A 19‑year‑old youth was placed on a six‑month Probation Bond after he punched a 14‑year‑old boy on a train from Gormanston to Skerries and stole his Apple iPod. The youth approached the victim, tried to seize the iPod, then struck the boy several times in the face, leaving severe bruising. He disembarked at Balbriggan Train Station with the device, and Gardaí later found him on Balbriggan Beach still in possession of the stolen iPod. He pleaded guilty to the theft before Balbriggan District Court on 10 August of the previous year. The Director of Public Prosecutions had directed a summary disposal of the case. Defence solicitor Fiona D'Arcy noted the youth's difficult upbringing, including physical abuse from his mother, and that he has no drink or drug problem.
Simon McGinley, 30, of Sligo, is standing trial at the Central Criminal Court for the death of Eugene Gillespie, 67. McGinley pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The State did not accept the manslaughter plea, and a jury was sworn in for the two-week trial. He also pleaded guilty to the false imprisonment of Mr Gillespie and trespass to commit robbery at his home in Old Market Street on September 19, 2012. The prosecution alleges McGinley made a 999 call from an acquaintance's phone, stating a man was tied up in a house across from the Garda station. Garda Sergeant Terry Coleman received the brief call, which was disconnected before details could be clarified. Garda Michael Twyford checked the described property but found nothing untoward. Detective Garda Seamus O'Donnell testified that Mr Gillespie's home was ransacked, with broken furniture and a large blood stain. Paramedic Aidan Duggan found Mr Gillespie unconscious on the floor. The court heard evidence that McGinley placed a bet at 1:35 pm on September 20, 2012, and was seen in a Sligo newsagent on September 23. CCTV footage showed a man believed to be McGinley discarding a SIM card on September 19. The trial continues.
Simon McGinley, 30, of Connaughton Road, Sligo, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the death of Eugene Gillespie, 67. McGinley pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Gillespie in September 2012. He also pleaded guilty to the false imprisonment of Mr Gillespie and trespass to commit robbery at his home in Old Market Street on September 19, 2012. The State did not accept the manslaughter plea, and a jury was sworn in for the trial. Prosecutors alleged that Mr Gillespie was subjected to violence, found unconscious with his hands tied, and died of bronchial pneumonia resulting from blunt force trauma. Evidence included an anonymous 999 call reporting a tied-up man, which led gardai to the wrong address. The court heard that Mr Gillespie was last seen on September 19 and found by relatives on September 21. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan.
TodaySimon McGinley, 30, of Connaughton Road, Sligo, appeared at the Central Criminal Court where a jury was sworn in for his trial. The defendant was arraigned and pleaded not guilty to the murder of Eugene Gillespie, 67, in County Sligo on September 22, 2012. However, he admitted to the manslaughter of Mr Gillespie. Additionally, McGinley pleaded guilty to the false imprisonment of Mr Gillespie and trespass to commit robbery at the victim's home in Old Market Street on September 19, 2012. Prosecuting counsel Sean Gillane SC stated that the manslaughter plea was not acceptable, leading to the swearing in of a jury comprising seven women and five men for a two-week trial. The matter is currently at the trial stage, with proceedings presided over by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan. The trial was scheduled to begin the following day. No sentence or final disposal has been recorded in this report, as the case is proceeding to a full jury trial to determine the outcome of the contested murder charge.
At Balbriggan District Court, David Yeomons pleaded guilty to driving without insurance, driving without a driving licence, and having no NCT. Judge Dermot Dempsey disqualified him from driving for two years and fined him €400 for the insurance offence and €100 for the licence offence, taking the other charges into consideration. In a separate matter, Intaras Balans was alleged to have committed drink driving, driving while disqualified, driving without a licence, and possessing a false tax and insurance disc. The Director of Public Prosecutions directed summary disposal, keeping the case in the District Court. Judge Dempsey adjourned the proceedings until June 9th and remanded Balans on continuing bail. Additionally, Paul Nwoso was alleged to have drink driven and committed several other motoring offences. His case was adjourned until April 3rd, and he was remanded on continuing bail. A 17-year-old defendant, who pleaded guilty to theft from a Skerries pharmacy, was sentenced to three months' imprisonment, suspended, and bound to the peace for two years.
Patrick Lee, 41, a Kildare resident, faces extradition to the United States for 51 alleged offences, including 29 counts of wire fraud, 6 of unlawful monetary transaction and 16 of aggravated identity theft. The High Court heard that Lee allegedly participated in a scheme that defrauded U.S. banks and mortgage lenders by purchasing properties in Boston between 2006 and 2007, converting them into apartments, and using forged appraisals to secure loans. Lee claims the allegations are false and denies any wrongdoing. He argues that some offences occurred while he was in Ireland and that Irish law should prevent extradition. The court considered evidence that 8 of the 51 alleged offences took place outside the U.S., and that 30 offences post‑dated the Criminal Justice Act 2006, potentially qualifying them as Irish offences. Lee also raised concerns about potential mistreatment and health care in U.S. prisons.
In a 2014 hearing, 30‑year‑old Eugene Cullen of Derry Road, Crumlin pleaded not guilty to the 2009 murder of Seamus O'Byrne, 27, in Tallaght. The Central Criminal Court heard that O'Byrne was shot outside his home in front of his girlfriend, Sharon Rattigan, who tackled the gunman and was shot in the leg. The prosecution said Cullen was not the gunman but one of four men involved in planning the murder. In interviews after his arrest, Cullen admitted he knew Rattigan and had hung out with her little brother, but denied knowing the assassin or participating in the shooting. He also denied placing a petrol can in a stolen Volkswagen Passat, though he admitted buying a can of petrol the day before the shooting for a friend. The trial was before Mr Justice Barry White and a jury of five men and seven women.
In Balbriggan District Court, Jackie Gallagher, aged 53, was convicted of stealing €50 from the purse of an 87‑year‑old dementia patient at Baldrumman Manor in Lusk on 18 April 2013. The theft was captured on CCTV. Gallagher, a former qualified nurse who had worked as a health‑check nurse and later as a carer, pleaded guilty. She explained that she had been struggling with depression and alcohol use, and that she had taken the money because she did not have enough for petrol. The judge described the act as despicable and imposed a fine of €750, noting that the victim was vulnerable and that the offence could not go unpunished. Gallagher has since stopped working as a carer and now sells electronic cigarettes and babysits. The conviction is final pending any appeal.
In March 2014, Garda Sergeant Hazel Delahunt, based at Roscrea Garda Barracks, had initiated a High Court action to obtain details of allegations that had led to an internal investigation against her. She sought an injunction compelling the Garda Commissioner to disclose the complaints that prompted the inquiry. The court had granted her permission to serve short notice of proceedings, and the case was scheduled for hearing before Mr Justice Michael Peart. However, Sergeant Delahunt's counsel, Jim O'Callaghan SC, informed the court that the matter had been settled and could now be struck out. No particulars of the settlement were disclosed. The action had arisen after Sergeant Delahunt was contacted in January by a Garda Inspector regarding a complaint she had made about a stolen USB clip, after which she was informed she was under investigation.
Patrick Lee, 41, of Newtown, Co Kildare, faces extradition to the United States on 51 charges, including 29 counts of wire fraud, six counts of unlawful monetary transaction and 16 counts of aggravated identity theft. He is accused of participating in a scheme that defrauded U.S. banks and mortgage lenders by securing loans for properties that were never repaid. The alleged scheme involved real‑estate lawyers, "straw buyers" and forged appraisals, with Lee allegedly receiving about €1 million for his role. U.S. authorities seek a maximum sentence of 42 years. Lee denies the allegations. Cathleen Noctor BL presented documents and affidavits to the High Court, while Lee's barrister, Kieran Kelly BL, will submit written arguments. The case is set for a hearing before Mr Justice John Edwards on Thursday, with Lee's legal team raising concerns about potential cruel treatment and the reliability of U.S. assurances regarding extradition.
Swords District Court heard several matters presided over by Judge Dempsey. David Wheatley, who pleaded not guilty to causing criminal damage at the home of Thazman Byrne, was convicted after the judge accepted CCTV evidence. He was fined €400, bound to the peace for one year, and ordered to stay away from Ormond Close and have no contact with the victim. Dawid Morkowski pleaded guilty to trespass at St Colmcille's Parochial House and was remanded on continuing bail for a Probation & Welfare Report. Mark Gavin pleaded guilty to the theft of Nike runners and was similarly remanded on continuing bail for a report. Shane Lynch pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis and was ordered to provide €500 to the court. Karlos Verbickas pleaded guilty to trespass and the theft of two bicycles and an iPhone; he was sentenced to five months in prison. Brian Murphy pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening behaviour; his case was struck out after he paid a €200 charitable donation. Gareth O'Connell, who also pleaded guilty to the same offences, was convicted and fined €300 for intoxication and €100 for threatening behaviour after failing to pay the full donation.
In a Dublin murder trial, a 30‑year‑old man from Crumlin, Eugene Cullen, pleaded not guilty to the 2009 killing of Seamus O'Byrne, a 27‑year‑old father of two. The court heard that O'Byrne was shot in front of his girlfriend and child at Tymon Park North, Tallaght, at 8:15 pm. Prosecutor Alex Owens SC stated that Cullen was not the gunman but one of four conspirators. Garret O'Brien, a Bray man now convicted, was identified as the shooter. Detective Garda Mary Moore testified she arrested Cullen at 11 pm after spotting a silver Nissan Primera with three occupants, one being Cullen, and brought him to Tallaght Garda Station. Garda Alan Young reported seizing a silver Ford Transit van on Derry Road, taking fingerprint lifts. Detective Sergeant John Schley described the van's chassis and licence plates, noting it was stolen in 2008 with false tax and insurance discs.
Ali Charaf Damache, a forty‑eight‑year‑old Algerian‑born Irish citizen, was denied a second application for judicial review by the High Court. The court, presided over by Mr Justice John Edwards, found no new grounds to justify the review and held that Damache had not met the threshold for leave. Damache is wanted in the United States on international terrorism charges, including conspiracy to provide material support for terrorists and attempted identity theft. He had previously applied for review of the Director of Public Prosecutions' decision not to prosecute him in Ireland, and the court reiterated that the DPP has the right of first refusal. The judge noted that extradition remains possible even if the DPP decides not to prosecute domestically. Damache was remanded in custody pending further proceedings on 4 March.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Ursula Shannon, a 30‑year‑old Trinity College PhD student, and her co‑accused John McGreal (37) and Colin Brady (24) were found guilty of unlawful possession of two handguns and 32 rounds of ammunition, as well as a 9mm Taurus PT92 pistol, a Walther P5 pistol, a magazine for the Taurus, a ZGJY stun‑gun/flashlight, and 25 rounds of 9mm ammunition. The court noted that the firearms were recovered from a stolen van intercepted by armed gardai outside a firearms dealer in Co Offaly, and that the ammunition was wrapped in a baby's nappy. The defendants had not contested the evidence. The judge sentenced each to six years' imprisonment, with Brady's sentence back‑dated to 29 November 2012. Ursula Shannon pleaded not guilty. John McGreal pleaded not guilty. Colin Brady pleaded not guilty.
Rory Grant (48) pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of an intoxicant and having no insurance on May 20, 2013, at Chieftain's Drive in Balbriggan. Judge Patrick Clyne sentenced him to four months, suspended for two years, for the driving offence, and a concurrent four-month sentence, suspended for two years, for the insurance offence. Grant was also disqualified from driving for four years. Stephen O'Shaughnessy (23) pleaded guilty to trespass, theft of alcohol, and handling stolen property. The matter was adjourned until May 1st, with the judge requiring O'Shaughnessy to cooperate with Probation Services and provide €376 in compensation. Sean Lynch (26) is alleged to have assaulted a person by sticking a lit cigarette in their eye at Home Nightclub in Balbriggan on July 31, 2011. He was remanded on continuing bail, and the case was adjourned until March 27th. Billy Atete (44) pleaded guilty to failing to provide a breath sample at Balbriggan Garda Station on February 2. He was fined €250 and disqualified from driving for four years.
An Irish citizen, Ali Charaf Damache, 48, faces extradition to the United States on international terrorism charges. He is wanted for conspiracy to provide material support for terrorists and attempted identity theft to facilitate an act of international terrorism. US authorities allege that Damache, who used the username "the black flag," conspired with American woman Colleen LaRose (online name "Jihad Jane") and others to create a terror cell in Europe that could target US and Western US citizens. They also claim he participated in a conspiracy to transfer a passport stolen from a US citizen to an individual in Pakistan believed to be a member of Al Qaeda. In March 2011 the Director of Public Prosecution decided not to prosecute Damache in Ireland. He applied for a second judicial review of that decision, arguing that the lack of prosecution impeded his ability to fight extradition. The High Court granted him permission to address the court.
Swords District Court heard five matters. Henry Afeni (49) pleaded guilty to making a gain or causing loss by deception at TK Max in Swords. Judge Patrick Clyne suspended a five-month sentence for two years and proposed 100 hours of community service, adjourning the case until April 28 for a Probation Report. Debra Maguire (44) pleaded not guilty to handling stolen goods but was found guilty; the court ordered a Probation & Welfare report and adjourned sentencing until April 28. Robert Trnovec (38) pleaded guilty to drink driving and received a two-year disqualification and a €250 fine. Anne-Marie McGill (50) pleaded guilty to theft of a cardigan; the judge applied the Probation Act. Declan Fitzsimons (34) pleaded guilty to using threatening and abusive behaviour; the judge proposed a €500 charitable donation to avoid a conviction, with a default fine of €500, and set a deadline of April 28.
Patrick Lee, 41, of Newtown, County Kildare, is wanted by U.S. authorities for 51 offences including wire fraud, unlawful monetary transaction and aggravated identity theft. He allegedly participated in a scheme that defrauded U.S. banks and mortgage lenders by purchasing properties in Boston, converting them into apartments, and using "straw buyers" to secure mortgages that were never repaid. Lee is accused of forging appraisals and receiving about €1 million for his role. The U.S. seeks his extradition for a maximum sentence of 42 years. Lee denies all allegations and claims he would face cruel and inhumane treatment if surrendered, citing health concerns and alleged mistreatment at Shannon Airport. The High Court will consider the extradition request on 12 March, with counsel for both sides presenting evidence. The case remains pending before Mr Justice John Edwards.
In Balbriggan District Court, Philip Dunne (28) of Woodland Court, Rush, faced charges of failing to give a blood sample, criminal damage, and dangerous driving on November 14th. His case was adjourned until March 27th following a disclosure order request by his solicitor, Fiona Darcy. Aaron Conway (20) of Aghaneen Park, Dundalk, pleaded guilty to possession of counterfeit cigarettes for sale without excise duty. His case was struck out after he made a €300 charitable donation to Balbriggan St Vincent De Paul Society. Mark Duignam (37) of Palmer Court, Rush, had his four-month suspended sentence activated after breaching bail conditions. He was previously convicted in May 2013 for theft of €57 worth of groceries from Supervalu in Lusk. Judge Coughlan sentenced him to four months in prison. Noel Orange (30) of Reynoldstown, The Naul, was charged with refusing to give a blood sample on January 31st. His case was adjourned for hearing, with a remand on continuing bail to appear before Swords District Court on March 10th. William O'Gorman (39) of Baron's Hall House, Balbriggan, was charged with theft of a track suit top from St Vincent de Paul on February 14th. His case was remanded on continuing bail until March 28th, with free legal aid granted. Balbriggan Sunday Market was an applicant in a case involving possession of counterfeit cigarettes for sale without excise duty and refusal to give a blood sample, with charges admitted and a guilty plea.
Patrick Lee, 51, is wanted for extradition to the United States on 51 alleged offences, including 29 counts of wire fraud, 6 counts of unlawful monetary transaction and 16 counts of aggravated identity theft. He is accused of participating in a scheme that defrauded US banks and mortgage lenders by purchasing properties in Boston between 2006 and 2007, converting them into apartments, and using "straw buyers" to obtain mortgages that were never repaid. Lee allegedly forged appraisals, was not a licensed appraiser, and received about €1 million for his role. The scheme involved real‑estate lawyers and the use of forged documents to secure loans, resulting in foreclosures and significant losses for lenders. Lee denies all allegations, claims he was arrested in 2012, and argues that extradition would expose him to cruel treatment and violate his constitutional rights. The case is before Mr Justice John Edwards.
In February 2014, a High Court judge declined to recuse himself from hearing a second judicial review application filed by Ali Charaf Damache, a 48‑year‑old Algerian‑born Irish citizen. Damache is facing extradition to the United States on international terrorism charges, including conspiracy to provide material support for terrorists and attempted identity theft. U.S. authorities allege that he conspired with American woman Colleen LaRose, known online as "Jihad Jane," and others to create a terror cell in Europe that could target U.S. and Western U.S. citizens. They also claim he participated in a conspiracy to transfer a stolen U.S. passport to a Pakistani individual believed to be an Al Qaeda member. Damache's lawyers requested that Justice John Edwards recuse himself from the second review, arguing potential bias due to prior findings in the extradition case.
Michael Daly, 35, of Coolock, was sentenced by Swords District Court to four months in prison for stealing 98 boxes of hair products worth €4,272 from Irish Global Logistics on 28 November 2010. He pleaded guilty to the theft and to entering a building and possessing a black balaclava and gloves with intent to commit theft on 19 June 2013 at Unit D2 Metro Point Business Park. Garda Stephen Harte testified that he saw Daly moving boxes from a trailer into a red Transit van at the Corporate Park and that the items were recovered and resellable. Garda Eamonn Oakes reported that a call at 23:45 on 19 June alerted him to a male attempting to access Unit 2; the unit's shutters were damaged and a total of €998 of damage was caused. Daly was also convicted of criminal damage and sentenced to four months in prison, to run concurrently with the theft sentence.
Swords District Court sentenced five defendants at the sentencing stage. Nerijus Dumbris pleaded guilty to drink driving and dangerous driving; he was sentenced to four months in prison, fined €250, and disqualified from driving for three years for drink driving and five years for dangerous driving. Florin Amarrii pleaded guilty to theft; he was convicted, fined €100, and ordered to pay €30 expenses to the security officer. Ciara Tynan pleaded guilty to theft and intoxicated, threatening, and abusive behaviour; she received a four-month suspended sentence, was placed on a one-year Peace Bond, ordered to stay away from the injured party, and fined €100. Aidan McDonnell pleaded guilty to failing to comply with garda direction and pushing a garda; he was convicted and fined €350. Daniel Betley pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of pepper spray; he was ordered to complete 200 hours of community service in lieu of a two-month prison sentence. All matters were finalised with sentences imposed.
Balbriggan District Court heard a number of cases on various charges. David El Masri (32) of Prospect in Balbriggan, Co Dublin pleaded guilty to custody or control of equipment designed for making copies of work on October 14th, 2013 at his home address, and 10 charges of copying movies for sale or supply on the same date, namely Invictus, Avatar, Old Dogs, Body of Lies, Informant, Invention of Lying, Grown Ups, Marmaduke, Wall-E and Four Christmases. He also pleaded guilty to the theft of ten PlayStation games valued at €603 from Tesco Xpress at Millfield in Balbriggan on November 28th. The matter was adjourned until March 6th. Montes Parulea (20) of Birchwood Heights, Springfield Tallaght pleaded guilty to the theft of ten PlayStation games and was handed 240 hours community service work in lieu of a two month prison sentence. Christopher Russell (53) of Brookford Lane in Rush pleaded not guilty to assault and using threatening and abusive behaviour at Upper Main Street in Rush on August 22nd. The matter was adjourned until March 28th. Paul Boylan (35) of Minster's Road in Lusk was remanded on continuing bail until March 27th. Benjamin Whitehouse and Oliver Whitehouse (both 36) were remanded on continuing bail until March 13th. Martin Coughlan (30) of Gurteen Road in Ballyfermot was remanded on continuing bail until March 6th. Nicholas Keane (36) of Bremore, Castlegate in Balbriggan was adjourned until April 10th. Martin Maughan (30) of St McCullin's in Balbriggan pleaded guilty to refusing to give gardai his name and address on November 20th, 2012 at Pinewood Green Close and was fined €200.
TWO men, Tomas Tarasevicius (29) and Paulius Taracvius (33), were charged with possession of stolen high‑powered vehicles and related offences. Tomas faces four counts of handling stolen property, including an Audi A5, a Nissan Quashqui and two BMWs seized at McAuley's Yard in Balbriggan on 20 September 2013, plus possession of stolen cars, two petrol tanks and criminal damage to an Audi. Paulius is charged with possession of a stolen Audi car at the same location and date. Both appeared before Balbriggan District Court, where a State solicitor confirmed the Books of Evidence were ready and served. They were remanded on continuing bail to appear before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 7 March, with a judge warning them to provide witness details within 14 days. The defendants' solicitor applied for a second counsel due to the case's complexity, a matter for the trial judge. The case is now set for trial by judge and jury.
Anthony Martin Coughlan, a Manchester resident, was extradited to the UK by the Irish High Court after a European Arrest Warrant issued in May 2013. He faces charges of robbery, assault and absconding while on bail. The court found no credible evidence that he would be tortured or subjected to inhumane treatment if surrendered. Coughlan allegedly robbed a man on 23 April 2010, stole a computer, demanded a password, and failed to appear in court on 31 October 2010. He was arrested in Ireland last year. The judge ordered extradition for robbery, punishable by up to nine years, and absconding while on bail, punishable by up to twelve months. The battery assault charge, carrying a maximum six‑month sentence, did not meet the gravity threshold for extradition. Coughlan is remanded at Cloverhill Prison pending implementation of the order.
Ursula Shannon (30), a Trinity College graduate and prominent member of socialist republican group Eirigi, and her co-accused John McGreal (37) were found guilty of the possession of two handguns and 32 rounds of ammunition at Tullybeg, Rahan, Co Offaly on November 27th, 2012. They had not challenged any of the evidence in the case and had pleaded not guilty to the unlawful possession of one 9mm parabellum calibre Taurus PT92 semi-automatic pistol, one magazine suitable for use with the Taurus PT92 pistol, one 9mm parabellum calibre Walther P5 semi-automatic pistol and one ZGJY branded combined stun gun and flashlight. They had also pleaded not guilty to the possession of 25 rounds of 9mm ammunition and 7 rounds of 9mm ammunition. The court heard that the accused were wearing wigs and disguises when they were intercepted by armed gardai outside a residential premises which also doubled as a business for a licensed firearms seller. CCTV footage of the interception of the stolen van they were travelling in was played to the court. The prosecution invited the court to infer that the people in the van were there to rob the shop and steal the firearms on the premises. The court heard evidence that interviews were conducted with the accused where Sections 18, 19 and 19A of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 as amended by the Criminal Justice Act 2007 were invoked. The sections allow a judge or jury to draw inferences from an accused's failure or refusal to account for an object, substance or mark, or any mark on such object, or failure to account for their presence at a particular place. The judge or jury may treat this as corroborative of other evidence against the accused. There was evidence that John McGreal remained silent when questions were put to him where the sections were invoked in interview, while Shannon and Brady answered 'no comment' when questions were put to them. Presiding judge Mr Justice Paul Butler said the court was satisfied beyond doubt that each of the accused was in possession of the items referred to in the indictment. He said the court was also satisfied that the failure of the accused to respond to questions in interview where the sections were invoked entitled the court to draw inferences in each case corroborating the evidence of possession. By reason of this, Mr Justice Butler said the court found the three accused guilty of the offences with which they were charged. Co-accused Colin Brady (24), who was granted bail but did avail of it, was remanded in custody. Ursula Shannon and John McGreal were remanded on continuing bail following the judgement of the Special Criminal Court today and will be sentenced at a later date.
The High Court has ordered the extradition of Michael Collins to Northern Ireland to face ten charges, including alleged assault, burglary and attempted hijacking, all dated to 2006. Collins, who is currently serving a three‑year sentence in Cloverhill prison for aggravated burglary and endangerment, is wanted under a European Arrest Warrant issued last year and endorsed by the High Court on 2 July 2013. He has said he will contest the charges and could face life imprisonment or up to 15 years if convicted. One alleged offence involves assaulting a woman and stealing 24 bottles of Magners cider; another involves an attempt to hijack a Seat Leon with three men; a third involves threatening a man to drive to Dundalk or blow his head off.
At Balbriggan District Court, James Ward, 43, faced seven charges alleging he induced individuals to make lodgements totaling €2,270 into his AIB account for goods such as Electric Picnic tickets, a Samsung Galaxy phone, and an iPhone. Ward's solicitor informed Judge Dermot Dempsey that the defendant suffered a stroke and could not attend. The Director of Public Prosecutions directed trial on indictment, and the matter was adjourned until April 10th. Jackie Gallagher, 53, was charged with the theft of €50 from a house in Lusk. Sergeant Tony Tighe provided evidence of arrest and charge. Judge Dempsey granted a disclosure order and remanded Gallagher on continuing bail to appear on March 6th for a plea or hearing date. Wojtek Jedrej, 19, was charged with possessing a sharply pointed knife in Balbriggan. His solicitor requested an adjournment as further charges may be put to him. Judge Dempsey agreed to adjourn the case until April 3rd. Jerry Flynn, 25, was charged with theft of fuel, violent behaviour, and dangerous driving. His case was adjourned until May 12th to be heard at Swords District Court.
Ali Charaf Damache, 48, an Algerian-born Irish citizen, faces extradition to the United States on international terrorism charges. He is accused of conspiring to provide material support for terrorists and attempting identity theft to facilitate an act of international terrorism. Damache settled a legal action with the State in July over alleged inhuman and degrading conditions at Cork Prison. His lawyers applied for legal aid for a judicial review of the Director of Public Prosecution's decision not to try him in Ireland, but the High Court refused. Damache has been in custody for four years, has no assets, and had been receiving social welfare. He owes maintenance arrears to his three children, the youngest born in 1993, and his wife died in 1999. The US alleges he conspired with American woman Colleen LaRose, known online as "Jihad Jane," and others to create a terror cell in Europe.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 30 January 2014, Ursula Shannon (30), a Trinity College graduate and member of the socialist republican group Eirigi, together with John McGreal (37) and Colin Brady (24), were charged with the unlawful possession of two handguns and 32 rounds of ammunition. Each pleaded not guilty to possession of a 9mm Taurus PT92 pistol, a suitable magazine, a 9mm Walther P5 pistol, a ZGJY stun gun‑flashlight, 25 rounds of 9mm ammunition and 7 rounds of 9mm ammunition. John Troy (33) pleaded guilty to possession of the same firearms and stun gun. The court heard that the four were intercepted in a white Opel van at Tullybeg, Rahan, Co Offaly on 27 November 2012, where they were found wearing wigs, disguises and multiple layers of clothing. The prosecution alleged the van was used for a planned robbery of a licensed firearm shop. The case remains ongoing.
In a High Court hearing on 27 January 2014, Mr Justice John Edwards refused Ali Charaf Damache, 48, an Algerian-born Irish citizen, leave to seek judicial review of the Director of Public Prosecutions' decision not to prosecute him in Ireland. Damache is facing extradition to the United States on international terrorism charges, including conspiracy to provide material support for terrorists and attempted identity theft to facilitate an act of international terrorism. The U.S. alleges that Damache conspired with American woman Colleen LaRose, known online as "Jihad Jane," and others to create a terror cell in Europe capable of targeting U.S. and Western European citizens. Damache, who used the username "the black flag," is also alleged to have participated in a conspiracy to transfer a passport stolen from a U.S. citizen to an individual in Pakistan believed to be a member of Al Qaeda.
Daniel McDonnell, aged 19, was sentenced to life imprisonment after a jury found him guilty of murdering 16‑year‑old Melanie McCarthy McNamara. The murder occurred in Tallaght when a stolen black Hyundai Santa Fe fired a shot that struck Melanie in the head while she sat in the back seat with her boyfriend and his friend. The vehicle and weapon were abandoned in Citywest, and no fingerprints were found on the car, gun or cartridges. McDonnell had been arrested the week after the shooting and had made no statements to police, instead leaving graffiti in his cell. He later wrote letters to a friend and a former girlfriend that were deemed admissions of guilt. The trial lasted seven days, and the jury deliberated for 4 hours and 17 minutes before reaching a unanimous verdict. The judge imposed the mandatory life sentence for murder. The case was heard at Dublin Central Criminal Court. Daniel McDonnell pleaded not guilty.
A 50‑year‑old woman from County Louth, Paula Reid, is accused of stealing €19,604 from Hugh Burrows & Sons Ltd over a four‑year period between November 2008 and December 2012. She faces 65 theft offences and has been sent forward for trial by judge and jury in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Reid appeared at Balbriggan District Court, where a State solicitor confirmed the evidence was ready and served. Judge Dermot Dempsey assigned senior and junior counsel, gave her an alibi caution, and remanded her on continuing bail to appear on 14 February.
In a case heard at Balbriggan District Court, 19‑year‑old Alan Joyce was remanded on continuing bail pending a Probation & Welfare Report. Joyce, who lives in Finglas, was found on a train from Gormanston to Skerries and attempted to seize a 14‑year‑old boy's iPod. He punched the boy several times, causing severe bruising, and then left the train at Balbriggan Station with the stolen device. Gardaí later located him on Balbriggan Beach in possession of the iPod. Joyce had previously pleaded guilty to the theft of the iPod on 10 August of the previous year. The Director of Public Prosecutions had directed summary disposal of the case. Defence solicitor Ms Fiona Darcy explained that Joyce had been in HSE care since 2010 and had a difficult upbringing, noting that he had no drink or drug problem.
In a 2014 Limerick murder case, Christopher McNamara, aged 21, pleaded not guilty to the killing of 71‑year‑old James Boyce. The prosecution urged the jury to consider the severe injuries inflicted on Boyce, who was beaten and strangled with a stick, including a fractured Adam's apple that could have caused death even in a healthy person. The State Pathologist, Marie Cassidy, confirmed the neck injuries were fatal. The prosecutor also highlighted a confession made by McNamara to his mother, Pauline Whelan, and the lack of any attempt to call for help after the assault. McNamara's defense counsel requested a verdict of manslaughter, arguing the case resembled a robbery gone wrong and that the accused was not in a state of mind to commit murder. Judge Garrett Sheehan was to address the jury before deliberation.
A High Court judge in Ireland has postponed delivering a judgment on a judicial review application filed by Ali Charaf Damache, an Algerian-born Irish citizen aged 48, who is facing extradition to the United States on international terrorism charges. Damache is accused of conspiring with American woman Colleen LaRose, known online as "Jihad Jane," and others to establish a terror cell in Europe that could target U.S. and Western European citizens. He is also alleged to have participated in a conspiracy to transfer a passport stolen from a U.S. citizen to a person in Pakistan believed to be an Al Qaeda member. Damache seeks judicial review to challenge the Director of Public Prosecutions' decision not to prosecute him in Ireland. The extradition case has been adjourned until after the judicial review judgment is returned.
In Balbriggan District Court, Barry O'Brien (47) of St Catherine's Green in Rush pleaded guilty to being in possession of a knife with a 12-inch blade at St Catherine's Park on August 1st. He was placed on a Probation Bond for one year with conditions set by Probation Services. Tomas Tarasevicius (29) of No Fixed Abode and Paulius Taracvius (33) of McAuley's Yard, Flemington in Balbriggan were remanded on bail to re-appear on February 13th when the Book of Evidence will be served. Tarasevicius faces four counts of handling stolen property, being in possession of stolen cars, and criminal damage. Taracvius is charged with possession of a stolen Audi car. Jade Gannon (30) of Mourne Park in Skerries was remanded until January 23rd after her defence solicitor explained that she could not attend court due to her children attending counselling following the murder of her father in front of her daughter. The case was adjourned pending a letter from the counsellor. A man charged with assault causing harm was remanded on continuing bail until March 13th to allow a judge to consider jurisdiction on receipt of a medical report. A Chinese takeaway owner was convicted of employing three foreign nationals without work permits and fined €1,500.
Ruairi O Ceallaigh, aged 42, pleaded guilty to stealing nearly €3m from his family‑run law firm, Sean O Ceallaigh & Company, in Dublin. He was arrested by the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation and charged with seven offences under the Theft and Fraud Act. The charges cover a four‑year period of misappropriation, including €1,551,366 between September 2008 and November 2008, and additional sums of €134,831, €151,078, €250,000, €509,646, €75,000 and €144,644 from client accounts. The Director of Public Prosecutions directed a trial on indictment, so the case will be heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. O Ceallaigh appeared at Dublin District Court, accepted the signed plea, and was remanded on continuing bail with his father acting as surety. He will face sentencing at the Circuit Court on 7 February. The court noted that a book of evidence was not required for the signed plea. The case remains at the indictment stage.
A High Court judge has announced that he will issue a judgement on the judicial review application of Ali Charaf Damache, an Algerian-born Irish citizen aged 48, next week. Damache is facing extradition to the United States on international terrorism charges, including conspiracy to provide material support for terrorists and attempted identity theft. The US alleges that Damache, who used the username "the black flag," conspired with American woman Colleen LaRose (online name "Jihad Jane") and others to create a terror cell in Europe that could target US and western European citizens. He is also accused of participating in a conspiracy to transfer a passport stolen from a US citizen to an individual in Pakistan believed to be a member of Al Qaeda. Damache seeks judicial review to challenge the Director of Public Prosecutions' decision not to prosecute him in Ireland for these offences. The extradition case has been adjourned until after the judicial review judgement is returned.
A former clerk at Anglo Irish Bank, Gordon O'Brien, 42, is set to stand trial for alleged computer fraud amounting to just over €200,000. He was arrested in Dublin and charged with nine counts of unlawful use of a computer under Section 9 of the Theft and Fraud Act. The alleged offences occurred while he was operating a computer at the bank's Limerick branch between September 2010 and June 2011. O'Brien has not responded to the charges. He is currently working in the UK but maintains a Limerick address and returns there weekly. The court granted bail, requiring him to report to Roxboro Garda station each Saturday. He has no prior convictions and has cooperated with investigators. The case will be heard at Circuit Court level, with a 10‑week remand to allow completion of the evidence book. He will appear again on 10 February for further proceedings.
Three former senior officials from two financial services institutions are to stand trial for conspiring to mislead Anglo Irish Bank investors about €7.2 billion transactions between March and September 2008. The defendants are John Bowe (50), former head of capital markets at Anglo Irish Bank; Denis Casey (54), former chief executive of Irish Life and Permanent; and Peter Fitzpatrick (61), former director of finance at Irish Life and Permanent. They are accused of transferring €7.2 billion to Anglo Irish Bank to create a false impression that the bank had larger deposits, thereby inducing investors to make decisions on that premise. Bowe also faces an additional charge of falsifying accounts on 3 December 2008 under the Theft and Fraud Act. The men were arrested, charged, and remanded on bail with conditions, and are scheduled to appear again on 12 March for trial. The case is unrelated to the trial of former Anglo executives set for January 2014.
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.
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.
A 20‑year‑old Romanian‑born thief, Montes Parulea, pleaded guilty in Balbriggan District Court to stealing ten PlayStation games worth €603 from Tesco Xpress on 28 November. He entered the store with another person, placed the games in a foil‑lined baby bag, paid for one item and left without paying for the rest. Sergeant Tony Tighe testified that the goods were recovered. Judge Dermot Dempsey ordered a probation and welfare report to decide whether Parulea could receive 240 hours of community service instead of a two‑month sentence, and adjourned the case to 13 February.
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.
Maria Fusco, a 50‑year‑old fashion stylist living on Leeson Street Upper, pleaded guilty to shoplifting €21 worth of groceries from Tesco on Baggot Street on 21 August. She appeared at Dublin District Court, where Judge Hugh O'Donnell heard that the goods were recovered in resalable condition and that Fusco had been stopped by security outside the store. Defence solicitor Niall O'Connor noted that Fusco had paid for other items that day but lacked the funds for the stolen goods. The judge applied section 11 of the Probation Offenders Act, sparing her a criminal record, fine or sentence.
Arvis Jakobsons, 26, of Swords, pleaded guilty to criminal damage after smashing the front and bathroom doors of his ex‑partner's house on Main Street, Rush. Gardaí were called when the ex‑partner reported the intrusion. The damage was estimated at €400. Judge Dermot Dempsey demanded Jakobsons pay for the repairs, which he did by contributing €250 in court. After the payment, the charge was struck out. Separately, Stephen O'Shaughnessy, 23, of Stamullen, pleaded guilty to trespass, theft of alcohol, and handling stolen property. He was remanded on continuing bail, required to pay €426 in compensation, and was ordered to appear again on 28 February 2014. Finally, Niall Byrne, 31, of Balbriggan, was disqualified from driving for four years and fined €500 after Garda Derek Dalton seized his car for lacking insurance and tax, following a prior two‑year disqualification in 2012. All proceedings were held at Balbriggan District Court.
Ruairi O Ceallaigh, a 42‑year‑old former solicitor, was arrested by the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation and charged with seven offences under the Theft and Fraud Act. He is accused of misappropriating about €2.8 million from client accounts at his family‑run firm, Sean O Ceallaigh & Company, over a four‑year period. The alleged thefts include €1,551,366 from a named estate between September 2008 and November 2008, and six other sums ranging from €134,831 to €509,646 from client accounts between 2006 and 2010. O Ceallaigh was brought to Bridewell Garda station, then appeared before Judge Patricia Ryan at Dublin District Court, where he was remanded on bail of €200 with his father, Sean O Ceallaigh, acting as surety for €5,000. He is to face trial on indictment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, with no plea indicated yet. The case will proceed before a judge and jury.
Swords District Court heard four matters. Adrian Vaduva, 41, pleaded guilty to stealing a purse containing €848 and bank cards from Balbriggan Post Office. Judge Dempsey sentenced him to six months in prison, noting he failed to assist Gardaí with enquiries regarding an alleged accomplice. Luke Purcell, 18, pleaded guilty to stealing €70 worth of petrol. He was convicted and fined €200 after failing to provide a charitable donation. Clive Barry, 36, pleaded guilty to drink driving with a blood alcohol level of 209mg/100ml. He was disqualified for three years, with the mandatory disqualification postponed until January 1st. Mark Power, 33, pleaded guilty to driving without insurance, lacking a licence, and leaving the scene of a collision. The matter was adjourned until next May for a Probation & Welfare report, with Power remanded on continuing bail.