Courts / Dublin / Report

Double murderer fails in appeal

Date
2016-07-20

Stage
Appeal

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Gary Howard, 28, of Dublin's North Inner City, was convicted of murdering Patrick Mooney (58) and Brendan Molyneux (46) on 10 January 2010. He was found guilty after a six‑week trial and received two life sentences on 25 May 2012. Howard appealed on grounds that his arrest, extended detention, and Garda interviews were oppressive and that he was denied access to a solicitor. The Court of Appeal, led by Mr Justice John Edwards, rejected all appeal grounds. The court noted that Howard's 26 Garda interviews were recorded and reviewed, that he was aware of his rights, and that the Gardaí had a legitimate concern for safety. Consequently, the appeal was dismissed and Howard's convictions and sentences remain in force. Gary Howard pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Double murderer fails in appeal. Charges or matters: murdering Patrick Mooney (58) and Brendan Molyneux (46) on January 10 2010; their murder following a six-week trial and was given two life sentences by Mr Justice Paul Carney on May 25 2012. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty

When:

January 10 2010 Hearing Or Sentence
May 25 2012 Incident
2016-07-20 Publication

Why: Mr Gillane said Ireland would join all other common law jurisdictions in determining that this particular line of questioning was "beyond the pale" because it exercised huge psychological pressure on a detainee. CNI source report

Case subjects

Gary Howard

Appellant

Charges: murdering Patrick Mooney (58) and Brendan Molyneux (46) on January 10 2010; their murder following a six-week trial and was given two life sentences by Mr Justice Paul Carney on May 25 2012 (Proven)

Plea: Not guilty

Finding: Found guilty

Outcome: Found guilty; Howard was found guilty of their murder following a six-week trial and was given two life sentences by Mr Justice Paul Carney on May 25 2012.