Serial killer's father challenges decision to stop benefits

Juma Palani, from Sligo, has initiated High Court proceedings to challenge the State's decision to withdraw his jobseeker's and disability allowances. Mr Palani is seeking to overturn determinations made earlier this year by the Criminal Assets Bureau, the Chief Appeals Officer, and the Minister for Social Protection. He claims the State has failed to provide evidence supporting assertions that he engaged in criminal activity, and contends the investigation was conducted unlawfully. Mr Palani's son, Yousef Palani, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in 2023 for the murders of Michael Snee and Aidan Moffitt in Sligo in April 2022, and for stabbing Anthony Burke. Mr Palani's legal representatives argue their client was denied fair procedures and constitutional justice, having received no opportunity to respond to allegations before his allowances were disallowed and repayment demands issued. Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty adjourned the case for hearing the following week.