In a 2014 hearing, a Limerick court heard that fingerprints belonging to Christopher McNamara, aged 21, matched those found in the bedroom of the deceased pensioner James Boyce, aged 71, who was murdered between 6 and 7 March 2011. McNamara, residing at Good Shepherd Villas, Pennywell Road, pleaded not guilty to the murder. Detective Wall presented evidence that marks on a wardrobe and a Department of Social and Family Affairs receipt in Boyce's bedroom were made by McNamara's right thumb and left middle finger. CCTV footage showed McNamara's movements between 6 and 7 March. Detective Garda Louise O'Loughlin reported blood‑stained items seized from Boyce's house, including jeans, a broom handle, a brush head, a green jacket, a shirt, and a mattress, all with blood evidence. The trial was proceeding before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan with a jury of seven men and five women.
The Central Criminal Court heard that Andrew Gibney, aged 21, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Gerard Burnett, aged 28, who was stabbed 30 times and died in hospital. Gibney claimed he was stabbed by Burnett with a screwdriver four years earlier. Prosecutor Tom O'Connell said Gibney and others went to Burnett's house at Castlecurragh Avenue shortly before midnight, armed with knives. Gibney admitted to using a knife on Burnett three times, saying he was drunk and that the incident was triggered by alcohol. He claimed he had no intention to murder. Denise Farrell, Burnett's partner, testified that she saw three men at the door and that Burnett was dragged outside. The court heard that the cause of death was multiple stab wounds to the heart, right lung and liver. The trial continues before a jury with Justice Patrick McCarthy presiding.
The State has been granted a two‑week adjournment to finish the book of evidence for the trial of architect Graham Dwyer, accused of murdering childcare worker Elaine O'Hara. Dwyer, originally from Cork and now residing in Foxrock, Dublin, was charged on 18 October 2011. O'Hara, aged 37, was last seen on 22 August 2012 near Shanganagh cemetery; her body was found on Killakee Mountain in September 2013. Dwyer pleaded not guilty, was denied bail, and appeared via video‑link before Judge Victor Blake at Cloverhill District Court. The prosecution cited a large file—eight volumes, over 300 statements, and more than 800 exhibits—to justify the adjournment. Dwyer's solicitor confirmed consent to the two‑week period, and the defendant remains in custody until 29 January, when he will appear again. The inquest into O'Hara's death remains adjourned pending criminal proceedings.
In a 2014 trial at the Central Criminal Court, Daniel McDonnell, aged 19, was charged with the murder of 16‑year‑old Melanie McCarthy McNamara. The prosecution presented evidence that McDonnell had written boastful graffiti on his cell wall, including the lines 'Two in the head. Your bitch is dead', and had sent two letters to a prison officer that contained references to the shooting. The letters, addressed to Lee McDonnell and Stephanie Tuite, described the intent to shoot and the use of a loaded 12‑gauge shotgun. McDonnell's defence pleaded not guilty. The jury was told that the victim was shot in the head while seated in the back seat of a car on Brookview Way, Tallaght, and that she was pronounced dead at Tallaght Hospital. The case was heard by Mr Justice Paul Carney with a jury of twelve.
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, the court heard that Garda Enda Moroney discovered the body of 71‑year‑old James Boyce at his home on St Munchins Street, St Mary's Park, Limerick, on 7 March 2011. Moroney reported finding blood on the sitting‑room floor and later the lifeless body in the bedroom, with a piece of wood on Boyce's chest and a cut below his right ear. Scratch marks were noted on his shoulder, blood on his right cheek and below his nostrils, and a brush handle and brush head were found near the bed. The scene was declared a crime scene at 19.45. Christopher Stewart McNamara, a neighbour, testified that he saw the accused, Christopher McNamara, enter Boyce's house around midnight. CCTV footage of the accused's movements was shown to the jury. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan, is expected to last two weeks. Christopher McNamara pleaded not guilty.
A teenage boy and a teenage girl, both in their mid‑teens, are to stand trial in the Central Criminal Court for rape of a teenage girl in Dublin in 2012. The alleged assault took place at the boy's home on the same date as a separate charge of sexual assault. Both defendants appeared at the Children's Court in Dublin, were released on bail, and were given strict conditions: they must not contact the victim or her family, must sign in at their local Garda station, carry mobile phones, be available for Garda inquiries, and obey nightly curfews at home. The judge, Judge John O'Connor, explained that the Children's Court cannot take jurisdiction over these serious charges under Section 75 of the Children Act, so the case will proceed in the Central Criminal Court. The defendants have not yet indicated how they will plead.
A 21‑year‑old Limerick man, Christopher McNamara, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of 71‑year‑old James Boyce, who lived on St Munchins Street. The prosecution alleges that McNamara visited Boyce on the night of 6 March 2011 and again after midnight, and that he killed him by striking him repeatedly with a sweeping brush, delivering a fatal blow to the neck. A post‑mortem confirmed multiple blows to the neck. Boyce had kept a large amount of cash in his bedroom, which the prosecutor says McNamara stole. The jury heard a neighbour's testimony that Boyce's curtains were drawn the morning after his death, and that CCTV footage will be shown. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Gareth Sheehan, is expected to last two weeks. The accused has pleaded not guilty.
Siobhan Whitaker, 25, of Meadow Vale, London, pleaded guilty to impeding the apprehension of a person she believed to be guilty of Maurice Martin's murder in Finglas on 12 June 2009. She admitted that she cleaned up the scene after the murder, which was carried out by Daniel Gaynor, a known violent offender who stabbed Martin to death. Whitaker had no involvement in the murder itself and had previously been described as having good character. The court noted her early guilty plea and her 21 prior convictions, mainly for traffic offences, and imposed an 18‑month prison term. Whitaker's statement to the court was that she did not ask for the events to happen and that she felt guilty for her actions. The sentence was handed down by Mr Justice Paul Carney at the Central Criminal Court.
A jury was sworn in for the trial of Andrew Gibney, 21, who is accused of murdering Gerard Burnett, 28, at Castlecurragh Vale, Mulhuddart, on 21 August 2012. Gibney appeared before Mr Justice Paul Carney at the Central Criminal Court and pleaded not guilty to the single count of murder. The trial is set to begin on Tuesday before a jury of six men and six women and is expected to last two weeks.
A 19‑year‑old Dublin teenager, Daniel McDonnell, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 16‑year‑old Melanie McCarthy McNamara, who was killed in Tallaght on 8 February 2012. He was charged at the Central Criminal Court and arraigned before a jury of six men and six women. The trial is set to begin the following morning and is expected to last a week.
A 34‑year‑old Italian man, Saverio Bellante, was charged with murder after the fatal stabbing of Tom O'Gorman, a 39‑year‑old pro‑life campaigner and religious writer, at O'Gorman's home on Beech Park Avenue, Castleknock. The body was found by gardai at about 1.50 am on Sunday and O'Gorman was pronounced dead on scene; a post‑mortem was later performed by Professor Marie Cassidy. Bellante, who had been lodging with O'Gorman, was detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act and appeared before Judge David McHugh at Blanchardstown District Court. He was charged with murder between 11 pm and 12 am on 11–12 January. Bellante, wearing a black sweater, trousers and grey runners, told the court he wanted to represent himself.
Kenneth Cummins, 27, and Sabrina Cummins, 36, were charged with the murder of 63‑year‑old Thomas Horan, who was found dead in his Cambridge Court flat in Dublin. The body was discovered at 4 a.m. on Monday, and a post‑mortem by Dr Marie Cassidy confirmed death from internal injuries. The siblings were detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 and appeared before Dublin District Court, where they made no reply to the charges. The court, unable to grant bail in a murder case, remanded them in custody to appear again next Thursday. Both defendants were granted legal aid and orders for medical attention while remanded. The case remains at the district court stage, with any bail application to be brought to the High Court.
A 49‑year‑old man, James Donohoe of Harold's Cross Road, Dublin, was remanded in custody after being charged with assault causing harm and attempted sexual assault against a woman in her twenties on Effra Road, Rathmines. He was brought before Judge Michael Walsh at Dublin District Court, where he initially declined a solicitor and a court‑appointed lawyer, but later accepted solicitor Lorraine Stephens. Garda Ciaran O'Mahony testified that Donohoe did not respond to the first charge and said, "I am not going to plead to that," when the second charge was presented. The court directed that Donohoe receive psychiatric treatment while in custody and that he be granted legal aid. A file will be sent to the DPP, and the next hearing is scheduled for 14 January at Cloverhill District Court. The case remains pending.
In Drogheda, 30‑year‑old Wayne McQuillan was stabbed to death on New Year's Day, with the attack occurring near Rathmullen Park at about 1.30 am. Gardai found him collapsed with stab wounds in a front garden and he was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A post‑mortem was later carried out. 40‑year‑old Paula Farrell of Rathmullen Park was arrested the same morning. She was remanded in custody and appeared before Judge Michael Walsh at Dublin District Court. Farrell, wearing a blue denim jacket, white and grey jumper and black trousers, did not speak during the brief hearing. She was charged with McQuillan's murder. The court could not consider bail, and her defence solicitor, Patrick Goodwin, consented to her remand and requested medical treatment for her health. Judge Walsh granted free legal aid and directed appropriate medical care while she remains in custody.
In a New Year's morning attack in Tallaght, a young man, Dale Creighton, suffered serious injuries and later died. Two people, Graham Palmer (24) and Aisling Burke (20), were charged with violent disorder in connection with the incident. They appeared at Dublin District Court, where Judge Michael Walsh heard that further serious charges could be brought. Garda officers alleged that Palmer was seen on CCTV striking the injured party, fled the scene, and was found with blood believed to be the victim's on his face and hands. Burke was also alleged to have been seen on CCTV and was found with blood on her shoes. Both were granted conditional bail with €750 bonds, €300 cash lodgement, and independent sureties of €2,000. Conditions included residence at specified addresses, staying out of Tallaght, curfew, daily sign‑in at local garda stations, and no contact with witnesses or alleged participants. They will face their next hearing on 16 January.
At Balbriggan District Court, Judge Dermot Dempsey addressed several matters. Marek Laska, 27, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis for sale or supply and possession of digital weighing scales. Although Laska claimed the drugs were for personal use, the judge noted the scales were indicative of supply. Laska was remanded on continuing bail, and the case was adjourned until April 10th for a Restorative Justice Programme report. In a separate matter, the National Education Welfare Board reported that an unnamed teenager is making positive progress in school attendance. The judge adjourned the case until February 20th for review. Additionally, Sean Donnelly, 24, and Craig Donnelly, 22, pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour. Both men paid €350 to local charities, and the judge struck out the charges, avoiding convictions. Finally, Keith Blackburn, 52, was remanded on continuing bail after being charged with violent behaviour and failing to comply with garda directions. His case was adjourned until January 9th for a plea or hearing date.
A 32‑year‑old man from Kilkenny, Niall Stapleton, was committed to the Central Mental Hospital after a jury found him not guilty of murdering his mother by reason of insanity. The trial, held earlier that week, heard that Stapleton had schizophrenia and had been diagnosed five years earlier, after a head injury a month before. He had pleaded not guilty to the murder of his 51‑year‑old mother, Siobhan Stapleton, who died from blunt force trauma to the head. Forensic psychiatrists for both sides agreed he met the special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. Following the verdict, Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan committed Stapleton to the Central Mental Hospital for preparation of a report by Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist Damian Mohan. Mohan reported that Stapleton had been an inpatient for the past year, had suffered a head injury in 2008, and had been admitted to the hospital in June 2012 with severe auditory hallucinations.
Diarmuid Connolly, a 25‑year‑old Dublin football star, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Anthony Kelly at McGowan's pub in Phibsboro on 6 August. The attack, described as unprovoked, occurred at 3.40 a.m. and involved Connolly punching Kelly in the face and continuing to strike him on the ground, resulting in a fractured eye‑socket. Connolly issued an unreserved apology, accepted by Kelly, who shook hands with him after a hearing but declined compensation. Connolly paid €5,000 to Barnardos and the Rape Crisis Centre. The case was listed again, but Connolly was excused from attending. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for 29 January before Judge Patrick Clyne. The offence carries a possible sentence of up to one year. Connolly has no prior convictions.
In Waterford, Johanna Kelly (40) and Michelle Hynes (41), both without fixed abode, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Joe O'Brien, a 60‑year‑old friend of the apartment's occupant. The killing occurred on 23 April 2012 when Patrick Keating struck O'Brien with a dumbbell, after which Kelly and Hynes joined, kicking him while he lay on the floor. Detective Garda David Butler described the assault as involving repeated kicks to the body, not the head, and noted that the victim had made a crude reference to oral sex, which may have provoked the attack. Both women had extensive criminal histories: Kelly 15 convictions, Hynes 24. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy sentenced them to six years' imprisonment, with the last two years suspended, and imposed two years of post‑release supervision. The judge expressed deep sensitivity to the family's suffering, citing a sad victim impact report.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Criostoir MacCarthaigh, aged 36, was found guilty of murdering 35‑year‑old David Whyte. The jury, after two days of deliberation, sentenced him to life imprisonment. The prosecution alleged that MacCarthaigh, after drinking in Phibsborough, left his flat around 11 pm, encountered Whyte on Ulster Street, and drove him to Mill Lane in Palmerstown. There, he stabbed Whyte more than 100 times in the ruin of an old church. The court heard that Whyte was a gentle, happy man who had never harmed anyone. His sisters, Lesley and Paula, were visibly upset after the verdict. Jonathan Spollen, Whyte's brother‑in‑law, delivered a victim impact statement describing Whyte as an innocent man who was attacked and murdered in a brutal, unprovoked assault. Criostoir MacCarthaigh pleaded not guilty. David Whyte pleaded not guilty.
In a Dublin District Court hearing on 19 December 2013, a 24‑year‑old man was denied bail after a judge heard he stabbed his mother in the neck and left a blade embedded in his little brother's arm during a frenzied knife attack at their north Dublin family home on Monday. The man, who was jobless and had been arrested on 18 December, made no reply when charged with assault causing harm to his mother and brother. Detective Garda Adrian Mulligan described the incident as occurring in the kitchen, where the man used a kitchen knife to knock his mother from her seat and stab her while she lay on the ground, causing eight injuries, including four significant wounds to her neck. The mother and her son, who is in his mid‑teens, were hospitalised but the mother was released and attended the hearing.
A 32‑year‑old man with schizophrenia, Niall Stapleton, was found not guilty of murdering his 51‑year‑old mother, Siobhan Stapleton, by reason of insanity. The murder took place on 25 May 2012 at their home in Kilfane, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, when the mother was struck on the head with the handle of a garden implement, resulting in blunt‑force trauma. Stapleton admitted causing the death but claimed he believed his mother had been replaced by an impostor. Forensic psychiatrists for both sides agreed he met the legal requirement for a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. A jury of seven men and five women deliberated for over two hours before reaching that verdict. The case is scheduled to return to the judge for a further committal order.
An architect, Graham Dwyer, aged 41, from Cork but living in Foxrock, Dublin, is charged with the murder of childcare worker Elaine O'Hara, aged 37, whose remains were found in the Dublin mountains. Dwyer was charged on 18 October 2012 and has pleaded not guilty. He appeared via video link before Judge Grainne Malone at Cloverhill District Court, confirming his presence and consent to a four‑week adjournment for the preparation of a book of evidence. The prosecution said the file comprises eight volumes, and the defence noted that a further two weeks may be required. Judge Malone set the service of the book of evidence for 15 January, to which Dwyer agreed. Earlier hearings revealed Gardaí had taken over 300 statements and more than 800 exhibits. Dwyer was denied bail by Justice Paul Butler in the High Court on 4 November and is expected to appeal to the Supreme Court.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has convicted Przemyslaw Trebacz of the murder of Costel Catalin Cretu in Co. Cavan. Trebacz, a 35-year-old Polish national from Killynebber, Cavan, had pleaded not guilty to the charge. The offence occurred between October 13 and 14, 2012, at Connolly Court, Connolly Street, Cavan. The jury returned a majority verdict of ten to two after nearly ten hours of deliberation. Mr Justice Barry White adjourned sentencing until January 20, 2013, when a victim impact statement will be presented. Trebacz had also pleaded guilty to criminal damage. The prosecution case alleged he attended the premises to commit robbery with a weapon. The defence raised provocation and self-defence. Evidence indicated the deceased, a 38-year-old Romanian man, sustained two fatal stab wounds to the chest and back while protecting workers at the location.
In a Central Criminal Court case, the prosecution urged the jury to apply logic when deciding the murder of a 25‑year‑old man who was stabbed over 100 times. Paul Burns SC presented evidence that the accused, Criostoir MacCarthaigh, 36, of An Gleann, Baile Phamar, was responsible for the killing of David Whyte in September 2008. He highlighted DNA linking MacCarthaigh to Whyte's trousers, which were reportedly pulled down, and questioned the credibility of witness Simon Griffin, suggesting an unblemished person would not witness a killing on Mill Lane. Burns argued that the evidence proved MacCarthaigh stabbed Whyte to death. Defending counsel Hugh Hartnett countered, asking the jury to consider the lack of motive for MacCarthaigh. The trial was set to conclude the following day before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury. Criostoir MacCarthaigh pleaded not guilty.
A jury has begun deliberating the trial of a 32‑year‑old man with schizophrenia, Niall Stapleton, who is charged with murdering his mother, Siobhan Stapleton, 51, at their Co Kilkenny home on 25 May 2012. The victim died from blunt‑force trauma to the head after being beaten with the handle of a garden implement. Stapleton pleaded not guilty, claiming he was not guilty by reason of insanity. He told doctors that he believed his mother had been replaced by an impostor when he killed her. An expert witness for the prosecution testified that Stapleton met the requirement for a special verdict of not guilty of murder by reason of insanity. The jury must decide whether his mental disorder meant he did not know the nature and quality of his action, that it was wrong, or that he was unable to refrain from the act. They will resume deliberations tomorrow.
The jury at the Central Criminal Court has adjourned deliberations for a third consecutive evening in the trial of a man charged with murder in County Cavan. Przemyslaw Trebacz, aged 35, of Bramble Rise, Killynebber, Cavan denies the murder of Costel Catalin Cretu, aged 38, which is alleged to have occurred at Connolly Court, Connolly Street, Cavan between October 13 and 14, 2012. Mr Trebacz has pleaded guilty to a separate charge of criminal damage relating to a door at the same address on October 13, 2012. The jury has spent almost nine hours deliberating. When asked by Mr Justice Barry White whether further time would assist their consideration, the jury foreman indicated the panel required additional time and was not yet deadlocked. Deliberations are to resume on Wednesday. Przemyslaw Trebacz pleaded not guilty.
In a murder trial in the Central Criminal Court, a 32‑year‑old man named Niall Stapleton pleaded not guilty to the killing of his 51‑year‑old mother, Siobhan Stapleton, who died on 25 May 2012 from blunt force trauma to the head after being beaten with a garden fork handle. Stapleton, a college graduate with schizophrenia, claimed he believed his mother had been replaced by an impostor. Dr Stephen Monks, a forensic psychiatrist, testified for the defence, stating that Stapleton was suffering from a mental disorder at the time of the killing, had active symptoms of schizophrenia, and did not understand the nature or wrongness of his act. Monks argued that Stapleton met the criteria for a not‑guilty‑by‑reason‑of‑insanity verdict and recommended he remain at the Central Mental Hospital. The trial continues before Mr Justice Garret Sheehan. Niall Stapleton was found not guilty by reason of insanity.
The jury at the Central Criminal Court has adjourned deliberations in the trial of Przemyslaw Trebacz, a 35-year-old Polish national accused of murdering Costel Catalin Cretu, a 38-year-old Romanian man, in Co. Cavan in October 2012. Trebacz, of Bramble Rise, Killynebber, has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge relating to the incident at Connolly Court, Connolly Street, Cavan on October 13 to 14, 2012. He has pleaded guilty to criminal damage to a door at the same location on October 13, 2012. The jury spent approximately five hours examining the evidence before retiring for the evening and will resume consideration of its verdict tomorrow.
A 32‑year‑old man with schizophrenia, Niall Stapleton, is on trial in the Central Criminal Court for the murder of his 51‑year‑old mother, Siobhan Stapleton, who died on 25 May 2012 from blunt‑force trauma to the head inflicted with a garden‑fork handle. Stapleton pleaded not guilty, claiming he was not guilty by reason of insanity. He initially told gardai he saw a man leave the scene but later admitted he had snapped and attacked his mother. His 22‑year‑old sister, Sinead Stapleton, testified that he had been on medication for years but was not taking it at the time and that he had been restless and talking to himself the night before the death. The post‑mortem found 28 injuries, including skull fractures and bruising to brain tissue, and the garden‑fork handle was found with blood matching the mother's DNA.
During a murder trial, forensic scientist Dr Diane Daly testified that DNA matching that of Criostoir MacCarthaigh (36) was found on the jeans worn by the 35‑year‑old victim, David Whyte, on the night of his murder in the ruins of an old church. The DNA profile was a mixed one of two contributors, but all elements on the waistband matched MacCarthaigh's profile. Detective Superintendent Peter O'Boyle confirmed that MacCarthaigh, after his arrest, requested his interview be conducted in Irish and was given a translator. When asked why his DNA was on the victim's clothing, MacCarthaigh said he did not know, adding that he was not a doctor or scientist. He also could not recall his presence at Mill Lane in September 2008 and refused to sign a statement. The court noted that MacCarthaigh has two prior convictions, one of which was a suspended sentence. Criostoir MacCarthaigh pleaded not guilty.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has paused deliberations in the trial of a man accused of murder in County Cavan. Przemyslaw Trebacz, aged 35, of Bramble Rise, Killynebber, Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Costel Catalin Cretu, aged 38, which is alleged to have occurred at Connolly Court, Connolly Street, Cavan between October 13 and 14, 2012. Trebacz has entered a guilty plea to a separate charge of criminal damage to a door at the same location on October 13, 2012. The jury spent one hour and thirty minutes considering its verdict before breaking for the weekend. Deliberations are scheduled to resume on Monday.
Joanna Kelly, 40, and Michelle Hynes, 41, both without fixed abode, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Joe O'Brien, a 60‑year‑old Waterford resident, at a party in April 2012. The killing occurred in an apartment on William Street where Patrick Keating, who is serving a life sentence for the murder, struck O'Brien with a dumbbell. Kelly and Hynes joined in, kicking the victim while he was defenseless. Detective Garda David Butler testified that five people were drinking that night and that the assault was partly triggered by O'Brien's remarks about oral sex and childhood anecdotes. Both defendants had numerous prior convictions for assault, theft and other offences. Kelly wrote a letter to the judge expressing shame, refusing to drink again, and acknowledging the lasting impact of her actions. The court heard that she had a history of depression, attempted suicide and had been in care for alcohol addiction.
In December 2012, Sean Connolly, aged 34, was charged before the Special Criminal Court with murdering veteran criminal Eamon Kelly on Furry Park Road, Killester, and also faced charges of IRA membership and firearm possession. Connolly declined to meet his counsel, Ms Siobhan Ni Chulachain, and requested a different solicitor. The court, presided over by Justice Paul Butler, postponed the case until the New Year, stating it would be listed again on January 21 for a video‑link hearing.
Donal Connaughton, a pig farmer from Newtowncashel, County Longford, has been granted bail pending an appeal against his conviction. The Court of Criminal Appeal made the decision on 12 December 2013. Connaughton was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment last month by Judge Tony Hunt at Longford Circuit Criminal Court. He was found guilty in December 2012 of two counts of false imprisonment, two counts of threatening to cause serious harm, one count of assault, and two counts of criminal damage relating to an incident at a pig farm in Longford on 29 April 2010. He was acquitted of a further assault charge. Presiding Justice Adrian Hardiman said the court was influenced by the likelihood that Connaughton's sentence would expire before his appeal hearing. The appeal will proceed on grounds that jurors may have been influenced during trial. Gardaí investigated allegations made by Connaughton but the Director of Public Prosecutions directed no prosecution. Bail was granted on the same terms as those imposed before trial.
Four defendants appeared before Balbriggan District Court, presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey, where all matters were adjourned. Alan Bathe, 29, is charged with criminal damage, unauthorised carriage in a vehicle, and arson, allegedly involving a car crash into a garden wall and subsequent fire in Balbriggan. The Director of Public Prosecutions directed summary disposal, and the case was adjourned until January 30th. Thomas Ward, 43, pleaded guilty to inducing a woman to pay €280 for a non-existing product. Despite a previous compensation order, Ward presented only €250. The judge granted him one final opportunity to pay the balance, adjourning the matter until February 6th. Christopher Russell, 53, pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and threatening and abusive behaviour in Rush. A medical report was requested, and the case was adjourned for hearing on February 13th. Daniel O'Neill, 20, is charged with trespass, threatening and abusive behaviour, violent behaviour, and possession of a rock at Swords Garda Station. He was remanded on continuing bail and ordered to re-appear at Swords District Court on March 3rd.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has begun deliberations in the trial of a man accused of murder in County Cavan. Przemyslaw Trebacz, aged 35, of Bramble Rise, Killynebber, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Costel Catalin Cretu, aged 38, at Connolly Court, Cavan between October 13 and 14, 2012. Mr Trebacz has admitted guilty to criminal damage. The prosecution alleged the accused went to the apartment to commit robbery and stabbed the deceased twice. The defence contended there was no evidence of fingerprints at the scene and questioned whether the accused was armed. Mr Justice Barry White directed the jury on the potential defences of self-defence and provocation. He explained that self-defence could result in acquittal if only necessary force was used, whilst provocation could reduce the charge to manslaughter. The jury of nine men and three women will continue hearing the judge's directions before reaching their verdict.
During the Central Criminal Court hearing, Sgt Jim Quinn reported that the 36‑year‑old accused, Criostoir MacCarthaigh of An Gleann, Baile Phamar, insisted that all communication with the Gardaí be conducted in Irish. He stated that the suspect requested to speak in Irish in the hours and days after his arrest. The trial concerns the murder of David Whyte, 35, who was found dead on 26 September 2008 in an old graveyard in Mill Lane, Palmerstown. A post‑mortem revealed over 100 stab wounds, the most serious to the jugular. MacCarthaigh pleaded not guilty. Sgt David Russell presented a technical report detailing fingerprinting, photography and saliva sampling, noting that the accused would not sign any documents. The case is before Justice Patrick McCarthy with a jury of seven men and five women. The prosecution is led by Senior Counsel Paul Burns. The trial is ongoing.
A 47‑year‑old Gerald Vollrath of Tramore Heights pleaded guilty to attempting to murder his 83‑year‑old mother, Veronica Vollrath, in a Waterford nursing home on 9 January 2012. The original murder charge was dropped and replaced with the attempted murder charge. He was re‑arraigned on a substituted indictment. The judge ordered a victim impact report and relaxed his bail conditions, allowing him to sign in at a Garda station once a week and no longer surrender his passport when in Austria. He remains on continuing bail pending sentencing on 17 February. The unnamed 47-year-old pleaded not guilty.
Ian Flanagan, 24, of Lenihan Avenue, Prospect, Limerick, was found guilty of two counts of assisting an offender by hiding the family's CCTV device to impede the apprehension of his brother Seán Flanagan (28) and uncle Paul Colbert (46) in the murder of Gerard McMahon, 43, who was stabbed to death on 18 January 2012. Flanagan had pleaded not guilty but a jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict. He admitted moving the CCTV device away from the house, storing it on waste ground, and later retrieving it. Detective Sergeant Denis Treacy testified that the device was disconnected after the killers entered the home, but neighbouring cameras captured their movements. Flanagan had previous convictions, including possession of a realistic imitation firearm, and was on bail for another offence when he hid the CCTV device. He was remanded in custody and sentencing was adjourned to 20 January 2024. The case was heard in the Central Criminal Court.
In a murder trial in Dublin, a 36‑year‑old man, Criostoir MacCarthaigh, pleaded not guilty to the killing of 35‑year‑old David Whyte. The body was found in a ruined church on Mill Lane, Palmerstown, on 26 September 2008. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis testified that Whyte had suffered about 100 stab wounds, the most serious to the left of the neck, injuring the left internal jugular vein. The wounds were inflicted with a single‑edged blade, were relatively small, and included defensive injuries on the upper limbs and hands. Dr Curtis gave the cause of death as multiple stab wounds. A ballistics officer confirmed a violent stabbing assault at the scene, with no blood trail. A forensic scientist used fly‑larvae dating to place the time of death around 25 September 2008. The State alleges MacCarthaigh first stabbed Whyte on Ulster Street, Phibsborough, before driving him to Palmerstown where the attack continued.
A 35-year-old Polish national has pleaded not guilty to the murder of a Romanian man at an apartment in Cavan in October 2012. Przemyslaw Trebacz of Killynebber, Cavan faces a charge relating to the death of Costel Catalin Cretu at Connolly Court, Cavan. He has admitted guilty to criminal damage at the same location. During proceedings at the Central Criminal Court, evidence was heard that Mr Trebacz told gardai he stabbed Mr Cretu in self-defence, though he denied bringing a knife to the scene. He also stated he was to receive €74,000 from his mother's will. The State Pathologist found the deceased had two stab wounds, one to the chest proving fatal. Forensic examination of two knives recovered from the apartment found no blood transfer and no fingerprints. The trial continues.
Paula Whyte, sister of David Whyte, learned of her brother's murder on television news on 29 September 2008. She described seeing a description of a man who matched her brother's appearance and clothing, which shocked her. She called her brother's phone, found it out of service, and then called 999. Paula and her sister went to Ballyfermot Garda Station, where she identified David's remains. While in the witness box, the court showed footage of a man at a shop doorway on 24 September 2009, which Paula identified as her brother, the last recorded sighting. The trial also heard from Ivan Ennis, who said the accused, Criostoir MacCarthaigh, threatened him that night, saying "I will cut you." The State alleges MacCarthaigh stabbed David on Ulster Street and then drove him to the derelict churchyard in Palmerstown where he was killed. The trial is before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of seven men and five women. Criostoir MacCarthaigh pleaded not guilty.
The Central Criminal Court has heard evidence in the trial of Przemyslaw Trebacz, a Polish national accused of the murder of Costel Catalin Cretu (38) at Connolly Court, Cavan, between October 13 and 14, 2012. Mr Trebacz has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge but pleaded guilty to criminal damage to a door belonging to Brendan Cosgrove at the same location on October 13, 2012. During a garda interview, the accused admitted stabbing Mr Cretu but alleged he was acting in self-defence, claiming the deceased attacked him with a knife. He stated that Mr Cretu was still standing when he left the apartment and denied bringing a knife to the scene. State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy testified that the deceased sustained two stab wounds, one fatal to the chest and one shallow to the back, noting the injuries could have been caused by a large knife. The trial continues.
An Irishman, 28‑year‑old Eric Eoin Marques, is wanted in the United States for conspiring to distribute and advertise child pornography and for advertising and distributing child pornography. He is alleged to have owned and administered the anonymous hosting site Freedom Hosting, which hosted over a hundred anonymous websites containing extremely violent and graphic images of pre‑pubescent children, some infants, and had thousands of members posting millions of images. Marques was arrested in August and has remained in custody after bail was refused on flight‑risk and evidence‑interference grounds. The High Court was informed that the Director of Public Prosecutions will not bring proceedings against him in Ireland. Marques' counsel, Remy Farrell, stated that Marques would plead guilty if prosecuted in Ireland, but the DPP has decided not to proceed. The extradition case will be adjourned and listed for mention in January, with Marques remanded in custody to appear on 21 January.
In Waterford, Joanna Kelly (40) and Michelle Hynes (41), both without fixed abode, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Joe O'Brien, a 60‑year‑old grandfather, at a party in an apartment on William Street on 23 April 2012. Patrick Keating, who used a dumbbell to strike O'Brien's head, is serving a life sentence for the murder. Detective Garda David Butler testified that five people were drinking in the apartment that night and that O'Brien was found lying on the floor after Keating struck him. Kelly and Hynes joined the assault, kicking the victim while he was defenseless. The detective noted that the assault may have been triggered by O'Brien's reference to oral sex and comments about Hynes's childhood. Both defendants have extensive criminal records and have been in custody since their arrest. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy adjourned the hearing of Kelly's submissions until Friday and will impose sentences before Christmas.
In December 2013, a Dublin man, aged 46, was denied an appeal against his 11‑year jail sentence for raping and sexually assaulting his niece. The Central Criminal Court jury found him guilty of 17 counts of sexual assault, four counts of rape, one count of oral rape and two counts of attempted anal rape, covering incidents from September 1998 to December 2005 when the victim was between six and 13 years old. After the State and the applicant presented submissions, Mr Justice Adrian Hardiman dismissed the appeal in the Court of Criminal Appeal. The unnamed 46-year-old pleaded not guilty.
In a Dublin murder trial, Gary Walsh, a 35‑year‑old witness, testified that the accused, Criostoir MacCarthaigh, warned him to keep silent about the night David Whyte was stabbed to death. Walsh, who lived in the same Phibsborough house as MacCarthaigh, described a night of drinking and a taxi ride to a late bar. He recalled seeing a drunken man and later noticing blood where the man had stood. Walsh said MacCarthaigh and another tenant, Simon Griffin, told him to leave but returned, showing deep cuts on MacCarthaigh's hands. MacCarthaigh allegedly threatened Walsh, telling him he would know what they did and that Walsh should keep his mouth shut. The trial is before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy with a jury of seven men and five women. Criostoir MacCarthaigh pleaded not guilty.
Catherine Nevin, aged 61, has requested that her appeal against a life sentence for the murder of her husband Tom Nevin be heard by the Supreme Court. She argues the case raises exceptional points of law and is in the public interest for the Supreme Court to decide. The Court of Criminal Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice Adrian Hardiman, will hear the appeal in the next court term, starting 13 January 2014, with a hearing expected to last one hour. Nevin has previously denied any involvement in the murder and lost a 2003 appeal.
Martin Maloney, the actor known for his role in Hardy Bucks, appeared at Dublin District Court to face three assault charges. He is accused of assaulting a male and causing harm to two other men at The Big Tree pub on Dorset Street in central Dublin on October 9 last year. Maloney, who resides in Swinford, Co. Mayo, made no reply when charged in September and has not yet indicated how he will plead. The matter is at the pre-trial stage, with the decision on jurisdiction regarding the trial venue adjourned. Judge Alan Mitchell noted that directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions are pending due to difficulties viewing CCTV evidence. These directions will determine whether the case remains in the District Court or is sent to the Circuit Court. Medical reports are to be furnished to Maloney's solicitor, Tony Collier. The judge ordered Maloney, who is on bail, to appear again next month. Additionally, the court granted Maloney free legal aid after he demonstrated an impecunious position, with a weekly income not exceeding €250. His lawyer stated that Maloney lacks steady work to fund legal fees, and cash found on him at arrest was attributed to previous work payments.