Kevin Braney, 40, of Tallaght, Dublin, was granted temporary bail by the Special Criminal Court in a trial concerning alleged membership of an unlawful organisation. The court, presided over by Mr Justice Paul Butler alongside Judges Cormac Dunne and Flann Brennan, allowed Braney bail on consent from May 26 until June 3. He was required to enter a €100 bond, surrender his passport, reside at specified addresses, sign on twice daily at a garda station, observe a curfew between 7am and 7pm, and provide a mobile number. Additionally, he must not contact prosecution witnesses or associate with co-accused or persons charged with scheduled offences, except in the presence of his legal team. His independent surety of €3,250 was present in court. Braney's trial is currently listed for June 9. He is one of seven men charged with membership of the IRA on July 3, 2013. His co-accused are Peter Burns, Brian Nick McBennet, Michael Barr, John Brock, Declan Phelan, and Desmond Christie. All six co-accused face the same alleged charge. The matter remains at the trial stage, with Braney's temporary bail period set to expire before his scheduled trial date.
In a murder trial held in Dublin, the State's counsel, Mr Conor Devally SC, argued that it was "inescapable" that Keith O'Neill, aged 39, participated in the killing of John Wilson, aged 35, on 28 September 2012 at Wilson's home on Cloverhill Road, Ballyfermot. Devally described the shooting as a brutal event, citing CCTV footage, bullet residue on a gun found in a smouldering car near Cherry Orchard, and the presence of a distinctive t‑shirt worn by O'Neill at the time. He also referenced post‑incident evidence, including O'Neill's purchase of new clothing at JD Sports and the disposal of items that contained gunshot residue. Defending counsel, Mr Anthony Sammon SC, countered that there was no motive, no link between O'Neill and the Ruger gun, and raised concerns about contamination of forensic evidence. The trial was set to continue before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury of five women and seven men. Keith O'Neill pleaded not guilty.
Three men appeared before the Special Criminal Court at trial, facing alleged IRA-related charges arising from an ongoing investigation into dissident republican activities. Séamus McGrane, 60, of Co Louth, was charged with directing the activities of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA and membership of that organisation between December 2009 and May 2015. He made no reply to the charges and was remanded in custody until May 20. Donal O Coisdealbha, 23, of Dublin 15, was charged with IRA membership and possession of a time and power unit, a component of an improvised explosive device, found in a storage locker at NUI Maynooth. He also made no reply and was remanded in custody until May 20, with his solicitor indicating a bail application would be made. Dylan Cahill, 22, of Co Tipperary, was charged with IRA membership, possession of a .380 calibre Colt semi-automatic pistol, four rounds of ammunition, and two pipe bombs in Co Leitrim. He made no reply to the charges. A proposed bail application for the following Tuesday was opposed by the DPP due to Garda operational constraints. The court remanded Mr Cahill in custody until June 9, granting him liberty to apply for bail before that date. All three accused were identified in the dock by detective sergeants, and no pleas or findings were recorded at this procedural stage.
The trial of former Anglo Irish Bank chairman Sean FitzPatrick, who is 66, has been delayed again. Judge Mary Ellen Ring announced that the evidence would not begin until late next week. Legal argument in the absence of the jury will continue for several days. The jury was told that an illness was causing difficulty and that the trial would not start in evidence until next Monday, and then again until next Thursday. The court will notify jurors to keep their phones on. FitzPatrick pleaded not guilty to 27 offences under the Companies Act, 1990, including 21 charges of making misleading statements to auditors and six charges of furnishing false information. The charges relate to alleged loans from Irish Nationwide Building Society to him or people connected to him between 2002 and 2007 while he was an officer of Anglo Irish Bank.
During a murder trial, the jury heard that Keith O'Neill, 39, claimed "you have the wrong man" when questioned by Gardaí about the 2012 shooting of John Wilson, 35, at Wilson's home on Cloverhill Road, Ballyfermot. O'Neill pleaded not guilty. Prosecutor Conor Devally confirmed O'Neill denied the killing in post‑shooting interviews. Detective Garda Eamon O'Brien provided phone records from 21–29 September 2012, showing 210 calls, though calls from non‑Meteor networks were not recorded. Judge Tony Hunt scheduled a return for Monday to allow further legal argument in this circumstantial case.
In a Waterford murder trial, 34‑year‑old Tadhg Butler, also known as Thomas O'Grady, is charged with killing 25‑year‑old Michael O'Dwyer on 10 January 2014. The judge, Justice Patrick McCarthy, instructed the jury to base their verdict solely on the evidence presented, noting that Butler's closing speech contained statements that were not evidence. He emphasized that the jury must consider the reliability of witness statements, particularly that of Anthony O'Grady, Butler's nephew, and the testimony of Ms Rose Burke, Butler's former partner. The judge also clarified that Butler's decision not to testify does not imply guilt. He reminded the jury that any reference to Butler's family or potential consequences of conviction is irrelevant to the adjudication. The jury began deliberations after the judge's instructions. Tadhg Butler pleaded not guilty.
The Central Criminal Court heard that Keith O'Neill, 39, pleaded not guilty to the murder of John Wilson, 35, on 28 September 2012. CCTV footage showed O'Neill entering Liffey Valley shopping centre and leaving in a change of clothing that day. Garda Alan O'Mahony presented the footage to the court. Dr. Sheila Willis explained that forensic evidence must be packed, sealed and labelled, and that a forensic scientist may refuse to handle potentially contaminated evidence. The trial will continue before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury tomorrow.
During a murder trial, evidence was presented that a pair of jeans recovered from a skip on the day of John Wilson's shooting contained firearm residue. The accused, Keith O'Neill, 39, pleaded not guilty to the 2012 murder. Detective Ronan Doolan confirmed O'Neill placed two JD Sports bags into a skip on September 28, and Sergeant Paul Curtis found blue jeans in one bag. Witness Paula Molloy testified she saw a customer, later identified as O'Neill, at Dunnes Stores on September 27, buying various items and appearing sweaty. Forensic scientist Dr. Barbara Buchanan noted a nylon bag with socks contained partly evaporated petrol. Dr. Thomas Hannigan examined items on October 1, 2012, and reported firearm residue on the jeans, explaining how such residue can disperse over time. The trial is set to continue before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury.
In the Waterford murder trial, Tadhg Butler (34) is charged with killing 25‑year‑old Michael O'Dwyer on 10 January 2014. Butler, who also goes by Thomas O'Grady, pleaded not guilty and dismissed his legal team the day before the hearing. During cross‑examination, he claimed he had gone to the kitchen that night to get a knife, was attempting self‑harm, and that he grabbed the knife from his nephew, Anthony O'Grady, and swung it, inadvertently stabbing O'Dwyer. Butler said he had no intention to kill and that the act was accidental. The prosecution, led by Denis Vaughan Buckley SC, argued that Butler's statements and evidence—including a confession to his former partner and witness statements—indicated intent. The judge instructed the jury to consider the evidence and use "common sense" in deciding whether Butler's claim of accidental stabbing was credible. The trial was scheduled to continue the following morning.
In a Waterford murder trial, Tadhg Butler (34), charged with killing 25‑year‑old Michael O'Dwyer on 10 January 2014, recalled and cross‑examined his nephew, Mr. O'Grady, a witness. Judge Patrick McCarthy described the situation as "exceptional" and allowed Butler to question the nephew about new topics. Butler asked O'Grady about his memory of the night, the alleged use of Valium, and whether he had spoken of self‑harm or a knife. O'Grady denied remembering any such statements, claiming he had "blanked out" and had no knowledge of the events. Butler alleged a scuffle in the hallway where he removed a knife from O'Grady's hand, which then stabbed O'Dwyer's chest, describing it as accidental. O'Grady refuted these claims, stating he had never spoken of stabbing O'Dwyer. The prosecution's closing speech reiterated that the defence had never suggested Butler "accidentally" stabbed the victim. The trial continues. Tadhg Butler pleaded not guilty.
During a 2015 trial in Waterford, the accused, Tadhg Butler (34), who is charged with the murder of Michael O'Dwyer on 10 January 2014, has dismissed his legal team and will represent himself. The jury heard that Butler, also known as Thomas O'Grady, denied the charge and claimed he had hugged O'Dwyer that evening, explaining the DNA found on the victim's clothes. Prosecutor Denis Vaughan Buckley presented Garda interviews, noting Butler's statements about feeling saddened for O'Dwyer's family and his respect for life. Detective Seamus Keevans described the search of Butler's house, which yielded no blood‑stained knife but six table knives and two sharp knives from the kitchen drawer. The judge granted Butler the right to cross‑examine his nephew, Anthony O'Grady, and indicated the case was approaching its final phase. The trial continues.
The trial of former Anglo Irish Bank chairman Sean FitzPatrick, aged 66, has been postponed again, with the start of evidence now scheduled for no earlier than Monday, 18 May. Judge Mary Ellen Ring, presiding at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, explained that the jury will not be called back until that date and that they will be instructed to keep their phones on. The delay follows an illness that has caused "serious timetable problems" and has already led to the jury being notified by telephone that the trial would be postponed. FitzPatrick pleaded not guilty on 14 April to 27 offences under the Companies Act 1990, including 21 counts of making misleading statements to auditors and six counts of furnishing false information. The charges relate to loans allegedly given to him or people connected to him by Irish Nationwide Building Society between 2002 and 2007 while he was an officer of Anglo Irish Bank.
The murder trial of Tadhg Butler, 34, of Seafield, Tramore, Co Waterford, continues at the court. Butler, also known as Thomas O'Grady, has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Michael O'Dwyer at that address on 10 January 2014. State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy testified that O'Dwyer died from a single stab wound to the left side of the chest, which entered his heart and left lung. She noted the injury was consistent with a blade having a single side cutting edge and that there was no evidence of self-defensive injuries. Toxicology reports indicated alcohol and a tranquilliser-type drug in the deceased's system. Under cross-examination, Dr Cassidy acknowledged that either of two similar knives recovered from the scene could have caused the injury. Garda Paul O'Flynn stated that only those two black-handled knives were found during the search. Forensic scientist Sarah Fleming reported finding no blood on the knives or on swabs taken from Butler's hands. The matter was adjourned, and the trial continues.
In a murder trial, a Garda testified that he saw the body of John Wilson, 35, covered by a blanket on the day he was shot dead at his home on Cloverhill Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10. Keith O'Neill, 39, from Lissadell Drive, Drimnagh, Dublin, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Wilson on 28 September 2012. Detective Garda Dennis Sweetman presented CCTV footage showing both Wilson and O'Neill entering the same shop from Cherry Orchard Avenue, with Wilson wearing a motorcycle jacket and helmet. The footage also showed Wilson leaving the shop at 10.39 am and walking toward his motorbike after O'Neill and another person exited. Garda Mark Collander, from the ballistics section, described entering Wilson's home, finding the body covered by a blanket, and noting multiple bullet holes in the front door and hallway.
In the Phoenix Park murder trial, a 29‑year‑old homeless man, Ciaran Moran, was charged with killing 36‑year‑old Gerard Donnelly, who had €140,000 in a bank account. The jury heard a photograph of a severed toe that was sent from a phone attributed to Moran on the night after the alleged murder. Gardaí found a Sony Xperia phone and a €170 receipt from a menswear shop under Moran's bed. CCTV footage showed Moran walking toward the park before the killing, spending money the next day, and later lodging cash at an AIB branch. The trial also examined evidence of Moran's movements in the days surrounding the crime, and the case is set to continue before Justice Margaret Heneghan and a jury. Ciaran Moran pleaded not guilty.
In a murder trial, the jury heard that DNA matching the accused, Keith O'Neill, was found on clothing that smelled of petrol, which he was seen disposing of on the same day a man was shot dead. O'Neill, 39, from Lissadell Drive, Drimnagh, pleaded not guilty to the murder of John Wilson on 28 September 2012 at Wilson's home on Cloverhill Road, Ballyfermot. Detective Garda Ronan Doolan testified that he saw O'Neill place two JD Sports bags into a skip on that day, and that one bag contained clothing with a petrol smell. Sergeant Paul Curtis confirmed that the bags held a pair of Nike Airmax runners, blue jeans, a green t‑shirt and two receipts dated 28 September 2012. Dr Emily Jordan of the Forensic Science Laboratory reported that DNA from the inside of the front jeans pockets matched O'Neill's DNA.
During the murder trial of Tadhg Butler, the former partner Mary Rose Burke testified that she visited Butler in Cork Prison in January 2014 and that he told her he had stabbed Michael O'Dwyer once. She said she had five children with him and that they had separated more than three years earlier. Burke claimed Butler had asked her to use her address for bail, which she refused, and that he had taken Valium and whiskey that night. She also said he was a good friend of O'Dwyer and had only stabbed him once. The defence questioned her about the relationship and her motives, and she denied using the children to extract information. The prosecution and defence discussed her statements to Gardaí and her alleged false claims. The court heard that Butler was arrested after the incident and that no weapon was found at the scene. The trial was scheduled to resume on Monday. Tadhg Butler pleaded not guilty.
During the trial of 29‑year‑old Ciaran Moran for the murder of Gerard Donnelly in Phoenix Park, the jury was shown a blue Giant bicycle and a Sony Xperia smartphone that Moran allegedly purchased after the killing. Gardaí found Donnelly's body on fire in Phoenix Park on 29 November 2013, with evidence that he had been killed by blunt force trauma before being set alight. Moran, who was staying in a hostel on Camden Street, was found to have a key to a padlock and a new bicycle with a new lock, which the hostel manager confirmed he owned. The Carphone Warehouse receipt for the phone was dated shortly after 2 pm on 29 November 2013. Moran also checked into a bed and breakfast on Gardiner Street that night, paying €120 in cash, and was identified by the receptionist as one of the guests. Ciaran Moran pleaded not guilty.
During a murder trial, Keith O'Neill, aged 39, pleaded not guilty to the killing of John Wilson on 28 September 2012. O'Neill testified that he was the passenger in Wilson's car with Wilson's seven‑year‑old daughter when another vehicle pulled up beside them. He said he jumped out and ran, hearing a couple of bangs, and later entered the house to try to resuscitate Wilson. O'Neill also confirmed that he had described the passenger as a tall man in black in a statement to the Gardaí. The court heard that a 0.357 Ruger 100 revolver, six cylinders discharged, was recovered from a Volkswagen Passat, and that burnt striped clothing and black gloves were found in the vehicle. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, is scheduled to continue for two weeks.
During a murder trial in the Central Criminal Court, witness Eamon Flynn testified that the accused, 36‑year‑old Ciaran Moran, often spoke of 'battering and torturing' Gerard Donnelly, a homeless man who had a large amount of money. Flynn said he had seen Moran purchase a fold‑up army shovel and an orange jump suit in October 2013, and that Moran had also bought a balaclava and a knife on another occasion. Flynn described how Moran would talk about Donnelly's money while drinking, and that he had borrowed money from Donnelly a few times. Another witness, Eamon Mahon, saw a blue canister, hammer and balaclava in Moran's bag. The jury heard that Moran did not stay in his hostel on the night of 28 November 2013, and that he was absent from the hostel on that night, returning the next day. The trial continues before Justice Margaret Heneghan and a jury. Ciaran Moran pleaded not guilty.
During a murder trial in the Central Criminal Court, witness Eamon Flynn testified that the accused, 29‑year‑old Ciaran Moran, repeatedly claimed he would "batter and torture" a homeless man who had money. Flynn said the accused made these threats while drinking and that he had purchased a fold‑up army shovel, an orange jumpsuit, a balaclava and a knife in October 2013. The case concerns the murder of Gerard Donnelly, a homeless man found burned in Phoenix Park in 2013. Donnelly's body was discovered on fire, and the father of one of the deceased had died from blunt force trauma to the head before being set alight. Moran pleaded not guilty, and the defence is cross‑examining Flynn before Justice Margaret Heneghan and a jury of nine men and three women.
In a Kilkenny murder trial, the jury heard a statement from the accused's nephew, Anthony O'Grady, who claimed his uncle, Tadhg Butler (also known as Thomas O'Grady), stabbed 25‑year‑old Michael O'Dwyer in the chest with a foot‑long butcher knife. The nephew described the night's events: the men travelled to Tramore, drank, and later, while the uncle was playing music, he allegedly lifted a knife and stabbed O'Dwyer. O'Grady said he did not remember the incident, citing prescription painkillers and alcohol. He also admitted to past violent behaviour when drinking. The statement was read by prosecution counsel, and O'Grady was cross‑examined by the defence. The trial continues with the jury considering this testimony. Tadhg Butler pleaded not guilty.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, former Anglo Irish Bank chairman Sean FitzPatrick, aged 66, pleaded not guilty to 27 offences under the Companies Act 1990, including 21 charges of misleading auditors and six of furnishing false information. The charges relate to alleged loans from Irish Nationwide Building Society between 2002 and 2007 that FitzPatrick failed to disclose to Anglo's auditors, Ernst and Young. The prosecution alleges he authorised arrangements to reduce the apparent loan balances at year‑end and concealed arrangements with Irish Nationwide. The trial, repeatedly delayed for three weeks, was postponed again due to an illness that caused serious timetable problems, as explained by Judge Mary Ellen Ring to the jury. The judge asked the jury to return next Wednesday, noting the difficulty of the case and apologising for the delays. The jury, composed of 12 members, had been notified of the postponements by telephone. The case remains pending.
In a 2015 murder trial, Charlene O'Connor testified that Ciaran Moran, a 29‑year‑old homeless man, told her he had killed Gerard Donnelly, a homeless informant accused of touching children, to "teach him a lesson." O'Connor described meeting Moran at Heuston Station on 28 November 2013, where he showed her a bag containing a blow torch, hammer, cable ties and wire. She said he explained the items were for a man who had interfered with children. Moran allegedly mentioned two Germans were involved and that he had bought a bike and had €150. O'Connor also identified photographs of a toe and a face, which Moran claimed were proof for the Germans. The trial heard from Garda Peter Devane about Donnelly's large cash holdings and from Pathologist Marie Cassidy about Donnelly's fatal injuries, including a hammer and a pincers‑type tool found near his head. The case proceeded before Justice Margaret Heneghan and a jury. Ciaran Moran pleaded not guilty.
Emily Casey, 18, was left paralysed from the chest down after a screw was incorrectly inserted into her spinal cord during a scoliosis operation at Our Ladies Hospital for Sick Children on 8 December 2009. She sued the hospital and consultant orthopaedic surgeon Dr David Moore for medical negligence. On 6 May 2015 the High Court approved a part‑settlement of €1.668 million, which Emily and her family accepted. The settlement follows the admission of liability by the hospital last Friday. The case remains open for further issues, and an apology is being prepared for Emily. The settlement was granted while the case is adjourned to a later date in the month for any remaining matters. The court noted that Emily had previously suffered meningitis at age four and had been able to walk with a frame before the surgery. The settlement reflects the severe complications and paralysis caused by the surgical error.
During a murder trial in Dublin, a seven‑year‑old girl testified that she heard gunshots and saw her father, Keith O'Neill, being shot at his home on Cloverhill Road on 28 September 2012. She described hearing "bang bang bang" and feeling a mix of sadness and relief that her father was no longer with "bad boys." O'Neill, aged 39, pleaded not guilty to the murder of John Wilson. The prosecution, led by Conor Devally, presented evidence that a hooded gunman entered the house, fired six shots, and that two bullets struck Wilson, one in the chest and one in the left arm. The state pathologist confirmed the fatal chest wound and the presence of multiple internal injuries. The case is proceeding before a jury of five women and seven men, with the trial expected to last two weeks.
In a 2015 trial at the Central Criminal Court, the State Pathologist, Professor Marie Cassidy, presented evidence that Gerard Donnelly, a homeless man found dead in a fire in Phoenix Park, died from blunt force trauma to the head. She described catastrophic injuries to his face and head, likely caused by multiple blows from a moderately heavy object, and noted that death would have resulted from brain injury and airway obstruction. Cassidy identified a lump hammer near Donnelly's head as a potential weapon and a pincers‑type tool that may have been used to amputate his little toe and cut his left thumb, injuries she believed were inflicted after death. Ciaran Moran, 29, was charged with Donnelly's murder, claiming the killing occurred on either 28 or 29 November 2013. The trial, presided over by Justice Margaret Heneghan, was set to last ten working days. Ciaran Moran pleaded not guilty.
The trial of a 34‑year‑old Kilkenny man, Tadhg Butler, charged with murdering a 25‑year‑old man in Waterford, continues at the Central Criminal Court. Butler, also known as Thomas O'Grady, pleaded not guilty. The court heard evidence from a neighbour who claimed to have heard an "awful racket" outside her house on the night of the murder. Mr Noel Whelan BL called Mr Tony Walsh, who described watching a documentary with Ms Diana Doherty when they heard a disturbance. Walsh reported seeing men standing around a body on the ground, one shouting that the victim was not responding. He called 999 and noted the victim's name was Timothy. The court also heard from Ms Doherty, who confirmed hearing a fight and seeing a body, and expressed distress over the victim's mother. The trial is set to resume with evidence tomorrow morning.
In a 2015 murder trial, the prosecution presented evidence that the 29‑year‑old accused, Ciaran Moran, had almost €150,000 in funds just weeks before the body of Gerard Donnelly was found burning in Phoenix Park. Donnelly's body was discovered with a V‑shaped wound on a thumb, a freshly amputated left little toe, and extensive head fractures. The State Pathologist attributed death to blunt force trauma to the head, with fire damage under the head and neck. The prosecution argued that Moran, who was homeless and had been seen in the park, was in the area around 10:30 pm on 28 November and had items such as a hammer and a gas canister that matched those found at the scene. The jury was instructed to decide whether Moran caused Donnelly's death and had the necessary intent. The trial was scheduled to last ten working days.
A 39‑year‑old Dublin man, Keith O'Neill, will stand trial for the 2012 murder of a 35‑year‑old man named John Wilson in Ballyfermot. O'Neill pleaded not guilty and was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court. The trial, to be heard by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, is expected to last two weeks and will involve a jury of ten members.
A 34‑year‑old Kilkenny man, Tadhg Butler (also known as Thomas O'Grady), has gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of 25‑year‑old Michael O'Dwyer, who was stabbed once in the chest at Butler's house in Tramore on 10 January 2014. Butler pleaded not guilty. The prosecution, led by Mr Denis Vaughan Buckley SC, presented evidence that a single stab wound was found on O'Dwyer's chest, that no defensive injuries were present, and that a post‑mortem confirmed the wound. Gardaí arrested Butler on suspicion of assault causing harm the same day and interviewed him twice at Tramore Garda Station. Witness Mr Luke Green testified that he, O'Dwyer, and Tony O'Grady travelled to the house, drank, and that O'Dwyer was found lying on the ground, stabbed, with Tony attempting to help. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, is expected to last two to three weeks.
A 29‑year‑old man, Ciaran Moran, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Gerard Donnelly in Phoenix Park, Dublin, in late November 2013. He was arraigned at the Central Criminal Court, where he was seen wearing a pink polo shirt and navy tracksuit bottoms. The judge, Patrick McCarthy, swore in a jury of nine men and three women and informed them of potential civilian witnesses from the Dublin 7 area. The trial, to be heard by Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan, is scheduled to begin this afternoon and is expected to last ten working days.
In a trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, former Anglo Irish Bank chairman Sean FitzPatrick, aged 66, pleaded not guilty to 27 offences under the Companies Act, 1990, including 21 charges of making misleading statements to auditors and six charges of furnishing false information. The charges relate to alleged loans from Irish Nationwide Building Society between 2002 and 2007 that FitzPatrick failed to disclose to Anglo's auditors, Ernst and Young, and to arrangements that would reduce the apparent balance of those loans at the end of the bank's financial year. The trial, which began legal argument on 16 April, was scheduled to run for six weeks until 28 May, but Judge Mary Ellen Ring announced that the opening of the trial in evidence would be delayed and that the trial would now extend into June. She asked jurors to consider their availability and offered to arrange correspondence for those with difficulties.
In a Central Criminal Court trial, Marius Gaizutis, 52, was found guilty of the axe murder of Audrius Butkus, 44, who was discovered on a Meath beach in 2013. Gaizutis had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter at arraignment. The jury, composed of four women and eight men, deliberated for two hours and forty minutes before delivering a unanimous verdict. The prosecution presented evidence that Butkus died from blunt‑force trauma to the head, consistent with being struck by a rectangular object such as an axe. State Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy testified that Butkus had sustained multiple blows to the back, top and left side of his head, and that his liver showed signs of chronic alcohol use. Witnesses described a struggle in which Gaizutis allegedly used an axe after an altercation over a bottle of Captain Morgan's. The court noted forensic DNA evidence linking blood on an axe to Butkus.
The jury was discharged in the trial of 34‑year‑old Tadhg Butler, also known as Thomas O'Grady, who is accused of murdering 25‑year‑old Michael O'Dwyer in Waterford on 10 January 2014. Butler, from Kilkenny and living in Seafield, Tramore, pleaded not guilty to stabbing O'Dwyer once in the chest. Judge Patrick McCarthy explained that a legal issue arose the previous day, leading to new legal submissions, and ordered a new jury to be sworn in next Tuesday. The trial is expected to last two weeks.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 29 April 2015, Mary Rose Burke, a former partner of 34‑year‑old Tadhg Butler, testified that she visited him in Cork Prison on 13 January 2014 after he was charged with the murder of 25‑year‑old Michael O'Dwyer. She said Butler, who also goes by Thomas O'Grady, told her he had stabbed O'Dwyer once in the chest, was drunk and had taken Valium, and that he was not remorseful. Burke denied that Butler had suggested a plea for manslaughter or that she had an agenda to harm his case. Prosecutor Denis Vaughan Buckley described the alleged events on 9 January 2014, when O'Dwyer was found dead outside Butler's house with a single stab wound. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, was expected to last two weeks. Tadhg Butler pleaded not guilty.
The trial of Marius Gaizutis, 52, of Marsh Road, Drogheda, Co Louth, is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. Gaizutis is charged with the alleged murder of Audrius Butkus, 44, at that address on September 9 or 10, 2013. He pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter; the State rejected the latter plea, resulting in a jury trial. Prosecution counsel Patrick Gageby SC argued that forensic evidence, including skull fractures and a deliberate clean-up, demonstrated intent to kill. Defence counsel Ciaran O'Loughlin SC contended that Gaizutis acted under provocation and lost control, supporting a manslaughter verdict. Justice Margaret Heneghan charged the jury to decide the facts based on oral evidence and exhibits. After two hours and eleven minutes of deliberation, the jury was instructed to suspend deliberations until Friday morning at 10am, as there is no court sitting tomorrow. The matter remains adjourned pending the jury's final decision.
A 34‑year‑old Kilkenny man, Tadhg Butler (also known as Thomas O'Grady), has gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of 25‑year‑old Michael O'Dwyer in Waterford on 10 January 2014. Butler, who lives in Seafield, Tramore, is charged with stabbing O'Dwyer once in the chest. Prosecutor Denis Vaughan Buckley SC opened the case to a jury, stating that O'Dwyer and two others were invited to a party at the accused's house on 9 January, where they were drinking. At some point a knife was used to stab O'Dwyer's chest. Emergency services arrived at 11.20 pm, found O'Dwyer lying outside the house, and he was taken to Waterford Regional Hospital, where he died two hours later. Gardaí saw Butler outside the house when they arrived, but he had retreated inside and locked the door. Tadhg Butler pleaded not guilty.
The trial of former Anglo Irish Bank chairman Seán FitzPatrick, aged 66, has been delayed and will not begin before next Tuesday. A jury of six men and six women was empaneled at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court two weeks ago, but the opening of the trial has been postponed multiple times. FitzPatrick has pleaded not guilty to 27 offences under the Companies Act 1990, including 21 charges of making misleading or false statements to auditors and six charges of furnishing false information. The allegations relate to loans allegedly given to him or people connected to him by Irish Nationwide Building Society between 2002 and 2007 while he was an officer of Anglo Irish Bank.
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, a jury has acquitted Gail O'Rorke of attempting to assist the suicide of her friend. The jury returned not guilty verdicts after an eight-day trial and seven hours of deliberation. Ms O'Rorke, a taxi driver from Tallaght with connections to Monaghan, had faced charges of attempting to help Bernadette Forde travel to a euthanasia clinic in Switzerland. Ms Forde, who suffered from severe multiple sclerosis, died in June 2011. Prior to the jury's decision, the trial judge had directed not guilty verdicts on two additional charges relating to the procurement of barbiturates and funeral arrangements. This was the first prosecution under the Criminal Law (Suicide) Act 1993, which criminalises assisting another person's suicide. The judge commended the jury for their careful consideration of what he described as a difficult case.
Sean Connolly, aged 35, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to the murder of veteran criminal Eamon Kelly, who was killed on 4 December 2012 at Furry Park Road, Killester, Dublin. Connolly had originally faced three charges – murder, IRA membership and possession of a firearm – but the court was informed that the latter two would not proceed after his guilty plea. The Director of Public Prosecutions' counsel noted that a nolle prosequi would be entered for the remaining counts. A Victim Impact Report was being prepared, and the court was scheduled to reconvene on 1 May. The case was to be heard by Judges Paul Butler, Alison Lindsay and Flann Brennan, with a significant Garda presence in attendance. The trial, expected to last three weeks, was halted following Connolly's admission of guilt.
During a murder trial, a forensic scientist testified that blood found in the hollow groove at the tip of an axe matched the DNA profile of the deceased, Audrius Butkus, 44. The accused, Marius Gaizutis, 52, of Marsh Road, Drogheda, Co Louth, is charged with murdering Butkus at that address on 9 or 10 September 2013. Gaizutis pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter when arraigned before the Central Criminal Court. The jury was sworn in to try him, and the trial continues.
In a murder trial in Drogheda, Judge Margaret Heneghan decided to continue the case with only one defendant, 52‑year‑old Marius Gaizutis, after initially having two. Gaizutis admitted killing 44‑year‑old Audrius Butkus, whose body was found on a Louth beach in 2013. He pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter at arraignment. The co‑accused, 53‑year‑old Aivers Sonders, was charged with assisting an offender by moving the body, cleaning the scene and disposing of evidence, and pleaded not guilty to all three counts. The judge told the jury that they would no longer consider Sonders. The trial continues with further evidence, including CCTV footage of the night of the murder. The case remains at the Central Criminal Court.
The jury in the trial of Gail O'Rorke, 43, a taxi driver from Tallaght, is set to continue deliberations tomorrow. O'Rorke faces a single charge of attempting to help Bernadette Forde, 51, a multiple sclerosis sufferer, travel to Dignitas in Zurich to end her life. The jury spent three and a half hours today considering the evidence that O'Rorke tried to arrange the trip between March 10 and April 20, 2011, but the plan was foiled when a travel agent informed Gardaí. O'Rorke has pleaded not guilty. Last week Judge Patrick McCartan ordered the jury to acquit her of a second charge involving a lethal dose of barbiturates from Mexico and a third charge of procuring Forde's suicide by organising her funeral. The judge explained that the prosecution had not produced sufficient evidence for these counts, and that O'Rorke's actions were too remote from the suicide to constitute aiding and abetting.
During a two‑week trial at the Central Criminal Court, 39‑year‑old Jooda Akanbi was acquitted of murder after a fight with 45‑year‑old Taiwo Jamani on Main Street, Swords, on 10 October 2013. Akanbi claimed he acted in self‑defence, striking Jamani with a baseball bat after the latter allegedly punched him. Witnesses described the altercation as "like something out of Star Wars". Jamani died in hospital from a severe traumatic brain injury caused by a blunt force blow to the head. No CCTV footage captured the incident. The prosecution sought a murder verdict, arguing Akanbi intended to kill or seriously injure Jamani, while the State denied self‑defence. The jury, after more than seven hours of deliberation, returned a verdict of not guilty, and Akanbi was discharged. No family members of the deceased were present at the verdict.
The trial of 47‑year‑old Mary Maloney of South Claughan Road, Garryowen, Limerick, will begin tomorrow. She is charged with failing to disclose information to the Gardaí that she knew or believed could assist in the apprehension, prosecution or conviction of a person for the 2006 murder of Noel Crawford. The charge covers the period from 18 December 2006 to February 2011. Maloney pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court. A jury of six men and six women was sworn in, and the case is expected to last four to five days.
Tadhg Butler, 34, also known as Thomas O'Grady, from Kilkenny, was arraigned in the Central Criminal Court for the 2014 murder of 25‑year‑old Michael O'Dwyer in Waterford. He pleaded not guilty. The trial, set to begin Wednesday before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, will be heard by a jury of eight women and four men and is expected to last two weeks.
The jury has begun deliberations in the trial of Gail O'Rorke, a 43‑year‑old taxi driver from Tallaght, who is accused of attempting to assist the suicide of her friend Bernadette Forde, 51. O'Rorke is alleged to have arranged travel to the Swiss euthanasia clinic Dignitas, a plan that was stopped when a travel agent alerted the Gardaí. Judge Patrick McCartan addressed the jury, summarising the prosecution's case that the facts are not in dispute and that O'Rorke's actions were too direct to be considered "too remote" from the suicide. He also explained the defence's argument that O'Rorke lacked criminal intent and that ignorance of the law is not a defence. The judge instructed the jury to give the benefit of the doubt where facts were uncertain and to consider the presumption of innocence. Gail O'Rorke pleaded not guilty.
During his final sitting at the Four Courts on 24 April 2015, Mr Justice Paul Carney retired after more than five decades of service as Ireland's most senior criminal judge. He was called to the Bar in 1966 and appointed to the High Court in 1991, presiding over hundreds of civil and criminal cases, including high‑profile rape, murder and manslaughter trials such as those of Wayne O'Donoghue, Michael Bambrick and the Mulhall sisters. Carney also sat on the three‑judge High Court that heard the Marie Fleming assisted‑suicide case and was involved in the 1986 Kenny appeal that introduced the exclusionary rule. He was known for his strict adherence to tradition, wearing a horsehair wig, and for being a "tough but fair" judge who insisted on high standards and the rights of victims.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Judge Patrick McCartan directed a jury of twelve to acquit Gail O'Rorke, aged 43, on two of the three charges against her in the assisted‑suicide case involving Bernadette Forde, aged 51. The jury was ordered to find O'Rorke not guilty of ordering a lethal dose of barbiturates from Mexico, which Forde later used to end her life, and not guilty of "procuring" Forde's suicide by arranging her funeral before death. O'Rorke remains charged with attempting to arrange travel to the Swiss euthanasia clinic Dignitas, a plan foiled when a travel agent alerted Gardaí. The judge cited insufficient evidence for the two charges, while both defence and prosecution delivered closing speeches before the jury began deliberations on Monday. The case remains at the jury stage.