The fraud trial of former Custom House Capital (CHC) manager Ciara Kelleher heard on day 11 that former CEO Harry Cassidy, John Whyte, Paul Lavery, and John Mulholland have pleaded guilty to charges arising from a Garda investigation. Cassidy, Whyte, and Lavery admitted to conspiring with others to defraud investors and clients of CHC between October 2008 and July 2011. Mulholland, a non-executive director, pleaded guilty to one count of neglect on the part of a director of a body corporate regarding the company's dishonest acts. Kelleher, who pleaded not guilty to one count of conspiring to defraud CHC investors by misleading them about asset placement, remains the sole defendant facing trial. Evidence presented included testimony from Detective Garda David Coyne regarding Kelleher's 2016 arrest and Detective Garda Aidan Deveney, who detailed the retrieval of 2.5 million objects from a server and the use of forensic tools to search over 1.2 million emails. Deveney acknowledged that Cassidy allegedly pressured Kelleher regarding client valuations and fees. The trial continues before Judge Orla Crowe and the jury.
Michael Scott, aged 58, denies murdering his aunt Chrissie Treacy. In a Central Criminal Court hearing, he was reported to have held a gun while discussing "troubles with Chrissie" and saying, "I hope there's none of them people does cross me," allegedly referring to Regina Donohue's family. The prosecution alleges that Scott deliberately ran over Treacy after a long‑running land dispute. Scott's relationship with Donohue had been good but deteriorated over land and lease issues. Donohue, who had worked with the Treacy family, testified that Treacy's financial situation was poor and that she had been under stress, including the disappearance of her dog. The trial continues before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs with a jury of fifteen. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.
Stephen Silver, a 46-year-old motorbike mechanic from Foxford, County Mayo, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court charged with the capital murder of Garda Colm Horkan on 17 June 2020 at Castlerea, County Roscommon. He has pleaded not guilty to capital murder but guilty to manslaughter. Prosecution witnesses testified that Silver engaged in ordinary conversation about sport, politics and work with hotel guests on the morning of the garda's death. Forensic and pathology evidence detailed extensive gunshot injuries sustained by the deceased officer. A retired garda sergeant stated that Garda Horkan had escorted Silver to a psychiatric unit following a family incident in 2003. A superintendent confirmed Garda Horkan was temporarily appointed as a detective aid and authorised to carry a firearm in plainclothes duties. The defence has acknowledged Silver's responsibility for the shooting. The trial continues before Justice Tara Burns and a jury of twelve.
During the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, the jury heard that Gardaí carried out a keyword search of over one million emails sent and received within Custom House Capital (CHC) as part of an investigation into an alleged conspiracy to defraud investors. The defendant, Ciara Kelleher, aged 51, was questioned about her role in checking information entered into the 'Unity' system and about whether she was aware of any fraudulent activity. She denied that she had knowledge of or participated in any deception, stating that she only provided information she believed to be correct and that she was not aware of any 'backing out' process used to disguise fraud. Kelleher also denied that she had knowingly issued false valuations or backdated invoices, and she said she had raised concerns with senior staff. The trial continues before Judge Orla Crowe and a jury. Ciara Kelleher pleaded not guilty.
At the Central Criminal Court, a witness testified that Stephen Silver (46), of Aughavard, Foxford, Co Mayo, appeared "looking crazy" following the fatal shooting of Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, Co Roscommon on June 17, 2020. The garda was shot eleven times with his own firearm. Ms Makulova, a resident of Castlerea Main Street, told the jury she heard gunshots that she initially mistook for fireworks, and observed a man with a ponytail holding a gun standing beside an injured man on the road. A second witness, business owner Dermot Mulvihill, corroborated hearing explosions and described seeing the man discard an object with a metallic sound. Forensic evidence presented showed a palm print matching Mr Silver's on the gun. Mr Silver has pleaded not guilty to capital murder but guilty to manslaughter. The defence acknowledged the accused's responsibility for the shooting, with the central issue being his state of mind at the time. The trial, before Ms Justice Tara Burns, continues before a jury of seven men and five women.
In a February 2023 decision, the Workplace Relations Commission dismissed the unfair dismissal claim of Fine Gael councillor Edward Timmins, who had alleged a sham redundancy at AB Group Packaging Ireland Ltd. Timmins, a former finance director, claimed he was forced out after a dispute with owner Dermot Brady over cash withdrawals. The commission found that Timmins had not raised any interpersonal complaints before the redundancy notice and that the company had a legitimate redundancy plan following a failed U.S. expansion. Timmins' refusal to participate in the employer‑led appeal process was deemed a major mistake, preventing him from presenting his arguments. The tribunal concluded the redundancy was genuine and rejected Timmins' claim, concluding the case after four hearings and a second adjudicating officer was appointed following a conflict‑of‑interest request by Timmins' counsel.
During a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, emails were presented that alleged a non‑executive director of Custom House Capital (CHC), John Mulholland, used €60,000 from his pension fund to credit a client's account and reverse a property transaction in 2010. The emails, read to the jury, show Mulholland telling CHC head of private clients John Whyte and CEO Harry Cassidy that he believed no error had been made, but he took the money to "remove this difficulty from CHC's book" and avoid the client going to the regulator. Ms Ciara Kelleher, a senior manager at CHC, was questioned by gardai about these emails and denied knowledge of any wrongdoing. She said she was not involved in any secret circle and believed her team followed normal procedures. Ms Kelleher, aged 51, pleaded not guilty to one count of conspiring to defraud investors, clients and customers of CHC Ltd, with alleged offences occurring between October 2008 and July 2011.
Stephen Silver, a 46-year-old motorbike mechanic from Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, stands trial at the Central Criminal Court on a charge of capital murder in connection with the death of Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon on 17 June 2020. Mr Silver has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. During proceedings, psychiatric evidence was presented regarding Mr Silver's mental state at the time of arrest. Dr William Monteiro told the court that Mr Silver refused psychiatric assessment but displayed no evidence of active mental illness when observed, appearing lucid and capable of engagement. Dr Greg Kelly, a general practitioner from Castlerea, testified that Mr Silver had disclosed his mental health declined during Covid restrictions and that he had been living in a shed. Dr Kelly noted Mr Silver's demeanour appeared inappropriate for his circumstances and that psychiatric care had diminished due to Covid-related service restrictions. The trial, before Ms Justice Tara Burns, continues.
During a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, Ciara Kelleher, a former financial services manager at Custom House Capital, pleaded not guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud investors. The jury heard that Kelleher, aged 51, claimed internal emails did not reveal her awareness of criminal activity between October 2008 and July 2011. In a second interview with Gardaí on 29 January 2020, she denied that her emails to John Whyte and Paul Lavery were offers to facilitate fraud, stating they were requests for training and procedural clarification to resolve a backlog of client valuations. Kelleher maintained that her team followed procedures, that she had no reason to suspect wrongdoing, and that she was unaware of a Central Bank directive or any illicit handling of client funds. The case remains before Judge Orla Crowe and a jury.
The Special Criminal Court has heard testimony concerning a credit union robbery in County Louth in January 2013 during which Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe was fatally shot. Staff from Lordship Credit Union and Cooley Credit Union in Bellurgan described a coordinated assault as they prepared to transport takings to a bank in Dundalk under Garda escort. The secretary at Lordship reported that three men blocked the exit and forced entry to his vehicle, stealing approximately €7,000 in cash and cheques before gunshots rang out. A colleague from Cooley Credit Union, who remained in her car during the incident, witnessed the attack and subsequently discovered the detective wounded nearby. Brendan Treanor and James Flynn face charges of robbery and conspiracy to commit creeper-style burglaries across four counties between September 2012 and January 2013. Both have pleaded not guilty. Aaron Brady, convicted of Detective Donohoe's murder and serving life with a forty-year minimum, is named as a co-conspirator. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and two other judges.
Stephen Silver, aged 46, of Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court charged with the capital murder of Garda Colm Horkan. The trial heard that Garda Horkan was shot eleven times with his own firearm at Castlerea, County Roscommon on 17 June 2020. Mr Silver has pleaded not guilty to capital murder but guilty to manslaughter. Civilian witnesses gave evidence that after the shooting, Mr Silver repeatedly told gardaí: "If I hadn't killed him, he would have killed me." Garda witnesses testified that Mr Silver was agitated and aggressive in custody, and that he later spat at officers and urinated on the floor of his cell. During cross-examination, the defence counsel indicated that Mr Silver's state of mind at the time of the incident remains the central issue in dispute. The trial continues before Ms Justice Tara Burns.
Ciara Kelleher, 51, of Dublin 7, pleaded not guilty to one count of conspiring to defraud investors in Custom House Capital Ltd. She told Gardaí that she was not part of the company's "inner circle" and had no role in buying shares or in any alleged conspiracy. Kelleher's duties were to support John Whyte, head of private clients, by checking valuation reports and sending them to clients. She said she had no knowledge of wrongdoing and that she had never suspected any criminal activity. Kelleher also described an incident in which Harry Cassidy, then CEO, shouted at her over a client funds transfer request. The trial, heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, continues before Judge Orla Crowe and a jury. The case involves alleged offences committed between October 2008 and July 2011.
At the Central Criminal Court, a garda has given evidence describing the fatal shooting of his colleague Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon on 17 June 2020. Stephen Silver, aged 46, from Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to capital murder but guilty to manslaughter. Garda Aidan Fallon testified that he witnessed the incident and found Garda Horkan shot eleven times with his own firearm. The court heard that Silver made comments and behaved disruptively as emergency procedures were performed. Multiple witnesses provided accounts of the struggle and subsequent gunshots on Main Street. Sergeant Michael O'Hara and other gardaí testified regarding Silver's statements and demeanour following his arrest. The defence has indicated that Silver's state of mind at the time remains the central issue in dispute. The trial before Ms Justice Tara Burns continues.
A human trafficking trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has been discharged after ten days due to unforeseen circumstances. The case against Natalia Nogueira Da Silva of Drumlish, County Longford, and Ivanilce Vailones Fidelis of Roscommon is expected to recommence before a new jury later this month. Judge Patricia Ryan discharged the existing jury, citing the impossibility of proceeding under current circumstances. Da Silva has admitted 35 charges including organising prostitution, facilitating illegal entry, and money laundering offences alleged between 2015 and 2020. She has denied a single count of human trafficking. Vailones Fidelis has denied all 18 charges against her, including two counts of human trafficking, one count of organising prostitution, and money laundering charges covering the same period. The original trial had been scheduled for six weeks. The matter was adjourned to Friday for assignment of a new trial date.
During a Workplace Relations Commission hearing, trawler owner Richard Brannigan denied that his vessel, the Nausicaa, had migrant fishermen working 20‑hour days at sea. He explained that the boat, the smallest in Howth harbour at 19.5 metres, could only stay at sea nine or ten days and could only perform a limited number of trawls per day. Brannigan said the crew's daily hours were a maximum of 12, with two hours' rest between net shots, and that the fishermen were paid for the hours they worked. He argued that the union's claims of underpayment and inaccurate working‑time records were unfounded, citing the vessel's limited range, fuel capacity and the fact that prawns were less productive at night. The hearing also addressed the admissibility of monitoring data and the union's evidence of alleged unpaid holiday pay for one crew member. The case was adjourned for further evidence.
During a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, former financial services manager Ciara Kelleher, aged 51, denied any role in a conspiracy to defraud investors in Custom House Capital (CHC) Ltd. She was arrested on 29 March 2016 and pleaded not guilty to one count of conspiring to mislead investors between October 2008 and July 2011. In interviews with gardai, Kelleher insisted she was "absolutely not" involved in the alleged misappropriation of client funds and that her role at CHC was limited to customer relations and support for investment director John Whyte. She claimed no knowledge of the sale of a 'Valovis' bond, the sale of part of CHC to Appian, or the company's difficulties. Kelleher admitted using a template with her name on valuations but denied signing false figures. She also said she had provided documents to Brian Cahalin of Appian Asset Management but could not recall the details.
The Special Criminal Court has ruled that burglary and robbery charges against two men will be heard together, rejecting an application to separate the trials. Brendan Treanor, aged 34, formerly of Dundalk, County Louth, and James Flynn, aged 32, from South Armagh, face conspiracy charges relating to house burglaries between September 2012 and January 2013, and robbery charges stemming from a credit union incident in Bellurgan, County Louth on 25 January 2013. Both have pleaded not guilty. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding over the three-judge court, exercised his discretion to combine the trials while confirming each charge will be considered separately. The court heard evidence from Virginia and Monaghan residents describing break-ins and car thefts during the relevant period. Detective Garda Laura Bolger provided maps charting distances between alleged theft locations and properties connected to the accused. Aaron Brady, previously convicted of murder and burglary in the same matter, is serving a life sentence with a forty-year minimum and is appealing his conviction.
At the Central Criminal Court, a garda recounted attending to her colleague Garda Colm Horkan after he was fatally shot at Castlerea, Co Roscommon on 17 June 2020. Garda Helen Gillen described witnessing two men grappling before one was shot multiple times with his own firearm. She performed CPR on Garda Horkan after realising he was the victim. Stephen Silver, aged 46, a motorbike mechanic from Foxford, Co Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to capital murder but guilty to manslaughter. The trial heard evidence from eyewitness James Coyne, who was with Silver that evening, describing how an interaction with Garda Horkan escalated into violence. Another witness, Paul McGarry, a local resident, testified to hearing gunshots and disturbances in the area. The defence has indicated that Silver's state of mind at the time remains the central issue, with responsibility for the shooting accepted. The trial continues before Ms Justice Tara Burns.
During a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, Ciara Kelleher, 51, pleaded not guilty to conspiring to defraud Custom House Capital Ltd (CHC) investors by misleading them about asset placement. The alleged offences occurred between October 2008 and July 2011. Witness Brian Cahalin, former Head of Compliance at Appian Asset Management, testified that he joined Appian in 2011 to assess CHC assets before a proposed takeover. He examined portfolios, noting unusual bond holdings and discrepancies between client valuations and daily cash reconciliations. Cahalin reported that CHC staff, including Ms Kelleher, provided reports showing sales to bonds and manipulated entries to disguise cash movements. He also described meetings where CHC executives, such as Harry Cassidy and John Whyte, admitted to selling down portfolios despite knowing it was wrong. Cahalin claimed that CHC's board raised concerns to the Central Bank, leading to the company's cessation of trading. The trial continues.
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, a Brazilian woman gave evidence that she was required to engage in sexual relations with one of the accused and her husband on multiple occasions. Testifying via video-link with an interpreter, the complainant described being selected as a "girlfriend" for weekends at properties in Roscommon and various hotels. She stated she was not willing to participate in these activities. The prosecution alleges that Ivanilce Vailones Fidelis, of Racecourse Road, Roscommon, and Natalia Nogueira Da Silva, of Drumlish, County Longford, trafficked two vulnerable Brazilian women for sexual exploitation. The court heard the complainant was encouraged to consume alcohol and drugs, and was instructed to continue working during menstruation. She was subsequently evicted from an apartment near Kildare Village after requesting repairs. Ms Vailones Fidelis, aged 46, has denied all 18 charges including human trafficking and money laundering offences dating between 2015 and 2020. Ms Da Silva, aged 32, has admitted 35 charges but denies one count of human trafficking. The trial continues before Ms Justice Patricia Ryan.
The Central Criminal Court heard evidence on Thursday that Stephen Silver, a forty-six-year-old mechanic from Foxford in County Mayo, was shouting in a Castlerea street on the night Garda Colm Horkan was fatally shot, daring armed gardaí to confront him. Witness testimony established that Mr Silver had visited Castlerea Garda Station earlier that day to lodge an angry complaint about a garda raid on a neighbouring property. Several residents of Knockroe estate told the court they observed Mr Silver riding a motorbike recklessly around the area at approximately ten-thirty that evening, engaging in erratic behaviour including aggressive shouting. One witness stated she heard him challenge the armed squad to come down. Mr Silver has pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Garda Horkan on June seventeenth, twenty twenty, but has pleaded guilty to manslaughter. His defence team has indicated that Mr Silver's state of mind at the material time remains the central issue in the trial before Ms Justice Tara Burns. The case continues.
A Brazilian woman has testified at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that she expected merely to survive each day while allegedly trafficked in Ireland for sexual exploitation. Giving evidence via video-link with interpreter support, the woman described arriving in 2018 after being promised massage work, but was moved weekly between locations including Ballymahon, County Longford. She stated she was required to engage in sexual services, serving seven to nine clients daily at €100 to €150 each, while having limited English and facing aggressive clients. The witness detailed a system whereby she paid weekly fees for website listing, accommodation ranging from €500 to €900, transport, and transferred half her earnings to an account controlled by accused parties. She recalled meeting other women at a Christmas gathering organised by one of the accused. Natalia Nogueira Da Silva, of Drumlish, County Longford, has pleaded guilty to organising prostitution and money laundering but denies one human trafficking charge. Ivanilce Vailones Fidelis, of Roscommon, denies all eighteen charges including two human trafficking counts.
A jury has been discharged in the trial of Stephen Silver at the Central Criminal Court following difficulty raised by one juror. Mr Silver, aged 46, a motorbike mechanic from Aughavard in Foxford, Co Mayo, faces a charge of murdering Garda Colm Horkan, aged 49, at Castlerea, Co Roscommon on 17 June 2020. He has pleaded not guilty to capital murder and guilty to manslaughter. The original jury of twelve was sworn in on Monday and the prosecution opened its case on Tuesday. However, when proceedings resumed on Wednesday morning, a juror indicated an inability to continue serving. Justice Tara Burns determined it inappropriate to proceed with eleven jurors and discharged the entire panel. Both prosecution and defence agreed this course was preferable. A fresh jury panel was expected to be sworn in later that day to commence the trial afresh.
A 35-year-old man charged with the attempted murder of his former employer at a public house in Baldoyle has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity at the Central Criminal Court. The accused is alleged to have stabbed the manager of the Elphin Pub on the Baldoyle Road on 28 January 2021, inflicting 19 stab wounds across the victim's shoulders, chest and hands using three separate knives. The victim also sustained a serious cardiac injury requiring surgical intervention. During trial, the prosecution and defence agreed on the factual circumstances of the incident. Evidence heard indicated the accused, who formerly worked as a barman at the establishment, told gardaí he believed his former boss was responsible for an unsolved murder in Mauritius. The defence presented that the accused was experiencing psychotic delusions and paranoia in the weeks preceding the assault. Two medical reports for both prosecution and defence were to be considered regarding the accused's mental state at the time of the alleged offence.
At the Central Criminal Court, Stephen Silver, aged 46, a motorbike mechanic from Foxford, County Mayo, pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Garda Colm Horkan on June 17, 2020, at Castlerea, County Roscommon. He has pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The prosecution opening alleged that following an encounter on the main street in Castlerea, Mr Silver engaged in a struggle with the uniformed officer, seized his firearm, and discharged it multiple times, causing fatal injuries. The court heard that Mr Silver told gardai at the scene that the deceased had attempted to attack him. The defence intends to raise issues of bipolar disorder and diminished responsibility due to mental health difficulties. The trial, before Ms Justice Tara Burns and a jury of twelve, is expected to last six weeks. The main disputed issue concerns Mr Silver's state of mind at the time of the incident.
During the Custom House Capital trial, the jury heard that staff were told reversing a transaction was part of the valuation process. Susan Fennell, who prepared client valuations, explained that valuations were reviewed by her line manager Ciara Kelleher, head of private clients John Whyte, and CEO Harry Cassidy before being sent to clients. She described a pop‑up message that prompted staff to contact Mr Lavery or finance to "back out" or reverse an amount. Fennell said she followed these instructions, noting that the phrase "do the magic" was used to request a quick reversal. She also said she had no visibility of the projects for which money was notionally allocated. The trial continues tomorrow before Judge Orla Crowe and a jury. Ciara Kelleher pleaded not guilty. Custom House Capital pleaded not guilty.
A jury of six men and six women has been sworn in at the Central Criminal Court for the trial of a man charged with the murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan. Stephen Silver, aged 46, of Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, pleads not guilty to capital murder in relation to the death of Det Gda Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon on 17 June 2020. He has entered a guilty plea to manslaughter. Justice Eileen Creedon advised the jury that proceedings are expected to extend over six weeks. The defence is expected to raise matters concerning bipolar disorder and diminished responsibility on grounds of mental health difficulties. The trial, led by Justice Tara Burns, commences tomorrow at 11am before the sworn jury.
A human trafficking trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has been adjourned following the unavailability of a complainant. The witness, who has been giving evidence via video link with the aid of an interpreter, was scheduled to face cross-examination but became unable to attend. Judge Patricia Ryan informed the jury that the witness may remain unavailable for more than a week and discharged the jury for the day, with proceedings expected to resume the following afternoon. The State alleges that Natalia Nogueira Da Silva, aged 32, of Cairn Hill View, Drumlish, County Longford, and Ivanilce Vailones Fidelis, aged 46, of Castle Manor, Racecourse Road, Roscommon, trafficked two vulnerable Brazilian women for exploitation between 2015 and 2020. Ms Vailones Fidelis has denied eighteen charges, including human trafficking and money laundering offences. Ms Da Silva has admitted thirty-five charges but denies one count of human trafficking in 2019.
During the trial of Ciara Kelleher, a jury heard that Custom House Capital (CHC) made unauthorised transfers from client accounts to cover a €11.7 million shortfall in a €100 million German property investment. Ms. Angela Mahon, a former CHC operations head, testified that CHC's CEO, Harry Cassidy, had used client funds for other property projects and that transfers from PRSA accounts in 2007 were made without client authorisation. Mahon claimed she raised concerns with senior staff, was dismissed, and later reported the matter to the financial regulator. The evidence also involved emails and documents showing that CHC and its affiliated European Pensioner Trustee Company (EPT) had shared client information and that Mr. Mulholland used pension funds to influence client decisions. The case focuses on the alleged conspiracy to defraud investors by misrepresenting the use of their assets. Ciara Kelleher pleaded not guilty. Custom House Capital pleaded not guilty.
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, a defence barrister has proposed that a Brazilian woman alleging she was trafficked to work as a prostitute was in fact already a sex worker who chose to come to Ireland for that purpose. The complainant, giving evidence via video link with an interpreter, has previously stated she worked as a hairdresser in Brazil. During cross-examination on the second day, the defence counsel for Ivanilce Vailones Fidelis put multiple propositions to the woman, including that she was free to leave accommodation, controlled her own clients, and that her work profile was voluntarily managed. The defence also presented social media evidence from the woman's Instagram and Tinder accounts showing photographs from her time in Ireland. The complainant maintained she had no support network and was instructed to obey orders, with hopes of completing three months before being released. Natalia Nogueira Da Silva, of Drumlish, County Longford, has admitted charges including organising prostitution and money laundering but denied one human trafficking count. Vailones Fidelis pleaded not guilty. Da Silva pleaded not guilty.
A woman giving evidence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has described coming to Ireland with hopes of improving her circumstances and saving money to start a business. The witness, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, told the jury she arrived under what she characterised as an employment arrangement with expectations of financial gain. The woman was testifying in the trial of Natalia Nogueira Da Silva, of Drumlish, County Longford, and Ivanilce Vailones Fidelis, of Roscommon, who are accused of human trafficking. The State alleges both defendants trafficked two vulnerable Brazilian women for exploitation. During cross-examination, the witness clarified aspects of her initial complaint to gardaí and addressed questions regarding her immigration status and residency application. Ms Da Silva has pleaded guilty to organising prostitution and money laundering offences, and has admitted facilitating illegal entry to the State. She maintains her not-guilty plea to human trafficking. Ms Vailones Fidelis has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including human trafficking, organising prostitution, and money laundering. The trial continues before Judge Patricia Ryan and a jury.
A woman giving evidence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has described being moved between rural towns weekly while allegedly trafficked for sexual exploitation. The complainant, who cannot be named, told the trial she was relocated from locations including Portarlington, Enniscorthy and Tralee, and kept a knife for protection following violent incidents with clients. She said she received instructions via phone and messaging apps from two women regarding services to be provided and payment collection, with no option to refuse work or relocation. Natalia Nogueira Da Silva, aged 32, of Drumlish, County Longford, has pleaded not guilty to human trafficking between March and May 2019, but guilty to organising prostitution, facilitating illegal entry to the State, and money laundering charges. Ivanilce Vailones Fidelis, aged 46, of Roscommon, denies all eighteen counts against her, including two counts of human trafficking and fourteen counts of money laundering. The prosecution alleges both defendants exploited vulnerable Brazilian women through debt bondage. The trial continues at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court conspiracy trial, the State accused Custom House Capital of misusing client money during the 2008‑2011 financial crash. Prosecutor Lorcan Staines SC alleged that the firm, run by CEO Harry Cassidy, bought large European investment portfolios and diverted client funds to cover these purchases, effectively "robbing Kevin to pay Klaus." Ms Ciara Kelleher, a 51‑year‑old senior portfolio relationship manager, pleaded not guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud investors and clients. The prosecution claimed she was involved in a scheme that misled clients about the location and use of their assets, issuing fictitious valuation statements with fabricated interest. The case presented evidence that about 80 accounts were affected and that the firm's operations exhibited classic Ponzi‑scheme characteristics. The trial, presided over by Judge Orla Crowe, is expected to last up to six weeks.
The murder trial of farmer Michael Scott, accused of killing his aunt Christina Treacy in 2018, was adjourned for two weeks after his senior defence counsel, Mícheál P O'Higgins SC, was nominated to the High Court. Justice Caroline Biggs informed the jury that Scott had lost his lead counsel and would need time to appoint a replacement and review the case files. The jury agreed to remain available until May 31 and to return after the Easter break if the trial extends beyond the expected timeframe. The trial, which began last week, was expected to last more than two months and involved a 15‑person jury of seven men and eight women. It will resume on February 7, with the jury required to attend again on February 9. Michael Scott, aged 58, has pleaded not guilty.
Two women have gone on trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on charges relating to the alleged trafficking of Brazilian nationals for sexual exploitation across rural Irish towns. Natalia Nogueira Da Silva, aged 32, of Drumlish, Co Longford, has pleaded not guilty to human trafficking but guilty to organising prostitution, facilitating illegal entry, and money laundering offences. Her co-accused, Ivanilce Vailones Fidelis, aged 46, of Roscommon, has pleaded not guilty to all charges against her, including two counts of human trafficking, organising prostitution, and money laundering. The prosecution alleges the two women trafficked vulnerable women between December 2018 and May 2019, moving them between towns including Portarlington, Thurles, and Tralee for sexual work. The State contends the women were controlled through debt bondage and threats. The trial, before Judge Patricia Ryan and a jury, is expected to last six weeks.
A former financial services worker, Ciara Kelleher, 51, is set to go on trial tomorrow at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. She faces one count of conspiring to defraud investors in Custom House Capital Ltd by deliberately misleading them about the placement of their assets. The alleged offences occurred between October 2008 and July 2011. Kelleher pleaded not guilty. Judge Patricia Ryan informed the jury that the trial is expected to last six weeks and that Kelleher denies the charge. The jury was empanelled today and the trial will begin tomorrow before Judge Orla Crowe.
The State concluded its prosecution case after thirteen weeks at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin against Gerard Hutch, charged with murdering Kinahan Cartel member David Byrne at the Regency Hotel on 5 February 2016. Hutch's two co-accused, Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney, face charges of participating in the murder by providing vehicle access. Presiding Judge Tara Burns, sitting with Judges Sarah Berkeley and Grainne Malone, ruled licence plate evidence inadmissible, finding the court could not be satisfied as to its provenance or reliability. Hutch's defence indicated they would not call evidence or have their client testify. Murphy's legal team stated they would not call evidence but wished to make a jurisdictional submission. Bonney's counsel indicated he may call witnesses. The trial, now in its fiftieth day, continues before the three-judge court. Gerard Hutch pleaded not guilty. Paul Murphy pleaded not guilty. Jason Bonney pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court trial of Gerard Hutch, Paul Murphy, and Jason Bonney, who are accused of participating in the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel on February 5, 2016, is nearing the conclusion of the State's case. All three defendants have pleaded not guilty to charges of providing access to motor vehicles for the attack. Prosecutors indicated they expect to close their case tomorrow, with senior counsel Fiona Murphy delivering closing submissions. Defence counsel for Hutch and Murphy stated they do not anticipate calling evidence, while counsel for Bonney confirmed his client would give evidence. The court will also rule on a challenge by Murphy regarding the admissibility of license plate evidence. The prosecution alleges that a tactical team, including three men disguised as gardaí, shot Byrne during a boxing weigh-in and escaped using vehicles, including a BMW X5 allegedly driven by Bonney. Bonney has denied involvement, claiming his father drove the vehicle that day. The matter remains at the trial stage and has not been finalised.
In a January 2023 decision, the Workplace Relations Commission ruled that Anatoliy Ludchenko, a welder at Harp Renewables Ltd, was unfairly dismissed rather than having resigned. Ludchenko had repeatedly threatened to quit as a tactic to secure a pay increase, but the tribunal found he had "some level of responsibility" for the outcome. He claimed frustration over unfinished preparatory work and a lack of response from supervisor Kevin Quirke, and said he was forced to leave after Quirke told him he had resigned. The company maintained that Ludchenko had resigned, but the adjudicating officer noted the employer failed to confirm a resignation in a clear, unambiguous way. The tribunal awarded Ludchenko €19,500 in compensation for five months' pay, concluding the dismissal was unfair. The decision also acknowledged that the threat of resignation had been used by Ludchenko as a tactic to obtain a pay increase, which backfired.
Krzysztof Cender, a worker for Onsite Facilities Management Ltd since March 2007, was awarded €16,692 in compensation after the Workplace Relations Commission found that the company had failed to pay him a Sunday premium for over thirteen years. Cender had worked every Sunday as part of his routine but had not received any extra pay. He first raised the issue in 2014 with director Catherine Leen and an HR officer, who told him he was not entitled to a premium. No reference to a Sunday premium appeared in any subsequent correspondence. The company admitted the omission was an oversight and rectified it in April 2022, after Cender lodged a complaint. The adjudicator ruled that the employer had an ongoing duty to compensate employees working Sundays, and awarded Cender six months' pay, with the company ordered to update its contract to include the premium clause by mid‑February.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, farmer Michael Scott, aged 58, is accused of murdering his 76‑year‑old aunt Christine Treacy after a long‑running land dispute. The prosecution alleges that Scott deliberately ran over Treacy with his agricultural teleporter outside her home in Derryhiney, Portumna, on 27 April 2018. Witness Francis Hardiman, a neighbour and cousin of Treacy, testified that after the incident Scott was hysterical, crying and shouting "I can't deal with this" and that he later grabbed a double‑barrel shotgun from his jeep. Hardiman described Scott's emotional state and the scene where Treacy's body was found lying face‑down on concrete near the teleporter, with tyre marks on her trousers. The defence maintains that Treacy's death was a tragic accident, while the prosecution seeks a murder conviction based on intent. The trial continues before Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury of fifteen. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.
In the trial of 58‑year‑old Michael Scott, accused of murdering his 76‑year‑old aunt Christine 'Chrissie' Treacy over a land dispute, the jury was shown photographs of the deceased lying on a concrete pavement with tractor tyre marks on her legs. Garda Geraldine Doheny described the images, noting tyre impressions on Ms Treacy's blue slacks and the dirty windows of the tractor driven by the accused. The prosecution maintains that Ms Treacy was deliberately run over, while the defence argues the death was a tragic accident. Det. Sgt. David Conway also presented photographs, including one of the deceased's clothing, and agreed with defence counsel that one image was a "distressing photo" of the lower half of Ms Treacy's body. Justice Caroline Biggs explained to the jury that the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused killed the deceased with intent, while the accused retains the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.
A 58‑year‑old farmer, Michael Scott of Gortanumera, Portumna, has been brought before the Central Criminal Court on a murder charge. He is accused of driving a JCB tractor over his 76‑year‑old aunt, Christine 'Chrissie' Treacy, in a yard outside her home at Derryhiny on the afternoon of 27 April 2018. The prosecution, represented by Dean Kelly SC, argues that the incident was not an accident but a deliberate act carried out in the context of a long‑running land dispute that had eroded the relationship between the parties. Mr Kelly described the case as a "most terrible and dark" crime, noting that Mr Scott had a sense of being wronged and that he "callously and wilfully" drove over his aunt. Mr Scott has pleaded not guilty. The trial, which may last up to ten weeks, is set to continue tomorrow.
In a 2023 equality hearing, the Workplace Relations Commission ruled that Lantern Events Ltd must pay €3,000 to Maria Casey and her partner Karl Woods. Casey, who uses crutches, and Woods, who cannot stand for long periods due to injury, had requested reasonable accommodation for seats at a concert on 27 October 2021. They emailed the promoter over five weeks before the event and called again after no reply. Casey described the promoter's repeated use of the term "liability" to refer to her and the refusal to allow them to sit in the booths because they would have to climb three steps. The promoter claimed the term was used in the context of insurers and denied intentional discrimination. The tribunal found the complaints well‑founded and ordered the company to pay the couple €3,000 each.
In a murder trial held at the Central Criminal Court, a 24‑year‑old man named Oliver Doran pleaded guilty to the axe murder of Kwok Ping Cheng, a 76‑year‑old vulnerable pensioner. The victim's mutilated body was discovered covered in blood in the living room of his own home at Robinson's Court, Cork Street, Dublin 8, on 28–29 April 2021. Doran had initially pleaded not guilty but, after discussions with his counsel, chose to enter a guilty plea on the third day of the trial. He expressed remorse and requested forgiveness from Cheng's family, providing a letter to be given to them. The court accepted the plea, directed a probation report and victim impact statements, and remanded Doran in custody for sentencing. The jury heard that Cheng died from multiple traumatic injuries, including a fractured skull and arm, chop wounds, bruises and lacerations, caused by an axe.
CCTV footage shows Oliver Doran entered the home of 76‑year‑old Kwok Ping Cheng at Robinson's Court, Dublin, through a rear window on 28/29 April 2021 and stayed for about an hour and thirteen minutes. He allegedly dropped an "axe‑like tool" after leaving the flat and tried to retrieve it, falling in the process. Doran, who lives at Sophia Housing, Cork Street, has pleaded not guilty to the murder. The trial heard that Doran claimed he killed Cheng with an axe he had brought from his own home, but he could not recall details due to intoxication. Witnesses, including the victim's son and a neighbour, described finding Cheng's body covered in blood and with multiple broken bones and scalp lacerations, injuries consistent with an axe blow. The case is being heard by the Central Criminal Court with a jury of nine women and three men.
Mum-of-three Christina Anderson has pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility for stabbing a man to death outside her home after spending over a month on trial accused of murder. Ms Anderson, who has been a patient at the Central Mental Hospital (CMH) since shortly after she stabbed 39-year-old Gareth Kelly to death, had previously pleaded not guilty to murder by reason of insanity. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has considered a plea to the lesser charge of manslaughter, and Ms Anderson was arraigned on the new charge of manslaughter and pleaded guilty in front of the jury. Patrick McGrath SC, for the DPP, said the plea was accepted and the DPP intends to enter a 'nolle prosequi' in relation to the murder charge at a sentencing hearing next April. Michael O'Higgins SC, who acted for Ms Anderson, said that the plea decision was taken 'after lengthy consideration and appraisal of this case'. The court has previously heard that Professor Harry Kennedy, a consultant psychiatrist, disagreed with Dr Brenda Wright, a consultant psychiatrist called by the defence, who said that Ms Anderson was suffering from bipolar affective disorder and as a result of her mental disorder she was unable to refrain from stabbing Mr Kelly. Professor Kennedy had written a report in which he said that Ms Anderson's behaviour was better explained by cannabis intoxication. Intoxication cannot be used as a defence under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006. Following today's plea, Ms Anderson began to cry as Mr O'Higgins told the court that his client's first instruction was to 'apologise profusely' to the Kelly family for the events that led to Mr Kelly's death. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor will hear evidence and submissions relating to sentencing on April 17 when the Kelly family will also be invited to make impact statements to the court. The judge remanded Ms Anderson in custody after hearing that the accused will be taken to the Dochas women's prison before being transferred back to the CMH where she is undergoing treatment for her psychiatric condition. Gareth Kelly, the defendant, faces a charge of murder by reason of insanity and has pleaded not guilty. The matter was adjourned.
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, witness James Ellis testified that he discovered the body of Kwok Ping Cheng, 76, in his sheltered accommodation on 29 April 2021. Ellis said he had visited the pensioner's home several times a week to check on him, and that on that morning he entered the apartment, found Cheng "covered in blood" in the sitting room, and called emergency services. State Pathologist Dr Heidi Okkers gave evidence that Cheng suffered multiple broken bones and scalp lacerations, most likely caused by an axe, and that his death was due to hypovolemic shock from blood loss. The accused, Oliver Doran, 24, pleaded not guilty to the murder, claiming he was intoxicated and could not remember much of the incident. The prosecution presented CCTV footage and DNA evidence linking Doran to the axe used in the killing. The trial continues before Mr Justice David Keane and a jury.
The trial of 24‑year‑old Oliver Doran, charged with the murder of 76‑year‑old Kwok Ping Cheng in his own flat in Robinson's Court, was postponed on 12 January 2023 because of a minor technical issue. Doran, who lives at Sophia Housing, Cork Street, pleaded not guilty. The case was scheduled to start at the Central Criminal Court that day, but Mr Justice David Keane informed the jury that the prosecution would not open its case due to the technical difficulties. He instructed the jury not to research the case or discuss it outside the courtroom and to base their decision solely on the evidence presented. The trial was rescheduled to begin the following day at 11 a.m. The State's case is presented by Anne‑Marie Lawlor SC, while Michael Bowman SC represents the defence. The trial is expected to last about three weeks.
Roy Sheahan, a former professional boxer, says his career ended after a January 2020 accident when a digger bucket crushed his left hand on a Dublin construction site. He claims the injury left him with seven pins, two broken bones, and damaged ligaments, preventing him from boxing. Sheahan returned to work in September 2020 but was assigned heavy lifting duties, which he alleges forced him to resign. He has filed a constructive dismissal claim against Kendra Civil Engineering Ltd and Kendra Plant Hire Ltd, arguing the employer failed to provide lighter duties despite a doctor's recommendation. The tribunal heard Sheahan's correspondence with the employer, his medical reports, and statements from the company's director and safety manager. The case is pending a written decision.