The defence closed its case on the 39th day of Graham Dwyer's murder trial. Dwyer, 42, is charged with killing 36‑year‑old childcare worker Ms O'Hara on 22 August 2012, hours after she left a mental health hospital. He is a Cork‑born architect and father of three, living in Foxrock. The defence presented three witnesses. Mary Crosbie recalled seeing a woman crying in Shanganagh Cemetery on the evening of 22 August, describing the woman's appearance and clothing. She said she later reported the sight to the Gardaí after reading a newspaper article. Sheep farmer Richard O'Connor and John Donohue testified about their farms near Shankill and Roundwood Flying Clubs, noting Gardaí inquiries about dead sheep in 2011. The trial heard a text from Dwyer to Ms O'Hara in 2011 describing a dead sheep and a desire to stab it.
During the murder trial of Mark Nash, a 42‑year‑old defendant, the jury heard that in 1997 the forensic laboratory at Forensic Science Ireland had no written cleaning procedures. Dr Maureen Smith, a retired forensic scientist with 35 years of experience, confirmed that while the lab was cleaned, the protocols were not documented. She explained that earlier labs relied more on training and oral instruction, whereas modern labs have extensive written guidelines. Mr Hugh Hartnett highlighted that since 2003 there have been six versions of a "Guidelines on prevention of contamination" document, stressing the need to consider contamination from receipt to analysis. The court noted that in 1997 items were not sealed when moved, and that the same room was used to examine both suspect and victim clothing, with a six‑week gap between examinations. The trial continues. Mark Nash pleaded not guilty.
The jury has begun deliberating in the trial of William Moran, 20, charged with the 2012 murder of Martin Brophy, 22, at the old Waterford Institute of Technology building. Moran pleaded not guilty and is on trial at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin. The jury, composed of seven men and three women, spent 58 minutes deliberating today and was instructed by Justice Patrick McCarthy to resume deliberations on Wednesday.
Two cousins, Patrick O'Brien (35) and Thomas Stewart (31), have appealed their convictions for the double murder of Desmond Kelly and Breda Waters at O'Malley Park, Limerick City on January 9 2011. Both men pleaded not guilty to the charges and were found guilty by a jury at the Central Criminal Court, each receiving a mandatory life sentence on October 26 2012. Annie Waters Ryan, Breda Waters' sister, is also involved in the appeal. Counsel for O'Brien, Seán Gillane SC, argued that the identification of his client's voice should not have been admissible due to the witness's recent heroin use and the limited words used for identification. He also challenged the admissibility of a statement by Thomas Stewart Jnr, who initially claimed to have seen a shotgun in a car with O'Brien. Counsel for Stewart, Hugh Hartnett SC, contended that a garda incorrectly testified that two people were visible on CCTV footage when only one was visible. The prosecution's case relied on the garda's testimony to establish that two individuals were involved in the crime. The appeal is ongoing, with the court reserving judgment to a date 'as soon as possible'.
A Roscommon man has been sentenced to six months imprisonment by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for sexually assaulting his daughter between 2004 and 2006. The man, aged 59, pleaded guilty to sexual assault of the child at the family home. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a two-year sentence with all but six months suspended, having considered the guilty plea, remorse expressed, and the defendant's serious medical condition. The court heard the child was subjected to abuse by multiple family members. Her mother is currently serving a 14-year sentence, with four and a half years suspended, for sexual assault and child cruelty, while a neighbour received 14 years for rape and related sexual offences. Judge Nolan noted the girl is now receiving support from foster carers and declared the man a sex offender. He determined post-release supervision was not necessary.
In the 37th day of the murder trial of architect Graham Dwyer, the prosecution closed its case at the Central Criminal Court. Detective Sergeant Peter Woods, a State witness, testified that he had never encountered a case with such extensive media leaks. He explained that he had not given Dwyer's solicitor additional information at the time of the arrest in October 2013, and that any extra details were provided only after subsequent interviews. Woods described the media presence at the Foxrock search and noted that the information released to the press had come from Gardaí, including updates from the Irish Times and the Independent. He also recounted that Chief Superintendent Diarmuid O'Sullivan and another detective sergeant had visited Dwyer's bins in the early hours of late September to collect a sample for DNA comparison. The trial concluded with the jury instructed to return on Wednesday morning.
The trial of Mark Nash, 42, accused of murdering Sylvia Shields (60) and Mary Callanan (61) in March 1997, is ongoing. He pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court. A legal issue halted proceedings, delaying the case until the following Wednesday. The State's counsel, Brendan Grehan SC, questioned forensic evidence, including a black pin‑striped velvet jacket linked to Nash. Dr Maureen Smith, a retired forensic scientist, explained that DNA profiling techniques were limited in the 1990s and that the jacket's DNA was only successfully profiled in 2009. The court heard that the jacket was examined by several scientists, with no blood found, and that DNA from the victims was later detected. Chief Superintendent Padraic Kennedy reported that Nash was formally charged on 10 October 2009 and remanded to appear at Cloverhill District Court on 16 October 2009. The trial will resume with evidence next Wednesday.
Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy is continuing his charge to a jury of seven men and three women in the Central Criminal Court in Dublin. The jury is hearing the case of William Moran, aged 20, who is accused of murdering Martin Brophy, aged 22, at the old Waterford Institute of Technology building between 19 and 21 May 2012. Moran has pleaded not guilty.
A 26‑year‑old systems analyst, Colum Hanlon, pleaded guilty to assaulting Jack Larkin on 15 November 2013 at Camden Street, Dublin. The unprovoked punch broke Larkin's nose, sinus bone and left eye socket. Hanlon, who claimed he was very drunk and had no recollection of the attack, received a three‑year suspended sentence from Judge Martin Nolan. The judge described the assault as a "spasm of misplaced jealousy" and noted that alcohol was not an excuse. Hanlon was ordered to pay €10,000 in compensation to Larkin and to raise an additional €5,000 within 18 months. Larkin suffered severe injuries, required surgery, and missed final year studies at St Patrick's Teacher Training College. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, with no prior convictions for Hanlon. The judge accepted his remorse and considered the incident a one‑off.
Three men – Gary Freeman (27), Barry Gannon (36) and John Redmond (38) – were found guilty of assault causing harm and violent disorder after a 12‑day trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The offence took place in the yard of Mountjoy Prison on 28 August 2012 when the men attacked prisoner William McDonagh, pushing him to the ground and kicking him, as shown on CCTV footage. The court saw that Gannon struck McDonagh with a mop head, Redmond kicked and punched him, and Freeman punched and stamped on his head. McDonagh suffered lacerations, a damaged ear and bruising, and required 30 sutures. Each defendant was sentenced to three years' imprisonment with the final year suspended; Freeman's and Gannon's terms were back‑dated to 26 February 2015, and Redmond's to 18 December 2013. The judge noted the defendants' prior convictions and their expressions of remorse and rehabilitation efforts. Gary Freeman pleaded not guilty. Barry Gannon pleaded not guilty. John Redmond pleaded not guilty.
Stephen Dolan, aged 20, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assaulting taxi driver Mohammed Maeem and robbing €90 from The Snuffbox newsagents. On 5 September 2014, Dolan directed Maeem to remote roads outside Finglas, punched him twice in the face, and later robbed the newsagents the day before. Maeem suffered a deep forehead gash, swollen lip, bruising and required stitches; he has since lost a month's earnings. Dolan admitted taking prescription drugs and was described by a newsagent as "an absolute idiot." The court sentenced him to four years, with the final year suspended, citing his 45 previous convictions and attempts to reform. The judge described the assault as sinister and noted Dolan's ADHD and dysfunctional background. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the assault and robbery.
Graham Dwyer, a 42-year-old architect from Foxrock, Dublin, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Elaine O'Hara at Killakee, Rathfarnham on 22nd August 2012. During his trial at the Central Criminal Court, Detective Sergeant Peter Woods gave evidence on the 36th day of proceedings, describing police interviews conducted after Mr Dwyer's arrest in October 2013. Mr Dwyer admitted to gardai that he had a relationship with Ms O'Hara, a 36-year-old childcare worker, and acknowledged watching erotic horror material the night before his arrest. He denied killing anyone. The court heard evidence of video footage showing Ms O'Hara becoming unresponsive after a plastic bag was placed over her head. Mr Dwyer was charged with murder hours after Ms O'Hara's discharge from a mental health hospital. The State contends the killing occurred during a sexual act. Ms O'Hara's remains were discovered at Killakee in September 2013, though the cause of death could not be determined.
During the murder trial of Mark Nash, the jury heard that a black pin‑striped velvet jacket belonging to Nash and heavily blood‑stained clothing and bedding found at the Grangegorman scene were examined in the same laboratory room six weeks apart. Nash, aged 42, pleaded not guilty to the murders of Sylvia Shields (60) and Mary Callanan (61) committed between 6 and 7 March 1997. Dr Louise McKenna, a forensic biologist, explained that the jacket was worn by Nash on the night of 6 March while attending a charity quiz at the GPO. DNA from the two victims was later found on the jacket. McKenna described the lab protocols, noting that the jacket and the bedding were not always sealed in bags and that the risk of contamination was considered low due to the time gap. She also stated that the items were stored separately and that the laboratory had been cleaned before each examination.
In the murder trial of William Moran, a 20‑year‑old Waterford man charged with the 2012 killing of Martin Brophy, the jury was instructed that if they are satisfied that Moran assaulted Brophy in the manner described by Facebook messages, he is guilty of murder. Moran pleaded not guilty and is on trial at the Central Criminal Court. Prosecutor Michael Delaney highlighted Moran's admission of being at the scene and his alleged attempts to conceal evidence, noting swollen knuckles and Facebook messages sent on May 20 that could constitute admissions to murder. He also mentioned Gavin Walsh, who was present at the scene but is not on trial. Defence counsel Colman Cody argued that Facebook is a vulnerable medium, that evidence could be accessed by others, and urged a not‑guilty verdict. The judge began his charge to the jury.
Gary Campion, a 31‑year‑old Limerick resident, is set to resume his appeal against the second murder conviction for the killing of Frank Ryan, which occurred in Moyross in 2006. Campion had previously denied involvement in the murder of bouncer Brian Fitzgerald in 2002 and the murder of Ryan in 2006. He was found guilty in two separate Central Criminal Court trials and received two life sentences, one in 2007 and another in 2009. In the appeal, his barrister, Martin O'Rourke SC, argued that the admission of evidence from Errol Ibrahim was improper. Ibrahim, a passenger in the car where Ryan was shot, was allegedly pressured by Gardaí to testify, and the trial judge did not give a "no case to answer" direction. The appeal will be heard by the Court of Appeal on Friday before Justices Seán Ryan, George Birmingham and Garrett Sheehan.
A man aged 59 from Roscommon has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting his daughter between July 2004 and July 2006 at the family home. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard the offences occurred when the child was between five and seven years old. The girl was also abused by her mother, who is currently serving a 14-year sentence with four and a half years suspended for sexual assault, sexual exploitation and child cruelty. A neighbour in a relationship with the mother received a 14-year sentence for rape and other sexual offences against the child. During garda interviews, the defendant initially denied the allegations before suggesting any contact with the child's genitals was accidental. The child told specialist interviewers the abuse occurred multiple times when she was aged five or six. Judge Martin Nolan remanded the man on continuing bail pending sentencing on Monday. Defence counsel submitted his client was not responsible for the more serious abuse orchestrated by the mother and was himself operating within a chaotic family environment.
Graham Dwyer, 42, charged with the murder of 36‑year‑old childcare worker Elaine O'Hara, was interviewed by Gardaí after his arrest. He repeatedly denied any involvement, stating he was "not a killer; I'm not a saint" and expressed confusion over why he was being questioned. During the first interview at Blackrock Garda Station, he asked how he was connected to the case and questioned the relevance of forensic evidence. In a second interview, when shown a photograph of O'Hara, he reiterated his innocence and expressed fear of being portrayed in the media. Gardaí explained that the case would be tried by a judge and jury and urged him to consult his solicitor. The matter was scheduled for trial before Mr Justice Tony Hunt with a jury of five women and seven men.
Desmond O'Toole, 46, of Dun Laoghaire, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for offences committed at the Sallynoggin Inn in Sallynoggin on June 9, 2014. The defendant pleaded guilty to possession of a gun with intent to endanger life, assault causing harm, and possession of two rounds of .22 calibre ammunition. Judge Martin Nolan described the incident as incredibly serious, noting O'Toole's intent to harm and significant recklessness. Prosecution evidence indicated that after a dispute with a group of men, O'Toole returned to the pub, fired a shot into the crowd which missed, and subsequently fired again outside. The second bullet struck a security guard in the chest, causing severe injury requiring surgery and resulting in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. O'Toole was arrested two days later and identified the location where he dumped the firearm, though it was never recovered. He made no admissions during ten interviews but later expressed remorse in a letter. Defence counsel highlighted that O'Toole is a carer for his blind mother. The court imposed a ten-year custodial sentence, reflecting the severity of the violence and the danger posed to the public.
Linda Nugent, aged 43, was sentenced to seven and a half years' imprisonment for stabbing her 77‑year‑old friend Desmond Garland three times in the neck and chest on 14 September 2013. She pleaded guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm. The judge described the offence as unforgivable and noted it carries a maximum of life imprisonment. Nugent is pregnant and may give birth in prison. Garland suffered a heart attack immediately after the stabbing, underwent emergency surgery, spent 28 days in intensive care and later six months in a ward before being moved to a nursing home where he died of cancer in December 2014. Garland's son read a victim impact statement describing his father as a gentleman who was deeply affected by the assault. Nugent has a mild learning disability, epilepsy, and two prior public order convictions.
During a murder trial, a forensic scientist reported that a button on a black pin‑striped velvet jacket belonging to accused Mark Nash had a bloodstain, but the stain was too small for testing. Nash, 42, pleaded not guilty to the murders of Sylvia Shields, 60, and Mary Callanan, 61, which occurred between 6 and 7 March 1997 at a sheltered accommodation in Grangegorman. The jacket was worn by Nash on the night of 6 March 1997 while attending a charity quiz at the GPO. The scientist examined the jacket visually and with a low‑powered microscope, noting a bloodstain on the lowest button near a stitch hole. No other blood or hair matching Nash was found on the jacket, and no trace evidence linked the jacket to the crime scene. The trial continues.
Elaine O'Hara, a 36‑year‑old childcare worker, was last seen alive on 22 August 2012 after being discharged from a mental health hospital. The State alleges that Graham Dwyer, 42, texted her from a "Master" phone to the "Slave" phone, threatening to stab her and demanding she assist in a murder. The trial heard over 2,600 text messages recovered from two Nokia phones found in a reservoir and from O'Hara's iPhone. The messages depict Dwyer's intimidation, claims of sexual coercion, and instructions for a planned stabbing. O'Hara's remains were found at Killakee on 13 September 2013, and the cause of death could not be determined. The case is being heard at the Central Criminal Court, with the jury instructed on the content of the texts and the alleged murder.
In 2015 the Court of Appeal heard an appeal by Gary Campion, 31, who had been convicted of two murders in Limerick. Campion denied involvement in the 2002 killing of bouncer Brian Fitzgerald and the 2006 murder of Frank Ryan. He had received two life sentences, one in 2007 and another in 2009. The appeal argued that the trial for Fitzgerald's murder was flawed because the defence could not obtain a psychiatric examination of the key prosecution witness, James Martin Cahill. Cahill's medical notes suggested paranoia and hallucinations, and his testimony was said to be inconsistent. The defence claimed that without a proper medical assessment the trial was unfair. The Director of Public Prosecutions accepted that Cahill's evidence was central but argued that other corroborating evidence, including a taxi driver's account and a witness describing Campion's "joined eyebrows", supported the conviction.
During the 35th day of Graham Dwyer's murder trial, evidence was presented showing that Dwyer, aged 42, had threatened Elaine O'Hara with violence and claimed he could make her pregnant if she helped him stab someone. O'Hara, a 36‑year‑old childcare worker, had asked Dwyer to stop stabbing her, fearing he might kill her. Dwyer's texts, recovered by Crime and Policing Analyst Sarah Skedd, included threats of stabbing, claims that no one had ever been caught for similar murders, and offers of a child if she cooperated. He also discussed using untraceable phones and a house in Willow Park. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, continues with a jury of five women and seven men. The case remains at the trial stage, with no verdict yet reached.
In the 2015 trial of William Moran, a 20‑year‑old Waterford man charged with the 2012 murder of Martin Brophy, the jury heard that Garda investigators were given a clip from the film "American History X". The clip shows a character forcing an intruder to bite a kerb and then striking him in the head, leading to death. Detective Garda Kevin Nolan confirmed that he received a disk titled "American History X" in the weeks after May 2012. Witness Davina Wrafter, 18, testified that she learned of Brophy's death from Gavin Walsh, who claimed Moran had struck Brophy with a brick and delivered three kicks to the head, stating he thought Brophy was already dead. Wrafter, then 15, was terrified and eventually reported the incident to Gardaí after seeing Walsh's Facebook post. The trial, held at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, continued under Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy with a jury of four women and seven men. William Moran pleaded not guilty.
During the 33rd day of Graham Dwyer's murder trial, the Central Criminal Court heard over a thousand text messages that the State claims were sent by Dwyer to Elaine O'Hara in 2011. The messages, recovered from various devices, include threats of killing O'Hara in the woods, requests for her to find a victim, and detailed instructions on how to stab and kill. Dwyer, 42, is charged with murdering the 36‑year‑old childcare worker on 22 August 2012, hours after she was discharged from a mental health hospital. The prosecution, led by Seán Guerin SC, presented the texts as evidence of Dwyer's intent to kill for sexual gratification. The trial is before Justice Tony Hunt and a jury of five women and seven men. The case remains at the hearing stage.
In a 2015 murder trial, forensic scientist John McCullough testified that a 2‑cm square mark on lino in a Grangegorman house, where Sylvia Shields and Mary Callanan were killed in 1997, was likely made by a Caterpillar boot. He compared the imprint with black Caterpillar boots belonging to accused Mark Nash, noting the boots were heavily worn and had mechanical damage. McCullough argued the imprint matched the boot's sole pattern but the boot's wear was inconsistent with a new boot, suggesting a newer Caterpillar boot could have produced the mark. Dr Fiona Thornton examined Nash's jacket and boots in 1997, finding no blood stains. Michael Norton examined glass fragments from a duvet cover and a sheet, matching them to the kitchen window at Orchard View, but found no glass in Nash's jacket pockets. The court heard these findings on the day of the hearing. Mark Nash pleaded not guilty.
In a trial at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, William Moran, aged 20, is charged with the 2012 murder of Martin Brophy, aged 22, at the old Waterford Institute of Technology building. Moran pleaded not guilty and is on trial. The court heard that Moran, in a voluntary statement on 29 May 2012, admitted kicking Brophy in the head ten times. In a Garda interview on 2 July 2012, he confirmed the admission, saying "I remember" and "I pushed and kicked him". He also stated that he had lost his phone on the night of 19 May 2012 and that the SIM card and phone were not together. Moran denied that the kicks caused Brophy's death, saying "he was still alive when I left". He also claimed he did not murder Brophy. The trial continues tomorrow before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of four women and seven men.
Gary Campion, aged 31, has lodged appeals against two separate murder convictions. The first conviction concerns the killing of 34‑year‑old bouncer Brian Fitzgerald outside his home on 29 November 2002; the second concerns the shooting death of 21‑year‑old Frank Ryan on 16 September 2006. Campion denied involvement in both murders. He was found guilty in two separate Central Criminal Court trials and received two life sentences, one imposed by Justice Peter Charleton on 15 November 2007 and the other by Justice Paul Carney on 28 May 2009. In the appeal for the Fitzgerald case, counsel Martin O'Rourke argued that the trial was unfair because the defence was not allowed to have the key prosecution witness, convicted murderer James Martin Cahill, examined psychologically or psychiatrically. O'Rourke cited medical notes indicating Cahill's paranoia and hallucinations, and claimed that without a proper medical assessment the witness's testimony could not be reliably relied upon.
Patrick Browne, 26, of Berryfield Road, Finglas, was remanded in custody for two months pending sentencing after a series of violent offences. On 15 March 2013, he stabbed Constantine Consier seven times over a cigarette lighter at Hickey's Pharmacy, Phibsboro Shopping Centre, leaving Consier with a punctured lung and multiple stab wounds. Browne had earlier robbed the shop twice on 24 December 2013, taking €1,050 in cash. He also robbed Daybreak on New Cabra Road on the same day, first taking €150 and later €900, using a knife and a white Hallowe'en ghost mask, then a white skull mask. Browne pleaded guilty to assault and robbery at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. He admitted the crimes, citing alcohol consumption and mental health issues, and was remanded pending sentencing. The judge ordered a report on his prison adaptation due to medical problems.
In March 2014, George Croitoru, a 29‑year‑old Romanian, attacked Dawn Critchlow‑Burke on Dublin's North Circular Road. He dragged her to the ground, repeatedly kicked her in the face and head, punched her, and threatened her while she tried to escape. The assault left her with a perforated eardrum, fractured nose, black eyes and extensive bruising. Croitoru pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Martin Nolan described the attack as persistent, vicious and prolonged, noting that Croitoru "lost complete control." He imposed a sentence of three and a half years, with the final two years suspended, and ordered Croitoru to pay €1,000 to the victim as a token of remorse. The case was prosecuted by Martina Baxter BL, and Croitoru's defence argued he was intoxicated and had no prior convictions. The judge emphasised the seriousness of the assault and the need for custodial time.
In the 33rd day of the murder trial of Graham Dwyer, the jury was shown a series of videos and text messages that the prosecution claims demonstrate the defendant's violent intent. The videos, seized from Dwyer's hard drives, include clips of a man stabbing himself, speaking about chloroform, and a scene where a man appears to stab a bound woman during sex. The prosecution also presented over 2,600 text messages recovered from various devices, many of which contain Dwyer's admissions of an "urge to rape, stab and kill" and discussions with Elaine O'Hara about potential violence. Dwyer, 42, is charged with murdering the 36‑year‑old childcare worker on 22 August 2012. He has pleaded not guilty. The trial is proceeding before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury of five women and seven men. The State maintains that Dwyer's actions were driven by sexual gratification. The case continues.
In March 2012, Edward Byrne (23), his cousin Martin Morgan (23), and Stephen Byrne (20) attacked Polish worker Lukasz Rzeszutko in Coolock, killing him. The men pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. A jury convicted Morgan of murder; he received life imprisonment. Byrne was sentenced to 12 years, Stephen Byrne to nine years with three suspended. Byrne appealed the severity of his sentence. The Court of Appeal found the sentencing judge had erred by rejecting evidence from two witnesses and had not adequately considered mitigating factors such as Byrne's guilty plea, lesser role, and rehabilitation efforts. The court reduced Byrne's sentence to 10 years. Byrne and Morgan had earlier lost appeals against conviction on grounds of defective search warrants and joint enterprise issues, which the Court of Appeal dismissed. The final judgment upheld the convictions but adjusted Byrne's custodial term.
In the Waterford murder trial, a jury heard that a Facebook account linked to William Moran, a 20‑year‑old accused of killing 22‑year‑old Martin Brophy, sent messages to a friend. The account replied "I didn't do nothing" and later "I didn't do it kid" when asked by Darren Walsh. In another conversation, Moran's account said "I dunno his proper name – I don't even know where he lives" about Skip, and "I gave him some hiding" when asked what he did to him. The court also learned that a black Samsung Galaxy phone, seized from Gavin Walsh, had been used by Moran in a phone swap. No IP address linking the account to email activity was obtained for May. The trial continues before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of four women and seven men. William Moran pleaded not guilty.
Kevin Moran (30) of Cootehill, County Cavan, was convicted of manslaughter at the Central Criminal Court following a six-day trial concluding in February 2015. He had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of Emmett Connolly (32) from Rockcorry, County Monaghan, on 29 September 2013. The court heard that Mr Connolly was stabbed seventeen times following an argument at Lodgeview, Cootehill. A jury found Moran guilty of the lesser charge. Evidence indicated Mr Connolly, an archaeologist who had recently returned from Australia, sustained multiple wounds primarily to his shoulder and upper back region. Sentencing was adjourned to 13 April. During proceedings, the victim's father delivered an impact statement describing the family's transition from ordinary life to what he characterised as a "journey to hell" following the fatal incident.
Michael Murray, 43, of Killiney Oaks, Dublin, was convicted in 2013 of rape, sexual assault, child abduction and other offences committed in February 2010. He was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy. The Director of Public Prosecutions has appealed his sentence on grounds of undue leniency. During case‑management procedures in the Court of Appeal on 9 March 2015, Murray confirmed that no lawyers were acting for him and claimed that the State had recorded his solicitors' telephone conversations during his trial. He said the prison service admitted to accessing and recording those calls, a fact he believes will affect his conviction appeal. Murray has no objection to the DPP's undue‑leniency application and will not instruct a legal team on it, stating he considers it an abuse of process. The Court of Appeal has directed that the DPP's application proceed and that Murray's conviction appeal be postponed until the judicial review is resolved. Michael Murray pleaded not guilty.
In March 2015 the Court of Appeal ruled that the wholly suspended three‑year sentence imposed on security guard Alan Kilmartin for an unprovoked assault on a woman in her Ennis home was unduly lenient. Kilmartin, 35, had pleaded guilty to assault causing harm on 2 March 2012 and had been given a wholly suspended sentence by Judge Carroll Moran on 25 November 2013, suspended for five years on conditions. The Court of Appeal, led by Mr Justice Seán Ryan, found that the sentence did not reflect the seriousness of the attack, which involved Kilmartin striking the victim's head with a metal implement, causing head injuries, fractures to her fingers and thumb, and psychological trauma. The court adjourned sentencing to 23 March 2016, where a new sentence would be imposed. The decision was based on the Court's view that a wholly suspended sentence was inappropriate for the gravity of the offence.
In March 2015, a Dublin man, Henry Crowe, aged 57, was sentenced for repeatedly raping his former partner's daughter, Majella Cahill, between 1988 and 1992. The victim, who was 11 to 15 years old during the offences, had previously pleaded guilty to five rape charges. Crowe pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court and was remanded in custody until his sentencing. Cahill's victim impact statement detailed a childhood marked by neglect, abuse by her grandfather, and ongoing sexual assault by Crowe, who began a relationship with her mother and raped her daily. She described severe emotional trauma, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, and her efforts to seek counselling. Crowe had no prior convictions and expressed remorse, offering to apologise to Cahill for his crimes.
In the Graham Dwyer murder trial, the jury was shown a series of videos on the 33rd day of proceedings. The State presented footage that allegedly depicts a man stabbing women during sex, with blood visible in some clips. The jurors also viewed a self‑made video of Dwyer stabbing himself and another in which he discusses using chloroform on himself. Prior to viewing, the jurors received a warning about the graphic nature of the evidence. Dwyer, aged 42, is charged with the murder of 36‑year‑old childcare worker Elaine O'Hara, who was last seen in Shanganagh on 22 August 2012 and whose skeletal remains were found at Killakee in September 2013. The trial is proceeding before Justice Tony Hunt and a jury of five women and seven men. The State alleges the stabbing was for sexual gratification. The case continues.
In 2015, Joseph Hogan, aged 61, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for raping his seven‑year‑old niece, Sonya Stokes, between 1984 and 1988. The Central Criminal Court convicted him of one count of attempted rape, three counts of rape and three counts of indecent assault. Hogan had previously been jailed in 1973 for six months for an indecent assault and had further convictions in 1974, 1995, 1998 and 2013 for related offences. The judge, Mr Justice Carney, found no mitigating factors such as remorse or good character and imposed concurrent sentences of 10 years for the attempted rape and eight years for the sexual assault counts, totaling 15 years. A victim impact statement described the lasting trauma inflicted on Stokes, who chose to waive her anonymity to speak publicly about the abuse. The sentence included 18 months of post‑release supervision. Joseph Hogan pleaded not guilty.
In a Waterford murder trial, a jury heard that a Facebook message allegedly from William Moran (20) claimed he beat Martin Brophy (22) to death with a cinder block and gave him the "American History X job." The prosecution presented testimony from Stephen Dundon, who said he had chatted with Moran on May 20, 2012, about playing PlayStation and an assault. Dundon recalled a message from Moran's Facebook page stating, "I gave that fella an old bad one. Serious he got it haha," and a reply claiming, "I beat him to death a cinder block around 10 times off the head and gave him the American History X job." Dundon also admitted his own Facebook account had been hacked. William Moran pleaded not guilty.
In the second day of Mr Graham Dwyer's murder trial, the jury was warned about graphic evidence. Mr Justice Tony Hunt cautioned them before a document titled "Jenny's First Rape" was read. The document, found on a hard drive seized from Dwyer's home, described a planned rape in Newcastle and included a video clip. Dwyer, 42, is charged with murdering 36‑year‑old childcare worker Elaine O'Hara on 22 August 2012. He pleaded not guilty. Detective Garda Brid Wallace testified that she found a folder with a five‑second video and a five‑page document, E.doc, created on 31 May 2005 by Dwyer's firm A&D Wejchert Architects. The prosecution read the document, which detailed the author's intent to rape a young woman, describing the use of a knife, chloroform and a hunting knife. The trial continues before a jury of five women and seven men. The article does not state any verdict or outcome.
Liudas Vaisvilas, a 51-year-old Lithuanian former Russian Special Forces soldier, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to sexual assault at Terminal 2 in Dublin Airport on April 10, 2014. Judge Patrick McCartan suspended a three-year sentence on the condition that Vaisvilas keeps the peace for that duration and obeys any instructions from Probation Services. The judge had previously remanded Vaisvilas in custody for a full psychiatric assessment, expressing concern that his mental state could lead to further offending. The assessment concluded he was in a temporary state of mind due to extreme tiredness and recent bereavements. Judge McCartan noted Vaisvilas is at low risk of reoffending and is remorseful. Vaisvilas has been in custody since the offence because he could not pay the €1,500 High Court bail. He was previously sentenced to a six-month suspended sentence for a second sexual assault at Eddie Rocket's Diner. Defending counsel Dominic McGinn SC stated Vaisvilas had not slept for five or six days, had consumed vodka, and was experiencing flashbacks to his military service. Vaisvilas has lived in Ireland for nine years and worked in Letterkenny.
In a 2015 murder trial, forensic scientist Matthew Greenhalgh testified that a button from Mark Nash's black pin‑striped velvet jacket yielded a negative DNA result when tested in 1998. Nash, 42, is charged with the 1997 murders of Sylvia Shields (60) and Mary Callanan (61). The jacket was worn by Nash on the night of the killings. Greenhalgh explained that the DNA test used was Short Tandem Repeat (STR), now superseded, and that the first button was swabbed but produced no DNA profile, so the other buttons and threads were not examined. He noted the items had been removed from their sealed bags, and that the negative result was returned sealed. The testimony was cross‑examined by Hugh Hartnett SC, who questioned the handling of the items. The trial continues. Mark Nash pleaded not guilty.
In March 2015, Thomas Callery, aged 42, was sentenced to 18 months in jail for assaulting Danielle Byrne, aged 22, during a christening event at the Swiss Cottage pub in Santry. Callery threw a pint glass at Byrne after a melee broke out between Byrne and other guests. The glass struck Byrne's face, causing her to black out, suffer nerve damage to her eye, and receive scarring on her brow and cheek. Byrne reported anxiety attacks and the need for daily eye drops. Callery pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and was given a three‑year sentence with half suspended, plus twelve months of probation. The judge noted Byrne's intoxication and the chaotic circumstances but held Callery responsible for the injuries inflicted. The case highlighted the seriousness of violent conduct at public gatherings.
Wayne Donnelly, 28, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, false imprisonment of a taxi driver and unlawful seizure of a car. He was sentenced to a six‑year prison term with four years suspended, conditional on keeping the peace and attending a drug treatment programme. The case involved an attack on a taxi driver who was tied up, robbed of his phone and €250, and had his car taken. Donnelly also assaulted a man in Palmerstown, claiming the man owed money to drug dealers, and threatened to use grenades. He had 26 prior convictions. The judge described Donnelly and a co‑accused as "bullyboys." The sentencing was delivered by Judge Desmond Hogan at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The article reports no further legal proceedings beyond the suspended sentence and conditions.
In the Graham Dwyer murder trial, Judge Tony Hunt warned the public not to tweet any statements made while the jury was absent, citing restrictions on reporting such discussions until the trial concludes. He noted that a recent tweet by a member of the public had breached these rules, and, though the tweeter was unaware of the regulations, the judge cautioned that a repeat offence could result in jail for contempt. The warning was delivered in the absence of the jury, but both prosecution and defence consented to its reporting. Mr Dwyer, 42, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of 36‑year‑old childcare worker Elaine O'Hara, who was last seen in Shanganagh, South Dublin, on 22 August 2012 and whose skeletal remains were found at Killakee on 13 September 2013. The State alleges Dwyer stabbed her for sexual gratification. The trial proceeds before a jury of five women and seven men.
At the Central Criminal Court, a Garda Chief Superintendent gave evidence regarding the retrieval of clothing from the Dublin home of Mark Nash, aged 42, who stands accused of murdering two women in Grangegorman sheltered accommodation in March 1997. Chief Superintendent Dominic Hayes testified that he obtained a black pin-striped velvet jacket and boots from a flat on Clonliffe Road, Dublin 3, following a statement from a witness in August 1997. The prosecution maintains that DNA evidence subsequently recovered from the jacket provided a breakthrough in the case. Nash has pleaded not guilty to the murders of Sylvia Shields, aged 60, and Mary Callanan, aged 61. During cross-examination, defence counsel challenged the seizure of the boots and questioned investigative focus on another suspect. Retired detective exhibits officers confirmed the secure storage and handling of seized items. The trial proceedings continued.
During the 31st day of Graham Dwyer's murder trial, the court heard that a document titled *Killing Darci*, detailing the rape and killing of a young American woman, was found on Dwyer's hard drive. The file, saved as 4Darci.doc in a folder called DD within Sub, was created on 2 March 2011 and edited for 89 minutes. Dwyer, 42, is charged with murdering 36‑year‑old childcare worker Elaine O'Hara on 22 August 2012. The prosecution read excerpts from the first‑person document, which described fantasising about killing from adolescence, planning a murder, and describing the act in graphic detail. A witness, Darci Day, testified that she had met Dwyer on an adult website and had discussed ending her life with him. The trial also examined phone records linking Dwyer's work phone to the "Master" phone used on the day of O'Hara's death. The jury heard all evidence before the trial continues.
The trial of William Moran, aged 20, accused of murdering 22‑year‑old Martin Brophy at the old Waterford Institute of Technology building between 19 and 21 May 2012, is continuing in legal argument. Moran has pleaded not guilty. The jury will return tomorrow when evidence is due to resume.
Barry Nolan, 40, was jailed for four months after he broke into Michael Maguire's house at 2.30am, punched him, and repeatedly threatened to kill him. Nolan had earlier visited the house that evening and was denied entry. He punched Maguire in the face, neck and head, kicked him in the ribs and head, and shouted "I am going to kill you." Maguire, who was injured and feared for his life, called 999 and later reported the assault. Nolan pleaded guilty to burglary, making threats to kill or cause serious harm and assault causing harm. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced him to two and a half years, suspending all but four months on strict conditions. Nolan has a history of alcohol misuse and has since sought psychotherapy. He paid €3,500 to help repair Maguire's front door. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.