In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Judge Martin Nolan expressed shock that Club Lapello on Dame Street served an already intoxicated UK customer, Daniel Rains, 31, up to 15 additional alcoholic shots before he launched an assault rampage. Rains, an electrician from Manchester, pleaded guilty to assaulting Mauritian national Ramanasmany Manthaly, causing a fractured cheekbone, and to assaulting two other customers and two security officers on 26 January 2014. He had four prior UK convictions for assault. Garda Ciaran O'Sullivan noted Rains had no recollection of the attacks and had expressed remorse. The judge imposed a two‑and‑a‑half‑year jail term, crediting time already spent in custody awaiting bail, and criticised the club for allowing Rains to remain on the premises after staff had warned him to "quieten down.".
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Jiri Vecernik, a 45‑year‑old Czech national residing in Tipperary, pleaded guilty to possession of a blank‑firing revolver found in his checked‑in luggage at Dublin Airport on 22 December 2013. The revolver, manufactured in Germany, could discharge cartridges containing a pepper‑spray‑type substance but was incapable of firing lethal ammunition. Vecernik had purchased the pistol online for €70, believing it would protect him after a physical altercation with a Slovak colleague over a dog. He claimed the incident had left him fearful that the colleague might return. Gardaí found no prior convictions for Vecernik, who had lived in Ireland since 2006 and worked as a handyman. The judge, citing the unusual circumstances and Vecernik's lack of criminal history, opted for a conviction under the Probation Act rather than a custodial sentence, noting that Vecernik had not breached any bail conditions and had fully cooperated with the investigation.
Adam Nevin, 27, of Clondalkin, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to three charges of having MDMA for sale or supply at Sin Nightclub, Clondalkin Community Centre and Clondalkin Shopping Centre in September 2012. He had 23 prior convictions, including two for drug dealing in the District Court. Nevin sold ecstasy to an undercover Garda on three occasions, first offering four tablets for €20, then ten tablets for €60, and finally 100 tablets for €300. The Garda operation involved officers in unmarked cars and a mountain bike. Nevin was arrested after discarding a bag of tablets, which were recovered and analysed as MDMA. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced Nevin to a two‑and‑a‑half‑year suspended sentence, revoking his bail and remanding him in custody for two weeks before sentencing. The judge noted Nevin's attitude to work and his previous chance from the District Court. Nevin has since moved to Norway for work.
The trial of a Cavan man charged with murder resumed at the Central Criminal Court on Friday with legal arguments. Oliver Kierans, aged 57, of Drumbannon in Bailieborough, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Patricia Kierans on 5 September 2013 at their home address. He has also entered not guilty pleas to unlawful possession of a 12-gauge double-barrel shotgun and to possession of the same firearm with intent to endanger life. Following procedural matters heard during the sitting, the trial is scheduled to resume on Monday when evidence will be heard.
The case against former minister Michael Lowry, aged 60, was adjourned at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Lowry faces four charges of knowingly filing incorrect tax returns in 2003 and 2007. He had appeared before Thurles District Court last year and was sent to Nenagh Circuit Court on a €500 bail bond. The trial was later transferred to Dublin at the request of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Judge Martin Nolan adjourned the case to a further mention date on 27 February 2015, and Lowry is excused from attending the next court date.
Sean McAuley, 20, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of Ketamine, MDMA, and cannabis for sale or supply. Following the completion of voluntary work and a positive Probation Report, Judge Dermot Dempsey struck out the case. In a separate matter, John Butterly, 39, pleaded guilty to assaulting Peter Thompson and producing a baseball bat. Lorraine Butterly, 34, is charged with assaulting three individuals and producing a rolling pin. Peter Thompson, 41, pleaded guilty to assaulting John Butterly. All three were remanded on continuing bail until April 13th for a hearing at Swords District Court. Zacheaus Odinga, 45, pleaded guilty to driving without insurance on Drogheda Street in Balbriggan. Judge Dempsey convicted him, fined him €400, and declined to invoke disqualification under special circumstances. The report also notes that David Cummins, 25, is charged with attempting to steal cash and a can of Coke; his case is scheduled for March 30th. Jade Gannon, 32, pleaded guilty to theft and non-payment of a taxi fare, receiving fines of €100 and €75 respectively. Andrea Bunce, 44, is alleged to have stolen stock and cash; she was remanded on continuing bail until February 12th. John Maxwell, 36, is charged with possession of cannabis; his case was adjourned until March 12th for the service of the Book of Evidence.
The Special Criminal Court upheld a privilege claim by Detective Garda Y of the Garda National Surveillance Unit regarding his exact location when he observed eight men at a used car lot in west Dublin. The officer argued that revealing his location would compromise future surveillance operations by exposing the unit's tradecraft and methodology. The court ordered the exclusion of the public from evidence concerning six NSU members and prohibited the disclosure of their identities. It also ruled that the identities of the eight men arrested—Kevin Braney, Des Christie, Eamon McNamee, Hubert Duffy, William Jackson, Declan Phelan, John Brock, and Darren Murphy—could not be revealed. The men, aged between 33 and 55, pleaded not guilty to membership of an illegal organisation styled the Irish Republican Army. The prosecution case relies on the NSU's observations, items seized, the men's responses to questioning, and opinion evidence from Detective Chief Superintendent Peter Kirwan. The trial continues.
In a February 2015 hearing, a court discussed how Garda detectives might revise investigative methods following a ruling that barred prosecutors from using telephone records in a criminal trial. The case involved Thomas Hunt, 40, who was charged in December with withholding information related to the fatal shooting of Alan Ryan on 3 September 2012. Hunt had allegedly purchased a car that later served as the getaway vehicle in Ryan's murder. He was arrested in October and pleaded not guilty to withholding information between 3 September and 23 October 2012. The State withdrew the charges after Judge Catherine Murphy ruled that telephone records stored on a mainframe computer could not be relied upon because there was no evidence the computer was operating correctly at the relevant time. The court heard that the State's case was that Hunt owned a mobile phone used to buy the car.
A new judge will be assigned to hear the extradition case of Gary Davis, a 26‑year‑old Wicklow man, who is wanted in the United States to face charges of conspiracy to distribute narcotics, conspiracy to commit computer hacking and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Davis is alleged to have acted as an administrator on the underground website Silkroad, using the name "Libertas," a site described by U.S. authorities as a "sprawling black market bazaar" where drugs, firearms and counterfeit money were sold. He was first arrested on a warrant issued by the High Court in January and is currently on bail. Counsel for the Attorney General, Ronan Kennedy BL, asked the High Court whether it could assign a new judge to the case, citing little progress.
In February 2015, Francis Lanigan, a 49‑year‑old Dublin resident, applied in the High Court to reduce his bail from €20,000 to €5,000. Lanigan, wanted in Northern Ireland for the 1998 murder of John Knocker, had been in custody since January 2013 after an arrest at a Dublin gym where he worked under the assumed name 'Kieran McCrory'. He had previously been denied bail in February 2013 as a flight risk, but was granted bail on 15 December 2014. His counsel, Dr Michael Forde SC, argued that the €20,000 bail was excessive, citing Lanigan's two‑year detention and the lack of a formal application to reduce the amount. The State's counsel, Tony McGillicuddy BL, maintained that the court's bail decision was final and could not be reopened. Lanigan's application was scheduled for review on 9 February 2015.
Balbriggan District Court heard several cases involving public order offences and criminal damage. Martin Daly, 24, pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour at Curran Park. Judge Michael Coughlan adjourned the matter until March 26th for an updated Probation Report, noting Daly's 28 previous convictions. Chris Iyaba, 24, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to a van at Millfield Shopping Centre. The court adjourned the case until March 5th to allow Iyaba time to pay the full compensation balance. Arturs Palancevics, 19, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to Rush Hardware and being intoxicated. Judge Coughlan applied the Probation Act, citing Palancevics' lack of previous convictions and his payment of compensation. In a separate matter, Catherine Joyce pleaded guilty to assaulting a garda and using threatening behaviour after an incident at Cardy Rock. The charge of being intoxicated was struck out. Judge Coughlan convicted Joyce and fined her €250, describing her conduct as disgusting and inappropriate.
The Special Criminal Court has excluded the public during evidence from the Garda National Surveillance Unit in the ongoing trial of eight Dublin men. Kevin Braney, Des Christie, Eamon McNamee, Hubert Duffy, William Jackson, Declan Phelan, John Brock, and Darren Murphy all pleaded not guilty to the alleged charge of membership of an illegal organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA on March 29th, 2013. The prosecution alleges that surveillance officers observed the accused at locations in Finglas and Clondalkin on that morning. Following their arrest by the Emergency Response Unit at a used car sales lot, the state claims gardai recovered items including a Glock pistol, balaclavas, and cable ties. During cross-examination, a detective invoked privilege regarding his location, citing operational security. The prosecution intends to rely on surveillance sightings, recovered items, and the defendants' responses to garda questioning, where some denied membership while others provided untrue answers. The court will hear opinion evidence from Detective Chief Superintendent Peter Kirwan. The matter is currently at the charge or pretrial stage, and the trial is continuing.
Eight men were arrested after a Garda operation on a used‑car lot in west Dublin. The Special Criminal Court heard that the Garda National Surveillance Unit had observed the men at various locations in Finglas and Clondalkin on 29 March 2013. At midday, the Emergency Response Unit entered the yard of the used‑car sales lot and arrested the eight. Subsequent searches of two vans, an office and a kitchen uncovered cable ties, gloves, balaclavas, a baseball bat, a lump hammer, pepper spray and a Glock pistol. The men – Kevin Braney (40), Des Christie (50), Eamon McNamee (34), Hubert Duffy (47), William Jackson (55), Declan Phelan (33), John Brock (42) and Darren Murphy (44) – all pleaded not guilty to membership of an illegal organisation styled the Irish Republican Army (IRA). The prosecution case will rely on the surveillance sightings, the items found, the men's responses to Garda questioning and opinion evidence from Detective Chief Superintendent Peter Kirwan.
Swords District Court heard several matters involving defendants Emmet Fitzsimons, Antons Marchinkevics, and Gillian O'Donnell. Fitzsimons, 21, pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour in Swords. Judge Dermot Dempsey struck out the case after Fitzsimons paid €250 to the Garda Benevolent Fund, noting the defendant had apologised and completed a security course. In a separate matter, Antons Marchinkevics, 33, pleaded guilty to drink driving and driving without insurance following a crash in Rush. He was disqualified for three years for drink driving and two years for lack of insurance, and fined €400 for each offence. Marchinkevics provided a breath sample of 72mg/100ml. Regarding Gillian O'Donnell, 38, the court issued a bench warrant for her arrest after she failed to appear. She is alleged to have stolen footwear from Tesco Express in Balbriggan and to be in unlawful possession of cannabis. The matter remains at the pre-trial stage with no plea entered or finalisation recorded. Additionally, Caroline Joyce was granted a hearing date of March 23rd for alleged criminal damage and breach of a protection order, though she is not a validated subject in this summary.
In a 2015 court hearing, an off‑duty Garda and his father intervened during an attempted robbery at a Paddy Power bookmakers in Saggart. The offender, David Towell, 36, had just left the bookmaker's premises without taking any cash and was attempting to escape on a moped with an accomplice. The Garda and his father knocked both men to the ground as the vehicle took off. Towell pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possession of an air pistol on 6 July 2013. He has 20 prior convictions. The Garda explained that Towell had struck the cash desk's window while the cashier was searching for a panic button, and that the accomplice fled the scene. Towell was remanded in custody pending sentencing, with a report from the probation and welfare service due in March. The case was prosecuted by Mark Fitzgerald BL and defended by John Kelly BL. The judge, Catherine Murphy, noted this was Towell's first violent offence.
In a 2015 case, a judge ruled that Gardaí used a threat to induce Philip Finnegan, 26, to confess to owning a blank firing semi‑automatic pistol found in a box of toys in his bedroom. Finnegan had pleaded not guilty to unlawful possession of the firearm at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. During a search, Gardaí located the gun in a box with toys and video games in a bedroom shared with his three younger brothers. Finnegan initially claimed the firearm belonged to his brothers but later told officers to charge him instead. After reviewing video footage of his interviews, Judge Mary Ellen Ring found that Garda references to arresting his brothers were threats that undermined the voluntariness of his statement. Consequently, the Director of Public Prosecutions entered a nolle prosequi, dropping the charges. The ruling emphasized that the prosecution must prove a statement was voluntarily made, a burden not met in this case.
A 24‑year‑old Louth man, Adrian Crevan Mackin of Mullach Alainn, Omeath, was brought before the Special Criminal Court on a charge of membership in the Irish Republican Army (IRA). The charge was brought on Friday, 16 January, after Mackin was arrested and cautioned at The Crescent, Dundalk. Detective Garda Ciaran Hobbs gave evidence of the arrest, charge and caution. The three‑judge court, presided over by Mr Justice Paul Butler, agreed to hear the case. Mackin was remanded in custody and will appear again on Thursday, with his barrister planning to apply for bail and legal aid.
The High Court has declined to deliver judgment in a test case brought by anti-water charge protester Anthony Eccles, as the matter is now moot. Mr Justice Paul McDermott ruled that the Legal Aid Board's recent determination, which granted Mr Eccles state-funded legal costs for his contempt proceedings, rendered the case pointless. Mr Eccles had argued that the State's failure to provide legal aid to individuals facing potential committal in non-criminal proceedings was unconstitutional and incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. The State opposed the action, arguing it was premature, but conceded it was no longer necessary following the Board's decision. The underlying contempt allegations, which accuse Mr Eccles and others of breaching court orders obtained by GMC Sierra Ltd to prevent interference with water meter installations, are denied by the protesters. These separate proceedings stand adjourned before Mr Justice Paul Gilligan. Additionally, the court heard that the State intends to make a similar application regarding a parallel case brought by protester John Darcy, who also seeks state coverage for his legal costs. Unlike Mr Eccles, Mr Darcy did not apply to the Legal Aid Board. Judgment in Mr Darcy's action was reserved, and his case is scheduled to return before the courts later this month. Both men are alleged to have breached injunctions secured by GMC Sierra Ltd, though they maintain their actions were lawful and peaceful protests.
The extradition case of Eric Eoin Marques, a 28-year-old resident of Mountjoy Square in central Dublin, was adjourned at the pretrial stage. US authorities allege that Marques is the owner and administrator of an anonymous hosting site known as Freedom Hosting, describing him as the "largest facilitator of child porn in the world." He is wanted to face charges relating to conspiring to distribute and advertise child pornography, as well as advertising and distributing such material. Marques has been in custody since his arrest in August 2013, having been refused bail due to concerns he represented a flight risk and might interfere with evidence. During the hearing, his lawyers stated the case is listed for the High Court on May 11 and should not last more than three to four days. Ms Justice Donnelly determined there was no need for Marques to attend a mention date scheduled for February 10. She allowed five weeks for each party to file their first submissions. Consequently, the matter was adjourned, and Marques was remanded in custody until May 11.
Two men from Louth were granted bail by the Special Criminal Court pending the service of a book of evidence for separate offences. Michael Connolly, 42, of Dundalk was charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, the Irish Republican Army, on 16 December. Brian Fitzpatrick, 49, of Dundalk was charged with two counts of possession of an explosive substance under suspicious circumstances, alleged to be two complete Improvised Explosive Devices, on the same day at Mitchelstown Cross, Castletown, Navan, Co. Meath. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan and Judge William Hamill, ordered bail for both men on terms agreed with counsel. The conditions include daily signing at Dundalk Garda station, a curfew from 11 pm to 7 am, surrendering passports, remaining within the jurisdiction, residing at addresses known to Gardaí and providing a mobile phone number for contact. Independent sureties of €20,000 each and bonds of €100 were set, and legal aid was granted.
In a Swords District Court hearing, two men, Sean Brady (34) and Damien Byrne (45), pleaded guilty to burglary at Kinsealy Pet Store on 24 October 2013. Brady also pleaded guilty to careless driving. Garda evidence showed the owner, Aidan O'Connor, discovered an intruder around 10.30 pm, and the store's doors were left open, causing €660 worth of birds to die from cold exposure. Blood at the scene matched Brady's DNA. O'Connor saw a male fleeing the aviary toward a red BMW, struck the vehicle with a hatchet, and had to jump out of the way. Garda Kevin Farrell noted the BMW, driven by Byrne, was stopped at Artane Roundabout. Brady, with ten prior convictions, will have his case sent back to Trim Circuit Court for a Section 99 re‑entry on 3 February next year.
Francis Lanigan, 49, remains in custody despite a High Court bail order. He is wanted in Northern Ireland for the 1998 murder of John Knocker, who was shot in a hotel car park in Dungannon. Lanigan was arrested in January 2013 on an extradition warrant and has been held for almost two years. He argues that extradition would pose a "significant risk to his life." The court noted that Lanigan had worked under the assumed name Kieran McCrory at a Dublin gym for 15 years, a fact discovered through a covert DNA test on a coffee cup. He was deemed a flight risk and refused bail in February 2013, but secured a fresh bail application on Monday.
Paul McGee, 21, was placed on a 12-month Probation Bond at Balbriggan District Court after pleading guilty to causing criminal damage and breaching a protection order. The charges relate to an incident on July 22nd at Selskar Avenue, Skerries, where Garda Anthony O'Connor alleged McGee kicked in a door and used threatening behaviour. Judge Dermot Dempsey ordered McGee to comply with Probation Services requirements. In a separate matter, Derek Gildea, 51, is charged with the unlawful possession of a combat knife allegedly found at Balbriggan Garda Station on October 24th. His case was adjourned to January 15th for a hearing. Additionally, Thomas Weldon, 32, is alleged to have committed burglary and assault causing harm in Brega on June 14, 2014. His case was adjourned to February 9th at Swords District Court. Finally, Daniel Michalow, 28, is alleged to have breached a protection order in Rush on December 7th by assaulting a woman. Sergeant Tony Tighe requested an adjournment to seek directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions regarding potential further charges. Judge Dempsey adjourned Michalow's case until February 26th.
Two men from Louth, aged 42 and 49, were brought before the Special Criminal Court on 18 December 2014. Michael Connolly of Dundalk was charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Brian Fitzpatrick of Dundalk was charged with two counts of possession of an explosive substance under suspicious circumstances, alleged to be two complete improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Both men were arrested on 16 December at the same car park outside Drogheda Garda Station. Connolly denied membership of the IRA when cautioned, and Fitzpatrick denied possession of explosives. Garda Colm Finnerty and Detective Garda Niall Armstrong gave evidence of the arrests, charges and cautions. The court granted an order to preserve any external CCTV footage from Drogheda Garda Station and remanded both men in custody until Tuesday, when Connolly will apply for bail and legal aid.
In December 2014, Glen Walsh, a 27‑year‑old AIB teller, was remanded on bail pending sentencing after a theft of €40,000 from the Crumlin Cross branch. The theft had been uncovered during an audit triggered by a tiger kidnapping raid in June 2010, during which Walsh was forced to withdraw €210,000 under threat. Walsh had earlier attempted to reimburse the bank with a €20,000 cheque, but the bank was closed. He later repaid the full €40,000. Walsh pleaded guilty to the theft, had no prior convictions, and had left for Australia before being extradited back to Ireland. David Vickery, also 27, pleaded guilty to possession of €10,000 in stolen money and had a minor traffic offence conviction. Both men were remanded on continuing bail, with sentencing scheduled for February 23. The court noted Walsh's gambling addiction and his expressed remorse, as well as Vickery's rehabilitation efforts.
The Special Criminal Court has set a trial date for three men—Gareth Mulley (45), David Gallagher (37), and William Burns (38)—charged with possession of explosive devices, including an adapted 50‑litre beer keg, 50 kg of homemade ammonium nitrate, PETN, RDX, an improvised detonation cord, steel booster tube, and time‑and‑power unit. All were arrested in May 2014 by An Garda Síochana's Special Detective Unit during investigations into dissident republican activity. Mulley and Gallagher are also charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, namely Oglaigh na hÉireann (the Irish Republican Army). The court, presided over by Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy, set the trial for 5 July 2016, expected to last two to three weeks, and issued witness orders and instructions on alibi evidence and witness notice. Counsel for Burns sought a variation of bail conditions to allow night taxi work, which the court removed.
Garda whistleblower Keith Harrison, the applicant, brought a High Court challenge against the Garda Commissioner to halt internal disciplinary proceedings. Harrison denies all allegations, which include verbal and physical abuse, assault, and harassment of his partner, as well as allegedly accessing her car details on the Garda Pulse system 25 times between August 2009 and April 2013. He claims there is no bona fide basis for the inquiry and that the appointment of an investigating officer on December 1 was unlawful and unconstitutional. Harrison seeks orders prohibiting the investigation into alleged breaches of Garda Disciplinary Regulations and criminal conduct between October 1998 and October 2013. He argues his partner was unlawfully pressurised into making a statement, which was subsequently forwarded to GSOC, and that both their privacy rights were breached. Counsel Mark Harty SC stated the decision to investigate was malicious and oppressive, citing prior bullying following Harrison's arrest of a colleague in Athlone. Mr Justice Seamus Noonan granted permission to bring the action on an ex parte basis and imposed a stay on the disciplinary process pending the outcome. The matter was adjourned and made returnable to a date in late January.
A 41‑year‑old woman, Mercy Peters, originally from Sierra Leone, faces trial for the murder of her former partner, 42‑year‑old Tyrone McKenna, who was killed on 17 July at their shared home in Marlay Court, Rathfarnham. The case was heard before the Central Criminal Court, and Mr Justice Paul Carney set the trial for 20 June 2016.
In October 2016, the Central Criminal Court will hear the trial of eight Tallaght residents charged in the murder of 20‑year‑old Dale Creighton, who died on 2 January after being injured on a footbridge on Saint Dominic's Road. Seven defendants—Aisling Burke (21), David Burke (26), Graham Palmer (24), Ross Callery (21), James Reid (24), Jason Beresford (21) and Gerard Stephens (25)—are charged with murder. A eighth defendant, James O'Brien (22), is charged with assault causing harm. The trial is expected to last eight weeks, with the first hearing set for 3 October 2016.
The Supreme Court dismissed Adam Busby's appeal against an extradition order to the UK, where he faces terrorism‑related charges. Busby, a 65‑year‑old Irish resident with a Santry Lodge address, is accused of making hoax threats between November 2009 and June 2010, including phone calls to the Scottish Sun and other newspapers, and text messages alleging bombs and poison deliveries. The High Court had ordered his surrender in 2013. The Supreme Court, hearing the appeal on a point of law, ruled that the executing state need not prove it could prosecute the offence on the same basis as the issuing state, citing the European Arrest Warrant system's principle of mutual recognition. The Court granted a short stay of the extradition order, allowing Busby, who has multiple sclerosis and is wheelchair‑bound, to remain on bail until the next High Court hearing. The decision was unanimous by a five‑judge panel led by Chief Justice Susan Denham.
Ronald Hill, aged 44, received a three‑year prison sentence with the final two years suspended for assault causing harm to a 59‑year‑old woman and her 42‑year‑old son during a home invasion on 31 December 2010. Hill, who had 52 prior convictions including a seven‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence for firearm possession and robbery, was on bail for that offence when the attack occurred. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The court noted Hill's prostate cancer and his history as a carer for a brother who died of cancer. Defence counsel argued Hill's judgment was impaired and that he had no intent to harm. The judge imposed the sentence, citing Hill's impaired judgment and the lack of justification for the assault. No victim impact statements were filed by the injured parties. The case concluded with Hill's sentence to run consecutively to his current term.
A 51-year-old man was remanded on bail at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court ahead of trial next year on charges relating to alleged sexual offences against two young girls. The man faces 50 counts in total, including 40 counts of child exploitation involving the alleged production of child abuse material, three counts of sexual assault, and seven counts of defilement of a child under 17. The offences are alleged to have occurred between 2007 and 2011 at locations in Dublin and Donegal. The man was sent forward from the District Court earlier this year. A pre-trial hearing has been scheduled for June 5, 2015, with trial proceedings set to commence on July 13, 2015. The trial is expected to last approximately two weeks. The court heard that substantial disclosure material remains under review by both defence and prosecution teams.
In December 2014 the High Court was set to decide in January on legal‑aid applications filed by anti‑water‑charge protesters John Darcy and Anthony Eccles. The men, who are also joined by other protesters, are accused of breaching court orders that prohibit interference with the installation of water meters by GMC Sierra in Dublin. They deny the allegations and argue that the state's refusal to provide legal aid to persons facing potential loss of liberty in non‑criminal proceedings contravenes the Irish Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights. The court had adjourned the proceedings before Mr Justice Paul Gilligan, and after hearing submissions from both sides, Mr Justice Paul McDermott reserved his decision, to be delivered in January. The state, represented by Oisin Quinn SC, urged dismissal, while the protesters' counsel contended that the state's arguments were superficial and that the contempt proceedings were criminal in nature.
Francis Lanigan, 49, is in Dublin custody awaiting extradition to Northern Ireland over the 1998 murder of John Knocker. He claims his two‑year detention is akin to internment, fearing harm from paramilitaries if returned. A High Court judge said bail was unlikely, but will consider a bail application at the next hearing. Lanigan's barrister, Kieran Kelly, argued that circumstances had changed, noting the arrest's second anniversary, his child, and partner's court appearance. Lanigan had previously used the alias Kieran McCrory for 15 years, a fact known to the Gardaí. The judge remanded him in custody until the next Monday, noting the court's inherent jurisdiction to grant bail at any point. The case remains at the extradition stage.
A garda is to face two separate trials at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court next year on allegations of harassing women. Garda Donal Maguire, aged 38, is charged with harassing one woman at a Dublin location during 2012, and with harassing a second woman at a Dublin location on dates in 2014. The accused, formerly resident in Kilbarrack, Dublin, is now living in Bundoran, Co Donegal. At a hearing before the District Court, the defence indicated both trials would require approximately three days each. Trial dates have been set for 30 June and 12 October 2015. Garda Maguire has been remanded in custody pending trial. Pre-trial dates were scheduled for 15 May and 10 July 2015. The court noted that no plea has yet been entered, and the accused remains presumed innocent.
In a Dublin flat raid, 28‑year‑old David Doherty was found with 6 g of heroin and was remanded on bail pending sentencing in February. He claimed he was there to buy €325 worth of heroin, some of which he would use and the rest to sell to friends in Tuam. Doherty pleaded guilty to possession of heroin for sale or supply on North Circular Road on 27 June 2013 and has 49 prior convictions, mainly traffic offences. His co‑accused, 36‑year‑old Stephen Lunders, also pleaded guilty to the same charge and had 28 prior convictions, including drug offences. Lunders admitted responsibility for most of the drugs found in the flat, valued at €14,383, and said he was dealing to pay off a drug debt left by his deceased brother. Judge Mary Ellen Ring adjourned the case to 20 February to allow Probation Service assessment of the men's commitment to drug rehabilitation before sentencing.
James Butler, 33, of Tallaght, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possessing 1.3 kg of cannabis herb, valued at €27,424, which he had stored in two sport bags at his home. The drugs were discovered after Gardaí forced entry on 3 April 2013. Butler, who has 27 prior convictions mainly for traffic and criminal damage offences, explained that he had abandoned heroin use just before Christmas that year but still owed a debt for his addiction. He admitted he did not know the value of the cannabis when it was dropped at his door. The case was adjourned by Judge Mary Ellen Ring to March 6 to allow a Probation Service assessment of Butler's commitment to addressing his addiction. He remains remanded on bail pending sentencing.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, former Anglo Irish Bank executives William McAteer (64) and Pat Whelan (52) were informed that their trial for alleged fraudulent loan of over €8 million would begin on 16 January 2017. McAteer is accused of securing the loan to repay a Bank of Ireland personal loan in September 2008, while Whelan is alleged to have been a party to the same loan. Both men intend to plead not guilty. Judge Mary Ellen Ring set a four‑week trial and ordered witnesses and exhibits, allowing parties to re‑enter the case if needed.
Lawyers for Ali Charaf Damache, a 49‑year‑old Algerian‑born Irish citizen, read an Amnesty International report to the Irish High Court describing the conditions at the US ADX Supermax prison in Florence, Colorado. The report, based on information from attorneys and courts, characterises the prison as "inhuman, cruel and degrading," noting that prisoners are kept in solitary confinement and that conditions have become more restrictive, with an example of a man self‑mutilating. The court was told that many Muslim terrorist suspects are sent to ADX and that the US government would not preclude sending a mentally ill person who is not actively psychotic at entry. Damache is wanted in the US on terrorism charges and could face up to 45 years if convicted. He has been in Irish custody since the DPP declined to prosecute him in 2011 and the case is set to resume next Tuesday.
The Special Criminal Court heard that chief prosecution witness David Cullen has agreed to voluntarily disclose some communications with his solicitor, Mr Dominic Mc Ginn SC, to the defence. This disclosure covers documents from June 5, 2014, but does not constitute a general waiver of his claim to legal professional privilege. Prosecuting counsel Ms Una Ni Raifeartaigh SC noted that Cullen previously refused to answer cross-examination questions regarding these communications, asserting his privilege. The court is currently hearing legal submissions on the scope of this disclosure, as defence lawyers seek access to all such communications. Cullen, who is serving a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence, allegedly turned State's witness after being part of the murder plan. He implicated the three accused in the shooting of dissident republican Peter Butterly, a 35-year-old father of two, in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath, on March 6, 2013. The defendants are Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33), and Sharif Kelly (44). All three have pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. Evans and McGrath have additionally pleaded not guilty to firearm offences on the same occasion. The trial, which is on its 34th day, is continuing.
The Special Criminal Court has reserved its decision on whether senior counsel Dominic Mc Ginn SC has a right of audience to advise the main prosecution witness, David Cullen, during the ongoing trial. The procedural issue arose on the thirty-third day of the trial, where Cullen claimed legal professional privilege over communications with his solicitor during cross-examination. Presiding Judge Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy described the situation as unprecedented and directed that Mc Ginn be provided with relevant trial extracts to advise Cullen on the nature of the disclosure sought by the defence. The defence was ordered to supply a list of the information they seek to disclose to ensure a fair trial. The court will hear further submissions on the disclosure issue tomorrow. The trial concerns the alleged murder of Peter Butterly, a 35-year-old father of two, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co Meath, on March 6, 2013. Defendants Dean Evans, Edward McGrath, and Sharif Kelly have all pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. Evans and McGrath have additionally pleaded not guilty to firearm offences on the same occasion. Cullen, who allegedly turned State's witness, had previously implicated the three accused in the killing. The matter remains at the pre-trial or trial stage regarding procedural rights, with no final verdict or sentence issued.
Michael Barr, 34, originally from Tyrone and now living in Dublin, was denied bail by the Special Criminal Court after applying to attend a family member's special birthday. Barr faces charges of membership in the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and handling stolen electronic equipment worth €77,900, both alleged on 18 July. He had previously been charged with IRA membership on 3 July 2013, was granted bail a month later, and remained on bail until his arrest in Lucan on 18 July. Barr's counsel, Siobhán Ní Chúlacháin, argued for bail on the grounds of a family celebration and a neurological issue that had caused his left eye to collapse, citing a 'Go Slow' protest that prevented access to his medical records. The State, represented by Vincent Heneghan, countered that Barr had breached bail for the first offence.
In November 2014, anti‑water‑charge protesters John Darcy and Anthony Eccles filed applications with the High Court seeking legal aid for proceedings in which they are accused of breaching court orders that prohibit intimidation or interference with the installation of water meters by GMC Sierra. The men, along with other protesters, deny the allegations and argue that the state's refusal to provide legal aid to those facing potential loss of liberty in non‑criminal proceedings violates the Irish Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights. The High Court, presided over by President Nicholas Kearns, set a hearing for 9 December and ruled that no stay would be granted to prevent the contempt of court applications from proceeding. The case involves separate judicial reviews and a contempt of court application by GMC Sierra, which seeks to protect its workers from alleged harassment and interference.
A High Court judge in Dublin is awaiting further information before deciding whether to extradite Francis Lanigan, 49, who is wanted in Northern Ireland for the 1998 murder of John Knocker. Lanigan, who lives in Mulhuddart, claims that if he is handed over to UK authorities he would face a "significant risk to his life" from loyalist and republican paramilitaries. He was arrested in January 2013 on an extradition warrant and has been remanded in custody until December 8, with a bail application possible in the meantime. Lanigan's counsel, Dr Michael Forde, argues that a letter from the Northern Ireland Prison Service detailing his proposed detention should be inadmissible because Lanigan had no chance to cross‑examine its author. The judge has deferred judgment until the issuing state provides additional information, which is expected to take two to three weeks.
Two Dublin men, Stephen Hendrick, 47, of Ballymun, and Pierce Moran, 59, of East Wall, were charged at the Special Criminal Court on 17 November 2014 with membership of the Irish Republican Army, an unlawful organisation. Hendrick faced additional charges of unlawful possession of firearms, ammunition and an explosive substance. The firearms alleged to be in his possession included a Kalashnikov assault rifle, a Glock magazine, a Glock slide and firing pin, and 125 rounds of ammunition for the rifle plus five shotgun cartridges. He was also charged with possession of flexible PETN‑filled tubing. Moran was charged with unlawful possession of four semi‑automatic pistols, a sawn‑off shotgun and assorted ammunition. Both men were arrested at their homes on 15 November, declined to stand when the registrar read the charges, and were remanded in custody until 26 November, when they will appear by video link.
On 13 November 2014, the Special Criminal Court heard secret evidence from members of the National Surveillance Unit (NSU) regarding the murder of Peter Butterly, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, County Meath, on 6 March 2013. The court directed that no NSU evidence or identities be made public and that the public not be present during NSU testimony. Two NSU members gave evidence and left through the custody area to avoid identification. The trial, day 27, involves three men—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33), and Sharif Kelly (44)—who pleaded not guilty to Butterly's murder and to firearm offences at the same location and time. A fourth man, Dave Cullen (30), is a State witness. Prosecuting counsel, Úna Ní Raifeartaigh SC, described how Butterly was lured to the car park, shot at his vehicle, and later found collapsed by a lone Garda, dying shortly thereafter. The trial continues.
Debbie O'Reilly, 35, was arrested in August 2013 for selling cannabis from her home in Maple Avenue, Ballybrack. Police seized a kilogram of cannabis worth €21,920, 8 g of PVP worth €312, €8,200 in cash, a digital scale and an iPhone with drug‑dealing evidence. She pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis for sale or supply. O'Reilly had no prior convictions. After the raid she was interviewed by the county council for anti‑social behaviour, voluntarily surrendered her house keys and was subsequently made homeless. She and her 15‑year‑old son now live in sheltered accommodation. The court, noting her cooperation and progress in addressing her addiction, adjourned the case to July 2015 to protect her son from further disruption. The case remains pending for sentencing.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Noel Ellis, aged 74, pleaded not guilty to 48 counts of social welfare fraud for claiming over €46,000 in pension payments between June 2006 and July 2010. The State alleged he was using his dead brother James Ellis's identity, while Ellis insisted he was James. When asked if he was Noel Ellis, he answered "No." After one day of evidence, the prosecution entered a nolle prosequi on all counts, effectively dismissing the indictment. Patrick Ellis, a brother of the accused, testified about family dynamics, noting that Noel and James rarely attended family events and that Noel did not attend James's funeral in London in 1997. Garda David Redmond reported that a complaint in February 2010 led to Noel's arrest and a search of his home, where a birth certificate for Noel and documents in James's name were seized.
David Richards, 26, was ordered by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to pay €5,000 compensation to Susan O'Leary and her husband after hijacking their BMW on New Year's Day 2010. Richards admitted taking the car without permission, drink driving, dangerous driving, and driving without insurance or a licence. He and an accomplice forced the O'Learys out of the vehicle, threatening them with a steering wheel lock and a bottle. The couple fled on an icy road, and Richards later drove the car into a pole and a kerb. Richards, who had three prior convictions, had absconded for four years before being arrested. The judge, Patrick McCartan, noted the seriousness of the offences and warned that payment of compensation might not prevent a prison sentence. Richards remains on bail until January 2025. David Richards pleaded guilty.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 6 November 2014, Dean Byrne, 23, of Drumcairn Park, Tallaght, was remanded in custody after being charged with membership of an unlawful organisation styled the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and with unlawful possession of a 9x18mm Makarov PM pistol, its magazine and 10 rounds of 9x18mm ammunition. The charges stemmed from an operation on 5 June 2014 in which Byrne and another man were arrested by the Special Detective Unit and the Garda Crime and Security branch. Byrne had previously been granted bail on a €1,000 personal bond, a €20,000 independent surety and was required to sign daily at Tallaght Garda Station, observe a curfew from midnight to 7 am, surrender his passport and avoid contact with convicted persons.