The family of a 64‑year‑old man who was murdered by three men after they broke into his home expressed shock and horror at the brutality of his death. The family statement, read at the Central Criminal Court, said they were "horrified and shocked at the cruel and heartless way he was brutally taken from us" and that they hoped for justice. The three men, Matthew Cummins (22), Sean Davy (22) and James Davy (25), were convicted of murder on 4–5 August. The judge imposed a mandatory life sentence on each, back‑dating the sentences to account for time spent in custody since 24 November 2014. The court heard that the men had previously been convicted of a range of offences, including arson, burglary and assault.
Patrick Hutch Jnr, aged 24, is accused of murdering 34‑year‑old David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in Dublin on 5 February. Byrne was shot during a boxing weigh‑in by a gang of heavily armed raiders. Hutch was charged in May at Dublin District Court with Byrne's murder and with unlawful possession of three AK47 assault rifles. The Special Criminal Court has been ordered to try Hutch under Section 49 of the Offences Against the State Act, and a body warrant has been issued to bring him to the court.
Eamonn Cumberton, 29, of Mountjoy Street, Dublin 7, was charged with the murder of 35‑year‑old Michael Barr at the Sunset House pub on 25 April. The Special Criminal Court, hearing the State's application, ordered that Cumberton be tried before the three‑judge, non‑jury court. The order was made by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, with Judges Martin Nolan and Cormac Dunne presiding.
A 66‑year‑old man was sentenced to 14 years in prison for raping his son from the age of six and locking him in a box in their Waterford home. The judge, Mr Justice Robert Eagar, imposed a 15‑year sentence with the final year suspended, and ordered a four‑year supervision period after release. The father, who has been registered as a sex offender, continues to deny the offences and intends to appeal the verdict. He was convicted of nine counts of rape and one count of child cruelty, but acquitted of raping the child with a poker. His 38‑year‑old partner was convicted of child cruelty but found not guilty of sex assault. The case involved the child being removed from the family home in 2011, placed in foster care, and later subjected to further sexual abuse by another child.
The trial of seven Tallaght residents accused of murdering 20‑year‑old Dale Creighton on 2 January 2014 has been adjourned to Monday. All seven, aged in their twenties, pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and to violent disorder at the footbridge over the Tallaght bypass. The accused are Aisling Burke (23), David Burke (28), Graham Palmer (26), Ross Callery (23), James Reid (26), Jason Beresford (23) and Gerard Stevens (27). A jury of six men and six women was sworn in to hear the case, which was scheduled to open that morning but was postponed because no judge was available. The court expects the trial to last up to six weeks. The incident occurred on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day, and the victim and all accused were from Tallaght. The trial will resume on Monday.
A Longford woman has received a suspended sentence for her role in an assault on a fellow inmate at the Dochas Centre women's prison in Dublin. Marian Leddy, aged 31, of Barrack Street, Granard, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm to another prisoner on 26 May 2015. The court heard that Leddy held the victim's legs while a co-accused inflicted facial injuries using a broken cup. Judge Petria McDonnell imposed a three-month sentence, suspended in full for twelve months, taking into account Leddy's progress in addressing her heroin addiction and engagement with local support services. The judge noted that Leddy had played a lesser role than her co-accused and caused no direct injuries. The victim sustained minor cuts to her face with no permanent scarring. Leddy, who has 77 previous convictions predominantly for theft, told the court she was committed to turning her life around.
A 64‑year‑old man was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to a six‑month jail term for indecent assault of his brother, sister and nephew over an 18‑year period. Judge Patricia Ryan explained that the maximum sentence available at the time of the offences was two years, and that the court had to consider the man's guilty plea and his chronic debilitating condition, which would cause additional hardship in prison. She imposed a seven‑month suspended sentence for the abuse of the two siblings, a ten‑month sentence for the abuse of the nephew with the final four months suspended, and ordered the man to be registered as a sex offender. The man, who appeared on a mobility scooter, was 14 when he first abused his younger brother, 17 when he abused his 13‑year‑old sister, and 28 when he abused his nephew, who was aged between seven and 12.
A 53‑year‑old man who sexually abused his younger sister 16 times between 1983 and 1987, when she was aged 7 to 11, was found guilty by a jury at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court and sentenced to nine years' imprisonment by Judge Martin Nolan on 12 January 2015. The man, who pleaded not guilty, appealed the severity of the sentence. Mr Justice George Birmingham dismissed the appeal, stating the abuse began around the time of the victim's first communion and occurred roughly four or five times a week, amounting to "in excess of a couple of hundred times." He noted aggravating factors such as the sibling relationship, the duration spanning a significant part of the victim's childhood, and the frequency of abuse. The judge's approach of imposing a substantial sentence on one count while considering the others was deemed permissible, and the appeal was rejected. The sentence remained within the maximum 10‑year scale.
In a Tallaght court hearing on 6 October 2016, a woman and six men, all in their twenties and residents of Tallaght, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 20‑year‑old Dale Creighton, who died on 2 January 2014. The alleged killing took place at the footbridge over the Tallaght bypass between Saint Dominic's Road and Greenhills Road, about two days after an incident on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. The accused—Aisling Burke (23), David Burke (28), Graham Palmer (26), Ross Callery (23), James Reid (26), Jason Beresford (23) and Gerard Stevens (27)—were charged with murder and violent disorder on the same occasion. All seven were arraigned before the Central Criminal Court, and the judge, Justice Patrick McCarthy, swore in a jury of six women and six men, noting that no juror should be from the Tallaght area. The trial was scheduled to begin the following day and could last up to six weeks.
In a Wheatfield Prison incident, 36‑year‑old Jeffrey Dumbrell punched a prison nurse, Donna Canavan, during medication delivery. The judge, Leonie Reynolds, noted that a life sentence cannot be extended for new offences, so Dumbrell's life term remains unchanged. She imposed a two‑year sentence to run concurrently with the life sentence and a prior sentence for threatening a prison officer in 2014. Reynolds described the assault as an "appalling act of thuggery" and said she would have extended the sentence if the law allowed. She also acknowledged Dumbrell's rehabilitation efforts, including his role in the Alternatives to Violence Programme and education courses, and noted that the Parole Service would consider the offence when assessing his release. Nurse Canavan suffered bruising, missed six weeks of work, fully recovered, and has since transferred to another prison. Jeffrey Dumbrell pleaded guilty.
In a Wheatfield Prison maximum‑security unit, Jeffrey Dumbrell, a life‑sentenced murderer, punched prison nurse Donna Canavan in the face while she was administering his medication. The incident, which occurred on 19 July 2015, is Dumbrell's second conviction since his 2011 life sentence. Earlier in 2016 he was sentenced for threatening to rip a prison officer's head off. Dumbrell pleaded guilty to assault causing harm. The court noted that a life sentence cannot be extended for new offences, but the Parole Board may consider the new conduct when assessing his release. Dumbrell was restrained by officers and taken to an isolation cell; he did not resist. Nurse Canavan suffered severe bruising, missed six weeks of work, recovered fully and has since transferred to another prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for the following day.
Mark Kenna, 32, was arrested after CCTV captured him robbing a Japanese tourist's purse at the revolving door of Best Western Academy Plaza Hotel on 2 February 2015. Kenna, who had 54 prior convictions but none for violence, told Gardaí he could not remember the incident and was "strung out" at the time. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Melanie Greally described the offence as "nasty and frightening" but noted Kenna's crack cocaine habit and that he had taken tablets that day. She was impressed by a favourable probation report showing insight, remorse and steps taken to address his drug addiction. The judge imposed a three‑year sentence, suspended in full, with strict conditions: 12 months probation supervision and one‑to‑one drug‑addiction counselling. The case was prosecuted by Elva Duffy BL and defended by Rebecca Smith BL.
A pregnant 18‑year‑old teenager was sentenced to three years' imprisonment for violent disorder after a CCTV‑recorded incident in which she kicked a Brazilian student 15 times. The Court of Appeal rejected her appeal to suspend the remaining 15 months of her sentence. The case, heard in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, involved a confrontation at about 5 am with a group of seven youths. The teenager, who had 26 prior convictions, was four months pregnant at sentencing. The judge emphasised the seriousness of the offence and the need for custodial reform, concluding no error in the original sentence. The unnamed 18-year-old pleaded guilty.
Dean McKeever, aged 19, was sentenced to six years' imprisonment, with the final 12 months suspended, for assaulting two St Patrick's Day volunteers on 17 March 2015. The volunteers were attacked at Belgard Square Luas stop in Tallaght, struck to the ground and kicked to the head while they were vulnerable. One victim suffered a fractured skull, bleeding to the ear and sciatica; the other sustained a broken cheekbone, a broken face plate, a severed facial nerve and eye damage, requiring treatment in three hospitals and the insertion of two titanium plates. McKeever also assaulted a man with a broken bottle at Jervis Centre on 19 November 2015, hitting him over the head with the bottle. He pleaded guilty to two counts of assault causing harm and one count of assault causing harm and one count of producing a weapon.
A 77‑year‑old man was sentenced to five years' imprisonment for indecent assault and sexual assault on his grand‑niece between 1987 and 1991, when she was aged 10 to 14. The jury found him guilty of three counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual assault. The victim, now 39, reported the abuse to Gardaí in 2010 and described the impact in a victim impact statement, citing nightmares, depression, panic attacks and a sense of being owned. She also detailed the abuse occurring in her grandparents' house in Dublin. The judge noted the man had no prior convictions and that the sentence would occupy a significant part of his life. The man now lives a lonely, isolated life.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, a 39‑year‑old woman testified that she underwent breast‑reduction surgery costing €6,000 after enduring sexual abuse by her granduncle between 1987 and 1992, when she was aged 8 to 13. She described ongoing nightmares, flashbacks, insomnia, depression, panic attacks and a persistent sense of unease, especially when receiving compliments from her husband. The victim also recounted a 21st‑birthday party where the granduncle appeared uninvited, "destroyed her life" and danced as if nothing had happened. She said she had previously reported the abuse to Gardaí in 2010, was hospitalised for five days due to stress‑related hearing loss, and had suicidal thoughts. The granduncle, now 77, was found guilty of three counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual assault, and was remanded in custody pending sentencing on 3 October 2016.
James Davy, aged 25, stands accused of murder after being present at the scene of Thomas 'Toddy' Dooley's death on 12 February 2014. He pleaded not guilty, as did co‑accused Sean Davy (21) and Matthew Cummins (22). The men entered Dooley's home through a window at about 5.30 am, drank with him, and at some point Dooley was beaten to death and attempts were made to set his body on fire. Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy reported eight blows to Dooley's head and two blows to his body, fracturing ribs. Defence counsel Padraig Dwyer SC argued that Davy's presence alone does not prove intent to kill, and that the prosecution failed to establish such intent. Davy maintains he did not strike Dooley or attempt arson, and he denied any involvement in the killing. The trial continues with the judge scheduled to charge the jury the following day.
A 78‑year‑old Irish man, wanted in the UK on ten sexual‑assault charges alleged to have occurred in London and Essex between 1960 and 1973, is the subject of a High Court hearing in Dublin. The man, whose name is withheld for legal reasons, denies all allegations, calling them "scurrilous" and "totally groundless." He was arrested in October 2015 under a European Arrest Warrant issued by a Westminster Magistrates Court and has been on bail since. His barrister, Patrick Gageby SC, argued that the UK's impending exit from the EU (Brexit) creates uncertainty about whether the trial would take place before or after the UK leaves the EU, and that extradition would violate his family and privacy rights under Article 8. Counsel for the Minister of Justice, Ronan Kennedy BL, countered that Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty has not yet been invoked, so the UK remains bound by EU law and the court has jurisdiction.
A 69‑year‑old Cork pensioner was sentenced to 18 years' imprisonment for raping and sexually abusing his step‑daughter between 1974 and 1979. The victim, now 53, gave birth to two of his children after being raped from the age of 11. She reported the abuse to Gardaí in 2013, after her father's death, when the defendant had moved in with her mother and siblings and later married her mother. The abuse included weekly sexual intercourse, rape in the garden shed, and a pregnancy at 15, which she concealed by claiming a work colleague was the father. The defendant had no employment and was an alcoholic. He pleaded guilty to 18 counts of rape and sexual abuse. Judge Tony Hunt imposed an 18‑year sentence, suspending the final six years; the defendant is currently serving a four‑year term for earlier indecent assault offences against the victim's siblings.
A 60‑year‑old man, James Redmond, was found not guilty by reason of insanity for murdering Mary Dargan and attempting to murder her daughter Karina in Killinarden Estate, Tallaght, on 15 March 2014. After a four‑hour deliberation, a jury returned majority verdicts of not guilty on both counts. Mr Justice Eagar ordered Redmond to be committed to the Central Mental Hospital (CMH). Dr Damian Mohan, a consultant forensic psychiatrist, testified that Redmond was admitted to the CMH on 26 March 2014, presented with delusional beliefs and auditory hallucinations, and had been receiving antipsychotic and antidepressant treatment. He noted that Redmond's condition had improved but he remained depressed, with Parkinson's disease diagnosed in 2015. Dr Mohan recommended continued inpatient care at the CMH, which the court accepted. The prosecution had argued that Redmond's delusions were unfounded and that he was unable to control his actions.
In a Central Criminal Court case, a 38‑year‑old man from Cork pleaded guilty to raping and sexually assaulting his 19‑year‑old daughter in July 2014. He claimed that an evil spirit, allegedly sent by his brother, possessed him and compelled him to commit the offences. After the assault, he reported the incident to Gardaí and later admitted the crime to a psychiatrist, describing an overwhelming sense of energy and possession. The court heard that the daughter was forced into sexual acts, threatened with a knife, and coerced into removing her clothing. The defendant had no prior convictions and denied any psychiatric illness. Judge Tony Hunt sentenced him to ten years, suspending the last four, resulting in a six‑year custodial term.
In the Central Criminal Court, defence counsel Caroline Biggs SC argued that the evidence against 22‑year‑old Matthew Cummins of Churchview Heights, Edenderry, shows "morally corrupt" behaviour but does not prove he committed murder. Cummins, who pleaded not guilty to the killing of Thomas 'Toddy' Dooley, was present at the crime scene, had taken drugs, and was involved in earlier vandalism, but there is no evidence he intended to kill or seriously injure Dooley. Biggs contended that Cummins' actions after Dooley's death, such as cleaning the scene and possibly setting the body on fire, cannot constitute murder. She urged the jury to find him not guilty of murder but guilty of impeding the arrest or prosecution of the principal offender. The trial also heard defence arguments for Sean Davy, who was to be found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter, and the case will continue with James Davy's defence on Tuesday.
Anthony Kelleher, 42, of Macroom, was convicted in May 2015 of assault causing serious harm to his wife Siobhán and sentenced to eight years. He had pleaded not guilty and his wife refused to testify, though her earlier statements to Gardaí were admitted under section 16. Kelleher's appeal, heard by the Court of Appeal, was allowed by Justice Garrett Sheehan, who noted that the appeal was largely based on the handling of the section 16 statements and the judge's directions to the jury. The appeal decision will be formalised in a forthcoming judgment, and the court will decide whether a retrial is required. Kelleher will be released from prison following the successful appeal.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Mr Justice Robert Eagar sentenced a 23‑year‑old man to five years' imprisonment, with three and a half years suspended, for raping and sexually abusing his cousin from age 12 to 6. The judge emphasised that families must report such abuse promptly, noting the victim's family and grandparents failed to alert Gardaí or social services in 2007, a mistake he called "grave." The court heard the victim endured self‑harm, suicide attempts and severe distress, only reporting the abuse to Gardaí at 14. The accused had pleaded guilty to multiple sex assault and rape charges but denied rape. The judge warned that if the offences had been committed as an adult, the sentence could have been at least ten years. The case highlighted the need for immediate reporting to protect children and ensure timely legal intervention.
A 44‑year‑old Nigerian woman was given a wholly suspended four‑year sentence by Judge Patrick McCartan on 22 May 2014 for assault causing harm to her daughter and three counts of neglect and ill treatment of her children aged 2, 4 and 8 in Kildare in August 2012. The Court of Appeal dismissed her appeal on 28 July 2016. Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan noted that Gardaí arrived at the home in August 2012 and found the woman extremely intoxicated, the house in a state of filth, and the children lying in a bed soaked in urine with soiled nappies. Powdered milk four months out of date and no fresh food were also found. The children were unkempt and the four‑year‑old was not speaking. The social worker described the conditions as appalling and one of the most horrific incidents seen in ten years. The children were taken into foster care. The unnamed 44-year-old pleaded guilty.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Patrick Treacy SC argued that Matthew Cummins (22), Sean Davy (21) and James Davy (25) acted together to murder 64‑year‑old Thomas 'Toddy' Dooley. The prosecution said the men entered Dooley's house at about 5.30 am after being expelled from a house party, beat him to death with a baseball bat, attempted to set his body on fire and then disposed of the bat and other items in a bin. Treacy described the evidence as showing a joint enterprise, with each accused equally guilty. He highlighted conflicting statements from the men, including Cummins' claims of lying about his whereabouts and Davy's admissions of striking Dooley. The trial was set to continue the following day before Justice Margaret Heneghan. Matthew Cummins pleaded not guilty. Sean Davy pleaded not guilty. James Davy pleaded not guilty.
In September 2015, Constantin Zahira (29) stabbed his girlfriend repeatedly in the face after accusing her of cheating, and also attacked his sister and his girlfriend's father with a Stanley knife. The girlfriend sustained eight wounds requiring stitches and will bear lifelong scarring. Zahira, who had no fixed abode, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to causing serious harm to his girlfriend and assault causing harm to her father and his sister. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a nine‑year sentence, suspending the final two and a half years. The court noted Zahira's lack of prior convictions and his late guilty plea. Character references, including one from his sister and the mayor of his Romanian hometown, were submitted. A psychological report highlighted a history of distrust, jealousy and past physical abuse. Gardaí found Zahira after he fled the scene, and he later claimed he was drunk and that his girlfriend had slapped him first.
Lewis Smith, 19, of Tallaght, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for robbing a mobile phone from an unconscious man at the Fortunestown City West Luas stop on 17 April 2015. Smith, who had 13 prior convictions, pleaded guilty to robbery. The victim, who was attacked while returning home from work, was tripped, fell onto the Luas tracks, and was then kicked and punched until unconscious. His €400 phone was taken while he lay on the ground. The victim spent three days in hospital with concussion and still suffers nerve pain. Smith's sentence includes a six‑month suspended portion and a 12‑month probation period with requirements for education, employment and drug treatment. The judge noted Smith had written an apology letter and that his cousin had died in a similar assault. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
A 49‑year‑old Limerick man, Kieran Lynch, was freed after 11 years in custody following the quashing of his murder conviction. Lynch had originally been sentenced to life in prison in 2007 for the killing of his partner, Catherine McEnery, aged 36, at their home in Craughwell, Co. Galway. He appealed in 2013 on the grounds of misdirection by the judge and the influence of benzodiazepines he had received after a near‑drowning incident. The Court of Criminal Appeal quashed the conviction, and Lynch was re‑arraigned in May, pleading not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. He was sentenced to 12 years, with the last four years suspended for two years post‑release, and was released after paying a €10 bond for good behaviour. The case highlighted the impact of drug influence on his actions and the severe injuries sustained by McEnery. The court noted the significant assault and the family's profound loss.
Michael Collins, aged 34, was convicted of murdering Packie Hogan, aged 42, on 10 February 2011. Collins pleaded not guilty and denied owning a rifle or ammunition. A Central Criminal Court jury found him guilty on all counts and he received a mandatory life sentence on 29 November 2012. Collins appealed, arguing the shooting was accidental and that he intended only to frighten Hogan. His defence cited a defective firearm with a hair trigger and no safety mechanism, and claimed he had no intent to kill. The Court of Appeal, led by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan, dismissed the appeal, stating that any trial unfairness had been rectified and that the defence did not raise manslaughter. The appeal was rejected, leaving Collins' conviction and life sentence intact. The court noted no unusual circumstances required a different jury instruction. The case remains at the conviction stage.
Sam Power, 31, of Cushlawn Park, Tallaght, was sentenced to three years in prison for possessing a sawn‑off shotgun, with the final 18 months suspended. He pleaded guilty to the offence, which occurred on 30 April 2015 at his parents‑in‑law's home. The gun, belonging to his missing brother‑in‑law William Maughan, was found wrapped on a radiator in the parents‑in‑law bedroom. Power had shown the weapon to a group of men in a "joking" manner, according to Detective Sergeant Gregory Sheehan, who had been in the area for a separate matter. Power has 82 prior convictions, including knives, assault and public order offences, and was on bail for possession of stolen property at the time of the offence. The court considered his personal circumstances, including the death of his mother when he was 15, his wife's heart condition, and the threat to his family, before imposing the sentence.
James Redmond, 60, of Killinarden Estate, Tallaght, Dublin 24, was found not guilty by reason of insanity of murdering Mary Dargan and attempting to murder Karina Dargan at their home on March 15, 2014. Redmond pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to both charges at the Central Criminal Court. The jury returned majority verdicts of not guilty on both counts after four hours and five minutes of deliberation. The court heard that Redmond allegedly jumped over a back wall with a shotgun, shooting Mary Dargan dead and Karina Dargan in the head. Two consultant forensic psychiatrists testified that Redmond was suffering from severe depressive episodes with psychotic symptoms, rendering him unable to refrain from his actions. Justice Robert Eagar committed Redmond to the Central Mental Hospital and ordered him to be brought back before the court at 9am the following day for a psychiatric assessment. The matter was adjourned for this purpose. Redmond expressed his sorrow for his actions and the devastating consequences for the Dargan family. Victim impact statements were read on behalf of the Dargan children and Karina Dargan, who described her ongoing fear and trauma. The judge exempted the jury from further service for five years.
Eoghan McGarry, 30, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for assaulting three Mountjoy Prison officers on 23 April 2015. He attacked the officers with a homemade shiv made from razor blades melted into a toothbrush while they were delivering breakfast. The officers were injured and required treatment; one sustained facial wounds, another a wound under the chin, and the third was struck on the head. McGarry appeared in court handcuffed and surrounded by riot‑gear officers. He had already been serving a four‑year sentence for aggravated burglary, with the final year suspended, and the new sentence will run consecutively to that term. Judge Melanie Greally suspended the last year of the new sentence on the condition that McGarry engage in psychiatric care and take prescribed medication. He has 38 prior convictions, including assault, burglary and criminal damage. The incident was captured on CCTV and the cell was searched, revealing the shiv. Eoghan McGarry pleaded guilty.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 28 July 2016, Justice Paul Butler granted bail to David Shanley, 47, who admitted to a Christmas Eve killing. Shanley pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of John Lawlor, who died on 24 or 25 December 2014 at Ballinatray Lower, Courtown Harbour. The State accepted the plea. Shanley had previously been on bail from the High Court but was found to have breached conditions by living at his partner's address rather than his parents' home. His partner is the deceased's widow, who is receiving ongoing hospital treatment, and Shanley is her carer. The bail terms now require Shanley to reside with his parents. The case was adjourned to 10 October 2016.
In March 2013, 29‑year‑old Marta Herda drove her Volkswagen Passat through crash barriers at South Quay, Arklow, into a deep harbour. She had been arguing with her passenger, 31‑year‑old Csaba Orsos, who could not swim. The car entered the water, and Orsos drowned. A post‑mortem confirmed drowning, not crash injuries. Herda, a Polish waitress, pleaded not guilty and was tried at the Central Criminal Court. The jury found her guilty of murder by a 11‑to‑one majority. She was sentenced to life imprisonment. The case highlighted the argument between the couple, Herda's claim of wanting the situation to stop, and the fact that Orsos was in love with her. The trial did not address any subsequent appeals or further legal developments.
The prosecution has finished giving evidence in the case of three men accused of murdering a 64‑year‑old at his home. Matthew Cummins (22) of Churchview Heights, Edenderry, Sean Davy (21) of Clonmullen Drive, Edenderry and James Davy (25) of Thornhill Meadows, Celbridge, all pleaded not guilty to the murder of Thomas "Toddy" Dooley at his home in Sr Senan Court, Edenderry, on 12 February 2014. Prosecuting counsel Patrick Treacy SC told the jury that the evidence had ended and he would begin his summary of the trial tomorrow. The legal representatives for all three accused said they would not call any further witnesses. On the final day of evidence the jury heard from interviews given by James Davy to gardai in February and June 2014. Det Garda Joseph Bradley said that in February Mr Davy told gardai that it was Matthew Cummins' idea to go to Mr Dooley's house that night.
In a 2016 hearing, the Special Criminal Court found Brian Kenna, 54, breached bail conditions by speaking at a Wolfe Tone commemoration in Sallins, County Kildare. Kenna, who had been charged with membership of the Irish Republican Army, was required not to associate with anyone charged or convicted before the court. At the event, he was observed conversing with Edward McGrath, 33, who is also on bail for murder, firearms and IRA membership. Garda Colm Finnerty reported seeing both men together and taking their names. Kenna denied any conversation with McGrath and claimed he was not in danger of breaching bail. The court, impressed by Finnerty's testimony, ruled that Kenna had indeed breached his bail conditions and directed the matter to be reconsidered for further action.
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, James Redmond, aged 60, is charged with murdering Mary Dargan and attempting to murder Karina Dargan on 15 March 2014 at their Killinarden Estate home. Redmond pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC argued that the sole issue was Redmond's state of mind, claiming evidence showed he was mentally unfit. Prosecution counsel Pauline Walley SC presented two forensic psychiatrists who agreed Redmond suffered severe depressive episodes with psychotic symptoms, preventing him from controlling his actions. She also highlighted that allegations of chanting, laughing, or paedophilia were delusions. The jury was instructed to decide whether Redmond should be held criminally responsible or found mentally unfit, and they began deliberations after 3.30pm, having spent 25 minutes so far.
Shane Rowan, aged 39, from Forest Park, Killygordan, County Donegal, has been sentenced to seven and a half years' imprisonment at the Special Criminal Court for possession of three assault rifles and ammunition discovered in his vehicle in Slane, County Meath on 9 March 2016. He received an additional four-year sentence for membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, with both sentences to run concurrently. Rowan pleaded guilty to possessing a Chinese Type 56, Romanian PM63, and Zastava M70 rifle, along with associated magazines and 153 rounds of assorted ammunition. He also admitted to IRA membership. The court heard gardaí had monitored his movements as he collected the firearms in Dublin before travelling through Northern Ireland to Donegal. Mr Justice Paul Butler noted Rowan's early guilty plea to all counts as a mitigating factor, describing such cooperation as unusual. The sentences were backdated to the date of his arrest.
A retired guesthouse owner has been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment following his conviction for the sexual abuse of his young niece during a 1985 summer visit from America. John Prior, aged 68, of Orchard Lane, Herbert Park, Ballsbridge, Dublin, was convicted on two counts of indecent assault at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The offences occurred at Hartley House, Merrion Road, between July and August 1985, when the victim was eleven years old and staying with relatives in Leitrim and Dublin. Prior had initially denied five counts of indecent assault, but a jury failed to reach verdicts on three remaining charges following trial earlier this month. The now 42-year-old victim provided evidence of two separate incidents and subsequently reported suffering post-traumatic stress disorder. Judge Nolan noted the case involved assaults with profound effects on the victim and significant family disruption. The judge acknowledged Prior's charitable contributions but found he had abused his position of trust. Prior has no previous convictions.
In the trial of Marta Herda, a 29‑year‑old Polish waitress from Arklow, the jury was informed that a majority verdict could be accepted. Herda is charged with the murder of 31‑year‑old Csaba Orsos, who drowned after the car she was driving entered a harbour on 26 March 2013. She pleaded not guilty. The court heard that the couple had worked together in a hotel and that Orsos had been in love with Herda, who did not reciprocate. He had reportedly followed her for two years, calling and messaging her, and the pair were arguing in the car when it entered the water. The jury, consisting of eight men and four women, was given three possible verdicts: guilty of murder, acquittal, or not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter.
Damien Halpin, 29, was sentenced to six years' imprisonment in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for possession of €17,318 of cocaine and for assault causing harm at Gibson Hotel. He pleaded guilty to both offences. The court noted that he had previously fled to Australia in 2011 after being labelled a "rat" by graffiti and that his home was shot at. In Australia he was convicted of arson, assault and being armed with intent in 2015, served one year in New South Wales, and was deported to Ireland in January 2016. Judge Melanie Greally accepted his admissions about the drugs, his chaotic lifestyle, and his positive attitude in custody, but imposed consecutive sentences totaling six years, suspending the final two years on strict conditions. The case also highlighted 21 prior convictions for traffic and public‑order offences.
Ross Allen, 26, was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment for manslaughter after he acted as a lookout during the killing of Christy Daly, 47, on 29 December 2013. The Central Criminal Court found Allen not guilty of murder but guilty of assault‑manslaughter. The jury was not convinced that he was part of a common purpose to kill. Allen had previously hidden €30,000 worth of cannabis near Daly's caravan on Bog Lane, and when the stash disappeared he feared the drug dealer might blame Daly. He was told to drive a Volvo to a location outside Clara, where two Dublin gang members and a driver planned the attack. Allen collected a sawn‑off shotgun and a semi‑automatic pistol, stood at the gate as a lookout, and the men shot Daly eight times.
In a 2016 trial, forensic psychiatrist Dr Conor O'Neill testified that James Redmond, 60, suffered from severe depressive episodes with psychotic symptoms and would have been unable to refrain from his actions. Redmond, charged with murdering Mary Dargan and attempting to murder Karina Dargan on 15 March 2014, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Dr O'Neill described Redmond's history of hearing voices, weight loss, and persecutory delusions, noting that he had been admitted to the Central Mental Hospital after a transfer from Cloverhill Prison. He diagnosed Redmond with psychotic depression, stating that Redmond was fit to be tried but would remain under treatment. The case was set to continue before Mr Justice Robert Eagar.
Clare Dowling, 22, of Ballybough, Dublin, pleaded guilty to theft and assault causing harm to Xiao Chang on 3 May 2014. Dowling posed as an immigration officer, entered Ms Chang's apartment with an accomplice, stole her laptop and fled. She later punched Ms Chang in the face, causing bleeding. Ms Chang was not located for a victim impact statement and is believed to have returned to China. Dowling had 23 prior convictions, including burglary and theft. No charges were brought against her accomplice. Dowling was under the influence of heroin and tablets at the time of the offence and was homeless. She is now drug‑free, in a new relationship and living with her boyfriend's mother. Judge Patrick McCartan sentenced her to a suspended three‑year term for both offences, to run concurrently and suspended entirely. The judge warned that a further offence would result in imprisonment.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 26 July 2016, 24‑year‑old Raymond Byrne pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after throwing a pint glass at Supermac's manager Grzegorz Gazek on Christmas Eve 2013. The glass struck Gazek's face, permanently damaging his cornea and causing ongoing headaches and sleeplessness. Byrne, identified from CCTV, had no prior convictions and claimed he was drunk and embarrassed by the footage. He offered a letter of remorse and €200 to the victim. Judge Patrick McCartan, after considering Byrne's circumstances and character, imposed a suspended three‑year sentence and ordered him to pay €4,800 to Gazek within six months, thereby avoiding jail time. The judge noted the seriousness of the offence but gave Byrne a chance for rehabilitation.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing set for 24 October, Deivydas Zigelis, a 38‑year‑old Lithuanian, will receive a sentence for manslaughter. Zigelis was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter in June for the death of his housemate, Alexander Karpovs, who died from a single stab wound to the heart on 15 February 2014. Justice Paul Butler also ordered a prison governor's report to be sent to Zigelis's legal representatives.
In the trial of Marta Herda, a 29‑year‑old Polish waitress from Arklow, the jury resumed deliberations on Wednesday after a Monday morning session. Herda is charged with the murder of 31‑year‑old Csaba Orsos, a Hungarian national, who drowned when the car she was driving entered a harbour on 26 March 2013. Herda pleaded not guilty. The Central Criminal Court heard that the couple had worked together and that Orsos had been in love with Herda, who did not reciprocate. He had followed her for two years, calling and texting her, and they were arguing in the car when it entered the water. The judge explained the possible verdicts—guilty of murder, acquittal, or not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter—and that a unanimous decision was required. The jury had spent six hours and 14 minutes on the case before being sent home, and they will resume tomorrow.
Joe O'Donnell, 23, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and damaging a Garda Ford Transit van at St Philomena's Park, Blanchardstown, on 9 February 2013. He was sentenced by Judge Martin Nolan to a two‑year suspended sentence on strict conditions. O'Donnell had seven prior convictions and had never been imprisoned before. The judge remarked that O'Donnell had "made life miserable for the gardai" and warned that he should observe his surroundings or face future imprisonment. The incident involved O'Donnell, his brother Anthony (who died), and John Mongan. Mongan received a two‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence in November 2015. O'Donnell was physically restrained, handcuffed and later became passive after being put to the ground. The Garda van's front windscreen was smashed and a front light was hanging off. No gun was produced during the disturbance. The court noted that O'Donnell had no history of violence at the time of the offence, although he had subsequently accrued road traffic convictions.
A 41‑year‑old Dublin man was sentenced to eight years in prison, with the final 12 months suspended, for raping his nephew's wife while she slept beside her husband and toddler in a caravan park on 7 March 2014. The victim, who was half‑asleep and on medication, was assaulted by the defendant, who claimed he was looking for money for a taxi fare at about 3 a.m. He entered the caravan intoxicated and, after the victim's husband was asleep, the defendant raped the woman. The victim woke the next morning, discovered the assault, and went to the Rape Crisis Centre. During the four‑day trial, the defendant pleaded not guilty. The jury found him guilty, and the judge ordered him to stay away from the victim and her family for five years post‑release and to be supervised by Probation Services for 12 months. The unnamed 41-year-old was convicted.