The Special Criminal Court has granted bail variations to two men accused of IRA membership. Darren Murphy, 42, of Dublin, sought a reduction in his bail surety to fund kitchen renovations. Although gardai objected, citing a strong danger of reoffending, the court compromised by reducing his independent surety from €20,000 to €15,000. Murphy remains subject to existing bail conditions. Co-accused John Brock, 40, of Tallaght, was granted temporary bail for the Easter period, from April 17 to 21. Despite gardai objections regarding his residence at multiple addresses and a previous bail breach, the court granted bail on the condition that he reside at a single address in Tallaght. He must observe a 24-hour curfew, with the court refusing an exception for DIY work. Murphy and seven co-accused, including Kevin Braney, Des Christie, Eamon McNamee, Hubert Duffy, William Jackson, and Declan Phelan, are charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, namely the IRA. They are scheduled to stand trial on January 13, 2015. Brock and four others, including Braney, Phelan, and Christie, face separate IRA membership charges arising from a July 2013 arrest, with their trial set for June 9, 2015. All charges are alleged or contested, and no pleas, findings, or sentences have been recorded.
Vincent Banks, 46, of Dublin 7, was acquitted by the Special Criminal Court of withholding information about the murder of Northern Ireland prison officer David Black, which occurred between 10 October and 20 December 2012. The court found that Banks' arrest on suspicion of IRA membership was unlawful because it lacked a warrant and the offence of membership is continuous. Banks was charged with membership of an unlawful organisation styled the Irish Republican Army (IRA) on 18 December 2012 and had been remanded on that count until after the withholding‑information trial. The court ruled that the unlawful arrest did not affect the withholding‑information charge, so the trial proceeded. Mr Michael Bowman BL informed the court that the membership case would continue, and a trial date was set for 17 November 2015, with Banks remanded on bail until then. Vincent Banks pleaded not guilty.
During the fifth day of his trial at the Central Criminal Court, Alan Harte, a 33‑year‑old Dublin father of two, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 28‑year‑old Peter Gunn on 4 January 2009. Harte testified that he, Gunn and another man had been drinking on 3 January when Kastriot Boza, an Albanian, joined them. He claimed that Bo — who had previously been questioned for a sexual‑assault allegation but never prosecuted – threatened to kill Gunn, then stabbed him in the chest and back. Harte admitted that after the stabbing he and the other man helped Bo to dispose of the body, placing it in a black bag and dumping it in a ditch at Dunsoughly Lane. He stated that he had no choice but to assist, fearing Bo would cut up the body in the flat.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Anthony Carroll (30) and Brian Walsh (43) pleaded not guilty to unlawful possession of a Walther pistol, a Smith & Wesson revolver and 12 rounds of ammunition found in a van on Deanrock Avenue, Togher, on 23 February 2013. Gardaí discovered the loaded firearms inside a pencil case in the van, with Carroll in the rear compartment and Walsh driving. Both wore forensic suits and the van contained rubber gloves, shoes, runners, plastic bags, a homemade wick and petrol cans. Firearms residue was detected on Carroll's face but not on Walsh's forensic kit. The prosecution argued that the accused were lawfully arrested and that failure to account for the firearms indicated joint involvement. The court was set to deliver judgment on Friday, with the accused maintaining their not‑guilty pleas for possession of the pistols, revolver and ammunition.
During a murder trial, the resident of a flat where a killing occurred returned from holidays to find his meat knife missing and his carpet replaced. The case concerns Alan Harte, 33, charged with murdering his friend Peter Gunn, 28, on 4 January 2009 in Cabra Park, Cabra, Dublin. Harte, who lives at Clareville Grove in Glasnevin but is from East Wall, pleaded not guilty. Roland Ziu, who allowed an old friend, Kastriot Boza, to stay in his flat while he was away, testified that upon his return he discovered the carpet had been changed and the meat knife was gone. Ziu said Boza claimed a girl had become drunk and ill in the flat, prompting the carpet change. Boza later testified that Harte stabbed Gunn in the flat after a beer gathering. Detective Superintendent Colin Fox noted Gunn's close family ties. The prosecution has closed its case before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of twelve.
The trial of Alan Harte, a 32‑year‑old from Glasnevin, is hearing evidence that Peter Gunn, 28, was stabbed through the heart and left in a water‑filled ditch on 4 January 2009. State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy described the autopsy findings: deep knife wounds to the face, trunk, right hand and internally to the heart and left lung, with a large gaping wound to the heart and collapsed left lung. Two litres of blood were found in the left chest cavity, and a back wound cut into the spine. Toxicology showed alcohol, cocaine and an amphetamine. Cassidy concluded Gunn died of a stab wound to the chest. A witness, Heyrush Rama, testified that he drove Gunn's body to the ditch after being asked for a lift by Kastriot Boza, who later claimed Gunn was murdered. Rama received a two‑year sentence for withholding information. The case remains at the trial stage.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing in Cork, the prosecution case concluded for Anthony Carroll, 30, and Brian Walsh, 43, who were charged with unlawful possession of two loaded handguns and ammunition. The weapons—a Walther pistol and a Smith & Wesson revolver—were found in a van's pencil case, alongside forensic suits, rubber gloves, shoes, runners, plastic bags, a wick and petrol cans. Both men pleaded not guilty to possession of the firearms, a Walther magazine, and six rounds of 9mm and six rounds of .22 ammunition. Counsel for Carroll requested a brief adjournment for clarification, and the judge adjourned the trial to the following week. No further details of the case were provided in the article.
In a Dublin murder trial, Alan Harte, aged 32, pleaded not guilty to the stabbing death of Peter Gunn, 28, on 4 January 2009 in Cabra Park. Harte, who lives in Clareville Grove, Glasnevin, claims that a prosecution witness, Kastriot Boza, was the one who killed Gunn after a confrontation about Harte's uncle. Boza testified that he saw Harte stab Gunn in the chest, but Harte's barrister, Patrick Marrinan SC, cross‑examined him, suggesting that Harte was the one who had spoken aggressively to Gunn and threatened to kill him. Boza denied both the threat and the claim that Harte had stabbed Gunn, insisting he was telling the truth about the cold‑blooded killing. The case is being heard by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy with a jury of twelve.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, forensic evidence showed firearms residue on Anthony Carroll, 30, of Bishopstown, but not on his co‑accused Brian Walsh, 43, of Ballyphehane. The case concerns the unlawful possession of a Walther pistol, a Smith & Wesson revolver, and 12 rounds of ammunition found in a pencil case in a van stopped on 23 February 2013. Carroll and Walsh pleaded not guilty to possession of the weapons and the ammunition. Forensic scientist Dr Brendan Healy examined residue kits, noting that the tubes contained adhesive tape used on the hands and face of the subject. He confirmed residue on Carroll's samples but none on Walsh's. The trial continues before Judge Paul Butler. The court heard that a firearm must be discharged to leave residue. The accused remain in custody pending further proceedings.
Wayne Dundon and Nathan Killeen, both from Prospect in Limerick, are charged with the murder of businessman Roy Collins at Coin Castle Amusements on Roxboro Road in Limerick on 9 April 2009. The two men are due to stand trial at the Special Criminal Court on 29 April before Justice Iseult O'Malley. At a hearing before Justice Paul Butler on Thursday, the defence sought disclosure of communications between garda stations and prisons, including recorded conversations between prosecution witnesses held in custody and gardaí. The State's counsel indicated that prison recordings are archived in Longford but that establishing access procedures would require time. The court adjourned the matter to the following Wednesday to allow the trial court to address the outstanding disclosure issues before the trial commences.
Two men, Gary Yeung, 31, and Patrick Kennedy, 65, were arrested on 14 September 2013 on James' Street, Dublin, as part of investigations into dissident republican activity. They were charged with unlawful possession of a .455 Colt "New Service" revolver and a .455 Webley Mark 6 revolver, both bearing serial number 324736. Yeung was also charged with possession of one round of .22‑250 calibre Sako ammunition and one round of .357 Mag calibre CBC ammunition at his Limerick address. Kennedy faced an additional charge of membership of an unlawful organisation, namely the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Their trial is scheduled for October 2015 at the Special Criminal Court. The judge set conditions for alibi evidence and required notice of any witnesses 21 days before the trial, and remanded them on continuing bail until the trial date.
Two men from Cork, Anthony Carroll, 30, and Brian Walsh, 43, are on trial in the Special Criminal Court for unlawful possession of firearms. They are accused of possessing a Walther PI 9mm semi‑automatic pistol, a compatible magazine, and a Smith & Wesson .22mm Magnum revolver with serial number AEM 2000, all found in a pencil case inside a van on Deanrock Avenue, Togher, on 23 February 2013. They also face charges for holding six 9mm rounds and six .22 long‑rifle rounds suitable for those weapons. The prosecution alleges that Gardaí observed the van, noted a hooded driver, and discovered the weapons after a search. Both men pleaded not guilty to the firearms offences. They are also charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, the IRA, but that charge is to be adjourned until the firearms case concludes. The trial is presided over by Judge Paul Butler.
Vincent Banks, 46, of Dublin 7, was acquitted by the Special Criminal Court of withholding information about the murder of prison officer David Black, 52, who was shot dead on the M1 motorway near Lurgan on 1 November 2012. The prosecution alleged that Banks had bought a Toyota Camry, registered under a false name, and that the vehicle was used in the shooting. The judge, Justice Paul Butler, found that while the car was linked to the murder, there was no evidence that Banks knew it would be used in the killing. Consequently, the court concluded that the charge of withholding information could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt and acquitted Banks. He remains on bail pending another charge of IRA membership. The case was presented as a dissident IRA murder. The court praised the police investigations on both sides of the border.
The Central Criminal Court adjourned the murder trial of a 32‑year‑old Dublin man, Alan Harte, who is charged with killing 29‑year‑old Peter Gunn on about 4 January 2009 in Cabra Park. Harte, who lives at Clareville Grove, Glasnevin, pleaded not guilty. Judge Patrick McCarthy postponed the trial for a day for legal reasons; it will resume tomorrow morning and is expected to conclude by the end of next week.
In a High Court decision on 1 April 2014, Mr Justice Max Barrett dismissed Ms Sylvia Deehan's damages claim against Loughlinstown Inn Ltd, trading as the Lough Inn Public House, following an incident at an Ann Summers lingerie party in January 2011. Deehan, aged 46, alleged she was pushed by another woman while chasing a prize thrown by an Ann Summers representative, fell against a loudspeaker, and sustained rib injuries that required a fortnight of bed rest. The judge accepted Deehan's account as "substantively true" and noted corroboration from a DJ present at the event. However, he found no evidence that the pub failed to take reasonable steps to safeguard patrons or that the loudspeaker was negligently placed. Consequently, the court ruled Deehan was not entitled to recover damages for her injuries. No order was made regarding appeal costs, leaving each side to bear its own legal expenses.
In a Special Criminal Court case in Limerick, Thomas McMahon, 31, and Noel Noonan, 34, pleaded guilty to membership of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) before their trial was adjourned. The adjournment, the first criminal case affected by the Garda taping revelations, was granted to allow the defence to consider using an expert to examine Clonmel and Cahir Garda stations, where the men were detained after arrest. The court had already heard expert evidence that there were no recording facilities at those stations. Ms Tara Burns SC, the prosecutor, reported progress in the case and indicated that the men were seeking a sentencing date in June. Judge Paul Butler set June 27 for sentencing, remanded both men on continuing bail, and noted that the bail sureties were present. The court also heard that telephone calls made by the defendants with their solicitors before interview were recorded at Garda Headquarters, not at the local stations.
A 32‑year‑old Dublin man, Alan Harte of Clareville Grove, Glasnevin, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 29‑year‑old Peter Gunn on or about 4 January 2009 in Cabra Park, Cabra. Harte, who is from the East Wall area, is charged with the killing that allegedly followed a stabbing in a flat in Cabra Park. He was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court, where a jury of six men and six women was sworn in. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, began today and is expected to conclude by the end of next week.
The Court of Criminal Appeal has declined to order a retrial of two nightclub doormen whose assault convictions were previously quashed. Frankie Murphy, aged 44, of Stephen Street, Sligo, and John Molloy, aged 33, of Creggs Road, Ballina, County Mayo, had been found guilty in October 2011 by Sligo Circuit Criminal Court of assault causing harm following an incident at Envy nightclub on 18 February 2009. The victim lost part of one finger when an entrance door was closed against him. The appeal court found the convictions unsafe and set them aside last month. Although the Director of Public Prosecutions sought a retrial, Ms Justice Elizabeth Dunne ruled that weaknesses in key prosecution witness evidence and the considerable time elapsed since the alleged offence made a retrial inappropriate. The court identified deficiencies in how the trial judge charged the jury regarding self-defence, accident, and joint enterprise. Costs were awarded to Mr Molloy.
In Balbriggan District Court on 27 March 2014, David Donnelly, aged 20, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Jennifer Coffey in Lusk Graveyard on 5 August 2012, fracturing her nose. He received a six‑month suspended sentence and was bound to the peace for two years. Donnelly also pleaded guilty to harassing Coffey's father, Michael, on 6 April 2013, and was ordered to a probation bond for 18 months and to comply with Probation Services. He was required to complete a Victim Awareness course and take prescribed medication. The court noted his high risk of re‑offending if he does not adhere to treatment. Separately, Sean Lynch, 26, was remanded on continuing bail for assault involving a lit cigarette in a victim's eye, with the case adjourned to 24 April pending further disclosure. Paul Boylan, 35, was charged with possession of false number plates; his case was scheduled for a hearing on 9 June at Swords District Court.
The Special Criminal Court has decided that the trial of Thomas McMahon (31) and Noel Noonan (34) for IRA membership will proceed after hearing evidence that Clonmel and Cahir Garda stations had no recording facilities when the men were detained. The court adjourned the trial to allow the defence to consider employing an expert to physically examine the two stations. Superintendent Michael Flynn testified that recording equipment was only installed at divisional headquarters and not at the two stations, and that any recordings made were stored at Garda Headquarters. The judge noted the evidence was "very impressive" and granted the defence an extension of the legal aid certificate for any proposed expert. The trial was adjourned until Tuesday, with the court willing to postpone further if an expert inspection is arranged. The men remain charged with membership of the Irish Republican Army on 7 February 2013.
In the Central Criminal Court, Jacky Lumi, aged 42, continues to face trial for the murder of his flatmate, Kamal El Habsati, a 31‑year‑old Moroccan‑born Dutch national. The alleged killing occurred on 1 December 2012 in a Dublin apartment. Lumi, who had fled to Europe but later surrendered in Rome, pleaded not guilty and seeks a manslaughter verdict, claiming provocation and loss of control after a dispute over unpaid bills and late‑night cooking. The prosecution presented evidence that El Habsati had been slow to pay rent and bills, and that a physical fight erupted when he refused to pay an internet bill. The jury, composed of seven men and five women, has deliberated for five hours over two days and will resume tomorrow morning before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy. The case remains in the deliberation stage.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 26 March 2014, lawyers for Thomas McMahon (31) and Noel Noonan (34), both charged with membership of the Irish Republican Army, requested confirmation from the prosecution regarding whether telephone calls made by the defendants from Garda stations were recorded. The request arose after the defendants had consulted with their solicitors by phone on 7 February 2013, after which they were interviewed. Counsel for McMahon suggested the matter could have consequences for the case, while counsel for Noonan made a similar request. The State solicitor, Ms Tara Burns, stated that the Gardaí were unaware of any recordings and that the prosecution could not confirm the existence of such material that day. The judge adjourned the trial to Thursday, when the prosecution should have a clearer position, and also postponed a separate case scheduled for the following week.
A jury has begun deliberations in the trial of Jacky Lumi, 42, who is charged with murdering his flatmate Kamal El Habsati, 31, in a Dublin apartment. The alleged killing occurred on 1 December 2012 after a dispute over bills. El Habsati was found a few days later with a knife protruding from his heart and 21 stab wounds. Lumi had previously fled across Europe but returned to Ireland after surrendering in Rome. His defence lawyers have requested a verdict of manslaughter, claiming that Lumi was provoked by El Habsati and lost control. The trial heard that El Habsati had annoyed Lumi by being slow to pay rent and by cooking after midnight, and that a physical fight began when El Habsati refused to pay an internet bill. The jury, consisting of seven men and five women, deliberated for just over three hours before asking the judge to repeat the definitions of murder and manslaughter. Jacky Lumi pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court in Dublin has set 6 October 2015 as the trial date for Thomas "Slab" Murphy, a 64‑year‑old republican from Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, Co Louth, on tax offences. The case stems from a Criminal Assets Bureau investigation. Nine charges allege that Murphy failed to file income, profit or gain returns for 1996/97 to 2004 with the Collector General or Inspector of Taxes. Prosecuting counsel applied for the date; Murphy's counsel sought further instructions following a Supreme Court ruling and requested a remand. Murphy remains on continuing bail until the trial.
In the Central Criminal Court, Jacky Lumi, 42, pleads not guilty to murdering Dutch national Kamal El Habsati, 31, on 1 December 2012. El Habsati was found in their Dublin flat with a knife in his heart and 21 stab wounds. Lumi, who had fled to Europe and later returned to Ireland, is defended by Patrick Marrinan SC, who urges the jury to convict him of manslaughter rather than murder. Marrinan argues that a temporary loss of control, provocation, and Lumi's martial‑arts training to seize the knife could reduce the charge. Prosecutor Caroline Biggs SC counters that Lumi set up the confrontation, disconnected the victim's internet, and that his actions show self‑control, supporting a murder conviction. Judge Patrick McCarthy has instructed a jury of seven men and five women to deliberate tomorrow.
In a Swords nightclub incident on 25 November 2012, Cillian Mahoney (22) was charged with assault causing harm to security staff Craig Hand and Igor Chachotail. Hand, supervising a 21st birthday party, reported that Mahoney, allegedly smashing glasses, became agitated, was restrained, and eventually punched Hand in the nose, causing a broken septum and requiring stitches. Chachotail claimed he was dragged down stairs by Mahoney, sustaining a broken coccyx. Pat Feeney, another bouncer, stated he saw "bottles, glasses and fists flying" but could not identify the combatants. Garda Laura Mahon noted Mahoney was unsteady, slurred, and claimed excessive vodka consumption, admitting he did not remember the night. Judge Dermot Dempsey, after reviewing evidence and CCTV, found Feeney's testimony unreliable and dismissed both assault charges against Mahoney. The case concluded with no convictions. Cillian Mahoney pleaded not guilty.
A man accused of sexually abusing three children in the 1960s and 1970s has filed a High Court action seeking to prohibit a retrial. He faces more than 40 counts of sexual abuse of three siblings in County Wexford between 1966 and 1979. The defendant denies all charges. In November, a Wexford Circuit Court jury failed to reach a verdict on 46 charges after a two‑week trial, leading to an order for a retrial. In the current proceedings, the defendant requests the High Court to issue several orders, including one that would prevent the retrial from proceeding. He argues that a retrial would risk denying him a fair trial, citing the long passage of time since the alleged incidents. Counsel John Peart SC said allowing the retrial would breach the defendant's rights. Mr Justice Michael Peart granted leave to bring the challenge ex‑parte and placed a stay on the prosecution pending the High Court's decision.
Jacky Lumi, 42, stands trial at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of fellow Dutch national Kamal El Habsati, 31, who was found dead in their Dublin apartment on 1 December 2012 with a knife protruding from his chest. Lumi, who had previously fled to Europe and later returned to Ireland after surrendering in Rome, pleaded not guilty but admitted to being 100 per cent guilty during a police interview shown to the jury. He explained that a long‑term diagnosis of borderline personality disorder and depression, coupled with a history of burnout, had contributed to a confrontation over rent and bills. He claimed that a dispute over unpaid money led him to "snap," knock El Habsati to the floor, seize a knife, and stab him 21 times. The jury, presided over by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, must decide whether Lumi is guilty of murder or manslaughter.
Jacky Lumi, 42, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Kamal El Habsati, 31, in their Dublin flat on 1 December 2012. The victim was found in the bathroom with a knife in his chest after his employer reported him missing. Lumi claimed he was a 'psychopath' and that the 21 stab wounds inflicted were a 'massacre'. He said he could only recall stabbing the victim two or three times, but the court heard he had stabbed him 21 times. Lumi also admitted to fleeing across Europe, eventually surrendering in Rome, and described his emotional state and family reactions. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury, who must decide whether Lumi is guilty of murder or manslaughter. The article reports only the facts presented in the trial and does not state any outcome.
In a Dublin Special Criminal Court hearing, Vincent Banks, 46, pleaded not guilty to withholding information about the murder of prison officer David Black. The prosecution presented an Evening Herald newspaper dated 2 November 2012, found open to a story about Black's shooting, as evidence of "evidential significance." The paper was discovered in Banks' apartment during a search, alongside other newspapers. The prosecution argued that the newspaper's presence, open to the relevant article, suggested Banks' knowledge of the case. Banks' counsel, Michael P. O'Higgins, argued the newspaper was a thin thread, lacking proof of Banks' possession or fingerprints, and that other newspapers were also found. The court heard that Black, 52, was shot on the M1 near Lurgan on 1 November 2012, and that the murder was allegedly committed by occupants of a Toyota Camry registered 94 D 50997, purchased by Banks.
In December 2012, Dutch national Kamal El Habsati, aged 31, stabbed his flatmate Jacky Lumi to death in their Dublin apartment. El Habsati fled across Europe and later surrendered to police in Rome. He was repatriated to the Netherlands and banned from Italy for five years. The case is now before the Central Criminal Court, where El Habsati has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Detective Sergeant Patrick O'Toole testified that after discovering the body, he requested an Interpol alert for Lumi, who was in Rome. Lumi called to confirm the death and said El Habsati had admitted to stabbing him. The trial continues before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, with a jury of seven men and five women to decide the outcome.
In a Dublin murder trial, a 42‑year‑old man, Kamal El Habsati, was found dead with a knife in his chest on 5 December 2012. The accused, 31, claimed he had told his letting agent on 29 November that he was leaving because he would "end up killing" his flatmate, citing a dispute over bills. The agent, Bobby Prenderville, said the accused was unhappy at work and fed up with the flatmate, Jacky Lumi, who had left the country by the time the body was discovered. Prenderville recalled that the accused had said he would kill him, but he had not taken it seriously. The accused pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court, where the case is heard by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury. The trial continues.
The jury in the Tallaght murder trial has paused its deliberations after hearing that 30‑year‑old Eugene Cullen of Derry Road, Crumlin, is accused of being part of a joint enterprise that killed Seamus O'Byrne, 27, at Tymon Park North on 13 March 2009. O'Byrne was shot outside his home in front of his girlfriend and child, who was also shot in the leg when she tackled the gunman. The prosecution claims Cullen was not the gunman but one of four men who plotted and executed the murder, relying on circumstantial evidence. Judge Barry White told the jury that the evidence must point to Cullen's guilt and asked whether the State had eliminated any other reasonable explanation. Defence counsel Sean Gillane argued that the prosecution's theory was forced, citing 480 hours of CCTV footage that did not show Cullen and urging a not‑guilty verdict. Eugene Cullen pleaded not guilty.
A Limerick woman, Mary Maloney, aged 45, faces trial for impeding the apprehension of Jonathan Fitzgerald in 2011. She pleaded not guilty, claiming she was not present at her premises on 18 December 2006 when Fitzgerald was allegedly there. Mr Justice Paul Carney found that Maloney had impeded Fitzgerald's apprehension, stating she was present at the premises when she knew that was not true. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, began on Thursday with a jury of six men and six women and is expected to last two weeks.
A 31‑year‑old man, Kamal El Habsati, was found dead in his Dublin apartment on 5 December 2012 with a knife protruding from his chest and 21 stab wounds, described by the court as a case of overkill. His employer had reported him missing after several days of absence, and his flatmate, Jacky Lumi, a 42‑year‑old Dutch man who had left the country by the time of the discovery, later told Gardaí that he had stabbed El Habsati following a dispute over bills. Lumi is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, charged with murdering El Habsati on 1 December 2012. The state pathologist, Professor Marie Casssidy, testified that the wounds involved the heart, lungs and liver, with the knife left in the heart, and that the pattern suggested some defensive injuries and that the victim may have been on the ground when some wounds were inflicted. The unnamed 31-year-old pleaded not guilty.
In the trial of a 30‑year‑old man accused of murdering a father‑of‑two, the prosecution told the jury that the case was based on circumstantial evidence. The defendant, Eugene Cullen, pleaded not guilty to the killing of Seamus O'Byrne, 27, at Tymon Park North, Tallaght, on 13 March 2009. The Central Criminal Court heard that O'Byrne was shot outside his home in front of his girlfriend and child, and that the girlfriend, Sharon Rattigan, tackled the assassin and was shot in the leg while seizing the gun. The prosecution alleged that Cullen was not the gunman but one of four men involved in planning and executing the murder.
A man, Jacky Lumi, aged 42, stood trial in the Central Criminal Court for the murder of his 31‑year‑old flatmate, Kamal El Habsati, on 1 December 2012 at their apartment in Ballymun. The case arose after a dispute over bills. Both men worked together at Stream Global Services, but their relationship had deteriorated. Lumi had resigned a week before the incident but claimed he would work until the end of December. On 3 December neither man appeared for work, prompting Lumi to contact the letting agent. The agent and a colleague found the apartment with blood and a knife in the deceased's chest. Lumi admitted to a fight, throwing El Habsati to the ground and stabbing him, but denied pre‑meditation, stating he "lost it and snapped." The prosecution argued the act was murder, while the defence suggested manslaughter. The trial proceeded before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of seven men and five women.
In a 2014 hearing, 30‑year‑old Eugene Cullen of Derry Road, Crumlin pleaded not guilty to the 2009 murder of Seamus O'Byrne, 27, in Tallaght. The Central Criminal Court heard that O'Byrne was shot outside his home in front of his girlfriend, Sharon Rattigan, who tackled the gunman and was shot in the leg. The prosecution said Cullen was not the gunman but one of four men involved in planning the murder. In interviews after his arrest, Cullen admitted he knew Rattigan and had hung out with her little brother, but denied knowing the assassin or participating in the shooting. He also denied placing a petrol can in a stolen Volkswagen Passat, though he admitted buying a can of petrol the day before the shooting for a friend. The trial was before Mr Justice Barry White and a jury of five men and seven women.
In a Dublin murder trial, forensic scientist Liam Fleury testified that no firearms residue was found on Eugene Cullen, who is 30 and accused of murdering Seamus O'Byrne, 27, in 2009. Cullen pleaded not guilty. The prosecution maintains that Cullen was not the gunman but one of four men involved in planning the murder. Fleury explained that residue appears on a gun, the hands, clothing, and face of the shooter, and can remain on hands for three to four hours and on clothing for 20 hours. He tested Cullen's clothing on 14 March 2009 and a residue kit on his hands and face, finding no residue. The jury also heard technical evidence about mobile phones linked to the case. The trial is before Justice Barry White and a jury of five men and seven women.
In the murder trial of Eugene Cullen, a 30‑year‑old from Derry Road, Crumlin, the jury has heard evidence from a radio frequency engineer, Eamon O' Gairbhith, who worked for Meteor. O' Gairbhith testified that on 16 February 2011 he visited several mobile cell sites with Gardaí, producing maps that show cell site locations, coverage directions and the best server coverage. He explained that when a cell is full of traffic the handset is assigned to a different server, and that signal strength weakens the further one moves from a site, causing hand‑over to other cells. The prosecution, represented by Alex Owens SC, maintains that Cullen was not the gunman but one of four men involved in planning the murder of Seamus O' Byrne, who was shot dead on 13 March 2009 in Tymon Park North, Tallaght. The trial is proceeding before Justice Barry White and a jury of five men and seven women. The case remains ongoing. Eugene Cullen pleaded not guilty.
Vincent Banks, aged 44 and resident in Dublin 7, has pleaded not guilty to withholding information relating to the murder of Northern Ireland prison officer David Black. The Special Criminal Court heard evidence that on 8 October 2012, gardaí observed two men travel from Carrigallen in Leitrim to Dublin as part of an ongoing operation into subversive and dissident activity. Detective Sergeant Ciaran Quigley testified he monitored the journey, whilst Detective Sergeant Bronagh Bergin observed Banks meeting the two men at a public house in Phibsborough. Photographs were taken of Banks in their company. David Black, aged 52 and employed at Maghaberry Prison in County Antrim, was fatally shot on the M1 motorway near Lurgan on 1 November 2012. The prosecution case centres on the alleged purchase of a Toyota Camry, subsequently recovered burnt-out near the scene, with ballistic evidence linking it to the shooting. Banks faces the charge of failing to disclose information he knew might assist in prosecuting the murder between October and December 2012. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Butler.
The Central Criminal Court is currently hearing the trial of Eugene Cullen, a 30-year-old man from Derry Road, Crumlin, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Seamus O' Byrne (27). The prosecution alleges that Mr. O'Byrne was shot dead by a hooded gunman in the driveway of his home at Tymon Park North, Tallaght, on March 13, 2009, in front of his girlfriend and child. While the accused is not alleged to have been the gunman, the state contends he was one of four men involved in plotting, planning, and executing the killing. The prosecution asserts that Garret O'Brien, a man from Bray who has since been convicted, was recruited to carry out the shooting. During the ongoing proceedings, the jury has been presented with technical evidence regarding mobile phone calls connected to the incident. In his opening address, Mr. Alex Owens SC clarified that the case against Mr. Cullen centers on his role in the conspiracy rather than the act of firing the weapon. The trial is presided over by Mr. Justice Barry White and a jury of five men and seven women. The matter is at the trial stage, with the defendant's plea remaining not guilty. No findings, sentences, or final dispositions have been recorded at this procedural stage. The trial continues tomorrow.
A Dutch man, Jacky Lumi, aged 42 and originally from Holland, will stand trial for the murder of 31‑year‑old Kamal El Habsati on 1 December 2012 at Linn Bhla, Santry Cross in Ballymun. Lumi, who has no fixed abode, pleaded not guilty. The trial will begin Thursday before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy at the Central Criminal Court and is expected to last seven days, with a jury of seven men and five women.
The Special Criminal Court trial of Vincent Banks, 44, of Dublin 7, continues before Mr Justice Paul Butler. Banks has pleaded not guilty to a charge of withholding information in relation to the murder of David Black. Prosecution counsel Paul Greene SC outlined the case that Black, a Maghaberry prison officer, was shot on November 1, 2012, by occupants of a Toyota Camry with Republic of Ireland registration 94 D 50997, which the prosecution alleges was purchased by Banks. Jonathan Greer, a witness from the Forensic Science Laboratory of Northern Ireland, testified that bullet casings recovered near the scene and from the burnt-out Toyota were fired from the same weapon. Greer confirmed that two casings from the road and three from the car were 7.62 x 39 mm calibre ammunition, consistent with an AKM assault rifle. Microscopic comparisons revealed gross matching marks indicating a single gun fired all the casings. A bullet recovered from Black's Audi was also consistent with this ammunition. The charge alleges that between October 10 and December 20, 2012, Banks failed to disclose information he knew might assist in securing the apprehension or conviction of another person for the murder. The trial is ongoing.
In the Central Criminal Court, a 30‑year‑old Eugene Cullen of Derry Road, Crumlin, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Seamus O'Byrne, 27, who was shot dead in front of his girlfriend and child at Tymon Park North, Tallaght, on 13 March 2009. The prosecution says Cullen was not the gunman but one of four men who plotted, planned and executed the killing. Today the jury heard technical evidence concerning mobile phones in the case. The trial will resume on Monday before Mr Justice Barry White with a jury of five men and seven women.
A jury will begin deliberating on whether 42‑year‑old Andrzej Benko intended to kill his sleeping wife, Joanna, on her 32nd birthday. Benko, of Ladyswell Road, Mulhuddert, admits striking her over the head with a lump hammer at least three times. He pleaded not guilty to attempted murder on 5 July 2010. The trial, held at the Central Criminal Court, noted that Mrs Benko is now largely confined to a wheelchair, has communication difficulties and will need full‑time care. Benko told Gardaí he had bought red roses for her that morning, was disappointed she did not wake, found a hammer while looking for a vase, and carried it upstairs before striking her. The prosecution argued that the act of striking a sleeping, defenseless woman with a heavy hammer at least three times demonstrates intent to kill.
In a Dublin murder trial, a jury watched CCTV footage of suspects and vehicles. Eugene Cullen of Derry Road, Crumlin pleaded not guilty to the murder of Seamus O'Byrne, 27, at Tymon Park North, Tallaght, on 13 March 2009. The prosecution said Cullen was not the gunman but one of four men who plotted and executed the killing. The gunman was identified as Garret O'Brien from Bray, who had been convicted. The court heard that on 12 March 2009 Cullen entered a service station, filled a green canister with petrol, and placed it in a silver Ford Transit van. Witnesses described two men on the green the day before the shooting. Forensic evidence included DNA from a mobile phone and swabs from O'Brien and Cullen. The deceased had five gunshot wounds, with the chest wounds causing death, and head and leg wounds contributing. The trial continues before Justice Barry White and a jury of five men and seven women.
The Special Criminal Court trial of Vincent Banks, 44, of Dublin 7, continued before Mr Justice Paul Butler. Banks, who has pleaded not guilty to a charge of withholding information in relation to the murder of Northern Ireland prison officer David Black, faces a separate charge of membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA. He remains remanded on the membership count, which will proceed immediately upon the judgement on the withholding information count. Evidence was heard from Leitrim County Councillor John McCartin, who stated he contacted gardai in 2012 after complaints about a car parked in a darkened area of Carrigallen. Cllr McCartin testified that he photographed the vehicle on his iPhone and later provided a DVD of backups to Detective Garda Bridget Buckley. Buckley confirmed she analysed the files and identified an image of a Toyota Camry taken on October 14, 2012. The prosecution alleges that the navy-coloured Toyota Camry, registered 94 D 50997, was used to shoot Black on the M1 motorway near Lurgan on November 1, 2012, and that Banks purchased the vehicle. The charge against Banks alleges he failed to disclose information that might assist in securing the apprehension or conviction of another person for the murder. The trial continues.
In a 2014 trial, 42‑year‑old Andrzej Benko of Mulhuddert pleaded not guilty to an attempted murder charge against his wife, Joanna Benko, on her birthday. He claimed he feared their toddler would die after discovering the wife's drugs, citing 100 ecstasy tablets found in the house. Benko said he rang Garda that morning, stating he had hit her over the head with a lump hammer. The jury was shown the hammer, which had blood matching Mrs Benko's DNA, and a photograph of 10 red roses he had bought for her. Garda Patrick Traynor presented interviews where Benko alleged his wife had been drug‑using, spending all his money, and had left him twice with their child. He said he considered killing her to protect their son and to end his "hell." The trial proceeded before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy with a jury of two women and ten men.
In a Dublin murder trial, a 30‑year‑old man from Crumlin, Eugene Cullen, pleaded not guilty to the 2009 killing of Seamus O'Byrne, a 27‑year‑old father of two. The court heard that O'Byrne was shot in front of his girlfriend and child at Tymon Park North, Tallaght, at 8:15 pm. Prosecutor Alex Owens SC stated that Cullen was not the gunman but one of four conspirators. Garret O'Brien, a Bray man now convicted, was identified as the shooter. Detective Garda Mary Moore testified she arrested Cullen at 11 pm after spotting a silver Nissan Primera with three occupants, one being Cullen, and brought him to Tallaght Garda Station. Garda Alan Young reported seizing a silver Ford Transit van on Derry Road, taking fingerprint lifts. Detective Sergeant John Schley described the van's chassis and licence plates, noting it was stolen in 2008 with false tax and insurance discs.