Karl Finnegan, brother of the deceased Anna Finnegan, gave evidence in the Central Criminal Court trial of Vesel Jahiri. Finnegan described a violent incident on 21 September 2012 at the Finnegan home in Clonsilla, where Jahiri allegedly forced the front door, attacked Anna and Finnegan, and used a knife. Finnegan said he was struck, fell, and blacked out, later waking with stab wounds to his head and chest. He recounted seeing Jahiri with a knife, hearing a loud bang, and being unable to recall Anna's whereabouts. Finnegan also testified that he was injured, had difficulty breathing, and was hospitalized for three days. He denied that he had seen Jahiri hold a knife when entering the house and stated he was as truthful as possible. The trial continues before Mr Justice Coffey and a jury of nine men and three women, expected to last four to five weeks. Vesel Jahiri pleaded not guilty.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Ciprian Grozavu, aged 42, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Jonathan Duke, aged 27, who was found strangled and "trussed up" in the River Bandon on 13 November 2011. The prosecution presented evidence that Duke was seen alive that evening at Bridge House, Bandon, and later discovered dead in the river. Witnesses from apartments 2 and 3 reported a serious commotion, with one individual stepping into the hallway to investigate. The court heard that Grozavu, Duke, and Catherine O'Connor—who had previously been convicted of Duke's murder—were together that night, had consumed alcohol, and that Grozavu and O'Connor were involved in assaulting and disposing of Duke. Gardaí testimony included attempts to enter apartment 3 and blood patches on the stairs. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul Butler, is expected to last two weeks.
A Latvian man, Andresj Krauze, 31, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of fellow Latvian Juris Buls, 30, in Galway on 7 or 8 July 2011. Krauze, who lives at Dudley Heights, Glenamaddy, is accused of the killing. At the Central Criminal Court a jury of six men and six women was sworn in, and Justice Patrick McCarthy announced the trial would commence on Wednesday before Justice Margaret Heneghan.
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, the prosecution presented what it described as "overwhelming evidence" that Thomas O'Connor, aged 29, killed John O'Brien, aged 22, by repeatedly striking him on the head with a rock on 4 June 2010. O'Connor, who pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, admitted striking O'Brien with a rock and claimed the blows were part of a fight. The prosecution argued that the force used was excessive and that O'Connor's admissions, including that he had "gone too far," supported a murder conviction. Defence counsel noted a partial self‑defence claim and highlighted that no witness saw O'Brien moving after the attack. The trial was ongoing, with defence counsel scheduled to address the jury the following day.
Roy Webster, a 39-year-old man from Ashbree, Ashford, Co Wicklow, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Anne Shortall but guilty to her manslaughter. The prosecution rejected the manslaughter plea, and the matter will proceed to trial on the murder charge. Mr Webster is accused of killing Ms Shortall on April 3, 2015, at The Murrough, Co Wicklow. At the Central Criminal Court, Justice Patrick McCarthy swore in a jury of five women and seven men. The judge indicated that the trial is likely to last two weeks. The jury is scheduled to return on Wednesday morning. This report reflects the procedural stage of trial, where the accused's plea was not accepted, resulting in a full trial on the original murder charge rather than a finalised disposal.
The trial of 35‑year‑old Vesel Jahiri, originally from Kosovo, will resume tomorrow after a brief pause. Jahiri is accused of murdering his former partner, Anna Finnegan, 26, at Allendale Glen, Clonsilla, Dublin 15, on 21 September 2012, and of assaulting Karl Finnegan at the same location and date. He has pleaded not guilty to both charges. Mr Justice Paul Coffey informed the jury that a matter would be dealt with in their absence, so they will not hear the case today. The trial is expected to last four to five weeks.
A jury of eight men and four women was sworn in at the Central Criminal Court for the trial of Ciprian Grozavu, a 42‑year‑old Romanian, who pleaded not guilty to the murder of Jonathan Duke, 27, at Bridge House, Sean Hales Place, Bandon, Co Cork, on 13 November 2011. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul Butler, is scheduled to begin that afternoon and is expected to last two weeks.
In the Central Criminal Court, the trial of Vesel Jahiri (35) for the murder of Anna Finnegan (26) and assault on Karl Finnegan was interrupted when Jahiri, standing before the jury, claimed evidence had been tampered with and that the knife used in the alleged murder had its fingerprints wiped. He also demanded to represent himself and accused the court of illegal detention. Judge Paul Coffey asked the jury to leave the courtroom, after which they returned following a half‑hour break. The case, which began with a jury hearing on Wednesday, is expected to continue for four to five weeks. Karl Finnegan, the deceased's brother, had testified that Jahiri and Anna had been in a relationship for about ten years, had two children, and that their relationship had deteriorated in the months leading up to the September 2012 incident. Jahiri has pleaded not guilty to both the murder and the assault.
During a trial, a witness testified that on 21 September 2012, murder accused Vesel Jahiri, 35, threatened former partner Anna Finnegan, 25, over a phone call. The witness heard Jahiri say, "I know where you fucking are, I'll come and kill yous," after a heated argument about seeing their children and financial matters. Finnegan, who had a protection order and had recently taken an overdose, was frightened and called the Garda station. The witness confirmed that Jahiri had previously threatened to kill Finnegan's sister Lisa and had a history of violence, including stabbing Finnegan at Allendale Glen. The case is being heard by Mr Justice Paul Coffey with a jury, and the trial is expected to last four to five weeks. Vesel Jahiri pleaded not guilty.
In the murder trial of Richard Dekker, 30, the prosecution argued that Dekker lured 17‑year‑old Daniel McAnaspie to an isolated riverbank where Trevor Noone, armed with garden shears, stabbed the boy. Dekker allegedly knew Noone's violent history and that he intended serious harm. The prosecution claimed Dekker's assistance, knowing Noone carried a lethal weapon, made him guilty of murder. Dekker denied knowledge of the killing until shown Noone's statement accusing him. Defence counsel Sean Gillane SC contended that Dekker had no intent to kill, had tried to stop Noone, and had no knowledge of Noone's murderous intent. He urged the jury to consider that Noone, not Dekker, was the actual killer. The case was presented to a jury of twelve on 2 March 2017. Richard Dekker pleaded not guilty.
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, prosecutors argue that Vesel Jahiri, 35, stabbed his former partner Anna Finnegan, 25, after their relationship soured. Jahiri, originally from Kosovo and a mechanic, has pleaded not guilty to both murder and assaulting Anna's brother Karl. The prosecution claims Jahiri entered the Allendale Glen home armed with a knife, attacked Karl twice—causing a fractured eye orbit and a chest stab wound—and then stabbed Anna. They assert Jahiri immediately regretted the act, drove Anna to hospital, and later called 999. Jahiri allegedly handed himself in the next day, surrendering the knife he claimed to have taken from Karl. The case will proceed before a jury, with the trial expected to last four to five weeks.
In a murder trial held on 1 March 2017, Richard Dekker, aged 30, pleaded not guilty to the February 2010 stabbing death of 17‑year‑old Daniel McAnaspie at Tolka Valley Park, Blanchardstown. Dekker was interviewed by Garda Patrick McDonagh on 24 and 25 May 2010, during which he initially denied any knowledge of the killing. He later claimed that Trevor Noone, who had a garden shears blade, stabbed McAnaspie after a confrontation. Dekker said he begged Noone to stop and that McAnaspie pleaded for his life as he fell toward the river. Dekker admitted he feared Noone might use the blade on him. Forensic evidence from Dr David Casey and Dr Khalid Jaber identified multiple stab cuts on McAnaspie's clothing and body, consistent with a garden shears blade. The trial continued the following day before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of twelve.
In the Wicklow murder trial, Thomas O'Connor, 29, charged with killing John O'Brien, 22, on 4 June 2010, testified that he had spent the afternoon of that day caring for snakes and other animals at a pet shop on Albert Walk in Bray. Adam Lally, a shopkeeper, confirmed that O'Connor entered the shop around midday and remained until about 4 or 5 pm, feeding the pets, especially the snakes, which O'Connor had an interest in. O'Connor's partner also testified that he had a pet snake in his hands later that night. The trial, held in the Central Criminal Court, has heard that O'Connor pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, admitting he struck O'Brien over the head with a rock. The judge has instructed the jury that no further witnesses will testify until Monday. The case remains at the trial stage.
In 2011, 26‑year‑old Stacy Lennon slipped on a wet floor in a disabled toilet at the Fun Fitness Total Fitness Complex in Sandyford, Dublin, and landed heavily on her left hand. She was told by her manager to turn off a hand‑dryer power switch, after which she fell. Lennon sued her former employer, Fun Fitness Ltd, alleging negligence and breach of duty for allowing the floor to be wet and failing to provide a safe system of work. The case was heard only for damages; the company had since gone into liquidation and its defence was struck out. Mr Justice Anthony Barr found that Lennon suffered carpal tunnel syndrome in her left wrist, a condition caused by the fall, and that the injury severely limited her employment prospects. He awarded her €32,000 in damages plus costs. The judgment was made in default of the defendant's appearance.
The trial of former Anglo Irish Bank chairman Sean FitzPatrick, aged 68, has entered its 90th day, making it the longest criminal trial in Irish history. The prosecution alleges that FitzPatrick and his family artificially reduced multi‑million euro loans for two weeks around the bank's financial year‑end by taking short‑term loans from other sources, including Irish Nationwide Building Society. The case centres on FitzPatrick's alleged failure to disclose these loans to auditors between 2002 and 2007. FitzPatrick denies all charges. The trial began in September and was expected to finish by Christmas, but legal arguments have delayed it. Judge John Aylmer told jurors they could take breaks and that the trial would likely extend into April. FitzPatrick faces 27 offences under the 1990 Companies Act, including 22 for misleading auditors and five for furnishing false information between 2002 and 2007. The trial continues.
The trial of Anthony Roddy, 64, and Raymond Fee, 34, for stealing €250,000 from Kevin Brady collapsed after the defence counsel fell ill. Roddy and Fee had pleaded not guilty to theft and to dishonestly inducing Brady to provide a €100,000 bank draft for a supposed investment. The jury was discharged when the counsel was admitted to hospital, and Judge Karen O'Connor adjourned the case. The defendants will be tried again on 9 April 2018.
The trial of Richard Dekker, 30, accused of murdering 17‑year‑old Daniel McAnaspie, will resume tomorrow. Dekker, who lives in Blanchardstown, has pleaded not guilty. The murder took place at Tolka Valley Park on 26 February 2010, where McAnaspie's decomposed body was found in a drainage ditch. Justice Patrick McCarthy informed the jury that legal matters had been discussed in their absence and requested a short delay for further preparation.
In the Wicklow murder trial, Thomas O'Connor (29) is charged with killing John O'Brien (22) on 4 June 2010. Paramedic Francoise Coussay testified that O'Brien was found semi‑prone on his right side, without pulse, and that his skull appeared deformed. Advanced paramedic Claire McCann noted blood‑covered head and face, fractures to the left ear, possible brain matter in hair, and a flat cardiac monitor line. Dr Diane Daly examined a heavily blood‑stained rock from the scene and clothes from O'Brien's house, finding DNA from the deceased on the rock, door handles, and tracksuit bottoms, while the tracksuit's waistband matched O'Connor's DNA. The trial is proceeding before Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan and a twelve‑person jury.
Four new jurors were sworn into the Central Criminal Court for the trial of Vesel Jahiri, a 35‑year‑old man from Kosovo with no fixed abode, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Anna Finnegan, 25, and to assaulting Karl Finnegan on 21 September 2012 at Allendale Glen, Clonsilla, Dublin 15. The trial, to be presided over by Mr Justice Paul Coffey, will commence tomorrow before a jury of nine men and three women and is expected to last between four and five weeks.
Judges in the Special Criminal Court will deliver a verdict on March 9th in the murder trial of Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old dissident republican shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, on March 6th, 2013. Two Dublin men, Edward McGrath (35) of Springfield, Tallaght, and Sharif Kelly (47) of Balbriggan, are charged with the murder and have pleaded not guilty. McGrath also pleaded not guilty to firearms offences. A third accused, Dean Evans (24) of Raheny, failed to appear and has not been located. The court heard evidence from a protected witness, David Cullen, who was originally accused of the murder and implicated McGrath and Kelly. The trial also considered surveillance testimony and DNA evidence found on a vehicle near the scene. Both accused remain on continuing bail until the verdict.
During the trial of Sean FitzPatrick, former Anglo Irish Bank auditor Vincent Bergin denied that a "system failure" occurred during the firm's audit of the bank. The State alleges that FitzPatrick's multi‑million‑euro loans were artificially reduced for two weeks around the bank's year‑end by short‑term loans from other sources, including Irish Nationwide Building Society. Prosecutor Dominic McGinn SC said the case concerns the former chairman's failure to disclose these loans to auditors between 2002 and 2007. Bergin, a partner at EY, led the audit from 2005 to 2008 and testified that the audit file for 2006 did not contain information reconciling the €63.7 million of loans linked to FitzPatrick with the €25 million figure reported in the financial statements. He admitted no evidence that the reconciliation was performed, but denied that a system failure had occurred. Sean FitzPatrick pleaded not guilty.
In the Special Criminal Court, two Dublin men, Edward McGrath (35) and Sharif Kelly (47), pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly (35), who was shot outside The Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, on 6 March 2013. McGrath also denied firearms offences. A third accused, Dean Evans (24), was absent. The court accepted evidence from protected witness David Cullen, who implicated McGrath and Kelly. Prosecutor Paul O'Higgins highlighted extensive evidence against McGrath, including DNA on a silver Toyota Corolla and gun residue on his jacket, and evidence against Kelly, such as his arrest in a green Opel Zafira and a bag of clothes with Evans' fingerprints. Defence counsel Giollaíosa Ó'Lideadha dismissed Cullen's testimony as unreliable, citing contradictions and lack of independent corroboration. The trial's closing speeches concluded before a hearing on Monday before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, Judge John O'Hagan and Judge Ann Ryan.
During a murder trial, witness Cian Wood testified that the deceased, John O'Brien, was aggressive and wanted to fight everyone he encountered that night. Wood, who was drinking with two Wicklow men at Superquinn, described how O'Brien, who was intoxicated, threw a punch at Wood and later punched him in the face. Wood said O'Brien threatened to "slice up" people and that he felt intimidated. He also recounted that O'Brien had been shouting at Thomas O'Connor, the accused, and that O'Brien ran at O'Connor, who then pinned him down. Wood agreed that O'Brien's aggression could have escalated the situation. The court heard additional testimony from O'Connor's partner and O'Brien's family, but the focus remained on O'Brien's hostile conduct that night.
In the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, former Anglo Irish Bank auditor Vincent Bergin testified that he was willing to give the "unvarnished truth" even if it conflicted with his audit firm EY's interests. He confirmed that multi‑million euro loans taken by Sean FitzPatrick (68) and his family were allegedly "artificially reduced" for two weeks around the bank's year‑end by short‑term loans from other sources, including Irish Nationwide Building Society. Bergin, who led the audit from 2005 to 2008, said he would admit mistakes if they existed and that he had sworn an oath to tell the truth. He also noted that the bank had sued EY in 2012 and that EY was involved in proceedings with the Chartered Accountants Regulatory Board. The trial, which had been adjourned for a legal matter, continues tomorrow. Sean FitzPatrick pleaded not guilty.
In February 2017 the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal in Dublin found former solicitor Eoin M Dee guilty of misconduct on three counts. The first count concerned the non‑payment of €1,691.24 in fees owed to senior counsel Aidan Doyle for a personal injury case involving an insurance company and a policy holder. The second count was the failure to respond to letters from the Law Society of Ireland in 2014 and 2015 about the unpaid fees. The third count was the failure to attend a meeting of the Law Society's complaints committee in July 2015. The tribunal noted that Mr Dee had practised as a solicitor from June 1998 until 31 January 2014 and that a High Court order in October 2016 had restricted him to practising only as an assistance solicitor.
During a Wicklow murder trial, witness Paul Duffy testified that he saw a man, Thomas O'Connor, beating another man, John O'Brien, on the side of a road. Duffy, his wife and 11‑year‑old daughter were returning from a birthday party when they passed the scene. He described O'Connor standing over O'Brien, striking him about four times with a rock, and not seeing O'Brien move. Duffy claimed to have seen brain matter, describing a mixture of grey and blood. The Deputy State Pathologist later presented a 1,655‑gram rock as the likely weapon that shattered O'Brien's skull, causing catastrophic brain injury. Dr Michael Curtis, the post‑mortem examiner, confirmed O'Brien died from a severe head injury with a comminuted skull fracture and lacerated meninges. The trial continues before Justice Margaret Heneghan and a jury.
In a murder trial, the prosecution presented evidence that 17‑year‑old Daniel McAnaspie was found dead in a ditch near Tolka Valley Park, Blanchardstown, with multiple stab wounds to the heart, lungs, stomach and throat. A post‑mortem by Dr Khalid Jaber confirmed the wounds and noted extensive insect damage and decomposition, but identified sharp penetrating injuries as the cause of death. The pathologist stated the injuries would have caused pain before death and suggested the boy was dragged to the ditch after dying. The prosecution alleged that garden shears were used to kill Daniel, and witnesses described a night of drinking with friends, culminating in a confrontation that led to the fatal attack. Richard Dekker, aged 30, pleaded not guilty to the murder. The trial was set to continue the following day before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury.
The Special Criminal Court has heard evidence in the ongoing trial of Edward McGrath and Sharif Kelly, who are accused of the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly and associated firearms offences. Both men have pleaded not guilty to all charges. A third accused, Dean Evans, failed to appear and has not been located; the non-jury court decided to proceed with the trial for McGrath and Kelly in his absence. Forensic scientist Sandra McGrath testified that DNA samples matching the profiles of the two accused were found on a balaclava and a black wig seized from a Toyota Corolla stopped near the scene of the shooting. The court heard that the car was being monitored by the National Surveillance Unit. The witness stated that DNA matching Evans' profile was found on the balaclava, gloves, and clothing recovered from a second vehicle, an Opel Zafira. Conversely, DNA matching McGrath's profile was identified on the black wig. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, sitting with Judge John O'Hagan and Judge Anne Ryan. The matter remains at the trial stage, with no findings, sentences, or finalisations recorded for the accused to date.
Three jurors were discharged from the trial of Vesel Jahiri, a 35‑year‑old man from Kosovo with no fixed abode, who pleaded not guilty to the murder of Anna Finnegan, 25, and to assaulting Karl Finnegan on 21 September 2012 at Allendale Glen, Clonsilla, Dublin 15. The trial, scheduled to last five weeks, was delayed by the jurors' availability issues. Justice Paul Coffey announced the discharge and indicated that the trial would resume next Tuesday, with three additional jurors to be sworn in.
During the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, former Anglo Irish Bank auditor Vincent Bergin testified that he was unaware of documents indicating that Sean FitzPatrick's multi‑million‑euro loans were temporarily refinanced. The trial, which has been ongoing for 85 days, focuses on FitzPatrick's alleged failure to disclose the extent of these loans to auditors between 2002 and 2007. Prosecutor Dominic McGinn presented evidence of deposit accounts, loan facilities and letters from Irish Nationwide Building Society offering short‑term loans to FitzPatrick and his wife, amounting to over €62 million in 2007. Bergin, who audited Anglo from 2005 to 2008, stated that he would have raised concerns and possibly resigned if he had known of the refinancing. FitzPatrick, aged 68, denies all 27 charges, including 22 for misleading auditors and five for furnishing false information. The case remains before Judge John Aylmer and a jury.
Richard Dekker, 30, has gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court, pleading not guilty to the alleged murder of 17-year-old Daniel McAnaspie. The prosecution alleges that on February 26, 2010, Dekker participated in a ruse to lure McAnaspie to an isolated area in Blanchardstown, knowing another man intended to assault him with half garden shears. Although Dekker claims he did not wield the weapon, the state contends he is guilty of murder. McAnaspie, who was in the care of the HSE, went missing after being dropped off in Finglas by former social care worker Keith Homan. His decomposed remains were discovered three months later in a ditch in Rathfeigh, Co Meath, identified via DNA matching. During police interviews, Dekker admitted knowing of McAnaspie's death and led gardai to the scene by the Tolka River, alleging the other man killed the teenager. The trial, presided over by Justice Patrick McCarthy, continues tomorrow.
In a Wicklow murder case, Thomas O'Connor, aged 29, was accused of killing his best friend, John O'Brien, 22, on 4 June 2010. O'Connor told Gardaí that he did not intend to kill O'Brien when he struck him with a rock during a fight that escalated "for no reason." He claimed the altercation began after a night of drinking, during which he had consumed three litres of cider and half a bottle of wine. O'Connor said he had been hit by O'Brien, then grabbed a rock and struck him a few times before fleeing. He admitted to throwing the rock into a ditch, washing his hands at a friend's house, and burning his blood‑stained jumper in a field. O'Connor pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, and the trial is proceeding before Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan and a jury.
Two Louth businessmen, Anthony Roddy (64) and Raymond Fee (34), are on trial for allegedly stealing €250,000 from Kevin Brady between September 2006 and August 2007. They claimed Brady would invest in a €35 million land deal, promising a deposit of €1 million to buy land north of Drogheda. Brady provided a €250,000 bank draft, and later a €100,000 draft for a supposed share portfolio. He sought refunds, receiving €15,000 twice and €47,000, but was told the deal would finish by Christmas 2008 or take two years. Brady visited solicitors, then received a call about selling a farm for €250,000. In May 2009 he reported the matter to the gardai, prompting the investigation and charges. The trial, before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury, continues next week. Anthony Roddy pleaded not guilty. Raymond Fee pleaded not guilty.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, forensic evidence was presented that strongly supports the view that Dean Evans, a 24‑year‑old Dublin man, was the gunman who shot Peter Butterly, a 35‑year‑old dissident republican, outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston on 6 March 2013. Dr John O'Shaughnessy, a forensic scientist, examined a grey knitted sweater seized from Evans and found firearm discharge residue on the cuffs and sleeves, indicating that Evans had fired a weapon. Residue was also found on a jacket taken from co‑accused Edward McGrath, suggesting that the jacket wearer was near the discharge. Evans has not appeared for trial and remains unlocated. The court is proceeding with the trial of co‑accused Edward McGrath (35) and Sharif Kelly (47), both of whom pleaded not guilty to the murder and, in McGrath's case, to firearms offences. The hearing was presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt with Judges John O'Hagan and Ann Ryan.
In the Central Criminal Court, Tina Roche, the ex‑girlfriend of Thomas O'Connor, testified about the night of John O'Brien's murder. Roche said O'Connor, who was 29, called her shortly before midnight on 4 June 2010 and arrived a few minutes later, looking worried and panting. He sat on her sofa with his hands clenched and covered in dry blood. Roche asked what had happened; he claimed he had been attacked and that the blood was from a cut he did not see. He asked for a cloth, a pot scourer, bleach and firelighters, which Roche gave him. She remembered placing the firelighters on his jumper and asking their purpose, to which he replied "Obviously." The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan, continues with a jury of twelve. Thomas O'Connor pleaded not guilty.
A 28‑year‑old man from Blanchardstown pleaded guilty to manslaughter for the 2010 killing of 17‑year‑old Daniel McAnaspie at Tolka Valley Park. At the Central Criminal Court, his defence counsel said the client wished to make a fresh plea before the jury. When asked, Noone answered "not guilty to murder, guilty to manslaughter." The State accepted the plea as an unequivocal acceptance of responsibility, and Justice Patrick McCarthy granted bail until 1 March to allow him to get his affairs in order.
During an eight‑day trial at the Central Criminal Court, a jury of twelve found Monika Matracka, aged 35, not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter by a majority verdict of 11‑to‑1. The case concerned the death of Michal Rejmer, aged 38, who disappeared on 30 December 2015 and was found dead on 8 January 2016. Evidence presented that Rejmer had lent Matracka money in 2009 and demanded repayment on 30 December, threatening her life. Matracka claimed she stabbed Rejmer in self‑defence, stating "I killed Michal." The body remained in their shared house for at least three days before she moved it to the back garden, wrapped in plastic. The jury heard forensic pathology indicating death from bleeding due to stab wounds to the arms. Mr Justice Paul Butler remanded Matracka in custody until the case was mentioned on 6 March. The trial concluded with no victim impact statement.
During the Sean FitzPatrick trial, former Anglo Irish Bank auditor Vincent Bergin testified that auditors had no history of problems with loans to the bank's directors. Bergin, a partner at EY, led the audit from 2005 to 2008 and explained that the risk assessment of directors' loans was qualitative, based on routine transaction appearance and no past issues. He noted that the aggregate loan balance, as known to auditors, would not affect the balance sheet. Bergin highlighted the importance of the letter of representation, which ensures that directors and auditors share the same understanding of financial statements; without it, auditors would not issue an audit opinion. FitzPatrick, 68, denies all 27 charges, including 22 for misleading auditors and five for furnishing false information between 2002 and 2007. The trial proceeds before Judge John Aylmer and a jury.
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, Thomas O'Connor, 29, admitted on the first day of proceedings that he killed his best friend, 22‑year‑old John O'Brien, with a rock more than four years earlier. O'Connor pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for an incident at Farrankelly Road, Delgany. The State's case, presented by Denis Vaughan Buckley SC, described the night of 4 June 2010: the pair were drinking in a supermarket carpark, had a quarrel, and O'Brien was struck repeatedly on the head by O'Connor. Witnesses, including a former girlfriend, were expected to testify about O'Connor's blood‑stained hands and claims of being attacked. The trial proceeded before Justice Margaret Heneghan and a jury of twelve. The article reports only the admission and the procedural details of the hearing.
The jury in the Central Criminal Court is still deliberating the murder trial of 35‑year‑old Monika Matracka, who is charged with killing her housemate and former partner, Michal Rejmer, 38, at The Pines, Briarfield, Castletroy, Limerick. The alleged killing occurred sometime between 8 pm on 30 December and midnight on 31 December 2015. The jury has requested to view a 20 cm knife recovered from a public bin outside The Hurler's Bar on the Dublin Road and to re‑hear testimony from Chief State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy, who stated that Rejmer died from bleeding caused by stab wounds to his arms. Judge Paul Butler has offered the jury the option of a majority verdict if unanimity cannot be reached, but has emphasised the desirability of a unanimous decision. The jury has spent over three and a half hours considering its verdict and will resume deliberations later that day. Monika Matracka pleaded not guilty.
A jury was sworn in at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin for the trial of Vesel Jahiri, 35, who is accused of murdering his former partner, Anna Finnegan, 25, at Allendale Glen, Clonsilla, on 21 September 2012. Jahiri pleaded not guilty to the murder and to assaulting Karl Finnegan at the same location and date. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul Coffey, is expected to last five weeks.
During the trial of former Anglo Irish Bank chairman Sean FitzPatrick, former auditor Kieran Kelly testified that the loans linked to FitzPatrick represented only a very small portion of the bank's loan book. Kelly, a partner at EY, estimated the figure at about 0.20 per cent of the total loan portfolio, which was roughly €19 billion in 2002. He stated that loans to directors were not considered a significant audit risk area and that the disclosure of such loans was viewed as low risk. FitzPatrick, aged 68, has pleaded not guilty to 27 offences under the 1990 Companies Act, including 22 charges of misleading auditors and five charges of furnishing false information between 2002 and 2007. The case is proceeding before Judge John Aylmer and a jury.
The jury in the trial of Monika Matracka, 35, charged with murdering her housemate and former partner Michal Rejmer, 38, will resume deliberations at the Central Criminal Court tomorrow. The alleged murder occurred at The Pines, Briarfield, Castletroy, Limerick, sometime between 8 pm on 30 December and midnight on 31 December 2015. The jury has spent three hours and 36 minutes considering its verdict and has been given the option of a majority verdict by Mr Justice Paul Butler, who stated that a unanimous verdict is preferable but a verdict agreed by at least ten jurors would be accepted. Mr Carroll SC opened the prosecution case, noting that Ms Matracka claimed she stabbed Mr Rejmer in self‑defence. Mr Rejmer was reported missing on 6 January 2016 after failing to attend work, and his body was found on 8 January under plastic sheeting at the rear of his house. Monika Matracka pleaded not guilty.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 20 February 2017, a defence barrister argued that the court had been misled regarding the evidence of a protected witness in the Peter Butterly murder case. Butterly, aged 35, was shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston on 6 March 2013. David Cullen, originally accused, turned State witness over a year later and gave evidence implicating his former co‑accused. Edward McGrath (35) and Sharif Kelly (47) pleaded not guilty to the murder; McGrath also pleaded not guilty to firearms offences. Dean Evans (24) failed to attend and was not located. The court proceeded with McGrath and Kelly in Evans's absence. Cullen testified for over four days in a voir‑dire, and his evidence will be reviewed by the judges. Defence counsel Giollaíosa Ó'Lideadha SC contended that omissions in police note‑taking deprived the court of essential material, alleging a deliberate policy of not recording conversations.
A 28‑year‑old man from Blanchardstown, Trevor Noone, is charged with murdering 17‑year‑old Daniel McAnaspie, who was under HSE care, on 26 February 2010 at Tolka Valley Park. Noone, wearing a navy tie and waistcoat, pleaded not guilty after being arraigned before the Central Criminal Court. The deceased, originally from Finglas, was reported missing in early 2010 and his body was found decomposed in Meath months later. A jury of five women and seven men was sworn in for the trial set to begin tomorrow.
Thomas O'Connor, 29, of Burnaby Court, Greystones, admitted killing John O'Brien, 22, in Wicklow in 2010 but denied murder, pleading guilty to manslaughter at Farrankelly Road. He was arraigned and the State rejected his plea. A jury of six men and six women was sworn in; the trial will start tomorrow and is expected to last about two weeks. Thomas O'Connor pleaded not guilty.
The jury at the Central Criminal Court began deliberations on the case of Monika Matracka, 35, who is charged with the murder of her housemate and former partner, Michal Rejmer, 38. The alleged killing took place at The Pines, Briarfield, Castletroy, Limerick, sometime between 8 pm on 30 December and midnight on 31 December 2015. Matracka pleaded not guilty, claiming she stabbed Rejmer in self‑defence. Mr Rejmer was reported missing on 6 January 2016 after failing to attend work at MacDonald's in Castletroy; his body was found on 8 January under plastic sheeting at the rear of his house. State Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy testified that Rejmer died from bleeding caused by stab wounds to his arms. Mr Justice Paul Butler explained that the jury could return one of three verdicts: guilty of murder, not guilty of murder, or not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter.
The Special Criminal Court heard a second day of arguments about whether the evidence of a protected witness, David Cullen, could be admitted in the murder trial of Peter Butterly. Butterly, 35, was shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston on 6 March 2013. Cullen, who had been accused of the murder, turned State's witness after more than a year and has implicated his former co‑accused, Edward McGrath (35) and Sharif Kelly (47). Both men pleaded not guilty to the murder, and McGrath also pleaded not guilty to firearms offences. A third accused, Dean Evans (24), failed to appear and has not been located. The court is considering Cullen's testimony as part of a voir‑dire, and the counsel for Kelly argued that admitting it would amount to the court turning a blind eye to numerous failures to convey the truth. The prosecution countered that Cullen's statements were well‑documented and uncontroversial.
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, the defence counsel, Mr Mark Nicholas SC, argued that telling lies does not automatically make a person guilty. He represented 35‑year‑old Monika Matracka, charged with murdering her housemate and former partner Michal Rejmer, 38, at The Pines, Briarfield, Castletroy, Limerick. The alleged murder occurred sometime between 8 pm on 30 December and midnight on 31 December 2015. Mr Nicholas highlighted that Ms Matracka concealed the body, disposed of evidence, and lied to Gardaí, but he maintained that these actions alone did not prove guilt. He urged the jury to consider Dr Marie Cassidy's forensic testimony, which suggested Rejmer's death resulted from bleeding from stab wounds to his arms, complicated by a head injury. Mr Nicholas contended that the force used by Ms Matracka could be seen as reasonable self‑defence, potentially reducing the charge to manslaughter. Monika Matracka pleaded not guilty.
In the murder trial of Arnis Labunskis, the Central Criminal Court jury was instructed by Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy that a unanimous verdict was required. The jury could decide on one of three outcomes: guilty; acquittal; or not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. Labunskis, a 57‑year‑old Latvian living on Wolfe Tone Street, Limerick, is charged with the killing of 39‑year‑old Dainius Burba on 21 or 22 April 2015. He claims he acted in self‑defence after striking Burba with a coffee‑table leg. Burba's father testified that Burba had brought him into a dark bedroom and repeatedly swung a table leg, forcing him to disarm him. The jury was sent out to deliberate and will resume discussions this afternoon. The case remains at the deliberation stage.