The trial date for Dr Michael Shine, an 82‑year‑old retired consultant surgeon, will not be set until after a High Court judicial review. He faces 25 counts of indecent assault against 22 alleged victims, with the earliest incidents dating to 1964 and the latest to 1990, allegedly occurring at Our Lady's Hospital in Drogheda and a clinic in County Louth. Judge Mary Ellen Ring adjourned the matter again, noting that Shine's legal team are still awaiting the High Court's judgment and that no indication exists as to when it will be delivered. She scheduled a mention for January 14, giving the State and defence the liberty to re‑enter the case should the judgment return before that date.
In a Balbriggan District Court hearing, two women, Eileen McDonagh (36) and Carolyn Ward (29), pleaded guilty to stealing €1,782.35 worth of children's clothing from a Tesco Extra store on 25 October. The items were taken by filling a trolley and leaving without payment; security detained them and recovered the goods. Both had no prior convictions. Their solicitor described the theft as an unplanned, desperate act, noting the defendants were on social welfare and had children. Judge Grainne O'Neill expressed concern over the value but acknowledged the lack of sophisticated planning. She remanded them on continuing bail until February, requiring each to donate €300 to a charity. If the donations are made by that date, the judge will apply the Probation Act, potentially sparing them a conviction.
Tom O'Connor, 47, former director of O'Connor Plant Hire & Ground Works in Listowel, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to handling a stolen Volvo A25D dumper truck that had been stolen from a quarry in Scotland. He admitted buying the truck in Holland for €62,500 and selling it to a buyer, but denied involvement in the vehicle's cloning or theft. O'Connor had five prior convictions, including possession of a stolen John Deere tractor in 2009, and had resigned as director in 2013 to protect the company's reputation. He was declared bankrupt in 2012 and is now unemployed and on social welfare. Judge Desmond Hogan remanded him on continuing bail pending sentencing, ordered a probation report, and noted his health issues. The court heard that the truck's chassis number had been altered and that O'Connor had no part in the alteration. The insurance company paid £75,000 for the vehicle. The case remains pending sentencing.
The Special Criminal Court granted bail to Darren Weldon, a 43‑year‑old resident of Drinadaly, Trim, who was arrested on Tuesday for his alleged involvement in the February 22, 2010 bomb attack on Newry courthouse. Weldon was charged with membership of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) on October 14. His counsel, Philipp Rahn BL, applied for bail, and the court, presided over by Justice Deirdre Murphy, Justice Margaret Heneghan and Judge Cormac Dunne, accepted the application without objection from the State. Bail conditions include daily reporting to a local Garda station, surrendering his passport, providing his mobile phone number to Gardaí and maintaining good behaviour. The court noted that the book of evidence will be served at a later date. Detective Garda Kieran Regan, who formally arrested Weldon on Mellowes Road, Finglas, Dublin 11, stated that at the time of arrest he believed Weldon had committed the offence.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court case, 32‑year‑old Fergus Gallagher pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after slashing the ear of Italian rugby fan Andrea Muggetti with a teacup on 25 February 2012 at Sinnott's Pub. Muggetti required 45 stitches and suffered lasting disfigurement and pain, with a medical report indicating reduced eye closure and ongoing ear pain. Muggetti's financial loss was assessed at €20,491. Gallagher, who had four prior convictions, was ordered to pay €15,000 in instalments to Muggetti and to surrender the €10,000 he had previously paid as a token of remorse. He received a three‑year suspended sentence and was remanded in custody pending further proceedings. The court noted Gallagher's admission of intoxication, depression, and his subsequent participation in Alcoholics Anonymous.
A 54‑year‑old Englishman, who has lived in Ireland since 2008, was extradited to the UK to face four historical child sex‑abuse charges, including three indecent assaults and one rape, alleged to have occurred between 1976 and 1984. He was arrested in Ireland under a European Arrest Warrant last month. His lawyers applied to the High Court to halt extradition, arguing prosecutorial delay and his rights to life and family life, noting that his only family contact was in Ireland. The court considered an affidavit from a psychiatrist warning of increased risk of self‑harm if surrendered, and an affidavit from the defendant describing a troubled childhood, alleged abuse, and alcohol problems. Judge John Edwards rejected the delay argument, found no violation of rights, and ordered extradition, remanding the defendant at Cloverhill Prison pending transfer to the UK. The decision was based on the seriousness of the offences and the expectation that UK authorities would provide appropriate protection.
The High Court refused to stay the extradition proceedings of Eric Eoin Marques, a 28‑year‑old Irishman accused in the United States of conspiring to distribute and advertise child pornography and of advertising and distributing child pornography. Marques is alleged to be the owner and administrator of the anonymous hosting site Freedom Hosting, which hosts over 100 sites containing extremely violent images of pre‑pubescent children. He has been in custody since his arrest in August and was denied bail because he was considered a flight risk and a potential threat to evidence. The court rejected his application to challenge the Director of Public Prosecutions' decision not to prosecute him and to seek a stay of the extradition until a judicial review could be heard. Marques remains remanded until 24 November, while the extradition case is adjourned for a few weeks to allow his legal team to pursue a Supreme Court application.
A 51-year-old man charged with 50 counts of sexual offences against two young girls appeared at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following his committal from the District Court. The allegations relate to incidents alleged to have occurred between 2007 and 2011 at locations in Dublin and Donegal. The charges comprise 40 counts of child exploitation, three counts of sexual assault, and seven counts of defilement of a child under 17 years of age. The prosecution indicated that additional documentation from the Director of Public Prosecutions was still being gathered and would require a further four to six weeks to obtain. The defence indicated they had received substantial disclosure material the previous month. Judge Mary Ellen Ring adjourned the matter to 9 December 2014, when the defendant is expected to indicate his plea.
A garda has been remanded in custody at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after being arrested on a bench warrant for failing to appear at a scheduled hearing. Garda Donal Maguire, aged 38, faces charges of harassing a woman at locations in Dublin during 2012 and early 2013. He was arrested at his mother's home in Bundoran, County Donegal, after Judge Mary Ellen Ring issued a warrant when he did not appear as directed. The accused, formerly of Kilbarrack in Dublin, told gardaí he lacked funds to travel for the court appearance, though this explanation was disputed by inspectors. His defence counsel indicated a bail application may be sought at the next hearing on November 10th. The judge stressed that no plea has yet been entered and the defendant remains presumed innocent pending trial.
The High Court will decide on 4 November whether to extradite Patrick Lee, 41, of Newtown, Co. Kildare, to the United States to face 51 charges including 29 counts of wire fraud, six counts of unlawful monetary transaction and 16 counts of aggravated identity theft. Lee denies all allegations and claims the accusations are false. The alleged scheme involved purchasing properties in Boston between 2006 and 2007, using "straw buyers" to obtain mortgages that were never repaid. Lee is accused of forging appraisals and receiving about €1 million for his role. He is currently remanded on continuing bail. The court heard that Lee had bought pre‑paid flight tickets to Ireland in 2006 and that he fears cruel treatment if surrendered. He also cited health concerns and the potential impact on his family if extradited. The judge will issue a decision on 4 November.
A bench warrant has been issued for the arrest of a garda accused of harassment following his failure to appear at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Garda Donal Maguire, aged 38, faced charges of harassing a woman at a Dublin location during 2012 and again during 2012 and early 2013. He had been remanded on continuing bail in July with an instruction to appear for arraignment today. The accused, formerly resident in Kilbarrack, Dublin, is currently based in Bundoran, County Donegal. His defence counsel noted that Maguire had discharged himself from hospital in Sligo to attend his previous court date and requested discretion in executing the warrant given the circumstances involved. The prosecution indicated the accused is accessing mental health services, with certain concerns noted. Judge Mary Ellen Ring issued the warrant at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
A 34‑year‑old Italian man, Saverio Bellante of Palermo, has been charged with the murder of Tom O'Gorman at Beech Park Avenue, Castleknock, between 11 and 12 January. His trial has been scheduled for 14 December, with counsel Sean Guerin SC stating it should last less than a week. Bellante was absent when the date was set.
A 49-year-old man from Ballyjamesduff, Cavan was remanded in custody at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following his arrest on two outstanding warrants. Paschal Kelly, originally from Dublin, was apprehended in Castlepollard, Westmeath on charges including failing to make a valid tax return and threatening to kill a member of An Garda Síochána. Detective Sergeant Daniel O'Driscoll gave evidence of the arrest. Mr Kelly also faced 13 road traffic offences, for which he appeared in the District Court. His defence counsel consented to a three-week custodial remand. He is due to return before the circuit court on 6 November.
The High Court in Dublin ordered the forfeiture of €1,000 of the €3,000 bail paid by Edward Brunell for his son, Kenneth Brunell, a 27‑year‑old from Palmerstown. Kenneth was wanted by Dutch authorities for the 2009 murder of Keith Ennis, whose dismembered body was found in an Amsterdam canal. He had been arrested on extradition warrants issued in 2011 and was due to appear in court last week on a mutual assistance matter. Despite a mobile‑phone contact requirement, Kenneth failed to comply with bail conditions, having been found at an address in Finglas and having his phone powered off. The court, after hearing from Sergeant Seán Fallon, sanctioned the father for non‑compliance and remanded Kenneth in further custody. The case also involved other suspects, Barry McArdle and Philip County, who were sought by Dutch authorities.
Frederick "Freddie" Thompson, aged 33, has filed a High Court challenge against the Irish Prison Service's decision to transfer him from Cloverhill to Cork prison and to sanction him for alleged breaches of prison discipline while at Dublin prison. Thompson, who pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Morrissey's Pub in Cork on 7 January 2013, is awaiting sentencing on 2 February. His lawyers secured permission for judicial review of the transfer and disciplinary decisions. Thompson claims the punishment for an incident on 13 September in Cloverhill's visitor's area, where he says he was violently attacked by three other prisoners, was unfair. He was found guilty of indiscipline, placed in segregation, denied privileges, and subjected to 22.5 hours lock‑up per day. He was transferred to Cork on 30 September without explanation, and his family received no reasons from prison authorities. The case is set for a hearing in late November.
Kenneth Brunell, 28, of Palmerstown, had his bail reinstated for a second time by the High Court after Dutch authorities sought his surrender for the 2009 murder of Keith Ennis, 29, whose dismembered body was found in an Amsterdam canal. Brunell was arrested in 2011 on extradition warrants and had previously had his bail revoked for failing to appear in court. He applied to vary his bail to attend a training course in Cork on 19 June, but did not attend and was missing for five days following a dispute with his father. Brunell denied any intention to flee, claiming he had nothing to run from. The court noted a significant improvement in his behaviour and, after hearing from his father, granted him bail of €3,000 on a €100 bond. The court found no evidence of conspiracy to escape jurisdiction. The case remains pending.
Balbriggan District Court heard several matters presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey. Kieran White pleaded guilty to stealing a bottle of wine from Supervalu. After making a €75 donation to the Molly McNally Trust Fund, the court applied Section 1.1 of the Probation Act. Piotr Boryslawski pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis found under his car seat. Following a €300 charitable donation, the charge was struck out. Valerie Dalton, alleged to have been drink driving, was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on September 11th. Paul McGee, charged with criminal damage and breach of a protection order, was remanded on continuing bail for a hearing on October 6th. Eddie McDonagh and Patrick McDonagh, both alleged to have stolen a steel tube from a boat, were remanded on continuing bail to reappear on September 4th. McDonagh also faces allegations of careless driving and not paying a taxi fare, while Patrick McDonagh is alleged to have not paid a taxi fare. All these cases remain at the pre-trial stage with no final sentences passed.
James Connors, 27, of Rosemount, Drinagh, Co. Wexford, is accused of murdering Jason Ryan at Hollyville Heights, Wexford town, on 25 January 2012. He has been in custody with consent to bail. On 30 July 2014 the High Court, hearing an application from his lawyers, reduced the independent surety required and allowed Connors to be released on bail. His trial is scheduled for 30 November 2015. As part of his bail conditions he must sign daily at his local Garda station between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. and carry a mobile phone to contact Gardaí.
In a High Court hearing on 30 July 2014, Dean Evans, aged 22, was denied bail and remanded in custody. Evans, along with Edward McGrath (32) and Sharif Kelly (43), faces murder charges for the killing of dissident republican Peter Butterly, 35, at the Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, County Meath, on 6 March 2013. The trio were also charged with membership of an illegal organisation claiming to be the Irish Republican Army, or Oglaigh na hEireann, on the same date. Additionally, Evans and McGrath are accused of unlawfully possessing a 9mm calibre Beretta model 9000s semi‑automatic pistol and seven rounds of 9mm parabellum ammunition at their residence, and of possessing the same weapon and ammunition with intent to endanger life at the Huntsman Inn car park.
Michael Finlay, 35, and Dean Byrne, 22, were arrested in Tallaght in June on charges of IRA membership and unlawful possession of a handgun. They appeared in court via video link from Portlaoise Prison. Finlay protested the use of video, claiming it breached his constitutional rights and demanded physical presence at future proceedings. He threatened further action if his rights were further infringed. The court scheduled a remand for the next term to serve the book of evidence, with a production order set for November 11. The judge noted that the court would insist on physical presence if evidence needed to be served or presented. Both men are charged with membership of the Irish Republican Army and possession of a 9x18mm Makarov pistol, magazine, and 10 rounds of ammunition seized in Tallaght on June 5, 2014. The case remains in the evidence stage.
Patrick Lee, 41, of Newtown, County Kildare, is wanted by U.S. authorities for 51 offences including 29 counts of wire fraud, 6 of unlawful monetary transaction and 16 of aggravated identity theft. He allegedly participated in a scheme that defrauded U.S. banks and mortgage lenders by purchasing properties in Boston between 2006 and 2007, converting them into apartments, and using "straw buyers" to draw down mortgages that were never repaid. Lee is accused of forging appraisals and receiving about €1 million for his role. He denies all allegations. The case is adjourned to 7 October, when a judgment date will be set. Lee remains on continuing bail. The maximum penalty for the offences is 42 years' imprisonment. The proceedings are ongoing and no verdict has yet been reached.
A 30‑year‑old man, Gary Flynn, charged with the murder of Seamus (Shay) O'Byrne, was refused bail by Mr Justice Paul Carney at the Central Criminal Court. Flynn was remanded in custody and a trial has been scheduled for 11 January 2016.
The Central Criminal Court heard that six months of CCTV footage are available in the murder case of Graham Dwyer, a 41‑year‑old south Dublin architect charged with killing childcare worker Elaine O'Hara, 37, on 22 August 2012. Mr Dwyer was present in court. Defence counsel Ronan Kennedy BL applied for a second junior counsel; the judge agreed. The case contains 540 witness statements, 408 witnesses, seven volumes of evidence, 925 exhibits and five terabytes of computer data. The trial is scheduled to start 19 January next year and is expected to last six weeks.
In a High Court case, a 13‑year‑old autistic boy has challenged Bus Eireann's decision to ban him from its school bus service. The boy was suspended in early June after an incident in which he was accused of assaulting two other children, the bus driver and an escort. The alleged assaults were described as minor. Bus Eireann, which operates the School Transport Service for the Department of Education, said it had permanently excluded the boy following a meeting with his parents, who were told the guidelines did not apply to special‑needs children. The parents claim the decision was unfair and that the boy was denied fair procedures, noting that no inquiry was made into his version of events. They seek to quash the ban, have the guidelines applied to children with disabilities, and obtain declarations that Bus Eireann erred in law and breached the boy's rights.
In a High Court extradition hearing, Francis Lanigan, 49, contested his transfer to Northern Ireland over a murder case. He was arrested in January 2013 on an extradition warrant linked to the 1998 killing of John Knocker in Dungannon. Lanigan's counsel, Dr Michael Forde SC, argued that Lanigan feared a "significant risk to his life" if surrendered to Northern Irish authorities, citing a letter from the Northern Ireland Prison Service and a retired solicitor's testimony. The counsel also challenged the admissibility of the letter as hearsay, comparing it to newspaper reports that branded Lanigan a "dead man" if returned. The Minister's counsel accepted the letter under European arrest warrant provisions. Dr Forde referenced the Faisal al‑Sadoon case to highlight potential human rights violations. Lanigan had been remanded until July 24, and Justice Deirdre Murphy reserved judgment.
In Northern Ireland, Francis Joseph Tiernan, a man in his fifties from Carrickedmond, Kilcurry, Dundalk, Co. Louth, voluntarily surrendered to authorities after a European Arrest Warrant issued in 2012 was executed. The warrant concerns four alleged offences between 1 December 2004 and 1 April 2007, including forging a will, forging a document purporting to be a property sale agreement, and conspiracy to use false instruments. Each offence carries a potential 10‑year prison penalty. Mr Tiernan entered the witness box, signed a surrender document, and was remanded on continuing bail until handover.
Three men were arraigned at the Central Criminal Court, where all pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Jamie Lindsay (20) at Coney Green, Coneyboro, Athy, Co. Kildare, on April 6, 2013. Darren Wynne (21), Quentin Monaghan (21), and James Seery (21) face charges including possession of a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life. While Wynne pleaded guilty to possessing a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges in suspicious circumstances, he and the other two defendants maintained not guilty pleas regarding the murder and other firearm offenses. The State alleges Seery and Monaghan were part of a joint enterprise. Prosecution evidence includes garda interview memos in which Monaghan stated Wynne pointed a gun at his head and forced him to drive, claiming he did not know Lindsay was to be shot. Wynne allegedly told gardai he intended only to injure Lindsay, who he described as his best friend, over a dispute involving missing drugs and threats. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis testified that the cause of death was a shotgun wound to the head, with the right eye destroyed and extensive skull fractures, indicating the weapon was discharged from a couple of feet away. The matter is currently in legal argument, with evidence continuing on Wednesday.
Dean Byrne, 23, of Drumcairn Park, Tallaght, was charged with membership of the Irish Republican Army and unlawful possession of a 9x18mm Makarov pistol and ammunition. He was arrested by the Special Detective Unit and Garda Crime and Security on 5 June 2014. The Special Criminal Court granted him bail on a €1,000 personal bond, with an independent surety of €20,000. He must sign daily at Tallaght Garda Station, observe a curfew from midnight to 7 a.m., surrender his passport, and avoid contact with convicted persons. Byrne is due to appear again on 29 July.
Swords District Court heard several matters involving defendants Rebotilwe Mohlala, Keith McNamara, and Mariam Aroh. Mohlala, 39, pleaded guilty to the theft of €22.98 worth of goods from Tesco Extra in Millfield on June 21st, 2013. Judge Dermot Dempsey indicated he would consider applying the Probation Act if a €200 charitable donation was paid. The matter was adjourned until July 7th to allow the defendant time to arrange the funds. McNamara, 22, pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of €1,100 worth of cannabis herb and the drug itself, found at his home on May 18th, 2013. He claimed he was selling to friends to afford his own use. Judge Dempsey described this as a commercial enterprise. McNamara was remanded on continuing bail for an updated restorative justice report on September 8th. Aroh, 38, was charged with non-display of L-plates, having no driving licence, and giving a false date of birth. She pleaded guilty to the first two charges but contested the false details. Judge Dempsey found her guilty of giving a false date of birth. She was fined €100 for the L-plates offence and €100 for the false date of birth, with other charges taken into consideration.
James Anthony Tighe, 64, of Pettiswood, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, is alleged to have been involved in a £100 million money‑laundering conspiracy. British authorities seek his extradition to face charges of conspiracy to cheat the public revenue, one charge of cheating the public revenue, and one charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering covering 1 January 1997 to 31 December 2005. He was arrested in July 2012 under a European Arrest Warrant issued in September 2011. The High Court has heard that construction companies under Tighe's control were allegedly used to systematically defraud Her Majesty's Revenue. Judge John Edwards ruled that Tighe would be surrendered to the UK for all offences covered by the warrant, but he would remain on bail pending the outcome of an appeal. If the appeal fails, Tighe will return to the High Court; if the Supreme Court upholds the appeal, the matter will end.
In Swords District Court, Judge Dermot Dempsey applied the Probation Act to 34‑year‑old Natasha Reilly, who breached a Protection Order by being drunk and threatening to "smash the face" off her victim. Reilly had been remanded in custody since 19 May and had detoxed, completed an anger‑management course and remained in custody to address her chronic alcoholism. She is now focused on staying sober and rebuilding her relationship with her children. The court also heard other cases: a 32‑year‑old woman, Jennifer Reilly, was remanded on continuing bail for alleged theft of two pairs of shoes; a 22‑year‑old man, Jamie Bowbrick, was given further time to pay a €350 charitable donation after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis and obstruction; a 38‑year‑old woman, Gillian O'Donnell, was remanded on continuing bail for alleged theft of a pair of boots; a 28‑year‑old man, Mark Jackson, was remanded on continuing bail for.
In a High Court hearing on 27 May 2014, Mr Justice John Edwards ordered the surrender of 26‑year‑old Jason Patrick Buckley of Harbour View Apartments, Athy, to British authorities on a charge of conspiring to cause explosions in Staffordshire, England, in summer 2012. Buckley, who denies the allegation, was brought to the court in September 2013 under a European Arrest Warrant. The judge directed that Buckley be handed over to authorised officials and remanded in custody at Cloverhill Prison, with a written judgment to be issued. Buckley was scheduled to appear again on 3 June 2014.
The President of the High Court, Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns, struck off solicitor David Walsh, formerly of David Walsh and Co in Mullingar and Bagenalstown, following findings by the Law Society Disciplinary Tribunal of multiple counts of professional misconduct between 2004 and 2010. Walsh, who retired in 2012 and is seriously ill, had not practised since and opposed the strike‑off, seeking a lesser sanction. The Tribunal found he failed to keep proper books, honour client undertakings to financial institutions, refund a fee deducted from a client's estate, handle client monies properly, charge for unperformed work, and provide inaccurate information to the Law Society's accountant. The Law Society's Solicitors Disciplinary Committee ordered restitution of €67,000 plus VAT. Mr Kearns, sympathetic to Walsh's medical condition, ruled that no lesser sanction was viable and ordered the solicitor be struck off the Roll of Solicitors.
A 43‑year‑old Dublin man, David Mahon, is charged with the murder of 23‑year‑old Dean Fitzpatrick, who was killed on 26 May 2013 at Northern Cross on Malahide Road. Mahon appeared in the Central Criminal Court where a trial date was set for 20 July 2015.
A 45‑year‑old Algerian man, Lounes Ouachek of St Dominic's Terrace, Tallaght, pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of his 32‑year‑old wife, Ruta Ouachek, at their home on 23 August 2012. He was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court, where Mr Justice Paul Carney adjourned sentencing to 14 July and ordered that the victim's evidence be presented by video link.
A 65‑year‑old Vera McGrath of Volvenstown, Fordstown, Navan, Co Meath pleaded guilty in the Central Criminal Court to being an accessory after the fact to her husband's manslaughter. She admitted materially assisting the killer, Bernard Brian McGrath, by disposing of evidence linked to his 1987 manslaughter at Lower Coole, Westmeath. The charge named Colin Pinder as the killer. Mr Justice Paul Carney accepted the plea and remanded her on continuing bail for sentencing on Friday.
Balbriggan District Court heard several matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Martin Lawrence pleaded guilty to the theft of €30 worth of items from a Skerries supermarket. The court applied the Probation Act and warned him to stay away from the store. Mark Donnelly, charged with unlawful possession of cannabis for sale and supply, was adjourned until June 19th pending DPP directions. Linda Hess, charged with unauthorised taking of a vehicle and driving without insurance, was remanded on continuing bail to re-appear on June 5th. James Heraghty, alleged to have assaulted a garda, used threatening behaviour, and obstructed a garda, was remanded on continuing bail to re-appear on June 12th. Dayne Barnwell, alleged to have assaulted a bouncer causing a fractured ankle, was remanded on continuing bail until June 26th. Additionally, Tony Thunder, charged with criminal damage, failed to appear; the case was adjourned until June 12th for gardai to caution him. All defendants were processed at the charge or pretrial stage, with no convictions recorded in this report.
The Special Criminal Court is hearing a voir dire on voice‑recognition evidence in the murder trial of Roy Collins. Two Limerick men, Wayne Dundon, 36, of Lenihan Avenue, Prospect, and Nathan Killeen, 24, of Hyde Road, Prospect, have pleaded not guilty to the killing of 35‑year‑old Roy Collins at Coin Castle Amusements, Roxboro Road Shopping Centre, on 9 April 2009. April Collins, who grew up on Hyde Avenue in Ballinacurra Weston, gave evidence that she had been in a relationship with Gerard Dundon, Wayne's brother, and had three children with him. Her brother Gareth Collins testified that he was offered €20,000 to participate in the murder of publican Steve Collins, Roy's father. April Collins also recounted that on the day of the shooting her son was ill and she had taken him to the regional hospital in Dooradoyle, where she received a phone call.
The Central Criminal Court is hearing a legal argument in the murder trial of Maurice "Mossy" Power, 31, who has pleaded not guilty to the killing of 29‑year‑old Shane Rossiter on 17 October 2012. The prosecution says Power fired two shots that caused catastrophic injuries leading to Rossiter's death. No evidence will be presented until Thursday.
James Anthony Tighe, aged 64, is sought by British authorities for extradition to face charges of conspiracy to cheat the public revenue, one charge of cheating the public revenue, and conspiracy to commit money laundering between 1 January 1997 and 31 December 2005. The alleged offences involve a £100 million money‑laundering conspiracy linked to construction companies under Tighe's control, which were used to defraud the UK public revenue. The High Court will order his extradition on 28 May, after a previous ruling was overturned by the Supreme Court in December 2010 due to inadequacies in the European Arrest Warrant. Tighe was arrested in July 2012 under a warrant issued in September 2011. He remains remanded on continuing bail until the extradition order is made. The case highlights the UK's pursuit of alleged large‑scale fraud against public revenue.
The Central Criminal Court is hearing a legal argument in the murder trial of Maurice "Mossy" Power, 31, who has pleaded not guilty to the killing of 29‑year‑old Shane Rossiter on 17 October 2012 in County Tipperary. The prosecution claims Power fired two shots that caused catastrophic injuries leading to Rossiter's death. No evidence will be presented before Thursday, and the trial is currently focused on legal issues.
In a Skerries car‑park incident on 19 November 2012, 49‑year‑old Peter Mulligan, a Glasgow‑born consultant, headbutted a 40‑year‑old woman after a dispute over a parking space. Mulligan claimed the headbutt was unintentional and that the woman had swore at him and called him a "f**king asshole" after her car had allegedly contacted his. He pleaded guilty to assault before Swords District Court. The victim suffered bruising above her left eye. Mulligan, who had no prior convictions, had set up a business in Ireland in 2005 that collapsed in 2011. Judge Dermot Dempsey ordered him to pay €750 in compensation to the victim and an additional €500 as a charitable donation. Mulligan was remanded on continuing bail to appear again on 21 July. The case remains at the pleading stage.
In Balbriggan District Court on 8 May 2014, Andrew Gosson, aged 24, pleaded guilty to threatening and abusive behaviour on 17 December 2013 and again on 16 January 2013 while driving on the M1. He had one prior road‑traffic conviction. Defence solicitor Fiona D'Arcy said he was under severe pressure from a gambling problem and was not working at the time. Judge Patrick Clyne declined to fine him, noting he was better off feeding his children, and bound him to a peace bond for one year. Separately, 87‑year‑old Michael Murphy was remanded on continuing bail in his absence to appear on 5 June after being charged with dangerous driving on 16 November 2013. Finally, 39‑year‑old William O'Gorman was remanded on continuing bail to re‑appear on 26 June after being charged with robbery, assault and possession of a screwdriver outside St Peter's and Paul's Church on 11 April 2014.
Bridget McDonagh, 27, of Hampton Court, Balbriggan, is accused of fraudulently claiming €70,000 in social welfare payments over a year and a half. She allegedly concealed Carer's Allowance and Child Allowance between 1 March 2008 and 10 December 2009, with payments sent to Yellowbatter Post Office in Drogheda and Phibsboro Post Office in Dublin. The Balbriggan District Court heard she committed 75 offences. The Director of Public Prosecutions has sent all 75 charges to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where she faces trial and remains on continuing bail.
Paul Mason, 26, of Ballygarra Park, Garristown, Co Dublin, appeared before the Special Criminal Court on a special out‑of‑hours sitting on 7 May 2014. He was charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, namely the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA). Detective Garda Peter Cooney of Ardee Garda Station arrested Mason at 9:33 pm on Father Connolly Way, Drogheda, Co Louth, explaining the reason for the arrest in ordinary language; Mason made no reply. Cooney believed Mason had committed the offence of which he is charged. At the court, Mason, wearing a black zip‑up jacket and grey tracksuit bottoms, again said nothing when cautioned. The State Solicitor, Mr Liam Mulholland, applied for remand in custody. Counsel for Mason, Mr Marc Thompson Grolimund BL, sought remand until Monday. Judge Iseult O'Malley, with Judges Margaret Heneghan and Ann Ryan, remanded Mason in custody to appear again on 12 May.
Kenneth Brunell, 27, of Palmerstown, and Barry McArdle, 27, of Drimnagh, were arrested in Ireland on extradition warrants issued in 2011 for the murder of Keith Ennis, 29, whose dismembered body was found in an Amsterdam canal in 2009. Brunell had been granted bail in October 2011 but failed to appear at a High Court hearing on 8 November 2012, leading to a bench warrant and his arrest ten days later. He was readmitted to bail on 7 May 2014 after a High Court judge considered his claims of fear and the length of time he would remain in custody before his case was heard. The judge set a €3,000 surety and a €100 personal bond, with conditions that he reside at a specified address, sign daily at a Garda Station, keep the peace and be of good behaviour. The case remains pending in the Supreme Court.
A 25‑year‑old man named Shane Power, who is unemployed, was charged with assaulting Garda Karl McManus on St Patrick's Day in Skerries and with unlawful possession of nine tablets of MDMA at Balbriggan Garda Station. He was also charged with intoxication and using threatening and abusive behaviour. Power could not attend an earlier court date because he was overseas on holiday. His girlfriend proved that she paid for a one‑week holiday to Tenerife, covering flights and half‑board accommodation at a total cost of €1,600, and presented documents to Judge Dermot Dempsey. The judge was satisfied with the evidence and granted Power free legal aid, remanding the case until 22 May. The decision was made after the judge had previously reserved legal aid for Power, who had argued that he could not afford legal fees while on holiday. The case remains pending as of the article's date.
Three men – Eoin Maguire (29), Cornelius Price (32) and Edward Price (24) – were remanded on continuing bail by Judge Dermot Dempsey at Balbriggan District Court. They face charges of assault causing harm to Clifford Whitehouse and James Whitehouse on 20 December 2013 at Bremore Castle, and of producing a Stanley knife on the same day. Cornelius Price and Edward Price are also charged with reckless endangerment of a garda at Balbriggan Garda Station on 22 December 2013. Maguire had previously been granted bail with a condition to sign on three times a week; his solicitor requested a reduction to once a week, but the judge refused. The judge extended the bail period to 9 am‑9 pm and reserved free legal aid for Maguire. All three men are to re‑appear on 24 April 2014.
A law firm, McMahon, O'Brien, Tynan Solicitors, has filed a High Court action to stop a development company, Greenband Investments, from finalising a settlement with the Irish Coursing Club (ICC) until the firm receives payment for its legal fees. Greenband, which had won a High Court case against the ICC for €640,000 in damages over a failed sale of a laneway, is now in receivership under NAMA. The ICC and the receivers have agreed to a settlement that would give Greenband a right of way over the laneway and pay €275,000 toward the ICC's legal costs, but the solicitors claim they are receiving nothing. The firm seeks a declaration under Section 3 of the Legal Practitioners Act that it is entitled to a charge over the land, an injunction preventing any settlement that does not cover its costs, and an order that the parties pay its legal fees.
Balbriggan District Court heard several pre-trial matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Edwin Akandu, 45, is charged with driving without insurance. His solicitor stated he is a named driver on his partner's policy, but she refuses to provide the certificate. The Judge ordered Chill Insurance to furnish the document to Garda Keith Horgan, warning of a warrant for non-compliance, and adjourned the case until May 22nd. Michelle Ferris, 38, is alleged to have drink driven, failed to wear a seat belt, and driven without a licence. Following receipt of disclosure, she was remanded on continuing bail to appear before Swords District Court on June 9th. Joseph Cruise, 20, is alleged to have breached a protection order. He was remanded on continuing bail to re-appear before Balbriggan District Court on May 16th. Stephen Teeling is charged with unlawful possession of cannabis. The Judge granted a disclosure order and remanded him on continuing bail to return on April 24th for a plea or hearing date. Gavin Deegan, 24, is also charged with unlawful possession of cannabis. He was remanded on continuing bail to re-appear before the court on April 24th. All defendants are currently at the charge or pre-trial stage, with no pleas entered or findings made.