Two senior politicians gave evidence to the Charleton tribunal regarding allegations that garda leadership circulated damaging rumours about whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe to political figures and media. Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin testified that in February 2014, following discussions about McCabe's dossier concerning malpractice in the Cavan-Monaghan garda district, he was informed by Teachta John McGuinness of a conversation between then-Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan and McGuinness in which McCabe's trustworthiness and character were questioned. Martin stated he proceeded cautiously with the information and focused instead on the substantive complaints McCabe had raised. Former Labour minister Pat Rabbitte gave evidence that a former garda driver warned him against involvement with McCabe, claiming colleagues questioned his character. Rabbitte emphasised the seriousness of such allegations. Legal representatives disputed aspects of both accounts. The tribunal's investigation examines whether senior gardaí deliberately damaged McCabe's reputation among politicians and journalists.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, two men, Kevin Braney, 44, and Ciaran Maguire, 30, who live in Dublin, have pleaded not guilty to charges of membership in the Irish Republican Army. The prosecution alleges that Braney 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 the legality of the arrests. Judge Tony Hunt, with Judges Gerard Griffin and Flann Brennan, announced that the court will decide the legal dispute tomorrow.
Blaine Coakley, 31, pleaded guilty to robbing cash from a Dublin grocery shop on 8 August 2017. He is currently in custody awaiting sentencing, which has been adjourned twice since December. Coakley requested compassionate bail to visit his grandmother's grave, claiming he had never said goodbye. His lawyer, Luigi Rea, also applied for bail. Judge Karen O'Connor denied the request, stating she could not entertain it under the circumstances and that the State had not been notified.
In the Special Criminal Court, two Dublin men, Kevin Braney, 44, and Ciaran Maguire, 30, were tried for alleged IRA membership. Both pleaded not guilty. 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 the arrests of Braney and Maguire. The hearing continued tomorrow before Justice Tony Hunt, Judge Gerard Griffin and Judge Flann Brennan.
Seán Hannaway, 48, of Belfast, is on trial for alleged IRA membership. He pleaded not guilty on 8 August 2015. His trial began in January and will resume on 5 June. The Chief State Solicitor's Office did not oppose his request to change bail conditions and return his passport. Judge Robert Eagar, with Judges Patricia Ryan and James Faughnan, granted the request. Hannaway may travel to Gran Canaria for five days, but must hand the passport to his solicitor within 24 hours of his return.
During a Charleton tribunal hearing, former Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan was alleged to have referred to whistleblowers Sergeant Maurice McCabe and John Wilson as "headbangers" after giving evidence to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on penalty‑point abuses. John McGuinness TD, who chaired the PAC, testified that Callinan told him a story about Wilson and a horse, then described McCabe as a "fiddler with kids" and a "kiddie fiddler". McGuinness said he listened privately and did not comment, believing the remarks were for his benefit. He also recounted a separate meeting at a hotel where Callinan claimed McCabe had sexually abused his family and that an investigation was underway. McGuinness maintained he had no knowledge of these allegations before the meeting and that he had not shared them with other committee members. The tribunal heard that Callinan denied the conversation had occurred and that he had only spoken to McGuinness privately.
Jonathan Keogh, a 32‑year‑old from Gloucester Place, was charged with the murder of Gareth Hutch on 24 May 2016 at Avondale House, Cumberland Street North. His bail application was refused by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy at the Central Criminal Court after gardai objected under Section 2 of the Bail Act 1997, citing the need to prevent a serious offence. Keogh's trial will be held at the Special Criminal Court.
In March 2018, the High Court in Dublin refused to allow Fair Trial Europe, an NGO that defends the right to a fair trial, to join proceedings as an amicus curiae in a case involving the extradition of Artur Celmer to Poland on drug trafficking charges. The case had been referred to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) by Judge Aileen Donnelly after she concluded that recent Polish legislative changes had "systematically damaged" the rule of law in Poland. Fair Trial Europe had applied to assist the court with questions for the CJEU, but Judge Donnelly ruled that the NGO's late intervention would not aid the efficient conduct of the proceedings and that the parties' own submissions already covered the necessary issues. Consequently, the NGO was denied permission to participate, and Celmer remains remanded in custody until a decision from the CJEU.
Former solicitor Michael Lynn, aged 49, will be arraigned on 21 charges of alleged theft totalling almost €30 million from seven financial institutions. He appeared via video‑link from Cloverhill Prison, saying only greetings to the judge. His barrister requested an arraignment for 8 May, which Judge Martin Nolan accepted. 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. Lynn was extradited from Brazil earlier this month.
Patrick Hutch, aged 25, pleaded not guilty to the murder of David Byrne, 34, at the Regency Hotel on 5 February 2016, and denied possession of three AK47 assault rifles linked to the shooting. The Special Criminal Court adjourned the trial for a further three months to allow an enquiry into the death of Detective Superintendent Colm Fox, who had led the investigation into the fatal shooting. Senior prosecuting counsel Sean Gillane SC reported "considerable progress" in the enquiry, noting separate themes covering documentary material, electronic data and witness statements. Michael O'Higgins SC, representing Hutch, said the adjournment was inevitable and that the defence would apply for liberty if the matter did not proceed quickly enough. The court remanded Hutch in custody until 9 July, when the case will be listed for mention again.
Havbell Designated Activity Company secured a High Court injunction requiring Maria Isabel Dias and her family to vacate a Dublin property pending the final outcome of the case. Ms Justice Caroline Costello found the fund entitled to possession, ruling that Ms Dias failed to establish an arguable case for occupancy rights binding the fund. Consequently, the judge determined Ms Dias was a trespasser and that the premises did not qualify as a family home under the Family Home Protection Act, 1976. The court noted Ms Dias had profited from using the building as a guesthouse via Airbnb. Ms Dias, represented by Vincent Martin SC, opposed the application, claiming a valid tenancy with former owner John Rooney, an equitable interest based on €50,000 to €80,000 in repairs, and an option to buy the property for €475,000. She also alleged delay and abuse of process by the fund. Havbell, represented by Anthony Thuillier Bl, argued it owns the property, acquired through a €2.3m loan to John Rooney, and that the occupants enjoyed it rent-free for three years. The judge stated there was no legal obligation for the fund to negotiate a sale with Ms Dias, who may sell the property on the open market with vacant possession. The injunction remains in place until the case concludes.
In March 2018 the Special Criminal Court granted bail to Martin Aylmer, 31, of Casino Park, Marino, Dublin 3, who faces charges related to the murder of Michael Barr at the Sunset House pub in Dublin 1 on 25 April 2016. Aylmer is charged with participating in or contributing to activity intended to facilitate the commission of the murder by a criminal organisation or its members, and with reckless participation or contribution that could facilitate the murder. The alleged offences occurred between 23 and 25 April 2016. While the court acknowledged concerns about Aylmer being a flight risk, it decided to grant bail, noting that he would remain in custody until the judges review the financial history of the independent surety. The case was adjourned to 13 March 2018.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Sean Walsh, aged 51, was found guilty of membership in the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Walsh had denied being a member on 14 December 2016, but the court accepted evidence from Chief Superintendent Barry McPolin, who testified that he was certain of Walsh's membership based on confidential information. Detective Sergeant Patrick Murphy supplied further evidence, including surveillance reports and a search of a house on Old Commons Road where a bag containing firearms, ammunition, latex gloves and a black woolly hat was found; the hat's DNA matched Walsh's. The court also heard that Walsh had met with co‑accused Joseph Walsh, Michael Gilmartin and a fourth man at Old Commons Road on 29 November and 6 December, and that the group had been involved in a shooting on 7 December. The case was adjourned for sentencing on 16 March.
A 35‑year‑old man, Stephen Penrose, is charged with murdering 24‑year‑old Philip Finnegan at Rahin Woods, Co. Kildare, on 10 August 2016. The Central Criminal Court has set his trial for 11 March 2019, with the case expected to last two weeks.
Paul Crosby, 22, of Rathmullen Park, Drogheda, faces trial for attempting to murder Gerard Boyle, 22, at Knockcommon, Beauparc, Slane, Co. Meath, on 10 November 2016. He is also charged with false imprisonment and serious harm to Boyle on the same occasion. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy set the trial date for 11 February 2019 at the Central Criminal Court.
A trial date has been set for Joseph Hillen, a 23‑year‑old from Forkhill, County Armagh, who is charged with the murder of 53‑year‑old Martin Mulligan, a taxi driver from Dundalk. The killing took place at Carnmore, off the Armagh Road outside Dundalk, on 28 September 2015. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy of the Central Criminal Court fixed the trial for 2 October, with the case expected to last two weeks.
The Special Criminal Court adjourned the Regency Hotel shooting trial to Thursday after hearing that new material presented "unprecedented conundrums". The trial, which had been scheduled to resume that morning, was delayed because the defence requested copies of emails exchanged between four Gardaí involved in the case. Patrick Hutch, aged 25, pleaded not guilty to the murder of David Byrne, aged 34, at the Regency Hotel on 5 February 2016, and denied possession of three AK‑47 assault rifles linked to the shooting. Michael O'Higgins SC informed the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions had disclosed material that the defence would need to examine further, and he applied for the case to be put back. Sean Gillane SC described the material as presenting "unprecedented conundrums". Judge Tony Hunt, with Judges Patricia Ryan and Ann Ryan, noted that proceedings were continuing behind the scenes even though the trial was adjourned.
A cash logistics firm, General Secure Logistic Services (GSLS), secured a temporary High Court freezing order, known as a Mareva Injunction, against Bedra Metals Ltd. The order was obtained after Bedra ceased trading days after receiving a delivery of €70,000 in cash from GSLS. GSLS had delivered the cash to Bedra on a regular basis for several years, with customers ordering cash from GSLS and paying a fee for the service. Bedra had ordered €70,000 from GSLS earlier that month, but the cash was delivered without a corresponding transfer to GSLS's bank account. GSLS sought payment, which was not received. Bedra's director informed GSLS that the company had closed down and was working with creditors, but GSLS was not informed that a liquidator had been appointed. GSLS was concerned that the cash might have been used to purchase jewellery and precious metals that could be moved beyond GSLS's reach.
Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy of the Central Criminal Court has set dates for three murder trials in Cork. Two trials will start on 31 May: Paul Horgan, 27, charged with killing his mother Marian, 61, on 24 November 2015 at their family home on Murmont Avenue, Montenotte; and Darren Murphy, 41, charged with killing Olivia Dunlea on 17 February 2013 at her Pembroke Crescent home, Passage West. The third trial, for Cathal O'Sullivan, 45, charged with the murder of Nicola Collins on 27 March last year at his flat on Popham's Road, Farranree, is scheduled for 6 November.
In a High Court case, the State‑approved tyre recycling scheme body Repak ELT sued Delvin Tyres, trading as Mr Daniel McHugh, for misleading customers by presenting itself as an authorised collector registered with Repak ELT. The firm had used Repak ELT's logo and claimed compliance with its regulations, actions Repak ELT said were unlawful. Repak ELT sought injunctions to stop the use of its logo, to prevent the firm from passing itself off as endorsed by Repak ELT, to stop misleading marketing, to cancel the domain name www.repakelt.com, and to obtain damages. The court granted short notice of the action. The matter returned to the High Court, where the parties reached a settlement. Mr McHugh agreed not to pass off his business as endorsed by Repak ELT, not to claim compliance with waste‑management regulations, not to use Repak ELT's logo or trade‑mark, to cancel the domain name, and not to register a similar domain.
In a High Court hearing on 2 February 2018, barrister Sean Guerin SC represented Artur Celmer, a Polish national sought for alleged drug‑trafficking offences in Poland. Guerin argued that Poland's "attack on the rule of law" renders extradition unsafe, as the absence of judicial independence would undermine Celmer's rights under the European Convention on Human Rights and the Irish Constitution. He cited evidence of systemic issues, including interference in judge appointments and reforms that the European Commission has deemed to threaten impartiality. The Commission had invoked Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union in December, demanding Poland rectify these problems before further EU action. Ciaran Mulholland of Fahy Bambury Solicitors, acting for Celmer, described the case as a leading EU test case on extraditions to Poland, claiming the reforms erode mutual trust and question the European Arrest Warrant system. Justice Aileen Donnelly, after considering the arguments, remanded Celmer in custody until 12 March, postponing the decision on extradition.
In the Special Criminal Court, judges ruled that key prosecution evidence identifying Patrick Hutch as the man dressed as a woman in a photo taken outside the Regency Hotel on the day of David Byrne's murder is admissible. The defence had objected, claiming the two detectives, Fergal O'Flaherty and Jonathan Brady, had not acted separately and that the identification process was tainted. Mr Justice Tony Hunt said there was no evidence the detectives were together when they made the identification, nor that the process was contaminated. Hutch, aged 25, pleaded not guilty to Byrne's murder and to possessing three AK‑47 rifles. The court noted that the detectives had viewed the photo two days after the shooting, with Sergeant Patrick O'Toole supervising and Garda Michael Ryan displaying the image. The trial was adjourned until Monday afternoon.
Former justice minister Frances Fitzgerald testified to the Charleton Tribunal that then garda commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan assured her she had never accused Sergeant Maurice McCabe of malice or questioned his integrity. The tribunal is examining whether unjustified grounds were used to discredit Sgt McCabe at the O'Higgins commission, which investigated complaints against senior officers, including former garda commissioner Martin Callinan. Ms Fitzgerald stated that upon receiving the O'Higgins report in May 2016, she considered it balanced and hoped it would resolve the issues. She noted that media leaks subsequently created a separate stream of public information. During a meeting on 19 May 2016, Ms O'Sullivan expressed a desire for the truth to emerge and to cooperate fully, clarifying that she had not questioned Sgt McCabe's integrity. Ms Fitzgerald explained she sought clear explanations due to public concern and received legal advice against releasing the commissioner's legal advice to avoid setting a bad precedent. She maintained that the O'Higgins commission was self-contained and that departmental involvement would be inappropriate. Additionally, Ms Fitzgerald stated she was unaware her deputy secretary general Ken O'Leary had spoken to the commissioner regarding legal instructions until learning of it at the tribunal. She also noted that she did not realize emails to secretary general Noel Waters had a typo until he gave evidence, and staff could not find bounced error messages in the Oireachtas system.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 23 January 2018, a barrister for Patrick Hutch, aged 25, denied that two detectives had gone to Ballymun Garda Station to identify him as the man dressed as a woman in a photo taken two days after the Regency Hotel shooting. Hutch is pleading not guilty to the murder of David Byrne, 34, and to possession of three AK‑47 rifles. The prosecution maintains that Hutch was the woman in the photo and that he shared intent to commit the offence, though he did not fire the shots. The barrister argued that the detectives had prior interactions with Hutch and that the identification was not a deliberate search for him. He also claimed the procedure was unfair and that 99.6% of officers who viewed the photo did not recognise Hutch. The court heard these submissions and the case continues.
In the Special Criminal Court, Patrick Hutch, aged 25, pleads not guilty to the murder of Mr Byrne, aged 34, at the Regency Hotel on 5 February 2016. Hutch also denies possession of three AK‑47 assault rifles linked to the shooting. The prosecution alleges Hutch was the man dressed as a woman in a photo taken outside the hotel, and that he was part of a shared intention to commit the offence, though he did not fire the gun. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC argues that the identification of Hutch by detectives Fergal O'Flaherty and Jonathan Brady was "sullied and tainted", based on flawed evidence and unfair procedure. He requests exclusion of the identification, citing lack of reliable records, ambiguity in the detectives' statements, and the absence of a clear, documented identification process. The court will hear further submissions tomorrow before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, Judge Patricia Ryan and Judge Ann Ryan.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the ongoing trial of five accused individuals, with proceedings continuing before Justice Isobel Kennedy. Kevin Hannaway and Eva Shannon have pleaded not guilty to charges of knowingly rendering assistance to an unlawful organisation, alleged to be the IRA, by assisting in interviews at Riverwood Park, Castleknock, on August 7 and 8, 2015. Edward O'Brien, David Nooney, and Seán Hannaway have pleaded not guilty to membership of the same organisation on August 8, 2015. Prosecution counsel Tara Burns SC read a statement from landlord Paul Keegan, who alleged he lent the property to a friend's relatives as a favour. Keegan described observing men in the house, noting closed curtains and a smell of smoke, before police broke down the door. A National Surveillance Unit detective sergeant testified that he observed David Nooney at the property on August 7 and 8, 2015, including instances of Nooney moving items into the house. The witness stated his brief was solely to observe Nooney and he could not recall being informed the house was under surveillance. The trial is at the charge or pre-trial stage, with no findings, sentences, or finalisations recorded. The matter was adjourned and will continue on Monday.
In the Special Criminal Court, a barrister argued that evidence used to identify Patrick Hutch as the man dressed as a woman outside the Regency Hotel on 5 February 2016 may have been compromised by press coverage. Hutch, aged 25, pleads not guilty to the murder of David Byrne, aged 34, and denies possession of three AK47 rifles. The prosecution maintains Hutch was the woman‑dressed suspect and part of a shared intent to commit the offence. The defence challenges the identification made by detectives Fergal O'Flaherty and Jonathan Brady after viewing a photograph taken by a Sunday World photographer. The barrister contended that a Garda witness, Michael Ryan, could have been influenced by a January 17 Irish Independent report detailing the detectives' identification. The court is hearing the admissibility of this evidence in a voir dire, with the trial set to resume on Monday before Justice Tony Hunt, Judge Patricia Ryan and Judge Ann Ryan.
During a Special Criminal Court hearing, defence barristers delayed the start of a lengthy trial because they were not informed of their fees and feared they would be paid less than prosecution counsel. The defence team, led by senior barristers Padraig Dwyer, Paul Greene, Hugh Hartnett and Ronan Munro, expressed concern that the pay gap could reach 50 to 75 per cent when the State funds legal fees. Prosecuting counsel Tara Burns was said to be receiving an enhanced fee due to the case's complexity. Justice Isobel Kennedy noted that pay parity had historically existed but was now "set at naught," a claim contested by Mr. Greene. The court postponed the trial's commencement until 2 pm to allow all parties to return and continue the proceedings.
During the Regency Hotel shooting trial, the court heard that about 500 Gardaí viewed a photo of a man dressed as a woman holding a gun outside the hotel on the day of the fatal shooting. Two detectives, Fergal O'Flaherty and Jonathan Brady, identified the man as Patrick Hutch, 25, who is pleading not guilty to the murder of David Byrne, 34, and to possession of three AK‑47 rifles. The prosecution alleges Hutch was the woman in the photo and part of a shared intention to commit the offence, though he did not fire the gun. The defence objects to the identification evidence, noting that 498 Gardaí did not recognise Hutch and that no records were kept of whether they knew him. The hearing continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, with Judges Patricia Ryan and Ann Ryan presiding.
The Special Criminal Court trial was adjourned because three accused were unable to travel from Belfast due to bad weather. Kevin Hannaway, aged 69, is charged with knowingly assisting an unlawful organisation, the Irish Republican Army, by interviewing persons involved in IRA‑related criminal activity on 7 and 8 August 2015. Eva Shannon, aged 60, faces the same charge for those dates. Edward O'Brien, David Nooney, and Seán Hannaway are each charged with membership of the IRA on 8 August 2015. Justice Isobel Kennedy postponed the hearing until the next morning, and none of the accused have yet been arraigned.
A Government-approved body, Repak ELT (End of Life Tyres), has initiated High Court proceedings against Daniel McHugh, trading as Delvin Tyres in Co Westmeath, alleging that the defendant is misleading customers and others in the tyre business. Repak ELT claims that Delvin Tyres has falsely represented itself as an authorised tyre collector registered with Repak ELT and has used Repak ELT's logo in its advertising. Repak ELT alleges that Delvin Tyres is not entitled to use the logo or claim compliance with Repak ELT regulations. Repak ELT seeks injunctions to prevent Delvin Tyres from using its logo, passing off its business as endorsed by Repak ELT, and from engaging in misleading marketing. It also seeks the cancellation of the domain name wwwrepakelt.com, which Delvin Tyres is alleged to have registered. At the High Court on Tuesday, Mr Justice Tony O'Connor granted Repak ELT permission to serve notice of the injunction proceedings on Delvin Tyres on an ex-parte basis. The matter was adjourned to a date next week.
A man dressed as a woman fired shots inside the Regency Hotel in Dublin on 5 February 2016, the Special Criminal Court heard on the second day of the trial of Patrick Hutch, charged with the murder of David Byrne. Witnesses described the attackers' arrival disguised as gardaí, with one person wearing a blonde wig and the other a cap. A boxing weigh-in was underway when shooting began. Mel Christie, former president of the Boxing Union of Ireland, told the court that initial gunfire caused panic before two men dressed as police entered the room. He said one of these men then opened fire on a person in the crowd. Other witnesses corroborated accounts of the gunman in the wig and the shooter disguised as a garda. The accused, aged twenty-five, denies murder and denies possessing three AK47 assault rifles in connection with the fatal shooting.
Annette McCluskey and Edward McCluskey pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to charges of stealing adult dependent allowance from the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Annette McCluskey admitted to three representative counts of stealing payments at Pearse Street Post Office between July 2004 and March 2013, and using a PPS number in the name of Jacqueline Hayden at SIPTU College on July 15, 2005. Edward McCluskey pleaded guilty to sample counts of stealing the same allowance between July 2004 and March 2012, and concealing that Annette McCluskey was employed at the Social Welfare Office on June 21, 2005. The prosecution alleged the couple collected €72,482 over 11 years while Annette McCluskey worked under an assumed name. Judge Karen O'Connor adjourned the matter to consider the significant amount of documents and testimonials handed up. The couple was remanded on continuing bail until next February. No sentence or final disposal was recorded at this procedural stage.
Conor O'Hora, 40, of Heather Walk, Portmarnock, is scheduled to plead at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 20 February. He faces three charges: harassment of RTÉ newsreader Sharon Ní Bheoláin at various locations from 20 October 2013 to 16 February 2014, and two counts of possessing child pornography in text communications and images during the same period. O'Hora appeared before Judge Martin Nolan today. No Garda objection has been raised to the bail conditions set in October, which require him to remain at his current address and to have no direct or indirect contact with anyone involved in the investigation.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Eamonn Cumberton, aged 30, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 35‑year‑old Michael Barr, who was shot seven times at the Sunset House pub on 25 April 2016. The prosecution, led by Dominic McGinn SC, argued that a partially burnt Audi found near the crime scene was linked to the shooting and that a mask and baseball cap recovered from the vehicle contained Cumberton's DNA, which he could not explain. McGinn also cited Cumberton's travel to Thailand shortly after the murder, arriving at Dublin airport without luggage, as evidence of his involvement. Cumberton's defence, represented by Bernard Condon SC, dismissed the DNA and travel evidence as unreliable, arguing that the DNA could have been deposited indirectly and that the Thailand trip was irrelevant. Judge Tony Hunt remanded Cumberton in custody until the court will deliver judgement on 29 January 2018.
A 34‑year‑old Dubliner, Jason O'Driscoll, was denied bail by the Central Criminal Court after being charged with the double murder of 31‑year‑old Anthony Burnett and 25‑year‑old Joseph Redmond on 7 March 2012. The victims were found shot dead in a burnt‑out car in Ravensdale Forest Park that night, after having stolen the vehicle in Dublin earlier that morning. O'Driscoll's lawyer, Diana Stuart BL, applied for bail, offering his mother's life savings of €9,000 and the possibility of him living in her family home, and citing his brother's willingness to contribute €5,000 as evidence of his reliability. The State, represented by Detective Inspector Patrick Marry, opposed the application, arguing that O'Driscoll could breach conditions. Judge Patrick McCarthy, noting the trial was scheduled for 25 June, refused bail and remanded O'Driscoll in custody until the trial date.
Kevin Braney, 43, of Tallaght, was charged with the murder of Peter Butterly, 35, who was shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston on 6 March 2013, and with membership of the Irish Republican Army. At the Central Criminal Court on 20 December 2017, Braney was refused bail. John Berry BL argued that the State was objecting under Section 2(A) of the Bail Act, citing fears that Braney might commit another serious offence if released. Detective Chief Superintendent Anthony Howard gave evidence, and Justice Patrick McCarthy ruled that bail was reasonably necessary to prevent a serious crime.
The Special Criminal Court has rejected an application by Nikita Murtagh, a 20-year-old woman from Sheriff Street, Dublin 1, to dismiss a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm. Ms. Murtagh is alleged to have possessed a CZ model 70 semi-automatic pistol, two rounds of 7.65 Browning calibre ammunition, and a shotgun cartridge. These items were allegedly recovered by gardai at Connolly Station on July 19th. Last week, counsel Michael O'Higgins SC submitted the application under Section 4E of the Criminal Justice Act 1999. Presiding Judge Tony Hunt, sitting with Judges Patricia Ryan and James Faughnan, dismissed the application today. The court subsequently fixed a trial date for January 30th. Ms. Murtagh was remanded in custody until that date. The matter remains at the pre-trial stage, with the charges alleged and contested, and no plea, finding, or sentence has been recorded.
John O'Brien, 55, of North Great Clarence Street, Dublin 1, was released on bail by the Special Criminal Court after being charged with knowingly possessing an explosive substance. He is alleged to have possessed ten 400-gram blocks of TNT and the explosive head of an RGD33 hand grenade at his home address on June 2, 2017. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with Judges Patricia Ryan and James Faughnan, remanded O'Brien in custody with consent to bail until December 21, when his case is listed for mention again. The matter was adjourned. O'Brien was released on an independent surety of €15,000, with conditions requiring him to sign daily at Store Street Garda Station, avoid association with others charged or convicted before the Special Criminal Court, refrain from attending republican commemorations or marches, and not apply for a passport. Gardai did not object to bail. Co-accused Declan McDermott and Martin Manning, both with unknown addresses, are also due to attend court on December 21. McDermott is charged with possessing the same explosive substances at Spring Garden Street, Dublin 3, on June 2, 2017, and with membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA. Manning is charged with possessing the same explosive substances at the same location and date. All charges remain alleged or contested at this pretrial stage.
The State withdrew the attempted murder charge against 26‑year‑old Dwayne Keane after the alleged victim, a 42‑year‑old man, died of natural causes. Keane had been charged in November 2016 at Dublin District Court for an incident on Raheen Drive, Cherry Orchard. Sean Gillane SC requested a nolle prosequi, and Justice Patrick McCarthy discharged Keane, who was released on bail.
In December 2017, Dwayne Keane, 26, of Monasterevin, was released from custody after the alleged victim of his attempted murder charge died. Keane had been charged in November 2016 at Dublin District Court for attempting to kill a 42‑year‑old man on Raheen Drive, Cherry Orchard. He was remanded until bail was granted by Justice Patrick McCarthy, requiring him to sign twice a week at Rathcoole Garda Station and post a €200 bond.
The High Court in Dublin adjourned the extradition case of Raymond O'Neill, 38, who is wanted by the PSNI for murder and arson in the 2015 killing of Jennifer Dornan, 30, in Belfast. O'Neill was arrested in Dublin in February 2016 under a European Arrest Warrant and is also sought for another unrelated matter. His barrister, Caroline Cummings, argued that surrender would expose him to inhuman and degrading treatment in Maghaberry prison, citing his medical vulnerability and threats to his life. Justice Aileen Donnelly sought further information on prison conditions and expressed concern over specific deficiencies affecting vulnerable prisoners. The court noted that the 2017 prison report did not adequately address these risks. The case, also touching on Brexit implications, will be mentioned again on 22 January after O'Neill remains in custody.
Cathal O'Sullivan, 44, of Popham's Road, Farranree, Cork, is charged with the murder of Nicola Collins at his apartment on 27 March 2017. Justice Patrick McCarthy has set a provisional trial date of 10 April 2018 for the case to commence.
A 27‑year‑old man named Paul Horgan of Murmont Avenue, Mayfield, Co Cork, is charged with murdering his mother, Marian Horgan, at his home on 23 November 2015. He will stand trial on 10 April next year, having been remanded by Justice Patrick McCarthy until that date.
Five men charged with violent disorder following an alleged altercation at a public house in Finglas, Dublin, on 19 October have been refused bail by the High Court. David Mulvey, aged 35, Robert Gaynor, aged 27, and Shane Thomas, aged 25, all of addresses in Finglas, Christopher Duggan, aged 28, of no fixed address, and Scott Capper, aged 24, of Cappagh Green in Finglas, face charges relating to an incident at The Cardiff Inn on Cardiffsbridge Road. The State objected to bail applications on grounds including the O'Callaghan principles and Section 2 of the Bail Act 1997. Evidence was heard from gardaí and a Detective Chief Superintendent from the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation regarding concerns about the risk of further serious offences. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy refused bail for all five accused and remanded them in custody.
The Special Criminal Court heard that Eamonn Cumberton, 30, of Mountjoy Street, Dublin 7, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 35‑year‑old Michael Barr, who was shot seven times at the counter of the Sunset House pub on 25 April 2016. The prosecution argued that Cumberton was "inextricably linked" to items recovered from a silver Audi, the alleged getaway car, which was found partially burnt near the scene and whose items were also linked to the shooting. Jonathan Gallagher, a Emirates employee, testified that on 26 April Cumberton tried to board a flight to Dubai but his passport was invalid; he later returned with a new passport and attempted to board again the next day. Garda Shane Connolly presented CCTV footage showing a car driving toward the pub, parking opposite, then moving to Walsh Road where it was set on fire.
The Special Criminal Court refused bail to 20‑year‑old Nikita Murtagh, charged with unlawful possession of a CZ 70 pistol, two rounds of 7.65 Browning ammunition and a shotgun cartridge recovered by gardai at Connolly Station on 19 July. The State objected on grounds that she might commit a further serious offence or be a flight risk. Judge Isobel Kennedy, with Judges Patricia Ryan and James Faughnan, ruled that the court was not satisfied to grant bail, noting it was probable she would seek to evade justice if released.
In a decision at the Central Criminal Court, the State applied for a nolle prosequi, and the court granted it, dropping the murder charges against Gary Thompson, 33, of Plunkett Drive, Finglas, and Glen McGrath, 47, of McKelvey Avenue, Finglas. The charges related to the killing of Graham McNally, 34, at Coldwinters, Finglas, on 20 January 2009. Thompson and McGrath were due to stand trial that morning, and both were present when the case was called before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy. The court agreed to the State's application, ending the prosecution against the two men.
Emmett Kiely, 26, of Limerick, was denied bail by the High Court on 29 November 2017. He faces charges for a "slash hook" assault on Joseph Storan on 3 October 2017 at Maple Court, Kennedy Park, and for assaulting Terry Casey on 11 July 2017 at the same address. He is also charged with possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life on that day. The State objected to bail, arguing it could lead to further offences, and the court, citing Section 2A of the Bail Act, rejected the application, remanding Kiely in custody.
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned the trial of Eamonn Cumberton, 30, who is accused of murdering Michael Barr, 35, the manager of the Sunset House pub in Dublin, on 25 April 2016. Cumberton pleaded not guilty. The prosecution argues that Cumberton is "inextricably linked" to items recovered from a partially burnt-out car near the scene, and that those items are "inextricably linked" to the shooting. The court announced that the trial will resume on Monday before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, with Judges Patricia Ryan and James Faughnan presiding.