Courts / Roscommon / Report

Roscommon eviction trial to resume after Easter break

Date
2023-03-31

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Roscommon

Summary

The Roscommon eviction assault trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has been adjourned until Monday, April 17, following the Easter break. Defendants Patrick Sweeney, Martin O'Toole, Paul Beirne, and David Lawlor have each pleaded not guilty to 17 charges. These include false imprisonment, assault causing harm to four security personnel, aggravated burglary, arson, criminal damage, violent disorder, robbery, and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. The alleged incident occurred on December 16, 2018, at Falsk, where a group of armed men attacked security guards at a repossessed property. On Day 19 of the trial, evidence was presented regarding a search warrant executed at Mr. Beirne's home in Co Roscommon on December 19, 2018. Gardaí seized electronic devices and keys to a Volvo lorry, which was later impounded. Mr. Beirne was arrested under section 30 of the Offences against the State Act and detained at Castlerea Garda Station. Testimony detailed his refusal of food and medical attention, leading to a doctor's visit for indigestion. The matter remains ongoing and was adjourned, not concluded.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Roscommon eviction trial to resume after Easter break. Charges or matters: 17 charges each at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

December 16, 2018 Incident
December 19, 2018 Incident
Monday, April 17 Hearing Or Sentence
2023-03-31 Publication

Case subjects

David Lawlor

Defendant

Charges: 17 charges each at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Martin O'Toole

Defendant

Charges: 17 charges each at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Patrick Sweeney

Defendant

Charges: 17 charges each at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Paul Beirne

Defendant

Charges: 17 charges each at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Outcome: He said at 10.20am, Mr Beirne presented at the station and Gda O'Connor was told Mr Beirne had been arrested under section 30 of the Offences against the State Act and could be held for detention for an initial period of 24 hours.