Courts / Dublin / Report
DPP accepts lesser pleas in 'RAT' branding trial after alleged victim refuses to testify
Summary
The DPP accepted pleas of guilty to assault causing harm from four defendants after alleged victim Barry Moore (34) refused to testify. Jason Hennessy Jr (28), Brandon Hennessy (22), Kenneth Fitzsimons (45), and Dean Fitzsimons (25) had been charged with false imprisonment and causing serious harm, offences carrying potential life sentences. The State accepted the lesser pleas, which carry a maximum ten-year sentence, on a full facts basis. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor adjourned the matter for a sentencing hearing on January 26 next year. Mr Moore, who was arrested on a bench warrant, maintained his refusal to give evidence despite warnings of a prison sentence for non-cooperation. The DPP indicated Mr Moore would be released from custody. Devon Hennessy, who previously pleaded guilty to falsely imprisoning and assaulting Mr Moore to enhance criminal gang activities, is not part of this current trial. The court will hear evidence including photographs, medical records, CCTV, and statements made to gardai, as the State seeks to admit these without cross-examination.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: DPP accepts lesser pleas in 'RAT' branding trial after alleged victim refuses to testify. 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; falsely imprisoning and assaulting Mr Moore for the purpose of enhancing the activities of a criminal gang. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- January 26 Adjournment
- February 12 Incident
- February 12, 2025 Incident
- 2025-12-08 Publication
Why: Lawyers for the defendants were expected to argue that Mr Moore's statements should be ruled inadmissible because he was not making himself available for cross-examination. CNI source report
Case subjects
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)
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)
Defendant
Charges: falsely imprisoning and assaulting Mr Moore for the purpose of enhancing the activities of a criminal gang (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Accused
Outcome: Jason Hennessy Jr (28) and Brandon Hennessy (22), as well as Kenneth Fitzsimons (45) and his son Dean Fitzsimons (25), had been charged with various offences, including causing serious harm and false imprisonment of Barry Moore (34), both of which carry potential life sentences.; Ms Justice Karen O'Connor adjourned the matter for a sentencing hearing on January 26 next year.
Accused
Outcome: Kenneth Fitzsimons (45) and his son Dean Fitzsimons (25), had been charged with various offences, including causing serious harm and false imprisonment of Barry Moore (34), both of which carry potential life sentences.; Ms Justice Karen O'Connor adjourned the matter for a sentencing hearing on January 26 next year.
Places mentioned
- Sheephill Avenue
- Blanchardstown
- Dublin
- Sheephill Avenue
- Blanchardstown
- Dublin
Topics
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