In a Special Criminal Court hearing on the murder of Peter Butterly, the last National Surveillance Unit officer to give secret evidence left the courtroom through the custody area. The court ordered that no evidence or identities of the NSU officers be made public and that the public be excluded from the courtroom during their testimony to protect the officers' physical characteristics and the unit's methodology. The prosecution, led by Úna Ní Raifeartaigh SC, noted that the NSU witnesses had been fully presented and no further public exclusion was required. The trial, presided over by Justice Deirdre Murphy, Justice Margaret Heneghan and Judge Cormac Dunne, also entered a voir dire to decide on the legality of the accused men's arrest, detention and vehicle searches. The case involves four men—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33), Sharif Kelly (44) and David Cullen (30)—who pleaded not guilty to the murder and related firearm offences.
David Byrne, 32, of Crumlin, was tried at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for violent disorder at Morrissey's Pub on 7 January 2013. The case relied mainly on CCTV footage and a single witness, Garda Seamus O'Donovan, who had been called after a panic alarm. He described a crowd outside the pub, a struggle inside, and a bottle used as a weapon. Byrne was identified in the footage and arrested on 9 December 2013. The jury, composed of five men and seven women, deliberated for less than an hour and returned a not‑guilty verdict. Judge Patricia Ryan thanked the jury and discharged Byrne from the indictment. The trial concluded with Byrne acquitted of the violent disorder charge, while other individuals involved were not charged in this proceeding. David Byrne pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court has ruled that the arrest of three men accused of the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly in Co Meath in 2013 was lawful. The court heard that the three accused, Dean Evans (24), Dublin Edward McGrath (33), and Sharif Kelly (44), were detained by members of the National Surveillance Unit shortly after the fatal shooting. Defence lawyers had argued that the arrest and detention of the men was unlawful and that their constitutional rights were breached. However, Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy stated that there had been no infringement of the constitutional rights of the three accused. The judge said that Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act was properly invoked and that the men were correctly arrested in or around 2.05 pm on March 6th, 2013. The three men have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly and firearm offences at the same address on the same date. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), was allegedly part of the murder plan but has become a State's witness. The trial is continuing.
The jury will resume deliberations on Thursday morning in the trial of a 23‑year‑old Dubliner, David Brannock, who is charged with murdering Jason Flannery, a father of three, and injuring four members of the Flannery family. Brannock is accused of causing serious harm to his brother‑in‑law, John O'Neill, and assault causing harm to Flannery's daughter, Jade Byrne; son, Anthony Byrne; and mother, Claire Byrne. He pleaded not guilty to all five offences on 13 September 2012. The case arose after an argument between Brannock and Jade Byrne during Junior Cert result celebrations, which escalated into a violent confrontation near Brannock's home. The defence seeks to have Brannock acquitted of murder and convicted of manslaughter on the grounds of self‑defence, citing that Flannery and Anthony Byrne had taken a crutch each when they left to chase him.
The jury has begun deliberating the trial of 23‑year‑old David Brannock, charged with murdering Jason Flannery and injuring four members of the Flannery family after a Junior Cert celebration in 2012. Brannock pleaded not guilty to all five offences on 13 September 2012. The case alleges that a heated argument with Jade Byrne escalated into a violent confrontation near Brannock's home. The defence seeks an acquittal on murder and a manslaughter conviction on self‑defence grounds, citing that Flannery and Anthony Byrne had taken a crutch each when they left to chase Brannock. The State argues Brannock returned to the Byrne/Flannery home in Cairn Court after being thrown out, luring occupants outside and assaulting them, with parts of his ornamental knife found there. Mr Justice Carroll Moran explained the jury's options: guilty of murder, not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter, or outright acquittal.
In the Central Criminal Court, a 23‑year‑old Dublin man, David Brannock, faces five charges: murder of Jason Flannery, serious harm to his brother‑in‑law John O'Neill, and assault causing harm to Flannery's daughter Jade Byrne, son Anthony Byrne, and mother Claire Byrne. Brannock pleaded not guilty to all offences on 13 September 2012. The prosecution argued that Brannock returned to the Byrne/Flannery home after being expelled, luring family members to St Joseph's Way where he allegedly assaulted them, citing a knife handle found at the scene. The defence claimed self‑defence, noting that the family pursued Brannock with a crutch and that the evidence of the knife handle was unclear. The jury was instructed to acquit Brannock of murder and convict him of manslaughter by reason of self‑defence, while the trial continued for the other charges.
In the murder trial of 23‑year‑old David Brannock, the Central Criminal Court heard evidence linking a knife handle found outside the victim's home to a blade recovered from Brannock's house. Detective Garda Seamus O'Donnell presented the handle, a similar handle from a neighbouring house, and a seven‑inch blood‑stained blade with a spider‑web design. He also showed a blood‑stained drawer under Brannock's bed containing an ornamental box that matched the reconstructed knife, which was assembled from the recovered pieces and measured over 30 cm. Forensic scientist Dr Stephen Clifford extracted a DNA profile from the blade that matched Brannock and a partial profile that matched John O'Neill, the victim's brother‑in‑law. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Carroll Moran, continues with a jury of five women and seven men. The case involves Brannock's charges of murder, serious harm to O'Neill, and assault causing harm to Jade Byrne, Anthony Byrne and Claire Byrne. David Brannock pleaded not guilty.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, the court considered the seizure of a mobile phone from David Cullen, a former murder suspect who has become a prosecution witness. Cullen, aged 30 and formerly of Balbriggan, had been part of the alleged murder plan for Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old dissident republican shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, on 6 March 2013. He now testifies against three men—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—who plead not guilty to the murder and related firearm offences. The court rejected the defence's request to disclose recordings of Cullen's phone calls, citing that no State agency had been identified and that relevant telephone conversations had already been disclosed. The hearing also addressed whether evidence of the accused men's arrest, detention and vehicle searches could be admitted, with a ruling expected next week. The case will resume on Tuesday before the same panel of judges.
During a murder trial in the Central Criminal Court, evidence was presented that a trail of blood led Garda Patrick Whelan from the body of Jason Flannery, who was stabbed in the back of his neck, to the home of the accused, 23‑year‑old David Brannock. Whelan arrived at St Joseph's Way shortly after 4.15 am, saw the deceased lying on the footpath with a silver crutch and blood speckles leading away, and followed the trail to Brannock's front door. Inside, he found Brannock hiding behind a shelving unit, claiming he was fixing the shelf. Brannock had been injured in a separate altercation and was arrested on suspicion of assault causing serious harm to Flannery. The trial also heard that Flannery died from a stab wound to the upper cervical spinal cord, with additional wounds to his stomach, and that his children and brother‑in‑law suffered serious injuries. David Brannock pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court convened early on 6 November 2014 to hear submissions about the admissibility of evidence in the murder trial of Peter Butterly. The accused—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—had pleaded not guilty to the killing of Butterly (35) and to related firearm offences. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), had previously turned State witness. The court entered a voir dire to decide on the legality of the arrests, detentions and vehicle searches. Judges Deirdre Murphy, Margaret Heneghan and Cormac Dunne were to rule on the evidence next Tuesday. Discussions were to be held with counsel regarding Cullen's testimony. Public members were excluded when National Surveillance Unit officers testified, but were later allowed back to hear Emergency Response Unit evidence, which may still be inadmissible. The trial will resume tomorrow before the same judges.
Paul Mason, 26, of Ballygarra Park, Garristown, was brought before the Special Criminal Court on 6 November 2014. He had previously been charged with membership of the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) on 7 May 2014. At the hearing, a new charge was added: assault causing harm to a man on 16 February 2014 at The Saltings, Annagassan, Co Louth, under section 3 of the Non‑Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. When presented with the charge sheet, Mason denied the assault. The court noted that the bail conditions attached to the original INLA charge also applied to the new assault charge. A book of evidence had been served, and the court extended legal aid to the case. Mason had been granted bail on the INLA charge in May, despite Garda objections over the amount of the independent surety. The case was scheduled for mention again on 11 December 2014.
The Special Criminal Court convened later than scheduled to consider the admissibility of evidence in the trial of three men—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33), and Sharif Kelly (44)—who have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly (35) and to firearm offences at the Huntsman Inn car park on 6 March 2013. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), who had been part of the murder plan, turned State witness earlier in the year. The court entered a voir dire to examine the legality of the arrests, detentions, and vehicle searches. Judges Deirdre Murphy, Margaret Heneghan, and Cormac Dunne will decide on the admissibility of evidence, including that from National Surveillance Unit officers whose identities and methods are protected. Public access was initially restricted to safeguard the officers' physical characteristics and the unit's methodology, but was later restored for evidence from the Emergency Response Unit. The case will continue tomorrow in the non‑jury court.
During the trial of 23‑year‑old David Brannock, John O'Neill gave evidence about an incident that occurred on the evening of 12 September 2012. O'Neill said he was at his sister Claire Byrne's home celebrating her daughter Jade's Junior Cert results when Brannock arrived after midnight. An argument ensued, Brannock threw bottles and shouted threats. O'Neill followed Brannock and his brother‑in‑law Jason Flannery and nephew Anthony Byrne out of the house. He found Flannery lying in a pool of blood and described a violent struggle in which he was struck in the throat. O'Neill claimed he felt a part of his gut falling out, a golf‑ball‑sized piece, and that he sustained seven stab wounds. He spent ten days in a coma, 25 days with a breathing tube, and nearly a month in hospital. Claire Byrne also testified, describing her attempt to protect her son and the violent encounter with Brannock. David Brannock pleaded not guilty.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 5 November 2014, Michael Barr, aged 34 and resident of Premier Square, Finglas, was charged with handling stolen electronic equipment valued at €77,900. The property, belonging to Pauline Turner of DSG Retail Ireland Ltd, was found at Finnstown House Hotel, Newcastle Road, Lucan, Co. Dublin on 18 July 2014. Barr had previously been charged on 18 July with membership of the Irish Republican Army (IRA), an unlawful organisation. The court, presided over by Justice Deirdre Murphy, received a new non‑scheduled offence charge from State Solicitor Ms Irene Daly. Barr appeared in court wearing blue jeans, a Dublin GAA jersey and a navy hoody, and was remanded in custody to appear again on 19 November for mention. The case was brought before the Special Criminal Court because the Director of Public Prosecutions had certified that ordinary courts were inadequate to secure effective administration of justice and preserve public peace and order.
In a trial at the Central Criminal Court, a 23‑year‑old Dublin man, David Brannock, pleaded not guilty to five offences, including the murder of Jason Flannery, the father of three, and serious harm to his siblings, mother and uncle. The alleged violent confrontation took place on 13 September 2012 at St Joseph's Way, Poppintree, Ballymun, after a Junior Cert celebration. Jade Byrne, aged 16, testified that she and her family were at a friend's house when Brannock arrived. An argument ensued, and Brannock was asked to leave. He allegedly returned, chased the family, and stabbed Flannery, who died on the scene. Brannock also stabbed Jade's brother, Anthony, and assaulted their mother, Claire, and uncle, John O'Neill, who sustained serious injuries. The prosecution argued that Brannock armed himself with a knife after being forced out of the house, while the defence suggested self‑defence.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has acquitted a Galway man charged with raping a woman in Sligo in December 2010. The man had pleaded not guilty to the allegation. During a four-day trial, the complainant gave evidence that she had met the accused in a nightclub and subsequently engaged in consensual sexual activity at his flat. She alleged that the following morning, after she expressed her wish to leave, he forced himself upon her despite her repeated requests that he stop. Under cross-examination, defence counsel highlighted that the woman had been in control throughout the night and demonstrated various interactions with the accused. The jury, comprising nine men and three women, deliberated for under one hour before returning a unanimous not-guilty verdict.
The Special Criminal Court has begun hearing final submissions from defence counsel on the admissibility of evidence against three men charged with murdering dissident republican Peter Butterly. Dean Evans (24), of Grange Park Rise, Raheny, Edward McGrath (33) of Land Dale Lawns, Springfield Tallaght and Sharif Kelly (44), of Pinewood Green Road, Balbriggan have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly (35) who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, at Gormanston Co Meath on March 6 2013. Mr Evans and Mr McGrath have also pleaded not guilty to firearm offences at the same address, on the same date. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), with a last address in Balbriggan, was allegedly "part of the murder plan himself" but turned State's witness against his former co-accused earlier this year.
Nathan Killeen, 24, of Hyde Road, Prospect, will not stand trial for the 2008 murder of James Cronin after the State entered a nolle prosequi. Killeen had been charged with murdering 20-year-old Cronin between April 5th and 7th, 2008, whose body was found in a shallow grave near Ballinacura Weston. In the Special Criminal Court, presided over by Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy, Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan, and Judge Cormac Dunne, prosecuting counsel Tom O'Connell SC informed the court of the decision not to proceed. The court accepted the nolle prosequi, and Ms Justice Murphy discharged Killeen. Killeen is already serving a life sentence for the April 2009 murder of Roy Collins at Coin Castle Amusements, Limerick, a conviction shared with co-accused Wayne Dundon, who also received a life sentence in July. Previously, Killeen's counsel, Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha SC, sought an adjournment citing the burden of a recent marathon trial and a change in solicitors. The prosecution opposed this, noting that a key witness, under garda protection since giving a statement over two years ago, faced ongoing threats. In July, Mr Justice Paul Butler refused the adjournment, agreeing with the State that delaying the trial posed a risk to the witness's wellbeing and life.
A 23‑year‑old man from St Joseph's Way, Ballymun, denied all charges in a Central Criminal Court arraignment. He pleaded not guilty to murdering Jason Flannery on 13 September 2012 and to causing serious harm to John O'Neill, as well as to assaulting Jade Byrne, Anthony Byrne and Claire Byrne at the same time and place. Mr Justice Paul Carney sworn in a jury of five women and seven men, who will hear the case tomorrow. The two‑week trial will be the first murder case before the newly‑appointed Mr Justice Carroll Moran.
On 31 October 2014, the Special Criminal Court heard further evidence in the trial of three men charged with the murder of Peter Butterly. Officers from the National Surveillance Unit had been giving evidence, but members of the public were excluded to protect the officers' identities and the unit's methodology. Garda D was escorted through the courtroom custody area because lawyers for the State said he could not walk "out into the public as normal." Public members were again allowed to enter the non‑jury court to hear continuing evidence from the Emergency Response Unit, though that evidence may not yet be admissible. The trial focuses on the legality of the arrests. The accused—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly (35), who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, on 6 March 2013.
A 22‑year‑old Dublin soldier, Naoise O'Conarain, was acquitted by a jury of assault charges against two Gardaí, Andrew Quinn and Fiachra Molloy, following an incident at his home on 10 March 2013. The trial, held in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, lasted 11 days and the jury found him not guilty after 1 hour 47 minutes of deliberation. Judge Patrick McCartan had earlier directed the jury to acquit him of assaulting three additional Gardaí due to lack of evidence. O'Conarain had no prior convictions. The Gardaí testified that he struck them in the bathroom after a domestic disturbance call. O'Conarain's mother, Olga Howlett, claimed the Gardaí used "uncalled for" language and beat her son, while a family friend, Keith Henry, said the officers could have handled the situation better. The court heard that the Gardaí had used pepper spray and a disposable razor during the altercation. No further charges were pursued.
In a murder trial in the Central Criminal Court, Mr Justice Paul Carney instructed the jury that alcohol does not excuse criminal responsibility. The accused, Michael Maughan, 40, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter of Piotr Nowakowski, 31, who was stabbed twice on 23 July 2013 and died en route to a hospital. Maughan and his brother had been drinking with Nowakowski and two others earlier that day and returned to the apartment later that night. Maughan also pleaded not guilty to assaulting Declan O'Dea at the same address. The judge emphasized that intent can arise instantly and that pre‑planning is not required. The prosecution argued that ample evidence supported a murder conviction, while the defence highlighted Maughan's alcoholism and recent release from an addiction centre. The jury was sworn in for a week‑long trial.
In the Special Criminal Court, the legality of the arrest of three men charged with the murder of Peter Butterly was a key issue. The defendants—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—had pleaded not guilty to the murder and to firearm offences at the same scene. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), had turned State's witness. The court heard that Butterly, aged 35, was lured to the car park of the Huntsman Inn on 6 March 2013, where a Toyota Corolla entered and shots were fired at his vehicle and as he fled. Prosecutor Úna Ní Raifeartaigh SC reported Butterly was found collapsed and pronounced dead. The case, involving a tracking device on the Corolla, will continue tomorrow before the panel of judges. The public was allowed to re‑enter the courtroom after a surveillance garda was escorted through the custody area. The evidence of the Emergency Response Unit remains potentially inadmissible.
In the closing stages of a trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, a 22‑year‑old soldier, Naoise O'Conarain, pleaded not guilty to assaulting two gardai, Andrew Quinn and Fiachra Molloy, at his Tallaght home on 10 March 2013. The jury, composed of four women and eight men, is set to retire tomorrow after Judge Patrick McCartan's charge. Earlier in the week, the judge directed the jury to find O'Conarain not guilty of assaulting three additional gardai due to lack of evidence. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC noted the accused had no prior convictions. Gardai Quinn and Molloy testified that O'Conarain attacked them in the bathroom following a domestic disturbance call; Quinn received up to 30 stitches to his lip after a second struggle, during which O'Conarain allegedly cut him with a disposable razor, while Molloy was punched in the face.
The trial of Dean Evans, Edward McGrath, and Sharif Kelly for the murder of Peter Butterly and associated firearm offences continued in the Special Criminal Court. All three defendants, who are alleged to have shot Butterly dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath, on March 6, 2013, have pleaded not guilty. Evans and McGrath also face firearm charges for the same incident. The court heard evidence from National Surveillance Unit gardaí, who exited the courtroom via the custody area to protect their identities and operational methodology. Defence counsel Gaillíosa O'Lideadha SC argued that the storage of these witnesses in a shared room before testimony compromised the integrity of the process, a claim the prosecution rejected as a logistical necessity. The court has also heard that a fourth man, David Cullen, allegedly part of the murder plan, turned State's witness. Evidence indicated Butterly was lured to the scene, where shots were fired at his vehicle and as he attempted to flee. The prosecution noted this is the first case in the State's history involving a tracking device on a vehicle. The matter was adjourned and continues before a three-judge panel.
During a trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, a family friend of the accused, Naoise O'Conarain, testified that the Gardaí could have handled the situation better. He was present in the bathroom where an earlier altercation between O'Conarain and his brother had been diffused when two Gardaí entered unannounced. He told the judge that the officers should have learned of the situation before confronting O'Conarain. He also said he did not see O'Conarain punch a Garda, though he witnessed a struggle in which a Garda was struck on the head with a torch butt. He denied hearing any mention of a razor in the video footage. The trial continues before Judge Patrick McCartan and a jury of four women and eight men. The accused has pleaded not guilty to assaulting two Gardaí. The jury was directed to find him not guilty of assaulting three other Gardaí due to insufficient evidence. The case remains ongoing.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 29 October 2014, two surveillance gardaí—identified only as Garda C and Garda F—gave evidence in the murder trial of three men charged with the killing of dissident republican Peter Butterly. The court ordered that neither the identities nor the evidence of eleven gardaí from the National Surveillance Unit be published, citing concerns that disclosure could compromise future surveillance operations and the unit's methodology. The trial involves Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33), and Sharif Kelly (44), all of whom pleaded not guilty to Butterly's murder, a 35‑year‑old who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, on 6 March 2013. The court also heard that a Toyota Corolla entered the car park shortly before the shooting and that a tracking device was sought for the vehicle. The case was set to continue before Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy, Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan and Judge Cormac Dunne.
Carol Hawkins, Adam Clayton's former personal assistant, was convicted of 181 counts of theft from two of his Bank of Ireland accounts between 2004 and 2008, totalling just over €2.8 million. She used the money to buy and maintain 22 thoroughbred racehorses, a €310,000 New York apartment, holidays, her children's education and shopping sprees, and spent €1.4 million on a credit card funded from Clayton's accounts. The Court of Criminal Appeal dismissed her appeal against the conviction, finding sufficient evidence to support the jury's decision and no error that would render the conviction unsafe. The appeal against the severity of the seven‑year prison sentence remains to be decided. Hawkins, aged 51 and originally from North London, is currently detained at Dochas Centre and has been described as a model prisoner, having undertaken courses in art, business studies and an Open University degree in Art History.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, 22‑year‑old Naoise O'Conarain pleaded not guilty to assaulting Gardaí Andrew Quinn and Fiachra Molloy, claiming they caused him harm at his home on 10 March 2013. He also faced charges of assaulting Gardaí Ross Foy, Kevin Keane and Simon Butler on the same date, but the judge ruled that insufficient evidence existed to convict him on those four counts. The trial featured testimony from his mother, Olga Howlett, who alleged that the Gardaí behaved disrespectfully, used pepper spray, and physically assaulted her son in the bathroom. She described a chaotic scene with her son's drunkenness and the Gardaí's conduct. The case remains pending before Judge Patrick McCartan and a jury of four women and eight men.
Michael Maughan, aged 40, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter of Piotr Nowakowski, 31, at Sandfield Mews, Ennis, on 23 July 2013. He also pleaded not guilty to assaulting Declan O'Dea at the same address. In Garda interviews, Maughan admitted stabbing Nowakowski twice, kicking him in the head after paramedics arrived, and claimed he had no control, saying he "just went berserk" after seeing a knife. He denied intent to kill, stating he thought Nowakowski was drunk. Cross‑examination of Maughan by Garda Stephen Hession echoed this, describing the incident as "total madness" with no excuse. Margaret Nihill, Maughan's former girlfriend, testified about their relationship and his alcohol consumption that night. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis reported that Nowakowski died from stab wounds to the chest, lung and liver, plus blunt force trauma to the head, with a blood alcohol level of 415 mg per cent.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 28 October 2014, four surveillance gardaí gave evidence in the murder trial of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old dissident republican shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, on 6 March 2013. The defendants – Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44) – pleaded not guilty to the murder and to firearm offences committed at the same address and date. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), had earlier turned State witness. The court excluded the public to protect the methodology of the National Surveillance Unit (NSU) officers, who were identified only as Garda A, Garda E, Garda H and Garda W. The judges ordered that the officers' names be withheld from publication and that none of their evidence be published. The trial continued the next day with the same panel of judges. The case remains in the non‑jury court.
Paul Callan, a Louth businessman, had posted a €20,000 surety for Vesel Jahiri, a 33‑year‑old from Kosovo, who was charged with murdering Anna Finnegan, 25, in Dublin in 2012. Callan allowed Jahiri to live with him and believed the bail would secure his appearance at the Central Criminal Court. Jahiri failed to attend the final days of his trial, breaking bail and prompting a bench warrant. The State sought forfeiture of the €5,000 Callan had lodged, with the remainder frozen until the warrant could be executed. Callan, representing himself, admitted he had been naive, trusting Jahiri based on a long friendship and prior credit arrangements. Judge Paul McDermott granted Callan a 50 % refund, returning €10,000, acknowledging his difficulties as a bailsperson and his good faith efforts. The case ended with the bail forfeiture and no further court action against Callan. Vesel Jahiri pleaded not guilty.
During a murder trial, a paramedic testified that he saw the deceased, Piotr Nowakowski, being kicked in the head. The accused, Michael Maughan, 40, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The paramedic, Ralph O'Neill, arrived at 1:05 am after a call about a stabbing at Sandfield Mews. He described a scene where several men were present, the victim lying on the floor with multiple wounds, and a third man repeatedly kicking him. Maughan's brother, Darren, and the third man were also present. The paramedics left the scene at 1:57 am, hoping to transport the patient by helicopter, but he died at Shannon Airport. The trial continues with a jury hearing the case.
In a trial before the Special Criminal Court, three men—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—were charged with the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly (35), who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co. Meath, on 6 March 2013. The defendants pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and to firearm offences at the same address. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), had earlier turned State witness against his co‑accused. 18‑year‑old Sean Brennan, a sixth‑year secondary school student, testified that he was waiting for a bus opposite the Inn when he heard a noise, saw a man with a gun, and heard two to three shots. He described the gun as in the man's right hand and the shots as sharp and quick.
Charges were dropped against arcade night manager Calin Cucura, 31, who had been tried for allegedly taking care assistant Sean Cummins, father of nine, into a car, transporting him to an unknown location and threatening to cut off his fingers until his family paid money. The prosecution admitted insufficient evidence to proceed. Cucura pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and a threat to kill. The Director of Public Prosecutions instructed a nolle prosequi on both counts, and Judge Patricia Ryan announced the trial would not continue.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Arcade manager Calin Cucura, aged 31, pleaded not guilty to charges of false imprisonment and a threat to kill Sean Cummins on 12 January 2010. Cummins, a full‑time care assistant, was allegedly taken from a family newsagent in Coolock by four men, including Cucura, and held in a container where they demanded money from his family. Cummins later claimed the captors released him after his family complied with the gang's cash demand. Dean Cummins, the victim's son, testified that his father was abducted because he was the first to approach the gang when they entered the shop, and that his father had intended to protect other family members. The trial, presided over by Judge Patricia Ryan with a jury of four women and eight men, will resume tomorrow for further evidence.
The trial of Naoise O'Conarain, a 22‑year‑old from Kilnamanagh, has been adjourned to the following Tuesday. He faces charges of assaulting five Gardaí on 10 March 2013, including an alleged attack on one officer with a razor. O'Conarain pleaded not guilty at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Garda David Sheridan presented evidence of a blue Gillette razor handle that was examined on 23 April 2013, with no fingerprints found. Judge Patrick McCartan informed the jury that no further evidence would be heard until the next week.
A 40‑year‑old man, Michael Maughan, has gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the death of Piotr Nowakowski, 31, who was stabbed in Sandfield Mews, Ennis, on 23 July 2013. Maughan pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea the prosecution said was unacceptable. He also pleaded not guilty to assaulting Declan O'Dea at the same address on the same date. The court heard that Maughan and his brother Darren entered the building early that morning, where three men – Nowakowski, O'Dea and a man called 'Magic' – were sleeping. Maughan allegedly stabbed Nowakowski with a kitchen knife, causing death. Testimony from witnesses, including Alan O'Neill and Garda John Moore, described the disturbance and the subsequent arrest. The Deputy State Pathologist, Dr Michael Curtis, confirmed the cause of death as stab wounds to the trunk with contributing blunt force trauma to the head. The case is now before the jury.
Three judges of the Special Criminal Court admitted that a technical glitch of their own making has delayed the delivery of a ruling in the murder trial of Peter Butterly. The court, presided over by Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy, Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan and Judge Cormac Dunne, will hear from its first witness tomorrow. The case involves three men—Edward McGrath (33), Dean Evans (24) and Sharif Kelly (44)—who have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Butterly, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn on 6 March 2013. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), turned State witness. The court has ordered that members of the public be excluded while eleven National Surveillance Unit officers give evidence, and that none of the officers' evidence be published to protect their methodology.
Naoise O'Conarain (22), a soldier stationed at Cathal Brugha Barracks, is on trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for alleged assaults on gardaí. He pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting gardaí Andrew Quinn and Fiachra Molloy, causing them harm at his home on March 10, 2013. He also denies assaulting gardaí Ross Foy, Kevin Keane, and Simon Butler on the same date. On day six of the trial, Detective Garda Kenny Ryan testified regarding the arrest of the accused at his barracks. Defence counsel Micheál O'Higgins SC questioned whether the arrest at the workplace was intended to cause "maximum embarrassment" to the accused. Det Gda Ryan denied this, stating it was "not at all" the case. He explained that he had first attempted to arrest O'Conarain at his residence but found him absent. After the accused's parents refused to pass on a message to present himself at Tallaght Garda Station, Det Gda Ryan inferred non-cooperation and proceeded to the barracks. The accused was arrested in the presence of army personnel, allowed to change out of his uniform, and then taken to the station. The trial continues before Judge Patrick McCartan and a jury.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, 31‑year‑old Calin Cucura of Derrynane Square, Dublin, pleaded not guilty to charges of false imprisonment and making a threat to kill. He is accused of being one of four men who abducted care assistant and father of nine, Sean Cummins, on 12 January 2010. Cummins testified that the men, dressed in black, forced him into a jeep, drove him to an unknown location, and threatened to cut off his fingers daily until his family paid money. Cummins was later released at a housing estate after the captors claimed his family had complied. The trial, presided over by Judge Patricia Ryan, continues before a jury of four women and eight men. The case focuses on the alleged abduction and threat, with no further convictions or sentencing reported in the article.
The Special Criminal Court will hear the first witness in the trial of three Dublin men charged with the murder of Peter Butterly, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, on 6 March 2013. The accused – Edward McGrath (33), Dean Evans (24) and Sharif Kelly (44) – have pleaded not guilty to the murder and to firearm offences at the same address. A fourth man, David Cullen (30), who was part of the murder plan, turned State witness earlier this year. The court has heard that Butterly was lured to the car park by an unknown man, a Toyota Corolla entered the premises, and shots were fired at Butterly's vehicle and when he tried to flee. Gardaí used a tracking device on the vehicle, a first in State history. The court also dealt with pre‑trial applications, the transformation of Cullen into a prosecution witness, and the protection of surveillance evidence.
The trial of Naoise O'Conarain, a soldier stationed at Cathal Brugha Barracks, continued at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court before Judge Patrick McCartan. O'Conarain, 22, of Kilnamanagh, has pleaded not guilty to assaulting five gardai—Andrew Quinn, Fiachra Molloy, Ross Foy, Kevin Keane, and Simon Butler—allegedly causing harm to Quinn and Molloy at his home on March 10, 2013. On day five, Garda Simon Butler testified that he arrived around 4am to find 20 to 40 people carrying alcohol. He stated that the accused's father, Gearoid, and brother, Oisin, were abusive and resisted arrest; Butler assisted in placing Oisin in a patrol van, during which O'Conarain allegedly kicked the van door, injuring Butler's finger. Butler denied seeing a colleague punch Gearoid in the head or striking him in the legs. Under cross-examination by Mícheál O'Higgins SC, Butler could not confirm if Garda Quinn used specific abusive language toward the public. The defense also questioned Butler's account of the crowd size. The matter was adjourned, with the trial continuing before a jury of four women and eight men.
The Special Criminal Court heard the trial of three Dublin men—Edward McGrath (32), Dean Evans (22), and Sharif Kelly (43)—charged with the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly (35) on 6 March 2013. Butterly was lured to the Huntsman Inn car park, where a Toyota Corolla entered and shots were fired at his vehicle and again when he tried to flee. The men pleaded not guilty to the murder and to firearm offences. The court also considered the use of a tracking device on the Corolla, the first time such a device has been mentioned in a State case. A senior Garda explained the device's deployment was protected to safeguard investigative methods from potential misuse by the IRA or other hostile groups. The court will rule on the disclosure of redacted surveillance material tomorrow. The hearing is set to continue with Judges Margaret Heneghan and Cormac Dunne presiding under Justice Deirdre Murphy.
The trial of Greta Dudko, a 36-year-old nurse accused of killing her mother, Anna Butautiene, in their Dublin home on Christmas Eve 2010, is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. Ms. Dudko has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of the 55-year-old but maintains a not guilty plea to her murder. During closing submissions, defence counsel Caroline Biggs SC argued that the accused lacked the specific intent required for murder due to severe intoxication and the paradoxical effects of her medications. She urged the jury to consider this partial defence or, alternatively, provocation, citing the accused's claim that the incident was spontaneous. Prosecuting counsel Pauline Walley SC countered that the scene, described as a 'silent witness,' showed no signs of a struggle, such as scuff marks or overturned furniture. Mr Justice Paul Carney instructed the jury that their verdict options were guilty of murder or not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. After deliberating for more than two hours, the jury has not reached a decision. The matter was adjourned, with the jury scheduled to resume deliberations the following morning.
The trial of Naoise Conarain, a 22-year-old Dublin soldier, is ongoing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court before Judge Patrick McCartan and a jury. Conarain, of Kilnamanagh, has pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting five gardai at his home on March 10, 2013. The accused denies assaulting Gardaí Andrew Quinn and Fiachra Molloy, causing them harm, as well as assaulting Gardaí Ross Foy, Kevin Keane, and Simon Butler on the same date. Testimony from Garda Quinn indicated he received between 25 and 30 stitches to his lip after allegedly being punched in the face while attempting to arrest a male who had assaulted a colleague. Quinn stated he was non-compliant and resistant, requiring physical restraint. He reported attending six counselling sessions and receiving sleeping tablets following the incident. Under cross-examination, Quinn described his actions as assertive rather than aggressive. Garda Kevin Keane described the scene as chaotic, alleging Conarain was screaming, shouting, and holding a blue disposable razor while attacking Quinn. Footage captured on an iPhone was shown to the jury. The matter remains at the trial stage and has not been finalised.
The trial of Greta Dudko, a 36-year-old nurse, is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. Dudko has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of her mother, 55-year-old Anna Butautiene, but pleaded not guilty to her murder at their Clonsilla home on December 24, 2010. The prosecution, led by Pauline Walley SC, argued that the accused possessed the necessary intent for murder, describing her as an ordinary person who made bad decisions. Ms. Walley highlighted evidence suggesting the accused wanted her mother "exterminated from her life," citing the destruction of the deceased's phone, passport, and glasses. She noted the absence of scuff marks on the wall, challenging the accused's account of a physical struggle. The court heard that Butautiene died of blunt force trauma to the head. The defence, represented by Caroline Biggs SC, has begun her closing speech. The matter was adjourned, with the defence continuing its address before Mr Justice Paul Carney and the jury on Tuesday morning.
During the trial of Naoise O'Conarain, a 22‑year‑old accused of assaulting four Gardaí on 3 March 2013, Garda Fiachra Molloy denied that he had "over‑egged" injuries sustained while arresting the suspect. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC read a doctor's report stating that, apart from a sore thumb, the rest of Molloy's examination was normal and that he had received painkillers upon discharge from hospital. O'Higgins also highlighted that Molloy had not discussed the case with colleagues after the incident. The trial, presided over by Judge Patrick McCartan with a jury of four women and eight men, continues with the accused pleading not guilty to the assault charges. The article reports only the Garda's denial and the procedural context of the trial.
The Special Criminal Court has outlined its reasons for excluding the public during testimony from National Surveillance Unit (NSU) gardaí in the ongoing trial of Edward McGrath, Dean Evans, and Sharif Kelly. The three men, who have pleaded not guilty to the 2013 murder of Peter Butterly at the Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co Meath, face additional firearm charges. Presiding Judge Deirdre Murphy stated that the exclusion order protects the safety of surveillance officers and future state intelligence operations, noting that repeated public exposure of their physical characteristics could compromise their work. While the court permitted the defence to receive the officers' professional names and addresses, it restricted publication of their identities and NSU methodologies. In a separate ruling, the court allowed one minor witness to testify via video link but denied the request for two adult witnesses, citing legislative limits. The prosecution intends to call David Cullen, a former accused who turned state witness, as a key witness. The court ordered the disclosure of seized electronic devices containing keywords related to the case and confirmed whether Cullen was a garda informant, while refusing to disclose his psychiatric records or privileged legal advice. The trial continues on Tuesday before the non-jury court.
In a Dublin trial, a 36‑year‑old nurse, Greta Dudko, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of her 55‑year‑old mother, Anna Butautiene, who died on Christmas Eve 2010. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis testified that Butautiene's death was caused by blunt force trauma to the head, with five wounds from multiple blows, including a fractured skull. Dudko claimed she struck her mother's head against a wall twice and then struck her with a glass bottle. The jury heard that Dudko had been a reliable nurse at New Park Care Centre until December 2010, when she left work early citing a winter vomiting bug, later admitted to taking Tramadol. She was suspended for three months and advised to seek GP treatment. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul Carney, will continue on Monday with a jury of seven men and five women.