A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court heard that a 25-year-old man from Annaly Court, Longford fatally stabbed another man following escalating disputes over a €300 cannabis debt. Rihards Lavickis has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of Akadiusz Czajkowski on November 1, 2016 at Townspark, Longford. The State rejected the manslaughter plea, and the trial proceeded. Detective Garda evidence outlined how Lavickis told gardai he armed himself with a knife after his home window was smashed, intending to confront Czajkowski. The accused stated he encountered Czajkowski near Longford Shopping Centre and pursued him with the knife, saying he intended only to frighten him but decided to use it when the opportunity arose. The fatal wound penetrated Czajkowski's chest and heart. The trial continues before Justice Una Ní Raifeartaigh and a jury.
During the trial of David Drumm, former Anglo Irish Bank executive Brian Lynch testified that the plan to cover a funding shortfall grew from €1 bn to €7 bn in the weeks before the bank's year‑end. Lynch said Drumm had aimed for a year‑end deposit figure of €55–56 bn, with a shortfall of about €7 bn. He explained that the only viable funding option left was a deal with Irish Life Assurance (ILP), which involved transferring money to ILP's banking arm in exchange for corporate deposits that would improve the bank's balance sheet. Lynch first learned of the deal in August 2008, when the target figure was €1 bn, and by mid‑September it had risen to €7 bn. He also noted that Drumm had asked for an ad‑hoc liquidity report in October 2008, which the Central Bank did not challenge. The trial continues with Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury. David Drumm pleaded not guilty.
Egita Jaunmaize, 34, was found guilty at the Central Criminal Court of impeding the prosecution of her boyfriend, a convicted neo-nazi, by staging the death of her housemate, Antra Ozolina, as a suicide. The jury returned a guilty verdict by an 11-to-1 majority after deliberating for three hours and 47 minutes. Jaunmaize admitted placing a blue cord around Ozolina's neck to simulate suicide but pleaded not guilty to carrying out the offence without reasonable excuse at their home in Kilnaleck, Co Cavan, on or about June 27 or 28, 2014. She alleged she acted under duress after witnessing her boyfriend strangle Ozolina. The boyfriend, who was never charged due to severe brain damage sustained in a car crash while fleeing a separate hijacking, is currently in a care facility. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy thanked the jury for their service and remanded Jaunmaize in custody for sentencing on February 26th.
At the Central Criminal Court, a jury has been instructed that they may return a majority verdict in the trial of a woman charged with impeding the prosecution of her boyfriend for murder. The 34-year-old defendant is accused of staging the death of her 49-year-old housemate, Antra Ozolina, at their home in Kilnaleck, County Cavan in June 2014. She admits placing a cord around the victim's neck to simulate suicide but has pleaded not guilty to the charge of obstructing justice without reasonable excuse. The defence has submitted that she acted under duress, claiming she feared for her life and was following her boyfriend's orders after witnessing the alleged killing. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy instructed the jury of seven men and five women that they must determine whether the defendant had a reasonable excuse for her actions and whether duress applied. The jury may now reach a verdict by a margin of at least ten to two. Deliberations are continuing.
During a 2018 trial, former Anglo Irish Bank chief executive David Drumm, aged 51, pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to defraud and false accounting involving €7.2 billion in 2008. The case centred on a proposed €750 million short‑term loan between Anglo and Irish Life & Permanent (ILP). Senior Anglo executive John Bowe testified that the Financial Regulator was "more or less…not looking" at the loan, and that the regulator's stance was effectively a non‑intervention. Witness Matt Cullen, former treasury director at Anglo, described the unusual size of the loans and the discussions with the regulator and other banks about how Irish banks would support each other during the global market downturn. Cullen also recounted a conversation with ILP's David Gantly about structuring the loan into smaller transactions to avoid scrutiny. Drumm's defence acknowledged the transactions but denied they were fraudulent or dishonest.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has begun deliberating in the trial of a 34-year-old Latvian woman charged with impeding the prosecution of her boyfriend in connection with a death at Kilnaleck, County Cavan. The accused is charged with obstructing the apprehension or prosecution of a man she knew or believed had murdered her 49-year-old housemate in June 2014. The prosecution alleges she placed a cord around the victim's neck to simulate suicide and hinder the investigation. The defence argued she acted under duress, having witnessed the alleged killing. The judge instructed the jury to consider whether she had a reasonable excuse for her actions and whether duress applied. The defendant has pleaded not guilty. Deliberations commenced Wednesday and are to resume Thursday morning.
A woman testified at the Central Criminal Court on Wednesday that she feared reprisals from associates of a man fatally stabbed in Longford in 2016. Inita Rozkalne, partner of the accused, told the jury she believed friends of the deceased would seek revenge following the incident at Townspark on November 1st. She described an earlier violent confrontation in which her partner was assaulted by the deceased and another man, and recalled windows at their Annaly Court home being broken repeatedly in the months preceding the stabbing. A defence witness, a neighbour and friend of the accused, testified that the deceased had made threats hours before the window damage occurred. The witness also stated he disposed of a knife used in the incident, subsequently recovered by gardaí near Longford Town football stadium. Rihards Lavickis, aged 25, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Akadiusz Czajkowski, 31. His guilty plea was rejected and the trial continues before Justice Una Ní Raifeartaigh.
During the trial of David Drumm, former Anglo Treasury head Matt Cullen testified that on the evening of 29 September 2008 he personally delivered a letter to the Central Bank requesting over €1 billion in emergency funding. Cullen explained that Anglo was short of cash and could not meet payment obligations the following day. He recounted that after the bank's share price fell sharply following the "St Patrick's Day Massacre," discussions began in late March 2008 among Anglo, the Financial Regulator, the Central Bank and other banks about mutual assistance. Cullen said he was asked to seek funding ideas, and that he received calls from Central Bank officials and from David Gantley of Irish Life and Permanent about a potential €3 billion repo. He described weekly financial incentive meetings that became routine from June 2008, culminating in Friday afternoon briefings in Drumm's office. The trial, presided over by Judge O'Connor, continues before a jury of ten men and five women. David Drumm pleaded not guilty. Matt Cullen pleaded not guilty.
At the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, the trial of Rihards Lavickis, a 25-year-old Latvian man from Annaly Court, Longford, heard evidence relating to the death of Akadiusz Czajkowski on November 1st, 2016. Mr Lavickis has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. His partner gave evidence that approximately six months prior to the fatal stabbing, Mr Czajkowski had attacked Mr Lavickis outside their home, beating him while another man kicked him. On the morning in question, she stated Mr Lavickis returned to their apartment with blood on his trousers and told her he had stabbed Mr Czajkowski twice in the belly. Garda evidence indicated Mr Lavickis had complained to officers hours earlier that Mr Czajkowski was "always at me" and that he intended to "sort him out" following a window-breaking incident the previous night. The stabbing resulted in three wounds to the deceased. The trial, before Justice Una Ní Raifeartaigh and jury, continues.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has been instructed to consider defences of duress and reasonable excuse in the trial of a 34-year-old woman charged with impeding the apprehension of her boyfriend in connection with a death in Kilnaleck, County Cavan. The accused is charged with placing a cord around the neck of a 49-year-old housemate in June 2014 to simulate suicide, allegedly to conceal that her death was suspicious. The defendant, who pleaded not guilty, told gardaí she acted under duress, fearing for her life after witnessing the alleged killing. The prosecution contended there was no reasonable excuse for her actions, highlighting that she returned to her boyfriend after release and remained with him. The defence argued the jury should assess whether a reasonable person in her circumstances would have feared death. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy clarified that the prosecution must prove the act occurred without reasonable excuse, with duress applying where threats of immediate death override ordinary human resistance. The trial continues.
During the trial of former Anglo Irish Bank chief executive David Drumm, witness Matt Cullen, ex‑Treasury head, testified that he sensed impending trouble after a colleague warned that the interbank market was "drying up." Cullen agreed with prosecutor Paul O'Higgins that tremors were beginning to reverberate across the financial world. He recounted that in 2007, following a meeting with the Central Bank Governor and the Financial Regulator, Drumm formed a group to explore funding incentives, led by John Bowe. On 16 March 2008, Cullen received an email from Drumm inviting him to a St Patrick's Day executive meeting to discuss how Anglo could collaborate with other banks, possibly pooling resources into a 12‑month facility. Cullen noted that global market rumours at the time affected banks' ability to attract funds. Drumm, aged 51, has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy and false accounting charges, claiming the alleged transactions were not dishonest.
At the Central Criminal Court, a garda gave evidence that a murder accused had expressed intent to "sort out" the deceased hours before a fatal stabbing in Longford. Garda Daniel Lynch testified that Rihards Lavickis complained the victim, Akadiusz Arek Czajkowski, had broken his windows and was "always at me" wanting to fight. When Lavickis stated he would "sort him out," the garda advised against this and said gardai would investigate the property damage. Lavickis, aged 25, with an address in Longford, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in connection with Czajkowski's death on 1 November 2016 at Rue Noyal Chatillon, Townspark. The victim was stabbed three times at approximately 11.45am. The trial before Justice Una Ní Raifeartaigh continues.
At the Special Criminal Court, tributes were paid to Detective Superintendent Colm Fox, who died suddenly at Ballymun Garda Station. The tributes were led by Sean Gillane SC, senior prosecuting counsel in the trial of Patrick Hutch for the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel. The trial, scheduled to resume, was adjourned until Monday. Gillane described Fox as a gentleman, fiercely intelligent, modest, and a respected officer who never raised his voice. He praised Fox's dedication to public service and expressed condolences to his family and colleagues. Michael O'Higgins SC echoed the admiration, noting Fox's universal respect and affection. Judge Tony Hunt, with Judges Patricia and Ann Ryan, joined the sentiments and requested the adjournment. Patrick Hutch, 25, remains pleading not guilty to Byrne's murder and denies possession of three AK‑47 rifles. The case involves a raid during a boxing weigh‑in where armed men, including a woman‑dressed suspect, entered the hotel.
A teenager convicted of manslaughter in connection with a fatal stabbing in County Mayo has had his sentencing adjourned pending brain surgery. The Central Criminal Court in Dublin heard that the defendant, who cannot be identified due to his age, has developed epilepsy causing multiple daily seizures and is currently unfit for custody. The 17-year-old was found guilty of manslaughter, not murder, following a trial at the court sitting in Castlebar. The victim, Dovydas Jenkas of Claremorris, died from a single stab wound on 19 December 2015. Medical evidence from a consultant neurologist indicated the defendant has a localised brain lesion requiring surgery within three to four months, with subsequent observation periods making immediate imprisonment inadvisable. Justice Eileen Creedon adjourned the matter to 24 July for a further update on the defendant's medical situation.
David Drumm, former chief executive of Anglo Irish Bank, pleaded not guilty to conspiracy and false accounting charges. His defence counsel admitted that Drumm authorised a series of transactions in 2008 that inflated the bank's deposits by €7.2 billion. The transactions, described as "March", "June", "September" and "December" deals, involved moving large sums between Anglo and Irish Life & Permanent to increase Anglo's non‑bank deposits and reduce Irish Life's reliance on ECB funding. Drumm admitted to authorising these transactions but disputed that they were fraudulent or dishonest. The trial, held before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury, focuses on whether the transactions were intended to falsify the bank's balance sheet. The case remains ongoing, with no verdict yet reached.
During the opening of David Drumm's conspiracy to defraud trial, the jury was told that Drumm, then chief executive of Anglo Irish Bank, authorised deals that falsified the bank's balance sheet. Prosecutors described him as "the man who called the shots" and said the deals made it appear that customer deposits were €7.2 billion greater than they actually were. Drumm, aged 51, pleaded not guilty to conspiring with former bank officials to defraud depositors and investors by creating the impression of larger deposits in 2008. The prosecution presented recorded phone conversations in which Drumm gave permission for money to "pass go," adding several billion euros in non‑existent customer deposits that circulated rapidly between Anglo, Irish Life & Permanent and Irish Life Assurance before returning to Anglo. The case was presented by Paul O'Higgins SC, and the trial continued in front of Judge Karen O'Connor.
A 34-year-old Latvian woman is on trial at the Central Criminal Court charged with impeding the prosecution of a man suspected of murdering Antra Ozolina, a 49-year-old woman found dead at their shared home in Kilnaleck, County Cavan in June 2014. The accused is alleged to have placed a cord around the deceased's neck to simulate suicide. She has pleaded not guilty but accepts that Ms Ozolina did not take her own life and does not dispute that another person caused her death. The trial heard that the male suspect has not been charged due to severe injuries sustained during a violent car hijacking in Longford in October 2014. Following a collision with a civilian vehicle during a garda pursuit, he sustained a traumatic brain injury and has remained in hospital care, now requiring spoon feeding and hoisting. Evidence regarding the deceased's injuries and the circumstances of her death was presented to the jury. The trial continues before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy.
A 25-year-old Latvian man has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of a Polish construction worker at the Central Criminal Court. Rihards Lavickis of Annaly Court, Longford has denied murder in relation to the death of Akadiusz Czajkowski, 31, at Rue Noyal Chatillon, Townspark on 1 November 2016. The prosecution opened its case this week, outlining that the accused brought a knife to confront the deceased following an overnight incident in which his apartment windows were damaged. CCTV footage showed Mr Lavickis concealing himself before approaching Mr Czajkowski as he crossed the road. The deceased sustained three stab wounds and collapsed inside a nearby shopping centre, dying shortly after. The accused was arrested at Longford Garda Station where he admitted responsibility for the stabbing. The trial continues before Justice Una Ní Raifeartaigh. Rihards Lavickis pleaded not guilty.
The trial of former Anglo Irish Bank chief executive David Drumm has commenced. Drumm, aged 51 and residing in Skerries, Co Dublin, is accused of conspiring with former bank officials Denis Casey, William McAteer, John Bowe and others to defraud depositors and investors by falsely presenting Anglo's 2008 deposits as €7.2 billion larger than they actually were. He has pleaded not guilty to both the conspiracy charge and to false accounting for the same alleged misrepresentation. The prosecution, led by Paul O'Higgins SC, began its opening speech to a jury of ten men and five women, explaining that the jury will act as 15 independent judges of the facts but that only 12 will ultimately deliberate on the verdicts. O'Higgins emphasized that Drumm is presumed innocent until the prosecution proves its case beyond reasonable doubt. The case is expected to last three to five months, following a prior jury's empanelment after difficulties with jurors.
A 34-year-old Latvian woman is on trial at the Central Criminal Court charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of a man in connection with the death of Antra Ozolina. The accused, Egita Jaunmaize, is alleged to have placed a cord around Ms Ozolina's neck to simulate suicide at their home in Kilnaleck, Co Cavan on or about 27 or 28 June 2014. Ms Jaunmaize has pleaded not guilty but accepts that Ms Ozolina's death was not self-inflicted. During evidence, she told gardaí she acted under duress, stating she witnessed the alleged killer assaulting Ms Ozolina and feared for her own life. She said she was forced to help stage the scene after being threatened. The trial, heard before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury, continues.
A 34-year-old woman from Latvia is on trial at the Central Criminal Court charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of a man in connection with the death of her housemate. The accused is alleged to have placed a cord around the neck of Antra Ozolina to simulate suicide at their home in Kilnaleck, County Cavan on or about 27 or 28 June 2014. She has pleaded not guilty but accepts that Ms Ozolina's death was not self-inflicted. In her voluntary statement to gardai, the accused described a significant row with the deceased over a car loan she had agreed to sign for but subsequently withdrew from. She recounted that Ms Ozolina was intoxicated when they met that evening and became angry at her decision. The accused stated she went to bed and discovered Ms Ozolina the following morning. She later told gardai that another person was present in the house that night. The trial before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury continues.
A 25-year-old man charged with murder in Longford in 2016 has pleaded guilty to manslaughter, but the State has rejected the lesser plea. Rihards Lavickis, of Annaly Court, Longford, denies the murder of Akadiusz Czajkowski on November 1, 2016, at Rue Noyal Chatillon, Townspark. The trial began at the Central Criminal Court before Ms Justice Una Ní Raifeartaigh, with a jury of twelve sworn in. Prosecuting counsel Patrick McGrath SC confirmed the Director of Public Prosecutions declined to accept the manslaughter plea. The judge addressed the jury on their role regarding facts and evidence, while she would provide legal direction. The trial is expected to last three weeks, with prosecution opening speeches set to resume tomorrow. Witnesses will subsequently give evidence, followed by closing arguments and jury deliberation on the facts presented. Rihards Lavickis pleaded not guilty.
A daughter testified at the Central Criminal Court that her mother, a 49-year-old Latvian woman, was a contented and healthy person with no medical ailments. The trial concerns Egita Jaunmaize, aged 34, of no fixed abode, who has pleaded not guilty to impeding the apprehension or prosecution of a person in connection with the death of Antra Ozolina at The Old Post, Kilnaleck, County Cavan, in June 2014. The prosecution alleges that Ms Jaunmaize placed a cord around Ms Ozolina's neck to simulate suicide. The defence has conceded that Ms Ozolina's death was not suicide and that another individual caused her death. Evidence heard included testimony from colleagues and acquaintances describing Ms Ozolina as a happy person unlikely to take her own life. A witness who lived nearby described suspicious behaviour by Ms Jaunmaize and another man following the discovery of the body. The trial before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy continues with a jury of twelve.
A 34-year-old Latvian woman has pleaded not guilty to impeding the apprehension or prosecution of a man in connection with a death in Co Cavan. The trial at the Central Criminal Court heard that Egita Jaunmaize is accused of placing a blue cord around the neck of Antra Ozolina (49) to simulate suicide at The Old Post, Main Street, Kilnaleck on or about June 27 or 28, 2014. A witness testified that Ms Jaunmaize and a man returned to his house at 8am on June 28, behaving strangely and claiming Ms Ozolina had hanged herself. The witness said they asked him not to contact gardaí and left the room repeatedly to speak privately. Defence counsel acknowledged that Ms Jaunmaize accepts Ms Ozolina's death was not suicide and does not dispute that another person caused her death. The trial before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy continues with a jury of seven men and five women.
Patrick Hutch, aged 25, is pleading not guilty to the murder of David Byrne, aged 34, at the Regency Hotel on 5 February 2016. Hutch is also accused of possessing three AK‑47 assault rifles. The prosecution alleges Hutch was the man dressed as a woman who, along with others in tactical‑style garda uniforms and armed with handguns and assault rifles, raided the hotel during a boxing weigh‑in. The court heard that Hutch did not shoot Byrne but was part of a shared intention to commit the offence. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC requested disclosure of emails between four gardai involved in the investigation. The request was delayed because the emails number in the thousands and would need to be downloaded and printed.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court acquitted Paul Crosby of one attempted murder charge – the attempt to kill Gerard Boyle by pushing a car into a canal on 10 November 2016 – after five hours of deliberation. The jury, composed of five women and six men, could not reach a verdict on the remaining three charges: two counts of attempting to murder Boyle by stabbing him 28 times and by placing him in a car boot, and a charge of false imprisonment and serious harm. The foreman reported an impasse, and the judge recorded a "disagree" on those issues, discharged the jury, and remanded Crosby until a new trial date on 26 February. Boyle, who suffered a punctured lung and was found in the canal, denied naming the wrong person as his attacker and claimed Crosby had forced him into the car boot before the vehicle was pushed into the water. The unnamed man pleaded not guilty.
A 34-year-old Latvian woman has pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to impeding the apprehension or prosecution of a person in connection with a death in Kilnaleck, Co Cavan, in June 2014. Egita Jaunmaize is accused of placing a cord around the neck of her housemate, Antra Ozolina, to simulate suicide and hinder investigation into the death. The prosecution alleges Ms Ozolina died from neck compression caused by another person. The defence has acknowledged that Ms Ozolina's death was not suicide and does not dispute that a named individual caused her death. The Crown's opening outlined how initial examination suggested suicide, but subsequent forensic examination by the Deputy State Pathologist revealed blunt force injuries and determined death resulted from neck compression. The trial, before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury, is expected to last two weeks.
In a trial at the Central Criminal Court, Paul Crosby of Rathmullen Park, Drogheda, faced charges of attempting to murder Gerard Boyle twice in November 2016. The first attempt involved stabbing Boyle 28 times, and the second involved locking him in a car boot that was then pushed into a canal. Boyle, aged 22, pleaded not guilty to all charges. After closing arguments, the jury, instructed by Justice Patrick McCarthy, was allowed to return a majority verdict on any charge if ten jurors agreed.
Patrick Hutch, aged 25, is on trial in the Special Criminal Court for the murder of David Byrne, aged 34, at the Regency Hotel on 5 February 2016. Hutch pleads not guilty and denies owning three AK‑47 assault rifles linked to the shooting. The court heard that the incident occurred during a boxing weigh‑in when a man dressed as a woman, another in a flat cap, and three others in tactical‑style Garda uniforms armed with handguns and assault rifles raided the venue. Prosecutor Sean Gillane SC stated that the prosecution's case is that Hutch was the man dressed as a woman and that he did not fire the shots but was part of a "shared intention" to commit the offence. Following a ruling on Friday that admitted evidence identifying Hutch as the man in the woman's costume, the defence requested a wide range of information. Michael O'Higgins SC for Hutch said the defence needed specific answers.
The jury will resume deliberating tomorrow morning in the trial of Paul Crosby, a Louth man charged with attempting to murder Gerard Boyle, 22, on 10 November 2016. Crosby allegedly stabbed Boyle 28 times and then locked him in a car boot that was pushed into a canal. He is also accused of a second attempted murder on the same day at Boyne Canal, Drogheda. Boyle pleaded not guilty to all charges. Both sides delivered closing speeches last Thursday; the jury had deliberated for almost three hours and 24 minutes before being sent home.
Egita Jaunmaize, a 34-year-old Latvian woman of no fixed abode, is due to go on trial tomorrow in the Central Criminal Court. She has been charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of a man, knowing or believing him to have committed the offence of murder or some other arrestable offence at The Old Post, Main Street, Kilnaleck, Co Cavan, on or about June 27 or June 28, 2014. The prosecution alleges that Ms Jaunmaize placed a blue cord around the deceased person's neck to simulate a suicide. Ms Jaunmaize was arraigned before the court today and pleaded not guilty to the charge. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy swore a jury of seven men and five women to hear the trial. The proceedings are scheduled to begin tomorrow and are expected to last two weeks. As the matter is at the trial stage and has not yet concluded, no findings, sentences, or final disposals have been recorded. The case remains active, with the accused facing the allegation of obstructing justice regarding a homicide victim.
An Estonian man, Imre Arakas, aged 58, will stand trial at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin next year. He is charged with conspiring to murder James Gately in Northern Ireland between 3 and 4 April last year, an offence under Section 71 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. Prosecutor Paul Greene SC told the court the trial is expected to last six weeks. Justice Tony Hunt, with Judges Patricia Ryan and Ann Ryan, set the trial date for 14 January 2019, and the case was also listed for mention on 7 March. Arakas remains in custody.
The Central Criminal Court will hear the case of Paul Crosby, a Louth man, who is charged with attempting to murder Gerard Boyle twice in one day. On 10 November 2016, Crosby allegedly stabbed Boyle 28 times and then locked him in a car boot that was pushed into a canal. Boyle, aged 22, also suffered a second attempted murder at Boyne Canal. Boyle pleaded not guilty to all charges. Both prosecution and defence delivered closing speeches, and the jury will begin deliberations on Monday.
In February 2018, John Barrett, executive director of human resources for An Garda Síochána, testified before the Charleton tribunal that a senior civil servant, Cyril Dunne, allegedly told him that the force was "going after" whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe during the O'Higgins Commission of Investigation. Barrett, who had been working with McCabe on workplace issues since February 2015, said he was shocked by the remark, which he believed occurred on 13 May 2015. Barrett admitted he had not recorded the conversation and would have taken a detailed note if he had known its significance at the time. He provided his emails and electronic diary entries to the tribunal. The tribunal noted that the comment was denied by Dunne, and that the case involved allegations McCabe made about senior officers, including former Commissioner Martin Callinan.
In a 2018 attempted‑murder trial, the State counsel, Patrick Gageby SC, argued that Paul Crosby of Rathmullen Park, Drogheda, had a strong motive to eliminate Gerard Boyle, 22, after a prior incident in March when Crosby and another man allegedly broke into Boyle's home. Gageby highlighted that Boyle was stabbed 28 times in Knockcommon, then locked in a car that was submerged in the Boyne Canal. He claimed Boyle named Crosby as the assailant, citing a phone call to Crosby's house and a text from an unknown number. Defence counsel, Mr Bowman SC, countered that Boyle's statements were inconsistent, that no forensic evidence linked Crosby to the crime, and that Boyle's accusations were unreliable. The counsel urged the jury to acquit Crosby on all counts, citing flawed evidence and a deficient investigation. The case was set for jury deliberation by Judge Patrick McCarthy. Gerard Boyle pleaded not guilty.
Former Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald said she consciously chose not to interfere with the O'Higgins Commission of Investigation in 2015, after learning that a legal dispute had arisen between the Garda legal team and whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe. The commission, which met privately, examined McCabe's complaints about policing matters and serious allegations against senior officers, including then‑Commissioner Martin Callinan. Fitzgerald explained that she had been working on whistleblower policy, the Protected Disclosures Act, and the Policing Authority, and that she had not spoken to departmental officials or advisors about the information she received. She argued that any involvement would have constituted interference with the commission's legal strategy and that the Attorney General and the minister had no role in the proceedings. Fitzgerald also noted that she met with McCabe in October 2014 and later wrote to the Garda Commissioner in February 2015 to address his concerns. She will continue to give evidence to the tribunal.
In the Central Criminal Court, a 22‑year‑old Louth man, Paul Crosby, faced charges of attempting to murder Gerard Boyle twice on 10 November 2016. The first attempt involved 28 stab wounds before Boyle was locked in a car boot and the vehicle was pushed into a canal. The second attempt occurred later that night at Boyne Canal, Drogheda. Dr Asim Rafiq treated Boyle in Drogheda hospital, noting severe shortness of breath, a marked heart rate increase, reduced oxygen levels and multiple sharp‑edge wounds. He performed emergency chest decompression and inserted two chest drains, describing the situation as a surgical emergency that could have resulted in death. Crosby pleaded not guilty to all charges. The trial is proceeding before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy with a jury of five women and six men.
A trial date has been set for Adam O'Keefe, a 26‑year‑old from St Vincent's Hostel in Cork, who is accused of murdering 22‑year‑old Amy McCarthy on 29‑30 April 2017 at a Sheares Street address. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy has scheduled the trial for 9 July 2018 before a jury at the Central Criminal Court.
The Special Criminal Court has ruled that the authorisation of garda listening devices was valid, dismissing defence arguments regarding the application's validity. This decision was issued during the ongoing trial of Edward O'Brien, David Nooney, and Seán Hannaway, who are accused of membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army (IRA) on August 8, 2015. Kevin Hannaway and Eva Shannon are co-accused of knowingly rendering assistance to the IRA by assisting in interviews at Riverwood Park, Castleknock, Dublin 15, on August 7 and 8, 2015. All five defendants pleaded not guilty to the respective charges. The prosecution alleged that gardai, acting on confidential information, used surveillance devices to record interviews conducted for the IRA. Defence counsel argued that the District Court judge's authorisation was invalid due to alleged inaccuracies in the senior garda's information, conflicting evidence, and procedural errors under the Criminal Justice Surveillance Act 2009. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, presiding with Justice Robert Haughton and Judge Gerard Griffin, rejected these arguments, stating that the criteria for authorisation are disjunctive and that the senior garda was satisfied the surveillance was necessary for the security of the State. The court found no basis to invalidate the evidence obtained. The trial continues tomorrow.
In a 2018 trial, a 22‑year‑old Louth man, Paul Crosby, was charged with attempting to murder Gerard Boyle twice on 10 November 2016. The first attempt occurred at Knockcommon, Beauparc, Slane, where Boyle was found on the ground near a stop sign, soaked in blood and water, with numerous stab wounds. A paramedic testified that Boyle had 28 puncture wounds, a collapsed lung, and required chest drains. The second attempt took place later that night at Boyne Canal, Drogheda, where Boyle was again stabbed and subsequently locked in a car boot that was pushed into the canal. Crosby pleaded not guilty to attempting to murder, false imprisonment and causing serious harm. The case was heard by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy with a jury of eleven. The trial continues.
In the Central Criminal Court, Gerard Boyle, aged 22, denied that Paul Crosby was the man who stabbed him 28 times and locked him in a car boot before it was pushed into a canal. Boyle testified that Crosby had previously smashed a window at his home and later called him to discuss a "chat." Boyle agreed to go with Crosby, but when they reached Knockcommon, Crosby stabbed him. Boyle escaped the car, swam to shore, and was later cross‑examined by defence counsel Michael Bowman, who argued that Crosby was not responsible. Boyle maintained that he had named Crosby because he feared the real perpetrator would escape. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, continues with a jury of eleven, after one juror was discharged due to illness. Paul Crosby pleaded not guilty.
A 22‑year‑old Louth man, Paul Crosby, stands trial for attempting to murder Gerard Boyle twice. On 10 November 2016, Crosby stabbed Boyle 28 times in the back of the neck, head and torso, puncturing his lung and causing nerve damage to his right leg. After the stabbing, Crosby forced Boyle into the boot of a car and drove it into Boyne Canal. Boyle escaped the boot, swam to shore and was hospitalized for about two weeks. Crosby pleaded not guilty to attempting to murder, false imprisonment and causing serious harm. The trial is held in the Central Criminal Court, with prosecution led by Patrick Gageby SC and defence by Michael Bowman SC. The case is currently before a jury of twelve.
The senior barrister for former Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan, Colm Smyth SC, told the Charleton tribunal that his legal team was "on red alert" after seeing allegations made by whistle‑blower Sergeant Maurice McCabe in a core booklet circulated before the O'Higgins Commission of Investigation hearings began in May 2015. Smyth said the booklet caused "considerable alarm" and that his clients had serious issues to address. He described McCabe as "the accuser" and noted that some officers were "in a very bad way in relation to the strain they were under." Smyth added that any serious allegations against a Garda would have severe consequences for the officer, their family and future generations. The tribunal is examining whether O'Sullivan inappropriately relied on unjustified grounds to discredit McCabe during the investigation. The article does not report any outcome of the tribunal or further proceedings.
A Ballina man has received a three and a half year suspended sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following his guilty plea to assaulting his brother in May 2016. Gordon Rodgers attacked David Rodgers at Dunard Road, Blackhorse Avenue, Cabra, Dublin 7, causing a fractured skull, broken ribs and elbow, and internal bleeding. The victim spent time in a coma and took considerable time to recover. Garda evidence indicated Rodgers had been self-medicating with alcohol and cannabis at the time and was subsequently hospitalised for severe mental health difficulties. Judge Martin Nolan described the assault as vicious and prolonged, but noted Rodgers was mentally unstable when the incident occurred. The judge acknowledged Rodgers' engagement with psychiatric services, his medication compliance, and that his brother had forgiven him. No evidence suggested he would repeat such behaviour.
Former Garda Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan testified at the Charleton Tribunal that she had done nothing to threaten Sergeant Maurice McCabe's role as sergeant‑in‑charge of the Mullingar traffic division. She explained that McCabe had resigned on 18 May 2015 after the commissioner's legal team instructed the O'Higgins Commission to question his credibility and motivation. O'Sullivan denied any knowledge of "bad blood" between Sergeant McCabe and Superintendent Noel Cunningham, and said she had not spoken to Cunningham about McCabe. She stated that she had no conflict of interest and that any conflict would have been addressed. O'Sullivan also said she had confirmed her instructions to her legal counsel before speaking to Department of Justice officials on 15 May, and that she was always available for consultation with her legal team. She maintained that she had not given any instructions to withdraw allegations of bad faith against McCabe.
A 22‑year‑old Louth man, Paul Crosby of Rathmullen Park, Drogheda, is set to appear before the Central Criminal Court on Thursday. He faces charges of attempting to murder Gerard Boyle twice on 10 November 2016, once at Knockcommon, Beauparc, Slane, Co. Meath, and again at Boyne Canal, Drogheda. Crosby also stands accused of causing serious harm to Boyle and of false imprisonment on the same day. He pleaded not guilty to all three charges. The trial, overseen by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, will involve a jury of twelve and is expected to last over a week.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 23 January 2018, the prosecution of Patrick Hutch for the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel was examined. The court considered whether evidence that two detectives identified Hutch in a photo would be admissible. The defence argued the identification was tainted, citing the detectives' prior interactions with Hutch and the lack of certainty among other Gardaí. Hutch, aged 25, pleaded not guilty and denied possession of assault rifles. The prosecution maintained that Hutch was the man in a woman's dress in the photo and part of a shared intent to commit the offence. Judge Tony Hunt announced a ruling would be made the following week, with the trial adjourned until 2 February 2018.
Former Garda Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan, speaking before the Charleton tribunal, said she felt isolated after media reports claimed she had directed an attack on whistleblower Sgt Maurice McCabe's integrity at the O'Higgins Commission of Investigation. She argued that selective leaks of a transcript were designed to damage her reputation. O'Sullivan noted that Section 11 of the Commissions of Investigation Act limited her ability to respond publicly to press allegations that McCabe acted out of malice. She maintained she never suggested malice and that her legal team had not instructed her to do so. O'Sullivan described a period of intense activity, including drafting a letter to Minister Frances Fitzgerald to clarify the facts and counter the allegations. She emphasized that the leaks were deliberate and aimed at harming her position and reputation. The tribunal heard her account of the events surrounding the O'Higgins report and the subsequent media coverage.
The Special Criminal Court heard surveillance evidence in the ongoing trial of Edward O'Brien, David Nooney, Seán Hannaway, Kevin Hannaway, and Eva Shannon. All five defendants pleaded not guilty to charges relating to membership of or assisting an unlawful organisation, namely the Irish Republican Army (IRA), on August 7th and 8th, 2015. Detective Garda BK testified that he observed Mr. Nooney and Mr. O'Brien entering and leaving a house in Riverwood Park, Castleknock, Dublin 15, where the prosecution alleges IRA interviews were conducted. Photographs taken by the detective were shown to the judges. Another detective, Detective Garda Y, stated he observed Mr. Nooney meeting two men at a McDonald's in Blanchardstown before they departed in his car. Prosecution counsel Tara Burns SC indicated that covert listening device evidence would be presented regarding the interviews. The trial is currently before Justice Isobel Kennedy, Justice Robert Haughton, and Judge Gerard Griffin. The matter was adjourned and continues tomorrow.
A garda informed the Special Criminal Court that Patrick Hutch, 25, accused of murdering David Byrne, 34, at the Regency Hotel on 5 February 2016, was not on his radar. The garda, who had previously interacted with Hutch when he was shot in 2015, could not identify the man dressed as a woman in a photo taken outside the Regency as Hutch. Hutch pleads not guilty to Byrne's murder and denies owning three AK47 assault rifles linked to the shooting. The prosecution alleges Hutch was the woman‑dressed man and part of a "shared intention" to commit the offence. The shooting occurred during a boxing weigh‑in when the woman‑dressed man, a flat‑cap wearer with handguns, and three people in tactical garda uniforms with assault rifles raided the venue. The defence objects to evidence that two detectives identified Hutch as the woman‑dressed man after viewing the photo.