Kenneth Collopy, aged 25, was convicted of murdering 25‑year‑old Daniel Fitzgerald in 2009 and sentenced to life imprisonment. Collopy pleaded not guilty, claiming he had mistakenly fired at a caravan in revenge for an arson attack on his mother's van, and that he intended only to shoot at the mobile home, unaware of any victim. He admitted killing Fitzgerald but maintained he had no intent to kill. The jury found him guilty of murder and the judge imposed a mandatory life sentence. Collopy appealed, arguing the jury's verdict was perverse, citing the inclusion of a video statement from a witness, David Bussoli, and questioning whether Bussoli and Christopher Mulqueen were accomplices. The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal on all grounds, affirming the trial judge's decisions, the use of the video statement, and the jury's verdict. Collopy was taken away to continue serving his life sentence.
The State withdrew a murder charge against a 22-year-old man at the Central Criminal Court following several days of legal argument. Matthew Gralton, from Mt Prospect, County Roscommon, had pleaded not guilty to the murder of Christy Daly, aged 47, on a bog lane in Kilbride, Clara, County Offaly between 29 December 2013 and 7 January 2014. Prosecution counsel Patrick Marrinan SC entered a nolle prosequi, indicating the decision not to proceed with the case. Justice Patrick McCarthy discharged Mr Gralton from the charge. The trial of Ross Allen, aged 25, with addresses in Carrickmines, County Dublin and Clara, County Offaly, continues. Mr Allen has pleaded not guilty to Mr Daly's murder. The prosecution presented evidence from witnesses during proceedings before the jury, comprising five women and six men. The trial is due to resume before Justice McCarthy on Friday morning.
The jury in the David Mahon murder trial was given the knife block from which Mahon claimed his stepson had taken the knife that caused his death. The case concerns the death of Dean Fitzpatrick on 26 May 2013. Mahon, 45, pleaded not guilty. The State alleges he was drunk, angry and stabbed Fitzpatrick with deadly intent. Mahon says the death was accidental or a possible suicide, arguing that Fitzpatrick had pulled a knife on him and that Mahon wrestled it from him and put it in his pocket, then showed it to him. The jury deliberated for more than two hours, asked for the knife block, another knife found on Mahon's balcony, and the pathologist's report, and requested explanations of the possible verdicts. The judge explained the burden of proof for a murder verdict. The jury resumed deliberations after lunch and will continue this afternoon.
Simeon Cosmo Langford, 33, was brought before the High Court in Ireland after being arrested in Cork in August 2015. He is wanted in the UK on charges of attempted murder, grievous bodily harm and theft, and for allegedly breaching the conditions of his release from a UK prison sentence. A European Arrest Warrant issued in August 2015 alleges that Langford absconded and travelled to Ireland on 13 June 2015 using a passport in the name of Luke Gillespie. He was handcuffed and accompanied by five officers in full riot gear during the hearing. His barrister, Ronan Munro BL, argued that Langford is a "special category" person who would face inhumane and degrading treatment if returned to the UK, citing his alleged "appalling experiences" in British prisons. The Minister for Justice and Equality, Vincent Heneghan BL, countered that the allegations were subjective and that there were no reports of abuse in UK prisons.
The jury in the David Mahon murder trial will resume deliberations on Thursday morning to decide whether Mahon killed his stepson, Dean Fitzpatrick, or whether Fitzpatrick's fatal stab wound was accidental or self‑inflicted. Fitzpatrick, 23, died after a stab wound to the abdomen outside the apartment shared by his mother, Audrey Fitzpatrick, and Mahon at Burnell Square, Northern Cross, Dublin. Mahon, 45, pleaded not guilty to murder on 26 May 2013. He claimed the death was an accident or possible suicide, stating that an argument over a water bottle led Fitzpatrick to pull a knife, which Mahon wrestled away and put in his pocket, then later showed to Fitzpatrick, who allegedly stepped onto it. The trial heard that Fitzpatrick ran downstairs, collapsed outside, and bled to death internally. Justice Margaret Heneghan explained the three possible verdicts—guilty, not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter, or not guilty—before sending the jury home.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 3 May 2016, TD Paul Murphy and 18 other defendants challenged a State application for four separate trials on 45 counts, including false imprisonment of Tánaiste Joan Burton, violent disorder and criminal damage, arising from a water‑charges protest in Jobstown. Prosecutor Tony McGillicuddy argued that the case should be divided into manageable blocks, citing UK case law that multiple accused could burden the judge and jury and that no courtroom could handle 19 defendants. Defence counsel, including Colman Fitzgerald for Antoinette Kane, contended that Judge Melanie Greally lacked jurisdiction to grant severance and that the State's application was illogical, as the Director of Public Prosecution had drafted the indictment. They warned that separate trials would create multiple "trials within a trial" and that a single jury should assess the entire incident for justice. Judge Greally said she would decide on 12 May and excused some defendants from the next sessions.
In a 2016 appeal, the Court of Appeal reserved judgment on the conviction of Andrew Gibney, 23, who was found guilty of murder for stabbing Gerard Burnett, 28, in 2012. Gibney had pleaded not guilty but accepted moral and legal guilt, while his counsel argued a miscarriage of justice, citing a UK Supreme Court ruling on joint enterprise that clarified the limits of moral guilt for participants in escalated crimes. The appeal focused on Gibney's intent to harm but not kill, and whether the jury could have considered a partial defence. The Director of Public Prosecutions maintained that intent was a matter for the jury, and that Gibney's participation as a principal made the fatal wound unprovable but irrelevant. The court, presided over by Justices Birmingham, Sheeehan and Edwards, decided to reserve judgment on the case.
Gavin Guinan Cahill, 38, was found guilty of assault causing harm and two attempted robbery charges after stabbing David Hawkins in the chest and cutting his arm and neck during a 2014 incident on Aungier Street. Hawkins required lung re‑inflation and stitches. Guinan Cahill pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. While at the Garda station for questioning, he attempted to choke himself with his boxer shorts, was handcuffed for safety, and later refused medical treatment. His defence sought a full adjournment so he could attend his son's communion; Judge Melanie Greally granted this. Guinan Cahill has 35 prior convictions, including a 2005 assault where he stabbed a man and threatened a taxi driver. He was arrested with two knives on his leg and has a history of drug use and mental health issues as noted by a forensic psychiatrist. The case is set for sentencing next Monday.
A 41‑year‑old man, whose identity is withheld to protect the victim, was convicted of 25 counts of sexual assault, one attempted buggery and one buggery against a boy in the midlands between February 1991 and February 1999. He was jailed for eight years by Judge Terence O'Sullivan on 8 May 2014. The Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal against conviction on all grounds. Justice Alan Mahon noted unusual features: the alleged victims were twin brothers, the offences occurred near their family home where the man worked as a labourer from the boy's age of seven, and only one brother was found guilty. The sexual activity did not involve threats or violence, and consensual activity occurred when the boy reached adulthood. Complaints were made 20 years after the assaults began and seven years after the consensual act in 2004. The court found the evidence sufficient for a jury verdict, and the appeal was dismissed. The unnamed 41-year-old pleaded not guilty.
In the Central Criminal Court, David Mahon's barrister argued that Mahon had no motive to kill his stepson, Dean Fitzpatrick, and that his love for Fitzpatrick's mother, Audrey, gave him every reason not to harm him. The defence suggested that Fitzpatrick's death was caused by self‑impalement and that the jury should decide whether Mahon bore criminal responsibility, not whether the death was his fault. Mahon claimed he wrestled a knife from Fitzpatrick, showed it to him, and that Fitzpatrick walked onto the blade, collapsing and bleeding to death. The barrister highlighted that the prosecution's scientific evidence did not contradict Mahon's account and urged the jury to consider the possibility of an accidental death. The judge informed the jury that they could find guilty, guilty of manslaughter, or not guilty. The case remained at the trial stage.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 3 May 2016, Justice Deirdre Murphy adjourned sentencing for Michael Kinsella, 24, who admitted his part in the 2011 stabbing that killed 29‑year‑old Adil Essalhi. Kinsella pleaded guilty to manslaughter in December 2015. The court reviewed details of the incident: Kinsella and his uncle, Wayne Kinsella, took Essalhi from a party to a field in Tallaght where the fatal attack occurred. Wayne Kinsella, already convicted of murder for the same death, was described by defence counsel as a "dominant" force that Kinsella feared. Prosecutor Kerida Naidoo confirmed that Kinsella admitted his role, including bringing a weapon, using it, and later attempting to set Essalhi's body on fire. The State accepted the guilty plea on the basis of these admissions, and Justice Murphy agreed the case constituted an "assault to manslaughter" verdict. Sentencing was postponed until 31 May 2016.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Anti Austerity Alliance TD Paul Murphy, aged 32, and 18 other defendants faced charges of false imprisonment and violent disorder related to a water charges protest in Jobstown nearly 18 months earlier. The defendants, including Councillor Kieran Mahon (38) and Michael Murphy (50), indicated through their legal teams that they intend to plead not guilty and seek a trial date. They objected to a State application to sever the indictment for separate trials. Defences for Antoinette Kane (23) and Carol Purcell (56) were discussed, with Kane's counsel awaiting instructions after the birth of her child and Purcell's counsel seeking a section 4e application due to disputed facts. Judge Melanie Greally adjourned the case to later that afternoon to allow the defence teams to present their objections to severing the indictment. The hearing also noted that Ms.
At the Central Criminal Court, an unnamed 48-year-old Waterford man was sentenced to eight concurrent life terms for offences committed between July 2 and July 5, 2015, in Dublin. The defendant pleaded guilty to the rape of two women in various ways, as well as false imprisonment, attempted rape, aggravated burglary, making threats to kill, and aggravated sexual assault. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy described the offences as "wholly exceptional" and among the most serious cases of their type he had encountered. The court heard that the accused had previously been jailed for three and a half years last December for kidnapping and seriously assaulting one of the victims. During the current proceedings, the judge extended legal aid should the defendant appeal the sentence or conviction. The sentencing followed a detailed account of the assaults, including the victim's daughter hearing the attack via a voicemail, which alerted Gardaí. The defendant's solicitor noted the client had insight into his offending and was awaiting psychological treatment in prison.
During the trial, a foster mother of a 12‑year‑old boy who had been taken into care at eight and moved to her home in March 2012, explained that she had to seek counselling after the child left her home because of the "horrendous stuff" she had to listen to. She said the boy's sexualised behaviour had increased over time, leading to therapy in 2013. The boy had alleged that his father raped him, sexually abused him with a hot poker and forced him to have sex with his mother from about age six. The father is also alleged to have filmed some incidents, held a gun to the boy's head and locked him in a box. The parents face 82 abuse charges between 2007 and 2011, with both pleading not guilty to multiple counts of sexual exploitation, assault and child cruelty.
In a 2016 trial, the prosecution argued that David Mahon's actions after his stepson Dean Fitzpatrick was stabbed were "straight out of the How to Get Away with Murder handbook." The prosecutor, Remy Farrell SC, claimed Mahon, 45, fled the scene, disposed of the knife, and made false statements to Gardaí, including that the wound was minor and that he had not called an ambulance. Farrell highlighted Mahon's alleged attempts to conceal the weapon, his drunken state, and his failure to seek medical help, portraying him as a "most unfortunate man" who nevertheless acted with deadly intent. The defence was scheduled to present its closing argument on the following day. The case centered on Mahon's alleged murder of his stepson, who was 23, following a confrontation outside the apartment. The unnamed 45-year-old pleaded not guilty.
The trial of David Mahon, 45, for the murder of his stepson Dean Fitzpatrick, 23, has progressed with the court hearing that the deceased had expressed a death wish linked to guilt over his missing sister, Amy. Mahon claimed that Dean had walked into a knife he was holding on purpose, and that the fatal stab occurred outside the apartment shared with Mahon's mother in Burnell Square. The prosecution described the wound as a 'gutting'. Detective Sergeant Eddie Carroll testified that Dean had a history of self‑harm, substance abuse, and a prior death wish, and that he had been admitted to St Ita's Hospital in 2011. Mahon also admitted to having told Gardaí that Dean had stolen his car and run over a policeman in Spain. The prosecution has closed its case, and the trial continues before Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan.
Leroy Dumbrell, 29, of Carriglea Gardens, Dun Laoghaire, was sentenced by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to seven years' imprisonment for violent disorder and a threat to kill Garda Ronan McMorrow. Dumbrell pleaded guilty to violent disorder on 27 November 2013 and to threatening the Garda on 5 May 2015. He had repeatedly breached bail conditions, including a curfew, and had threatened the Garda with personal details and violent language. Judge Karen O'Connor imposed a three‑year term for the violent disorder and a four‑year consecutive term for the threat, suspending the final year on the condition of 12 months' engagement with the Probation Service and two years of good behaviour. The court noted Dumbrell's history of serious offending, his young children, supportive girlfriend, and attempts at rehabilitation, including training to become a fitness instructor. The threat was described as aggressive with sinister elements.
During the murder trial of David Mahon, the jury heard memos and video excerpts of Garda interviews in which Mahon, aged 45, claimed that his stepson, Dean Fitzpatrick, had walked into the knife he was holding. Mahon said he had voluntarily approached the Gardaí after his arrest on 26 May 2013, and that Fitzpatrick had pulled the knife on him shortly before the fatal incident. He described the event as a 'gutting' and stated that he had no intention to kill Fitzpatrick. Mahon also discussed his relationship with Fitzpatrick, noting it had been 'up and down', and mentioned a prior altercation in Spain where Fitzpatrick had pulled a knife. The court heard Mahon's statements and the prosecution's opening speech, and the trial continued before Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan.
John Griffin, a 45‑year‑old from Dundalk, was sentenced to six years' imprisonment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for two counts of sexual assault committed at a Dublin homeless shelter between 23 March and 1 April 2015. Griffin admitted that he had forced his male room‑mate, who was not gay, to perform oral sex and then, after the victim refused, threatened him and forced him to bend over a bath and be anally penetrated without consent. Griffin later expressed remorse, stating he felt horrible about the act. He had previously received a five‑year sentence in 1991 for buggery and sexual assault. The judge, Martin Nolan, described the offence as odious and noted the victim's vulnerability and neurological issues. Griffin had cooperated with Gardaí, admitted the offences and expressed remorse before sentencing. John Griffin pleaded guilty.
A foster mother testified that a young boy, who had been abused by his father and forced to have sex with his mother, left her foster home because she believed he required more specialist care for his sexualised behaviour. She said the boy had been raped by his father, sexually abused with a hot poker, forced to have sex with his mother, and that the father had filmed some incidents and shown them to others. The father and mother face 82 abuse charges between 2007 and 2011, and both have pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of sexual exploitation, child cruelty, sexual assault and anal rape. The foster mother described the boy's behaviour, including attempts to touch her and his fear of his father, and noted that he was never allowed to be alone with younger children again. The trial is before Mr Justice Robert Eagar and a jury.
In a murder trial, the 46‑year‑old stepfather, David Mahon, is charged with killing his brother, Dean Fitzpatrick, 23, on 26 May 2013. The prosecution described the death as a 'gutting'. Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis testified that Dean Fitzpatrick died from a single stab wound to the abdomen, about 14.5 cm deep, that entered the abdominal aorta, small intestine and ended in the spine, causing massive haemorrhage. He said the wound required moderate or considerable force. When questioned about a possible 'run‑on' – where a person advances onto a knife held by another – he could not distinguish between a run‑on and a deliberate thrust. Dr Curtis also noted old scars on Dean's forearm that might indicate past self‑harm. Forensic scientist Dr Fiona Thornton found a jagged tear in Mahon's shirt and a hole in his jeans, consistent with a knife being placed in his back pocket.
In the Central Criminal Court, 46‑year‑old David Mahon stands trial for the murder of Dean Fitzpatrick, who was stabbed on 26 May 2013. The prosecution presented text messages exchanged between Mahon, Fitzpatrick and Sarah O'Rourke in the days before the killing. O'Rourke testified that Mahon had threatened to stab her and urged her to contact Fitzpatrick, who had earlier claimed he had taken a bicycle part from Mahon. Mahon allegedly returned with a knife, and Fitzpatrick was stabbed in the abdomen outside Mahon's apartment on Burnell Square. Witness Karl O'Toole described Mahon's agitation and the presence of a whiskey bottle and tablet packets in the flat. The jury heard that Mahon claimed he had stabbed Fitzpatrick after a confrontation over the bicycle part. The case is before Justice Margaret Heneghan and a twelve‑person jury.
Ross Allen (25) has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Christy Daly, aged 47, at Bog Lane, Kilbride, Clara, County Offaly between 29 December 2013 and 7 January 2014. His co-accused Matthew Gralton (22) of Mount Prospect, County Roscommon has also pleaded not guilty to the charge. At the Central Criminal Court, Detective Sergeant Jer Glavin gave evidence that Mr Allen told gardaí during interview that he attended a meeting in Clara where the use of violence against the deceased was discussed. Mr Allen stated he was instructed to obtain a hammer and torch, and that a sawn-off shotgun was collected during the journey to Bog Lane. He said he acted as lookout while others proceeded to the caravan, after which he heard two shots. Mr Allen told gardaí he believed these were warning shots and did not anticipate lethal force would be used. The trial continues before Justice Patrick McCarthy.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a 55‑year‑old Cork man was sentenced to four years' imprisonment for raping and sexually assaulting his niece between 1977 and 1985. The victim, aged eight to thirteen at the time, was the daughter of the accused's older sister. The man pleaded not guilty but was found guilty of two counts of rape and one count of indecent assault. Judge Isobel Kennedy imposed a ten‑year sentence for the rapes, six years suspended, and a six‑year sentence for the indecent assault, four years suspended; both sentences run concurrently. The court noted the accused's medical issues, including a leg amputation, and his lack of prior convictions, yet deemed custodial imprisonment necessary. The judge highlighted aggravating factors such as abuse of trust and threats, and mitigating factors including the man's ill health and age at the time of the offences. The sentence was delivered with the victim's impact report read with "great dignity.".
During the second day of the trial of 46‑year‑old David Mahon, the Central Criminal Court heard testimony from Sarah O'Rourke, the girlfriend of Dean Fitzpatrick. O'Rourke said that on 25 May 2013, hours before the alleged murder, Mahon called her and threatened to stab her in the neck if she did not arrange for Fitzpatrick to call Mahon. She described the call as aggressive and said Mahon demanded she go to a shop, buy credit, and call Fitzpatrick, threatening to drive to Lusk and stab her if she refused. O'Rourke then hung up, called her sister, and texted Fitzpatrick to explain the situation. The court has also heard that Fitzpatrick was the older brother of Amy Fitzpatrick, who disappeared in Spain in 2008. The trial continues. David Mahon pleaded not guilty.
Eamon McNamee, a 34-year-old man from Lucan, County Dublin, appeared before the Special Criminal Court charged with possession of a firearm with the intent to commit an indictable offence, namely assault causing harm. The alleged incident occurred at Fairgreen, Saggart, Co Dublin, on January 19th, 2013. These charges are alleged and remain contested. During the hearing, Mr McNamee sought a trial date. Mr Justice Paul Butler noted that the second incarnation of the Special Criminal Court is technically ready to run, having become operational after the Acting Justice Minister signed the rules of court. The judge indicated a prospect that cases awaiting trial, including Mr McNamee's, could be transferred to the new court early next month. However, Mr McNamee's case was listed for mention again on Friday, May 6th. The judge stated that the court would include Mr McNamee's case, particularly those involving individuals in custody, to return to the first Special Criminal Court on that date. Consequently, the matter was adjourned until May 6th. Mr McNamee was remanded on continuing bail until that date.
Jonathan Donovan, aged 30, was sentenced to six years in prison, with the last 18 months suspended, for the reckless assault of Paul Doyle that left Doyle permanently wheelchair-bound. The offence occurred on 6 April 2014 at Kelly's Row, Dorset Street, when a drunken altercation involving heroin and other drugs escalated. Donovan struck Doyle twice on the head with an axe after Doyle had armed himself with a knife. Doyle suffered serious head injuries and has never recovered, remaining under care at Mater Hospital. Donovan pleaded guilty in February 2016, acknowledging the unreasonable force used despite being confronted with a knife. The judge, John Aylmer, noted Donovan's extensive criminal record, his cooperation with Gardaí, and his genuine remorse, and imposed the suspended sentence on the condition of remaining drug‑free and engaging in probation and drug counselling programmes. No victim impact report was submitted.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a 12‑year‑old boy who claimed he was raped by his father and forced to have sex with his mother testified via video‑link about abuse he alleged occurred in Waterford between 2007 and 2011. He described being raped with a hot poker and having a gun held to his head. The parents face 82 abuse charges; both pleaded not guilty to 16 counts of sexual exploitation and one child cruelty charge each. The mother also denied 16 sexual assault counts, while the father denied 16 anal rape and 16 sexual assault with a poker counts. During re‑examination, the boy said he still liked his father, citing "happy times" such as holidays. A teacher testified that the boy had behavioural problems, including biting, spitting, inappropriate touching, and talking about death, and that he was taken into care in 2011 after a school visit.
A 47‑year‑old Latvian man was jailed for seven years after pleading guilty to raping and sexually assaulting a 42‑year‑old woman in her Tipperary flat on 17 November 2014. He forced himself into her bedroom, beat her, dislocated her wrist, and performed anal, oral and vaginal rape while she was restrained. He also forced her to kiss him and threatened to act as a doctor. The victim, who had been living in poor accommodation, suffered nightmares and deteriorating mental health, and later returned to her native country. The court noted the offender's heavy alcohol intoxication and lack of prior convictions. The sentence, imposed by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, was back‑dated to the date of the offence and reflects the offender's guilty plea and foreign nationality. The case was heard at the Central Criminal Court.
A 53‑year‑old man, Danny Keena of Empor, Ballynacargy, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, has been charged with murdering Brigid Maguire on 14 November 2015 at Main Street, Ballynacargy. Justice Patrick McCarthy of the Central Criminal Court set his trial for 23 January 2017.
A 31‑year‑old Latvian man, Andrejs Krauze, who lives at Dudley Heights, Glenamaddy, Co. Galway, has been charged with the murder of fellow Latvian Juris Buls, who was killed sometime between 7 and 23 July 2011. His trial was scheduled for 6 March 2017.
In a case heard at Cambridge Court, Ringsend, a 28‑year‑old man named Kenneth Cummins was charged with the murder of a 63‑year‑old man who had been beaten to death. Cummins had initially pleaded not guilty but later changed his plea to guilty. His sister, Sabrina Cummins, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder a week after the plea change. Cummins applied to withdraw his guilty plea, arguing that the plea had been taken at an inappropriate time and that he had been under panic attacks and stress. The judge, Mr Justice Hunt, rejected the application, stating that he would give detailed reasons at a later hearing. Cummins remains in custody until his sentencing on 12 May. The case remains at the pleading stage, with no verdict yet reached.
In a Dublin court on 25 April 2016, 46‑year‑old David Mahon stood trial for the murder of his stepson, Dean Fitzpatrick, who was stabbed in the abdomen on 26 May 2013. Mahon pleaded not guilty and was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court. The prosecution, led by Remy Farrell SC, presented a case that Mahon, annoyed by Fitzpatrick's interference with his bicycle outside the Northwood Gym in Santry on 24 May, confronted him at his apartment. After a heated exchange, Mahon allegedly returned with a carving knife and stabbed Fitzpatrick, who collapsed and died the next day. CCTV footage and witness testimony were shown to the jury, which included six men and six women, and the trial was scheduled to continue before Justice Margaret Heneghan. The case was expected to last a week.
Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy adjourned the sentencing of Michael Kinsella, 24, of Tallaght, to May 3 after expressing "enormous difficulty" in determining the appropriate penalty. Kinsella pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Adil Essalhi, who was killed in 2011. His uncle, Wayne Kinsella, was previously convicted of murdering Mr Essalhi. The judge noted that while the plea was accepted on an agreed basis, there are "differing accounts" regarding Kinsella's culpability. Specifically, conflicting evidence exists as to whether Kinsella knew his uncle had lured Mr Essalhi to extract revenge for the murder of Lee Kinsella, or if he was only informed of this at the scene. Ms Justice Murphy stated that without a clear factual basis from the prosecution, the court could not perform its task. She highlighted that the sentencing range available spans from a suspended sentence to life imprisonment. The judge requested that the prosecution clarify the basis on which the guilty plea was accepted before the court can set an appropriate sentence. This follows an earlier adjournment on April 11, during which a victim impact statement was heard from Mr Essalhi's mother, Geraldine.
A Dutch man, Naoufal Fassih, 35, appeared before the High Court on a European Arrest Warrant issued by Dutch authorities. Sergeant Sean Fallon informed counsel for the Minister for Justice and Equality that Dutch police seek charges of assault, money laundering and possession of false documents. Fassih, born in Rotterdam, is already in custody on another matter, and the Gardaí will oppose bail. Justice Aileen Donnelly remanded him in custody until May 9, when a hearing date will be set.
In a compassionate bail decision, Mr Justice Tony Hunt allowed Trevor Noone, aged 28 and charged with murder in the 2010 death of 17‑year‑old Daniel McAnaspie, to leave custody to attend his father's funeral. Noone, who lives on Whitestown Avenue, Blanchardstown, was granted bail on a €300 bond. The judge noted that Noone would be released today and must return by 6 pm, and again on Saturday at 11 am for the funeral, with a return to custody by 6 pm. He is restricted to Blanchardstown and the church where the service will be held, must remain sober, be reachable on his sister's mobile phone, and keep the peace. Detective Sergeant Dan Callaghan had objected to bail, citing Noone's flight risk and 12 prior bench warrants, but the judge accepted counsel's argument that it would be desirable to let him pay his respects. Noone's release is conditional; breaching the conditions would likely preclude future bail.
A 41‑year‑old Declan O'Cualain was found not guilty by reason of insanity for strangling his brother Adrian Folan with a bungee cord on 4 July 2014. O'Cualain, who lived in An Caoran Beag, An Cheathru Rua, Co Galway, was charged with murder after the body was discovered concealed under rocks near the Cliffs of Moher, Co Clare. He pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, and after 21 minutes of deliberation a jury of nine men and three women returned that verdict. The judge, Justice Margaret Heneghan, exempted the jury from further service for 15 years and ordered O'Cualain to be committed to the Central Mental Hospital. The court heard forensic psychiatrists confirmed he was in an acute manic psychosis state, unable to appreciate the nature of his actions. The case was heard at the Central Criminal Court on 22 April 2016.
The jury in the trial of two men accused of murdering a 23-year-old man at the Central Criminal Court will resume deliberations on Friday morning. Leszek Sychulec, aged 34, of Drinan, Ballymahon, County Longford, and Andrzej Gruchacz, aged 35, with an address in Warsaw, Poland, have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Patryk Krupa at Bogganfin, Athlone, County Roscommon, on 20 June 2014. The court heard that Mr Krupa drowned in the Shannon River following a violent assault that left him unconscious. The prosecution alleges both men transported the deceased to the riverbank, assaulted him, and threw him into the water. The defence has contended that alternative verdicts of manslaughter or assault may be appropriate depending on the evidence of intent. Mr Justice Tony Hunt instructed the jury that they could return alternative verdicts on these lesser charges. The twelve-member jury deliberated for one hour and forty-nine minutes before adjourning for the night.
In a case involving an inmate who assaulted three prison officers, the final sentencing has been adjourned until the High Court's recent ruling on the activation of suspended sentences is clarified. Judge Melanie Greally, hearing the case at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, intended to impose a partially suspended term on Eoghan McGarry, 30, but declined to enforce a sentence that could not be upheld if he re‑offended. McGarry, originally from Tallaght and without a fixed abode, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to the officers on 23 April 2015. He attacked them with a homemade weapon made from razor blades and a toothbrush while they delivered breakfast. Two officers suffered post‑traumatic stress and have not returned to work. McGarry was present in court flanked by five officers in riot gear.
At the Central Criminal Court, the jury in the trial of two men charged with murdering a 23-year-old man in County Roscommon has been instructed that it may return alternative verdicts of manslaughter or assault. Leszek Sychulec, aged 34, of Drinan, Ballymahon, County Longford, and Andrzej Gruchacz, aged 35, from Warsaw, Poland, have pleaded not guilty to murdering Patryk Krupa at Bogganfin, Athlone on 20 June 2014. Both deny a further charge of false imprisonment on the same date. The trial heard that Mr Krupa drowned in the Shannon following a violent assault that rendered him unconscious. Mr Justice Tony Hunt advised the jury it could return a manslaughter conviction if it found there was no intention to kill or cause serious injury, or alternatively convict of assault causing harm. DNA evidence linked Mr Sychulec to the deceased. The jury commenced deliberations before lunchtime.
An 87‑year‑old Meath man, charged with raping and indecent assault of his daughters between 1973 and 1975, was found unfit to be tried because he suffers from dementia. Justice Margaret Heneghan, after hearing medical evidence, applied Section 4 5b of the Mental Health Act, ruling that the man could not be remanded to the Central Mental Hospital as there is no treatment likely to improve his condition. He is automatically released from remand in Cloverhill and no longer faces bail or custody. The judge adjourned the case to 25 July to monitor his progress and recommended admission to Dr Michael O Cuill's unit for as long as necessary, with future transfer to a nursing home if appropriate. The court noted that the man will remain under Garda supervision until transport to the unit is arranged.
The jury in the trial of two men charged with the murder of a 23-year-old in Athlone is expected to begin deliberating on Thursday. The Central Criminal Court heard that Patryk Krupa drowned following a violent assault on 20 June 2014. Leszek Sychulec, aged 34, of Drinan, Ballymahon, County Longford, and Andrzej Gruchacz, aged 35, with an address in Warsaw, Poland, have pleaded not guilty to murder at Bogganfin, Athlone, County Roscommon. Both also deny charges of false imprisonment on the same date. Mr Justice Tony Hunt began his charge to the jury on Wednesday, completing it on Thursday before the 12-member panel retire to consider their verdicts on four counts. The prosecution contended that the accused men assaulted the deceased and left him to drown in the River Shannon. The defence disputed identification evidence relating to one accused and suggested alternative liability for assault or manslaughter rather than murder.
A 53‑year‑old Dublin man was sentenced to nine years' imprisonment on 12 January 2015 for the continued sexual abuse of his seven‑year‑old sister between 1983 and 1987. He pleaded not guilty to 16 counts of indecent assault at the family home. The conviction was obtained by a jury at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. On 19 April 2016 he lodged an appeal against the conviction. His barrister, Tara Burns SC, argued that the trial judge should have given a corroboration warning to the jury regarding the victim's evidence, claiming the judge's refusal was based on a "policy" of not giving such warnings in sexual cases. Burns cited discrepancies in the victim's evidence. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Roisín Lacey BL, defended the judge's practice as consistent with court dicta and said the lack of corroboration and discrepancies were matters for the jury.
At the Central Criminal Court, the jury in a murder trial heard closing arguments concerning the death of a 23-year-old man in June 2014. Prosecutors alleged that the two accused men violently assaulted the victim and left him to drown in the River Shannon near Athlone, County Roscommon. Leszek Sychulec, aged 34, of Drinan, Ballymahon, County Longford, and Andrzej Gruchacz, aged 35, a resident of Warsaw, Poland, have each pleaded not guilty to murder and false imprisonment charges relating to the incident. The State's closing submission contended that DNA evidence recovered from Mr Sychulec's clothing linked him to the deceased. The defence challenged the identification evidence against Mr Gruchacz, questioning the reliability of CCTV footage and passport photographs. A witness testified that he was present during the incident. The judge will deliver his charge to the jury on Wednesday.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, 31‑year‑old Ian Brady, formerly of Beaver Street, was sentenced to a three‑year suspended term for assault causing harm to Garda Gerard O'Toole on 17 June 2014. Brady, who now lives in hostel accommodation and has 38 prior convictions, pleaded guilty to the offence. The incident occurred when Garda Shona Moran approached Brady and another man after suspecting a drug deal. Brady's companion fled, and O'Toole, a 51‑year‑old GPO worker, attempted to stop the fleeing man. Brady punched O'Toole in the forehead, an act captured on CCTV, leaving O'Toole with a severe laceration and a permanent scar. O'Toole expressed in a victim impact report that he would think twice about helping a garda again. Brady's defence described him as a "white sheep" of his family, noting his background, job loss, depression and drug use, and stated he had not been involved with garda attention since the incident.
In 2016 a 39‑year‑old man was jailed for 14 years, with the final year suspended, for raping a woman four times at his Laois home in July 2012. He was convicted of two counts of rape, two counts of anal rape and assault. The judge also imposed a three and a half year assault sentence, with six months suspended, all running concurrently. The victim, who was invited to help with painting, described being assaulted, threatened, forced into a shower, raped vaginally and anally, and then forced to wash herself before being taken to a friend's house. She reported the attack nine days later. The man denied the allegations in a garda interview and was later arrested on a European Arrest Warrant. The victim's impact statement detailed ongoing trauma, nightmares and a loss of self‑esteem, but she expressed hope for the future. The unnamed 39-year-old pleaded not guilty.
Leroy Dumbrell, also known as Leroy Roche, of Dun Laoghaire, pleaded guilty to one count of violent disorder committed on November 27, 2013. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Dumbrell participated in a daylight assault in Ballymun, where he stamped on a victim's leg while the man lay prone on the ground. The incident was witnessed by children and captured on CCTV. Dumbrell's co-accused received sentences of three-and-a-half years and two-and-a-half years respectively. The court noted that Dumbrell was repeatedly jailed for breaching bail conditions, which included a curfew from 7pm to 7am. On May 5, 2015, gardaí found him absent from his home in breach of these conditions. Prosecution evidence indicated that Dumbrell threatened Detective Garda Ronan McMorrow, stating he would regret bringing him back to court and that the officer would need a body bag. Dumbrell also identified the detective's personal car and threatened to find out about him. The court heard that Dumbrell has dozens of previous convictions, including for an incident where a woman was set on fire and a brawl at Mountjoy Prison that injured 16 prisoners. Judge Karen O'Connor noted a history of very serious violence. The matter was adjourned until April 28 for sentencing.
Anthony Locke, aged 38, was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment for concealing the body of Christopher Jackson, 53, and cleaning up the murder scene at Jackson's flat on Prussia Street. The court found Locke guilty of impeding the apprehension of a person he believed to be guilty of murder. His sentence was back‑dated to 9 September 2012, with the final three years suspended. Locke had previously been convicted of arson and manslaughter in 1998, and had served a ten‑year sentence for a 1995 fire that killed a man and his pregnant girlfriend. The judge noted Locke's history of alcohol and drug problems, his willingness to reform, and the high risk of re‑offending in the next 12 months. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the offence and the need for rehabilitation. Anthony Locke pleaded not guilty.
Jordan O'Donovan, aged 20, pleaded guilty to assault causing serious harm after striking a man with a glass in the Savoy nightclub on 27 December 2013. He was sentenced by Cork Circuit Criminal Court to three years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended. The Director of Public Prosecutions sought a review, arguing the sentence was unduly lenient, but the Court of Appeal rejected the application, finding the balance of the sentence was not so wrong as to be unduly lenient. Judge George Birmingham noted the assault resulted in a very serious eye injury to the victim, who had not fully recovered sight at sentencing. O'Donovan, an 18‑year‑old first‑time offender with no prior convictions, had shown genuine remorse and had engaged with Gardaí. The court upheld the original sentence, refusing the DPP's request for a review. The case highlighted the serious impact of glass‑assaults on victims.
A 41‑year‑old man, Declan O'Cualain of An Caoran Beag, An Cheathru Rua, Co Galway, pleaded not guilty to the murder of his brother, Adrian Folan (O'Cualain), at Lislorkin North, Liscannor, Co Clare, on 4 July 2014. The plea was made at the Central Criminal Court. Judge Patrick McCarthy informed a jury of nine men and three women that the case would last no more than a day, but they would be required to serve until the end of the week. He added that the matter would be handled by Ms Justice Heneghan.