A teenager from Donegal has been found not guilty of raping and sexually assaulting a schoolmate following an incident in the early hours of March 18, 2016, in a county town. The accused, who was 16 at the time, had denied one count of rape and one of oral rape. The Central Criminal Court jury returned a unanimous not guilty verdict after approximately two hours of deliberation on the twelfth day of trial. The complainant, then also aged 16, maintained she had not consented to sexual activity that occurred behind a building following St Patrick's night celebrations. The defence argued inconsistencies in her account and emphasised the absence of verbal or physical indication of non-consent. The prosecution contended that injuries sustained were inconsistent with willing participation. Justice Deirdre Murphy directed the jury to consider whether trauma affects memory consistency. The accused left the courtroom immediately following the acquittal.
In the trial of 35‑year‑old Jason O'Driscoll, a vehicle‑identification expert, Andy Wooller, testified that the car the State claims O'Driscoll fled in was a very good match for a vehicle seen near the scene. Wooller examined CCTV footage of two vehicles driving in Ravensdale Forest Park at about 10.45 p.m. on 7 March 2012, the night two men were found shot dead in a burnt‑out car. He identified the first vehicle as a large, light‑toned car consistent with a Mercedes, and the second as a dark hatchback consistent with a Volkswagen Golf. Wooller and a colleague ran a CCTV identification parade and described both the Mercedes S Class and the Volkswagen Golf as very good matches for the original footage. The State alleges O'Driscoll drove north to sell the stolen Golf to a victim, and the trial continues before Mr Justice Michael White. Jason O'Driscoll pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court heard a voir dire regarding the admissibility of mobile phone data in the trial of Thomas Fox, Jonathan Keogh, and Regina Keogh, who are accused of murdering Gareth Hutch. All three defendants have pleaded not guilty to the murder charge; Mr Fox has additionally pleaded not guilty to unlawfully possessing a Makarov 9 mm handgun. Defence counsel argued that the retention and unrestricted access to call data records breached EU privacy laws and should be excluded. Prosecution counsel Paul Burns SC countered that privacy is not an absolute right and that the Gardaí's access was proportionate, necessary, and justified under a balancing exercise. The State seeks to admit records showing phones "pinged" off masts at relevant times, alleging Mr Keogh threatened the victim, while Mr Fox and Ms Keogh planned the killing. The prosecution described the act as premeditated. The court, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt with Judges Patricia Ryan and Michael Walsh, will rule on the admissibility of this evidence at a later date. The trial continues.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 19 July 2018, Jonathan Hawthorn, 45, of Ballintyre Downs, Ballinteer, pleaded not guilty to a charge of membership in the Irish Republican Army (IRA). He was accused of being part of a plot to purchase weapons on the dark web, including a grenade, handgun, ammunition and Semtex, and of arranging a mock delivery to Dolphin House in Dolphin's Barn. An undercover FBI agent had alerted Gardaí after an online user requested the shipment, and Gardaí observed Hawthorn sign for the delivery using the name of James Geraghty. During Garda interviews on 14 September 2016, Hawthorn answered all questions with "no comment," refusing to confirm or deny his alleged IRA involvement or participation in the operation. The case was heard by a three‑judge panel led by Justice Isobel Kennedy, with Judges Gerard Griffin and Gerard Haughton presiding.
In the trial of 35‑year‑old Jason O'Driscoll, charged with the murders of 31‑year‑old Anthony Burnett and 25‑year‑old Joseph Redmond on 7 March 2012 in County Louth, the jury has been shown 'EvoFIT' sketches of a suspect driver. The sketches were produced after Sergeant Stephen Downey of the PSNI described seeing a silver Mercedes, travelling northbound on the Dublin Road, with two men inside who appeared relaxed and laughing. Downey, who was a passenger in an unmarked armoured patrol at 11 pm that night, claimed the car was the same one he had seen earlier in Newry and attempted to chase it, but a puncture forced him to stop. He later supplied a description to a facial artist, who created the 'EvoFIT' images that were given to the jury. The unnamed 35-year-old pleaded not guilty.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court is set to begin deliberations tomorrow in the trial of a 19-year-old from Donegal charged with raping and orally raping a schoolmate. The alleged offences occurred in the early hours of March 18th, 2016, in a Donegal town, when the complainant was 16 years old. The accused has pleaded not guilty to both counts. Justice Deirdre Murphy concluded her charge to the jury today, directing members on the burden of proof and instructing them to assess the reliability of witness testimony. The judge advised jurors to consider whether memory inconsistencies might be expected in accounts of traumatic events. During closing arguments, the prosecution contended that injuries sustained by the complainant were consistent with forced sexual assault, whilst the defence submitted that significant gaps existed in the complainant's recollection of events that night.
In the Special Criminal Court trial of Jonathan Keogh, accused of murdering Gareth Hutch, the three‑judge panel ruled that the Gardaí's extensive "trawl" of CCTV footage was proportionate and did not violate Keogh's constitutional right to privacy. Judge Tony Hunt, presiding, found that the footage, which documented Keogh's movements in the days before the shooting, was admissible. The defence argued that the mass capture of images was disproportionate, but the court rejected this, stating that the State had a legitimate interest in investigating crime at Avondale House and that the evidence was gathered in a structured, focused manner. The ruling affirmed that the right to privacy is not absolute and that the State's interest in preventing crime outweighed any intrusion. The trial continues with the prosecution presenting evidence that Keogh threatened Hutch, that Fox and Regina Keogh were involved in planning, and that Keogh and another man, Mr AB, were the shooters. Regina Keogh pleaded not guilty.
During a Special Criminal Court hearing, the trial of three men accused of IRA membership was delayed because an FBI agent could not locate a bible to swear on. The agent, who was to testify via video link from a U.S. federal courthouse, had been told 30 minutes earlier that a bible was required and failed to find one. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy noted that a Christian witness must swear, not merely affirm. The court adjourned for 15 minutes, during which the agent located the holy book. The case involves Jonathan Hawthorn (45), James Geraghty (61), and Donal O'Ceallaigh (33), all pleading not guilty to IRA membership. The FBI agent, who works covertly and uses aliases on the dark web, provided evidence about weapons transactions on AlphaBay, including a grenade, handgun, and ammunition intended for a "Mr Geraghty" at Dolphin House.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the ongoing trial of Thomas Fox, Jonathan Keogh, and Regina Keogh, who have all pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Gareth Hutch. The prosecution alleges the killing was premeditated, with Mr. Keogh and an uncharged man, Mr. AB, acting as shooters, while Mr. Fox and Ms. Keogh are accused of planning the crime. Evidence presented includes a text message sent from a UK number to a phone associated with Mr. Fox hours after the shooting, stating, "your scot free pal" and "there all poxy blaming me." Senior crime analyst Paul Hibbitts confirmed that this UK number also contacted Denise King, Mr. Keogh's former partner, and Ms. Keogh. The court previously viewed CCTV footage of Mr. Keogh in Belfast on the night of the shooting and at the Stenaline Port Terminal the following day. Testimony indicated that Ms. Keogh arranged for money to be brought to Mr. Keogh before he traveled to Scotland. Additionally, analysis of SIM cards found in a car linked to Mr. Keogh revealed significant interaction with numbers associated with Mr. Fox and Mr. AB on the morning of the incident. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, sitting with Judges Patricia Ryan and Michael Walsh.
A trial at the Central Criminal Court concerning a Donegal teenager charged with rape has entered its closing phase. The accused, aged 19, has pleaded not guilty to one count of rape and one count of oral rape of a schoolgirl, then 16, alleged to have occurred outside a building in a County Donegal town in March 2016. The prosecution outlined that injuries sustained by the complainant were consistent with forced sexual contact rather than consensual activity. The defence highlighted gaps in the complainant's recollection of events and referenced CCTV footage showing both teenagers together after the alleged incident, suggesting this undermined the complainant's credibility. A garda report noted the complainant did not appear visibly distressed in the recording. The case is being heard before Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy and a jury of eleven members.
The jury in the trial of 35‑year‑old Jason O'Driscoll, charged with murdering 31‑year‑old Anthony Burnett and 25‑year‑old Joseph Redmond on 7 March 2012 in County Louth, has seen CCTV footage of O'Driscoll in the days before the killings. The footage, compiled by Garda Gareth Kenna from cameras on the Northern Ireland side of the border, shows O'Driscoll purchasing mobile‑phone credit in a shop in Newry on several occasions. Ambient noise from the footage also captured a Dublin accent ordering the credit. The prosecution, led by Alexander Owens SC, has presented circumstantial evidence of the mobile‑phone credit purchases and other technical evidence. The defense, represented by Vincent Heneghan SC, has argued that the evidence is insufficient to convict. The trial is proceeding before Mr Justice Michael White. Jason O'Driscoll pleaded not guilty.
In a court hearing on 16 July 2018, Detective Superintendent Paul Scott thanked the Richardson family for their patience during a 13‑year trial over the kidnapping of two G4S colleagues in March 2005. He praised the jury, the judge, the legal team led by Dominic McGinn and the Gardaí for their work. The judge delivered sentences to the five men convicted of the kidnapping, describing the crime as "horrific and inhumane." Mr. Paul Richardson expressed relief that justice had been served, noting the enduring impact of the event. Mrs. Marie Richardson said she was glad the case was over and urged other victims not to give up. The hearing confirmed the convictions and the sentences imposed, with no further appeals mentioned at that time.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has heard closing arguments in the trial of a nineteen-year-old accused of raping and orally raping a sixteen-year-old girl in Co Donegal in March 2016. The prosecution submitted that injuries sustained by the complainant to her head and genital area were consistent with a violent and forced sexual encounter, contrary to the accused's account. Counsel for the prosecution stated the complainant had remained consistent in her assertion that she had not consented to either act in the alleyway incident. The defence challenged the reliability of the complainant's recollection, noting gaps in her memory and questioning her account given the alcohol she had consumed that night. Defence counsel also referenced CCTV footage showing the teenagers together after the alleged incident and submitted that the complainant's DNA on a condom wrapper supported evidence of digital penetration. The accused denies both charges. The trial before Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy and a jury continues.
The Special Criminal Court has heard evidence regarding the provenance of mobile phone records in the ongoing trial of Thomas Fox, Regina Keogh, and Jonathan Keogh, who are accused of murdering Gareth Hutch. All three defendants have pleaded not guilty to the murder charge; Mr Fox has additionally denied unlawfully possessing a Makarov 9mm handgun. The prosecution alleges the killing was premeditated, with Mr Keogh and an accomplice acting as shooters, while Mr Fox and Ms Keogh planned the offence. Retired Detective Chief Superintendent Peter Kirwan testified that gardai made 38 requests for call data records and purchase details for phones allegedly linked to the accused, including two SIM cards found in a Honda Civic associated with Mr Keogh. Maureen King, CEO of iTrust Ethics, confirmed that accurate records were retrieved from a secure Garda email address. Detective Garda Niall Hodgins testified that he obtained a mobile phone from Mr Fox's partner during a search and later attended Mater Hospital when Mr Fox required medical attention after a self-harm attempt in his cell. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, sitting with Judges Patricia Ryan and Michael Walsh.
A trial date has been set for Nathan Foley, an 18‑year‑old from Rosary Road, Dublin, at the Special Criminal Court. Foley is accused of murdering 55‑year‑old David Douglas on Bridgefoot Street on 1 July 2016 and of damaging a car on Strand Road on 4 July 2016. The prosecution, led by Tony McGillicuddy, noted that Foley's defence had raised a fitness‑for‑trial issue and that a consultant psychiatrist had been requested but the accused has reportedly obstructed the process. Paul Greene, Foley's solicitor, expressed concern that the professional witness had not been properly facilitated and that Foley was anxious for the case to proceed. Judge Tony Hunt, with Judges Patrician Ryan and Michael Walsh, set the trial for 5 December 2016, expecting it to last up to three weeks, and remanded Foley in custody. The case was listed for mention again on 31 July.
A 19-year-old man has told the Central Criminal Court that a girl gave no verbal or physical indication she did not consent to sexual activity during an alleged incident in Co Donegal in March 2016, when both were aged 16. The accused, who denies one count of rape and one of oral rape, testified on the eighth day of his trial that he and the girl were "flirting" and "in good form" when they went behind a building. He claimed she agreed to sexual contact and that the atmosphere between them afterwards was "romantic". Under cross-examination, he rejected suggestions that the girl had repeatedly told him to stop or that he had used force. He could not explain multiple bruises and abrasions documented by a forensic nurse on the girl's body three days later. The trial continues before Justice Deirdre Murphy and a jury.
The Special Criminal Court heard CCTV footage of alleged gunmen and vehicles linked to the murder of Gareth Hutch. Prosecutors identified a silver Skoda Octavia, a black BMW, a silver Honda Civic, a black Toyota Avensis and a white Ford transit van as connected to Jonathan Keogh (32) and Thomas Fox (31). They claimed Keogh threatened Hutch the evening before the shooting, Fox and Regina Keogh planned the murder, and Keogh and another man, Mr AB, were the shooters. Footage showed the black BMW leaving Wellington Street and parking in Avondale House carpark, the Honda Civic arriving at Champions Avenue, and the Skoda Octavia arriving from Ballymun. The fatal shooting was captured as Hutch entered his car at 9.56 am. After the shooting, Keogh and AB fled in the BMW, which later burned out at Dubber Cross. The trial continues with the accused pleading not guilty.
Two brothers, Dean Bradley (24) and Jason Bradley (20), were found guilty of murdering Neil Reilly (36) after a shooting at their home. A jury reached a unanimous verdict after more than nine hours of deliberation. Both were convicted of murder and face mandatory life sentences. Their father, Paul Bradley (54), was acquitted of the murder charge. Dean and Jason were found guilty of the murder, while their brother Ryan (18) was acquitted of murder but pleaded guilty to impeding the investigation. The trial described how Reilly, who had a debt to the family, fired shots at the Bradley home, leading to a confrontation in which Jason struck Reilly with a sharp weapon, causing fatal blows. Dean's BMW later ran over Reilly, an act he claimed was accidental. The case was heard in the Central Criminal Court, with sentencing scheduled for the following Wednesday. The Bradley family was present throughout the proceedings and reacted emotionally to the verdicts.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court case, a 28‑year‑old African national was charged with intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm by infecting two former partners with HIV between November 2009 and June 2010. The defendant pleaded not guilty. The State argued that the defendant knew his diagnosis and that the infection constituted serious harm. The jury, consisting of nine women and three men, was asked to consider whether the virus could have come from a fourth person. The foreman requested clarification on a specific mutation, M36V, common to the defendant and the complainants, and whether it could have been transmitted from another source. Judge Martin Nolan explained that no evidence was presented on this point and that the court could not add new evidence or provide transcripts. The jury asked for the genetic evidence to be replayed on the Digital Audio Recording system.
The Director of Public Prosecutions has discontinued proceedings against a Cavan childminder who faced allegations of causing serious harm to an infant. Sandra Higgins of Drumgola Wood, Cavan, had pleaded not guilty to a charge of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to a baby at her home on 28 March 2012. The case proceeded through four trials at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court before the prosecution applied to withdraw the charge. The fourth trial, presided over by Judge Pauline Codd, ended with jury discharge after undisclosed expert witness communications raised fair trial concerns. Previous trials had also resulted in jury discharge and failure to reach verdict due to various procedural issues. At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today, Judge Melanie Greally discharged Ms Higgins from the charge and entered a nolle prosequi following the prosecution's application.
A garda investigator has told the Central Criminal Court that he identified an inconsistency between CCTV footage and a complainant's account in an alleged rape case. Lead investigator Garda Paul Leape defended his decision not to show the teenage complainant the footage, stating it was not an investigator's role to afford witnesses a second opportunity to explain discrepancies in evidence. The accused, aged 19, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape against a then 16-year-old girl in a Donegal town on 18 March 2016. On day seven of the trial before Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy and jury, Gda Leape confirmed that his report to the Director of Public Prosecutions noted the CCTV showed the girl and accused returning hand in hand and kissing, with her appearing not visibly upset. Under cross-examination, the garda acknowledged the footage did not necessarily support the complainant's account but clarified that outer appearances on video do not reflect internal emotional states. The trial continues tomorrow.
A jury has begun deliberations in a trial where a 28‑year‑old African national is accused of intentionally or recklessly infecting two former partners with HIV between November 2009 and June 2010. The defendant pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The State alleges he was aware of his HIV diagnosis and deliberately transmitted the virus, causing serious harm. Prosecutor Dominic McGinn presented expert testimony that all parties share the same virus subtype and mutations, that the complainants used condoms with previous partners, and that the defendant lied to a doctor about his status and failed to take prescribed antiviral medication. Defence counsel Paul Greene argued that the complainants' sexual histories were unreliable, that the virus strain was not definitively African, and that phylogenetic analysis was not performed, questioning the reliability of the evidence. The jury retired for the day and will resume tomorrow.
The trial of Thomas Fox, Regina Keogh, and Jonathan Keogh, all accused of murdering Gareth Hutch, continued before a three-judge court presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt. The defendants, who have pleaded not guilty to the murder, faced the admission of extensive CCTV evidence after the court rejected a defence application to exclude the footage on privacy grounds. Prosecutors presented clips from May 22, 2016, allegedly showing the accused and linked vehicles, including a white Ford Transit van, a black BMW, and a silver Honda Civic, in Dublin 7. The State alleges the defendants purchased Milton sterilising fluid and that Mr Keogh and an accomplice, Mr AB, were the shooters. Mr Fox also faces a charge of unlawfully possessing a Makarov 9mm handgun, which he denies. The prosecution characterised the killing of Mr Hutch, who died from four gunshot injuries on May 24, 2016, as premeditated. The trial is ongoing and continues tomorrow.
The jury in the trial of Paul Bradley (54) and his sons Jason (20) and Dean (24) will return to court after two days of deliberation. They have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Neil Reilly (36) at Esker Glebe, Lucan, on 18 January 2017. The foreman asked Justice Paul Coffey to clarify the charges and possible verdicts for each defendant and to reiterate the definition of provocation. Mr Coffey agreed to address these matters the following day. The prosecution alleges that Paul and Jason pursued Reilly and that Jason killed him with a sharp implement, while Paul was involved in a joint enterprise. Dean's defence argued that his BMW's collision with Reilly was accidental. An 18‑year‑old brother, Ryan Bradley, was acquitted of murder by the judge's direction. The trial has lasted six weeks and the jury has heard that Jason Bradley owed Reilly over €9,000 for drugs. The case remains at the jury's deliberation stage.
A garda leading the investigation into an alleged rape in County Donegal was cross-examined at the Central Criminal Court regarding the handling of evidence in the case. A 19-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to charges of rape and oral rape alleged to have occurred in March 2016. During cross-examination on day seven of the trial, defence counsel questioned Garda Paul Leape about discrepancies in the alleged victim's accounts, including conflicting details about a phone call made during the incident. The garda defended the investigative approach, stating that minor inconsistencies were natural given the traumatic circumstances and that gathering evidence was the responsibility of gardaí rather than cross-examining witnesses. Counsel also raised questions about CCTV footage showing the complainant and accused together after the alleged offences. The trial before Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy continues with a jury of eight men and four women.
The trial of a 28‑year‑old African national accused of intentionally or recklessly infecting two women with HIV has reached its closing stages. The State alleges the accused was aware of his diagnosis when he infected the women, constituting serious harm. Evidence presented shows that virus samples from the accused and both complainants contained the same mutation. Dr Cillian De Gascun of the National Virus Reference Laboratory analysed the genetic sequences and found all three viruses were of the B‑type strain, with a specific mutation identified in a 2008 sample from the defendant, a May 2010 sample from one complainant, and 2010 and 2012 samples from the second complainant. While the comparison cannot confirm transmission from one person to another, it cannot be excluded. The trial is before Judge Martin Nolan and a jury of nine women and three men, with closing speeches scheduled for tomorrow. The unnamed 28-year-old pleaded not guilty.
Patrick 'Paddy' Farrell, 57, sued the State and St Patrick's Guild over his illegal adoption. He told Justice Denis McDonald that had he been legally adopted he would not have endured the distress he has suffered. Farrell, born Andre Donnelly in 1961, was placed with a family in Tullow and later reunited with his birth mother, Tressa Reeves, in 2013. He claims he was abused by the man who raised him and that the adoption was illegal, as confirmed by a medical report indicating post‑traumatic stress. Farrell alleges St Patrick's Guild and the State failed to protect his rights, misrepresented his location, and conspired to conceal information. The Guild denied the claims, and the judge dismissed the Guild's motion to strike out the case, allowing the matter to proceed on the High Court Personal Injury List.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 10 July 2018, lawyers for 32‑year‑old Jonathan Keogh argued that the extensive CCTV footage of Dublin's north inner city infringed his privacy rights. Sean Guerin SC contended that the footage, covering private interactions in a public area, was obtained without qualification and breached the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the Data Protection Act. Prosecutor Paul Burns SC countered that no constitutional privacy right was violated and that the evidence was necessary to prosecute the alleged murder of Gareth Hutch. The court was to decide the admissibility of the footage. The case involved Keogh, Thomas Fox, Regina Keogh and another accused, all pleading not guilty to Hutch's murder, which the prosecution described as pre‑meditated and brutal. The trial was scheduled to continue the following day.
The Special Criminal Court has heard forensic evidence in the ongoing trial of Thomas Fox, Regina Keogh, and Jonathan Keogh, who have all pleaded not guilty to the murder of Gareth Hutch. The defendants are accused of premeditated murder, with the prosecution alleging that Jonathan Keogh and an accomplice, identified as Mr AB, were the shooters, while Fox and Regina Keogh planned the attack. Forensic scientist Dr Edward Connolly testified that DNA matching Jonathan Keogh's profile was found on a balaclava, neck warmer, and baseball cap recovered from a BMW at the scene. Keogh's DNA was also detected on latex gloves taken from the dressing gown of protected witness Mary McDonnell. The State alleges Regina Keogh provided these gloves to McDonnell the night before the shooting. Additionally, a mixed DNA profile from a petrol can in the car included a match for Thomas Fox. Fox also faces a charge of unlawfully possessing a Makarov 9mm handgun, which he denies. McDonnell, who was granted immunity after a charge of withholding information was dropped, identified Keogh in CCTV footage. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and two other judges.
In the Special Criminal Court trial of Jonathan Keogh for the murder of Gareth Hutch, Mr Justice Tony Hunt ruled that ear plugs seized from Keogh on a military aircraft were admissible DNA evidence. The judge said the ear plugs were optional, not compulsory, and lawfully seized, enhancing comfort rather than being essential to life. He also accepted DNA samples, a mouth swab and fingerprints taken from Keogh after a later arrest for another offence, as admissible, stating the taking was lawful and justified. Keogh, aged 32, was extradited from RAF Northolt to Casement Aerodrome on 23 August 2017, where the ear plugs were collected by Gardaí. The trial continues with Mr Justice Hunt presiding alongside Judges Patricia Ryan and Michael Walsh. The case involves Keogh, Regina Keogh, Thomas Fox and Mr AB, all charged with Hutch's murder. The prosecution maintains the killing was pre‑planned and brutal. The court has not yet delivered a verdict. Regina Keogh pleaded not guilty. Thomas Fox pleaded not guilty.
The Regency Hotel shooting trial was adjourned for a further three weeks to allow analysis of electronic data and to give the defence time to review an interim report into the death of Detective Superintendent Colm Fox. The Special Criminal Court noted that the final report on Fox's death will be completed by the end of September. The trial, which had previously been delayed multiple times, is now scheduled to resume in three weeks. Patrick Hutch, aged 25, remains not guilty of the murder of David Byrne, aged 34, at the Regency Hotel on 5 February 2016, and denies possession of three AK47 assault rifles. The prosecution's case identifies Hutch as the man dressed as a woman who, while not shooting Byrne, was part of a shared intention to commit the offence. The court will list the matter for mention before the end of term.
The 18‑year‑old Ryan Bradley, youngest of three brothers, was acquitted by direction of the judge after a six‑week trial for his alleged involvement in the murder of Neil Reilly. The judge instructed the jury to enter a verdict of "not guilty by direction of the trial judge" for Bradley. The trial also continued for the other accused: Paul Bradley (54), Jason Bradley (20) and Dean Bradley (24). Jason was found to have inflicted fatal wounds on Reilly and may be convicted of murder or manslaughter depending on provocation. Dean was accused of running over Reilly in a BMW, with the jury to decide if it was an accident or deliberate. Paul was charged with joint enterprise, with conviction dependent on shared intent to kill or cause serious injury. The jury will consider all verdicts on Tuesday.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has viewed CCTV footage from Donegal Town showing a teenager accused of rape before and after the alleged offences on St Patrick's Day 2016. The accused, now 19, denies the charges relating to a 16-year-old girl. During cross-examination, defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC highlighted footage showing the pair walking together with their arms around each other beforehand, and later holding hands and kissing. He submitted their apparent comfort suggested consent. The complainant, now 18, testified she was in a state of shock and could not explain her actions afterwards. She acknowledged consuming significant alcohol that evening. The trial also heard evidence regarding an earlier incident at a house party and an inconsistency in her account to gardaí about a second vehicle at the scene. The complainant expressed difficulty recalling and articulating certain details. The trial before Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy continues.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the ongoing trial of Jonathan Hawthorn, James Geraghty, and Donal O'Ceallaigh, who have pleaded not guilty to alleged membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA. Detective Sergeant Brian Roberts testified that he prepared a controlled delivery package containing a non-functional, unearthed hand grenade wrapped with a child's playdough set. He stated he used clingfilm and pink wrapping paper to ensure the package appeared convincing for a covert operation. On September 14, 2016, a colleague in the Covert Operations Unit attempted delivery to the address associated with the defendants. While a signature for James Geraghty appeared on the documentation, the prosecution does not contend that Geraghty signed; rather, it alleges Hawthorn signed in Geraghty's name. The three-judge, non-jury court, presided over by Justice Isobel Kennedy with Judges Gerard Griffin and Gerard Haughton, heard that the investigation stemmed from a tip-off regarding Semtex. The trial continues on Monday.
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned a voir dire hearing to rule on the admissibility of DNA evidence in the trial of Jonathan Keogh, Regina Keogh, and Thomas Fox, who are accused of murdering Gareth Hutch. All three defendants, who have pleaded not guilty to the murder, face charges related to the May 24, 2016, shooting outside Avondale House in Dublin. Mr Fox has additionally denied unlawfully possessing a Makarov 9mm handgun. Defence counsel for Mr Keogh argued that DNA samples taken from him in October 2017 for a separate, unprosecuted offence should be inadmissible, claiming the State had no interest in prosecuting that matter. Prosecuting counsel countered that the investigation was bona fide and the samples were necessary to compare against a mixed DNA profile. The court also heard evidence regarding forensic examinations of vehicles, including a Honda Civic where Mr Keogh's fingerprints were found on a knife and other items, and a white van where Mr Fox's fingerprints were identified on a spray paint cap and plastic bag. The prosecution contends the killing was premeditated, with Mr Keogh and an accomplice acting as shooters, while Mr Fox and Ms Keogh planned the crime. The three-judge panel, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, will deliver its ruling on the DNA evidence's admissibility on Monday, after which the trial will continue.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Jason Bradley, aged 20, was found guilty of manslaughter rather than murder for the death of Neil Reilly, aged 36, at Esker Glebe, Lucan, on 18 January 2017. Bradley's defence argued that he lost all self‑control after being threatened by Reilly, who owed him €9,000 for drugs, and that the killings were a result of a chaotic confrontation. The prosecution maintained that Bradley intentionally inflicted multiple chop injuries and that the death was premeditated. The court considered Bradley's claim of provocation and the context of the night's events, including shots fired at the Bradley home and a subsequent car chase. The jury was instructed to weigh Bradley's state of mind and the lack of intent to kill, leading to the manslaughter verdict. The case also involved the Bradley family's defence of Paul Bradley, Dean Bradley, and Ryan Bradley, each facing separate charges related to the incident. Paul Bradley pleaded not guilty.
In a case pending in October, convicted murderer Graham Dwyer, who denies killing Ms Elaine O'Hara, seeks to have provisions of Ireland's 2011 Communications (Retention of Data) Act struck down. He argues that data from his work phone, which placed him at a specific location at a specific time and linked him to another mobile phone used to contact Ms O'Hara, was unlawfully used at his 2015 trial. Dwyer claims the Act violates his rights under the EU Charter and the European Convention on Human Rights, citing the European Court of Justice's 2014 and 2016 rulings that found a 2006 EU directive on data retention invalid. The State rejects his arguments, stating the application to exclude the data was dismissed by the trial judge and that such laws are essential for serious crime detection. After submissions by counsel for both parties, Mr Justice Tony O'Connor has reserved judgment, to be delivered in October.
An 18-year-old woman testified at the Central Criminal Court regarding allegations that she was raped in Donegal Town on March 18, 2016, following St Patrick's Day celebrations. The woman, who was 16 at the time of the alleged incident, described the assault occurring in a passage-way behind a building in the town. During cross-examination on the third day of trial, she became distressed while recounting details of the alleged offence. She stated that she had attempted to mentally distance herself from the experience. The accused, aged 19, has pleaded not guilty to one count of rape and one count of oral rape. The defence counsel questioned aspects of her recollection, including her consumption of approximately five vodkas, two cocktails, and a shot of sambuca consumed over two and a half hours. The woman confirmed she had reported the allegations to a family member three days after the incident. The trial before Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy and a jury continues.
During a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, Jason Bradley, aged 20, admitted that he inflicted chop wounds on the head, body and arms of Neil Reilly, 36, who died at Esker Glebe in Lucan on 18 January 2017. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis had previously explained that the chop injuries caused lacerations to Reilly's brain and severe damage to his back, shoulder and arms. Bradley's defence counsel, Michael Bowman SC, acknowledged Bradley's responsibility for the chop injuries. The trial also involved Paul Bradley, 54, and his sons Dean, 24, and Ryan, 18, all of whom pleaded not guilty to the murder. The prosecution, represented by Paul Murray SC, argued that the Bradleys had a joint agreement to murder Reilly, citing motives such as debt for drugs and a prior break‑in. The case remains at the trial stage, with the judge, Paul Coffey, presiding.
The trial of Regina Keogh, Thomas Fox, and Jonathan Keogh, who are accused of murdering Gareth Hutch, continued before a three-judge court. All three defendants have pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. Mr Fox has additionally denied unlawfully possessing a Makarov 9mm handgun. The prosecution alleges the killing was premeditated, with Mr Keogh threatening the victim the day before and acting as a shooter alongside an unidentified man, while Ms Keogh and Mr Fox were instrumental in planning. Evidence presented included testimony that Detective Sergeant Enda O'Sullivan seized earplugs from Mr Keogh during his extradition flight from the UK to obtain DNA evidence. Defence counsel argued the seizure was unlawful and breached constitutional rights, while the prosecution contended the earplugs were optional. The court reserved its decision on the admissibility of this evidence until Monday. The trial also heard that Mr Keogh booked a ferry to Scotland the day after Mr Hutch was fatally shot outside Avondale House flats. The matter remains ongoing, with the trial continuing before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, Judge Patricia Ryan, and Judge Michael Walsh.
In a High Court hearing, Tressa Donnelly Reeves, who had spent over five decades searching for her son, testified that a nun from St Patrick's Guild told her that adopted children, especially boys, "never want anything to do with their birth parents." Reeves, who gave birth to a boy named Andre in 1961, had him adopted by a family in Carlow and named Patrick Farrell. She claimed the adoption was unlawful and that St Patrick's Guild, run by Catholic nuns and the State, made false statements about Patrick's location and failed to provide her with information. The society denies the allegations, and the State says it is not liable. The court has allowed Reeves to continue presenting evidence, with a ruling on the application to strike out the claim pending. The case is set to proceed next week.
The prosecution finished presenting evidence in the trial of Paul Bradley (54) and his sons Jason (20), Dean (24) and Ryan (18), who deny murdering Neil Reilly (36) after he fired shots at their home. The prosecution alleged that Reilly fired two shots at the Bradley residence before 4 a.m., prompting a chase that ended with Reilly being beaten to death and run over by a car. A pathologist described chop wounds to Reilly's head, torso and limbs and crush injuries consistent with being run over. On the final day of evidence, the jury heard a text message from Bradley sent at 1:32 a.m. on 19 January 2017, stating, "I ran after him with his gun, I got him with no gun." The prosecution also presented testimony that Bradley had sought advice about a son's drug dealing, and that police found no knife or implement that could have caused Reilly's injuries. Paul Bradley pleaded not guilty.
A trial at the Central Criminal Court concerning charges of rape and sexual assault allegedly committed in County Donegal in March 2016 has entered legal argument, with jury proceedings temporarily suspended. The accused, now aged 19, denies one count of rape and one of sexual assault involving a 16-year-old girl. The alleged incident occurred following St Patrick's Day celebrations in a Donegal town after the pair met at a takeaway. During evidence, the complainant described consuming several alcoholic drinks that evening and stated the accused suggested a walk, after which the alleged offences took place behind a nearby building. The court heard testimony regarding text messages the girl sent to a friend during the incident. The trial before Justice Deirdre Murphy is expected to resume with jury evidence tomorrow afternoon.
Gardai arrested three men – Jonathan Hawthorn (45), James Geraghty (61) and Donal O'Ceallaigh (33) – on suspicion of membership in the Irish Republican Army (IRA). The arrests followed a tip from an undercover FBI agent who had been monitoring the darknet, where a user named Meat Cleaver sought Semtex to be sent to Ireland. The FBI agent received the request via AlphaBay and identified Geraghty's Dolphin House as the delivery address. A mock‑package was sent to Dolphin House by a garda posing as a DHL driver. Hawthorn signed for the package in Geraghty's name, and the garda later arrested Hawthorn at St James's Hospital. O'Ceallaigh was arrested on St James's Street, and Geraghty was taken into custody shortly thereafter. The men pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation.
A trial began at the Central Criminal Court on charges arising from an alleged rape in County Donegal in March 2016. The complainant, now aged 18, gave evidence that she was assaulted by a schoolmate she had met in a town centre takeaway after St Patrick's Day celebrations when she was 16. She described being persuaded into a secluded area where she said she was sexually assaulted and subsequently raped despite repeated refusals. The court heard text messages she sent to a friend immediately after the alleged incident, including "help help please" and reports of blood on her person. The accused man, aged 19, has pleaded not guilty to one count of rape and one count of sexual assault. Justice Deirdre Murphy cautioned jurors against conducting independent online searches or discussing the case publicly. The trial is expected to continue until mid-week.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the ongoing trial of Jonathan Keogh, Thomas Fox, and Regina Keogh, all of whom have pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Gareth Hutch. Mr. Fox also faces a charge of unlawfully possessing a Makarov 9 mm handgun, which he denies. The prosecution alleges the killing was premeditated, with Ms. Keogh instrumental in planning the attack by encouraging witness Mary McDonnell to allow the accused to use her flat as a base. Ms. Keogh denied involvement, stating she did not hold the guns or plan the shooting. She testified that her brother, Mr. Keogh, told her people were blaming him for the incident. The court heard that Mr. Hutch was shot dead outside Avondale House on May 24, 2016, dying from four gunshot injuries. Prosecution counsel described the act as a "brutal and callous murder" involving significant planning. The trial continues before Mr. Justice Tony Hunt, sitting with Judges Patricia Ryan and Michael Walsh.
In the Central Criminal Court, Dean Bradley, aged 24, admitted that he was driving a BMW that struck and ran over Neil Reilly, who was already on the ground, at Esker Glebe in Lucan on 18 January 2017. His father, Paul Bradley, 54, and brothers Jason, 20, and Ryan, 18, also pleaded not guilty to Reilly's murder. Paul Bradley admitted driving a Mercedes jeep that followed Reilly's Mazda and that his jeep crashed into the Mazda. He then exited the jeep and kicked Reilly, who was involved in an altercation with Jason Bradley. Paul Bradley also admitted that Reilly's blood was on his boots and trouser leg and that Reilly's phone was found in his jeep. The prosecution alleges the Bradley men chased and murdered Reilly after he fired two shots at their home around 4 a.m. The jury heard that Reilly had multiple chop wounds and injuries consistent with being run over.
The trial of a 28‑year‑old African national accused of intentionally or recklessly infecting two women with HIV has been adjourned until next Monday. The State alleges the defendant knew his HIV status when he infected the women, constituting serious harm. He pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for causing serious harm to two former partners between November 2009 and June 2010. Judge Martin Nolan informed a jury of nine women and three men that an issue had arisen, delaying the case, and instructed them to return next Monday for the trial to resume.
A trial has begun at the Central Criminal Court concerning allegations of rape and sexual assault following an incident in Co Donegal on St Patrick's Day 2016. The accused teenager, now aged 19, has denied one charge of rape and one of sexual assault against a 16-year-old girl. The court heard the pair met at a takeaway premises in a Co Donegal town after the complainant had socialised with friends earlier that evening. According to the prosecution opening, the alleged assault occurred behind a nearby building. The State's case will rely on CCTV footage, forensic evidence including DNA recovered from clothing and a condom, and testimony from the complainant and witnesses. The jury was cautioned against conducting independent online research or discussing the case on social media. The trial is expected to conclude mid-week.
A High Court trial has commenced regarding a damages claim by Tressa Donnelly and her son, Patrick Farrell, against St Patrick's Guild (Incorporated) and the Attorney General. The plaintiffs allege Farrell was illegally adopted in 1961 without legal safeguards and that the defendants made false misrepresentations about his whereabouts, delaying their reunion until 2013. Donnelly claims she was brushed off by the agency, while Farrell alleges his constitutional rights were breached and he suffered violence from his adoptive father. The defendants deny all allegations, with the State asserting it is a stranger to the claims. The matter is currently at the trial stage and has not been finalised; the case continues.