The High Court has ordered the surrender of Damien Joseph McLaughlin to Northern Ireland under a European Arrest Warrant. McLaughlin, 40, was arrested in Donegal and faces allegations that he aided and abetted the murder of prison officer David Black on November 1st, 2012. He is also charged with engaging in conduct in preparation for acts of terrorism and being a member of a proscribed organisation. These charges remain alleged or contested, with no plea, finding, or sentence recorded at this pretrial stage. His barrister, David Leonard BL, opposed the surrender, arguing McLaughlin would face inhumane treatment due to full-body searches in Maghaberry Prison. Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly initially sought further information from Northern Irish authorities regarding the necessity of these searches. The Head of the Northern Irish Prison Service responded that such measures were necessary to address severe threats from dissident republicans, noting that alternative technologies had not proven equally effective. Ms Justice Donnelly accepted that full-body searches were necessary in the specific high-risk context of Northern Ireland and did not contravene Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Consequently, the court rejected the objection and ordered McLaughlin's surrender.
A 41‑year‑old Cork man, Denis Harrington, was brought before the High Court on a European Arrest Warrant issued by Dutch authorities. He faces ten alleged offences of fraud or attempted fraud committed between 2014 and 2015. The allegations describe a scheme in which a group of Irish Travellers approached several mainly senior Dutch citizens, claiming that roof repairs were urgently needed. The Travellers used false names and fictitious company names, and in many cases the agreements were not honoured after the work was carried out. Victims were pressured into paying large sums, often in cash or via bank transfers that were immediately withdrawn. The Dutch authorities say the Travellers caused damage and leaks on roofs, and that the group used straw men to conceal their identities. Harrington is currently serving a prison sentence in Ireland and has been remanded in custody to appear again on 7 December.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Eamonn Cumberton, aged 30, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michael Barr, 35, the manager of the Sunset House pub in Dublin. Barr was shot on 25 April 2016 after two masked men in boiler suits entered the pub between 8:30 and 9:33 pm. Barr was shot seven times – five to the head, one to the shoulder and one to the neck – and died at 10:12 pm. Evidence will show that the shooters used a firearm found in a silver Audi, which was set on fire by three people on Walsh Road. The Audi contained loaded firearms, masks, balaclavas and boiler suits. Cumberton and another man flew to Thailand the day after the shooting. The defence will challenge all prosecution evidence, and the case will be heard in a voir dire to determine admissibility. The trial will resume tomorrow with Mr Justice Tony Hunt presiding.
A 33-year-old woman from Sligo has pleaded guilty to impeding the apprehension of a man suspected of involvement in a killing in the town. Janice Brady, of Maryville Hostel in Finisklin, appeared before the Central Criminal Court on November 13th. She admitted to obstructing the apprehension or prosecution of a man between August 2nd and 3rd, 2015, at an address in Sligo, knowing or believing he was responsible for a fatal incident. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy ordered the preparation of a probation report before sentencing and remanded Brady in custody until November 24th.
A 24‑year‑old Dublin man, Raymond Walsh, admitted to murdering a 41‑year‑old man in Cabra. He was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court, charged with the murder of Kevin Molloy. Walsh pleaded guilty to the offence committed on Glendhu Road, Navan Road, Cabra, between 23 January and 1 February 2015. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy remanded him in custody until 27 November.
Eoghan O'Connell, 28, of Dargle Heights, Bray, pleaded guilty in the Central Criminal Court to attempting to murder Clinton McCormack on 8 April 2016 at Old Court Park, Bray. He was dressed in a navy sweatshirt and tracksuit bottoms during the offence. The court remanded him in custody until 29 January and ordered a victim impact report, while his defence requested time for a psychological and governor's report.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Derek Shevlin, aged 24, pleaded guilty to threatening to kill David McGrath and damaging property at Cromcastle Road on 11 September 2015. Shevlin, who had dated Ciara McGrath for five years until January 2015, entered McGrath's family home with an imitation gun and a hurley. He demanded €400 for an iPhone he had bought for her in 2013, shouted abuse, smashed the front door and windows, and pointed the handgun at McGrath. McGrath fled into the house after seeing the gun. Shevlin claimed he was "lost" that night and wanted what he was owed. He has 15 prior convictions, including robbery and firearms offences. A psychological report was submitted by his counsel, and the judge adjourned sentencing to 6 December, remanding Shevlin on continuing bail.
A man pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to the attempted robbery of a flower shop on Aungier Street in Dublin on 26 November 2015. Andrew Cash, aged 26 and of no fixed abode, produced a Stanley blade and pointed it at the pregnant shop owner's stomach during the incident. The woman, noticing Cash appeared to be under the influence of drugs, managed to grab his arm and push and kick him from the premises. The blade was recovered at the scene. Cash was identified through CCTV footage and arrested several months later whilst serving a sentence in Cloverhill prison for another offence. He has 50 previous convictions including burglary, attempted robbery and assault. The defence submitted that the offence was not premeditated and lasted approximately 10 seconds, with Cash reportedly having recently reconnected with his family in Cavan. Judge Karen O'Connor adjourned the case pending a probation report and remanded Cash in custody until sentencing on 21 December 2017, acknowledging the gravity of threatening a pregnant woman with a blade.
In a High Court hearing on 2 November 2017, Justice Aileen Donnelly examined whether to extradite Raymond O'Neill, a 38‑year‑old Belfast man, to Northern Ireland for murder and arson charges linked to the 2015 killing of Jennifer Dornan. O'Neill was arrested in Dublin under a European Arrest Warrant issued by Northern Ireland authorities. He raised three objections: the impact of Brexit, insufficient linkage to the offences, and a real risk of inhuman treatment in Maghaberry prison due to his vulnerability. The judge rejected the Brexit and linkage objections, citing prior decisions and sufficient detail in the warrants. She expressed concern over Maghaberry's safety, citing a 2016 report that highlighted high violence levels and deficiencies for vulnerable prisoners. A 2017 report was deemed inadequate. A further hearing is scheduled for 12 December, with O'Neill remanded in custody until then.
During a Special Criminal Court hearing on 25 October 2017, the court ruled that members of the public would be excluded from the trial of Darren Gleeson, a 34‑year‑old Dublin resident accused of IRA membership. Gleeson pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation. Prosecutor Fiona Murphy applied to protect the identity of an undercover FBI agent, known as Agent Peter, citing risks to his life and ongoing operations. The court granted the application, ordering the public's exclusion while Agent Peter gave evidence. Gleeson was remanded in custody until the trial resumes next Tuesday.
In a High Court case, Mr Graham Light, who was dismissed from his role as Commercial and Risk Advisor at the ESB on 11 October 2017, secured a temporary injunction preventing the termination of his employment and the cessation of his salary and benefits. Light claimed he was informed by senior ESB officials that an external security team had advised the Gardai that he was a "person of interest" and a security risk to national infrastructure in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain. He said the ESB had not told him the specific allegations and that the dismissal was presented as the last day of his employment. Light, 36, said the decision was irregular, unfair and had caused irreparable harm to his career and reputation. The court heard that the matter had been resolved and the proceedings could be struck out.
Jamie Shorthall, a 30‑year‑old plumber, carried out an armed raid on an Applegreen petrol station in Monkstown, Dublin, on 17 June 2015. He pointed an imitation Glock pistol at shop worker Phil Collins, demanded the cash tills be opened and took €1,100 before escaping on a bicycle. Shorthall pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of an offensive weapon. He has a history of 20 convictions, including burglary, criminal damage and theft. The court heard he has been attending residential treatment at Coolmine Therapeutic Community and is progressing well, with his programme ending in February 2018. Judge John Aylmer, impressed by his rehabilitation, imposed an 18‑month sentence, suspended in full on strict conditions, including completion of his treatment. The firearm was a realistic replica and the victim was unaware it was an imitation. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
A 34‑year‑old woman, Laura Kenna, who has no fixed abode, is charged with attempting to murder another woman on Drumcondra Road Lower, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, on 3 January. The Central Criminal Court has set her trial for 16 July 2018, and the case is expected to last three days.
A 31‑year‑old man, Renars Veigulis, originally from Latvia and residing at Bridge Street, Freshford, Co Kilkenny, is charged with the murder of 29‑year‑old Rita Apine at that address on 14 May. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy set the trial for 5 November 2018, with the case expected to last up to three weeks.
A 29‑year‑old man, Danny Whelan, who has no fixed abode but was formerly of Thomas Street, Waterford, is charged with the murder of Samantha Walsh, a 31‑year‑old mother of four. Walsh was found dead in an apartment on Thomas Street on 28 April. The Central Criminal Court set the trial for 2 October 2018, with a two‑week duration.
Siobhan Maguire, 47, of The Brambles, Skerries, Dublin, pleaded guilty to 32 theft and fraud offences for fraudulently lodging 660 cheques from her employers' accounts into her personal bank account between 2001 and 2015. The total amount stolen was €1,187,616. She used the money to pay her mortgage, take holidays and support her children. The fraud was discovered in January 2015 when a bank employee noticed suspicious cheques deposited into her account. Maguire was suspended, resigned, and cooperated fully with the Garda investigation, admitting all offences. She has no prior convictions. The employers have been partially reimbursed by banks; the remaining loss is about €325,000. Judge Patricia Ryan adjourned sentencing to 26 October and remanded Maguire on bail. The case was heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after her guilty pleas in the District Court. The article does not state any sentencing outcome.
Gary Gleeson, 34, of Ballyfermot, was denied bail by the High Court on 11 October 2017. He faces charges of conspiracy to murder Michael Frazer between 28 July and 7 August, possession of a 9mm Luger pistol and 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and intent to endanger life on Naas Road, Crumlin, on 7 August. Gleeson applied for bail on 2 October, but the State objected. Garda Val Russell and Chief Superintendent Tony Howard argued the seriousness of the charges under Section 2A of the Bail Act, leading Judge Paul Butler to reject the application and remand Gleeson in custody.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, 33‑year‑old civil servant Jacqueline Walsh pleaded guilty to four counts of stealing €6,736 from the Department of Social Protection between October 2011 and May 2012. Walsh, who worked at the Tallaght branch, accessed her brother William Walsh's PPS number and used three different staff usernames to submit fake jobseeker allowance claims in his name. The court noted that computers were often left unlocked, allowing such access. Walsh resigned in 2015 and moved to a private company. She admitted receiving the money into her account, though her superior claimed she was competent at using the claims system. No stolen money was recovered. Walsh, with no prior convictions, is on bail and has four children, two of whom have health issues. Judge Karen O'Connor ordered a probation report and adjourned sentencing to December 6, citing a significant breach of trust.
At the Charleton Tribunal on 6 October 2017, Chief Superintendent Terry McGinn of Donegal Division gave evidence concerning the handling of allegations against whistleblower Garda Keith Harrison. Chief Supt McGinn stated her priority was ensuring gardaí acted in a clear and transparent manner, particularly given diminished public confidence in policing following the Morris tribunal. She recalled meeting Garda Harrison in Ballyshannon in autumn 2011 when he requested a transfer to Letterkenny. In October 2013, following reports from the partner of Garda Harrison regarding domestic abuse, Chief Supt McGinn appointed an inspector to investigate. A statement was taken from the woman on 6 October 2013. The chief superintendent subsequently sought an independent investigation by a superintendent from outside Donegal Division, rather than an internal inquiry. A referral was made to GSOC under Section 102 of the Garda Síochána Act, and Tusla was notified due to children's involvement. Following GSOC's closure of the file, Garda Harrison was confined to indoor duties pending investigation completion.
The Special Criminal Court has heard the opening of the trial of Seamus McGrane, 63, of Dromiskin, County Louth. Mr McGrane has pleaded not guilty to directing the activities of an unlawful organization, the IRA, between April 19 and May 13, 2015, and to membership of the IRA between January 18, 2010, and May 13, 2015. Prosecuting counsel Tara Burns SC stated that the case relies on audio recordings made at the Coachman's Inn in Dublin on April 19 and May 10, 2015. The prosecution alleges that McGrane directed Donal O'Coisdealbha to contact individuals for explosives supplies and discussed manufacturing rockets and mortars in the run-up to Prince Charles's state visit. The court will hear evidence that McGrane directed the operation to be "symbolic and of military significance" and "not to be an embarrassment." Evidence will also include a search of a house in Courttown, County Wexford, where explosive substances were found, and searches of McGrane's properties in Dundalk where similar items were allegedly discovered. McGrane was arrested on May 13, 2015. The trial is currently ongoing before Justice Isobel Kennedy, Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin, and Judge Cormac Dunne, and resumes on Monday.
Books of evidence were served on Kevin Braney, 43, and Ciaran Maguire, 29, both charged with membership of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) at the Special Criminal Court. They were arrested in August by Gardaí investigating dissident republicans. Mr Justice Tony Hunt remanded them in custody until November 16, when the case will be mentioned again.
Tom Humphries, a former sports journalist aged 54, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to four counts of inviting a child to participate in a sexually explicit act and two counts of defilement of a 16‑year‑old girl between January 2010 and March 2011. The court heard that Humphries first contacted the girl through his volunteer work with junior GAA teams and sent her thousands of text messages, some of which were sexually explicit. In December 2010 he met the girl at his flat, stripped her, performed oral sex on her and had her perform oral sex on him. The court noted that the girl was aware of the texts and that the offending was discovered when Humphries' daughter found the messages on an old phone. Humphries was hospitalized after a suicide attempt and later transferred to St Patrick's mental health hospital where he made another attempt.
Four men appeared before an out-of-term sitting of the Special Criminal Court on charges arising from the death of Peter Butterly. Mr Butterly, aged thirty-five, was shot outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, County Meath on 6 March 2013. Michael McDermott, aged fifty-eight, from Ballinagh, County Cavan, faces a murder charge alongside allegations of membership of an unlawful organisation and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. Laurence Murphy, aged sixty, and Frank Murphy, aged fifty-eight, both from Bettystown, County Meath, are charged with membership of an unlawful organisation. Frank Murphy additionally faces murder and firearm possession charges. Ray Kennedy, aged thirty-eight, from Dublin, is charged with membership of an unlawful organisation. All four were remanded in custody pending their return to the Special Criminal Court on 14 September.
Kevin Braney, a Dublin man living at Glenshane Crescent, Tallaght, was arrested last week on charges of membership in the Irish Republican Army (IRA). He applied for bail, but the Special Criminal Court refused it. The court cited concerns that Braney could be a flight risk and might interfere with witnesses. Detective Inspector Nigel Mulready argued that Braney's release could lead to further serious offences, while Detective Chief Superintendent Tom Maguire supported the objection under Section 2A of the Bail Act, stating that preventing interference with witnesses was a "very live and real concern." Judge Tony Hunt, with Judges Patricia Ryan and Gerard Haughton, agreed and refused bail on that basis alone. Braney was remanded in custody until 5 October, when his case will be mentioned again. He was required to appear in person, as the court deemed the video‑link system inadequate.
Two Dublin men, Kevin Braney and Ciaran Maguire (29), appeared before an out‑of‑term sitting of the Special Criminal Court on 3 August 2017. Both were charged with membership of an unlawful organisation styled the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Braney, whose address is Glenshane Crescent, Tallaght, was arrested at 5:41 pm by Detective Garda Colm Finnerty outside Finglas Garda Station. Finnerty informed him he would be brought before the court, detained him, transported him to the Special Criminal Court, and presented the charge sheet; Braney made no reply and remained seated when asked to stand. Maguire, of Kippure Park, Finglas, was arrested at 5:42 pm by Detective Garda Ronan Judge, who also believed the offence had been committed. Judge Finnerty transported him to the court, handed him the charge sheet, and Maguire likewise made no reply and stayed seated.
A judge has granted legal aid to Frederick Cham, 61, an Aer Lingus worker accused of helping illegal immigrants enter Ireland. Cham, who lives in Railway Cottages, Hazelhatch, Celbridge, Co. Kildare and was born in Hong Kong, faces trial on two charges of organising or facilitating the entry of non‑Irish nationals into the State on 9 January and 22 January. He was arrested by the Garda National Immigration Bureau and sent to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Previously denied legal aid, Cham's application was renewed after the court heard that he had not fully disclosed assets, including two bank accounts in the UK and Hong Kong, and that he owned a 1996 Mini Cooper and a 2007 Alfa Romeo. Lawyers argued he earned €400 a week with Aer Lingus, his salary had ceased, and his wife in China depended on him.
A former Catholic priest has filed a High Court application to stop his upcoming trial for alleged indecent assault of a boy over 30 years ago. He argues that the delay in prosecution, the destruction of documents he requested, and the lack of fair procedures have compromised his right to a fair trial. The case, set for the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, was heard by Mr Justice Seamus Noonan, who allowed the challenge to proceed on an ex‑parte basis and adjourned the matter to October.
In a Dublin District Family Court hearing on 31 July 2017, a mother alleged that her elderly father had paid their son to write a letter expressing a desire to spend more time with him. The mother, represented by solicitor Sandra McAleer, claimed the father was buying the boy items to influence his behaviour and that the boy was "very anxious" to spend time with his father. She questioned how much the father paid the boy. The father, represented by solicitor Eamon Bennett, denied the allegations, stating the boy was eager to see him and had written the letter voluntarily. He also accused the mother of manipulating the boy and claimed a friend of hers had urinated on the boy in his bedroom. The father described his relationship with the son as "the most beautiful" and sought court permission to take the son on holiday. Judge Ann Ryan granted that permission after the father provided suitable holiday locations.
Justin Murray, 38, was found guilty of stealing €500 in mass donations from the Church of Our Lady of Victories in Ballymun on 6 November 2016. He entered the church by "creeping" in, was seen by a parishioner taking collection envelopes, and fled on foot when she noticed him. Garda Ross Brierley and colleagues identified him from CCTV footage and arrested him the following day at a shopping centre. Murray, who has 77 prior convictions including ten thefts and 20 burglaries, had previously been on bail for a robbery. He pleaded guilty early, a fact the prosecution said was of great assistance. The court remanded him in custody, ordered a probation report, and noted his wish to be transferred to Cork Prison under an enhanced regime to aid his recovery from heroin use. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Sean Walsh, 50, of St John's Well, Fair Hill, Co Cork, was charged on 14 December 2016 with membership of an unlawful organisation, the Irish Republican Army (IRA). He applied for bail in the High Court, but the State objected. Detective Sergeant Patrick Murphy, representing the State, argued that the seriousness of the charge and the risk of further serious offences warranted denial of bail. Chief Superintendent Barry McPolin also supported the objection under Section 2A of the Bail Act, stating that refusing bail was necessary to prevent a serious offence. Judge Paul Coffey noted that the case had been before the court on 10 February, when bail was denied, and that no material change had occurred to alter that decision. Consequently, the court rejected Walsh's bail application under Section 2 of the Bail Act 1997, and he was remanded in custody.
During a hearing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Melanie Greally criticised existing contempt of court laws as "hopelessly inadequate" for curbing social media commentary that could interfere with trials. She spoke ahead of a trial set for 3 October involving six defendants charged with violent disorder and false imprisonment following a 2014 protest in Jobstown, Tallaght. Greally had considered imposing a bail condition preventing defendants from making social media comments aimed at influencing the trial, but after defence submissions she decided no change was needed, citing the usual condition to keep the peace and good behaviour. She warned that any such commentary would be evidence of contempt. The judge also cautioned mainstream media against linking the upcoming defendants to the previous trial and noted the DPP's sensitivity to recent broadcast comments. The hearing highlighted the tension between freedom of expression and the need to protect the integrity of ongoing trials.
The Charleton Tribunal has concluded its first module of proceedings examining allegations that garda whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe was targeted by a smear campaign orchestrated by senior Garda management. Hearings will resume on 18 September to consider complaints from Garda Keith Harrison. The completed module investigated how a file containing false allegations of sexual abuse against Sgt McCabe, created and distributed by TUSLA, came into Garda possession in 2013 and whether senior officers knowingly used this information to discredit him. Proceedings also examined what knowledge former Commissioner Martin Callinan and current Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan possessed regarding the false allegations. Evidence heard during the module revealed administrative errors in handling notifications between health services and gardaí. A principal social worker in the Cavan Monaghan district acknowledged failing to identify that an incorrect allegation, previously corrected, had been repeated in correspondence prepared in 2015. A further erroneous reference to Sgt McCabe threatening a complainant remained undetected in an amended notification despite review.
The High Court has ordered the extradition of a 77-year-old retired teacher to the UK to face a single charge of indecently assaulting a student. The UK citizen, residing in Co Donegal, is alleged to have indecently assaulted a ten-year-old student in a school staff room in June or July 1978. The offence carries a maximum sentence of five years. A European Arrest Warrant was endorsed by the High Court. The respondent's barrister, Mr John Berry BL, opposed surrender, citing confusion over the date, the reversal of prior decisions not to prosecute, and the significant delay. Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly rejected these objections, noting the Crown Prosecution Service had no culpable delay, though the overall length was a factor in the public interest assessment. The court heard the respondent was questioned in 1978 and 2014, with no prosecution initially intended. Following a victim complaint, the Crown Prosecution Service decided to prosecute. The judge found no evidence that remedies for delay or prejudice could not be addressed in the UK. She acknowledged the respondent's strongest point was being told twice he would not be prosecuted but stated this did not make surrender prejudicial. The matter was adjourned in the sense that the order directs the respondent to present himself for surrender at the appropriate time, with bail extended under more restrictive conditions.
A 40-year-old man arrested in County Donegal is awaiting a High Court decision on his extradition to Northern Ireland. Damien Joseph McLaughlin, with an address in the Glenties area, was detained last March under a European Arrest Warrant in connection with the 2012 murder of prison officer David Black. He faces allegations of aiding and abetting in the killing, which occurred on the M1 motorway, along with charges related to possession of an article for use in murder, preparation for acts of terrorism, and membership of a proscribed organisation. His legal team opposed extradition on human rights grounds, citing concerns about conditions at Maghaberry prison. Justice Aileen Donnelly adjourned proceedings to allow presentation of additional evidence, including an affidavit from Maureen O'Sullivan TD regarding prison conditions. Following no further submissions from the defence, the judge reserved judgment until October 20th. Mr McLaughlin remains in custody pending that determination.
A three-judge panel at the Special Criminal Court will deliver its verdict on Monday in the trial of a Dublin man accused of membership of an unlawful organisation. Vincent Banks (47), of Smithfield Gate Apartments in Dublin 7, has pleaded not guilty to the charge. The prosecution alleged that Mr Banks purchased a Toyota Camry used in the fatal shooting of Northern Irish prison officer David Black in November 2012. The State presented evidence that the vehicle was later parked in Carrigallen, County Leitrim, near the border. The defence contended that the evidence was insufficient and that purchasing a car does not constitute activity uniquely associated with unlawful organisation membership. Justice Isobel Kennedy, sitting with Judge Gerard Griffin and Judge Gerard Haughton, will deliver judgment on 31 July.
In 2017 the Charleton tribunal heard that a false rape allegation had remained on Sergeant Maurice McCabe's file until that year. The allegation was forwarded to the Garda Commissioner in May 2014 by Assistant Commissioner Kieran Kenny after receiving a report from Chief Superintendent James Sheridan. The DPP had directed in 2007 that no prosecution should be made against McCabe following an allegation of inappropriate touching by Ms D. A Tusla file opened in 2013 after Ms D sought counselling mistakenly added unrelated allegations. The tribunal is investigating whether McCabe was the target of a smear campaign. A subsequent Tusla report, sent to Kenny after the error was discovered, was not forwarded to Garda HQ. Kenny wrote to the Commissioner on 16 May 2014, enclosing Sheridan's correspondence. Sheridan later wrote on 23 May 2014 that Tusla had realised the error and no further Garda investigation was needed.
Two men, James Walsh, 33, and Jonathan Harding, 44, were arrested after a firearms cache was found in Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole. They face charges under the Firearms Act for unlawful possession of five revolvers, 20 rounds of ammunition and a silencer. Both applied for bail in the High Court, but the State objected, arguing they were flight risks. Detective Sergeant Michael Cuffe and Detective Chief Superintendent Patrick Lordan presented evidence that bail would risk further serious offences. Judge Tony Hunt rejected the bail applications, remanding the men in custody.
Two men, James Walsh, 33, and Jonathan Harding, 44, were arrested on 24 January after a firearms cache was found in a Greenogue Business Park unit. The cache included five revolvers, 20 rounds of ammunition and a silencer. They face charges under the Firearms Act for unlawful possession. A High Court judge will decide whether to grant bail. Detective Sergeant Michael Cuffe argued that if released they would be flight risks and might avoid trial. Detective Chief Superintendent Patrick Lordan presented evidence that bail should be refused to prevent a serious offence. Justice Tony Hunt will deliver his judgment tomorrow.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, judges will decide on Monday whether garda interviews of Vincent Banks, 47, can be admitted as evidence. Banks, who lives in Dublin 7, is accused of IRA membership and of buying the car used in the fatal shooting of prison officer David Black, 52, on 1 November 2012. Black was driving to Maghaberry prison when he was shot. Banks pleaded not guilty to the membership charge on 18 December 2012. Defence and prosecution counsel presented arguments during a voir dire to aid the judges' decision.
A 44‑year‑old former journalist, Mercy Peters, originally from Sierra Leone, was found unfit to stand trial for the 2014 murder of Tyrone McKenna, 42, in his South Dublin home. The Central Criminal Court, after hearing two consultant psychiatrists, determined that Peters suffers from Schizoaffective disorder. She had not taken her prescribed medication for several months before the incident and her illness involves entrenched persecutory and delusional themes. Dr Ronan Mullaney, her treating psychiatrist at the Central Mental Hospital (CMH), confirmed that Peters maintains she is not responsible for McKenna's death and believes she is the victim of an elaborate plot. He noted she has only partial insight into her illness and continues to dispute her diagnosis. Judge Tony Hunt ordered Peters to be committed to the CMH for inpatient care, with proceedings adjourned until October 2. The remand is indefinite.
A 71-year-old UK citizen with an address in County Roscommon has been ordered to be surrendered to British authorities to face charges of assisting in the rape of her daughter approximately 40 years ago. The High Court heard the woman is accused of indecent assault and joint rape with her then husband at addresses in West Sussex and Devon in the late 1970s, when the complainant was between 10 and 15 years old. The offences were first reported in 2013. Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly ordered the woman's surrender following a European Arrest Warrant issued last March, rejecting arguments based on the age of the alleged offences and the defendant's significant health conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and extreme obesity. The judge found insufficient medical evidence supporting claims of unfitness to be tried or imprisoned. However, surrender was postponed on humanitarian grounds to allow the woman to gather medical records and attend appointments. She was remanded on continuing bail to return before the High Court on 2 October.
A 40-year-old man from Belfast, arrested in County Donegal in March on a European Arrest Warrant, appeared before the High Court on 19 July to contest his extradition to Northern Ireland. The man faces charges relating to the November 2012 murder of prison officer David Black, as well as allegations of involvement in preparation for acts of terrorism and membership of a proscribed organisation. His legal team argued there is a real risk of treatment contrary to Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights if he is returned, citing concerns about forced body searches at Maghaberry prison conducted in what they described as a degrading and aggressive manner. The State's counsel contended there was insufficient evidence to support such claims, noting the reported incidents occurred seven years prior. Justice Aileen Donnelly adjourned the matter to 26 July to allow further evidence to be presented and clarification sought regarding an affidavit submitted in support of the application. The applicant was remanded in custody pending the resumed hearing.
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned the trial of Vincent Banks, a 47‑year‑old Dublin resident, to the following morning. Banks is accused of IRA membership and of buying the car later used in the fatal shooting of Northern Ireland prison officer David Black, a 52‑year‑old father of two, who was killed on 1 November 2012 while driving to work at Maghaberry prison. Banks pleaded not guilty to the membership charge on 18 December 2012. The case will resume before Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, with Judges Gerard Griffin and Gerard Haughton presiding.
A retired schoolteacher in his seventies has filed a High Court application to stop a trial in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court over 16 alleged indecent assault charges against nine boys, dating from September 1968 to 1971. He claims the prosecution is unfair because the Director of Public Prosecutions delayed action, the alleged incidents are so old that key witnesses are deceased, and that proceeding would breach his constitutional and human rights. The teacher denies the allegations and says he has cooperated with Gardaí since his first interview. He also seeks declarations that the prosecution would be unlawful and that it would be unjust to put him on trial. The High Court, on an ex‑parte basis, granted permission to bring the challenge and placed a stay on the trial until the High Court case is decided, with a return date set for October.
The Charleton Tribunal, investigating the creation of false allegations against Sergeant Maurice McCabe, heard evidence from senior Tusla manager Linda Creamer. Ms Creamer attributed the errors to institutional incompetence rather than a sinister campaign, apologising to the McCabe family for the stress caused by a December 2014 letter containing unrelated allegations. She stated that while Tusla was undergoing a major transition, this did not excuse the mishandling of the file, which she described as a governance failure. The tribunal is examining whether McCabe was targeted by a smear campaign involving Tusla and HSE files. In May 2014, a garda notification file containing false rape allegations was created, despite the DPP having declined to press charges in 2007 due to lack of evidence. Social work team leader Eileen Argue told the tribunal she did not recall the events surrounding the file's creation, including the opening of records on McCabe's children, two of whom were adults. Counsel Michael McDowell SC, representing McCabe, challenged Argue's memory, suggesting she sought to avoid personal involvement. He indicated that a post-it note from Argue directed social worker Laura Connolly to prepare the erroneous notification. Argue rejected the suggestion of a misleading account, stating she could not explain why the serious error did not stick in her mind. The matter remains at the pre-trial or charge stage, with the tribunal continuing its inquiry into the procedural failures.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, judges ruled that Vincent Banks's arrest on 18 December 2012 for alleged IRA membership was lawful. Banks, 47, had previously been arrested in September 2012 for the same alleged offence and released without charge. Defence lawyers challenged the legality of the second arrest under Section 30(A) of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998, arguing that a repeat arrest without a warrant was unlawful. The court, hearing evidence from the Special Detective Unit, found that the September and December investigations were separate and that the earlier release did not affect the later arrest. Justice Isobel Kennedy therefore concluded the December arrest was lawful. Following the ruling, Banks's counsel, Padraig Dwyer SC, said his client would not contest some prosecution evidence, and the trial was adjourned to Monday. Vincent Banks pleaded not guilty.
The bail conditions for former Anglo Irish Bank chief executive David Drumm, aged 50, have been relaxed by Judge Karen O'Connor. Drumm will now report to Balbriggan Garda station three times a week—Monday, Wednesday and Friday—rather than daily. He must give 24‑hour notice if he wishes to report at a different station. Drumm, who lives in Skerries, faces two charges of conspiring to defraud depositors and investors by misrepresenting deposits in 2008, and an additional charge under the EU transparency directive. He has not yet entered a plea. The trial is scheduled for 10 January 2018.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, judges will decide tomorrow on the legality of the arrest of Vincent Banks, a 47‑year‑old Dublin man accused of IRA membership. Banks, who allegedly bought the car later used in the fatal shooting of 52‑year‑old prison officer David Black, has pleaded not guilty to the membership charge. Defence lawyers argue the arrest was unlawful, while prosecution counsel maintains it was lawful. The court is conducting a voir dire to determine the issue, with Justice Isobel Kennedy presiding alongside Judges Gerard Griffin and Gerard Haughton.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 12 July 2017, a 44‑year‑old woman from Sierra Leone, Mercy Peters, was declared unfit to stand trial for the 2014 murder of Tyrone McKenna, aged 42, in their shared home in Marley Court, Rathfarnham. The judge, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, considered evidence from two forensic psychiatrists. Dr Sally Linehan, who had interviewed Peters twice, reported that Peters had been admitted to the Central Mental Hospital since July 2014 and had a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia, later revised to schizoaffective disorder. She described Peters' delusional beliefs, persecutory themes involving the Gardaí, MI5, and a belief that McKenna had a death wish, and noted her impaired insight and judgment. Dr Aiden Corvin, Peters' treating psychiatrist, confirmed her chronic mental disorder and the persistence of her delusional belief system.
In a Charleton tribunal hearing, Gerard Lowry, Tusla's Cavan‑Monaghan manager, denied any coordination or collusion with Gardaí in creating files that alleged sexual abuse against whistle‑blower Sergeant Maurice McCabe. Lowry stated there was no contact with Gardaí regarding the file. The tribunal is examining claims that such allegations were used to smear McCabe's reputation. The DPP had previously declined to press charges in 2007 due to lack of evidence. In January 2016, McCabe's solicitors wrote to Tusla after receiving a letter from social‑work team leader Kay McLoughlin containing false allegations of serious sexual abuse. Tusla responded in June 2016, withdrawing the false allegation and adding a new claim that McCabe had "humped" a girl during a game of hide and seek. McCabe denied ever playing hide and seek, citing his child's special needs.