At the Central Criminal Court, the wife of Ian Harman (50), from Carrickallen, Co Cavan, testified that her husband had been in a "dark place" and drinking heavily before his admission to a psychiatric unit. Harman has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michael Treanor (82), from Co Monaghan, at the Psychiatric Unit of Cavan General Hospital on 27 June 2011. Mary Harman described her husband as "loveable" and well-liked in the community, though he had previously received treatment for depression and alcohol misuse. The court heard that on the day before the alleged killing, Harman complained of insomnia and paced his ward for twelve hours. CCTV footage showed him continuously walking around the secure unit. State pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy concluded the cause of death was asphyxia by smothering or suffocation. The defence has acknowledged that Harman caused Treanor's death. The trial before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan continues.
The Central Criminal Court is set to resume the trial of Alan Wilson, 35, who is charged with the murder of 18‑year‑old Marioara Rostas. The jury, consisting of ten men and two women, is expected to return to court on Monday after being excused last week. Wilson pleaded not guilty to the killing that took place at a house on Brabazon Street, The Coombe, between 7 and 8 January 2008. The prosecution has presented evidence that Rostas disappeared from Dublin city centre on 6 January, and her body was later found in a shallow grave on the Wicklow border, having died from four bullet wounds to the head. Testimony from Alexandru Rostas, Marioara's brother, and from Fergus O'Hanlon, who claimed Wilson showed him the corpse and assisted in burying it, has been heard. The trial will continue before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy next week.
A man charged with murder at Cavan General Hospital has been tried at the Central Criminal Court following allegations that he killed a fellow psychiatric patient in June 2011. Ian Harman, aged 50, of Carrickallen, Co Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michael Treanor at the hospital's psychiatric unit. During the trial, the court heard evidence from detective gardaí who interviewed the accused following his arrest. Notes from the interviews were read aloud, in which the accused allegedly described prior fantasies about imprisonment and harm to others before his hospital admission. The accused was further reported to have told gardaí that he had contemplated the killing for several days beforehand and that he had chosen the victim deliberately. The defence has indicated acceptance that the accused caused the death, with focus instead directed toward the question of his mental state at the time. The trial before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan continues before a jury.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has found Darren Wynne guilty of murdering Jamie Lindsay in Athy, Co. Kildare on April 6, 2013. Wynne (21) of Ballyroe, Athy was convicted after the jury deliberated for almost five hours. He was also convicted of possessing a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life. Two co-accused, Quentin Monaghan (21) of Stradbally, Co. Laois and James Seery (21) of Athy, pleaded guilty to manslaughter during the trial and to possessing a sawn-off shotgun in suspicious circumstances. All three men will be sentenced on July 22. The court heard evidence that the twenty-year-old victim was shot at close range. Wynne had claimed the shooting was accidental and raised provocation as a defence. Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan thanked the jury and adjourned proceedings for sentencing.
A psychiatric patient has gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court charged with the murder of a fellow patient at Cavan General Hospital's psychiatric unit on 27 June 2011. Ian Harman, aged 50, of Cootehill, Co Cavan, pleaded not guilty to the killing of Michael Treanor, an 82-year-old man suffering from dementia. The prosecution told the jury that Harman approached a nurse that morning and stated he had smothered the deceased with a pillow. The nurse subsequently found Treanor without a pulse, and resuscitation attempts proved unsuccessful. The defence indicated that Harman accepts responsibility for causing Treanor's death and does not dispute the identity of the deceased, but submitted that the focus should remain on the accused's state of mind at the time. Evidence from gardaí and a forensic psychiatrist confirmed Harman's admissions and his fitness for interview. The trial, heard before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan and a jury, is expected to last approximately one week.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has begun deliberations in the trial of a man accused of murdering his best friend in County Kildare in 2013. Darren Wynne, aged 21, of Athy, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, though prosecutors rejected the plea. He also pleaded guilty to possession of a sawn-off shotgun in suspicious circumstances. Two co-accused, Quentin Monaghan and James Seery, both aged 21, had their manslaughter pleas accepted by the Director of Public Prosecutions and will not face trial. The prosecution case centres on the fatal shooting on 6 April 2013. The defence relies on provocation, claiming the victim made threats. Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan directed the jury that provocation, if reasonably possible, would reduce murder to manslaughter. The jury comprises eight men and four women.
The Central Criminal Court is set to resume the trial of Alan Wilson, 35, who is charged with the murder of 18‑year‑old Romanian teenager Marioara Rostas. Wilson pleaded not guilty at a house on Brabazon Street, The Coombe, between 7 and 8 January 2008. The jury, which had been excused from attending the previous week, is expected to return on Thursday. The case recounts that Rostas disappeared from Dublin city centre on 6 January, and her body was later found in a shallow grave on the Wicklow border, having died from four bullet wounds to the head. Testimony includes Rostas's brother, Alexandru, who described a phone call to her brother in Romania after her disappearance, and Fergus O'Hanlon, who claimed Wilson showed him the corpse and assisted in burying it. The trial will continue before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy with a jury of ten men and two women.
The Special Criminal Court ruled that the murder trial of three Dublin men—Edward McGrath (32), Dean Evans (22), and Sharif Kelly (43)—cannot proceed as scheduled in July 2014. The defendants had pleaded not guilty to the killing of Peter Butterly (35) on 6 March 2013 at the Huntsman Inn car park. The court noted that the Director of Public Prosecution intends to call former co‑accused David Cullen (30) to give evidence, an unprecedented move. Cullen had been jailed for 3½ years for unlawful possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol and a nolle prosequi was entered on the murder count. The State's counsel said disclosure material was still pending and further letters from defence were received. The judge set a disclosure hearing for 17 July and suggested the trial might start in October, pending completion of disclosure and other procedural matters. The defendants remain not guilty on all charges.
At the Central Criminal Court, Darren Wynne (21) of Ballyroe, Athy, County Kildare was re-arraigned on charges relating to the death of Jamie Lindsay (20) at Coney Green, Coneyboro, Athy on April 6, 2013. Wynne pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The Director of Public Prosecutions did not accept the plea. Evidence was heard from the deceased's former partner regarding a prior incident in March 2013, and from a witness who testified that Wynne attended his house after the shooting, stating he had fired a weapon and later mentioning he had shot his friend. Wynne also pleaded guilty to possession of a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges in suspicious circumstances. Two co-accused, Quentin Monaghan (21) of Tullamoy, Stradbally, County Laois and James Seery (21) of Canal Side, Athy, were re-arraigned and pleaded guilty to manslaughter and to the same firearms offence; those pleas were accepted by the DPP. The trial continues before Justice Garrett Sheehan.
In April 2011, David Patchell, aged 25, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Stephen O'Halloran, who was shot to death in a car on Kilmartin Drive, Tallaght, on 19 January 2009. Patchell, a former Shamrock Rovers under‑21 player, denied the murder but was found guilty by a Central Criminal Court jury. He was also cleared of attempting to murder two other men but convicted of causing them serious harm on the same occasion. During the trial, Patchell admitted participation in the shooting, claiming he acted under duress because he was threatened that he and his parents would be killed if he did not take part. His defence counsel sought to use duress as a defence, a first for a murder case in Ireland. The Court of Criminal Appeal ruled that duress is not available for murder. Patchell appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing a point of law of exceptional public importance.
Diane Ward, 44, of Harrison Place, Charleville, pleaded guilty to manslaughter for smothering her eight‑year‑old son Anthony on 3 September 2012. She had previously pleaded not guilty to murder but later admitted manslaughter. The court noted that Ward had taken a significant overdose before Anthony's death and that she feared no one would care for him if she committed suicide. A rift over Anthony's ADHD treatment and school return added pressure. Dr Helen O Neill reported Ward's mental state as stable and cheerful, with low acute risk but ongoing concerns about long‑term suicide risk. Mr Justice Barry White imposed a seven‑year suspended sentence, ordering Ward to attend Carrigmore as a voluntary patient under Dr Martin Lawlor's regime until deemed suitable for community return. The sentence reflects the court's view that a non‑custodial approach was appropriate given Ward's mental state and the father's charitable stance.
A jury of ten members failed to reach a verdict in the trial of Vesel Jahiri, aged 33, who was accused of stabbing his former partner, Anna Finnegan, aged 25, in Dublin on 21 September 2012. The jury deliberated for more than ten hours over three days before the foreman informed Judge Paul McDermott that further time would not lead to an agreement. Jahiri pleaded not guilty to both the murder of Finnegan and to assault causing harm to her brother Karl on the same date. The judge thanked the jury for their entitlement to disagree.
In a High Court extradition hearing, Francis Lanigan, 49, contested his transfer to Northern Ireland over a murder case. He was arrested in January 2013 on an extradition warrant linked to the 1998 killing of John Knocker in Dungannon. Lanigan's counsel, Dr Michael Forde SC, argued that Lanigan feared a "significant risk to his life" if surrendered to Northern Irish authorities, citing a letter from the Northern Ireland Prison Service and a retired solicitor's testimony. The counsel also challenged the admissibility of the letter as hearsay, comparing it to newspaper reports that branded Lanigan a "dead man" if returned. The Minister's counsel accepted the letter under European arrest warrant provisions. Dr Forde referenced the Faisal al‑Sadoon case to highlight potential human rights violations. Lanigan had been remanded until July 24, and Justice Deirdre Murphy reserved judgment.
Samual McGuinness, a 23-year-old GAA player from Rush, appeared at Balbriggan District Court where his sentencing was adjourned. He pleaded guilty to assaulting Patrick Butterly, causing him harm on October 5th last year, outside a takeaway in Rush. The court heard that the assault resulted in a broken jaw, stitches, and significant medical costs for the victim. Judge Dermot Dempsey noted the severity of the injuries but stated he could not change jurisdiction to the Circuit Court due to the guilty plea. McGuinness's solicitor indicated that the defendant had accepted an apology from the victim and requested a Restorative Justice Programme report. The court was informed of a communication error with Probation Services regarding the report's readiness. Consequently, Judge Dempsey adjourned the case until October 23rd to allow for the Restorative Justice Programme. McGuinness was remanded on continuing bail until that date. The matter remains pending and has not been finalised.
Balbriggan District Court heard various matters. James Reid pleaded guilty to hit and run, failing to stop, failing to provide information, failing to keep the vehicle at the scene, failing to report the incident, and having no tax. Judge Dermot Dempsey convicted Reid, fined him €400 for the hit and run offences, fined him €100 for no tax, and disqualified him from driving for six months. Piotr Boryslawski pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis. The judge ordered him to pay €300 to the Molly McNally Trust Fund by month's end, stating the charge would be struck out if paid. Several defendants were remanded on continuing bail. James Walsh, charged with cultivating cannabis, was adjourned to September 18 for service of the Book of Evidence. Gareth Lokko, alleged to have breached a barring order and caused criminal damage, was remanded to July 24. Kevin Harmon, alleged to have assaulted another man causing harm, was remanded to September 25 for DPP directions. Lorna Daly, alleged to have stolen petrol and used a false registration plate, was remanded to July 24 for a plea. Jandean Hyland, charged with assault causing harm, was remanded to July 31. Stephane Mbama, alleged to have dangerous driving and driving without insurance, was remanded to July 31. Michael Bollard, alleged to have breached a safety order, was granted bail with conditions and adjourned to July 17.
At the Central Criminal Court, the trial of Darren Wynne, Quentin Monaghan, and James Seery for the alleged murder of Jamie Lindsay in Athy, Co. Kildare, continued before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan. Wynne, 21, of Ballyroe, Athy, initially pleaded not guilty to murder but changed his plea to guilty for manslaughter. However, the Director of Public Prosecutions did not accept this plea. Wynne also pleaded guilty to possession of a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges in suspicious circumstances. Co-accused Monaghan, 21, of Tullamoy, Stradbally, and Seery, 21, of Canal Side, Athy, were rearraigned and both pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, pleas which were accepted by the DPP. Both men also pleaded guilty to possession of a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges in suspicious circumstances. The State alleged the defendants were part of a joint enterprise and that Lindsay was shot in the right eye at point-blank range. Wynne allegedly told gardai he shot Lindsay in the shoulder to kneecap him after Lindsay threatened him over missing drugs and his grandmother. The trial was adjourned and continues on Monday.
In February 2011, Warren (40) and Jeffrey Dumbrell (34) were sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering 33‑year‑old Christopher Cawley outside his flat on 29 October 2006. The conviction was the second time a Central Criminal Court jury found them guilty after the original conviction was quashed in July 2010. The brothers had pleaded not guilty, and during the trial one of them reportedly told the victim's daughter, "Your Daddy's gone now." In 2014, the Court of Criminal Appeal rejected their appeal. The appeal argued that the judge had failed to properly direct the jury on internet research, the victim's violent history, and joint enterprise. The court held that the judge's directions were clear, the evidence of prior convictions was admissible, and the charge on joint enterprise was adequate. The appeal was dismissed, leaving the life sentences in place.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Alan Wilson, 35, charged with the murder of 18‑year‑old Romanian teenager Marioara Rostas, is paused until the jury returns next week. The jury was expected to come back on Tuesday but is delayed by a legal issue. The case concerns the disappearance of Rostas on 6 January 2008 and the discovery of her body in a shallow grave on the Wicklow border four years later, with four bullet wounds to her head. Testimony included a phone call from Rostas to her brother in Romania, where she asked for her father to come get her. Prosecutor Fergus O'Hanlon testified that Wilson had shown him the corpse and assisted in burying it. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, will resume next week with a jury of ten men and two women. Alan Wilson pleaded not guilty.
The jury is still deliberating on the trial of Vesel Jahiri, 33, who has pleaded not guilty to the stabbing murder of Anna Finnegan, 25, at Allendale Glen, Clonsilla, on 21 September 2012. He also faces a not‑guilty plea for assault causing harm to Finnegan's brother Karl on the same day. The jury, composed of six men and four women, has been considering its verdict since Wednesday and will resume deliberations tomorrow.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 3 July 2014, the court ruled that David Cullen, aged 30, is competent to give evidence for the prosecution in the murder trial of Peter Butterly. Cullen, who was charged with the murder of Butterly, had pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol and was sentenced to three‑and‑a‑half years. He was no longer jointly indicted after his guilty plea, so the court found he could testify against the other accused. The other defendants – Edward McGrath (32), Dean Evans (22) and Sharif Kelly (43) – had pleaded not guilty to the murder and to possession of firearms. The trial was adjourned to Tuesday for further proceedings. The court's decision was described as "unprecedented" in the context of a former co‑accused giving evidence.
At the Special Criminal Court, David Cullen pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol at the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, on March 6, 2013. The court noted that Cullen is to act as a State witness against his co-accused, Edward McGrath, Dean Evans, and Sharif Kelly, who are charged with the murder of Peter Butterly. The Director of Public Prosecutions accepted Cullen's plea, and a nolle prosequi was entered on the murder count. Justice Iseult O'Malley stated the offence merited a ten-year sentence but reduced it to seven years due to Cullen's guilty plea, remorse, and cooperation. She proposed suspending the final three-and-a-half years of the sentence, dating from his March 2013 arrest, resulting in an effective custody period of three-and-a-half years. The court acknowledged Cullen's role in attempting to remove evidence and his renunciation of criminal activity. The matter was finalised with this sentencing proposal.
Two men have changed their pleas at the Central Criminal Court in relation to the death of a man in County Kildare in April 2013. Quentin Monaghan, aged 21, and James Seery, aged 21, initially pleaded not guilty to murder but today pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Both men also pleaded guilty to possession of a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges in suspicious circumstances on 6 April 2013. The Director of Public Prosecutions accepted both pleas. The charges relate to the death of Jamie Lindsay, aged 20, who was shot at Coneyboro estate in Athy. The State's case alleged that Monaghan and Seery provided material assistance to a third accused. A third man, Darren Wynne, remains on trial for murder. The trial is currently in legal argument, with the jury to return on Friday.
In a murder trial in Dublin, Vesel Jahiri, a Kosovo-born man from Louth Village, Dundalk, is accused of stabbing his former partner, Anna Finnegan, on 21 September 2012 at Allendale Glen, Clonsilla. He pleaded not guilty to both the murder of Finnegan and the assault causing harm to her brother, Karl. The Central Criminal Court had earlier noted that Jahiri and Finnegan had a ten‑year relationship that deteriorated dramatically, with two children and access issues. Mr Justice Paul McDermott instructed the jury that Jahiri's absence should not influence their decision and that verdicts must be based solely on the evidence presented. Prosecutor Patrick Marrinan urged the jury to focus on the events of that day, the physical evidence of Karl's injuries, and the fact that Finnegan was stabbed by Jahiri.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, a Dublin man, David Cullen, 29, who had been charged with the murder of Peter Butterly, agreed to become a prosecution witness against his three co‑accused. Cullen, of Brackenwood Avenue, Balbriggan, had previously been charged alongside Edward McGrath, 32, Dean Evans, 22, and Sharif Kelly, 43, for the March 6, 2013 killing of Butterly, a 35‑year‑old father of two, at the Huntsman Inn car park in Gormanston, Co. Meath. Cullen made a voluntary statement to Gardaí and indicated he would plead guilty to a firearms offence under Section 27A of the Firearms Act, a plea acceptable to the Director of Public Prosecutions. The Director therefore requested that Cullen be called as a witness in the case against the other three accused. Cullen's arraignment and sentencing were postponed until the following day, and the prosecution has stated it will not call him to give evidence until after he has been sentenced. Edward McGrath pleaded not guilty. Dean Evans pleaded not guilty. Sharif Kelly pleaded not guilty.
In a 2008 murder trial, 18‑year‑old Marioara Rostas was reported missing after a phone call to her brother in Romania, where she pleaded for her father to come get her. Her body was later found in a shallow grave on the Wicklow border, with four bullet wounds to the head. The accused, 35‑year‑old Alan Wilson, pleaded not guilty. Evidence included a description of a man in a silver Ford Mondeo who allegedly took Marioara to a McDonald's, and a lock on a bedroom in Wilson's house. Ballistics expert Detective Garda Shane Curran examined bullets from the house and from Marioara's body, noting they were of the same calibre but could not confirm they came from the same firearm. The trial proceeded to legal argument before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of ten men and two women.
The Court of Criminal Appeal has reserved judgement on an appeal by Thomas O'Connor, 26, who was jailed for life for murdering John O'Brien, 22, in 2010. O'Connor struck O'Brien with a 1.6‑kg rock after a night of drinking, causing catastrophic head injuries. He admitted the killing to Gardaí but pleaded not guilty. In December 2011 a Central Criminal Court jury found him guilty. The appeal argues the trial judge erred in ruling no self‑defence evidence existed; the court will reserve its decision.
The Special Criminal Court has set a judgment date of 15 July for the 29‑day trial of Wayne Dundon (36) and Nathan Killeen (24), who were charged with the murder of 35‑year‑old Limerick businessman Roy Collins. The accused pleaded not guilty. The prosecution alleged that Dundon directed the murder from prison, Killeen acted as getaway driver, and James Dillon fired the single shot that killed Collins at Coin Castle Amusements on 9 April 2009. During the hearing, Mr Steve Collins, the victim's father, recounted the day's events, noting that his son had been at work when the gunman entered the arcade and that Collins was shot in the chest. Collins was conscious for a short time before his life could not be saved. The court will deliver its judgment on 15 July.
Three men were arraigned at the Central Criminal Court, where all pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Jamie Lindsay (20) at Coney Green, Coneyboro, Athy, Co. Kildare, on April 6, 2013. Darren Wynne (21), Quentin Monaghan (21), and James Seery (21) face charges including possession of a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life. While Wynne pleaded guilty to possessing a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges in suspicious circumstances, he and the other two defendants maintained not guilty pleas regarding the murder and other firearm offenses. The State alleges Seery and Monaghan were part of a joint enterprise. Prosecution evidence includes garda interview memos in which Monaghan stated Wynne pointed a gun at his head and forced him to drive, claiming he did not know Lindsay was to be shot. Wynne allegedly told gardai he intended only to injure Lindsay, who he described as his best friend, over a dispute involving missing drugs and threats. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis testified that the cause of death was a shotgun wound to the head, with the right eye destroyed and extensive skull fractures, indicating the weapon was discharged from a couple of feet away. The matter is currently in legal argument, with evidence continuing on Wednesday.
Caroline Roche, 52, of Ballyedmond Monamolin, was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the murder of her partner Walter Plunkett, 84, on 20 June. A report read to the court on 30 June detailed her treatment at the Central Medical Hospital in Dundrum. Dr Paul O'Connell, a forensic psychiatrist, noted that trial‑related stress had caused short‑term destabilisation but that her mental state had improved and she remains psychotic. Mr Justice Barry White ordered her commitment to the hospital.
In a trial for the murder of Anna Finnegan, the jury was instructed not to infer anything from the accused's absence. Vesel Jahiri, a Louth Village resident originally from Kosovo, pleaded not guilty to both the murder of Finnegan and an assault on her brother Karl. The Central Criminal Court had previously noted their ten‑year relationship and the deterioration that led to the fatal incident. Judge Paul McDermott announced that the trial could not proceed that day, as Jahiri was not present, and would resume the next day after all evidence had been heard.
In 2008, a 35‑year‑old man, Alan Wilson, was charged with murdering his daughter, Marioara Rostas, who disappeared on 6 January 2008 after a brief stay in Dublin. Wilson, who had moved from Romania to Ireland with his family in late 2007, left his son and daughter at home to get food and returned to find the girl missing. He waited three hours, then went to a Garda station but was not understood. He reported her missing on 9 January, three days after her disappearance. Witnesses saw a young Romanian girl begging at the junction of Pearse Street and Lombard Street that Sunday. Wilson's alleged murder scene was a three‑storey house on Brabazon Street, where a fire had been extinguished on 29 February 2008. Garda Daniel McCarthy investigated the house, noting possible accelerant use and a burnt fuel can. In October 2008, Wilson was investigated again for the disappearance.
In the Special Criminal Court, the prosecution's case against Wayne Dundon, Nathan Killeen and a third man for the 2009 murder of businessman Roy Collins at Coin Castle Amusements hinges on the claim that Killeen "made a run for it" after the shooting. The court heard that Collins was shot in the chest by a gunman, survived briefly, then died. Dundon is alleged to have directed the murder from prison, Killeen was the getaway driver, and James Dillon the gunman. Killeen's counsel argued that the prosecution relied mainly on "gang associates" whose testimony was untrustworthy, and that the only evidence against Killeen was that he fled the scene, as seen by Garda David Baynham who observed him running from a patrol car minutes after the incident. The trial's closing speeches will continue on Monday. Wayne Dundon pleaded not guilty. Nathan Killeen pleaded not guilty. Roy Collins pleaded not guilty.
The trial of Darren Wynne, Quentin Monaghan, and James Seery continues before the Central Criminal Court, with Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan presiding. All three defendants, aged 21, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Jamie Lindsay (20) at Coney Green, Coneyboro, Athy, Co. Kildare, on April 6, 2013. Mr Wynne also pleaded not guilty to possessing a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life, though he pleaded guilty to possessing a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges in suspicious circumstances. Mr Monaghan and Mr Seery pleaded not guilty to possessing a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges with intent to endanger life, as well as possessing such items in suspicious circumstances. Prosecution evidence includes garda interview memos where Mr Wynne alleged Mr Lindsay threatened to rape his grandmother and burn his house. Mr Wynne stated he intended only to injure Mr Lindsay over a dispute regarding missing cannabis. The court heard that Mr Lindsay was shot in the right eye at point-blank range. The State alleges Mr Seery and Mr Monaghan were part of a joint enterprise. The matter is ongoing before a jury of eight men and four women.
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, the body of 18‑year‑old Romanian teenager Marioara Rostas was found in a shallow grave in a foetal position four years after she disappeared. The body, discovered by former Deputy State Pathologist Dr Khalid Jabbar at Kippure woodland on 23 January 2012, was wrapped in dark plastic bags and secured with duct tape. Dr Jabbar's post‑mortem revealed four gunshot entrance wounds to the front half of her head, with metallic fragments recovered from the skull. The 35‑year‑old defendant, Alan Wilson of New Street Gardens, is charged with her murder and has pleaded not guilty. Wilson allegedly showed a corpse to a friend, Fergus O'Hanlon, who testified that Wilson had assisted in burying the body. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, is expected to last three to four weeks.
In a trial for the murder of Anna Finnegan, the jury heard that Vesel Jahiri first learned of her death on the radio the day after the incident. Jahiri, who pleaded not guilty to both the murder and an assault on Finnegan's brother Karl, explained that he was upset and entered the house to confront Karl, who he said had a knife. He claimed he had taken a knife from Karl after an altercation and that he had stabbed Finnegan in a fit of anger, though he denied doing so. The prosecution presented evidence that Finnegan was stabbed in the chest and head while she fled, and that Jahiri had moved her body to the back of a car. Jahiri also testified that he had spoken to Helga Duffy the night of the incident, saying something bad had happened. The trial continues before a jury and Judge Paul McDermott.
Three men faced murder charges at the Central Criminal Court following the death of a twenty-year-old in County Kildare in April 2013. Darren Wynne, Quentin Monaghan, and James Seery all pleaded not guilty to murdering Jamie Lindsay at Coneyboro, Athy. Wynne additionally pleaded not guilty to possession of a sawn-off shotgun with intent to endanger life, though he admitted possession of the weapon in suspicious circumstances. Monaghan and Seery pleaded not guilty to related firearms charges. During proceedings, the prosecution presented garda interview notes in which Wynne told officers the deceased had threatened him over missing money and made threats toward his grandmother's home. Wynne stated he obtained a sawn-off shotgun from a graveyard and claimed he only intended to shoot Lindsay in the kneecap. He told gardai he fired a single shot believing it struck the shoulder, and that he did not mean to kill him. The State contends Monaghan and Seery were part of a joint enterprise in the incident. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan, continues before a jury.
In a non‑jury trial at the Special Criminal Court, Limerick man Wayne Dundon, aged 36, and Nathan Killeen, aged 24, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 35‑year‑old businessman Roy Collins, who was shot at Coin Castle Amusements on 9 April 2009. Prosecution counsel Sean Guerin presented a joint‑enterprise case, arguing that Dundon was the "moving spirit" who directed the operation, Killeen acted as the instrument and means, and James Dillon fired the fatal shot. Guerin cited Dundon's 2005 conviction for threatening to kill a stepson, his subsequent 10‑year sentence, and a motive of vengeance for what he believed the Collins family had done to him. He also referenced Dundon's emotional phone call to his wife after the birth of their child, which he claimed demonstrated intent. Dundon's defence counsel Remy Farrell challenged the credibility of witnesses Gareth Collins and Anthony McCarthy, urging strict scrutiny of their testimony. The trial continues under Judge Iseult O'Malley.
In the trial of Vesel Jahiri, a man from Louth Village, Dundalk, accused of murdering his former partner Anna Finnegan in Dublin on 21 September 2012, the jury was informed that the evidence he gave the previous day had been 'whitewashed'. Jahiri, who pleaded not guilty to both the murder and an assault on Finnegan's brother Karl, was cross‑examined by Mr Patrick Marrinan SC. The prosecution read to the jury excerpts from Garda interviews in which Jahiri admitted to hitting Finnegan, pushing her back, and that she had tried to hit him with a pan. He also admitted to threatening her with a gun and saying he would kill her and her sister Lisa if he did not see his children. The prosecution also questioned Jahiri about smashing the door at Finnegan's house, his claim that Karl was a gangster, and the knife used in the alleged stabbing.
In a Dublin murder trial, a 35‑year‑old man, Alan Wilson, stands accused of killing 18‑year‑old Romanian Roma teenager Marioara Rostas in January 2008. Prosecutor Seán Gillane presented evidence that Rostas, who had moved to Dublin with her family in late 2007, was last seen with a man in a silver Ford Mondeo. Wilson allegedly drove the car, killed Rostas with four gunshot wounds to the head, and concealed her body in a shallow grave at Kippure forest. Witnesses, including Wilson's friend Fergus O'Hanlon, testified that Wilson transported the corpse in the car's boot, buried it, and burned her belongings. The case is proceeding before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy with a jury of ten men and two women, and is expected to last three to four weeks. Alan Wilson pleaded not guilty.
The trial of James Seery, Quentin Monaghan, and Darren Wynne, all 21, continues before the Central Criminal Court under Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan. The three men are accused of murdering Jamie Lindsay at Coney Green, Coneyboro, Athy, Co. Kildare, on April 6, 2013. All three pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. Mr. Wynne also pleaded not guilty to possessing a sawn-off shotgun with intent to endanger life but pleaded guilty to possessing a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges in suspicious circumstances. Mr. Seery and Mr. Monaghan pleaded not guilty to both possession charges. Deputy State Pathologist Dr. Michael Curtis testified that Mr. Lindsay died from a shotgun wound to the head, specifically a discharge to the right eye at point-blank range. He noted extensive skull fractures and blunt force injuries, while confirming the deceased had a blood alcohol level of 128mg per cent and cannabis in his system. The prosecution alleges Mr. Wynne fired the weapon after luring the victim into the open, with Mr. Seery and Mr. Monaghan participating in a joint enterprise. The trial is ongoing before a jury of eight men and four women.
Swords District Court heard multiple matters. Charges against Shane Langan and Kieran Kennedy for mutual assault were withdrawn following an agreement on the division of blame. Sean Cullen, alleged to have breached a protection order, was remanded on continuing bail with strict conditions, including residing at his father's house and remaining sober. Thomas Nicholson, charged with stealing an €18,000 mini digger, was remanded on bail for DPP directions. Luke Nestor pleaded guilty to theft; the judge ordered 200 hours of voluntary work before considering conviction. Jason Mitchell pleaded guilty to cannabis possession and was convicted and fined €200. Mateusz Sniezek pleaded guilty to drink driving and was disqualified for three years, with the ban postponed until December 1st. Oksana Smirnova pleaded guilty to failing to provide a sample; she was convicted, fined €650, and disqualified for four years. Brendan Hill pleaded guilty to public order offences and was fined €300 in total.
Three men have pleaded not guilty to the murder of a twenty-year-old man in County Kildare in April 2013. James Seery, Quentin Monaghan, and Darren Wynne appeared before the Central Criminal Court charged with the killing of Jamie Lindsay at Coney Green, Coneyboro, Athy. Wynne also faces a charge of possession of a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life, though he has pleaded guilty to possession of a shotgun in suspicious circumstances on the same date. Seery and Monaghan have pleaded not guilty to further counts of weapons possession. During the trial, a witness testified that she observed one of the accused discharge a firearm at close range. She described the events leading to the shooting and stated that the accused subsequently disposed of the weapon and clothing. The trial continues before a jury at the Central Criminal Court with Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan presiding.
A Dublin man, Wesley Kelly (20), has been sentenced to eight years with the final year and a half suspended for the manslaughter of a German student, Thomas Heinrich, in 2012. Another Dublin teenager was sentenced to nine years with the final two suspended for the murder of the student. The incident occurred on St Anthony's Road in Rialto on December 1, 2012, when Thomas Heinrich (22) and Robert Rinker (25) were stabbed. Mr Rinker survived but Mr Heinrich died from injuries sustained. Wesley Kelly had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, which was accepted by the Director of Public Prosecutions. He was found guilty of assault causing harm to Mr Rinker by a majority verdict of 11 to 1. The jury failed to reach a verdict on whether he was guilty of murdering Mr Heinrich. The 17-year-old had pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Heinrich and to assault causing harm to Mr Rinker but was found guilty of both charges by unanimous decision in May. The court heard that Mr Rinker suffered post-traumatic stress disorder and physical and psychological scarring. Mr Heinrich sustained three fatal stab wounds and was bleeding heavily from his stomach before being removed from the scene. The court heard that the aggravating factors included the use of knives and premeditation, while mitigating factors included the ages of the guilty parties and their previous good character. The matter was adjourned and never described as concluded or finalised.
The trial of Alan Wilson, 35, charged with murdering 18‑year‑old Marioara Rostas in Dublin in 2008, will open on Wednesday. Wilson pleaded not guilty. He was arraigned at the Central Criminal Court last week and a jury was sworn in. The trial was scheduled to start Monday but was delayed because two jurors could not serve, leading to the jury's discharge. A new jury was then sworn in, with Justice Paul Carney reminding them of their commitment to serve until a verdict. The trial is expected to last three to four weeks.
In a Dublin court, Wesley Kelly, aged 20, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in the 2012 stabbing of German student Thomas Heinrich, 22, on St Anthony's Road. Kelly was also found guilty of assault causing harm to Robert Rinker, 25, who survived the attack. The jury could not decide on Kelly's murder charge. A 17‑year‑old, whose name is withheld, pleaded not guilty to both murder and assault but was found guilty of both by unanimous verdict after three days of deliberation. The court heard that Heinrich suffered three fatal stab wounds and died from haemorrhage and shock. Rinker suffered post‑traumatic stress disorder. Character references described Kelly as a quiet young man and a first‑time offender. Sentencing was adjourned to the following morning by Mr Justice Barry White.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, two Limerick men, Wayne Dundon, 36, and Nathan Killeen, 24, have pleaded not guilty to the murder of businessman Roy Collins, 35, who was killed at Coin Castle Amusements on 9 April 2009. The court heard that Collins was at work when a gunman fired a single shot, killing him. Prosecutors say Dundon directed the murder from prison, Killeen was the getaway driver, and James Dillon was the gunman. The trial, which began 1 May, is a 'voir dire' to determine admissibility of evidence, presided over by Justice Iseult O'Malley.
The trial of three men accused of murdering a 20-year-old in County Kildare opened at the Central Criminal Court this week. James Seery and Quentin Monaghan, both aged 21, pleaded not guilty to murder, whilst Darren Wynne, also 21, pleaded not guilty to the same charge. Wynne additionally pleaded not guilty to possession of a sawn-off shotgun with intent to endanger life, though he admitted possession of the firearm in suspicious circumstances. Seery and Monaghan denied further counts of possessing a sawn-off shotgun with intent to endanger life. The prosecution alleges that Jamie Lindsay was fatally shot at Coney Green, Athy on 6 April 2013. Opening the State's case, counsel contended that Wynne discharged the weapon, whilst Seery and Monaghan provided material assistance through driving and luring the victim to the scene. Witnesses testified that Lindsay had been shouting on the phone shortly before the fatal shooting occurred. The trial continues before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan.
In the Roy Collins murder trial, the main prosecution witness, Gareth Collins, admitted he had mistakenly implicated Wayne Dundon in the 2002 murder of bouncer Brian Fitzgerald, a crime Dundon could not have committed because he was in prison that night. Collins explained that he had hidden under a bed when Dundon called for him, but he had actually run upstairs and hidden under a bed when he saw a car arrive that night, and his mother answered the door. Collins had previously testified that Dundon offered him €20,000 to take part in the 2009 murder of Roy Collins, which Dundon directed from prison, with Nathan Killeen as getaway driver and James Dillon as gunman. The trial continues before three judges presided over by Ms Justice Iseult O'Malley. Roy Collins pleaded not guilty.
In a Wexford murder case, Caroline Roche, aged 52, was found not guilty by reason of insanity for killing her partner Walter Plunkett in 2012. The trial, lasting three days, highlighted Roche's 30‑year history of schizoaffective disorder, repeated hospitalisations and medication non‑compliance. Her defence argued that her illness removed her capacity to form intent, citing Dr Wright's expert testimony that she did not understand the nature or wrongness of her act. The judge, Mr Justice Barry White, reinforced this view, stating that Roche's mental illness meant she could not refrain from the act. The jury, composed of six men and six women, delivered a unanimous verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity after 24 minutes, and the judge exempted them from further service for five years.
In a 2014 murder trial, an 84‑year‑old man died of asphyxia after an attack at his Wexford home in 2012. State Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy testified that the victim's death was caused by hypoxia from chest trauma, with fractured ribs and dislocated finger joints. She described injuries to the right eye, mouth, and back of the scalp consistent with punches and a struggle. The accused, Caroline Roche, 52, pleaded not guilty on grounds of insanity. Dr Brenda Wright, a forensic psychiatrist, explained Roche's history of psychiatric admissions, delusions involving the devil, and a belief that the victim had threatened her. Roche had stopped medication a week before the incident and claimed she felt "strong" during the assault, stating she had broken the victim's fingers after death. The trial was set to continue before Mr Justice White and a jury of twelve.