In a psychiatric hospital in Waterford City, Paul Cuddihy, aged 38, was tried at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of Maria O'Brien, aged 55, who was stabbed more than 100 times on 5 September 2014. Cuddihy pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to all charges, including causing serious harm to nurse Breda Fennelly and assault causing harm to nurses Mary Grant and Terry Hayes, and to the assault on fellow resident Mary Nugent. The prosecution, led by John O'Kelly SC, described O'Brien's fatal wound as a jugular vein injury, with head trauma as a secondary cause of death. Nugent survived multiple stab wounds that did not hit an internal organ. The trial, set before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury, will continue tomorrow, with psychiatric evidence to be presented.
In a 2016 trial, 52‑year‑old Liam Power, who had no fixed abode, was charged with murdering 41‑year‑old Gints Intembergs at Graigowen, Tullow, between 15 and 16 September 2014. Power pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea rejected by the State, and also pleaded not guilty to assaulting Aigar Sildars. Dzintars Sackalausks, 33, was charged with the same murder and assault, pleading not guilty to both. Garda evidence described the scene: the deceased lay on the kitchen floor, partially covered, with a partially burned blue and white top and no ignition source. DNA and other items were collected from the house and a Suzuki car. Witnesses, including Dolores Kenny, recounted Power's admission of a fight, an arm‑wrestling match, a slap, and his claim of having killed a man. The case proceeded before Justice Isobel Kennedy and a jury.
In a Dublin rape case, a 29‑year‑old man claimed he was acting in his sleep, suffering from sexsomnia, when he allegedly raped a friend. He admitted the possibility of sex but maintained the condition. After eight hours and fifteen minutes of deliberation over three days, the jury foreman announced a deadlock, unable to reach a verdict. Justice Patrick McCarthy thanked the jurors and excused them for ten years. The case was adjourned to 28 November, when the prosecution will decide whether to seek another trial. The accused had previously pleaded not guilty to one count of rape at an apartment in Dublin on 28 September 2008. The trial, which lasted four weeks, involved testimony that the accused and victim were childhood friends who attended a career fair, later went to a nightclub, drank, and returned to a friend's house to sleep.
During a four‑week trial at the Central Criminal Court, a jury of ten was instructed by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy that a majority verdict would be sufficient. The case concerns a 29‑year‑old man who pleaded not guilty to a single count of rape. He alleges he was suffering from sexsomnia, a rare condition that can cause sexual acts while asleep, during the alleged incident on 28 September 2008. The victim, a friend, claimed she woke to find the man having sex with her and that he later admitted to raping her. She had also reported the incident to Gardaí several months later. The prosecution argued that alcohol consumption was a more likely factor than sexsomnia and that the accused's behaviour was inconsistent with the condition. The jury had been deliberating for over seven hours when the judge informed them that a majority verdict would be acceptable. The accused's name was withheld for legal reasons.
A 34‑year‑old Clare man, Raymond Kilmartin, was brought before the High Court in Dublin after the UK requested his extradition on fraud charges. The UK alleges he defrauded a Bristol school of about £10,000 while working as a finance officer in 2013. Kilmartin was arrested in Ennis under a European Arrest Warrant and accepted the extradition request. Justice Aileen Donnelly, after informing him of his rights, ordered his remand in custody until 14 November.
A witness testified that Liam Power, aged 52, and Dzintars Sackalausks, aged 33, were present at Gints Intembergs' house on 15–16 September 2014. The witness, who was intoxicated, saw Intembergs' badly beaten body lying on the kitchen floor the morning after. Power pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea rejected by the State, and was also charged with assaulting Aigar Sildars. Sackalausks pleaded not guilty to murder and assault. The witness described seeing blood, a bruised eye, a lacerated forehead, and a missing wallet, keys and passport. Neighbour Gunita Lace and friend Monika Metla also gave evidence of the house's condition and the presence of the accused. Dr Eithne Bolger pronounced Intembergs dead at 9.40 am on 16 September. The case is before Justice Isobel Kennedy and a jury, expected to last three weeks.
A 29‑year‑old man, who has pleaded not guilty, is on trial for raping a friend in Dublin on 28 September 2008. He claims he was suffering from sexsomnia, a rare condition that can cause sexual acts while asleep, and that he may have had sex with the woman while unconscious. The prosecution argues that alcohol consumption is a more likely factor. The jury, consisting of seven men and four women, has deliberated for five hours and will resume on Tuesday before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy. The accused cannot be named for legal reasons.
A jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has acquitted a 34-year-old Armagh man of assaulting a former Republican prisoner, though the panel could not reach agreement on a charge against his father. Both Eugene Hanratty Jnr of Dundalk Road, Crossmaglen and Eugene Hanratty Snr of Castleblaney Road, Crossmaglen had pleaded not guilty to assaulting Martin McAllister causing him harm at Castleblaney, County Monaghan on 24 November 2012. The prosecution had argued the younger man was liable under the doctrine of joint enterprise despite not participating in the physical assault itself. After deliberating for two hours and five minutes, jurors found the younger accused not guilty. However, they were unable to reach a verdict regarding the senior accused, who is scheduled to return to court on 7 November. The judge discharged the jury and commended members for their service.
The Central Criminal Court trial of seven Dubliners accused of murdering Dale Creighton and violent disorder is ongoing. Creighton was assaulted on New Year's Morning 2014 at a Tallaght footbridge and died the following day. All seven accused initially pleaded not guilty to both charges. However, Jason Beresford later changed his plea, admitting to the violent disorder charge while maintaining his not guilty plea to murder. The other six accused—Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, James Reid, and Gerard Stevens—continue to contest both allegations. On the 14th day of the trial, the jury reviewed CCTV footage showing five accused running from the scene as gardai arrived. Sergeant Brian Cagney described specific actions, including kicks by Callery and Beresford, and strikes by Stevens, Palmer, and Beresford. The footage captured Beresford, Callery, Palmer, Aisling Burke, and David Burke fleeing simultaneously upon seeing police lights. James Reid and Gerard Stevens were seen moving separately. The matter was adjourned, with the prosecution case expected to conclude on Tuesday.
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, Liam Power (52) and Dzintars Sackalausks (33) are charged with murdering Gints Intembergs (41) in Tullow, Co Carlow, between 15 and 16 September 2014. Power pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea rejected by the State, while Sackalausks pleaded not guilty to both murder and assault. The prosecution alleges that after an arm‑wrestling game and heavy drinking, Power and Sackalausks violently assaulted Intembergs, striking his head and causing a subdural haemorrhage. Witnesses report attempts to burn Intembergs' body while he may have still been alive, and that he was found covered by a duvet with bruises and blood. Both men also allegedly assaulted Aigar Sildars at the same address. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, is expected to last three weeks.
The Central Criminal Court trial of seven Dubliners charged with the murder of Dale Creighton has heard expert evidence regarding his cause of death. Creighton, 20, was assaulted on New Year's Morning 2014 at the footbridge over the Tallaght bypass and died the following day. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis testified that Creighton sustained extensive blunt force trauma to the head and face, resulting in brain swelling, diffuse axonal injury, and brain stem compression. He identified a fractured skull, broken nose, dislocated thumb, and a stab wound to the thigh, noting the latter was likely inflicted by an implement other than a knife. Toxicology revealed modest alcohol and trace cocaine levels. Dr Curtis concluded the cause of death was blunt force injury, stating that axonal injury could result from direct violence or prolonged coma. Under cross-examination, he acknowledged that injuries from an earlier assault by a man not before the court could have contributed to the fatal brain damage. The accused are Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, James Reid, Jason Beresford, and Gerard Stevens. All pleaded not guilty to murder. While all initially pleaded not guilty to violent disorder, Jason Beresford later changed his plea to guilty for that specific charge. The trial continues before Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy and a jury.
The trial of Eugene Hanratty Snr and Eugune Hanratty Jnr is ongoing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Both defendants, from Crossmaglen, Co Armagh, have pleaded not guilty to the alleged assault of Martin McAllister causing him harm at Castleblaney, Co Monaghan, on November 24, 2012. The prosecution alleges that the younger accused blocked the victim's car with a jeep, after which his father exited the vehicle and assaulted Mr McAllister. The alleged victim testified that he suffered fractured nose and eye sockets during a sustained attack. Witness Mary McAllister described the senior accused as being in an "absolute mental frenzy," stating he struck her husband repeatedly on the head with fists and feet while she begged him to stop. She claimed the younger accused remained in the vehicle until later intervening to tell his father he had gone too far. Defence counsel characterized the incident as a dispute over shooting rights at a nearby duck sanctuary, suggesting the victim initiated the confrontation. While the defence alleged the victim discharged a pistol, which the accused then destroyed, the witness denied this. Garda witnesses testified that initial reports of a shooting incident were not corroborated by other officers. The matter remains at the trial stage with no verdict or sentence recorded.
The Central Criminal Court trial of seven accused individuals charged with the murder of Dale Creighton and violent disorder is ongoing before Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy. The defendants, Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, James Reid, Jason Beresford, and Gerard Stevens, have all pleaded not guilty to murder. While initially pleading not guilty to violent disorder, Jason Beresford subsequently changed his plea to guilty on that specific charge. On the 13th day of the trial, the jury reviewed CCTV footage of the fatal assault, which occurred on New Year's Day 2014 at a footbridge over the Tallaght bypass. Sergeant Brian Cagney provided commentary, identifying specific actions attributed to the accused, including David Burke striking the deceased and Ross Callery punching him. The sergeant also noted that James Reid was seen holding a knife and phone, and that Gerard Stevens slapped the deceased. Additionally, the jury heard evidence regarding James O'Brien, who was charged with assault causing harm after allegedly kicking and punching the victim. The matter remains at the trial stage and has not been finalised.
A 54‑year‑old man has admitted killing a Latvian national in Co Carlow over two years ago. The man, who is charged with the 41‑year‑old's murder, is one of two men who will go on trial today charged in connection with the death. Liam Power, of no fixed abode, is charged with murdering Gints Intembergs at Graigowen, Tullow, Co Carlow between the 15th and 16th of September, 2014. He pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter when arraigned before the Central Criminal Court this morning. This plea was not accepted by the State and a jury was sworn in to try him and his co‑accused. Mr Power also pleaded not guilty to assaulting Aigar Sildars, causing him harm, at the same address and on the same dates. Dzintars Sackalausks (33) of Barrowvale, Graiguecullen, Co Carlow is also charged with murdering Gints Intembergs at the same address and on the same dates.
In Dublin on 27 October 2016 the second Special Criminal Court held its first trial. The defendant, Ryan Glennon, 25, pleaded not guilty to membership of an illegal organisation that styled itself the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Prosecutor Tara Burns SC presented belief evidence from a Garda Chief Superintendent that Glennon was a member on 13 May 2015, supported by evidence from a search of a Courtown property on that date where a large quantity of explosives was found and items linked to Glennon were recovered. Burns also cited surveillance of Glennon and two others by Gardaí on 9 May 2015, and their appearance together in March and April 2015. After Glennon's arrest, he failed to answer material questions in interviews, allowing the court to draw inferences. The trial, presided over by Justice Robert Eagar with Judges Sinead Ni Chulachain and James Faughnan, is expected to last two weeks.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court began deliberations on the murder trial of James 'Jimmy' Lammon, 44, of Athy, Kildare, who is accused of fatally shooting 22‑year‑old Jason Doogue in the Green Hills area on 21 August 2015. Lammon pleaded not guilty. Justice Paul Butler instructed the jury that their task is to determine whether the prosecution has proven beyond reasonable doubt that Lammon was the shooter. He noted that Doogue's death was intentional and that the evidence shows the victim was shot three times by a masked, hooded gunman on a bicycle, using a silenced gun later recovered by the Gardaí. The key issue is the identity of the shooter, with witnesses describing a thin, below‑average‑height man. Butler emphasized that the jury must reach a unanimous verdict and that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution. The jury commenced deliberations at 10:49 a.m. on 27 October 2016.
In a Dublin case, a 29‑year‑old man pleaded not guilty to a single count of rape committed at an apartment on 28 September 2008. He claimed the act was performed while he was in a state of sexsomnia, a rare condition that can cause sexual activity during sleep. The accused had consumed several drinks and a naggin of whiskey that evening before returning to a friend's house to sleep. Judge Patrick McCarthy told the jury that if the alleged sexsomnia was caused by alcohol, the defendant is not entitled to an acquittal. He explained that the prosecution must prove the accused knew the woman was not consenting or was reckless about her consent. The judge would finish summarising the evidence the following day, after which the jury of seven men and four women would deliberate. The case remains pending.
The Central Criminal Court trial of seven accused in the 2014 murder of Dale Creighton continues before Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy. The defendants, including Jason Beresford, Gerard Stevens, Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, and James Reid, face charges of murder and violent disorder. While all initially pleaded not guilty to both counts, Beresford subsequently changed his plea to guilty on the violent disorder charge. The remaining six accused maintain their not guilty pleas to both murder and violent disorder. Evidence presented includes garda interviews with Stevens, who admitted to kicking, punching, and slapping the victim on the Tallaght bypass footbridge. Stevens stated he did not know why he acted and described the incident as a moment of madness. Cross-examination highlighted that Stevens became distressed while reviewing CCTV footage. Additionally, testimony regarding Aisling Burke confirmed she was arrested shortly after the assault and examined for injuries, though no probative evidence emerged from her interview. The trial is ongoing, with no final verdict or sentencing recorded at this procedural stage.
In a ten‑day trial, a 44‑year‑old man, James 'Jimmy' Lammon, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 22‑year‑old Jason Doogue, who was shot three times in the Green Hills area of Athy on 15 August 2015. Prosecutor Kerida Naidoo SC presented 14 facts, describing a masked, hooded shooter who used a bike, a silenced gun, and a black toolbox. He alleged that the gun was buried near Lammon's home and that evidence such as a yellow‑stringed bike, latex gloves, and cloths with Lammon's DNA was found. Defence counsel Mary Rose Gearty SC argued that the evidence was circumstantial, that Lammon was an "easy suspect", and that the prosecution's narrative was inconsistent. She challenged the reliability of witness descriptions of the bike and the gloves, and questioned whether the forensic evidence could be linked to the shooting. Justice Paul Butler was to address the jury the following day.
The prosecution in the trial of a 29-year-old man accused of rape has argued that it is more likely he was drunk rather than sleepwalking during the alleged incident. The accused, who cannot be named, has pleaded not guilty to one count of raping a woman at an apartment in Dublin in September 2008. The woman testified that she woke up to find the accused having sex with her. Patrick McGrath SC, prosecuting, stated that the accused's actions, including responding to her questions about a condom and discussing the morning after pill, indicated he was conscious and not sleepwalking. The prosecution rejected the claim of sexsomnia, a rare condition, and emphasized that alcohol consumption does not excuse the crime. The defence, led by Hugh Hartnett SC, argued that the accused may have been acting in his sleep, citing expert testimony on sexsomnia. The trial continues with the judge to address the jury.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court heard closing arguments in the trial of a man charged with murder at Cork Prison. Brian Veale, 31, of Dominic Street, Cork, denies murdering fellow inmate Graham Johnson on 16 May 2015 at the prison on Rathmore Road. Defence counsel Tom Creed SC argued that fear is central to the case and urged the jury to consider a manslaughter verdict rather than murder, drawing comparison to the 2005 trial of Mayo farmer Padraig Nally. He submitted the prosecution had failed to rule out self-defence. Prosecutor Tim O'Leary SC countered that self-defence was "conjured up" and presented eyewitness evidence of the stabbing. He emphasised that Mr Johnson died from a single chest wound that penetrated his heart and spine. Detective evidence disclosed that Mr Veale declined to comment when questioned about a blood-stained knife and bloodstains on his clothing and shoes. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy began her charge to the twelve-person jury, which will conclude tomorrow morning. Brian Veale pleaded not guilty.
The Central Criminal Court trial of seven accused individuals for the murder of Dale Creighton and violent disorder is ongoing before Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy. The defendants, Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, James Reid, Jason Beresford, and Gerard Stevens, have all pleaded not guilty to murder. While all initially pleaded not guilty to violent disorder, Jason Beresford subsequently changed his plea to guilty on that specific charge. The jury is currently hearing evidence regarding garda interviews with David Burke, who was arrested in Tallaght on January 2, 2014. Mr. Burke alleged that the deceased pulled a knife on him and stole his sister's phone, prompting him to strike the victim. He denied participating in the fatal assault, claiming he attempted to stop others and protect the deceased. However, when shown CCTV footage, he admitted to hitting and kicking Mr. Creighton, stating he did so in self-defense. The trial continues with further evidence to be presented to the jury.
In the Central Criminal Court, DNA on latex gloves and cloths with firearms residue matched James 'Jimmy' Lammon, 44, accused of murdering 22‑year‑old Jason Doogue on 21 August 2015. Forensic Science Ireland scientist Kristen O'Connor identified Lammon's DNA on the gloves, found by gardai near his home, and on two cloths from a black toolbox in a house belonging to Paul Day, partner of Lammon's sister. Dr Thomas Hannigan confirmed firearms residue on the gloves and cloths. Lammon pleaded not guilty. Defence counsel Mary Rose Gearty called his brother Johnny, who described a dog‑shooting the day before Doogue's murder and noted Lammon wore green latex gloves that evening. A neighbour, Anthony Keogh, testified seeing Lammon in his yard that night. Justice Paul Butler ended the evidence session, with the trial to resume before a jury tomorrow.
In a Dublin rape trial, the 29‑year‑old accused admitted he could have had sex with a friend while sharing a bed, but the defence argued it was due to sexsomnia, a sleep‑walking condition. The defence presented expert evidence suggesting the man was asleep when he climbed on the woman, pulled up her skirt and inserted his penis. Witnesses claimed the accused had a history of groping people in his sleep. The accused pleaded not guilty to one count of rape at an apartment on 28 September 2008. A prosecution expert, Dr Harry Kennedy, countered that no objective scientific observation exists of a man initiating sex while asleep, citing a 2006 study of 31 cases with no observed instances. He questioned the plausibility of an erection during non‑REM sleep and argued the accused's actions indicated consciousness. Evidence was concluded and the jury will hear closing speeches before judgment.
In a case heard at the Central Criminal Court, Deivydas Zigelis, a 39‑year‑old Lithuanian, was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter for the death of Alexander Karpovs, a 26‑year‑old Latvian, who was stabbed in the heart during a drunken argument in Portarlington on 15 February 2014. Zigelis admitted to the killing shortly after the incident, stating, "I killed my friend. I am a bad man." The court was told that the fatal blow was delivered with a steak knife, that Zigelis was the one who wielded the knife, and that he had called emergency services after the victim's body showed signs of blood loss. A victim impact statement from Karpovs' mother in Latvia was read, describing the loss of her son's financial support and the emotional distress caused. Zigelis expressed remorse, and sentencing was adjourned to 14 November.
The Central Criminal Court trial of seven Dubliners accused of the murder of Dale Creighton continues before Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy. The accused, Jason Beresford, Ross Callery, Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, James Reid, and Gerard Stevens, have all pleaded not guilty to murder. While each initially pleaded not guilty to violent disorder, Jason Beresford subsequently changed his plea to guilty on that specific charge. The jury is currently hearing evidence regarding garda interviews with Ross Callery, who allegedly assaulted Mr Creighton on New Year's Morning 2014 at the Tallaght bypass footbridge. Mr Creighton died in hospital the following day. Detective Garda Kieran McGrath testified that Callery admitted to kicking the victim while he was on his hands and knees, describing the force as a seven out of ten. Callery stated he was protecting himself by not identifying other participants and expressed shock upon learning of the death, stating he did not intend for the victim to die. The trial is ongoing, with no final verdict or sentence recorded at this procedural stage.
During the Central Criminal Court trial, forensic expert Dr Thomas Hannigan presented evidence that a sports top and gloves found near the home of James 'Jimmy' Lammon (44) contained firearms residue. Lammon, accused of the fatal shooting of Jason Doogue (22) on 15 August 2015, pleaded not guilty. The gloves were recovered from a ditch and the top from another location; both showed positive traces of gunpowder particles. Dr Hannigan explained that such particles cling to the hands, gloves, and clothing of a shooter when a gun is fired, indicating that the wearer was present during a discharge. He agreed with defence counsel that the residue only proves presence, not the specific firearm used. Additional residue was found on cloths in a black toolbox at a house on Dooley Terrace, linked to a neighbour's account of the toolbox's movement. The trial proceeds with a jury hearing tomorrow before Mr Justice Paul Butler.
A 37‑year‑old Limerick man, Larry McCarthy, faces trial at the Special Criminal Court on charges of threatening to kill Noel Moore and to damage Moore's house on 28 July 2015. The court set a trial date of 19 June next year. McCarthy applied for bail, but the court heard objections from Garda Niall Fitzgerald, citing concerns that he might commit further serious offences, and from Chief Superintendent David Sheahan, who invoked Section 2A of the Bail Act to argue that bail should be refused to prevent a serious offence. The court will decide on the bail application on Thursday morning. McCarthy also faces separate charges at the Special Criminal Court for threatening to use unlawful violence and for assaulting David Foran on 25 November 2014, with a trial date of 3 July next year. He has been remanded in custody until Thursday morning.
In a Cork Prison murder trial, 31‑year‑old Brian Veale pleaded not guilty to the killing of fellow inmate Graham Johnson on 16 May 2015. Witness Ray Cummins testified that Veale and Johnson argued over a television remote in the kitchen, that Veale was calm when speaking to Cummins at 3.30 pm, and that he later told Cummins not to return to his cell because he feared Johnson might harm him. Cummins also recalled Johnson confronting Veale after the argument, calling him "out the back" and walking away while Johnson continued watching TV. Detective Sergeant Vincent O'Sullivan reported that Veale's kitchen clothing was seized from a bin in his cell, and forensic scientist Dr Edward Connolly examined the clothing and a knife recovered from the kitchen. Connolly found heavy blood‑staining on the knife's blade that matched Johnson's DNA profile, and blood on Veale's t‑shirt, trousers and shoes also matched Johnson's DNA.
The Central Criminal Court trial of seven Dubliners accused of murdering Dale Creighton, who died after being assaulted on New Year's Morning 2014 at a Tallaght footbridge, continues before Justice Deirdre Murphy. The accused are Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, James Reid, Jason Beresford, and Gerard Stevens. All initially pleaded not guilty to murder and violent disorder; however, Jason Beresford later changed his plea to guilty for violent disorder. The others maintain their not guilty pleas to both charges. Evidence heard included garda interviews with Graham Palmer, who alleged the victim was already injured before he arrived. Palmer admitted punching the victim in the stomach and face, stating he did so to get his attention, while denying causing the fatal injuries. He expressed regret for his actions. The trial is ongoing and was adjourned to continue on Monday.
James 'Jimmy' Lammon, aged 44, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Jason Doogue, 22, in Athy on 21 August 2015. At the Central Criminal Court, Lammon told the court that Gardaí would never be able to charge him and that they had "nothing" to prove. He claimed that the shooter was a fully covered rider on a bike who matched his height and build, and that the bullet was intended for Jamie Quinn. Lammon also denied being in the Green Hills area that day and said he had used latex gloves to pick up a dead dog, not to conceal a crime. The trial heard that a witness would not be available until Monday afternoon, and the prosecution's evidence was nearly finished. The case remains at the trial stage.
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, Brian Veale, aged 31, pleaded not guilty to the killing of Graham Johnson, a 42‑year‑old inmate, at Cork Prison on 16 May 2015. Chief State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy testified that Johnson died from a single stab wound to the front of his chest, which penetrated the sternum, sliced through the ribs, and went straight through the heart from front to back, causing haemorrhages to the heart and aorta. The wound was 12 cm below the breastbone, 6 cm wide, and extended onto the left side of the chest. Veale and Johnson were known to each other and were working in the prison kitchen when a verbal altercation over a television channel occurred around 3 pm. After the quarrel ended, Veale allegedly returned to the kitchen with a knife and stabbed Johnson sometime after 5 pm.
The Central Criminal Court has adjourned the trial of a 29‑year‑old man, who pleaded not guilty to a single count of rape, until Monday because of witness difficulties. The alleged offence occurred at an apartment in Dublin on the early hours of 28 September 2008. The jury is hearing Dr Harry Kennedy, clinical director of the Central Mental Hospital, as a rebuttal witness for the prosecution. Dr Kennedy will continue his testimony on Monday before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of eight men and four women.
During a Central Criminal Court hearing on 20 October 2016, the court heard that a Makarov 9mm pistol, buried in Shaw's Wood 750 metres from the home of 44‑year‑old James 'Jimmy' Lammon, was matched to the bullets that killed 22‑year‑old Jason Doogue on 21 August 2015. Detective Garda Shane Curran, a ballistics expert, fired the pistol and compared the recovered bullets with two taken from Doogue's body, concluding that the same gun had fired them. Curran explained that the unique grooves left on a bullet by the barrel matched those of the pistol. Garda Mairead Lacey had found the gun, a silver silencer and ammunition after following a foot‑worn trail from Lammon's house to the wood, where she also discovered a small hole in the ground. The pistol, of Russian origin, was in good condition but its serial number had been removed. Jimmy' Lammon pleaded not guilty.
In a Cork Prison kitchen on 16 May 2015, Brian Veale (31) allegedly stabbed fellow inmate Graham Johnson after a verbal altercation over switching television channels. Prosecutors told a Central Criminal Court jury that the dispute arose around 3 pm between the two men while they were preparing food. After the quarrel ended, Veale reportedly entered a kitchen area with a knife and stabbed Johnson in the chest. State Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy described the wound as a single downward thrust that perforated the heart, sliced the aorta and oesophagus, and caused rapid death. Witnesses were to testify about the incident, the kitchen staff's observations, and forensic evidence linking blood on Veale's clothing to Johnson. Veale pleaded not guilty to murder, and the trial was set to continue before Justice Isobel Kennedy and a jury.
Patricia Fortune, 35, was found not guilty by reason of insanity after she attacked Sean Hogan with scissors, leaving him blind in one eye. The incident occurred on 28 May 2013 at the Granby Centre, a Dublin homeless shelter for people with mental health issues. Fortune pleaded not guilty to one count of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm. The jury, after hearing psychiatric evidence, returned a verdict in 21 minutes. Judge Patricia Ryan adjourned the case to 1 November to allow for an assessment of Fortune's future care. Prosecutor Ronan Kennedy argued that while there was no dispute that Fortune carried out the assault, the key issue was her mental state at the time. The court heard that Fortune had a long history of violence and severe epilepsy, with an IQ of 68, and that she had an organic personality disorder linked to her epileptic condition.
A 66-year-old man from Drumlish, County Longford has denied five charges relating to bomb threats made during a state visit in May 2011. Donal Billings stands accused of unlawful possession of an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park and of making four false reports under the Criminal Law Act, allegedly threatening bombs at locations including Dublin and Cork airport. The Special Criminal Court heard closing arguments on Wednesday. The prosecution submitted that circumstantial evidence, including a SIM card found in Mr Billings's possession and mobile phone records, proved his guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Prosecuting counsel described the defendant's testimony as "utterly incredible" and "completely implausible". The defence disputed the reliability of phone evidence and argued insufficient direct proof connected Mr Billings to explosives found on a bus. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with two other judges, will deliver a verdict on 26 October. Mr Billings was remanded on continuing bail.
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, a 22‑year‑old man named Jason Doogue died of blood loss after being shot on 21 August 2015 in the Green Hills area of Athy. State pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy testified that Doogue had four bullet wounds: two that entered his chest and back, damaging his heart, liver, lungs and a subclavian artery; a third that entered his forearm, fracturing bones; and a fourth graze across his buttocks, possibly from the same bullet that entered his arm. Cassidy noted Doogue was healthy before the shooting and that his death resulted from the combined injuries to his vital organs and the artery. The accused, James 'Jimmy' Lammon, 44, of Cardington Way, Athy, pleaded not guilty. The judge instructed the jury to consider the evidence in their absence and to refrain from discussing the case with anyone.
A 66-year-old man from Drumlish, County Longford has told the Special Criminal Court that he was visiting his brother in hospital on the night an improvised explosive device was discovered on a Dublin-bound passenger bus on the eve of a royal state visit in May 2011. Donal Billings denies unlawful possession of an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park and four charges under the Criminal Law Act of 1976 relating to false bomb reports made to gardaí, including threats involving Busáras, Sinn Féin headquarters, Dublin Castle and Cork airport. The prosecution alleges Mr Billings placed the device on the bus and made threatening calls during the Queen's visit. Giving evidence through an interpreter, the accused stated there was no forensic evidence, witnesses or fingerprints linking him to the charges and characterised the case against him as entirely circumstantial. He told the court he found a SIM card in a carpark and picked it up. The trial continues.
The Central Criminal Court trial of a 29‑year‑old man, who cannot be named, continues. He pleaded not guilty to one count of rape at a Dublin apartment on 28 September 2008. The jury is hearing evidence from Dr Harry Kennedy, clinical director of the Central Mental Hospital, as a rebuttal witness for the prosecution. Dr Kennedy will address the alleged condition of "sexsomnia," which he claims may cause the accused to perform sexual acts while asleep. He will resume his testimony after legal argument before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and the jury of eight men and four women.
During the Central Criminal Court trial of James 'Jimmy' Lammon, who pleaded not guilty to the murder of Jason Doogue, Garda Mairead Lacey testified that she was part of a search team that located a handgun with a silencer and a magazine in a wooded area near Mr. Lammon's home. She described following a foot‑worn trail from a gap in the hedge at the back of the garden, through a field and into Shaw's Wood, where she found a small circular hole containing a navy bag with a handgun, a magazine holding three bullets, and a silver silencer. Lacey noted the distance from the house to the discovery site was about 750 metres. She also reported finding plastic pipes with pills, a pipe with rifles, and two leaves she believed were stained with blood during subsequent searches.
In the Central Criminal Court, a 29‑year‑old man pleaded not guilty to a single count of rape after an alleged incident on 28 September 2008. The defence argued that the accused was suffering from sexsomnia, a condition that could cause sexual acts while asleep, and had testified that the man was likely acting in his sleep. The prosecution countered with Dr Harry Kennedy, clinical director of the Central Mental Hospital, who examined the evidence. He described the victim's account of waking to the accused having sex with her, noting that her clothing had been altered and that the accused had removed and reinserted his penis. Kennedy concluded that these actions demonstrated full mental capacity, intent, and purposeful conduct at the time of the alleged offence. The trial will continue with his testimony before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of eight men and four women.
The trial of seven Dubliners charged with the murder of Dale Creighton and violent disorder is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. Creighton, a 20-year-old Tallaght native, died in hospital on January 2, 2014, after being assaulted on New Year's Morning 2014 at the footbridge over the Tallaght bypass. The accused are Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, James Reid, Jason Beresford, and Gerard Stevens. All pleaded not guilty to murder. While all initially pleaded not guilty to violent disorder, Jason Beresford later changed his plea to guilty for that specific charge. During cross-examination, Beresford admitted to kicking Creighton in the head and punching him in the stomach, stating he was "stupidly drunk and furious." He denied stamping on the victim. The court also heard that James O'Brien, who was seen on CCTV punching and kicking Creighton, was charged with the lesser offence of assault causing harm. O'Brien pleaded not guilty to this charge. The jury was dismissed to allow the court to address a legal issue, with proceedings scheduled to resume on Wednesday.
During a murder trial, a witness, Eva Maher, testified that she heard the accused, James Lammon, threaten another man less than two hours after the shooting that killed Jason Doogue. Maher, who was at a house in Castle Park, Athy, said she heard Lammon shout "tell Jamie he's next" at about 6.30pm. Another witness, Stacey Flynn, confirmed that Lammon's green van had pulled into the estate and that he was shouting about Jamie Quinn. A third witness, a minor, also heard Lammon say "Tell Jamie Quinn I'm coming for him next." Garda Paul O'Shea reported that after seeing two men near Lammon's home, he waited for an armed unit and later arrested Lammon at 7.34pm on suspicion of Doogue's murder. No firearms were found on Lammon or in his van. The trial continues before Justice Paul Butler and a jury at the Central Criminal Court. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.
A jury of six men and six women was sworn in at the Central Criminal Court for the trial of Brian Veale, 31, who is accused of murdering 41‑year‑old Graham Johnson in Cork Prison on 16 May 2015. Veale pleaded not guilty. The trial is scheduled to begin the following day and is expected to last five days.
In the trial of former Anglo Irish Bank chairman Sean FitzPatrick, two jurors were excused from serving. The trial, which began with a specially enlarged jury of 15 at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, is expected to last three months. Judge John Aylmer explained that the parties were still involved in a legal matter that the jurors had been made aware of, and that the time estimate for dealing with this matter had been underestimated. One juror was excused because she could not afford the €67 a week she would receive in social welfare and had started a full‑time job. The second juror was excused due to a bereavement and related difficulties. Judge Aylmer noted that the trial could start before the jury by Wednesday, 26 October, and that the remaining 13 jurors had no objections to continuing. Sean FitzPatrick pleaded not guilty.
In a Dublin rape trial, a psychiatrist specialising in sleep disorders, Dr Catherine Crowe, testified that the 29‑year‑old accused had a long history of parasomnia, including sleepwalking, night terrors and sexsomnia. She argued that the alleged rape on the night of 28 September 2008 could have been a sexsomnia episode, noting the accused's pattern of behaviour and his history of sleep‑related sexual activity. Dr Crowe stated that she believed the incident was "more likely" a sexsomnia episode, though she acknowledged the complainant's testimony that the accused was awake minutes after the act. She agreed with the prosecution that the complainant had not consented and that the accused was the instigator. The case is proceeding before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury. The unnamed 29-year-old pleaded not guilty.
During a murder trial, a witness reported hearing the accused, James 'Jimmy' Lammon, threaten Jason Doogue hours before Doogue's death. Lammon, 44, pleaded not guilty to the murder of the 22‑year‑old in Athy's Green Hills on 21 August 2015. Witness Calvin Cullen, then 17, described an argument at Emily Square where Lammon, in a green van, shouted threats such as "You're getting whacked tonight." Doogue responded, "I'll get you before you get me." After the confrontation, a cyclist in a black hoodie with a balaclava approached the group, pulled a handgun with a silver silencer, and shot Doogue twice, killing him. The trial is ongoing before a jury and Justice Paul Butler at the Central Criminal Court.
The trial of seven accused individuals for the murder of Dale Creighton and violent disorder is ongoing before the Central Criminal Court. The defendants, Aisling Burke, David Burke, Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, James Reid, Jason Beresford, and Gerard Stevens, all pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. While all initially pleaded not guilty to violent disorder, Jason Beresford changed his plea to guilty on Wednesday. The court heard evidence that the deceased, who died on January 2, 2014, sustained a penetrating stab wound to his right leg in addition to being beaten. James Reid identified himself in CCTV footage holding a knife, claiming he took it from the deceased after it was swung at him, while denying any involvement in the assault. He described the footage as "horrific" and stated he regretted being present. Garda testimony confirmed Reid was arrested and interviewed, where he denied kicking, punching, or stabbing the victim. The trial continues under the direction of Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy.
In October 2016, Jimmy Bishop, a 55‑year‑old An Post patrolman from Clondalkin, sued the company for failing to provide a safe system of work after the 2011 Tiger Kidnapping of Liam O'Sullivan's family. Bishop claimed he had no risk assessment or training for such an event and that An Post did not give him a safe place of work or adequate counselling. He said he used a code word to alert colleagues and the Gardai, but the company failed to respond appropriately. Bishop alleged that the company's lack of a comprehensive response plan left staff unsure of their roles. An Post denied the claims. The case was set to be heard by Mr Justice Raymond Fullam and was expected to last several days.