During the trial of a 34‑year‑old man accused of raping a woman with Down syndrome, ten women testified that they were harassed or pestered by him near the alleged rape site. The incidents, mostly within days of the alleged rape on 12 June 2013, involved the accused approaching women on the street, offering wine or cigarettes, and asking for sex for money. One 18‑year‑old witness described being grabbed, offered €200 for sex, and then physically attacked by her before fleeing. Other witnesses recounted being followed, stared at, and threatened by the accused, who was described as dark‑haired and dark‑complexioned. The accused admits some sexual contact but claims it was consensual and that he did not know the woman was mentally impaired. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury of six men and six women. Down Syndrome pleaded not guilty.
In a 2015 trial, Stephen Cahoon, 43, pleaded not guilty to the murder of his pregnant ex‑girlfriend Jean Teresa Quigley, 30, who was killed at Cornshell Fields, Derry, on 26 July 2008. Prosecution counsel Patrick Marrinan SC presented evidence of "violence from beginning to end" at the scene, citing broken door, bruising on Quigley's arms, scalp and head, and blood on tape. He argued that Cahoon's claim of accidental death and lack of intent was contradicted by the physical evidence and the circumstances of the relationship, including a falling out on 12 July 2008 and Quigley's fear of Cahoon. Marrinan urged the jury to consider the evidence as supporting a murder verdict, noting that Cahoon's alleged loss of control was not temporary or provoked. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC countered, focusing on the volatile nature of the relationship and the time elapsed, and argued for a manslaughter verdict if doubt existed.
The trial heard that DNA from semen found on a woman with Down syndrome matched the DNA of the accused, with a one‑in‑a‑billion likelihood of it belonging to someone else. The accused, who pleaded not guilty, is charged with rape, sexual assault and having sex with a mentally impaired person at his Dublin home on 12 June 2013. Forensic evidence included fibres from the accused's bedclothes matching those on the woman's clothes, and a laceration on her vagina, which the defence said did not prove lack of consent. The accused admitted some sexual contact but claimed it was consensual and that he was unaware of her impairment. Garda interview transcripts were presented, showing the accused denying prior contact and questioning the woman's appearance. The case is before Justice Tony Hunt and a jury of twelve.
During the trial of a Kerry man accused of raping a sex worker in a Dublin hotel room on 28 March 2010, evidence was presented that semen found at the scene belonged to two unknown men. The accused pleaded not guilty to oral rape and sexual assault, and denied two counts of threatening a witness in a Garda investigation between 29 April and 28 May 2010. Forensic scientist Michael Burlington extracted DNA from semen samples recovered from a sink in the hotel room, which did not match the accused's DNA profile; this profile was labelled "unknown one". The woman testified that the accused ejaculated into her mouth, after which she spat the semen into the sink and wiped her mouth with a towel. DNA from the towel yielded a second unknown profile, labelled "unknown two", which could not be ruled out as the source.
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, James Connors, aged 29, pleaded not guilty to the killing of 27‑year‑old James Ryan on 25 January 2012. The prosecution, represented by Mr Gerard Clarke, argued that Ryan died from puncture wounds to his torso. Garda Leisha Fahey testified that she arrived at the Hollyville Heights apartment early that morning, saw blood on the front door, and entered with Ryan's girlfriend. She found Ryan lying on a couch with puncture wounds and described him as extremely pale, complaining of pain in his legs, though he had no leg wounds. Fahey also confirmed that another garda, Mr Michael Delaney, offered Ryan a "dying declaration" about who caused his injuries, which Ryan refused. The court was shown a mini baseball bat with metal studs seized at the scene. Garda Padraig Hartigan, on beat duty, reported seeing Ryan on the couch with chest wounds and breathing difficulties.
A jury of five women and seven men was sworn in at the Central Criminal Court for the trial of James Connors, 29, of Rosemount, Drinagh, who is charged with the murder of 27‑year‑old Jason Ryan in Wexford Town on 25 January 2012. Connors pleaded not guilty. Justice Patrick McCarthy said the trial could last up to three weeks, and Justice Margaret Heneghan will preside.
A Kerry man is on trial at the Central Criminal Court for oral rape and sexual assault of a sex worker in a Dublin hotel room on 28 March 2010. He pleaded not guilty and denied that he pursued a vendetta to force the woman to withdraw her allegations. The accused also denies two counts of threatening or intimidating a witness in a Garda investigation between 29 April and 28 May 2010. The complainant, who had worked as an escort for four years, advertised herself as a former model on the Escorts Ireland website. She claimed the meeting was for a "girlfriend experience" but that the accused became rough, forced her to perform oral sex while holding her by the hair, and did not pay her. The accused was identified through a pseudonym email linked to a former employer. After his arrest he told Gardaí that the sex was consensual and that he had never assaulted anyone.
In a 2015 case, a 34‑year‑old foreign national was arrested and charged with rape, sexual assault and having sex with a mentally impaired person. He claimed he had never heard of Down syndrome and denied knowing the woman was mentally impaired. He admitted some sexual contact but insisted it was consensual. The woman, in her twenties, had been separated from her mother and was taken to the accused's home where the alleged rape occurred on 12 June 2013. During Garda interviews, the accused denied having sex with anyone that day, said he frequently had sex with women met on the street, and repeatedly claimed he had never spoken to a woman on the street that day. He also denied grabbing anyone. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, continued with a jury of twelve. The unnamed 34-year-old pleaded not guilty.
A Derry man has given evidence at the Central Criminal Court denying murder but admitting he caused the death of his pregnant ex-girlfriend. Stephen Cahoon, aged 43, of Harvey Street in Derry, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Jean Teresa Quigley at Cornshell Fields in Derry on 26 July 2008. His defence counsel stated that while Mr Cahoon acknowledges killing Ms Quigley, this does not constitute an admission of murder. Testifying in his own defence, Mr Cahoon described losing his temper when Ms Quigley told him the baby was not his, saying he grabbed her and placed his hand on her throat to silence her. He stated he did not intend to kill her. Prosecution counsel challenged his account, presenting evidence from a witness via video link from Glasgow High Court who claimed Mr Cahoon visited him early that morning appearing distressed. Mr Cahoon denied this meeting occurred. The trial continues with closing speeches from counsel.
A Kerry man, whose identity is protected, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court for oral rape and sexual assault of a prostitute in a Dublin hotel room on 28 March 2010. He pleaded not guilty. The woman, who had agreed to a "girlfriend experience", claims the man forced her to perform oral sex while holding her by the hair, threatened her, and sent threatening texts and emails to her family and neighbours after the alleged assault. She says she was not consenting and that the man's behaviour was aggressive and violent. The accused's counsel argues that the woman consented and that the acts were a quickie for which she was paid. The trial is before Justice Patrick McCarthy with a jury of twelve. The case also involves the man's alleged attempts to pervert the course of justice by sending threatening messages to the victim.
Stephen Cahoon, aged 43, with an address at Harvey Street in Derry, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Jean Teresa Quigley at Cornshell Fields in Derry on July 26th, 2008. The case is being heard in the Central Criminal Court. During cross-examination, a PSNI Detective Constable agreed with defence counsel that a key prosecution witness was "suggestible". The witness in question had conducted multiple interviews with Mr Cahoon's alleged visitor to Letterkenny, during which the account reportedly changed substantially regarding details such as clothing and demonstrations. Defence counsel highlighted inconsistencies in the witness's statements across six separate interviews. A Detective Sergeant denied allegations that he had threatened the witness. The trial is ongoing.
Brian Kenna, 54, of Crumlin Park, Crumlin, was charged with membership of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) on 21 November 2015. He was arrested in County Laois by the Special Detective Unit during an operation targeting dissident republican activity. The case was heard at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin, where the State Solicitor informed the three‑judge panel that the Director of Public Prosecutions did not oppose Kenna's bail application. The court set strict bail conditions: Kenna must live in Crumlin, report twice daily to Crumlin Garda station, observe a curfew from 11 pm to 7 am, provide a mobile phone number, surrender his passport and all travel documents, remain within the jurisdiction, avoid Northern Ireland, refrain from associating with anyone charged with a scheduled offence, and not contact any proposed prosecution witnesses directly or indirectly. Kenna accepted these conditions.
In a 2015 trial, a woman in her twenties with Down syndrome was alleged to have been raped at the accused's Dublin home on 12 June 2013. The accused admitted some sexual contact but claimed it was consensual and that he was unaware of her mental impairment. The victim's mother testified that her daughter was "white as a sheet" and "retching" when she returned home, and that she had been taken to the accused's house by the man. She described people with Down syndrome as trusting, gentle, and non‑assertive, and noted her daughter's developmental delays and need for supervision. The mother recounted the day's events, the victim's distress, and the alleged sexual acts. The trial was conducted before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury of twelve, with the accused pleading not guilty to rape, sexual assault and sex with a mentally impaired person.
The Special Criminal Court has rejected the defence application to dismiss tax charges against Thomas Murphy, a 66-year-old from Ballybinaby, Co Louth. Mr Murphy, who pleaded not guilty to nine charges alleging he failed to furnish income returns to the Collector General or Inspector of Taxes for the years 1996/97 to 2004, is currently on trial before a three-judge non-jury court. The prosecution alleges that despite conducting significant cattle and land dealings and receiving farming grants, Mr Murphy made no returns to Revenue. Defence counsel Tony McGillicuddy BL argued the case constituted an abuse of process, citing a Revenue Inspector's estimate of €15,000 annual farming income, and contended that the prosecution bore the burden of proving the absence of reasonable excuse. Presiding Judge Paul Butler rejected these submissions, stating there was no evidence supporting the abuse of process claim and ruling that the evidential burden regarding reasonable excuse falls on the accused. The court also addressed discrepancies in charge wording, noting earlier years included "knowingly and wilfully" while later years specified "without reasonable excuse." The trial, which stems from a Criminal Assets Bureau investigation, was adjourned and is scheduled to resume on Friday.
In the trial of a Derry man accused of murdering a pregnant woman, a prosecution witness, Stephen Cahoon, 43, has a conviction for wasting police time. Cahoon pleaded not guilty to the murder of Jean Teresa Quigley, 30, on 26 July 2008. Prosecution counsel read two statements made by witness James Casey, who had previously given them to police on 29 July 2008. Casey described a relationship between Cahoon and Quigley as "rocky" and alleged that Cahoon had hit, grabbed, kicked and slapped Quigley, and taped her mouth to stop her screaming. Defence counsel cross‑examined Casey, noting his conviction for wasting police time and questioning his credibility, including claims of police pressure and threats. The trial continues on Thursday morning.
In a rape trial at the Central Criminal Court, jurors heard evidence from a special‑needs woman in her twenties who claimed a man brought her to his Dublin home and had sex with her after she became separated from her mother. The accused, who pleaded not guilty to rape, sexual assault and having sex with a mentally impaired person, denied knowing she was mentally impaired. Two DVDs of the woman speaking to a specialist interviewer were shown to the jury. In the first interview she described being found on the street, taken to a house, and forced into sexual activity, including being locked in a room and threatened with violence. She said the man kissed her and inserted his penis, causing her pain. The prosecution argued that consent was impossible because she lacked the capacity to consent, while the defence could argue the accused had no reason to suspect her impairment. The case remains at the trial stage.
A 32‑year‑old man named Gary Walsh, charged with murdering former Dublin rugby club captain Cathal Sweeney (62) at a Terenure house on 8 February 2014, was granted bail despite objections from the State. Walsh pleaded not guilty to the murder but had previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter, a plea the State did not accept. A jury failed to reach a verdict after five hours and 27 minutes of deliberation, with at least ten jurors dissenting. Prosecution counsel Mr Patrick McCarthy SC presented eight bail conditions to the court, including residence at a specified address, daily reporting to Terenure Garda Station, submission of a mobile phone number, a midnight‑to‑7 a.m. curfew, prohibition on alcohol, surrender of his passport, and no contact with witnesses. Detective Sergeant Joe Molloy confirmed no concerns regarding the three sureties: €9,000 from Walsh's sister, €3,000 from his mother, and €3,000 from a cousin. Judge Patrick J.
The Special Criminal Court has heard defence submissions in the trial of Thomas Murphy, 66, of Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, Co Louth. Mr Murphy, who pleaded not guilty to nine charges alleging that he failed to furnish a return of his income, profits or gains or the source of his income, profits or gains to the Collector General or the Inspector of Taxes for the years 1996/97 to 2004, is being prosecuted on foot of a Criminal Assets Bureau investigation. The prosecution alleges that despite conducting significant dealings in cattle and land and receiving farming grants, Mr Murphy failed to make returns to Revenue. Defence counsel Tony McGillicuddy BL submitted to the three-judge, non-jury court that the charges should be dismissed as an abuse of process. He argued that the State has a duty to explore alternatives before prosecuting an indictable matter where the alleged net income is only €15,000 per year, a figure estimated by a Revenue Inspector. The defence also claimed that Mr Murphy's brother managed his cattle herd and farming activities. The matter was adjourned, with the trial set to resume on Tuesday for prosecution submissions.
A jury was discharged from the trial of Michael Kinsella, a 22‑year‑old from Tallaght, who was accused of unlawfully murdering Adil Essalhi in Tyrrelstown on 6 January 2011. Kinsella pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in the Central Criminal Court. The jury, composed of five men and seven women, was sworn in to hear the case but was dismissed by Justice Isobel Kennedy, who excused them from service for five years. A new jury will be empanelled on Monday morning.
The jury in the trial of Anthony Locke, 38, accused of murdering Christopher Jackson, 53, at Jackson's Prussia Street apartment, has been sent home for the evening and will resume deliberations on Friday. Locke pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court. Judge Patrick McCarthy told the jury that if they find Locke not guilty of murder, they may then consider an alternative charge of impeding the apprehension of a person he knew or believed to be guilty of murder. The jury must unanimously find Locke not guilty of murder before considering the alternative verdict.
The jury in the trial of 37‑year‑old Sabrina Cummins, accused of murdering 63‑year‑old Thomas Horan at Cambridge Court, Ringsend on 6 January, resumed deliberations on 17 November. Cummins, who lives at Ringsend Park, Dublin 4, pleaded not guilty. The foreman asked Justice Tony Hunt to read the memo from the prosecution's cross‑examination of Cummins by counsel Remy Farrell SC. The jury had begun deliberations last Friday, spent 3 hours 30 minutes, and returned home for the weekend before resuming at 12.52 pm.
The trial of Anothony Locke, 38, is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court, where he has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of his neighbour, Christopher Jackson, 53. The prosecution alleges that Mr Jackson was killed at his apartment on Prussia Street between September 6th and 7th, 2012. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy has instructed the jury that they must determine whether the offence was committed through common design, noting that it is not alleged that Mr Locke performed the physical act of killing. The judge explained that common design involves an intention to kill or cause serious injury, which can be formed spontaneously and may be tacit or active. He illustrated this legal concept using examples of accomplices in bank robberies or police obstructions. Mr Justice McCarthy further indicated that he would provide a direction regarding a possible alternative verdict for another offence once the evidence summary is complete. The matter is currently at the trial stage, with the judge's charge proceeding before a jury of six men and six women. No final verdict, sentence, or disposal has been recorded, and the proceedings continue.
A jury of five men and seven women was sworn in at the Central Criminal Court to hear the trial of Michael Kinsella, 22, of Swiftbrook Close, Tallaght, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Adil Essalhi, 41, at Tyrrelstown, Dublin, on 6 January 2011. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy told the jury the trial could last up to three weeks and thanked them for their availability. The trial is set to begin on Thursday, 19 November.
The jury in the trial of Peter Jackson, 41, accused of murdering David Hamilton, 31, during a heroin dispute, was informed that a majority verdict could be returned. Jackson, a drug addict, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. After more than six hours of deliberation, Justice Isobel Kennedy told the ten‑man, two‑woman jury that a verdict would be accepted if ten or eleven members agreed. The jury had been deliberating for almost eight hours and was scheduled to resume at 2 p.m.
The jury in the trial of 37‑year‑old Sabrina Cummins, accused of murdering 63‑year‑old Thomas Horan at Cambridge Court, Ringsend on 6 January, will resume deliberations on Tuesday. Cummins, who lives at Ringsend Park, has pleaded not guilty. The jury began deliberating this morning, spent three hours and thirty minutes, then left. Justice Tony Hunt instructed them to suspend deliberations until Tuesday morning, emphasizing that the discussion is confidential and should not be shared with anyone. They will reconvene at 10 a.m. on Tuesday.
The trial of Thomas Murphy, 66, of Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, Co Louth, continued at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin. The defendant, a prominent republican, has pleaded not guilty to nine charges alleging he failed to furnish income tax returns for the years 1996/97 to 2004. Prosecutors, acting on a Criminal Assets Bureau investigation, allege that despite conducting significant cattle and land dealings and receiving farming grants, Murphy did not pay taxes. During cross-examination, a Revenue Inspector testified that he estimated Murphy's farming income at 15,000 Irish Pounds annually from 1996 to 2001, and 15,000 Euro annually from 2002 to 2004. The Inspector stated these figures were fair and equitable based on available documentation, though he acknowledged the records were incomplete. Defence counsel John Kearney QC challenged the evidence, noting the Inspector did not verify signatures on grant applications and that Murphy's brother, Patrick, had transferred a herd number to his wife in 2001. The Inspector maintained this transfer was commercially normal and did not raise scepticism. Kearney further argued that documentation suggested a single farming unit and that Patrick Murphy's 2008 settlement with the State relied on a statement citing a herd number attributed to Thomas Murphy. The Inspector declined to speculate on whether Patrick's returns related to another herd. The trial continues.
The jury in the trial of Peter Jackson, a 41‑year‑old heroin addict, will resume deliberations on the third day at the Central Criminal Court. Jackson pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the fatal stabbing of David Hamilton, 31, on 4 May 2012 at a house on Kerryhall Road. The ten‑man jury has spent six hours debating the case and has been instructed not to discuss it with anyone outside the jury.
In a Dublin murder trial, 37‑year‑old Sabrina Cummins pleaded not guilty to the killing of 63‑year‑old Thomas Horan at Cambridge Court, Ringsend, on 6 January last year. Judge Tony Hunt finished his charge to the jury, urging them to consider whether Cummins had a culpable role or was merely a spectator. He explained the three possible verdicts: murder, acquittal, or manslaughter. The judge also noted that co‑accused Kenneth Cummins had been re‑arraigned and pleaded guilty to Horan's murder, but instructed the jury to set that case aside and focus solely on Sabrina Cummins. Hunt emphasized the need for careful scrutiny of evidence and cautioned against taking any statement at face value, whether from the prosecution or defence. The jury was sent out to deliberate, with the judge to meet them again at 10:30 am.
The trial of Thomas Murphy, 66, of Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, Co Louth, continued at the Special Criminal Court. Mr Murphy, a prominent republican, has pleaded not guilty to nine charges alleging that he failed to furnish a return of his income, profits or gains or the source of his income, profits or gains to the Collector General or the Inspector of Taxes for the years 1996/97 to 2004. The prosecution is proceeding on foot of an investigation by the Criminal Assets Bureau. During cross-examination, a Revenue Inspector, who cannot be named for legal reasons, testified that he does not know if the signature on farming grant applications belongs to Mr Murphy. The defence, represented by John Kearney QC, claims that Mr Murphy's brother managed the accused man's cattle herd and farming activities. The prosecution's case is that, although Mr Murphy conducted significant dealings in relation to cattle and land and received farming grants from the Department of Agriculture, he failed to make any returns to revenue. The witness agreed with the defence that if Mr Murphy signed the forms, it would mean he was the farmer of the herd, but confirmed he does not know whether Mr Murphy actually signed the documents. The matter was adjourned and the trial continues.
In the Central Criminal Court, Anthony Locke, 38, of Ballyfermot, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Christopher Jackson, 53, whose body was found in a wardrobe on Prussia Street between 6 and 7 September 2012. Prosecutor Conor Devally argued that all parties involved in a criminal offence are guilty, citing evidence from Jackson's partner, Barbara Staunton, who claimed Locke restrained her. Devally suggested a "division of labour" between Locke and his brother, and urged the jury to consider whether Locke was an active participant. Defence counsel Padraig Dwyer countered that the prosecution relied on inconsistent testimony from Staunton, who he described as lying. He highlighted the lack of motive and the absence of evidence that Locke acted without duress, urging the jury to acquit on murder and the related charge of concealing a body. The trial will resume next Monday before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a 12‑person jury.
The jury was discharged from the trial of Eric Locke, 33, who is accused of murdering Sonia Bount in a Plaza Hotel room in Tallaght on 16 February 2014. Locke pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court. Justice Isobel Kennedy granted the defence's request to adjourn the trial, thanked the jury, and exempted them from duty for five years. The case will be heard by Justice Patrick McCarthy next Monday.
Kenneth Cummins, aged 28, pleaded guilty to murdering 63‑year‑old Thomas Horan at Cambridge Court, Ringsend, on 6 January 2014. The trial, lasting over four weeks, ended when Cummins admitted guilt. Judge Tony Hunt concluded Cummins' case and moved to the next trial, that of his sister Sabrina Cummins, who remains not guilty. Sabrina, aged 37, also lives at Ringsend Park and her trial continues.
The trial of Thomas Murphy, 66, of Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, Co Louth, is ongoing at the Special Criminal Court. The defendant, a prominent republican, has pleaded not guilty to nine charges alleging that he failed to furnish a return of his income, profits, or gains to the Collector General or Inspector of Taxes for the years 1996/97 to 2004. The prosecution, led by Paul Burns SC, is prosecuting on foot of a Criminal Assets Bureau investigation. The prosecution alleges that despite conducting significant dealings in cattle and land and receiving farming grants from the Department of Agriculture, Murphy failed to make any returns to Revenue. Evidence from a Revenue Inspector, who cannot be named, was presented to the court. The Inspector stated that in October 2005, he was instructed to investigate Murphy's tax affairs. He examined various documents, including bank details, cattle mart invoices, Department of Agriculture grant cheques, EU Area Aid forms, and documents seized by the CAB from Murphy's and his family's homes. The Inspector concluded that Murphy was involved in the farming business and did not file tax returns from 1996 to 2004, asserting that documentary evidence showed Murphy was a chargeable person who should have furnished returns. Mr Justice Paul Butler, presiding over the three-judge, non-jury court, ruled the evidence admissible after defence lawyers raised objections regarding its admissibility. The trial continues.
The jury in the trial of Peter Jackson, a 41‑year‑old heroin addict from Kerryhall Road, Fairhill, Co. Cork, will resume deliberations tomorrow after Justice Isobel Kennedy finished her charge. Jackson has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the fatal stabbing of David Hamilton, 31, on 4 May 2012 at a house on Kerryhall Road. Kennedy explained that the jury can return a verdict of guilty of murder or not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. She reminded the ten men and two women that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution and that a murder conviction requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt that Jackson intended to kill or cause serious injury and that he was not provoked. The jury spent one hour and 24 minutes considering their verdict today and was asked to return tomorrow morning. The judge also instructed them not to discuss the case with anyone outside the jury.
Anthony Locke, 38, denied in court that he "finished off" Christopher Jackson, whose body was found in a wardrobe after his death. Locke, of Ramillies Road, Ballyfermot, pleaded not guilty to Jackson's murder at his Prussia Street apartment between 6 and 7 September 2012. He told Garda interviewers he had no weapon and did not stab Jackson. Locke claimed his fingerprints might be on the knife because his brother Bernard could have placed it in his hand while he slept. He also denied cutting his finger while stabbing Jackson, saying Bernard inflicted the injury. Locke stated he had no involvement in the death and had nothing to do with the body's concealment. The case is in closing stages before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of twelve.
Anthony Locke, 38, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Christopher Jackson, 53, at Jackson's Prussia Street apartment between 6 and 7 September 2012. Locke presented himself at a garda station on 9 September 2012, was arrested and interviewed. He told the Garda that his brother, Bernard, had stabbed Jackson and then forced Locke to clean up the scene. Locke described moving the body as weighing a "tonne" and said he "nearly snapped my back". He claimed he used two duvets and four or five plastic bags to wrap the body, that blood covered the kitchen, and that his brother threatened to cut off his fingers. Locke denied using a weapon or having an active part in the killing, but recounted that Jackson's last words were "Babs help". The trial continues with Locke's garda interviews before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of twelve.
In the murder trial of Peter Jackson, a 41‑year‑old drug addict, the jury was instructed to consider his mental state on the day of the incident. Jackson pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the death of 31‑year‑old David Hamilton, who was stabbed on 4 May 2012 at a house on Kerryhall Road. Defence counsel Dominic McGinn SC explained that by pleading guilty to manslaughter, Jackson accepted responsibility for Hamilton's death but denied intent to kill. Justice Isobel Kennedy told the jury that the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Jackson intended to kill or cause serious harm, and that provocation could negate murder if the accused lost control. The prosecution argued that Jackson had tried to inject heroin, an argument escalated, and Jackson then stabbed Hamilton. Witness Pamela McHale confirmed the fight and that Jackson had taken a knife from the table.
In the joint trial of Kenneth Cummins (28) and Sabrina Cummins (37) for the murder of Thomas Horan (63) at Cambridge Court, Ringsend, the defence counsel, Mr Blaise O'Carroll SC, argued that it was "extraordinarily improbable" for Sabrina to harbour a "dark thought" to harm someone she cared about. He highlighted Horan's reputation as a kind man, his support for his ex‑wife, and the fact that Sabrina had stayed in his apartment when it "overspilled" in her sister's home. O'Carroll recounted Sabrina's testimony, where she faced the jury directly, and described her traumatic background: an alcoholic father, a sister who died of a heart attack, a brother who suffered brain damage, and a sister Breda who was murdered in 2010. He suggested that these events shaped her psyche and made it unlikely she intended to kill Horan. He also noted that Sabrina did not flee the scene but called the Gardaí. The trial continues. Kenneth Cummins pleaded not guilty. Sabrina Cummins pleaded not guilty.
A witness has told the Central Criminal Court that Stephen Cahoon appeared notably anxious on the morning a pregnant woman's body was discovered in Derry. Cahoon, aged 43 and from Harvey Street in Derry, Northern Ireland, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Jean Teresa Quigley on 26 July 2008 at Cornshell fields. A man who was living in Letterkenny at the time testified by video link from Glasgow that Cahoon called to his home in the early hours of that day. The witness stated that Cahoon seemed "very shaky" and requested water before leaving after approximately thirty minutes. He recalled that Cahoon had mentioned being in town drinking. Justice Deirdre Murphy adjourned proceedings to address a legal matter and directed the jury to return on Thursday. The trial continues before a jury of twelve.
In the murder trial of Stephen Cahoon, 43, the jury heard forensic evidence linking the accused to the death of Jean Teresa Quigley, 30, who was found dead at Cornshell Fields on 26 July 2008. A white t‑shirt taken from Cahoon's Harvey Street apartment contained blood spots that matched Quigley's DNA, while other stains on the shirt matched Cahoon's DNA. Semen on vaginal swabs and fingernail swabs also matched Cahoon, indicating recent sexual activity. Cigarette butts showed a majority of Quigley's DNA and a minority of Cahoon's. A damaged black bra was examined, with damage deemed recent. Mobile phone data from both parties were recovered, revealing threatening texts from Cahoon to Quigley. The trial continues with the jury hearing these forensic findings. Stephen Cahoon pleaded not guilty.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 9 November 2015, Peter Jackson, 41, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for stabbing David Hamilton, 31, on 4 May 2012 at a house on Kerryhall Road, Fairhill, Co Cork. Jackson, a heroin addict, claimed the act was accidental, stating he wanted Hamilton's family to know he was sorry. Prosecutor Thomas O'Connell SC described how Jackson had tried to inject Hamilton after injecting himself, leading to an argument over a vein and resulting in Jackson stabbing Hamilton in the chest with a knife. Garda Donal O'Casey testified that Jackson had been interviewed three times at Gurranabraher Garda Station and had told the officers, "It was a complete accident. I'm sorry." Jackson also admitted knowing Hamilton for about 14 years and that he had never intended harm. The trial proceeded with a jury and Justice Isobel Kennedy scheduled to continue the next day.
A jury was sworn in for the trial of 33‑year‑old Eric Locke of St Johns Park East, Clondalkin, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Sonia Blount in Room 346 of The Plaza Hotel, Tallaght, on 16 February 2014. The trial, expected to last five or six days, will be heard by Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy with a jury of four women and eight men.
In a 2015 trial, Kenneth Cummins (28) and Sabrina Cummins (37) pleaded not guilty to the murder of Thomas Horan (63) at Cambridge Court, Ringsend, on 6 January last year. Prosecution counsel Remy Farrell SC delivered a closing speech describing the case as a "protracted torturing and killing of another human being." He asserted that only the Cummins siblings were present when Horan was beaten to death in his small apartment, citing evidence such as CCTV, text messages, DNA and fingerprints. The prosecution highlighted Sabrina's admission in the witness box that she kicked and punched Horan between strangulation and suffocation, and argued that the absence of stab wounds and white spirits indicated an attempt to conceal the crime. Farrell warned the jury that the defense might invoke provocation, referencing a recorded prison phone call. The judge noted the trial would resume on Monday and hoped to conclude by the following Friday.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 6 November 2015, 34‑year‑old Eoghan O'Mahoney of Killester was found not guilty by reason of insanity for an attempted murder of his 91‑year‑old grandmother, Catherine McGillion, on 19 December 2013. O'Mahoney, who suffers from schizophrenia, attacked his grandmother with a knife during a psychotic episode, cutting the left side of her neck and striking her several times. The jury, after about 30 minutes, accepted the defence plea of insanity, noting that the prosecution had not contested it. McGillion, who described O'Mahoney as "the person he loves most in the world," testified that the attack was out of character and that she and her grandson had a close relationship. O'Mahoney's brother, Conor, intervened and called emergency services. The verdict was unanimous, and O'Mahoney is scheduled for further assessment on 16 November.
A man accused of murdering a pregnant woman in Derry in 2008 told gardaí "I'm the man you're looking for" as he was being taken to Ballyshannon Garda Station, the Central Criminal Court has heard. Stephen Cahoon, aged 43, with an address in Derry, has pleaded not guilty to the charge of murdering Jean Teresa Quigley on July 26th, 2008. Detective Sergeant Desmond Sheridan testified that he spotted a man matching the accused's description in Donegal town on August 5th, 2008, and approached him at 8.50pm. The man initially provided a false name and address. During the journey to the garda station, the accused made the statement cited, whereupon he was arrested and provided his correct identity. The court heard that while in custody at Ballyshannon, the accused consumed a large quantity of Paracetamol tablets and was subsequently transferred to Sligo General Hospital. The trial, before Justice Deirdre Murphy and a jury, is continuing.
Three men—Conor Hughes (38), Darren Fox (26) and Jamie Smithers (36)—were charged with membership of the Irish Republican Army and firearms offences. They were arrested early on Halloween morning by the Special Detective Unit in County Limerick. The charges include unlawful possession of a Winchester 12‑gauge shotgun and two 12‑gauge cartridges. The State objected to their bail applications, but Mr Justice Paul Butler of the Special Criminal Court granted bail. Conditions require the men to stay at home, observe a curfew from 11 pm to 7 am, sign daily at a local Garda station, remain available on a mobile phone, and avoid contact with anyone charged with a scheduled offence or with each other. Hughes and Fox must not leave County Dublin; Smithers must not leave Carlow or Wexford.
The trial of Thomas Murphy, 66, of Ballybinaby, Co Louth, continued at the Special Criminal Court, where he faces nine charges alleging he failed to furnish returns of income, profits, or gains to the Collector General or Inspector of Taxes for the years 1996/97 to 2004. Mr Murphy has pleaded not guilty to all allegations. Evidence was heard regarding a ledger seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau during a 2006 raid on a shed on the border with Northern Ireland. The prosecution alleges that despite conducting significant cattle and land dealings and receiving farming grants, Mr Murphy made no revenue returns. Conversely, the defence argues the ledger was used to create a profit and loss account for the Murphy farming business, managed by Mr Murphy's brother. A forensic accountant, examined under cross-examination by defence counsel John Kearney QC, stated that the ledger represented a centralized recording system for the enterprise. While the defence suggested the ledger recorded all money in and out, the accountant disagreed that calculating a profit and loss account from it would be easy, noting he did not recreate such an account. He further stated that the ledger entries alone meant nothing without cross-referencing with other documents, a process he completed at the start of the trial. The afternoon's proceedings were taken up with legal argument. The matter was adjourned, and the trial continues.
Brian Gavin, 28, was driving from Mullingar to Lucan at speeds up to 160 km/h when he clipped a car's wing mirror and later collided with a Skoda, causing Gerard Nolan to suffer a broken hip, broken leg, facial fractures and permanent scarring. Gavin then struck another vehicle before stopping. He told Gardaí he was trying to kill himself, citing suicidal thoughts and a desire to leave his family home. He has bipolar disorder, had stopped his medication, and had a prior suicide attempt. Gavin pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm and failing to stop, and to a second dangerous driving offence. He passed a roadside breath test. Judge Sarah Berkeley adjourned the case to monitor his medication compliance and imposed a mandatory four‑year driving ban.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Peter Jackson (41) pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the death of David Hamilton (31) on 4 May 2012. Jackson and his girlfriend, Pamela McHale (26), had bought two bags of heroin and met Hamilton at a house on Kerryhall Road, Fairhill. After Jackson injected himself and McHale, he struggled to find a vein for Hamilton, sparking an argument. Jackson then seized a knife from the table and stabbed Hamilton in the chest. McHale later called an ambulance under a false name and did not disclose the incident to police until the next day. Hamilton died three days later. The trial continues before a jury and Justice Isobel Kennedy.
The Deputy State Pathologist, Dr Michael Curtis, informed the jury that Christopher Jackson, aged 53, died from multiple stab wounds after his body was found in a wardrobe on Prussia Street. Dr Curtis identified 70 stab wounds, including a large chest wound that cut an artery and punctured the right lung, five back wounds that penetrated to the chest, and several left arm wounds considered defensive. He noted the victim's genitals were intact and that more than one weapon was likely used. Anthony Locke, 38, pleaded not guilty to the murder. Witness Deirdre Holton testified that Locke moved kitchen furniture on 7 September 2012 and claimed he was cleaning. She described Ms Staunton's strange behaviour and Bernard Locke's aggression. Detective Sergeant Kevin Daly reported a warrant search of the flat, discovery of a body-shaped package in the wardrobe, and the arrest of Bernard Locke. The trial proceeded before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a balanced jury.