Courts / Dublin / Report
Hennessy brothers apologise for role in 'Rat' branding attack
Summary
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned sentencing for five men until March 25. Jason Hennessy (29), Brandon Hennessy (22), Kenneth Fitzsimons (45), Dean Fitzsimons (25), and Devon Hennessy were originally charged with causing serious harm and false imprisonment, offences carrying potential life sentences. After victim Barry Moore (34) declined to testify due to fear, the State accepted guilty pleas to assault causing harm, a maximum ten-year offence. Devon Hennessy pleaded guilty to falsely imprisoning Moore and assisting a criminal organisation to inflict serious harm. Counsel for Devon argued he was the least culpable, having intervened to prevent further violence. The other four defendants expressed remorse and apologised to the victim. The court heard that Moore was waterboarded, beaten with a metal bar, and branded with the word 'RAT' seven times on his face and torso. He suffered a fractured elbow and multiple stab wounds. The judges, Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, Judge Sarah Berkeley, and Judge Fiona Lydon, adjourned the matter to March 25 for sentencing.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Hennessy brothers apologise for role in 'Rat' branding attack. Charges or matters: falsely imprisoning Mr Moore and to assisting a criminal organisation to inflict serious harm on Mr Moore; violent disorder arising out of his father's killing and was on bail for that offence at the time of the assault on Mr Moore. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- March 25 Adjournment
- February 13, 2025 Adjournment
- Christmas Eve Other
- 2026-02-03 Publication
Why: He said Brandon told him: "I told you on purpose because I knew you would go back and tell the lads. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Outcome: Brandon Hennessy (22), of Sheephill Avenue, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 and Kenneth Fitzsimons (45) and his son Dean Fitzsimons (25) of Castlecurragh Vale, Mulhuddart, Dublin were originally charged with various offences, including causing serious harm and false imprisonment, both of which carry potential life sentences.
Accused
Outcome: Dean Fitzsimons (25) of Castlecurragh Vale, Mulhuddart, Dublin were originally charged with various offences, including causing serious harm and false imprisonment, both of which carry potential life sentences.
Accused
Charges: falsely imprisoning Mr Moore and to assisting a criminal organisation to inflict serious harm on Mr Moore; violent disorder arising out of his father's killing and was on bail for that offence at the time of the assault on Mr Moore (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Mark Lynam SC, for Devon, today told the court that his client was the least culpable of all the accused and should be given a lesser sentence, despite pleading guilty to more serious offences.; Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, sitting with Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge Fiona Lydon adjourned sentencing to March 25.
Defendant
Outcome: Brothers Jason Hennessy and Brandon Hennessy (22), of Sheephill Avenue, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 and Kenneth Fitzsimons (45) and his son Dean Fitzsimons (25) of Castlecurragh Vale, Mulhuddart, Dublin were originally charged with various offences, including causing serious harm and false imprisonment, both of which carry potential life sentences.
Accused
Outcome: Kenneth Fitzsimons (45) and his son Dean Fitzsimons (25) of Castlecurragh Vale, Mulhuddart, Dublin were originally charged with various offences, including causing serious harm and false imprisonment, both of which carry potential life sentences.
Places mentioned
- Special Criminal Court
- Sheephill Avenue
- Blanchardstown
- Dublin
- Sheephill Avenue
Topics
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