Mark Tims, 48, admitted striking his father Anthony 'Tony' Tims with a cup and kicking him after a heated argument over drinking. He claimed he was enraged and had a history of conflict with his father, describing him as harsh and often blaming him. Tims said he had previously harmed himself when his father was abusive. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter but not guilty to murder. The incident occurred on 13 July 2018 at their home in Rowlagh Green, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. Tims told Gardaí he loved his father, who he compared to Kenny Rogers, and that he would carry the guilt for life. He left the house after the assault and spent the next 24 hours in a park before being arrested. The trial has heard that the father returned home from the pub on his 74th birthday and the dispute escalated. The case is still pending.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Declan McLogan, acting for McAleer & Rushe UK Ltd, admitted that the firm breached health and safety regulations by carrying out work at Findlater House, Cathal Brugha Street, Dublin, on or about 23 June 2016 without conducting an asbestos risk assessment. The offence contravenes the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Exposure to Asbestos) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 and the Safety, Health and Welfare Act 2005. Judge Melanie Greally set a sentencing date for 27 February, and Dennis McAuliffe of Killnasalla, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary will be arraigned on 23 April.
Kevin Maguire, 29, was found to have distributed a video of child pornography via email years earlier. He sent an attachment depicting an approximately 10‑year‑old girl being orally raped by an adult man to two separate email addresses. Maguire pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of child pornography at Castlefarm, Shankill, on 7 May 2015 and to distribution of child pornography at the same address on an unknown date between 2 August 2011 and 22 October 2011. Gardaí traced the IP address of a Hotmail account linked to a Russian website and searched Maguire's home in May 2015. Two laptops were seized; the first contained 1,070 images and 55 videos, the second 3,310 images and 65 videos, all depicting boys and girls from infants to under‑17s being sexually abused with exposed genitals. An email from the second laptop carried the seven‑minute video.
In 2018, 53‑year‑old Ian Kidd settled a High Court case with the Catholic Church over clerical child sex abuse. In July 2017 he received a €30,000 "final offer" from the church's solicitors, which he deemed derisory. In response, Kidd poured a small amount of diesel onto the floor of St Agnes' Church in Crumlin, damaging the Carrara marble altar, a monstrance, a crucifix and a Paschal candle. He shouted at parishioners to leave and threatened to ignite the fuel, though he did not. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court found him guilty of one count of criminal damage. Judge Elma Sheahan sentenced him to a 12‑month probation bond, requiring engagement with the Probation Service and any recommended addiction or mental health services, and adjourned the case to 18 January 2021. The incident caused an estimated €100,000 in damage.
A 28‑year‑old man, Caolan Smyth, is charged with the attempted murder of 31‑year‑old James Gately, who was shot five times in a drive‑by shooting at a Topaz garage in Clonshaugh, north Dublin, on 10 May 2017. Gately was injured in the neck and upper chest but survived. Smyth was arrested in October 2019 and appeared before Judge Geraldine Carthy at Dublin District Court. The State solicitor requested that the case be transferred to the Special Criminal Court, and Judge Tony Hunt granted the order.
David Hunter, a 41‑year‑old UK national, faces trial in the Special Criminal Court for the murder of Michael Barr, a 35‑year‑old Dublin bar manager. Barr, a father of five from County Tyrone, was shot seven times at the Sunset House pub on Summerhill Parade on 25 April 2016. Hunter was arrested at Baldonnel Aerodrome, charged at Dublin District Court, and appeared before Judge John Hughes. On 16 October, State solicitor Ciara Vibien requested that he be tried in the Special Criminal Court, a request that Judge Paul Coffey granted.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, 24‑year‑old Bruno De Melo pleaded guilty to two robberies. On 10 June 2019 he and an accomplice entered Mr Syed Shah's phone shop on Phibsboro Road, threatened him with a knife, and stole 53 mobile phones, iPads and tablets worth €14,300. Mr Shah, who was not insured, described the raid as a "last day of my life" and said the loss shattered his future plans. Two weeks earlier, on 29 May 2019, De Melo had robbed a €6,500 Rolex Submariner from Mr David O'Gorman at a Glasnevin service station, demanding the watch with a knife. The watch was never recovered. Judge Elma Sheahan remanded De Melo in custody and adjourned sentencing to 3 February 2020. The court heard that De Melo had no prior Irish convictions but had UK convictions for robbery, burglary and false representations.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, John Connolly, a 38‑year‑old general manager of IMC Cinema in Santry, admitted stealing €217,203 from his employer between April 2016 and July 2018. Connolly claimed he was heavily drinking and suffering mental health issues, and that he had intended to return the money. He said the thefts were largely used to fund gambling, mainly on the lotto, and that at one point he was one number away from winning €250,000. Connolly had both keys to the cinema's main safe after a security provider change in 2016, giving him access to the takings. The cinema's directors discovered a shortfall in May 2018, prompting a Garda investigation. Connolly pleaded guilty, expressed remorse, and the judge adjourned sentencing, remanding him on continuing bail until 28 February 2020 for psychiatric and probation reports.
A 50‑year‑old Dublin man, whose name is withheld, was due to stand trial for three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault against his two nephews at a Dublin address in 2009. A Central Criminal Court judge, Ms Justice Tara Burns, ruled that the man is unfit to stand trial because he suffers from a mental disorder under the Mental Health Act. She noted that he cannot make a legal defence, understand evidence or instruct legal representation, and is unsuitable for treatment at the Central Mental Hospital. A consultant psychiatrist, Dr John Hillery, assessed him as having a mild to moderate mental disability, hearing impairment, inability to read or write, limited comprehension, and a very vulnerable, solitary lifestyle. Dr Hillery and another forensic psychiatrist, Dr Anthony Kearns, agreed that the man's intellectual disability and limited understanding of the charges made him unfit to plead. The proceedings were adjourned until further notice.
In a tribunal hearing on 6 December 2019, Chief Superintendent Patrick Murray denied allegations that he had undermined a whistleblower's claim. The whistleblower, Garda Nicholas Keogh, had reported in May 2014 that a senior member of the Athlone drugs unit, identified as Garda A, was in an improper relationship with a heroin dealer, Ms B. Keogh's claim was that Ms B had been seen driving around his home in County Offaly on 28 October 2015. Murray described the observation as potentially lacking credibility, noting that Keogh had not reported the incident to local Garda Station and had only entered it into the Pulse system. Ms B denied being in the area that day, stating her car was in a garage in Athlone. The tribunal, chaired by Judge Seán Ryan, will reconvene on 20 January 2020 to continue its investigation into whether Keogh was targeted or harassed after his disclosure. The hearing concluded with Murray's evidence presented to the tribunal.
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned proceedings involving Laurence Murphy and Ray Kennedy, who have pleaded not guilty to alleged membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh Na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on March 6th, 2013. Mr Kennedy is also charged with carrying out an act intending to pervert the course of justice by destroying a SIM card on the same date. The procedural stage remains at charge or pretrial, with the trial set to continue on Monday. Ms Justice Tara Burns stated the court would not review sensitive material after the Director of Public Prosecutions failed to comply with a ruling to view it. The judge expressed shock at the DPP's refusal to disclose a letter from Assistant Commissioner Michael O'Sullivan to the defence, questioning the office's thought process. Defence counsel argued that the court viewing the material would create perception problems and depart from judicial norms. The DPP maintained security concerns regarding the material. No findings, sentences, or finalisations were recorded, as the matter was adjourned.
The Disclosures Tribunal heard that interviews into Garda Nicholas Keogh's protected disclosure were held at Athlone Garda Station, where Keogh and the accused senior Garda, identified as Garda A, were both working. Judge Sean Ryan chaired the hearing. Keogh had made a protected disclosure on 8 May 2014, alleging that Garda A was in an improper relationship with an alleged heroin dealer, Ms B. The tribunal investigated whether Keogh was targeted, harassed, undermined or bullied after the disclosure. Sergeant Andrew Haran, who led the investigations team, described the decision to conduct the interviews at the station as "an appalling idea" and said it caused discomfort and risk to Keogh's mental and physical health. Haran noted that Keogh's alcohol problems were known but that Keogh was not drunk at work. The tribunal considered the impact of the interview location on Keogh's well‑being and the overall conduct of the investigation.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 27 November 2019, Ms Justice Tara Burns ruled that prosecution counsel must view sensitive material relating to two men charged with the murder of a dissident republican. The material, held by An Garda Siochana, concerns Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, who was shot dead on 6 March 2013 at the Huntsman Inn car park in Gormanston, Co. Meath. Laurence Murphy (62) and Ray Kennedy (40) are charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, the IRA, and Kennedy with destroying a SIM card. Detective Chief Superintendent Anthony Howard, head of the Special Detective Unit, claimed the material was essential to his belief that the men were IRA members, citing security concerns. Garda Siochana cited fears for the safety of prosecution counsel as the reason for withholding the material, but the court found no legal basis for that claim. Laurence Murphy pleaded not guilty. Ray Kennedy pleaded not guilty.
In a High Court hearing on 21 November 2019, it was revealed that Eamon Harrison, a 22‑year‑old from Mayobridge, Co Down, was travelling on an Irish passport when he allegedly delivered a refrigerated trailer that contained the bodies of 39 migrants found dead in Britain. British authorities seek his surrender under a European Arrest Warrant, charging him with 39 counts of manslaughter, conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and conspiracy to commit human trafficking under the UK's Modern Slavery Act. The warrant refers to Harrison as a "British Citizen", a point contested by his counsel, who argued that his Irish nationality could affect extradition. The court noted ambiguities about where the alleged offences occurred and requested further information from UK authorities. A resumed hearing was scheduled for 12 December, with Harrison remanded in custody.
A man in his 70s has filed a High Court challenge to stop his trial for five charges of indecent assault against his cousin, who was a teenage secondary school student in the early to mid‑1980s. The alleged offences are said to have taken place at the accused's home when he was in his 30s. The complainant claims the accused groomed and exploited her during her teens. The accused denies the allegations and argues that the passage of time, the death of witnesses, lost evidence, lack of precise dates in the charges, and his deteriorating neurological health have prejudiced his right to a fair trial. He seeks to quash the indictment and the decision to send him to trial, and to declare that his continued prosecution breaches his constitutional and European Convention rights. Mr Justice Charles Meenan granted permission on an ex‑parte basis, putting a stay on the prosecution and adjourned the matter to January.
David Masterson, 54, from Tallaght, Dublin, was remanded in September 2017 after being caught with child pornography. He pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to three defilement charges dated between February and December 2016, and to possession and distribution of child pornography on 14 November 2015. Masterson had sexual encounters with three under‑age girls, one of whom was 17 when the relationship began in February 2016 and continued after she turned 18. The other two girls were 15 and 17 at the times of the alleged encounters. A laptop seized in November 2015 contained 5,121 images and 196 videos, many depicting pre‑teen boys and girls in sexual activities with adults. The court adjourned the case to 20 December, ordering psychological and governor's reports. Masterson has not taken bail since his remand.
The Special Criminal Court struck out the charge against Paul Casey, a 49‑year‑old Dublin man, over the discovery of a bomb under a police officer's car in Belfast. Casey had been arrested by the Special Detective Unit as part of a cross‑border investigation and charged on 20 August 2019 with membership of an unlawful organisation, the Irish Republican Army (IRA). The Director of Public Prosecutions withdrew the case, and Mr Justice Hunt, with Judges Gerard Griffin and Ann Ryan, granted the request. The court also noted that the book of evidence for Robert O'Leary, 41, who was charged with the same offence and granted bail on 26 August, will be served on 25 November 2019. O'Leary's trial is expected to take place in late February or early March 2020.
In a High Court hearing on 11 November 2019, the court considered the case of Eamon Harrison, a 22‑year‑old from Mayobridge, Co Down, who faces 39 counts of manslaughter for allegedly delivering a trailer that contained 39 Vietnamese nationals who were found dead. The court heard that Harrison is of "modest means" and that he will not seek bail. Mr Justice Donald Binchy granted an application for an additional senior counsel to represent Harrison. The hearing followed an earlier appearance on 1 November, when a European Arrest Warrant was endorsed for Harrison, covering 41 offences including the manslaughter charges, conspiracy to commit human trafficking and conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration. The court set a further hearing for 21 November, noting that Harrison's draft points of objection will be formally filed and served on the State by Friday. The case remains at the pre‑trial stage, with no bail or extradition decisions made.
The High Court in Dublin has ordered the extradition of 18‑year‑old David Kerrigan to the United Kingdom. Kerrigan is wanted in the UK for the murder of Joshua White, 29, who was stabbed to death on Frampton Park Road, Hackney, on 26 April. White died from a stab wound to the heart after being attacked by men with knives, including "zombie" knives, in an incident described as gang‑related. Kerrigan is also wanted for an attempted murder of another man in Hackney shortly after White's attack. Two other teenagers have been arrested and charged in connection with the attacks. Kerrigan's lawyers objected, citing a risk of "inter‑prisoner violence" in UK prisons, but the court rejected this argument and ordered his surrender. The court noted that the reports of violence were not systemic and did not show Kerrigan would face a greater risk than other inmates.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 5 November 2019, a 43‑year‑old woman was ordered to remain committed to the Central Mental Hospital (CMH) after being found not guilty of murdering her three‑year‑old daughter by smothering her with a pillow. The court had previously vacated the committal order because no bed was available, but a bed became available two days after the verdict. Mr Justice Michael White, after hearing evidence from consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr Ronan Mullaney, confirmed that the woman should continue to be detained at the CMH for further treatment, with ongoing review by the Mental Health Review Board. Dr Mullaney's report noted the woman's history of depressive episodes, her cooperation after the verdict, and her willingness to continue treatment with anti‑psychotic Olanzapine and anti‑depressant Sertraline, as well as psychological work.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Liam Brannigan, 37, charged with conspiracy to murder Gary Hanley, pleaded not guilty. His defence, led by Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha SC, sought exclusion of several mobile phones seized during his arrest and subsequent searches. The phones included two found in Brannigan's pockets, one on a table in the apartment complex's car park, and an 085 phone discovered in the undergrowth behind St Nicholas of Myra Church on Francis Street. The defence argued that the 085 phone was "hugely significant" but that the time lapse between Brannigan's arrest on 6 November 2017 and the phone's discovery on 8 November 2017, as well as the lack of preservation of the scene, undermined its admissibility. They also challenged the legality of the search of Brannigan's home, the manner of his arrest by the Armed Support Unit, and the use of force, citing no statutory basis was provided and that the search breached constitutional rights.
A Northern Irish man, Eamon Harrison, 22, was arrested under a European Arrest Warrant and appeared before Mr Justice Donald Binchy in the High Court. He faces 41 offences, including 39 counts of manslaughter, conspiracy to commit human trafficking under the Modern Slavery Act 2015, and conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration under the Immigration Act 1971. The charges relate to a trailer that carried 39 migrants who were found dead in the UK. Harrison is alleged to have delivered the trailer to Zeebrugge, Belgium, before it was transported to the UK, where it was collected by Maurice Robinson. He is currently remanded in custody over a domestic matter and may be granted bail. The case will be mentioned again on 11 November, with a hearing set for 21 November.
The High Court has adjourned proceedings between Oxigen Environmental and former rugby international Shane Byrne and his brother William, who are directors of AWD Waste Solutions Ltd. The matter, brought under the Companies Act, concerns allegations regarding the conduct of AWD's affairs, including claims that company books were removed or destroyed, monies were missing, and cash payments were made for services invoiced at significantly reduced rates. Oxigen also alleges the brothers used company funds for personal expenses and seeks to buy out their 49 per cent shareholding. The Byrne brothers deny wrongdoing, alleging the injunctions are intended to force a share purchase and damage their reputation. Counsel for the brothers, Richard Kean SC, sought an adjournment to reply to a recent affidavit and to allow independent auditors to complete their report, which is expected to take two to three weeks. He also noted that Oxigen had rejected a mediation offer, prompting a motion to compel mediation listed for next month. Oxigen's counsel, Ronnie Hudson BL, stated the company was not prepared to mediate at this stage, citing the involvement of the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement, the Revenue Commissioners, and An Garda Síochána. Ms Justice Reynolds agreed to adjourn the case for one month to allow the auditors to conclude their investigation. The interim injunctions previously granted, restraining the disposal or destruction of AWD's records, and the undertakings given by the defendants remain in place.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a 43‑year‑old mother was committed to the Central Mental Hospital after a court order was initially voided due to lack of bed space. The woman, found not guilty by reason of insanity for smothering her three‑year‑old autistic daughter, had previously been denied admission because the hospital was at full capacity. Peter Finlay SC for the HSE reported that the capacity issue had been resolved, allowing a bed to become available. Mr Justice Michael White then ordered her commitment to the CMH for a psychiatric assessment. The case will return to court on 5 November. The trial revealed the defendant's belief that her child had a severe form of autism and her fear that the child's future would be ruined, leading to her fatal act. Two forensic psychiatrists confirmed she met the criteria for the special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a 43‑year‑old woman found not guilty by reason of insanity for murdering her three‑year‑old daughter was unable to be committed to the Central Mental Hospital (CMH) because the facility had reached full capacity for female patients. The court had ordered her committal for a psychiatric assessment, but no bed was available, so the order was vacated and she was released on bail. The HSE's counsel confirmed that every effort was being made to secure a bed, but the CMH had no capacity and a transfer to a third‑party facility was deemed unsuitable. The judge remanded her on continuing bail until the following morning, hoping the matter would be resolved then. The trial had included testimony that the defendant was suffering from severe depression with psychotic features and believed her child was profoundly disabled. The toddler died of cerebral hypoxia caused by suffocation on 13 February 2018.
In a conspiracy‑to‑murder trial, a defence barrister argued that secret recordings from listening devices placed on cars by Gardaí investigating the Kinahan cartel should be excluded because the evidence lacks a "missing link." The accused, Liam Brannigan, 37, is charged with conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between 15 September and 6 November 2017 and has pleaded not guilty. The court had heard from Detective Superintendent William Johnson about the deployment of devices on a Seat car on 31 August 2017 for 12 hours and a white Volkswagen caddy van on 13 September 2017 for just under 14 hours, approvals made under Section 7 of the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009. The defence contended that no notes were taken of the phone calls that authorised the bugging, and that the officers had no evidence of the required state of mind.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 22 October 2019, Defence Counsel argued that An Garda Síochána unlawfully converted Dublin's CCTV network into a "de facto surveillance operation" in the investigation of Liam Brannigan, 37, charged with conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between 15 September and 6 November 2017. The counsel highlighted that Gardaí collected 3,500 hours of footage from businesses across Dublin and installed secret listening devices in six suspect cars. He noted that the officer directing the CCTV collection denied whether the systems were registered with the Data Protection Commissioner, contrary to law. The counsel contended that Gardaí knowingly used unregistered CCTV systems, thereby breaching data protection and criminal law, and requested exclusion of the CCTV and audio evidence. The court would decide on the submissions by the following Tuesday. Liam Brannigan pleaded not guilty.
In a hearing at Dublin Castle, Garda medical officer Gda Nicholas Keogh testified that a senior Garda, referred to as Garda A, was in an improper relationship with a heroin dealer, Ms B, who earned about €2,500 a week. Keogh, who made a protected disclosure in May 2014, claimed he was harassed and bullied after the disclosure. He admitted to an alcohol dependency since 2012, which led to periods of sickness and unfitness for duty. Keogh used alcohol and Xanax together, despite warnings that the drugs should not be combined. The Chief Medical Officer recommended Keogh be stood down on 18 December 2015, citing his unfitness for work. Keogh disputed the recommendation, stating he had not been notified of his unfitness and that he had been working on 21 December 2015. The tribunal is examining how Keogh was treated following his disclosure.
In a Disclosures Tribunal hearing, Garda Chief Superintendent Nicholas Keogh accused a senior member of the Athlone drugs unit, referred to as Garda A, of being part of an orchestrated campaign to prevent Keogh's promotion. Keogh alleged that Garda A had an improper relationship with a heroin dealer, Ms B, who earned an estimated €2,500 a week. Keogh claimed he suffered bullying from Superintendent Patrick Murray after making a protected disclosure in 2014, and that the investigation by Assistant Commissioner Michael Finn was delayed and obfuscated, damaging his complaint's timely resolution. Keogh wrote letters to Independent TDs Mick Wallace and Claire Daly, the Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald, the Policing Authority, and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar opposing Murray's promotion. Superintendent Murray stated that Keogh was "casting aspersions" and that Keogh was part of a process to damage him.
In a High Court order dated 21 October 2019, a receiver was appointed to liquidate a mobile home formerly owned by Derek 'Dee Dee' O'Driscoll, a known criminal who had extorted thousands of euros from builders working for Dublin City Council in exchange for protection. The court also authorised the seizure of four bank accounts holding more than €250,000, to be taken over by the liquidator. O'Driscoll, from Croftwood Grove, Ballyfermot, and his associate David Reilly of Croftwood Park, had charged firms building council houses between €1,200 and €1,500 per week to guard their sites against vandalism and anti‑social behaviour. Benedict O'Floinn SC, representing the State, informed the judge that O'Driscoll and Reilly could accompany a Garda to the mobile home to collect personal belongings before the sale. John Noonan BL, for the respondents, objected, claiming the men would be pressured or abused if escorted by a Garda.
In a Disclosures Tribunal hearing, Garda Nicholas Keogh, a whistleblower, accuses Superintendent Patrick Murray of "massaging" crime figures and undermining his work. Keogh alleges that Murray criticised four of his investigations and re‑classified a robbery he recorded as serious to a lower category on the same day, calling it a non‑crime. Keogh claims this was an attempt to discredit him after he made a protected disclosure in 2014. Murray denies targeting Keogh, stating his queries were aimed at ensuring high‑standard investigations. Keogh argues the re‑classifications and persistent scrutiny amount to harassment, while Murray maintains they were procedural. The tribunal considers whether the re‑classifications constitute bullying or corruption, with Keogh insisting he is not alleging corruption. The case remains at the tribunal stage.
The Special Criminal Court adjourned the trial of Liam Brannigan, 37, accused of conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between 15 September and 6 November 2017, until next Monday. Brannigan pleaded not guilty. Judge Paul Coffey announced the adjournment after learning his father had died the previous night, stating he could not resume the trial until the following week. The case will resume before Judge Coffey, Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin and Judge James Faughnan at 11 am next Monday. Seán Gillane SC and Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha SC, representing the State and Brannigan respectively, offered condolences to the judge.
A High Court judge criticised the prison service for failing to bring Liam Brannigan, a 37‑year‑old from Bride Street, Dublin 8, to a Special Criminal Court hearing where he was charged with conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between 15 September and 6 November 2017. Brannigan, who pleaded not guilty and is remanded at Mountjoy Prison, was absent when the trial was set to begin at 11 a.m. The court had issued a production order for his appearance, but the prison service did not comply, creating a misunderstanding. Judge Paul Coffey, joined by Judges Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin and James Faughnan, described the failure as "baffling" and "patently obvious" that the court had ordered his presence. Coffey warned the prison service that such an omission should not recur and noted the absence of any phone call to the court before the scheduled start. The trial was rescheduled to resume at 2 p.m. on the same day.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, an unnamed man pleaded guilty to rape, oral rape, sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a child, offences committed between 1 November 2018 and 15 January 2019. The victim, an eight‑year‑old niece, was abused mainly at the accused's home while his wife and she were present. Gardaí reports detail the child's testimony that the uncle performed sexual acts on her, describing them as "gross" and "sore," and that he claimed she had "nice white skin." The accused admitted to having sexual feelings toward her and stated he "only likes children with white skin." He apologized in court, placing himself "at the mercy of this court" and praying for forgiveness. The victim's father declined a victim impact statement, citing the family's desire not to relive the events. Mr Justice Michael White remanded the accused in custody and adjourned sentencing to 14 October 2020.
A trial date has not yet been set for Alan Wilson, a 40‑year‑old Dublin man charged with three counts of attempted murder in the 2010 shooting at the Players Lounge pub in Fairview, Dublin 3. Wilson is accused of attempting to kill Brian Masterson, Wayne Barrett and Austin Purcell on 26 July 2010. He is also charged with possession of a .38 Special Smith & Wesson revolver, a .32 Auto Zastava semi‑automatic pistol, and ammunition for both firearms, all with intent to endanger life. In a hearing before a three‑judge panel, Wilson told the gardai he had "absolutely nothing to do with these allegations." Defence counsel James Dwyer SC said his side were not ready for trial, noting the case involved an extensive investigation and ongoing disclosure of material. The Director of Public Prosecutions' counsel, Seán Gillane SC, said much material had already been disclosed.
The Special Criminal Court will open a trial tomorrow for Laurence Murphy, 62, and Ray Kennedy, 39, who were charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, the Irish Republican Army, in connection with the murder of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, who was shot dead on 6 March 2013 outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co. Meath. Both men pleaded not guilty to the membership charges. Justice Tara Burns, Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge Michael Walsh remanded them on continuing bail until the trial opens.
Oliver Callely, a 27‑year‑old man charged with assault causing harm for allegedly igniting a firework in the smoking area of Copper Face Jacks nightclub on 6 September 2015, appeared before Dublin District Court on 2 July. He has not yet indicated how he will plead. At a vacation sitting of Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Martina Baxter temporarily relaxed his bail conditions to allow him to work in the UK. The conditions were eased between 26 August and 5 September and the requirement to sign daily at Malahide Garda Station was reduced to once a week. The court adjourned the application to return his passport, which would enable him to work as a driver for his brother‑in‑law, a car dealer, until 18 September. Callely is due to be arraigned on 30 October. The case remains at the bail‑relaxation stage.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 1 August 2019, lawyers for a man acquitted of rape last year argued that Google search results for his name breach his right to anonymity. Micheal O'Higgins SC told Justice Micheal White that when his client's name is entered into Google, the results display links to court reports of the client's 2018 trial and to two other rape trials in which he is not named. He claimed this juxtaposition violates the 1981 (Rape) Act, which prohibits publishing material that could identify an accused unless convicted. The client seeks a temporary block on all Google searches of his name, citing employment difficulties. Rossa Fanning SC for Google Ireland Ltd said the company had removed most offending links and offered to delete any that appear alongside the name. Justice White ordered the applicant to file a summons and statement of claim by the next day and set a deadline of 12 August for Google's affidavit.
Gardaí in Buncrana, Co Donegal have been unable to locate a financial advisor accused of misappropriating investor funds, the High Court heard on Tuesday. James Doherty, who traded as Demvera Capital Partners, faces contempt allegations following his failure to comply with court orders to return €159,000 advanced by Jamie Murphy for investment purposes in 2017. Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds previously froze Mr Doherty's assets and those of two related companies. The court was told that gardaí have conducted extensive searches at multiple addresses linked to Mr Doherty but found no trace of him. Enquiries established he is not in receipt of social welfare and has had no recent contact with family or acquaintances. Gardaí are aware he may be driving a grey BMW 518 Saloon with a 141 Donegal registration. The judge adjourned proceedings until such time as Mr Doherty can be located and brought before the court to answer the contempt allegation.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a 67‑year‑old man from Mervue pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the killing of 38‑year‑old Christopher McGrath in Galway city. The body was discovered at the defendant's home on 12 March 2017, with a neck wound. The Director of Public Prosecutions accepted the plea. Judge Michael White adjourned sentencing to November and remanded the defendant on continuing bail.
Oliver Callely, 27, of St Lawrences Road, Clontarf, Dublin, faces trial for an alleged assault causing harm to a man at the Copper Face Jacks nightclub on Harcourt Street on 6 September 2015. He appeared before Dublin District Court on 2 July and was present on bail. On a new mention before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, his lawyers requested an arraignment date, which Judge Martin Nolan set for 30 October. The court also granted a variation of his bail, with the DPP consenting.
A High Court hearing set for December 17th will consider a dispute between Fr Michael O'Leary, a 50‑year‑old Catholic priest charged in the United States with drug offences, and his siblings over the late Elizabeth O'Leary's 2009 will. The siblings—Ms Nora Harpur, Mr Barry O'Leary, Mr Tadgh O'Leary and Ms Marie O'Leary—sue Fr O'Leary and his brother Mr John O'Leary, seeking to set aside the will on the grounds that Mrs O'Leary was not of sound mind and that the defendants exerted undue influence while she prepared it. They claim the family home was left to the defendants and the residue of the estate to the other siblings. The defendants deny the allegations and the action is fully contested.
The Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin (RCSI) has brought a fast‑track commercial court case against Sharon and Conor O'Malley, owners of apartments at Ardilaun Court, over an alleged right of way. The O'Malleys claim they have enjoyed uninterrupted rights of way across RCSI land for over 20 years and that the college's 2019 planning application to demolish an existing building and construct an €88m education and research facility at the Ardilaun Centre threatened those rights. They allege the RCSI's denial of the rights was motivated by spite and aimed to intimidate them from participating in the planning process. The O'Malleys seek orders confirming their right of way, preventing interference, and directing the Property Registration Authority to register the right and award damages. The RCSI, represented by Esmond Keane SC, argues the case is commercial and seeks to avoid delays that would affect its financing of the redevelopment.
An 18‑year‑old man pleaded guilty to raping his half‑brother when he was 14, in offences that took place between November 2014 and January 2015 at a family home in County Clare. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of defilement of his half‑sister, who was about eight, for attempts to engage in anal sex between March and May 2015 in a midland county. The court ordered a Probation Service assessment, continued bail until 21 October, and the preparation of victim impact reports with a guardian's assistance.
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, Paula Farrell, 46, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the death of 30‑year‑old Wayne McQuillan on New Year's morning 2014. She admitted stabbing him four times with a large chef's knife. During cross‑examination, she acknowledged that she knew the knife would do more than merely hurt him, yet claimed she did not intend to kill him, only to scare him. She stated that McQuillan had tried to have sex with her and had begun strangling her before she went to the kitchen. Farrell also admitted that she had told investigators she was angry and that she lashes out at people she loves. The prosecution continued questioning on Friday.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Judge Cormac Quinn ruled that a man, whose name is withheld for legal reasons, is unfit to stand trial for an alleged sexual assault on a child due to a mental disorder. The judge, after consulting with forensic psychiatrist Dr. Anthony Kearns, found that the defendant's social and intellectual abilities were significantly impaired, preventing him from following trial proceedings or mounting a proper defence. The court noted that the man denied wrongdoing and claimed any sexual activity was consensual. Judge Quinn highlighted the need for community disability services and ordered the local disability manager to act, citing past failures of local services. The case was adjourned to July 16 next year for a review of the defendant's fitness to plead and to stand trial. Fiona McGowan BL reported that psychiatric evidence was uncontested.
A 50‑year‑old Dublin mother faced 61 charges for neglecting and abusing her two youngest children, including one sexual offence, three reckless endangerment counts and 57 neglect counts from 2002 to 2010. The children, aged seven and ten when removed from her care in December 2010, have had no contact with her since. The court found her unfit to be tried. Two psychiatrists assessed her: Dr John Hillery noted her difficulty with attention, comprehension and lack of understanding of the charges, while Dr Brenda Wright concluded her intellectual disability made her unable to instruct a legal team or challenge evidence. Judge Cormac Quinn accepted the reports, adjourned the case for 12 months to July 15, 2020, and ordered monitoring of her community support for her disability.
Damien Gray, 35, was found asleep beside a playground in Hermitage Park, Lucan, when Gardaí received a call. Officers discovered him with a Kleenex packet containing €5,700 worth of heroin in individual street deals and later found a quantity of crack cocaine. Gray, of Shancastle Close, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 31 May 2017 to possession of heroin and cocaine for sale or supply. He admitted acquiring the drugs three or four days earlier, selling them to pay debts, and that he had been smoking heroin for two weeks. He claimed someone else had wrapped the drugs into individual deals. Garda Ronan Culligan informed the prosecution that Gray was arrested and questioned. The drugs were analysed, confirming the heroin's street value of €5,700 and the crack cocaine's estimated value of €300. Gray's home was broken into after his arrest, and he was attacked with a machete, leaving him with scarring.
In a case heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Christopher Gannon, aged 35, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after attacking his former partner at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, on 6 October 2018. The victim was with their son, who required treatment, when Gannon arrived with his brother in an "irate state". He burst into the room, repeatedly punched the woman's head while the son lay on a hospital bed, was restrained by staff, escaped, and continued punching the victim. The assault left her with a fractured nose and temporary double vision. Gannon, who has three prior convictions for assault and public intoxication, claimed he lost control after learning his son had been hurt. He offered a "genuine" apology. The judge ordered a probation report and adjourned sentencing to 18 October.
In July 2019, the Irish Daily Mail editor Sebastian Hamilton was fined €4,500 after a court found him guilty of contempt for a front‑page headline that posed a real risk to the trial of two boys convicted of murdering 14‑year‑old Anastasia Kriegel. The headline, "CCTV shows Ana being led to her death," was deemed inaccurate and potentially prejudicial. The court noted that Hamilton's consultation system with court reporter Helen Bruce was inadequate and that there was no effective editorial control over the story's presentation. The publisher, Associated News (Ireland) Ltd, was fined €25,000. Hamilton was ordered to pay the fine within six weeks or face three months' imprisonment, and the company was also ordered to pay the DPP's costs. The case highlighted the importance of accurate reporting during ongoing trials.