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2017-02-17 · Meath
A jury at the Central Criminal Court, hearing murder charges against Wayne Cluskey (25) and Josh Turner (24) for the 2015 killing of Christopher Nevin, was informed that a unanimous verdict was no longer required. Justice Patrick McCarthy announced that a majority of ten votes would suffice for either or both counts, and the jury was scheduled to return at 2 pm. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.
2017-02-16 · Limerick
In a Central Criminal Court trial, the prosecution argued that Monika Matracka (35) could not claim self‑defence for the murder of her housemate and former partner, Michal Rejmer (38), who died from stab wounds to the arms between 8 pm on 30 December and midnight on 31 December 2015. Prosecutor Paul Carroll said that the use of a knife as described would naturally intend to kill or cause serious injury, and that any excess force beyond what was reasonably necessary would amount to unlawful killing, i.e. manslaughter. He highlighted inconsistencies in Matracka's statements, her failure to report the incident to friends or Gardaí, and her attempts to conceal the body by placing it under plastic and logs. The prosecution also noted that Matracka had no prior convictions and that she had exchanged New Year texts with Rejmer after his disappearance. Monika Matracka pleaded not guilty.
2017-02-16 · Dublin
The Special Criminal Court trial of Edward McGrath and Sharif Kelly, who are accused of murdering dissident republican Peter Butterly in 2013, is currently at the procedural stage of a voir dire. Both men have pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder, with McGrath additionally pleading not guilty to firearms offences on the same occasion. A third accused, Dean Evans, failed to appear and has not been located by gardai, leading the non-jury court to proceed with the remaining two defendants. The central issue involves the admissibility of evidence from David Cullen, a former co-accused who became a State witness. Defence counsel for Kelly, Giollaíosa Ó'Lideadha SC, submitted that Cullen's testimony should be excluded because the court cannot properly assess the process by which he turned witness. Citing a Supreme Court judgment, the barrister argued that omissions in gardai note-taking mean the court lacks essential material to verify if Kelly's right to a fair trial is upheld. He contended that Cullen's access to the book of evidence created particular dangers regarding the integrity of his statements. The legal submissions regarding the exclusion of this protected witness evidence continue before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, Judge John O'Hagan, and Judge Anne Ryan.
2017-02-16 · Dublin
In a High Court case on 16 February 2017, Anthony Stokes, a 28‑year‑old former Blackburn Rovers footballer, was ordered to pay €230,000 in damages to Anthony Bradley, a 53‑year‑old Elvis impersonator, after Stokes head‑butted Bradley in the VIP lounge of Buck Whaleys Nightclub on 8 June 2013. The jury, after about 90 minutes of deliberation, found that Stokes had assaulted Bradley, who sustained a broken nose, dental damage, and aggravated neck problems. Bradley also suffered psychological injury and sleepless nights. The court awarded Bradley general and aggravated damages, plus costs for medical expenses already paid, and required Stokes to cover Bradley's legal costs. Stokes did not attend the hearing, citing his partner's impending childbirth, and had previously dismissed his legal team. The judge declined to award costs against Stokes on a solicitor‑client basis. The judgment was delivered by Justice Colm Mac Eochaidh.
2017-02-16 · Wicklow
During a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Kieran Kelly, an auditor for Anglo Irish Bank, denied that he performed "performance theatre" when speaking to investigators from the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) about alleged misconduct by former chairman Sean FitzPatrick. Kelly said he was not trying to buy time or mislead the court, and that his solicitors had advised him to examine documents to understand them. He admitted that in a previous trial he had inadvertently given misleading evidence regarding how his Garda statement was compiled, acknowledging that he had seen portions of another EY auditor's statement before making his own. Kelly also confirmed that his draft statement was prepared by solicitors at A&L Goodbody and emailed to him and others. The trial, which continues before Judge John Aylmer and a jury, involves FitzPatrick's 27 charges under the 1990 Companies Act. Sean FitzPatrick pleaded not guilty.
2017-02-16 · Limerick
The Central Criminal Court jury has begun deliberations on the case of Arnis Labunskis, a 57‑year‑old Latvian, who is accused of murdering his 39‑year‑old flatmate, Dainius Burba, in Limerick on 21 or 22 April 2015. Labunskis, who lives on Wolfe Tone Street, claims he acted in self‑defence after Burba allegedly entered his darkened bedroom and began attacking him. He says he disarmed Burba and then struck him with a wooden table leg until Burba shouted "stop." Labunskis has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. Justice Deirdre Murphy explained to the jury that they could reach three verdicts: guilty, not guilty, or not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. She outlined the law of self‑defence, noting that a verdict of manslaughter would require that Labunskis believed he was using reasonable and necessary force, while a verdict of murder would result if he used unreasonable and unnecessary force.
2017-02-16 · Dublin
A 29‑year‑old man, Thomas Fox, will be tried at the Special Criminal Court for the murder of Gareth Hutch, 35, nephew of Gerry "the Monk" Hutch. Hutch was shot dead on the morning of 24 May outside Avondale House flats on North Cumberland Street, Dublin. Fox was charged in January at Cloverhill District Court. At a brief hearing, State solicitor Michael O'Donovan presented an application for Fox to be charged and tried before the Special Criminal Court. Judge Tony Hunt, with Judges John O'Hagan and Anne Ryan, gave the order.
2017-02-15 · Meath
In a non‑jury trial for the 2013 murder of Peter Butterly, the court heard that Garda Joe Doyle, a PSV examiner, inspected a green Opel Zafira on 6 March 2013, six days after the shooting. Doyle reported that the vehicle showed "no faults" at the time of his examination, although the car's Engine Control Unit had recorded three historic faults previously. The car had reportedly "conked out" on the day of the shooting, but Doyle found no faults that would have forced it to stall or prevent it from starting. The trial involves two accused men, Sharif Kelly (47) and Edward McGrath (35), who both pleaded not guilty to the murder and, in McGrath's case, to firearms offences. A third accused, Dean Evans (24), failed to appear and has not been located. The court also heard legal arguments regarding the admissibility of forensic samples taken from the accused after their detention.
2017-02-15 · Limerick
In a murder trial, 38‑year‑old Michal Rejmer died from haemorrhaging caused by stab wounds to his arms. The post‑mortem, conducted by Chief State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy on 9 January 2016, found a large gaping wound on his upper right arm and a 20‑cm track wound on his left arm, both inflicted by a 20‑cm knife. Cassidy noted additional puncture wounds to his back and thigh, defensive injuries on his left hand, and a grazing injury to the left side of his face with internal skull bleeding. No drugs or alcohol were detected. She concluded that the death resulted from bleeding, though the injuries alone would not have caused rapid death; survival for minutes to an hour was possible. The accused, 35‑year‑old Monika Matracka, pleaded not guilty, claiming self‑defence, and the case is before a jury.
2017-02-15 · Meath
In a trial held in Navan, a jury of nine men and three women has begun deliberations over the murder of Christopher Nevin, who was killed on 19 November 2015. The accused are Wayne Cluskey, aged 25, and Josh Turner, aged 24, both from Mooretown, Ratoath, Co. Meath. Both men pleaded not guilty. Cluskey's counsel, Shane Costelloe SC, argues that Cluskey acted in defence of Turner when he "barrelled into" Nevin and grappled with him on the ground, claiming that Nevin was holding a hatchet and threatening Turner. The jury was instructed to consider whether Cluskey's force was reasonable; if it was, he should be found not guilty, if it was not, he could be guilty of manslaughter, and if he intended to kill, he could be guilty of murder.
2017-02-15 · Limerick
During a murder trial, a witness testified that Facebook messages sent to the deceased, Michal Rejmer, were delivered and opened days after his last sighting. The witness, Leszek Pajak, who had known Rejmer from McDonald's, maintained contact via text and Facebook Messenger while in Poland. He received a message from Rejmer at 1.43 am on 31 December stating he would work until 8 pm that night, and all subsequent messages were confirmed as delivered and opened until 6 January. Pajak also sent New Year's greetings and later messages questioning Rejmer's existence. On 6 January, Monika Matracka, the accused, sent a message asking if Rejmer had been in contact. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul Butler, continues with a jury of twelve. The case centers on whether self‑defence applies to the alleged murder of Rejmer at Matracka's Limerick home. Monika Matracka pleaded not guilty.
2017-02-15 · Limerick
In the Central Criminal Court, Judge Deirdre Murphy began charging the jury on 15 February 2017 in the murder trial of Arnis Labunskis, a 57‑year‑old Latvian resident of Wolfe Tone Street, Limerick. Labunskis is accused of killing 39‑year‑old Dainius Burba, a Lithuanian father of one and former colleague, in their Limerick home on 21 or 22 April 2015. Labunskis pleaded not guilty, claiming self‑defence. He initially told Gardaí he had returned to find Burba badly injured, but later admitted responsibility. Burba's father testified that Burba had entered his darkened bedroom at night, swung a wooden table leg at him, and continued to attack with fists until the victim shouted "stop." The prosecution dismissed Labunskis's self‑defence claim as an insult to the jury's intelligence, while the defence highlighted that Burba had previously approached Labunskis with an iron bar.
2017-02-14 · Wicklow
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, Sean FitzPatrick, former chairman of Anglo Irish Bank, faces 27 offences for allegedly misleading auditors about multi‑million euro loans from 2002 to 2007. The case focuses on loan facility letters from Irish Nationwide Building Society (INBS) for 2002‑2004, some up to €18.3 m, and the bank's 2004 annual accounts showing director loans of just over €10 m. Auditing partner Kieran Kelly testified that the loans, if undisclosed during the audit, would have had limited impact unless they were specifically arranged for refinancing at year‑end, which he would deem more significant. FitzPatrick denies all charges. The trial continues before Judge John Aylmer, with defence counsel Bernard Condon requesting an adjournment. The proceedings remain at the evidence‑collection stage.
2017-02-14 · Limerick
During a murder trial, a forensic scientist testified that blood from the deceased, Michal Rejmer, was found throughout the house at The Pines, Briarfield, Castletroy, and that a clean‑up had taken place. The forensic evidence included DNA profiles from blood on the wall of the stairs, the bedroom, the banister, the hallway and the kitchen, all matching Rejmer, and a profile from a sample on the wall of the stairs matching the accused, Monika Matracka. The scientist noted that the blood‑staining pattern suggested Rejmer had bled upstairs and then moved downstairs. She also examined a knife, finding no blood or DNA on the blade, and reported no drag marks in the house. The prosecution presented the case to a jury, with the defence claiming self‑defence. The trial is before Mr Justice Paul Butler and a twelve‑person jury. Monika Matracka pleaded not guilty.
2017-02-14 · Dublin
The Special Criminal Court is currently hearing a voir dire to determine the admissibility of evidence from David Cullen, a former accused who turned State's witness in the trial of Edward McGrath and Sharif Kelly. Both men, who have pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Peter Butterly and, in McGrath's case, firearms offences, are contesting Cullen's testimony. During cross-examination, Cullen admitted his motivation to provide evidence was to "save" himself. He acknowledged lying in a bail affidavit to deny knowing McGrath and admitted reviewing the book of evidence before making his statement. The court also heard from DPP officer David Gormley, who confirmed the DPP agreed to Cullen's offer to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a statement, with an understanding that his words would not be used against him, though no immunity was granted. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, continues with the judges assessing the reliability of the witness's account.
2017-02-14 · Cork
A 53-year-old Cork man accused of membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army has pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Special Criminal Court in Dublin heard that Martin McHale told gardaí he travelled to Monaghan in November 2013 for "a drinking session" and was unaware that a borrowed van contained bags of nitrogen fertiliser. Detective Garda Emmett Ryan told the court he became suspicious when Mr McHale and another man could not adequately explain their presence at a filling station in Monaghan town, an area monitored for dissident activity. Gardaí subsequently discovered fertiliser in the vehicle. Dr Thomas Hannigan of Forensic Science Ireland gave evidence that the material contained 79 per cent ammonium nitrate by weight and could be used as an ingredient in improvised explosive mixtures, though he could not determine the material's intended purpose. Mr McHale denies IRA membership and political involvement. The three-judge trial continues.
2017-02-14 · Limerick
In a 2017 trial, 35‑year‑old Monika Matracka pleaded not guilty to the murder of her former partner, Michal Rejmer, aged 38, who was found dead at her Limerick home between 8 pm on 30 December and midnight on 31 December 2015. Matracka told Gardaí she killed Rejmer in self‑defence, describing herself as the victim. She admitted placing his body in a duvet cover and covering his feet with a pillowcase to avoid looking at him, and that she had been cleaning the house to "forget about everything." She denied striking him on the head, claiming only a knife was used, and said she had no idea how he sustained injuries to his arm and head. She also admitted burning towels and plastic bags used to move the body, and that hair strands found on Rejmer's hands matched hers. The case was heard before Mr Justice Paul Butler and a jury of twelve.
2017-02-14 · Limerick
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, the State counsel Anthony Sammon criticised the accused, Arnis Labunskis, for presenting a 'tale of self‑defence' that he deemed an insult to the jury's intelligence. Labunskis, 57, is charged with killing 39‑year‑old Dainius Burba, a Lithuanian father of one, in their Limerick home on 21 or 22 April 2015. Labunskis pleaded not guilty and claimed he had returned home to find Burba seriously injured, but Burba's son later testified that Labunskis had inflicted the injuries. Labunskis alleged that Burba had dragged him into a dark bedroom, swung a wooden table leg at him, and that he had defended himself by disarming Burba and striking back until Burba shouted stop. Sammon argued that this new version of events was fabricated, a falsehood, and that Labunskis had lied to Gardaí to avoid criminal liability.
2017-02-14 · Meath
In the Central Criminal Court, Patrick Marrinan SC argued that Wayne Cluskey (25) and Josh Turner (24) should be found guilty of manslaughter rather than murder for the death of Christopher Nevin on 19 November 2015. The case centred on a dispute over a chihuahua loaned to Nevin, which led to a confrontation at Nevin's home. Marrinan highlighted CCTV footage and testimony from Nevin's friend, Wayne Casserly, who revealed Nevin was armed with a hatchet when he answered the door. He contended that Nevin's threat and the presence of a hatchet provoked the accused, who reacted in self‑defence. Marrinan urged the jury to consider that the accused lost control under provocation, making manslaughter the appropriate verdict. Shane Costelloe SC for Cluskey also argued for a not‑guilty verdict, noting no evidence of a joint enterprise. The judge will address the jury tomorrow. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty. Wayne Cluskey pleaded not guilty. Josh Turner pleaded not guilty.
2017-02-13 · Wicklow
In the trial of former Anglo Irish Bank chairman Sean FitzPatrick, a chartered accountant, Kieran Kelly of EY, explained that auditors are not required to examine every single document but must obtain sufficient information to form an opinion on the company's financial statements. He emphasized that auditors rely on persuasive evidence and explanations provided by the company, and that a key document, the letter of representation, confirms the accuracy of the accounts before auditors sign off. The court heard three such letters for 2002, 2003, and 2004, all signed by FitzPatrick, which stated that no undisclosed credit facilities existed for directors and that no events had occurred that would necessitate revisions to the figures. FitzPatrick, aged 68, denies all 27 charges, including 22 for misleading auditors and five for furnishing false information between 2002 and 2007. The trial continues before Judge John Aylmer.
2017-02-13 · Limerick
In a 2017 murder trial, Monika Matracka, 35, pleaded not guilty to the killing of her former partner Michal Rejmer, 38, who disappeared on 30 December 2015. Garda interviews revealed that Matracka claimed she stabbed Rejmer in self‑defence after a confrontation over money he had lent her in 2009. She admitted that Rejmer's body remained in the house for at least three days before she moved it to the back garden, where she covered it with turf and plastic. She also said she tried to burn the knife used in the attack and later disposed of it in a public bin. The prosecution presented evidence of the timeline, the alleged self‑defence claim, and the handling of the body, while the defence argued the circumstances of the alleged self‑defence. The case was heard by Mr Justice Paul Butler with a jury of twelve.
2017-02-13 · Meath
In the 2017 trial of Wayne Cluskey, 25, and Josh Turner, 24, both accused of murdering Christopher Nevin on 19 November 2015, the prosecution argued that the two men acted together to kill Nevin during a dispute over a pedigree chihuahua. Michael O'Higgins SC presented evidence that Turner had loaned a male chihuahua to Nevin, who owned three females and only one became pregnant, creating friction. The prosecution claimed that Cluskey and Turner drove to Nevin's home, where Nevin emerged with a hatchet. CCTV footage was cited to show Cluskey striking Nevin with an axe, followed by Turner's blows, and later Cluskey's use of the hatchet. The prosecution urged the jury to consider the defendants' claims of self‑defence and the possibility of manslaughter if the force used was deemed excessive. Both men had pleaded not guilty and were set to give their closing arguments the following day.
2017-02-13 · Dublin
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, the jury was discharged after a juror appeared to fall asleep 15 minutes into the opening address. Prosecutor Garrett Baker BL was explaining "beyond reasonable doubt" when a juror was found seemingly asleep, prompting a jury minder to intervene. Defence barrister Pieter Le Vert BL reported that another male juror also seemed about to nod off. Judge Elma Sheahan ruled that the trial could not replace the two jurors, so she discharged the entire jury. The case involves Dean Joyce (24) of Rowlagh Park, Clondalkin, who pleaded not guilty to 11 charges, including endangering gardaí by driving his car into a garda van, four counts of dangerous driving, possession of stolen property, driving without a licence, driving without insurance, possession of a boxcutter used in a burglary, criminal damage of a garda van, and failing to stop for gardaí. A new jury will be sworn in today.
2017-02-13 · Limerick
Monika Matracka, 35, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michal Rejmer, 38, at The Pines, Briarfield, Castletroy, Limerick, between 8 pm on 30 December and midnight on 31 December 2015. She told Gardaí she stabbed Rejmer in self‑defence. Rejmer was reported missing on 6 January 2016 after failing to attend work. Garda Pat Whelan testified that the back garden became a crime scene on 8 January when a body was found. Matracka had a long‑distance relationship with Rejmer, moved to Ireland in 2012, and they lived together from March 2014 after breaking up in January 2013. She claimed she had been asked for €300 and that Rejmer had helped her financially. After the body was discovered, she was taken to Henry Street Garda Station, where she admitted to killing Rejmer, describing the stabbing and burial. The case is before Mr Justice Paul Butler with a jury of twelve.
2017-02-13 · Limerick
Arnis Labunskis, 57, is on trial for the murder of his flatmate Dainius Burba, 39, in Limerick on 21‑22 April 2015. He has admitted to the jury that he inflicted serious injuries on Bur — including a fractured skull and broken jaw—after a confrontation in the middle of the night. Labunskis claimed he had taken a table leg from Bur 's hand when the latter swung it at him, and that he had called Bur into a darkened room before the assault. He has also said he threw a plastic bag containing a t‑shirt stained with Bur 's blood into a wheelie bin that morning. During cross‑examination, Labunskis could not explain why he gave Gardaí a different account of the death than he gave in court, stating he did not know why he had done so. The trial is proceeding before Justice Deirdre McCarthy with a jury of ten.
2017-02-13 · Dublin
A jury of six men and six women was sworn in by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy for the trial of Richard Dekker, 30, and Trevor Noone, 28, who are charged with the murder of 17‑year‑old Daniel McAnespie at Tolka Valley Park, Blanchardstown, on 26 February 2010. Both men pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court. The jury is to return on Wednesday at 10.55 am to begin a trial expected to last three weeks.
2017-02-13 · Meath
In the Peter Butterly murder trial, a protected witness, David Cullen (32), testified that he was warned he would be removed from the Witness Protection Programme if he refused to give evidence. Cullen said he had been contacted a few months earlier to return from his host country to testify against two men accused of the murder. When he declined, he was told he would be removed from the programme. He also agreed under cross‑examination to seek a written assurance that he would receive €10,000 for his testimony. Cullen, originally accused of the murder, turned State's witness over a year after the shooting and has implicated his former co‑accused, Edward McGrath (35) and Sharif Kelly (47), both of whom pleaded not guilty. A third accused, Dean Evans (24), failed to appear and has not been located.
2017-02-10 · Limerick
During the eighth day of his Central Criminal Court trial, 57‑year‑old Arnis Labunskis, accused of murdering 39‑year‑old Dainius Burba, became emotional while describing the incident. He said he had been washing his hands in the kitchen when Bur a grabbed him from behind and tore his clothes. Labunskis opened the door and told Bur a to leave, but Bur a ran upstairs. Later, Labunskis went downstairs for a cigarette and was called back to Bur a's room, which was dark except for shadowy light from a window. Bur a pushed the door closed and, according to Labunskis, began swinging an object. Labunskis claimed he grabbed the object, which turned out to be a table leg, and struck Bur a once, causing a scream. Bur a shouted, "Stop old man," before Labunskis fled into the corridor and turned on the light. The trial is proceeding before Justice Deirdre McCarthy and a jury of twelve.
2017-02-10 · Dublin
In the Special Criminal Court, David Cullen, an accused who became a State witness, denied that he had lied about the alleged roles of Edward McGrath and Sharif Kelly in the 2013 murder of Peter Butterly. Cullen, who was originally charged with the murder, had turned State witness after the shooting and testified that he had waited at Gormanston College's gate to pick up and dispose of the gun, and that Kelly was to pick up McGrath and Dean Evans. During cross‑examination, the counsel for Kelly, Giollaíosa Ó'Lideadha, accused Cullen of telling lies, to which Cullen replied that he had not been told about Kelly's role and that he had made a deal with the Director of Public Prosecutions to drop the murder charge. The court is hearing Cullen's evidence as part of a voir‑dire to determine its admissibility, while the accused men's counsel objects. Edward McGrath pleaded not guilty. Sharif Kelly pleaded not guilty.
2017-02-10 · Limerick
Monika Matracka, 35, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michal Rejmer, 38, at her home in The Pines, Briarfield, Castletroy, between 8 pm on 30 December and midnight on 31 December 2015. She claimed self‑defence, stating she stabbed Rejmer. Rejmer was reported missing on 6 January 2016 after failing to report to work at MacDonald's. Witnesses from the Kilmurry Lodge Hotel testified that Matracka was "very honest and sincere" and had been visibly upset and crying on 7 January, citing stress and the ongoing search for Rejmer. CCTV footage showed Matracka's movements at the hotel and in the area, including a clip of her walking near The Pines with something across her arm or shoulder. The trial is before Mr Justice Paul Butler and a jury of twelve.
2017-02-10 · Meath
In a 2017 trial, 25‑year‑old Josh Turner, of Mooretown, Ratoath, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 27‑year‑old Christopher Nevin, who was killed on Tailteann Road, Navan, on 19 November 2015. Turner took the stand at the Central Criminal Court and admitted that he had "lost it" and struck Nevin multiple times with an axe, describing the act as a "minute of madness." He said he had been "dizzy" and "panicking" when he picked up the axe and that he had hit Nevin more than once, contrary to his earlier claim of a single blow. Turner recounted that Nevin had threatened him with a hatchet, that a friend, Wayne Cluskey, was present, and that Turner had later found the axe on the ground and used it. He also said he had tried to call for help after Nevin lay dying.
2017-02-10 · Limerick
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Gardaí warned 57‑year‑old Arnis Labunskis, accused of murdering his flatmate Dainius Burba, that a judge and jury could draw inferences if he failed to disclose any facts he intended to rely on in his defence. Labunskis, who lives on Wolfe Tone Street, Limerick, was found to have discovered Burba's body in their unlocked flat on 21 or 22 April 2015. He had previously pleaded not guilty to the murder of the 39‑year‑old Lithuanian father of two. Detective Sergeant Brian O'Connor, who interviewed Labunskis multiple times after the discovery, warned him that any omission could be used against him. Labunskis replied that he had nothing to say. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Deirdre McCarthy with a jury of three women and nine men, will resume this afternoon.
2017-02-09 · Dublin
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, a former accused who became a prosecution witness in the Peter Butterly murder case was informed two days before he gave a statement to the gardai that his murder charge would be dropped. The case involves two Dublin men, Edward McGrath (35) and Sharif Kelly (47), who pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of 35‑year‑old Peter Butterly, who was shot outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston on 6 March 2013. McGrath also pleaded not guilty to firearms offences. A third accused, Dean Evans (24), failed to appear and has not been located. The court also heard cross‑examination of David Cullen, who had previously offered statements on several IRA‑related cases, including Butterly's shooting. Cullen claimed he was told the murder charge would be dropped before he gave his statement, a claim that his counsel, Giollaíosa Ó'Lideadha SC, used to question the admissibility of Cullen's evidence.
2017-02-09 · Limerick
During the seventh day of the 57‑year‑old Arnis Labunskis's trial, the court heard his garda interviews. Labunskis, who lives on Wolfe Tone Street, Limerick, was charged with murdering 39‑year‑old Dainius Burba, a Lithuanian father, in their shared flat on 21 or 22 April 2015. He told the police that he arrived home at about 11 pm after drinking in the park, found the front door unlocked, and turned on the lights. He claimed to have seen a table leg covered in blood near the stairs and, fearing an intruder, took the leg upstairs. He then found Burba with blood from his head, almost dead, and described him as roaring and calling out in Russian. Labunskis said he did not call 999 because he did not know the number. The jury will hear further details on Friday.
2017-02-09 · Meath
In the murder trial of Wayne Cluskey (25) and Josh Turner (24) for the killing of 27‑year‑old Christopher Nevin on 19 November 2015, Justice Patrick McCarthy found no evidence presented. He informed the jury that legal matters required resolution before proceeding and instructed the nine men and three women to return to the Central Criminal Court the following day. Wayne Cluskey pleaded not guilty. Josh Turner pleaded not guilty.
2017-02-09 · Limerick
The Central Criminal Court heard a murder trial in which Monika Matracka, aged 35, pleaded not guilty to the killing of Michal Rejmer, aged 38, at their shared home in Limerick between 8 pm on 30 December and midnight on 31 December 2015. The prosecution presented evidence that Rejmer was reported missing on 6 January 2016 after failing to attend work, and that he was last seen on 30 December. Witnesses, including former athletics club members Mike Purtill and Adrian Kiely, testified that they visited the house on 7 January and observed suspicious activity, such as burning papers and a laptop. On 8 January, a search party discovered Rejmer's body wrapped in a blood‑stained bedsheet in the back garden. Garda James Muldowney and Sergeant David Burke provided statements about the discovery and subsequent evidence collection. The trial, presided over by Justice Paul Butler, is expected to last two to three weeks.
2017-02-08 · Meath
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence from David Cullen, a former accused who turned State's witness, regarding the alleged murder of Peter Butterly outside The Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, in 2013. Edward McGrath and Sharif Kelly, both accused of the alleged murder and firearms offences, have pleaded not guilty. A third accused, Dean Evans, failed to appear and has not been located, while the court proceeded with the trial for McGrath and Kelly. Cullen, who previously pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol, described being asked to pick up a gun and dispose of it at Gormanston College. He testified that he witnessed a gun thrown from a vehicle and was arrested while retrieving it. This testimony is part of a voir dire, or trial within a trial, to determine the admissibility of Cullen's evidence, to which defence counsel for Kelly objects. This is the second trial for McGrath and Kelly, following the collapse of the original proceedings in January 2015. The matter is currently at the trial stage before a non-jury court presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt.
2017-02-08 · Laois
In a High Court case, Mr. Chris Mahon and his wife Shelia Mahon sued Laois County Council for flood damage to their Clonaheen home caused by works on a culvert beneath the road. The floods occurred in August 2008 and November 2014. The Mahons alleged the council was negligent, claiming the culvert was defective and that the council failed to repair it, leading to two extensive floods that destroyed their property. The council denied negligence, attributing the floods to record rainfall and suggesting the Mahons' own alterations contributed. After negotiations, the parties settled: the council will carry out voluntary flood relief works within 12 weeks, and the case may be struck out. No further settlement details were disclosed. The judge welcomed the settlement and the preventive measures agreed.
2017-02-08 · Limerick
In a 2017 trial at the Central Criminal Court, 35‑year‑old Monika Matracka pleaded not guilty to the murder of 38‑year‑old Michal Rejmer, who was found dead at their shared house in Castletroy, Limerick, between 8 pm on 30 December and midnight on 31 December 2015. Prosecutor Paul Carroll presented evidence that Rejmer had worked at McDonald's, left work at 8 pm on 30 December, and was not seen again. Gardaí called the house on 6 January and 8 January; Matracka claimed she last saw Rejmer at 11 pm on 30 December and that she had sent him a New Year's text. She later admitted to stabbing him after he allegedly entered her room with a knife, claiming self‑defence. A post‑mortem found haemorrhage from stab wounds to the arms, with defensive wounds on Rejmer's hands.
2017-02-08 · Meath
Wayne Cluskey (25) and Josh Turner (24) pleaded not guilty to the murder of 27‑year‑old Christopher Nevin on 19 November 2015. In interviews on 23 and 24 November, Garda Michael Fitzpatrick showed Cluskey CCTV footage from a house across the road where Nevin suffered blows that caused his death. Cluskey said the footage made it appear they had "made it our business to kill him" and that he had not expected the violence. He explained that the dispute began when Nevin owed Turner €100 for a male chihuahua loaned to breed with three females, and that only one dog became pregnant. Cluskey claimed he had not struck the first blow, that Nevin had a hatchet when he left the house, and that Turner delivered the fatal blow. He admitted to telling "white lies" after seeing the footage.
2017-02-07 · Laois
In a High Court hearing, Mr Chris Mahon of County Laois described how flood waters in November 2014 surged across his property like a "small tsunami," breaching the front door of his family home at Clonaheen, Mountmellick, after a local stream overflowed. He recalled hearing a cracking noise before the water rose to his boots, and that a family dog was rescued from the yard. The flooding caused extensive damage to the interior, yard, and drinking water supply, leaving the Mahons unable to obtain flood insurance. Mr Mahon, who became upset during testimony, said the council's 2007 culvert works were negligent, leading to a collapsed section that backed up water. He seeks damages and an injunction to repair the culvert, while the council denies negligence, attributing the floods to record rainfall. The case is before Mr Justice Paul McDermott, with mediation suggested.
2017-02-07 · Meath
In a murder case, Wayne Cluskey (25) and Josh Turner (24) pleaded not guilty to the killing of 27‑year‑old Christopher Nevin on 19 November 2015. Turner voluntarily appeared at Navan Garda station on 23 November, where he gave several interviews. In a second interview on 24 November he claimed he struck Nevin's fatal blow after Nevin attacked him with a hatchet during a dispute over a chihuahua. Turner said he had loaned Nevin a male dog for €250, and a disagreement arose when Nevin claimed the dog had gone missing and later that it was "shooting blanks." Turner described meeting Nevin at a friend's house on Tailteann Road, where Nevin allegedly approached him with a green hatchet. Turner said he took the hatchet from Nevin's hand and struck Nevin on the head with the blunt side, seeing blood but not realizing he was fighting for his life. The trial continues before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury.
2017-02-07 · Limerick
During the fifth day of the 57‑year‑old Arnis Labunskis's murder trial, the Central Criminal Court heard that when Gardaí arrived at the Wolfe Tone Street flat on 21 or 22 April 2015, there was blood on the walls, on a bed and a body face‑down on the floor. Labunskis, who pleaded not guilty, claimed he had come home to find his Lithuanian flatmate, 39‑year‑old Dainius Burba, seriously injured. Denis O'Loughlin, who answered a call at 5.20 am, described how he was led to the house, saw blood spatter on the stair architrave and in a bedroom, and found Burba unresponsive on the ground. Garda Martin Crowley later found a bin with a white liner and blue fabric bearing blood, and DNA from the bin's t‑shirt matched Burba's profile while Labunskis's DNA was found on the underarm area. The trial continues before Justice Deirdre McCarthy and a jury.
2017-02-07 · Meath
In the Central Criminal Court, Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis testified that four severe blows, consistent with an axe, caused the death of 27‑year‑old Christopher Nevin. Two blows struck the head and one the neck, producing skull fractures, internal bleeding and brain swelling, leading to blunt‑force trauma death. A fourth blow to the body caused extensive injuries but did not kill him. The case involves Wayne Cluskey (25) and Josh Turner (24), who plead not guilty to Nevin's murder, amid a dispute over a male chihuahua given to Nevin.
2017-02-06 · Dublin
In the Special Criminal Court, evidence was presented that the six discharged cartridges found at the scene of Peter Butterly's shooting matched a Beretta semi‑automatic pistol located almost a kilometre away. Butterly, aged 35, was killed outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston on 6 March 2013. Two Dublin men, Edward McGrath (35) and Sharif Kelly (46), are charged with his murder and have pleaded not guilty. McGrath also pleaded not guilty to firearms offences. A third accused, Dean Evans (24), failed to appear and has not been located. The court heard from Detective Garda David O'Leary, who examined the scene, and from Detective Sergeant Ciaran Murphy, who provided testimony about a meeting concerning a potential plea by State witness David Cullen. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, continues after a previous trial collapsed. The accused's barristers challenge the admissibility of Cullen's evidence and the alleged deal to drop the murder charge.
2017-02-06 · Meath
Two men, Wayne Cluskey (25) and Josh Turner (24), from Mooretown, Ratoath, Co Meath, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 27‑year‑old Christopher Nevin on 19 November 2015. The Central Criminal Court heard that the accused suffered injuries to their hands and heads four days after the fatal fight. Dr Thomas Ravenscroft examined Cluskey on 23 November and found a cut on the top of his head, lacerations and bruises on both hands and wrists, and cuts on both shoulders. Turner had lacerations on both hands and a small cut on the top of his head, with scratch marks on his right shoulder. The injuries were described as about four days old. The trial, presided over by Justice Patrick McCarthy, continues with a jury of nine men and three women. The case involves a dispute over chihuahua pups that escalated into a fatal axe attack. The accused are charged with murder. The trial is ongoing.
2017-02-06 · Limerick
In the Central Criminal Court, the trial of 57‑year‑old Arnis Labunskis, accused of murdering 39‑year‑old Dainius Burba, progressed on the fourth day. Labunskis pleaded not guilty. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis testified that Burba's death resulted from a multiplicity of blows—estimated at 19—to his head and face, causing lacerations, extensive skull fractures, and severe brain injury. The cause of death was blunt force injury to the head and face. Forensic scientist Dr Stephen Doak presented evidence of a violent assault, including blood‑stained items and DNA matching the accused. He concluded that the evidence strongly supported the proposition that Labunskis assaulted Burba. The trial is before Justice Deirdre McCarthy with a jury of twelve.
2017-02-03 · Wicklow
Sean FitzPatrick, aged 68, faces 27 charges under the 1990 Companies Act for allegedly misleading auditors about multi‑million euro loans between 2002 and 2007. He denies all allegations. On day 75 of his trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, his counsel Bernard Condon SC cross‑examined Kevin O'Connell, a lead investigator from the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE). O'Connell admitted that the methods used to produce witness statements were wrong and unlawful, attributing the mistakes to his inexperience rather than a deliberate effort to secure a prosecution. Condon described the investigation as "a shambles" and accused the ODCE of crafting and creating witness statements to obtain evidence. O'Connell acknowledged that the ODCE had modified its practices after a 2015 ruling by Judge Mary Ellen Ring. The trial continues before Judge John Aylmer.
2017-02-03 · Dublin
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, the court decided to proceed with the trial of Peter Butterly's alleged murderers, Edward McGrath and Sharif Kelly, after a third accused, Dean Evans, failed to appear. Both McGrath and Kelly pleaded not guilty to the murder charge, and McGrath also pleaded not guilty to firearms offences. The court heard from Adriana Skorus, who lived opposite the Huntsman Inn where Butterly was shot. She described hearing two gunshots, seeing a man with a small black handgun in the carpark, and observing a vehicle leave the premises. Skorus also noted a second car entering the carpark minutes later. The defence had previously applied to exclude evidence of the accused men's arrests, arguing the detentions were unlawful, but the court rejected that application. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, continues after the earlier trial collapsed in January 2015. The hearing took place on 3 February 2017.
2017-02-03 · Limerick
During the second day of the 57‑year‑old Arnis Labunskis's trial, witness Igars Makulens testified that the accused told him he needed to get rid of the body after a morning visit to the flat where 39‑year‑old Dainius Burba was murdered on 21 or 22 April 2015. Makulens said the accused's daughter had called him early that morning, asking him to check on her father's home. He knocked on Labunskis's door, was denied entry until he claimed the daughter had sent him, and then was told the man was upstairs and dead. Labunskis allegedly said he had hit Burba, had a mobile phone and passport in his hands, and told Makulens to hide them and get rid of the body. The witness was cross‑examined by Michael Bowman SC, who questioned whether Labunskis had suggested the body be taken to the woods or that the police be called. Labunskis has pleaded not guilty.