During the murder trial, the accused, Renato Gehlen, was heard by the Central Criminal Court to have spoken to a friend on the night of his wife Anne Colomines' death, saying, "Sorry, I killed Anne and now I'm going to kill myself." The court also heard that Gehlen had been upset because his wife wanted a divorce, accusing him of being controlling and absent during her operation. Witness Ralph Comendador recounted that Gehlen had argued with Anne after discovering she was not wearing her wedding ring and that she had complained about his video‑gaming and his desire for a baby. On the night of the murder, Gehlen sent a message to Comendador saying, "The same shit man. No talk. Cold and avoiding. Fuck, I really want to stab." The trial continues before Mr Justice Michael MacGrath and a jury of five women and seven men. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.
In the Central Criminal Court, 39‑year‑old Renato Gehlen, a Brazilian national, pleaded not guilty to the murder of his 37‑year‑old French wife, Anne Colomines, who was found dead in their Dublin apartment on 25 October 2017. The prosecution, represented by Shane Costelloe SC, presented evidence that the couple's marriage, which began in October 2012, was in serious difficulty and that Ms Colomines had expressed a desire for divorce. According to the defence, Gehlen was deeply upset by this prospect. On the night of the death, Gehlen allegedly told a friend, "I have just killed Anne and I'm going to kill myself." Gardaí and the Dublin Fire Brigade entered the apartment, finding Ms Colomines deceased and Gehlen with a knife protruding from his torso. He was taken to Mater Hospital, where he received extensive treatment before being arrested.
Former Sinn Fein councillor Jonathan Dowdall, 43, and three co-accused have been fixed for trial at the Special Criminal Court regarding the 2016 murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in Dublin 9. In July, gardaí served Books of Evidence on the four men, who are all charged in connection with the killing. Mr. Byrne was shot dead on February 5, 2016, after five men, three disguised as armed gardaí, stormed the building during a boxing weigh-in. Jonathan Dowdall is charged with the murder of David Byrne, contrary to Common Law. His father, Patrick Dowdall, 64, is accused of facilitating a serious offence by making a hotel room available to a criminal organisation on February 4, 2016. Co-accused Paul Murphy, 59, is charged with supplying logistical support to a six-man team and providing access to motor vehicles. Jason Bonney, 50, is also charged with facilitating a serious offence by providing access to motor vehicles. Prosecuting barrister Fiona Murphy SC indicated an objection to Mr. Bonney's free legal aid application, with his case put in for October 7, 2021, for mention. Mr. Justice Tony Hunt fixed October 3, 2022, for a trial that could last up to 12 weeks, and put the matter in for an update on April 25, 2022.
In a speech at the Central Criminal Court on 13 September 2021, Mr Justice Paul McDermott warned that barristers must notify the court in writing if a trial is expected to last more than three weeks. He said that without a written memo explaining the reasons for the delay and the required duration, a trial longer than three weeks will not receive a trial date. McDermott also said that the court will not tolerate significant overruns beyond the estimated time. He added that jurors should be informed of the expected length of the trial and that, in some cases, 15 jurors may be enlisted to cover for those who cannot continue. The judge cited the collapse of the Bray Boxing Club murder trial, where a 34‑year‑old defendant, Gerard Cervi, faced delays and a jury that was unable to finish the trial due to health and procedural issues. Gerard Cervi pleaded not guilty.
Renato Gehlen, a 39‑year‑old Brazilian, is set to stand trial for the murder of his 37‑year‑old wife, Anne Colomines, who also worked for PayPal. The alleged killing took place at their Dublin home in Dorset Square on 25 October 2017. Gehlen pleaded not guilty. A jury of seven men and five women will hear the case, which will be presided over by Mr Justice Michael MacGrath at the Criminal Courts of Justice. The trial is scheduled to last up to three weeks.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Gerard Cervi for the murder of Bobby Messett and attempted murder of coach Pete Taylor at Bray Boxing Club collapsed after a juror became seriously ill, reducing the jury below the required ten members. Judge Michael White adjourned the case and discharged the remaining nine jurors, exempting them from future service. Cervi, aged 50, had pleaded not guilty to the killings that occurred on 5 June 2018, when a gunman entered the club, fired nine shots from a semi‑automatic pistol, killing Messett instantly and injuring Taylor and Ian Britton. The prosecution alleged Cervi was the lone gunman, linking him to a silver Volkswagen van seen near the club and to a bicycle at Pigeon House Road. Witnesses described the chaotic shooting, the gunman's appearance, and the subsequent removal of Taylor's clothing by paramedics. The trial was scheduled to resume on 11 October 2021.
A Dublin man, Thomas McConnell, aged 35, will stand trial next year at the non‑jury Special Criminal Court for the murder of Gareth Hutch, aged 36, nephew of Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch. The alleged killing took place on 24 May 2016 at Avondale House, North Cumberland Street, Dublin 1, when Hutch was shot as he entered his car. The State, represented by Fiona Murphy SC, applied to have the case heard before the three‑judge Special Criminal Court, arguing that ordinary courts were inadequate for effective justice. Mr Justice Tony Hunt granted the application and set a trial date of 15 June 2022, with the matter to be mentioned on 11 January 2022. McConnell was present at Tallaght District Court in June on an extradition warrant from Turkey for the murder charge. The case remains pending at the Special Criminal Court.
In the Bray Boxing Club murder trial, a juror from Dublin's East Wall area, Gerard Cervi, fell ill and could not attend court. The trial concerns a man who, on 5 June 2018, allegedly shot and killed 50‑year‑old Bobby Messett at Bray Boxing Club, and also allegedly attempted to murder boxing trainer Peter Taylor and Ian Britton on the same day. The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges. The trial, originally scheduled to finish in August, was extended to September, prompting two jurors to request discharge. The remaining ten jurors agreed to continue until 22 October. On the day of the hearing, nine jurors were present; Justice Michael White expressed regret over the illness, wished a swift recovery, and adjourned the trial until the following Monday, when he expected an update on the juror's condition.
In a 2021 trial, a jury examined CCTV footage of Bray Boxing Club on the morning of June 5 2018, when Robert Messett was shot dead and two others injured. Detective Garda Alan Thompson described a grey or silver long‑wheelbase van with a 'DFZ' registration, slide rails, tinted rear windows, and a driver in a cap, dark trousers and a yellow high‑visibility vest. The van was seen outside the club at 6:50 am, and the driver entered the club. Thompson guided prosecution counsel Paul Murray SC through a montage of footage from Bray, Shankill, Cabinteely, Deansgrange, Blackrock and Merrion Road up to 7:19 am. Gerard Cervi pleaded not guilty to Messett's murder and the attempted murders of trainer Peter Taylor and Ian Britton. The case is before the Central Criminal Court with Mr Justice Michael White and a jury of seven men and three women.
The trial of Gerard Cervi, accused of shooting Bobby Messett to death at Bray Boxing Club, has been extended. Initially expected to last eight weeks, the trial was pushed back to September, causing two jurors to withdraw. On the ninth week, Judge Michael White asked the remaining ten jurors if they could continue until a new date of 22 October. Nine agreed, while one pending decision. The judge emphasized that no juror would be forced to stay and would be informed of any consequences if they could not continue. He thanked the jurors for their service and apologized for underestimating the trial's duration. Cervi, 34, from Dublin 3, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Messett, 50, and denies attempted murders of trainer Peter Taylor and Ian Britton on the same day and place.
The Central Criminal Court heard the trial of 40‑year‑old Feri Anghel, a Roma gypsy, accused of murdering 49‑year‑old Romanian Ioan Artene Bob in Sean Walsh Park, Tallaght, on 13 April 2018. Bob was found alive with extensive blunt‑force injuries and died later that day. Dr Margot Bolster, the assistant state pathologist, described injuries that suggested stamping, punching and kicking, but could not rule out more than one assailant. CCTV footage showed Anghel and Bob travelling together on a Luas tram and later walking toward the park; further footage captured a person resembling Anghel at an ATM using Bob's card. The defence argued that forensic evidence indicated other people were present and that the prosecution had not established Anghel's sole responsibility. The jury, reduced from 12 to 10, could not reach a unanimous verdict after three days of deliberation and the case was adjourned to 4 October for a possible retrial. Feri Anghel pleaded not guilty.
In the trial of Feri Anghel, 40, accused of murdering Romanian construction worker Ioan Artene Bob, 49, the prosecution's closing speech emphasized that the evidence was circumstantial but should be considered in its totality. Anghel was found dead in Tallaght park on 13 April 2018, after being beaten and later dying in hospital. The prosecution presented evidence that Bob's phone and bank card were used at various locations in Dublin and Slane on the day of his death, and that a phone attributed to Anghel pinged a cell site within nine minutes of Bob's phone. Witnesses described a night of drinking and a Luas journey to Tallaght, and CCTV footage allegedly showed Anghel leading Bob toward the Luas. The prosecution urged the jury to consider the evidence dispassionately, noting no forensic link to a weapon or boots, and that the case rested on the cumulative circumstantial evidence. Feri Anghel pleaded not guilty.
In a 10‑week Central Criminal Court trial, five members of a Munster family were charged with sexually abusing and neglecting their children. The defendants, ranging in age from 27 to 56, included the parents, an aunt and uncles. They were accused of sexually abusing three older children between 2014 and 2016, and of wilfully neglecting five children, who were removed from the home in 2016. The trial heard testimony from the children, social workers, foster parents, teachers, medical professionals and Gardaí. The prosecution alleged that the parents, a sister, a husband and a brother also participated in the abuse. The defence challenged the credibility of the children's statements and the adequacy of the evidence, arguing that the family had been under constant scrutiny by social services. The case involved 78 counts against the five defendants, each treated as a separate case. The trial was held in Croke Park with an enlarged jury of 15.
In a statement outside the Criminal Courts of Justice on 5 August 2021, Superintendent Declan McCarthy of Wicklow Garda Station described the murder of Nadine Lott as an unprecedented level of violence in his 40‑year career. He said the evidence showed Daniel Murtagh's intent to kill, noting that Lott had made it clear she wanted no relationship with him and that Murtagh was deluded about their former partnership. McCarthy highlighted the brutality described in Garda interviews, where Murtagh allegedly held a tyre‑pump charger and wrapped a wire around his knuckles while beating Lott. He praised the prosecution team, the investigation, and first responders for their work, and expressed gratitude to Lott's family, who were relieved that the jury returned a murder verdict rather than manslaughter. The superintendent emphasized that the focus of the trial was on Lott, not the perpetrator. The family left the courthouse shortly after the verdict was announced.
In December 2019, 30‑year‑old beautician Nadine Lott was found severely injured in her Arklow apartment. Witnesses, including her mother Claire Lott and neighbour Amela Kulenovic, described a violent assault in which Daniel Murtagh, Nadine's former partner, struck her with force, applied pressure to her neck and shoulders, and inflicted blunt trauma that separated flesh from bone. The scene was covered in blood, with a strong odor and scattered glass fragments. Paramedics and Gardaí arrived within minutes, attempting resuscitation and providing emergency care. Nadine was transported to St Vincent's Hospital, where she received extensive treatment but died on 17 December 2019. The case proceeded to trial, where Murtagh pleaded guilty to manslaughter but was convicted of murder, with the jury rejecting an intoxication defence. The trial highlighted the brutality of the attack and the extensive injuries sustained by Nadine.
A jury of seven men and five women returned to the Central Criminal Court to continue deliberating the murder trial of Daniel Murtagh, accused of killing his former partner Nadine Lott in her Arklow home. The jury had spent over four hours and 18 minutes in a separate courtroom and had not yet reached a verdict. Judge Michael MacGrath adjourned the proceedings to the next morning, instructing the jurors to focus solely on the evidence presented and to avoid speculation or media influence. Murtagh pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, claiming intoxication as a defence. The jury must decide whether he intended to kill or merely to seriously injure Lott, with a unanimous verdict required for the murder charge. The trial will resume at 10:30 am the following day.
The Central Criminal Court heard that the murder trial of Gerard Cervi, 34, accused of killing Bobby Messett, 50, at Bray Boxing Club on 5 June 2018, will continue beyond its original schedule. Cervi, who also denies attempted murders of trainer Pete Taylor and Ian Britton, pleaded not guilty. The trial, which began on 28 June with a jury of 12, was expected to last eight weeks but was extended. Judge Michael White considered whether the jury could remain for the full duration and suggested a new end date of 17 September, with 24 September as a final contingency. Two jurors were excused due to work commitments, and one had to cancel a holiday to stay on the panel. The court will resume legal arguments on 16 August, with the jury scheduled to return at 10:30 a.m. The case remains ongoing.
In a Munster child‑abuse trial, a jury that has been deliberating for ten weeks was sent home after lunch because one juror had an appointment. The jury will resume tomorrow. The case involves five unnamed family members accused of abusing three children between 2014 and 2016. The accused are the children's parents, aunt and uncles, aged 27 to 56, living in various Munster locations. All deny the charges. The father (56) pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of rape, anal rape, oral rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation and wilfully neglecting a child, with three counts withdrawn during the trial. The mother (34) pleaded not guilty to 25 counts of sexual assault, sexual exploitation and wilfully neglecting a child, and also to wilfully neglecting two other children. The aunt (35) pleaded not guilty to three counts of sexual assault.
In the trial of Daniel Murtagh, accused of murdering former partner Nadine Lott, the jury will deliberate on whether the defendant intended to kill or merely to seriously injure her. Mr Justice Michael MacGrath instructed jurors to remain clinical and impartial, focusing solely on evidence presented. Murtagh, aged 34, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, accepting unlawful killing but denying the specific intent required for murder. The judge explained that intoxication could reduce murder to manslaughter if it negated intent. Evidence includes severe blunt‑force trauma and stab wounds that left Lott unconscious, leading to her death three days later. The jury may return either a guilty verdict for murder or a not‑guilty‑of‑murder but guilty‑of‑manslaughter verdict, depending on their assessment of intent. The trial continues with the jury set to begin deliberations tomorrow.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, the Director of Public Prosecutions announced that new charges will be brought in October against Robert Redmond, 32, of Woodview Close, Donaghmede, and Bernard Fogarty, 33, of Cromcastle Court, Kilmore, Coolock, for the attempted murder of Barry Wolverson. The alleged attempt occurred on 17 January 2020 at Madigans Yard, Kileek Lane, Swords, Co Dublin. Mr Wolverson died on 21 February after a prolonged hospital stay. The court set a trial date of 15 June 2022, with the trial expected to last four weeks.
The jury in the nine‑week trial of five Munster family members accused of child abuse was sent home for the bank holiday weekend and will resume deliberations on Tuesday. Mr Justice Paul McDermott ordered the break after a juror fell ill, noting there is no time limit and the jury should return verdicts based on the evidence. The accused, ranging in age from 27 to 56, are parents, an aunt and uncles of the children. They are charged with abusing three children between 2014 and 2016 and neglecting five of their own children. All defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges. Reporting restrictions protect the children's identities and welfare. The trial continues with the jury expected to reconvene after the long weekend.
In a Central Criminal Court trial, Daniel Murtagh, 34, faced murder charges for killing his ex‑girlfriend Nadine Lott, 30, in Arklow on 17 December 2019. Prosecution barrister John O'Kelly SC argued that Lott suffered "the most appalling and dreadful blunt trauma injuries" to her face, with flesh separated from underlying structures, and that the assault was sustained, violent and fueled by anger, drink and drugs. He highlighted eyewitness testimony, a neighbour's account, and pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan's evidence of 64 injuries, including fractured jaws, severe brain injury and a stabbing above the Adam's apple. Defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC contended that Murtagh's intent was unclear, citing intoxication and a claim that the violence would not have occurred without alcohol and drugs. Murtagh pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea rejected by the Director of Public Prosecutions. The jury heard that Lott never regained consciousness and died three days later in St Vincent's Hospital.
The Special Criminal Court asked counsel to update the court on the status of the Lisa Smith trial. Judge Tony Hunt requested a briefing and scheduled a further mention in November. Smith, 39, of Dundalk, faces charges under the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005 for membership of the Islamic State from 28 October 2015 to 1 December 2019 and for financing terrorism by sending €800 via Western Union to a named recipient on 6 May 2015. She is on bail and will not attend the November hearing.
In a murder trial, Daniel Murtagh, aged 34, demonstrated to the jury how he struck Nadine Lott, a 30‑year‑old beautician, on the ground in her Arklow home. He described using a tyre‑pump charger cable, wrapped around his knuckles, to deliver blows. Murtagh claimed he had boxed for years and could handle heavy weight, yet admitted he "went too far." Garda evidence noted Lott's left face was severely swollen, her left eye shut, and she suffered blunt‑force and stab injuries. An intensive‑care nurse testified she was "completely unrecognisable." Lott never regained consciousness and died three days later. Murtagh pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, stating he had no intent to seriously injure her and that he had only used his fists. The jury heard his final interview, where he expressed remorse and claimed he was "drip‑feeding" information to the police. The trial will continue tomorrow.
In the Munster child‑abuse trial, the jury paused its deliberations at the Central Criminal Court after nearly two and a half hours of discussion. Judge Paul McDermott had instructed the 13‑member panel that no time limit applied and that any verdict must be unanimous. He handed the jury the issue paper and exhibits, reminding them that each count must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt and that each accused should be considered separately. The panel was reduced to 12 after a juror was excused for a future commitment. The trial, held in a temporary courtroom at Croke Park, has lasted nine weeks and involves five unnamed family members accused of abusing three children between 2014 and 2016. All accused have denied the charges, and reporting restrictions protect the children's identities. The jury will resume tomorrow morning.
A 39‑year‑old mother was charged with attempting to murder her 18‑month‑old twin sons on 9 October 2019 at her Dublin home. She also faced charges of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to one child, producing a large kitchen knife capable of serious injury in a dispute, and falsely imprisoning a woman on the same date. In July, her defence counsel applied to the Central Criminal Court to dismiss the two attempted‑murder charges under Section 4E of the Criminal Justice Act 1999. The court heard submissions from the defence and from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Judge Michael MacGrath announced that he would refuse the application and would issue a written decision later, while pronouncing the court's conclusion today. The trial is scheduled for October at the Central Criminal Court. The Children Act 2001 prohibits identifying child victims, making it an offence to publish identifying details.
In a trial held at the Central Criminal Court, Daniel Murtagh, aged 34, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in the death of his former partner, 30‑year‑old Nadine Lott, who was found dead three days after a violent assault at her Arklow home. Murtagh, a boxer, told gardai that he had been "pounding" Lott and "punching like mad", and that if he had wanted to kill her he would have. He claimed his knuckles were conditioned from boxing and denied using any weapon other than his fists. Garda interviews revealed he had been drinking and possibly under the influence of drugs, and that he had hit Lott for several minutes, causing severe blunt‑force trauma and stab injuries. The jury heard evidence that Lott never regained consciousness and died in St Vincent's Hospital. The case remains pending before Mr Justice Michael MacGrath and a jury of twelve.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Daniel Murtagh, aged 34, denied murdering his ex‑girlfriend Nadine Lott, claiming the incident was a domestic dispute. He told Gardaí that he had given her "six or seven hard digs" but did not "go to town." Murtagh described himself as "protective" and insisted he had never hit a woman before. He admitted breaking his hand that night and expressed disbelief at having struck "the love of my life a couple of slaps." The jury heard that Lott suffered severe blunt‑force trauma and stab wounds in a sustained violent attack at her Arklow home, leading to her death three days later in St Vincent's Hospital. Murtagh pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, with the case proceeding before Mr Justice Michael MacGrath and a jury of twelve.
In the Central Criminal Court, the jury heard that Daniel Murtagh, aged 34, had communicated with his former partner Nadine Lott via WhatsApp from July 15 to December 14, 2019. The messages show Murtagh asking Lott about seeing someone from Dublin and expressing concern, to which Lott replied that she was not seeing anyone and told him not to threaten her. Lott also stated that nothing would happen between them again. Murtagh pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Lott, who was 30, at her Arklow apartment on 17 December 2019. The jury was presented with evidence that Lott suffered severe blunt‑force trauma and stab injuries, never regained consciousness, and died three days later in St Vincent's Hospital. The trial continues before Mr Justice Michael MacGrath and a jury of twelve.
In the murder trial of Daniel Murtagh, Chief State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan testified that beauty therapist Nadine Lott died from severe blunt‑force and stab injuries sustained in a sustained assault at her Arklow home on 17 December 2019. She described 64 individual injuries, including facial bone fractures, a 5 cm stab wound above the thyroid cartilage, an incised wound from the left earlobe to the neck, rib fractures, and extensive bruising to the head, face and neck. Lott's brain was diffusely swollen, and neuropathology confirmed hypoxic/ischaemic encephalopathy caused by cardiac arrests following the injuries. Mulligan was sceptical that Lott could have moved after the assault, noting the severity of the head and neck trauma. She stated the blunt‑force injuries were consistent with hands, fists or feet and could not rule out a blunt weapon. The trial will continue before Mr Justice Michael MacGrath and a jury. Daniel Murtagh pleaded not guilty.
Evelyn Corrigan, 68, of Tallaght, was charged with possession of 325.7 g of cannabis for sale or supply. She pleaded guilty to possession but denied selling, claiming she grew the plants to make medicine for her pain. The court found no evidence of intent to distribute; a jury returned a not‑guilty verdict on the charge of possession for sale or supply. Judge Pauline Codd dismissed the charge under the Probation Act. Corrigan admitted the quantity but stated she had never intended to give it to anyone else. The trial included testimony that she used the cannabis to produce a CBD‑oil extract for her glaucoma, emphysema, asthma and arthritis. No prior convictions were recorded. The case ended with the jury acquitting her of the charge of possession for sale or supply.
In a pretrial motion before Mr Justice Tony O'Connor, RTE has asked the High Court to strike out a damages claim brought by Labour politician Joe Costello. The action arises from RTE's defence in a 2018 defamation case brought by Sinn Fein activist Nicky Kehoe over comments made on a Claire Byrne radio broadcast in October 2015. In that prior trial, a jury found the broadcast implied Mr Kehoe was unfit for the democratic process, awarding him €3,500. The jury apportioned liability, finding Mr Costello 65% at fault and RTE 35% liable, though no judgment was entered against Mr Costello as he was not a party. Mr Costello now seeks damages from RTE and the State, alleging he was denied fair procedures and that RTE breached the 2009 Broadcasting Act. He also seeks declarations that a section of the 1961 Civil Liability Act is unconstitutional. RTE argues the claim is unstateable and bound to fail, noting Mr Costello did not pay the award. Counsel for Mr Costello rejected the suggestion the case lacks merit, arguing his reputation was damaged and he was excluded from the proceedings. Both parties deny the claims. The hearing of the pretrial motion was adjourned and continues next week.
In a Munster child‑abuse trial, Mr Justice Paul McDermott instructed a jury of eight weeks' deliberation to base their verdict solely on facts, not emotion, after hearing disturbing evidence. The case involved five family members—parents, aunt, uncles—accused of abusing three children between 2014 and 2016. The accused, aged 27 to 56, all denied the charges. The judge highlighted the emotional impact of the evidence and urged the jury to remain objective, analysing facts without bias. Defence counsel argued that evidence had been mismanaged and that convictions would not vindicate the children. The prosecution maintained that the accused were key perpetrators. The trial concluded with the judge outlining legal principles before sending the jury home, with a follow‑up charge scheduled for Monday. The case remains at the closing stage, with no verdict yet announced.
In a murder trial, forensic scientist Dr Stephen Clifford testified that the blood splatter in Nadine Lott's kitchen indicated a sustained assault while she lay on the floor. He noted large amounts of impact blood on the wall and a blood‑stained Biro matching Lott's DNA. The prosecution alleged severe blunt force trauma and stab injuries inflicted by Daniel Murtagh, who pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. Murtagh, 34, was accused of attacking Lott in the living room and possibly the kitchen. The jury heard that paramedics found Lott in the kitchen, with her head between a wall and shelving unit, and that attempts at CPR could not explain the blood pattern. The case proceeded before Mr Justice Michael MacGrath with a jury of twelve.
In the Munster Abuse trial, the jury was instructed to scrutinise the credibility of children's testimony. Defence counsel Anthony Sammon SC argued that the case against the children's aunt was not "rock solid," citing diary entries from the foster mother that questioned the children's reliability. He highlighted the children's varied personalities, alleged fabrication of stories, and instances where the foster mother's instructions may have influenced the children's statements. Sammon urged the jury to remain sceptical, noting that the children had withdrawn allegations against other family members but not against the aunt. The prosecution, represented by Bernard Condon SC, maintained that the aunt was not central but still responsible, while Andrew Sexton SC defended the aunt's husband, stressing his denial of abuse and the implausibility of the allegations. The trial continued with the jury hearing further evidence and arguments from both sides. The unnamed 35-year-old pleaded not guilty.
In the trial of Daniel Murtagh, a 34‑year‑old man accused of murdering his ex‑girlfriend Nadine Lott, witnesses testified that Murtagh told a motorist he had killed his wife because she was with his friend, and later told a paramedic he had killed his girlfriend after a car crash. The prosecution described Lott's severe blunt‑force and stab injuries, noting she never regained consciousness and died three days later. An intensive‑care nurse said Lott was "completely unrecognisable." A paramedic recalled the call as one of the most horrendous scenes he had seen. Murtagh pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter of the 30‑year‑old Lott, who died at St Vincent's Hospital. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Michael MacGrath, continues with a jury of seven men and five women.
During the murder trial of Daniel Murtagh, a paramedic testified that the emergency call to Nadine Lott's Arklow apartment was one of the most horrific scenes he had ever seen. He described broken furniture, shattered glass, and a kitchen wrecked by a "bulldozer" of violence. The paramedic recounted kneeling on broken glass, his uniform soaked in blood, and performing CPR on an unconscious, severely injured Lott. He said the scene would haunt him for the rest of his career. Witnesses, including Garda Linda Butler and nurses from St Vincent's Hospital, described Lott's severe blunt‑force trauma, multiple stab wounds, and extensive blood loss. Murtagh, 34, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter of the 30‑year‑old Lott, who died three days later in hospital. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Michael MacGrath, continues with a jury hearing evidence of the assault and its aftermath.
In a Central Criminal Court trial, a defence barrister argued that the alleged sexual abuse of three children by family members would be "extraordinary" if it occurred under the intense scrutiny of State agencies. The barrister described the family's care as "tremendous and monumental" and likened the oversight to a "police helicopter" hovering over the house. He questioned the adequacy of Gardaí interviews, suggesting that the mother's admissions were not thoroughly probed and that the officers failed to pursue deeper evidence. The mother, aged 34, pleaded not guilty to 25 counts, including sexual assault and wilfully neglecting children, while the father, 56, pleaded not guilty to 31 counts. Other relatives also pleaded not guilty to various sexual and neglect charges. The trial was scheduled to continue before Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
In the murder trial of Daniel Murtagh, an eyewitness, Amela Kulenovic, testified that Murtagh made a "growling noise" and behaved "vicious with rage" while striking his ex‑partner Nadine Lott in her Arklow apartment. She described seeing him crouched over Lott, pressing his body weight on her and holding her neck and shoulders. Kulenovic also reported that Lott was unconscious, with blood covering the area, and that Murtagh left the building in Lott's car. The prosecution alleged that Lott suffered severe blunt‑force trauma and stab wounds, dying three days later in Dublin. Murtagh, aged 34, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The jury is to decide his intent and mental state at the time of the attack. The trial is before Justice Michael MacGrath.
During the murder trial of Daniel Murtagh, Nadine Lott's mother, Claire Lott, recounted the moment she found her daughter lying on her back in the kitchen, gurgling and gasping for air. She described how she attempted mouth‑to‑mouth resuscitation, but the effort was ineffective as Nadine could not inflate her chest. Lott also testified that Nadine had suffered severe blunt‑force trauma and stab wounds in a sustained attack by Murtagh, her former partner, in their Arklow home. The prosecution alleged that these injuries were so serious that Nadine never regained consciousness and died three days later in St Vincent's Hospital. Murtagh, aged 34, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter of the 30‑year‑old Lott. The trial, held at the Central Criminal Court, continues before a jury and Judge Michael MacGrath. The case is expected to last two weeks.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, defence counsel Mark Nicholas SC argued that no evidence supports the claim that a 56‑year‑old father sexually abused three of his children. He urged jurors to set aside their emotional reactions and examine the evidence objectively, noting that the alleged abuse dates span a wide period between 2014 and 2016 and that no specific dates were established. Nicholas highlighted that the father's alleged neglect was not proven to be criminal, citing reports from social workers and a psychologist that suggested capacity issues rather than deliberate wrongdoing. He also questioned the reliability of a neighbour's testimony and the relevance of photographs taken after the children were removed from the home. The father, along with four other family members, has pleaded not guilty to the charges presented in the case.
During a sustained attack in her Arklow home, Nadine Lott suffered severe blunt‑force trauma and stab injuries inflicted by her former partner, Daniel Murtagh, who was later charged with murder and manslaughter. The Central Criminal Court jury heard that the injuries were so serious that Lott never regained consciousness and died three days later at St Vincent's Hospital. Murtagh, aged 34, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The prosecution presented evidence that Lott was attacked in the early hours of 14 December 2019, with forensic findings of extensive facial trauma, an incised wound on the left side of the neck and a stab wound on the right side. Paramedics attempted resuscitation, but Lott remained in intensive care until her death on 17 December. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Michael MacGrath, is expected to last two weeks.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Bernard Condon SC presented the prosecution case against five family members accused of child abuse in Munster between 2014 and 2016. The accused – parents, aunt and uncles – are alleged to have abused three children and neglected five others. The children, aged between one and eight, were removed from their homes and reported abuse to Gardaí, a process described as traumatic and imperfect. Condon highlighted the children's consistent allegations, the alleged neglect that increased vulnerability, and the involvement of multiple relatives. He noted that the accused denied the charges, with some claims of collusion or fabrication dismissed. The case remains ongoing before Mr Justice Paul McDermott, with no verdict yet reached.
Two men have been scheduled to stand trial at the Special Criminal Court in April 2022 on a charge of murdering teenager Keane Mulready-Woods. Paul Crosby, aged 25, of Rathmullan Park in Drogheda, County Louth, and Gerard Cruise, aged 47, with addresses in Dublin 1 and Rathmullan Park, are accused of the killing at a house in Rathmullan Park on 12 or 13 January 2020. The trial, which is expected to last six weeks, will be heard before three judges without a jury. The teenager's dismembered remains were discovered at multiple locations in Dublin and Drogheda in January 2020, with his torso found subsequently in March 2021. A further mention of the case is scheduled for December to address disclosure matters, and legal representatives indicated a possible application for separate trials.
Jonathan Dowdall, a former Sinn Fein councillor aged 43, has filed a High Court challenge against the jurisdiction of the Special Criminal Court (SCC) over his murder trial. He is charged with the killing of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel on 5 February 2016. The Director of Public Prosecutions, citing the 1939 Offences Against the State Act, has directed that Dowdall be tried before the non‑jury SCC. Dowdall argues that the SCC's existence is based on temporary emergency legislation from 1972 and that the Oireachtas has not enacted permanent law to justify it. He claims this breaches his constitutional rights and the European Convention on Human Rights, including the presumption of innocence. His lawyers seek an order to prohibit the SCC trial, declare it unlawful, and highlight the State's failure to secure permanent legislation. Judge Anthony Barr granted Dowdall permission to proceed, made the case returnable for November, and stayed the trial pending the High Court's decision.
A 34‑year‑old man, Daniel Murtagh, will be tried at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of 30‑year‑old Nadine Lott, who was killed at her home in St Mary's Court, Arklow, on 17 December 2019. Murtagh admitted killing Lott but denied murder, pleading not guilty to that charge and guilty to manslaughter. The Director of Public Prosecutions did not accept the plea. Mr Justice Michael White appointed a jury of seven men and five women, and the trial, set to begin at 11 a.m. before Mr Justice Michael MacGrath, is expected to last two weeks.
A 39‑year‑old mother has applied to the Central Criminal Court to have two attempted‑murder charges against her dismissed. The charges relate to an incident on 9 October 2019 at her Dublin home, where she allegedly tried to kill her 18‑month‑old twin sons and also allegedly caused serious harm to one of them. She is further charged with producing a large kitchen knife in a manner that could inflict serious injury and with falsely imprisoning a woman on the same date. Defence counsel Anne Rowland SC told the court that the application is under Section 4E of the Criminal Justice Act 1999, which seeks dismissal of a charge. The court heard submissions from Rowland and from Sean Guerin SC for the Director of Public Prosecutions. The trial is expected to take place in October, and Mr Justice Michael MacGrath will rule on the application on 29 July.
At the Special Criminal Court, books of evidence were served on four men charged in connection with the 2016 murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in Dublin. The prosecution also provided exhibits, including a CCTV montage. Jonathan Dowdall, 43, is charged with the murder of Mr Byrne, contrary to common law, on February 5, 2016. His father, Patrick Dowdall, 64, is accused of facilitating a serious offence by a criminal organisation by making a hotel room available on February 4, 2016. Co-accused Paul Murphy, 59, faces charges of supplying logistical support to a six-man team and providing access to motor vehicles to facilitate the murder. Jason Bonney, 50, is charged with providing access to motor vehicles to facilitate the offence. All charges are alleged or contested, with no pleas entered or findings made at this stage. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding over the non-jury court, adjourned the matter until September 31. He requested an indication on whether a trial date is required and the expected duration of the trial. The matter was adjourned and is not concluded.
In a Munster abuse trial, a 27‑year‑old uncle pleaded not guilty to nine counts of rape, oral rape, anal rape, sexual assault and sexual exploitation, claiming he "witnessed nothing" and "did nothing." The charges, covering incidents between 18 August 2014 and 28 April 2016, involved a girl and one boy. A count of sexual exploitation of the eldest boy was withdrawn by the judge. The trial also involves five other family members—parents, aunt and uncles—who are accused of abusing three children between 2014 and 2016. All accused deny the allegations. The case against the uncle's 32‑year‑old partner and the children's grandmother was withdrawn. The trial continues next week before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury. The uncle's statements and the judge's withdrawals are the only procedural developments reported.
In a Munster child‑abuse trial, Judge Paul McDermott directed the jury to return a not‑guilty verdict by direction for the 32‑year‑old woman who had been charged with four counts of sexual assault and exploitation. The judge withdrew those charges, stating there was no evidence to support them, and the woman would no longer be an accused. He also withdrew three charges against the children's father, one against the uncle, and two against a third man, entering not‑guilty by direction for each. The trial continues against the remaining accused, who have all pleaded not guilty to various counts of rape, assault, exploitation and neglect. The judge emphasized his responsibility to determine which counts remain based on the evidence presented. The case remains ongoing before Mr Justice McDermott.