In a double‑murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, a 34‑year‑old Dublin man, Jason O'Driscoll, was charged with the 2012 killings of Anthony Burnett and Joseph Redmond, two Co. Louth criminals who were shot dead in a stolen Volkswagen Golf. O'Driscoll pleaded not guilty. Prosecutor Alexander Owens SC presented a circumstantial case, arguing that O'Driscoll was present at the scene and therefore a participant in the murders, without needing to prove he fired the fatal shots. Owens described the victims as "full‑time criminals" involved in car theft, noting they had stolen the Golf from a Sandymount home and later drove it north to a layby at Ravensdale Park, where they were shot in the head and the car was set on fire. The jury, composed of eight men and four women, was instructed to consider whether O'Driscoll's presence alone made him guilty.
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, the prosecution argued that Juraci Da Silva, 36, had taken the law into his own hands after being assaulted twice by James Banville and Conor Hogan. The prosecution presented CCTV footage and witness testimony showing Da Silva running to New Street with a knife after the attackers left, where he inflicted a fatal chest wound on Banville. They highlighted that Da Silva had previously been stabbed by Hogan and that the knife used had traces of Hogan's blood. The prosecution maintained that self‑defence was not applicable because Da Silva could have left the scene, and that any provocation would not justify murder. They urged the jury to find him guilty of murder, noting his anger and desire for revenge. The defence was scheduled to speak the following day. Juraci Da Silva pleaded not guilty.
During a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, retired surgeon Dr Michael Shine, aged 85, faced eight charges of indecent assault against six teenage boys at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and his private clinic in Drogheda between 1964 and 1991. Shine denied each allegation, stating "I absolutely deny that allegation." The prosecution, led by Bernard Condon SC, presented testimony from six complainants. The first, now 65, claimed that in 1964, at age 13, he was examined for a chest cyst and that Shine touched his chest, stomach, and testicles, repeating "it all works together." Other witnesses alleged similar conduct: a finger injury case, a knee injury case, a broken ankle case, a 16‑year‑old case, and a hernia case where Shine allegedly massaged genitals to ejaculation. The trial, presided over by Judge Cormac Quinn, is expected to last two weeks.
Jason O'Driscoll, a 34‑year‑old Dublin resident, appeared at the Central Criminal Court on 17 October 2017 charged with the double murder of Anthony Burnett and Joseph Redmond in County Louth on 7 March 2012. He declared his innocence and pleaded not guilty to both charges. The prosecution, represented by Alexander Owens SC, noted that O'Driscoll was originally from Fairview and had lived in Newry, while the victims were from Ballybough, Dublin. A jury of eight men and four women was sworn in for a trial set to begin the following day and last three to four weeks.
In a Waterford murder case, Brazilian man Juraci Da Silva, aged 36, admitted stabbing 28‑year‑old James Banville to death on 8 October 2016. He denies owning or carrying a knife, claiming he had never carried knives and was drunk. Da Silva pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea rejected by the State, and is now on trial at the Central Criminal Court. He also pleaded not guilty to assaulting Conor Hogan, who sustained a wound under his arm, and to producing a knife on the same night. Garda Kevin Nolan recounted interviewing Da Silva on 8 and 9 October, noting that both Banville and Hogan had previously assaulted him. Da Silva said he followed the men after a second assault but did not see them again, and that he had no knife. The trial continues before Justice Michael Kelly with a jury of twelve.
East Coast Kitchens Factory Ltd was fined €5,000 for health and safety breaches after an employee, Pawel Bodnar, lost three fingers on his right hand while cutting chipboard with a faulty Altendorf F45 sliding table saw on 23 July 2015. Bodnar, who was still employed by the company at the time of the hearing, was operating the saw with gloves on when the guard was broken and the blade's protective cover was mis‑positioned. He was taken to Beaumont Hospital where he underwent surgery but could not regain the fingers. The court found that the company had failed to provide a safe system of work, had not addressed the saw's defects, and had not informed management of the fault. East Coast Kitchens was also ordered to pay €4,731.49 in legal costs. The company has since implemented daily checks and a stricter safety policy. The case is also pending in civil court for restitution to Bodnar.
Tiarnan O'Mahoney, 58, former Chief Operations Officer of Anglo Irish Bank, is on trial in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for conspiracy to destroy, mutilate or falsify records relating to eight bank accounts linked to former chief executive Sean FitzPatrick. He pleaded not guilty to both the record‑alteration charge and a separate conspiracy to defraud the Revenue Commissioners. The alleged offences, dated between 25 March 2003 and 31 December 2004, involved deleting six accounts from the bank's electronic system and disguising two others. The prosecution, led by Dominic McGinn SC, argues that the accounts were part of a scheme to conceal non‑resident accounts exceeding £100,000 from the Revenue during an audit. Witnesses included a former Revenue Principal Officer and a trust and pensions advisor. The trial, presided over by Judge Martin Nolan with a jury of twelve, is expected to last four to six weeks.
Judges at the Special Criminal Court have remanded Seamus McGrane in custody until October 31st, when judgement will be delivered in his trial. The 63-year-old from Dromiskin, County Louth, pleaded not guilty to directing the activities of an unlawful organization, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, between April 19th and May 13th, 2015. He also denies being a member of the IRA between January 18th, 2010, and May 13th, 2015. The prosecution alleged that McGrane discussed an operation involving explosives in the run-up to the State visit of Prince Charles. Tara Burns SC argued that audio recordings of McGrane and Donal O'Coisdealbha in a Dublin pub, along with explosive materials found on McGrane's property, established that McGrane was acting as an authority in the IRA. She stated the evidence indicated he issued instructions regarding meeting people and providing bomb-making material. Michael O'Higgins SC, for the defence, contended that the recordings showed O'Coisdealbha was developing explosives independently of McGrane, describing their relationship as symbiotic rather than one of direction. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, presiding with Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain and Judge Cormac Dunne, remanded McGrane in custody pending the delivery of judgement on October 31st.
Juraci Da Silva, 36, is on trial for murder of 28‑year‑old James Banville, who died after a stabbing on 8 October 2016. Da Silva pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, and also pleaded not guilty to assaulting Conor Hogan and to producing a knife on the same day and place. He was interviewed by Garda Kevin Nolan at Waterford Garda Station on the day of the fatal assault. Da Silva, who was intoxicated when first arrested, said he could not remember the events. He claimed he was attacked by two men, that he did not assault anyone, and that he had no knife. CCTV footage showed him walking after the attackers, but he denied retaliation. The trial is at the Central Criminal Court, with the jury to hear further evidence before 20 October.
During a murder trial, Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis revealed that James Banville, who was stabbed to death on 8 October 2016 in Waterford, had alcohol, cocaine, methadone and valium in his system. He died from a single stab wound to the heart and was otherwise healthy. Juraci Da Silva, aged 36 and resident of Park Lane Apartments, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter of Banville, a plea not accepted by the State, and is on trial at the Central Criminal Court. Da Silva also pleaded not guilty to assaulting Conor Hogan and to producing a knife on the same date and place. Dr Curtis explained that cocaine is a strong stimulant that can lead to erratic or violent behaviour, and that combining it with alcohol can enhance the effect. He noted that methadone is often prescribed to people who are addicted to opioids such as heroin.
Daniel O'Connell, 33, is standing trial at the Central Criminal Court, where he has pleaded not guilty to the alleged attempted murder of his sister, Olivia O'Connell. Prosecutors allege that on April 25, 2016, O'Connell stabbed Ms. O'Connell, who was 26 and a half weeks pregnant and suffering from chemotherapy effects, three to four times in the back at her home in Knocklyon, Dublin. The prosecution contends the attack was premeditated, driven by O'Connell's alleged pathological dislike of Dublin and his desire to prevent her from raising a child there. Evidence presented includes O'Connell's admission to Gardaí that he intended to kill her, describing the incident as a "failed murder suicide." He allegedly carried a hammer and duct tape to subdue her and was found wearing latex gloves to hide fingerprints. Ms. O'Connell escaped to a neighbor's house, where she was treated for her injuries; the child was later born healthy. The jury has been informed that not guilty by reason of insanity is an available verdict, with expert psychiatric evidence expected from both sides. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Paul Butler.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Seamus McGrane, aged 63, was accused of directing IRA activities between 19 April and 13 May 2015. He allegedly told Donal O'Coisdealbha that an operation would target a site of "military" and "symbolic" significance, with reference to the State visit of Prince Charles on 19 May 2015. McGrane denied membership in the IRA from 18 January 2010 to 13 May 2015. A recorded conversation from 10 May 2015, captured by bugged microphones, described rocket building and testing, and mentioned a target 400 metres from the Cross of Sacrifice in Glasnevin cemetery. Garda searches on 13 May 2015 at McGrane's home and business uncovered bomb‑making components, including detonators, ammunition, a rocket, fireworks, a revolver, potash, syrup, mortar tubes, a garda uniform and a checkpoint sign. The case remains before Judges Kennedy, Ni Chulachain and Dunne. Seamus McGrane pleaded not guilty.
An Estonian man, Imre Arakas, aged 58, was charged in April at Dublin District Court with conspiring to murder James Gately in Northern Ireland between 3 and 4 April. The offence falls under Section 71 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. At a brief hearing today, State solicitor Michael O'Donovan requested that Arakas be charged and tried before the non‑jury Special Criminal Court. Judge Tony Hunt granted the order, allowing the DPP to direct the trial to that court if ordinary courts are deemed inadequate for effective administration of justice.
Jason Keating, 26, of Lower Main Street, Rush, Co Dublin, is accused of murdering Noel 'Duck Egg' Kirwan, 62, outside Kirwan's house on St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, on 22 December 2016. The case is being heard in the non‑jury Special Criminal Court. Mr Justice Tony Hunt set the trial date for 1 October 2017, and Keating has been remanded in custody until that date.
During a murder trial, witness Georgina Roche testified that blood poured from the deceased 28‑year‑old James Banville "like water from a hose" after he was stabbed. Roche had tried to keep Banville awake, but he did not respond and his eyes rolled back. The accused, Juraci Da Silva, 36, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, and also pleaded not guilty to assault and to producing a knife. The trial is at the Central Criminal Court. Witness Keith Wall described a fight involving a black man in a red jacket and two Irish men, noting aggressive behaviour and racial slurs. Dr John Power examined Da Silva the day after the stabbing, noting dizziness and bruising but no significant head injury, and passed him as fit for interview. The jury will hear further evidence tomorrow before Justice Michael White.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Seamus McGrane, 63, of Dromiskin, County Louth, pleaded not guilty to directing the activities of an unlawful organisation styled the Irish Republican Army (IRA) between 19 April and 13 May 2015. The court listened to an audio recording from a surveillance device placed in the Coachman's Inn pub in Dublin on 19 April 2015. In the recording, McGrane described mixing fertiliser, glucose and corn syrup, grinding the fertiliser, adding sugar and corn syrup, and testing the resulting compound. He also spoke of boiling the materials, discussing chemical ratios, and a timer device. McGrane mentioned a "science graduate" who could assist, and talked about strategies for England and other areas. He questioned the relevance of the IRA in 2016 and criticised police and Sinn Féin. The trial continues before Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain and Judge Cormac Dunne.
During the trial of Juraci Da Silva, a 36‑year‑old Brazilian resident of Park Lane Apartments, a witness named Melanie Byrne testified that on the night of 8 October 2016, Da Silva was racially abused and assaulted by two Irish men, Conor Hogan and James Banville, who were also the alleged perpetrators of the murder of 28‑year‑old James Banville on New Street. Byrne described seeing the men shout racial slurs, punch Da Silva for no reason, and later threaten him with the words "Go back to your own country." She also recalled seeing the men earlier that evening in Sinnott's nightclub, appearing aggressive and "on something," and later witnessing them taking drugs in an alley before the assault. Additional witnesses, including Emily Keogh, Susan Foley, Emma Balfe, and Evan Russell, corroborated that Da Silva was attacked by the two Irish men, who were later identified as the murder suspects. Juraci Da Silva pleaded not guilty.
The jury has resumed deliberations in the Central Criminal Court trial of Danny Keena, a 55‑year‑old farmer from Empor, Ballynacargy, who is charged with murdering his former partner, 43‑year‑old Brigid Maguire, by strangulation on 14 November 2015. Keena pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. He had previously strangled Maguire to the point of dizziness, and she and their two children left him only two months before her death. The defence seeks a manslaughter verdict on the grounds of provocation, citing that Maguire accused him of being a bad father. The prosecution argues that provocation is inappropriate, noting his prior strangulation and threats to kill her. Judge Patrick McCarthy reminded the jury that the only options were guilty of murder or not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter, and that the accused's remorse was irrelevant.
A 33‑year‑old man from Kilkenny, Daniel O'Connell, was arraigned in the Central Criminal Court on 9 October 2017 for attempting to murder his sister, Olivia O'Connell, in Dublin on 25 April 2016. He pleaded not guilty. Justice Patrick McCarthy swore a jury of six men and six women, and the trial was scheduled to start the following day and last two days.
The jury will resume deliberations on Monday in the Central Criminal Court trial of Danny Keena, a 55‑year‑old farmer from Empor, Ballynacargy, Co. Westmeath, who is charged with murdering his 43‑year‑old mother‑in‑law, Brigid Maguire, by strangulation on 14 November 2015. Keena pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter at her home on Main Street, Ballynacargy. He had previously strangled her to the point of dizziness, and she and her two children had left him only two months before her death. The defence seeks a manslaughter verdict on the basis of provocation, citing an alleged remark by Ms Maguire that he was a bad father to their son. The prosecution argues that the case is not suitable for a provocation defence, noting testimony that Keena had previously strangled her and threatened to kill her.
During a murder trial, witness Conor Hogan denied that he and the deceased, 28‑year‑old James Banville, provoked the fatal knife attack on a Waterford street. Hogan, from Taghmon, said the accused, 36‑year‑old Brazilian meat‑factory worker Juraci Da Silva, "started it" when he approached them in an alley and wouldn't leave. He also said he could not remember racially abusing Da Silva or calling him a "pervert" or "paedophile." Da Silva has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, and is also charged with assaulting Hogan and producing a knife. Hogan testified that he and Banville had not provoked Da Silva, and that the first two assaults occurred when Da Silva approached them. The trial continues before Justice Michael White and a jury.
The Special Criminal Court has scheduled a trial for May 30, 2018, for three men accused of murdering 35‑year‑old Gareth Hutch, nephew of Gerry "the Monk" Hutch. Hutch was shot as he entered his car outside Avondale House flats on North Cumberland Street, Dublin, on May 24, 2017. The accused are Regina Keogh, 39, of Kings Inn Street; Jonathan Keogh, 31, of north inner city Dublin; and Thomas Fox, 30, of Rutland Court, Dublin 1. All three were remanded in custody and the case was listed for mention again on December 12, 2017.
Frederick "Freddie" Thompson, aged 36, and Nathan Foley, aged 18, are charged with the murder of David Douglas, 55, who was shot dead on 1 July 2016 at Bridgefoot Street, Dublin. Foley is also charged with damaging a car on 4 July 2016 at Strand Road, Dublin. Both men are remanded in custody. The non‑jury Special Criminal Court, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, has set a trial date for 30 April next year, with the trial expected to last two weeks. The case was listed for mention again on 21 December.
Danny Keena, 55, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in the death of 43‑year‑old Brigid Maguire, who was strangled on November 14, 2015, at her home on Main Street, Ballynacargy. During his closing speech in the Central Criminal Court, Keena, through his barrister, requested a verdict of manslaughter on the grounds of provocation, citing Maguire's remark that he was a bad father. Prosecutor Remy Farrell argued that the case did not meet the provocation defence, noting Keena's prior threats to kill his partner and his description of the strangulation method. Defence counsel Colm Smyth highlighted the couple's separation, Keena's financial support for the family, and Maguire's hostile communication, arguing that these circumstances triggered Keena's reaction. The court heard both sides' closing arguments before the jury considered the verdict.
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has been joined as a defendant in a personal injury action brought by Aoife Bennett, who claims she suffered narcolepsy and cataplexy after receiving the Pandemrix swine flu vaccine in 2009. Ms Bennett is one of approximately 70 plaintiffs suing the Minister for Health, the HSE, and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). In a trial-stage procedural application, the Master of the High Court, Mr Edmund Honohan SC, granted permission to add the HPRA to the case. Ms Bennett's solicitor, Gillian O'Connor, stated that the application followed the discovery of 4,500 documents from GSK, which allegedly revealed that the former Irish Medicines Board possessed safety data showing Pandemrix had adverse effect rates up to seven times higher than a similar Canadian-made vaccine, Arepanrix. It is alleged that the HPRA breached its duty of care by failing to adequately monitor the vaccine's safety or inform the public of these risks, despite public brochures claiming the vaccine was safe and well-tested. The HPRA was not represented at the hearing but stated in correspondence that it does not admit any culpability. The matter remains ongoing as discovery processes continue regarding the authority's handling of the safety records.
The Charleton tribunal received three out of four requested statements from senior garda officers, according to tribunal barrister Diarmaid McGuinness SC. Statements from Chief Superintendent Terry McGinn, Chief Superintendent Tony McLoughlin, and Superintendent Eugene McGovern were submitted on Thursday morning. Retired assistant commissioner Kieran Kenny was unable to provide a statement as he was 'on the far side of the world.' The tribunal requested the statements following the discovery of handwritten notes taken by Chief Superintendent McGinn at a garda conference in Letterkenny station on 8 October 2013. Tribunal chairman, Mr Justice Peter Charleton, sought to determine each officer's knowledge of the meeting, which occurred two days after a complaint was made by Marisa Simms, the partner of whistleblower Garda Keith Harrison. McGuinness noted that Chief Supt McGinn's notes were submitted to Garda HQ months ago but not forwarded to the tribunal. Garda HQ reviewed the documents and found no reference to Tusla or HSE, leading to the omission. The tribunal is currently examining contacts between gardaí and HSE/Tusla regarding Garda Harrison. Supt Eugene McGovern, cross-examined by Mark Harty SC on behalf of Garda Harrison, stated that a decision was made to refer Ms Simms' complaint to the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) under Section 102 of the Garda Siochana Act, which allows for referrals where a Garda has caused death or serious harm. Harty questioned whether distress was considered serious harm and if charges of assault causing serious harm would be brought without physical injury. McGovern said that the decision on charges would be for the DPP and that gardaí believed there was a 'substantial risk of death' to Ms Simms. Harty noted that no crime prevention advice was given to Ms Simms and questioned the response to the threat. McGovern stated that the matter was referred to the garda ombudsman, though the ombudsman has no powers of arrest or crime prevention. A letter from Chief Supt Tony McLoughlin in Garda HQ questioned the appropriateness of a Section 102 referral, suggesting confinement on indoor duties. Chief Supt McGinn responded that the threats outlined by Ms Simms constituted a 'substantial risk of death.' McGovern stated that the referral to the HSE was based on Ms Simms' statement, which she made voluntarily. Ms Simms later withdrew her statement.
Conor Hogan, aged 28, denies that he racially abused the Brazilian accused, Juraci Da Silva, during a 2016 assault in Waterford. Hogan admitted to assaulting Da Silva twice, but denied a third assault and said he could not recall telling Da Silva to "go back to your own country." Da Silva, 36, is on trial for murder and has pleaded not guilty to that charge but guilty to the manslaughter of James Banville, 28, who was stabbed by Da Silva. Da Silva also faces charges of assaulting Hogan and producing a knife. During cross‑examination, Hogan explained that he and Banville attacked Da Silva because he would not leave them alone, and that the colour of his skin was irrelevant. The trial is before Justice Michael White with a jury of twelve.
During the Central Criminal Court trial of Danny Keena, the teenage son of the accused, who is not named because of his age, gave emotional testimony about his father's behaviour towards his mother, Brigid Maguire. He described how Keena had threatened to kill her, saying "I'd kill you," and had repeatedly harassed her, including an incident where he spilled milk on her hair. The son recalled being woken one night in sixth class when Keena held a hammer and threatened his mother, and that he and his sister tried to protect her but were prevented from leaving. He said that after the family moved out in September 2015, Keena continued to threaten her. The son's testimony was interrupted by a break when he became upset. The trial is proceeding before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of seven men and five women.
Danny Keena, a 55‑year‑old farmer from Empor, Ballynacargy, Westmeath, is on trial for the murder of 43‑year‑old Brigid Maguire, the mother of his two children. He pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. During the trial, Keena demonstrated to Gardaí how he strangled Maguire after a dispute at her new home. He described following her to her bedroom, arguing, and then choking her for a few minutes until she fell and her tongue turned blue. He claimed he did not intend to kill her, stating he panicked when she was dying. Keena also admitted having attempted suicide twice and that he had threatened to kill himself. The court heard a post‑mortem report indicating extensive neck injury and asphyxiation as the cause of death. The trial is proceeding before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury.
The Charleton tribunal has requested new statements from four senior gardaí regarding an October 2013 meeting in Letterkenny, County Donegal, which prompted referrals concerning garda whistleblower Keith Harrison to the HSE and GSOC. Tribunal Chairman Mr Justice Peter Charleton stated the tribunal had only recently learned that retired Northern Region Assistant Commissioner Kieran Kenny was consulted about the meeting. Handwritten notes from Chief Superintendent Terry McGinn, which documented discussions involving both Mr Kenny and Chief Superintendent Tony McLoughlin, were provided to the tribunal in June but were not searchable until recently transcribed. Mr Justice Charleton emphasised the October 2013 meeting was a significant turning point in the sequence of events. He requested statements from Mr Kenny, Chief Superintendent McLoughlin, Chief Superintendent McGinn, and Superintendent Eugene McGovern by 10am the following morning. Garda Harrison's barrister highlighted that he had only received the notes during cross-examination, describing them as critical to understanding the decision-making process.
During a murder trial, Conor Hogan, aged 28, recounted the events that led to the fatal stabbing of his friend James Banville on 8 October 2016. Hogan said he and Banville had celebrated Banville's first week in a new job, drinking in a few pubs in Waterford City. They were assaulted twice by Brazilian national Juraci Da Silva, 36, who later pursued them. Hogan and Banville attempted to hit Da Silva in an alley on Cross Lane, but Da Silva returned to the car on New Street and stabbed both men. Banville died from his injuries; Hogan required about ten stitches. Da Silva pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Banville, a plea not accepted by the State, and is on trial at the Central Criminal Court. He also pleaded not guilty to assaulting Hogan and to producing a knife. The trial continues tomorrow before Justice Michael Kelly and a jury of twelve.
In the Central Criminal Court, the niece of Danny Keena, charged with murdering Brigid Maguire, testified that he had threatened to run his car into her if they met on the road. She recalled a phone call six or seven weeks before Maguire's death, during which Keena said he was "sick of it all" and would kill himself after driving into her. The niece, who had a good relationship with Keena, said she did not believe he would hang himself. She also confirmed that she had not told the Gardaí about the call. The court heard that Maguire's post‑mortem revealed extensive neck injury and asphyxiation. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, continues with a jury of seven men and five women.
In the Central Criminal Court, Jade Maguire testified that her father, Danny Keena, had threatened to kill her mother, Brigid Maguire, with a hammer and later a poker before Brigid's strangulation on 14 November 2015. Jade and her brother had left the Keena household weeks earlier, but Keena returned with a baseball bat and attempted to stop them from leaving. Jade described hearing her father shout that he would kill her mother and seeing marks on Brigid's neck. She found Brigid lying dead on the floor after entering the house. Keena, 54, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, is expected to last five days, with a jury of seven men and five women hearing the evidence.
Danny Keena, 54, of Empor, Ballynacargy, Westmeath, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of his partner, 41‑year‑old Brigid Maguire, who was strangled in her home on 14 November 2015. He pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea rejected by the Director of Public Prosecutions. A jury of seven men and five women is hearing the case. Prosecutor Remy Farrell SC described the couple's long‑term partnership, their two teenage children, and the breakdown of their relationship by 2015. He noted that Maguire's daughter, Jade, found her mother lying on the floor and that the mother had been dead for some time, having been strangled. Farrell highlighted that Keena was absent at the time of the killing, had fled, slept rough, and later admitted the killing at a neighbour's house.
In a Waterford murder trial, 36‑year‑old Juraci Da Silva pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter of 28‑year‑old James Banville, who was stabbed to death on New Street at about 3.15 am on 8 October 2016. Da Silva also pleaded not guilty to assault causing harm to Conor Hogan and to a third count of producing a knife. The prosecution presented CCTV footage showing that Banville and Hogan had assaulted Da Silva twice over a 20‑minute period, then left him. Da Silva, after changing clothes, followed them, produced a long knife and inflicted the fatal injury. The jury was told that the acts did not constitute self‑defence and that intent to kill or cause serious injury was required for murder. The trial continued before Justice Michael Kelly and a 12‑person jury.
Freddie Thompson, 36, was charged with the murder of David Douglas, 55, on 1 July 2016 at Bridgefoot Street, Dublin. In a High Court hearing on 3 October 2017, Judge Paul McDermott refused Thompson's bail application, citing flight risk and the seriousness of the charge. Thompson, wearing a grey zip‑up jumper, shouted obscenities at the judge, saying "Fuck off, I'm not listening to that" and "I'm not fucking going back in", and attempted to leave the courtroom. Two women present left before the judge finished ruling. The State, represented by Ronan Prendergast BL, objected to bail on the grounds of flight risk and potential further serious offences. Sergeant Brendan Brogan of Pearse Street Garda Station and Chief Superintendent Francis Clerkin provided evidence supporting the refusal under Section 2A of the Bail Act. Thompson was remanded in custody and the DPP had previously obtained an order for him to face trial at the Special Criminal Court.
A High Court judge will decide whether 36‑year‑old Frederick "Freddie" Thompson, who lives on Loreto Road, Maryland, Dublin 8, should be granted bail. Thompson is charged with the murder of 55‑year‑old David Douglas, who was killed on Bridgefoot Street, Dublin, on 1 July 2016. The Director of Public Prosecutions had previously obtained an order for Thompson to be tried at the Special Criminal Court, arguing that ordinary courts were inadequate for effective administration of justice. Thompson applied for bail in the High Court, but the State objected. Sergeant Brendan Brogan of Pearse Street Garda Station told the court that the seriousness of the charge made Thompson a flight risk and that his release could lead to further serious offences. Chief Superintendent Francis Clerkin also testified that, under Section 2A of the Bail Act, refusal of bail was necessary to prevent the commission of a serious offence.
The Charleton tribunal, chaired by Mr Justice Peter Charlton, continued its trial examining allegations that Garda Keith Harrison was targeted for making a protected disclosure. Ms Marisa Simms, Harrison's partner, testified that she was followed by Garda vehicles and received death threats, denying suggestions that Harrison sought whistleblower fame. She stated that a complaint forwarded to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) in October 2013 was not made under pressure. Harrison alleged the GSOC referral was motivated by malice stemming from his previous posting in Athlone and his relationship with Simms, whose brother was charged with the manslaughter of Garda Gary McLoughlin. Social worker Una Coll testified that she contacted Sergeant Brigid McGowan in 2012 regarding an anonymous letter and later learned a referral had been sent for the Simms children. Coll stated that social services consult with Gardaí but do not accept direction from them. Principal social worker Gerry Hone confirmed receiving a notification about the children in October 2013, noting that a box indicating emotional abuse was ticked but further information was required before action could be taken. Hone stated it would be highly inappropriate for an outside agency to direct social work investigations. The tribunal is currently examining contacts between Gardaí and the HSE/Tusla, with details of the protected disclosure yet to be heard.
In Waterford City, a jury was sworn in to hear the trial of Juraci Da Silva, a 36‑year‑old Brazilian, accused of murder and assault causing harm. Da Silva was alleged to have murdered 28‑year‑old James Banville on 8 October 2016 at New Street. He pleaded not guilty to the murder charge but guilty to manslaughter, a plea rejected by the State. He also pleaded not guilty to assault causing harm against Conor Hogan and to a third count of producing a knife. All charges stem from the same incident.
A jury of eight women and four men was sworn in for the trial of Tiarnan O'Mahoney, 58, a former Chief Operations Officer at Anglo Irish Bank. He has pleaded not guilty to a conspiracy charge alleging that he conspired to destroy, mutilate or falsify books and documents relating to Anglo Irish Bank's property or affairs between 25 March 2003 and 31 December 2004, involving several named accounts. O'Mahoney, now a business consultant living in Glen Pines, Enniskerry, denies the charge. Judge Martin Nolan of the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court explained that the trial is expected to last four to six weeks and that anyone with an association to the bank or who could not act impartially should not serve. He warned the jury against researching the case online. The prosecution is represented by Dominic McGinn SC and Kerida Naidoo SC, while O'Mahoney's defence is led by Brendan Grehan SC with Lorcan Staines BL and Edward Doocy BL.
Jason Keating, aged 26, was charged with the murder of Noel 'Duck Egg' Kirwan, 62, who was shot in the head and chest outside his Ford Mondeo on St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin, on 22 December 2016. The DPP applied for Keating to be tried at the Special Criminal Court, a non‑jury court, and the application was granted by Judge Isobel Kennedy. The court will now hear the case in the Special Criminal Court, where the ordinary courts are deemed inadequate for effective administration of justice.
Two men, Laurence Murphy, 60, and Ray Kennedy, 38, were granted bail by the Special Criminal Court after being charged with membership of the unlawful organisation Oglaigh na hEireann (IRA) in connection with the murder of Peter Butterly, 35, who was shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co. Meath on 6 March 2013. Solicitor Rioghnach Corbett informed the court that the State consented to the bail applications, subject to conditions. Murphy's bail was set on a €100 bond and a €10,000 independent surety; Kennedy's bail was on a €100 bond and a €16,000 independent surety. Conditions require both men to surrender passports, not apply for new travel documents, sign daily at an agreed Garda station, reside at an agreed address, observe a curfew from 12 am to 7 am, stay within jurisdiction, avoid Northern Ireland, refrain from attending Republican commemorations, and not contact prosecution witnesses.
A 26‑year‑old Dublin man, Jason Keating of Lower Main Street, Rush, Co. Dublin, is charged with the murder of Noel Kirwan, aged 62, who was killed outside his house on St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, on 22 December 2016. At a brief hearing in which Keating was excused, a State solicitor informed the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions had applied for Keating to be tried before the Special Criminal Court. Judge Tony Hunt, sitting with Judges Cormac Dunne and Ann Ryan, granted the order for a non‑jury trial.
A 40‑year‑old woman, Regina Keogh of Avondale House, Cumberland Street North, has been charged with the murder of Gareth Hutch on 24 May 2016. She appeared before the Special Criminal Court, a three‑judge, non‑jury court, where Judge Tony Hunt tentatively set her trial for 25 June. Her defence solicitor, Patrick Gageby SC, requested the case be mentioned again on 6 October. Separately, a 32‑year‑old man, Jonathan Keogh of Gloucester Place, is also charged with Hutch's murder and will be tried by the same court, with the case to be mentioned again next Friday.
Darren Gleeson, 35, a Dublin father of one, was charged with membership of the Irish Republican Army on 18 May 2017. He was remanded in custody after the alleged offence and applied for bail on 31 August 2017. The Special Criminal Court, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, rejected the bail application. The court cited a probable flight risk and noted that both Gleeson's daughter's mother and his own mother offered €3,000 each for bail. Gleeson remains in custody until 4 October for the production of evidence.
The Special Criminal Court has denied Frederick "Freddie" Thompson's request to dismiss the murder charge against him. Thompson, 36, is charged with the July 1st, 2016 killing of David Douglas, 55, who was shot dead in a shop on Bridgefoot Street, Dublin. Thompson's barrister, Michael O'Higgins SC, argued for dismissal under Section 4E of the Criminal Justice Act 1999, while Seán Gillane SC represented the prosecution. Justice Isobel Kennedy, presiding, stated that the three‑judge panel had reviewed all evidence and submissions and found sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial.
The jury in the trial of Sergeant Eve Doherty, a 49‑year‑old Garda detective, will resume deliberations after a brief recess. Doherty is accused of harassing State solicitor Elizabeth Howlin between September 2011 and March 2013 by sending letters and emails that called Howlin a "corrupt bitch" and an "incompetent useless hobbit," and by placing A4 posters around Howlin's housing estate that falsely claimed Howlin was a political appointee who would "pull" files to protect people connected to her or the Government. Howlin, who worked with the Director of Public Prosecutions and is a distant cousin of TD Brendan Howlin, denies the allegations. Judge Melanie Greally instructed the jury to base any verdict solely on the evidence presented in court, warning against external research or discussion.
A retrial date has been set for a Cavan childminder charged with causing serious harm to an infant. Sandra Higgins, aged 36, of The Beeches, Drumgola Wood, Cavan town, denies intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to a baby at her home on 28 March 2012. Judge Karen O'Connor at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court scheduled the new trial to commence on 15 January 2018, with proceedings expected to last eight days. The previous jury was discharged after a juror accessed information online, and an earlier jury in 2015 failed to reach a verdict.
In a 14‑day trial, Detective Eve Doherty, 49, denies harassing State solicitor Elizabeth Howlin from September 2011 to March 2013 and making false statements in March 2013 that Howlin was perverting justice. Howlin, who worked with the Director of Public Prosecutions, received letters, emails and A4 posters calling her a "corrupt bitch" and "incompetent useless hobbit", and falsely claiming she was a political appointee who would "pull" files to protect people linked to her or the Government. Doherty admitted sending an email from a Hushmail account while in a Wired internet café on 29 September 2013, but argued it was a protected disclosure and not harassment. Prosecutor Kerida Naidoo presented circumstantial evidence that all communications came from the same source and contained personal details only a small group could know, suggesting jealousy as motive. The jury will deliberate on Monday under Judge Melanie Greally.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Frederick "Freddie" Thompson, aged 36 and residing on Loreto Road, Maryland, Dublin 8, applied for the non‑jury court to dismiss a murder charge. The charge concerns the killing of David Douglas, 55, on Bridgefoot Street, Dublin, on 1 July last year. Michael O'Higgins SC represented Thompson, while Sean Gillane SC represented the prosecution. Justice Isobel Kennedy, presiding, announced that the court would rule on the application on 31 August.