Two Dublin men, John Brock, 46, and John Roche, 55, were arrested on 13 April 2016 after a gardai stop of a black Skoda Fabia on Naas Road. The vehicle contained 18 detonators, 57 kg of homemade ammonium nitrate fuel mix and thirty‑eight 2.5 kg rolls of Kemegel industrial explosives. The Special Criminal Court heard the men's movements on that day, with evidence from the National Surveillance Unit showing them at Behans Quarry, Windmillhill, and the N7. The prosecution, led by Anne‑Marie Lawlor SC, presented ballistic evidence and observations of the men's failure to answer questions. Both pleaded not guilty. The court ruled that NSU members must remain anonymous, and the trial, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, is scheduled to continue for one week.
A jury has begun deliberating in the trial of an alleged IRA member accused of raping two teenage boys at a "republican safe house" in County Louth in the early 1990s and again in 2001. The accused has pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual assault and anally raping the boys. Mr Justice Paul McDermott instructed the jury to start deliberations and sent them home for the night, to resume tomorrow morning. Prosecutor Patrick Gageby SC told the jury that the boys lived in a large home owned by a "dedicated republican" that was used as a safe house for IRA volunteers. The first complainant, who was 13 or 14 at the time, said the accused first stayed there around 1991 or 1992 and later abused him, describing incidents of the accused masturbating and sucking his penis. He also claimed the accused groped him in 2001, an act he denies.
An alleged IRA member, 45, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court for charges of sexual assaulting and anally raping two teenage boys in Co. Louth in the early 1990s and in 2001. The accused told the court he had consensual sex with one of the complainants years after the alleged incidents. He stated he had stayed at the boys' home about 'half a dozen' times in the early 1990s while working a casual job and denied sexually abusing them. The accused claimed he had a consensual sexual relationship with one of the complainants over a few months after they met by chance years later. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The accused said he noticed the complainant with whom he had a sexual relationship seemed 'distressed' during their final meeting and that the complainant had told another person he had been sexually abused by him. The accused denied anally raping either boy or sleeping in a bed with them. The trial has reached closing stages before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury.
Patrick Quirke, aged 50, told a social worker that Mary Lowry, aged 52, was leaving her three children unsupervised for long periods on weekends, mainly from 4 pm until early morning, for about three months. He said the children were being left alone while Lowry spent time with a new boyfriend, and that Lowry had been widowed three‑and‑a‑half years earlier. Quirke described Lowry as having "lost the run of herself" and being fixated on the relationship, failing to consider the children's needs. He also noted that Lowry's grandmother, who lived next door, was not asked to look after the children. Quirke advised the social worker to call the Gardaí if there were immediate concerns and said he would open a report. The witness also reported that Quirke had called Lowry's home unannounced on 10 February, found a man who did not identify himself, and that a colleague made a second visit. Patrick Quirke pleaded not guilty.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, it was revealed that Mary Lowry's computer was used to search for Bobby Ryan's name the day before his body was recovered from a tank on her land. The computer, handed to Garda Cyber Crime Bureau detective Paul Fitzpatrick in May 2015, showed a search for "trace Ireland Bobby Ryan" at 21:45 on 29 April 2013. Mr. Ryan's body was found the following day by the accused, Patrick Quirke, who is 50 and pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mr. Ryan had gone missing on 3 June 2011 after leaving Lowry's home, and his body was discovered 22 months later in an underground run‑off tank on the farm owned by Lowry and leased by Quirke. The prosecution alleged that Quirke killed Mr. Ryan to rekindle an affair with Lowry, who is 52.
In March 2019 the Central Criminal Court heard that a computer seized from Patrick Quirke's home was used to search Google for "rate of human decomposition" in December 2012, 18 months after Bobby Ryan disappeared and four months before Ryan's body was found on land leased by Quirke. The search led to articles titled "The five stages of decomposition" and "How the human body decomposes after death," and to YouTube videos about body farms. The court also heard that Quirke, aged 50, sent emails to Vodafone.ie on 12 and 13 May 2013 requesting call and text logs for 2–5 June 2011. Quirke has pleaded not guilty to Ryan's murder, which the prosecution alleges he committed to rekindle an affair with Ryan's girlfriend, Mary Lowry, aged 52. The evidence presented was part of the ongoing trial before Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury of twelve.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, Daniel Molloy, aged 28, was convicted of assaulting Ellen Colgan on Eccles Street. On 17 December 2017, Colgan was walking her two dogs when Molloy, pushing a trolley and walking three dogs, approached her. She reported that Molloy shouted, "Go away you stupid bitch or I'll let them eat you," and that the dogs attacked her. Colgan described a large dog, weighing about 40 kg, biting her neck and head, and she managed to lift and fling the dog away. She sustained a bite mark on her leg and her dog suffered puncture wounds. The judge, Martin Nolan, imposed a suspended three‑year prison term, requiring Molloy to remain out of trouble and comply with probation for one year. He was allowed to keep his two bull terrier mongrels, but may not acquire any dog larger than a terrier after they die.
An alleged IRA member, 45, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court for alleged sexual assault and anal rape of two teenage boys in Co Louth during the early 1990s and in 2001. The accused has pleaded not guilty to the charges. During the second day of the trial, the second complainant testified that the accused told him he would be 'found on a border road' if he informed anyone of the alleged rape. The complainant stated that he was 17 when the accused groped him and later sexually assaulted him. He claimed the accused threatened him after the incident. The complainant also mentioned that he had a conversation with the other complainant in 2002 about the alleged incidents. The first complainant rejected claims by the defence that he had a consensual relationship with the accused in 2001. He stated that the accused was a sexual predator who used alcohol to manipulate him. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury.
A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court heard closing arguments concerning a fatal stabbing outside Longford Shopping Centre in November 2016. Rihards Lavickis, a 26-year-old with an address in Longford, is charged with murdering Akadiusz Czajkowski. He has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The defence argued that the accused lacked the necessary intent to kill or cause serious injury, noting he stabbed the deceased three times before stopping when the man fell to the ground. Counsel submitted that a series of incidents, including threats to the accused's family and damage to his home, constituted provocation. The prosecution contended that stabbing someone in the chest naturally risks death or serious injury, and that the accused had time to plan the attack between discovering a broken window and carrying out the killing. The jury was charged and sent to consider its verdict.
In a trial at the Central Criminal Court, a 45‑year‑old man accused of being an IRA member pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual assault and anal rape of two teenage boys in a republican safe house in County Louth during the early 1990s and again in 2001. The prosecution, led by Patrick Gageby SC, presented testimony that the complainants lived in a large home owned by a "dedicated republican" which was used as a safe house for IRA volunteers. One complainant, aged 13 or 14 at the time, alleged that the accused began abusing him after he joined the household around 1991 or 1992, describing repeated incidents of the accused masturbating and performing anal and oral sex on him. He claimed the accused demanded secrecy and later apologized for past actions. A second incident in 2001, when the complainant was living independently, involved the accused again performing anal and oral sex while the complainant was intoxicated.
Patrick Fedigan, a former soldier, has resolved his damages action against the State regarding health issues he attributed to the anti-malaria drug Larium. The case, heard before Mr Justice Bernard Barton at trial, involved claims that Fedigan suffered from loss of balance, anxiety, insomnia, vertigo, and memory problems after being prescribed Mefloquine Hydrochloride during UN peacekeeping deployments to Eritrea, Liberia, and Chad between 2001 and 2010. Fedigan alleged that the Minister for Defence and the Attorney General were negligent, arguing that his prior medical history was not assessed, he was unsuitable for the drug, and he lacked adequate support when reporting symptoms. The State defendants, represented by Eoin McCullough SC and others, denied negligence and liability, further arguing that the claim was statute barred due to delay. Following out-of-court discussions, counsel for Fedigan, John Gordan SC, informed the court that the action had been resolved and requested the case be struck out. The settlement terms are confidential. Mr Justice Barton welcomed the resolution. This matter is one of several similar actions brought by Defence Forces members alleging illnesses resulting from Larium prescriptions. Had the trial proceeded, it was expected to last up to ten weeks.
A High Court trial concerning a damages action by former soldier Patrick Fedigan against the State was adjourned shortly after it opened before Mr Justice Bernard Barton. Mr Fedigan, a 51-year-old from Navan, Co Meath, claims he suffered health issues, including loss of balance, anxiety, and memory problems, resulting from being prescribed the anti-malaria drug Larium (Mefloquine Hydrochloride) during Defence Forces deployments to Eritrea, Liberia, and Chad between 2001 and 2010. He alleges negligence and breach of duty by the Minister for Defence and the Attorney General, asserting he was unsuitable for the drug, his medical history was not checked, and he lacked adequate support for his symptoms. The State defendants deny these claims. The case, expected to last up to ten weeks, was paused to allow Mr Fedigan's legal team, led by John Gordan SC, to review documents recently discovered by the defendants. Mr Justice Barton noted that due to judicial commitments, including circuit duties, the hearing would proceed in blocks with gaps in evidence. Both parties acknowledged the judge's availability issues but agreed to proceed. The matter was adjourned and is scheduled to resume on Tuesday.
A man accused of murder told gardaí during interview that he stabbed another man three times outside Longford Shopping Centre in November 2016 because initial strikes with the knife proved ineffective, the Central Criminal Court heard. Rihards Lavickis, aged 26, originally from Latvia, with an address at Annaly Court in Longford, is charged with murdering Akadiusz Czajkowski, a 31-year-old Polish father-of-two. He has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. During his interviews with detective gardaí, the accused admitted carrying a knife that morning intending to confront the deceased over previous window damage to his apartment and alleged threats made against his family. The accused described the incident occurring in broad daylight near the shopping centre, stating the deceased ran backwards as he pursued him. The jury at the Central Criminal Court heard interview notes in which the accused acknowledged using greater force after his initial attempts proved unsuccessful. The State concluded its case, and the jury has been instructed to return Wednesday for further proceedings before Justice Michael White.
In the Central Criminal Court, the prosecution presented evidence that an anonymous text message sent to Mary Lowry after her boyfriend Bobby "Mr Moonlight" Ryan went missing accused her of hiding something and threatened to watch her until she cracked. Garda Tony O'Brien detailed call logs from phones linked to Ryan and the accused, Patrick Quirke, and also from Lowry's phone, revealing the text in September 2011. The court heard that Ryan's body, found in an underground tank on Lowry's farm in 2013, had multiple fractures from at least four impacts, possibly from a road traffic accident or blunt blows. Dr Anthony Ryan's CT scan indicated severe head, facial, rib and femur injuries requiring significant force. Quirke, 50, pleaded not guilty to Ryan's murder, while the trial continues before Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury.
A witness in a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court has testified that she feared for her family's safety following repeated attacks on their apartment in Longford. Sanita Rozkalna gave evidence on the third day of proceedings against Rihards Lavickis, aged 26, originally from Latvia and resident at Annaly Court, Longford. He is charged with murdering Akadiusz Czajkowski on 1st November 2016 at Townspark in the town. Lavickis has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. Ms Rozkalna told the court that windows in the shared apartment had been smashed approximately five times before the killing. She stated she called gardaí twice on the morning of the incident as she believed someone was attempting to break in and felt her life and her child's were in danger. The trial continues before Mr Justice Michael White.
In the moonlit trial of Patrick Quirke, a garda documents and handwriting expert examined an A4 page found in Quirke's home. Using an electrostatic detection device, the expert revealed indentations that, when developed, showed a series of fragmented notes. The visible text included phrases such as "dispose of clothes phone any other evidence," "Murdered poss in house," "Mary walk kids to school?" and "Mary had to see him, be with him." The expert noted that some indentations could have come from multiple pages and that extensive cross‑writing made it impossible to determine the exact number of notes. Quirke, aged 50, pleaded not guilty to the murder of part‑time DJ Bobby Ryan, who disappeared in 2011 and whose body was found in 2013. The trial also heard from solicitor Aidan Leahy, who represented Ms Lowry in 2012 regarding the termination of Quirke's lease on her land.
A man charged with murder at the Central Criminal Court has pleaded not guilty to the charge but guilty to manslaughter, a plea the State has rejected. Rihards Lavickis, aged 26 and with an address at Annaly Court in Longford, is accused of the murder of Akadiusz Czajkowski on 1st November 2016 at Townspark in Longford town. During the trial's second day, the accused's partner testified that the deceased had attacked him with a knuckle duster months prior and had damaged their apartment windows multiple times following a disputed drug debt of €300. She identified a knife recovered from their bedroom as the weapon believed used in the alleged stabbing outside a shopping centre. The witness stated the accused had told her he fought the deceased with a knife and stabbed him twice. Under cross-examination, she described the accused as someone who cared for their child, despite his involvement in drug dealing. The trial continues before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury.
During a 2013 search of Patrick Quirke's home, Garda John Walsh found a handwritten note on an A‑4 sheet that mentioned Mary Lowry and the disappearance of Bobby Ryan. The note, which was underlined and read "Mary last one to see him" and "body naked, either murdered and clothes taken off or never left the house," also contained a series of questions directed at Mary Lowry about her actions on the day of Ryan's disappearance. Quirke, aged 50, has pleaded not guilty to Ryan's murder. Ryan vanished on 3 June 2011 after leaving Lowry's home and was found in an underground run‑off tank in April 2013. The prosecution alleges Quirke killed Ryan to rekindle an affair with Lowry, who is 52. The trial, before Justice Eileen Creedon and a twelve‑person jury, has also heard testimony about a hotel booking made under Quirke's name and the seizure of various electronic devices and physical evidence from Quirke's property.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing in Dublin, Michael Brady, aged 54, was charged with nine counts including possession of an assault rifle, ammunition and nearly €3 million worth of drugs. The indictment alleges that on 24 January 2017 Brady was found at Sallins Bridge, Co Kildare, with €1.5 million of cocaine, €1.26 million of heroin, a 7.62 × 39 mm VZ 58 assault rifle and over 180 rounds of ammunition. Brady was arrested after a traffic stop in Naas where he gave a false name, and was later rearrested under the Offences Against the State Act. He pleaded not guilty to all charges, including possession of the rifle, ammunition and the drugs for sale or supply. The case is being heard by Judges Paul Coffey, Gerard Griffin and David McHugh.
A garda giving evidence at the Central Criminal Court murder trial in Dublin heard the accused man say he would "get the fella" responsible for smashing his front window, just hours before a fatal stabbing occurred in Longford town. Garda Daniel Lynch responded to a report of criminal damage at a property in Annaly Court on 1st November 2016 at 9.10am. The defendant, Rihards Lavickis, then identified the person he believed responsible for the broken window. Within two hours, Garda Lynch was called to Longford Shopping Centre, where a man was found with stab wounds. The victim, Akadiusz Czajkowski, died in hospital. Mr Lavickis, originally from Latvia, stands charged with murder but has pleaded guilty to manslaughter, a plea the State rejected. His trial before Mr Justice Michael White continues with a jury of twelve.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Rihards Lavickis, a 26-year-old Latvian national residing in Longford, is ongoing before Mr Justice Michael White. Lavickis is accused of the murder of Polish man Akadiusz Czajkowski on 1st November 2016 at Rue Noyal Chatillon, Townspark. He has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. Prosecutor Patrick McGrath outlined the State's case, alleging that Lavickis told gardai he intended to "sort out" the deceased the night before the killing, despite police advice against it. According to the prosecution, Lavickis subsequently armed himself with a knife and confronted Czajkowski near Longford Shopping Centre. CCTV footage reportedly shows Lavickis emerging from a concealed position and running toward the deceased with his arm raised, though the stabbing itself was not captured. There is no dispute that Lavickis stabbed Czajkowski three times outside a nearby shop; the victim died en route to hospital. Lavickis admitted to the stabbing when questioned by gardai. The prosecution argues that the evidence supports a finding of intent to kill or cause serious harm, which would mandate a murder verdict. The trial, expected to last approximately 10 days, continues with a jury of eight men and four women.
Gardai seized computers, documents, a Ford pick‑up and trailer from Patrick Quirke's property less than three weeks after DJ Bobby "Mr Moonlight" Ryan's body was found in an underground run‑off tank on a farm owned by Ms Lowry and leased by Quirke. Quirke, 50, of Breanshamore, Co. Tipperary, pleaded not guilty to Ryan's murder. He had asked the Garda to show the warrant, after which he told them the media were wrong about finding Ryan's clothes and wallet in the tank and asked how Ryan died, to which the Garda replied they could not tell him. The search, authorised by a warrant from Tipperary District Court, began at 9.30 am and ended at 4.45 pm, with items seized from both the house and surrounding land. The trial, heard by Justice Eileen Creedon with a jury of twelve, continues.
A 26-year-old man proceeded to trial at the Central Criminal Court on charges of murdering another man in Longford in November 2016. Rihards Lavickis, with an address in Longford, is accused of the murder of a man at a location in Townspark on 1st November 2016. Mr Justice Michael White presided over jury selection, swearing in eight men and four women. The trial commenced this afternoon, with the judge indicating proceedings would likely span approximately ten days.
In the murder trial of Ross Outram, a 28‑year‑old from Ferryland, the jury requested a re‑hear of evidence from two pathologists and to view clothing belonging to both the accused and the 90‑year‑old deceased farmer, Paddy Lyons. The jury had deliberated for 2 h 29 min and, after a note from the foreman, asked to see a grey hoodie that Outram owned and a grey hat that belonged to Lyons. Forensic scientist John Hoade testified that the hoodie had blood matching Lyons' DNA. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC highlighted that Outram had claimed Lyons was alive when he left the house, citing a grey hat found near Lyons' fireplace. The jury also sought to re‑hear Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster's findings on Lyons' injuries and a defence pathologist's report. They requested a picture of blood staining at Lyons' front door. Ross Outram pleaded not guilty.
The jury at the Central Criminal Court has begun deliberations on the case of 28‑year‑old Ross Outram, who is accused of murdering 90‑year‑old retired farmer Paddy Lyons in his Waterford home between 23 and 26 February 2017. Outram, of Ferryland, has pleaded not guilty. The judge explained that the jury could return one of four verdicts: guilty of murder; not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter; not guilty of murder but guilty of assault causing harm; or not guilty. The jury has spent over an hour and a quarter considering the case and will report in the afternoon. Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster described Lyons' death as caused by blunt‑force trauma, a traumatic brain injury and shock from fractures of the hip, jawbone and ribs. Evidence was presented that Lyons had a stiff right shoulder and that Outram claimed he had fought back after Lyons struck him with a walking stick and shovel.
In the Central Criminal Court, a jury is set to begin deliberations on the murder trial of Ross Outram, 28, accused of killing 90‑year‑old retired farmer Paddy Lyons in his Lismore home between 23 and 26 February 2017. Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster described Lyons' death as caused by blunt‑force trauma, a traumatic brain injury, and shock from fractures of his hip, jawbone and ribs. Lyons' body was found blood‑stained in his armchair. Outram claimed he fought back after Lyons struck him with a walking stick and shovel, and that he had taken up to 100 Xanax that day, though a pharmaceutical expert found no proof of this. The defence argued self‑defence, while the prosecution highlighted inconsistencies in Outram's statements. Ross Outram pleaded not guilty.
In the Central Criminal Court trial of Ross Outram, a 28‑year‑old from Clonmel, the defence argued that the 90‑year‑old retired farmer Paddy Lyons was alive and mobile when Outram left his home. The defence presented evidence that Lyons suffered multiple blows to his head and neck, but that his death was caused by a second event – a fall that broke his hip. The defence claimed that the fall was likely due to a head injury or concussion, not the initial assault. They also highlighted that Outram had taken up to 100 Xanax that day, though a pharmaceutical expert found no proof of this. The defence urged the jury to consider that Outram's force may have been necessary and that he could be found not guilty of murder but possibly guilty of manslaughter. The judge, Mr Justice Paul Coffey, continued to charge the jury of eight men and four women.
In the Central Criminal Court, Dr Ivor Hanrahan testified that he prescribed anti‑depressants to Patrick Quirke, a 50‑year‑old farmer, to aid sleep after Quirke complained of stress over an affair with Mary Lowry, who was 52. Quirke, charged with the murder of part‑time DJ Bobby Ryan, was described by the doctor as "upset and quite hurt" about Lowry's relationship with Ryan. Hanrahan explained that he initially offered medication for sleep disturbance, later prescribing Mirtazapine after a counsellor's referral. He noted Quirke's ongoing distress and that Quirke had stopped taking the medication. The doctor also discussed Quirke's admission of an affair with Lowry, which he believed had ended when Lowry began a relationship with another man. The testimony was presented to prosecution counsel Michael Bowman SC. Patrick Quirke pleaded not guilty.
In the Central Criminal Court, Ross Outram, 28, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 90‑year‑old Paddy Lyons, who died after a violent attack at his home between 23 and 26 February 2017. The prosecution, led by John O'Kelly SC, argued that Outram inflicted multiple blows with a blunt weapon, describing the assault as vicious and sustained, and that the victim's death was caused by these injuries. They highlighted that Outram had no evidence of taking Xanax and that the victim's hip injury was unrelated to the attack. Outram's defence, represented by Michael O'Higgins SC, contended that the fatal hip fracture was a separate event, arguing that if causation was doubtful, the client could not be guilty of murder. The case remains at the trial stage, with the jury to hear further arguments tomorrow.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Ross Outram, 28, of Clonmel, Co Tipperary, has heard evidence from a defence pathologist regarding the death of Paddy Lyons. Mr Outram has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Lyons at Loughleagh, Ballysaggart, Lismore, Co Waterford, between February 23 and 26, 2017. Former Northern Ireland State Pathologist Professor Jack Crane testified that he favours the possibility that Mr Lyons' hip fracture resulted from a fall rather than a blunt weapon blow. Professor Crane noted that Mr Lyons suffered from osteoporosis, making his bones more susceptible to fracture, and stated that the scalp lacerations were not associated with underlying skull injury. He added that the brain injury was slight and that any suggestion of concussion was speculative. While the prosecution's pathologist previously attributed the death to blunt force trauma, Professor Crane agreed that the deceased could have been assaulted and subsequently fallen. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Coffey and a jury.
The trial of Patrick Quirke, 50, of Breanshamore, Co Tipperary, who has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Bobby 'Mr Moonlight' Ryan, continued at the Central Criminal Court. Prosecution witness Gary Cunningham testified that in 2013, after Ryan's body was discovered in a tank on land leased by the accused, Quirke asked him if he had heard any rumours. Cunningham stated Quirke then mentioned a rumour that a 'Polish group' was involved. Under cross-examination, Cunningham acknowledged a general rumour existed but could not recall hearing it from anyone other than Quirke. Another witness, Emmett Kenny, who worked on Quirke's farm from 2009, testified that he knew of the tank where the body was found, believing it to be an old septic tank. Kenny noted that cattle walked on the concrete slabs covering it without issue. He also recalled Quirke leaving for the bank holiday weekend when Ryan went missing in June 2011. The prosecution alleges Quirke murdered Ryan to rekindle an affair with Ryan's girlfriend, Mary Lowry. The trial is ongoing before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury.
A 37‑year‑old woman, Laura Kenna, was found guilty of attempting to murder civil servant Fionnuala Burke on Lower Drumcondra Road on 3 January 2017. Kenna, who had no fixed abode, attacked Burke while she was walking home from work, slashing her neck with a knife. The wound penetrated muscle and the thyroid gland, requiring surgery and intensive care. Kenna pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to both the attempted murder and assault causing serious harm charges. During the trial, two psychiatrists presented conflicting views: the defence psychiatrist, Dr Stephen Monks, testified that Kenna suffered from schizoaffective disorder and was delusional, while the State psychiatrist, Professor Harry Kennedy, argued she was not delusional and acted out of anger. After 2 hours and 23 minutes of deliberation, the jury returned a unanimous verdict of guilty on both counts. The case was sent to sentencing, with a victim impact statement to be considered on 25 March.
In the trial of Ross Outram, 28, of Clonmel, the prosecution has closed its case. Outram is accused of murdering 90‑year‑old retired farmer Paddy Lyons in his Lismore home between 23 and 26 February 2017. Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster testified that Lyons suffered multiple blows to the head and neck from a blunt weapon, resulting in blunt force trauma, a traumatic brain injury, fractures of the hip joint, jawbone and ribs, and shock. She described haemorrhage and nerve fibre shearing, indicating significant force. While she could not definitively state whether Lyons had a concussion, she noted that brain function would likely have been altered. The trial will continue tomorrow before Mr Justice Paul Coffey and a jury of eight men and four women. Ross Outram pleaded not guilty.
A jury has begun deliberating the trial of 37‑year‑old Laura Kenna, who is charged with attempting to murder civil servant Fionnuala Burke and assault causing serious harm. The incident occurred on 3 January 2017 on Lower Drumcondra Road when Kenna, who has no fixed abode, approached Burke, pushed her onto grass, and stabbed her, slashing her neck. Kenna pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to both counts. The jury's main task is to assess Kenna's state of mind at the time of the attack. Defence psychiatrist Dr Stephen Monks testified that Kenna suffered a mental disorder, while State psychiatrist Professor Harry Kennedy disagreed, stating she was not delusional and acted out of anger and entitlement. The jury will resume deliberations tomorrow morning, with Justice Tara Burns warning them not to discuss the case with anyone in the meantime.
In the Central Criminal Court, Dr Harry Kennedy, a psychiatrist, was cross‑examined by counsel for Laura Kenna, a 37‑year‑old woman charged with attempted murder and assault causing serious harm. Kenna pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Kennedy had previously stated that Kenna met the criteria for schizoaffective disorder but was not delusional at the time of the offence, acting in anger. During the hearing, counsel Mr Barry White SC questioned Kennedy about Kenna's claim that she was recording an album with a known record studio owner, asking whether this was evidence of delusion. Kennedy confirmed the studio owner was real and that Kenna's statements were true, describing them as fabrications rather than delusions. The confrontation escalated when White asked Kennedy to "take that smirk off your face," to which Kennedy replied he was not smirking. The trial continued with Justice Tara Burns presiding and a jury of twelve.
In the Central Criminal Court, Ross Outram, 28, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 90‑year‑old Paddy Lyons. The jury heard that Outram claimed to have suffered lumps on his head after being struck by Lyons with a walking stick and shovel, and that he had taken up to 100 Xanax tablets that day. Gardaí at Dungarvan station did not photograph the head lumps, nor did they take a urine sample, as four days had passed. The defence argued the investigation was "tunnel‑visioned" and did not examine the head injuries. The prosecution presented evidence that Lyons suffered multiple blows to the head and neck, and that his body was found slumped in his armchair. DNA from Lyons was found on the shovel, but no DNA from Outram was found in Lyons' house. The trial was set to continue the next day.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Dr Harry Kennedy, a consultant psychiatrist, testified that Laura Kenna (37), who is homeless, did not carry out a severe knife attack on Fionnuala Burke on 3 January 2017 because of delusional impulses but rather because of anger and a sense of entitlement. Kenna, charged with attempted murder and assault causing serious harm, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to both counts. Dr Kennedy described Kenna as an inconsistent historian with callous, unemotional traits, noting that she fabricated stories to her advantage, such as claiming she had walked to Belfast after the attack. He argued that Kenna's actions were deliberate and not the result of a psychotic episode, though she meets criteria for schizoaffective disorder and is more stable on medication. The trial continues tomorrow before Ms Justice Tara Burns.
Patrick Quirke, 50, of Breanshamore, Co. Tipperary, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Bobby Ryan, a part‑time DJ known as Mr Moonlight, who disappeared on 3 June 2011 after leaving his girlfriend Mary Lowry's home. Quirke told Gardaí he feared Lowry, describing her as "vicious" and "verbally abusive", and claimed his only crime was an affair with her. He said he did not kill Ryan and that someone else was responsible. Quirke gave voluntary cautioned statements at Tipperary Garda Station on 16 May and 21 May 2013, detailing his movements on the day Ryan vanished and when he discovered Ryan's body in a tank on Lowry's farm. He explained he avoided Lowry because he feared her, and that he had been shocked when he saw the body. The court heard Quirke's statements and his account of his relationship with Lowry, including an affair that began in 2008 and ended after Lowry's husband died in 2007.
In a Dublin trial, 37‑year‑old Laura Kenna, who has no fixed abode, is charged with attempted murder and assault causing serious harm after attacking Fionnuala Burke on Lower Drumcondra Road on 3 January 2017. Kenna pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The Central Criminal Court heard that the key issue is Kenna's mental state. Consultant psychiatrist Dr Stephen Monks testified that Kenna suffers from schizoaffective disorder, a chronic illness related to schizophrenia, and had been homeless since 2013. He described a pattern of violent assaults on homeless service users in Belfast, including two attempted eye‑gouges, and an attack on a woman at a Luas stop a few weeks before the alleged murder. Monks argued that Kenna's attack on Burke was driven by delusions of death, vampires and cannibalism, not robbery, and that she could not control her actions. The jury will consider these conflicting psychiatric opinions before deciding on the verdict.
In the trial of Ross Outram, a 28‑year‑old from Clonmel, the jury heard that he claimed to have "fought back" after a 90‑year‑old retired farmer, Paddy Lyons, was found beaten to death in his home. Outram told Gardaí that he had gone to Lyons' house looking for money, but denied any intent to murder or seriously harm Lyons. He said Lyons had struck him with a walking stick and shovel, and that he had not killed Lyons, who he claimed was still alive when he left the house. A pathologist testified that Lyons suffered multiple blows to his head and neck, and his body was found slumped in his armchair. The case was presented to the Central Criminal Court on the sixth day of the trial, with the jury hearing medical evidence and Outram's statements from several Garda interviews. The unnamed 90-year-old pleaded not guilty.
In the Patrick Quirke murder trial, Detective Garda Kieran Keane, the exhibits officer, testified that he does not recall being told about a lady's hair clip taken from the underground tank where DJ Bobby "Mr Moonlight" Ryan's body was found. Keane, appointed in 2011 after Ryan's disappearance, explained his role in securing exhibits and tracking them via an exhibits chart. Item 33 on the chart originally listed a bag of cable ties and pipe covers, later updated after a forensic examination to include the hair clip. Garda Larry Stapleton claimed he had bagged the clip and handed it to Keane, but did not write the contents on the bag. The defense argued that the chart shown to them omitted the clip, while the prosecution noted the chart was amended in January 2019 to reflect the clip's presence. Patrick Quirke pleaded not guilty.
During the Special Criminal Court trial, Damien Metcalfe, aged 33, was accused of membership in the Irish Republican Army. The prosecution presented evidence that he was seen entering and leaving a house in Riverwood Park, Castleknock, on 7‑8 August 2015. Detective Garda BK, who gave anonymous testimony, observed Metcalfe arriving and departing in a Silver Opal Astra and noted significant activity at the property, including several men and one woman moving in and out and placing baggage in a boot. Metcalfe pleaded not guilty. His barrister, Hugh Hartnett, questioned the deployment of audio‑video surveillance, noting that the witness had no role in its setup and that the process was kept secret. Hartnett also challenged Chief Superintendent Cliona Richardson's statements about the creation of the surveillance authorisation application, highlighting inconsistencies in her accounts. The trial was scheduled to continue the following day before a three‑judge panel of the Special Criminal Court.
In a High Court damages action, sound technician Andrew Walsh (35) claimed he suffered severe foot injuries after being struck by a white Nissan driven by Maria Byrne, sister of Regency Hotel murder victim David Byrne. Walsh alleged the vehicle was driven dangerously, with a lack of proper lookout and failure to brake, causing him to be knocked off his bike on Meath Street, Dublin 8, on 19 May 2011. He reported fractures to two metatarsals, ongoing pain, involuntary twitching, use of a walking stick, and the need for future surgery. Byrne denied the allegations, represented by Vincent Foley SC. On the second day of the hearing, Diarmuid Murphy BL announced that the parties had reached a settlement, which was confidential, and the case could be struck out. Judge Bronagh O'Hanlon welcomed the settlement and noted the case raised issues concerning cyclists' rights.
In a High Court action, sound technician Andrew Walsh, aged 35, alleges that on 19 May 2011 he was struck from behind by a Nissan Qashqai driven by Maria Byrne, sister of David Byrne who was murdered in 2016. Walsh claims the collision caused two fractures to the metatarsals of his right foot, ongoing pain, involuntary twitching and the need for future surgery. He also reports being intimidated by two men on the road after the crash, one of whom attempted to force cannabis into his mouth. Walsh states that Byrne's mother, Sadie Byrne, threw ash at him while he lay on the ground. Byrne denies all allegations. The case is before Ms Justice Bronagh O'Hanlon and remains pending.
The State has dropped the sexual assault charges against Cork GP Kevin Mulcahy, 61, after a jury failed to reach a verdict in a trial earlier this month. Mulcahy had pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two counts of sexual assault – one alleged in his Mallow surgery in February 1995 and a second between 8 May and 31 December 1996. Prosecutor Maddie Grant BL informed Judge Melanie Greally that the State would not pursue a third trial and requested a nolle prosequi. The judge granted the request, discharging Mulcahy from the indictment.
The Central Criminal Court heard evidence in the ongoing trial of Ross Outram, who has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Paddy Lyons at Loughleagh, Ballysaggart, Lismore, Co Waterford, between February 23 and 26, 2017. Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster testified that she found the 90-year-old victim slumped in an armchair with blood smeared on his face. Her post-mortem examination revealed ten blunt force wounds to the head and neck, fractured ribs, and a fractured right hip. She concluded the cause of death was blunt force trauma resulting in traumatic brain injury and shock. Under cross-examination, Dr Bolster stated it was impossible to determine the sequence of blows and that the brain injury alone would not have caused death, though untreated scalp lacerations likely would have. Pharmaceutical expert Michael Lyons testified that there was no physical evidence proving Outram consumed the 60 xanax tablets he claimed to have taken, noting the absence of withdrawal symptoms after his arrest. However, the expert acknowledged that high doses of xanax could cause a paradoxical effect. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Coffey and a jury.
The trial of Patrick Quirke (50) and Hilary Clarke, both accused of the murder of Bobby Ryan, a part-time DJ known as Mr Moonlight, continued before Justice Eileen Creedon. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder. Forensic scientist Dr Martina McBride testified that she found no evidence of a serious assault in Mary Lowry's home, the last location where Mr Ryan was seen alive. Although initial tests indicated presumptive positive results for blood, further analysis revealed these were likely fly faeces or other non-human substances. McBride noted that while she expected significant blood loss given the injuries to Mr Ryan, the absence of evidence may be due to the passage of time and the house being painted. A small DNA spot was found but could not be identified as blood or attributed to a specific individual. Dr Hilary Clarke confirmed the identity of the body found in a farm tank by matching DNA from a tooth with that of Mr Ryan's children. She also examined two lump hammers, finding male DNA on one handle, but successfully eliminated Mr Ryan, his son, and Quirke as the source. The trial is ongoing, with the matter not yet finalised.
In a Dublin court on 26 February 2019, a jury heard that Laura Kenna, 37, who has no fixed address, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to attempted murder and assault with intent to cause serious harm against Fionnuala Burke on 3 January 2017. Kenna allegedly wielded a knife and severely cut Burke's neck and face in an "out of the blue" attack. The prosecution, led by Anthony Sammon SC, emphasized Kenna's state of mind at 5.30 pm on the day of the incident as a central issue. Two consultant psychiatrists with conflicting views would be heard. Kenna's past conviction for an attempted stabbing at a Luas stop on 19 December 2016, also by reason of insanity, was permitted to be mentioned. The trial proceeded before Justice Tara Burns.
In the trial of Patrick Quirke, the Central Criminal Court heard that Gardai had found blood stains in the sitting room and bedroom of Mary Lowry's home. Retired detective John Grant testified that the stains were sent to forensic laboratories for analysis. The evidence was presented as part of the case against Quirke, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of DJ Bobby Ryan. The prosecution alleges that Quirke killed Ryan to rekindle an affair with Lowry. Grant described the layout of Lowry's house and the forensic work that identified blood on a light fitting, the ceiling, bed frame, mattress, floor and inside a wardrobe. He also noted that no positive results were found on the accused's vehicle or on eight out-buildings on the farm. The trial continues tomorrow before Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury of twelve.
A DNA profile from blood on a hoodie belonging to a murder suspect matched that of 90‑year‑old retired farmer Paddy Lyons. The jury heard that pieces of broken glass recovered from Lyons' gateway fit perfectly into the headlamp of Ross Outram's car. Outram, 28, of Ferryland, has pleaded not guilty to Lyons' murder, which occurred at Loughleagh, Ballysaggart, Lismore, between 23 and 26 February 2017. Garda Eugene O'Neill testified that he searched Outram's house on 27 February and seized a grey hoodie. Forensic scientist John Hoade confirmed that blood on the hoodie's right sleeve and hood matched Lyons' DNA. Other evidence included broken glass from a car light, a damaged lock, and a Volkswagen Passat with missing front lights and registration plates. The trial is before Mr Justice Paul Coffey and a jury of eight men and four women.