Aaron Dawson, aged 23, was released from Swords Garda Station after being arrested for a public order offence and giving Gardaí a false name and address. Within an hour and a half of his release, he burglarised six nearby buildings within about 250 metres, leaving blood, fingerprints and documents bearing the false name he had supplied. The burglaries included Dillons Hair Salon, Zest, Abbey Travel, Havana Therapy and Pink Elephant Thai Restaurant. He damaged doors, took items such as an iPad, a watch and cash, and left his blood at the restaurant and fingerprints at the salon. The court heard he had been drinking heavily, up to two bottles of whiskey per day, and that no planning or disguise was involved. He pleaded guilty to eight burglary and criminal damage charges and was sentenced to three years, with two years suspended, to run consecutively to a term he is currently serving.
In a case heard at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Serena O'Leary, aged 43, pleaded guilty to assaulting Caroline Madden on 20 August 2016. O'Leary arrived at Madden's home the following morning, soaked and smelling of alcohol, and produced a nine‑inch knife after claiming Madden had said something to her partner. Madden managed to restrain O'Leary's arm, preventing a stab to her stomach, while O'Leary threatened her with death, punched her in the face and continued to threaten her until Madden's brother intervened and removed her from the premises. O'Leary, who has nine prior convictions for minor public‑order and traffic offences, was described by the detective as having suffered a low point in her life, including drug abuse and homelessness. The judge noted that no injuries were inflicted and adjourned sentencing to 28 March next year, ordering an updated Probation Service report. The case was presented by prosecutor Dean Kelly BL and defence counsel Bernard Condon SC.
A High Court hearing into the extradition of John Downey (66) to face charges relating to the deaths of two UDR soldiers in Enniskillen on 25 August 1972 has been adjourned. Northern Irish authorities are seeking Mr Downey's surrender to stand trial for murder and aiding and abetting an explosion that killed Lance Corporal Alfred Johnston and Private James Eames on the Irvinestown Road, Cherrymount. Mr Downey, arrested at his home in Creeslough, County Donegal, was remanded on bail. Justice Aileen Donnelly adjourned the matter to 28 January 2019 after Mr Downey's legal representatives applied to seek disclosure of UK state documents. His counsel indicated that material considered during proceedings in London relating to the 1972 events had been held by his solicitor under restrictive conditions and remains relevant to his objections to extradition, which are being filed under the European Arrest Warrant Act.
A 38-year-old man from Roscommon has pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of a woman in County Roscommon. Gerard Mooney of Castle Hill, Castlerea appeared before the Central Criminal Court on 19th November 2018, where he admitted attempting to murder the woman on 12th February 2017 at Cartron, Carrick-on-Shannon. Mooney had previously pleaded guilty to related offences including burglary, assault causing harm, possession of a shotgun, making threats to kill or cause serious harm, criminal damage, and harassment of the woman between 7th and 12th February 2017. A trial scheduled for May 2019 was vacated following the guilty pleas. Mr Justice Michael White directed preparation of a urinalysis report, a Governor's report from Castlerea Prison, and a victim impact statement. The accused was remanded in custody pending sentencing on 18th December 2018.
A Garda, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, has taken a High Court action against Google to compel the removal of a YouTube video that he says defames him. The video, over three minutes long, was filmed at a 2016 public order incident where the Garda and other officers were involved in an arrest. In the commentary, the Garda is falsely accused of kicking a minor in the head, assaulting the young person, and "booting" him. He argues that the audio does not match the images and that the statements are unfounded, damaging his reputation as an officer. After attempts to contact the uploader failed, the Garda's solicitors wrote to YouTube, demanding removal. When the video remained online, the Garda sought an injunction against YouTube and Google Ireland, as well as orders to disclose the uploader's identity and prevent further postings. A temporary injunction had previously been granted but was replaced by an undertaking.
John Downey, 66, appeared before the High Court on an extradition warrant issued by Northern Irish authorities. He is accused of involvement in the 1972 Enniskillen bombing that killed two UDR soldiers, Lance Corporal Alfred Johnston and Private James Eames. Downey was arrested at his home in Co Donegal on Monday under a European Arrest Warrant. His counsel, Garnet Orange SC, stated that Downey would contest the surrender application and expressed anxiety regarding bail, citing medical conditions including a recent pacemaker implantation. The State's counsel, Ronan Kennedy BL, indicated the State did not consent to bail but did not object to an early application. Justice Aileen Donnelly verified Downey's identity and fixed November 23 for the full hearing of the extradition case. She remanded Downey in custody until that date and scheduled a bail application hearing for November 8. The matter was adjourned to these future dates. Downey's previous trial for the 1982 Hyde Park bombing collapsed in 2014. He is the first individual charged under the "on-the-run" scheme since it was criticized for distorting justice. Several Sinn Féin TDs attended the brief hearing.
A 79-year-old US-Irish citizen appeared before the High Court in Dublin regarding an extradition request from New York. The FBI alleges the defendant has been producing child pornography for decades, specifically participating in the production, possession, and sale of such material for at least 30 years. He is wanted to face trial on charges of sexual exploitation and transportation of a minor, as well as two counts of possessing child pornography. The allegations state he filmed, recorded, or photographed himself and others engaging in sexually explicit conduct with minors under 18, both in the US and abroad, and maintained a collection of this material. Opposing the surrender, his barrister, Kieran Kelly BL, argued that extradition should be refused due to the defendant's age and a list of more than a dozen simultaneous medical conditions. Mr Kelly contended that custody in America would constitute inhumane and degrading treatment given his ill health. He further stated the client was concerned about the pursuit of the case, noting plans to deport him before his Irish citizenship was established, and expressed a desire to be tried in Ireland for the alleged offences. Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly reserved her judgment, which is scheduled to be delivered on December 3. The defendant was remanded in continuing custody until that date.
The High Court is set to give a judgment in November on the extradition of Artur Celmer, a 31‑year‑old Polish national, to face drug‑trafficking charges in Poland. Celmer was arrested in Ireland under a European Arrest Warrant. His lawyers argue that recent radical changes to the Polish justice system, which have brought the country into conflict with the EU, create a risk that his fair‑trial rights would be breached. After a referral by Justice Aileen Donnelly to the Court of Justice of the EU, the High Court sought further information from Polish authorities. The court received comments from Polish Deputy Minister for Justice Marcin Warchol, who described Celmer as a "dangerous criminal from a drug mafia." Donnelly said these remarks could undermine the presumption of innocence and questioned whether Poland's judicial independence was compromised.
Kieran Greene, 32, of Mountain View Park, Rathfarnham, is charged with the murder of 61‑year‑old Patricia O'Connor, whose remains were found scattered in the Wicklow mountains between 29 and 30 May 2017. The Central Criminal Court has adjourned his trial, which was scheduled for 3 December, and has applied to vacate the date. Four co‑accused have been charged with impeding the Garda investigation, and the State is seeking a joint trial. Mr Justice Michael White remanded Greene in custody until the new trial date is fixed on 28 January 2019.
Aaron Brady, 27, from New Road, Crossmaglen, is accused of murdering Garda Adrian Donohoe during a shooting on 25 January 2013 at Lordship Credit Union, Bellurgan, Co. Louth. Brady was charged earlier this year with the murder of a Garda in the course of duty. Brendan Grehan SC, for the prosecution, estimates the trial will last six to eight weeks. Mr Justice Michael White set the trial to begin on 8 October 2019 at the Central Criminal Court, with Michael O'Higgins SC defending Brady. At a prior hearing, Donohoe was served a four‑volume book of evidence.
In a High Court hearing on 9 October 2018, Alex Lawes, co‑founder of Whiplash Beer Limited and twice named "Best Brewer in Ireland", was told that he had been "locked out" and banned from the shared brewery premises in Renmore Business Park, Kilcoole, where Whiplash and The Dublin Lager Company Limited (trading as Larkins Brewing Company) brew and package their beers. Lawes' legal representative, Rory Kennedy BL, explained that the ban was imposed by the defendant, a family‑owned microbrewery, who alleged that Lawes was a bully – an allegation Lawes denied. The defendant also threatened to terminate Whiplash's contract, which guaranteed 24‑hour access to the premises, and to force Whiplash to relocate. The contract, which had two years remaining, was said to be breached. Whiplash has sought an alternative brewing site but cannot move immediately, offering to vacate by the end of March 2019.
A court heard that Jonathan Goulding (28), also known as Goulding Aka Farrell, pleaded guilty to burglary at Mr Price, Coolock Retail Park, on March 27, 2017, and dangerous driving around the Malahide area, Dublin, on October 2, 2014. The charges were admitted, and the case was at the charge_or_pretrial stage. Goulding has 48 previous convictions, including burglary, theft, and a seven-year sentence for a past drugs offence. The court heard that during the burglary, Goulding held a screwdriver in a menacing way towards the shop staff. In the dangerous driving incident, he was involved in a high-speed chase, drove the wrong way on a dual carriageway, and caused multiple vehicles to take evasive action. Judge Melanie Greally noted that Goulding had been in the throes of drug addiction at the time of the offences. She commended his successful rehabilitation, including completing a drug treatment programme and taking up full-time employment in construction. The judge imposed a fully suspended three and a half year prison term and a two-year driving ban. Conditions included remaining sober and substance free and continuing to attend AA meetings. The matter was adjourned.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 8 October 2018, Jason Melia (27) and his brother Glen Melia (22) faced trial for burglary and criminal damage at a house on Shancastle Drive, Clondalkin, where the alleged offences occurred on 6 November 2015. Both pleaded not guilty at a July hearing. During the proceedings, Garda Hugh O'Connell reported that a witness in her 20s, who had previously failed to appear, was brought to court after a bench warrant. O'Connell said he heard Jason Melia call her a "weasel" and Glen Melia refer to her as a "rat cunt". The DPP's barrister, Maurice Coffey BL, argued that these remarks constituted witness intimidation. Jason Melia's barrister, Conor McKenna BL, denied the name‑calling, while Glen Melia's counsel was absent. After a brief adjournment, both men pleaded guilty to the criminal damage charge. Judge Patricia Ryan remanded them on continuing bail until their sentencing on 18 January 2019.
Garda Keith Harrison, who appeared before the Disclosures Tribunal, has filed a High Court case to halt an internal Garda investigation into alleged breaches of discipline. Harrison, who denies any misconduct, argues that the tribunal's interim report, which criticised him, has no legal effect and should not be used by the Garda Commissioner to discipline him. The investigation was ordered by a Garda Superintendent after the tribunal found Harrison's and his partner Marissa Simms' allegations—about coercion to testify and a five‑year intimidation campaign—to be "entirely without any validity." Harrison's lawyers claim the Commissioner is acting unlawfully, outside his jurisdiction, and in breach of the 2014 Protective Disclosures Act by relying on the tribunal's findings. The High Court granted permission for the action on an ex‑parte basis, with the case to be heard later this month.
Adam Clarke, 20, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to causing serious harm to Ownie O'Connell at the Tivoli Theatre, Francis Street, Dublin 8, on July 3, 2016. The prosecution alleged that Clarke, an apprentice electrician, punched the victim in a fit of jealousy after seeing him kiss a mutual acquaintance. Mr O'Connell was knocked unconscious, suffered a scalp cut, and was left permanently deaf in his left ear with tinnitus. He was hospitalized for five days. Clarke, of Donaghmede, has no previous convictions. During his Garda interview, he reportedly showed no remorse, stating he had no regrets because it was a great night. However, he later visited the victim in hospital, accepting he had delivered an unprovoked assault and expressing that he was sorry and jealous. In a victim impact statement, Mr O'Connell detailed how the impairment affected his education, social life, and ability to play football. Defense counsel Dominic McGinn SC submitted that Clarke's initial attitude did not reflect his character, citing testimonials describing him as placid and remorseful. He noted Clarke had €2,000 in court as a concrete indication of genuine remorse and argued against custody. Judge Melanie Greally adjourned the case to November 2 next and remanded Clarke on continuing bail.
Brian Rattigan, a 37‑year‑old from Cooley Road, Drimnagh, faces arraignment on 1 January 2001 murder charge. He is accused of killing 21‑year‑old Declan Gavin outside the Abrakebabra fast‑food at Crumlin Shopping Centre on 25 August 2001. The Central Criminal Court had scheduled a trial for 14 January next year, but his barrister requested an earlier arraignment. The court granted the request, setting 22 October as the arraignment date, while a governor's report from Portlaoise Prison is to be prepared. The prosecution will not present evidence on that day.
Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly of the Irish High Court has asked Polish authorities to explain how Artur Celmer, a 31‑year‑old Polish man wanted for drug trafficking, will receive a fair trial after Deputy Minister of Justice Marcin Warchol described him in the press as a "dangerous criminal from a drug mafia." Donnelly said such remarks threaten Celmer's presumption of innocence, a principle protected by the European Convention on Human Rights. She noted that the Polish Minister of Justice also serves as public prosecutor and has disciplinary powers over court presidents, raising concerns about judicial independence. Donnelly will send a list of questions to Poland and has invited counsel for Celmer and the Irish Minister for Justice to submit drafts. She has not yet decided whether Celmer's rights have been violated, but she is seeking information to assess the risk of a breach of his right to a fair trial.
In a High Court hearing, a barrister argued that Polish Deputy Justice Minister Marcin Warchol's "inappropriate" remarks about 31‑year‑old Artur Celmer should not block his extradition to Poland for alleged drug trafficking. Warchol had called Celmer a "drug mafia criminal," raising concerns about Celmer's right to a fair trial. Counsel for Celmer, Sean Guerin, presented the comments as evidence of potential risk, while State counsel Remy Farrell SC dismissed them as "neither here nor there," noting no evidence that the remarks would affect the trial process. The case had been referred to the European Court of Justice over fears of political interference in Polish courts. The ECJ ruled that extradition could be refused only if a specific risk to Celmer's fair‑trial rights existed, a risk that has not yet been proven. A full hearing is scheduled for 2 October, with the court awaiting further information from Polish authorities before deciding whether to request additional details.
The trial of Patrick Hutch, accused of murdering David Byrne at the Regency Hotel, was adjourned until September to allow the court to review an interim report on the death of Detective Superintendent Colm Fox and to analyse electronic data. The adjournment also gives the defence time to read the report. The Special Criminal Court had previously said the final report would be ready by the end of September. Fox was found dead on 10 February in his office at Ballymun Garda Station; his firearm was recovered and foul play was not suspected. Hutch, 25, pleaded not guilty and denies owning three AK‑47 rifles. The court, presided over by Justice Tony Hunt, remanded Hutch in custody until the case is listed again in September, marking the seventh adjournment. The prosecution has compiled extensive documentation and witness statements, but outstanding matters remain regarding the mobile phone, two USB devices and a laptop used in the inquiry.
The trial of a 35‑year‑old woman, Laura Kenna, charged with attempting to murder a woman on Drumcondra Road Lower on 3 January, was adjourned by Mr Justice Michael White after the defence barrister fell ill with a severe viral condition. Kenna, who has no fixed abode and is being held at the Central Mental Hospital, will receive a new trial date on Monday.
A 45‑year‑old woman, Mercy Peters of Sierra Leone, was declared fit to stand trial for the 2014 murder of Tyrone McKenna, 42, in their shared home in Marley Court, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14. The alleged killing occurred on 17 July 2014. At a brief hearing, the prosecution's counsel, Paul Burns SC, presented a report indicating Peters' fitness for trial. Justice Tony Hunt added her to the court's list for fixing dates, and a trial date was set for the following Monday. Peters had been deemed unfit and sent to the Central Mental Hospital in July of the previous year.
A couple, Muhammed Kashif (42) and his wife Deepa Vaswani (39), were found with an "Aladdin's cave" of stolen goods in a Dublin hotel room. Garda analysis of Kashif's laptop revealed 200 pages of chat where four people shared stolen credit‑card details. The couple used these details to purchase €1,452 worth of toys from Smyths Toys, €161 of sex toys, a six‑night stay at the Fitzwilliam Hotel (€2,781), flights from Dublin to New York (€3,592) and to Kuala Lumpur (€8,798). Seized items included a camera, a €4,000 watch, six phones, new clothes and €15,000 of foreign currency. Judge Melanie Greally sentenced them to four years, suspending three, and ordered them to leave Ireland for 20 years. They pleaded guilty to handling stolen card information, fraud, theft and criminal damage. They have no prior convictions.
In a High Court hearing on 18 July 2018, Inspiredspaces Bundle 5 (Ireland) Ltd, a joint venture with Carillion and the Dutch Infrastructure Fund, obtained a temporary injunction to stop subcontractors from blockading the construction sites of five new schools and an Institute of Further Education. The injunction was granted after subcontractors claimed unpaid work following the collapse of Carillion and the liquidation of Sammon Contracting Ireland Ltd, the original contractor. Inspiredspaces, represented by Brian Conroy BL, argued that the blockade threatened the completion of schools in Wexford and Bray, where works were almost finished, and that the protestors had no legitimate claim against the joint venture. Ms Justice Caroline Costello issued the order, preventing any blocking, interference, or removal of items from the sites, and requiring any claims to be dealt with by Inspiredspaces. The injunction was made ex parte and is returnable later that week.
In November 2016 a burglary at a mosque in Milltown Bridge, Dundrum, saw 30‑year‑old Stefan Boyle, who has 110 prior convictions, including 63 burglaries, stab him with a knife and steal his phone. Boyle, who has a history of drug and alcohol addiction, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Earlier this year Judge Karen O'Connor granted him bail to attend a drug‑treatment residential programme, but he later used cocaine and the judge offered one more chance. At a hearing in June Boyle asked to be remanded into custody because he was struggling on bail. The judge adjourned the case to 20 July, told Boyle he looked healthier than before, and Boyle thanked her for "saving" his life by sending him back into custody. The court noted Boyle had previously admitted to stealing two phones from the mosque's caretaker, Ali Yassine, and had returned them after a chance encounter. The case remains pending.
A new retrial date has been set for Jonathan Gill, 36, who is accused of the 2011 "tiger kidnapping" of Warren Nawn, Jean Marie Nawn and their ten‑week‑old baby in Drogheda. Gill denies the allegations of false imprisonment. Judge Melanie Greally of the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court scheduled the retrial for 19 June 2019, with an estimated duration of three weeks.
A 53-year-old man from Castleblayney in County Monaghan has been committed for trial at the Special Criminal Court on a charge of membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army. James Joseph Cassidy, of Tullycollive, faces allegations relating to September 21st, 2016. The three-judge court, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt alongside Judge Patricia Ryan and Judge Michael Walsh, set a trial date of January 28, 2019. Mr Cassidy was remanded on continuing bail pending the commencement of proceedings.
A former solicitor from Maynooth, County Kildare, has been granted bail on appeal at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following approval of a €100,000 independent surety. Michael Lynn, aged 49, faces allegations of stealing approximately €30 million from seven financial institutions. A family member provided the surety, which will remain frozen in her bank account throughout the trial, with the judge cautioning that the funds would be forfeited if bail conditions were breached. Mr Lynn's passports, along with those of his wife and four children, have been surrendered to gardaí. His bail conditions include daily sign-on at Leixlip Garda Station, residence at his Maynooth address, a 9pm to 6am curfew, prohibition from Irish ports and airports, and the requirement to carry a mobile phone accessible to gardaí. He was extradited from Brazil in March 2018, having been taken into custody there in August 2013. The trial is scheduled to commence in January 2020 and is expected to last six to eight weeks.
Graham Fitzgerald, 22, and his cousin Gary Fitzgerald, 21, appeared at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court regarding an arson at Green Hills Court Apartments in Tallaght on March 26, 2015. Graham Fitzgerald pleaded guilty to arson and an attempted robbery at Milanos in February 2016. Gary Fitzgerald also pleaded guilty to the arson charge. Judge Melanie Greally noted that Graham's case had been adjourned on successive occasions, most recently to encourage engagement with the Probation Service. She cited his young age, drug use, and antisocial peers at the time of the offences, alongside psychological vulnerabilities. The court accepted tangible evidence that Graham was now drug-free. Judge Greally imposed consecutive sentences totalling five years, suspended in full on strict conditions. Gary Fitzgerald, who had seven previous convictions, received a three-year sentence with the final six months suspended for the arson offence. The court heard that the fire caused €45,000 in damage to an unoccupied apartment in a Focus Ireland complex, forcing an evacuation. While Gardaí could not establish the exact cause of the fire, CCTV identified the defendants as intruders. Graham had four previous convictions, including criminal damage, and was on bail for the arson when he committed the attempted robbery.
The Special Criminal Court rejected the defence's applications in the trial of three men accused of IRA membership and a man and woman accused of assisting in interviews for the organisation. David Nooney (53), Seán Hannaway (48) and Edward O'Brien (42) pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation, the Irish Republican Army, on 8 August 2015. Kevin Hannaway (69) pleaded not guilty to knowingly rendering assistance to the IRA by helping Hannaway interview persons involved in IRA‑organised criminal activities on 7 and 8 August 2015, and Eva Shannon (60) pleaded not guilty to the same offence on those dates. After the prosecution closed its case, the defence sought to have the case dismissed or to obtain a not‑guilty verdict. Justice Isobel Kennedy, Judge Gerard Griffin and Judge Gerard Haughton refused these applications, allowing the trial to proceed.
The Special Criminal Court is reviewing defence applications in a trial involving three men accused of IRA membership and a man and woman accused of assisting IRA interviews. David Nooney, 53, Seán Hannaway, 48, and Edward O'Brien, 42, plead not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation, the Irish Republican Army, on 8 August 2015. Kevin Hannaway, 69, and Eva Shannon, 60, plead not guilty to knowingly assisting an unlawful organisation by helping interview people involved in IRA‑related criminal activity on 7 and 8 August 2015 at Riverwood Park, Castleknock. The prosecution closed its case the day before, after which defence counsel filed applications arguing the case should not proceed. The court listened to the defence submissions and the State's counter‑arguments, with Justice Isobel Kennedy, Judge Gerard Griffin and Judge Gerard Haughton noting they needed time to consider the material and would rule the following afternoon.
On 12 June 2018, Mr Justice Peter Charleton, chairman of the Disclosures Tribunal, said it was not conceivable that senior Garda officers had negatively briefed journalists about whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe. The tribunal was hearing evidence from two Irish Examiner journalists who claimed journalistic privilege over any conversations with confidential sources. Security correspondent Cormac O'Keeffe stated he felt obliged to claim privilege to protect the flow of information from sources. Mr Charleton expressed concern that a journalist could refuse to answer questions about what sources said and then write an article the next day. The tribunal was also considering allegations that Superintendent David Taylor, then Garda press officer, had directed a smear campaign against McCabe. Former commissioners Martin Callinan and Nóirín O'Sullivan denied any such campaign, and the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed no prosecution after a Garda investigation into allegations made by Miss D in 2006.
The prosecution has closed its case in the trials of five accused individuals before the Central Criminal Court. David Nooney, Seán Hannaway, and Edward O'Brien are accused of membership of an unlawful organization, specifically the Irish Republican Army (IRA), on August 8, 2015. All three men are pleading not guilty to these charges. Kevin Hannaway is accused of knowingly rendering assistance to the IRA by assisting in interviews related to IRA-organized criminal activities at Riverwood Park, Castleknock, on August 7 and 8, 2015. He is also pleading not guilty. Eva Shannon is accused of assisting in interviews carried out by the organization. Defence counsel Vincent Heneghan SC, representing Ms Shannon, applied for an acquittal, arguing that the only alleged evidence of her involvement was a recording of a female voice saying the word "no," which he contended does not constitute compelling evidence of assistance. The court, presided over by Justice Isobel Kennedy with Judges Gerard Griffin and Gerard Haughton, heard these defence applications. The matter is currently at the pre-trial stage, with defence applications continuing. No final judgment, sentence, or conviction has been recorded for any of the accused, and the proceedings remain ongoing.
In a June 2018 hearing, Mr Justice Peter Charleton, chairman of the Disclosures Tribunal, urged anyone with information relevant to the inquiry's terms of reference to come forward, stressing a "patriotic duty" to the country. The tribunal is examining allegations that senior Gardaí, including former commissioner Martin Callinan, smeared whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe by spreading claims of child abuse to politicians, journalists and others. Journalist Alison O'Reilly testified that she was told by colleague Debbie McCann that McCabe was a "child abuser", but clarified that she had not received a negative briefing. McCann's legal representatives denied any confirmation of such allegations. Other witnesses, including RTÉ journalist Philip Boucher‑Hayes and journalist Justine McCarthy, recounted conversations suggesting McCabe had psychological issues and that negative briefings may have been issued. The tribunal continues to gather statements and will proceed with its investigation on Tuesday.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Robert Day, 55, of Cabra, Dublin, pleaded not guilty to membership of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) on 9 October 2015. The prosecution alleged that Gardaí had planted a listening device in a private house in Castleknock on 8 August 2015 to record conversations between alleged IRA members, including Day. Defence counsel Padraig Dwyer argued that the evidence was insufficient, citing the reliance on a chief superintendent's belief, interview tactics that allow inferences from non‑answers, and Day's visit to the house. Dwyer also challenged the credibility of a detective who claimed to have identified Day's voice on the recording, urging the court to give that evidence zero weight. He noted no evidence of Day's involvement in ongoing unlawful activity and suggested that Day might have been a former IRA member or merely attended a meeting.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Robert Day, 47, of Cabra, Dublin, pleaded not guilty to membership of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Defence counsel Padraig Dwyer SC applied for the judges to discharge themselves from the trial, citing prejudicial material presented by the prosecution in a separate matter. The court, presided over by Mr Justice Robert Eagar with Judges Patricia Ryan and James Faughnan, will decide the application on Monday. The case involves alleged IRA activity, including a bug planted by gardai in a Castleknock house to record conversations among suspected members.
A 31‑year‑old Cork man, David O'Loughlin, is scheduled for a retrial on 15 January next year for the murder of 59‑year‑old Liam Manley, who was killed on 12 May 2013 at Garden City Apartments, North Main Street, Cork. The case was set by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, a detective confirmed that the voice on an audio recording of alleged dissident interviews belonged to Robert Day, a 55‑year‑old from Cabra, Dublin 7, who is charged with membership of an unlawful organisation styled as the Irish Republican Army. The court had previously heard that Gardaí had planted a bug in a private house to record conversations among alleged IRA members. Mr Justice Robert Eagar ruled that the evidence identifying Day's voice, which the defence had objected to, was admissible. Detective Sergeant Padraig Boyce, of the Special Detective Unit, testified that on 8 August 2015 he had seen Day arriving at and leaving the house in Castleknock, and that photographs in court showed him outside the house. Boyce, who has known Day for over 13 years, listened to the recording and recognised Day as the last man interviewed on that day, stating he was 100% certain.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Robert Day, aged 55, pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation, claiming to be part of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). The court heard that Garda detectives had planted a bug in a private house in Castleknock to record conversations between alleged IRA members. Detective Garda Leanna Cruise, of the Special Detective Unit, interviewed Day on 9 and 10 October 2015. She noted that Day refused to answer questions about suspected dissident activity, and when asked about his alleged 27‑year service with the IRA and his presence at the Castleknock house on 8 August, he made no response. The court held a voir‑dite to determine a legal issue, and the case will continue tomorrow before Mr Justice Robert Eagar, Judge Patricia Ryan and Judge James Faughnan.
The Northern Irish authorities have assured a High Court judge that Raymond O'Neill, 38, will be properly assessed and cared for at Maghaberry Prison if surrendered. O'Neill faces murder and arson charges over the death of Jennifer Dornan, 30, who was stabbed and burned in her Hazel View house in August 2015. He was arrested in Dublin on February 3, 2016 under a European Arrest Warrant issued by Northern Ireland. His barrister, Caroline Cummings, opposed surrender, arguing a real risk of inhuman and degrading treatment and citing his vulnerability and threats to his life. Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly sought information on conditions at Maghaberry; the State's counsel, Elva Duffy, provided documents on prisoner assessment and care for vulnerable inmates. Cummings noted a 2017 report highlighted serious deficiencies in care. Donnelly said she would consider the matter further, noting the impact of Brexit, and remanded O'Neill in custody until June 11 for related cases.
Renato Gehlen, 36, of Dorset Square, Dublin 1, is charged with murdering his wife, Anne Colomines, 37, on 24 October 2017 at their home. His trial at the Central Criminal Court is set to begin on 25 March next year. In the same court, Gary Watson, 34, of Millbrook Avenue, Kilbarrick, Dublin 13, faces trial for the 2010 murder of Warren O'Connor at Hole in the Wall Road, Donaghmede. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy scheduled his trial for 20 May 2019.
A 15‑year‑old from south Dublin is charged with attempting to murder a 25‑year‑old woman at Seafront, Queen's Road, Dun Laoghaire, on 23 December last year. The minor, whose name cannot be disclosed, will stand trial at the Central Criminal Court, with proceedings scheduled to begin in January.
Paul Crosby, 22, of Rathmullen Park, Drogheda, was charged with attempting to murder Gerard Boyle, 22, at Knockcommon, Beauparc, Slane, County Meath, on 10 November 2016. The Central Criminal Court granted him bail. His brother and sister provided sureties totalling €2,100. Conditions include living at his mother's Drogheda home, observing a 9 pm to 7 am curfew, being available to Gardaí at that address and by phone, abstaining from drugs and alcohol, signing in regularly at Drogheda Garda Station, and not contacting the alleged victim or witnesses. His trial is scheduled for February next year.
Brian Rattigan, aged 37, of Cooley Road, Drimnagh, Dublin, faces a retrial for the murder of Declan Gavin, aged 21, outside an Abrakebabra fast‑food shop in Crumlin Shopping Centre on 25 August 2001. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy of the Central Criminal Court set the retrial for 14 January 2019, with the trial expected to last up to six weeks.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, two men, Kevin Braney, 44, and Ciaran Maguire, 30, pleaded not guilty to membership of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). The prosecution alleged that on 13 July 2017 the accused travelled from Dublin to Longwood, County Meath, where Braney threatened a man, saying they were the IRA and that if he did not drop a claim against a former employer they would shoot him. The prosecution relied on Chief Superintendent Tom Maguire's opinion that the men were IRA members, CCTV evidence, and testimony from the National Surveillance Unit. Defence counsel argued that the chief superintendent's opinion was unsubstantiated, that there was no reliable evidence of the threat, and that the likelihood of two men threatening a victim in a built‑up area was low. Judge Tony Hunt, with Judges Gerard Griffin and Flann Brennan, announced that a verdict would be delivered on 30 May.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, a National Surveillance Unit garda reported seeing Kevin Braney (44) and Ciaran Maguire (30) walk up the driveway of a house in Longwood, County Meath, where a man had claimed the men threatened to shoot him. The garda, whose identity is protected, stated that he was in Longwood on the evening of 13 July 2017 and observed a Ford Mondeo parked opposite the alleged victim's house. He then saw Braney and Maguire approach the house. The prosecution alleges that one of the men told the victim they were IRA members and threatened to shoot him if he did not drop a claim against a former employer. Braney and Maguire pleaded not guilty to membership of the Irish Republican Army. The court ruled that an interview conducted with Maguire under a section allowing inferences from refusal to answer questions was inadmissible. The trial will continue with closing speeches tomorrow.
In a case heard at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, 38‑year‑old Justin Murray was found guilty of stealing €500 from mass donations at the Church of Our Lady of Victories in Ballymun on 6 November 2016. He had cycled to the church, entered the premises, and taken money from the collection envelopes before being seen by a parishioner and fleeing on foot. Garda Ross Brierley identified him from CCTV footage and arrested him the following day at a shopping centre. Murray's bicycle, which had a sticker reading "Justin Murray," was later found on the church grounds. He has 77 prior convictions, including ten thefts and 20 burglaries. Judge Elma Sheahan adjourned his sentencing for one year, noting his drug‑free status and desire to rehabilitate, and ordered updated urine analysis and reports. The final sentence will be consecutive to his current term, with release not until July 2019.
The Special Criminal Court is hearing a second day of legal argument in the case of Kevin Braney, 44, and Ciaran Maguire, 30, who have pleaded not guilty to membership of the Irish Republican Army. Defence counsel are challenging evidence supplied by the National Surveillance Unit. The prosecution alleges that one of the accused told a man in Longwood, County Meath, that they were the IRA and threatened to shoot him if he did not drop a claim against a former employer. The hearing will continue on Monday before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, Judge Gerard Griffin and Judge Flann Brennan.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Kevin Braney, 44, and Ciaran Maguire, 30, both pleaded not guilty to charges of Irish Republican Army membership. The prosecution alleged that one accused told a man in Longwood, County Meath, that they were the IRA and threatened to shoot him if he did not drop a claim against a former employer. Defence counsel objected to evidence from the National Surveillance Unit. The case will continue tomorrow before Justice Tony Hunt, Judge Gerard Griffin and Judge Flann Brennan.
A man charged with the murder of Peter Butterly appeared at the Special Criminal Court after his arrest in Spain. Dean Evans, aged 25, from Raheny in Dublin, failed to appear for trial in January 2017 for the alleged murder of Butterly, who was shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanstown, Co Meath in March 2013. Evans was arrested on April 5th in Spain pursuant to a European Arrest Warrant and consented to his return to Ireland. He was arrested again at Dublin Airport on Monday night. The court heard that Evans made no reply when cautioned. Mr Justice Tony Hunt indicated that Evans would be included in an October trial alongside three other men facing charges relating to the same alleged murder. Evans was remanded in custody pending a mention hearing on April 24th.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, judges ruled that the extensions to the detentions of Kevin Braney, 44, and Ciaran Maguire, 30, were lawful. Both men had pleaded not guilty to membership of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Defence counsel had objected to the extensions, and Rosario Boyle SC for Braney challenged the use of CCTV evidence. The court heard the arguments and, with Justice Tony Hunt presiding alongside Judges Gerard Griffin and Flann Brennan, announced that a ruling would be made the following day.