In a non‑jury Special Criminal Court hearing, Gardai objected to bail for 20‑year‑old Nikita Murtagh, charged with unlawful possession of a CZ model 70 semi‑automatic pistol, two rounds of 7.65 Browning ammunition and a shotgun cartridge recovered at Connolly train station on 19 July. Garda Marguerite Reilly argued that bail should be denied to prevent a further serious offence and that Murtagh was a flight risk. Murtagh denied that she would commit a serious offence if granted bail. The court adjourned the hearing to Wednesday morning for the defence to submit documentation to the State.
A 30-year-old man from Sligo is to stand trial for murder at the Central Criminal Court in November 2018 following the discharge of a jury that could not reach a verdict. Keith Brady of Cartron Estate is charged with the murder of a 59-year-old musician on 2nd or 3rd August 2015 at New Apartments on Holborn Street, Sligo. Mr Brady has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The State rejected the manslaughter plea, and the case proceeded to trial at the Central Criminal Court. After nine days of evidence and several hours of deliberation, the jury was unable to reach agreement and was discharged. Justice Patrick McCarthy fixed a new trial date of 19th November 2018.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, a 48‑year‑old man pleaded not guilty to one count of sexually assaulting a woman during a massage session on 24 January 2015. The prosecution alleged that he removed her underwear, touched her vagina, kissed her bare bottom and claimed he "just couldn't help himself." Defence counsel Tara Burns SC argued that the accused was a qualified sports massage therapist, misrepresented himself as a physiotherapist to Gardaí, and that the victim's evidence was inconsistent and "unbelievable." She highlighted that the victim could not explain the duration or movement of the alleged assault and questioned the plausibility of her subsequent actions. The prosecution, led by Maurice Coffey BL, maintained that the victim was emotionally affected, that the accused had a dominant position, and urged a guilty verdict. The trial continues under Judge Karen O'Connor's charge to the jury.
In a Central Criminal Court trial, a 34‑year‑old Dubliner named Jason O'Driscoll is charged with the murders of 31‑year‑old Anthony Burnett and 25‑year‑old Joseph Redmond, who were found dead in a burning car in Ravensdale Forest Park on 7 March 2012. The prosecution alleges O'Driscoll participated in the killings, while the defence suggests another person may have been responsible or that one victim betrayed the other. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy charged the jury on Thursday and will resume the charge on Monday when deliberations are expected to begin. Jason O'Driscoll pleaded not guilty.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court case, a man accused of sexually assaulting a female client during a massage on 24 January 2015 pleaded not guilty. The jury heard that the defendant allegedly removed the woman's underwear, touched her vagina, kissed her bare bottom and claimed he "just couldn't help himself." Prosecutor Maurice Coffey presented a text message from the defendant's phone dated 30 January 2015 that read, "hope you're not upset with me," and added that he would understand if she stopped seeing him. The defendant admitted sending the text but denied all other allegations, stating he had only hugged the woman. A friend of the victim testified that the woman called her on 24 January, described the assault, and reported it to Gardaí that night. The victim was cross‑examined by Tara Burns SC, who questioned why she did not react immediately. The trial was scheduled to continue the following day before Judge Karen O'Connor.
In a High Court order issued on 30 November 2017, Mr Justice Peter Kelly directed the shutdown of the website www.personalinjurysolicitorsdublin.info, which was involved in a practice known as 'Claims Harvesting'. The judge found that the site presented itself as a solicitor‑run service, misleading visitors into believing they were dealing with qualified solicitors. The orders were made against businessman Mr David Smyth and his company Agenda Computers, both based in Waterford, after the Law Society of Ireland alleged that the website breached advertising provisions of the Solicitors Acts by soliciting and encouraging personal injury claims. The Society claimed Mr Smyth was pretending to be a solicitor and that no such firm existed. Mr Smyth and Agenda opposed some orders, including the removal of the site, but consented to others. He testified that he had sold the website to a solicitor for €6,000 a few days before the hearing.
In a double‑murder trial, defence counsel Seán Guerin SC argued that one of the deceased car thieves might have betrayed the other, leading to their deaths in a stolen car they had agreed to sell to the accused, Jason O'Driscoll. Guerin highlighted that the two men had only known each other for about a week before the incident and that they had not yet travelled north to meet O'Driscoll. He questioned whether a third party, such as witness Richie Cullinan, could have been involved or tipped off a killer. Guerin also raised the issue of an unknown phone number appearing in the victims' records that night, suggesting it could have been used to arrange the murders. He urged the jury to consider these alternative explanations before finding O'Driscoll guilty, noting that the prosecution had not investigated these possibilities. The judge has begun charging the jury for deliberation. Jason O'Driscoll pleaded not guilty.
In a murder trial in the Central Criminal Court, a 25‑year‑old man, Andrew Gibney, is accused of killing Gerard Burnett, 28, in Mulhuddart on 21 August 2012. The jury, after seven hours and six minutes of deliberation, has been instructed by Judge Paul Butler that no juror should feel pressured to change their view. Butler reminded them that the opinion of Detective Superintendent Colm O'Malley is not a deciding factor and that each juror may hold a particular view without pressure to alter it. He outlined the three possible verdicts: not guilty; guilty of murder; or not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. The prosecution alleges Gibney was part of a joint enterprise to murder Burnett, while the defence argues that if the evidence shows only a reasonable possibility of causing harm short of serious harm, manslaughter is the appropriate verdict. The jury will resume deliberations at 2.10 pm.
A jury convicted a 36‑year‑old Dublin man of sexually assaulting a 35‑year‑old woman during a Tinder‑arranged date. The woman said she believed the meeting was for coffee, but the man drove her to a secluded field on UCD campus where he allegedly became aggressive, attempted to kiss her, and then assaulted her. She reported feeling in fear of her life and that he tried to touch her and pull her dress up. The man denied the assault, claiming he was nervous after a failed kiss. The jury deliberated about 90 minutes and returned a unanimous guilty verdict on the single count. Judge Cormac Quinn declared the man a sex offender and remanded him in custody until December 15 for sentencing. No reaction was shown by either party when the verdict was delivered. The case is now pending sentencing. The unnamed 36-year-old pleaded not guilty.
In a 2017 double‑murder trial, the prosecution presented CCTV footage and mobile‑phone records to the jury, arguing that the accused, 34‑year‑old Jason O'Driscoll, was escorting the stolen Volkswagen Golf to its destruction. The evidence included a call from the deceased men to a phone linked to O'Driscoll, a brief period of traffic footage showing two cars near the scene, and a later sighting of O'Driscoll in a blue shirt leaving a chip shop. The prosecution claimed these strands, taken together, proved O'Driscoll's presence, participation and guilt. The defence was scheduled to present its closing argument before the judge. The case remained at the trial stage, with no verdict announced. The article does not state any outcome or further proceedings. Jason O'Driscoll pleaded not guilty.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, a 48‑year‑old massage therapist was tried for a single count of sexual assault. The accused allegedly removed a client's underwear, touched her vagina, kissed her bare bottom and claimed he "just couldn't help himself." The client, who had visited the therapist's practice for sports injuries, testified that she had been treated for neck and shoulder problems and had attended the clinic four or five times. She described the session in detail, noting that she had removed her top, bra and trousers while lying face down, and that the therapist massaged her lower back before placing a hand on her vagina. She said she objected, the therapist removed his hand, but later kissed her bottom and made further remarks. The case remains before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury. The unnamed 48-year-old pleaded not guilty.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, a 36‑year‑old man accused of sexually assaulting a 35‑year‑old foreign national on UCD campus was found not guilty by the jury. The defendant, who cannot be named, had met the woman on Tinder and arranged to meet after several weeks of communication. He drove her in a blue BMW to a field on campus, where she alleged he became aggressive and assaulted her. The defendant claimed he believed they were meeting for a hook‑up and that the woman was hysterical, stating he tried to kiss her and that she pushed him back. Gardaí interviews were presented, with the prosecution arguing the defendant's account was self‑serving and inconsistent. The defence argued the defendant's actions were reasonable given the woman's reaction and that she was not seeking sex. The jury heard closing speeches before being sent home for deliberation. The case remains at the trial stage.
In a Dublin murder trial, a jury of five men and seven women has deliberated for two days and will return for a third day to decide the verdict against 25‑year‑old Andrew Gibney, accused of killing 28‑year‑old Gerard Burnett on 21 August 2012. Gibney pleaded not guilty. The prosecution argues he was part of a joint enterprise with four other men who entered Burnett's house that night. The defence contends that if the evidence shows Gibney intended only to cause some harm, a manslaughter verdict would be appropriate. The jury has requested to re‑hear evidence from Detective Superintendent Colm O'Malley and Chief State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy, who confirmed Burnett died from multiple stab wounds and blood loss. The judge explained that the jury could return a not guilty verdict, a guilty verdict for murder, or a guilty verdict for manslaughter. The jury will resume deliberations tomorrow at 11.15 a.m.
In the Special Criminal Court, the trial of Eamonn Cumberton, aged 30, for the murder of 35‑year‑old Michael Barr at the Sunset House pub, has progressed to the hearing of DNA evidence. The prosecution presented a full DNA profile from a cigarette butt seized at Bridewell Garda Station, where Cumberton had been taken after his arrest at Dublin Airport on a bench warrant. Forensic Science Ireland's Rodney Lakes also analysed a rubber mask recovered from the alleged getaway car, finding a mixed DNA profile of two men. The DNA from the cigarette butt could not be excluded as a contributor to the mask's mixed profile. The court is hearing legal arguments on the admissibility of this evidence, with the trial continuing before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, Judge Patricia Ryan and Judge James Faughnan. The defence is challenging the legality of Cumberton's arrest. The case remains in the voir dire stage. Eamonn Cumberton pleaded not guilty. Sunset House pleaded not guilty.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, a 36‑year‑old man accused of sexually assaulting a 35‑year‑old woman on UCD campus pleaded not guilty. The defendant claimed he and the complainant had arranged to meet via Tinder and WhatsApp, and that he believed they were meeting to "hook up" and have sex. He said he had told her he was a porn star and asked if she wanted to star in a film with him, to which she replied positively. He alleged that after driving her to a field on campus, he leaned over to kiss her, she pushed him away, and then "freaked out" and became hysterical, crying and saying she was lost. He said he tried to calm her and that she jumped out of the car. Gardaí questioned him about his behaviour, to which he denied anger and said he was nervous.
The jury is hearing closing speeches in the trial of a 34‑year‑old Dubliner charged with the double murder of 31‑year‑old Anthony Burnett and 25‑year‑old Joseph Redmond in Louth on 7 March 2012. The accused, Jason O'Driscoll, has pleaded not guilty. The State alleges the victims were on their way to sell a stolen car to O'Driscoll and that he participated in their killings. Prosecutor Alexander Owens SC presented witness statements, mobile‑phone records and other evidence to the jury before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy.
In the trial of Andrew Gibney, a 25‑year‑old accused of murdering Gerard Burnett, the jury was informed that they could return a majority verdict if unanimity could not be reached. Judge Paul Butler explained that the jury should strive for unanimity but could give a majority verdict if necessary. The forewoman reported that at least ten jurors had not agreed on a verdict after four hours and ten minutes of deliberation, and the jury was set to resume at 2 pm. The prosecution argued that Gibney was part of a joint enterprise to murder Burnett, one of five men who went to the victim's house on the night of the murder. The defence contended that if the evidence suggested Gibney intended only to cause some harm short of serious harm, the appropriate verdict would be manslaughter. Andrew Gibney pleaded not guilty.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, a 36‑year‑old man pleaded not guilty to sexual assault of a foreign national on UCD campus on 23 July 2014. The complainant, who met the accused on Tinder, did not inform Garda Declan Ryan about the eight minutes the accused's blue BMW spent in a laneway before the alleged assault. Ryan said he interviewed the complainant twice, on 25 and 28 July, and that she identified the Nova running pitch as the assault site. He presented CCTV footage showing the car entering the laneway, leaving after about eight minutes, and then approaching the pitch before departing again. Ryan admitted he never asked the complainant about the laneway time, focusing instead on the pitch. The judge announced that evidence would finish the next day and closing arguments would begin.
The Special Criminal Court heard that the butt of a cigarette smoked by Eamonn Cumberton, 30, in a garda station was seized and sent to a forensic science laboratory for analysis. Cumberton, who is accused of murdering 35‑year‑old Michael Barr in the Sunset House pub on 25 April 2016, pleaded not guilty. The prosecution argues that Cumberton is "inextricably linked" to items recovered from a partially burnt‑out car near the scene, and that those items are "inextricably linked" to the shooting. The defence is contesting the legality of Cumberton's arrest. Evidence is being heard in a voir dire to determine its admissibility. The court noted that before being taken from the station, Cumberton smoked a cigarette in the back yard and discarded the butt, which Sergeant Michael Donnellan recovered along with a plastic cup from his cell. Both items were sent to the forensic lab for DNA analysis.
The 34‑year‑old accused in the Louth double murder trial, Jason O'Driscoll, admitted in court that he is the man shown in CCTV footage presented by the State. The admission was made by his barrister, Seán Guerin, under Section 22 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, allowing the prosecution to rely on the footage without further proof. The footage includes a man entering a Newry hotel at 7.45 pm on the night of the killings, a man in a blue jacket inside Murphy's in Meigh after 11 pm, and a man in a Eurospar shop on several days in March. Guerin confirmed that O'Driscoll was the man in each of these recordings. The trial continues with the jury awaiting further proceedings after the judge addressed a legal issue. The accused remains not guilty on the charges of murdering Anthony Burnett and Joseph Redmond.
A jury in the Central Criminal Court will return tomorrow to decide the verdict in the murder trial of Andrew Gibney, a 25‑year‑old from Mulhuddart, who is accused of killing Gerard Burnett, 28, at Castlecurragh Vale on 21 August 2012. After deliberating for two hours and 16 minutes, the jury requested a re‑hear of the Chief State Pathologist's evidence. Dr Marie Cassidy explained that Burnett died from multiple stab wounds and blood loss caused by injuries to his right lung, heart and liver. Gibney had told Gardaí on 28 August that he had stabbed the victim three times on the side with a knife and had voluntarily turned himself in, saying he wanted to give the deceased peace. The prosecution argues that Gibney was part of a joint enterprise with four other men who entered Burnett's house that night, making him criminally liable. Andrew Gibney pleaded not guilty.
On 23 July 2014, a 36‑year‑old Dublin man was charged with sexual assault of a foreign national at UCD campus. The trial, held at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, is in its fifth day. Witness Criona Cullen, a dog walker, testified that she was walking her dogs around 10 pm when she heard a woman call for help. The woman, speaking limited English, claimed she had met a man on Tinder who had taken her to the campus and attempted to have sex with her. Cullen offered assistance, arranging a taxi and offering to pay the fare. A flatmate of the complainant later testified that the woman was frightened and that the man had taken her to an abandoned area. The case is before Judge Cormac Quinn and a jury of twelve. The accused has pleaded not guilty.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has been discharged after failing to reach a verdict in a murder trial. Keith Brady, aged 30, of Cartron Estate, Sligo had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of Martin Kivlehan, aged 59, at New Apartments, Holborn Street, Sligo on 2nd and 3rd August 2015. The Crown rejected the manslaughter plea, and Mr Brady underwent a two-week trial. During proceedings, the jury heard that Mr Kivlehan died from two stab wounds to the neck. Mr Brady admitted inflicting the injuries. The eleven-member jury was asked to determine whether the act constituted murder or manslaughter. After indicating they could not achieve unanimity, and subsequently failing to reach a majority verdict, the jury was discharged. Mr Justice Paul McDermott remanded Mr Brady in custody until 4th December for potential further proceedings.
In the murder trial of Andrew Gibney, a 25‑year‑old from Mulhuddart, the judge emphasised that the principle of joint enterprise is central to the case. Gibney pleaded not guilty to the killing of Gerard Burnett, 28, who was stabbed six times on the right side of his chest, causing fatal injuries to his lung, heart and liver. Prosecutor Vincent Heneghan argued that five men were involved and that each was guilty of murder, citing evidence that Gibney admitted to stabbing Burnett three times and that the group acted together. Defence counsel Giollaiosa O Lideadha contended that the law requires individual guilt and that Gibney may have been part of a joint enterprise but not necessarily the one who inflicted the fatal wounds. The judge instructed the jury that they could return a verdict of not guilty, guilty of murder, or guilty of manslaughter, and that a unanimous decision was required.
A 36‑year‑old Dublin man pleaded not guilty to sexual assault of a 35‑year‑old foreign national at UCD campus on 23 July 2014. The woman, who met the man on Tinder, agreed to meet him after weeks of communication. He picked her up and drove her to a green area on campus. She testified that he became aggressive, placed his hand on her neck, touched her legs, shouted at her, and tried to restrain her. She feared for her life, thought he would rape her, and tried to open the doors, which were locked. Gardaí were informed after the alleged attack. CCTV footage showed the car was there for about one minute, a point contested by the woman. The trial is before Judge Cormac Quinn and a jury of twelve.
During the fourth day of the 25‑year‑old Andrew Gibney's trial, the court heard that he had voluntarily approached a Garda station on 28 August 2012 and told officers that he had been stabbed in the shoulder by the deceased, Gerard Burnett, with a screwdriver four years earlier. Gibney also claimed that the two men had since made amends and that he had no intention to murder Burnett, who was 28 and a father of one. He admitted stabbing Burnett three times with a knife on the night of 21 August 2012, but said he was drunk and that the incident was a "blur." Gibney said he had cleaned the knife with boiling water and that he had no knowledge of the depth of the wounds. The prosecution had charged him with murder; he had pleaded not guilty and had no prior convictions.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court is to resume deliberations on Monday in the trial of Keith Brady, aged 30 of Cartron Estate, Sligo. Mr Brady has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter following the death of 59-year-old musician Martin Kivlehan at New Apartments on Holborn Street, Sligo in August 2015. The deceased died from two stab wounds to the neck. The defence argued that Mr Brady was too intoxicated to form the necessary intent for murder, and invited the jury to consider whether he was provoked by the deceased's alleged inappropriate conduct towards his sister. Mr Justice Paul McDermott directed the jury to assess the credibility of Mr Brady's account and whether provocation may have caused him to lose control. The judge instructed jurors to consider the accused's circumstances as a drug user rather than applying the standard of a reasonable man. The jury of six women and five men must determine whether the charge should be murder or manslaughter.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court is to consider whether a 30-year-old man from Sligo was too intoxicated to form the intention to murder when he inflicted fatal stab wounds to the neck of a 59-year-old man in August 2015. Keith Brady of Cartron Estate has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for his role in the death of Martin Kivlehan at New Apartments, Holborn Street, Sligo. The State rejected his manslaughter plea. In closing arguments, the prosecution contended that despite evidence of severe intoxication, Mr Brady retained sufficient capacity to engage in deliberate actions before and after the stabbing, suggesting he possessed murderous intent. The defence argued that his intoxication and troubled background prevented him from forming such intention and that a manslaughter verdict was appropriate. The judge instructed the jury that they must determine whether Mr Brady was so affected by drink and drugs that he could not have intended to kill or cause serious injury. Mr Justice Paul McDermott will continue his charge to the jury today.
During the Special Criminal Court hearing on 23 November 2017, evidence was presented linking a bullet and a mobile phone found beside a partially burnt-out car to the 2016 murder of Michael Barr, 35, at the Sunset House pub. The prosecution argued that Eamonn Cumberton, 30, was "inextricably linked" to the items recovered from the car, which was allegedly used as a getaway vehicle. Witness James Fogarty testified that a car appeared on Walsh Road, with flames on the passenger side, and that a silver car was approached by three individuals. Detective Garda Michael Harkin described finding a 9mm bullet and a ringing phone near a grey Audi, noting the bullet had not moved. Garda Emmett O'Byrne reported a single 9mm round near the Audi's rear passenger wheel. Stephen Clifford, present at the pub, described seeing masked men with a gun at Barr's head. Eamonn Cumberton pleaded not guilty. Sunset House pleaded not guilty.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, a 35‑year‑old English‑language student testified that she was sexually assaulted by a 36‑year‑old Dublin man she had met on the Tinder dating app. She said she had agreed to meet him after weeks of communication, and he had driven her in his car to a secluded green area. During the encounter, she claimed he became aggressive and assaulted her. After the incident she took a taxi home, told her flatmate about the attack, but they could not contact the Gardaí because of limited English. She called the manager of the agency running her English course that night, who advised her to rest and go to the police the next morning. She expressed fear that people would judge her for getting into a stranger's car or using Tinder. The trial is proceeding before Judge Cormac Quinn and a jury of twelve. The unnamed 36-year-old pleaded not guilty.
During the Special Criminal Court trial of Eamonn Cumberton, 30, accused of murdering 35‑year‑old Michael Barr at the Sunset House pub on 25 April 2016, the court heard further witness statements. Stephen Clifford, who was organising a raffle in the pub that night, testified that he saw two men in rubbery Halloween masks approach Barr and place a gun to his head. Clifford described the men as standing "on top of him" and noted that the masks resembled an old man's face. James Fogarty also gave evidence, recalling a car that drove onto a path on Walsh Road, with three people exiting and flames appearing on the passenger side. Fogarty said one of the individuals may have dropped a shiny object near the car, and that the group ran toward a silver car. The trial continues. Eamonn Cumberton pleaded not guilty.
Keith Brady, aged 30, of Cartron Estate in Sligo, stands trial at the Central Criminal Court on a charge of murdering Martin 'Matt' Kivlehan, aged 59, at New Apartments on Holborn Street, Sligo on August 2nd or 3rd, 2015. Mr Brady has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The State rejected the manslaughter plea, and the trial proceeded. The prosecution concluded its evidence this week. During testimony, gardai recounted a statement Mr Brady made at Castlerea Prison in December 2015, in which he described being under the influence of heroin and alcohol at the time of the incident. He recalled stabbing the deceased in the neck but stated he could not remember his motivation. Mr Kivlehan died from two stab wounds to the neck. The trial, presided over by Justice Paul McDermott and a jury, continues.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Jason O'Driscoll, a 34-year-old Dublin man, continued with evidence regarding mobile phone data analysis. O'Driscoll, of Richmond Avenue, Fairview, has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of 31-year-old Anthony Burnett and 25-year-old Joseph Redmond in Co Louth on March 7, 2012. The jury heard testimony from An Garda Síochána analyst Eddie McGoey, who presented charts summarising contact between eight phone numbers of interest on the day of the alleged killings. McGoey referenced CCTV footage of a Newry hotel payphone and credit purchases at Mulkerns Eurospar. Under cross-examination by Seán Guerin SC, the defence highlighted a table showing that calls between a phone attributed to Burnett and a witness were followed by contact with an unknown number, with which Burnett had no prior contact in the available six-week record. McGoey agreed that Gardaí had not provided records for this unknown number, meaning potentially significant information was excluded from his original analysis. He conceded that, in theory, the unknown number could have used the same cell sites as the phones attributed to the deceased. The trial is before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, who indicated the case is moving towards a close. The matter was adjourned and continues on Tuesday.
During the third day of the 25‑year‑old Andrew Gibney's trial, the jury heard that he admitted to stabbing Gerard Burnett, 28, three times in the side with a knife. Gibney had come to Blanchardstown Garda Station of his own free will, telling officers he was involved in the incident and that the man was dead and needed peace. Sergeant Patrick Traynor reported that Gibney had a knife on the night of the incident and used it on Burnett. Chief State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy testified that Burnett's body had 30 knife injuries, six of which were deep stab wounds to the right side of the chest, causing internal injuries to the lung, heart and liver. Gibney was arrested for assault causing serious harm. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Butler and a jury of five men and seven women. Andrew Gibney pleaded not guilty.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, a 35‑year‑old woman testified that a 36‑year‑old man she met on Tinder attacked her in his car on the UCD campus on 23 July 2014. She had come to Ireland to learn English and had been using Tinder to find people to practise with. After chatting online, the man invited her to meet and offered a drive. She agreed, and he picked her up. While parked near a green area, he turned off the engine, locked the doors and became aggressive, calling her names and attempting to touch her. She tried to resist, struck him, and managed to escape, after which he fled. The case remains before Judge Cormac Quinn and a jury. The man pleaded not guilty to sexual assault.
A 30-year-old man accused of murdering a Sligo musician told gardai he stabbed the victim in the neck but could not recall his motive, the Central Criminal Court heard today. Keith Brady of Cartron Estate, Sligo has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of Martin Kivlehan, aged 59, at New Apartments on Holborn Street on August 2nd or 3rd, 2015. The State rejected his guilty plea. Mr Kivlehan died from two stab wounds to the neck. Inspector Tom Colsh told the court that Mr Brady invited gardai to his cell in Castlerea Prison in December 2015 and provided a detailed statement about the incident. Mr Brady said he had been addicted to heroin at the time and that events unfolded after visiting the victim's apartment with his sister. He described the stabbing as a "freak moment" and stated he never intended to kill anyone. Following the incident, he said he and his sister moved the body and placed a duvet over it before leaving.
In the Central Criminal Court, Andrew Gibney (25) pleaded not guilty to the murder of Gerard Burnett (28) on 21 August 2012. Chief State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy testified that Burnett's body, found in his porch, suffered 30 knife injuries, including six deep, fatal stab wounds to the right side of his chest that penetrated the lung, heart and liver. She noted ten shallow wounds on his back, multiple abrasions from broken glass on his face, and injuries to his right hand suggesting a defensive struggle. Cassidy suggested the wounds were inflicted by a broad‑bladed knife with a single edge, possibly by more than one assailant, and that death was not immediate. Witnesses Anne‑Marie Corbett and her husband described hearing a commotion and seeing three men running toward the main road that night. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul Butler, is scheduled to continue for up to three weeks.
In the Louth double murder trial, the jury heard forensic evidence that partly evaporated petrol vapour was found on a sample taken during the post‑mortem of one victim. The 34‑year‑old Dublin man, Jason O'Driscoll, pleaded not guilty to the murders of 31‑year‑old Anthony Burnett and 25‑year‑old Joseph Redmond, who were shot in a burning car in Ravensdale Forest Park on 7 March 2012. Firefighters arrived before 11 o'clock, and the bodies were discovered inside the vehicle. Dr John O'Shaughnessy testified that he examined fire debris and post‑mortem samples for accelerants. He reported finding partly evaporated petrol vapour on a sample from 'Body A' and also petrol and paraffin oil vapour from a sample taken under the car. The petrol vapour was confirmed to have come from petrol.
At the Central Criminal Court, a murder trial heard that the accused claimed he had been treated unfairly and denied involvement in a fatal stabbing. Keith Brady of Cartron Estate, Sligo has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of Martin Kivlehan, aged 59, at New Apartments on Holborn Street, Sligo on 2–3 August 2015. The State rejected his manslaughter plea, and the case proceeded to trial. Detective Garda Paul Casey gave evidence that during an interview at Ballymote Garda Station in November 2015, Mr Brady stated he had not committed murder and expressed that he felt he had "been very hard done by". Mr Kivlehan died from two stab wounds to the neck. The trial continued before Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of eleven members after one juror was excused.
Two men wearing "Freddie Kruger" masks entered the Sunset House pub in Dublin on the night of a shooting. Eamonn Cumberton, aged 30, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 35‑year‑old Michael Barr, who was shot dead in the pub on 25 April 2016. The prosecution argued that Cumberton was "inextricably linked" to items seized from a partially burnt‑out car near the scene, and that those items were "inextricably linked" to the shooting. Witnesses, including Theresa Smyth, described the masked men as "Freddie Kruger" or "Halloween" masks and said they entered the bar, after which a shooting occurred. Smyth said she saw Barr on the ground with blood from his head and that she "crawled over and blessed him." James Dunne, who was organising a raffle that night, recounted seeing a man with a weapon and fleeing with his daughter.
A brother and sister arrested during a murder investigation were permitted to meet while in garda custody at Sligo Garda Station, the Central Criminal Court heard. The meeting, described as highly unusual, took place in August 2015 and was supervised by gardai. During the encounter, the woman encouraged her brother to tell the truth and remarked she would be sixty years old upon release. Keith Brady, aged thirty, of Cartron Estate in Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Martin Kivlehan on August 2nd or 3rd, 2015 at New Apartments, Holborn Street, Sligo. The State rejected his manslaughter plea, and he faces trial before Justice Paul McDermott and a jury. A superintendent explained he authorised the meeting after the woman expressed concern for her brother's welfare and indicated she wished to tell the truth. A garda who supervised the meeting confirmed it was unusual but stated he did not believe it would compromise the investigation. The trial continues.
A 36‑year‑old man was tried in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for sexually assaulting a woman he met on Tinder. He pleaded not guilty. The prosecution, represented by Paul Burns SC, told the jury that the accused and the alleged victim first communicated on the Tinder website and later by text. On 23 July 2014, the accused met the woman, drove her from her city centre flat to a secluded park on the UCD campus, parked the car, and then sexually assaulted her. According to the counsel, the accused kissed her, became aggressive, held her arm, placed his hand on her dress, touched her thighs, and interfered with her clothing. The woman tried to stop him and struggled; the accused struck her on the head. She managed to escape and he drove away.
In the Central Criminal Court, a jury heard technical mobile‑phone evidence in the double murder trial of a 34‑year‑old Dublin man charged with killing 31‑year‑old Anthony Burnett and 25‑year‑old Joseph Redmond in Louth on 7 March 2012. The defendant, Jason O'Driscoll, pleaded not guilty. Witnesses described a fire at Ravensdale Forest Park, the discovery of the bodies with gunshot wounds to the heads, and the use of Meteor top‑ups purchased in Newry. The trial continued tomorrow before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of eight men and four women.
The Central Criminal Court trial of 25‑year‑old Andrew Gibney, of Dromheath Avenue, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15, heard that he is accused of murdering 28‑year‑old Gerard Burnett, of Castlecurragh Vale, Mulhuddart, on 21 August 2012. The prosecution alleges that Gibney and four other men entered Burnett's home shortly before midnight, with at least two armed with knives, one being Gibney. Burnett was allegedly pulled out of the house, suffered thirty stab wounds to his head, neck and chest, including six to the right side of his chest damaging lungs and liver, and died. Burnett's partner, Denise Farrell, testified that she was in the sitting room when the doorbell rang at 11.45 pm, that she did not recognise the intruders, and that her partner was dragged outside and later died. Andrew Gibney pleaded not guilty.
In November 2016, Deming Gao, a Chinese-born naturalised Irish Garda, reported persistent bullying, harassment and racial torment by colleagues after he raised concerns with superiors and a welfare officer. Following the complaint, he was allegedly branded a "rat," isolated, and subjected to verbal attacks, leading to a doctor's assessment that he was unfit for work due to stress. Gao's injury was initially classified as an injury on duty but was re‑classified in May 2017 as an ordinary illness, backdated to his leave start date, without explanation or consultation with his medical advisers or the Garda's chief medical officer. The Garda Commissioner also began deducting alleged over‑payments from his nominal weekly payments. Gao has sued the Commissioner, seeking to quash the re‑classification, restore the original injury status, and declare the re‑classification unlawful, with the case set for a December hearing.
In the Central Criminal Court, a 34‑year‑old Dublin man, Jason O'Driscoll, is on trial for the 2012 murders of 31‑year‑old Anthony Burnett and 25‑year‑old Joseph Redmond. The prosecution presented a statement from Crystal Jackson, Redmond's former partner, alleging that she and Redmond had tried to sell a Volkswagen Golf to O'Driscoll. Jackson said they had been at home, texting about the sale, and that O'Driscoll offered €700 for the car, which Redmond and Burnett agreed to. She claimed O'Driscoll declined to come to their house and that they eventually drove the car to him. Jackson was called to testify but refused to take the oath, leading the judge to order her imprisonment for contempt. The trial continues with the jury hearing the evidence and other witnesses. Jason O'Driscoll pleaded not guilty.
The trial of Andrew Gibney, a 25-year-old man from Dromheath Avenue, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15, is scheduled to begin tomorrow before the Central Criminal Court. Mr. Gibney is accused of murdering Gerard Burnett, aged 28, at Castlecurragh Vale, Mulhuddart, on August 21, 2012. When arraigned before the court this morning, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder. A jury comprising five men and seven women was sworn in to hear the proceedings under the direction of Mr. Justice Paul Butler. The trial is expected to last approximately three weeks. As the matter is currently at the trial stage, no findings, sentences, or final disposals have been recorded. The allegations remain contested, and the accused has not been convicted of the alleged offense.
A 32‑year‑old man, Dane Craigie, sustained serious brain injuries when the car he was a passenger in skidded off the road and struck a tree on 17 September 2008 at Bellinter, Navan. The incident occurred on a public road where construction and excavation works were underway. Craigie was taken to Navan Hospital and later to Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, where several surgeries were performed to relieve pressure on his brain. He spent an extended period in intensive care and now lives in a nursing home requiring ongoing care. Craigie sued several parties, including Meath County Council, SIAC Cintra Ferrovial (M3 Motorway Joint Venture), the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland, Linda Farrell, vehicle owner Kelly Mathews, and Ray Smyth, alleging negligence, nuisance and breach of duty of care. All defendants denied negligence and argued Craigie contributed to his injury by not wearing a seat belt.
A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court heard that a Sligo man told gardai he was deeply sorry for the death of a 59-year-old and would sacrifice his own life if he could. Keith Brady, aged 30, of Cartron Estate, Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in relation to the death of Martin Kivlehan at New Apartments, Holborn Street, Sligo on 2–3 August 2015. The prosecution rejected the guilty plea, and the trial is proceeding. During interviews at Sligo Garda Station on 4–5 August 2015, Mr Brady initially gave no comment responses before providing an account of events. He told gardai that he had consumed alcohol, Xanax, and heroin at the deceased's home, and that he stabbed Mr Kivlehan after an incident involving his sister. The accused stated he had no intention of killing anyone and attributed his actions to substance use. The trial continues before Justice Paul McDermott and a jury.
In a double‑murder trial, a witness named Richie Cullinan initially refused to testify, claiming the deceased had told him they were planning to sell a car to the accused, Jason O'Driscoll, on the night the victims were found shot in a Louth forest. Cullinan later admitted that the two deceased, Anthony Burnett and Joseph Redmond, had come to his home that evening to collect a car that Burnett had left in his carpark and were heading north to sell it. He said they left around 9 pm and that he had tried to call them at 11 pm but could not reach them. Cullinan also confirmed he had been arrested on suspicion of the murders and spent seven days in custody. The judge ordered him to take the oath, but he refused, leading to a contempt of court ruling. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, continues with a jury of eight men and four women. Jason O'Driscoll pleaded not guilty.