Two Louth men further remanded in custody after admitting organised crime charge

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

Two men accused of facilitating organised crime have entered guilty pleas at Dundalk Circuit Court.

Dean Thornton (28) and Gary Kelly (30), with separate addresses at Moneymore, Drogheda, admitted for the purpose of enhancing the ability of a criminal organisation to facilitate a serious offence did knowingly engage in receiving, handling and possession of money that was the proceeds of criminal conduct, on various dates between June 1, 2023 and January 21, 2025, both dates inclusive, at locations within the State.

Mr Thornton, a father of one, also pleaded guilty to money laundering of €1,420 cash, at Beechwood Drive, Drogheda, on June 21, 2023.

The defendants were further remanded in custody to February 26 for sentencing.

Judge Dara Hayes directed a probation report and a urinalysis report on Dean Thornton, who has been in custody since last January.

His counsel said he had indicated to gardaí that he no longer had addiction issues and had turned away from crime.