Courts / Dublin / Report
Gang appeal convictions for €2m tiger kidnapping after five trials
Summary
In 2019, Mark Farrelly (48), David Byrne (46) and Niall Byrne (37) appealed convictions for the 2005 tiger kidnapping of the Richardson family and the €2.08 million robbery of a Securicor cash‑in‑transit van. The original trial, the fifth time the case had been heard, found them guilty of false imprisonment and conspiracy to rob. Farrelly, deemed the mastermind, received 17½ years; Byrne, one of the kidnappers, 13½ years; and Byrne, the inside man, 10 years. Their appeal, lodged on 29 October 2019, argued that mobile‑phone data used by Gardaí was gathered under the 1993 legislation, which did not cover the type of data now available and had been superseded in 2005. Counsel contended the evidence was inadmissible, citing the 2015 Supreme Court case 'JC' and the pending 'Dwyer' case. The appeal was heard by the Court of Appeal, with the Director of Public Prosecutions set to reply the following day. Mark Farrelly pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Gang appeal convictions for €2m tiger kidnapping after five trials. Charges or matters: the false imprisonment of the Richardson family at their Dublin home in Ashcroft, Raheny and of robbing Securicor of €2.08 million on March 14, 2005. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- March 14, 2005 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2019-10-29 Publication
Why: Counsel for Niall Byrne, Feargal Kavanagh SC, said the evidence should not have been admitted because the prosecution failed to establish that it was cogent and probative evidence. Prosecution account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Outcome: He was sentenced to 13-and-a-half years by Judge Greally last year.
Appellant
Charges: the false imprisonment of the Richardson family at their Dublin home in Ashcroft, Raheny and of robbing Securicor of €2.08 million on March 14, 2005 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Applicant
Outcome: Sentencing him to 10 years imprisonment, with Judge Melanie Greally noting that he would have a more difficult time in prison as he has two brothers who are prison officers.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Supreme Court
- High Court
- Court of Appeal
- Old Brazil Way
- Crumlin
- Crumlin Road
Topics
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