After a 12‑year legal battle, the High Court will order the extradition of Liam Campbell, 58, who was found civilly liable for the Omagh bombing, to Lithuania where he faces international weapons‑trafficking charges. Campbell was arrested in December 2016 under a second European Arrest Warrant (EAW) issued by Lithuanian authorities. The warrant alleges that between late 2006 and early 2007 he organised the smuggling of firearms and explosives for the Real Irish Republican Army (RIRA). His legal team has argued that the prolonged delay and potential for inhuman treatment in Lithuanian prisons, particularly the closed Lukiskes facility, constitute an abuse of process. Justice Aileen Donnelly, in her judgment, accepted that the conditions at Lukiskes no longer pose a risk and that the extradition order may be made when Campbell appears in court on 13 July. Campbell has one week to apply for a certificate of appeal from that date.
In a drunken brawl on 24 April 2018, Natalie Mulligan (33), Mark Connolly (25) and Stephen McNamee (25) pleaded guilty to three assault‑causing‑harm charges after a derogatory remark about Mulligan's weight triggered a fight. The incident began when Paul O'Kelly, a graphic designer, was denied entry to a pub in Rathmines. O'Kelly approached Mulligan, who was eating a kebab, and made a comment about her weight. A confrontation ensued, involving members of a local GAA club. The trio then attacked O'Kelly in the car park of Rathmines Garda Station, punching and kicking him while he lay on the ground. CCTV footage showed the assault, leading to the defendants' remorse and acceptance of responsibility. O'Kelly suffered nerve damage to his thumb, required surgery, and has undergone counselling. Sentencing was adjourned to October, with the court awaiting the victim's wishes regarding restitution. The defendants had no prior convictions and expressed genuine remorse. The case remains at the sentencing stage.
Dermot Whelan, 67, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of child pornography on two computer devices at his Tallaght address on 21 July 2014, and to knowingly distributing child pornography at the same address on an unknown date between 20 October 2012 and 21 July 2014. He had no prior convictions. The case began when an undercover FBI agent, monitoring internet chat rooms suspected of hosting child‑pornography users, placed an advertisement that attracted a response from an email address that sent 25 child‑pornographic images. The FBI agent notified Yahoo, which identified the address as Irish. Gardaí obtained a search warrant, seized a laptop and a desktop, and found three explicit child‑pornographic videos, 53 explicit images, 182 child‑exposure images on the laptop, and further images on the desktop.
The article reports on the victim impact statements read in court by the eight daughters of James O'Reilly, a 75‑year‑old former resident of Killeens, Ballynonty, Thurles, who was convicted of 58 counts of rape and nine counts of sexual assault after a five‑week trial at the Central Criminal Court. Ms Philomena Connors, the eldest, described how her father's abuse began in early childhood, left her with a sense of emptiness and a belief that what happened was normal. She expressed a desire for her own children to have a normal childhood and stated that the abuse continues to affect her every minute of life. The other seven daughters, represented by a Garda sergeant, also recounted their experiences of fear, control, and ongoing emotional trauma, each describing how the abuse has shaped their lives and relationships. The statements highlight the lasting psychological impact of O'Reilly's crimes on his daughters.". James O'Reilly pleaded not guilty.
The High Court heard a defamation claim brought by Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the traditional ruler of the Yoruba people, against Irish-based blogger Esther Esabod Aboderin. Ogunwusi alleges that Aboderin's social media posts on Facebook and YouTube maliciously accused him of serious criminal offences, including human trafficking, money laundering, and ordering killings. He denies these allegations and sought injunctions under the 2009 Defamation Act to remove the material and prevent further posting. Before Mr Justice Anthony Barr, Aboderin, who represented herself, consented to interim injunctions pending the full hearing. She agreed to remove the allegedly defamatory material from her Facebook account and stated she would ask followers to remove YouTube posts, which she claimed were uploaded by others. Her defence is justification. Counsel for Ogunwusi noted that in separate proceedings last year, a Nigerian businesswoman, Rosala Uvbi Mku-Atu, also brought defamation claims against Aboderin over social media comments. Aboderin acknowledged those posts have been taken down. She stated she fears for her safety and will not return to Nigeria. The matter was adjourned for the full hearing of the action.
A 29‑year‑old man, Dylan Murphy, was arrested after a teenager was attacked during a burglary at a flat on Thomas Street, Dublin. The victim, an Iranian teenager aged 19, was taken to hospital after Murphy smashed a large bottle across the side of his head. Murphy was seen walking around the emergency department and was found to be carrying stolen Iraqi currency and rolling tobacco. He claimed he could not explain how he had the cash and denied having broken into the flat. He also admitted to taking tablets and drinking beer and whiskey. Judge Pauline Codd sentenced Murphy to six years in prison, suspending the final four years, and ordered that the sentence run consecutively with two years already imposed for other robberies in 2018. The suspension was conditional on Murphy attending drug treatment, alcohol awareness and anger management programmes and maintaining good behaviour.
An 18‑year‑old man, now 22, pleaded guilty to four counts of defilement of a child in Co. Westmeath and Co. Clare for offences between July and December 2016. He first contacted a 15‑year‑old girl on Facebook in August 2015, claiming to be 16 when he was actually 17. He sent her explicit photos and encouraged her to send similar ones. They met in July 2016 at a birthday party where he repeatedly asked for oral sex and sex, which she eventually agreed to after initially refusing. They had sex on three occasions over two days, all without a condom. In December 2016, while she was at his home, her brother and cousin also attempted to force her to have sex; she refused. The girl, aged 16 at the time of the offences, gave a victim impact statement describing fear, intimidation, and feeling brain‑washed.
A Dublin man, Ray Kennedy, 40, is charged with perverting the course of justice for destroying a SIM card on 6 March 2013, the day Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co. Meath. Kennedy faces trial at the Special Criminal Court on 11 January 2021, a hearing expected to last four to five weeks. The case is presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt with Judges Gerard Griffin and David McHugh.
The High Court heard that the extradition of Liam Campbell, 58, from Ireland to Lithuania has been delayed for over ten years, a delay the court described as "shameful" and an "abuse of process". Campbell was arrested in December 2016 under a European Arrest Warrant issued by Lithuanian authorities, who allege he organised weapons smuggling for the Real IRA between late 2006 and early 2007. His barrister, Mr Remy Farrell SC, argued that the length of time the warrant has been in force and the risk of inhuman or degrading treatment in a Lithuanian prison justify a refusal of extradition. The court noted that the Lithuanian public prosecutor's independence had been questioned and that the Court of Justice of the EU had ruled the prosecutor can issue European Arrest Warrants. Mr Farrell also pointed out that the remand prison in Vilnius closed in July last year and that Campbell's bail had been pending for four years.
Lawyers informed a High Court judge that the State intends to conduct a single trial for six women and five men accused of multiple offences involving alleged sexual abuse and neglect of children. The 11 defendants, aged between 25 and 76, face more than 200 charges, including sexual assault, sexual exploitation and child cruelty and neglect under Section 246 of the Children Act 2001. The alleged victims are all juveniles, and the offences are said to have occurred at various locations in Limerick between 2014 and 2016. The defendants, who have addresses in several Munster counties, were arrested and charged earlier last year, and books of evidence were served on them at a District Court sitting in November. The case was listed for mention in the Central Criminal Court, where Mr Justice Paul McDermott heard applications concerning disclosure of material by the prosecution to the defence teams.
John Slattery, aged 30 and known as John Flynn, was arrested early in the morning by 20 armed Gardaí in Limerick and extradited to the United States to face three wildlife‑trafficking charges. The High Court heard that Slattery had been on bail, which was due to expire at midnight, and that he had agreed to surrender himself to U.S. authorities. U.S. prosecutors allege that Slattery and two others purchased rhino horns in Austin, Texas, for €18,000, then sold them in New York for €50,000, using a Texas "straw buyer" because they were not local residents. They also allegedly bought two more horns in 2010 for €10,000 and acquired a consignment of horns at an auction in Macon, Missouri. Slattery had spent nine months in remand before being granted bail in April, with a €10,000 bond lodged.
A High Court dispute between Oxigen Environmental and former rugby star Shane Byrne and his brother William regarding the operation of AWD Waste Solutions Ltd has been resolved. The parties informed Mr Justice Michael Quinn that all matters were settled, leading to the striking out of the proceedings. Counsel for Oxigen, Martin Hayden SC, stated that discussions had been fruitful and requested that previous court orders be vacated. Richard Kean SC, representing the brothers, expressed gratitude to the court and noted their delight that the proceedings had concluded. Mr Justice Quinn welcomed the settlement and struck out the actions. Revenue, which was on notice, had no objection. No settlement details were disclosed in open court. The dispute, which commenced under the Companies Act, involved Oxigen's allegations that the brothers, who held a 49% shareholding, mismanaged the company's affairs. Oxigen claimed books and records were destroyed, monies were missing, and cash payments were improperly invoiced. It also alleged the brothers used company funds for personal expenses and sought to buy out their shares. Additionally, Oxigen claimed the company was insolvent and sought a provisional liquidator. The brothers strongly denied all allegations of wrongdoing, asserting the company was solvent and that the legal actions were an attempt to force them to sell their shares and damage their reputations. The matter was adjourned and struck out following the reported resolution.
The High Court has dismissed Deirdre Dennis's application to annul her bankruptcy, a status she claimed resulted from Bank of Ireland (BOI) overcharging her on mortgage repayments. Ms Justice Teresa Pilkington expressed considerable sympathy for the distress Ms Dennis endured but found the court lacked jurisdiction to grant the annulment. The judge determined that the alleged errors by BOI, which the bank admitted after Ms Dennis's discharge, lay outside the bankruptcy process. Ms Dennis had lost her family home in Killala, Co Mayo, after BOI sought repossession in 2015 following arrears. She successfully petitioned for bankruptcy in October 2017 and was discharged 12 months later. In 2019, BOI apologized for failing to provide a tracker rate and withdrew a €115,000 claim in her bankruptcy. However, the judge noted that Section 135 of the 1988 Bankruptcy Act precludes the review or cancellation of a discharge order. The court found no fraud or abuse of process, which are the grounds for reversing bankruptcy orders. The Insolvency Service of Ireland was found to have acted properly. Consequently, the application was dismissed as misconceived, with the judge noting that any redress against BOI lies elsewhere.
In a High Court hearing on 18 May 2020, Mr Justice Paul Burns dismissed two letters from French authorities that sought access to Ian Bailey's legal submissions regarding his extradition. The judge ruled the correspondence was not from the Issuing Judicial Authority and therefore irrelevant to the proceedings, describing the request as "a storm in a teacup." Bailey, 63, faces a 25‑year sentence for the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier and is scheduled to contest the extradition on 15 July. Counsel for the Minister, Robert Barron SC, noted the State had brought the letters to the court's attention, while Bailey's solicitor, Ronan Munro SC, argued the request was non‑justiciable and outside statutory procedure. Mr Justice Burns emphasised that proper communication should have been with the Issuing Judicial Authority, and the court would treat the letters as a matter of caution until further instruction.
Aaron Tyrell, 19, of Woodhazel Close, Ballymun, was granted bail by the High Court after being charged with four counts of breaching the Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Bill 2020. The charges stem from alleged movements on 8 April, 13 April and 21 April, when he was seen at the Omni Shopping Centre and elsewhere. Tyrell denies the charges and claims he was within the 2km radius allowed by the law. He lives in a house where two occupants tested positive for COVID‑19. The court noted the seriousness of the alleged breaches and imposed a €200 surety bond, a curfew from 10 pm to 8 am, and warned that any violation would lead to revocation of bail. The case remains at the bail stage with no further proceedings reported.
An elderly man in his late seventies, whose identity is withheld for legal reasons, has filed a High Court challenge to stop his trial for more than 350 charges of sexually abusing four nephews between 1967 and 1984. The alleged assaults took place in and around his family home on the Western seaboard while the victims were minors on holiday. He denies the allegations and argues he will not receive a fair trial because of prosecutorial delay, his poor health, cognitive difficulties, and the deaths of potential witnesses such as his parents. His counsel noted that the allegations were discussed within the family in the early 1990s and 2002, but no complaint was made until 2016, and that evidence that would have been available earlier is now lost. In judicial review proceedings against the DPP, he seeks orders to prohibit the trial and a declaration that exceptional circumstances make a trial unfair.
The High Court has adjourned proceedings concerning AWD Waste Solutions Ltd to allow parties to continue advanced settlement discussions. Oxigen Environmental, the applicant, brought the matter under the Companies Act, alleging concerns over the conduct of the company's affairs. Oxigen claims that books and records were removed or destroyed, monies may be missing, and cash payments were made improperly. It further alleges that septic tank jobs invoiced at €250 were charged at one cent, leaving cash unaccounted for, and that company monies were used for personal expenses. Oxigen also claims AWD is insolvent with debts exceeding €490,000 and sought the appointment of a provisional liquidator. The respondents, Shane Byrne and his brother William, deny all wrongdoing, stating the actions are intended to force them to sell their 49% shareholding and damage their reputations. They assert the company is solvent. The brothers indicated they were prepared to offer €1.5m for Oxigen's 51% stake. Additionally, Oxigen had withdrawn the waste permit held by AWD following a €500 fine for a breach of conditions, a move the brothers described as an attempt to strangle the business. Following talks, the permit was reinstated. Mr Justice Michael Quinn agreed to adjourn the application to appoint a provisional liquidator to Wednesday of next week to allow the settlement talks to proceed.
The Central Criminal Court could not set a trial date for Daniel Murtagh, 32, accused of murdering his former partner Nadine Lott, because the coronavirus pandemic was still affecting court operations. Murtagh appeared via video link for a trial date to be set, but Judge Paul McDermott said the court could not fix a date at that time. He adjourned the matter to June 29, hoping a trial date could then be scheduled. The court noted difficulties in assigning trial dates under the current circumstances. Lott, a beauty therapist and mother, suffered serious injuries at her home in St Mary's Court, Arklow, on December 14 and died on December 17 at St Vincent's Hospital after being admitted on December 16. Murtagh had previously been charged with a serious assault against Lott at Bray District Court. The murder trial dates were postponed until June 29.
A trial date of 11 January 2021 has been set for former solicitor Michael Lynn, aged 51, who faces 21 charges of theft totalling almost €30 million from seven financial institutions. Sample counts include €4.1 million stolen from Irish Nationwide on 4 April 2007 and €3.6 million from Ulster Bank on 20 October 2006. Judge Martin Nolan of the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court scheduled the hearing. Lynn's defence, led by Karl Monahan BL, estimates the trial will last up to six months, while the prosecution, represented by John Berry BL, expects it to finish within 16 weeks.
Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty, presiding over High Court bail, cautioned lawyers against filing multiple bail applications solely on the basis of a feared Covid‑19 outbreak in Irish prisons, noting no recorded cases of the virus in the system. She emphasized that bail refusals had been made on evidence‑based grounds and that fear of the pandemic could not justify overturning prior rulings. In a specific case, a man who had been refused bail in February applied again citing pandemic fears; the judge struck the application, refused costs, and warned that such a change of circumstance was insufficient. Gearty also clarified that while the public health emergency required people to stay home, the usual bail condition of signing on at Garda stations was suspended for four weeks, though other conditions like residence, curfew, and phone availability remained enforceable.
In March 2020 the High Court dismissed a judicial review challenge brought by David Prescott, a 35‑year‑old English national, who had been remanded in custody after being charged with three counts of criminal damage and one count of burglary in connection with a house fire at the Beechmount Estate, Navan, on St Stephen's Day. Prescott had been released on bail on 16 January, but was re‑arrested for breaching bail conditions and remanded again at Cloverhill Prison. He applied for bail on 27 February, but the District Court judge ruled that without a change in his circumstances the application could not be considered. Prescott sought to quash the decision and declare that a change of circumstances was not required after a bail revocation.
A 34‑year‑old Dublin man, who has accumulated 33 bench warrants since 2004, was granted bail by Judge Melanie Greally in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The judge noted that the defendant had pleaded guilty to a theft offence and was due to stand trial in April on a separate, undisclosed offence. Two of the warrants were issued for failing to attend court dates on 2 March and a pre‑trial hearing on 12 March. Prosecutor Garda Shannon Breen had objected to bail on the basis of his warrant history, arguing he would not attend his next court date. Judge Greally, citing the "dire public health situation", decided that it was prudent to avoid adding to prison populations if possible. She set bail conditions requiring the defendant to remain contactable, live at an agreed address, and stay away from the Ballymun area.
A 70‑year‑old cancer patient, Ronald Gordon, is in prison isolation because of Covid‑19 concerns and has been denied High Court bail. Gordon, a UK national, is charged with possession of cannabis and cocaine for sale or supply at Sarsfieldstown, Gormanston, Co. Meath, on 8 May 2019. The drugs are estimated to be worth about €2.5 million. He has applied for bail three times; the latest application was accompanied by a consultant's letter from Beaumont Hospital detailing his health difficulties, which was not presented at earlier hearings. Counsel for Gordon, Michael Hourican BL, argued that his prognosis was "not good at all" and that prison authorities were anxious to release vulnerable inmates. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Nicola Cox BL, maintained that the objection to bail was not made lightly, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the lack of any change in circumstances that would justify release.
Michael Hennessy, 63, of Coneyboro, Athy, is awaiting trial for alleged property purchase frauds involving Spanish properties. A circuit court judge adjourned the trial because Covid‑19 prevented witnesses in Spain from travelling. Hennessy was granted short‑term bail, described as a vulnerable person in an overcrowded environment, after his wife attempted to sell a car to pay his surety. He may attend his father‑in‑law's funeral and must present bank documents to investigating Gardaí and comply with strict conditions. The case is now set for a new trial date on 16 June, with Hennessy observing proceedings via video‑link from prison. The judge warned that any breach of conditions would result in his return to custody until the trial.
Brian Reilly, aged 23, was denied bail by the High Court on 24 March 2020 after being charged with three counts of criminal damage, three counts of dangerous driving, endangerment, driving without a licence and failure to remain at the scene. The charges stem from a collision on 29 January that allegedly caused a woman's finger to be amputated and left her with a broken collar bone and a suspected broken pelvis. Reilly was observed driving a Honda in suspicious fashion, breaking a red light, driving through traffic, mounting a roundabout, travelling in the wrong direction and colliding with a van and a Peugeot. The Peugeot's occupants suffered injuries, with the female passenger requiring amputation. Reilly fled on foot towards Ashbourne, was later arrested in a field, and the court found no bail conditions that would satisfy the prosecution. He may apply for bail again in four months if the prosecution's case cannot be progressed.
Petronel Pal, 36, faces extradition to Romania for an alleged murder committed in Meath in 2014. He was arrested in Dublin in 2019 and is wanted for creating an organised crime group and for the aggravated murder of Virgil Busa, who died three days after being assaulted. While in Ireland, Pal and others are alleged to have formed a group headed by a relative of Pal. The High Court has considered surrendering him, but a formal order has not yet been issued. Pal's lawyers have applied to the High Court for leave to appeal, arguing that the case raises a point of law of exceptional public importance and that the High Court's approach to extraterritoriality may be incorrect. The appeal will be decided on March 30, with Pal remanded in custody. The case hinges on whether Irish law allows prosecution for crimes committed abroad by non‑Irish citizens.
Garda Kevin McNulty, a nearly 30‑year‑old officer, has obtained High Court permission to challenge a disciplinary finding that he breached regulations by accessing the PULSE system for matters unrelated to his duties. The alleged breach concerns information about individuals linked to the Kinahan/Hutch feud. McNulty claims the internal investigation lacked fair procedures, denied the allegations, and was not given a reasonable opportunity to respond. He argues that the investigation was based on a misunderstanding of an incident on 8 July 2017, when he was stopped by another Garda while off‑duty and driving with a journalist. McNulty maintains he had no evidence of breaching confidence, communicating information, or using his position for personal gain. He seeks an order quashing the finding and the imposed sanction, and has been represented by Mark Harty SC. The case is set for a May hearing.
The High Court heard that European countries most active in issuing European Arrest Warrants (EAWs) are no longer accepting suspected criminals surrendered from Ireland because of travel restrictions aimed at curbing the coronavirus outbreak. Poland and Lithuania have closed their borders to almost all incoming travel, effectively suspending EAWs. Other countries, including Latvia and the United Kingdom, have adopted similar measures, though official confirmation is pending. Mr Justice Paul Coffey, overseeing several international extradition cases, adjourned all unheard matters to 18 May and all part‑heard matters to 6 July, allowing the Minister for Justice to apply for earlier dates if circumstances change. He noted that Poland and Lithuania are not accepting surrender at present and that the EAW mechanism is effectively suspended until further notice. Bail conditions remain in force, with a relaxed requirement for sign‑on at Garda stations but a mandatory provision of a mobile phone number and continuous availability for Gardaí.
The High Court has relaxed the requirement for people on bail to sign‑on at Garda stations amid the coronavirus outbreak. While the usual practice of daily or weekly visits to a local Garda station is being eased, other conditions such as keeping a mobile phone number active remain in force. Failure to answer the phone can lead to forfeiture of bail money. Det. Sgt. Jim Kirwan explained that bail‑holders may now avoid signing‑on provided they supply a contactable phone number. Mr Justice Donal Binchy confirmed that all other bail terms still apply and that the court is handling urgent matters only, postponing many extradition cases until travel restrictions ease. He noted that extradition orders are "almost unimplementable" under current conditions and will not issue surrender orders until the situation improves. The court has set a hearing for 24 April for a case involving a man wanted in the UK for rape, attempted rape and indecent assault.
David Prescott, 35, was granted High Court bail after a prior bail revocation for failing to comply with conditions related to a house fire in Navan. He faces one burglary charge and three criminal damage charges at the Beechmount estate. The court noted he did not respond to the damage charges but said "I don't agree" to the burglary charge. His earlier bail, granted on 16 January, was revoked two weeks later because he did not keep his mobile phone on at all times, a condition the Gardaí could not verify. Justice Mary Rose Gearty ordered his release on a €1,000 bond, requiring him to reside at an address on Gardiner Street, Dublin, keep his phone on, sign in daily, and remain out of Meath except for court appearances. The case was one of 35 bail applications heard that day.
Lisa Comerford, 46, and her partner robbed a homeless man on a Dublin city street. Comerford approached the man, demanded €5, and when he refused, she grabbed his feet and forced him to the ground. The victim, who was homeless, later reported that he was kicked, punched, and had his throat squeezed by Comerford. She then searched his pockets and took his rucksack, which contained his phone and clothes. A nearby security guard intervened and called the Gardaí. Both Comerford and her accomplice were present when the police arrived. Comerford was arrested, and the victim's belongings were returned. She pleaded guilty to robbery at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for an incident on Winetavern Street on 16 March 2019. She has 80 prior convictions, including theft and robbery. The judge adjourned her case to 11 June, revoked her bail, and remanded her in custody, ordering a probation report. The case remains pending.
A 23‑year‑old man, Christopher O'Callaghan, has admitted killing his grandfather, Joseph O'Callaghan, aged 66, on 2 July 2018 in Douglas, Cork. He pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The plea has been accepted by the State. O'Callaghan, who lives at Woodview, Pinecroft, Grange, Douglas, remains on continuing bail. He will appear again before the Central Criminal Court on 11 May for a sentence hearing, where evidence of the killing and reports by relatives will be considered, and probation and welfare reports will be presented to the court.
A woman who lost her family home in County Mayo and was subsequently adjudicated bankrupt has sought to have that bankruptcy annulled following a Bank of Ireland overcharging scandal. The High Court heard that Deirdre Dennis was charged more than twice the correct amount on her mortgage repayments between June 2012 and December 2017. Ms Dennis, who resided at Seaview Terrace, Killala, petitioned for bankruptcy in October 2017, believing she owed approximately €171,000 to the bank. Following a tracker mortgage examination in February 2019, Bank of Ireland acknowledged it had failed to provide Ms Dennis with a tracker mortgage to which she was entitled, apologised unreservedly, and withdrew its bankruptcy claim of €115,000. The bank accepted that its failure contributed to Ms Dennis losing her home. Ms Dennis now rents in Ballina and contends she would not have sought bankruptcy had she possessed complete information from the bank in October 2017. Ms Justice Teresa Pilkington heard the annulment application on Monday.
Mark Adams, a 40‑year‑old male model from Castleheath, Malahide, was arrested on a European Arrest Warrant and taken to the High Court. He is accused of acting as a cash courier in a money‑laundering scheme, having booked 500 international flights between 2014 and 2018 and allegedly transporting €180,000 in hand luggage from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland. Northern Irish authorities claim he concealed the money and attempted to remove it from Northern Ireland on 9 May 2018, knowing or suspecting it to be proceeds of crime. He is also charged with arranging the removal of criminal property from Northern Ireland between 13 May 2013 and 10 May 2018, facilitating its retention or use by unknown persons. He was remanded in custody until 12 March, with a bail application expected and an extradition hearing scheduled for 25 March. The case is currently before the High Court.
A 31‑year‑old man, Paul Norton, faces a firearms charge and will be tried in the Special Criminal Court on Monday, 18 May. He appeared in the Dublin District Court last October, accused of unlawfully possessing a Beretta pistol and 31 rounds of 9mm ammunition at the Stardust Memorial Park in Coolock on 5 October 2019. The State solicitor, Ciara Vibien, requested that the case be heard in the Special Criminal Court, and Mr Justice Tony Hunt granted the order.
A man accused of involvement in a violent extortion has been granted bail at the Special Criminal Court, despite garda objections. William Twomey, aged 56, from Warrenpoint, County Down, faces charges relating to the alleged attack and false imprisonment of Edward McAndrew at a farmhouse in Omeath, County Louth on 2 December 2017. He is also charged with robbery and making an unwarranted demand for €50,000 with menaces. A second defendant, Anthony Finglas, aged 49, also from Warrenpoint, had his bail application refused on the grounds that he posed a risk of committing further offences and interfering with witnesses. Twomey was released on condition that he provide a €14,000 surety, sign on daily at Ballinasloe Garda Station between 8am and 8pm, avoid interfering with witnesses, and remain outside County Mayo. Both men have been remanded in custody since their separate arrests on 11 February.
The Disclosures Tribunal, chaired by Judge Sean Ryan, is investigating whether whistleblower Garda Nicholas Keogh was targeted after making a protected disclosure in 2014. The hearing, now in its tenth week, examined allegations that Garda A, a senior member of the Athlone drugs unit, colluded with an alleged heroin dealer, identified as Ms B. Evidence presented included over 1,500 phone and text contacts between the two from May to August 2010. Garda A claimed he was cultivating Ms B as a tout. Chief Superintendent Margaret Nugent of Internal Affairs, who acted as protected disclosures manager, testified that she received a disciplinary report in February 2019 regarding these claims. She noted that while there was cause for concern over the excessive contact, there was insufficient corroborative evidence to definitively prove Garda A tipped off Ms B to dispose of her phone in June 2009. Consequently, Chief Supt Nugent recommended to Assistant Commissioner David Sheahan that a Board of Inquiry was not warranted due to a lack of substantiation for the majority of allegations, including claims of planting drugs. She recommended two warnings for minor matters. Garda A, who had been suspended since October 2015, was restored to duty on April 30, 2019, though he remains suspended in relation to other matters. The tribunal is adjourned to Monday, 2 March, 2020.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, two men, William Twomey (56) and Anthony Finglas (49), were charged with luring Edward McAndrew to a Louth farmhouse, assaulting him with iron bars, placing him in a car boot, and demanding £50,000. The alleged assault also involved contacting McAndrew's daughter and setting his home on fire. The men face robbery charges for taking McAndrew's phones and passport. The court considered bail applications, with the prosecution seeking financial information to assess flight risk. Twomey has been in custody since last week, while Finglas is awaiting a hearing. The court remanded both men in custody, with a further hearing scheduled for next Tuesday. The case remains at the bail stage, with no trial or sentencing yet.
The Disclosures Tribunal, chaired by Judge Sean Ryan, is in its tenth week of hearing evidence regarding whistleblower Garda Nicholas Keogh, who made a protected disclosure in 2014 alleging he was targeted. The proceedings examine claims that a senior Athlone drugs unit member, identified as Garda A, colluded with a heroin dealer, identified as Ms B. Assistant Commissioner Anne Marie McMahon, who conducted a disciplinary investigation assigned in 2017, testified that Garda A denied maintaining an improper relationship or tipping off Ms B. However, an analysis of 15,213 call records revealed 1,672 contacts between Garda A and Ms B between May and August 2010. Garda A stated he was trying to cultivate Ms B as a tout and denied advising her to discard phones. Asst Comm McMahon described the contact volume as inordinate and excessive, noting the calls were made to a phone owned by Ms B's 11-year-old daughter. Although Ms B initially confirmed Keogh's claims of collusion in November 2017, she later withdrew her statement. Asst Comm McMahon recommended a board of enquiry, asserting the investigation was thorough rather than a delay tactic used to target Keogh. She also recommended a peer review of her own investigation for openness, following a complaint by her husband regarding threatening calls. The matter remains at the pretrial stage with no final determination reached.
In February 2020 a High Court case was filed by an elderly former priest and teacher, aged in his eighties, who is charged with gross indecency and indecent assault against a male pupil at a private fee‑paying school in the mid‑1970s. He claims he cannot receive a fair trial because of age‑related dementia and cognitive impairment, which would prevent him from properly defending himself. The alleged abuse is said to have taken place after the complainant was called to the accused's office on three separate occasions. The priest was first complained to Gardai in late 2016, but was not required to attend a Garda station until April 2018. He has brought judicial review proceedings against the Director of Public Prosecutions, seeking orders and declarations, including an order preventing his trial from proceeding.
Six men were brought before the Special Criminal Court on charges of conspiring to murder Patrick "Patsy" Hutch. The court served each defendant with books of evidence and remanded them in custody for a further hearing on 9 March. The defendants – Michael Burns (43), Ciaran O'Driscoll (24), Patrick Curtis (38), Stephen Curtis (32), Mohammed Smew (27) and Mark Capper (21) – were charged with conspiring to commit the murder of Hutch between 1 February and 10 March 2018, and also with facilitating the commission of a serious offence by a criminal organisation. Additional charges included conspiracy to murder an unknown person on the same dates, and for Burns, possession of a firearm silencer and five rounds of 9 mm ammunition. The prosecution, represented by State solicitor Ciara Vibien, stated that disclosure to the defence was at an advanced stage. Each defendant appeared in court either alone or in groups, with Capper appearing alone again later.
A 31‑year‑old man, Paul Norton, faces a firearms charge and will be tried in the Special Criminal Court. He appeared in the Dublin District Court in October, accused of unlawful possession of a Beretta and 31 rounds of 9mm ammunition at Stardust Memorial Park in Coolock on 5 October 2019. The Director of Public Prosecutions, represented by State solicitor Ciara Vibien, requested that he be tried in the Special Criminal Court, a request that was granted by Mr Justice Tony Hunt. The case is now scheduled for mention on 2 March.
In October 2020, the Special Criminal Court will hear the case of Caolan Smyth, 28, who was arrested in October 2019 for attempted murder after a shooting at a Topaz garage in Clonshaugh, north Dublin, on 10 May 2017. Smyth, who was charged at Coolock Garda station, was found guilty of attempted murder and the DPP requested a trial in the Special Criminal Court, a request that was granted. The court also heard the case of Gary McAreavy, 52, of Castlebellingham, who faces a connected charge of impeding a prosecution for the same incident. McAreavy was ordered to sign daily at Dundalk Garda Station, obey a 9 pm‑7 am curfew, and was granted legal aid. Judge Tony Hunt set the trial date for 5 October 2020 and remanded McAreavy on continuing bail to appear again on 28 May 2021. The proceedings remain at the trial stage, with no verdict or sentencing announced.
A High Court judgement in the UK found that Eamon Ronald Harrison, a 23‑year‑old from Mayobridge, Co Down, is wanted on 39 counts of manslaughter, conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and conspiracy to commit human trafficking under the Modern Slavery Act. The case concerns the death of 39 Vietnamese migrants found in a sealed refrigeration unit in a lorry in Essex in October 2019. The unit was not powered on, and the temperature rose to 38.5°C before falling, with bloody hand prints discovered inside. Harrison is alleged to have driven the trailer to Zeebrugge on 22 October 2019, and to have transported migrants from Zeebrugge to Purfleet on 10‑11 and 17‑18 October 2019, using the same trailer. He was also stopped in France in May 2018 with 18 Vietnamese migrants in a trailer. The court remanded him in custody for a hearing on 10 am next Wednesday. The proceedings are ongoing.
A tribunal has heard that Chief Superintendent Lorraine Wheatley expressed being 'astounded, disappointed and incredulous' upon learning of a bullying complaint made against her by Garda whistleblower Nicholas Keogh. The Disclosures Tribunal is currently in its eighth week of hearing evidence regarding the treatment of Gda Keogh, who made a protected disclosure in 2014. Gda Keogh alleges that a senior member of the Athlone drugs unit, identified as Garda A, was in an improper relationship with an alleged heroin dealer, identified as Ms B. The tribunal, chaired by Judge Sean Ryan, is investigating whether Gda Keogh was targeted, harassed, undermined, or bullied after making his protected disclosure on 8 May 2014. Chief Supt Wheatley, who was over Westmeath Garda Division in September 2015, was involved in a disciplinary hearing where Gda Keogh admitted a 'minor breach' of neglect of duty. Gda Keogh was fined €300 for going AWOL after a four-day drinking period in July 2015. He appealed the fine, which was upheld by Chief Supt Wheatley. Gda Keogh later raised concerns about the fairness of the review process, which were disputed by Supt Alan Murray and Chief Supt Wheatley. In November 2017, Chief Supt Wheatley was made aware of a bullying and harassment complaint made by Gda Keogh. The complaint was later investigated by An Garda Síochána and Chief Supt Wheatley was cleared. Earlier, the tribunal heard that Gda Keogh received a lesser fine for going AWOL due to work-related stress and heavy drinking. Supt Murray, who disciplined Gda Keogh, reduced the fine due to mitigating circumstances and stated that Gda Keogh was respectful and decent to deal with, but emphasized the importance of gardaí showing up for work. Gda Keogh later sought a review of the decision from Chief Supt Wheatley, who affirmed the penalty.
A 26-year-old man from Castlebar, County Mayo has been sent forward for trial at the Central Criminal Court charged with the murder of his mother. Celyn Eadon, of Derrycrieve, Islandeady, faces the charge relating to an incident on March 9, 2011. The trial is scheduled to commence on November 2, with the defence indicating proceedings are expected to conclude within a fortnight. Mr Justice Michael White approved the sending forward of the case following proceedings at court today.
In a High Court hearing on 21 January 2020, Mr Justice Alexander Owens ruled that a Volkswagen Passat and a diamond‑encrusted Rolex watch owned by a Kildare couple were purchased with proceeds of crime. Jerry Knee and Ann‑Marie Cassidy, both 30 and from Athy, represented themselves after their barrister, Desmond Hayes, withdrew following the court's rejection of their legal aid application. The items were seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) on 29 May 2018 and were handed to the CAB's chief legal officer. Mr Knee has prior convictions for burglary and trespassing; Ms Cassidy has none. CAB, represented by David Dodd BL, argued that the couple's financial evidence—cash lodgements totalling €43,000 and a €5,000 lodgement—was inconsistent with the luxury items. The court found the couple's affidavits, which claimed the car was bought from savings and welfare payments, insufficient to prove legitimate funding, and therefore concluded the items were proceeds of crime.
A 28‑year‑old man, Caolan Smyth, has been charged with the attempted murder of James Gately, a 31‑year‑old father of two from north inner‑city Dublin, following a drive‑by shooting on 10 May 2017. Gately was shot five times at a Topaz garage in Clonshaugh, sustaining injuries to his neck and upper chest while seated in a car, but survived. Smyth was arrested at Coolock Garda station in October 2019 and appeared before Judge Geraldine Carthy at Dublin District Court. The State solicitor, Michael O'Donovan, requested that the case be heard in the Special Criminal Court, a request that Judge Tony Hunt approved. The trial is scheduled to commence on 5 October 2024 at 11 a.m. and is expected to last three weeks. The court also set a mention date of 28 May 2024 to ensure the proceedings proceed smoothly, noting that Smyth will not need to appear on that date.
Paul Crosby, 24, of Rathmullen Park, Drogheda, was released on bail by the High Court on 24 May last year after being charged with possession of a stolen silver Yamaha motorcycle on 21 November 2019 and possession of a stolen Volkswagen Polo on 10 May 2019, as well as arson for setting the Polo on fire at Yellowbatter Drogheda on the same day. Since his release, Garda Donal Clarke reported several alleged breaches of his bail conditions. On 16 January, a warrant was issued for his arrest, and he was taken into custody at Beechwood Drive, Drogheda, at 19:01 on Sunday. The warrant was executed at the Central Criminal Court, where Justice Michael White remanded him to Cloverhill. Crosby's solicitor, Lily Buckley BL, expressed that her client was anxious to address the court himself and wished to give evidence regarding the context of the matters.
Petrel Resources Plc secured a temporary High Court injunction to stop certain investors from selling newly issued shares. The firm claimed it had a long‑term investment agreement with several fossil‑fuel experts, including a 'locked‑in' clause preventing sales until August 2020. Petrel discovered unlawful trading of its shares and sought information on the trades, which it said breached regulatory rules. The injunction, granted ex‑parte by Justice Leoine Reynolds, bars the defendants—UAE‑based Roger Edward Tamraz, Michel Fayad, and Said Mehraik, all residing in France—and any party with knowledge of the order from selling or transferring any newly issued shares. It also requires Chase Nominees Ltd to remain the registered owner of the shares and prohibits any change to that registration. The order is returnable in a week. Petrel's counsel argued that the alleged breaches could seriously damage the company's reputation and business.