In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Renars Veigulis, aged 32, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Rita Apine, aged 29, who died after falling down the stairs at their Freshford home on 14 May 2017. Veigulis claimed he was in the kitchen with his daughter when he heard a noise from the stairs, found his wife injured, and called emergency services, but she later died. Prosecutors, led by Vincent Heneghan SC, argued that blood spatter on walls and a hoodie, along with head injuries, proved Apine was beaten to death. They cited Deputy State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan, who said the injuries were unlikely from a simple fall, and forensic scientist Dr Stephen Doak, who suggested a baby gate could have been a weapon.
The trial of Keith Brady, 31, of Cartron Estate in Sligo, continued at the Central Criminal Court on its fifth day. Brady is charged with murdering Martin Kivlehan, 59, on a date unknown between August 2nd and 3rd, 2015, at The New Apartments on Holborn Street. He has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. During cross-examination, Sergeant Martin McHale read memos from a fourth garda interview conducted on August 5th, 2015. In these statements, Brady alleged that he and his sister, Janice Brady, were "off their heads" on drugs. He claimed he stabbed the deceased because he believed Mr Kivlehan had "touched her up," while stating that Janice put a knife to the victim's throat. Brady expressed regret, noting he did not want the man dead. The court previously heard that the deceased sustained two stab wounds to his neck and was found by friends on the morning of the August bank holiday. The jury began viewing a video of this interview and will continue watching the remainder when the trial resumes on Tuesday morning. The matter is currently ongoing and has not been finalised.
Frank Murphy, 58, pleaded guilty in the Special Criminal Court to impeding the apprehension or prosecution of State witness David Cullen, who had previously pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol. Murphy had originally pleaded not guilty to the murder of Peter Butterly, a trial underway since October, but the DPP directed that he be recharged under Section 7(2) of the Criminal Law Act, 1997. Prosecution counsel confirmed the DPP would not proceed with the original murder charges against Murphy. Co-accused Michael McDermott, 59, pleaded guilty last Friday to assisting an unlawful organisation in the murder of Mr Butterly. Both men were remanded in custody by Mr Justice Paul Coffey, sitting with Judges Martin Nolan and James Faughnan, until January 28, 2019, for sentencing. Kevin Braney, 43, who pleaded not guilty to the murder and related firearm charges, remains in the trial. The court refused Braney's application for the judges to discharge themselves. The trial against Braney continues.
During a two‑week trial in Tralee, dairy farmer Michael Ferris (63) was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter for the death of neighbour Anthony O'Mahony (73) on 4 April 2017. Ferris admitted to blocking a small road with a New Holland teleporter and driving it at O'Mahony's car, causing catastrophic injuries that killed him. The victim impact statement, read by O'Mahony's brother Seamus, described the brutal nature of the attack and the emotional toll on the family, who feel their brother's good character was unfairly attacked in court. Seamus expressed fear that Ferris might "snap again" and that the family will live in fear of encountering him on the road. The statement highlighted the family's isolation and the lasting pain of the incident. The court has remanded Ferris in custody until his sentencing on 3 December.
In a sentence hearing at the Central Criminal Court, Kerry farmer Michael Ferris, aged 63, was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter for the death of neighbour Anthony O'Mahony, aged 73. The case stemmed from a long‑standing dispute over a noisy bird‑scarer. On 4 April 2017 Ferris blocked a small roadway in Rattoo with a New Holland teleporter and drove its prongs into O'Mahony's Peugeot, repeatedly stabbing him. O'Mahony suffered catastrophic injuries, including five penetrating wounds, and died immediately. Ferris admitted to the attack, stating he had been frustrated by the bird‑scarer for 30 years and believed the only solution was to block the road. He had no prior convictions and had been in custody since the incident. The hearing focused on the facts and Ferris's admissions, with no further verdicts announced.
In the murder trial of Renars Veigulis, the prosecution's closing speech was delivered by Vincent Heneghan SC. He reminded the jury that Veigulis, a 32‑year‑old from Old Bridge Street in Freshford, Co. Kilkenny, is presumed innocent unless found guilty. Heneghan highlighted forensic evidence that contradicted Veigulis's claim that Rita Apine, aged 29, fell down the stairs, and urged the jury to scrutinise the interviews he gave to the gardai after her death. The speech was addressed to a jury of seven men and five women before Justice Tara Burns. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.
A 22‑year‑old Dubliner, Warren Nolan of Rowlagh Park, Clondalkin, is set to go on trial for the murder of 35‑year‑old Alan O'Neill on 27 May 2015 at Kiltalown Road, Tallaght, where O'Neill lived. Nolan is also charged with setting fire to a car at Belfry Square on the same day. He pleaded not guilty to both charges. The trial will begin tomorrow and may last up to two weeks.
Renars Veigulis, aged 32, was arrested on suspicion of murdering his partner, Rita Apine, aged 29, at their Freshford home on or about 14 May 2017. He pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court. Veigulis maintains that Apine fell down the stairs, but forensic evidence presented by Dr Stephen Doak indicated that the blood‑staining on the wall beside the first step and on the baby‑gate at the bottom of the stairs suggested a forceful event. Doak also found hair‑swipe blood patterns and used luminol to reveal hidden blood marks, concluding that the wall had been wiped clean. During police interviews, Veigulis denied cleaning the wall, stating he had only performed CPR and called an ambulance. He also denied seeing any bruising on Apine's face, despite a paramedic's observation of bruising. The trial continues before a jury presided by Ms Justice Tara Burns.
Two Dubliners, Stephen Tynan (41) and Raymond Fitzgerald (37), were found guilty of murdering Andrew Guerrine, a cousin of Tynan, who was discovered with 20 stab wounds on Steelstown Lane in Rathcoole on 23 May 2015. The trial, held in the Central Criminal Court, relied on circumstantial evidence including phone records, CCTV footage of a black Peugeot 307, and testimony from a neighbour and a taxi driver. No murder weapon or DNA evidence linked the accused directly to the killing, but the prosecution argued the evidence proved pre‑planned intent. Both men pleaded not guilty, and their lawyers sought acquittal, arguing they were merely accessories after the fact. The jury, after 10½ hours of deliberation, returned a verdict of guilty by a 10‑to‑two majority. Sentencing was adjourned to 19 December to allow a victim impact statement.
A 17‑year‑old boy, who cannot be named as a juvenile, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to robbing €144 from a shop in Dublin on 5 February 2018 and to an attempted robbery of another shop less than two hours later. He had 43 prior convictions, including robbery, theft and violent disorder. His mother called the Gardaí after he returned home intoxicated with cash and receipts, noting that the clothes he had changed into matched those worn by a suspect in CCTV footage of the first robbery. The boy claimed he had been on his way home after a few days when he met a drug addict and decided to rob the shop with him, taking 16 Xanax tablets. The shop owner reported that the boy used a piece of wood that looked like a chair leg and a six‑inch knife to threaten him, and that the other robber used a screwdriver and a syringe.
A High Court hearing into the extradition of John Downey (66) to face charges relating to the deaths of two UDR soldiers in Enniskillen on 25 August 1972 has been adjourned. Northern Irish authorities are seeking Mr Downey's surrender to stand trial for murder and aiding and abetting an explosion that killed Lance Corporal Alfred Johnston and Private James Eames on the Irvinestown Road, Cherrymount. Mr Downey, arrested at his home in Creeslough, County Donegal, was remanded on bail. Justice Aileen Donnelly adjourned the matter to 28 January 2019 after Mr Downey's legal representatives applied to seek disclosure of UK state documents. His counsel indicated that material considered during proceedings in London relating to the 1972 events had been held by his solicitor under restrictive conditions and remains relevant to his objections to extradition, which are being filed under the European Arrest Warrant Act.
A teenage boy, whose name is withheld because he is a minor, pleaded guilty to attempting to murder a woman on 23 December 2017 at Sea Front, Queen's Road, Dun Laoghaire. He was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court on 23 November 2018, wearing a navy jumper and blue jeans. The boy is currently detained in Oberstown. Judge Michael White directed the preparation of a Probation Services report and a victim impact statement, and set a sentencing hearing for 25 February 2019.
Keith Brady, of Cartron Estate in Sligo, is charged with the murder of Martin Kivlehan, a musician, at his home on Holborn Street between 2nd and 3rd August 2015. He has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea the State rejected. At the Central Criminal Court, Detective Sergeant Patrick Harney testified that Brady was arrested on 3rd August 2015 and denied involvement, stating he "never murdered anyone." Brady became agitated during questioning, pacing and punching a desk whilst requesting a Bible. Sergeant Martin McHale told the court that during interview the following day, Brady refused to provide a DNA swab, citing legal advice. He denied responsibility for Kivlehan's death but declined to answer questions about his whereabouts that night or provide an alibi, instructing gardai "no comment." Brady had been initially arrested under the Misuse of Drugs Act earlier that evening but no drugs were found. The trial before Justice Carmel Stewart continues.
A man from Cavan has pleaded guilty before the Special Criminal Court to assisting an unlawful organisation in the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly. Michael McDermott, aged 59, of Ballinagh, Co. Cavan, admitted to knowingly rendering assistance to the IRA in furthering the unlawful killing of Mr Butterly at various locations between 3 and 6 March 2013. Mr Butterly was shot outside the Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co. Meath, on 6 March 2013 in the presence of schoolchildren awaiting buses. McDermott had initially pleaded not guilty to murder and related firearms charges, with trial proceedings commenced in October. He was recharged under the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005 this morning and entered a guilty plea to the fresh count. The prosecution entered a nolle prosequi on the three original charges. McDermott has been remanded in custody pending sentencing on 28 January 2019. Two further defendants, Frank Murphy and Kevin Braney, both deny murder and firearms possession charges relating to the incident. The trial continues before the three-judge court.
John Brennan, 44, of Lusk, Dublin, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment with the final 12 months suspended for assault causing harm to his then‑girlfriend on 31 August 2014. The victim, a former nurse, suffered multiple fractures to her face, a black eye, bruising and hair loss after Brennan struck her head off the steering wheel, dragged her by her hair from the car, and continued punching her in the face. She endured months of pain, dependence on her son's care and ongoing mental health issues such as severe anxiety and flashbacks. Brennan pleaded guilty, citing remorse and a good employment record, and the judge reduced the headline sentence from four to three years. The court refused compensation and ordered him to be of good behaviour for the suspended portion of his sentence.
In a High Court hearing on 22 November 2018, migrant fishermen working on Irish‑registered trawlers alleged exploitation, underpayment, racial abuse, exhaustion and assault, describing their conditions as akin to "modern slavery." The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) brought proceedings against the State over the Atypical Working Scheme for Non‑EEA Crew, claiming it allows exploitation and potential human trafficking. The ITF seeks injunctions to halt the issuance or renewal of work permits under the scheme, arguing it fails to protect workers from exploitation and trafficking. The case is directed at the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Attorney General. The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission joined as Amicus Curiae, while the ITF's legal standing was contested. The hearing, before Mr Justice Tony O'Connor, continues.
The Central Criminal Court jury has spent two nights deliberating the murder trial of Stephen Tynan (41) and Raymond Fitzgerald (37), both charged with killing Andrew Guerrine, Tynan's cousin, between 22 and 23 May 2015. Guerrine's body was found early on 23 May on Steelstown Lane in Rathcoole, 10 km from where he was last seen alive in Tallaght. He suffered 20 stab wounds, including two that penetrated his skull and spine. The prosecution, led by Brendan Grehan SC, argued that the killing was pre‑planned and that circumstantial evidence proved the accused's guilt, despite the absence of DNA, a murder weapon or eyewitness testimony. Both defendants pleaded not guilty and their barristers argued that any suspicious circumstances could be explained by them being accessories after the fact. Mr Justice Michael White explained that the jury had three verdict options: guilty, not guilty but guilty of assisting an offender, or acquittal.
In the Central Criminal Court, Renars Veigulis (32) pleaded not guilty to the murder of his partner, Rita Apine (29), who died on 14 May 2017. Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan testified that Apine's injuries were inconsistent with a simple fall down the stairs, as Veigulis claimed. She described extensive blood staining, shoeprints, and a blood‑stained slipper on the tenth step, but noted the house was otherwise neat. Apine died from massive blood loss due to blunt force trauma to the head, with three full‑thickness lacerations on the right side of her head of different shapes and impact surfaces, and bruising on both eyes and forearms. She also had therapeutic levels of citalopram and a tattoo reading "through pain comes strength." Dr Mulligan acknowledged some injuries could result from a fall but argued others could not be easily explained by such a fall.
At the Central Criminal Court, a pathologist has given evidence that a musician found dead in his Sligo home was severely intoxicated at the time of his death. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis told the trial of Keith Brady, aged 31 from Carton Estate in Sligo, that the deceased sustained two stab wounds to the neck. One wound severed the carotid artery and would have proved fatal within minutes. Dr Curtis stated the deceased had consumed alcohol at more than eight times the legal driving limit, rendering him likely incapacitated and unable to defend himself. The pathologist noted no defensive injuries were present. Mr Brady has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter concerning events at a residence on Holborn Street in Sligo between August 2 and 3, 2015. The trial, before Justice Carmel Stewart and jury, continues at the Central Criminal Court.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Donna Kirwan, daughter of Noel 'Duck Egg' Kirwan, said her father was only guilty of "showing respect" at a childhood friend's funeral. She described him as a hard‑working "grafter" who chose legitimate work over drug sales. The court heard that both her son and daughter contemplated suicide after their father's murder. The victim impact statement was read by a woman from victim support on behalf of Donna. The court also heard that Jason Keating, 27, was present at the scene and facilitated the shooting. Keating had a tracking device on Kirwan's car and was linked to the assailant. Keating pleaded guilty to facilitating a criminal organisation in the murder, and the State withdrew the murder charge, leaving only the facilitation charge pending. The hearing took place before the sentencing of Keating, who was remanded in custody until December 12.
A man on trial at the Special Criminal Court for the murder of a father-of-two was removed from proceedings in an ambulance after falling unwell before the hearing commenced. Frank Murphy, aged fifty-eight, of McDonough Caravan Park, Bettystown, County Meath, is one of three defendants charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Peter Butterly outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, County Meath, on March 6th, 2013. The thirty-five-year-old victim was shot in view of schoolchildren awaiting transport. Paramedics assessed Mr Murphy outside the courtroom and conveyed him by stretcher to the waiting ambulance. His barrister assured the three-judge court that his client was not deliberately absenting himself. The trial, which began in October, was adjourned until afternoon to allow Mr Murphy's solicitor to receive instructions once his medical situation had been clarified. Mr Murphy has pleaded not guilty to murder and to firearm possession charges. Two co-accused, Michael McDermott of County Cavan and Kevin Braney of Dublin, also deny the allegations against them.
In a non‑jury Special Criminal Court hearing on 22 November 2018, Nathan Foley, aged 20, pleaded guilty to aiding a criminal organisation in the murder of David Douglas, 55, who was shot six times on 1 July 2016 at the counter of his partner's shop on Bridgefoot Street, Dublin 8. Foley admitted that between 1 and 4 July 2016 he participated in or contributed to activities intended to facilitate the commission of the murder, an offence under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. He was also charged with damaging a car on 4 July 2016 at Strand Road, Dublin 4. The court, presided over by Justice Tony Hunt with Judges Sinead Ni Chualachain and Cormac Dunne, remanded Foley in custody until 5 December 2018 for sentencing. The case also noted that Frederick "Freddie" Thompson, 37, had been found guilty of Douglas's murder in August 2018 and sentenced to life imprisonment.
A 23-year-old man pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assaulting a commuter on a Luas tram on 11 November 2016. Lee Murray, formerly of Blanchardstown, admitted attacking the victim and producing a screwdriver during the incident. The court heard the victim was travelling to work in the early hours when Murray and others boarded the tram near Rialto. During the assault, Murray used the screwdriver to cause injury to the victim's hand, causing significant bleeding. The victim reported feeling very fearful following the attack. Following his arrest, Murray expressed remorse and indicated his wish to apologise to the victim. The court was informed of his 34 previous convictions, including a 20-month sentence imposed in February for a firearms offence. Judge Cormac Quinn adjourned sentencing to 15 February pending a Probation Service report.
A scenes of crime expert has told the Central Criminal Court that a musician found dead in his Sligo home was likely in a seated or recumbent position when one of two fatal neck wounds was inflicted. Keith Brady of Cartron Estate is charged with murdering Martin Kivlehan, aged fifty-nine, at his residence on Holborn Street between 2nd and 3rd August 2015. Mr Brady has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea rejected by the State. Detective Sergeant Shane Curran of the Garda Technical Bureau described discovering the body on the living room floor surrounded by alcohol and paraphernalia suggesting drug use. Blood spatter analysis on a nearby radiator indicated arterial bleeding consistent with a stab wound at that height. A forensic scientist confirmed blood matching the deceased was found on two knives recovered from the scene. The trial continues before Justice Carmel Stewart and jury.
In the Central Criminal Court, Renars Veigulis, aged 32, pleaded not guilty to the murder of his partner, Rita Apine, aged 29, who died on or about 14 May 2017. A forensic scientist testified that blood stains on Veigulis's clothing were more likely caused by a strike than by CPR. The scientist described contact‑blood staining and a spatter pattern on a white hoodie belonging to Veigulis, concluding the pattern was consistent with force applied to wet blood. The prosecution argued that Apine's injuries were inconsistent with a fall, while the defence highlighted the possibility of a strike. Detective Sergeant James O'Brien gave evidence that he arrived at the scene after Apine had been removed, saw blood on the floor, and later arrested Veigulis on suspicion of murder. The trial also heard Veigulis's witness statement, in which he described the day's events and the discovery of Apine at the bottom of the stairs. The case remains at the trial stage.
The Central Criminal Court jury will resume deliberations on Thursday morning in the trial of Stephen Tynan, 41, of Deerpark Lodge, Kiltipper, Tallaght, and Raymond Fitzgerald, 37, of Knockmore Grove, Killinarden, Tallaght. Both men have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Andrew Guerrine, the cousin of Tynan, who was found dead on Steelstown Lane in Rathcoole on 23 May 2015. Guerrine's body had 20 stab wounds, including two that penetrated his skull and spine. The prosecution, represented by Brendan Grehan SC, described the killing as pre‑planned and relied on circumstantial evidence, noting the absence of DNA, a murder weapon or eyewitness testimony. Fitzgerald's barrister argued that the suspicious circumstances could be explained by him being an accessory after the fact, while Tynan's barrister suggested his client might have been involved only in the aftermath. Both lawyers requested an acquittal.
In a murder trial in the Central Criminal Court, forensic scientist Dr Stephen Doak testified that the blood‑staining patterns at the scene of Rita Apine's death suggested an assault rather than a simple fall. He described contact‑staining, splatter, airborne blood, swipe patterns and cast‑off blood on the walls and floor beside the stairs, noting a large area of wet blood that had been wiped up and a missing area revealed by luminol. Dr Doak argued that the patterns indicated a forceful event and that the accused, Renars Veigulis, had attempted to clean up the blood. Veigulis, aged 32, pleaded not guilty to murdering Apine, aged 29, at their Freshford home on or about 14 May 2017. The trial continues before a jury presided by Ms Justice Tara Burns.
A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court has heard evidence that the death scene of a 59-year-old Sligo man appeared staged to resemble a suicide. Keith Brady, aged 31 and of Cartron Estate in Sligo, faces a charge of murdering Martin Kivlehan at The New Apartments on Holborn Street between 2nd and 3rd August 2015. He has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. Witnesses, including two lifelong friends and the deceased's brother, described finding Mr Kivlehan with a knife in his hand. A garda present at the scene testified that the circumstances did not appear consistent with suicide, noting that cabinet doors had been opened and drug paraphernalia was visible. The prosecution outlined that the deceased had sustained two stab wounds to the neck at a 45-degree angle and had very high levels of alcohol in his system. The trial before Ms Justice Carmel Stewart is expected to continue for more than two weeks, with the jury required to consider the accused's intoxication at the time of the alleged killing.
Pensioner Desmond Duffy, aged 70, was found not guilty of murdering his partner Desmond 'Dessie' Sullivan, aged 59, after a nine‑day trial. The jury, after seven hours and eleven minutes, returned a verdict of not guilty at 4.46pm. Duffy claimed he acted in self‑defence after Sullivan, with whom he had been married for 36 years, attacked him in their kitchen. He described a history of domestic abuse and said he had tried to avoid the violence by staying in hotels or wandering the streets. The prosecution argued that Duffy had decided to end the abuse by squeezing Sullivan's neck, while the defence maintained that Duffy's actions were a reasonable response to an immediate threat. Judge Paul McDermott thanked the jury and discharged Duffy, who left the courtroom quietly, thanking the jury as they departed.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court is hearing evidence in the trial of a 31-year-old Sligo man charged with murdering Martin Kivlehan in the town during August 2015. Keith Brady, of Cartron Estate, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter following the death of the 59-year-old at The New Apartments on Holborn Street. The prosecution opening outlined that the defendant's level of intoxication at the time of the alleged offence would be a key consideration for jurors when determining whether the necessary intent for murder was present. The deceased, described as a talented musician, was found with two stab wounds to the neck. A garda investigation identified the accused following enquiries involving his sister. The trial before Ms Justice Carmel Stewart is expected to exceed two weeks.
The trial of Renars Veigulis, aged 32, for the murder of his partner Rita Apine, aged 29, began on 19 November 2018. Veigulis pleaded not guilty and claimed Apine fell down the stairs, while the prosecution argued her injuries were inconsistent with a fall. Both were Latvian; they had lived in Freshford since 2016. Garda Edward Laffin testified that he saw a "considerable amount of blood" at the scene and that neighbours reported nothing "untoward" before the incident. Detective Garda Ronan Lawlor described the forensic findings: a two‑bedroom terraced house with a hallway and stairs, blood on the floor, a slipper soaked in blood, and airborne blood stains on walls and ceiling. CCTV footage showed medical staff and Gardaí around the house and Veigulis' movements. The case proceeded to a jury of seven men and five women under Ms Justice Tara Burns.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court case, a 68‑year‑old man was convicted of four counts of sexual assault against the daughter of his partner, who was 14 at the time. The offences occurred between January and December 1991, both in the man's shop and at his home. The judge, Pauline Codd, imposed a three‑year prison sentence, suspending the final year for one year on the condition that the defendant remains law‑abiding, behaves well, and engages with the Probation Service after release. The court noted that the victim and her mother lived above the shop, and that the defendant had taken on a step‑father role. The judge cited the breach of trust, the victim's age, and the traumatic impact as aggravating factors, while the defendant's lack of prior convictions, advanced age, and serious health issues were mitigating. The victim delivered a victim impact statement describing the abuse as having an enormous effect on her life.
In a four‑week trial at the Central Criminal Court, the judge, Mr Justice Michael White, informed the jury that an alternative verdict of accessory after the fact was available under Section 7(2) of the Criminal Law Act 1997. The case concerned Stephen Tynan, 41, of Deerpark Lodge, Kiltipper, Tallaght, and Raymond Fitzgerald, 37, of Knockmore Grove, Killinarden, Tallaght, who were charged with murdering Andrew Guerrine, a cousin of Tynan, between 22 and 23 May 2015. Guerrine's body was found early on 23 May on Steelstown Lane, Rathcoole, with 20 stab wounds, two penetrating the skull and spine. The prosecution alleged a pre‑planned murder, citing circumstantial evidence, but no DNA, weapon or eyewitness link. Both defendants pleaded not guilty and their barristers argued that any suspicious circumstances could be explained by them being accessories after the fact. The prosecution did not seek the alternative verdict, instead pursuing a murder conviction.
A man has been convicted of sexually assaulting a six-year-old girl at a Dublin mosque. Abdur Rashid, aged 50, was found guilty by jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of a single count of sexual assault occurring in December 2015. The accused, a former resident of Carrick-on-Shannon in Leitrim who later lived in Dublin, had pleaded not guilty to the charge. Judge Pauline Codd sentenced him to 18 months imprisonment, with the final four months suspended for one year on condition he complies with Probation Services directions and maintains good behaviour. The child's mother discovered the assault when collecting her daughter from the school. Evidence revealed the accused displayed an "unhealthy interest" in the child prior to the incident. The victim subsequently experienced anxiety, nightmares and school avoidance. The judge described the offence as a "gross exploitation of the innocence of a very young child" and noted aggravating factors including the victim's age and breach of the teacher-student relationship. The sentence was backdated to January 2018.
Karl Zambra, 31, of St Teresa's Gardens, Donore Avenue, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison, with the final six months suspended for 12 months, after pleading guilty to possessing drugs for sale or supply. The offence involved selling €40 of cocaine to undercover Gardaí who had posed in plain clothes to test whether he would offer drugs. Zambra and another man approached the officers, spoke briefly, and then Zambra signalled to the other man and said, "Them boys are okay, sort them out?" After the officers purchased the cocaine, Zambra gave them his brother's mobile number and suggested they call it to sort themselves out in the future. He was not arrested until almost a year later to avoid blowing the undercover operation. Zambra has 77 previous convictions, including drug misuse, burglary, dangerous driving, drunk driving and a violent disorder offence in a Garda station.
A 38-year-old man from Roscommon has pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of a woman in County Roscommon. Gerard Mooney of Castle Hill, Castlerea appeared before the Central Criminal Court on 19th November 2018, where he admitted attempting to murder the woman on 12th February 2017 at Cartron, Carrick-on-Shannon. Mooney had previously pleaded guilty to related offences including burglary, assault causing harm, possession of a shotgun, making threats to kill or cause serious harm, criminal damage, and harassment of the woman between 7th and 12th February 2017. A trial scheduled for May 2019 was vacated following the guilty pleas. Mr Justice Michael White directed preparation of a urinalysis report, a Governor's report from Castlerea Prison, and a victim impact statement. The accused was remanded in custody pending sentencing on 18th December 2018.
Leona O'Callaghan, 37, addressed the court and said that Patrick O'Dea, 51, who is also known as "Whacker", raped her when she was 13 in 1994 and 1995. O'Dea pleaded guilty to sexual assault and rape. O'Dea isolated O'Callaghan from friends, manipulated her, and told her that the bleeding was a sign of virginity being broken. O'Callaghan described the physical pain, the use of a basin of ice, and the long‑term mental anguish, including self‑harm and suicidal attempts. She said the abuse affected her later relationships and her children. Judge Deirdre Murphy sentenced O'Dea to 18½ years, suspended the last 18 months on condition of treatment, and imposed a three‑year post‑release supervision order. O'Callaghan concluded that O'Dea did not win.
Patrick Nevin, aged 37, is set to be sentenced for two rape offences committed after meeting victims on Tinder in July 2014. He pleaded guilty to raping a woman in Bellewstown and sexually assaulting another in County Meath. Both victims testified that Nevin had convinced them to meet for a drive, then raped them in secluded locations. The first victim described feeling "tainted, dirty and stupid" and said the attack altered her life. The second victim recounted being forced into sexual acts and later experiencing severe anxiety. Nevin's prior convictions include assault on a former partner in 2001 and a firearms offence in 2012. He remains in custody awaiting sentencing on 17 December, with the court considering his guilty pleas and expressions of remorse. The court heard that Nevin had completed education while in custody and had worked as a software engineer.
The jury in the Central Criminal Court has begun deliberating in the trial of Desmond Duffy, a 70-year-old man who pleaded not guilty to the murder of his partner, Desmond 'Dessie' Sullivan (59). The alleged killing occurred at their shared home in Somerville Park, Rathmines, Dublin 6, on May 23, 2016. Mr Justice Paul McDermott directed the six men and six women on the three possible verdicts: guilty of murder, not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter, or not guilty. The court heard that Mr Duffy claimed he acted in self-defence after being attacked, a defence he maintained to gardai and during trial evidence. Witnesses reported an ongoing row between the couple from approximately 9.15pm until 10pm that night. The judge explained that if the jury finds Mr Duffy used excessive force despite believing he was acting in self-defence, he may be guilty of manslaughter. Alternatively, if the prosecution proves beyond reasonable doubt that he intended to kill or cause serious injury without reasonable provocation or self-defence, he is guilty of murder. Mr Justice McDermott reminded the jury of the presumption of innocence and noted that Mr Duffy has no previous convictions. After spending just over two hours in deliberation, the jury was adjourned and will return to court tomorrow to continue their consideration.
A 31-year-old man from Sligo has admitted to the killing of Martin Kivlehan but denies the charge of murder. Keith Brady, of Cartron Estate, appeared before the Central Criminal Court where he pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The death occurred at The New Apartments, Holborn Street, in Sligo Town between 2nd and 3rd August 2015. A jury of twelve has been sworn in to hear the trial, which commenced before Ms Justice Carmel Stewart and is expected to extend beyond two weeks. The case centres on the circumstances surrounding the death of the 59-year-old man more than three years prior to proceedings.
Patrick O'Dea, aged 52, was sentenced to 18½ years in prison for raping and repeatedly sexually assaulting a teenage girl, Leona O'Callaghan, who was aged 12 to 14 at the time of the offences. O'Dea pleaded guilty to charges of sexual assault and rape committed in 1994 and 1995. He had 42 prior convictions, including a sexual assault of a girl under ten, and had previously received a 15‑year sentence for multiple rapes and assaults of a single girl between 1998 and 2004. The judge suspended the last 18 months of the sentence, recognising his guilty plea and willingness to undertake a psychological assessment, and imposed a three‑year post‑release supervision order. O'Dea was required to participate in the "Building Better Lives" sex‑offender treatment programme. The court noted the severe psychological damage inflicted on Ms O'Callaghan, who had made three suicide attempts, and highlighted O'Dea's pattern of offences against young girls.
In a trial in Kilkenny, Renars Veigulis, aged 32, pleaded not guilty to the murder of his partner, Rita Apine, aged 29, who died on or about 14 May 2017 after falling down the stairs of their Freshford apartment. Veigulis told ambulance staff that he heard a "boom, boom, boom" and found Apine at the bottom of the staircase, claiming she had fallen. The prosecution argued that Apine's injuries were inconsistent with a fall, citing forensic evidence of blood spatter on the wall and on Veigulis's clothing, and a post‑mortem showing severe blunt‑force trauma. Veigulis's defence maintained that Apine died from the fall, and his 999 call was recorded as showing distress. The case is being heard by a jury presided over by Ms Justice Tara Burns.
In the Central Criminal Court, the defence counsel for Stephen Tynan, 41, and Raymond Fitzgerald, 37, argued that the suspicious circumstances the State attributes to their alleged murder of Andrew Guerrine could be explained by them acting as accessories after the fact. Tynan's lawyer highlighted that he had no prior serious criminal record and was "hardly the typical candidate" for a gruesome attack, suggesting he may have been a middleman in a drug deal and later got involved in the aftermath. Fitzgerald's counsel focused on the lack of evidence that he was part of a joint enterprise to murder, noting that the prosecution's footage of him wiping a car door did not prove guilt. Both lawyers urged the jury to consider the possibility that each accused was not the murderer but merely assisted after the fact, and to find them not guilty if that was a reasonable possibility.
Brian Boyle, a 30‑year‑old former drug addict, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after he punched and kicked an innocent bystander at Longmeadows Apartments on 31 May 2016. Boyle admitted he was very drunk and had little memory of the incident, apologising to the victim who was hospitalised with head and body injuries. Judge Melanie Greally, noting Boyle's history of drug addiction and homelessness, accepted that he was now on the road to recovery and had taken important steps to address his addiction. She imposed a headline sentence of three and a half years, suspended on the condition that he keep the peace for that period, citing his guilty plea, cooperation with the investigation and expressions of remorse. The victim did not complete a victim impact statement. Boyle's 59 previous convictions include theft, robbery and car theft. The court emphasised that imprisoning him now would pose a risk to his rehabilitation process.
In the Central Criminal Court, a woman identified the body of her friend Rita Apine, whose partner Renars Veigulis is on trial for her murder. Veigulis, 32, pleaded not guilty to killing Apine, 29, at their Freshford home on 14 May 2017. He claimed Apine fell down the stairs, but prosecutors argued the injuries were inconsistent with a fall. Evidence from Latvian national Gatis Kuhalskis, a former colleague, indicated Veigulis told him Apine had fallen and hit her head on a child‑safety gate, yet Veigulis denied witnessing the fall. Estonian national Julia Sinjagina, a close friend, confirmed Apine's identity after her death, noting the body's face and body were "two different faces, two different bodies." Forensic findings showed blood spatter inconsistent with a fall and severe blunt‑force trauma, contradicting Veigulis's account. The trial continues before a jury presided by Justice Tara Burns.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court case, Alan Curtis, aged 34, was convicted of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to a 16‑year‑old boy on 28 March 2014. Curtis, who had previously served a partially suspended six‑year sentence for a 2004 assault, used a hurley to fracture the teen's skull after an antisocial incident involving about 20 youths outside his mother's house. The teen suffered a depressed skull fracture, required emergency surgery, and was later treated at the National Rehabilitation Hospital for speech and cognitive difficulties. Curtis was sentenced to four years, with the final two years suspended, following a unanimous jury verdict. The judge noted that Curtis's prior conviction and the circumstances of the offence influenced the decision to suspend part of the sentence.
The trial of Stephen Tynan and Raymond Fitzgerald for the alleged murder of Andrew Guerrine is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. Both defendants, who are from Tallaght, have pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Guerrine at an unknown location between May 22 and May 23, 2015. In his closing address, prosecutor Brendan Grehan SC acknowledged the absence of fingerprints, DNA, a murder weapon, or eyewitness testimony. However, he argued that circumstantial evidence strongly links the accused to the crime. Key evidence includes a child's jacket entangled in the victim's legs when the body was dumped on Steelstown Lane in Rathcoole. The prosecution contends this jacket was connected to a car later found burnt out, which the accused had pushed into a petrol station. Mr Grehan highlighted phone records showing Tynan's phone was inactive during the critical period and Fitzgerald's phone ceased activity shortly before 1am on May 23. He also cited CCTV footage of the car on Steelstown Lane and alleged lies in Fitzgerald's statement to gardai. The prosecution asserts the murder was premeditated, citing efforts to procure a vehicle before the victim arrived in Tallaght. The defense barristers are scheduled to deliver their closing speeches on Friday morning.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 15 November 2018, 70‑year‑old Desmond Duffy pleaded not guilty to the murder of his 59‑year‑old partner, Desmond 'Dessie' Sullivan, who died on 23 May 2016 in their Dublin home. Duffy told the court that he had been abused for decades by Sullivan and that he was acting in self‑defence when he pushed Sullivan in the bedroom after a drunken argument. He claimed he had no intention to harm Sullivan and that he had tried to leave the house but was prevented from doing so. Duffy also recounted that he had stayed with Sullivan for 36 years despite the abuse, and that he had been emotionally devastated by the loss. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul McDermott, was set to continue the following day with a jury of twelve.
The Central Criminal Court heard that Stephen Tynan (41) and Raymond Fitzgerald (37) are on trial for the murder of Andrew Guerrine, Tynan's cousin, who was found dead on Steelstown Lane in Rathcoole on 23 May 2015 with 20 stab wounds, including two that penetrated his skull and spine. CCTV footage showed a dark‑coloured hatchback stalling at a petrol station on Fortunestown Way at 5.20 am that morning, with the accused men exiting and pushing the vehicle to the pumps. Garda Warren Farrell presented stills and footage from the night and morning, noting the car's defective lights and a grey Duffer sweater seized from Tynan that matched the one seen in the footage. A statement taken from Fitzgerald on 5 June 2015 claimed he was at home that night, not with Tynan, and that he had gone to the gym the next morning. The prosecution has closed its case and the jury is to return tomorrow. Stephen Tynan pleaded not guilty. Raymond Fitzgerald pleaded not guilty.
In a 2018 trial at the Central Criminal Court, Renars Veigulis, aged 32, pleaded not guilty to the murder of his partner, Rita Apine, aged 29, who died at their Freshford home around 14 May 2017. The jury heard that Veigulis called emergency services at 12:18, claiming Apine had fallen down the stairs. He was described as distressed, breathing heavily, and crying during the call. He gave conflicting details about the fall, such as the height and the location of bleeding. Emergency‑call taker Laura Bunbury provided instructions on first aid and CPR, noting Veigulis's panic. Medical witnesses, including Dr Leonard de Villiers and paramedics, described a large head wound and extensive blood spatter in the house. The trial continued the following day with a jury of seven men and five women presiding by Ms Justice Tara Burns.