During the Central Criminal Court trial of 35‑year‑old Jason O'Driscoll, Crystal Jackson, the former partner of Joseph Redmond, testified that on 7 March 2012 she and Redmond were trying to sell a black 2011 Volkswagen Golf. She said Redmond had mentioned the car to O'Driscoll, who was then in the house. Jackson recounted that Redmond and O'Driscoll discussed the price, with O'Driscoll offering €700 and Redmond proposing €1,000. She described how Redmond and Anthony Burnett, a 31‑year‑old "small‑time criminal", agreed to take the car if O'Driscoll came. Jackson noted that the two men left the house around 8:30 pm, after Redmond had called O'Driscoll to arrange the sale. She also mentioned that the Gardaí had warned Redmond of a threat to his life 18 months earlier. The trial continues with legal arguments before Mr Justice Michael White, and the jury will reconvene on Monday. Jason O'Driscoll pleaded not guilty.
During the trial of Paul Bradley (54) and his sons Dean (24), Jason (20) and Ryan (18) for the murder of Neil Reilly, witness Graham Hynes denied telling a garda that he knew of a plan to "blast" the Bradley home or that there would be retaliation against the Bradley family. Hynes said he met Reilly in prison and reconnected in late 2016, but he denied any such statements to the police. The Bradleys remain not guilty and the trial continues before Justice Paul Coffey with a jury of eleven.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, the panel of Judges Tony Hunt, Patricia Ryan and Michael Walsh announced that they would not deliver a verdict in the murder case of Frederick 'Freddie' Thompson until 1 October, despite an earlier expectation of a July 24 decision. Judge Hunt explained that the case was complex and the court had been continuously in session, leading to the delay. Thompson, 37, residing on Loreto Road, Maryland, Dublin, pleaded not guilty to the murder of David Douglas, who was shot six times on 1 July 2016 at Shoestown shop on Bridgefoot Street. The prosecution did not allege Thompson fired the shots but presented evidence that his DNA was found in two 'spotter' cars and that CCTV footage identified him as a driver.
A 28‑year‑old African national is on trial in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to two former partners by infecting them with HIV. He pleaded not guilty. The State alleges he was aware of his HIV diagnosis when he infected the women, which the prosecution claims caused serious harm. The defendant told Gardaí that he did not intentionally have unprotected sex; he said the encounters occurred while they were drunk. He admitted to having unprotected sex with both women in 2010, but denied deliberately trying to get them pregnant. He claimed he could not remember whether he had disclosed his HIV status to either woman before they became pregnant. The trial is ongoing before Judge Martin Nolan and a jury of nine women and three men. The case is still at the trial stage.
In the Central Criminal Court, Denise Burnett, sister of Anthony Burnett, gave emotional testimony about her brother, who was 31 when he was murdered in March 2012. She recalled that he would have celebrated his birthday on March 15 and that he had nicknames "Freaky" and "GTI" because of his interest in cars, which she explained involved robbing them. Burnett said Anthony had received compensation for a prior incident in Oberstown and had bought an apartment in Turkey. She described a phone call from Joseph Redmond on the evening of the disappearance, during which Redmond mentioned traveling to Dundalk or Newry to sell a car for €700 or €1,000. The trial of Jason O'Driscoll, 35, accused of murdering Anthony and 25‑year‑old Joseph Redmond, continues with a jury of five women and seven men. The case remains at the evidence stage. Jason O'Driscoll pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the fifth week of the 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. Fox, 31, also denies unlawfully possessing a Makarov 9mm handgun. The prosecution alleges the killing was premeditated, with Fox and Keogh instrumental in planning it, while Jonathan Keogh and another man were the shooters. Evidence presented included testimony that Fox was found unresponsive in his cell at Mountjoy Garda Station on May 28, 2016, with a ligature around his neck. He was treated at Mater Hospital and discharged later that day. Regina Keogh, 41, denied involvement in the murder during interviews, stating she had no part in it and did not believe her brother was a shooter. She also denied providing rubber gloves to a key prosecution witness, Mary McDonnell, who has been granted immunity. The court heard that the Hutch family was feared by the accused. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, sitting with Judges Patricia Ryan and Michael Walsh.
During the trial, Dr Killian McGrogan, a GP, testified that the accused, a 27‑year‑old African national, was not surprised by his positive HIV diagnosis in March 2008. McGrogan read notes from the consultation, noting the accused was informed about transmission and treatment options. The accused, who pleaded not guilty, is charged with intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to two former partners between November 2009 and June 2010. Dr McGrogan also explained that the accused would need specialist care and later wrote a referral letter confirming his HIV status. Specialist Dr John Lambert confirmed that the accused, the complainants, and an African HIV strain were all infected, and that the accused had a positive viral load in 2010, making him infectious. The trial is ongoing before Judge Martin Nolan and a jury.
The Special Criminal Court heard further evidence in the 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, who also denies unlawfully possessing a Makarov 9mm handgun, testified that he was coerced into involvement, stating a gun was "pushed into" his hand and that Mr Keogh threatened him. The prosecution contends the killing was premeditated, with Mr Keogh and an accomplice identified as Mr AB acting as shooters, while Mr Fox and Ms Keogh were instrumental in planning. Evidence presented included transcripts of Mr Fox's garda interviews, where he claimed he was "smack-bang" in the middle of the event due to pressure from "someone." The court also heard that Mr Fox's DNA was found on a jerrycan recovered from a black BMW parked near the crime scene, though he denied placing it there or providing it for the vehicle's destruction. Additionally, Mr Fox denied spray-painting the BMW's windows despite his fingerprints being on a paint tin. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt and two other judges, continues on Monday.
Sabrina O'Connor, a former care worker aged 37, was acquitted on ten charges of theft and deception after a jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court found her not guilty. The case involved allegations that she stole over €43,000 from an elderly stroke victim she cared for between June 2010 and December 2011. The jury could not reach verdicts on three counts and remanded her on continuing bail until July 9 to address those charges. O'Connor admitted that accepting money from a client was against her work policy and said she had been under pressure. She claimed she had attempted to repay the largest sum of €15,000 but the victim said the money was "in custody." The judge ordered that sum to be paid back to the complainant. The trial also covered allegations of bank account theft, use of cheques, and a vehicle purchase, but these were not resolved in the verdict.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a 35‑year‑old Dublin man, Jason O'Driscoll, faced charges of murdering two fellow Dubliners, Anthony Burnett, 31, and Joseph Redmond, 25, on 7 March 2012 in County Louth. O'Driscoll pleaded not guilty to both counts. The court heard evidence from Deputy State Pathologist Dr Khalid Jaber, who examined the charred remains of the victims found in a burning car six years earlier. Dr Jaber reported that both men died from gunshot wounds to the head, with cyanide poisoning identified as a secondary cause in Redmond's case, likely resulting from the vehicle's combustion. He noted that each victim had been struck by two bullets, and that heat had fractured several bones, obscuring some features. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Michael White, will continue with a jury of five women and seven men, who will be instructed to rely on circumstantial evidence to determine guilt.
The jury in the trial of former care worker Sabrina O'Connor, aged 37, will enter its third day of deliberations at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. O'Connor denies 13 theft counts and one deception count relating to alleged theft of over €43,000 from an elderly stroke victim between 2010 and 2011. The prosecution claims the largest sum stolen was €15,000, used to secure a house option, and that O'Connor also stole an €8,500 bank draft to purchase a Land Rover. Evidence shows she used 11 cheques, ranging from €1,000 to €2,500, totalling €20,100, to withdraw money from the victim's account for her own benefit. The victim, who suffered a stroke, said O'Connor had access to her account and that O'Connor had claimed gifts of €8,000, €10,000, and a €15,000 loan for a house deposit, which she has not repaid.
The trial of a 27‑year‑old African man accused of infecting two former partners with HIV continues in legal argument before Judge Martin Nolan and a jury of eight men and four women. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to the two women between November 2009 and June 2010. Prosecution counsel Dominic McGinn SC argued that the accused was aware of his HIV diagnosis when he infected the women, constituting serious harm. The accused's ex‑wife testified that he was not shocked by her diagnosis after routine hospital tests and that he had agreed to use a condom at first intercourse but did not wear one. Another ex‑partner claimed the accused blamed her HIV test result on her and removed a condom during their first sexual encounter. The woman described the act as "very sneaky" and noted that subsequent encounters involved no contraception.
In a trial at the Central Criminal Court, a 35‑year‑old Dublin man, Jason O'Driscoll, is charged with murdering two men, Anthony Burnett (31) and Joseph Redmond (25), on 7 March 2012 in County Louth. He pleaded not guilty. Firefighters Stephen Hoey and Vincent McGuinness testified that after extinguishing a car fire at Ravensdale Park, they found a badly cracked skull and a ribcage in the driver's seat, and a second skull in the footwell. Constable Niamh Mulholland described pursuing a silver 07 D Mercedes that night, noting two male occupants and a driver who made eye contact with police before the vehicle fled. The case is set to continue before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury of five women and seven men.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the 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. Additionally, Mr. Fox has denied unlawfully possessing a Makarov 9 mm handgun on May 23, 2016. The prosecution alleges that Mr. Fox was instrumental in planning the killing, which occurred on May 24, 2016, outside Avondale House in Dublin. Mr. Hutch died from four gunshot injuries. During testimony, Mr. Fox stated he went to Mountjoy Garda Station to clear his name, claiming he had no involvement in the Hutch/Kinahan feud. He denied pulling the trigger or sourcing weapons, asserting he was merely trying to distance himself from co-accused Jonathan Keogh after learning of a threat on his life. The court heard details from seven of nine garda interviews, where Mr. Fox described his relationship with Mr. Keogh and his presence near the scene. The trial continues tomorrow with the remainder of Mr. Fox's interviews.
The trial of Sabrina O'Connor, a former care worker, is in its final stage at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. She denies 13 theft counts and one deception charge relating to an elderly stroke victim between 2010 and 2011. On day six, the jury of twelve members had deliberated for just over an hour before Judge Karen O'Connor suspended the session for the evening, with deliberations to resume tomorrow.
In the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, a 27‑year‑old African national accused of infecting two women with HIV is on trial. A witness, who met the accused at an HIV clinic around 2008‑2009, testified that he followed her there and asked her not to disclose his diagnosis. She confirmed she had met him in 2010 and had known him since 2008. The accused, who pleaded not guilty, is charged with intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to the women between November 2009 and June 2010. On day three, the second complainant testified that she began a relationship with him in 2009, that he removed a condom during their first intercourse, and that they had frequent sex in hotels without contraception. She disclosed that she was diagnosed with HIV in 2010 after abdominal pain led to testing.
In a 2018 Central Criminal Court hearing, Detective Sergeant Shane Curran testified about discovering two adult male bodies fused together in a burnt-out car in Ravensdale Park, Louth, on the night of March 7 2012. He described the driver's seat body as slumped out the door, with the passenger's body partially fused across it. Curran and colleagues carefully separated the remains, designating them as Body A (passenger) and Body B (driver). He noted that two badly damaged bullets were recovered from each head area, each fragmented into multiple pieces. DNA analysis later identified Body A as 31‑year‑old Anthony Burnett and Body B as 25‑year‑old Joseph Redmond, using samples from their mothers. The testimony was part of the trial of 34‑year‑old Jason O'Driscoll, who pleaded not guilty to the murders of the two men. The case was set to continue before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury.
During the murder trial of 34‑year‑old Jason O'Driscoll, a witness named Ms. Reynolds testified that she saw a burning car near Ravensdale Park, Dundalk, six years earlier. She described a glow, flames, and a body slumped over the steering wheel, which she later learned was just the seat. Ms. Reynolds called the fire brigade at 10.52 pm; by the time they arrived, the flames were out and she heard explosions. The prosecution, represented by Alexander Owens SC, argued that circumstantial evidence was sufficient to convict O'Driscoll of murdering 31‑year‑old Anthony Burnett and 25‑year‑old Joseph Redmond on 7 March 2012. Owens claimed O'Driscoll was a knowing participant in the killings, though he did not assert that O'Driscoll fired the gun. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Michael White, is expected to last up to five weeks. Jason O'Driscoll pleaded not guilty.
Sabrina O'Connor, 37, pleaded not guilty to 13 theft charges and one deception charge in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. She admitted that while caring for a stroke‑victim client she sometimes withdrew money from the client's account, presented a cheque to the bank, and received cash in an envelope. She also claimed that the client gave her €8,000 as a gift to buy a car and later loaned €15,000 for a house deposit, which she said she had not yet repaid. O'Connor said she accepted the money to keep the client happy and was afraid of losing her job, so she did not inform her employers. The trial, presided over by Judge Karen O'Connor, is in its closing stages. The prosecution, led by Noel Devitt BL, questioned her about the nature of the cheques and her failure to report the transactions to the Gardaí.
The former wife of a man accused of infecting her with HIV has admitted under cross‑examination that she had sex with him in a hotel in May of the previous year. She had initially denied this but, after a court break, accepted that she met the accused, a 27‑year‑old, and had sex with him at that location. She also conceded that she might have had sex with him on two other occasions in 2016, though she denied it. She told the jury that she became pregnant soon after starting a relationship with the accused in early 2010 and discovered she was HIV positive following routine hospital tests. She said the accused had agreed to use a condom the first time they had sex, but after intercourse on this occasion she noticed he was not wearing one. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.
In a Central Criminal Court trial, a 34‑year‑old Dublin man, Jason O'Driscoll, faces charges of murdering two fellow Dubliners, 31‑year‑old Anthony Burnett and 25‑year‑old Joseph Redmond, on 7 March 2012 in County Louth. O'Driscoll has pleaded not guilty to both murders. Prosecutor Alexander Owens SC argued that circumstantial evidence was sufficient to prove O'Driscoll's guilt as a knowing participant in the killings, though not necessarily the shooter. The case is before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of five women and seven men.
During the Special Criminal Court hearing, a ballistics expert confirmed that all discharged bullets found at the Avondale House carpark, where 36‑year‑old Gareth Hutch was shot dead on 24 May 2016, originated from a single Makarov 9 mm handgun. The expert noted that a second Makarov handgun, also found at the scene, was not used. The first handgun had no safety engaged, an empty magazine, and a capacity of eight rounds; the second was loaded with six rounds, had its safety engaged, and a magazine capacity of eight. The expert also collected swabs from the car, clothing, and other items linked to the accused. The prosecution maintains that the murder was pre‑planned, with Thomas Fox, Regina Keogh, and Jonathan Keogh each playing a role, and that the shooting was carried out by Keogh and another man. The trial continues before the three‑judge panel. Thomas Fox pleaded not guilty. Regina Keogh pleaded not guilty. Jonathan Keogh pleaded not guilty.
In the Special Criminal Court, a key witness, Mary McDonnell, testified that she did not understand the seriousness of her situation when she made a statement to Gardaí about the fatal shooting of Gareth Hutch. McDonnell, who was initially charged with withholding information, had that charge dropped and was granted immunity. She made a voluntary statement on 25 May 2016, implicating Thomas Fox, Regina Keogh, and Michael Keogh in Hutch's murder. Gardaí expressed concerns for her safety, and she and her daughters were taken to Mountjoy Garda Station. McDonnell exercised her right to silence for three days. The court heard that her statement provided "very fruitful" information that significantly advanced the investigation. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, with Judges Patricia Ryan and Michael Walsh presiding. Thomas Fox pleaded not guilty. Regina Keogh pleaded not guilty.
A 27‑year‑old man has gone on trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on charges of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to two former girlfriends by infecting them with HIV. The prosecution, represented by Dominic McGinn SC, alleges that the defendant was aware of his HIV diagnosis from March 2008 and failed to disclose this to either woman, thereby infecting them during unprotected sex. The case covers dates between November 2009 and June 2010. McGinn presented evidence that no condoms or barrier protection were used, that one complainant became pregnant and was diagnosed with HIV after a standard screening in early 2010, and that the second complainant was diagnosed in June 2010. He also noted that the defendant had babies with both women, but the children did not contract the virus. The trial is scheduled to last seven days. The defendant has pleaded not guilty.
In the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Bridget O'Neill, a professional carer, testified that she noticed an unusually high number of transactions on the bank statement of an elderly stroke victim she cared for. O'Neill, who worked for the same company as the defendant, described feeling uneasy after reviewing the statement, noting that the number of transactions exceeded what would normally be expected. She explained that the victim was physically disabled and dependent on her for daily care, including food, laundry, and even playing Lotto. O'Neill also revealed that the victim had gifted her €5,000 and €3,000 on separate occasions, and that the victim had loaned money to the accused. The trial, presided over by Judge Karen O'Connor, continues with a jury of twelve. The defendant, Sabrina O'Connor, has pleaded not guilty to 13 theft charges and one deception charge.
In the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Michael Lowry, a 64‑year‑old TD from Tipperary, pleaded not guilty to four charges of filing incorrect tax returns and one charge of failing to keep proper accounts for the period 2002‑2007, relating to a £248,624 commission received by his company Garuda Ltd from Norpe OY. He also pleaded not guilty on behalf of Garuda Ltd to three similar tax charges and one accounts charge. The prosecution alleged that Lowry arranged for the payment to be made to a third party in the Isle of Man, omitted it from the company's 2002 accounts, and later falsified the accounts in 2007 to record the payment as received in 2006. The judge instructed the jury to determine whether Lowry had knowledge of the omission and falsification, and to deliver separate verdicts for Lowry and for Garuda Ltd. The jury was instructed to return on Monday to continue deliberations.
An elderly stroke victim, who is the complainant, told the court that she was very annoyed that her money was gone. She alleged that her former carer, Sabrina O'Connor, stole thousands of euros from her bank account over a period of two years. The complainant denied that a female friend assisted her memory when she made her statement to the Gardaí. She said she had lent O'Connor money after the defendant claimed she needed an operation on her leg, and that O'Connor had not repaid her. The prosecution alleged that O'Connor stole a €15,000 bank draft used to secure a house option, a €8,500 draft used to buy a Land Rover, and used cheques to take money from the complainant's account for her own benefit. The trial is before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury. Sabrina O'Connor pleaded not guilty.
During a Special Criminal Court hearing, Denise King, former partner of Jonathan Keogh, testified that Keogh swore on their baby's life that he did not shoot Gareth Hutch. King said Keogh, who feared for his safety, often stayed at her flat and that she had received a message from him asking to stay the night before Hutch's murder. She described how Keogh later sent an envelope of €2,000 to her, which she counted. King also recounted that Keogh had threatened to kill Hutch the evening before the shooting and that he and others were involved in planning the murder. The prosecution argued the killing was pre‑meditated and that Keogh, Thomas Fox and Regina Keogh each had a role. The trial was set to continue before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and two other judges. Gareth Hutch pleaded not guilty. Thomas Fox pleaded not guilty. Regina Keogh pleaded not guilty.
In the trial of Independent TD Michael Lowry, the State alleges that his company, Garuda Ltd, received €372,000 in commission from Norpe OY in August 2002, which was routed to a third party in the Isle of Man and omitted from the 2002 accounts. The prosecution claims the accounts were falsified in 2007 to record the payment as received in 2006. Remy Farrell SC urged the jury to view the series of alleged mis‑reporting as a "tragic series of unfortunate events" and suggested that Lowry deliberately concealed the transaction to avoid corporation tax and to protect the company from insolvency. Patrick Treacy SC defended Lowry, noting that a charge of an incorrect income tax return was dropped and that the case centred on alleged misfiling of an invoice rather than fraud. The trial, presided over by Judge Martin Nolan, continues with a jury of eleven.
The Special Criminal Court trial of Thomas Fox, Regina Keogh, and Jonathan Keogh, who have all pleaded not guilty to the murder of Gareth Hutch, heard evidence from witness Jessica McDonnell. Ms McDonnell, whose mother Mary McDonnell was granted immunity after a charge of withholding information was dropped, testified that she never had a one-on-one conversation with Mr Keogh. Although she initially told gardaí she recognized his voice on the morning of the May 24, 2016 shooting, she stated under cross-examination that she was tired and had limited prior interaction with him. The court ruled her statement to gardaí admissible. The prosecution alleges the killing was premeditated, contending that Mr Keogh threatened the victim the previous evening, while Mr Fox and Ms Keogh planned the attack. Mr Fox also faces a charge of unlawfully possessing a Makarov 9mm handgun, which he denies. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, sitting with Judges Patricia Ryan and Michael Walsh.
The murder trial of Paul Bradley (54) and his sons Jason (20), Dean (24), and Ryan (18) continues before Justice Paul Coffey and a jury. The defendants, of Liscarne Gardens, Dublin 22, have pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Neil Reilly (36) at Esker Glebe in Lucan, Dublin, on January 18, 2017. Prosecution witness Danielle Cusack, a veterinary student, testified that she saw a car drive over Mr. Reilly three times. She alleged that on the second occasion, two men held him up before releasing him as the vehicle reversed into him. Defence counsel for Ryan Bradley, Caroline Biggs SC, challenged this account, noting that no other witness observed the incident and that CCTV footage suggested the car was present for only about 20 seconds. Ms. Cusack maintained her testimony, stating she was not mistaken and had delayed giving a full statement to gardai until August 2017 due to her final exams. She acknowledged omitting the detail about being held up from her initial written account but insisted she was telling the truth. The trial is ongoing, with the matter not yet finalised.
The third re-trial of a Cavan childminder accused of causing serious harm to a baby has collapsed at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Sandra Higgins, aged 37 of The Beeches, Drumgola Wood, Cavan, had pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to a baby girl at her home on 28 March 2012. The State alleged the child's injuries, which included head and facial bruising, brain bleeding and detached retinas, were inflicted by Ms Higgins. Judge Pauline Codd found that undisclosed email communications between expert witnesses had not been passed to the defence, potentially hampering adequate trial preparation. The judge ruled a fair trial could not be assured and discharged the jury. Ms Higgins was remanded on continuing bail pending a mention date in July. The Director of Public Prosecutions will determine whether to pursue the matter further.
Three judges of the Special Criminal Court have retired to consider their verdicts in a trial involving five defendants accused of IRA membership and related offences. The State's case relies on recordings from bugs in a Dublin house where an alleged IRA inquiry was held, and on belief evidence from Detective Chief Superintendent Anthony Howard, who claimed privilege over the material. Defence counsel argued that the belief evidence was untested, that the State had not called expert voice‑recognition evidence, and that the privilege claim weakened the prosecution's case. Each defendant—David Nooney, Seán Hannaway, Edward O'Brien, Kevin Hannaway, and Eva Shannon—pleaded not guilty to membership or assistance charges. The judges will announce their decision on 29 June, with the trial stage remaining a verdict‑making hearing rather than a sentencing or appeal proceeding.
The murder trial of Paul Bradley (54) and his sons Jason (20), Dean (24), and Ryan (18) is ongoing before Justice Paul Coffey and a jury. All four defendants have pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Neil Reilly (36) at Esker Glebe in Lucan, Dublin, on January 18, 2017. Witness Danielle Cusack, a veterinary surgeon, testified that she observed the deceased being repeatedly run over by a car and attacked by two or three men. She described seeing the driver reverse over Mr. Reilly while two men held him, followed by a third pass. Ms. Cusack stated she administered the Act of Contrition to the dying man, who repeatedly said, "I'm sorry. I'm ready to go now. I have to go." During cross-examination, defence counsel for Jason Bradley questioned discrepancies between her court testimony and a prior written account regarding the men holding the victim. Ms. Cusack maintained her court evidence was a full and honest account. The matter was adjourned, with Ms. Cusack scheduled to continue cross-examination the following day.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the ongoing trial of Thomas Fox, Regina Keogh, and Mr Keogh, who have all pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Gareth Hutch. Mr Hutch was shot dead outside Avondale House flats in Dublin on May 24, 2016. The prosecution alleges the killing was premeditated, with Mr Keogh threatening the victim the previous evening and Fox and Keogh planning the attack. During cross-examination, Detective Sergeant Enda O'Sullivan testified that key witness Mary McDonnell was not threatened or offered inducements when she provided a voluntary statement to gardaí. He denied that gardaí recommended McDonnell be charged with murder, clarifying that she was originally charged with withholding information, a charge later dropped in exchange for immunity. O'Sullivan stated that McDonnell was considered a facilitator rather than a principal offender. The court ruled that part of the garda investigation file, regarding recommendations to the DPP, should be made available to the defense. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, sitting with Judges Patricia Ryan and Michael Walsh.
In August 2002, Michael Lowry instructed his long‑time political secretary, Aileen Dempsey, to oversee a £250,000 payment to Kevin Phelan for a property deal. Dempsey, employed by Lowry for 30 years and paid by the Oireachtas, worked from Lowry's company office, Garuda Ltd, trading as Streamline Enterprises. She relayed Lowry's instructions to raise an invoice from Streamline for the amount and to ensure the payment was made to Phelan. Lowry claimed he had "cleared" the transfer with the CEO of Norpe OY, a Finnish refrigeration company, and that the invoice should come from Phelan or his company. Dempsey later confirmed she stored the invoice and related documents, and that she had not been told to keep the transaction confidential. She also noted that in 2007 she produced a letter on Streamline paper, signed by Lowry, detailing a commission of €372,000 for Garuda, but she did not connect this with the £250,000 payment.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Judge Martin Nolan directed that Independent TD Michael Lowry be found not guilty on a charge of delivering an incorrect income tax return for 2002. The charge, alleging that Lowry knowingly submitted a return omitting €372,000 received by his company Garuda Ltd, was withdrawn. The judge agreed with the defence that the State had not opposed a direction of not guilty. Eight other charges relating to Garuda Ltd's corporation tax filings for 2002 and 2006 remain pending before the jury. Lowry, aged 64, had pleaded not guilty to four charges of filing incorrect tax returns between August 2002 and August 2007, and to a charge of failing to keep proper accounts for the same period. The case continues with the remaining counts awaiting jury deliberation.
The murder trial of Paul Bradley, Dean Bradley, Jason Bradley, and Ryan Bradley is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court before Justice Paul Coffey and a jury. The four defendants, from Liscarne Gardens, Dublin 22, have all pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Neil Reilly (36) at Esker Glebe in Lucan, Dublin, on January 18, 2017. During testimony, witness Danielle Cusack told the jury that she observed Mr. Reilly staggering in the road before a car struck him. She reported hearing the men laughing after the initial impact. Ms. Cusack stated that two or three men then attacked the deceased. She described hearing the car screech in reverse and observed two men holding Mr. Reilly up by the arms. According to her evidence, they let him go at the last second, allowing the car to drive over him again. The prosecution, led by Paul Murray SC, presented this account to the court. The matter remains at the trial stage, with no findings, sentences, or finalisations recorded. Ms. Cusack was scheduled to continue her evidence later in the day. The report attributes these actions to the accused based on witness testimony, and the charges remain alleged or contested.
Sabrina O'Connor, 37, of The Green, Dunboyne Castle, Dunboyne, is on trial in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for 13 theft charges and one deception charge relating to an elderly stroke victim she cared for. The prosecution, led by Noel Devitt BL, alleges that O'Connor accessed the victim's bank account and stole €15,000 and €8,500 bank drafts, using them to secure a house option and purchase a Land Rover. She is also accused of taking money via cheques, spending it for her own benefit, and buying food and paying bills with the victim's bank cards. The victim, who had her cheque book in an unlocked drawer, claims she never authorized these withdrawals and has no recollection of them. The trial is set to continue on Thursday before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury of twelve. Sabrina O'Connor pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court trial of Thomas Fox, Regina Keogh, and Jonathan Keogh for the alleged murder of Gareth Hutch continues. All three defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charge of murdering Mr Hutch, who was shot dead outside Avondale House flats in Dublin on May 24, 2016. Fox has additionally denied unlawfully possessing a Makarov 9 mm handgun. The prosecution alleges the killing was premeditated, with Mr Keogh threatening the victim the previous evening, while Fox and Keogh are accused of planning the crime. Mr Keogh and an accomplice are alleged to have been the shooters. Detective Sergeant Enda O'Sullivan testified regarding a protected witness, Mary McDonnell, whose statement he described as "explosive" and "unbelievable." He stated that gardaí became immediately concerned for the safety of McDonnell and her twin daughters after she provided the statement in her flat. O'Sullivan explained that McDonnell was not treated as a suspect at the time, despite CCTV footage showing suspects entering her apartment. He noted that no notes were taken during a preliminary conversation before the formal statement was recorded. The defence cross-examined the witness on procedural matters, including the decision not to arrest McDonnell. The trial is ongoing and has not been finalised.
In the trial of independent TD Michael Lowry, the jury heard that Lowry denied at a prior hearing that he had deliberately hidden a 2002 commission payment of £248,624 (€372,000) from his auditors. The State alleges that Lowry arranged for the payment to be made to a third party in the Isle of Man, so it did not appear in Garuda Ltd's 2002 accounts and was not declared as income. The accounts were later falsified in 2007 to show the payment as received in 2006. Lowry testified that the sum was a director's loan repayment, not a salary, and that he corrected the accounts in 2006 after discovering the omission. The appeals commission found insufficient evidence to treat the €372,000 as an emolument, reducing the tax assessment to nil for both Lowry and Garuda. The case continues before Judge Martin Nolan without a jury. Td Michael Lowry pleaded not guilty.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, a prosecutor presented audio recordings from a bugged Dublin house, claiming they proved an IRA inquiry took place on 7–8 August 2015. The recordings allegedly captured four accused—David Nooney, Kevin Hannaway, Seán Hannaway and Eva Shannon—conversing about the inquiry. The prosecutor argued the voices were identifiable and that the term "IRA" appeared repeatedly, supporting the claim of an unlawful organization. Defence counsel challenged the authenticity of the recordings, noting the lack of expert testimony, possible editing, and unclear voice identification. They also questioned the prosecution's assertion that IRA activity is automatically unlawful, citing examples of decommissioning and political aims. The accused pleaded not guilty to membership and assistance charges, and the court was instructed to consider the evidence as reliable. The case remains at the hearing stage.
In the Special Criminal Court, three Dubliners—Thomas Fox, Regina Keogh and Mr Keogh—are on trial for the murder of 36‑year‑old Gareth Hutch, nephew of Gerry "the Monk" Hutch. Hutch was shot dead on 24 May 2016 outside Avondale House flats on North Cumberland Street, sustaining four gunshot wounds. The defendants have pleaded not guilty. Fox also denies unlawfully possessing a Makarov 9 mm handgun on 23 May 2016. The court will decide on Thursday whether a statement made by Jessica McDonnell, daughter of key witness Mary McDonnell, is admissible. McDonnell, 19, gave video‑link evidence that she did not recall telling Gardaí she heard Mr Keogh in her mother's flat on the morning of the killing, though she admitted recognising one voice as Mr Keogh in a statement to Gardaí at Mountjoy Garda Station on 25 May 2016.
During the murder trial of Paul Bradley and his sons, witness Brenda O'Connell testified that she heard bones crunching and the victim's groans as a black car drove over the body twice. She described the car moving slowly, reversing, and then driving over the man again, noting there was no hurry. Another witness, Colin Dardis, recounted seeing a jeep and a dark‑coloured car involved in the incident, with the car striking the victim and then reversing before driving over him a second time. Defence counsel argued that the car had driven at speed and collided with the deceased, but the witness disagreed. The trial, presided over by Justice Paul Coffey, continues with a jury of twelve. Paul Bradley pleaded not guilty.
The trial of Independent TD Michael Lowry heard that Revenue officers, led by inspector Shelia Hanley, raided his home on 23 July 2013 under a search warrant. Hanley described encountering a woman in the house who was startled but not crying, and that she and colleagues entered through an open back door after ringing the bell and calling Lowry's mobile. She confirmed that Lowry's clothes were searched, though she could not confirm underpants, and that a small sheaf of documents was recovered but deemed not evidential. The court also heard Lowry's earlier testimony about a £248,624 commission from Norpe OY in 2002, alleged to have been diverted to a third party and later mis‑recorded in company accounts. Lowry, aged 64, pleaded not guilty to four charges of filing incorrect tax returns and one charge of failing to keep proper accounts, and his company faced similar charges. The case continues before Judge Martin Nolan and a jury.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the trial of Thomas Fox, Regina Keogh, and Jonathan Keogh, who have pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Gareth Hutch. Prosecution counsel Paul Burns SC presented testimony from Detective Sergeant Enda O'Sullivan, who stated gardaí became "immediately concerned" for the safety of witness Mary McDonnell after she provided a statement regarding the shooting. Ms McDonnell was subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder with a firearm, though she was later treated as a witness and granted immunity. The court also heard from Jodie and Jessica McDonnell, who described events on the morning of May 24, 2016, including hearing noises and observing Jonathan Keogh in their flat. Jessica McDonnell acknowledged discrepancies between her earlier statement and current testimony, attributing them to the passage of time. The prosecution contends the killing was premeditated, alleging Mr Keogh threatened the victim, while Fox and Regina Keogh planned the act. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, sitting with Judges Patricia Ryan and Michael Walsh.
A retrial concerning a Cavan childminder accused of causing serious harm to an infant continued before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on Friday with legal argument conducted in the jury's absence. Sandra Higgins, aged 37, of The Beeches, Drumgola Wood, Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to a ten-month-old baby at her home on 28 March 2012. The State alleges that injuries sustained by the infant, comprising head and facial bruising and swelling, intracranial bleeding, and bilateral retinal detachment, were inflicted by the accused. Prosecutors contend these injuries posed substantial risk of death or serious impairment to the child's bodily functions. The jury, comprising five women and seven men, is scheduled to return to court the following Tuesday. The trial, expected to last three weeks, continues before Judge Pauline Codd.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, a jury heard that Revenue was at a loss of €5,541 when a company owned by Independent TD Michael Lowry received a payment in 2002 but only accounted for it in 2006. The State's case was that Garuda Ltd, Lowry's company, received Stg £248,624 (€372,000) in commission from Norpe OY, a Finnish refrigeration company, in August 2002. It was alleged that Lowry arranged for the payment to be made to a third party in the Isle of Man, so it did not appear in the company accounts for that year, nor was it declared as income. The accounts were then allegedly falsified in 2007 to reflect that the payment was received in 2006. Lowry (64) pleaded not guilty to four charges of filing incorrect tax returns between August 2002 and August 2007 and one charge of failing to keep proper accounts for the same period.
The trial of Thomas Fox, Regina Keogh, and Jonathan Keogh for the murder of Gareth Hutch continues at the Special Criminal Court. All three defendants have pleaded not guilty to the murder charge; Mr Fox also denies unlawfully possessing a Makarov 9mm handgun. The prosecution alleges the killing was premeditated, with Mr Keogh and an accomplice identified as the shooters, while Fox and Keogh allegedly planned the attack. During cross-examination, protected witness Mary McDonnell denied allegations by defense counsel that she fabricated evidence or was coerced into the narrative. She stated she was not asked to assist in the murder and rejected claims of unfair treatment by Gardaí, despite her initial charge for withholding information being dropped in exchange for immunity. The court heard that McDonnell identified Mr Keogh as one of the gunmen and reported he threatened to kill Mr Hutch the night before the incident. The defense argued McDonnell's relationship with Keogh and her mental health history undermined her credibility. The matter was adjourned and continues on Monday before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and two other judges.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court case, Independent TD Michael Lowry (64) pleaded not guilty to four charges of filing incorrect tax returns and one charge of failing to keep proper accounts for the period 2002‑2007, and to similar charges on behalf of his company Garuda Ltd. The case centres on a £248,624 (€372,000) commission received by Garuda from Finnish refrigeration firm Norpe OY in August 2002, which Lowry allegedly arranged to be paid to a third party in the Isle of Man and thus omitted from the company's 2002 accounts. In 2007 the accounts were allegedly falsified to record the payment as received in 2006. A tax inspector, Henry Oliver, computed that Garuda owed corporation tax, PAYE and PRSI on the amount, totaling over €500,000 in tax, fines and penalties, and that Lowry owed income tax on the same sum.