In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Daniel Ennis, aged 20, pleaded guilty to threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Garda Linda Ryan and Garda Michelle Doyle during a search of his back garden for a stolen postbag. He also pleaded guilty to threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Ms. Carrie and Ms. Tims, threatening to damage property, and possession of a firearm on Oranmore Road. Ennis had previously fired shots at a house on Oranmore Road, where a woman was sleeping, and had threatened the occupants. He had also thrown a small dog and a paving slab at four gardaí who were searching his garden, and had tried to throw a bike and threatened them with a shovel. The judge remanded Ennis in continuing custody until sentencing. No injuries were reported. The case involved no further convictions or outcomes beyond the guilty pleas.
The Special Criminal Court has reserved judgment in the trial of Thomas Murphy, 66, of Ballybinaby, Co Louth, who is charged with alleged tax evasion. Mr Murphy, who pleaded not guilty to nine charges, is accused of failing to furnish returns of income, profits, or gains to the Collector General or Inspector of Taxes for the years 1996/97 to 2004. The prosecution, acting on a Criminal Assets Bureau investigation, alleges that despite conducting significant cattle and land dealings and receiving farming grants, he made no tax returns. In his closing speech, defence counsel John Kearney QC argued that reasonable doubt exists regarding who was the chargeable person, asserting that Mr Murphy's brother, Patrick, managed the farming activities. Kearney criticised the Revenue Officer's evidence as a superficial, face-value analysis that presumed Thomas Murphy signed documents without considering the alternate theory of Patrick Murphy's involvement. The defence also cited handwriting expert evidence suggesting Thomas Murphy did not sign certain documents. Presiding Judge Paul Butler, alongside Judges John O'Hagan and Ann Ryan, indicated the court may deliver its verdict on December 17th, though he noted it was not certain. Mr Justice Butler remanded Mr Murphy on continuing bail until that date.
The Special Criminal Court has heard the defence closing speech in the trial of Thomas Murphy, 66, of Ballybinaby, Co Louth. The defendant, a prominent republican, has pleaded not guilty to nine charges alleging that he failed to furnish a return of his income, profits or gains to the Collector General or the Inspector of Taxes for the years 1996/97 to 2004. Prosecutors, acting on a Criminal Assets Bureau investigation, allege that despite conducting significant cattle and land dealings and receiving farming grants, Murphy made no returns to revenue. Defence counsel John Kearney QC argued that Murphy's brother, Patrick, managed the farming activities and controlled the relevant bank accounts. Kearney contended that the prosecution cannot prove Murphy personally attended livestock marts or meat factories, nor that he was the chargeable person in charge of the farm. He further submitted that the forensic accountant's evidence was discredited by unanalysed materials, including Patrick Murphy's bank account. The defence requested the court to find reasonable doubt regarding the viability of the prosecution's evidence. The matter is currently at the pre-trial stage, with the closing speech expected to conclude the following day.
During the second day of the Special Criminal Court hearing, Thomas "Slab" Murphy (66) pleaded not guilty to nine tax‑evasion charges covering 1996/97 to 2004. The prosecution alleges that, although he was involved in cattle and land dealings and received farming grants, he failed to file income, profit or gain returns to the Collector General or Inspector of Taxes. The defence, led by John Kearney QC, argues reasonable doubt exists over whether Thomas Murphy was the chargeable person. Kearney suggests his brother Patrick Murphy, who managed the cattle herd and farming activities, may have been the actual farmer and the one who applied for the herd number in 1991. He also questions whether Thomas Murphy lived in Ballybinaby, noting he was not present during the 2006 CAB search. The trial will resume on Tuesday for the defence's closing speech.
Closing speeches are currently being heard at the Special Criminal Court in the trial of Thomas Murphy, 66, of Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, Co Louth. The defendant has pleaded not guilty to nine charges alleging that he failed to furnish a return of his income, profits, or gains to the Collector General or Inspector of Taxes for the years 1996/97 to 2004. The prosecution, led by Paul Burns SC, contends that Murphy was a chargeable person who received income from cattle and land dealings and farming grants but made no returns to Revenue. Burns argued that the crux of the case is whether Murphy was entitled to receive this income, noting that funds were deposited into his bank account and used for a pension policy. He dismissed the defence suggestion of identity theft as a construct to evade evidence. In response, defence counsel John Kearney QC argued that Murphy's brother, Patrick Murphy, managed the cattle herd and farming activities. Kearney cited a 2009 statement of affairs in which Patrick Murphy admitted to being in charge of the herd. The defence also highlighted expert handwriting evidence suggesting documents bearing Thomas Murphy's signature were forged. Kearney further noted that no cattle dealing cheques appeared in Murphy's bank account for its first three years. The defence closing speech is expected to conclude tomorrow, with the matter remaining at the trial stage.
The Special Criminal Court trial of Thomas Murphy, 66, of Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, Co Louth, has heard expert evidence regarding documents allegedly signed in his name. Murphy, who has pleaded not guilty to nine charges alleging he failed to furnish income returns to the Collector General or Inspector of Taxes for the years 1996/97 to 2004, is being prosecuted following a Criminal Assets Bureau investigation. The prosecution alleges that despite conducting significant cattle and land dealings and receiving farming grants, Murphy made no returns to revenue. Defence witness and handwriting expert Stephen Cosslett testified that his first report found "strong evidence" that Murphy did not sign a number of questioned documents. He further stated there was "conclusive evidence" that three documents from 2007 to 2009 were signed by Patrick Murphy, the accused's brother. Regarding a second report examining cheques, Cosslett noted "limited evidence" that Murphy did not sign the reverse of the cheques, though he acknowledged the examination circumstances were "not ideal" as a magnifying glass was used instead of a microscope. Under cross-examination, Cosslett agreed it was "more than likely" Murphy signed certain land rental declarations and EU Area Aid Applications from 1994 to 2004. The defence has closed its case, and closing speeches are expected to be heard tomorrow.
The Special Criminal Court has rejected the defence application to dismiss tax charges against Thomas Murphy, a 66-year-old from Ballybinaby, Co Louth. Mr Murphy, who pleaded not guilty to nine charges alleging he failed to furnish income returns to the Collector General or Inspector of Taxes for the years 1996/97 to 2004, is currently on trial before a three-judge non-jury court. The prosecution alleges that despite conducting significant cattle and land dealings and receiving farming grants, Mr Murphy made no returns to Revenue. Defence counsel Tony McGillicuddy BL argued the case constituted an abuse of process, citing a Revenue Inspector's estimate of €15,000 annual farming income, and contended that the prosecution bore the burden of proving the absence of reasonable excuse. Presiding Judge Paul Butler rejected these submissions, stating there was no evidence supporting the abuse of process claim and ruling that the evidential burden regarding reasonable excuse falls on the accused. The court also addressed discrepancies in charge wording, noting earlier years included "knowingly and wilfully" while later years specified "without reasonable excuse." The trial, which stems from a Criminal Assets Bureau investigation, was adjourned and is scheduled to resume on Friday.
The Special Criminal Court has heard defence submissions in the trial of Thomas Murphy, 66, of Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, Co Louth. Mr Murphy, who pleaded not guilty to nine charges alleging that he failed to furnish a return of his income, profits or gains or the source of his income, profits or gains to the Collector General or the Inspector of Taxes for the years 1996/97 to 2004, is being prosecuted on foot of a Criminal Assets Bureau investigation. The prosecution alleges that despite conducting significant dealings in cattle and land and receiving farming grants, Mr Murphy failed to make returns to Revenue. Defence counsel Tony McGillicuddy BL submitted to the three-judge, non-jury court that the charges should be dismissed as an abuse of process. He argued that the State has a duty to explore alternatives before prosecuting an indictable matter where the alleged net income is only €15,000 per year, a figure estimated by a Revenue Inspector. The defence also claimed that Mr Murphy's brother managed his cattle herd and farming activities. The matter was adjourned, with the trial set to resume on Tuesday for prosecution submissions.
The trial of Thomas Murphy, 66, of Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, Co Louth, at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin has been adjourned until Friday. The defence applied for the postponement to furnish a report from a handwriting expert. Mr Murphy, a prominent republican, has pleaded not guilty to nine charges alleging that he failed to furnish a return of his income, profits or gains, or the source of such income, to the Collector General or the Inspector of Taxes for the years 1996/97 to 2004. The prosecution alleges that despite conducting significant dealings in cattle and land and receiving farming grants from the Department of Agriculture, Mr Murphy failed to make any returns to revenue. The defence contends that Mr Murphy's brother managed the accused man's cattle herd and farming activities. The case is being prosecuted on foot of an investigation by the Criminal Assets Bureau. As the matter was adjourned, it has not been concluded or finalised.
The trial of Thomas Murphy, 66, of Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, Co Louth, continued at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin. The defendant, a prominent republican, has pleaded not guilty to nine charges alleging he failed to furnish income tax returns for the years 1996/97 to 2004. Prosecutors, acting on a Criminal Assets Bureau investigation, allege that despite conducting significant cattle and land dealings and receiving farming grants, Murphy did not pay taxes. During cross-examination, a Revenue Inspector testified that he estimated Murphy's farming income at 15,000 Irish Pounds annually from 1996 to 2001, and 15,000 Euro annually from 2002 to 2004. The Inspector stated these figures were fair and equitable based on available documentation, though he acknowledged the records were incomplete. Defence counsel John Kearney QC challenged the evidence, noting the Inspector did not verify signatures on grant applications and that Murphy's brother, Patrick, had transferred a herd number to his wife in 2001. The Inspector maintained this transfer was commercially normal and did not raise scepticism. Kearney further argued that documentation suggested a single farming unit and that Patrick Murphy's 2008 settlement with the State relied on a statement citing a herd number attributed to Thomas Murphy. The Inspector declined to speculate on whether Patrick's returns related to another herd. The trial continues.
The trial of Thomas Murphy, 66, of Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, Co Louth, continued at the Special Criminal Court. Mr Murphy, a prominent republican, has pleaded not guilty to nine charges alleging that he failed to furnish a return of his income, profits or gains or the source of his income, profits or gains to the Collector General or the Inspector of Taxes for the years 1996/97 to 2004. The prosecution is proceeding on foot of an investigation by the Criminal Assets Bureau. During cross-examination, a Revenue Inspector, who cannot be named for legal reasons, testified that he does not know if the signature on farming grant applications belongs to Mr Murphy. The defence, represented by John Kearney QC, claims that Mr Murphy's brother managed the accused man's cattle herd and farming activities. The prosecution's case is that, although Mr Murphy conducted significant dealings in relation to cattle and land and received farming grants from the Department of Agriculture, he failed to make any returns to revenue. The witness agreed with the defence that if Mr Murphy signed the forms, it would mean he was the farmer of the herd, but confirmed he does not know whether Mr Murphy actually signed the documents. The matter was adjourned and the trial continues.
The trial of Thomas Murphy, 66, of Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, Co Louth, is ongoing at the Special Criminal Court. The defendant, a prominent republican, has pleaded not guilty to nine charges alleging that he failed to furnish a return of his income, profits, or gains to the Collector General or Inspector of Taxes for the years 1996/97 to 2004. The prosecution, led by Paul Burns SC, is prosecuting on foot of a Criminal Assets Bureau investigation. The prosecution alleges that despite conducting significant dealings in cattle and land and receiving farming grants from the Department of Agriculture, Murphy failed to make any returns to Revenue. Evidence from a Revenue Inspector, who cannot be named, was presented to the court. The Inspector stated that in October 2005, he was instructed to investigate Murphy's tax affairs. He examined various documents, including bank details, cattle mart invoices, Department of Agriculture grant cheques, EU Area Aid forms, and documents seized by the CAB from Murphy's and his family's homes. The Inspector concluded that Murphy was involved in the farming business and did not file tax returns from 1996 to 2004, asserting that documentary evidence showed Murphy was a chargeable person who should have furnished returns. Mr Justice Paul Butler, presiding over the three-judge, non-jury court, ruled the evidence admissible after defence lawyers raised objections regarding its admissibility. The trial continues.
The Special Criminal Court in Dublin heard legal arguments today in the non-jury trial of Thomas Murphy, a 66-year-old resident of Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, Co Louth. The defendant, a prominent republican, has pleaded not guilty to nine charges alleging that he failed to furnish a return of his income, profits, or gains, or the source of such income, to the Collector General or the Inspector of Taxes for the years 1996/97 to 2004. The prosecution, acting on an investigation by the Criminal Assets Bureau, alleges that although Mr Murphy conducted significant dealings in cattle and land and received farming grants from the Department of Agriculture, he failed to make any returns to revenue. The court is currently at the hearing or decision stage, with the matter not yet concluded. The trial is scheduled to resume on Tuesday.
The trial of Thomas Murphy, 66, of Ballybinaby, Co Louth, continued at the Special Criminal Court, where he faces nine charges alleging he failed to furnish returns of income, profits, or gains to the Collector General or Inspector of Taxes for the years 1996/97 to 2004. Mr Murphy has pleaded not guilty to all allegations. Evidence was heard regarding a ledger seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau during a 2006 raid on a shed on the border with Northern Ireland. The prosecution alleges that despite conducting significant cattle and land dealings and receiving farming grants, Mr Murphy made no revenue returns. Conversely, the defence argues the ledger was used to create a profit and loss account for the Murphy farming business, managed by Mr Murphy's brother. A forensic accountant, examined under cross-examination by defence counsel John Kearney QC, stated that the ledger represented a centralized recording system for the enterprise. While the defence suggested the ledger recorded all money in and out, the accountant disagreed that calculating a profit and loss account from it would be easy, noting he did not recreate such an account. He further stated that the ledger entries alone meant nothing without cross-referencing with other documents, a process he completed at the start of the trial. The afternoon's proceedings were taken up with legal argument. The matter was adjourned, and the trial continues.
The Special Criminal Court trial of Thomas Murphy, 66, of Ballybinaby, Co Louth, continued with cross-examination of a forensic accountant. Mr Murphy, a prominent republican, has pleaded not guilty to nine charges alleging he failed to furnish returns of income, profits, or gains to the Collector General or Inspector of Taxes for the years 1996/97 to 2004. The prosecution alleges that despite significant dealings in cattle and land and receiving farming grants, he did not make returns to Revenue. The case stems from a Criminal Assets Bureau investigation following a 2006 search of a shed on the Northern Ireland border, where ledgers and cheques were seized. Defence counsel John Kearney QC suggested that Mr Murphy's brother, Patrick Murphy, managed the cattle herd, citing documents linking Patrick to the shed and diary entries indicating Patrick contacted Portlaoise regarding Thomas Murphy's payments. The forensic accountant disagreed, stating the documents related to the entire Murphy family and suggested centralized management and an organized bookkeeping system for the enterprise. The accountant clarified that diary entries referred specifically to Thomas Murphy's claims. The matter was adjourned, with the trial set to continue tomorrow morning with further cross-examination.
The Special Criminal Court trial of Thomas "Slab" Murphy, 66, of Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, Co Louth, continued today with cross-examination of a forensic accountant working with the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB). Mr Murphy has pleaded not guilty to nine charges alleging that he failed to furnish a return of his income, profits or gains, or the source of such income, to the Collector General or Inspector of Taxes for the years 1996/97 to 2004. The prosecution alleges that despite conducting significant dealings in cattle and land and receiving farming grants, Mr Murphy failed to make any returns to revenue. The accountant, who examined documents seized by CAB in 2006 from a shed on the border with Northern Ireland, described the contents as "extremely unusual." He stated that analysis indicated a centralised system for managing the finances of the Murphy family and an associated oil business. While defence counsel John Kearney QC suggested the documents showed a centralised operation by Patrick Murphy, the accountant disagreed, noting that proceeds went into Thomas Murphy's bank account. The accountant also highlighted uninterpretable codes in the ledgers and explained that simultaneous invoices for three family members reflected economies of scale rather than a single herd management structure. The trial continues.
The trial of Thomas Murphy, 66, at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin for alleged tax evasion has heard evidence from a forensic accountant. The prosecution alleges that Murphy failed to furnish returns of his income, profits, or gains to the Collector General or Inspector of Taxes for the years 1996/97 to 2004, despite conducting significant dealings in cattle and land and receiving farming grants. Murphy has pleaded not guilty to nine charges arising from a Criminal Assets Bureau investigation known as Operation Achilles. The unnamed forensic accountant testified regarding ledgers, cheques, and cheque books seized during a 2006 search of a shed on the border with Northern Ireland. He stated that specific letters in the ledgers, such as "T" and "under Tom," referred to Thomas Murphy, while other entries related to family members, including his brother Patrick. The accountant cross-referenced these entries with invoices from cattle marts and a bank account in Murphy's name. Under cross-examination, the accountant maintained his objectivity and independence, rejecting the defence suggestion that the operation aimed solely to target Murphy. He also disagreed with the assertion that the family operated as a single farm, noting that each member took their share of the money. The defence argued that Patrick Murphy paid the tax due for the herd. The trial continues.
The trial of Thomas Murphy, 66, of Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, Co Louth, for alleged tax evasion is ongoing at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin. The defendant has pleaded not guilty to nine charges alleging that he failed to furnish returns of his income, profits, or gains to the Collector General or Inspector of Taxes for the years 1996/97 to 2004. The prosecution, acting on an investigation by the Criminal Assets Bureau, contends that although Murphy conducted significant dealings in cattle and land and received farming grants, he did not report this income to Revenue. During proceedings, the court heard evidence from Vincent Murray, a former procurement manager at Newgrange Meats in Slane, County Meath. Murray provided records indicating that a man named Thomas Murphy supplied cattle to the factory. Specifically, the court was shown records stating that on October 18, 2004, twenty-two cattle were slaughtered, supplied by Thomas Murphy of Ballybinaby. Two cheques totaling over €15,000, made payable to Thomas Murphy, were exhibited to the three-judge court. Defense counsel John Kearney QC suggested to the witness that the signatures on the back of these cheques were clearly different from the defendant's signature, a point Murray agreed with. The trial, which was adjourned before lunch, will resume on Tuesday.
The trial of Thomas "Slab" Murphy at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin heard evidence that between December 2000 and August 2004, a man of the same name sold cattle worth over €160,000 for slaughter. The prosecution alleges that although the accused, aged 66 and resident at Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, County Louth, engaged in substantial cattle and land dealings and received farming grants, he failed to submit any tax returns. Mr Murphy has pleaded not guilty to nine charges of failing to furnish income returns to the revenue authorities for the years 1996/97 to 2004. Evidence from the financial controller of Donegal Meat Processors detailed cheques issued to Thomas Murphy during the period in question. The prosecution's case is being advanced by the Criminal Assets Bureau. The trial continues.
In a High Court hearing on 22 October 2015, Mr Justice Max Barrett dismissed parts of a judicial review action brought by Killarney Jaunting Cars Ltd against Kerry County Council. The company had sought new or re‑issued licences for horse‑drawn carriages, claiming the council had failed to issue or renew licences and had acted unlawfully. The council argued that only 37 licences could be accommodated due to traffic constraints. The judge found no evidence of a breach of natural or constitutional justice and noted that the company did not hold any current licences, though it had previously held eight. He declined to decide on whether expired licences had automatically reverted to the council, stating he could address that if the court was asked in the future. He urged jarvey operators to obtain current licences and suggested the council consider future licence numbers in light of a pending traffic study. The matter was adjourned to November for further consideration.
A trial at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin has heard evidence concerning banking transactions linked to a man named Thomas Murphy with an address in County Louth. The accused, aged 66 and from Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, has pleaded not guilty to nine charges of failing to furnish tax returns to revenue authorities for the years 1996 to 2004. The prosecution alleges he conducted substantial cattle and land dealings whilst receiving farming grants but made no income declarations. Evidence was presented regarding cheques drawn from an account at Permanent TSB in Dundalk, with payments made to livestock marts in Elphin, Ballyjamesduff and Kingscourt. The defence contends the accused did not control the account and that his brother Patrick Murphy was responsible for its operation. The case, brought following a Criminal Assets Bureau investigation, continues.
The trial of Thomas Murphy at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin has heard evidence regarding substantial cattle transactions spanning several years. A former project manager at Kepak Meat Processors testified that between August 1999 and August 2001, cattle valued at over €30,000 were supplied to the company by a man named Thomas Murphy. Additional evidence was presented concerning cattle purchases made in May 2004, including transactions at livestock marts in County Galway and Kingscourt, County Cavan. Mr Murphy, aged 66 and resident in County Louth, has pleaded not guilty to nine charges of failing to furnish income returns to revenue authorities for the years 1996/97 to 2004. The prosecution alleges that despite significant dealings in cattle and land and receipt of farming grants, the accused made no tax returns. The investigation was conducted by the Criminal Assets Bureau. The trial before the three-judge court continues.
The trial of Thomas Murphy at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin heard evidence regarding substantial cattle trading activity spanning several years. Prosecution witnesses, employed at livestock marts in counties Meath, Cavan, and Roscommon, provided documentation to gardaí detailing transactions in the name of a man named Thomas Murphy with an address at Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, County Louth. Evidence indicated cattle purchases totalling approximately €370,000 between 1999 and 2005, transacted through Carnaross Mart, Ballyjamesduff Cattle Mart, and Elphin Co-op Livestock Mart. The prosecution alleges that despite conducting significant dealings in cattle and land, and receiving farming grants, Mr Murphy failed to make returns to revenue. Mr Murphy, aged 66, has pleaded not guilty to nine charges relating to failure to furnish income returns for the years 1996/97 to 2004. The trial, conducted by the Criminal Assets Bureau, continues before a three-judge bench.
Liam Dowling, 44, of Fitzgibbon Court, was found guilty of killing a protected Jack Russell dog at Clonliffe College on 19 August 2014. Witnesses saw him swing the dog overhead up to 30 times, put his foot on its head, and pull the lead tight. A vet found the dog died from repeated blunt‑force trauma. Dowling claimed the nine‑year‑old pet had been ill for up to five months and he could not afford veterinary care. He pleaded guilty and admitted killing the animal. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, after a Probation Service assessment, imposed 200 hours of community service instead of a two‑year prison term. Judge Martin Nolan declined to ban Dowling from keeping dogs, citing his role as a caring parent and his lack of a cruelty history. Dowling has 12 prior convictions, including a four‑and‑a‑half‑year drug sentence.
The trial of a man charged with tax evasion has heard evidence at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin concerning significant cattle trading and agricultural grants. A former manager of Roscommon Livestock Mart testified that between 1999 and 2004, a man named Thomas Murphy traded cattle valued at over €150,000. A retired Department of Agriculture official gave evidence of farming grants totalling over €100,000 paid to an individual of that name at an address in Hackballscross, County Louth, between 1996 and 2004. The prosecution alleges the accused failed to declare income or file tax returns relating to these dealings across multiple years. The defendant has pleaded not guilty to nine counts of failing to furnish returns of income and profits to tax authorities for the period 1996 to 2004. The case, investigated by the Criminal Assets Bureau, continues before a three-judge panel.
The trial of Thomas Murphy, 66, of Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, Co Louth, is ongoing at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin. The defendant, a prominent republican, has pleaded not guilty to nine charges alleging that he failed to furnish returns of his income, profits, or gains to the Collector General or Inspector of Taxes for the years 1996/97 to 2004. The prosecution, acting on an investigation by the Criminal Assets Bureau, contends that although Murphy received over €100,000 in grants from the Department of Agriculture and conducted significant dealings in cattle and land, he did not report this income to Revenue. Evidence presented by Patrick O'Hara, a retired Department of Agriculture employee, detailed payments made to a Thomas Murphy at the defendant's address between 1996 and 2004. These payments, totaling over €100,000, were attributed to farming grant schemes including the Slaughter Premium Scheme and the Special Beef Premium. The case is being heard by a three-judge, non-jury court. The trial continues, with no final verdict or sentence issued at this stage.
The Special Criminal Court in Dublin has heard evidence in the ongoing trial of Thomas Murphy, a 66-year-old resident of Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, Co Louth. Murphy, a prominent republican, has pleaded not guilty to nine charges alleging that he failed to furnish returns of his income, profits, or gains to the Collector General or Inspector of Taxes for the years 1996/97 to 2004. The prosecution, led by Paul Burns SC, is prosecuting on foot of a Criminal Assets Bureau investigation. The court heard that in 1991, a man named Thomas Murphy applied for a herd number from the Department of Agriculture, a registration required for farmers dealing in cattle. Retired Department of Agriculture employee Pat Rafferty testified that he received the application form, which was signed by Thomas Murphy, and visited the Ballybinaby farm for an inspection before issuing the number. Rafferty stated he likely met the applicant during the visit but could not confirm the individual's identity with certainty. The prosecution's case is that Murphy received grants totalling over €100,000 over eight years and conducted significant dealings in cattle and land, yet failed to make any returns to revenue. The trial continues.
In the Special Criminal Court, Thomas "Slab" Murphy, aged 66, faces nine tax‑evasion charges for failing to file returns for 1996‑2004. He denies the allegations. A County Meath farmer, who rented land to Murphy and his brothers, testified that he cannot recall the accused ever handing him money, though he began renting in 1997 or 1998. The prosecution, led by Paul Burns SC, presented this testimony. The court also heard from Brid Cannon, a Department of Agriculture employee, who confirmed that Thomas Murphy traded cattle between his own herds and those of Francis and Rosemary and Marie Murphy from 2000 to 2005. Cannon's testimony was supported by John Kearney QC. The trial, which resumed on Tuesday, continued with legal arguments. The case remains ongoing. Thomas Murphy pleaded not guilty.
In a High Court hearing on 8 October 2015, Killarney Jaunting Cars Ltd sued the local council over its failure to issue or re‑issue jarvey licences. The company, which holds eight of the 37 licences issued by the council, argues that the council's inaction breaches its duties and acts unlawfully. It seeks an order that the council determine annually the number of licences for horse‑drawn hackney carriages and declarations that the council acted contrary to natural justice by not re‑issuing expired licences. The council, now under Kerry County Council, opposes the case, claiming that any order to issue fresh licences would run contrary to the common good. Counsel for the company, David Sutton SC, noted that applications made in 2012, 2013 and 2014 were met with silence, and that in 2015 the council decided not to issue any additional licences after the tourist season. The hearing before Mr Justice Max Barrett continues.
The Special Criminal Court in Dublin is hearing the trial of Thomas "Slab" Murphy, 66, of Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, County Louth, who has pleaded not guilty to nine charges alleging he failed to furnish income returns to the Collector General or Inspector of Taxes for the years 1996/97 to 2004. Prosecuting counsel Paul Burns SC alleged that the defendant conducted significant dealings in land and cattle, making payments exceeding €300,000 mostly in cash, yet made no returns to Revenue. The prosecution contends that Murphy received over €100,000 in farming grants from the Department of Agriculture during this period. Evidence from Department of Agriculture officer Niall McKeown confirmed these grant payments to a Thomas Murphy at the defendant's address. Witness Grainne Dalton testified that EU Area Aid applications from 1996, 1997, 1999, and 2004 were signed by a Thomas Murphy at that address. However, defending counsel John Kearney QC challenged the evidence, noting that the witness could not forensically confirm the defendant held the documents or penned the signatures. Kearney stated it is not accepted that the defendant had any part in creating or submitting the documentation. The matter is currently at the trial stage and continues.
The trial of Thomas Murphy, 66, of Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, Co Louth, is ongoing at the Special Criminal Court. The accused has pleaded not guilty to nine charges alleging that he failed to furnish a return of his income, profits, or gains, or the source thereof, to the Collector General or Inspector of Taxes for the years 1996/97 to 2004. Prosecution counsel Paul Burns SC stated that the case arises from a Criminal Assets Bureau investigation. The prosecution alleges that although Murphy conducted significant dealings in land and cattle trading, he made no returns to Revenue. Burns told the three-judge, non-jury court that Murphy applied for and received a herd number from the Department of Agriculture, subsequently obtaining grants exceeding €100,000. The prosecution further alleges that Murphy made substantial cash payments, mostly in cash or via third-party cheques, totalling over €300,000 for renting land and purchasing silage. Burns asserted that Murphy had access to significant sources of cash to facilitate these payments and engaged in cattle trading at various markets involving sums well into six figures. The matter is currently at the trial stage, and the proceedings continue.
Liam Dowling, 44, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to killing a protected animal at Clonliffe College on August 19, 2014. Prosecution evidence alleged that Dowling swung a Jack Russell dog by its lead and smashed it into the ground up to 30 times, an act witnessed by children. A DSPCA veterinarian determined the dog died from repeated blunt force trauma. Dowling claimed the sick pet was a family dog and that he could not afford vet bills, stating he intended to smother the animal but engaged in distorted behaviour due to antidepressants. Judge Martin Nolan described the actions as incredibly cruel but noted Dowling's status as a contributing member of society who cares for a child. The judge indicated an intention to impose 200 hours of community service in lieu of a two-year sentence, provided Dowling is deemed suitable. He also declined to impose an animal ban to avoid depriving Dowling's child of a dog. The matter was adjourned until October pending a community service report.
Rory O'Brien, 60, of Killicane, Mitchelstown, Cork, pleaded guilty to five counts of animal cruelty for failing to treat pigs that were found eaten alive on his farm between May and September 2011. He was originally sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment by Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin on 12 February 2015. On appeal, Ken Fogarty SC argued that the judge had been influenced by facts about other counts that were not before the court. The Court of Appeal, led by Justice Garrett Sheehan, upheld the need for a custodial sentence but reduced the term to 12 months, suspending the final six months. The decision acknowledged O'Brien's personal circumstances, including significant debt and his previous good character, while maintaining that the offences were "extremely serious.".
In 2015 the Supreme Court dismissed appeals by jockey Eddie O'Connell and trainer Jim Lambe, who had challenged a High Court finding that they were not entitled to contest the Turf Club's authority to enforce racing rules. The Court also rejected the Turf Club's cross‑appeal that it was not subject to judicial review. The dispute stemmed from the Turf Club's investigation into alleged irregular betting on the horse Yachvili in a 2011 Downpatrick race. O'Connell was found to have breached racing rules, while Lambe was acquitted. The appellants sought declarations that the Turf Club's rules and the 1994 Act were unconstitutional, but the Court held the Act merely supported the Club's pre‑existing jurisdiction. The Supreme Court's unanimous decision affirmed the Turf Club's legal power to make and enforce rules, and dismissed all claims on their merits. The ruling confirmed that the Club's decisions are subject to judicial review under the 1994 Act.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Christopher Green, a 32‑year‑old father of six from Thornton Heights, Inchicore, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment for dangerous driving and reckless endangerment. The offence involved a high‑speed chase in the north of the city during which Green reversed a Nissan Almera out of a housing estate, forced a pedestrian Garda to jump out of the way, and performed a handbrake turn that caused a patrol car to swerve. He also nearly collided with a car at a junction, forcing an elderly lady and her dog to flee. Green pleaded guilty to two counts of reckless endangerment and dangerous driving at Woodbine Park, Raheny, on 12 September 2014. He has 49 prior convictions, including one for possessing an offensive weapon in Northern Ireland. The judge, Martin Nolan, noted Green's history of authority problems, banned him from driving for two years, and accepted his early guilty plea and remorse.
A judge has made the final orders in the judicial review of an Algerian-born Irish citizen, Ali Charaf Damache, whose extradition was refused last month in the High Court. Ali Charaf Damache was wanted in the United States on two alleged terrorism-related offences. On May 21, High Court judge Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly delivered her judgement refusing the State's application for the extradition of Mr Damache at the request of the United States of America. Ms Justice Donnelly stated that in the event that the State successfully appeals the refusal of extradition, she will grant orders quashing the decision of the DPP not to prosecute and the later decision not to revisit that decision in light of the fact that an extradition request has been made. Legal aid was also granted by the judge to cover both sets of proceedings. The main points of objection to his extradition include grounds related to the conditions of detention, the sentencing procedure under U.S. Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the plea bargaining system, and the nature and length of the sentence he would be bound to receive. In separate proceedings, Mr Damache sought to review the decision of the DPP not to prosecute him in this jurisdiction arising from the factual allegations underpinning the extradition request and the failure of the DPP to give her reasons for her decision. The 50-year-old man has been living here for a decade and is wanted in the United States to face charges relating to conspiracy to provide material support for terrorists and attempted identity theft to facilitate an act of international terrorism. Last December was the second time his extradition case had been heard. In November 2014, Mr Damache won a Supreme Court appeal against a High Court judge's refusal for leave to seek judicial review of the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions not to prosecute Mr Damache here. The Supreme Court unanimously ruled Mr Damache was entitled to apply for judicial review on two issues: whether the DPP's March 2011 refusal to prosecute him here is reviewable, and whether the DPP was entitled to refuse to give reasons for her refusal. If Mr Damache had been convicted in the US, he could have faced up to 45 years in jail, a term his lawyers said would be 'a lot more' than would be imposed here in Ireland. In her judgement last month, Ms Justice Donnelly said there was no meaningful judicial review available in the US of the conditions of detention and the necessity for same. The High Court previously heard the US alleges it has evidence that Mr Damache conspired with American woman Colleen LaRose – who used the online name 'Jihad Jane' – and others to create a terror cell in Europe capable of targeting both US and western European citizens. It is alleged Mr Damache – who went by the username 'Theblackflag' – also participated in a conspiracy to transfer a passport stolen from a US citizen to an individual in Pakistan whom the conspirators believed to be a member of Al Qaeda. It is contended that part of the alleged conspiracy was to recruit women whose appearance would allow them access to and the ability to travel around Europe. In January of 2014 LaRose was jailed for ten years by a Philadelphia judge, having admitted her involvement in a plot to murder Swedish cartoonist Lars Vilks, who sparked an international controversy by depicting the Prophet Mohammed on the head of a dog.
Finbar Tolan, a cattle dealer and farmer from Middle Mace, Claremorris, Co Mayo, is suing Aurivo Co Op, formerly Connaught Gold Co Op Society Ltd, in the High Court for alleged breach of contract. The applicant claims the defendant failed to honour a July 2012 agreement regarding credit terms for cattle purchased at Balla and Ballinrobe marts. Mr Tolan alleges that after securing bank arrangements to comply with reduced credit terms, the co-op sought further amendments in August 2012. He claims he was subsequently barred from trading at the Balla mart, preventing him from fulfilling a contract to deliver ninety cattle to a meat plant, which led to the loss of that contract and his eventual exit from business. The defendant denies these claims, stating the action was a response to separate High Court proceedings it brought in October 2012. The co-op secured a judgment for €154,000 in those proceedings, which has been appealed to the Supreme Court. Mr Tolan stated he wished to consolidate the two matters, but his application was refused. The case, heard before High Court President Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns, continues.
David Murphy, aged 24, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two assault charges after a violent incident on 12 December 2013. He stabbed his mother, Angela Murdock, in the neck and arms with a bread knife, then attacked his brother, Andrew Murphy, stabbing him five times until the knife handle broke, leaving the blade in Andrew's arm. The court noted a long‑standing strained relationship between Murphy and his family. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a four‑year prison sentence, suspending the last 18 months on the condition that Murphy keeps the peace and obeys Probation Services instructions for one year after release. The sentence was back‑dated to December 2013, when Murphy entered custody. Both victims received stitches and reported nightmares from the attack. Murphy expressed remorse and claimed he had always felt like the black sheep of the family.
The defence closed its case on the 39th day of Graham Dwyer's murder trial. Dwyer, 42, is charged with killing 36‑year‑old childcare worker Ms O'Hara on 22 August 2012, hours after she left a mental health hospital. He is a Cork‑born architect and father of three, living in Foxrock. The defence presented three witnesses. Mary Crosbie recalled seeing a woman crying in Shanganagh Cemetery on the evening of 22 August, describing the woman's appearance and clothing. She said she later reported the sight to the Gardaí after reading a newspaper article. Sheep farmer Richard O'Connor and John Donohue testified about their farms near Shankill and Roundwood Flying Clubs, noting Gardaí inquiries about dead sheep in 2011. The trial heard a text from Dwyer to Ms O'Hara in 2011 describing a dead sheep and a desire to stab it.
In a High Court hearing on 16 March 2015, Anglo Beef Processors Ireland (Silvercrest Foods) sued Polish company Food Service SP.z.o.o. for damages over two beef consignments allegedly contaminated with horse meat, delivered on 5 December 2012 and 7 January 2013. The claim was based on breach of contract. Food Service denied the allegations, arguing the consignments were transported by a third‑party company and that the product placed on the lorry in Poland was not what arrived in Ireland, suggesting substitution by unknown persons. ABP sought documents on security measures throughout the production and delivery chain, and on any frozen beef consignments sold between July 2012 and June 2013 that contained horse meat. Food Service opposed the request, claiming it could not provide transport‑company documents and that other consignments were irrelevant.
Philip McCarthy, 48, of Cabra Court, Thurles, was charged with possession of €43,000 worth of drugs after a vehicle stop at the Horse and Jockey Hotel in November 2011. He received a 10‑year sentence, with the final three years suspended, at Clonmel Circuit Criminal Court on 18 October 2013. In the Court of Appeal on 2 March 2015, Mr Justice George Birmingham informed counsel that the Court of Appeal can increase sentences and that no exceptional circumstances were found. McCarthy's counsel requested an adjournment, and the case was rescheduled for a later hearing.
During the 25th day of Graham Dwyer's murder trial, his wife Gemma Dwyer testified that the spade found near Elaine O'Hara's remains was the same spade she had noticed missing from their garden. She described how the spade had been used to clear a neighbour's dog's droppings and had been absent during the summer of 2013, after which she had used a plastic spade. Dwyer also recalled receiving a letter from her husband in which he referred to Ms O'Hara as "that awful girl." She provided details of their life together, including their children, their home in Foxrock, and her husband's interests in model aeroplanes, cars, and computers. The court heard that the spade was a True Temper Homeowner model, forged in Cork before 2009, and that the Gardaí had not taken the spade to the search. The trial continued before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Jiri Vecernik, a 45‑year‑old Czech national residing in Tipperary, pleaded guilty to possession of a blank‑firing revolver found in his checked‑in luggage at Dublin Airport on 22 December 2013. The revolver, manufactured in Germany, could discharge cartridges containing a pepper‑spray‑type substance but was incapable of firing lethal ammunition. Vecernik had purchased the pistol online for €70, believing it would protect him after a physical altercation with a Slovak colleague over a dog. He claimed the incident had left him fearful that the colleague might return. Gardaí found no prior convictions for Vecernik, who had lived in Ireland since 2006 and worked as a handyman. The judge, citing the unusual circumstances and Vecernik's lack of criminal history, opted for a conviction under the Probation Act rather than a custodial sentence, noting that Vecernik had not breached any bail conditions and had fully cooperated with the investigation.
In the 2015 trial of 42‑year‑old Graham Dwyer, the jury was shown video footage of him flying a model aeroplane at a family day on 19 August 2012, three days before the alleged murder of childcare worker Elaine O'Hara. The footage was presented by John Flynn, a member of the Roundwood Model Aeronautical Club, who confirmed Dwyer's participation in a 2011 competition and his flying of a blue and black Extra 300 electric plane on 24 June 2012. Flynn also verified that no club event occurred on 22 August 2012. Additional witnesses from the Shankill Radio Flying Club discussed a dead sheep found near the club and Dwyer's use of various cars. The trial also examined Dwyer's work records, confirming he worked a normal eight‑hour day on 22 August 2012, and noted that O'Hara's skeletal remains were found at Killakee on 13 September 2013.
The trial of Graham Dwyer, a 42‑year‑old architect, is in its tenth day at the Central Criminal Court. He is charged with the murder of 36‑year‑old Elaine O'Hara, who was found dead in the Dublin Mountains at Killakee, Rathfarnham on 22 August 2012, shortly after she was discharged from a psychiatric hospital. Dwyer, a Cork‑born father of two, lives on Kerrymount Close in Foxrock, Dublin, and has pleaded not guilty. The jury heard that a dog walker discovered O'Hara's remains on 13 September 2013, and that glasses found in a Wicklow lake matched her prescription. Gardaí testified that they searched Dwyer's home and office on 17 October 2013, seizing an Audi, a Land Rover, and various computers from his workplace on Lower Baggot Street. The accused was arrested by Detective Sergeant Peter Woods when he answered the front door shortly after 7 a.m. on the day of the arrest.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Joseph Lee, aged 30, was found guilty of assault causing harm after a domestic dispute over a dog. Lee, who had a prior assault conviction, pinned his partner Amanda Brothers down and repeatedly punched her in the head. The victim suffered a broken bone in her hand, bruising to her eye, cheek and chin, and required stitches to her lip. Lee pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a two‑year jail term, suspended on the condition that he obeys Probation Services and keeps the peace for two years. The judge noted Lee's consumption of alcohol that night and the couple's prior relationship history, but decided that imprisonment would be unjust given their current living situation with their children. The court did not read the medical or victim impact reports aloud.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 14 January 2015, Sharif Kelly, 44, denied that the clothing found in his car after the murder of Peter Butterly was a change of clothes for the killer. Kelly said he had been driving from tending his horse when his engine light came on and the car conked on Flemington Road. He claimed to have restarted the vehicle before Gardaí approached and arrested him. He also denied any knowledge of the murder or of following the murder vehicle. Kelly stated the duvet cover in his boot was to keep the car clean while collecting hay, not for forensic purposes. DNA evidence linked tracksuit clothing to Dean Evans, a balaclava and gloves to Evans, and a wig to Edward McGrath. The trial was in its 48th day, with prosecution evidence to finish on Thursday. Sharif Kelly pleaded not guilty. Dean Evans pleaded not guilty. Edward McGrath pleaded not guilty.
Frank Ward, 60, known for armed robbery, had his miscarriage‑of‑justice application rejected by the Court of Appeal on 11 December 2014. Ward had pleaded guilty to five assault‑related charges and possession of a firearm during the 2003 Goat Grill robbery, for which he received two concurrent life sentences later reduced to 20 years on appeal in 2012. He argued that a garda PULSE identification number and a newspaper article had prejudiced the sentencing judge, but the Court found no new facts or evidence to support his claim. The Court, led by Justice Seán Ryan, held that the alleged prejudicial material was not accessed by the judge and that the newspaper could not have influenced the sentencing. Ward was returned to prison to serve the remainder of his 20‑year term.
Jason Breen, 41, a chef, set fire to his sister's home in Dun Laoghaire after she obtained a barring order against him. He poured petrol through an upstairs window while the house was empty, and a neighbour entered to rescue a dog, which was later found unharmed. Breen was arrested with singed hair and burn marks, admitting he wanted to destroy the house because it belonged to his late mother and because he had not slept for nine days while using crack cocaine and "snow blow." He pleaded guilty to arson on 30 July 2013. Judge Mary Ellen Ring sentenced him to three years in prison, suspended in full on the condition that he keeps the peace for three years. The court noted his lack of prior convictions, his drug rehabilitation at Coolmine, and his willingness to offer his culinary skills to help others. The fire caused about €30,000 in damage, paid by the local council.
The Court of Appeal has refused the Director of Public Prosecutions' application to quash a suspended sentence imposed on an unnamed former jockey and horse trainer. The appellant pleaded guilty on January 30, 2013, to a sexual assault charge arising from an incident in October 2005. At the Central Criminal Court, Mr Justice Barry White adjourned sentencing overnight and delivered a five-year suspended sentence on conditions on April 23, 2013. The DPP appealed on grounds of undue leniency. President Mr Justice Seán Ryan, joined by Justices Birmingham and Sheehan, refused the appeal, stating it would not be just to impose immediate custody at this stage. However, the court found the original sentencing hearing was not sufficiently sensitive to the victim's rights. The judges criticized Mr Justice White for being too ready to infer that the victim's impact statement attempted to pressure him and for making critical remarks regarding the victim's naivety. While the Court of Appeal identified significant procedural errors and defects in the sentencing process, it declined to make a declaration of undue leniency or error in principle, simply refusing the application.