In a case involving the alleged murder of Elzbieta Piotrowska, a 57‑year‑old Polish woman found decapitated in her Ardee home on 8 January 2019, the Central Criminal Court is set to decide whether her son, Tomasz Krzysztof Piotrowski, aged 33, is fit to stand trial. Dominic McGinn SC, representing the Director of Public Prosecutions, presented evidence that Piotrowski's body was discovered with multiple stab wounds and that an axe and Stanley knives were nearby. Piotrowski was arrested the same day and was previously declared unfit to be tried after assessments at the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum. However, Dr Mary Davoren reported on 3 December that Piotrowski is now fit to stand trial, following a November consultation in which he admitted lying to psychiatrists. Contrarily, Dr Conor O'Neill, a consultant psychiatrist at the CMH, disagreed, asserting that Piotrowski remains suffering from delusional beliefs consistent with paranoid schizophrenia and is still unfit to plead.
Stephen Berrigan, 43, of St Mark's Crescent, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and heroin for sale or supply with a value in excess of €13,000 at his address on 25 August 2018. He agreed to hold over €178,000 of heroin and cannabis in two vans parked in his driveway after his father's funeral bill of €7,000 left him in financial distress. Garda Dominic Downing obtained a search warrant and found plastic bags containing two bricks of heroin and three packs of herbal cannabis in the vans; no drugs were found inside Berrigan's home. Berrigan had previously refused to hold drugs but agreed after his father's illness and subsequent death in July 2019. He had no prior convictions and was working as a delivery man for a small bakery. Judge Melanie Greally ordered a report from the Probation Service and adjourned the matter for finalisation on 23 February.
A Monaghan businessman has been remanded in custody to Mountjoy Prison by the High Court following his arrest by gardaí on allegations of repeatedly breaching court orders relating to two properties in Monaghan Town. Fergal Deery of Drumhillock was brought before Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds on Wednesday evening and is accused of trespassing on and interfering with premises formerly used as a bar and nightclub, contrary to High Court orders issued in 2015. The application was brought by Wardglade Limited, which acquired the properties from a receiver in 2015. The company alleges Mr Deery breached the orders on multiple occasions in 2019 and engaged in a campaign of intimidation against associated parties. Mr Deery, who appeared unrepresented, indicated his wish to purge his contempt. Ms Justice Reynolds remanded him in custody and ordered the matter returnable before Mr Justice Senan Allen on Thursday, noting that a punitive sentence for contempt may be imposed given Mr Deery's previous breaches and prior incarceration in 2018 for similar violations.
A 20‑year‑old Dublin man, whose name is withheld for legal reasons, faces trial at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for allegedly causing €17,135 of damage to a youth detention centre in 2017. He was denied bail after it was revealed he had been in custody under a false name and false date of birth. Garda Robert Jordan reported that the man failed to appear for his July 14 trial, prompting a bench warrant that was executed on Monday. Jordan found evidence of the false identity, including a temporary release notice. The court noted the accused had a history of bench warrants and missing court dates. His barrister argued he should not be punished for missing the July appearance because he was in custody at the time. Judge Melanie Greally refused bail, remanding him for a December 16 appearance.
A trial date has been set for 38‑year‑old Christina Anderson, a mother of three, who is accused of murdering Garreth Kelly, 39, who died from stab wounds after an incident at Brownsbarn Estate, Kingswood, Co Dublin, on the morning of 25 February. Mr Justice Paul Coffey scheduled the trial for 7 March 2022 at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin. Anderson, who lived at Brownsbarn Wood, Kingswood, was arrested and held at Clondalkin Garda station before being transferred to the Central Mental Hospital for treatment. She was not present for the hearing.
Two men have been remanded in custody following their failure to comply with High Court orders to vacate a farm at Falsk, Strokestown, County Roscommon. Michael Anthony McGann, who owns the property, and retired Garda Kevin Taylor of Dublin Road, Longford were arrested on Wednesday morning and brought before Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds at the High Court. The judge heard that both men were in contempt of court orders requiring them to leave the premises. KBC Bank, which holds an injunction granting it vacant possession of the farm, told the court that Mr McGann had breached an undertaking given last month to vacate the property and had made statements on social media indicating he would not leave. Mr Taylor was said to have been present at the farm and part of a coordinated attempt to frustrate the court's orders. Both men were remanded to Mountjoy Prison pending a further hearing on Thursday to address the contempt proceedings.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 23 November 2020, Judge Martin Nolan faced a dilemma over the release of 26‑year‑old John Delaney, who had no fixed abode and was awaiting trial for assault, intimidation and criminal damage at the Fr Peter McVerry shelter. Delaney was on the waiting list for the Central Mental Hospital, which was full, and had spent nine months in Portlaoise prison. After a consultant psychiatrist confirmed Delaney was unfit to stand trial, the judge remanded him in custody but later ordered his immediate release, citing the lack of accommodation. The Peter McVerry Trust was found to provide housing, and Delaney was referred to Tallaght Mental Health Services for treatment. Dr John Francis Kelly, a psychiatrist, noted Delaney's deteriorating autistic spectrum disorder and his inability to understand the proceedings. The court thanked all parties and hoped the new arrangements would benefit Delaney.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Judge Martin Nolan expressed that he was in a "terrible position" after being asked to release John Delaney, a 26‑year‑old autistic man, into society. Delaney, who has spent about nine months in Portlaoise prison, was charged with assault, intimidation with a butter knife, and criminal damage at the Fr Peter McVerry shelter in Finglas on 18 February 2020. A consultant psychiatrist testified that Delaney was unfit to stand trial. Judge Nolan initially ordered a release in one week, but the prosecution advised that this was not legally permissible. He therefore stayed the release until Monday, hoping a suitable accommodation could be found, and warned that releasing Delaney without proper care would leave him "in limbo" and potentially endanger the community.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, armed gardaí discovered a loaded 9mm Luger‑calibre Radom handgun beneath a couch in a back‑garden cabin at Trevor Byrne's Woodford Grove property. Byrne, aged 40, was found with over €3,000 in his pocket and was charged with possession of the firearm, six rounds of 9mm ammunition, two additional rounds, and the cash. The court heard that two Emergency Response Unit teams entered the house on a warrant, locating Byrne in the cabin. Forensic analysis revealed a mixed DNA profile on the gun, with a majority profile believed to match Byrne, and DNA on other items found in the cabin. CCTV footage and a fingerprint on a shoe‑box were also seized. Byrne pleaded not guilty to all four charges, and the case was adjourned to 24 November.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Conor Freeman, aged 21, pleaded guilty to knowingly possessing proceeds of crime, amounting to 142.75682712 Bitcoin, and to stealing cryptocurrency from three victims in May 2018. He admitted to stealing $100,000 from Darran Marble, $1,921,335 from Seth Sharpiro, and $167,622.22 from Micheal Templeman. Freeman also pleaded guilty to three counts of dishonestly operating a computer to make a gain between 15 and 18 May 2018. The court noted that Freeman was identified by U.S. Homeland Security as the person behind certain internet handles linked to the offences. He had been part of an online group that targeted individuals with cryptocurrency, using social media to obtain email addresses and phone numbers, and then exploiting password‑reset protocols to access accounts. Freeman's co‑conspirators transferred phone numbers to SIM cards and initiated protocols to gain access.
A veteran detective with 20 years of service, Aidan Bracken, has successfully challenged his summary dismissal from An Garda Siochana in the High Court. The dismissal was based on his guilty plea to a charge of making a false report before a Circuit Criminal Court. However, Mr Justice Charles Meenan ruled that the Garda Commissioner's decision to dismiss Bracken was unlawful. The judge emphasized that summary dismissal should only occur when the facts are clear and an inquiry would be unnecessary. Bracken, who has not worked for five years due to psychiatric injuries sustained while on duty, argued that no conviction was recorded against him by the Circuit Court. The judge noted that the commissioner had not sought clarification on the Circuit Court's ruling, which was a key factor in his decision to quash the dismissal. The case highlights the importance of following proper procedures under the Garda Disciplinary Regulations.
Boxing coach Pete Taylor, along with the Bray Boxing Club, has applied to the High Court for an injunction to prevent Wicklow County Council from evicting them from the Harbour Shed facility in Bray, Co Wicklow. The applicants, represented by Richard Kean SC and Gareth Robinson BL, claim the council wrongfully changed the locks in June 2018 following a violent incident at the gym where one person was killed and Mr Taylor was injured. Mr Taylor alleges the council used the incident as a pretext to unlawfully remove the club, which has occupied the premises since 2005. The applicants seek an order allowing re-entry to the facility and declarations that the council is prevented from illegally evicting them. They argue the council's recent eviction notice interferes with ongoing legal proceedings, where they are seeking judgment in default for the council's failure to file a defence. Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds, hearing the ex-parte application, granted permission to serve short notice of the injunction application on the council. The matter was adjourned and will return before the court later this month. Katie Taylor and Georgina Robinson are also named as applicants in the proceedings.
A trial concerning an alleged attempt to obstruct justice following a shooting in Dublin has concluded at the Special Criminal Court. Gary McAreavey, aged 53, of Castlebellingham, County Louth, has pleaded not guilty to assisting in the burning of a vehicle allegedly used in a failed attack on James Gately on May 10, 2017. The prosecution alleged that Mr McAreavey purchased petrol and aided in destroying the car at Newrath, Dromiskin. Defence counsel argued there was insufficient evidence that Mr McAreavey possessed knowledge of the attempted murder. Separately, Caolan Smyth, aged 28, of County Meath, has pleaded not guilty to attempting to murder Mr Gately and to possessing a firearm with intent to endanger. The prosecution contended Mr Smyth fired the shots. The three-judge court will deliver verdicts on January 8, 2021.
The Special Criminal Court heard closing submissions in the trial of Caolan Smyth and Gary McAreavey, who have both pleaded not guilty to charges related to the attempted murder of James Gately. Mr. Smyth is accused of the attempted murder and possessing a firearm with intent to endanger at the Topaz filling station in north Dublin on May 10, 2017. Mr. McAreavey is accused of impeding apprehension by assisting in the burning of the vehicle used in the attack at Newrath, Co Louth. Defence counsel John D Fitzgerald SC argued that the prosecution's circumstantial case relies on a "musical chairs" of shifting associations between the accused, a black Lexus, a mobile phone, and a Louth address. He contended that evidence linking Mr. Smyth to the car, phone, or his home on the morning of the shooting was speculative and lacked clear identification. Conversely, the prosecution maintained that Mr. Smyth was identifiable in CCTV footage and had conducted a "rehearsal" the day before the shooting. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, is in its fourth week. The matter was adjourned to allow Mr. McAreavey's counsel to deliver his closing speech.
James Tracey, 31, a former painter who lost his job in December, held up a cash‑in‑transit van on 6 January 2020 using an imitation firearm. He pointed the realistic pistol at the driver, shouted "drop the box", and the driver froze, then fled. Tracey escaped in a getaway car parked near the M3 motorway, where Garda Emergency Response Unit officers arrested him and a co‑accused. The €27,000 cash box was recovered intact. In court, Tracey pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to commit robbery and to robbery of a cash box. He claimed he had a drug debt and needed money, but the detective superintendent found no evidence of a drug problem. The judge adjourned finalisation to 8 February 2021. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
The trial of a woman accused of murdering her infant son was postponed because the courts cannot swear new juries under Covid‑19 restrictions. She will be called again on 14 December when a new trial date is set. The woman, whose identity is withheld to protect her deceased child, is charged with the 2017 murder of the infant.
Michael Sheeran, 68, a retired council engineer, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography at his Dublin home on 17 May 2016. An investigation began in 2016 after FBI information identified Irish users on the hidden file‑sharing site Playpen. Sheeran registered in November 2014 and was linked to 57 discussion threads containing images and video clips of child abuse. Gardaí seized his computer equipment and, after a backlog, retrieved 645 image files and 136 video files showing children being sexually abused. Sheeran began therapy after the raid and has undertaken steps to understand his behaviour. Judge Pauline Codd, noting his remorse and family support, suspended a three‑year prison term on the condition of continued therapeutic rehabilitation, two years of probation and registration on the sex offenders' registrar.
Conor Dreelan, also known as Conor Dignam, a 25-year-old father of one from Snowdrop Walk, Darndale, Dublin 17, has been charged with the attempted murder of his parents, David Dignam and Phyllis Dreelan. The alleged incident occurred at the Darndale address on June 13, 2020. In addition to the primary charge, the accused faces two counts of assault causing harm and one charge of producing a kitchen knife as a weapon. The matter is currently at the pre-trial stage, with the charges alleged or contested. No plea, finding, sentence, or final disposal has been recorded. Mr Justice Michael White fixed the trial date for October 11, 2021, at the Central Criminal Court. Legal aid has been granted in the case. The report does not indicate any suspended portions, effective custody, specific conditions, or adjournments beyond the scheduling of the trial. All allegations remain unproven pending the outcome of the upcoming trial.
A 24‑year‑old man from West Dublin, Lorcan Merriman, is charged with the murder of Thomas Farnan, aged 37, who was shot several times at his home in Clondalkin on 25 April 2016. Merriman's trial is scheduled for 18 January 2021 at the Central Criminal Court.
A trial date has been set for a man accused of murdering a Donegal woman. Richard Burke, aged 28, of Forest Park in Killygordon, is charged with the murder of Jasmine McMonagle at her home in the same area on January 4, 2019. Ms McMonagle, also aged 28, was found dead at her residence on that date. The Central Criminal Court has scheduled the trial to commence on July 5, 2021, before Mr Justice Michael White. Burke has been granted free legal aid in connection with the proceedings.
Brian Ibe, 19, of no fixed abode and formerly of Moore Park, Newbridge, Co Kildare, is charged with the murder of Peter Kennedy, 65, at Kennedy's Kildare home on 28 April 2020. Kennedy suffered injuries on that day and died on 12 May. Ibe's trial is scheduled for 7 February 2022 in the Central Criminal Court and is expected to last three weeks. He appeared by video‑link and was remanded in custody at Cloverhill Prison. The assault‑causing‑harm and trespassing charges that were originally brought against Ibe have been withdrawn.
In 2022, Andrew Lacey, 32, of Riverside, Loughlinstown, Dublin 18, will stand trial at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of Derek Reddin, 31, a volunteer with the You're Not Alone charity. Reddin was found with stab wounds early on 15 October 2019 at Loughlinstown Drive, south Dublin, and died shortly after Gardaí and emergency services arrived. Mr Justice Michael White remanded Lacey on continuing bail to his trial date of 14 November 2022. The trial is expected to last up to four weeks.
Two men, Christopher O'Sullivan, 37, and James Brady, 26, are accused of murdering Timmy Hourihane, a 53‑year‑old homeless man from West Cork, at Mardyke Walk in Cork City on 13 October 2019. Hourihane was found dead in Cork University Hospital after a fire was reported at a tent near Mardyke Walk. The Central Criminal Court in Dublin will hear the case from 31 January 2022, with a trial expected to last up to three weeks. Mr Justice Michael White adjourned the matter to that date and allowed the possibility of a Cork venue. Both accused men appeared by video‑link and were remanded in custody until the trial date. The case remains pending, with no verdict yet reached.
Two brothers, Lee Quinn, 24, and Gavin Quinn, 26, are charged with the attempted murder of Garda Alan Murphy, who was responding to a stabbing incident on St Vincent's Street, Inchicore, on the night of 30 March 2020. The brothers are also charged with possession of a knife and obstruction. Garda Murphy was injured by a large laceration to his head after being assaulted by the two men while he was helping a wounded man. The DPP had directed trial on indictment, but Mr Justice Michael White scheduled the trial for 11 January 2022, citing a backlog of cases caused by Covid‑19. The brothers were remanded in custody at Cloverhill Prison and Mountjoy Prison. The court also noted that requests for trials to be held in Cork and Kerry would be adjourned to the CCJ in Dublin for the foreseeable future. The trial will take place in 2022.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, forensic evidence was presented linking clothing found in a bag at the home of Philip Dunbar (20) to the murder victim, Adam 'Floater' Muldoon, 23. The bag contained tracksuit bottoms, a black t‑shirt, white socks and runners. Blood stains on the tracksuit's right hand pocket and lower left leg, the black t‑shirt, the outer part of a runner and a sock toe matched Muldoon's DNA. A mixed DNA profile from the tracksuit's waistband included Dunbar's DNA and that of three unknown individuals. The scientist also examined blood from another man's clothing, whose DNA matched the owner, and noted that this man was a person of interest because he was seen in the area that night with blood on his clothes. Garda Jennifer Brogan reported that four mobile phones were seized from Dunbar's home, two found in a pillow case in a bedroom. Philip Dunbar pleaded not guilty.
Deirdre Morley, 44, of Parson's Court, Newcastle, Co Dublin, faces charges of murdering her three children – sons Conor (9) and Darragh (7) and daughter Carla (3). Their bodies were found at the family home on 24 January. The Central Criminal Court heard that the prosecution awaits a psychiatric report. Defence counsel Michael Bowman SC indicated the case will likely be an "insanity" trial, expected to last three days. Morley has been treated at the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum since the deaths and was not required to attend the hearing.
Sarah Doyle, 30, of The Heath, Ramsgate Village, Gorey, Co Wexford, is charged with murdering her husband Philip Doyle, 33, at their home on 26 January. The Central Criminal Court in Dublin scheduled her trial for 25 April 2022, a delay of two years caused by a backlog partly due to the Covid‑19 outbreak. The trial is expected to last three weeks.
A 51‑year‑old woman with schizophrenia, Grace Miano of Foxrock, is set to stand trial in June for the murder of 27‑year‑old Malawian national Limbani "Robert" Mzoma, who was killed on 1 November 2018 at her Tudor Lawns home. Miano had been declared unfit to plead last year, but a hearing last month saw Mr Justice Paul McDermott of the Central Criminal Court rule that she is now fit to stand trial after evidence of improvement from forensic psychiatrist Dr Ronan Mullaney. The trial will last three days.
In a drunken brawl on 24 April 2018, Mark Connolly (25), Stephen McNamee (25) and Natalie Mulligan (33) chased Paul O'Kelly from a chipper in Rathmines, punched and kicked him as he lay on the ground, and then attacked him again in the car park of the Rathmines Garda Station. CCTV footage showed the trio striking O'Kelly, who later suffered nerve damage to his thumb and required surgery. All three pleaded guilty to assault causing harm. Judge Karen O'Connor, after viewing the footage, placed them on bond to keep the peace until 15 January and indicated she intended to order 100 hours of community service in lieu of a one‑year prison term. Each defendant brought €1,500 to the court as a practical expression of remorse. The court heard that the defendants were intoxicated and expressed remorse, and that O'Kelly had also consumed cocaine and cannabis that night.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, 42‑year‑old Sergio Arriaga pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography. He had downloaded 2,745 images and 234 videos, some depicting children as young as two, from a peer‑to‑peer network. The material was stored on 11 hard drives seized during a 2013 search warrant, which was executed after information from German parties. Arriaga, who has no prior convictions, claimed the material was a coping mechanism for loneliness, isolation and depression, and denied any sexual interest in real teenage girls. He admitted he first encountered the material in a block download and became interested in adolescent images, but insisted he did not distribute or produce any files. The judge adjourned the case to 15 October to decide on a probation report.
The widow of the late founder of the suicide‑prevention charity Console, Patricia Kelly, aged 59, appeared in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 9 October 2020. She was charged with two counts of fraudulent trading and one count of money laundering covering a ten‑year period from December 2006 to July 2016. The first fraudulent trading charge alleges that between 6 December 2006 and 31 May 2015 she knowingly participated in running Console Suicide Bereavement Counselling Ltd for a fraudulent purpose, misusing the company's property that was meant for its charitable objectives. The second charge covers 1 June 2015 to 14 July 2016 and repeats the same allegation. The money‑laundering charge alleges that between 1 September 2010 and 1 July 2016 she concealed the true nature, source, location, disposition or ownership of property of Console Ltd or acted recklessly regarding whether that property was the proceeds of criminal conduct.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, 25‑year‑old Gerard Dempsey pleaded guilty to robbery after stealing a woman's phone to fund his drug habit. Dempsey, who has no fixed abode and sleeps rough in Dublin 1, said he had not been receiving money from charity due to Covid‑19, which had disrupted his usual source of revenue. On 18 May 2020, while the victim was walking home from a pub, Dempsey followed her, grabbed her shoulder, pulled her to the ground, and attempted to take her phone. He also made an unintentional contact with her privates, which the victim did not consider a sexual offence. Dempsey admitted the offence, claimed withdrawal symptoms, and had 57 prior convictions. Judge Patricia Ryan ordered a probation report, recommended psychiatric assessment, and adjourned the case to 13 November for finalisation.
In a case involving a Dublin-based Garda officer aged 43, the defence has applied to keep the officer's name unpublished until the trial judge can fully consider the matter. The officer faces charges of threatening to kill or seriously harm his then‑wife and coercing her at their Dublin‑area residence in October 2012. Judge Paula Murphy issued a temporary gag order in July, restricting publication until the circuit court could review the facts. The defence, represented by Breffni Gordon BL, requested that Judge Melanie Greally postpone the decision until the trial judge could examine the issue, arguing that existing media coverage might prejudice the case. Prosecutor Dean Kelly BL informed Judge Elma Sheahan that the State was not opposed to the application. The trial is scheduled for 4 April 2022, with a pre‑trial date on 16 December 2021.
A man with three All Ireland Club Championship medals with Crossmaglen Rangers has been granted bail by the Special Criminal Court on charges relating to ATM thefts in the border region. Daniel O'Callaghan, aged 30, faces five offences including the theft of an ATM in Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, in April 2019 and the attempted theft of an ATM at The Riverfront Hotel in Virginia, Co Cavan, in August 2019. He is also charged with offences under the Criminal Justice Act alleging involvement with a criminal organisation. Bail was set at €1,000 cash and independent sureties totalling €40,000. Mr O'Callaghan must reside in Castleblayney, surrender his passport, sign on daily at the local garda station, observe a nightly curfew, and comply with restrictions on travel and association. He has been remanded in custody with consent to bail until November 2. Three other men have previously been granted bail in connection with the same investigations.
Daniel O'Callaghan (30) appeared before the Special Criminal Court charged with five offences relating to the theft of an ATM in Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, in April and the attempted theft of an ATM in Virginia, Co Cavan, in August. He is alleged to have committed these offences for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal organisation. O'Callaghan is also charged with offences under Sections 72 and 73 of the Criminal Justice Act. Presiding judge Ms Justice Tara Burns remanded O'Callaghan in custody until Monday, to allow for gardaí to carry out inquiries regarding the surety. Michael O'Donovan is also charged with the attempted theft of the ATM at The Riverfront Hotel, Main Street, Virginia Co Cavan, on August 14, 2019, for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal organisation. The matter was adjourned and never described as concluded or finalised.
Four men have been granted bail by the Special Criminal Court following their appearance on charges relating to alleged ATM theft attempts across the border region. Gerard Duffy, aged 29, Ciaran Duffy, aged 26, and Stephen Duffy, aged 34, all from County Monaghan, along with Niall Finnegan, aged 38, from County Armagh, face charges under the Offences Against the State Act alleging involvement in a criminal organisation. The charges arise from investigations into attempted ATM thefts at Virginia, County Cavan, in August 2019 and Castleblayney, County Monaghan, in April 2019. Bail conditions imposed include residence at named addresses, passport surrender, daily reporting to Castleblayney Garda Station, curfew compliance, and prohibition on mutual contact except for legal purposes. The accused are also barred from contacting prospective witnesses. Justice Tony Hunt adjourned proceedings to November 2nd to allow preparation of the Book of Evidence.
Four men appeared before the Special Criminal Court on Tuesday charged with involvement in attempted ATM thefts across Cavan and Monaghan during 2019. Gerard Duffy, aged 29, Ciaran Duffy, aged 26, both of Greagh, Loughnamore, County Monaghan, Stephen Duffy, aged 34, of Castleblayney, and Niall Finnegan, aged 38, of County Armagh, face charges under the Offences Against the State Act. The accused are alleged to have participated in a criminal organisation linked to attempted thefts at Virginia and Castleblayney, and the unlawful movement and possession of cash. The charges carry dates spanning April 2019 and August 2019. Legal representatives indicated that bail would be sought for all defendants, with applications for free legal aid also filed. The court heard that gardaí required verification of proposed bail sureties. Justice Tony Hunt adjourned proceedings to 31 August to allow inspection of the sureties and confirmed that legal aid, if granted, would be backdated to the hearing date.
A UK man accused of murdering Michael Barr at the Sunset House pub in Dublin is described by his defence as a 'two-bit car thief' and 'no James Bond', according to the Special Criminal Court. David Hunter, a Liverpool native with an address in London, is pleading not guilty to the murder of Mr Barr (35) at the pub in Summerhill on the night of April 25, 2016. The defence closed its case by asserting that the defendant could not 'logically' have been the killer. Mixed DNA profiles were found on a ski-mask and rubber mask recovered from a car allegedly used in the killing, with the major contributor matching Mr Hunter's DNA. However, Mr Hunter stated to gardaí that he had left the ski-mask in a car in Dublin two months before the shooting and had not seen it again. Defence barrister Ms Roisín Lacey SC argued that the prosecution cannot prove Mr Hunter wore the ski-mask underneath the rubber mask at the shooting and that there is a reasonable doubt. She also highlighted that Mr Hunter's admission to gardaí of stealing cars 'painted him in a bad light' and that he was in a 'narcotic and alcoholic haze' at the time of the shooting. Ms Lacey submitted that Mr Hunter could not have been the driver of the getaway vehicle or the convicted male in the back of the vehicle, and that he had to be the front passenger who emerged without any head covering. She concluded that Mr Hunter 'is not a murderer and he cannot logically be the murderer on the evidence in the case.' Mr Justice Owens adjourned the case to September 11 for judgement and remanded Mr Hunter in custody.
Cahir O'Higgins, a 45‑year‑old criminal defence solicitor, appeared before the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to set a trial date for charges of theft and perverting the course of justice. He is accused of stealing €400 from Raul Sanz Quilis at a Londis shop on 30 July 2016 and of giving Detective Garda Colm Kelly false notes in December 2017. O'Higgins denies the allegations. His barrister, Karl Monahan BL, told the court that the prosecution has severely damaged his personal and professional life and that he wishes to confront the case head‑on and restore his reputation. Judge Martin Nolan, citing a backlog of custody cases, scheduled a pre‑trial hearing for 10 March 2022 and a trial for 4 April 2022. O'Higgins will be defended by Michael O'Higgins SC, while Ronan Kennedy SC prosecutes the matter. The judge allowed Kennedy to refer to the case in October if another issue arises.
In a Dublin District Court hearing, lawyers for a 43‑year‑old Garda accused of threatening to kill his wife in October 2012 sought a gag order to prevent the media from publishing the officer's name. The officer faces charges of threatening serious harm and coercion at the same address. Judge Paula Murphy had earlier issued a temporary gag order, restricting publication until the case was fully presented before the circuit court. The matter was forwarded for trial and appeared for mention at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Breffni Gordon, the defendant's counsel, requested the continuation of the restrictions, arguing that the case contains deeply private material and that naming the defendant could expose other parties. Dean Kelly, representing the DPP, noted that the test for restricting publication is whether it would affect the right to a fair trial. Judge Melanie Greally expressed uncertainty that publishing the name would jeopardise the trial's fairness but acknowledged potential privacy concerns.
In the Special Criminal Court, Liverpool native David Hunter pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michael Barr, 35, at the Sunset House pub in Dublin on 25 April 2016. Prosecutor Dominic McGinn closed the case by arguing that Hunter's involvement was the only reasonable explanation for a series of coincidences. He cited DNA evidence linking a ski mask and cigarette butt to Hunter, ballistics matching guns found in an Audi A6 on Walsh Road, and CCTV timing of the vehicle's movements. McGinn also referenced cell‑site data showing four phones used on the night of the murder, one of which connected to Hunter's new phone shortly after the killing. He highlighted Hunter's travel plans, the sale of his car, and his girlfriend's call at 10.22 pm as further evidence of his presence at the scene. The court will hear Hunter's defence tomorrow.
A man, who was a teenager in the 1980s, has challenged the High Court to stop his prosecution for 18 counts of indecent assault. The alleged offences involved a girl under four years old, who said the assaults took place at the accused's home while she was being minded by his mother. She made a statement to the Gardai in 2016. The accused was questioned, arrested and charged last year, and was sent forward for trial before the Circuit Criminal Court in 2021. He argues that a decision not to prosecute was made in the mid‑1980s and that a delay has breached his constitutional right to an expeditious trial. He also claims that the matter was investigated by the Health Board, the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit and the Gardai, and that no prosecution was brought in the mid‑1990s.
In a series of incidents over ten minutes in Lusk, Co Dublin, 23‑year‑old Declan Turner, who has 33 prior convictions and a drug problem, attempted to rob a 76‑year‑old woman at knifepoint after already robbing a Supervalu and a Gino's takeaway. CCTV showed Turner approaching a Supervalu staff member, brandishing a knife and demanding money, but the staff member pressed a bell and Turner left empty‑handed. He then stole a €20 note from Gino's by jumping the counter. Later, he approached the elderly woman in Orlynn Park, produced the knife, demanded money and threatened to kill her. She showed him her empty hands, he left, and she called her brother‑in‑law who alerted the gardai. Turner was arrested the next day, initially unfit for interview but later admitted the robberies, claimed no recollection of the knife or the elderly woman, and expressed remorse. Declan Turner pleaded guilty.
In July 2019 a 75‑year‑old man was seriously injured when Dean Quigley, aged 23, twice broke into his apartment. The first incident involved Quigley kicking and hitting the door after being refused entry, then entering the flat, taking a knife, and assaulting the victim. The second assault, in October 2019, saw Quigley punch the man in the head, stomach and back, hold him in a headlock and threaten to kill him if he told anyone. The victim, who remained in fear for five days, was found by his daughter and taken to hospital where he suffered a brain bleed, ligature marks on his neck and severe bruising to his chest. Quigley pleaded guilty to trespassing, criminal damage and assault, was remanded in custody and sentencing was adjourned to October 2020 for a probation report.
Detective Garda Aidan Bracken, a 20-year veteran with five years of absence due to psychiatric injuries, has initiated a High Court action to prevent his summary dismissal from An Garda Siochana. The dismissal was proposed following his guilty plea in 2019 to a charge of making a false report concerning threats against himself, his family, and colleagues. The court heard that the detective had been suffering from serious mental health issues, including PTSD and paranoia, due to threats from criminal gang members. The Circuit Court dismissed the charges under the Probation Act, citing extenuating circumstances. However, the Garda Commissioner based the dismissal on the detective's 'conviction,' despite no formal conviction being recorded. Counsel argued that the commissioner's decision was premature and lacked sufficient grounds, while the commissioner claimed the action was taken before the process under Garda regulations was completed. Detective Bracken seeks orders to prevent his dismissal, require the commissioner to provide adequate reasons, and declare constitutional rights violations.
Graham Lynch, a 41‑year‑old roofer from Castlecurragh Vale, Mulhuddart, was remanded on bail pending sentence after police found almost €40,000 worth of heroin in his home. Gardaí discovered a small amount in the sitting room and bedroom and, upon searching the attic, uncovered more heroin hidden behind insulation. Lynch admitted in a Garda interview that he was storing the drugs for others, describing himself as a "cog in the machine of supply." He had been abusing cocaine and had built up a drug debt, which he said had pressured him into storing the heroin for two or three weeks. Lynch pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 20 August 2019 to possession of heroin for sale or supply at his home. He has six prior convictions for minor road traffic offences. The judge adjourned the case to 6 November, ordering a probation report and urine analysis.
Six women and five men, aged 26 to 77, pleaded not guilty to 36 charges of sexual abuse, exploitation and neglect of four children in County Limerick. The indictment lists 300 charges, including rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, child cruelty and neglect under Section 246 of the Children Act 2001, and failure to report alleged crimes to Gardaí. The alleged victims are two boys and two girls, with offences alleged to have occurred between June 2014 and August 2017 at various locations in the Limerick region. All defendants are on bail and cannot be named to protect the children's identities. A provisional trial date is set for early next year in Dublin, with the court hearing that most lawyers seek separate trials. The case is scheduled for hearing on 16 November by Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
In July 2020, Gerard Griffin, aged 63, was remanded in custody after a series of violent incidents involving chef Bilal Ahmed at the Chicken Hut on Clanbrassil Street. Griffin had previously damaged the restaurant in 2017 with a hockey stick, smashing glass counters, displays, and CCTV cameras, and had assaulted Ahmed. In February 2020, while Ahmed was waiting outside the restaurant, Griffin stabbed him in the right hand with a kitchen knife. Griffin also inflicted a superficial wound on his own throat with a Stanley blade during a confrontation with Gardaí, who described a "siege" in his apartment where he threatened to pour boiling water and use booby traps. He pleaded guilty to assault, criminal damage, and threats of serious harm. The court remanded him pending sentencing, with a judge noting his history of 30 prior convictions and alleged mental collapse. The chef remains injured, suffering stiffness and pain in his right arm.
In a 2020 hearing at the Central Criminal Court, Mr Justice Paul McDermott refused a request by a 53‑year‑old rape accused to change his legal representation for the sixth time. The accused, who is on bail awaiting a 2021 trial, had previously switched counsel five times. The judge noted that while defendants have a right to choose counsel, this right is not absolute and cannot be abused to disrupt proceedings. He observed a "whiff" of a calculation to disrupt the criminal process and stated that the accused had "issues with trust" toward lawyers and medical professionals. The judge remarked that the accused was fit to plead and that further changes would be the seventh. He said the matter could be revisited once medical assessments were completed, but any future application should be made in good time. The judge's decision was based on the unprecedented number of changes and the lack of a rational reason for further switches.
A 47‑year‑old man, Jason Warrington, pleaded guilty in the Central Criminal Court to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Tadgh O'Shea at Warrington's home on 23 December 2018. He was remanded in custody to appear for sentencing on 9 November. Warrington's counsel, Mr Ronan Munro SC, noted that the defendant was in a radically different situation at the time of the offence and has addressed his drug issues.