During the Charleton tribunal, Chief Superintendent Fergus Healy, the Garda liaison officer for the O'Higgins Commission, testified that he had no recollection of an apology being offered to Sergeant Maurice McCabe after a document error was discovered. The error involved a statement that McCabe had complained against Senior Officer Michael Clancy, when in fact McCabe had brought complaints to Clancy. Healy said the Garda Commissioner's legal team had asked what the "triggering factor" was for McCabe's complaints and that the error was a "genuine mistake." He added that it would be "completely wrong" not to apologise. The tribunal was examining whether unjustified grounds were used by the Garda Commissioner to challenge McCabe's credibility, with the Commissioner's legal team reportedly accepting the O'Higgins Commission's findings that any aspersions were wrong and unfair. The hearing also involved Mr. Michael McDowell, representing McCabe, questioning the basis of the Commissioner's legal team's cross‑examination of McCabe's motives.
The Special Criminal Court heard that Gardai, acting on confidential information, used surveillance devices to listen to conversations at a private house in Riverwood Park, Castleknock, Dublin, on 7 and 8 August 2015. Three people were charged with membership of the IRA and two with assisting the IRA. The prosecution, represented by Tara Burns SC, explained that the house had recently been vacated and was being prepared for new tenants. The owner had agreed to let the house be used by his uncle and nephew for the weekend. Gardai observed the five accused at the house over the two‑day period and arrested them on 8 August. Kevin Hannaway (69), Eva Shannon (60) and Seán Hannaway (48) pleaded not guilty to assisting the IRA, while Edward O'Brien (42), David Nooney (53) and Seán Hannaway (48) pleaded not guilty to membership of the IRA.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Detective Garda Jonathan Brady testified that he and colleague Fergal O'Flaherty had identified a man in a photo taken outside the Regency Hotel as Patrick Hutch, a 25‑year‑old from Dublin 1. The photo, taken by a Sunday World photographer during a boxing weigh‑in on 5 February 2016, showed a man wearing a wig and holding a gun. Brady claimed he "immediately recognised" Hutch and had known him since youth, noting prior Garda records of Hutch's minor incidents. He denied that he and O'Flaherty were separated during the identification. The court heard Brady's statements and cross‑examined him on the timing and context of the identification, noting that the evidence was being considered for admissibility in the trial of Hutch's murder charge. The trial continues under Judge Tony Hunt.
Three new jurors were sworn in for the trial of former Anglo Irish Bank chief David Drumm after difficulties arose with three jurors from Monday. Drumm, aged 51 and residing in Skerries, Co. Dublin, has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy charges with former bank officials Denis Casey, William McAteer, John Bowe and others, alleging they defrauded depositors and investors by falsely presenting Anglo's 2008 deposits as €7.2 billion larger than they actually were. He also pleaded not guilty to false accounting for the same claim. Judge Karen O'Connor discharged the initial jury due to the difficulties and thanked the members for their attendance at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. She then oversaw the swearing‑in of a fresh jury of eight men and seven women, after calling 159 potential jurors. The court noted that overnight three jurors had difficulties, leading to their excusal.
A jury has been discharged at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in the retrial of a Cavan childminder accused of causing serious harm to a baby. Sandra Higgins, aged 36, of Drumgola Wood, Cavan town, denies intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to a ten-month-old child at her home on 28 March 2012. The jury was empaneled on Monday morning for a trial scheduled to last two weeks, but a legal issue emerged that afternoon. Judge Cormac Quinn determined the trial could not proceed and discharged the jury on Tuesday morning. Ms Higgins was remanded on continuing bail. This marks the third trial in the case, with previous proceedings having attracted media attention. A new trial date has been set for 11 June. Evidence is expected from civilian and gardaí witnesses from County Cavan, with the defence potentially calling a paediatrician from Wales.
The Charleton tribunal heard evidence concerning discussions between gardai and lawyers about a decade-old indecent assault allegation against Sergeant Maurice McCabe in the days before the O'Higgins Commission of Inquiry began hearings in May 2015. The Director of Public Prosecutions had directed no prosecution in 2006, finding it unclear whether any crime had occurred. The tribunal is examining whether false allegations or other unjustified grounds were improperly used by Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan to challenge Sergeant McCabe's credibility. Evidence was heard from Ken Ruane, legal advisor to An Garda Siochana, and solicitor Annmarie Ryan regarding a 11 May 2015 meeting at which the allegation was discussed. Mr Ruane stated that an internal garda report had accepted Sergeant McCabe acted in good faith. Ms Ryan's notes indicated Chief Superintendent Fergus Healy raised the allegation, and that counsel subsequently advised the commissioner to challenge Sergeant McCabe's motivation. Tribunal counsel questioned whether the discussion represented an effort to portray Sergeant McCabe as embittered. The inquiry continues.
A jury has been empanelled at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for the second retrial of a Cavan childminder accused of causing serious harm to a baby. Sandra Higgins, aged 36, of The Beeches, Drumgola Wood, Cavan town, denies intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to a ten-month-old infant at her home on 28 March 2012. Judge Cormac Quinn instructed the jury panel that the case had previously proceeded to trial twice. The court heard allegations that the baby presented at hospital with non-accidental injuries on the date in question. Evidence is expected from civilian and garda witnesses from County Cavan, with the defence potentially calling a paediatrician from Wales. The jury was sworn in but sent home following a legal issue and was due to return the following day. The trial is expected to last approximately two weeks.
The Special Criminal Court viewed CCTV footage of the fatal shooting of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel, Dublin, on 5 February 2016. The footage shows men in Emergency Response Unit (ERU) gear, including a man in a flat cap and a man in a wig, exiting a silver van and entering the hotel via the laundry room. Three men, referred to as "Tacs 1, 2 and 3," wearing tactical‑style Garda uniforms and helmets, carried assault rifles and entered the lobby. "Tac 1" shot Byrne, who was seen crawling toward the reception. "Tac 2" later pointed a rifle at a BBC journalist and shot Byrne again before moving toward the laundry‑room door. Witnesses, including journalists and hotel staff, described the scene as chaotic, with gunfire and men shouting "Get down, get fucking down." The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, Judge Patricia Ryan and Judge Ann Ryan.
A new jury was empanelled for the trial of former Anglo Irish Bank chief executive David Drumm, who is 51 and resides in Skerries, Co Dublin. Drumm has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy charges with former bank officials to defraud depositors and investors by falsely claiming that 2008 deposits were €7.2 billion larger than they were, and to false accounting for the same claim. Judge Karen O'Connor discharged the previous jury due to a difficulty and informed the court that the trial was expected to last five months, warranting an expanded 15‑member jury under the Juries Act. The new jury, consisting of eight men and seven women, was sworn in over two hours, with four jurors discharged during the process. Judge O'Connor warned that jurors must not have worked for or held shares in Anglo or related entities, must not hold strong views on Anglo, and must not use the internet or communicate electronically about the case.
A 23‑year‑old man, Daryl McKeon, was on bail when he participated in a raid on Tansey's newsagents in Finglas on 18 March. McKeon and a second raider entered the shop with their heads and faces covered. The victim, Kevin Tansey, tried to leave but McKeon blocked the door and held him. The second raider struck Tansey's head three times with a hammer, causing severe brain injury and fractures. CCTV footage showed Tansey collapsing and bleeding, while McKeon attempted to open the cash register. The raiders fled in a car. McKeon's fingerprints linked him to the assault; the other raider remains under investigation. Tansey suffered a seizure, entered a comatose state, and his condition later deteriorated, affecting his mood and behaviour. McKeon, who had 12 prior convictions, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and assault causing serious harm. He was remanded in custody pending sentencing on 5 February.
In January 2018 the Charleton tribunal heard that a draft letter from the Garda Commissioner to the Department of Justice, concerning the legal strategy for the O'Higgins inquiry, was written by Department official Ken O'Leary in May 2016. The letter explained why legal instructions and advice could not be published to preserve lawyer‑client confidentiality. The inquiry, chaired by Judge Kevin O'Higgins, examined allegations of Garda malpractice made by whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe. Justice Peter Charleton described the exercise as "somewhat empty" because the Department would send a letter to itself. Former Justice Secretary General Noel Waters testified that there was extensive back‑and‑forth drafting letters to the Department, and that concerns existed about setting a precedent that might breach legal privilege. Waters also noted that the Commissioner had prepared a draft statement for Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald to use in the Dáil, including the legal advice received about Sgt McCabe.
The jury for former Anglo Irish Bank chief executive David Drumm, aged 51, was sent home until the end of January because of extensive legal argument in the case. Drumm, who lives in Skerries, Co. Dublin, has pleaded not guilty to conspiring with former bank officials Denis Casey, William McAteer, John Bowe and others to defraud depositors and investors by "dishonestly" creating the impression that Anglo's 2008 deposits were €7.2 billion larger than they actually were. He also pleaded not guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to using an account on 3 December 2008 to provide false information to the market about the bank's deposits. Judge Karen O'Connor warned the 15 jurors not to consult social media or conduct independent research, and to avoid electronic communication such as text, Twitter or Facebook. She told them they could leave until 29 January, when the trial would begin.
The Director of Public Prosecutions has decided not to proceed with a third trial against a 31‑year‑old man who claimed he was acting in his sleep when he allegedly raped a friend. In the first trial in 2015 the case collapsed before a jury could deliberate. The second trial in 2016 ended with a hung jury after more than eight hours of deliberation and a month‑long trial. During the third trial, the prosecution counsel informed the judge that a jury would not be required and that a nolle prosequi would be entered on the single charge.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Patrick Hutch, aged 25, was tried for the murder of David Byrne, 34, at the Regency Hotel in Dublin on 5 February 2016. The prosecution described the incident as a "resourced, carefully planned, targeted, murderous attack." Hutch allegedly entered the hotel in a silver van with a man wearing a flat cap and a man in a blonde wig. CCTV showed the trio carrying handguns and assault rifles, firing shots that caused panic. Byrne was shot twice by men in garda‑style uniforms while lying on the reception desk. Hutch denied the murder charge and denied possession of three AK‑47 rifles. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, was set to resume the following day.
David Drumm, aged 51 and former chief executive of Anglo Irish Bank, pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to defraud and false accounting. He is accused of colluding with others to mislead depositors and investors by presenting a false impression that 2008 deposits were €7.2 billion larger than they actually were. The court heard that Drumm allegedly provided misleading information to the market on 3 December 2008, creating the impression of a €7.2 billion deposit surplus. A specially enlarged jury of 15 was sworn in at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to try the case. Drumm denied all allegations, stating he did not conspire with Denis Casey, William McAteer, John Bowe or others, nor did he furnish false information to the market in September 2008. The trial is scheduled to continue after a brief adjournment.
The Special Criminal Court set a trial for 19 November 2018 for Declan McDermott and Martin Manning, accused of possessing four kilograms of TNT and an RGD33 grenade head at Spring Garden St on 2 June 2017. McDermott also faces a charge of membership in an unlawful organisation, the IRA. The court noted a third co‑accused, John O'Brien, 55, has not yet requested a trial date. All three men were remanded in custody and the case was listed for mention again on 23 March.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, defence counsel Bernard Condon SC has applied for a not‑guilty direction in the murder trial of Eamonn Cumberton, 30, who is accused of killing 35‑year‑old Michael Barr at the Sunset House pub on 25 April 2016. Cumberton was shot seven times at the bar counter. The prosecution alleges that Cumberton is "inextricably linked" to items recovered from a silver Audi, a partially burnt‑out getaway car, and that these items are linked to the shooting. Condon argues that the evidence of Cumberton travelling to Thailand the day after the murder is "incredibly weak" and that the prosecution has not proved Cumberton was not the last wearer of a rubber mask found in the car. DNA matches on a rubber mask and a baseball cap are cited by the prosecution, who say no innocent explanation has been offered. Eamonn Cumberton pleaded not guilty. Sunset House pleaded not guilty.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 19 December 2017, DNA evidence linking Eamonn Cumberton, aged 30, to a rubber mask found in a suspected getaway car was accepted. The court had earlier heard that the DNA profile on the mask was "one in a thousand million times more likely" to belong to Mr Cumberton and two unknown persons rather than to three unknown persons. Mr Cumberton, of Mountjoy Street, Dublin 7, had pleaded not guilty to the murder of 35‑year‑old Michael Barr, who was shot seven times at the Sunset House pub on 25 April 2016. The prosecution argued that Mr Cumberton was "inextricably linked" to items recovered from a silver Audi, partially burnt‑out near the scene, and that those items were "inextricably linked" to the shooting.
A 22‑year‑old Clare man, Robbie Walsh of Island View, Kilrush, is charged with murdering 25‑year‑old Karl Haugh at the Marian Estate in Kilkee on 6 August. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy has set the trial for 22 October 2018 before a Central Criminal Court jury.
A 59‑year‑old Limerick man, Desmond Coyle of Davis Street, is charged with murdering Calo Carpaci on 24 May at Roches Row. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy has set the trial for 26 November 2018 before a judge and jury at the Central Criminal Court.
A trial has been scheduled for Keith Connorton, 39, of Deerpark Avenue, Tallaght, who is charged with the murder of 32‑year‑old Graham McKeever on 18 February. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy set the trial date for 10 December 2018 before a jury at the Central Criminal Court.
A Dublin man, Kieran Greene, 32, of Mountain View Park, Rathfarnham, is accused of murdering a 61‑year‑old woman whose remains were found scattered in the Wicklow mountains. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy has set the trial for 3 December 2018 before a Central Criminal Court jury.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, Donal Geoghegan, 37, was charged with sexually assaulting a woman on a dance floor in a late bar on 21 November 2015. The complainant recounted feeling a hand on her thigh that moved to her vagina, but she could not identify the assailant. Judge Cormac Quinn directed the jury to acquit Geoghegan on day four, citing the lack of evidence that the defendant touched the complainant. He noted that CCTV footage did not reveal the assailant's identity and that another man, referred to as "Mr X," was present and had behaved in a tactile manner towards several women, including the complainant. The judge argued that the Garda investigation had not examined Mr X or other potential witnesses, and that this omission made a conviction impossible. The case was dismissed, and an application for costs will be heard on 11 January 2018. Donal Geoghegan pleaded not guilty.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Donal Geoghegan, aged 37, pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting a bar woman on 21 November 2015. On the third day of trial, defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC cross‑examined Sergeant Joanne McCormack, the investigating officer. McCormack had reviewed CCTV footage showing an unidentified man, referred to as "Mr X", engaging in tactile behaviour with several women, including placing hands on arms and hair, patting a head and approaching a fourth woman's arm. She stated that Mr X's conduct could be assault but not sexual assault, and that no complaints were made against him. O'Higgins suggested that treating Mr X as a person of interest would expose the investigation as incompetent. McCormack denied this, asserting the investigation was professional and that she had not considered Mr X a suspect.
A jury in the Central Criminal Court will return to deliberate on the case of 19‑year‑old Graham McEvoy, who stabbed his best friend Paul "Paulie" Curran to death. McEvoy pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. He claimed he met Curran to sell cocaine, and when Curran demanded money, Curran pulled a knife and tried to slash him. McEvoy's lawyer argued self‑defence, while the prosecution contended that McEvoy stabbed Curran six times while he was trying to escape. Justice Patrick McCarthy has asked the jury to reconvene on Monday.
A trial date of 2 October 2018 has been set at the Special Criminal Court for five men charged in connection with the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly. The 35-year-old was fatally shot outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, County Meath on 6 March 2013. Books of evidence were served on the defendants during proceedings before the non-jury court. Michael McDermott of Ballinagh, County Cavan faces charges including murder, membership of an unlawful organisation, and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. Kevin Braney of Tallaght, Dublin and Frank Murphy of Bettystown, County Meath face similar charges. Laurence Murphy of Bettystown and Ray Kennedy of Blanchardstown, Dublin are charged with membership of an unlawful organisation. The trial is estimated to last up to ten weeks. Additional legal representation has been approved for each defendant.
Nikita Murtagh, aged 20, is applying to the Special Criminal Court to have a charge of unlawful possession of a CZ 70 semi‑automatic pistol, two rounds of 7.65 Browning ammunition and a shotgun cartridge dismissed. The items were allegedly seized by gardai at Connolly train station on 19 July. Murtagh is making the application under Section 4E of the Criminal Justice Act 1999. Judge Tony Hunt, with Judges Patricia Ryan and James Faughnan, will rule on the application on 21 December. She remains remanded in custody until that date.
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned the trial of Eamonn Cumberton, who is accused of the murder of 35-year-old Michael Barr in the Sunset House pub in Dublin's north inner city on April 25th, 2016. Mr Cumberton, of Mountjoy Street, Dublin 7, has pleaded not guilty to the charge. The court previously heard that Mr Barr was shot seven times at the bar counter. The prosecution alleges that Mr Cumberton is inextricably linked to items recovered from a partially burnt-out silver Audi, identified as the alleged getaway car, which were themselves linked to the shooting. Defence counsel Bernard Condon SC objected to the admissibility of DNA evidence found on a rubber mask recovered from the vehicle. He argued that the Forensic Science Ireland method, which uses STRMIX software to calculate likelihood ratios, improperly reduces guilt or innocence to mathematical probability. Condon submitted that this case requires special rules as it is the first criminal trial in Ireland to use STRMIX. Prosecuting counsel Dominic McGinn SC countered that likelihood ratio calculations are an established scientific practice. The court has not yet ruled on the admissibility of the evidence. The trial was adjourned until next Tuesday, when Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with Judges Patricia Ryan and James Faughnan, will deliver a ruling on the matter.
A jury returned to the Central Criminal Court after a little less than four hours of deliberation to decide the verdict in the trial of 19‑year‑old Graham McEvoy, accused of murdering his best friend. McEvoy, of Captain's Road in Crumlin, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter of Paul "Paulie" Curran (23) at Seagull House on Crumlin Road in Dublin on 16 July 2016. He claimed he met Curran to sell half an ounce of cocaine, but when Curran demanded money, Curran pulled a knife and tried to slash McEvoy. McEvoy said he defended himself and that Curran suffered fatal injuries in the struggle. Justice Patrick McCarthy explained that the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that McEvoy knew the force he used was excessive. If they fail, the jury should find him not guilty of murder and guilty of manslaughter; if they succeed, they should find him guilty of murder.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 14 December 2017, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy presided over the trial of 19‑year‑old Graham McEvoy, who was charged with murder but pleaded not guilty to that charge and guilty to manslaughter. McEvoy's plea to manslaughter indicates acceptance of responsibility for the killing of 23‑year‑old Paul "Paulie" Curran, but denies intent to kill or cause serious injury. McEvoy claimed that he met Curran to sell cocaine, and that Curran drew a knife and attempted to slash him. McEvoy then stabbed Curran six times, resulting in fatal injuries. Justice McCarthy explained that a defendant may be found guilty of manslaughter if the force used was excessive, even if the defendant was not intent on killing. He instructed the jury that they must decide whether the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that McEvoy knew the force was excessive. The jury was then sent to deliberate.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, Donal Geoghegan, 37, pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting a 22‑year‑old bar woman on the dance floor of a late‑night bar on 21 November 2015. The prosecution alleged that Geoghegan touched the woman's vaginal area while she carried empty glasses. The complainant, aged 20 at the time, testified that she felt a hand move across her left thigh toward her vagina, that she turned to identify the man, and that she reported the incident to security. Security staff escorted Geoghegan to the office, and management asked him to leave the premises. Geoghegan denied any contact, claiming any touch was accidental and unintentional. The trial is proceeding before Judge Cormac Quinn and a jury of eight men and four women.
During the Special Criminal Court hearing of Eamonn Cumberton, who is accused of murdering Michael Barr at the Sunset House pub, a defence expert challenged the reliability of the DNA analysis software used by Forensic Science Ireland. The court had previously heard that DNA on a rubber mask from the alleged getaway car was more likely to belong to Cumberton and two unknown individuals than to three unknown individuals. Cumberton, aged 30, pleaded not guilty to the shooting of Barr, who was 35, on 25 April 2016. Bernard Condon SC represented Cumberton and objected to the admissibility of the DNA evidence, leading to a voir dire. Allan Jamieson, a forensic scientist for the defence, testified that the software STRMIX, which calculates likelihood ratios, may be flawed because it "fits the defendant to the evidence" rather than deriving conclusions from the evidence itself.
In the Central Criminal Court, 19‑year‑old Graham McEvoy pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of 23‑year‑old Paul Curran. The prosecution, led by Conor Devally SC, argued that McEvoy's self‑defence claim lacked credibility. Devally cited CCTV footage showing McEvoy's movements after the stabbing, the condition of a light‑coloured hoodie, and the absence of blood on the hoodie, arguing that the hoodie could not have been slashed. He also questioned McEvoy's statements about driving a red Honda Civic, noting that CCTV showed him in a silver Hyundai. Devally further highlighted that McEvoy bought a mobile phone after the incident, suggesting he was covering his tracks. The defence, represented by Barry White SC, maintained that the incident was a drug deal gone wrong and that McEvoy acted in self‑defence, seeking a manslaughter conviction rather than murder. The trial remains ongoing.
During the murder trial of Eamonn Cumberton, accused of killing 35‑year‑old Michael Barr at the Sunset House pub, a forensic scientist from Forensic Science Ireland raised concerns about the software used to calculate the likelihood that Cumberton's DNA was found on a rubber mask taken from the getaway car. The prosecution argued that the mask's mixed DNA profile, comprising two major contributors and a trace third contributor, linked Cumberton to the car and the shooting. The scientist said the probability that the DNA came from Cumberton and two unknown persons was "one in a thousand million times more likely" than from three unknown persons. Bernard Condon, Cumberton's counsel, objected to the evidence's admissibility, and the matter is being heard in a voir dire to decide whether the DNA evidence can be admitted. The trial is before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, Judge Patricia Ryan and Judge James Faughnan. Eamonn Cumberton pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution has finished presenting its evidence in the murder trial of 19‑year‑old Graham McEvoy, who was accused of stabbing his best friend, 23‑year‑old Paul "Paulie" Curran, during a drug deal on 16 July 2016. McEvoy pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The State did not accept the plea and the case is proceeding at the Central Criminal Court. Garda Julianne McNamara supplied mobile phone records showing McEvoy called Curran three times in the 42 minutes before the stabbing. McEvoy had told police he intended to meet Curran at Seagull House to buy half an ounce of cocaine. After Curran allegedly pulled a knife, McEvoy claimed he stabbed him in self‑defence. McNamara also found that McEvoy had made three calls that day to a 15‑year‑old girl who had previously testified that he was looking for Curran.
Graham McEvoy, aged 19, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter of his best friend Paul "Paulie" Curran, aged 23, after a drug deal at Seagull House on 16 July 2016. McEvoy told Garda Dermot English that he met Curran for a 14‑gram cocaine transaction. Curran allegedly pulled a knife and attacked McEvoy, who claimed Curran nearly stabbed him and struck him with a portable speaker. In the ensuing struggle McEvoy says he used Curran's jacket to wrest the knife from him and stabbed Curran a few times, with the knife entering below the armpit. McEvoy left the scene in his car, later bought a car, and planned to turn himself in the next day. He described the incident as self‑defence and expressed genuine distress over the death of his friend. The trial is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, DNA matching the accused, Eamonn Cumberton, was found on a baseball cap recovered from the alleged getaway car in the murder of Michael Barr. Cumberton, 30, pleaded not guilty to the April 25, 2016 shooting of the 35‑year‑old manager of the Sunset House pub. The prosecution argued that Cumberton was "inextricably linked" to items from the partially burnt‑out silver Audi, including the cap and a rubber mask found in the rear. Forensic scientist Rodney Lakes presented a mixed DNA profile on the cap, with a major contributor matching Cumberton's DNA. A similar mixed profile on the mask was also reported. Cumberton's defence objected to the admissibility of the DNA evidence, leading to a voir‑dire hearing. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, Judge Patricia Ryan and Judge James Faughnan.
Two men, John O'Brien, 55, and Declan McDermott, were charged at the Special Criminal Court on 8 December 2017 with knowingly possessing four kilograms of TNT. O'Brien was accused of having ten 400‑gram blocks of TNT and the explosive head of an RGD33 hand grenade at his North Great Clarence Street home on 2 June. McDermott was charged with the same items at Spring Garden Street, Dublin 3, on the same date. Detective Garda Rory Geelon reported arresting O'Brien and presenting him to the court, where he read the charge sheet and O'Brien made no reply. Detective Garda Eamonn Hoey met McDermott, handed him the charge sheet, and after caution he also made no reply. The court remanded McDermott and a third co‑accused, Martin Manning, on continuing bail until 21 December, while O'Brien was remanded in custody until a bail application is expected next Thursday.
A jury could not reach a verdict in the trial of 34‑year‑old Jason O'Driscoll, charged with murdering 31‑year‑old Anthony Burnett and 25‑year‑old Joseph Redmond in Co. Louth on 7 March 2012. The case centred on a car that the two men had stolen and were attempting to sell to O'Driscoll for €700. O'Driscoll pleaded not guilty. The prosecution relied on circumstantial evidence, including CCTV footage of the men and a stolen Mercedes S Class W221 that was later found abandoned. The defence argued that the evidence did not prove O'Driscoll's involvement or motive. After 11½ hours of deliberation over four days, the jury was unable to reach a unanimous or majority verdict and was discharged from service. O'Driscoll was remanded in custody pending further court dates.
The jury in the trial of 34‑year‑old Jason O'Driscoll, charged with murdering 31‑year‑old Anthony Burnett and 25‑year‑old Joseph Redmond, will resume deliberations on the fourth day. O'Driscoll, who lives on Richmond Avenue, Fairview, pleaded not guilty. The case alleges the men were killed in a stolen Volkswagen Golf in Ravensdale Forest Park on 7 March 2012, with gunshot wounds to the head. Defence counsel suggested another person may have been responsible or that one victim betrayed the other. The jury, consisting of seven men and five women, must reach a unanimous verdict.
The Special Criminal Court is hearing the case of Eamonn Cumberton, 30, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michael Barr, 35, who was shot seven times at the Sunset House pub in Dublin on 25 April 2016. The prosecution argues that Cumberton is "inextricably linked" to items recovered from a silver Audi, the alleged getaway car, which was found partially burnt near the scene, and that those items are "inextricably linked" to the shooting. The trial will continue tomorrow before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, with Judges Patricia Ryan and James Faughnan presiding.
During a murder trial, a 15‑year‑old girl, who cannot be named, gave evidence by video link that the accused, Graham McEvoy, phoned her while Paul "Paulie" Curran lay dead in hospital. She said McEvoy called earlier that day asking where Curran was and mentioned a "stripe down his face" and that he had "got it over Paulie." In a later call he told her he had arranged to meet Curran at the flats. The girl walked to the flats, where she was told by "kids" that Paulie had been stabbed. She then went to the hospital; McEvoy called again asking what had happened to Paul. She told him he was dead, and he shouted "for fuck sake." McEvoy pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, continues tomorrow with a jury of twelve.
The Special Criminal Court adjourned the trial of 36‑year‑old Eamon McNamee of Lucan, County Dublin, charged with possession of a firearm with intent to commit assault causing harm at Fairgreen, Saggart, on 19 January 2013. The trial, originally set to open on 7 December 2017, was postponed until Monday to allow the defence to complete requested forensic examinations. Prosecutor Annemarie Lawlor SC indicated the case could finish within five days if it began on Monday. Judge Isobel Kennedy, with Judges Sinead Ni Chúlacháin and Cormac Dunne, granted the adjournment and remanded McNamee on bail.
In the Special Criminal Court, the trial of Eamonn Cumberton, aged 30, for the murder of Michael Barr, 35, at the Sunset House pub, has progressed to evidence about a suspected getaway vehicle. Barr was shot seven times at the bar counter on 25 April 2016. The prosecution argues that Cumberton is "inextricably linked" to a silver Audi found near the scene, partially burnt, and that items recovered from the car are "inextricably linked" to the shooting. Evidence was presented by Dublin Fire Brigade members: Brian Burke reported seeing the Audi on Walsh Road, Drumcondra, with fire damage to the front seats; Peter Conroy removed an empty petrol can from the driver's seat but did not enter the rear. Terence O'Brien noted that the crew had no reason to approach the rear doors. Detective Garda Gary McDonnell observed that no one touched the car after it arrived on a tow‑truck. Eamonn Cumberton pleaded not guilty. Sunset House pleaded not guilty.
The jury in the trial of 34‑year‑old Jason O'Driscoll, charged with the murders of 31‑year‑old Anthony Burnett and 25‑year‑old Joseph Redmond, will resume deliberations tomorrow morning. The case, heard in the Central Criminal Court, concerns a car‑fire at Ravensdale Forest Park on 7 March 2012, where the two men were found with gunshot wounds to their heads. O'Driscoll denies the charges. The State alleges he participated in the killings, while the defence suggests another person may have been responsible or that one victim betrayed the other. The jury, consisting of seven men and five women, was instructed by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy to reach a unanimous verdict.
A 19‑year‑old, Graham McEvoy, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in the death of 23‑year‑old Paul Curran at Seagull House, Dublin, on 16 July 2016. The prosecution, represented by Conor Devally SC, argued that McEvoy entered the stairwell, later re‑emerged, dropped items, and fled. Curran, fatally wounded, stumbled into a flat where the incident was reported. Devally explained that the jury must decide whether McEvoy intended to kill or cause serious injury, noting that intent is presumed unless the accused claims self‑defence or fear. Evidence presented included a map and photographs of the stairwell and balcony taken by crime examiner Garda Alan Carolan. The trial, held at the Central Criminal Court before Justice Patrick McCarthy, will continue the following day with a jury of six men and six women.
The jury will resume deliberations tomorrow morning in the trial of a 34‑year‑old Dubliner, Jason O'Driscoll, who has pleaded not guilty to the murders of 31‑year‑old Anthony Burnett and 25‑year‑old Joseph Redmond. The case concerns a car that was stolen and later sold to O'Driscoll, with the men found dead in a burning vehicle in Ravensdale Forest Park on 7 March 2012. The defence has suggested another person may have been responsible, and the jury is required to reach a unanimous verdict.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, judges ruled that the arrest of Eamonn Cumberton, 30, accused of murdering Michael Barr, 35, at the Sunset House pub on 25 April 2016, was lawful. Cumberton pleaded not guilty. The prosecution argued he was linked to items recovered from a partially burnt car near the scene, and that forensic evidence connected him to the shooting. Evidence was presented that Cumberton was arrested at Dublin Airport on an outstanding bench warrant one month after the murder and later, on 27 May, was arrested by Inspector Brian Delaney on suspicion of murder. The court found the arrest valid and proper, rejecting the defence's claim that it was a contrivance. The case continues.
A jury will start deliberating on the trial of 34‑year‑old Jason O'Driscoll, who is charged with murdering 31‑year‑old Anthony Burnett and 25‑year‑old Joseph Redmond in County Louth on 7 March 2012. The case alleges that the two men were on their way to sell O'Driscoll a stolen Volkswagen Golf when they were shot in a burning car in Ravensdale Forest Park. Firefighters found the bodies with gunshot wounds to the heads. O'Driscoll pleaded not guilty. The defence suggested that another person might have been responsible or that one of the deceased betrayed the other, leading to a different shooter. Judge Patrick McCarthy explained the trial's proceedings, the legal definitions, and the jury's requirement for a unanimous verdict. He also noted that evidence of a substance found in an abandoned Mercedes in Northern Ireland was deemed unreliable and excluded from consideration. The jury will retire tomorrow morning to consider the verdict.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court case, Derek McGovern, 35, was acquitted of unlawful possession of a Glock 26 pistol, 14 rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition, and stolen car keys. Judge Melanie Greally directed the jury to return a verdict of not guilty on all charges after concluding that the Director of Public Prosecutions had insufficient evidence to prove McGovern's control over the items. The prosecution's case relied on demonstrating a common design to possess the items and suggested a joint enterprise with a co‑accused, but the judge found this evidence inadequate. McGovern had pleaded not guilty at the start of the trial. Judge Greally thanked the jury for their time and noted that the lack of evidence meant the jury could not convict on any of the charges.