A 31‑year‑old Dublin man, Edward Boylan Jnr, is on trial for murdering his 74‑year‑old father by stabbing him with a 100‑year‑old bayonet, a family heirloom from World War 1. Boylan Jnr admitted stabbing his father, causing death, but pleaded not guilty. He was released from Mountjoy Prison on 6 January 2012, and that evening was seen at Ravensdale Close, a gated retirement community where his father lived. Prosecutor Conor Devally told the jury that Boylan Jnr used the bayonet or sword, plunged it through his father's chest multiple times, and later bought lighter fluid and matches to set fire to the apartment. The fire was discovered by neighbours; the Dublin fire brigade found the victim with the bayonet protruding from his chest. Detective Sergeant Barry Butler testified that 13 stab wounds were confirmed, penetrating the heart, lungs, sternum, liver and kidney, and that the victim died before the fire started.
Four defendants appeared before Balbriggan District Court, presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey, where all matters were adjourned. Alan Bathe, 29, is charged with criminal damage, unauthorised carriage in a vehicle, and arson, allegedly involving a car crash into a garden wall and subsequent fire in Balbriggan. The Director of Public Prosecutions directed summary disposal, and the case was adjourned until January 30th. Thomas Ward, 43, pleaded guilty to inducing a woman to pay €280 for a non-existing product. Despite a previous compensation order, Ward presented only €250. The judge granted him one final opportunity to pay the balance, adjourning the matter until February 6th. Christopher Russell, 53, pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and threatening and abusive behaviour in Rush. A medical report was requested, and the case was adjourned for hearing on February 13th. Daniel O'Neill, 20, is charged with trespass, threatening and abusive behaviour, violent behaviour, and possession of a rock at Swords Garda Station. He was remanded on continuing bail and ordered to re-appear at Swords District Court on March 3rd.
Stephen "Rossi" Walsh, a 65‑year‑old former resident of Belgrave Road, Rathgar, is preparing to apply for bail while he appeals three separate convictions. He is currently serving a 10‑year sentence for raping a nine‑year‑old girl in 1990, imposed by Mr Justice Paul Carney in February 2010. In November 2010 Judge Patrick McCartan added a consecutive three‑year term for indecent assault of a seven‑year‑old girl in 1988. In December 2011 Walsh received another consecutive 12‑year sentence for sexual assault and defilement of a child on occasions in 2008 and 2009. All three convictions are under appeal. Walsh's earlier 15‑year arson sentence from 1993 was imposed by the Special Criminal Court. He is represented by Derek Burke Solicitors on two appeals but wishes to represent himself on the appeal against the 2009 rape conviction.