Courts / Dublin / Report

Hennessy 'branding stamp' trial can't proceed this year after repeated delays, witness absence

Date
2025-12-01

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Blanchardstown

County
Dublin

Summary

The Special Criminal Court has adjourned the trial of four men until January 12 after the alleged victim, Barry Moore, failed to appear for a second time. The defendants, Jason Hennessy Jr, Brandon Hennessy, Kenneth Fitzsimons, and Dean Fitzsimons, are charged with false imprisonment, intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm, and participating in a criminal organisation. The offences are alleged to have occurred on February 12, 2025, at a house in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. Prosecution counsel Garnet Orange SC stated that gardaí remain in communication with Mr Moore but could not advance the trial without his evidence. Defence counsel Michael Bowman SC and John D Fitzgerald SC highlighted that the defendants are in custody and requested the State clarify its position in writing, with Fitzgerald SC warning of a potential bail application if delays continue. The court, presided over by Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, adjourned the matter to January 12 and listed a mention for December 17 to assess progress. Additional charges include Jason Hennessy Jr threatening to damage property and producing a branding stamp; Brandon Hennessy producing a steel breaker bar; Dean Fitzsimons threatening to kill or cause serious harm and producing a branding stamp and steel breaker bar; and Kenneth Fitzsimons producing a steel breaker bar and an axe. All charges remain alleged or contested.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Hennessy 'branding stamp' trial can't proceed this year after repeated delays, witness absence. Charges or matters: producing a "steel breaker bar" in a manner likely to intimidate another person while committing or appearing to be about to commit an assault; making a threat to kill or cause serious harm to the alleged victim and producing a metal branding stamp and a steel breaker bar; producing a steel breaker bar and an axe during the course of a dispute or fight. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

October 17 Adjournment
November 24 Adjournment
December 1 Hearing Or Sentence
February 12, 2025 Incident
January 12 Adjournment
December 17 Adjournment
2025-12-01 Publication

Why: Padraig Dwyer SC, representing Kenneth Fitzsimons, said he supported his colleague's submission and asked the prosecution to address the reason for the "witness absence". Prosecution account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Brandon Hennessy

Accused

Charges: producing a "steel breaker bar" in a manner likely to intimidate another person while committing or appearing to be about to commit an assault; making a threat to kill or cause serious harm to the alleged victim and producing a metal branding stamp and a steel breaker bar; producing a steel breaker bar and an axe during the course of a dispute or fight (Alleged Or Contested)

Dean Fitzsimons

Accused

Kenneth Fitzsimons

Defendant

Outcome: The trial was adjourned until November 24, when a bench warrant was issued for Mr Moore after he failed to appear in court.