A former principal of Wilson's Hospital secondary school in County Westmeath has given evidence in the High Court regarding allegations of misconduct against teacher Enoch Burke. Niamh McShane, who led the school until 2022, described Mr Burke's conduct at a religious service and subsequent dinner in June as disrespectful and unprofessional. Ms McShane said she had sought to accommodate Mr Burke's concerns about a request to staff regarding a student's preferred name and pronouns, but no compromise could be reached. She told the court that Mr Burke's public objections during the service, attended by students, staff and parents, were embarrassing and distressing. At a follow-up dinner, Ms McShane said she felt "hunted" when Mr Burke approached her twice. The school brought disciplinary proceedings against Mr Burke, who denies wrongdoing and claims his suspension was unlawful. The case is before Mr Justice Alexander Owens and continues.
Closing speeches were delivered at the Central Criminal Court for two of three men accused of raping a then-teenage girl in a hotel car park in the Leinster area on December 20, 2017. The first defendant, aged 22, pleaded not guilty to rape and sexual assault. The second defendant, aged 23, pleaded not guilty to rape, oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault. The third defendant, aged 23, who pleaded not guilty to rape and oral rape, is scheduled to deliver his closing speech tomorrow. Defence counsel argued that the complainant's evidence contained inconsistencies and suggested she may have manipulated information to distance herself from her actions. Counsel for the second defendant questioned the plausibility of the complainant not raising an alarm after being allegedly raped in succession by three men. Counsel for the first defendant highlighted the absence of DNA evidence linking his client to the complainant and suggested an alternative verdict of sexual assault might be open to the jury. Both defence teams urged the jury to be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that their clients knew or were reckless about the lack of consent. The trial continues before Ms Justice Melanie Greally and the jury.
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned the trial of Brendan Treanor, 34, and James Flynn, 32, until after Easter. The men are accused of robbing €7,000 from Lordship Credit Union in Bellurgan, Co Louth, on 25 January 2013, an incident that resulted in the death of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. They are also charged with conspiring, between 11 September 2012 and 23 January 2013, with convicted Garda‑killer Aaron Brady and others to break into houses to steal car keys. Treanor and Flynn plead not guilty to all charges. Brady, 31, serving a life sentence with a 40‑year minimum for Donohoe's murder and the credit union robbery, denies involvement and awaits appeal. After evidence on CCTV‑identified cars, the court noted about 15 days of prosecution material remained. The trial will resume on 18 April before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge Alan Mitchell.
In the trial of Michael Scott, who denies murdering his aunt by running over her in an agricultural teleporter, the jury was deliberating for 11 hours and 18 minutes when the court registrar asked if they had reached a unanimous verdict. The judge, Ms Justice Caroline Biggs, offered the option of a majority verdict if ten of the twelve jurors agreed, while encouraging them to continue striving for unanimity. The jury has gone home for the evening and will return tomorrow for the fifth day of deliberations. Mr Scott, 58, of Gortanumera, Portumna, Co Galway, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Ms Treacy outside her home in Derryhiney, Portumna, on 27 April 2018. The prosecution alleges that he deliberately reversed over Ms Treacy following a long-running land dispute. Mr Scott's lawyers have stated that her death was a tragic accident.
In a decision by the Workplace Relations Commission, DHL Express (Ireland) Ltd was ordered to pay €52,000 to veteran air freight worker Michael McNamara after it stopped paying him duty allowances that had been part of his contract since 2013. McNamara began with DHL in 1985 as a courier and rose to flying loadmaster in 2000, a role that required long overseas travel and unsocial hours. The 2013 terms gave him a time‑away‑from‑base allowance of €3.85 per hour away from Dublin, plus overnight rates of €5.75 in the UK and €11.50 elsewhere. The allowance ended in early 2019 when McNamara was offered a new contract with a German DHL subsidiary that omitted the allowance. He did not sign the new contract and referred the matter to the WRC in August 2019.
Closing submissions have begun in the Central Criminal Court trial of three men accused of raping a then-17-year-old girl in a hotel car park in the Leinster area on December 20, 2017. The first defendant, aged 22, pleaded not guilty to rape and sexual assault. The second defendant, aged 23, pleaded not guilty to rape, oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault. The third defendant, also 23, pleaded not guilty to rape and oral rape. Prosecuting counsel Alice Fawsitt SC argued that the complainant's entry into the vehicle did not constitute consent to sexual activity, countering defence claims that the interaction was consensual. She highlighted that the complainant stated she said no to requests for sex and became frightened, while the defendants alleged she showed no distress. The third defendant testified that he believed the complainant offered him oral sex and that the second car was collected for comfort, denying any forcing. The prosecution suggested the defendants were reckless regarding consent. The trial continues before Ms Justice Melanie Greally and the jury.
The jury in the trial of Michael Scott, aged 58, will return to the Central Criminal Court for a fourth day of deliberations. Scott denies murdering his 76‑year‑old aunt, Christina 'Chrissie' Treacy, by driving an agricultural teleporter over her outside her home in Derryhiney, Portumna, on 27 April 2018. The prosecution alleges that Scott deliberately reversed over Ms Treacy following a long‑running land dispute. Scott's lawyers claim the death was a tragic accident. Justice Caroline Biggs told the jury that while there is no doubt that Scott caused the death, a murder verdict requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt that he intended to kill or seriously injure her at the time or the instant before. If intent is doubtful, the jury must acquit of murder and consider manslaughter, requiring proof of gross negligence. If the prosecution fails to meet either standard, the jury must acquit. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.
The trial of three men accused of raping a then-17-year-old girl in a hotel car park in the Leinster area on December 20, 2017, continued at the Central Criminal Court. The first defendant (22), second defendant (23), and third defendant (23) have all pleaded not guilty. The first defendant is charged with rape and sexual assault; the second with rape, oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault; and the third with rape and oral rape. Giving evidence on the ninth day, the first defendant told the jury that interactions were consensual, stating, "no rape was screamed." He alleged the complainant initiated sexual contact and that he refused her offer of oral sex. He denied pulling her toward the vehicle, claiming she walked willingly. Under cross-examination, he acknowledged the complainant's friend refused sex with the third defendant, contradicting his earlier claim that she offered sex to all four men. He stated he was not in the car when the second defendant was with the complainant. Witnesses described the complainant getting into the car first. The matter remains at trial stage; no verdict or sentence has been delivered.
The jury in the Michael Scott murder trial was told by Justice Caroline Biggs that it is too early to return a majority verdict and that a unanimous verdict is required at this stage. She explained that a majority verdict could be considered later, after a number of days, but the case is not yet at that point. Justice Biggs outlined the legal principles, noting that the accused enjoys the presumption of innocence and the prosecution must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. She stated that there is no doubt Mr Scott caused his aunt's death, but for a murder verdict the jury must be satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that he intended to kill or cause serious injury. If the jury has reasonable doubt about intent, they must acquit of murder and consider manslaughter, which requires proof that Mr Scott was driving in a grossly negligent manner. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.
Two forensic psychiatrists have testified at the Central Criminal Court that a jury should consider whether a man's criminal responsibility was diminished when he allegedly stabbed a 24-year-old County Mayo man. Matusz Batiuk, a 33-year-old Polish national formerly of Carrabeg Estate, Swinford, is charged with murder in relation to an incident on 16 November 2020. Dr Jamie Walsh told the court that Mr Batiuk suffers from paranoid schizophrenia, which was likely active at the time of the stabbing. The accused has pleaded not guilty. Dr Walsh outlined a lengthy history of psychiatric contact, including diagnoses of schizophrenia, cannabis misuse, and persecutory delusions. Dr Stephen Monks, a consultant forensic psychiatrist, similarly concluded that evidence strongly suggested Mr Batiuk was experiencing active psychotic illness and delusions in the period before the incident. Both psychiatrists confirmed it would be appropriate for the jury to consider diminished responsibility. The trial before Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring continues with closing speeches.
A man accused of murdering his wife at their home in County Mayo will face a retrial at the Central Criminal Court later this year. James Kilroy, aged 49, of Kilbree Lower, Westport, is charged with the murder of Valerie French Kilroy between June 13 and 14, 2019. His initial trial collapsed earlier this month after an unexpected and complex matter arose during proceedings. Justice Mary Ellen Ring discharged the jury on March 20. Mr Kilroy had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The retrial has been scheduled for November 6, 2023. A case management date of June 30, 2023 was set to allow correspondence between the defence and the Director of Public Prosecutions. Transcripts from the earlier trial were granted to the defence.
The Central Criminal Court in Dublin heard evidence on March 24th regarding a fatal stabbing in Swinford, County Mayo. Matusz Batiuk, aged 33, formerly of Carrabeg Estate, Swinford, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michael McDonagh, aged 24, who died from a single stab wound to the stomach on November 16th, 2020. The wound penetrated to a depth of at least 12 centimetres, causing rapid fatal blood loss. In interviews at Castlebar Garda Station, Mr Batiuk stated he acted in self-defence, claiming the deceased and another man, Paul Maughan, had been behaving aggressively in his home and that he believed he was in mortal danger. He told gardaí he had struck the victim once to make him back away rather than to kill him. The trial continues before Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring and a jury.
A jury has begun deliberating on the trial of farmer Michael Scott, who denies murdering his 76‑year‑old aunt Chrissie Treacy by running over her in an agricultural teleporter. The trial, which began in January and was expected to last three months, had an enlarged panel of 15 jurors to accommodate possible absences. Three jurors were discharged and exempted for life, leaving 12 to continue. The jury will return to the Central Criminal Court on Monday to resume deliberations after spending a little over an hour today. Justice Caroline Biggs instructed the jurors that if they find the prosecution has proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr Scott intended to kill or seriously injure his aunt, they must return a murder verdict. If they find a reasonable possibility of accident, they must find him not guilty of murder. If not guilty of murder, they must consider manslaughter by gross negligence.
The trial of three men accused of raping a then-17-year-old girl in a hotel car park in the Leinster area on December 20, 2017, continued at the Central Criminal Court. The first defendant (22) pleaded not guilty to rape and sexual assault. The second defendant (23) pleaded not guilty to rape, oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault. The third defendant (22) pleaded not guilty to rape and oral rape. A security guard testified that he observed two people appearing to engage in sexual activity in a car, with one man responding to his presence with a sneer and a comment about "doing a bit of riding." The complainant's mother stated her daughter returned home with a "vacant" look and disclosed the incident two days later. A friend confirmed the complainant told her she had been raped by three men. Forensic evidence presented included DNA matches for the second and third defendants on the complainant's clothing and in the car's passenger seats. The trial continues before Ms Justice Melanie Greally and a jury.
In the trial of Michael Scott, a farmer accused of murdering his 76‑year‑old aunt, Judge Caroline Biggs has continued her charge for a second day. She has spent about eight hours explaining the evidence and the legal principles the 15‑person jury must apply. The judge clarified that to find Scott guilty of murder, the jury must be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that he intended to kill or seriously injure his aunt when he ran over her. If they are not satisfied, they may return a verdict of manslaughter by gross negligence, or acquit him if an accident is reasonably possible. Scott, 58, has pleaded not guilty. The prosecution alleges he deliberately reversed over his aunt following a long‑running land dispute, while his lawyers claim it was a tragic accident. The judge will resume her charge on Friday, after which three jurors will be discharged, leaving 12 to decide the verdict.
A pathologist told the Central Criminal Court in Dublin that a single stab wound measuring at least 12 centimetres in depth caused the death of a 24-year-old Mayo man by severing a vital artery. Dr Kathleen Han Suyin gave evidence during the trial of Matusz Batiuk, aged 33, formerly of Carrabeg Estate, Swinford, who has pleaded not guilty to murder. The accused is charged with the killing of Michael McDonagh at the housing estate on 16 November 2020. Dr Han Suyin conducted the postmortem and confirmed the wound pierced the right common iliac artery, resulting in extensive and rapid blood loss that proved fatal. She stated the depth of the injury made survival impossible. The pathologist noted that while the wound was deep, it remained unclear whether significant force was applied or whether the victim may have moved into the blade. Forensic evidence presented showed the deceased's blood on the knife recovered, along with trace blood matching a witness. The trial continues before Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring.
Richard Burke, aged 32, of Killygordon, County Donegal, has been found guilty of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility at the Central Criminal Court. He was acquitted of murder in connection with the death of Jasmine McMonagle at Forest Park, Killygordon on January 4, 2019. The jury unanimously agreed on the manslaughter verdict following evidence from two psychiatrists that Burke's mental disorder substantially diminished his responsibility at the time of the killing. The trial judge noted that all evidence pointed toward the manslaughter conclusion, and neither prosecution nor defence disputed the psychiatric findings. Burke had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for April 18, at which the court will hear victim impact statements from Ms McMonagle's family.
A man has been convicted of the murder of a woman in County Donegal in January 2019. The victim, a 28-year-old mother, was fatally beaten and strangled in her home in Killygordon following a distressed emergency call. Gardaí from Lifford attended the property within twenty minutes of the call. Armed response units conducted a forced entry after observing a child at an upstairs window. The accused was subdued with a taser after confronting officers with a hammer and refusing to comply with instructions. During subsequent garda interviews at Letterkenny station, the man admitted to the killing. He claimed he had lost control after becoming aware that the woman had contacted gardaí. Forensic psychiatric evidence presented at trial indicated the accused had experienced psychotic illness, auditory hallucinations, and persistent delusional beliefs about the victim's behaviour. The court heard evidence of his extensive history of substance abuse and previous psychiatric intervention. Two young children were present in the property at the time but were found unharmed.
The Central Criminal Court trial of three men accused of raping a then-17-year-old in a hotel car park in the Leinster area on December 20, 2017, continued on its sixth day. The first defendant (22) pleaded not guilty to rape and sexual assault. The second defendant (23) pleaded not guilty to rape, oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault. The third defendant (22) pleaded not guilty to rape and oral rape. All charges are alleged or contested, with no findings or sentences recorded at this procedural stage. During cross-examination via videolink, the complainant disputed the third defendant's counsel's suggestion that the encounter was consensual. She stated she said no and did not participate. Defence counsel Mark Nicholas SC argued it was improbable the complainant did not notice a security guard arriving, noting the guard is expected to testify to seeing sexual activity. The complainant maintained she saw no one else. She explained she did not seek help due to fear and was in "fight or flight" mode. She admitted to using a sibling's phone to message a friend, which counsel suggested was an attempt to deceive. The complainant stated she told her mother two days later, leading to a Rape Crisis Centre referral. The trial continues before Ms Justice Melanie Greally and the jury.
The Central Criminal Court in Monaghan heard testimony on 22 March from two psychiatrists who both concluded that Richard Burke was suffering from a mental disorder that substantially diminished his responsibility at the time of the alleged killing. Mr Burke, aged 32, of Killygordon, County Donegal, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in relation to the death of Jasmine McMonagle at Forest Park, Killygordon on 4 January 2019. Forensic psychiatrist Dr Anthony Kearns told the jury that Mr Burke reported persistent delusional beliefs about Ms McMonagle's infidelity and claims she had given drugs to her children, beliefs found to be entirely false and without foundation. Dr Kearns also noted Mr Burke's history of substance abuse beginning in adolescence and periods of homelessness. Consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr Dearbhála Duffy stated Mr Burke was acutely psychotic at the time of the alleged offences and shortly thereafter. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Burns and jury.
In the trial of Michael Scott, a 58‑year‑old from Gortanumera, Portumna, the jury is instructed that they may return a manslaughter verdict if they find he was grossly negligent in reversing his agricultural teleporter over his 76‑year‑old aunt, Ms Treacy, on 27 April 2018. The judge explained that to convict of murder the jury must be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Scott intended to kill or seriously injure Ms Treacy. If that standard is not met, the jury may consider manslaughter by gross negligence, which does not require proof of intent. The judge also clarified that a single lie by Scott is not automatically evidence of guilt; it must be deliberate and intended to conceal guilt. He further explained that evidence of prior misconduct, such as failing to remove rubbish or turning off her heating, is not proof of a propensity to kill but provides context for the relationship. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.
In a Dublin court, Judge Eileen Creedon directed a jury to find Jamie Berry (27) and Stephen Mulvey (31) not guilty of attempted murder and related charges because the prosecution's evidence was deemed insufficiently strong. The case involved an alleged shooting of a 17‑year‑old at a residential estate on 24 February 2021, with the defendants accused of being the shooter and an accomplice. The judge highlighted the lack of direct evidence linking the men to the crime scene, noting that CCTV footage did not show them at the shooting, and that a gun found in a burned Hyundai could not be tied to either. He also cited the absence of DNA, phone, social‑media or motive evidence. The defence argued that the circumstantial case was too tenuous, and the judge agreed, withdrawing all charges from the jury. The trial had reached its 11th day when the directed verdict was given.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 22 March 2023, the court set a trial date of 31 October for Nathan Kinsella, 44, and his partner Jennifer Dunne, 38, who are charged with six money‑laundering offences under Section 7 of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering & Terrorist Financing) Act 2010. The charges involve converting, transferring, handling, acquiring, possessing or using funds deposited in an AIB account between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2019, with the defendants allegedly knowing or recklessly believing the funds were proceeds of criminal conduct. Barrister Diarmaid McGuinness SC requested a five‑week trial, noting a health factor that might affect full sitting days for Kinsella. The court agreed to vary Kinsella's bail from three to one Garda‑station visits per week. Both defendants remain on bail until 30 July, when the case will be next mentioned.
The Central Criminal Court trial of three men accused of raping a 17-year-old in a hotel car park in the Leinster area on December 20, 2017, continued on its sixth day. The first defendant, aged 22, pleaded not guilty to rape and sexual assault. The second defendant, aged 23, pleaded not guilty to rape, oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault. The third defendant, aged 22, pleaded not guilty to rape and oral rape. During cross-examination, the complainant testified that she did not consent to the alleged acts, stating she was scared and that the men became aggressive. She told counsel for the second defendant that she did not think she would have to shout no. Defense counsel for the first defendant suggested she had lied about the timing of her awareness and that she agreed to go for a walk, allegations she denied. The complainant stated she removed her trousers because the first defendant was going to do it anyway. She also denied suggestions that she lied to gardaí about the time before entering the vehicle or that she deleted apps to cover her tracks. The complainant confirmed she was sober and had not met the defendants before that evening. The trial continues before Ms Justice Melanie Greally and the jury.
In the Central Criminal Court, Michael Scott, 58, pleaded not guilty to the murder of his 76‑year‑old aunt Chrissie Treacy on 27 April 2018. Prosecutor Dean Kelly SC argued that Scott deliberately reversed an agricultural teleporter over Treacy, citing evidence of clear threats, a history of cruelty, and a dispute over 140 acres of land. He described the teleporter's impact as geometrically precise, crushing Treacy's body and removing flesh from her left hand. Defence counsel Paul Greene SC contended that the evidence suggested an accidental death, questioning the absence of disturbance at Treacy's home and the lack of evidence that she had entered the yard. He urged the jury to consider the prosecution's failure to prove beyond a reasonable doubt and to assess Scott's intent at the time of the incident. The case remains at the jury's deliberation stage.
Richard Burke, aged thirty-two and from Killygordon in County Donegal, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of Jasmine McMonagle at Forest Park on January 4, 2019. The Central Criminal Court trial, sitting in Monaghan, heard evidence that Mr Burke told gardaí during interviews at Letterkenny Garda Station that he punched and strangled Ms McMonagle with a rope after discovering she had contacted gardaí for assistance. He described losing control of his temper, stating his mind went blank during the assault. A post mortem examination confirmed Ms McMonagle died from ligature strangulation with blunt and sharp force injuries as contributing factors. The court heard gardaí responded to a 999 call within twenty minutes and encountered Mr Burke at the scene holding a meat cleaver, which he used to strike an officer's clothing. Ms McMonagle's two young daughters were found unharmed in the property. The trial continues.
A 33-year-old Polish man has pleaded not guilty to murdering a 24-year-old at Carrabeg Estate in Swinford, Co Mayo on 16 November 2020. The Central Criminal Court heard that Matusz Batiuk told gardai he stabbed the deceased in self-defence after believing his life was in danger. The prosecution contends that when Mr Batiuk retrieved a kitchen knife and inflicted a single stab wound to the abdomen, he acted with intent to kill. Evidence will include recordings of emergency calls made by the accused on the night in question and garda interviews. The court heard the deceased was intoxicated at the time and that there were no defensive wounds on his body. Expert psychiatric evidence concerning the accused's diagnosed schizophrenia will be heard. Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring is presiding over the trial with a jury of nine men and three women. The case is expected to last two weeks.
A murder trial opened at the Central Criminal Court in Monaghan on 20 March regarding the death of Jasmine McMonagle at Forest Park, Killygordon, County Donegal on 4 January 2019. Richard Burke, aged 32, of Killygordon pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The State outlined that Ms McMonagle, a mother of two, died from strangulation and blows inflicted by her former partner. Gardaí from Lifford responded to her emergency call that morning and discovered her body after a three-hour standoff during which Burke wielded a meat cleaver. Her children were found unharmed. The trial will focus on Burke's mental state at the time of the killing rather than the circumstances of death, which he acknowledges. Two consultant psychiatrists will give evidence that Burke suffered from a mental disorder substantially diminishing his responsibility. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Burns.
The murder trial of James Kilroy at the Central Criminal Court collapsed on Monday due to an unexpected and complex matter that emerged during proceedings. Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring discharged the jury of ten men and two women, having sat since March 8, after informing them that an unforeseen issue had arisen unknown to all parties. The judge said both the prosecution and defence required further time to resolve the matter and that no party was at fault. Mr Kilroy, aged 49, from Kilbree Lower, Westport, County Mayo, is charged with murdering his wife Valerie French Kilroy, aged 41, at their home between June 13 and 14, 2019. He had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The defence had made formal admissions that Mr Kilroy killed his wife. The trial was listed for mention on March 27, with the judge expressing hope that a future trial date could be reserved.
In March 2023 the Workplace Relations Commission awarded €10,000 to bartender Ms Z for discriminatory constructive dismissal after a supervisor's voice note, recorded by Ms Z, said she had been ordered to "get rid" of her because of her anxiety disorder. Ms Z had asked her supervisor to keep her condition private and later reported stress and humiliation, claiming she had no alternative but to quit. The commission found that the voice note's language was deeply offensive and indicated an intention to dismiss Ms Z, and that the employer had no authority to carry out the termination. The hospitality group denied any intention to sack Ms Z, and the bar manager admitted he was not authorised to dismiss staff. The commission upheld Ms Z's complaint under the Employment Equality Act 1998 and ordered compensation.
Matusz Batiuk, a 33-year-old man formerly residing in Carrabeg Estate, Swinford, Co Mayo, entered a not guilty plea at the Central Criminal Court on 20 March 2023 to the charge of murdering Michael McDonagh, aged 24. The alleged murder occurred at the housing estate in Swinford on 16 November 2020. Justice Mary Ellen Ring empanelled a jury of nine men and three women to hear the trial, which commenced that afternoon and was anticipated to conclude within two weeks. The court was informed that the majority of witnesses in the case originate from the Mayo region, with the deceased having connections to the Ballyhaunis and Knock areas. The accused has resided in Ireland since approximately 2006 or 2007.
A jury has been sworn in at the Central Criminal Court in Monaghan to hear the trial of a 32-year-old man charged with the murder of Jasmine McMonagle in County Donegal in January 2019. Richard Burke, with an address in Killygordon, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The alleged offence occurred at Forest Park, Killygordon on 4 January 2019. Mr Justice Paul Burns informed the jury panel of twelve that the trial is expected to last approximately two weeks. The prosecution will open its case this afternoon. Both the accused and the deceased were resident in Killygordon at the time of the alleged incident.
In a Central Criminal Court trial, a 17‑year‑old woman alleged she was raped by three men in a hotel car park on 20 December 2017. She said she had been invited by a friend to "go for a drive" and that the friend had shown her photos on Facebook. The woman confirmed she had not previously travelled with boys she did not know and that she believed the night was a drive, not sex. She stated she was shocked when the defendants approached her in the car and that she had not consented to any sexual activity. She told a friend she had been forced to have sex with the men and that she had been raped. The defendants, aged 22, 23 and 22, have pleaded not guilty to rape and sexual assault charges. The trial is ongoing before Ms Justice Melanie Greally and a jury.
During the trial of Michael Scott, a 58‑year‑old engineer from Gortanumera, Portumna, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 76‑year‑old Chrissie Treacy outside her home in Derryhiney, Portumna, on 27 April 2018. Dr Mark Jordan, a mechanical engineer hired by Scott's defence, testified that the claim that Ms Treacy was run over twice by the teleporter was "unsupported" and that all her injuries could have been caused by a single movement. He argued that only one clear imprint was found on her trousers and that the other marks were difficult to interpret. Dr Jordan also disagreed with a Garda report that Ms Treacy should have been visible to Scott as he reversed across his yard, citing blind spots, dirty windows and glare. He maintained that the injuries were consistent with one motion of the vehicle and that no unusual use of the teleporter was required to cause her death.
During the trial of Michael Scott for the 2018 murder of 76‑year‑old Ms Treacy, accident investigator John Hayes presented evidence that Ms Treacy was likely walking away from the teleporter as it approached, attempting to escape impact. Hayes argued that a pedestrian in a light‑blue cardigan would have been clearly visible through the back window, though visibility was reduced by grime. He described two distinct tracks on Ms Treacy's body, suggesting two passes by the teleporter, and reconstructed the scene with a garda standing one metre behind the vehicle. Hayes noted that the teleporter's left rear view mirror was missing and that the driver would have needed to rotate 90° to see behind while reversing, a normal action for an agricultural vehicle. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.
The trial of three men accused of raping a 17-year-old woman in a hotel car park in the Leinster area on December 20, 2017, continued at the Central Criminal Court. The complainant testified that she was in shock after the alleged attack and could not believe what had happened. She described being driven to petrol stations where the defendants purchased cigarettes, noting she was unsure if she exited the vehicle at the first stop. After being dropped off, she walked to a friend's house, where she checked for bleeding but found only fluid. She later took the morning-after pill and contacted her boss, claiming a stomach bug, before spending the day at a friend's home. Her mother subsequently arranged an appointment at a sexual assault treatment unit. The complainant stated she delayed reporting to gardaí until December 27 due to fear, providing her clothes and names obtained from Facebook searches. The first defendant, aged 22, pleaded not guilty to one count of rape and one count of sexual assault. The second defendant, aged 23, pleaded not guilty to one count of rape, one count of oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault. The third defendant, aged 22, pleaded not guilty to one count of rape and one count of oral rape. The trial continues before Ms Justice Melanie Greally and the jury.
At the Central Criminal Court, the murder trial of James Kilroy, aged 49, of Kilbree Lower, Westport, Co Mayo, has been adjourned until Monday afternoon following an unforeseen development. Mr Kilroy, a park ranger, is charged with the murder of his wife Valerie French Kilroy, aged 41, at their rural home on a date between 13 and 14 June 2019. He has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The trial was delayed this morning when High Court judge Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring informed the jury that an unexpected matter had arisen unknown to all parties. She noted that neither party was at fault and that additional time was required to address the issue. Evidence presented to the jury has included testimony from the Chief State Pathologist regarding the cause of death. The defence has made formal admissions that the defendant killed his wife. The trial will resume on Monday.
John Hamill, an atheist campaigner, filed a discrimination complaint with the Workplace Relations Commission after the Defence Forces refused to consider him for a military chaplain role. The State argued that chaplains must hold a monotheistic belief to provide "force protection" and "religious leader engagement" in conflict zones, citing the 87.16% Catholic composition of the forces. The Commission found the Defence's requirement unlawful, ruling that chaplains should not be recruited solely from Roman Catholic and Church of Ireland clergy. An adjudicating officer ordered the Department to review its chaplaincy process to reflect diversity, though compensation was not awarded. The decision upheld Hamill's claim of religious discrimination and rejected the State's justification that a Christian chaplain was essential for missions such as UNIFIL in south Lebanon.
Three men, aged 22, 23 and 22, are on trial at the Central Criminal Court for alleged rape and sexual assault of a 17‑year‑old girl in a hotel car park in Leinster on 20 December 2017. The first defendant pleaded not guilty to one count of rape and one count of sexual assault; the second pleaded not guilty to one count of rape, one count of oral rape and two counts of sexual assault; the third pleaded not guilty to one count of rape and one count of oral rape. The complainant, who left home around 6 pm after a friend texted her to go for a drive, was taken to the car park by four male passengers. She alleges the defendants forced her into the car, attempted to undress her, and engaged in non‑consensual sexual acts, including rape, oral rape and forced intercourse.
During the Central Criminal Court hearing, Garda investigator Eoin O'Connor admitted he erred in his collision report concerning the fatal incident involving Chrissie Treacy, who was run over by an agricultural teleporter driven by her nephew Michael Scott. O'Connor had stated that an experienced operator would leave the machine in gear after turning it off to prevent rolling, but he acknowledged that another operator's evidence showed this would not stop the teleporter from moving. He explained that his mistake stemmed from his lack of experience with such machinery. The trial, which has heard that Mr Scott, aged 58, pleaded not guilty to murdering Ms Treacy on 27 April 2018, continues before Justice Caroline Biggs and a 15‑person jury. The prosecution maintains that Mr Scott deliberately ran over Ms Treacy amid a long‑running land dispute, while his lawyers argue the death was a tragic accident.
The jury in the Central Criminal Court trial of Stephen Silver continues deliberations in the case concerning the death of Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon on June 17, 2020. Mr Silver, aged 46 and from Aughaward, Foxford, County Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The jury, comprising seven men and five women, has deliberated for over five hours and will resume considerations on a third day. Justice Tara Burns has directed the panel that possible verdicts include capital murder, murder simpliciter, or manslaughter based on diminished responsibility or self-defence. The central issue concerns Mr Silver's mental state at the time of the shooting. The defence argues Mr Silver was experiencing a relapse of mental illness that substantially reduced his responsibility, while the prosecution contends the shooting was a deliberate act motivated by resentment towards gardaí. Expert psychiatric evidence was presented by both the defence and prosecution regarding Mr Silver's mental condition at the time of the incident.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 14 March 2023, Charlene O'Callaghan, the former girlfriend of Brendan Treanor, testified that she and Treanor were at home in Tullydonnell, Co. Armagh, on the night of the January 25, 2013 robbery at Lordship Credit Union. She said she arrived home at about 9:15 pm after work, watched television, showered, and then left to order food at a Crossmaglen takeaway at 10:05 pm, returning around 10:17 pm. O'Callaghan confirmed that Treanor was present in the house before she left and that he had dropped his phone into the bath while washing their dogs. She also noted that Treanor's friends included Aaron Brady and James Flynn. The testimony was given while Treanor and Flynn remain charged with the robbery and related conspiracy, having pleaded not guilty. The case continues before the Special Criminal Court.
A man charged with murdering his wife in County Mayo has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity at the Central Criminal Court. James Kilroy, aged 49, of Kilbree Lower, Westport, is accused of killing Valerie French Kilroy, aged 41, at their home between 13 and 14 June 2019. His counsel has made formal admissions that the defendant killed his wife. The prosecution has presented evidence including testimony from an Airbnb guest staying in a self-contained area of the property, who reported seeing a man in dark clothing near the house on the evening in question but hearing nothing unusual. A pathologist told the court the victim died from ligature strangulation, blunt force trauma to the head, and a stab wound to the neck. A medical practitioner assessed the defendant at Castlebar Garda Station and noted he had consumed cannabis and alcohol. The defence is expected to call psychiatric evidence on Wednesday. The trial continues before Justice Mary Ellen Ring and a jury.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has begun deliberations in the trial of Stephen Silver, charged with the murder of Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon on 17 June 2020. Mr Silver, aged 46 of Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. Justice Tara Burns instructed the jury of twelve that possible verdicts include capital murder, murder, or manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility or self-defence. The central issue concerns Mr Silver's state of mind at the time of the shooting. Expert evidence was presented regarding whether Mr Silver's bipolar affective disorder was operant during the incident, with the defence and prosecution psychiatrists disagreeing on this point. The judge emphasised that the jury must determine the facts rather than defer to expert testimony. A unanimous verdict is required. Deliberations commenced at 3:40pm and will resume on Tuesday.
The Workplace Relations Commission ruled that it was reasonable to sack welder Shane Finnegan for entering a high‑pressure chemical tank without a required safety meter, a breach that could have caused serious injury or death. However, the tribunal found that Darland Enterprises Ltd's dismissal process was "clearly faulty" and that Finnegan had "contributed significantly" to his own dismissal. The tribunal therefore awarded him €1,000 in redress for lost earnings, half of the loss he suffered in the two years after his sacking. The decision noted that while the dismissal was justified, the company's handling of the disciplinary procedure was defective, and that Finnegan had not been given a copy of the investigation report or the meeting minutes before he was dismissed. The award reflects the tribunal's view that the employer's process was unfair, despite the seriousness of the safety breach.
At the Central Criminal Court, a murder trial heard that James Kilroy, aged 49, a park ranger from Kilbree Lower, Westport, County Mayo, described to gardai how he "waited in the long grass" before attacking his wife at their rural home. The Chief State Pathologist testified that Valerie French Kilroy, aged 41, an occupational therapist and mother of three, died from ligature strangulation, blunt force trauma to the head, and a stab wound to the neck. Mr Kilroy has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to her murder on a date between 13 and 14 June 2019. His legal team has made formal admissions that he killed his wife. During garda interviews, he described the assault as "dark and frenzied" and claimed she was alive when he left her. The trial before Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring continues.
At the Central Criminal Court, defence counsel Dominic McGinn SC argued during closing submissions that Stephen Silver's shooting of Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon on 17 June 2020 was not a rational act and should prompt questions about his mental capacity at the time. Mr McGinn told the jury that Mr Silver's behaviour in custody was erratic, including urinating in his cell and banging his head against walls, suggesting limited social functioning. He contended that the accused was experiencing a relapse of bipolar affective disorder when the incident occurred. Expert evidence was divided: consultant psychiatrist Professor Harry Kennedy maintained mental illness played no part in the shooting, while Dr Brenda Wright, interim clinical director at the Central Mental Hospital, concluded Mr Silver's mental illness was a significant factor. Mr Silver has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The trial, at the Central Criminal Court, continues with the judge's charge to the jury expected on Monday.
Michael Scott, 58, of Gortanumera, Portumna, Co Galway, pleaded not guilty to murder after his 76‑year‑old aunt, Ms Treacy, died when he allegedly ran her over with a JCB on 27 April 2018. In court, Scott said he did not realise he could call 999 for an ambulance and that he thought his aunt would survive. He denied deliberately rolling over her a second time and claimed the incident was an accident. Scott said he did not help her up because he needed someone with him and that he had called his friend Francis Hardiman for help. He denied any intent to kill and said he did not want his aunt to die. The trial, hearing the prosecution's case that the run‑over was deliberate, continues next week before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury.
At the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, the Chief State Pathologist provided evidence that a woman from Westport, County Mayo, died from ligature strangulation, blunt force trauma to the head, and a stab wound to the neck. Valerie French Kilroy, aged 41, was found in a campervan at her home on Kilbree Lower, Westport, on June 15th, 2019. Park ranger James Kilroy, aged 49, is charged with her murder between June 13th and 14th, 2019. He has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, though his defence counsel has made formal admissions that the accused killed his wife. A witness told the court he observed a naked man walking in circles in a nearby field on the morning of June 14th, heading towards Croagh Patrick. The pathologist detailed multiple injuries including defensive wounds to the deceased's hands and a stab wound measuring 4.7 centimetres in length. The trial continues before Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring.
A 37-year-old man from Sligo has pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to directing a criminal organisation. Barry Young, with an address in Cranmore, Co Sligo, admitted to the charge relating to directing the activities of a criminal organisation between October 2019 and January 2022, both within and outside the State. The accused, who is currently remanded in custody, appeared before the three-judge, non-jury court where he entered his guilty plea. The State's counsel confirmed that the Director of Public Prosecutions consented to his arraignment on the relevant section of the indictment. The court granted legal aid to cover the cost of a counsellor's report and adjourned the matter to May 9th for further proceedings. A previously scheduled trial date in April was vacated.