The trial of Graham Dwyer, 42, for the murder of 36‑year‑old Elaine O'Hara, began on the second day of the Central Criminal Court hearing. O'Hara's father, Frank O'Hara, testified that his daughter had been in good health on the day she disappeared, had a history of psychiatric illness, and had been seen by a married Foxrock architect who allegedly refused her request to kill her. He described her routine, her medical conditions, and her relationship with the architect, noting that she had asked him to kill her but he refused. The jury heard that the cause of death could not be determined from skeletal remains found in a forest, and that no evidence of trauma was found. The trial is scheduled to continue for up to eight weeks. The unnamed 42-year-old pleaded not guilty.
A trial at the Central Criminal Court has heard that DNA evidence from two women found dead at sheltered accommodation in Grangegorman in 1997 was discovered on the jacket of Mark Nash, who stands accused of their murders. Nash, aged 42, with last addresses in Dublin, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Sylvia Shields and Mary Callanan, whose bodies were found between March 6 and 7, 1997. The prosecution outlined that a bloodstain on Nash's jacket could not be analysed as DNA in 1997, but a breakthrough in July 2009 established DNA from both women on the garment. The court heard Nash initially confessed to the Grangegorman murders whilst in custody on unrelated charges connected to deaths in Roscommon, but subsequently retracted his admissions. The prosecution argued the DNA evidence, independent of any confession, points to Nash's involvement. The trial continues before Justice Carroll Moran.
The Special Criminal Court has been asked to direct a finding of not guilty for three men charged with murdering Peter Butterly after privileged information was disclosed in the trial. The men—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—were charged with the murder of the 35‑year‑old father of two, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, on 6 March 2013. Evans and McGrath also pleaded not guilty to firearm offences. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), who had previously testified against the trio, was already serving a three‑and‑half‑year sentence for lesser offences. The court had ruled that Evans and McGrath were lawfully before the court, but the defence amended their application after a previously redacted portion of Cullen's statement was disclosed. The statement, made to Gardaí in July, indicated that Cullen had distanced himself from McGrath and had never really liked him.
The trial of 42‑year‑old architect Graham Dwyer, charged with murdering 36‑year‑old Elaine O'Hara on 22 August 2012, is being heard in the Central Criminal Court. The State alleges Dwyer killed O'Hara for sexual gratification, citing an "unusual sexual relationship" that involved stabbing. Evidence presented includes 400 pieces of evidence, eight key exhibits, and text messages between Dwyer's number and O'Hara's phones. The prosecution claims the texts reveal a BDSM relationship, with Dwyer expressing sadistic desires and threatening O'Hara to cooperate. DNA from semen on O'Hara's mattress matched Dwyer, and data extracted from her phones linked her to Dwyer's number. The jury was shown photographs of O'Hara's skeletal remains and her mattress, which had been pierced. The trial is scheduled to continue for six to eight weeks. Graham Dwyer pleaded not guilty. Elaine O'Hara pleaded not guilty.
In a High Court ruling, Justice Mary Faherty held that Ms Randa Murphy's claim against DePuy International Ltd. for alleged injuries from a faulty hip replacement required prior authorisation from the Personal Assessment Injuries Board (PIAB). The judge noted that Murphy's claim centred on the manufacture and supply of the implant, not on medical negligence or a health‑service provision, and therefore fell under the PIAB's jurisdiction. DePuy argued that because it was not a health‑service provider, no authorisation was needed, but the court rejected this. The decision means up to 50 cases lacking PIAB authorisation may be barred. Murphy, from Ennis, had already obtained authorisation in parallel proceedings, and the matter was adjourned for parties to consider the ruling. The ruling may affect other Irish cases involving DePuy's recalled hip‑replacement systems.
A woman was discharged from the jury and a new female juror was sworn in for the trial of Mark Nash, 42, who is accused of murdering Sylvia Shields, 59, and Mary Callanan, 61, in a house attached to St Brendan's Psychiatric Hospital in Grangegorman between 6 and 7 March 1997. Nash has pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court. The trial, expected to last six to eight weeks, will begin on Thursday under Judge Carroll Moran. The jury, composed of seven men and five women, was introduced to the State counsel Brendan Grehan SC and Una Ni Raifeartaigh SC, and to the accused's counsel Hugh Hartnett SC and Patrick McGrath SC. Evidence will be presented from Gardaí at Bridewell Station, Galway, Garda Headquarters, Mountjoy Prison and the forensic science laboratory. Judge Moran instructed the jury not to discuss the case with anyone until it is over, after which they may speak freely about it.
Signalman Alan Bennett, a member of the Naval Service stationed at Collins Barracks, brought a High Court action to prevent his discharge after the defence forces downgraded his medical classification in late 2012. Bennett claimed he had fully recovered from knee and wrist injuries sustained while playing football for the forces in 2009 and 2010, and that the downgrade was irrational, unreasonable and disproportionate. He argued the State had failed to consider his actual medical condition. The State maintained that the downgrade should stand. In his judgement, Mr Justice Seamus Noonan quashed the decision to downgrade Bennett's medical status, finding that not all relevant material had been considered and that the decision had effectively ended his career in the defence forces. Bennett had enlisted in 1999, served overseas, and had met the required criteria for re‑engagement before the downgrade.
The Special Criminal Court will hear legal applications from the defence tomorrow in the trial of three Dubliners charged with murdering Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath on 6 March 2013. The accused are Dean Evans (24) of Raheny, Edward McGrath (33) of Tallaght, and Sharif Kelly (44) of Balbriggan, all of whom have pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and to firearm offences. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), who had been part of the alleged murder plan, turned State's witness and is currently serving a three‑and‑half‑year sentence for lesser offences. The court has ruled that Evans and McGrath were lawfully before the court, and the defence has received new material and will make further applications on Thursday morning.
The Special Criminal Court is set to rule tomorrow on a defence application to direct a finding of not guilty for three men charged with the murder of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co. Meath, on 6 March 2013. The accused are Dean Evans (24) of Raheny, Edward McGrath (33) of Tallaght, and Sharif Kelly (44) of Balbriggan, all of whom have pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and, in the case of Evans and McGrath, to firearm offences. The trial, now in its 52nd day, also involves David Cullen (30), who was alleged to have been part of the murder plan but has turned State's witness and is currently serving a three‑and‑half‑year sentence for lesser offences. Cullen has provided evidence implicating the three men.
The trial of 42‑year‑old Graham Dwyer, charged with the murder of 37‑year‑old Elaine O'Hara on 22 August 2012, was adjourned to Thursday. Dwyer was arraigned at the Central Criminal Court and pleaded not guilty. A jury of five women and seven men was sworn in for an eight‑week trial that was set to begin that morning. Judge Anthony Hunt announced the delay, apologised, and thanked the jurors for their service on a long and difficult case. He noted that the jurors would not receive payment, unlike other participants, and that they should not discuss the case with anyone, including family. He also warned that media coverage might be biased and that the jury's role as judges of fact was paramount. The prosecution was scheduled to give an opening statement on Thursday.
A jury has been sworn in for the trial of Mark Nash, 42, who has pleaded not guilty to the murders of Sylvia Shields, 59, and Mary Callanan, 61, which occurred in a house attached to St Brendan's Psychiatric Hospital in Grangegorman on March 6 and 7, 1997. The double‑murder trial will begin on Wednesday before Judge Carroll Moran and is expected to last six to eight weeks.
A 22‑year‑old woman from Poppintree, Ballymun, was acquitted of recklessly causing serious harm to Natasha Mooney, a 25‑year‑old woman who lost sight in one eye after an incident at Dusk Nightclub in Coolock on 18 March 2013. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court jury, consisting of six men and six women, returned a not‑guilty verdict after 1 hour 16 minutes of deliberation. Judge Desmond Hogan thanked the jury, and the defence and prosecution noted the case was still pending further instructions. The unnamed 22-year-old pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned the trial of three men charged with the murder of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, until tomorrow. Butterly was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co. Meath, on 6 March 2013. The accused are Dean Evans (24) of Raheny, Edward McGrath (33) of Tallaght, and Sharif Kelly (44) of Balbriggan, all of whom pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. They also pleaded not guilty to firearm offences. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), who had been involved in the murder plan, turned State's witness and is serving a three‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence for other offences. The court, presided over by Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy, heard applications for a not‑guilty finding and will continue the hearing tomorrow. The trial is in its 51st day.
A 41‑year‑old man, Graham Dwyer of Foxrock, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of 37‑year‑old Elaine O'Hara, who was killed on 22 August 2012 in Kilakee, Rathfarnham. Dwyer was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court and stood in a navy suit, pleading not guilty. Judge Paul Carney warned potential jurors about the case's graphic nature and that anyone connected to the website www.alt.com should not serve. A jury of five women and seven men was sworn in to hear the trial, which will begin tomorrow morning.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Tara Scott, 21, testified on the third day of a trial concerning an assault at Dusk Nightclub on 18 March 2013. Scott, who was with Emma Hammond, 22, warned the alleged attacker, Natasha Mooney, 25, to stop smiling at her before the incident. Scott described how Mooney approached her in the smoking area, telling her to stop looking at her with a grin, and that Mooney then said, "Just wait until we get inside." Scott said she tried to intervene, shouting Hammond's name, but Mooney had already begun running at her. During the altercation, Scott sustained scratches from shattered glass and had drink in her eyes. Cross‑examination revealed CCTV footage that contradicted some of Scott's statements, but she maintained that her recollection was not perfect. The trial continues before Judge Desmond Hogan and a jury of twelve. Emma Hammond pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court will hear the closing submissions of the three men charged with the murder of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, on Monday. The trial began in September and has lasted almost four months. The defendants – Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44) – have pleaded not guilty to the murder and to firearm offences. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), who was involved in the planning, turned State witness and gave evidence in November implicating the three. The court has considered evidence including Cullen's testimony, clothing, fingerprints and forensic samples taken from Evans and McGrath after their arrest. The proceedings will be heard by Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy, Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan and Judge Cormac Dunne. The case is set to conclude with the court's decision on the admissibility of the evidence and the final judgment.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, Emma Hammond, aged 22, pleaded not guilty to assault causing serious harm after an incident at Dusk Nightclub on St Patrick's Day 2013. The case stems from a feud between Hammond's family and that of Natasha Mooney, 25, allegedly sparked by a pair of shoes left at Mooney's house. Hammond claimed she had never fought Mooney before and that she was unaware of the extent of Mooney's injuries until rumours emerged. She described an altercation where she had a phone in one hand and a glass in the other, stating she did not intend to hit Mooney with the glass. A friend of Mooney, Danielle Mahon, testified that she saw glass fall from Mooney's bra in hospital and that she was shocked by the sight of Mooney's eyelid hanging down. The trial continues before Judge Desmond Hogan and a jury.
The State has closed its case in the Special Criminal Court trial of three Dubliners charged with the murder of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, outside a Meath pub. The incident occurred on 6 March 2013 in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston. The accused—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—had pleaded not guilty to the murder and to firearm offences. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), had previously testified against them. The prosecution's evidence, including testimony that Butterly was lured to the car park by a man who fired shots from a Toyota Corolla, was fully presented. With all evidence called, the State has formally closed its case, and the trial will continue before the judges on Friday. The summary is based solely on the article text.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 14 January 2015, Sharif Kelly, 44, denied that the clothing found in his car after the murder of Peter Butterly was a change of clothes for the killer. Kelly said he had been driving from tending his horse when his engine light came on and the car conked on Flemington Road. He claimed to have restarted the vehicle before Gardaí approached and arrested him. He also denied any knowledge of the murder or of following the murder vehicle. Kelly stated the duvet cover in his boot was to keep the car clean while collecting hay, not for forensic purposes. DNA evidence linked tracksuit clothing to Dean Evans, a balaclava and gloves to Evans, and a wig to Edward McGrath. The trial was in its 48th day, with prosecution evidence to finish on Thursday. Sharif Kelly pleaded not guilty. Dean Evans pleaded not guilty. Edward McGrath pleaded not guilty.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, forensic evidence was presented linking firearms residue to the clothing of two of the three men charged with the 2013 murder of Peter Butterly. Dr John O'Shaughnessy testified that a grey jumper worn by Dean Evans and a grey jacket worn by Edward McGrath contained gunshot residue. DNA analysis of items linked to Sharif Kelly's wife's vehicle revealed a match to Evans on a tracksuit, a balaclava and gloves, and a match to McGrath on a black wig. The court heard that DNA can be transferred between individuals and persist for long periods. The trial, now in its 47th day, is expected to conclude with the prosecution's evidence on Wednesday, before a three‑judge panel presided by Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy. The defendants remain not guilty on all charges.
The Special Criminal Court will decide on the admissibility of a set of evidence in the trial of three men accused of murdering Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co. Meath, on 6 March 2013. The defendants – Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44) – have pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and to firearm offences. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), who had been involved in the murder plan, turned State's witness and is serving a three‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence for lesser offences. The trial has heard that Butterly was lured to the car park by an unknown man, shots were fired at his vehicle and again when he tried to flee, and he was found collapsed by a lone Garda and pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
The Special Criminal Court is hearing submissions on the admissibility of a tranche of evidence in the non‑jury murder trial of three men charged with the killing of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co. Meath on 6 March 2013. The defendants – Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44) – have pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and to firearm offences. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), who had been involved in the murder plan, turned State's witness and is serving a three‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence for lesser offences. The court has heard that Butterly was lured to the car park by another man, shots were fired at his vehicle and again when he tried to flee, and he was found collapsed by a lone Garda and pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
In a murder trial in Dublin, a former co‑accused turned State witness, David Cullen, testified that his former co‑accused were "screwed" because of the evidence against them. The Special Criminal Court found Cullen's evidence admissible. The case concerns the 2013 shooting death of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston. The accused are Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44), all of whom pleaded not guilty to murder and, for Evans and McGrath, to firearm offences. Cullen, aged 30, had previously been involved in the murder plan and is now serving a three‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence for other offences. Gardaí and the Prison Service implemented extra security for his testimony, which caused long queues outside the Criminal Courts of Justice.
A 70‑year‑old Clare man was tried in the Central Criminal Court for raping and sexually abusing a teenage boy he had previously given money to. He pleaded not guilty to three counts of anal rape and two counts of sexual assault committed at various sites in the county between 1999 and 2000. In court he admitted to touching the boy's penis once, but denied any further sexual contact. Prosecutor Dominic McGinn SC described how the accused allegedly took the boy on car drives, using a signal system of fingers and a matchbox to indicate whether he could stop. The alleged abuse is said to have occurred in the accused's car and home. After the third alleged rape the boy reportedly told the man he did not want it to continue, and the accused allegedly continued to give him money. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury.
The Special Criminal Court will decide on Tuesday whether a prosecution witness's evidence is admissible in the trial of three Dublin men charged with the murder of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co. Meath, on 6 March 2013. The defendants—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—have pleaded not guilty to the murder and to firearm offences. The trial, now in its 42nd day, has heard that Butterly was lured to the car park by another man, that a Toyota Corolla entered the car park and shots were fired at his vehicle, and that further shots were fired when he tried to flee. CCTV footage captured vehicles entering and exiting the car park but did not show the killing.
The Special Criminal Court is set to decide whether a prosecution witness's evidence can be admitted in the case of three men charged with the 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 on 6 March 2013. The defendants—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—have pleaded not guilty to the murder and to firearm offences. The trial, now in its 41st day, has heard that Butterly was lured to the car park by an unknown man, that a Toyota Corolla entered the premises, and that shots were fired at his vehicle and again when he tried to flee. CCTV footage captured vehicles entering and leaving the car park but did not show the killing. A witness was heard in a 'Voir Dire' today, and the court will later rule on the admissibility of that witness's evidence.
The trial of Dean Evans, Edward McGrath, and Sharif Kelly for the alleged murder of Peter Butterly and related firearm offences continued at the Special Criminal Court. All three defendants, who are accused of killing the 35-year-old father of two in Gormanston, Co Meath, have pleaded not guilty. Evans and McGrath also face firearm charges on the same occasion. On the fortieth day of the trial, David Cullen, a former accused who turned State's witness, testified that he would have "lied through his teeth" if he had stood trial for murder. Cullen admitted to a history of dishonesty, including lying to gardai and committing thefts, but denied being prepared to commit perjury. He stated he would lie to avoid life imprisonment. The prosecution alleges Cullen was part of the murder plan before his cooperation. The court heard evidence regarding Cullen's credibility and past criminal conduct, including a faked burglary and theft of rings and a phone. The trial is ongoing, with no findings, sentences, or finalisations recorded at this stage.
The State withdrew charges against Thomas Hunt, 40, who was accused of withholding information about a car he allegedly bought that was later used in the fatal shooting of dissident republican Alan Ryan on 3 September 2012. Hunt was arrested in October 2012 and pleaded not guilty to the charge of withholding information between 3 September and 23 October 2012. The case hinged on telephone records stored on a Meteor mainframe computer. Judge Catherine Murphy ruled that the records could not be relied upon because there was no evidence the computer was operating correctly at the relevant time. She required proof of the mainframe's function and operation, a standard established by a 1992 UK appeal court decision. After four days of argument, Judge Murphy discharged the jury and informed them that the State had decided not to proceed with the case.
The Special Criminal Court examined CCTV footage from the car park of the Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, where Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, was shot dead on 6 March 2013. Three Dublin men—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—are on trial for his murder and have pleaded not guilty. Evans and McGrath also pleaded not guilty to firearm offences. The footage shows vehicles entering and exiting the car park but does not capture the shooting. Witnesses, including Detective Garda Shane Curran, were heard in a 'Voir Dire' session, and the court will decide later whether the footage is admissible. The trial continues with Justice Deirdre Murphy presiding, and McGrath's legal team will cross‑examine David Cullen, a former co‑accused who has turned State's witness. The case remains at the trial stage.
The trial of Dean Evans, Edward McGrath, and Sharif Kelly for the murder of Peter Butterly is continuing before the Special Criminal Court. The three defendants, who are alleged to have murdered the 35-year-old father of two and committed firearm offences on the same occasion, have all pleaded not guilty. During cross-examination, State witness David Cullen, a former co-accused who turned State's witness, denied that joining the Witness Protection Programme would be an attractive option. Defence counsel for Sharif Kelly suggested Cullen had little to lose and that leaving Ireland would be a fresh start, citing Cullen's limited family connections. Cullen rejected this characterization, though he acknowledged a phone conversation with his father where he described going abroad as a "fresh start" to escape local issues. Cullen, who is currently serving a three-and-a-half-year sentence for lesser offences, agreed he faced a serious risk of a life sentence for the Butterly murder. He also acknowledged offering the State information on other high-profile murders to secure his deal. The trial is proceeding before a three-judge, non-jury court presided over by Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy.
In a Dublin court, Andrew Shannon, aged 50, was acquitted of damaging two paintings – 'Morning Strand' and 'Evening Strand' – at the Shelbourne hotel on 8 January 2014. The trial judge, Martin Nolan, directed the jury to find him not guilty of these charges. Shannon remains charged with damaging a Claude Monet painting, 'Argenteuil Basin with a Single Sail Boat' (1874), at the National Gallery of Ireland on 29 June 2012, and that case continues in its closing stages. The jury will now hear closing speeches from the prosecution and defence.
The Special Criminal Court has ordered an examination of the communications between David Cullen, the chief prosecution witness in the murder trial of Peter Butterly, and his solicitor from 6 March 2013 to 5 June 2014. Cullen, who was a co‑accused in the case and later became a State witness in June 2014, has already been dealt with by the court for lesser offences. He has agreed to voluntarily disclose documents relating to his communications with his solicitor since 5 June 2014, but this does not waive his claim to legal professional privilege. Defence lawyers sought disclosure of all communications, but Cullen claimed privilege during cross‑examination after giving evidence implicating the three accused men—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—in the murder of the 35‑year‑old Peter Butterly in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co. Meath on 6 March 2013. Dean Evans pleaded not guilty. Edward McGrath pleaded not guilty.
The trial of Andrew Shannon (50) of Willians Way, Ongar, Dublin 15, accused of damaging three valuable paintings, continued in legal argument at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in the absence of the jury. Shannon has pleaded not guilty to damaging two paintings, 'Morning Strand' and 'Evening Strand' by Felim Egan, at the Shelbourne hotel on January 8th, 2014, and to damaging one Claude Monet painting, Argenteuil Basin with a Single Sail Boat (1874), at the National Gallery of Ireland on Clare Street on June 29, 2012. The charges against Monet's Argenteuil Basin with a Single Sail Boat are also alleged or contested, with a plea of not guilty. Judge Martin Nolan instructed the jury of seven women and five men to return on Thursday when the trial is expected to resume in their presence. The procedural stage is trial, and the matter was not finalised. No findings, sentences, or proposed dispositions have been made at this stage.
The Central Criminal Court trial of a 55‑year‑old man, who is unnamed for legal reasons, continues. He has pleaded not guilty to five counts of raping and assaulting his sister‑in‑law, causing her harm on 20 January 2011 in County Kerry, and denies falsely imprisoning her. The next day the case will proceed before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of nine men and three women.
Andrew Shannon, 50, of Dublin 15, was arrested for damaging two paintings at the Shelbourne hotel on 8 January 2014 and a Monet at the National Gallery in 2012. He pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. During Garda interviews on 31 January 2014, Shannon claimed he was at the hotel spa with his nephew and had not harmed the artwork, suggesting staff were seeking a "false confession." Garda Eugene McCarthy noted Shannon's explanation was unreasonable. CCTV footage showed Shannon entering the Adams suite, which leads to the Deirdre suite where the paintings were, but no evidence placed him in the Deirdre suite. The case is pending before Judge Martin Nolan and a jury of twelve. Additional evidence includes a senior investigator's report and a surgeon's note that Shannon had severe heart disease, potentially causing a cardiac episode without external stress. The trial continues.
The Central Criminal Court trial of a 55‑year‑old man accused of raping his sister‑in‑law has progressed to day seven. He pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape and assault, and denied falsely imprisoning the woman. Medical evidence was presented by a doctor from the South Infirmary Hospital's sexual assault unit. The doctor described bruising on the complainant's face, chest, nipples, left breast, right buttock and right thigh, noting a large bruise on the right cheek and a five‑centimetre bruise on the right nipple, consistent with forceful blows. The examination also revealed scratches across the collarbone. The accused had been arrested a week after the alleged assault and had denied any assault, claiming the incident never occurred and accusing the woman of lying. The trial continues before Justice Patrick McCarthy with a jury of nine men and three women.
In a rape trial at the Central Criminal Court, High Court Judge Paul Carney returned from hospital to direct a jury of ten men and two women. He informed them that he would handle any questions by telephone and that they could now resume deliberations to reach a majority verdict. The jury had been sent home earlier after another judge declared Mr Carney unavailable. The accused, whose name is withheld, pleaded not guilty to 32 counts of rape and assault against a woman in County Clare between 1998 and 2004. Judge Carney stated he would be available for telephone queries and would return to receive the verdict.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, Andrew Shannon, aged 50, pleaded not guilty to allegations of damaging two Felim Egan paintings, 'Morning Strand' and 'Evening Strand', at the Shelbourne hotel on 8 January 2014. The jury heard that the paintings, which were exhibited in the trial, appeared to have been slashed or torn with an object. Shannon also faced a separate not‑guilty plea for damaging a Claude Monet painting, 'Argenteuil Basin with a Single Sail Boat' (1874), at the National Gallery of Ireland on 29 June 2012. The court noted that the Monet had undergone an exhaustive repair and was back on display. Loss‑prevention manager Eamon Kelly reported that CCTV footage, burned to a disk, was handed to Gardaí the day after his return from holiday. Kelly confirmed the paintings were to be destroyed. Garda Eugene McCarthy explained that he had arrested Shannon on 31 January 2014 after reviewing the footage.
The trial of an unnamed Kerry man accused of abducting and raping his sister‑in‑law continues. He pleaded not guilty to six counts of rape and assault for an incident on 20 January 2011 in County Kerry. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy dismissed the jury of nine men and three women on Friday afternoon and instructed them to return on Monday morning for further evidence.
The Special Criminal Court will rule on Tuesday regarding the disclosure of communications between the chief prosecution witness and his solicitor. This procedural issue arose on the 35th day of the trial of Dean Evans, Edward McGrath, and Sharif Kelly, who are accused of murdering dissident republican Peter Butterly. All three defendants have pleaded not guilty to the murder of the 35-year-old father of two. Evans and McGrath have additionally pleaded not guilty to firearm offences on the same occasion. The court heard that David Cullen, the State's witness, agreed to disclose documents relating to his communications with his solicitor since June 5, 2014. However, the State maintained this was not a general waiver of legal professional privilege, while defence lawyers sought disclosure of all such communications. Cullen, who is currently 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 Butterly's shooting in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath, on March 6, 2013. During cross-examination, Cullen raised privilege claims and requested to speak to his solicitor, a request the court initially refused before acceding to it. The three-judge, non-jury court will consider its ruling on the disclosure matter over the weekend.
In a Central Criminal Court case, a man accused of abducting and raping his sister‑in‑law has pleaded not guilty to six counts of rape and assault. The alleged victim was harmed on 20 January 2011 in County Kerry, with one alleged rape said to have occurred between Kerry and Limerick after the accused blindfolded her and drove her to a remote area. On the fifth day of the trial, the jury heard that the accused was homeless at the time and had asked to sleep in a Garda station after officers informed him of the allegations. A detective had seized a car that matched the victim's description, but later found it was not the vehicle used in the incidents. The case remains before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of nine men and three women.
Two New Zealand tourists recounted seeing a man's fist penetrate a Monet painting worth €10 million at the National Gallery of Ireland on 29 June 2012. The accused, Andrew Shannon, 50, pleaded not guilty to damaging Claude Monet's *Argenteuil Basin with a Single Sail Boat* (1874) and to damaging two Felim Egan paintings at the Shelbourne Hotel. Witnesses, including a paramedic and security staff, described Shannon as fainting, complaining of chest pain and falling against the painting. He later claimed a heart condition and that he had a tin of paint stripper. The case is before Judge Martin Nolan and a jury, with no verdict yet announced. The incident remains a criminal matter under investigation.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, Andrew Shannon, 50, of Willians Way, Ongar, Dublin 15, pleaded not guilty to allegations of damaging Claude Monet's 1874 painting *Argenteuil Basin with a Single Sail Boat* at the National Art Gallery on Clare Street. The judge, Martin Nolan, indicated technical and legal arguments would be presented and adjourned the case until the following morning. The trial is expected to last two weeks.
The State has requested an enlarged jury panel for the trial of former Anglo Irish Bank executive William McAteer, aged 63, and three co‑accused. The men are charged with conspiring to mislead investors about the bank's deposit books by transferring €7.2 billion to inflate the bank's value between March and September 2008. McAteer, John Bowe (50), Denis Casey (54) and Peter Fitzpatrick (61) also face separate charges of falsifying accounts under section 10 of the Theft and Fraud Act. The case was listed for mention before Judge Mary Ellen Ring on 24 November 2014 to monitor disclosure progress. Counsel for the prosecution, Diana Stuart BL, noted that the first stage of disclosure was almost complete and requested a new mention date to allow continued monitoring. The prosecution also applied for an enlarged jury panel, and the defence teams agreed with the submission.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court case, nurse Barbara O'Toole, aged 42, was charged with dangerous driving causing serious harm after an alleged collision with Paul Woodley's motorcycle on 21 October 2010. The trial judge, Desmond Hogan, directed a not‑guilty verdict on the third day, citing a flawed investigation that lacked key evidence such as a scene of crime, point‑of‑impact data, and a proper map. Judge Hogan noted the absence of a clear determination of whether the motorcycle's left indicator was on, and that the PSV inspector had inspected the bike "blindly." He argued that the prosecution had failed to provide the defence with relevant evidence, making a conviction unsafe. The judge emphasized that the case's outcome did not affect Woodley's civil rights. The jury, composed of six men and six women, was instructed to return a not‑guilty verdict. The decision was made without a formal jury verdict, based solely on the judge's direction. Barbara O'Toole pleaded not guilty.
In a 2014 Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Garda authorities refused to conduct a forensic scene investigation after a road‑traffic collision on Monastery Road, Clondalkin, because the victim, 72‑year‑old Paul Woodley, did not die. The case involved 42‑year‑old nurse Barbara O'Toole, who was charged with dangerous driving causing serious harm. O'Toole allegedly left a housing estate onto a main road and collided with Woodley's motorcycle, resulting in the loss of part of his leg. O'Toole pleaded not guilty. The barrister, Pieter LeVert, argued that the refusal was "appalling" and that the collision was clearly serious. Garda Catherine Gunning had requested a forensic examination of the vehicles within five minutes of arriving, but the request was denied on the basis of no fatality. She later resubmitted the request, which was again refused. An inspector did examine the motorbike, but was unaware of the indicator light issue.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, 42‑year‑old nurse Barbara O'Toole pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving causing serious harm to motorcyclist Paul Woodley. The incident occurred on 21 October 2010 on Monastery Road, Clondalkin, when O'Toole allegedly drove a car from the Monastery Estate onto the main road and struck Woodley's motorcycle. Woodley was taken to Tallaght Hospital with an ankle injury and later to St James's Hospital where his leg was amputated below the knee. Witness Keith Gregg, a First Responder, testified that he was 60 feet behind Woodley when a car pulled out of the estate, hit the motorbike, and continued across the road. Gregg described the crash and the motorbike's upside‑down position. The case is before Judge Desmond Hogan and a jury of twelve. The trial remains ongoing.
In the Special Criminal Court on 18 November 2014, a security operation created long queues as the court prepared to hear evidence from former co‑accused David Cullen, now a State witness. Judge Deirdre Murphy noted the high emotions in the courtroom and urged calm. The case concerns the 2013 murder of Peter Butterly, 35, shot in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston. Three men—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—have pleaded not guilty to the murder and to firearm offences at the same location. Cullen, 30, had been part of the alleged murder plan but turned State witness earlier that year. He identified the accused, described being told to retrieve a gun from outside Gormanston College around 2 p.m. on the day of the shooting, and recounted the sequence of shots fired at Butterly's vehicle.
Security arrangements are being prepared for a former murder suspect who has become a prosecution witness in the Special Criminal Court trial of three men charged with the murder of Peter Butterly. The accused, Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44), have pleaded not guilty to the killing of Butterly, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn on 6 March 2013. They also face firearm charges. David Cullen (30), who was allegedly part of the murder plan, has turned State's witness. Counsel for the DPP, Alex Owens SC, announced that Cullen will be called first on Tuesday, with security measures to be arranged by Gardaí and the Irish Prison Service. The court has directed that evidence from the National Surveillance Unit remain confidential, and that members of the public be excluded from the courtroom during their testimony.
Mark Mulligan, aged 39, was found guilty of harassing a named woman in Dublin between 2008 and 2012 and of possessing child pornography at his home on 7 July 2013. He had pleaded not guilty to a third charge of producing child pornography between 1 and 17 March 2013. The court heard that Mulligan had developed a fantasy world due to loneliness, which led to online conversations where he discussed raping and torturing children and adults. He also sent a non‑explicit photograph of a three‑year‑old boy to an unknown Skype user, who suggested kidnapping and killing the child's parents. Mulligan claimed the conversations were "sick fantasies" and that he never intended to act on them. The judge adjourned sentencing to allow Probation Services to assess him. The case remains at the trial stage, with no sentencing yet announced.