A jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has begun deliberating in the trial of a 54-year-old man from Aughavas, County Leitrim, who faces 22 charges including money laundering, theft, deception and control of false instruments. The accused has pleaded not guilty to all charges relating to events between January 2010 and October 2012. Evidence heard over eleven days established that the man represented himself as a qualified financier and merchant banker, using multiple names including Simon Gold, Simon Gould, Simon Magnier and Niall O'Donoghue. The prosecution alleges he defrauded four Irish men and a Danish businessman. The defence contended that the absence of complaints to gardaí undermined the prosecution case. After deliberating for nearly three hours, the jury was directed to adjourn and will resume consideration of the matter the following day.
At the trial of Simon Gold (54) of Augharan, Aughavas, Co. Leitrim, charged with 22 counts including money laundering, theft, deception, and control of false instruments between January 1, 2010, and October 22, 2012, the prosecution has stated that Gold 'is not Walter Mitty' and that he created fake documents that 'conned real people out of real money in real life'. Gold has pleaded not guilty. The jury has heard that Gold represented himself as a highly qualified financier, merchant banker, or financial consultant. The trial has heard that Gold accepted he used multiple names, including Simon Gould, Simon Magnier, and Niall O'Donoghue, and that he is responsible for an Ulster Bank account in the name of Anglo Irish Global Ltd. The prosecution has stated that Gold operated companies such as Anglo Irish Global Ltd, Belgravia Consultants Ltd, Elite Bank Group, and Irish Nationwide Bank, which he described as a 'virtual bank' not authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland. The prosecution alleges that Gold stole money from Danish businessman Kurt Lauridsen in 2012 and laundered it, and that he admitted to being in possession of two tranches of €800,000 belonging to Lauridsen. The prosecution also claims that two Irish men transferred €28,000 and £30,000 respectively into the account of Belgravia Consultants Ltd, and that two other Irish men transferred £10,000 each into the account of Anglo Irish Global Ltd. The trial continues tomorrow before Judge Nolan and a jury.
In the trial for the murder of 14‑year‑old Anastasia Kriegel, the father of one of the accused boys, aged 14, testified that his son was "not capable of doing anything like that" and that the boy had lied to Gardaí and his parents out of fear of his co‑accused. He described how his son was seen with Ana on the day she disappeared, how the boy later claimed he was afraid of Boy A and that he would not speak to adults for fear of being punished. The father also recounted attempts to get his son to recall details of the night, noting the boy's reluctance and lack of trust. He added that his son had made weapons such as a bow and arrow and that the boy was arrested and held overnight for questioning. The prosecution's evidence was completed, the defence did not call witnesses, and the jury will return on Thursday. The unnamed 14-year-old pleaded not guilty.
In a High Court decision on 31 May 2019, Mr Justice Senan Allen dismissed claims by five Criminal Asset Bureau (CAB) staff who sought the €19,000‑per‑year allowance paid to non‑Garda CAB officers seconded from Revenue, Customs and the Department of Social Protection. The staff, forensic accountants and financial crime analysts, argued that their duties—search operations, court document preparation, interviews with dangerous criminals and court testimony—were equivalent to those of the non‑Garda officers and therefore entitled them to the same allowance. They had previously applied to the Minister for Justice in 2008 and 2011, receiving a €9,500‑per‑year allowance that they never formally accepted. Mr Justice Allen found no legal basis for equal pay, noting that the staff's contracts specified their remuneration and that their work was primarily indoor support rather than field search. The court held it had no function in adjudicating pay claims and dismissed the action.
A farmer from County Galway has given evidence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in the trial of a man charged with money laundering and related offences. The witness told the court that he had sought assistance in securing a €15 million loan to restructure substantial debts accrued through land purchases. He said he paid €28,000 to obtain purported proof of funds, but later received a fictitious letter from Irish Nationwide Bank bearing the signature of Simon Magnier, falsely confirming he and his father held over €961,000 in an account. The witness stated they had never banked with Irish Nationwide and the loan did not materialise. Simon Gold, aged 54, from Aughavas, County Leitrim, has pleaded not guilty to 22 charges including money laundering, theft, deception and control of false instruments alleged to have occurred between January 2010 and October 2012. The trial continues.
During the Central Criminal Court hearing, a minor witness, referred to as Boy B, claimed that his co‑accused, Boy A, was attempting to set him up for the murder of 14‑year‑old Anastasia Kriegel. Boy B described seeing Boy A place Ana in a headlock and attempt to force her to the ground, while Ana fought back by punching and kicking Boy A's arms and legs. Another child witness recalled that Boy A was "agitated and fidgety" after Ana's disappearance, whereas Boy B appeared calm. Both accused boys, aged 14, have pleaded not guilty to the murder and to Boy A's additional charge of aggravated sexual assault. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul McDermott, continues with a jury of eight men and four women. The court heard five child witnesses in total.
The trial of Simon Gold, a former psychic accused of money laundering, theft, deception, and controlling false instruments, continued at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Gold, who has pleaded not guilty to 22 charges relating to offences between January 1, 2010, and October 22, 2012, is alleged to have used multiple aliases, including Simon Magnier and Niall O'Donoghue. On the ninth day of evidence, witness Eamonn O'Toole, a dairy farmer from Co. Tipperary, testified that he sought a loan in 2011 and was directed to contact Simon Magnier. O'Toole stated he transferred £10,000 to Anglo Irish Global Ltd, believing Magnier was a principal banker, but the loan never materialised. He described attempts to contact the alleged loan manager, Niall O'Donoghue, as futile, remarking it would be easier to reach Donald Trump. O'Toole also testified that he was advised to place a teenager's name on loan documents. The matter was adjourned and continues before Judge Nolan and a jury.
Inga Ozolina, 48, was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter after stabbing her boyfriend, Audrius Pukas, to death in their home on 20 November 2016. The Central Criminal Court heard that Pukas, 40, died from a stab wound to the chest and two other knife wounds. Ozolina had previously obtained safety orders against Pukas, which had lapsed. She claimed the attack was a self‑defence incident, stating that Pukas had pulled her hair, pushed her, and bitten her, and that she grabbed a kitchen knife to defend herself. The jury considered photographs of her injuries, including bite marks, and CCTV footage of her entering a Garda station in a dressing gown. After 12 hours of deliberation, the jury returned a 10‑2 majority verdict of not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter, and Ozolina was remanded for sentencing on 1 July.
During the Central Criminal Court hearing, a copybook found in the home of one of the 14‑year‑old boys accused of murdering 14‑year‑old Anastasia Kriegel was presented. The book, titled "Drawing," contained a "Satanic pledge drawing," pentagrams, and a list of names that included the two accused. Rules in the book forbade speaking of Jesus or God, allowed only pledge hosts to give pledges, and instructed members to act normally. Boy A, also charged with aggravated sexual assault, pleaded not guilty to both counts. Boy B was interviewed by Garda Donal Daly, who explained the book's contents and his reference to a "satanist" homework club. Daly denied that Garda procedures were disingenuous and stated that Boy B was given opportunities to speak truthfully. The trial is proceeding before Mr Justice Paul McDermott with a jury of eight men and four women.
A 21‑year‑old man, Adam Nolan of Burgh an Ri Walk, Balgaddy, Lucan, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of Bryan Cassidy, 52, on 7 February 2018 at the same address. He stood in a navy suit and tie when arraigned before the Central Criminal Court. The judge, Justice Michael White, noted the plea was a special matter and that the trial would be brief. A jury of twelve was sworn in; Sergeant Declan O'Sullivan and two forensic psychiatrists were to give evidence.
In May 2019, Boy B, a 14‑year‑old, told Gardaí that his co‑accused, Boy A, had said he was planning to kill Ana Kriegel, a 14‑year‑old schoolgirl. Boy B claimed he did not believe Boy A was serious and did not know what Boy A intended to do. He also admitted lying to Gardaí about Ana's disappearance because he feared being framed by Boy A. Both boys are minors and have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Ana Kriegel at Glenwood House, Lucan, and Boy A has also pleaded not guilty to an aggravated sexual assault charge. Gardaí have reviewed 16 hours of Boy B's interviews, during which he described seeing Boy A wearing gloves, a mask and other items, and witnessing Boy A "flip" Ana and choke her while removing her clothes.
In the murder trial of Inga Ozolina, a 48‑year‑old woman from Latvia living in Mountrath, Co. Laois, the jury resumed deliberations on the fourth day. Ozolina, mother of two, is charged with stabbing her boyfriend, Audrius Pukas, to death in their Tipperary home on 20 November 2016. She pleaded not guilty, arguing self‑defence, accidental injury, or lack of intent. The prosecution, led by Paul Murray SC, maintained that the three knife wounds could not be accidental and that self‑defence was not applicable. The defense, represented by Caroline Biggs SC, urged the jury to consider the three grounds of acquittal. Judge Alexander Owens offered a third option: not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter if the jury found excessive self‑defence. The jury spent nearly nine and a half hours deliberating before returning to the courtroom on Wednesday morning. The trial continues.
A developer told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on the eighth day of evidence that he "freaked straight away" upon discovering that a man presented as a prospective financier knew nothing of his Portuguese construction project. Frank Gleeson, testifying in the trial of Simon Gold (54), of Augharan, Aughavas, County Leitrim, recounted seeking a bridging loan after failing to secure funding through conventional channels. He stated that Gold had agreed to arrange £3 million in financing in exchange for a £30,000 deposit, which Mr Gleeson and business partners transferred to an account in the name of Belgravia Consultants UK Ltd. Mr Gleeson said he subsequently met the proposed investor in London, who demonstrated no knowledge of the project. When the deposit was transferred despite his objections, Mr Gleeson said he pursued the matter and later established that Gold used alternative names. He recovered only £10,000 of the £30,000. Gold has pleaded not guilty to twenty-two charges including money laundering, theft, deception and control of false instruments allegedly committed between January 2010 and October 2012.
The jury in the Central Criminal Court trial of a 34‑year‑old Dublin resident accused of attempting to rape a woman on December 18, 2010, will continue deliberating tomorrow. The accused denies the attempted rape, sexual assault and assault causing harm charges. The trial, which lasted eleven days, included evidence that the accused's DNA matched semen found on the complainant's skirt. Defence counsel Orla Crowe SC told the jury that while the prosecution could not prove the woman was attacked, they could not prove the accused was the attacker. She argued the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt and that the jury should not fill gaps with speculation. No fingerprints of the accused were found on seized clothing. Mr Justice Michael White, after 1 hour 40 minutes of deliberations, instructed the jury to suspend and sent them home for the night. The unnamed 34-year-old pleaded not guilty.
In a Tipperary murder trial, a jury will resume deliberations after a six‑and‑a‑half‑hour session. The defendant, 48‑year‑old Inga Ozolina, is charged with stabbing her boyfriend, 40‑year‑old Audrius Pukas, to death on 20 November 2016. Ozolina pleaded not guilty, arguing self‑defence and that Pukas may have approached the knife during a fight. Her solicitor, Caroline Biggs SC, urged the jury to consider whether the fatal wound could reasonably have resulted from Pukas moving toward the knife, whether Ozolina acted in justifiable self‑defence, or whether she lacked intent to kill. Prosecutor Paul Murray SC insisted the wounds were not accidental and that Ozolina had the knife to an unarmed, drunken man. Justice Alexander Owens offered a third verdict option: not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter if the jury found excessive self‑defence. The jury will reconvene tomorrow morning to continue their deliberations.
In the trial of a 34‑year‑old Dublin resident accused of attempting to rape a woman on December 18, 2010, the jury is set to begin deliberations tomorrow. The accused denies all charges of attempted rape, sexual assault and assault causing harm. Prosecutor Anne Rowland SC presented evidence suggesting the attacker was Polish, citing the complainant's change in demeanor when speaking Polish, a pierced eyebrow, a height of about 6ft, balding, and DNA matching semen found on the woman's skirt. CCTV footage and a co‑worker's testimony about the accused's scooter use were also introduced. Defence counsel Orla Crowe SC argued the prosecution had not proved the case beyond reasonable doubt, noting no fingerprints of the accused on seized clothing and that the client denied the allegations. Mr Justice Michael White announced the charge would commence tomorrow morning.
Simon Gold, aged 54, with an address in Aughavas, County Leitrim, stands trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 22 charges including money laundering, theft, deception and control of false instruments, relating to events between January 2010 and October 2012. He has pleaded not guilty. During the seventh day of evidence, the court heard that a Danish businessman transferred €1.6 million in two tranches to what he believed was a custodial bank account with Ulster Bank in Dublin in October 2012. The account was subsequently frozen by gardaí. The businessman told the court he understood the funds were for a green energy investment opportunity and that he never authorised any withdrawals. A sum of €335,000 was transferred from the account to a third party without his instruction. Earlier testimony established that the accused used multiple aliases, including Simon Gould, Simon Magnier and Niall O'Donoghue. The trial continues before Judge Nolan and a jury.
During the Central Criminal Court hearing, Boy B, a 14‑year‑old, told Gardaí that he witnessed his co‑accused, Boy A, raping Ana Kriegel, the 14‑year‑old schoolgirl who was murdered. Boy B said he fled when he realised what was happening. Both boys, who are minors, have pleaded not guilty to the murder. Boy A is also charged with aggravated sexual assault involving serious violence. The jury, composed of eight men and four women, has been viewing video footage of Boy B's interviews from July 2018. In the second interview, Boy B described entering the abandoned house, observing the interior, and then seeing Boy A and Ana in a room where Boy A allegedly choked Ana while removing her clothing. Boy B claimed he ran away after witnessing the assault. The trial is proceeding before Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
In a Dublin Central Criminal Court hearing, a 34‑year‑old man was accused of attempting to rape a woman on 18 December 2010. He pleaded not guilty to attempted rape, sexual assault and assault causing harm. Forensic scientist Dr Yvonne O'Dowd testified that semen stains were found on the complainant's skirt and that a DNA profile generated from those stains matched the accused's DNA. She noted the probability of a random match was less than one in a thousand million, but she could not determine when the semen was deposited. Garda Eoin Colbert provided photographs of the defendant in custody, and another Garda reported that the accused said "It's all lies" after his arrest. The trial was set to continue next week before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury.
A quarry owner from Limerick told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that he paid a £10,000 deposit to secure a €4 million loan that never materialised. The man said he was contacted by someone using the name "Simon Magnier" after seeking financial assistance during the economic recession. He stated that following the deposit payment, the promised funds did not arrive and contact with the person became difficult to maintain. The trial concerns Simon Gold, aged 54, of Aughavas, County Leitrim, who has pleaded not guilty to 22 charges including money laundering, theft, deception and control of false instruments alleged to have occurred between January 2010 and October 2012. Evidence has established that the accused used multiple aliases including Simon Gould, Simon Magnier and Niall O'Donoghue, and operated an Ulster Bank account in the name Anglo Irish Global Ltd. The trial before Judge Nolan and jury continues.
A jury has begun deliberating in the trial of Inga Ozolina, 48, who is charged with murdering her boyfriend, Audrius Pukas, by stabbing him in the chest on 20 November 2016 at The Malthouse, Roscrea, Co Tipperary. Ozolina, originally from Latvia and residing at Old Court Church, Mountrath, Co Laois, pleaded not guilty and has requested an acquittal on several grounds, including self‑defence and the possibility that Pukas moved towards the knife she was holding during a fight in their Tipperary home. The Central Criminal Court heard that Pukas, 40, died at the scene from a stab wound to his chest. Caroline Biggs SC, defending Ozolina, urged the jury to consider whether there was a reasonable possibility that the fatal wound resulted from Pukas approaching the knife, that Ozolina was acting in justifiable self‑defence, or that she had no intention to kill or cause serious injury.
In the murder trial of Inga Ozolina, a 48‑year‑old Latvian‑born woman, the defence counsel, Caroline Biggs SC, urged the jury to acquit if there is a reasonable possibility that the fatal wound was caused by Mr Pukas moving toward the knife, or that Ozolina acted in justifiable self‑defence, or that she had no intent to kill. Ozolina, who lives in Mountrath, claimed she grabbed a nearby object to defend herself after Mr Pukas, a 40‑year‑old father of two, began hitting and biting her. The court heard evidence of domestic abuse, including injuries to Ozolina and witnesses describing Mr Pukas's aggression. The prosecution, represented by Paul Murray SC, argued that the knife wounds were not accidental and that Ozolina had the knife and was not in self‑defence. The jury, composed of seven men and five women, will deliberate on these points. The trial is ongoing. Inga Ozolina pleaded not guilty.
Simon Gold, aged 54, with an address in Aughavas, County Leitrim, denies 22 charges including money laundering, theft, deception and control of false instruments at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The charges relate to the period between January 2010 and October 2012. During the fifth day of evidence, a fraud prevention analyst from Ulster Bank Belfast described a meeting held on 23 October 2012 regarding an account in the name of Anglo Irish Global Ltd. According to meeting minutes, Mr Gold stated the business operated in renewable energy and affordable housing, describing it as transparent and seeking to maintain good banking relations. The court heard Mr Gold acknowledged responsibility for the account and that he had used multiple names including Simon Gold, Simon Gould, Simon Magnier and Niall O'Donoghue. When informed by bank officials that a court order had been served to freeze the account, Mr Gold reportedly disputed any wrongdoing, claiming he would be foolish to engage in money laundering. The trial continues.
In the trial of Inga Ozolina, a 48‑year‑old mother of two, the defence presented evidence that she had arrived at a friend's house in a state of distress, with a bite on her nose, earlier in her relationship with the victim. Ozolina, originally from Latvia and residing in Old Court Church, Mountrath, claimed she was acting in self‑defence when she stabbed Audrius Pukas, a 40‑year‑old father of two, at The Malthouse, Roscrea, on 20 November 2016. The Central Criminal Court heard that Pukas died from a stab wound to his chest. Niamh Hyland, a friend of Ozolina for ten years, testified that Ozolina had visited her home twice in the early hours, both times with blood on her nose and, on the second visit, a swollen eye. Hyland described Pukas's interactions with Ozolina as often aggressive. Inga Ozolina pleaded not guilty.
In the Central Criminal Court, a 14‑year‑old boy (Boy B) testified that he witnessed his co‑accused (Boy A) assaulting Ana Kriegel at an abandoned house. Boy B described seeing Boy A "flip" Ana, choke her, and strip her of her clothes while Ana repeatedly cried "No, no, don't do this." He claimed he fled the scene after seeing Boy A's actions. Boy B drew a picture of the incident and signed it for detectives. The boy, who was arrested in May 2018, gave a changing account of the events, stating he had initially followed the pair but left when Boy A told him it was fine. The testimony was presented to a jury of eight men and four women, with the trial proceeding before Mr Justice Paul McDermott. The accused boys, both 14, have pleaded not guilty to murder and to aggravated sexual assault. The case remains in progress.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, two 14‑year‑old boys accused of murdering 14‑year‑old Ana Kriegel gave conflicting statements to Gardaí. One boy, who denies the murder, said he left Ana at an abandoned house with the other boy, fearing that the other would handle the situation because he was "big, strong, tall." He claimed to have heard Ana scream, ran away, and later returned to the house, where he heard a strong scream that was muffled. The other boy denied that Ana's blood was found on the first boy's shoes and insisted he was not in the house where Ana's body was discovered. Both boys remain in court, pleading not guilty, and the trial continues before Justice Paul McDermott and a jury.
During the murder trial of Inga Ozolina, a witness testified that she once saw Ozolina's neck appear blue while she was still in a relationship with the deceased, Audrius Pukas. Ozolina, a 48‑year‑old mother of two from Mountrath, claimed she acted in self‑defence after Pukas died from a stab wound inflicted by a knife she was holding. The trial, held at the Central Criminal Court, also heard from Ms. Karina Sulinezee, who recalled seeing Ozolina's neck turn blue after removing a scarf and noted that Ozolina's ear had been scratched. Sulinezee further recounted that Pukas had previously struck her partner at a birthday party, an incident she said led to the partner's bleeding. Prosecutor Paul Murray closed his case and will cross‑examine Ms. Sulinezee before the judge and jury. The case remains ongoing. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.
A trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has heard audio recordings allegedly capturing discussions about concealing large cash withdrawals. Simon Gold, aged 54, from Aughavas, County Leitrim, has pleaded not guilty to 22 charges including money laundering, theft, deception, and control of false instruments, spanning January 2010 to October 2012. Detective Garda Deirdre Heenehan told the court that gardaí recovered a laptop containing relevant recordings. In one recording from October 15, 2012, a man referred to as "Niall" allegedly expressed concern about withdrawing €50,000 from €800,000 without triggering alerts. A second recording from October 24, 2012 captured discussion of frozen accounts and requests for cash payments. The court heard that Mr Gold acknowledged €800,000 was transferred to an Ulster Bank account in the name of Anglo Irish Global Ltd on October 15, 2012, and that he is responsible for this account. The trial continues.
A 20‑year‑old Dublin man, Conor Freeman, was arrested in Glenageary Court, Dun Laoghaire, on a U.S. warrant for alleged hacking theft of more than $2 million in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. The U.S. authorities charge him with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, four counts of aiding and abetting wire fraud and four counts of aiding and abetting aggravated identity theft. If convicted in the U.S., he faces up to 108 years in prison. Freeman was granted bail by the High Court on a bond of €5,000 with an independent surety of €15,000. He must not apply for travel documents, use technology such as a smartphone, go online, contact co‑accused, and must sign daily at Dun Laoghaire Garda Station. He is remanded on bail until July 1, when the case is next listed for mention. The U.S.
In May 2019, a 14‑year‑old boy (Boy B) told Gardaí that he had lied in earlier interviews about the day Ana Kriegel disappeared. He claimed he fabricated a "fake story" because he could not remember the events and was scared and nervous. Boy B said that after reflecting he could not change his statement, so he "kept to the story." He later recounted that he had met Ana and Boy A at a BMX track, watched Ana's phone show 5.14 pm, let Ana talk with Boy A, then left after feeling bored. He also described seeing a woman who he thought was Ana in black and heels, but she did not respond. The Gardaí had previously recorded a different account and urged him to tell the truth. The case remains before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury. The unnamed 14-year-old pleaded not guilty.
During the Central Criminal Court hearing, Boy B, a 14‑year‑old accused of Ana Kriegel's murder, told Gardaí that he viewed Ana as a lonely, outcast girl and a "weirdo" he should not be around. He described Ana as different, mature, taller, with a goth style, and said she was not popular because she was anti‑social. Boy B recounted that Boy A had called him to arrange a meeting with Ana in a park, but Boy A did not attend, allegedly because he was shy or feared negative backlash. Boy B also explained that Ana had shown him a "scary photo" of herself strapped to a chair and that they had walked together discussing vaccines. The court noted that Boy B's statements could only be used as evidence in his own case, not in Boy A's. The trial continues before Mr Justice McDermott and a jury. The unnamed 14-year-old pleaded not guilty.
In the trial of 48‑year‑old Inga Ozolina, charged with murdering 40‑year‑old Audrius Pukas in Co. Tipperary, a neighbour testified that Pukas was always the aggressor in their arguments. He described a fatal fight on 20 November 2016, after which he met a garda and asked if Ozolina was OK, having heard a scream of pain from her. Photographs of bite marks and other injuries were shown to the court. Ozolina claimed self‑defence. Mark Fletcher, a neighbour, recounted frequent late‑night shouting, usually by Pukas, and that the fight ended abruptly. Garda Maureen Finnerty testified about the injuries found on Ozolina's body. The case is proceeding before a jury of seven men and five women. The unnamed 48-year-old pleaded not guilty.
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, a 54-year-old man from Aughavas, County Leitrim, pleaded not guilty to 22 charges including money laundering, theft, deception and control of false instruments between January 2010 and October 2012. A garda crime analyst told the court that during interview the accused acknowledged responsibility for a bank account in the name Anglo Irish Global Ltd, through which over €660,000 was transferred across multiple accounts within four days in mid-October 2012. The court heard the accused admitted receiving two €800,000 transfers from a Danish businessman and confirmed making numerous subsequent transfers to accounts under various names he had used. The accused previously told gardaí the funds were intended for a renewable energy project in the Ivory Coast, with his company to receive approximately 20 per cent of monies processed. The trial, before Judge Nolan and a jury, continues.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, 48‑year‑old Inga Ozolina, originally from Latvia, pleaded not guilty to the murder of her 40‑year‑old boyfriend, Audrius Pukas, who died from a stab wound to the chest on 20 November 2016 at The Malthouse, Roscrea. Detective Garda Stuart Beatty testified that Ozolina claimed she had taken a knife to defend herself after Pukas began hitting and biting her, and that she had no intention of killing him. Beatty also reported that Ozolina was told the knife had penetrated Pukas' chest to 20 cm and his arm to 13 cm, and that she had washed the knife in a panic, claiming she did not think of removing DNA. The court heard that the knife was found in a kitchen drawer with three blood specks matching the deceased. Ozolina denied assaulting Pukas, stating she acted in self‑defence.
In the Central Criminal Court, a forensic scientist presented a mixed DNA profile from semen stains on a Penney's vest top found at the scene of Anastasia Kriegel's murder. The profile matched the DNA of one of the two 14‑year‑old boys accused of the killing, Ana's DNA, and an unidentified third person. The scientist argued it was a thousand million times more likely that the DNA came from Ana, Boy A and an unknown individual rather than from three unrelated people. The vest top was torn and could not be worn in its condition, and the scientist noted force was required to cause the damage. The court also heard Boy B's interview, in which he described his movements on the day of the disappearance, including a conversation with Boy A that led to him agreeing to call Ana's house. The hearing continued under Justice Paul McDermott. The unnamed 14-year-old pleaded not guilty.
The Central Criminal Court will continue the trial of a 34‑year‑old Dublin man accused of attempting to rape a woman on December 18, 2010. He has pleaded not guilty to attempted rape, sexual assault and assault causing harm. The case proceeds before Mr Justice Micheal White, with a jury of three women and nine men scheduled to hear evidence on Wednesday.
In a Central Criminal Court trial in Co. Tipperary, a 48‑year‑old woman, Inga Ozolina, pleaded not guilty to the murder of her 40‑year‑old boyfriend, Audrius Pukas, who died from a stab wound to the chest on 20 November 2016. The prosecution presented a 21‑cm knife seized from Ms Ozolina's kitchen drawer, showing three small specks of blood that, under magnification, matched the deceased's DNA. Ms Ozolina testified that she had grabbed the knife after Mr Pukas began hitting and biting her, and that he had tried to wrestle it away before retreating. She claimed she washed the knife in the sink without noticing the blood, saying she was concentrating on her hands. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Alexander Owens, continues with a jury of seven men and five women.
Simon Gold, aged 54, from Aughavas, County Leitrim, pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 22 charges of money laundering, theft, deception and control of false instruments between January 2010 and October 2012. During the second day of evidence, a transcript of a garda interview was read to the jury in which Mr Gold acknowledged using multiple names including Simon Gold, Simon Magnier, Niall O'Donoghue, Simon Gould and Stephen Gould. He stated he had adopted these names to prevent gardaí from tracking him, though he claimed to have remained "in plain sight". Mr Gold confirmed that €1.6 million was transferred into an Ulster Bank account for Anglo Irish Global Ltd in October 2012, which he said was intended for a renewable energy project in the Ivory Coast. He admitted dispersing funds on instructions from others and using false documents, including an ESB bill and UK driving licence, to open accounts and make purchases. A detective sergeant described finding vacant offices at Leixlip purportedly housing the company. The trial continues before Judge Martin Nolan.
During the Central Criminal Court hearing, forensic evidence showed that blood matching Ana Kriegel's DNA was found on a backpack, mask, gloves and knee pads seized from the home of one of the two 14‑year‑old boys accused of her murder. John Hoade of Forensic Science Ireland presented the mask to the jury, noting that DNA on its inside matched both Ana and the accused known as Boy A. He also reported that DNA matching Boy A was found on Ana's neck and on tape wrapped around her neck when her body was discovered. The DNA evidence was collected from items in Boy A's bedroom, including a mask described as a "half mask" with a jagged mouth and simulated blood, as well as gloves, knee pads and a snood. Blood on the mask's inside and outside matched Ana's DNA, and a mixed profile of Ana's and Boy A's DNA was found in the mouth area. The unnamed 14-year-old pleaded not guilty.
A 54-year-old man from Aughavas, County Leitrim, has gone on trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court charged with defrauding five men of approximately €1.7 million. Simon Gold has pleaded not guilty to 22 charges including money laundering, theft, deception, and control of false instruments, alleged to have occurred between January 2010 and October 2012. The prosecution alleges that Mr Gold represented himself under multiple identities as a qualified financier and merchant banker to deceive victims into transferring funds. A wealthy Danish businessman and four Irish men, including a quarry owner and dairy farmer, are said to have been deceived into transferring money into bank accounts controlled by the accused. The prosecution claims Mr Gold used false documentation, including a fabricated ESB bill and purported bank drafts from a non-existent Irish Nationwide Bank, to facilitate the scheme. The trial before Judge Martin Nolan and a jury continues.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a 34‑year‑old Dublin resident denied attempting to rape a woman on 18 December 2010 in Dublin city centre. The trial, before Mr Justice Micheal White and a jury of twelve, included evidence that CCTV footage from the area had been seized, downloaded and preserved by Garda witnesses. The accused pleaded not guilty to attempted rape, sexual assault and assault causing harm, and neither he nor the complainant were identified during the proceedings.
In a trial before the Central Criminal Court, two 14‑year‑old boys accused of murdering 14‑year‑old Anastasia Kriegel were examined. Data from Boy A's i‑Phone 6 was presented, showing a search for "abandoned places in Lucan" and a video titled "15 most gruesome torture methods in history." The court heard that Boy A claimed his co‑accused was lying after a statement from Boy B was read to him. Boy A also faces a charge of aggravated sexual assault involving serious violence. Both boys pleaded not guilty. The proceedings are being heard by Justice Paul McDermott with a jury of eight men and four women. The case remains ongoing.
In the Central Criminal Court, two 14‑year‑old boys are charged with the murder of 14‑year‑old Ana Kriegel. Boy A, who is also charged with aggravated sexual assault, was questioned by Garda officers after they told him Ana's blood was found on his boots. He replied, "are you joking me?" and asked if they were serious. The court heard that Garda officers had shown him CCTV footage, discussed the definition of murder, and explained the difference between truth and lies. Boy A denied being in the room where Ana was assaulted and said he was not with her in the lead‑up to her disappearance. He also denied that the male in the footage was him. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott with a jury of eight men and four women. The unnamed 14-year-old pleaded not guilty.
In a Central Criminal Court trial, a 34‑year‑old Dublin woman testified that on 18 December 2010 a man held her hands around her throat while attacking her outside her apartment block. She described arriving after a night out, opening the security gate, and being followed into the courtyard. The man grabbed her from behind, pushed her to the ground, and choked her. She tried to scream but he kept his hand around her throat, punched her repeatedly, and shouted "shut up." She reported pain on the side of her face from the punches and that he ripped her tights, pulled her underwear down, and touched her genital area. She claimed he attempted to rape her but could not, and that he masturbated and ejaculated on her skirt while still choking her. The accused pleaded not guilty to attempted rape, sexual assault and assault causing harm. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Micheal White and a jury.
In a Central Criminal Court trial, a 48‑year‑old woman from Laois, Inga Ozolina, pleaded not guilty to the murder of her 40‑year‑old boyfriend, Mr Pukas, who died on 20 November 2016 from a stab wound to the chest. Ozolina told Gardaí that she had saved his number as "sadist" because of frequent fights. She claimed she took a kitchen knife to protect herself after he grabbed her by the hair, and that she only pointed the knife at him when he tried to take it away. Ozolina said she was afraid he might kill her and that she had not intended to kill him. She also stated that she had given him mouth‑to‑mouth after finding him on the ground. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Alexander Owens and a jury. The prosecution maintains that there is no question of self‑defence. The case is still at the trial stage.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 15 May 2019, forensic scientist John Hoade presented DNA evidence linking blood found on a pair of black Timberland boots to the murdered 14‑year‑old schoolgirl Anastasia Kriegel. Hoade explained that the boots, allegedly worn by one of the 14‑year‑old accused boys, bore nine distinct blood‑stained areas that matched Kriegel's DNA. He described the stains as evidence of blood spatter and percussive contact, suggesting the wearer either assaulted or was in close proximity to Kriegel when she was attacked. Hoade also examined a charred stick and a concrete block recovered near Kriegel's body, noting blood transfer and percussive stains on the stick that matched Kriegel's DNA, while he declined to sample the block's stains as they were not considered weapon evidence. The trial, presided over by Justice Paul McDermott, continues with a jury of eight men and four women. Anastasia Kriegel pleaded not guilty.
A 34‑year‑old Dublin man was tried at the Central Criminal Court for attempting to rape a woman on the night of 18 December 2010. The alleged victim, a Polish native who had lived in Dublin for many years, was returning home after a night out and was opening the security gate to her apartment block when the accused approached from behind. He allegedly knocked her to the ground, choked her, punched her twice in the face, and told her to shut up. The prosecution claimed he sexually assaulted her, attempted rape, and masturbated, causing her skirt to become wet. DNA evidence from the victim's clothing matched a profile taken from the accused in 2016. The accused pleaded not guilty to attempted rape, sexual assault and assault causing harm. The trial proceeded before Mr Justice Micheal White and a jury of twelve.
In a Central Criminal Court trial, a 48‑year‑old woman from Mountrath, Co. Laois, pleaded not guilty to the murder of her 40‑year‑old boyfriend, Audrius Pukas, who died from a stab wound to the chest on 20 November 2016. The accused, Inga Ozolina, claimed that she had been repeatedly assaulted by Pukas, who had previously beaten her and had a history of violence. She said that a doctor had warned her that she might be killed if he attacked her again and advised her to keep a sharp object for self‑defence. Ozolina described her life as a "living hell," noting that she had a safety order against Pukas, had sought a second order, and had been in a women's shelter.
In the Central Criminal Court, the jury for Inga Ozolina's murder trial was shown bloodstained clothing and bedding from the room where Audrius Pukas's body was found. Ozolina, 48, denies murdering Pukas, 40, who died from a stab wound to the chest on 20 November 2016. The prosecution argues there is no self‑defence. Garda Larry Stapleton testified that he examined the scene, identifying a heavily bloodstained yellow t‑shirt, a green bathrobe with cuts and blood stains, two sheets and a pillowcase, all taken from the bedroom. He also noted a pink sheet beneath the white sheet and a blood‑stained pillowcase. Stapleton reported no blood elsewhere in the house, but seized a laptop, a paused film, a picture of Ozolina and Pukas, and broken picture frames from other rooms. The trial proceeds before Mr Justice Alexander Owens and a jury of seven men and five women. Inga Ozolina pleaded not guilty.
A Garda Assistant Commissioner has given evidence at the Special Criminal Court that he believes a County Louth man is a member of the IRA. Michael Connolly, aged 47, of Dundalk, has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself Oglaigh na hEireann, the IRA, on 16 December 2014. The prosecution alleges Mr Connolly was observed by gardaí driving in convoy with another man, who was subsequently found in possession of two improvised explosive devices. Assistant Commissioner Michael O'Sullivan told the court he believed the accused was an IRA member on the date in question, basing his opinion on confidential material. Under cross-examination, the witness claimed privilege regarding tradecraft used, stating disclosure could inhibit ongoing operations. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Coffey, presiding, with Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin and Judge James Faughnan.