In a fatal two‑car collision on 17 November 2015 near Blanchardstown, Michael Jones, a professional roofer, was driving an Audi A3 that allegedly ran a red light at speed and struck the side of a Mitsubishi Colt driven by Hong Qing Qu. Mr Qu, who was on his way home with his partner and two children, called his partner that night to say he was finished work and heading home. The partner reported that this was a routine call. Gardaí later arrived, informed her of the accident, and took her to the hospital where she identified Mr Qu's body. Dr Linda Mulligan, the deputy state pathologist, concluded that Mr Qu died from a severe head injury and multiple traumatic injuries to the right side, consistent with a side‑on collision. The unnamed man pleaded not guilty.
During a trial at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, defence expert Adrian Armstrong testified that Garda Warren Farrell, a 35‑year‑old patrol officer, could have avoided the fatal collision with Elizabeth Core if he had slowed his marked car when he first saw her crossing Fonthill Road South. Armstrong reviewed the 2016 collision report prepared by Garda Edward Davin, which estimated the vehicle's speed at impact to be between 56 and 58 km/h, above the 50 km/h speed limit. He noted that the windscreen damage suggested a speed closer to 50 km/h and that the distance Core was projected after impact could not be precisely measured, making the speed calculation uncertain. Armstrong argued that Farrell had less than 200 metres to react and that, even at a speed of 70 km/h, he would have had enough time to brake to a stop if he had acted earlier. Warren Farrell pleaded not guilty.
Claire McGrath, 30, gave evidence in the murder trial of Keith Connorton, 40, at the Central Criminal Court. She admitted that parts of her original statements to the Gardaí after the February 18, 2017 stabbing of Graham McKeever, 32, were not true. McGrath said she had not remembered giving a second statement that the Gardaí recorded as taken that afternoon. She clarified that she had not described Connorton as cutting cannabis, nor had she said he was rolling a cigarette to avoid police suspicion. McGrath denied that she had said he grabbed her and pushed her onto the couch, that he threatened her with "I'll kill you", or that she had called him a "dirty tramp". She also denied that she had seen him stab McKeever three times or that he used the knife defensively. McGrath stated that she loves Connorton, that their relationship was on and off, and that she was trying to be fair in her testimony. Keith Connorton pleaded not guilty.
Kevin Braney, 44, of Tallaght, was charged with murdering dissident republican Peter Butterly in March 2013. He pleaded not guilty to the murder and was also charged with possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol and seven rounds of ammunition. The Special Criminal Court, after the prosecution's case closed, refused a defence application for a direction to acquit on the firearm charges. The court directed an acquittal on those counts. Braney's defence argued that State witness David Cullen's evidence was unreliable and that no forensic or DNA links tied Braney to the crime. The court noted the absence of any evidence linking Braney to phones or the weapons. The case remains pending, with a judgment expected early next year. Braney was remanded in custody until 18 January.
In a Dublin murder trial, Deputy State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan testified that the deceased, Graham McKeever, 32, died from a single fatal stab wound to the heart, inflicted during a fight with his lover's boyfriend, Keith Connorton, 40. Dr Mulligan described the fatal wound as entering the left chest between the second and third ribs, penetrating both chambers of the right heart, causing severe bleeding into the lungs. She noted a second chest wound of four centimetres depth that did not pierce the ribs, a wound near the armpit, and a fourth to the back, none of which were fatal but could have contributed to blood loss. The pathologist also found about 40 scratches and bruises, and drug tests revealed benzodiazepines, methadone, alcohol and cocaine in the deceased's system. Connorton remains on trial at the Central Criminal Court, having pleaded not guilty. The case is set to continue before Justice Tony Hunt and a jury.
In a 2014 fatal collision on Fonthill Road South, Dublin, Garda Warren Farrell (35) was driving a marked patrol car responding to a panic button call when he struck pedestrian Elizabeth Core. Farrell, who pleaded not guilty, told the Garda Ombudsman that the incident could have been avoided if Core had not accelerated her walking. He claimed he had deactivated the siren briefly, reactivated it, and observed Core crossing the road without reacting to the flashing blue lights or siren. Farrell said he applied brakes, entered the bus lane, and attempted to mount the curb, but the left tyre burst and the car struck Core, pushing her onto the windscreen. A forensic crash investigator estimated the impact speed at 56–58 km/h and noted heavy braking. The trial recorded Farrell's assertion that Core's unexpected behaviour caused the collision, but no further legal outcome was reported in the article.
In a dangerous driving case, Garda Warren Farrell, 35, was charged with causing the death of pedestrian Elizabeth Core. The incident occurred on August 28, 2014, when Farrell was driving a marked patrol car responding to a panic button call at a Topaz garage. Garda Declan Bambrick, a passenger, testified that they were scanning for a suspect vehicle and that Core was stepping into the bus lane. Bambrick said he saw Core cross the road at a solid white line and that Farrell applied hard brakes, moving the car left into the bus lane. The car struck the kerb and hit Core, who was found on the ground with blood gushing from her mouth. Both Farrell and Bambrick were described as being in shock after the collision. The trial is proceeding before Judge Cormac Quinn with a jury of twelve. Warren Farrell pleaded not guilty.
In a Limerick murder trial, Desmond Coyle, 60, was acquitted of murder but found guilty of manslaughter after stabbing Calo Carpaci, 58, at his home on 24 May 2017. Coyle claimed he had gone to stop Carpaci from demanding money and had brought a knife, though he could not recall the day or why he had the knife. CCTV showed Coyle entering Carpaci's house, a brief scuffle outside, and passersby restraining him. The jury, after less than four hours, concluded that Coyle had no intent to kill or cause serious injury, and that the death resulted from a single stab wound that pierced the heart. The judge explained the possible verdicts and the nature of manslaughter, and remanded Coyle for sentencing on 21 January. The case was heard at the Central Criminal Court. The unnamed 60-year-old pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court refused to exclude the testimony of former murder accused David Cullen, who has become a State witness, from the trial of Kevin Braney, accused of murdering Peter Butterly. The defence argued Cullen was a 'parody of a witness' and his evidence was riddled with inconsistencies, but the court found the circumstantial evidence supporting his testimony—such as CCTV footage, the recovered firearm and ammunition, and surveillance of Braney's car—sufficient to establish a prima facie case. The court also rejected two other defence applications: one to acquit Braney on related firearms charges and another to discharge the judges. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul Coffey with Judges Martin Nolan and James Faughnan, continues with Cullen's evidence admitted. Braney, aged 44, has pleaded not guilty to the murder and to possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol and ammunition. The prosecution closed its case on Monday.
An eye witness testified that a garda patrol car driven by Warren Farrell (35) struck and killed pedestrian Elizabeth Core on Fonthill Road South on 28 August 2014. Farrell, who has pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving causing death, was driving a marked patrol car responding to a panic button call at a Topaz garage when the collision occurred. Witness Alma Ozakauskiene described the road as curved and the car moving at high speed, noting she did not hear a siren or see lights. Geraldine Brown, who was on her mobile phone, observed Core crossing at a normal pace and saw the patrol car hit her, with no siren audible. The trial is ongoing before Judge Cormac Quinn and a jury.
An eye‑witness, Jean Fitzgerald, testified at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that she believes the deceased, Michael Jones, was at fault for the fatal collision that killed Hong Qing Qu. Fitzgerald said she does not think Jones was guilty of dangerous driving and that Qu caused the accident. She had given two statements to Gardaí: the first, made three days after the crash, blamed Jones, but the second, given on Monday, blamed Qu. She claimed the Garda had altered her words, possibly to favour the defendant. Fitzgerald also recounted that she had climbed into Qu's car, held his head, and that he was unconscious. She explained that she signed the original statement under distress, citing PTSD and the traumatic experience of seeing Qu die in her arms. The trial continues with Judge Patricia Ryan and a jury.
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, Mr Justice Michael White explained to the jury that Desmond Coyle, 60, could be found not guilty of murder if the jury believed he acted in self‑defence, or guilty of manslaughter if they thought the force used was excessive or the death accidental. Coyle, charged with murdering 58‑year‑old Calo Carpaci on 24 May 2017, had pleaded not guilty. He claimed he entered Carpaci's house with a knife to stop the Romanian man from demanding money, and that the killing was unintended. The prosecutor urged conviction, stating Coyle stabbed Carpaci in the chest. The judge outlined the types of manslaughter, including involuntary and gross‑negligence manslaughter, and noted that self‑defence could be a complete or partial defence. The jury was instructed to reach a unanimous verdict before deliberating further. The case remains at the deliberation stage.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, defence counsel for Kevin Braney, aged 44, argued that evidence from former murder suspect David Cullen should be excluded because Cullen's testimony was a "parody" and riddled with inconsistencies. Braney, charged with the 2013 murder of Peter Butterly, denied the murder and possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol and ammunition. Cullen, who had originally been charged with Butterly's murder, later became a State witness after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of a pistol. Braney's defence sought to exclude Cullen's evidence, withdraw it from the jury, and have the court discharge itself from the prosecution's opening address. The prosecution countered that independent evidence supported Braney's guilt and that opening speeches are not evidence. The court will rule on the applications tomorrow. Kevin Braney pleaded not guilty.
During a murder trial, Claire McGrath admitted that her presence at the accused's home contributed to the death of Graham McKeever. She said she had invited McKeever to stay overnight and that McKeever had entered the kitchen where McGrath was arguing with Keith Connorton, who was intoxicated and holding a kitchen knife. McKeever allegedly shouted "She's mine now" and attacked Connorton, striking him with a heavy blow that knocked him onto a child's chair. McKeever then stabbed Connorton, after which Connorton fled the scene. McGrath expressed remorse, stating "It is my fault. If I had never brought him to my house he would be still alive. I'm so sorry." The trial is ongoing before Justice Tony Hunt and a jury. Keith Connorton pleaded not guilty.
During a trial for dangerous driving, witnesses described a fatal collision that occurred at 1 a.m. on 17 November 2015 near Blanchardstown. Michael Jones, driving an Audi A3, allegedly ran a red light and struck the side of a Mitsubishi Colt driven by Hong Qing Qu. The crash left Qu's body squashed between seats and choking on his own blood. Witnesses reported that after the impact, three men dragged Qu from the Audi and placed him in the back of a Volkswagen Passat, which was then driven away toward Corduff. Several observers, including Louise Murphy, Jean Fitzgerald, Claire Bruton and John Gannon, recounted seeing Qu in a severely injured state, with blood from his ears, nose and mouth, and described the chaotic removal of his body from the scene. The case remains before Judge Patricia Ryan and a jury.
Judges at the Special Criminal Court trial of Kevin Braney have refused an application to exclude mobile phone evidence. Braney, 44, of Tallaght, Dublin, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly and the possession of a 9mm Beretta semi-automatic pistol and ammunition at Blackthorn Apartments, Balbriggan, on March 5, 2013. The defence argued that a recent High Court ruling in the case of Graham Dwyer rendered the retention of such data unlawful under EU law. However, presiding judge Mr Justice Paul Coffey, sitting with Judges Martin Nolan and James Faughnan, ruled the evidence admissible, stating there was no evidence that the operation of the 2011 Act was inappropriate at the time. The prosecution subsequently closed its case. The trial continues, with defence counsel Bernard Condon SC indicating he is unlikely to call evidence but may make a short application. The court previously heard from State's witness David Cullen, who pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol at the Huntsman Inn on the day of the shooting. Cullen described his role as picking up and burying a gun. Prosecution evidence stated that Butterly was shot multiple times outside the Huntsman Inn in Gormanston on March 6, 2013, while students waited for their school bus.
A 40‑year‑old man, Keith Connorton, is on trial in the Central Criminal Court for the murder of Graham McKeever, a 29‑year‑old man, in a Dublin love triangle. Connorton was arraigned on 10 December 2018 and pleaded not guilty. The case, presented by Brendan Grehan SC, alleges that Connorton stabbed McKeever to death on 18 February 2017 at an apartment on Deerpark Avenue, Tallaght. The prosecution claims that McKeever was staying with Claire McGrath, Connorton's former partner, who had broken up with him about six months earlier. According to the prosecution, Connorton, armed with a kitchen knife, threatened McGrath and, when McKeever came to her aid, stabbed him in the chest. Connorton also claims he will argue self‑defence. The trial is scheduled to continue tomorrow before Mr Justice Tony Hunt.
A 35‑year‑old Garda, Warren Farrell, is on trial for dangerous driving that caused the death of Elizabeth Core in 2014. Farrell was driving a marked patrol car responding to a panic button call at a Topaz garage when the vehicle struck Core, who was crossing the road. The patrol car's emergency lights were on but the siren was off to allow communication with command. Farrell allegedly applied the brakes and entered the bus lane, causing the car to mount the footpath and the front left tyre to burst. The right side of the car hit Core, who was pushed onto the vehicle. She was taken to hospital, received medical attention, but was pronounced dead shortly after. A state pathologist concluded her death was caused by head and chest trauma from the vehicular impact. Farrell pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The trial continues before Judge Cormac Quinn and a jury of twelve.
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, Judge Paul McDermott explained that a jury could find 22‑year‑old Warren Nolan guilty of impeding an investigation even if they are not convinced he was the gunman. Nolan pleaded not guilty to the murder of Alan O'Neill, 35, on 27 May 2015, and to the arson of a car at Belfry Square. The judge outlined that the jury has three options for the murder charge: guilty, not guilty, or not guilty of murder but guilty of impeding an investigation under Section 7(2) of the Criminal Law Act 1997. He noted that if the jury is not satisfied that Nolan fired the shots, they may consider whether he burned the car to aid the getaway or destroy evidence. The prosecution's case relies on circumstantial evidence and alleged lies told by Nolan in Garda interviews, which the judge said must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.
In a 2018 High Court ruling, Mr Justice Tony O'Connor granted Graham Dwyer limited declarations that sections of Ireland's 2011 Communications (Retention of Data) Act concerning telephony data are inconsistent with EU law and the European Convention on Human Rights. The judge found the Act provides an indiscriminate retention regime that contravenes Articles 7 and 8 of the EU Charter and the European Court of Human Rights, noting that no prior court review or adequate safeguards exist for accessing retained telephone data. The declarations will apply only to telephony data and exclude any effect on state security or human life. Dwyer, who denies murdering childcare worker Elaine O'Hara, intends to use these findings in his appeal against his 2015 conviction, while the State may appeal the decision. The case remains at the appeal stage.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a 60‑year‑old Limerick man, Desmond Coyle, was accused of murdering 58‑year‑old Calo Carpaci. The prosecution argued that Coyle entered Carpaci's house armed with the knife that later caused the fatal chest wound, citing CCTV footage that showed him trespassing and carrying the weapon. Coyle allegedly confessed to stabbing Carpaci, but his defence claimed he had gone to confront the Romanian man over money demands, not to kill. The defence highlighted Coyle's lack of intent, describing his actions as a poor decision driven by frustration. Both sides presented evidence of a struggle after the entry, with the prosecution insisting on murder and the defence seeking a verdict of not guilty. The trial remained at the stage of closing arguments, with no verdict yet announced.
Dubliner Michael Jones is standing trial at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, accused of dangerous driving causing the death of Hong Qing Qu. The incident allegedly occurred on November 17, 2015, at Blanchardstown Road, south. Prosecutors allege that Mr Jones, a 25-year-old professional roofer, was driving an Audi A3 at excessive speed and ran a red light before colliding with the side of a Mitsubishi Colt driven by Mr Qu. The impact caused the Colt to change direction and travel a significant distance, resulting in extensive damage. Mr Qu sustained multiple injuries and died shortly after being taken to a nearby hospital. The prosecution contends that after the crash, occupants of the Audi, including an allegedly injured driver, exited the vehicle and entered a third car, a Volkswagen, which was later seen at the hospital. Mr Jones was subsequently admitted to the same facility with leg injuries. Mr Jones has pleaded not guilty to the charge. In his opening address, counsel Dominic McGinn SC stated that the State must prove beyond reasonable doubt that Mr Jones was the driver, that his driving was dangerous, and that it caused Mr Qu's death. The trial is presided over by Judge Patricia Ryan and a jury of eight men and four women. The matter is currently ongoing and is expected to run for eight days, with proceedings continuing on Monday next.
A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court has collapsed following broadcast content on RTÉ's Prime Time programme concerning the legal defence of provocation. Ms Justice Carmel Stewart discharged the jury after establishing that five of the twelve jurors had viewed the segment and discussed it during deliberations. Keith Brady, aged 31, from Cartron Estate in Sligo, had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Martin Kivlehan on a date between 2nd and 3rd August 2015 at The New Apartments on Holborn Street, Sligo. The defence had relied partially on provocation. Justice Stewart expressed concern about what she termed "a parallel justice system in the court of public opinion" operating without regard to judicial proceedings. She extended sympathy to the Kivlehan family and remarked that the collapse represented "a tragedy." Brady was remanded to 17th December for a retrial date to be set.
In a Dublin murder trial, 22‑year‑old Warren Nolan was accused of shooting Alan O'Neill, 35, in the front garden of O'Neill's home on 27 May 2015. The prosecution, led by Shane Costelloe SC, argued that Nolan planned the hit, used a getaway car, and fired four shots, killing O'Neill twice. Evidence included CCTV showing a car "stalking" O'Neill, a witness, Michelle Usher, who described the shooter as a teenager, and forensic findings of firearms residue on a glove taken from Nolan and petrol on his clothing. Nolan denied being the shooter and claimed he only set the car on fire. Defence counsel Michael Bowman SC challenged the forensic analysis, the handling of evidence, and the reliability of the detective's statements, urging the jury to consider the lack of definitive proof linking Nolan to the shooting. The case was presented to a jury of twelve, with the judge to deliver the charge the following day. Warren Nolan pleaded not guilty.
A 60‑year‑old Limerick man, Desmond Coyle, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of 58‑year‑old Romanian Calo Carpaci, who was found dead at Roche's Row on 24 May 2017. Coyle pleaded not guilty. During the hearing, he told Gardaí that he had gone to Carpaci's house with a knife to stop him from demanding money and making "smart‑alecky" comments. He claimed he did not remember bringing the knife or the exact day, but that he had the knife in his hand and that Carpaci had fallen and was bleeding. He said that if he had not gone there with the knife, Carpaci would still be alive. The prosecution's detective, David Baynham, had interviewed Coyle after the incident. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis testified that Carpaci died from a single stab wound that penetrated his chest and heart. The trial was scheduled to continue the following morning.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court is deliberating in the trial of a Sligo man charged with the murder of a musician. Keith Brady, aged 31 and from Cartron Estate in Sligo, is accused of fatally stabbing Martin Kivlehan on a date between 2nd and 3rd August 2015 at the victim's home on Holborn Street. Mr Brady has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The defence argued he lacked the necessary intent for murder due to drug intoxication and claimed provocation, alleging he believed the deceased was behaving inappropriately towards his sister. The prosecution contended the defendant inflicted the wounds with deliberate precision against a vulnerable man. Justice Carmel Stewart charged the jury of eight men and four women, who deliberated for under two hours before adjourning overnight. Deliberations are to resume the following morning.
During a Central Criminal Court hearing, forensic scientist Dr Tom Hannigan reported finding firearms residue on a black woolen glove seized from 22‑year‑old Warren Nolan, who was arrested minutes after the fatal shooting of Alan O'Neill (35) on 27 May 2015. The residue matched that found on a bullet hole in the deceased's clothing, giving "very strong support" for the prosecution's claim that Nolan was the shooter. Nolan has pleaded not guilty to the murder and to a separate charge of setting a car on fire at Belfry Square on the same day. He denied involvement in the murder, denied saying he only set the car on fire, and denied crying at his arrest. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul McDermott, continues with a jury of twelve.
Patrick Beauchamp, a 26‑year‑old Dublin student, was tried in a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for one count of sexual assault and two counts of assault causing harm. The jury deliberated for three hours and 14 minutes and returned verdicts of not guilty on the sexual assault and the first assault charge. They did not reach a verdict on the second assault charge, which alleged that Beauchamp punched another man on the street. Judge Patricia Ryan adjourned the matter to December 20, 2018, and instructed the jurors not to discuss the unresolved allegation. During the four‑day trial, the complainant testified that she and her friend had gone to Beauchamp's home after a night out, that she had no recollection of an assault, and that she woke to find Beauchamp and an acquaintance fighting. The acquaintance claimed that Beauchamp had head‑butted him after seeing him "humping" the complainant.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 30 November 2018, Judge Patricia Ryan instructed a jury of twelve to "get into the mind" of Patrick Beauchamp, a 26‑year‑old defendant from Ballsbridge. Beauchamp faced one count of sexual assault and two counts of assault causing harm for incidents that occurred at his home on 10 May 2015. He pleaded not guilty, denying the allegation that he had "humped" a sleeping woman and claiming he acted in self‑defence when he headbutted the woman's acquaintance and later punched him on the street. The judge explained that a belief in self‑defence need only be honest, not wholly justified, and that the force used must be reasonably necessary. She also urged the jury to consider whether an opportunity to retreat existed, while reminding them that the prosecution bore the burden of proof and that sympathy could not influence their verdict.
A jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court failed to reach a verdict in the trial of Petru Pinto, 50, who was accused of assaulting Paul Ceusan, 35, during a five-a-side football match. The incident allegedly occurred on November 16, 2012, at an astroturf pitch in Ellenfield Park, Santry, Dublin. Mr. Pinto, a former professional footballer from Romania, pleaded not guilty to assaulting Mr. Ceusan, causing him harm. The complainant alleged that Mr. Pinto took a running jump and kneeled him in the torso, resulting in a Grade 4 renal injury, or split kidney, which required surgery and a stent insertion. Mr. Pinto testified that the collision occurred during a legitimate tackle for the ball, denying it was an off-the-ball assault. He stated that a prior verbal dispute, in which he claimed Mr. Ceusan insulted his mother, was unrelated to the physical incident. The jury, comprising four men and eight women, deliberated for just under three hours before informing Judge Pauline Codd they could not agree on a verdict with the required ten or more votes. The matter was adjourned to December 10 for mention. Both men are members of Transylvania FC, a club established for Romanians living in Dublin.
A 31-year-old man from Cartron Estate in Sligo is on trial at the Central Criminal Court charged with murdering Martin Kivlehan, a 59-year-old musician, between 2nd and 3rd August 2015. The accused has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. During closing arguments, the prosecution submitted that the defendant inflicted two stab wounds to the neck with deliberate intent and deadly precision. The defence argued for a manslaughter verdict on grounds of either provocation or lack of capacity to form murderous intent due to drug intoxication at the time. Defence counsel submitted that the accused had reacted in a drug and alcohol-induced state after perceiving a threat to his sister. Justice Carmel Stewart was due to charge the jury on Monday.
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, the state pathologist, Professor Marie Cassidy, presented evidence that 35‑year‑old Alan O'Neill died from a bullet that entered his thigh, passed through his right arm, and then struck his right side, puncturing his liver and the aorta. The bullet also traveled through the pelvic cavity. A second bullet entered O'Neill's right leg and moved upward without damaging major structures. The pathologist concluded that the fatal wound was the one that damaged the aorta and liver, with the leg wound being a contributing factor. The trial, presided over by Justice Paul McDermott, involves 22‑year‑old Warren Nolan, who pleaded not guilty to O'Neill's murder and to setting fire to a car in Tallaght. The prosecution alleges Nolan shot O'Neill in the front driveway of his home and then fled in a car that was later set on fire.
In a Central Criminal Court trial, 32‑year‑old Renars Veigulis was acquitted of murdering his 29‑year‑old partner, Rita Apine, who died after falling down the stairs of their Freshford home on 14 May 2017. Veigulis maintained from the outset that he was playing with his daughter when he heard a "boom, boom, boom" and later found Apine at the bottom of the stairs with blood on her head. The jury heard forensic testimony that Apine's injuries were not consistent with a simple fall, citing multiple lacerations, bruising, and blood spatter patterns that suggested blunt‑force trauma. The prosecution presented pathologist Dr. Linda Mulligan's findings and forensic science evidence, while Veigulis's counsel argued that the injuries could result from a complex fall and that the pathologist had never seen such patterns before. After 10 hours and 21 minutes of deliberation, the jury returned a not‑guilty verdict, and Veigulis was released.
Patrick Beauchamp, 26, is on trial in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for one count of sexual assault and two counts of assault causing harm. He is accused of assaulting a woman he met at Copper Face Jack's nightclub, who allegedly was put on her couch and had a hand placed under her dress. She claims she fell asleep and had no recollection, but a friend testified that Beauchamp was on top of her and "humping" her with his pants down. The friend also said Beauchamp head‑butted him after the friend warned him, "If that was my sister I'd kill you." Beauchamp denies the assault, claiming he was acting in self‑defence and that the woman was not asleep. Garda Tara Power testified that she saw Beauchamp punch the friend in the face. The trial will continue tomorrow afternoon. Patrick Beauchamp pleaded not guilty.
A Sligo man charged with murder at the Central Criminal Court has pleaded not guilty to killing a musician but guilty to manslaughter. Keith Brady, aged 31, of Cartron Estate in Sligo, is accused of murdering Martin Kivlehan on a date unknown between 2nd and 3rd August 2015 at the victim's home on Holborn Street. During the trial, evidence emerged that Brady initially admitted to the killing following encouragement from his sister. However, when re-interviewed months later with new mobile phone evidence, he retracted this admission, claiming he had made a false confession to escape the interview situation. Subsequently, while remanded in Castlerea prison, Brady contacted gardaí unprompted and provided a detailed account of the incident, stating he stabbed Mr Kivlehan during an altercation but could not explain his actions. He expressed remorse and asked that a message of apology be conveyed to the victim's family. The trial continues.
During the murder trial of 22‑year‑old Warren Nolan, Detective Garda Conor Harrison testified that he has "contempt for that kind of carry on" regarding media leaks that he said frustrate investigations. Harrison, who was on an unmarked patrol when the shooting of Alan O'Neill on 27 May 2015 occurred, described how he heard a car revving and saw a youth running from a burning vehicle. He arrested Nolan at Belfry Square shortly after the shooting, handcuffed him, and charged him under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act for unlawful possession of a firearm. Harrison noted that Nolan repeatedly said, "I only set the car on fire." The trial is proceeding before Justice Paul McDermott with a jury of twelve. Warren Nolan pleaded not guilty.
The Central Criminal Court is hearing a 32‑year‑old man, Renars Veigulis, who denies murdering his 29‑year‑old partner, Rita Apine, at their Freshford home on about 14 May 2017. Veigulis says he was in the kitchen with his daughter when he heard a series of bangs and later found Apine bleeding at the bottom of the stairs. The prosecution argues her injuries are inconsistent with a simple fall and that he beat her to death. The jury has deliberated for over six hours and will resume tomorrow. Renars Veigulis pleaded not guilty.
The trial of Warren Nolan, 22, is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. Nolan, of Rowlagh Park, Clondalkin, has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Alan O'Neill on 27th May 2015 at his home on Kiltalown Road, Tallaght. He has also pleaded not guilty to damaging a car by fire at Belfry Square in Tallaght on the same date. Witness Sonya Glass testified that she observed a light-coloured car revving and later saw it alight near Belfry Manor. She described seeing a person run from the vehicle towards steps, where they were restrained by individuals with torches, whom she identified as gardai. Glass stated she initially believed the incident involved a person setting fire to a car. Detective Garda Con Harrison, who was on patrol nearby, testified that he heard a vehicle approaching rapidly and saw a young man appear at the top of the steps. Harrison stated he shouted 'armed gardai' and lunged towards the individual as he observed the burning car. The matter is currently at the trial stage and has not been finalised. The proceedings are expected to continue for up to two weeks.
A superintendent has told the Central Criminal Court that he facilitated an unusual meeting between two detained siblings on humanitarian grounds rather than as an investigative strategy. Keith Brady, aged 31, of Cartron Estate in Sligo town, is charged with the murder of Martin Kivlehan between 2nd and 3rd August 2015. He has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. During cross-examination on the sixth day of the trial, Superintendent Jim Delaney explained that he permitted the meeting between Mr Brady and his sister Janice after she became distressed, noting both detainees had been unruly. Defence counsel suggested the meeting was designed to prompt a breakthrough in the investigation, given that Mr Brady provided admissions immediately afterwards. Superintendent Delaney maintained the decision was motivated by humanitarian concern. The court heard Mr Brady subsequently made statements expressing remorse and provided an on-camera apology to the deceased's family. Legal argument is currently underway before Ms Justice Carmel Stewart, with jury proceedings resuming Thursday.
During a murder trial, Michelle Usher, a mother of three, testified that her partner, 35‑year‑old Alan O'Neill, was shot to death at the front door of their home by a "young boy" in dark clothes. Usher said she initially thought the gunshots were a joke until she heard a third shot and saw O'Neill screaming in pain. She described seeing a dark‑clothed figure approach the garden, fire a gun, and then flee in a people carrier that took off. Usher held O'Neill in the doorway as another shot shattered a hallway window. She called an ambulance and kept the children in bed. The accused, Warren Nolan, 22, has pleaded not guilty to O'Neill's murder and to a separate arson charge. The trial is before Justice Paul McDermott with a jury of twelve.
A man charged with murder in connection with the death of a Sligo musician has told gardaí that the killing was "a moment of madness" following drug use. Keith Brady, aged 31, of Cartron Estate in Sligo town, denies murdering Martin Kivlehan, aged 59, at The New Apartments on Holborn Street between 2nd and 3rd August 2015. He has pleaded guilty to manslaughter. At the Central Criminal Court, a jury viewed video recordings of garda interviews in which Brady expressed remorse, stating he would give his life for the deceased if he could. He told gardaí he was not a violent person and apologised to the victim's family. Brady has indicated he believed the deceased had acted inappropriately towards his sister. The trial, now in its sixth day, continues. Cartron Estate pleaded not guilty.
Gardai arrested Warren Nolan (22) after a woman smoking on her balcony noticed a suspicious car. The Central Criminal Court heard that Nolan is accused of murdering 35‑year‑old Alan O'Neill on 27 May 2015. O'Neill was shot outside his Tallaght home and died from gunshot wounds. Nolan also pleaded not guilty to damaging a car by fire at Belfry Square on the same date. Prosecutor Shane Costelloe argued that Nolan fired the shots that killed O'Neill and that the burnt‑out car was the one used in the shooting. Evidence includes gloves found on Nolan with gunshot residue, forensic analysis, bullet holes, bullets, and CCTV footage. The trial is before Justice Paul McDermott with a jury of twelve. The prosecution has begun calling witnesses. The case remains at the trial stage.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Renars Veigulis, aged 32, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Rita Apine, aged 29, who died after falling down the stairs at their Freshford home on 14 May 2017. Veigulis claimed he was in the kitchen with his daughter when he heard a noise from the stairs, found his wife injured, and called emergency services, but she later died. Prosecutors, led by Vincent Heneghan SC, argued that blood spatter on walls and a hoodie, along with head injuries, proved Apine was beaten to death. They cited Deputy State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan, who said the injuries were unlikely from a simple fall, and forensic scientist Dr Stephen Doak, who suggested a baby gate could have been a weapon.
The trial of Keith Brady, 31, of Cartron Estate in Sligo, continued at the Central Criminal Court on its fifth day. Brady is charged with murdering Martin Kivlehan, 59, on a date unknown between August 2nd and 3rd, 2015, at The New Apartments on Holborn Street. He has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. During cross-examination, Sergeant Martin McHale read memos from a fourth garda interview conducted on August 5th, 2015. In these statements, Brady alleged that he and his sister, Janice Brady, were "off their heads" on drugs. He claimed he stabbed the deceased because he believed Mr Kivlehan had "touched her up," while stating that Janice put a knife to the victim's throat. Brady expressed regret, noting he did not want the man dead. The court previously heard that the deceased sustained two stab wounds to his neck and was found by friends on the morning of the August bank holiday. The jury began viewing a video of this interview and will continue watching the remainder when the trial resumes on Tuesday morning. The matter is currently ongoing and has not been finalised.
A detective has testified at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that he holds the view a man accused of involvement in a €90,000 tiger kidnapping in 2014 has connections to organised crime. Paschal Kelly, aged 52 and from Cootehill, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges arising from an incident at Malahide, Dublin, on 25 September 2014. The charges include trespass, false imprisonment of a postmistress and two other individuals, robbery from a post office, making threats to kill, and unlawful possession of a vehicle. During cross-examination by the defence, Detective Garda Domhnall O'Connell confirmed his belief regarding Mr Kelly's alleged links to organised crime. He explained to the court that gardaí did not conduct an identity parade due to the accused's significantly altered appearance since the alleged offence. The trial before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury continues.
A rape trial in Dublin collapsed after a newspaper article in the Irish Independent suggested the defendant was guilty and the complainant a victim. The trial, which had run for six days, was at its closing stages when the article appeared. Mr Justice Paul McDermott granted the defendant's application to discharge the jury, stating the article "came close to scandalising the court" and that it juxtaposed an ongoing trial with public opinion, implying unfairness. He warned that the publication could undermine the defendant's right to a fair trial and that the jury could not be asked to disregard the article. The judge noted the trial had been conducted professionally and that the article's criticism of the trial process was unacceptable. The case was therefore dismissed, with the defendant awaiting a potential retrial.
In the murder trial of Renars Veigulis, the prosecution's closing speech was delivered by Vincent Heneghan SC. He reminded the jury that Veigulis, a 32‑year‑old from Old Bridge Street in Freshford, Co. Kilkenny, is presumed innocent unless found guilty. Heneghan highlighted forensic evidence that contradicted Veigulis's claim that Rita Apine, aged 29, fell down the stairs, and urged the jury to scrutinise the interviews he gave to the gardai after her death. The speech was addressed to a jury of seven men and five women before Justice Tara Burns. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.
A 22‑year‑old Dubliner, Warren Nolan of Rowlagh Park, Clondalkin, is set to go on trial for the murder of 35‑year‑old Alan O'Neill on 27 May 2015 at Kiltalown Road, Tallaght, where O'Neill lived. Nolan is also charged with setting fire to a car at Belfry Square on the same day. He pleaded not guilty to both charges. The trial will begin tomorrow and may last up to two weeks.
A man from Cootehill, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to charges arising from an alleged tiger kidnapping in September 2014. Paschal Kelly, aged 52, faces charges of trespass, false imprisonment of a postmistress and two others at a property in Malahide, robbery from a post office in Sutton, threats to kill, and unlawful possession of a vehicle. During the trial before Judge Karen O'Connor, a Detective Chief Superintendent gave evidence that two gardaí identified Mr Kelly as the driver of a vehicle used in the incident after reviewing CCTV footage. Defence counsel raised concerns that the two detectives had participated in Mr Kelly's arrest three weeks prior to viewing the footage. The witness rejected suggestions that gardaí had sought to conceal this prior involvement. The court heard that an identity parade had been discussed but was not conducted. The trial continues with evidence before the jury.
Renars Veigulis, aged 32, was arrested on suspicion of murdering his partner, Rita Apine, aged 29, at their Freshford home on or about 14 May 2017. He pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court. Veigulis maintains that Apine fell down the stairs, but forensic evidence presented by Dr Stephen Doak indicated that the blood‑staining on the wall beside the first step and on the baby‑gate at the bottom of the stairs suggested a forceful event. Doak also found hair‑swipe blood patterns and used luminol to reveal hidden blood marks, concluding that the wall had been wiped clean. During police interviews, Veigulis denied cleaning the wall, stating he had only performed CPR and called an ambulance. He also denied seeing any bruising on Apine's face, despite a paramedic's observation of bruising. The trial continues before a jury presided by Ms Justice Tara Burns.