The trial of seven men accused of falsely imprisoning former Tánaiste Joan Burton and her adviser Karen O'Connell on November 15, 2014, continued at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The defendants, Paul Murphy, Kieran Mahon, Michael Murphy, Frank Donaghy, Ken Purcell, Michael Banks, and Scott Masterson, have all pleaded not guilty to the charges. On day 22, Garda Jonathan Ryan testified that he arrived at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, to find the women in a car surrounded by protesters. He described the scene as extremely hostile, noting that a cordon formed to protect the women dissolved quickly, leaving them swarmed by the crowd. Garda Ryan stated that protesters deliberately blocked a Garda jeep, creating dangerous bottlenecks. He recounted helping a woman who fell over, after which defendant Michael Banks allegedly called him a "woman beater, a disgrace, a uniformed scumbag and a coward." Garda Ryan also testified that Paul Murphy held a vote among protesters regarding Ms Burton's movement, which he described as unanimous to keep her in the area, with Murphy appearing pleased. Under cross-examination, defence counsel challenged the witness's recollection, citing video footage showing Murphy voting to move the car. The trial continues before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury.
A 36‑year‑old man from Louth pleaded not guilty to rape at Kilmashogue Lane on 11 September 2014. The alleged victim, a 31‑year‑old university student, said she met the accused on Tinder, exchanged WhatsApp messages, and arranged a date. She claimed the man drove her to a rural road, forced her into his car, and after a brief kissing session, forced her to lie down, removed her clothes, and raped her. She said she resisted, but the accused allegedly stopped her resistance and raped her. After the incident, he sent her a WhatsApp with a smiley face, which she deleted. During cross‑examination, the defence argued the encounter was consensual, but the victim rejected this. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Paul Butler and a jury.
The trial of seven men accused of falsely imprisoning former Tánaiste Joan Burton and her adviser Karen O'Connell continues in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Paul Murphy, Michael Murphy, Kieran Mahon, Frank Donaghy, Ken Purcell, Michael Banks, and Scott Masterson have all pleaded not guilty to restricting the women's liberty without consent at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght, on November 15, 2014. The defendants allegedly trapped the pair in a car and a garda jeep for up to three hours during an anti-water charges protest. On day 21, Detective Garda Richard Hansen testified that the two Murphys were in control of the crowd and should have walked away from the escalating situation. He described the event as nearly a riot, noting that people were being assaulted. The jury reviewed video footage showing a vote taken among protesters on whether to keep or march the minister out. While defense counsel argued that Paul Murphy's actions constituted passive resistance, the witness maintained they were acts of aggression. The trial is ongoing before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury.
The family of Sonia Blount urged social media users to exercise caution after the man who murdered her was sentenced to life imprisonment. The warning followed the sentencing of Eric Locke, who had used a fake Facebook profile to lure Blount to a Dublin hotel room where she was killed. Family friend Liz Gaffney spoke outside court, thanking the legal team, Gardaí, and Blount's friends and colleagues at Henkel Locktite for their support. She warned that false profiles are easy to set up and that Blount's "error of judgment" cost her life. Gaffney thanked Justice Michael Moriarty and the jury for their unanimous decision and for identifying Locke as a "lying, manipulative person." She noted that the verdict would never bring Blount back, describing her as an innocent, beautiful, kind, caring mother who is deeply missed.
Three men from Cork—Joseph Walsh (36), Michael Gilmartin (46), and Sean Walsh (50)—are set to stand trial at the Special Criminal Court for alleged membership in the Irish Republican Army. Walsh and Gilmartin face additional charges of possessing firearms, including a 9mm pistol, a sawn‑off shotgun, and ammunition, seized from Chestnut Drive, Cluain Ard, Newtown, Cobh, on 14 December 2016. All three were arrested in December 2016 and remanded in custody. The court scheduled their trial for 12 February 2018, expecting it to last four weeks.
A man from Louth has gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the rape of a university student he met on Tinder. The prosecution, led by Alexander Owens SC, told the jury that the victim downloaded the dating app in September 2014 and began messaging the accused. Three days later they arranged a date, during which the accused took the victim to a McDonald's for ice‑cream and coffee. Owens said the accused became "extremely angry" when the woman rebuffed his sexual advances, and he angrily ordered her out of the car after 10 pm. He then drove her back to her home, told her to get back into the car, and allegedly drove her further up Kilmashogue Lane, Rathfarnham, where the rape took place. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge of rape on 11 September 2014. The trial is expected to last one week, with the alleged victim scheduled to give evidence tomorrow.
A 44-year-old man from County Louth has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation, a charge he denies relates to the Irish Republican Army. Michael Connolly of Dundalk faced trial at the Special Criminal Court, where the prosecution alleged he was observed driving in convoy with another man who was later found in possession of improvised explosive devices. The prosecution's case relied significantly on evidence from a Garda Assistant Commissioner regarding his belief in Mr Connolly's membership status, along with interviews conducted under statutory powers. The defence argued that this evidence lacked independent corroboration and fell short of legal requirements, contending the case should fail. The three-judge court rejected an earlier defence application for a directed acquittal. Judgment is scheduled for delivery on 1 June 2017.
In a 2017 court hearing, Detective Garda James Nagle denied allegations that he had refused to allow murder suspect Darren Murphy to see a solicitor and that he had instructed Murphy on what to say during his interview about his girlfriend's death. Nagle said he had followed standard procedure, asking suspects if they were ready to proceed before questioning, but admitted he did not ask that question at the start of Murphy's final interview. He denied knowing Murphy was unwilling to proceed and insisted that if Murphy had requested a solicitor he would have been granted access. Nagle also denied that Sergeant Anthony Harrington had told Murphy what to say or that he had been told there was no time to see a solicitor. The judge postponed the case to May 30 to resolve an evidence issue. Darren Murphy pleaded not guilty.
Garda Fionnuala Whelan testified at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court during day 19 of the trial of Paul Murphy, Frank Donaghy, Ken Purcell, Michael Banks, and Scott Masterson. All five defendants, along with three others, have pleaded not guilty to falsely imprisoning then Tánaiste Joan Burton and her adviser Karen O'Connell on November 15, 2014, at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght. Whelan described the atmosphere as hostile and volatile, stating she feared for her safety and that of the women. She recounted being pushed, kicked, and verbally abused while attempting to escort the pair through a crowd. Whelan identified Murphy, Masterson, Donaghy, and Kieran Mahon among protesters sitting on the road. She stated Murphy resisted her attempt to remove him and was held down by others. Defense counsel Sean Guerin SC suggested the situation was stable until Whelan "manhandled" Murphy, a claim she rejected. Whelan noted that Murphy's shirt was pulled off during the struggle but stated her priority was safety. She also described Michael Murphy as appearing to control events, advising protesters to stop abuse to avoid negative publicity. The matter remains at the trial stage with no findings, sentences, or finalizations recorded.
A 44-year-old man from Dundalk, County Louth, will have the Special Criminal Court determine tomorrow whether his trial for alleged IRA membership can proceed. Michael Connolly has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation on 16 December 2014. The prosecution alleges he was observed by gardaí driving in convoy along the N52 with another man who was later found with two improvised explosive devices. The defence applied today for a direction that the evidence was insufficient, arguing there were defects in the assistant commissioner's opinion underpinning the case and that Mr Connolly's presence at commemorations and demonstrations, or his association with previously convicted individuals, did not necessarily indicate IRA membership. The defence also contended there was no evidence Mr Connolly possessed or knew of the explosive devices. The three-judge court noted the application raised matters of sufficient substance and indicated closing speeches would be heard tomorrow.
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, Darren Murphy, 40, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Olivia Dunlea but pleaded guilty to manslaughter. He admitted stabbing her twice in the neck after an argument that began at the Rochestown Inn and continued at her home. Murphy said Dunlea asked, "What about my kids?" before he stabbed her. He claimed he did not intend to kill her, describing the act as a snap. Garda interviews revealed he was aware of the wounds and that a post‑mortem found six stab wounds, which he admitted he must have inflicted. He denied setting the house on fire to destroy evidence and said he only wanted to prevent children from discovering the body. The trial proceeds before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury.
Sean FitzPatrick, former chairman of Anglo Irish Bank, was acquitted of all 27 charges in a 127‑day trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge John Aylmer directed the jury to acquit, citing insufficient evidence and procedural shortcomings in the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement's investigation, including document shredding and witness coaching. The prosecution had alleged that FitzPatrick misled auditors about multi‑million‑euro loans linked to him and his family, and had concealed the full extent of these loans. The charges included 22 counts of misleading auditors and five of furnishing false information between 2002 and 2007. Earlier, nine charges were withdrawn for lack of evidence. No further criminal proceedings remain against FitzPatrick. Sean FitzPatrick pleaded not guilty.
In a murder trial, a 36‑year‑old woman found dead in her burning home may have died from a stab wound to her neck or from inhaling fire fumes. The court heard that the victim, Olivia Dunlea, was discovered face‑down on her bed in Passage West on 17 February 2013. State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy testified that she saw two deep stab wounds behind the victim's right ear, one penetrating the upper cervical spinal canal, and four shallow wounds on the front of the neck. She also found soot in the lungs and a high carbon monoxide level, indicating inhalation of toxic smoke. Cassidy concluded the cause of death was a neck stab wound combined with inhalation of fire fumes, noting that the spinal injury could have caused paralysis and rapid collapse. The accused, Darren Murphy, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter and is on trial at the Central Criminal Court.
During the 18th day of the trial of Solidarity TD Paul Murphy and six others for the 2014 anti‑water charges protest in Jobstown, Sergeant Michael Phelan testified that he was struck on the back of the head with a can of Red Bull that burst open. Phelan described a chaotic scene in which protestors hurled "missiles" such as cigarette lighters, branches and twigs at Gardaí while attempting to restrain former Tanaiste Joan Burton and adviser Karen O'Connell. He said the crowd surrounded the Avensis car that held the women, then moved them to a Garda jeep, with officers trying to protect them but being shoved and struck. Phelan also reported that a female colleague was shoved from behind and fell. The accused men, including Scott Masterson, deny the charges and claim they were present for a peaceful protest. The trial continues with the jury now reduced to 11 members.
Sean FitzPatrick, former chairman of Anglo Irish Bank, spoke outside the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin after Judge John Aylmer announced that he would direct the jury to acquit him of all charges. The judge cited flaws in the investigation into alleged refinancing of loans between 2002 and 2007, including witness coaching and contaminated statements. FitzPatrick said the prosecution had been a long, tiring, and difficult time for him and his family, and expressed relief that the trial was over. He thanked his legal team and the media for their restraint, and requested that his privacy and that of his family be respected in the coming days. The case was a retrial following the first trial in May 2015, which ended after legal arguments over the investigation's flaws. FitzPatrick was charged in December 2012 after being arrested at Bridewell Garda Station and faced 12 charges of making false or misleading statements to Anglo's auditors from 2002 to 2007.
In the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, the trial of Solidarity TD Paul Murphy and six other men for allegedly falsely imprisoning former Tanaiste Joan Burton and adviser Karen O'Connell during a 2014 anti‑water protest has progressed to day 18. A female juror was absent, and Judge Melanie Greally discharged her, allowing the jury to continue with 11 members—seven men and four women. The defendants, including Paul Murphy (34), Michael Murphy (53), Kieran Mahon (39), Frank Donaghy (71), Ken Purcell (50), Michael Banks (46) and Scott Masterson (34), deny the charges. They are accused of restricting Burton and O'Connell's liberty by holding them in a Garda car and later a Garda jeep for up to three hours near Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght, after the women attended a local graduation ceremony. The trial remains ongoing.
During a trial in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, defence barrister Raymond Comyn challenged Garda Lorna Loughney's testimony about Councillor Michael Murphy's conduct at a 2014 water‑charges protest. Comyn argued that Murphy was not asking the crowd whether Joan Burton should be given sanctuary in a church, but was instead shouting to the guards with suggestions on how to handle the situation. He cited video footage showing Murphy speaking to the guards, not to the crowd, and pointed out that Loughney's statements did not mention a sanctuary question. Loughney admitted she had not included such a question in her first statement but recalled hearing Murphy say it. Comyn also disputed Loughney's claim that Murphy used a loud‑speaker outside the church, noting the footage did not show him with one. The case remains before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury.
A man from County Monaghan has completed trial at the Special Criminal Court on a charge of membership of an unlawful organization styling itself the Irish Republican Army. Jim Smyth, aged 44, with an address at Aghalissabeagh, Scotstown, has pleaded not guilty to the charge relating to 25 November 2015. During closing arguments, the defence barrister characterised the prosecution case as a farce, arguing his client had legitimate reason to be present on land near his mother-in-law's house on the night in question. The prosecution maintained its case rested on three pillars, including circumstantial evidence and inferences drawn from the accused's refusal to answer certain questions during garda interviews conducted under the Offences Against the State Act. The three-judge panel, presiding judge Justice Isobel Kennedy sitting with Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin and Judge James Faughnan, will deliver their verdict on 1 June.
The jury has begun deliberating in the Central Criminal Court trial of 35‑year‑old Eric Locke, who is charged with murdering his ex‑girlfriend, Sonia Blount, in a room at the Plaza Hotel in Tallaght on 16 February 2014. Locke, who lives in St John's Park East, Clondalkin, pleaded not guilty but admitted causing Blount's death. He strangled her with his hands and the cable of her phone charger, and pushed her t‑shirt into the back of her mouth. Locke claims he was suffering from a mental disorder at the time, a defence that could reduce the charge from murder to manslaughter if successful. Judge Michael Moriarty explained that a successful diminished‑responsibility defence would not give a full acquittal but would lower the offence. The judge also noted that Locke had dressed Blount after killing her, a fact that may be relevant to the jury.
At a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 19 May 2017, Superintendent Daniel Flavin denied allegations that he was part of a conspiracy to pervert the course of justice in relation to the 2014 anti‑water‑charges protest in Tallaght. The case concerns the alleged false imprisonment of TD Joan Burton and her adviser Karen O'Connell by six men, including TD Paul Murphy, who were charged with restricting the women's liberty on Fortunestown Road. Flavin rejected claims that he had given a false or incomplete statement, and insisted he had only reported what he observed, including the crowd's violence and the actions of Paul Murphy. He stated that his priority was to secure the safety of the two women and all present. The trial, presided over by Judge Melanie Greally, continues with a jury of twelve.
At an out‑of‑hours sitting of the Special Criminal Court, a 34‑year‑old Dublin man, Darren Gleeson of Corduff Green, Blanchardstown, was charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, namely the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Gleeson was arrested by Detective Garda Sean Finnegan under section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act on 18 May 2017 and brought to the court on 19 May. In the court, the judge explained the charge to him; Gleeson did not respond. He was remanded in custody until 25 May, when a bail application is expected. The case was heard by Judges Tony Hunt, John O'Hagan and Flann Brennan. No further details of the proceedings or evidence were provided in the article.
At the Special Criminal Court, a Detective Garda Unit officer gave evidence regarding the arrest of a man accused of IRA membership. Detective Garda Paul Cornish denied that any attempt had been made to extract the accused, Michael Connolly (44), from a vehicle through its window during an operation in Convoy, County Donegal. The detective clarified that the term "extracted" in his statement referred simply to opening the car door. Mr Connolly, of Dundalk, County Louth, has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army on 16 December 2014. The prosecution alleges Mr Connolly was observed by gardaí driving in convoy with another man later found in possession of improvised explosive devices. Detective Garda Cornish told the court he had been briefed about suspected IRA activities involving the movement of firearms and explosives. The non-jury trial before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, Judge John O'Hagan, and Judge Flann Brennan continues.
In the Central Criminal Court, the prosecution argued that Eric Locke, 35, who strangled his ex‑girlfriend Sonia Blount in a Tallaght hotel room on 16 February 2014, was fully aware of the wrongness of his actions and could control himself, rejecting any claim of diminished responsibility. The defence presented three psychiatrists, including Dr Seán Ó Domhnaill, who diagnosed Locke with Pervasive Developmental Disorder, asserting a mental disorder underpinned the case. The prosecution dismissed Dr Ó Domhnaill's testimony as unreliable and questioned his competence, while the defence highlighted Locke's history of mental health issues, suicide attempts, and treatment at Pieta House. The jury was instructed to consider whether the alleged disorder substantially reduced Locke's responsibility for the murder. The judge would charge the jury on Monday. The unnamed 35-year-old pleaded not guilty.
The trial of seven men, including Solidarity TD Paul Murphy, South Dublin Councillors Kieran Mahon and Michael Murphy, and four others, continues before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. All defendants deny charges of falsely imprisoning former Tánaiste Joan Burton and her aide Karen O'Connell by restricting their liberty during a protest in Jobstown, Tallaght, on November 15, 2014. Garda Marion Power testified that she felt she was going to be "crushed" by the crowd while shielding Ms. Burton, reporting that protesters banged on vehicles, pushed against them, and shouted abuse. Superintendent Daniel Flavin stated he transferred the women to a jeep for safety due to the hostile environment. He noted that Mr. Murphy addressed the crowd via loudhailer, asking if they would keep the women there all night, and later suggested removing the Public Order Unit would allow the jeep to move. Sergeant Brian Boland of the Public Order Unit explained that removing protesters was difficult due to their numbers and that their deployment is a last resort. The trial is ongoing before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury.
The Special Criminal Court trial of Jim Smyth, 44, of County Monaghan, has heard evidence regarding his alleged membership of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) on November 25, 2015. Mr Smyth, who pleaded not guilty to the charge of membership of an unlawful organization, is accused of being part of the IRA, also known as Oglaigh na hEireann. Prosecution counsel Shane Costello SC outlined that senior gardai convened a meeting at Monaghan garda station shortly before the arrest, briefing officers on confidential information regarding Mr Smyth's activities. The court heard that Detective Garda Alan O'Connor observed the accused exiting a vehicle near derelict houses at Knockatallon, where he was subsequently arrested by Detective Sergeant Gerry Doherty. Portions of Mr Smyth's Section 2 interviews were read into evidence, revealing that while he denied being an IRA quartermaster, he made no response to questions concerning specific items found after his arrest. He also declined to answer inquiries about whether a laneway accessed an IRA storage dump, if he used a shed in his capacity as a member, or if certain houses served as a forward operating base or rendezvous point for attacks in Northern Ireland. The trial is presided over by Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, sitting with Judges Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin and James Faughnan, and resumes tomorrow.
In the Central Criminal Court trial of Eric Locke, a psychiatrist testified that Locke, 35, was motivated by retribution and extreme anger when he strangled and suffocated his ex‑girlfriend, Sonia Blount, 31, at the Plaza Hotel in Tallaght on 16 February 2014. The psychiatrist, Dr Francis Kelly, stated that Locke did not suffer from a mental illness at the time of the offence and that his alleged autism symptoms were described in a textbook‑like manner, which he found unconvincing. He described Locke as having an anankastic personality disorder and a history of depressive symptoms, but argued that these did not impair his capacity to form intent. Dr Kelly concluded that Locke's elaborate planning, purchase of restraint items, and post‑killing actions demonstrated clear consciousness and intent, and that any mental disorder was not severe enough to support a diminished responsibility defence. The case remains at the trial stage.
Darren Murphy, aged 36, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Olivia Dunlea, 36, in Passage West, Cork, on 17 February 2013. He admitted to stabbing her in the back of the neck after a heated argument, but his plea of guilty to manslaughter was not accepted by the Director of Public Prosecutions. Gardaí interviewed him the day after the body was found in her burning home. He claimed he had been drinking with Ms Dunlea at the Rochestown Inn, that a dispute arose when she mentioned another man, and that he "snapped" and stabbed her. He also said he set the house on fire to prevent her children from finding her body. The trial was scheduled to continue before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of seven men and five women.
At the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, the trial continues for Paul Murphy TD, South Dublin Councillors Michael Murphy and Kieran Mahon, along with four other men, who have pleaded not guilty to the alleged false imprisonment of former Tánaiste Joan Burton and her advisor Karen O'Connell at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght on November 15, 2014. The charges allege that the defendants falsely imprisoned the two women by restricting their personal liberty without their consent. During the trial, Sergeant Brian Boland testified that the Public Order Unit faced significant resistance from protesters, describing the situation as the most hostile and intimidating he had encountered since 2002. He stated that a suggestion by Paul Murphy to the gardaí led to the breaking of an impasse during the protest, allowing the garda Jeep to be freed. However, the situation did not fully resolve as protesters continued to block the road. The trial is ongoing before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury.
The Special Criminal Court has ruled that the arrest of a Monaghan man charged with IRA membership was lawful. Jim Smyth, aged 44, of Aghalissabeagh, Scotstown, County Monaghan, has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organization styling itself the Irish Republican Army. The prosecution alleges that Mr Smyth used his own land and land belonging to his mother-in-law for IRA activities on 25 November 2015. His legal representatives had challenged the lawfulness of his arrest, arguing he had been arrested for the same offence on 29 January that year. Presiding Justice Isobel Kennedy found no connection between the investigation into the alleged activities on the date in question and the earlier arrest on suspicion of IRA membership. The trial continues before Ms Justice Kennedy, sitting with Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin and Judge James Faughnan.
The trial of seven men accused of falsely imprisoning former Tánaiste Joan Burton and her advisor Karen O'Connell continues at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Solidarity TD Paul Murphy, South Dublin Councillors Michael Murphy and Kieran Mahon, and Frank Donaghy, Ken Purcell, Michael Banks, and Scott Masterson have all pleaded not guilty to the charges. The alleged incident occurred on November 15, 2014, at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght, where the women were reportedly held in vehicles for approximately three hours during a water charges protest. On day 14, Garda Brian O'Connor testified that he was dragged and punched by protesters while protecting the women. He stated that armed gardaí were present at the scene, leading to an order for plain-clothed officers to leave. The jury heard that the women were escorted through a human cordon to a Garda Jeep amidst aggressive crowds. The trial is ongoing before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury, with no findings, sentences, or finalisations recorded at this procedural stage.
In the Central Criminal Court, Darren Murphy, 40, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Olivia Dunlea, 36, but admitted to killing her. The prosecution, represented by senior counsel Thomas Creed, argued that Murphy was Dunlea's boyfriend and that he wanted to be with her "24 hours a day", describing the relationship as suffocating. Ann Power, Dunlea's sister, testified that she felt Murphy wanted her sister all to himself and that he was "besotted" with her. Power recounted a night‑time call from Dunlea that she could not answer, and that Murphy told her the house was on fire and shouted at her to "fuck off". Witnesses described a tense taxi ride from the Rochestown Inn to Dunlea's home, where Murphy appeared upset. Garda John Forde reported that Dunlea's body lay face down in a double bed, with two separate fires at the house that were unrelated.
During a trial in the Central Criminal Court, Darren Murphy, aged 40, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Olivia Dunlea, aged 36, but admitted to killing her. The prosecution, represented by senior counsel Thomas Creed, outlined that on 16 February 2013, Murphy and Dunlea had been drinking at the Rochestown Inn before taking a taxi home. Taxi driver Michael Ahern testified that Murphy entered the cab, appeared upset, and that Dunlea was in a cheerful mood. Ahern described Murphy as "boiling up inside" and noted tension in the vehicle. He also mentioned that Dunlea had spoken about another driver supposedly picking them up. The trial proceeded with a jury of seven men and five women under Judge Patrick McCarthy. The Director of Public Prosecutions had not accepted Murphy's guilty plea to manslaughter.
During the Central Criminal Court trial of Eric Locke, Dr Seán Ó Domhnaill testified that it was "entirely possible" that Locke had intentionally killed Sonia Blount, a 31‑year‑old mother‑of‑one who was found strangled and suffocated in a Plaza Hotel room in Tallaght on 16 February 2014. The psychiatrist, who had diagnosed Locke with Pervasive Developmental Disorder, ADHD, autism and Asperger's Syndrome, argued that Locke's mental state gave him "diminished responsibility" for the killing. He also described Locke as a compulsive liar and noted that Locke had used a fake Facebook profile to arrange a meeting with Blount. Dr Ó Domhnaill agreed that Locke's messages to Blount about leaving a keycard at reception showed an element of planning, but he maintained that Locke had not intended to kill her, only to silence her. The prosecution cross‑examined him on these points, and the trial continues before a jury. The unnamed 35-year-old pleaded not guilty.
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, Darren Murphy, aged 40, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Olivia Dunlea, aged 36, but admitted killing her. The prosecution, represented by senior counsel Thomas Creed, outlined that on 16 February 2013, Murphy and Dunlea had been drinking at the Rochestown Inn, then returned to her home where a fight reportedly occurred. Murphy allegedly left Dunlea at her front door and later returned, claiming he had "snapped." He allegedly grabbed a knife from a bed and stabbed Dunlea multiple times. Firefighters found a body with six stab wounds; the State Pathologist concluded Dunlea died from a neck wound or inhalation of toxic fumes. Murphy's clothing at the scene did not match his statement, and he was arrested on suspicion of murder. The trial continues before a jury of 12.
A 44-year-old man from Scotstown, County Monaghan, has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organization styling itself the Irish Republican Army at the Special Criminal Court. The accused, Jim Smyth of Aghalissabeagh, faces an allegation dating to November 25th, 2015. During a voir dire hearing to determine the legality of his arrest, Detective Chief Superintendent Tom Maguire told the court that Mr Smyth was suspected of using his own land and his mother-in-law's property at Knockatallon for IRA activities. Detective Sergeant Gerard O'Doherty described confronting a man on the laneway at approximately 9pm, drawing his firearm and identifying him as Mr Smyth. When asked his whereabouts, the accused stated he had been attending Mass and was present to check on horses. The detective expressed concern about the explanation given the darkness and overgrown conditions. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, presiding with two other judges, is expected to rule tomorrow on whether the arrest was lawful. The trial continues.
During a murder trial in Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick, a jury was informed by Judge Patrick McCarthy that they could convict the accused, Ger Hogan (34) and Dylan Hayes (22), of manslaughter if they did not intend to kill or cause serious injury. The defendants had pleaded not guilty to the murder of Shane Murphy, who died with 23 stab wounds, including one that pierced his heart, on 30 April 2015. The prosecution argued that the men acted together with intent to kill or seriously injure. The jury, after more than two hours of deliberation, asked whether a lesser verdict than manslaughter existed and whether the pathologist's report could be examined. The judge clarified that the only available verdicts were murder, manslaughter, or not guilty, and that manslaughter could be applied if the accused intended only to cause injury. The jury paused its deliberations at 4:23 pm and will resume tomorrow morning.
In the Central Criminal Court trial of Eric Locke, Dr Seán Ó Domhnaill, a psychiatrist, confirmed that Locke had used a fake Facebook profile to arrange a meeting with his ex‑girlfriend, Sonia Blount, at the Plaza Hotel in Tallaght. He agreed that Locke sent several messages to Blount asking her to leave a keycard for the room at reception, an action he said was intended to prevent her from seeing through the peephole. Dr Ó Domhnaill testified that this constituted an element of planning. He also diagnosed Locke with Pervasive Developmental Disorder, noting signs of ADHD, autism and Asperger's Syndrome, and argued that Locke's mental state gave him diminished responsibility for the killing. Locke, 35, is charged with Blount's murder, which occurred on 16 February 2014, and has pleaded not guilty. The prosecution's cross‑examination focused on the significance of the keycard messages and the planning they implied.
In a Limerick murder trial, a jury has begun deliberating on the case of Ger Hogan, 34, and Dylan Hayes, 22, who are accused of killing Shane Murphy at a house party on 30 April 2015. The defendants pleaded not guilty. The prosecution alleges they acted together with intent to kill or seriously injure. Justice Patrick McCarthy explained that each accused could be found guilty of murder, guilty of manslaughter, or not guilty. After more than two hours of discussion, the jury of five women and seven men will return with their verdicts this afternoon.
In a 2017 trial, Dr Seán Ó Domhnaill testified that Eric Locke, a 35‑year‑old from Clondalkin, had a chronic pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified, including ADHD, autism and Asperger's syndrome. He described Locke's early autistic behaviours, his many short‑lived jobs, and his tendency to attribute human qualities to action figures. Dr Ó Domhnaill also noted a childhood urethral condition that had been surgically attempted but left a deformity, which had led to female taunts and a mistrust of women. He concluded that Locke's mental state meant he had diminished responsibility for the killing of 31‑year‑old Sonia Blount, whom he strangled and suffocated in a hotel room in Tallaght on 16 February 2014 after meeting her via a fake Facebook profile. The psychiatrist said Locke had not intended to kill her, only to tie her to a chair and force her to listen to his suffering, and that he had panicked when she screamed.
A jury will start deliberating on Tuesday over the murder trial of Ger Hogan, 34, and Dylan Hayes, 22, who are accused of killing Shane Murphy at his girlfriend's home in Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick, on 30 April 2015. The prosecution alleges the two men acted together with intent to kill or seriously injure Mr. Murphy, who died after receiving 23 stab wounds, including one that pierced his heart. Justice Patrick McCarthy explained that the jury must consider each accused separately, with three possible verdicts for each: guilty if intent is proven beyond reasonable doubt; manslaughter if provocation is accepted; or not guilty if intent is not established. He advised the jury to assess provocation based on the individual's personality and circumstances, noting that alcohol is not a defence but may be a factor in state of mind. The judge has finished his charge to the jury.
The trial of Paul Murphy and six co-accused, including Dublin Councillors Michael Murphy and Kieran Mahon, continued at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The defendants have pleaded not guilty to falsely imprisoning Ms Burton and her advisor Karen O'Connell by restricting their personal liberty without consent at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght, on November 15, 2014. On the 12th day of the trial, Garda Inspector Derek Maguire denied making an agreement with Solidarity TD Paul Murphy to end the protest. While acknowledging that the Public Order Unit was withdrawn and a slow march resumed, Maguire stated this was a Garda tactical decision, not a negotiated agreement. He also denied recollection of specific conversations with Murphy, despite previous sworn statements suggesting otherwise. Video footage played in court showed protesters expressing animosity toward Murphy, with one shouting at him to "mind his own business." Defence counsel Sean Guerin SC argued that Murphy's actions, including calling for a vote on whether to keep Ms Burton, indicated an attempt to manage the crowd. Maguire testified that Ms Burton was removed from the church due to being assaulted with water balloons. The matter remains at the trial stage with no finalisation or sentence recorded.
In the Central Criminal Court, the trial of 35‑year‑old Eric Locke, charged with the murder of 31‑year‑old Sonia Blount, has revealed that Locke had a history of ADHD, autism and Asperger's Syndrome. He also suffered a birth defect involving his urethra, which had been unsuccessfully corrected surgically and led to scarring. According to psychiatrist Dr Sean O'Domhnaill, Locke's early life was marked by autistic behaviours such as hand‑flapping and high‑pitched shrieks, and he had held more than 20 jobs in a decade, a pattern typical of ADHD. O'Domhnaill also noted that Locke had developed a mistrust of women after being taunted by several females about his birth defect. The prosecution's case was closed, while Locke pleaded not guilty and admitted to strangling Blount after meeting her via a fake Facebook profile at the Plaza Hotel in Tallaght on 16 February 2014.
A jury was sworn in for the trial of Darren Murphy, 40, of Passage West, who is charged with murdering Olivia Dunlea, 36, at her home in Pembroke Crescent, Passage West, on 17 February 2013. Murphy was arraigned at the Central Criminal Court and pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Tom Creed SC, rejected the plea. Judge Patrick McCarthy directed the jury to return to the Central Criminal Court in Dublin for a two‑week trial expected to begin tomorrow.
The trial of Paul Murphy TD and six other men, including Dublin Councillors Michael Murphy and Kieran Mahon, is ongoing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The defendants have pleaded not guilty to the alleged false imprisonment of former Tánaiste Joan Burton and her advisor Karen O'Connell on November 15, 2014, at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght. On day 11, the jury reviewed RTÉ footage showing Murphy telling a reporter that the detention was part of a "peaceful protest." Murphy stated the event was largely spontaneous and that protesters had the right to be angry. He claimed the protest ended peacefully when gardaí moved Burton to a patrol car, alleging some gardaí were aggressive. Footage also captured Murphy using a loud-hailer to ask if protesters would let Burton go. Garda Inspector Derek Maguire testified that the footage accurately reflected his memory, noting Murphy held a democratic vote on whether to detain Burton for the night. The matter was adjourned and is set to continue before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury.
In a trial at the Central Criminal Court, 35‑year‑old Eric Locke is charged with murdering 31‑year‑old Sonia Blount, who was found strangled and suffocated in a room at the Plaza Hotel in Tallaght on 16 February 2014. Locke, who lives in Clondalkin, pleaded not guilty but admitted causing Blount's death. He told Gardaí that he had set up a fake Facebook account to meet her, purchased a pellet gun, a Stanley knife and cable ties, and used a keycard left at reception to enter the room. Locke claimed he only intended to frighten her, not kill her, and that he had used his hands and briefly a phone charger cable during the strangulation. He denied rape, said he had attempted suicide before surrendering, and expressed remorse for the impact on Blount's three‑year‑old son. The case is before Mr Justice Michael Moriarty and a jury of twelve.
In a Central Criminal Court trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Ger Hogan (34) and Dylan Hayes (22) stabbed Shane Murphy (26) 23 times at his girlfriend's house in Pallasgreen on 30 April 2015. Witnesses, including Sharon Kelly, the deceased's partner, testified that both men attacked Murphy, with Hogan striking him with an ash tray and the pair later stabbing him again while Kelly tried to protect her boyfriend. Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan described 23 stab wounds and numerous bruises, indicating a frenzied assault. Prosecutor Paul Burns argued the evidence proved guilt, while defense counsel for Hayes, Mark Nicholas, claimed he admitted the killing but should be found guilty of manslaughter due to loss of self‑control, citing provocation and Hayes's background. Defense counsel for Hogan, Michael Bowman, challenged the reliability of Kelly's testimony and the scientific evidence linking Hogan to the wounds, urging an acquittal. The unnamed man pleaded not guilty.
The trial of former Anglo Irish Bank chief executive David Drumm, aged 50 and residing in Skerries, Co Dublin, was adjourned again to January 12, 2018, by Judge Karen O'Connor at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Drumm faces two charges of conspiring to defraud depositors and investors by falsely presenting 2008 deposits as €7.2 billion larger than they were, and a third charge relating to the EU transparency directive. He has not yet entered a plea to any of the charges.
In a Dublin murder trial, 35‑year‑old Eric Locke is charged with killing 31‑year‑old Sonia Blount in a Plaza Hotel room on 16 February 2014. The court heard that Locke had tried to hack Blount's Facebook and email accounts a week before the murder, and that she had described him as a "whack job" to a friend. Locke pleaded not guilty but admitted causing Blount's death, which was found strangled and suffocated. He had threatened suicide when their relationship ended in January 2014 and exchanged messages with Blount about his health. The jury heard that Locke had created a fake identity to meet Blount, arranged a meeting for sex, and that he left the hotel around 5.40 am before her body was discovered. The trial is before Mr Justice Michael Moriarty with a jury of eight men and four women.
Gardaí forcibly removed a man from his vehicle during a roadside stop on the N52 in County Meath in December 2014, the Special Criminal Court heard. Michael Connolly, aged 44, of Dundalk, County Louth, has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army. The prosecution alleges that Connolly was observed driving in convoy with another vehicle. Detective Sergeant Daniel O'Driscoll told the court that gardaí became suspicious the cars may carry firearms or explosives and moved to stop them at Mitchelstown Cross. When Connolly did not comply with orders to turn off his ignition, another detective broke the car window and removed him forcibly. A brown paper bag recovered from the second vehicle contained two items wrapped in bubblewrap and black tape, which Detective Sergeant Padraig Boyce described as resembling improvised explosive devices. The court also examined CCTV footage from a petrol station on the N52. The trial, before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and two other judges, continues.
In the Limerick murder trial, a jury will hear closing speeches tomorrow after Justice Patrick McCarthy announced a legal matter to be considered overnight. He explained that the evidence phase for Ger Hogan (34) and Dylan Hayes (22) is complete, and the next step is the defence and prosecution to present their closing arguments. The men have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Shane Murphy, who was stabbed 23 times, including a heart wound, at The Grove, Pallasgreen, on 30 April 2015. The trial is held at the Central Criminal Court.