A 21‑year‑old man from Mooretown Road, Swords, pleaded guilty at Swords District Court to using threatening and abusive behaviour and being intoxicated outside The Wright Venue on 28 October. He shouted insults at gardai, calling them 'pricks' and 'wankers', and told them to 'go fuck your mothers' while a fight erupted at the nightclub. The court noted he had seven prior convictions, including a suspended four‑year drugs sentence. Judge Dermot Dempsey sentenced him to 240 hours of community service instead of a two‑month prison term.
Swords District Court heard several matters presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey. James Maguire pleaded guilty to using threatening and abusive behaviour and obstructing a garda. He was convicted and sentenced to three months in prison, suspended for two years, and fined €200. Wayne Reid admitted cultivating two cannabis plants and possessing cannabis herb. He received 240 hours of community service work in lieu of a two-month prison sentence. Austin O'Reilly was charged with harassing and intimidating people while begging. The case was dismissed after the defence successfully argued that the prosecuting garda failed to provide evidence regarding a licence or permit. Geoffrey Melia pleaded guilty to being intoxicated, using threatening and abusive behaviour, and causing criminal damage at Swords Garda Station. He was convicted and sentenced to four months in prison. Additionally, a bench warrant was issued for Paul McGoldrick, who was found guilty in his absence of unlawful possession of cocaine, for the purpose of sentencing.
In February 2014 the Court of Criminal Appeal reserved judgement on an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecution concerning a wholly suspended seven‑year sentence given to Keith Jervis (36) and Therese Doyle (35) for possession with intent to supply. The couple had pleaded guilty in October 2011 to storing 45 kilograms of cannabis, valued between €320,000 and €550,000, in 15 silver bags in their home at Rosewood Grove, Lucan. Gardaí discovered the drugs in March 2010. The appeal argued that the original sentence was unduly lenient. The DPP's counsel highlighted the early guilty plea, the couple's instructions to each other, and the fact that they were caught red‑handed while knowingly storing drugs for financial gain. The defence counsel argued that mitigating factors – fear of the drug suppliers, lack of knowledge of the drugs' value, and the couple's non‑criminal background – justified the suspended sentence.
In February 2014 the Court of Criminal Appeal quashed the conviction of Stephen Kelly, a 44‑year‑old Wexford native, who had been sentenced to twelve years' imprisonment with six months suspended in January 2010 for possession of cannabis resin worth €245,000. The conviction was based on a 2005 jury verdict at the Wexford Circuit Criminal Court for possession of drugs for sale or supply at The Bullawn, New Ross. Kelly had pleaded not guilty and claimed he was unaware of the drugs in a van he entered, later asserting a lack of knowledge defence under Section 29 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. The appeal court found that the trial judge had failed to properly instruct the jury on the duty of the defendant to prove lack of knowledge, and that the prosecution had not complied with the law. Consequently, the conviction was quashed and the Director of Public Prosecutions will not seek a retrial.
Swords District Court heard four matters presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey. Valerie Quaid, who pleaded guilty to being intoxicated, failing to comply with garda direction, and using threatening and abusive behaviour, failed to appear after a previous order for a Probation & Welfare Report. Consequently, the judge imposed the default sentence of one month in prison and issued a bench warrant for her arrest. Laura Sheils pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and without insurance. She received a three-month suspended sentence, was disqualified from driving for five years for the disqualification offence, and for a further three years for driving without insurance. Edward Byrne pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis herb. The judge convicted him and imposed a fine of €200. Sebestian Knecht did not appear in court. The judge proceeded on a not guilty plea and convicted him of using an altered driving licence, being in custody of a false insurance disc, and driving without insurance. A bench warrant was issued for his arrest for the purpose of sentencing. Recognisances were fixed in the event of an appeal for Quaid and Sheils.
In a 2014 hearing, a jury was instructed to consider the case of Anthony Locke, 36, who pleaded not guilty to the murder of Christopher Jackson, 53, on 7 September 2012. Locke was described by the prosecution as having "butchered" Jackson in his own home. The prosecution, led by Conor Devally SC, presented evidence including a grisly account from Dr Curtis and testimony from Barbara Staunton, who lived with Jackson and had a history of heroin addiction. Devally argued that Staunton's testimony was unreliable and that Locke had no motive or prior conflict with Jackson. Defending counsel, Padraig Dwyer SC, highlighted the lack of forensic evidence, DNA, CCTV or phone records, and noted that Locke had no bad blood with Jackson. He also pointed out that Locke had presented himself at a police station in distress, fearing his brother Bernard Locke, who had pleaded guilty to the murder.
A 22-year-old man from Castlebar, County Mayo has been sentenced to life imprisonment following his conviction for the murder of his mother at the Central Criminal Court. The accused had admitted manslaughter but pleaded not guilty to murder. A jury unanimously found him guilty of murder after approximately two hours of deliberation. The victim, a 46-year-old woman, was fatally stabbed on 9 March 2011 at their family home. Evidence presented during the eight-day trial established that the accused was under the influence of amphetamines, methamphetamines and cannabis at the time. The court heard testimony regarding the accused's long-standing substance abuse and psychological deterioration in the days preceding the killing. His defence submissions centred on arguments of diminished responsibility and lack of intent due to intoxication, both of which the jury rejected. The victim's family issued a victim impact statement expressing their devastation and hope that no other families would suffer similarly through drug abuse.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court will begin deliberating tomorrow in the case of a Castlebar man charged with murdering his mother. Celyn Eadon of Derrycrieve, Islandeady is accused of killing Noreen Kelly at their home in March 2011. The 22-year-old admits to her manslaughter but denies murder. The defence argued that drug use from childhood caused a mental disorder that diminished his responsibility, or that intoxication prevented him forming intent to kill. The prosecution contended he was not suffering from mental disorder and that the disappearance of his drugs from his room may have triggered the fatal attack. Medical evidence presented conflicting accounts regarding whether the accused had a mental disorder. The eight-day trial concluded with closing arguments from both the defence and State. Mr Justice Paul Carney instructed the jury of seven men and five women that their task would be difficult. The unnamed man pleaded not guilty.
At the Central Criminal Court, three mental health professionals gave conflicting evidence in the murder trial of a man accused of killing his mother in Castlebar, County Mayo. Celyn Eadon, aged 22, of Derrycrieve, Islandeady, admits manslaughter but denies murder in connection with the death of Noreen Kelly on 9 March 2011. Ms Kelly, aged 46, died from multiple stab wounds at their home. Two defence witnesses, a senior clinical psychologist and a consultant forensic psychiatrist, both based at the Central Mental Hospital, testified that the accused suffered from drug-induced brain impairment and substance-induced psychosis at the time of the incident. However, a prosecution consultant forensic psychiatrist concluded the accused did not meet the legal threshold for mental illness under the Criminal Law Insanity Act. He stated that extreme intoxication, while present, is excluded from that definition. The trial before Mr Justice Paul Carney continues. Celyn Eadon pleaded not guilty.
Swords District Court heard several matters involving drink driving and drug possession. Helen Ikechukwu, 35, of Lusk, pleaded guilty to drink driving on February 16, 2013, in Balbriggan. Judge Dermot Dempsey convicted her, fined her €300, and imposed a six-month driving disqualification. Darren Koohof, of Wexford, was convicted in his absence of being drunk in charge of a vehicle in Skerries on October 30, 2013. Judge Dempsey noted a previous 2007 conviction and issued a bench warrant for Koohof's arrest for sentencing. Edward Byrne, 28, of Donabate, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis on May 2, 2013. Judge Dempsey adjourned the case until February 10 to hear the facts. Additionally, Laura Sheils, 23, of Swords, had her case adjourned until February 10 due to illness; she is alleged to have driven while disqualified and uninsured in June 2012. Keith Donoghue, 33, of Dublin 17, had his case adjourned until March 3; he is alleged to have attempted to drive while drunk and committed dangerous driving in August 2013.
A 21‑year‑old man, Richard Woodruffe, pleaded guilty in Swords District Court to using threatening and abusive behaviour and being intoxicated outside The Wright Venue nightclub on 28 October. He shouted insults at Garda Alan Carroll, calling the officers 'go fuck your mothers', 'pricks' and 'wankers', claiming he was intoxicated because of the stress of pending drugs charges. Woodruffe, who has seven previous convictions including a four‑year suspended sentence for drug offences, was arrested at about 3 a.m. after a fight erupted. Defence solicitor Fiona Darcy said he was embarrassed, apologised and offered to do community service. Judge Dermot Dempsey ordered a Probation & Welfare report to assess suitability for community service, required Woodruffe to apologise to the Garda, and remanded him on continuing bail with the case adjourned to 3 March.
Brian Rattigan, aged 32, lives on Cooley Road, Drimnagh, Dublin. He was convicted of murder in 2009 after stabbing Declan Gavin, aged 21, outside a Crumlin Shopping Centre restaurant on 25 August 2001. The jury found him guilty and he received a life sentence. He also serves 17 years for directing heroin supply while imprisoned. In February the Court of Criminal Appeal dismissed his appeal against the murder conviction. In December the CCA asked the Supreme Court to refer the case, citing exceptional public importance. The case was reheard today because the CCA judge, Mr Justice Michael Hanna, is seriously ill. Mr Brendan Grehan SC argued the trial was unfair because a witness whose statement was read into evidence could not be cross‑examined and that the trial judge overstepped jurisprudence.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Celyn Eadon, accused of murdering his mother Noreen Kelly in Castlebar, has heard evidence regarding the deceased's injuries and the accused's mental state. Ms Kelly, 46, died of multiple stab wounds on March 9, 2011. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis testified that he found 19 stab wounds, slash wounds, and bruises on the body, with injuries penetrating the brain, severing a jugular vein, and damaging the heart and liver. He attributed death to catastrophic haemorrhaging. Mr Eadon, 22, has pleaded not guilty to her murder at the address, while admitting to manslaughter. The prosecution closed its case, and the defence called two medical witnesses. Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist Dr Paul O'Connell stated that Mr Eadon began using drugs at age 10 and was likely experiencing substance-induced psychosis at the time of the killing, which could affect his capacity to form specific intent. Senior Clinical Psychologist Dr Ken O'Reilly concluded that the accused suffered from organic brain impairment secondary to polysubstance misuse. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Carney and a jury.
A 22-year-old man from Castlebar has admitted manslaughter but denies murder in connection with the death of his mother at their home in Derrycrieve, Islandeady on 9 March 2011. The Central Criminal Court heard that the accused disputed suggestions he killed his mother after she destroyed his drugs, instead claiming he acted while delusional. Detective Garda Róisín Loftus gave evidence of interviews conducted the day after the 46-year-old woman was found with multiple stab wounds. The court was told forensic analysis identified methamphetamine residue in charred packaging recovered from the family home. The accused stated he had consumed prescription medication and amphetamine in the hours before the incident and believed his medication had been tampered with. Medical evidence previously presented indicated he received a diagnosis of acute psychotic episode secondary to polysubstance abuse following his arrest. The trial before Mr Justice Paul Carney and jury continues. The unnamed 22-year-old pleaded not guilty.
At the Central Criminal Court, a 22-year-old man from Derrycrieve, Islandeady, Castlebar pleaded not guilty to murder but admitted manslaughter in connection with the death of his mother, Noreen Kelly, on March 9, 2011. The 46-year-old died of multiple stab wounds at their home. During proceedings before Mr Justice Paul Carney, the court heard evidence that the accused's behaviour had significantly altered following a violent assault he sustained aged twelve, when two men attacked him with implements whilst he was in a field. His mother's former partner testified that the incident profoundly affected the accused and that his mother had later expressed concern about his unwillingness to seek counselling. The witness also stated that the accused began using drugs months before Ms Kelly's death. A detective sergeant recalled that when arrested hours after the incident, the accused indicated his mother had attacked him first and that he had carried a knife. Hospital records subsequently documented that the accused tested positive for multiple controlled substances and received a diagnosis of acute psychotic episode.
The murder trial of Anthony Locke, 35, is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan. Locke, from Prussia Street, has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Christopher Jackson on 7 September 2012. His brother, Bernard Locke, 41, pleaded guilty to the same murder earlier this week. Witness Barbara Staunton testified that she was held at knife point by Anthony Locke while Bernard Locke took her partner into another room. She alleged that after Jackson was stabbed, Bernard Locke instructed Anthony Locke to "finish him off." Staunton stated that Bernard Locke subsequently asked her to have sex with him and threatened her life, forcing her to remain silent. She reported that the men told her to "act normal" when her sister visited. The court heard that Staunton had been addicted to heroin at the time. The trial, expected to last two weeks, continues with a jury of 12.
The trial of Celyn Eadon, charged with murdering his mother Noreen Kelly on March 9, 2011, continued at the Central Criminal Court. Eadon, then 22, has pleaded not guilty to murder but admits to manslaughter. Witness John Scott testified that he was having tea when a half-naked, injured teenager approached his kitchen window. Scott stated the young man claimed he had been abducted by aliens and experimented on, and that he had stabbed and possibly killed his mother. Scott provided the distressed man with tea, a cigarette, and a jacket before contacting the gardai. Sergeant David Tiernan testified that Eadon was arrested at Scott's home, where he claimed he did not realize the victim was his mother and that the house was filled with smoke. Psychiatrist Victor Ademaike examined Eadon later that day. Eadon told the doctor he could not recollect events from the previous evening until his arrest, citing the use of methamphetamine and cannabis. He stated he remembered arguing with his mother about her boyfriend and being chased. The psychiatrist diagnosed an acute psychotic episode secondary to polysubstance abuse. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Carney and a jury.
A 36‑year‑old Dublin man, Anthony Locke, is on trial for the murder of Christopher Jackson, 53, who died on 7 September 2012. Jackson's body was found wrapped and concealed in a wardrobe in his Prussia Street flat. Locke pleaded not guilty. His brother, Bernard Locke, 40, from Ramillies Road, has pleaded guilty to the murder and will be sentenced later. The prosecution, led by Conor Devally SC, opened the trial before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan and a jury of 12. The court heard that Jackson was stabbed to death at his home, with multiple stab wounds causing death or serious harm. Locke allegedly lived above Jackson's flat and had drugs in his house on the night of the murder. After the killing, attempts were made to conceal the body the following day. The trial is expected to last two weeks.
Swords District Court sentenced Kevin McCabe to four months in prison and disqualified him from driving for six years after he pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and a licence. Judge Dermot Dempsey noted McCabe's 11 previous convictions, including two prior disqualifications, and imposed a €200 fine. In a separate matter, Josephine Farrell pleaded guilty to contravening a safety order by allegedly threatening a man. The court applied the Probation Act, citing evidence that Farrell, who has bipolar disorder, had missed medication for three days. Darragh Quinn pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis herb. The charge was struck out after the court ordered €400 in his possession to be paid to Swords Foroige Youth Group. Additionally, Paul Kehoe was disqualified for four years and fined €400 for failing a breath sample, with a further €100 fine for lacking an NCT. His disqualification was postponed until June 1st. Finally, Danny Bowers, alleged to have driven without insurance and while drink driving, had his case adjourned until February 17th because the prosecuting garda was unavailable to give evidence.
A witness has testified at the Central Criminal Court regarding the death of a woman in County Mayo. The 19-year-old brother of the accused gave evidence via live television link in the trial of Celyn Eadon, aged 22, from Derrycrieve, Islandeady, Castlebar. Eadon admits to the manslaughter of Noreen Kelly at that address on 9 March 2011 but has pleaded not guilty to her murder. The woman, aged 46, died from multiple stab wounds. The witness described the accused's behaviour in the hours before the killing, stating he appeared intoxicated and distressed about missing drugs. He recalled his mother expressing fear and attempting to contact the gardaí for assistance that evening. The witness said he was awakened by screaming and discovered his mother injured. He contacted emergency services and attempted to provide aid. The trial, heard before a jury of seven men and five women, continues before Mr Justice Paul Carney.
In a case heard at Balbriggan District Court, 19‑year‑old Alan Joyce was remanded on continuing bail pending a Probation & Welfare Report. Joyce, who lives in Finglas, was found on a train from Gormanston to Skerries and attempted to seize a 14‑year‑old boy's iPod. He punched the boy several times, causing severe bruising, and then left the train at Balbriggan Station with the stolen device. Gardaí later located him on Balbriggan Beach in possession of the iPod. Joyce had previously pleaded guilty to the theft of the iPod on 10 August of the previous year. The Director of Public Prosecutions had directed summary disposal of the case. Defence solicitor Ms Fiona Darcy explained that Joyce had been in HSE care since 2010 and had a difficult upbringing, noting that he had no drink or drug problem.
Leroy Harris, 19, a young actor known for a controversial cat‑killing scene in the RTE drama Love/Hate, was given another opportunity to cooperate with the Probation Service before sentencing for cannabis possession. Harris had pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of €100 worth of cannabis and to having it for sale or supply at Sheriff Street, Dublin, on 14 October. He had no prior convictions. The Dublin District Court had adjourned sentencing to prepare a pre‑sentence probation report, but Harris missed his hearing, prompting Judge Denis McLoughlin to issue a bench warrant. Defence solicitor Cahir O'Higgins argued Harris had no prior convictions and had been away with family, and that an aunt attended court. The judge cancelled the warrant and ordered an updated pre‑sentence report, adjourned the case until March. Harris was searched by Gardaí after being seen placing a suspected drug package on his trousers. He claimed the cannabis was for friends.
In 2009 Raymond O'Shea was given a wholly suspended sentence of three‑and‑a‑half years for possessing a sawn‑off shotgun and 131 cartridges. He had 19 prior convictions, including drug possession and burglary, but had stopped using drugs, was employed and paying a mortgage. He pleaded not guilty. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed, arguing the sentence was unduly lenient and that the judge had erred in allowing an exception to the mandatory five‑year minimum for unlawful firearm possession. The Court of Criminal Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice Adrian Hardiman, agreed with the DPP. Hardiman said the sentence should have been five years with four years suspended, describing the original suspended sentence as "extreme leniency". O'Shea will surrender to prison on 27 January to arrange his affairs.
James Marry, 25, was found in unlawful possession of 51 ecstasy tablets on 27 October 2010 in Balbriggan. He hid the tablets in his underwear and fled from Gardaí before being searched. Marry pleaded guilty and has three prior drug convictions, including suspended sentences. He is a carer for his mother. Judge Dermot Dempsey questioned whether a custodial sentence was necessary, noting Marry had been given chances already. The judge requested a Probation & Welfare Report to decide if 140 hours of community service could replace a four‑month prison term.
Kevin Marry, a 42‑year‑old father of two from Balbriggan, pleaded guilty in Swords District Court to unlawful possession of cannabis herb for sale or supply. He had €1,500 worth of cannabis, which he used to increase appetite while battling leukaemia and kidney failure. Marry, who has been in remission since 2009, said he would not commit further offences and expressed a desire to join the kidney transplant list in March. Judge Dermot Dempsey sentenced him to a six‑month suspended term and bound him to the peace for two years, rejecting community service.
Swords District Court sentenced three defendants in separate matters. Marcin Andrejczat, 38, of Swords, pleaded guilty to drink driving on December 4, 2012, on Rathbeale Road. Judge Dermot Dempsey convicted him, fined him €500, and disqualified him from driving for three years. The disqualification was postponed until June 1 to allow Andrejczat to settle his affairs. Daniel Whelan, 36, of Coolock, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cocaine valued at €110 at The Wright Venue in Swords on June 17, 2012. Judge Dempsey imposed 240 hours of community service in lieu of a two-month prison sentence, as Whelan was deemed suitable by Probation Services. Thomas Weldon, of Balbriggan, pleaded guilty to hit and run, careless driving, and failing to keep his vehicle at the scene following an incident on February 17, 2013. Judge Dempsey convicted Weldon of careless driving and fined him €300. The judge declined to disqualify Weldon, noting Garda O'Rourke's testimony that Weldon is a carer for his parents with health problems. All sentences were handed down at the sentencing stage.
At Balbriggan District Court, Judge Dermot Dempsey addressed several matters. Marek Laska, 27, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis for sale or supply and possession of digital weighing scales. Although Laska claimed the drugs were for personal use, the judge noted the scales were indicative of supply. Laska was remanded on continuing bail, and the case was adjourned until April 10th for a Restorative Justice Programme report. In a separate matter, the National Education Welfare Board reported that an unnamed teenager is making positive progress in school attendance. The judge adjourned the case until February 20th for review. Additionally, Sean Donnelly, 24, and Craig Donnelly, 22, pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour. Both men paid €350 to local charities, and the judge struck out the charges, avoiding convictions. Finally, Keith Blackburn, 52, was remanded on continuing bail after being charged with violent behaviour and failing to comply with garda directions. His case was adjourned until January 9th for a plea or hearing date.
Jarlath Walsh, a 42‑year‑old former prison officer, was originally sentenced to five years' imprisonment for smuggling cocaine, cannabis, cannabis resin and thousands of tablets, including flurazepam, diazepam and oxymetholone, into Mountjoy prison. He pleaded guilty at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. On appeal, Judge Donal O'Donnell found the five‑year term "perhaps too high" and reduced it to four years, suspending the final year for three years on the condition of good behaviour and peacekeeping. The appeal court noted that a psychological report had identified Walsh as an "easily led" and "vulnerable" person, and that the original judge had not fully considered this report. Walsh claimed he was forced to smuggle the drugs after being threatened by men who had photographs of his family, but the court could not give much weight to his account.
A 58‑year‑old construction worker, Edward Winston of Montpelier Park, Dublin 7, was remanded in custody after being charged with unlawful possession of cannabis, cocaine and heroin, and possessing the drugs with intent to supply, following the seizure of about €200,000 worth of drugs in Dublin and Kildare. Detectives from the Garda National Drugs Unit seized cannabis at Ryebrook Business Park, Leixlip, and later recovered cocaine and heroin in Finglas, Dublin. Winston made no reply to the charges at Leixlip Garda station. Judge Ann Watkin noted that he was willing to stand bail but required time to meet the €30,000 surety condition. He was remanded to appear at Cloverhill District Court on 3 December. The operation also recovered over 250 rounds of ammunition and a double‑barrelled sawn‑off shotgun. A 20‑year‑old man arrested in the same operation was released without charge, and a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Leroy Harris, 19, a young actor known for a controversial cat‑killing scene in the RTE drama Love/Hate, pleaded guilty to a cannabis dealing charge. He admitted unlawful possession of a quantity of cannabis worth €100, intended for sale or supply, at Sheriff Street in north inner city Dublin on 14 October. Harris was caught with two packets of cannabis; he was searched by Gardaí after a suspected drugs package was found on his trousers. Defence solicitor Cahir O'Higgins said Harris had the drugs for friends and highlighted his acting potential, noting he had taken up acting at Marino College and had a role in Love/Hate. The court heard that Harris also teaches acting to youngsters voluntarily. Judge Michael Walsh adjourned sentencing to January to allow time for a probation report. Harris was remanded on continuing bail and did not address the court. The case remains pending sentencing.
In a Dublin case, Keith Jervis (36) and Therese Doyle (35) received a wholly suspended seven‑year sentence for storing 45 kg of cannabis valued between €320,000 and €550,000 in their home. The Court of Criminal Appeal has reserved judgment on an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions, who argues the suspension was unduly lenient. The DPP contends Judge Martin Nolan failed to consider the offence's seriousness and the mandatory minimum of 10 years, and that the judge gave excessive weight to mitigating factors such as the couple's 19‑year relationship and two young sons. Counsel for Jervis maintains the judge acted within his discretion, citing the complexity of the case and the couple's immediate admissions. Doyle's counsel argues she is unlikely to reappear in court and that imposing custodial time now would be an error. The appeal court will decide soon. Keith Jervis pleaded guilty. Therese Doyle pleaded guilty.
A 23‑year‑old man, Martin Daly of Balbriggan, was charged with unlawful possession of heroin and Diazepam, obstruction of a Garda, attempted swallowing of heroin bags, threatening and abusive behaviour, assaulting a Garda, and possession of a stolen laptop. He was remanded on continuing bail to appear before Balbriggan District Court on 16 January next year. A 34‑year‑old man, Aidan McDonnell of Lusk, was charged with disorderly conduct and pushing a Garda. He was remanded on continuing bail to appear before Swords District Court on 3 February next year. A 37‑year‑old man, Sebestian Knecht of Swords, was charged with using an altered driving licence, possessing a false insurance disc, and driving without insurance. He was remanded on continuing bail to appear before Swords District Court on 3 February next year. All three cases were heard by Judge Dermot Dempsey.
A 17‑year‑old Dublin youth was caught smuggling cannabis and 229 tablets hidden in Kinder chocolate eggs into Mountjoy Prison while visiting relatives. The eggs were found wrapped in cellophane between his buttock cheeks during a random search. Garda Sheryl Wolfe reported the contraband to Judge John O'Connor at the Dublin Children's Court. The boy pleaded guilty to a charge of conveying drugs into a prison. He also faces a separate guilty plea for assaulting a staff member at a juvenile detention centre. The court noted his 13 prior convictions, mainly robberies, and his current probation for a criminal damage offence. The judge adjourned the case for three weeks, warning that a negative pre‑sentence probation report could lead to a sentence. The youth is attempting to enrol in an educational course and has shown a changed attitude, though his engagement with the Probation Service remains problematic.
Patrick McCann, aged 20, received a 20‑year sentence, with the final three years suspended, for the attempted murder of his friend Luke Wilson, aged 19, at Liffey Gaels GAA club in Inchicore on 13 January 2013. McCann pleaded guilty to attempted murder and to possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. The court heard that Wilson was shot in the arm, neck and face, but the gun jammed twice and McCann fled. Wilson suffered serious injuries, including loss of an eye, cerebral stroke, and permanent arm palsy. McCann had prior convictions for drug possession, sale, theft and burglary, and was on bail at the time of the shooting. The judge noted McCann's long‑term drug and alcohol dependence and a dysfunctional family background as mitigating factors. The sentencing was described by the judge as reminiscent of a "Love/Hate" script.
In the trial of Michael Furlong, accused of murdering Patrick Connors in Enniscorthy, a pathologist testified that Connors' jaw fractures were caused by a fall down the stairs, not a punch. Furlong's defence, led by Mr. Michael Delaney SC, presented Dr. Declan Gilsenan, who argued that scalp wounds did not cause death and that hypothermia, intoxication, and drug use were contributing factors. Gilsenan disputed the prosecution's view that the jaw fractures resulted from a blow, suggesting instead that they were consistent with impact from a rigid surface during a fall. He also questioned the significance of a fractured tooth and the role of alcohol. The prosecution's evidence will be cross‑examined on Friday, and the trial continues. Michael Furlong pleaded not guilty.
David Lee, a 30‑year‑old from Newtown Court, Northern Cross, was found guilty of assaulting Garda Shane Haughney and using threatening and abusive behaviour at The Estuary Pub in Swords on 25 March. Lee had previously pulled Garda Haughney over several tables in a public house, then struck the officer with an object, causing a laceration to the garda's head. Lee had earlier been involved in an incident at a house in Castlegrange, where he was seen by gardai after speaking to them. He pleaded guilty to the assault. Judge Alan Mitchell sentenced Lee to a four‑month suspended sentence, suspended for one year, and banned him from any premises licensed to sell alcohol in the Dublin area for one year. The judge also ordered that Lee not be under the influence of alcohol in public. Lee has 23 prior convictions and is described by his defence solicitor as a chronic alcoholic heavily addicted to cannabis.
At Swords District Court, Judge Alan Mitchell handled several matters. Wayne Reid (34) of Swords pleaded not guilty to alleged cultivation of two cannabis plants and possession of cannabis herb for sale or supply. The court accepted jurisdiction and remanded Reid on continuing bail to reappear on December 16th. In a separate matter, Martin Connors (21) of Dublin 13 faced an alleged public order offence. The case was struck out after the prosecuting garda failed to appear, despite notice. David O'Toole (36) of Swords pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis herb. He was convicted and fined €300. Michael Conners (29) of New Ross, Wexford, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving at the Strand Road junction in Malahide. He was convicted and fined €300. Additionally, Conners was disqualified from driving for two years. The judge refused to reduce the charge to careless driving, citing the risk posed to a cyclist and motorist, and noted Conners' previous careless driving conviction as a significant factor in the decision.
Patrick McCann, aged 20, pleaded guilty to attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life after shooting his lifelong friend Luke Wilson, aged 19, at Liffey Gaels GAA club in Inchicore on 13 January 2013. McCann fired a shot that struck Wilson's neck, causing him to fall, and a second shot that hit Wilson's right arm. Wilson later reported being shot again but the gun jammed. Wilson suffered severe injuries, including the loss of his right eye, facial wounds, a cerebral stroke, and permanent arm palsy. McCann, who had prior convictions for drug possession, drug sale, theft, and aggravated burglary, was arrested the same day. He denied involvement and claimed he was coerced by drug debt. The court will sentence him next week, with the prosecution describing the offence as high‑level.
Leroy Harris, 19, a young actor known for a controversial cat‑killing scene in the TV series Love/Hate, appeared in Dublin District Court on 5 November 2013 charged with unlawful possession of cannabis worth €110 and having the drug for sale or supply. The alleged offence occurred at Sheriff Street on 14 October. Harris was stopped by Gardaí near his home and was brought to court in a red jumper, navy tracksuit bottoms and blue runners. He remained silent during the brief hearing and no plea was entered. Judge Cormac Dunne accepted jurisdiction, granted bail and legal aid, and adjourned the case to allow the prosecution to hand over a summary of its evidence. Harris is ordered to return in three weeks to enter a plea. The case is to be dealt with at district court level. The young actor is unemployed and has an address at Mariner's Port, Dublin.
In a 2013 appeal, Sunny Idah, aged 38, challenged his 13‑year conviction for soliciting the unlawful import of cocaine between 14 and 19 September 2010. Idah, an Irish citizen originally from Nigeria, had pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Desmond Hogan had imposed a 15‑year sentence, suspending the last two years on the condition of good behaviour for five years post‑release. The case stemmed from a joint operation between Gardaí and Swiss police. An undercover Swiss operative, posing as a Lithuanian drug dealer named "Mantas Skrupskis", communicated with Idah via email. Idah offered €5,000 to two undercover Gardaí, who posed as Polish drug mules, to travel to Brazil, swallow 1 kg of cocaine (estimated street value €70,000), and smuggle it back to Ireland.