were to rule on the evidence next Tuesday. Discussions were to be held with counsel regarding Cullen's testimony. Public members were excluded when National Surveillance Unit officers testified, but were later allowed back to hear Emergency Response Unit evidence, which may still be inadmissible. The trial will resume tomorrow before the same judges.
The Special Criminal Court convened later than scheduled to consider the admissibility of evidence in the trial of three men—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33), and Sharif Kelly (44)—who have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly (35) and to firearm offences at the Huntsman Inn car park on 6 March 2013. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), who had been part of the murder plan, turned State witness earlier in the year. The court entered a voir dire to examine the legality of the arrests, detentions, and vehicle searches. Judges Deirdre Murphy, Margaret Heneghan, and Cormac Dunne will decide on the admissibility of evidence, including that from National Surveillance Unit officers whose identities and methods are protected. Public access was initially restricted to safeguard the officers' physical characteristics and the unit's methodology, but was later restored for evidence from the Emergency Response Unit. The case will continue tomorrow in the non‑jury court.
The Special Criminal Court has begun hearing final submissions from defence counsel on the admissibility of evidence against three men charged with murdering dissident republican Peter Butterly. Dean Evans (24), of Grange Park Rise, Raheny, Edward McGrath (33) of Land Dale Lawns, Springfield Tallaght and Sharif Kelly (44), of Pinewood Green Road, Balbriggan have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly (35) who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, at Gormanston Co Meath on March 6 2013. Mr Evans and Mr McGrath have also pleaded not guilty to firearm offences at the same address, on the same date. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), with a last address in Balbriggan, was allegedly "part of the murder plan himself" but turned State's witness against his former co-accused earlier this year.
Nathan Killeen, 24, of Hyde Road, Prospect, will not stand trial for the 2008 murder of James Cronin after the State entered a nolle prosequi. Killeen had been charged with murdering 20-year-old Cronin between April 5th and 7th, 2008, whose body was found in a shallow grave near Ballinacura Weston. In the Special Criminal Court, presided over by Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy, Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan, and Judge Cormac Dunne, prosecuting counsel Tom O'Connell SC informed the court of the decision not to proceed. The court accepted the nolle prosequi, and Ms Justice Murphy discharged Killeen. Killeen is already serving a life sentence for the April 2009 murder of Roy Collins at Coin Castle Amusements, Limerick, a conviction shared with co-accused Wayne Dundon, who also received a life sentence in July. Previously, Killeen's counsel, Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha SC, sought an adjournment citing the burden of a recent marathon trial and a change in solicitors. The prosecution opposed this, noting that a key witness, under garda protection since giving a statement over two years ago, faced ongoing threats. In July, Mr Justice Paul Butler refused the adjournment, agreeing with the State that delaying the trial posed a risk to the witness's wellbeing and life.
Two men from Limerick, Thomas McMahon, 32, and Noel Noonan, 35, were sentenced by the Special Criminal Court to two-and-a-half years each for membership of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Both pleaded guilty to a single charge of IRA membership on 7 February 2013. The court was presented with evidence of three rocket launchers, launch tubes and mortar drills seized during the investigation. McMahon, a former chef from Ros Fearna, Murroe, and Noonan, who lived at St. Patrick's Hostel, Clare Street, had previously been convicted of false imprisonment and two threats to kill; Noonan had prior convictions for assault. Both men denied IRA membership and knowledge of the equipment at the time of arrest, but later entered guilty pleas. The judge, Justice Paul Butler, imposed a four‑year sentence, with the final year and a half suspended upon each man's payment of a €500 bond and a promise not to commit further offences or associate with members of unlawful organisations.
The Special Criminal Court granted bail to Darren Weldon, a 43‑year‑old resident of Drinadaly, Trim, who was arrested on Tuesday for his alleged involvement in the February 22, 2010 bomb attack on Newry courthouse. Weldon was charged with membership of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) on October 14. His counsel, Philipp Rahn BL, applied for bail, and the court, presided over by Justice Deirdre Murphy, Justice Margaret Heneghan and Judge Cormac Dunne, accepted the application without objection from the State. Bail conditions include daily reporting to a local Garda station, surrendering his passport, providing his mobile phone number to Gardaí and maintaining good behaviour. The court noted that the book of evidence will be served at a later date. Detective Garda Kieran Regan, who formally arrested Weldon on Mellowes Road, Finglas, Dublin 11, stated that at the time of arrest he believed Weldon had committed the offence.
The Special Criminal Court has outlined its reasons for excluding the public during testimony from National Surveillance Unit (NSU) gardaí in the ongoing trial of Edward McGrath, Dean Evans, and Sharif Kelly. The three men, who have pleaded not guilty to the 2013 murder of Peter Butterly at the Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co Meath, face additional firearm charges. Presiding Judge Deirdre Murphy stated that the exclusion order protects the safety of surveillance officers and future state intelligence operations, noting that repeated public exposure of their physical characteristics could compromise their work. While the court permitted the defence to receive the officers' professional names and addresses, it restricted publication of their identities and NSU methodologies. In a separate ruling, the court allowed one minor witness to testify via video link but denied the request for two adult witnesses, citing legislative limits. The prosecution intends to call David Cullen, a former accused who turned state witness, as a key witness. The court ordered the disclosure of seized electronic devices containing keywords related to the case and confirmed whether Cullen was a garda informant, while refusing to disclose his psychiatric records or privileged legal advice. The trial continues on Tuesday before the non-jury court.
The Special Criminal Court has directed that the public be excluded from the courtroom while National Surveillance Unit gardaí give evidence in the trial of Edward McGrath, Dean Evans, and Sharif Kelly. The three men, who have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly, shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn at Gormanston, Co Meath, on March 6th, 2013, face additional firearm charges. The court ruled that the officers' professional names and addresses must be provided to the defence but restricted from publication, balancing safety concerns with the right to a fair trial. The prosecution intends to call David Cullen, who pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol at the same location and date, and was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison in July. The court ordered the disclosure of certain records regarding Cullen's credibility, including confirmation on whether he was a garda informant and PULSE records, while refusing to disclose his psychiatric records. Access to a seized laptop was granted to a defence expert. The court deemed an application to disclose legal notes between Cullen and his lawyers premature. The full trial hearing is expected to commence on Tuesday before Judges Heneghan, Dunne, and Murphy.
In the Special Criminal Court, three men—Edward McGrath (32), Dean Evans (22), and Sharif Kelly (43)—pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly (35), who was shot in the car park of the Huntsman Inn on 6 March 2013. The court heard that Butterly was lured to the car park by an unnamed man and that shots were fired from a Toyota Corolla. The prosecution will present forensic, firearm residue, DNA evidence and testimony from David Cullen (30), who was involved in the murder plan. Cullen, who had previously pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol, was jailed for three‑and‑a‑half years and later became a prosecution witness. He stated he wanted no more to do with the case and sought to separate himself from the accused.
In the Special Criminal Court, three men—Edward McGrath (32), Dean Evans (22), and Sharif Kelly (43)—remain not guilty on charges of murdering Peter Butterly (35) and related firearm offences. The court heard that a former co‑accused, now a prosecution witness, supplied Gardaí with information about a prior fatal shooting, events in Portlaoise Prison, and IRA structure. Witness protection liaison officer reported that David Cullen (30) offered testimony on 25 June, with a security discussion the next day. The Garda liaison explained that witnesses must commit to a new lifestyle and receive retraining. Senior Garda Thomas Maguire confirmed Cullen's willingness to give evidence on the Butterly shooting, other murders, prison happenings, and IRA structure. The court has yet to rule on privilege and screening applications. The case proceeds tomorrow before Judges Cormac Dunne and Margaret Heneghan, with Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy presiding.
Lawyers for three men charged with the murder of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old dissident republican, have applied to the Special Criminal Court for disclosure of documents relating to former co‑accused David Cullen, who turned a state witness. The accused—Edward McGrath (32), Dean Evans (22) and Sharif Kelly (43)—have pleaded not guilty to the murder and to firearm offences committed on 6 March 2013 at the Huntsman Inn car park. Cullen, who had pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol and was jailed for three‑and‑a‑half years, was later found not to be charged with murder. His medical records, psychiatric treatment history and notes with his lawyers are sought to assess his credibility. The court will decide on the disclosure applications tomorrow, with the case continuing before Judges Cormac Dunne, Margaret Heneghan and Justice Deirdre Murphy.
The Special Criminal Court has set a judgment date of 15 July for the 29‑day trial of Wayne Dundon (36) and Nathan Killeen (24), who were charged with the murder of 35‑year‑old Limerick businessman Roy Collins. The accused pleaded not guilty. The prosecution alleged that Dundon directed the murder from prison, Killeen acted as getaway driver, and James Dillon fired the single shot that killed Collins at Coin Castle Amusements on 9 April 2009. During the hearing, Mr Steve Collins, the victim's father, recounted the day's events, noting that his son had been at work when the gunman entered the arcade and that Collins was shot in the chest. Collins was conscious for a short time before his life could not be saved. The court will deliver its judgment on 15 July.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 27 June 2014, the judge ordered the estreatment of €20,000 that had been offered as an independent bail surety for Nathan Kinsella, a 35‑year‑old father of six who had been jailed for two years for membership of the Irish Republican Army. Kinsella had been arrested after paramilitary activity at the funeral of dissident republican Alan Ryan, who was shot dead in September 2012. He had previously been granted bail on 5 October 2012 and was due to stand trial in February, but a bench warrant was issued after he failed to appear. The bail bond was provided by James Larkin, who was not present in court but had been informed of the estreatment application on 19 June. The judge, Justice Paul Butler, approved the estreatment of the full €20,000 but imposed a four‑week stay, allowing the matter to be mentioned again before the court. Nathan Kinsella pleaded guilty.
The Special Criminal Court will decide on Tuesday whether certain evidence can be admitted in the trial of Nathan Killeen (24) and Wayne Dundon (36), who are charged with murdering 35‑year‑old businessman Roy Collins. The court heard submissions from both sides during a voir dire held on Wednesday, which examined evidence concerning Killeen's detention at Roxboro Road Garda station. The trial is ongoing, and the court has not yet ruled on the admissibility of the evidence. Nathan Killeen pleaded not guilty. Wayne Dundon pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court is hearing a voir dire on voice‑recognition evidence in the murder trial of Roy Collins. Two Limerick men, Wayne Dundon, 36, of Lenihan Avenue, Prospect, and Nathan Killeen, 24, of Hyde Road, Prospect, have pleaded not guilty to the killing of 35‑year‑old Roy Collins at Coin Castle Amusements, Roxboro Road Shopping Centre, on 9 April 2009. April Collins, who grew up on Hyde Avenue in Ballinacurra Weston, gave evidence that she had been in a relationship with Gerard Dundon, Wayne's brother, and had three children with him. Her brother Gareth Collins testified that he was offered €20,000 to participate in the murder of publican Steve Collins, Roy's father. April Collins also recounted that on the day of the shooting her son was ill and she had taken him to the regional hospital in Dooradoyle, where she received a phone call.
In the Special Criminal Court, Christopher McCarthy, 31, gave evidence as the cousin of Wayne Dundon, 36, who is on trial for the murder of 35‑year‑old businessman Roy Collins on 9 April 2009. McCarthy, serving a seven‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence for demanding money with menaces, described his 2009 residence on Crecora Avenue with partner Lisa Collins and brother Gareth Collins Keogh. He recounted that on the day of the murder he was at home with Lisa and Gareth when Nathan Killeen and James Dillon arrived. McCarthy said he did not hear the conversation between Killeen and Gareth but saw Killeen hand Gareth a phone. He later saw Killeen and Dillon walking down Hyde Avenue and noted they fled when a Garda car approached. McCarthy was questioned about the murder but did not disclose what he told the court, citing fear for his family's safety. The trial continues. Christopher McCarthy pleaded not guilty. Wayne Dundon pleaded not guilty. Nathan Killeen pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court has granted bail variations to two men accused of IRA membership. Darren Murphy, 42, of Dublin, sought a reduction in his bail surety to fund kitchen renovations. Although gardai objected, citing a strong danger of reoffending, the court compromised by reducing his independent surety from €20,000 to €15,000. Murphy remains subject to existing bail conditions. Co-accused John Brock, 40, of Tallaght, was granted temporary bail for the Easter period, from April 17 to 21. Despite gardai objections regarding his residence at multiple addresses and a previous bail breach, the court granted bail on the condition that he reside at a single address in Tallaght. He must observe a 24-hour curfew, with the court refusing an exception for DIY work. Murphy and seven co-accused, including Kevin Braney, Des Christie, Eamon McNamee, Hubert Duffy, William Jackson, and Declan Phelan, are charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, namely the IRA. They are scheduled to stand trial on January 13, 2015. Brock and four others, including Braney, Phelan, and Christie, face separate IRA membership charges arising from a July 2013 arrest, with their trial set for June 9, 2015. All charges are alleged or contested, and no pleas, findings, or sentences have been recorded.
The Special Criminal Court ordered the disclosure of any recordings made between Gardaí and civilian witnesses in the investigation of the murder of businessman Roy Collins. Wayne Dundon (35) and Nathan Killeen (23) are charged with Collins's murder at Coin Castle Amusements, Limerick, and are due to stand trial on 29 April before Justice Iseult O'Malley. Counsel for Killeen argued that outstanding disclosure issues included all communications between Garda stations and prosecution witnesses, some of whom were in prison. The State's counsel explained that the accused were in Garda stations lacking recording facilities or only recorded 999 calls, and that calls to secure rooms were not recorded. Dundon's counsel sought recordings of calls between Gardaí and prosecution witnesses, arguing relevance to the defence's challenge of witness reliability.
The Special Criminal Court in Dublin has set 6 October 2015 as the trial date for Thomas "Slab" Murphy, a 64‑year‑old republican from Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, Co Louth, on tax offences. The case stems from a Criminal Assets Bureau investigation. Nine charges allege that Murphy failed to file income, profit or gain returns for 1996/97 to 2004 with the Collector General or Inspector of Taxes. Prosecuting counsel applied for the date; Murphy's counsel sought further instructions following a Supreme Court ruling and requested a remand. Murphy remains on continuing bail until the trial.
The Special Criminal Court ruled that Vincent Banks' arrest on suspicion of IRA membership, linked to the murder of prison officer David Black, was unlawful. Banks, 46, pleaded not guilty to withholding information about the murder. A voir dire examined the legality of his detention, the arrest, and searches of his Smithfield apartment and a Finglas address. The defence argued that Banks' December 18, 2012 arrest for IRA membership violated Section 30(A) of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998, as he had been released without charge in September 2012 and could not be re‑arrested without a warrant. The court accepted that the arrest was unlawful but did not find it tainted the withholding‑information charge. It upheld the legality of his detention and the searches.
The Special Criminal Court is set to rule next week on legal questions about the detention and arrest of Vincent Banks, 44, who is charged with withholding information in connection with the murder of prison officer David Black. The trial has entered a voir dire to decide on the legality of Banks' detention, the searches of his Smithfield apartment and a Finglas address, and the admissibility of forensic samples and phone records. The prosecution alleges that Black, a 52‑year‑old guard at Maghaberry jail, was shot dead on the M1 near Lurgan on 1 November 2012 by occupants of a Toyota Camry registered 94 D 50997, a vehicle purchased by Banks. Evidence presented last week linked bullet casings from the scene to the same weapon as those found in the burnt‑out Camry. Vincent Banks pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court is hearing a voir dire on legal matters concerning the detention and arrest of Vincent Banks, 44, who is charged with withholding information related to the murder of prison officer David Black. Banks, who lives in Dublin 7, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The court considered the legality of obtaining forensic samples, searching Banks' apartment in Smithfield and an address in Finglas, and the acquisition of phone records. The prosecution alleges that Black, a 52‑year‑old officer at Maghaberry jail, was shot dead on the M1 near Lurgan on 1 November 2012 by occupants of a Toyota Camry registered 94 D 50997, a vehicle purchased by Banks. Evidence was presented that bullet casings from the scene matched those from the Camry, which was found burnt‑out nearby.
In the Special Criminal Court, Vincent Banks, 44, of Smithfield Gate Apartments, Dublin 7, pleaded not guilty to a charge of withholding information related to the murder of prison officer David Black. The court held a voir dire to decide on legal matters concerning Banks' detention and arrest, the legality of forensic samples, searches of his apartment and a Finglas address, and the acquisition of phone records. The prosecution alleged that Black, 52, was shot dead on the M1 near Lurgan on 1 November 2012 while driving to work at Maghaberry jail. They claim the fatal shots were fired from a Toyota Camry (registration 94 D 50997) bought by Banks, with bullet casings at the scene matching those from the vehicle. Banks is accused of failing to disclose information that could assist in apprehending or prosecuting the murderer between 10 October and 20 December 2012. The court will hear further arguments on these issues tomorrow before Judge Paul Butler.
The Special Criminal Court trial of Vincent Banks, 44, of Dublin 7, continued before Mr Justice Paul Butler. Banks, who has pleaded not guilty to a charge of withholding information in relation to the murder of Northern Ireland prison officer David Black, faces a separate charge of membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA. He remains remanded on the membership count, which will proceed immediately upon the judgement on the withholding information count. Evidence was heard from Leitrim County Councillor John McCartin, who stated he contacted gardai in 2012 after complaints about a car parked in a darkened area of Carrigallen. Cllr McCartin testified that he photographed the vehicle on his iPhone and later provided a DVD of backups to Detective Garda Bridget Buckley. Buckley confirmed she analysed the files and identified an image of a Toyota Camry taken on October 14, 2012. The prosecution alleges that the navy-coloured Toyota Camry, registered 94 D 50997, was used to shoot Black on the M1 motorway near Lurgan on November 1, 2012, and that Banks purchased the vehicle. The charge against Banks alleges he failed to disclose information that might assist in securing the apprehension or conviction of another person for the murder. The trial continues.
A Dublin man has pleaded not guilty to withholding information relating to the murder of Northern Ireland prison officer David Black at the Special Criminal Court. Vincent Banks (44), of Smithfield Gate Apartments in Dublin 7, faces a charge of failing to disclose material information between October and December 2012. The prosecution opened its case before the non-jury court on Friday, with counsel outlining evidence that the Toyota Camry used in Mr Black's fatal shooting on the M1 motorway near Lurgan on 1 November 2012 was purchased by the accused. The vehicle was subsequently recovered burnt-out near Inglewood. The prosecution intends to present forensic evidence linking Mr Banks to the vehicle's registration and CCTV footage from a Tallaght retailer. The court heard the car was stored in Carrigallen, County Leitrim, prior to the murder. Mr Banks faces an additional charge of IRA membership on 18 December 2012. The trial continues before Justice Paul Butler on Tuesday.
The Special Criminal Court adjourned the trial of Vincent Banks, 44, of Smithfield, Dublin, who pleaded not guilty to withholding information about the murder of prison officer David Black. The trial was set to begin this morning after a successful defence application to adjourn. Banks' counsel, Mr Micheál P. O'Higgins SC, explained that the defence was anxious to obtain PSNI investigation details and that a PSNI inspector had confirmed the disclosure request was under review. A detailed letter was sent to the inspector that morning. Mr O'Higgins requested the trial be postponed to allow the process to close out. The State's counsel, Mr Paul Greene SC, agreed, and Mr Justice Paul Butler adjourned the trial until tomorrow. Banks is also charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, the IRA, and remains remanded on that count. The murder of David Black, 52, occurred on 1 November 2012 when he was shot while driving to work near Lurgan. Dissident republicans claimed responsibility.
The Special Criminal Court has granted 31-year-old Thomas McMahon, a Limerick man charged with IRA membership, permission to travel to Lithuania for a third time. The court acceded to an application to ease his bail restrictions until February 10, allowing him to visit his Lithuanian wife. McMahon, of Ros Fearna, Murroe, and his co-accused, 34-year-old Noel Noonan of St. Patrick's Hostel, Clare Street, were arrested in February 2013 near Cahir, Co Tipperary, during an investigation into dissident republican activities. Both men face charges of membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA. While Detective Inspector William Hanrahan of the Special Detective Unit objected to the application, citing the upcoming trial date of March 25 and concerns over McMahon's potential non-return, he acknowledged that McMahon had previously returned his passport within 24 hours. Presiding Judge Paul Butler noted McMahon's prior compliance and granted the variation. Counsel Michael Bowman BL confirmed the bail surety was present and requested the suspension of signing-on and residency conditions from February 1 to February 10. The matter remains at the pre-trial stage, with the trial scheduled for March 25.
In Dublin, the Special Criminal Court issued a bench warrant for Nathan Kinsella, 33, who was scheduled to stand trial next week on an IRA membership charge linked to a 2012 funeral of Real IRA leader Alan Ryan. Kinsella had failed to appear at a Circuit Criminal Court hearing in November, prompting the warrant. The court noted that Kinsella's bail conditions required him to keep his mobile phone on and observe a curfew from 9 pm to 9 am daily. He had not been seen by his bail person since before Christmas, and his mobility was reported as severely impaired.
The Special Criminal Court ruled that Corey Mulhall's trial can proceed despite a non‑disclosed document offering an alternative explanation for his arrest. Mulhall, 41, was arrested in September 2012 after detectives observed suspicious activity near Harcourt Square, home to the Special Detective Unit. He pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styled the Irish Republican Army. The State's counsel noted that a document sent under the pseudonym "John Kenny" was received by the defence in November 2013, but the State had not disclosed it. The document, 10 pages long, alleges that Mulhall paid €200 to a man he believed to be a garda informer to book a room at the Harcourt Hotel and take photographs of Harcourt Square. The court found the document contained hearsay but did not prejudice the trial, and ordered that the matter be investigated while the trial continues.
The Special Criminal Court has granted 31-year-old Thomas McMahon permission to travel to Lithuania for a second time this year, despite objections from gardai. Mr McMahon, of Ros Fearna, Murroe, is on bail on a charge of membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA. He faces this charge alongside co-accused Noel Noonan (34), of St. Patrick's Hostel, Clare Street. Both men were arrested in February near Cahir, Co Tipperary, by the Special Detective Unit during an investigation into dissident republican activities. The court, presided over by Mr Justice Paul Butler, acceded to an application by counsel Mr Michael Bowman BL to vary bail restrictions until November 6th to allow Mr McMahon to attend a family wedding. Detective Inspector William Hanrahan stated that gardai objected because they could not monitor Mr McMahon while he was abroad, noting he is due to stand trial in March next year. However, the judge noted the variation was for a very limited period and that Mr McMahon had returned from a previous visit. The court agreed to the variation, noting the bail surety was present. The matter remains at the pre-trial stage, with the trial scheduled for next year.