Courts / Wexford / Report

Brian Grendon to face non-jury trial for directing criminal gang

Date
2026-06-22

Stage
Trial

County
Wexford

Summary

Brian Grendon is to face a non-jury trial in the Special Criminal Court alongside two co-accused for directing a criminal organization and drug-related offenses. Grendon is charged with 12 offenses, including directing the activities of a criminal organization in the importation and distribution of controlled drugs and money laundering. He is also charged with importing cocaine and possessing the drug for sale or supply. His co-accused, Noel Smyth and Paul Kelly, face charges of contributing to the activities of a criminal organization and drug offenses. The State applied for the trial to be held in the Special Criminal Court, and the court granted the application. The trial is set to proceed with the three-judge court, and the matter was adjourned to June 29.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Brian Grendon to face non-jury trial for directing criminal gang. Charges or matters: two counts of importing cocaine at the same address between the same dates; directing the activities of a criminal organisation and importing drugs, is to stand trial before the non-jury Special Criminal Court alongside two co-accused, who face charges of contributing to the activities of a criminal organisation and drug offences; 12 offences, including directing the activities of a criminal organisation in the importation and distribution of controlled drugs and in money laundering between August 1, 2024 and September 17, 2024, both dates inclusive within the state. Procedural stage: trial

When:

August 1, 2024 Other
September 17, 2024 Incident
August 7, 2024 Incident
August 10 Incident
September 13 Incident
September 2 Incident
September 16 Incident
August 1st Other
September 17th, 2024 Other
September 16, 2024 Incident
June 29 Adjournment
2026-06-22 Publication

Case subjects

Brian Grendon

Accused

Charges: directing the activities of a criminal organisation and importing drugs, is to stand trial before the non-jury Special Criminal Court alongside two co-accused, who face charges of contributing to the activities of a criminal organisation and drug offences; 12 offences, including directing the activities of a criminal organisation in the importation and distribution of controlled drugs and in money laundering between August 1, 2024 and September 17, 2024, both dates inclusive within the state; two counts of importing cocaine at the same address between the same dates (Alleged Or Contested)

Outcome: Ms Justice Caroline Biggs, presiding, sitting with Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge Fiona Lydon, made the order in respect of each of the accused and adjourned the matter to June 29.

Noel Smyth

Co Accused

Charges: two counts of importing cocaine at the same address between the same dates (Alleged Or Contested)

Outcome: Ms Justice Caroline Biggs, presiding, sitting with Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge Fiona Lydon, made the order in respect of each of the accused and adjourned the matter to June 29.