A 22-year-old man from Castlebar, County Mayo has been sentenced to life imprisonment following his conviction for the murder of his mother at the Central Criminal Court. The accused had admitted manslaughter but pleaded not guilty to murder. A jury unanimously found him guilty of murder after approximately two hours of deliberation. The victim, a 46-year-old woman, was fatally stabbed on 9 March 2011 at their family home. Evidence presented during the eight-day trial established that the accused was under the influence of amphetamines, methamphetamines and cannabis at the time. The court heard testimony regarding the accused's long-standing substance abuse and psychological deterioration in the days preceding the killing. His defence submissions centred on arguments of diminished responsibility and lack of intent due to intoxication, both of which the jury rejected. The victim's family issued a victim impact statement expressing their devastation and hope that no other families would suffer similarly through drug abuse.
Lawyers for Wayne Dundon, aged 35, have requested the Special Criminal Court to adjourn his upcoming trial for the murder of local businessman Roy Collins, also aged 35, which occurred on 9 April 2009 at Coin Castle Amusements, Roxboro Road Shopping Centre, Limerick. Dundon and Nathan Killeen, aged 23, are charged with Collins' murder and are scheduled to stand trial on 29 April. Counsel Remy Farrell SC applied for the adjournment, arguing that the trial could not realistically conclude within the four‑to‑five‑week period set aside and citing issues with the disclosure of evidence. He also indicated that the defence intends to seek judicial review in the High Court regarding this and other evidence. Counsel for Killeen, Keith Spencer BL, wished to make a similar application.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court will begin deliberating tomorrow in the case of a Castlebar man charged with murdering his mother. Celyn Eadon of Derrycrieve, Islandeady is accused of killing Noreen Kelly at their home in March 2011. The 22-year-old admits to her manslaughter but denies murder. The defence argued that drug use from childhood caused a mental disorder that diminished his responsibility, or that intoxication prevented him forming intent to kill. The prosecution contended he was not suffering from mental disorder and that the disappearance of his drugs from his room may have triggered the fatal attack. Medical evidence presented conflicting accounts regarding whether the accused had a mental disorder. The eight-day trial concluded with closing arguments from both the defence and State. Mr Justice Paul Carney instructed the jury of seven men and five women that their task would be difficult. The unnamed man pleaded not guilty.
The Central Criminal Court heard evidence in the ongoing murder trial of Anthony Locke (35), from Prussia Street, Dublin, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Christopher Jackson (53) on 7 September 2012. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis testified that the deceased sustained over 70 stab wounds, including one penetrating the right lung, which was the cause of death. Dr Curtis noted that the wound patterns suggested more than one weapon was used and that the fatal chest injury would have killed the victim within minutes, though he may have remained mobile for several minutes. The body was discovered in a foetal position inside a wardrobe, concealed by plastic bags and bedding. Detective Garda Louise O'Loughlin stated that a hacksaw with a missing blade and other bloodstained items were removed from the wardrobe. The trial continues before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan. Separately, Bernard Locke (41), from Ramillies Road, Ballyfermot, is awaiting sentence after pleading guilty last week to the murder of Mr Jackson. The validated procedural stage for Bernard Locke is sentence, while Anthony Locke's trial remains in progress.
At the Central Criminal Court, three mental health professionals gave conflicting evidence in the murder trial of a man accused of killing his mother in Castlebar, County Mayo. Celyn Eadon, aged 22, of Derrycrieve, Islandeady, admits manslaughter but denies murder in connection with the death of Noreen Kelly on 9 March 2011. Ms Kelly, aged 46, died from multiple stab wounds at their home. Two defence witnesses, a senior clinical psychologist and a consultant forensic psychiatrist, both based at the Central Mental Hospital, testified that the accused suffered from drug-induced brain impairment and substance-induced psychosis at the time of the incident. However, a prosecution consultant forensic psychiatrist concluded the accused did not meet the legal threshold for mental illness under the Criminal Law Insanity Act. He stated that extreme intoxication, while present, is excluded from that definition. The trial before Mr Justice Paul Carney continues. Celyn Eadon pleaded not guilty.
During a murder trial in Dublin, the prosecution presented evidence that Christopher Jackson, aged 53, was stabbed more than 70 times before his body was hidden in a bedroom wardrobe. Anthony Locke, 35, pleaded not guilty to the murder. His brother, Bernard Locke, 41, had pleaded guilty to the same offence. The prosecution read statements from Locke made to Garda investigators, in which he described dragging the body from the kitchen to the wardrobe and claimed he had not personally stabbed Jackson. Locke also admitted to being present at the victim's flat on numerous occasions prior to the murder. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan, is expected to last two weeks and is being heard before a jury of 12 members.
A 21‑year‑old, Michael Kinsella of Swiftbrook Close, Tallaght, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Adil Essalhi in Tyrrelstown, Co. Dublin, on 6 January 2011. A jury has been sworn in for his trial, which is set to begin on Thursday and is expected to last two weeks.
In a case heard at Cloverhill District Court, the judge was informed that 34‑year‑old Saverio Bellante, accused of murdering pro‑life campaigner Tom O'Gorman, is currently in the Central Mental Hospital. Bellante, a customer‑service agent from Palermo, was arrested after admitting guilt in a prior hearing. The state solicitor described the case as complicated and ongoing, and Vincent Maloney requested a four‑week remand to allow the Director of Public Prosecutions to compile a file, as two weeks were deemed insufficient. The defence sought legal aid and counsel for Bellante, citing his serious mental condition and inability to give a statement. Affidavits from Bellante's brother and sister were to be presented. The case was adjourned to 27 February. Tom O'Gorman, aged 39, was found dead at his Castleknock home on 12 January, with a post‑mortem conducted by Professor Marie Cassidy. The investigation remains active.
Brian Rattigan, aged 32, lives on Cooley Road, Drimnagh, Dublin. He was convicted of murder in 2009 after stabbing Declan Gavin, aged 21, outside a Crumlin Shopping Centre restaurant on 25 August 2001. The jury found him guilty and he received a life sentence. He also serves 17 years for directing heroin supply while imprisoned. In February the Court of Criminal Appeal dismissed his appeal against the murder conviction. In December the CCA asked the Supreme Court to refer the case, citing exceptional public importance. The case was reheard today because the CCA judge, Mr Justice Michael Hanna, is seriously ill. Mr Brendan Grehan SC argued the trial was unfair because a witness whose statement was read into evidence could not be cross‑examined and that the trial judge overstepped jurisprudence.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Celyn Eadon, accused of murdering his mother Noreen Kelly in Castlebar, has heard evidence regarding the deceased's injuries and the accused's mental state. Ms Kelly, 46, died of multiple stab wounds on March 9, 2011. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis testified that he found 19 stab wounds, slash wounds, and bruises on the body, with injuries penetrating the brain, severing a jugular vein, and damaging the heart and liver. He attributed death to catastrophic haemorrhaging. Mr Eadon, 22, has pleaded not guilty to her murder at the address, while admitting to manslaughter. The prosecution closed its case, and the defence called two medical witnesses. Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist Dr Paul O'Connell stated that Mr Eadon began using drugs at age 10 and was likely experiencing substance-induced psychosis at the time of the killing, which could affect his capacity to form specific intent. Senior Clinical Psychologist Dr Ken O'Reilly concluded that the accused suffered from organic brain impairment secondary to polysubstance misuse. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Carney and a jury.
During a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, Detective Inspector Kevin Daly gave evidence about how a dead body was found in a wardrobe in a Dublin flat. The accused, a 35‑year‑old man, is charged with murdering Christopher Jackson, 53, on 7 September 2012. Anthony Locke, the accused, pleaded not guilty. Bernard Locke, his brother, pleaded guilty to the murder. Daly explained that a cousin of the accused first contacted the Gardaí after Bernard Locke called asking for help moving the deceased. Daly went to Prussia Street, where Bernard was present and agreed to a search. He then checked wardrobes in three flats, contacting the landlord Barbara Staunton. In the bedroom wardrobe, a heavy package wrapped in a duvet was found, which Daly believed to be the body and declared a crime scene.
During a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, Barbara Staunton testified that the deceased, Christopher Jackson, had threatened to kill her. Staunton, who had lived with Jackson before his death, said she had received threats from him weeks earlier. She described how Jackson had put his hands around her neck and threatened her with a knife. Staunton also claimed that both Anthony Locke and his brother Bernard Locke were involved in Jackson's murder, stating that Bernard stabbed Jackson in the heart. She recounted that she had spoken to Gardaí after the murder, expressing that she believed both men were responsible. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan, is expected to last two weeks. The jury consists of 3 women and 9 men. Anthony Locke pleaded not guilty. Bernard Locke pleaded guilty.
A 22-year-old man from Castlebar has admitted manslaughter but denies murder in connection with the death of his mother at their home in Derrycrieve, Islandeady on 9 March 2011. The Central Criminal Court heard that the accused disputed suggestions he killed his mother after she destroyed his drugs, instead claiming he acted while delusional. Detective Garda Róisín Loftus gave evidence of interviews conducted the day after the 46-year-old woman was found with multiple stab wounds. The court was told forensic analysis identified methamphetamine residue in charred packaging recovered from the family home. The accused stated he had consumed prescription medication and amphetamine in the hours before the incident and believed his medication had been tampered with. Medical evidence previously presented indicated he received a diagnosis of acute psychotic episode secondary to polysubstance abuse following his arrest. The trial before Mr Justice Paul Carney and jury continues. The unnamed 22-year-old pleaded not guilty.
In the Central Criminal Court, Stephanie Tuite, aged 20, was sentenced under the Probation Act for contempt of court after refusing to testify in the murder trial of Daniel McDonnell, who was jailed for life for killing 16‑year‑old Melanie McCarthy McNamara. McDonnell, 19, had written a letter to Tuite bragging about the murder, which was used as evidence. Tuite, listed as a prosecution witness, could not be located by the Gardaí during the trial; her statement was read to the jury instead. She was arrested on a bench warrant after the trial and apologized to the court through her barrister. Judge Paul Carney noted her fear of McDonnell and others, accepted her lack of prior convictions, and imposed a three‑month imprisonment under the Probation Act, allowing her to remain free pending future court appearances.
Diarmuid Connolly, a 25‑year‑old Dublin footballer, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Anthony Kelly, who sustained a fractured eye‑socket in an unprovoked attack at McGowan's pub in Phibsboro on 6 August 2012. Connolly had issued an unreserved apology, accepted by Kelly, and paid €5,000 to Barnardos and the Rape Crisis Centre, though Kelly declined compensation. Judge Patrick Clyne, after reviewing updated medical reports and Kelly's victim impact statement, described the assault as unprovoked and noted that Connolly's charitable donations exceeded the maximum fine the court could impose. The judge ordered Connolly to complete an anger‑management course and requested a certificate of completion, adjourned the case to May, and asked for a probation report. Connolly's offence carries a possible sentence of up to one year in prison.
In a Dublin court on 29 January 2014, architect Graham Dwyer, originally from Cork and residing in Foxrock, was served with an eight‑volume book of evidence in connection with the murder of childcare worker Elaine O'Hara, aged 37, who was last seen on 22 August 2012 and whose remains were found on Killakee Mountain in September 2013. Dwyer, who had been charged on 18 October 2013, pleaded not guilty, was denied bail, and appeared again at Cloverhill District Court. Judge Victor Blake informed him that the book of evidence would be served and that any alibi must be communicated to the prosecution within 14 days. Dwyer was ordered to be sent forward for trial to the Central Criminal Court on the single charge listed in the book. The court noted that the evidence comprised one volume of statements and seven volumes of exhibits, with over 300 statements and 800 exhibits collected by Gardaí.
At the Central Criminal Court, a 22-year-old man from Derrycrieve, Islandeady, Castlebar pleaded not guilty to murder but admitted manslaughter in connection with the death of his mother, Noreen Kelly, on March 9, 2011. The 46-year-old died of multiple stab wounds at their home. During proceedings before Mr Justice Paul Carney, the court heard evidence that the accused's behaviour had significantly altered following a violent assault he sustained aged twelve, when two men attacked him with implements whilst he was in a field. His mother's former partner testified that the incident profoundly affected the accused and that his mother had later expressed concern about his unwillingness to seek counselling. The witness also stated that the accused began using drugs months before Ms Kelly's death. A detective sergeant recalled that when arrested hours after the incident, the accused indicated his mother had attacked him first and that he had carried a knife. Hospital records subsequently documented that the accused tested positive for multiple controlled substances and received a diagnosis of acute psychotic episode.
The murder trial of Anthony Locke, 35, is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan. Locke, from Prussia Street, has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Christopher Jackson on 7 September 2012. His brother, Bernard Locke, 41, pleaded guilty to the same murder earlier this week. Witness Barbara Staunton testified that she was held at knife point by Anthony Locke while Bernard Locke took her partner into another room. She alleged that after Jackson was stabbed, Bernard Locke instructed Anthony Locke to "finish him off." Staunton stated that Bernard Locke subsequently asked her to have sex with him and threatened her life, forcing her to remain silent. She reported that the men told her to "act normal" when her sister visited. The court heard that Staunton had been addicted to heroin at the time. The trial, expected to last two weeks, continues with a jury of 12.
The trial of Celyn Eadon, charged with murdering his mother Noreen Kelly on March 9, 2011, continued at the Central Criminal Court. Eadon, then 22, has pleaded not guilty to murder but admits to manslaughter. Witness John Scott testified that he was having tea when a half-naked, injured teenager approached his kitchen window. Scott stated the young man claimed he had been abducted by aliens and experimented on, and that he had stabbed and possibly killed his mother. Scott provided the distressed man with tea, a cigarette, and a jacket before contacting the gardai. Sergeant David Tiernan testified that Eadon was arrested at Scott's home, where he claimed he did not realize the victim was his mother and that the house was filled with smoke. Psychiatrist Victor Ademaike examined Eadon later that day. Eadon told the doctor he could not recollect events from the previous evening until his arrest, citing the use of methamphetamine and cannabis. He stated he remembered arguing with his mother about her boyfriend and being chased. The psychiatrist diagnosed an acute psychotic episode secondary to polysubstance abuse. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Carney and a jury.
A 36‑year‑old Dublin man, Anthony Locke, is on trial for the murder of Christopher Jackson, 53, who died on 7 September 2012. Jackson's body was found wrapped and concealed in a wardrobe in his Prussia Street flat. Locke pleaded not guilty. His brother, Bernard Locke, 40, from Ramillies Road, has pleaded guilty to the murder and will be sentenced later. The prosecution, led by Conor Devally SC, opened the trial before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan and a jury of 12. The court heard that Jackson was stabbed to death at his home, with multiple stab wounds causing death or serious harm. Locke allegedly lived above Jackson's flat and had drugs in his house on the night of the murder. After the killing, attempts were made to conceal the body the following day. The trial is expected to last two weeks.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Andrew Gibney, aged 21, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Gerard Burnett, aged 28, in Mulhuddart on 21 August 2012. Burnett suffered 30 stab wounds after an attack by a group of men outside his girlfriend's house and died in hospital. Gibney pleaded not guilty but the jury, after four‑and‑a‑half hours, returned a 10‑2 guilty verdict. Judge Patrick McCarthy imposed a life sentence, back‑dating it to 28 August 2012 for time already spent in custody. The prosecution argued Gibney was part of a joint enterprise; testimony included accounts of a group of men armed with knives, a doorbell incident, and statements from Denise Farrell and Lee Dalton. The pathologist confirmed multiple fatal stab wounds to Burnett's head, lung, heart and liver. The judge thanked the jury and excused them from further service for ten years.
An Irishman, Eric Eoin Marques, who is alleged to be the owner and administrator of an anonymous hosting site known as Freedom Hosting, may seek judicial review of the DPP's decision not to prosecute him in Ireland. The 28-year-old, with an address at Mountjoy Square in central Dublin, has been in custody since his arrest in August last year. The charges against Mr Marques relate to images on over a hundred 'anonymous websites' described as being extremely violent, graphic and depicting the rape and torture of pre-pubescent children. The websites in question have 'thousands of members' who have posted 'millions of images' of child pornography. Some the children involved are infants, the FBI claim. Counsel for Mr Marques, Mr Mícheál P O'Higgins SC, this morning told the court that he and a new legal team had just come on record and on that basis he would ask for more time. He said his client was anxious to receive advice on the Damache case and the possibility of seeking judicial review on the same grounds. Mr O'Higgins asked for a three week adjournment in the case. The court heard that if convicted Mr Marques faces spending the remainder of his natural life in prison as the four charges could result in a sentence totalling 100 years. He remanded Mr Marques in custody until February 18.
A witness has testified at the Central Criminal Court regarding the death of a woman in County Mayo. The 19-year-old brother of the accused gave evidence via live television link in the trial of Celyn Eadon, aged 22, from Derrycrieve, Islandeady, Castlebar. Eadon admits to the manslaughter of Noreen Kelly at that address on 9 March 2011 but has pleaded not guilty to her murder. The woman, aged 46, died from multiple stab wounds. The witness described the accused's behaviour in the hours before the killing, stating he appeared intoxicated and distressed about missing drugs. He recalled his mother expressing fear and attempting to contact the gardaí for assistance that evening. The witness said he was awakened by screaming and discovered his mother injured. He contacted emergency services and attempted to provide aid. The trial, heard before a jury of seven men and five women, continues before Mr Justice Paul Carney.
Edward Piotrowski, a 48-year-old Polish man formerly of Edenderry, Co Offaly, must await the outcome of his appeal against his conviction for the rape and sexual assault of a woman. In January 2010, Mr Justice Peter Charleton sentenced Piotrowski to five concurrent life sentences after a Central Criminal Court jury convicted him of the November 25, 2007 attack. The life sentences were imposed on three counts of rape, one count of aggravated sexual assault, and one count of false imprisonment of the woman, all of which he had denied. Additionally, Piotrowski received concurrent terms of 10, five, and 10 years for aggravated burglary, assault, and false imprisonment of the victim's partner; he pleaded guilty to the assault charge but not guilty to the other two. All sentences were backdated to November 2007. At the Court of Criminal Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice Frank Clarke, counsel for Piotrowski argued that the trial judge erred in law regarding the presumption of innocence and the presentation of the defence case. The court also rejected Piotrowski's attempt to introduce new evidence, stating it would provide reasons for this decision later. The matter was adjourned as the court reserved its judgement on the appeal.
Daniel McDonnell, aged 19, was sentenced to life imprisonment after a jury found him guilty of murdering 16‑year‑old Melanie McCarthy McNamara. The murder occurred in Tallaght when a stolen black Hyundai Santa Fe fired a shot that struck Melanie in the head while she sat in the back seat with her boyfriend and his friend. The vehicle and weapon were abandoned in Citywest, and no fingerprints were found on the car, gun or cartridges. McDonnell had been arrested the week after the shooting and had made no statements to police, instead leaving graffiti in his cell. He later wrote letters to a friend and a former girlfriend that were deemed admissions of guilt. The trial lasted seven days, and the jury deliberated for 4 hours and 17 minutes before reaching a unanimous verdict. The judge imposed the mandatory life sentence for murder. The case was heard at Dublin Central Criminal Court. Daniel McDonnell pleaded not guilty.
In a Dublin murder trial, Andrew Gibney, aged 21, pleaded not guilty to the killing of Gerard Burnett, aged 28, who suffered 30 stab wounds and died shortly after the incident on 21 August 2012. Gibney admitted stabbing Burnett three times with a kitchen knife, claiming he was remorseful and had no intention to kill. Prosecutor Tom O'Connell argued that Gibney was part of a joint enterprise that collectively murdered Burnett, citing the seriousness of the injuries described by Pathologist Marie Cassidy. Defence counsel Giollaiosa O'Lideadha contended that Gibney had no plan to kill and that the prosecution had not proven he inflicted the fatal wounds. Judge Patrick McCarthy explained that common purpose could be tacit and that the jury must decide whether Gibney's actions constituted murder or manslaughter, noting that a lack of a causative chain could lead to acquittal. The judge would resume his address to the jury on Monday.
A Limerick man, Christopher McNamara, aged 21, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of retired soldier James Boyce, aged 71, who was killed between 6 and 7 March 2011 on St Munchins Street, St Mary's Park. The court heard that Boyce suffered fatal neck injuries from a long striking edge, with multiple larynx fractures. McNamara pleaded not guilty but confessed to the killing to his mother and admitted choking Boyce with the handle of a sweeping brush, demonstrating the act. He allegedly gave his mother a 42‑inch television the day after the murder and purchased a Toyota Corolla with €1,100 in fifty‑euro notes believed to have been taken from Boyce that night. CCTV footage of McNamara's movements on the murder night was shown to a jury of five women and seven men, who returned a unanimous guilty verdict after one and a half hours of deliberation.
A jury has begun deliberating the trial of 19‑year‑old Daniel McDonnell, charged with murdering 16‑year‑old Melanie McCarthy McNamara on 8 February 2012. McDonnell's barrister argued that the only evidence against him was two letters he wrote while in prison, described as "rants to his friend and girlfriend." One letter contained violent language, including "Close‑range head shots… Two in the head. The bitch is dead," and references to a loaded 12‑gauge. The other letter suggested a motive tied to a car incident. McDonnell pleaded not guilty. Defending counsel Patrick Marrinan SC noted the absence of any role for McDonnell in the murder, the lack of forensic evidence such as fingerprints on the vehicle or gun, and the lack of corroboration for the letters. He warned of the dangers of relying on uncorroborated confessions, citing cases where Irish men had falsely confessed.
In the trial of Andrew Gibney, 21, the court heard that he was seen with a knife before the stabbing of Gerard Burnett, 28, on 21 August 2012. A statement from Lee Dalton, who was drinking with a group of five men that night, was read by Mr Tom O'Connell SC. Dalton said the men had gone to Burnett's house to buy alcohol and that Gibney had taken a knife with a silver blade and silver handle to use if Burnett "got smart". Dalton also said he did not want to go with them and that he had been told by Gibney that he had no bad feelings toward Burnett. During cross‑examination, Detective Garda Tom Cooney confirmed that Dalton had seen a thick silver‑bladed knife and that he had seen four knives, one of which looked like the knife in Gibney's kitchen. Andrew Gibney pleaded not guilty.
The jury has begun deliberating the case of Christopher McNamara, a 21‑year‑old Limerick man, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of 71‑year‑old James Boyce. The trial, held at St Munchins Street, St Mary's Park, concerns Boyce's death between 6 and 7 March 2011. Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan explained that the defence has raised the question of whether the offence should be classified as murder or manslaughter. The prosecution, represented by Micheál P. O'Higgins SC, has argued that Boyce was a defenseless victim and that no help was called. The defence, also represented by Michael O'Higgins SC, has asked the jury to consider whether McNamara intended to kill or cause serious injury, citing Professor Marie Cassidy's evidence on the uncertainty of the cause of death. Mr Justice Sheehan noted that McNamara's statements to the Gardaí did not match the CCTV footage, and that people may lie for various reasons.
In a 2014 Central Criminal Court hearing, 19‑year‑old Daniel McDonnell, charged with the murder of 16‑year‑old Melanie McCarthy McNamara, admitted writing two letters from his St Patrick's Institution cell in March 2012. The letters, which he had asked prison staff to send to two recipients, contain boastful remarks about shooting McCarthy McNamara. One letter includes the lines "Close‑range head shots… Two in the head. The bitch is dead… Best night of my poxy life." The second letter references a "smell bag" and a "bullying my Ma" comment. McDonnell pleaded not guilty to the murder. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul Carney, has already heard the letters and related statements from prison staff and Garda investigators. The case remains at the trial stage, with no verdict yet reached.
In a 2014 Limerick murder case, Christopher McNamara, aged 21, pleaded not guilty to the killing of 71‑year‑old James Boyce. The prosecution urged the jury to consider the severe injuries inflicted on Boyce, who was beaten and strangled with a stick, including a fractured Adam's apple that could have caused death even in a healthy person. The State Pathologist, Marie Cassidy, confirmed the neck injuries were fatal. The prosecutor also highlighted a confession made by McNamara to his mother, Pauline Whelan, and the lack of any attempt to call for help after the assault. McNamara's defense counsel requested a verdict of manslaughter, arguing the case resembled a robbery gone wrong and that the accused was not in a state of mind to commit murder. Judge Garrett Sheehan was to address the jury before deliberation.
The trial of Andrew Gibney, aged 21, who is accused of murdering Gerard Burnett, aged 28, at Castlecurragh Vale, Mulhuddart on 21 August 2012, continues with legal argument. Gibney has pleaded not guilty, and the trial will resume in evidence this morning.
An 18‑year‑old Dublin youth is set to stand trial for alleged sexual assault of two teenage girls at a Dublin location in 2012. He is also charged with assault causing harm and using a cider can as a weapon during the alleged sexual assault. The youth denied the charges. The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed a trial on indictment, meaning the case will be heard in the Circuit Court, which has greater sentencing powers. He was remanded on bail and will appear again in March to be served with a book of evidence. His counsel, Kate O'Toole, told the judge that the defence intends to raise the issue of delay in bringing the case. The case will not be retained in the juvenile court because the accused had turned 18 at the time of the charges. Legal aid was granted and there was no objection to him remaining on bail.
The Court of Criminal Appeal announced that several appeals may require re-hearings due to the serious illness of Mr Justice Michael Hanna. Chief Justice Susan Denham stated that cases where judgement was reserved and no final decision determined will be reconstituted. This includes the appeal by former priest Tony Walsh (59), who is challenging separate sentences of 16 years and 15 months for rape and sexual abuse. It also affects the case of businessman Anthony Lyons (52), where the court previously found his six-month sentence for violent sexual assault "unduly lenient" but reserved reasons and the replacement sentence. Counsel for the DPP requested time to take instructions on the appropriate course. Additionally, the appeal by Brian Rattigan (32), serving a life sentence for the 2001 stabbing death of Declan Gavin, may need re-hearing as he seeks leave to appeal to the Supreme Court. The court fixed February 14 for the re-hearing of the conviction appeal by brothers Warren and Jeffrey Dumbrell, who were jailed for life for the murder of Christopher Cawley. In contrast, the case of Kevin McCardle (31), who caused three deaths in a head-on collision while over the alcohol limit, will not be reheard. Although the court found his four-year sentence (one suspended) "unduly lenient," judgement has been returned, and only the sentencing portion of his case has been adjourned.
In the murder trial of Daniel McDonnell, a 19‑year‑old charged with killing 16‑year‑old Melanie McCarthy McNamara, the court heard that McDonnell, a protected prisoner at St Patrick's Institution, had written two letters while in Cell 17 on the B3 landing. Prison officer Richard Pielow testified that McDonnell had no contact with other inmates and that the letters were unsealed and read by officers as part of routine procedure. The letters, addressed to Lee McDonnell and Stephanie Tuite, contained violent and vulgar language, including the phrase "Two in the head. The bitch is dead." Assistant Chief Officer Tony Redmond read the letters aloud to the jury. McDonnell pleaded not guilty, and the trial continued before Mr Justice Paul Carney with a jury of six men and six women. The case remains pending.
In the Central Criminal Court, Christopher McNamara, aged 21, pleaded not guilty to the murder of James Boyce, aged 71, which occurred between 6 and 7 March 2011. The jury heard that on 24 March 2011 Garda Brian Begley had searched McNamara's home and seized items including a pair of white gloves and a 42‑inch LG television. The television had been given to McNamara's mother, Pauline Whelan, on 7 March, and McNamara claimed he had obtained the money for it by robbing two building sites. A statement by Garda Patrick Hogan detailed the seizure of car keys from Michael Larkin McNamara on 8 March. McNamara's own statement, read to the jury, described how he bought a Toyota Corolla from Larkin McNamara on the night of the murder, paying €1,100 in fifty‑euro notes. The trial continues before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan and a jury of seven men and five women.
Martin Maloney, a 30-year-old actor from Swinford, County Mayo, appeared at Dublin District Court to contest assault charges arising from an incident at a public house in October 2012. Maloney is accused of two counts of assault causing harm to two security staff members during an altercation over a toilet queuing system. One assault charge was struck out as statute barred. Judge Patricia McNamara declined to send the remaining charges to Circuit Court, accepting jurisdiction at district court level. Maloney was remanded on continuing bail. The judge determined he remains presumed innocent. A trial date is to be set at a further mention next week. The defence indicated the case will be contested, with evidence expected to include up to eight prosecution witnesses and significant CCTV footage, with trial anticipated to last a full day.
In a 2014 Central Criminal Court hearing, a 65‑year‑old Wicklow farmer, Cecil Tomkins, was found unfit to stand trial for the 2010 murder of his 66‑year‑old brother, Walter Tomkins, at their Cronlea home. Tomkins, suffering from advanced Parkinson's disease, dementia, depression and a history of seizures, was an inpatient at Bloomfield Hospital. His barrister, John O'Kelly SC, presented a multidisciplinary report and a consultant psychiatrist, Dr John Tobin, testified that Tomkins' cognitive impairment prevented him from understanding the proceedings or directing his counsel. Dr Tobin described Tomkins as unable to communicate effectively, disoriented in place and time, and requiring total nursing care. The judge, Mr Justice Paul Carney, agreed with the defence, ruling Tomkins unfit under the Criminal Law Insanity Act and adjourned the case for a further order.
In January 2014, Timothy O'Driscoll, aged 36, was denied an appeal against his life sentence for the murder of 25‑year‑old Lee McCarthy. O'Driscoll stabbed McCarthy to death after a drink and an invitation to his family home. The Central Criminal Court jury in Cork found him guilty in October 2011, and Mr Justice Paul Carney imposed a life sentence. O'Driscoll's lawyers argued he was provoked by McCarthy's claim that his father had been in a loyalist organisation, but the Court of Criminal Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice Adrian Hardiman, found no grounds to overturn the conviction.
A 22-year-old man from Castlebar is to stand trial at the Central Criminal Court following the death of his mother in March 2011. The defendant pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of a 46-year-old woman at an address in Islandeady. The Director of Public Prosecutions rejected the manslaughter plea. A jury of twelve was sworn in to hear the case, with trial proceedings due to commence on Thursday. The trial will determine whether the charge of murder is sustained.
Ian Flanagan, a 24‑year‑old Limerick father of two, was sentenced to eighteen months' imprisonment for hiding a CCTV device that contained crucial evidence for the murder trial of his brother Seán Flanagan and uncle Paul Colbert. The device was concealed on waste ground away from the family home, preventing the system from recording the killers' movements. The murder in question involved Gerard McMahon, who was stabbed to death on 18 January 2012 while visiting his cousin on Lenihan Avenue. Seán Flanagan (28) and Paul Colbert (46) were found guilty of the murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. During the four‑week trial, they denied the charge. Detective Sergeant Denis Treacy testified that a personal dispute existed between Seán Flanagan and the deceased, who had been friendly with Seán's former girlfriend. The family's CCTV system had captured the Flanagan brothers entering the home shortly after midnight, but the system was disconnected before the killers' movements were recorded.
In a 2014 Limerick murder case, 21‑year‑old Christopher McNamara pleaded not guilty to the killing of 71‑year‑old James Boyce. McNamara's mother, Pauline Whelan, testified that her son admitted to choking Boyce with a sweeping brush handle, though he denied harming the man. She recounted overhearing him on the phone with Boyce and later claiming to have robbed building sites for a new television. Pathologist Marie Therese Cassidy described Boyce's fatal neck injuries as resulting from an assault with a long striking edge, noting tramline bruises and multiple laryngeal fractures. The trial was proceeding before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan with a jury of seven men and five women, and McNamara remained not guilty at the time of the report.
An Italian man, Saverio Bellante, aged 34, was charged with the murder of Tom O'Gorman, a pro‑life campaigner and writer, at O'Gorman's home in Castleknock. Bellante was arrested after O'Gorman was found stabbed to death on 11‑12 January. At his first court appearance, Bellante declined a lawyer and later stated he would represent himself. Judge Victor Blake remanded him in custody and adjourned the case for two weeks, until 31 January, after Bellante's lawyer presented a letter from Dr Paul O'Connell of the Central Mental Hospital. The court ordered that medical assessment be made and that investigative memos and video evidence be disclosed to the defence. Bellante's lawyer requested legal aid and complained that media coverage had breached the sub‑judice rule. The case remains pending.
During his trial at the Central Criminal Court, Daniel McDonnell, a 19‑year‑old charged with the murder of 16‑year‑old Melanie McCarthy McNamara, admitted to writing graffiti on his cell wall while detained at Tallaght Garda Station. The graffiti included phrases such as "2 in the head. The bitch is dead" and references to Melanie's boyfriend, Christopher Moran, using derogatory terms. Garda Francis Glennon, who was the jailer, photographed the graffiti and testified that it was signed by McDonnell. The prosecution presented the photographs to the jury. The trial also covered the forensic evidence of Melanie's death, with Dr Khalid Jabbar describing a fatal shotgun wound to her left temple and the presence of numerous pellets. The case proceeded to legal argument before Mr Justice Paul Carney, with the jury scheduled to return on Tuesday. The unnamed 19-year-old pleaded not guilty.
In Balbriggan District Court, Barry O'Brien (47) of St Catherine's Green in Rush pleaded guilty to being in possession of a knife with a 12-inch blade at St Catherine's Park on August 1st. He was placed on a Probation Bond for one year with conditions set by Probation Services. Tomas Tarasevicius (29) of No Fixed Abode and Paulius Taracvius (33) of McAuley's Yard, Flemington in Balbriggan were remanded on bail to re-appear on February 13th when the Book of Evidence will be served. Tarasevicius faces four counts of handling stolen property, being in possession of stolen cars, and criminal damage. Taracvius is charged with possession of a stolen Audi car. Jade Gannon (30) of Mourne Park in Skerries was remanded until January 23rd after her defence solicitor explained that she could not attend court due to her children attending counselling following the murder of her father in front of her daughter. The case was adjourned pending a letter from the counsellor. A man charged with assault causing harm was remanded on continuing bail until March 13th to allow a judge to consider jurisdiction on receipt of a medical report. A Chinese takeaway owner was convicted of employing three foreign nationals without work permits and fined €1,500.
In a 2014 Limerick murder trial, Christopher McNamara, aged 21, pleaded not guilty to the killing of James Boyce, 71, which occurred between 6 and 7 March 2011. Witnesses testified that on the night of the murder McNamara was seen carrying a large sum of money in fifty‑euro notes, with one witness estimating the amount at €3,325. McNamara was also observed carrying a bandage on his wrist and later described Boyce as "like a granddad" to him, claiming the death would affect him badly. He allegedly bought a car for €1,100 the following day, though he did not disclose the source of the funds. CCTV footage showed McNamara holding fifty‑euro notes at an electrical store and attaching licence plates to a Toyota Corolla. The case proceeded before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan and a jury of twelve.
The trial of Paul Byrne, 47, a businessman from Fallon & Byrne, has been postponed because a medical report needed for the case is not yet available. Byrne was charged with assault causing harm to a man at the Leeson Lounge on March 5. He has not entered a plea and appeared again at Dublin District Court. Judge Michael Walsh noted that the Director of Public Prosecutions has requested a summary disposal, which could allow the case to be heard at the district court level rather than the Circuit Court. However, the trial venue has not been decided. A court garda sergeant confirmed the absence of the medical report. Byrne's lawyer expressed concern about the report's contents and whether it would influence the court's decision. The judge deferred a ruling on the trial venue to allow time for the report to be obtained. Byrne was remanded on continuing bail, and the case is set to resume next week.
In the trial of Andrew Gibney, 21, of Drumheath Avenue, Mulhuddart, the jury was shown four knives found at his home after a warrant was executed on 27 August 2012. Gibney pleaded not guilty to the murder of Gerard Burnett, 28, who was stabbed 30 times and died in hospital on 21 August 2012. Gibney claimed he had been stabbed by Burnett four years earlier and that he had stabbed Burnett three times without intent to kill. The prosecution alleged a joint enterprise involving five men. Evidence included a knife on the kitchen worktop and three in a cutlery drawer, one with a damaged tip. Witness Gareth Mellett described a group of five men, one holding a knife, near Burnett's house that night. Dr Derek Hayden testified that Burnett was pronounced dead at 00.57 am after failed resuscitation attempts. The case proceeded before a jury of nine men and three women under Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy.
In a murder trial, the jury heard that 16‑year‑old Melanie McCarthy McNamara was severely wounded when she arrived at Tallaght Hospital after being shot in the head. The court was shown a shotgun found by Gardaí near Brookview Way, where the shooting occurred. Daniel McDonnell, 19, was on trial for the murder and had pleaded not guilty. A hospital statement described the extent of her injuries, including a large wound to the temple, brain matter, and a protruding eyeball, and noted that resuscitation was stopped at 1 am after her condition deteriorated. A boy who witnessed the shooting described a black jeep and gunfire, and Sergeant John Schlay presented the shotgun, noting it had been altered for concealment. The trial proceeded before Mr Justice Paul Carney with a jury of twelve.