The Special Criminal Court has decided that Patrick Hutch's trial will not resume next month as previously indicated. Judge Tony Hunt confirmed that the case would be listed again on December 3, giving the court more than ten days to handle the matter. Senior prosecutor Sean Gillane explained that the disclosure of the final report into the death of lead investigating Garda Detective Superintendent Colm Fox had not yet been handed to the defence due to an "unanticipated difficulty" on the prosecution side. Gillane said the report was based on a significant amount of documentation and that the December dates previously mentioned would not be productively used, though he requested the listing on December 3 be maintained. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins said the material would be received as soon as possible and that the dates would not be used. Patrick Hutch pleaded not guilty.
Keith Brady, of Cartron Estate in Sligo, is charged with the murder of Martin Kivlehan, a musician, at his home on Holborn Street between 2nd and 3rd August 2015. He has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea the State rejected. At the Central Criminal Court, Detective Sergeant Patrick Harney testified that Brady was arrested on 3rd August 2015 and denied involvement, stating he "never murdered anyone." Brady became agitated during questioning, pacing and punching a desk whilst requesting a Bible. Sergeant Martin McHale told the court that during interview the following day, Brady refused to provide a DNA swab, citing legal advice. He denied responsibility for Kivlehan's death but declined to answer questions about his whereabouts that night or provide an alibi, instructing gardai "no comment." Brady had been initially arrested under the Misuse of Drugs Act earlier that evening but no drugs were found. The trial before Justice Carmel Stewart continues.
The Central Criminal Court jury has spent two nights deliberating the murder trial of Stephen Tynan (41) and Raymond Fitzgerald (37), both charged with killing Andrew Guerrine, Tynan's cousin, between 22 and 23 May 2015. Guerrine's body was found early on 23 May on Steelstown Lane in Rathcoole, 10 km from where he was last seen alive in Tallaght. He suffered 20 stab wounds, including two that penetrated his skull and spine. The prosecution, led by Brendan Grehan SC, argued that the killing was pre‑planned and that circumstantial evidence proved the accused's guilt, despite the absence of DNA, a murder weapon or eyewitness testimony. Both defendants pleaded not guilty and their barristers argued that any suspicious circumstances could be explained by them being accessories after the fact. Mr Justice Michael White explained that the jury had three verdict options: guilty, not guilty but guilty of assisting an offender, or acquittal.
In the Central Criminal Court, Renars Veigulis (32) pleaded not guilty to the murder of his partner, Rita Apine (29), who died on 14 May 2017. Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan testified that Apine's injuries were inconsistent with a simple fall down the stairs, as Veigulis claimed. She described extensive blood staining, shoeprints, and a blood‑stained slipper on the tenth step, but noted the house was otherwise neat. Apine died from massive blood loss due to blunt force trauma to the head, with three full‑thickness lacerations on the right side of her head of different shapes and impact surfaces, and bruising on both eyes and forearms. She also had therapeutic levels of citalopram and a tattoo reading "through pain comes strength." Dr Mulligan acknowledged some injuries could result from a fall but argued others could not be easily explained by such a fall.
At the Central Criminal Court, a pathologist has given evidence that a musician found dead in his Sligo home was severely intoxicated at the time of his death. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis told the trial of Keith Brady, aged 31 from Carton Estate in Sligo, that the deceased sustained two stab wounds to the neck. One wound severed the carotid artery and would have proved fatal within minutes. Dr Curtis stated the deceased had consumed alcohol at more than eight times the legal driving limit, rendering him likely incapacitated and unable to defend himself. The pathologist noted no defensive injuries were present. Mr Brady has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter concerning events at a residence on Holborn Street in Sligo between August 2 and 3, 2015. The trial, before Justice Carmel Stewart and jury, continues at the Central Criminal Court.
A man on trial at the Special Criminal Court for the murder of a father-of-two was removed from proceedings in an ambulance after falling unwell before the hearing commenced. Frank Murphy, aged fifty-eight, of McDonough Caravan Park, Bettystown, County Meath, is one of three defendants charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Peter Butterly outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, County Meath, on March 6th, 2013. The thirty-five-year-old victim was shot in view of schoolchildren awaiting transport. Paramedics assessed Mr Murphy outside the courtroom and conveyed him by stretcher to the waiting ambulance. His barrister assured the three-judge court that his client was not deliberately absenting himself. The trial, which began in October, was adjourned until afternoon to allow Mr Murphy's solicitor to receive instructions once his medical situation had been clarified. Mr Murphy has pleaded not guilty to murder and to firearm possession charges. Two co-accused, Michael McDermott of County Cavan and Kevin Braney of Dublin, also deny the allegations against them.
The trial of Paschal Kelly, aged 52 and from Cootehill, Co. Cavan, has entered its seventh week at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Mr Kelly has pleaded not guilty to charges including trespass, false imprisonment of three people at a premises in Malahide, Dublin on September 25, 2014, robbery from a post office in Sutton, and making threats to kill. He has also denied unlawful possession of a vehicle in connection with the same date. The trial commenced in mid-October and was originally estimated to conclude within six weeks. Proceedings are now anticipated to continue for at least a further week. A juror's absence on the date in question prevented evidence from being heard, and the court has previously adjourned for legal submissions outside the jury's presence. Judge Karen O'Connor addressed the jury regarding compensation for shortened sitting days before directing them to return the following day.
A scenes of crime expert has told the Central Criminal Court that a musician found dead in his Sligo home was likely in a seated or recumbent position when one of two fatal neck wounds was inflicted. Keith Brady of Cartron Estate is charged with murdering Martin Kivlehan, aged fifty-nine, at his residence on Holborn Street between 2nd and 3rd August 2015. Mr Brady has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea rejected by the State. Detective Sergeant Shane Curran of the Garda Technical Bureau described discovering the body on the living room floor surrounded by alcohol and paraphernalia suggesting drug use. Blood spatter analysis on a nearby radiator indicated arterial bleeding consistent with a stab wound at that height. A forensic scientist confirmed blood matching the deceased was found on two knives recovered from the scene. The trial continues before Justice Carmel Stewart and jury.
In the Central Criminal Court, Renars Veigulis, aged 32, pleaded not guilty to the murder of his partner, Rita Apine, aged 29, who died on or about 14 May 2017. A forensic scientist testified that blood stains on Veigulis's clothing were more likely caused by a strike than by CPR. The scientist described contact‑blood staining and a spatter pattern on a white hoodie belonging to Veigulis, concluding the pattern was consistent with force applied to wet blood. The prosecution argued that Apine's injuries were inconsistent with a fall, while the defence highlighted the possibility of a strike. Detective Sergeant James O'Brien gave evidence that he arrived at the scene after Apine had been removed, saw blood on the floor, and later arrested Veigulis on suspicion of murder. The trial also heard Veigulis's witness statement, in which he described the day's events and the discovery of Apine at the bottom of the stairs. The case remains at the trial stage.
The Central Criminal Court jury will resume deliberations on Thursday morning in the trial of Stephen Tynan, 41, of Deerpark Lodge, Kiltipper, Tallaght, and Raymond Fitzgerald, 37, of Knockmore Grove, Killinarden, Tallaght. Both men have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Andrew Guerrine, the cousin of Tynan, who was found dead on Steelstown Lane in Rathcoole on 23 May 2015. Guerrine's body had 20 stab wounds, including two that penetrated his skull and spine. The prosecution, represented by Brendan Grehan SC, described the killing as pre‑planned and relied on circumstantial evidence, noting the absence of DNA, a murder weapon or eyewitness testimony. Fitzgerald's barrister argued that the suspicious circumstances could be explained by him being an accessory after the fact, while Tynan's barrister suggested his client might have been involved only in the aftermath. Both lawyers requested an acquittal.
In a murder trial in the Central Criminal Court, forensic scientist Dr Stephen Doak testified that the blood‑staining patterns at the scene of Rita Apine's death suggested an assault rather than a simple fall. He described contact‑staining, splatter, airborne blood, swipe patterns and cast‑off blood on the walls and floor beside the stairs, noting a large area of wet blood that had been wiped up and a missing area revealed by luminol. Dr Doak argued that the patterns indicated a forceful event and that the accused, Renars Veigulis, had attempted to clean up the blood. Veigulis, aged 32, pleaded not guilty to murdering Apine, aged 29, at their Freshford home on or about 14 May 2017. The trial continues before a jury presided by Ms Justice Tara Burns.
A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court has heard evidence that the death scene of a 59-year-old Sligo man appeared staged to resemble a suicide. Keith Brady, aged 31 and of Cartron Estate in Sligo, faces a charge of murdering Martin Kivlehan at The New Apartments on Holborn Street between 2nd and 3rd August 2015. He has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. Witnesses, including two lifelong friends and the deceased's brother, described finding Mr Kivlehan with a knife in his hand. A garda present at the scene testified that the circumstances did not appear consistent with suicide, noting that cabinet doors had been opened and drug paraphernalia was visible. The prosecution outlined that the deceased had sustained two stab wounds to the neck at a 45-degree angle and had very high levels of alcohol in his system. The trial before Ms Justice Carmel Stewart is expected to continue for more than two weeks, with the jury required to consider the accused's intoxication at the time of the alleged killing.
Pensioner Desmond Duffy, aged 70, was found not guilty of murdering his partner Desmond 'Dessie' Sullivan, aged 59, after a nine‑day trial. The jury, after seven hours and eleven minutes, returned a verdict of not guilty at 4.46pm. Duffy claimed he acted in self‑defence after Sullivan, with whom he had been married for 36 years, attacked him in their kitchen. He described a history of domestic abuse and said he had tried to avoid the violence by staying in hotels or wandering the streets. The prosecution argued that Duffy had decided to end the abuse by squeezing Sullivan's neck, while the defence maintained that Duffy's actions were a reasonable response to an immediate threat. Judge Paul McDermott thanked the jury and discharged Duffy, who left the courtroom quietly, thanking the jury as they departed.
The Special Criminal Court trial of Damhan McFadden and Julian Flohr, both accused of membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA, continued with a ruling on the lawfulness of a stop and search. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with Judges Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin and Cormac Dunne, ruled that the roadside stop of the men's vehicle and their subsequent removal to Manorhamilton Garda Station were legal and valid. This decision followed defence applications arguing that contradictory accounts from Gardaí regarding the reason for the stop rendered the search inadmissible. Prosecution counsel countered that the evidence was consistent and credible. The court heard that Gardaí recovered a mortar round from a "Spiderman" themed backpack during the search. McFadden, 29, of Ballysadare, pleaded not guilty to the charge. Flohr, 37, of Caltragh, made no reply when the charge was put to him, resulting in the court entering a not guilty plea on his behalf. The trial, which concerns alleged offences committed on August 14, 2016, is ongoing and was scheduled to continue the following day.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court is hearing evidence in the trial of a 31-year-old Sligo man charged with murdering Martin Kivlehan in the town during August 2015. Keith Brady, of Cartron Estate, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter following the death of the 59-year-old at The New Apartments on Holborn Street. The prosecution opening outlined that the defendant's level of intoxication at the time of the alleged offence would be a key consideration for jurors when determining whether the necessary intent for murder was present. The deceased, described as a talented musician, was found with two stab wounds to the neck. A garda investigation identified the accused following enquiries involving his sister. The trial before Ms Justice Carmel Stewart is expected to exceed two weeks.
Two men from County Sligo have had their vehicle stop and search challenged as unlawful at the Special Criminal Court. Julian Flohr, aged 37, of Rusheen Ard, Caltragh, and Damhan McFadden, aged 29, of Kilmacowen, Ballysadare, face charges of membership of an unlawful organisation on 14 August 2016. A mortar round was recovered from their vehicle near Dromahair in County Leitrim. During a voir dire hearing, defence counsel argued that gardaí provided inconsistent accounts of why the car was stopped and that the lawfulness of the search remained unproven. They submitted that the prosecution had failed to establish credible grounds for the stop. The prosecution contended the gardaí's evidence was consistent and that reasonable suspicion of drugs offences only formed after the vehicle was stopped. The three-judge court, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, reserved judgment on the admissibility of the search. Damhan McFadden pleaded not guilty.
The trial of Renars Veigulis, aged 32, for the murder of his partner Rita Apine, aged 29, began on 19 November 2018. Veigulis pleaded not guilty and claimed Apine fell down the stairs, while the prosecution argued her injuries were inconsistent with a fall. Both were Latvian; they had lived in Freshford since 2016. Garda Edward Laffin testified that he saw a "considerable amount of blood" at the scene and that neighbours reported nothing "untoward" before the incident. Detective Garda Ronan Lawlor described the forensic findings: a two‑bedroom terraced house with a hallway and stairs, blood on the floor, a slipper soaked in blood, and airborne blood stains on walls and ceiling. CCTV footage showed medical staff and Gardaí around the house and Veigulis' movements. The case proceeded to a jury of seven men and five women under Ms Justice Tara Burns.
In a four‑week trial at the Central Criminal Court, the judge, Mr Justice Michael White, informed the jury that an alternative verdict of accessory after the fact was available under Section 7(2) of the Criminal Law Act 1997. The case concerned Stephen Tynan, 41, of Deerpark Lodge, Kiltipper, Tallaght, and Raymond Fitzgerald, 37, of Knockmore Grove, Killinarden, Tallaght, who were charged with murdering Andrew Guerrine, a cousin of Tynan, between 22 and 23 May 2015. Guerrine's body was found early on 23 May on Steelstown Lane, Rathcoole, with 20 stab wounds, two penetrating the skull and spine. The prosecution alleged a pre‑planned murder, citing circumstantial evidence, but no DNA, weapon or eyewitness link. Both defendants pleaded not guilty and their barristers argued that any suspicious circumstances could be explained by them being accessories after the fact. The prosecution did not seek the alternative verdict, instead pursuing a murder conviction.
The jury in the Central Criminal Court has begun deliberating in the trial of Desmond Duffy, a 70-year-old man who pleaded not guilty to the murder of his partner, Desmond 'Dessie' Sullivan (59). The alleged killing occurred at their shared home in Somerville Park, Rathmines, Dublin 6, on May 23, 2016. Mr Justice Paul McDermott directed the six men and six women on the three possible verdicts: guilty of murder, not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter, or not guilty. The court heard that Mr Duffy claimed he acted in self-defence after being attacked, a defence he maintained to gardai and during trial evidence. Witnesses reported an ongoing row between the couple from approximately 9.15pm until 10pm that night. The judge explained that if the jury finds Mr Duffy used excessive force despite believing he was acting in self-defence, he may be guilty of manslaughter. Alternatively, if the prosecution proves beyond reasonable doubt that he intended to kill or cause serious injury without reasonable provocation or self-defence, he is guilty of murder. Mr Justice McDermott reminded the jury of the presumption of innocence and noted that Mr Duffy has no previous convictions. After spending just over two hours in deliberation, the jury was adjourned and will return to court tomorrow to continue their consideration.
A 31-year-old man from Sligo has admitted to the killing of Martin Kivlehan but denies the charge of murder. Keith Brady, of Cartron Estate, appeared before the Central Criminal Court where he pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The death occurred at The New Apartments, Holborn Street, in Sligo Town between 2nd and 3rd August 2015. A jury of twelve has been sworn in to hear the trial, which commenced before Ms Justice Carmel Stewart and is expected to extend beyond two weeks. The case centres on the circumstances surrounding the death of the 59-year-old man more than three years prior to proceedings.
In a trial in Kilkenny, Renars Veigulis, aged 32, pleaded not guilty to the murder of his partner, Rita Apine, aged 29, who died on or about 14 May 2017 after falling down the stairs of their Freshford apartment. Veigulis told ambulance staff that he heard a "boom, boom, boom" and found Apine at the bottom of the staircase, claiming she had fallen. The prosecution argued that Apine's injuries were inconsistent with a fall, citing forensic evidence of blood spatter on the wall and on Veigulis's clothing, and a post‑mortem showing severe blunt‑force trauma. Veigulis's defence maintained that Apine died from the fall, and his 999 call was recorded as showing distress. The case is being heard by a jury presided over by Ms Justice Tara Burns.
In the Central Criminal Court, the defence counsel for Stephen Tynan, 41, and Raymond Fitzgerald, 37, argued that the suspicious circumstances the State attributes to their alleged murder of Andrew Guerrine could be explained by them acting as accessories after the fact. Tynan's lawyer highlighted that he had no prior serious criminal record and was "hardly the typical candidate" for a gruesome attack, suggesting he may have been a middleman in a drug deal and later got involved in the aftermath. Fitzgerald's counsel focused on the lack of evidence that he was part of a joint enterprise to murder, noting that the prosecution's footage of him wiping a car door did not prove guilt. Both lawyers urged the jury to consider the possibility that each accused was not the murderer but merely assisted after the fact, and to find them not guilty if that was a reasonable possibility.
In the Central Criminal Court, a woman identified the body of her friend Rita Apine, whose partner Renars Veigulis is on trial for her murder. Veigulis, 32, pleaded not guilty to killing Apine, 29, at their Freshford home on 14 May 2017. He claimed Apine fell down the stairs, but prosecutors argued the injuries were inconsistent with a fall. Evidence from Latvian national Gatis Kuhalskis, a former colleague, indicated Veigulis told him Apine had fallen and hit her head on a child‑safety gate, yet Veigulis denied witnessing the fall. Estonian national Julia Sinjagina, a close friend, confirmed Apine's identity after her death, noting the body's face and body were "two different faces, two different bodies." Forensic findings showed blood spatter inconsistent with a fall and severe blunt‑force trauma, contradicting Veigulis's account. The trial continues before a jury presided by Justice Tara Burns.
A garda fingerprint expert has told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that examination of a vehicle used in a €90,000 tiger kidnapping yielded no evidential value. Garda Frank Doyle said he found nothing of relevance during internal and external inspection of a Volkswagen Golf, nor did he recover relevant fingerprints from items within the car or from the home of postmistress Susan Lawlor, who was among three people abducted in the incident four years ago. Paschal Kelly, aged 52, from Cootehill, Co. Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to charges including false imprisonment of Ms Lawlor, her daughter, and an Italian student at a Dublin location on 25 September 2014. He has also denied robbery and threats to kill, as well as unlawful vehicle possession. Defence counsel questioned the expert regarding fingerprint contamination on surfaces and noted that third-party prints were found on CDs recovered from the car. The trial continues before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury.
Two men from County Sligo are on trial at the Special Criminal Court charged with membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army. Julian Flohr, aged 37, of Caltragh, and Damhan McFadden, aged 29, of Ballysodare, were arrested on 14 August 2016 following the discovery of a mortar round in a children's backpack during a vehicle search in the Dromahair area of County Leitrim. The prosecution alleges that gardaí recovered the device, wrapped in black material, from behind the driver's seat of a black Saab car. McFadden pleaded not guilty to the charge; Flohr's silence was recorded as a not guilty plea. The prosecution case, opened by Fiona Murphy SC, will rely on garda evidence, interviews conducted under the Offences Against the State Act, and searches of the accused men's homes. Evidence heard today from Garda Eamonn McDonnell described the circumstances of the discovery and subsequent examination of the item. The trial, before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and two other judges, is expected to last three weeks.
The trial of Stephen Tynan and Raymond Fitzgerald for the alleged murder of Andrew Guerrine is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. Both defendants, who are from Tallaght, have pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Guerrine at an unknown location between May 22 and May 23, 2015. In his closing address, prosecutor Brendan Grehan SC acknowledged the absence of fingerprints, DNA, a murder weapon, or eyewitness testimony. However, he argued that circumstantial evidence strongly links the accused to the crime. Key evidence includes a child's jacket entangled in the victim's legs when the body was dumped on Steelstown Lane in Rathcoole. The prosecution contends this jacket was connected to a car later found burnt out, which the accused had pushed into a petrol station. Mr Grehan highlighted phone records showing Tynan's phone was inactive during the critical period and Fitzgerald's phone ceased activity shortly before 1am on May 23. He also cited CCTV footage of the car on Steelstown Lane and alleged lies in Fitzgerald's statement to gardai. The prosecution asserts the murder was premeditated, citing efforts to procure a vehicle before the victim arrived in Tallaght. The defense barristers are scheduled to deliver their closing speeches on Friday morning.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 15 November 2018, 70‑year‑old Desmond Duffy pleaded not guilty to the murder of his 59‑year‑old partner, Desmond 'Dessie' Sullivan, who died on 23 May 2016 in their Dublin home. Duffy told the court that he had been abused for decades by Sullivan and that he was acting in self‑defence when he pushed Sullivan in the bedroom after a drunken argument. He claimed he had no intention to harm Sullivan and that he had tried to leave the house but was prevented from doing so. Duffy also recounted that he had stayed with Sullivan for 36 years despite the abuse, and that he had been emotionally devastated by the loss. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul McDermott, was set to continue the following day with a jury of twelve.
A jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has heard evidence regarding garda procedures at a crime scene in a tiger kidnapping trial. Paschal Kelly, aged 52 and from Cootehill, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to charges of trespass and false imprisonment of a postmistress and two others at a property in Malahide on 25 September 2014. He has also pleaded not guilty to robbery at Bayside Post Office in Sutton and threats to kill the three individuals, as well as unlawful possession of a vehicle on the same date. On the twenty-second day of proceedings, three gardaí provided testimony concerning the preservation of the Bayside Post Office scene. Garda Daniel Rogers told the court that he maintained security of a Nissan Qashqai during technical examination and confirmed no unauthorised access occurred whilst he was on duty. The trial before Judge Karen O'Connor continues.
The Central Criminal Court heard that Stephen Tynan (41) and Raymond Fitzgerald (37) are on trial for the murder of Andrew Guerrine, Tynan's cousin, who was found dead on Steelstown Lane in Rathcoole on 23 May 2015 with 20 stab wounds, including two that penetrated his skull and spine. CCTV footage showed a dark‑coloured hatchback stalling at a petrol station on Fortunestown Way at 5.20 am that morning, with the accused men exiting and pushing the vehicle to the pumps. Garda Warren Farrell presented stills and footage from the night and morning, noting the car's defective lights and a grey Duffer sweater seized from Tynan that matched the one seen in the footage. A statement taken from Fitzgerald on 5 June 2015 claimed he was at home that night, not with Tynan, and that he had gone to the gym the next morning. The prosecution has closed its case and the jury is to return tomorrow. Stephen Tynan pleaded not guilty. Raymond Fitzgerald pleaded not guilty.
In a 2018 trial at the Central Criminal Court, Renars Veigulis, aged 32, pleaded not guilty to the murder of his partner, Rita Apine, aged 29, who died at their Freshford home around 14 May 2017. The jury heard that Veigulis called emergency services at 12:18, claiming Apine had fallen down the stairs. He was described as distressed, breathing heavily, and crying during the call. He gave conflicting details about the fall, such as the height and the location of bleeding. Emergency‑call taker Laura Bunbury provided instructions on first aid and CPR, noting Veigulis's panic. Medical witnesses, including Dr Leonard de Villiers and paramedics, described a large head wound and extensive blood spatter in the house. The trial continued the following day with a jury of seven men and five women presiding by Ms Justice Tara Burns.
A detective gave evidence on day 21 of the trial of Paschal Kelly at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, describing the discovery of an additional licence plate during examination of a vehicle alleged to have been used in a tiger kidnapping. Mr Kelly, aged 52 and from Cootehill, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to charges including false imprisonment, robbery and threats relating to an incident at Malahide and Bayside Post Office on 25 September 2014. Detective Garda Seamus O'Donnell told the court he found a Meath licence plate in the boot of a grey Volkswagen Golf bearing Dublin plates. He collected DNA samples from items in the vehicle and noted damage to the passenger door and wing mirrors. The defence questioned whether DNA contamination may have occurred during handling, though the detective stated he changed gloves regularly. The trial continues before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury.
In the Central Criminal Court trial of Stephen Tynan, 41, and Raymond Fitzgerald, 37, the brother of Andrew Guerrine, the man stabbed to death in 2015, identified the accused on CCTV footage. Paul Guerrine showed stills from a dark‑coloured hatchback that stalled at a petrol station on Fortunestown Way at 5.20 am on 22 May 2015. He recognised Fitzgerald and Tynan, stating he had known Fitzgerald for over 20 years and that he and Tynan were first cousins. The trial heard that Guerrine's body, found on Steelstown Lane in Rathcoole early on 23 May, bore 20 stab wounds, two penetrating his skull and spine. Both men pleaded not guilty to the murder of Guerrine's cousin. The court considered the CCTV evidence as part of the proceedings.
The Central Criminal Court heard the murder trial of 32‑year‑old Renars Veigulis, who pleaded not guilty to the death of his 29‑year‑old partner, Rita Apine, at their Freshford home on 14 May 2017. Veigulis had told gardaí that Apine had fallen down the stairs, but a post‑mortem revealed severe blunt‑force injuries inconsistent with a fall. Forensic evidence showed blood spatter on the scene and on Veigulis's clothing that did not match a simple fall, and investigators noted that blood had been wiped from a wall before paramedics arrived. The court heard that Veigulis maintained his version of events during garda interviews, while the forensic team and the post‑mortem findings contradicted his account. The trial is proceeding before Justice Tara Burns.
During a Central Criminal Court hearing on 13 November 2018, Stephen Tynan (41) of Deerpark Lodge, Kiltipper, Tallaght, and Raymond Fitzgerald (37) of Knockmore Grove, Killinarden, Tallaght, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Andrew Guerrine, Tynan's cousin, who was found dead on Steelstown Lane, Rathcoole, on 23 May 2015. Guerrine's body had 20 stab wounds, two penetrating his skull and spine. Tynan testified that he last saw Guerrine the week before the murder, when Guerrine stayed overnight at Tynan's apartment and later left to collect €80. Tynan described a confrontation in which Guerrine allegedly injected drugs; Tynan claimed he struck Guerrine in response. Tynan characterised Guerrine as a "real soft lad" who was not violent but "always wheeling and dealing." The trial continued later that day.
The Central Criminal Court heard the trial of Stephen Tynan, 41, and Raymond Fitzgerald, 37, both from Tallaght, who have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Andrew Guerrine, Mr Tynan's first cousin. Guerrine's body was discovered on Steelstown Lane, Rathcoole, early on 23 May 2015, with 20 stab wounds, two penetrating his skull and spine. Garda Eamon O'Neill testified that he escorted the body to the mortuary and that the deceased's sister identified him. Items taken from Guerrine included earphones, a gold chain, a letter, €350 in cash, and a box of tablets. The cash was found in his sock and the tablets in his hoodie. Forensic scientist John Power identified the tablets as 96 Zopiclone, a tranquiliser similar to Diazepam, though not then a controlled drug. A witness had told the Gardaí that Guerrine was on his way to sell 3000 Diazepam tablets on the night he disappeared. The trial continues.
In a trial at the Central Criminal Court, Desmond 'Des' Duffy, aged 70, is accused of murdering his partner, Desmond 'Dessie' Sullivan, aged 59, at their home in Somerville Park, Rathmines, on 23 May 2016. A friend, Lois Farrell, testified that Duffy was a "big soft teddy bear" and a gentleman, describing him as intelligent but lacking confidence, often submissive and quiet when Sullivan, who she said was the boss in the relationship, was drunk. Farrell recalled that Sullivan would put Duffy down, interrupt him, and become rude and disrespectful. She noted that Duffy never raised his voice or fought back. Duffy pleaded not guilty, claiming self‑defence. State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy explained that Sullivan died from neck compression causing oxygen deprivation, with petechiae around the eyes suggesting pressure applied for a few seconds. The prosecution's evidence was concluded, and the jury was instructed to return on Wednesday.
A 32‑year‑old man, Renars Veigulis of Old Bridge Street, Freshford, is set to go on trial in the Central Criminal Court for the murder of 29‑year‑old Rita Apine on or about 14 May 2017. He pleaded not guilty. A jury of five women and seven men has been empanelled. The trial is expected to last three weeks.
During the murder trial of Stephen Tynan and Raymond Fitzgerald, evidence was presented that a child's blue jacket was found under the body of Andrew Guerrine, the deceased, in a car linked to the case. The jacket was discovered at the feet of Guerrine's body, which lay on its back with arms outstretched, and a photo of Guerrine's left foot on the jacket was shown to the jury. Detective Sergeant Tom Power described the scene and held the jacket for the jury. Darren Finnegan testified that he sold a black Peugeot 307 to Tynan and another man on 22 May 2015, and that he had left documents, a baby's car seat and jackets belonging to his own children in the car. He identified the jacket as belonging to his son. The trial continues with the State's case nearly concluded. Stephen Tynan pleaded not guilty. Raymond Fitzgerald pleaded not guilty.
The trial of Stephen Tynan (41) and Raymond Fitzgerald (37) for the murder of Andrew Guerrine, Tynan's cousin, is ongoing in the Central Criminal Court. Guerrine's body was found on Steelstown Lane, Rathcoole, with 20 stab wounds, two penetrating his skull and spine. The jury heard technical evidence about mobile phone use and a burnt car in Tallaght. A Peugeot 307, whose engine number matched one allegedly bought by Tynan, was found burnt in Barley Fields, Killinarden. Mechanic Thomas Menton testified about the car's fire, removal, and subsequent calls from an unknown number. Garda Ronan O'Malley identified the car's registration and engine number, confirming it matched the one photographed by Menton. Darren Finnegan testified that he sold the Peugeot to Tynan and another man on 22 May 2015. The jury heard this evidence in the morning; the trial continues this afternoon. Stephen Tynan pleaded not guilty. Raymond Fitzgerald pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court will resume the Regency Hotel shooting trial in December, with the first session scheduled for December 3. Senior prosecuting counsel Sean Gillane SC confirmed that the final report on the death of lead investigating Garda Detective Superintendent Colm Fox has been received and will be reviewed early next week. The report contains extensive material that the court must examine. Patrick Hutch, aged 26, is listed for trial in December; his defence counsel, Justin McQuade BL, noted that the defence had been told the report would be available around October 22, which has caused frustration. Hutch is accused of murdering David Byrne, aged 34, at the Regency Hotel on February 5, 2016, and of possessing three AK‑47 assault rifles. He has pleaded not guilty to the murder and denies the rifle possession.
In a murder trial in Dublin, Stephen Tynan (41) and Raymond Fitzgerald (37) pleaded not guilty to the killing of Andrew Guerrine, who was found dead with 20 stab wounds on May 23, 2015. The prosecution presented evidence that a burnt-out car in Tallaght, discovered a few days after the murder, had the same engine number as a Peugeot 307 allegedly bought by Tynan hours before the stabbing. Mechanic Thomas Menton testified that he saw the car on fire in Barley Fields, collected it, and later handed the engine to the Gardaí. Garda Ronan O'Malley confirmed the engine number matched a photograph and a registration certificate. Darren Finnegan, who sold the car to Tynan on May 22, also testified about the sale. The trial was scheduled to continue the following morning.
A 70‑year‑old man, Desmond Duffy, pleaded not guilty to the murder of his partner, Desmond Sullivan, 59, who died on 23 May 2016 at their home in Somerville Park, Rathmines. Duffy told Gardaí that he had been abused by Sullivan for many years, citing incidents of bleach, milk, a mug and a basket of sausages being thrown at him, and that Sullivan had become increasingly psychotic and paranoid. He described a night of drinking in a pub, after which Sullivan attacked him in the kitchen. Duffy tried to restrain Sullivan, who fell and stopped moving; Duffy called a relative, who later confirmed Sullivan was dead. Duffy said he did not call an ambulance because he was very drunk and did not think Sullivan was injured. The case is before the Central Criminal Court.
During a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, Desmond Duffy, aged 70, pleaded not guilty to the killing of his partner Des Sullivan, aged 59, at their shared home in Somerville Park, Rathmines, on 23 May 2016. The court heard that the couple had a long history of domestic disputes. In October 2013, Garda Michael Cunningham responded to a report of a domestic argument at the Duffy–Sullivan residence. Sullivan told the officer that they had been together for 35 years and that they had been arguing, adding that he had thrown bleach at Duffy. He also said that arguments had become more frequent.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, 70‑year‑old Desmond Duffy pleaded not guilty to the murder of his partner Des Sullivan, aged 59, who died at their home in Somerville Park, Rathmines, on 23 May 2016. Garda Mark Twomey reported that Duffy told him the couple had drunk about five pints in a local pub before an argument. When they returned home, Duffy said Sullivan punched, kicked and pulled his hair, and that Duffy tried to restrain him by placing his hands on Sullivan's neck, causing Sullivan to fall. Duffy claimed he was injured, noting a cut on his finger and blood on his sleeve. Duffy had no prior convictions and had previously stayed in hotels in Rathmines, as shown by his credit‑card records. The case is before Justice Paul McDermott with a jury of twelve.
During a domestic dispute on 23 May 2016, Desmond Duffy (70) of Somerville Park, Rathmines, Dublin 6, was accused of murdering his partner, Desmond Sullivan (59), at their home. Duffy pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court, claiming self‑defence. Neighbours reported hearing a distressed male voice calling for help and describing a roar, prompting them to contact the Gardaí. The trial, presided over by Justice Paul McDermott with a jury of twelve, continues to consider these testimonies.
The jury has begun deliberating in the trial of Joseph O'Connor, a 58‑year‑old Garda from west Dublin, who has pleaded not guilty to five counts of possession of child pornography. The charges relate to images and videos found on a laptop seized from his home on 2 August 2011, which investigators said contained videos of boys under ten and under 17 being subjected to sexual acts, as well as 16 images of children sexually exposed. O'Connor denies downloading the material, claiming it was placed on his computer by a man who had visited his home for sex days before the seizure and that he believes the man corrupted his computer. The State's case rests on proving beyond reasonable doubt that O'Connor knew the files were on his laptop, while the defence argues that the files could have been placed by others.
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, a 70‑year‑old man, Desmond Duffy, pleaded not guilty to the death of his 59‑year‑old civil partner, Desmond Sullivan, who was found dead at their home in Somerville Park, Rathmines, on 23 May 2016. Duffy claimed he acted in self‑defence, saying he had been attacked and strangled Sullivan to protect himself. The prosecution described the couple as a drinking pair, known as "Little Des" and "Big Des," and due to be married in July 2017. Garda Maurice Ward, who arrived at the scene around 10:45 pm, testified that Duffy had called him to report the death and that the body had been present for some time. Ward noted that Duffy appeared shaken and that the couple had never shown aggression in his experience. The trial was set to continue before a jury the following day.
A witness has testified at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in the ongoing trial of a man charged in connection with a €90,000 tiger kidnapping that occurred in September 2014. The witness described how his vehicle was struck by another car near McAllister's Garage in Malahide, following which two men fled the scene on foot. Paschal Kelly, aged 52 and from Cootehill, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to charges including falsely imprisoning three women at a property in Malahide, robbery at Bayside Post Office in Sutton, and making threats to kill. He also denies unlawful possession of a vehicle. The witness told the court that one man ran towards nearby woodlands whilst the driver departed in the direction of Swords Road. He noted the driver appeared frightened. Gardaí arrived within seconds of the men leaving the vehicle. The trial, now on its seventeenth day, continues before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury.
The Central Criminal Court jury has begun deliberating in the trial of Paul Wells Senior, 50, of Barnamore Park, Finglas. Wells is charged with murdering 33-year-old Kenneth O'Brien at his home in Barnamore Park on 15th or 16th January 2016. While Wells admitted to shooting O'Brien and dismembering his body, he pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder. The defence contends that the killing occurred during a scuffle after O'Brien allegedly asked Wells to murder his partner, Eimear Dunne, to facilitate a move to Australia. Wells claims he panicked and used a chainsaw to dispose of the body in the Grand Canal. During jury charging, Mr Justice Paul McDermott outlined seven coincidences cited by defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC to support the conspiracy theory, including a disabled CCTV system, a cancelled birthday party, and missing passports. The prosecution, conversely, argued the killing was premeditated. The jury retired to consider their verdict shortly after noon on Friday and will resume deliberations tomorrow morning.
A 70‑year‑old man, Desmond Duffy, has gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of his partner, Des Sullivan, aged 59, who was killed on 23 May 2016 at their home in Somerville Park, Rathmines, Dublin 6. Duffy pleaded not guilty. The two‑week trial will be presided over by Mr Justice Paul McDermott, who instructed a jury of six men and six women to return tomorrow and to keep the proceedings confidential.