In the Special Criminal Court, former Boxing Union of Ireland president Mel Christle gave evidence about the 2016 Regency Hotel shooting. He described panic and mayhem when gunmen, one disguised in a wig and dress, opened fire during a boxing weigh‑in. Christle, who was present as the union president, reported hearing about eight shots, seeing people flee, and witnessing a corpse with its face blown off. He noted that the gunmen were a young, fit man in a wig and a stocky, unfit second gunman. Christle also observed that the event had not been promoted and that the weigh‑in was arranged the day before. He stated that after the shooting he cancelled the planned boxing events and contacted officials. The trial of Gerard Hutch and co‑defendants continues in the court.
Patrick Dunne, 28, admitted to killing his mother Susan Dunne, 62, on 26–27 November 2013, claiming he had no lawful justification. He said he had argued with her over an iPhone's price, became "out of control" and "lost it". He described striking her with a hatchet, stating it was accidental and not intended to harm. Forensic evidence found six hatchet wounds to her head, blood and hair matching Dunne, and a majority DNA profile for him. A pathology report confirmed multiple blows to the skull, brain swelling and laceration as the cause of death. Dunne was arrested in Listowel after leaving the family home, locking his mother's bedroom door and taking her social protection card. The case is before Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring with a jury of five men and seven women.
At the Central Criminal Court, a general practitioner testified that Stephen Silver appeared disconnected from reality in the hours following the fatal shooting of Detective Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon on 17 June 2020. Dr Greg Kelly described observing the accused, aged 46 and from Foxford, County Mayo, exhibiting restless and agitated behaviour at Castlerea Garda Station, including paranoid ideation and speech patterns suggestive of acute psychiatric disturbance. The doctor administered an anti-psychotic medication and recommended psychiatric assessment, believing Silver was experiencing a manic episode consistent with bipolar disorder. Later that day, Dr Kelly noted the accused appeared unnaturally detached from the gravity of events. The State Pathologist detailed that Detective Garda Horkan sustained eleven gunshot wounds, including injuries to vital organs, with forensic evidence indicating some shots were fired from close range. Silver has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. The defence argues mental illness substantially reduced his culpability at the time of the shooting.
A key witness in the Central Criminal Court trial of Stephen Silver, who is accused of murdering Detective Garda Colm Horkan, has testified that he deliberately kept the accused away from gardaí on the night of the shooting in Foxford, County Mayo. James Coyne told the court that on June 17th, 2020, Silver called to his home and they travelled together to Foxford, where Silver transferred a motorcycle to him. When Silver later expressed interest in visiting Castlerea Garda Station a second time that evening, Coyne said he steered him away, fearing trouble. The court also heard that following his arrest at the scene, Silver urinated on his cell floor and may have self-harmed by striking his head against the wall. Gardaí described his behaviour as agitated. The trial, which continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury, also heard CCTV evidence of Silver's movements on the day in question.
A witness told the Central Criminal Court murder trial that he heard the accused man say "If I didn't kill him, he would have killed me" at the scene in Castlerea, County Roscommon. Marcus Silvera, a resident of Main Street in the town, testified that he heard gunshots shortly before midnight on 17 June 2020 and observed a man with long hair and a black leather jacket walking in the street and shouting. Garda Enda Rowley also gave evidence, describing how the accused, Stephen Silver, was found handcuffed at the scene and later questioned at Castlerea Garda Station. Mr Silver, aged 46, a motorbike mechanic from Foxford, County Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Detective Garda Colm Horkan but has admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. The trial before Mr Justice Paul McDermott continues at the Central Criminal Court.
A 29‑year‑old man, Patrick Dunne of Ballingeragh, Lixnaw, Co Kerry, is charged with the murder of his mother, Susan Dunne, which occurred between 26 and 27 November 2013 at their family home. He was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court, pleaded not guilty, and a jury of five men and seven women was sworn in. The trial, scheduled to begin later that week and expected to last three days, will focus on the issue of insanity. Judge Paul Burns instructed the jury that all witnesses and Gardaí are from Lixnaw and that they should not research the case or its participants. He also advised the jurors to remain available for the duration of the trial, which may extend beyond the initial day. The case will be heard in the Central Criminal Court.
Stephen Silver, a forty-six-year-old motorbike mechanic from Aughavale near Foxford in County Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Detective Garda Colm Horkan on June 17th, 2020 in Castlerea, County Roscommon. He has pleaded guilty to manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility. At the Central Criminal Court, Sergeant Michael O'Hara testified that upon arriving at the scene, Mr Silver told him he had retrieved a firearm from an unknown man who approached him on Main Street. When informed that he had shot a detective garda, Mr Silver allegedly responded negatively about the officer's competence. Gardaí at the scene described Mr Silver's demeanor and actions following his arrest. A witness living overlooking the location provided an account of the shooting itself. The trial, heard before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of twelve, continues.
A garda witness testified at the Central Criminal Court that Stephen Silver, aged 46, a mechanic from Aughavard in Foxford, County Mayo, displayed a "smirk" while verbally confronting him as he attempted to resuscitate Detective Garda Colm Horkan following the shooting in Castlerea, County Roscommon on 17 June 2020. Garda Aidan Fallon described observing two men fighting before hearing gunshots, then witnessing a man shoot another man lying on the ground twice. Upon discovering the injured man was Detective Garda Horkan, Fallon began CPR, during which the accused allegedly told him he was "doing it wrong" and "killing him". Mr Silver, who denies murder, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. The trial before Mr Justice Paul McDermott continues with cross-examination of the witness. Stephen Silver pleaded not guilty.
A member of An Garda Síochána gave emotional testimony at the Central Criminal Court today describing the moment she witnessed a gunman fire multiple shots at her colleague Detective Garda Colm Horkan as he lay on the ground in Castlerea, County Roscommon. Garda Helen Gillen told the court she and Garda Aidan Fallon were driving near the junction of Main Street and Patrick Street when they observed two men grappling before hearing what they believed to be gunshots. She said she saw a man emerge from nearby premises carrying a firearm and fire at the man on the ground, though she could not recall the exact number of shots fired. Garda Gillen stated the shooter was wearing a black jacket with a luminous stripe and a backpack. Stephen Silver, aged 46, a motorbike mechanic from Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility in relation to Detective Garda Horkan's death on 17 June 2020. The trial before Mr Justice Paul McDermott continues.
A witness living near Castlerea, County Roscommon heard "roaring and shouting" and observed erratic behaviour in the minutes before Detective Garda Colm Horkan was fatally shot on June 17th, 2020, the Central Criminal Court has heard. Paul McGarry described seeing two men ducking behind walls and a motorbike being driven at speed without lights before hearing what he believed were gunshots at 11.50pm. A second witness, Laura McIntyre, reported seeing a bearded man in his 40s driving recklessly on the motorcycle, shouting about armed squads and firearms. Stephen Silver, aged 46, a motorbike mechanic from Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. Garda evidence outlined that earlier that day an agitated man had visited Castlerea station complaining about alleged abuse of an elderly person, with subsequent checks linking a blue van to Silver. The trial before Mr Justice Paul McDermott continues.
Three members of the Hehir family appeared before the Special Criminal Court on 10 October 2022. Sandra Hehir (54) was charged with nine non‑scheduled offences, Vicky Hehir (29) with four, and Warren Hehir (32) with two, all under Section 7 of the Criminal Justice Act 2010 for money laundering and terrorist financing. The alleged offences involved handling, acquiring or possessing cash totalling €59,000, and in Sandra's case an additional €124,055, between 1 January 2017 and 18 June 2020. She was also charged with unlawful possession of cannabis for sale. Vicky and Warren were charged with handling or possessing Rolex watches. The court received three books of evidence, the accused were granted legal aid, and Sandra's bail terms were altered to three days a week. All three were remanded on continuing bail until 14 November for a further mention.
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned the trial of Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch, who is accused of the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in 2016, until next Tuesday at 11am. Defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC stated that the trial is ready to proceed, noting that new evidence will be presented later in the proceedings. The court, presided over by Ms Justice Tara Burns, agreed to the new date after considering the availability of the three-judge panel. In related developments, Jonathan Dowdall (44) and his father Patrick Dowdall (65) have pleaded guilty to charges of facilitating the murder of Byrne. Jonathan Dowdall admitted to a lesser charge of facilitating the shooting, while Patrick Dowdall admitted to facilitating the murder and participating in criminal organisation activity by making a hotel room available. The State indicated it may enter a nolle prosequi against Jonathan Dowdall on the murder count. Co-accused Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney, charged with facilitating the offence by providing vehicles, remain on trial. The court noted that if the trial extends past Christmas, arrangements may be made for early January.
Stephen Silver, aged 46, a motorcycle mechanic from Foxford, County Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon, on 17 June 2020. He has pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. The Central Criminal Court heard that Detective Garda Horkan, aged 49 and with nearly 25 years' service, was fatally shot shortly before midnight after an encounter with Mr Silver on Patrick Street. Prosecution counsel outlined that Mr Silver told gardaí the garda attacked him and stated: "With all that's going on with the police in this world, I shot him." The post mortem examination revealed eleven gunshot wounds. The defence argues Mr Silver's responsibility is substantially diminished due to mental health difficulties. A psychiatrist will give evidence for both the prosecution and defence. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
In a murder trial in Ennis, a 35‑year‑old man, Patrick Ballard, is accused of killing his partner, 29‑year‑old Sharon Bennett, by repeatedly kicking and stamping on her head in a public toilet. Ballard, formerly of Ashford Court Hotel, admitted that his actions caused Bennett's death and accepted that the killing was unlawful, but pleaded not guilty to murder. The prosecution, led by Dominic McGinn, outlined that the fatal assault occurred after an argument in a covered car park, witnessed by others and captured on CCTV. Ballard allegedly pushed a third man out of the toilet, continued the assault, and left the scene before an off‑duty guard arrived. Bennett was taken to hospital, survived initially, but died on 10 February 2021. The trial will focus on Ballard's intent and the unlawful nature of his violence. The hearing is scheduled to last two weeks.
Patrick Ballard, 35, of Ashford Court Hotel, Ennis, is set to stand trial for the murder of Sharon Bennett, 29, in Ennis's Market area on 10 February 2021. He was arraigned at the Central Criminal Court and pleaded not guilty. The case stems from an incident on 28 January 2021, after which Bennett died weeks later. Mr Justice Paul Burns informed the jury that both parties lived in Ennis and that the matter was investigated by Garda officers from Shannon and Ennis. The trial will last two weeks.
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned the trial of Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch, who is accused of the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in February 2016. Defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC stated that the team was forced to carry out a 'fundamental reappraisal' of their strategy after being served with significant new evidence late last week. The court, presided over by Justice Tara Burns, granted a one-week adjournment, noting that the trial is unlikely to commence next Monday due to the court's full calendar. Mr. Hutch, who has been in custody since his extradition from Spain, was remanded until next Monday. He has not yet been arraigned. In related developments, the DPP indicated that a nolle prosequi could be entered against Jonathan Dowdall on the murder count, as he pleaded guilty last Wednesday to a lesser charge of facilitating the shooting. Jonathan Dowdall and his father, Patrick Dowdall, both pleaded guilty to facilitating the murder by making a room available at the hotel for a criminal organisation. Their sentencing was adjourned. Co-accused Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney, charged with facilitating the offence by providing access to vehicles, were also due to stand trial but the matter was postponed to allow for further disclosure.
At the non-jury court, former Sinn Fein councillor Jonathan Dowdall (44) and his father, Patrick (65), both pleaded guilty to facilitating the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in 2016. They admitted to charges including facilitating the murder of Mr Byrne by making a room available at the hotel on February 4, 2016, and participating in or contributing to activity intending to facilitate the commission of a serious offence by a criminal organisation. Both are on bail. Patrick Hutch (58) of The Paddocks, Clontarf, Dublin 3, is charged with the murder of Mr Byrne and supplying logistical support to a six-man team suspected of carrying out the murder on February 15, 2016. He pleaded not guilty. Co-accused Paul Murphy (59) of Cabra Road is charged with supplying logistical support to the team and providing access to motor vehicles on February 5, 2016. Jason Bonney (50) of Drumnigh Wood, Portmarnock, Dublin 13, is charged with providing access to motor vehicles on the same date. The matter is at the trial stage, with no sentences or findings yet determined.
A young woman who had recently left State care was gang‑raped on Dollymount Strand by three teenagers, Dion Genocky (23), Troy Ryan (24) and Daryl Rooney (24). The men, aged 17–18 at the time, drove her to the beach, where they took turns raping her. After the first assault, she was forced into a second car that arrived at the scene, where two more men from that vehicle raped her before leaving her on the beach. The case went to trial twice: the first in 2020, where the jury could not reach a verdict, and a second at the Central Criminal Court this year, where the men were convicted. The woman gave a victim‑impact statement via video‑link, describing the trauma, drug addiction and ongoing struggle for justice. She expressed hope that the men will pay for the pain and loss they caused. The court adjourned the case to 21 October for mitigation pleas.
In a unanimous Supreme Court ruling, the appeal by Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch and former Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan Dowdall to stop their trial for the Regency Hotel murder from proceeding before the Special Criminal Court (SCC) was dismissed. The Court, led by Chief Justice Donal O'Donnell, upheld the High Court's decision that the SCC remains lawfully in operation under the 1939 Offences Against the State Act and the 1972 Proclamation. The judges rejected arguments that the SCC had become an unlawful permanent court or that its existence required continuous review by the Dáil. They also found that the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission could not act as amicus curiae in this case. The Court will later order costs. The trial of Hutch (58) and Dowdall (44) for the murder of David Byrne (33) on 5 February 2016 will therefore proceed before the SCC.
A 17‑year‑old boy was found not guilty of rape but guilty of sexual assault after a trial at the Central Criminal Court. He sexually assaulted his eight‑year‑old cousin while she was staying at his family home on 20 July 2019. The victim was told to keep the incident secret, was forced to lie on the floor, and the boy attempted to insert his penis into her bottom. He pulled down her underwear and asked if he could do it, claiming he needed to see something. The victim's bottom was sore, and she later changed her underwear, believing it would reduce soreness. Evidence of bruising was found after a specialist examination, and a specialist interview was conducted by gardai in August 2019. The victim's mother reported the incident to gardai, who searched the house and retrieved the victim's underwear.
The Workplace Relations Commission heard that paramedic Dave Lanigan, who returned to work on Covid‑19 testing after injury leave, was threatened with a nearly €5,000 deduction by the HSE to recover a payroll error. Lanigan disputes the deduction's legality and claims entitlement to the money. He alleges he was not informed of changes to his working hours that would affect his shift allowance. The HSE argues the National Ambulance Service is not a legal entity and that the complaint is outside the WRC's jurisdiction because the disputed sum has not yet been deducted and the complaint was filed too late. Lanigan says he was offered a lump‑sum deduction or an instalment plan, chose the latter, and tried to lodge a grievance. The HSE's solicitor contends the shift allowance was not a contractual entitlement, while the National Ambulance Service HR manager says the bonus was paid in error to ten paramedics, including Lanigan.
In a 2022 complaint under the Industrial Relations Act, a newspaper machine‑operator alleged that he was penalised for giving evidence at a workplace grievance hearing by being denied lucrative Christmas shift work. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) rejected the claim. The WRC decision, released anonymously, stated that the publisher required shift cover on 25th and 31st December and normally offered a "very significant premium." The worker said he was denied this work and that the company failed to investigate his grievance. The publisher argued that an oversupply of requests and the worker's unavailability for other non‑premium shifts meant he had no chance of working the Christmas shifts. The adjudicating officer, Brian Dalton, found no evidence of penalisation, concluded the matter was a technical breach, and did not recommend any concession to the worker. The decision was made public this morning.
The Disclosures Tribunal, chaired by Mr Justice Sean Ryan, concluded oral hearings today at Dublin Castle regarding the claims of retired Garda Sergeant Paul Barry. Mr Barry alleges he was targeted by superiors after making a protected disclosure in October 2012 concerning the handling of an alleged child sexual assault in Co Cork. He claims Superintendent Michael Comyns prevented a proper investigation and subsequently bullied and harassed him. Supt Comyns denies these allegations, describing the complaints as unfounded and vexatious. The tribunal also heard that the DPP directed no prosecution for the original child abuse allegation in 2015, citing a lack of evidence, and similarly directed no prosecution for Mr Barry's claim that Supt Comyns perverted the course of justice. Counsel for Mr Barry, Shane Costelloe SC, argued that senior gardaí showed flagrant disregard for his medical certification and victimised him through attempted transfers. Conversely, John Fitzgerald SC for the Commissioner stated that superiors engaged highly with Mr Barry and that belief alone is not evidence of targeting. Mark Harty SC for Supt Comyns argued that the alleged detriment began before the disclosure, undermining the protected disclosure claim. Mr Justice Ryan praised the professional conduct of all parties and stated he hopes to issue the tribunal's report before the end of the year. The matter is adjourned pending the written decision.
A 37-year-old man charged with directing a criminal organisation will face trial before the non-jury Special Criminal Court following a successful application by the State. The accused was first charged at Sligo District Court in January 2022 and appeared before Mr Justice Tony Hunt this week, where the order for non-jury trial was granted. He is remanded in custody at Castlerea Prison pending a further court appearance next Friday. The man is charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation between October 2019 and January 2022. He also faces two counts of money laundering relating to an alleged €27,100 in proceeds of criminal conduct at his home in County Sligo in June 2020.
Lisa Smith, an Irish former soldier, was arrested after returning from Syria where she had lived with a Tunisian husband and later a Turkish man. She claimed she joined the Islamic State (IS) out of religious obligation, citing fear of hellfire and a belief that hijrah was mandatory for Muslims. Witnesses described her conversion to Islam in 2010, her relationship with an American convert who encouraged her to travel, and her subsequent travel to Istanbul and then to Syria in 2015. In Syria she lived in a "madaffa" for women, married a Turkish IS fighter, and later moved to Raqqa where she was subjected to domestic violence. She sent €800 to the fighter in 2015, which the prosecution argued was financing terrorism. The Special Criminal Court found her guilty of membership of IS but not of funding terrorism, noting the €800 could have been humanitarian. The court rejected her claim that her religious motives exempted her from criminal liability.
In a High Court hearing on 18 July 2022, Ethical Farming Ltd challenged the State's policy allowing the live export of unweaned calves by sea to continental Europe. The NGO argued that such journeys, which can last up to 28 hours, breach EU animal welfare regulations because calves are not fed or given liquids during the trip. They also claimed that transporters fail to keep accurate departure logs, a requirement under EU law, and that incomplete information was provided in response to freedom‑of‑information requests. An expert report cited that calves can tolerate only about eight hours without milk, leading to hunger, distress, dehydration, higher mortality and disease. Ethical Farming seeks an order that the Minister complies with EU regulations, a declaration that the policy causes injury and suffering, and a declaration that inadequate record‑keeping breaches EU law. The case was heard ex‑parte by Mr Justice Charles Meenan and will resume after the new legal year.
The Special Criminal Court, a non‑jury tribunal, has been ordered to hear the trial of Michael Carroll, a 43‑year‑old Dublin man. He faces three attempted murder charges: two against Edward Staunton, who was injured in a hit‑and‑run on 26 March 2017 and later shot, and one against the late John Hutch, who was shot at his Drumalee Avenue home on 2 September 2016. Carroll was in custody and was not present at the ex‑parte hearing where the order was granted by Mr Justice Michael MacGrath. The trial will be scheduled for a later date.
The trial of 17‑year‑old Dean Kerrie centred on the death of fisherman Jack Power, who was stabbed in the chest with a kitchen knife during a night of violence at Kerrie's home in Dunmore East. Garda evidence showed broken windows, blood‑stained furniture and a knife heavily stained with Power's blood. Kerrie claimed he was defending himself after Power entered as a trespasser, while witnesses such as Christopher Lee denied that Power had forced entry and alleged Kerrie deliberately killed him. The prosecution argued that a large knife wound implied intent to cause serious injury. The judge explained the jury's options: acquittal for lawful self‑defence, manslaughter for excessive but honest force, or murder if the accused knew the force was excessive. After two days of deliberation, the jury found Kerrie guilty of manslaughter. The verdict was based on the evidence that Kerrie used force he believed necessary, but that the force was excessive.
Dean Kerrie, aged 21, was acquitted of murder but found guilty of manslaughter after a retrial at the Central Criminal Court. The case involved the death of 25‑year‑old Jack Power, who had smashed the front window of Kerrie's home and entered after 3 am. Kerrie claimed Power attacked him and his mother, and that he stabbed Power with a kitchen knife in self‑defence. The jury, consisting of seven women and four men, deliberated for just under six hours before reaching a unanimous verdict. Judge Paul McDermott remanded Kerrie into custody pending sentencing on 19 October, ordered a probation report and a victim impact statement, and refused to allow him to remain on bail. The trial was the second for Kerrie on the same offence, following an earlier hung jury. The evidence presented included conflicting witness accounts of the events inside the house and the circumstances of the stabbing. Dean Kerrie pleaded not guilty.
In a Central Criminal Court murder trial, the jury must decide whether 17‑year‑old Dean Kerrie used reasonable force when fisherman Jack Power entered his home. Judge Paul McDermott explained three possible verdicts: acquittal if Kerrie's force was objectively reasonable, manslaughter if he believed the force necessary but used excessive force, and murder if he knew the force was excessive. Evidence includes a 999 call from Kerrie at 3:44 am, eyewitness accounts, and Kerrie's own statements to Gardaí. The case centers on Power's alleged entry after a night of drinking, a broken window, and a single stab wound to Power's chest. Kerrie, aged 20 at trial, pleaded not guilty to murdering 25‑year‑old Power, who died at Shanakiel, Dunmore East. The jury began deliberations on the day of the hearing.
In the trial of 21‑year‑old Dean Kerrie, who was 17 when the incident occurred, the court heard closing speeches from both the prosecution and defence. Kerrie, of St Brigid's Square, Portarlington, denies murdering 25‑year‑old Jack Power, who was stabbed at Shanakiel, Dunmore East, on 26 July 2018. The defence argues that Kerrie acted in self‑defence after Power allegedly forced his way into the Kerrie home following a rock thrown at their window. Witness testimony includes a 999 call by Kerrie at 3.44 am, stating that Power entered the front door and tried to hit him, and that Kerrie stabbed him with a kitchen knife without intent to kill. Christopher Lee, a friend of Power, denies that Power forced entry and claims Kerrie deliberately killed him. The court heard that Power died from a 13 cm stab wound that penetrated his heart, causing massive blood loss. Dean Kerrie pleaded not guilty.
Darragh Kelly, a 23‑year‑old student rugby player from Sutton, Dublin, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to unlawful possession for sale or supply of cannabis after being caught with two bags of the drug, valued at €9,804, on 7 April 2020. His defence counsel, Keith Spencer BL, explained that Kelly had accrued a drug debt of €4,000 by using cannabis to manage pain from a sports injury. Spencer said Kelly had been threatened and moved the drugs to avoid further harm. At the time of the offence, Kelly was a 21‑year‑old student living with his parents and had been smoking cannabis. He had played rugby at a high level before an injury ended his playing career, though he has since returned to coaching. Judge Melanie Greally noted that Kelly was not profiting from the drugs, had no prior convictions, strong family support, and a good employment history.
An eye witness, Dylan Jones, told a jury that a drunk fisherman, Dean Kerrie, entered the home of a teenager, now on trial for murder, and began choking him while saying, "I'm going to kill you." Jones also said the prosecution's claim that Jack Power was leaving the house when Kerrie stabbed him was false. Kerrie, aged 20, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 25‑year‑old Jack Power, who was 17 at the time of the death. Jones described the night of the stabbing, noting that Power appeared drunk, pushed him against a wall, and that Kerrie later stabbed him. He denied that Power had pushed the door in or that a knife was seen until after the stabbing. The trial continues with further witnesses to be called.
A High Court jury could not reach a verdict after a six‑day trial and over six hours of deliberation in a damages action brought by a man in his early 70s who alleges he was sexually and physically abused by a former teacher and a Roman Catholic religious order in the 1950s. The plaintiff claimed the teacher had orally raped him on two occasions, once in a classroom and once in the cloakroom, and had physically assaulted him for various reasons. He also alleged that the religious order failed to protect him. The teacher, now in his 90s, denied all allegations, calling them "rubbish" and insisting the abuse never happened. The religious order also denied the claims. The judge discharged the jury, exempted them from duty for ten years, and said the case would be heard by another jury at a future date, with priority given to scheduling a hearing.
In a High Court decision, Mr Justice Tony Hunt ruled that the European Court of Justice's 2022 ruling in Graham Dwyer's case, which declared the indiscriminate retention of mobile‑phone data for criminal investigations unlawful, does not automatically exclude such evidence from Irish courts. The judge held that Gardaí investigating the murder of 22‑year‑old Jordan Davis were entitled to access the killer's phone records. He emphasized that the right to privacy is not absolute and must be balanced against the rights of society and victims. Mr Justice Hunt noted that the 2011 Communications (Retention of Data) Act was lawful under Irish law, even though parts of it conflicted with EU fundamental rights. He concluded that the evidence gathered in 2019 remains admissible, as the CJEU ruling does not compel automatic exclusion of data used in investigations. The judgment clarifies how Irish courts may interpret the EU decision in future cases involving mobile‑phone data.
The prosecution finished its case in the trial of Dean Kerrie, a 20‑year‑old accused of murdering 25‑year‑old fisherman Jack Power in July 2018. On the final day, forensic expert Dr Stephen Clifford presented DNA evidence from items found in Kerrie's home, including a knife in the kitchen that matched Power's DNA and a second knife with an incomplete DNA mix. Blood stains on a white scarf and on a pair of shorts also matched Power and Kerrie's mother, Ann Fitzgerald. The jury heard that Kerrie, who was 17 at the time of the murder, had called 999 at 3.44 am, claiming he stabbed Power in self‑defence. Witness Christopher Lee denied that Power had forced entry and accused Kerrie of deliberately killing him. The defence announced plans to call technical witnesses, and the judge scheduled the next phase of the trial for the following day. Dean Kerrie pleaded not guilty.
During a Central Criminal Court murder trial, the jury heard that a knife heavily stained with the blood of 25‑year‑old fisherman Jack Power was found in the kitchen of accused Dean Kerrie, while a second knife recovered from the hallway contained no blood. Kerrie, aged 20, pleaded not guilty to murdering Power, who was 17 at the time, after a 999 call at 3.44 am on 26 July 2018. Kerrie claimed he stabbed Power in the chest with a kitchen knife but did not intend to kill him. Eye witness Christopher Lee denied that Power had forced entry and accused Kerrie of deliberately killing him. Garda evidence included a black‑and‑white Swiss Line knife on a hallway mat, a black‑handled bread knife on a draining board, and a large black‑handled knife heavily blood‑stained. A broken wooden chair leg was found in the attic, with contact blood smears attributed to Kerrie's mother.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Mark Lynch, aged 37, was acquitted of assault causing serious harm by direction of the trial judge. Lynch had pleaded not guilty to the charge that he struck Jason Finnegan with a shovel during a dispute on a building site in Garristown. The prosecution alleged that Finnegan fell and sustained head injuries after being hit by a shovel, then was kicked and struck on the head. Lynch testified that he had struck Finnegan with his fist to defend his father, Ernie Lynch, who was also present. Judge Pauline Codd, after a legal application by Lynch's counsel, ruled that the jury could not be satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that Lynch used a shovel or intended serious harm. Consequently, the judge directed the jury to find Lynch not guilty. The case was described as difficult and harrowing.
Ryan Kelly, 32, and Anthony Walker, 52, are accused of possessing a .38 Special Smith & Wesson revolver and five rounds of .38 Special ammunition each, with the incidents occurring on 11 November 2021 and 23 November 2021 respectively. Both are also charged with knowledge of a criminal organisation and participation or contribution that could facilitate a serious offence, violating Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act. The State's ex‑parte application succeeded, and the trials will be heard before the non‑jury Special Criminal Court, with the matter adjourned to 11 July.
In a Waterford murder trial, the Central Criminal Court heard that Jack Power, 25, died from a 13‑centimetre stab wound to his chest, inflicted by Dean Kerrie, 21, when Power entered Kerrie's house in Shanakiel, Dunmore East, on 26 July 2018. Former Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis testified that the knife entered between the third and fourth ribs, pierced the heart and two ribs, and caused a massive haemothorax, with about 3.5 litres of blood pooled in Power's chest cavity. CPR and chest drains were attempted but failed. Power's blood alcohol level was 187 mg per 100 ml, three times the driving limit, and there was evidence of recent cocaine use. Dr Curtis concluded the cause of death was the single stab wound; blunt‑force trauma to the head was not contributory. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury. Dean Kerrie pleaded not guilty.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Mr Justice Tony Hunt directed a jury that if they could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that 31‑year‑old Wayne Cooney murdered Jordan Davis, they could find him guilty of the lesser offence of impeding the murder investigation. The judge explained that Cooney was seen on CCTV at Belcamp Lane about 5.20 pm, roughly 1 hour 20 minutes after the shooting, retrieving a body warmer that the alleged shooter had left there. He noted that the shooter disposed of the body warmer in a 40‑second window when off‑camera, and Cooney's retrieval took almost the same time, suggesting he had knowledge of the item's location. Hunt said that if Cooney was not the shooter, he must have had information that led him to the laneway. Wayne Cooney pleaded not guilty.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 1 July 2022, Mr Justice Tony Hunt instructed a jury that the key question was whether Wayne Cooney, 31, was the cyclist who shot Jordan Davis, 22, on 22 May 2019. Cooney, who lives on Glenshane Drive, Tallaght, had pleaded not guilty to the murder, to possession of a 9mm semi‑automatic pistol, and to possession of ammunition in circumstances implying unlawful use. The prosecution alleged Cooney stalked Davis for three days, fired eight bullets that hit Davis three times, and that Davis owed €70,000 to a local drug dealer, the brother of Cooney's former girlfriend. Cooney denied being the cyclist, and his barrister said the case had "large holes" and did not prove beyond reasonable doubt. Mr Justice Hunt told the jury to focus on proving Cooney's identity as the shooter and to disregard other matters. The judge would resume his charge on Monday.
In a High Court civil hearing, a man in his 70s claimed he was sexually and physically abused by his primary school teacher, a member of a Roman Catholic religious order, during the late 1950s and 1960s. He said the abuse occurred when he was about six or seven, involving forced oral sex in the classroom and cloakroom, and physical assault. He reported long‑term trauma, PTSD, self‑loathing, and suicidal thoughts, and only recalled the events after counselling in 2010. He sued the teacher and the order for damages, alleging the order failed to protect him. The retired teacher, aged in his 90s, denied all allegations, calling them "rubbish", and claimed no memory of teaching the complainant or any abuse. The case is being heard by a civil jury presided over by Mr Justice Alexander Owens. The hearing continues.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court case, a 73‑year‑old former scout was acquitted of three indecent assault charges dating from 1969‑70. After the acquittal, his lawyers applied for legal costs, but Judge Orla Crowe refused the application. She held that the prosecution was warranted and conducted in the public interest, that the defendant was properly prosecuted and defended, and that no impropriety occurred. Judge Crowe noted that the trial proceeded normally, with the defendant giving evidence and being cross‑examined, and that the defence had called witnesses to testify to his character. She cited case law on the criteria for costs after an acquittal, concluding that the prosecution was legitimate and properly carried out, and therefore the costs claim was denied. The unnamed 73-year-old pleaded not guilty.
A 20‑year‑old named Dean Kerrie, who lives in Portarlington, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 25‑year‑old Jack Power, who was stabbed on 26 July 2018. In court, Kerrie told a garda that he had been asleep when Power entered his house, grabbed his mother and began punching and kicking. Kerrie claimed he grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed Power in the chest, saying he did not intend to kill him. He also said Power had come to his house to blame him for damage to a car mirror. The trial heard evidence that the front windows of Kerrie's house were broken, a silver Volkswagen Polo was found with a missing wing mirror, and that Power's body had a stab wound with little blood. The case is still before a jury and a judge.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, prosecution counsel Bernard Condon SC presented a case that Wayne Cooney, 31, is either guilty of murdering 22‑year‑old Jordan Davis or is the "most unlucky person ever." Condon cited CCTV showing a cyclist, described as athletic with darkish skin, who allegedly fired eight bullets at 4 pm, then dumped a bike and later returned with a body warmer. He linked the cyclist to a phone number ending in 166, associated with Cooney, and to a local drug dealer who had threatened Davis. Condon also referenced DNA on gloves and a bicycle found near the scene, claiming they matched Cooney's DNA and firearm residue. Defence counsel Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha SC argued that the prosecution's evidence contained "huge holes," questioning the reliability of CCTV identification, the DNA transfer, and the phone‑number link, and noting that other Gardaí did not identify Cooney in the footage. Wayne Cooney pleaded not guilty.
In the Central Criminal Court, 17‑year‑old Dean Kerrie is charged with murdering 25‑year‑old Jack Power on 26 July 2018. Witness Christopher Lee, Kerrie's best friend, testified that he and Power were schoolmates and that Power entered the Kerrie house early that morning. Lee said he saw Power and Kerrie in the house, that Power pushed Kerrie's mother and that Kerrie entered the house with a knife. Lee claimed he saw Kerrie stab Power in the chest. He denied that Power had forced the front door or that Power had smashed a window. Lee also said he broke a window with a golf club after the incident. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury. Dean Kerrie pleaded not guilty.
In a Central Criminal Court case, a 20‑year‑old named Dean Kerrie, who lived in Portarlington, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 25‑year‑old Jack Power, a fisherman from Dunmore East, who was stabbed to death at Kerrie's house on 26 July 2018. The prosecution presented evidence that Power had left a pub intoxicated, damaged his car's wing mirror, and believed Kerrie was responsible. Power then went to Kerrie's house, where a confrontation occurred. Kerrie allegedly stabbed Power with a large kitchen knife, after which Power collapsed outside and was pronounced dead at University Hospital Waterford. A post‑mortem found a 13‑cm stab wound as the cause of death. The prosecution also highlighted two 999 calls: one from Kerrie's mother reporting broken windows, and another from Kerrie admitting to stabbing Power but claiming he did not intend to kill.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Wayne Cooney, aged 31, denied murdering 22‑year‑old Jordan Davis. Cooney claimed he had donated a pair of North Face gloves, which were found near the shooting site and contained firearms residue and his DNA, to a clothing collection company. He expressed remorse for the death but insisted he was the wrong person. Gardai questioned him about his presence in Darndale before and during the shooting, his possession of a 9mm semi‑automatic pistol and ammunition, and his alleged appearance on CCTV footage. Cooney denied being in the area, owning a firearm or ammunition, and being the cyclist seen on CCTV. He also denied that his DNA was found on the bicycle. The court heard forensic evidence of nine spent 9mm cartridges and two casings, identified as from a Glock‑type pistol, and the trial proceeded before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury of twelve. The unnamed man pleaded not guilty.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a 56‑year‑old man was found guilty of 58 charges, including two counts of raping his former partner and 50 counts of sexually assaulting her, as well as four counts of assaulting her son and one count of raping the boy. The offences occurred between October 2013 and December 2015. The defendant denied all allegations. Victim impact statements were read by prosecution counsel, describing the partner as a strong woman whose identity was taken, the son as having felt isolated, and the daughter as having lived in a "prison" and considered her life a "living hell". The court adjourned sentencing to 7 July, remanding the defendant in custody until that date. Eleven character references were presented, describing him as a caring father and good friend, but the court noted the seriousness of the convictions. The case remains at the sentencing stage.