An ex‑soldier aged 42 was convicted by a military court of sexual assault and four charges of conduct contrary to good order and discipline at Aiken Barracks, Dundalk, on 30 October 2013. The military judge, Colonel Michael Campion, imposed fines, a demotion and a discharge. The soldier's counsel, Roderick O'Hanlon SC, appealed the sentence, arguing the punishment was excessive and that the judge had not considered the effect on the soldier's pension. O'Hanlon contended that the sexual assault charge concerned only the incident in the shower, while other charges related to separate incidents in the sauna and gym. The Court of Appeal heard the appeal and reserved judgment, noting that the soldier had been found guilty and that the appeal concerned only the severity of the sentence. The appeal was not yet decided.
Paul Cuddihy, 38, a former resident of St Otteran's Hospital, was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the murder of 55‑year‑old Maria O'Brien and for assaulting fellow resident Mary Nugent and nurses Breda Fennelly, Terry Hayes and Mary Grant. The jury, after 39 minutes of deliberation, concluded that Cuddihy, who suffers from paranoid schizophrenia, was in a psychotic episode when he stabbed O'Brien over 100 times and attacked the others. He was committed to the Central Mental Hospital, with a return to court on 14 November for a treatment plan. O'Brien's family described her as kindhearted and loving, while forensic psychiatrists testified that Cuddihy's delusions and voices drove his actions and that he was unaware of their wrongfulness. The case highlighted the application of the Mental Health Act in determining criminal responsibility.
Aaron Collins, 24, was sentenced to four years' imprisonment with the final two years suspended for violent disorder and assault causing harm to Noel O'Rourke during a Luas incident on 11 December 2014. Collins admitted he swiped a bottle of beer at O'Rourke, striking his eye, and later smashed the bottle on the victim's head. The assault occurred on an outbound Luas red line between Smithfield and Museum stops. O'Rourke, 46, suffered a fractured eye socket, scalp and lip wounds. Collins pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. He had 36 prior convictions, none for violence, and was already serving an 18‑month sentence for a drug offence. The court noted Collins' claim of a misguided act of chivalry and his homelessness and alcohol use at the time. The case involved co‑accused Aoife Molloy and Martin O'Connor, who received partially suspended four‑year sentences. The incident was captured on CCTV, showing the escalation and Collins' involvement.
In a case heard in 2016, Paul Cuddihy, aged 38, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity for the murder of Maria O'Brien, aged 55, who was stabbed more than 100 times at St Otteran's Hospital on 5 September 2014. Cuddihy also faced charges of assault causing harm to nurses Breda Fennelly, Mary Grant, Terry Hayes, and fellow resident Mary Nugent, and he pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to those charges as well. Prosecution counsel John O'Kelly SC presented evidence that Cuddihy killed O'Brien and attacked the others, stating that the facts were clear beyond reasonable doubt. He urged the jury to decide whether Cuddihy was sane or insane under the Mental Health Act, noting that forensic psychiatrists agreed he knew what he was doing but could not recognise it as wrong or stop himself.
Michael Cawley, aged 24, received a three‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence for acting as a distraction in four burglaries and one attempted burglary of elderly homes in Dublin between February and May 2010. He was 17 at the time of the offences. The court noted he had returned to the UK after the crimes and was now a married father of two living in Clondalkin, Dublin. Cawley had seven prior convictions and was serving a two‑year sentence with nine months suspended for similar offences in Cork. Judge Martin Nolan described the crimes as "atrocious" and said they exploited the trust of elderly victims, but noted there was no real violence. The judge imposed the sentence, stating it would have been longer had Cawley not been a minor when the offences occurred. Cawley claimed he was forced by an accomplice and had no knowledge of the burglary plan. Michael Cawley pleaded guilty.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Paul Cuddihy, aged 38, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity for the murder of Maria O'Brien, aged 55, who died after sustaining over 100 knife wounds to her face, head and neck on 5 September 2014 at St Otteran's Hospital. Cuddihy, a former psychiatric unit resident, also faced assault charges against nurses Breda Fennelly, Mary Grant, Terry Hayes and fellow resident Mary Nugent, pleading not guilty by reason of insanity to those as well. Forensic psychiatrist Dr Brenda Wright testified that Cuddihy had a long history of paranoid schizophrenia, delusions of persecution, religious fixation, and auditory hallucinations, including claims that his father had killed his mother. He had repeatedly been admitted to psychiatric care since 2000, often refusing medication, and was eventually prescribed clozapine, which led to further bizarre behaviour and auditory hallucinations.
Ukrainian taxi driver Ivan Seredych, aged 43, was convicted of sexually assaulting a 24‑year‑old woman in Dublin on 10 June 2012. He pleaded not guilty at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court but was found guilty by a jury and sentenced to three years' imprisonment by Judge Catherine Murphy on 21 December 2015. The victim, who had been drinking and felt vulnerable after being separated from friends, was taken into a taxi where Seredych placed his hand on her thigh, touched her vagina, and exposed his penis. She recorded his name and number, directed him to drive to Raheny, and he did not request payment. Seredych's home was searched and his driver details matched those given by the complainant. His appeal against conviction was dismissed by the Court of Appeal, with Mr Justice George Birmingham ruling that the trial judge acted within her discretion in refusing to give a corroboration warning.
In a Central Criminal Court trial in Carlow, two men, Liam Power (52) and Dzintars Sackalausks (33), are charged with murdering a 41‑year‑old Latvian man, Gints Intembergs, who was found dead on 16 September 2014. The prosecution alleges that Intembergs suffered a violent and sustained assault, dying from blunt force trauma to his head and neck, with a subdural haemorrhage causing death. State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy testified that the victim's injuries included patterned bruises suggesting impact with a shoe sole, a fractured rib, broken tooth, and severe facial trauma. She also reported evidence of attempts to burn his t‑shirt and other parts of his body, which appeared peri‑ or post‑mortem. Both accused pleaded not guilty to murder, with Power also pleading guilty to manslaughter, and both pleaded not guilty to assaulting a third man. The case is before Justice Isobel Kennedy and a jury.
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, a 55‑year‑old resident of St Otteran's Hospital was found dead after suffering more than 100 knife wounds to her head and face. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis described the injuries, noting a broken nose, a knife wound to the jugular vein, and defensive wounds on her hands. He stated that the head and neck bore the majority of the stab wounds, with one penetrating eight centimetres and damaging the jugular vein, leading to death by blood loss. The stomach, organs, lungs and heart were reported as normal. The accused, Paul Cuddihy, 38, a former resident of the psychiatric unit, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of Maria O'Brien and to assault charges against nurses Breda Fennelly, Mary Grant, Terry Hayes and fellow resident Mary Nugent. A kitchen knife taken from Cuddihy at the scene was presented as evidence.
In a 2016 trial, Liam Power, 52, and Dzintars Sackalausks, 33, were charged with murdering Latvian national 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, and not guilty to assaulting Aigar Sildars. Sackalausks pleaded not guilty to both murder and assault. Forensic evidence presented by Dr Brian Gibson showed blood on Power's white Adidas runners that matched Intembergs' DNA, with a probability of less than one in a thousand million of a coincidence. Blood on Sackalausks' black Nike runners matched Sildars' DNA. Annette Ford analysed bruises on Intembergs' body, finding patterns consistent with Power's footwear but not Sackalausks'. Detective Donal Lawlor testified that Power was present at the scene, had a strong smell of alcohol, and claimed he had kicked Intembergs' head. The case proceeded before Justice Isobel Kennedy and a jury of five men and seven women.
During a Central Criminal Court murder trial, Paul Cuddihy, 38, a former resident of St Otteran's psychiatric unit in Waterford, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of Maria O'Brien, 55, on 5 September 2014. He also faced charges of serious harm to nurse Breda Fennelly and assault causing harm to nurses Mary Grant and Terry Hayes, and to fellow resident Mary Nugent. Cuddihy claimed he was in a psychotic episode when he attacked residents and nurses, including Hayes, who said he feared for his life as Cuddihy lunged at him and continued the assault outside. Forensic psychiatrist Dr Paul O'Connell reported that Cuddihy has a 20‑year history of mental illness, including paranoid schizophrenia, and that his medication levels varied. O'Connell said Cuddihy's judgment was grossly impaired, preventing him from understanding the wrongness of his actions. The trial will proceed before a jury of seven women and five men, presided over by Justice Patrick McCarthy.
An appeal has been heard in the High Court regarding the conviction of Glen Paisley for assault causing harm to Mr Nicolas Omnes on Camden Street in Dublin 2 on the evening of May 4, 2014. Paisley, who was found guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, has appealed the sentence of two and a half years in custody. The case was adjourned for further consideration. Paisley admitted to the charge and pleaded guilty. He has a history of fifty previous convictions, including 43 road traffic offences. The victim, Mr Omnes, was punched and fell, hitting his head on the ground, resulting in a head injury requiring hospital treatment. Paisley was with two friends during the incident and was more aggressive than others involved. CCTV footage later confirmed his involvement. The victim's statement highlighted the lasting impact of the assault on his life, including social and emotional effects. Defence counsel expressed remorse on behalf of Paisley and offered an apology. The matter was adjourned and is not yet finalised.
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.
Rafael Tiso, 31, was sentenced to 13 years in prison for raping and assaulting a 23‑year‑old woman in Dublin. The victim, who was heavily intoxicated after taking an ecstasy tablet, was left in a lane with severe injuries, including a deep tear to her rectum that required surgery. CCTV footage showed Tiso escorting her from a nightclub, leaving her in the lane, then returning to the bar for over an hour. He pleaded guilty to rape, oral rape, aggravated sexual assault and assault causing harm. The judge, Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, noted the violent and callous nature of the crime and the lasting impact on the victim. A final year of a 14‑year sentence was suspended on the condition that Tiso leave the State for ten years upon release. The case was heard at the Central Criminal Court.
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.
John Hannigan, aged 48, was convicted of murdering his friend Anthony Fallon, 46, in Clonmel on 18 January 2012. Hannigan pleaded not guilty to both murder and assault causing harm. A Central Criminal Court jury found him guilty on both counts and he received a mandatory life sentence on 28 February 2014. The trial revealed that Hannigan had called an ambulance at River House before 7 a.m., reporting that Fallon had rung the doorbell and collapsed. A post‑mortem found 31 fractures to Fallon's ribs, collar and breast bones, with blunt force trauma to the head and trunk as the cause of death. Hannigan later admitted to the death, claiming he had lost his temper when Fallon would not stop talking and had punched him "hard and fast" like Bruce Lee. He denied having a black belt in karate. He is now awaiting the outcome of his appeal, which is expected on 22 November.
In 2016 the Court of Appeal overturned Andrew Gibney's murder conviction for the 2012 stabbing of Gerard Burnett. Gibney, 24, had pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court and was found guilty by a jury 10‑2, receiving a mandatory life sentence. His counsel argued a miscarriage of justice, citing a UK Supreme Court ruling on joint enterprise that clarified that a person who participates in an attack but does not intend serious harm may be guilty of manslaughter rather than murder. The appeal focused on whether the trial judge failed to direct the jury on a partial defence, allowing the jury to consider that Gibney had left the scene before the fatal wounds were inflicted. The Court of Appeal agreed, ruled the judge in error, and ordered a retrial, remanding Gibney in custody for two weeks.
At the Central Criminal Court, the jury was discharged after five accused changed their pleas from not guilty to murder to guilty to manslaughter, while two co-accused admitted to lesser charges. The case concerns the death of Dale Creighton, who was assaulted at a Tallaght footbridge in 2014 and died from blunt force injuries. Aisling Burke pleaded guilty to violent disorder. James Reid pleaded guilty to possessing a knife. Ross Callery, Jason Beresford, David Burke, Graham Palmer, and Gerard Stevens all pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The court granted Aisling Burke bail until sentencing. Ross Callery and Gerard Stevens were remanded on bail until next Monday. Jason Beresford, David Burke, Graham Palmer, and James Reid were remanded in custody. The court directed probation reports for Callery, Stevens, Beresford, Aisling Burke, David Burke, and Palmer, as well as a victim impact report. The matter was adjourned, with sentencing scheduled for December.
In a Dublin squat, Andrzej Wawrzyniak, 38, stabbed 44‑year‑old Jacek Kozakiewicz 22 times during a drunken argument on 26 February 2014, killing him. Wawrzyniak, a Polish man without a fixed address, was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to six years' imprisonment, one year suspended, at the Central Criminal Court. The judge noted the squat's alcohol‑driven environment and that Wawrzyniak fled the scene, informing a Luas driver of the killing and requesting police assistance, which mitigated his sentence. He also received a concurrent three‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence for assaulting Filip Talaj on the same night. The case involved multiple Polish residents living in the abandoned Vallance & McGrath pub, with the judge describing the setting as "dark and unpleasant" and highlighting the violent history among the occupants. The sentencing reflected the judge's view that the normal sentence for such a violent killing would be nine years. Andrzej Wawrzyniak pleaded not guilty.
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.
In a High Court decision dated 28 October 2016, Justice Aileen Donnelly ruled that Britain's exit from the EU does not provide a basis for appealing extradition orders. She upheld the presumption that the UK will comply with the 2002 Framework Decision on European Arrest Warrants, stating that no evidence had been presented to contradict this. The judgment concerned two individuals: Robert Donovan, a 57‑year‑old London‑born man with a life sentence for a 1974 murder, and an unnamed 78‑year‑old Irishman facing ten child‑sex‑assault charges. Donnelly rejected both men's applications for certificates to appeal, ordered their surrender to UK authorities within 25 days, and scheduled a costs hearing for the unnamed respondent on 14 November. The decision reaffirmed that the UK's obligations under the Framework Decision remain in force despite its withdrawal from the EU.
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.
The Court of Appeal reduced the life sentence of a 40‑year‑old Dublin man, who had pleaded guilty to fourteen counts of sexual assault and defilement of an 11‑year‑old boy, to 15 years imprisonment. The man had previously been convicted of sexual offences and had avoided reporting a change of address to the sex offenders register. He had spent three years in a rehabilitation programme at Arbour Hill prison before sentencing. The Court held that his rehabilitation efforts moved the case out of the category for which a life sentence was appropriate. The Court also imposed 11‑year sentences for the sexual assault counts, to run concurrently from the original March 2014 date. The decision was based on the man's age, the duration of abuse, prior convictions and his rehabilitation work. The Court noted that the life sentence was a significant error in principle but still required a very significant sentence. The appeal was successful.
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.
In 2015, Brian Clarke, 31, posed for photographs in Swords Town Park while his accomplices robbed American tourist Ryan Dillon. Clarke was identified from the photos and later pleaded guilty to robbery. During the incident, Dillon was attacked by youths who punched and kicked him; his partner was also assaulted. Dillon suffered a broken scapula and was taken to hospital. The robbery involved cash, a camera bag, wallet, camera and mobile phone. Clarke was described by Garda Mairead Murray as a "distraction" with no evidence of direct violence. The case was heard in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where Judge Melanie Greally adjourned sentencing to allow a probation report. Clarke has 55 prior convictions and is scheduled for sentencing in January. The victim impact reports were submitted but not read in open court. The defence argued Clarke's role was limited to distraction and that the offence was "mean‑spirited.".
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 44‑year‑old man, James Lammon, was found guilty by unanimous verdict of a "brutal and pre‑meditated" murder of Jason Doogue on 21 August 2015 in Green Hills, Athy. The jury, after just over two hours and thirty minutes, concluded that Lammon, masked and hooded, rode a bike to Doogue's garden, fired a Makarov pistol with a silver silencer three times, and then cycled away. The State's evidence was circumstantial, relying on witnesses who heard Lammon threaten to kill Doogue, forensic DNA and gun‑residue on cloths in a black toolbox, and the discovery of the gun, a bike and gloves in the River Barrow area. Lammon had 20 prior convictions, including a four‑year drug sentence in 2011. Justice Butler handed down a mandatory life sentence, back‑dated to 21 August 2015, and exempted the jury from duty for ten years. The verdict was met with tears and gratitude from Doogue's family.
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.
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.
A Central Criminal Court jury found Brian Veale, 31, guilty of murdering fellow inmate Graham Johnson, 41, at Cork Prison after a dispute over television channels. The trial heard that the argument began around 3 pm on 16 May 2015, ended briefly, but later that evening Veale entered the kitchen with a carving knife and stabbed Johnson in the chest. Witnesses, including Ming Feng Chen and prison officer Brian Forde, described the altercation and Veale's subsequent smile and remark that a life sentence would not matter. Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy testified that Johnson died from a single stab wound that perforated the heart and aorta. DNA evidence linked Veale's clothing to Johnson's blood. The jury deliberated 1 hour 56 minutes and returned a unanimous verdict of murder. The case was adjourned for sentencing until 7 November, with Veale remanded in custody. Brian Veale pleaded not guilty.
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.
Eugene Hanratty Senior and Eugene Hanratty Jnr are standing trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, accused of assaulting Martin McAllister causing him harm at Castleblaney, Co. Monaghan on November 24, 2012. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges. The trial is currently ongoing before Judge Martin Nolan and a jury, with the matter not yet finalised. Mr. McAllister alleged that the younger accused blocked his vehicle with a jeep, after which the senior accused exited and subjected him to a sustained assault, resulting in fractured nose and eye sockets. He denied striking the first blow or producing a pistol, as suggested by defence counsel Garnet Orange SC. Mr. McAllister stated that commenting on the legitimacy of the senior accused's oil business would be "very dangerous." He also referenced his past, noting he was sentenced to ten years in 1974 for firearms offences, which he described as ancient history. The defence suggested the incident stemmed from a dispute over shooting rights in a duck sanctuary. The trial continues.
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 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.
Patrick Whelan, aged 20, was sentenced in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to a suspended three‑year term for robbing and assaulting Sikh shop assistant Navdeep Singh at a newsagent in Blanchardstown on 27 July 2015. Whelan struck Singh over the head with a meat cleaver, forcing him to have his hair cut against his wishes, and stole €600 from the till. He pleaded guilty to the robbery, assault and being a passenger in a stolen car. The court ordered him to pay €4,000 in compensation to Singh. Judge Pauline Codd noted Whelan was a first‑time offender from a "decent, hardworking family", and that the assault was "completely unjustified". The suspended sentence is subject to probation supervision for four years and requires Whelan to attend drug, alcohol, anger awareness and victim awareness courses, as well as to pay the compensation in two instalments. The co‑accused remains before the courts.
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 46‑year‑old man, Declan Jordan, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a 19‑year‑old agency worker who was caring for his mother. The assault occurred on 8 June 2015 at his mother's home. Jordan admitted he had been drinking and described the incident as a "once off" event. He expressed embarrassment and shame. The judge noted the victim's clear refusal and the severe impact on her career, family and relationships. Jordan had no prior convictions and had been attending counselling for alcohol misuse. He was given a three and a half year sentence, fully suspended, and ordered to complete 18 months of probation supervision, with ongoing participation in offence‑focused work and alcohol‑related support. He also paid €1,800 to the victim for economic loss, which the judge considered but did not deem decisive for sentencing. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
A 45‑year‑old Wexford father was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment for sexually abusing his daughter over a three‑year period. He pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to sixteen counts of oral rape and sixteen counts of sexual assault between 2010 and 2013. The victim, aged between 11 and 14 at the time, was abused in the family home, with the father touching her breasts, forcing her to touch his penis, and placing his penis in her mouth, sometimes in her own bed. He also attempted to involve her in showering and rubbed his penis between her legs. The abuse was reported in 2014 after the girl alleged the assaults. Justice Isobel Kennedy described the offences as "appalling", noted the forceful nature of the behaviour and the child's fear, and suspended the final two years of the sentence on strict conditions.
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.
A 19‑year‑old named Niall Brooks was sentenced to three years' imprisonment, with the final six months suspended, for a "vile, barbaric and cowardly assault" on two St Patrick's Day volunteers at a Luas station in Tallaght. The assault, which took place on 17 March 2015, involved Brooks and another teenager repeatedly kicking the men in the head and body. The victims suffered extensive injuries, including skull fractures, broken eye sockets, broken cheek bones, and long‑term psychological effects. Brooks pleaded guilty to two counts of assault causing harm. He has three prior convictions and is currently serving a sentence for a robbery committed in 2014. The judge noted that the victims were innocent and that nothing they did warranted the assault. The court also heard victim impact statements detailing the victims' physical and economic losses. The co‑accused, Dean McKeever, was also jailed for three years for his part in the assault.
Thomas Wall, 29, was sentenced to two years in jail, with the final two months suspended, for attempting to break into a foreign student's Dublin apartment to obtain money for his daughter's First Communion. Wall told Gardaí he had missed the Communion because he had been "locked up" and was trying to gather money to give to his daughter afterwards. He also said he had recently lost his mother and wanted money to put a picture on her gravestone. The apartment was occupied by a Venezuelan woman studying English; she woke up to a noise at the window, saw Wall on the balcony trying to push the window open, and screamed when she saw him. Wall continued to try to get in while she called for help. He was arrested outside by Gardaí. The court noted no force or violence was used and no one was harmed. Wall, a heroin user, had made good progress in addressing his addiction. Thomas Wall pleaded guilty.
John Lawlor, 48, died from a knife wound to a varicose vein below his knee after a dispute with David Shanley, 47, on Christmas Eve 2014 at Ballintray Lower, Courtown Harbour, Gorey, Co Wexford. Shanley called the house, was confronted by Lawlor, and a struggle ensued. Shanley admitted to manslaughter but denied murder, pleading guilty in June. He was sentenced by Mr Justice Paul Butler to five years' imprisonment, with two-and-a-half years suspended, for manslaughter. The judge noted the wound's unusual location and that the offence was on the lower scale for sentencing. Shanley had been in custody since October 10 of that year. The case involved testimony from Detective Inspector Murt Whelan, State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy, and statements from relatives of both parties. The conviction was upheld as manslaughter, not murder.
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.