In 2014 the Central Criminal Court heard that Eugene Cullen, aged 30, pleaded not guilty to the 2009 murder of Seamus O'Byrne, 27, in Tymon Park North, Tallaght. The prosecution said Cullen was not the gunman but one of four men who plotted and executed the killing. A man from Bray, Garret O'Brien, was identified as the shooter. Garda Kevin O'Shaughnessy testified that three years earlier he had stopped a Volkswagen with no tax, seized it, and that Cullen was the driver while O'Brien was the passenger. Garda Clifford Cullen described CCTV footage from the Leisureplex in Coolock showing three men entering at 8:50 pm, with movements until 9:47 pm. Detective Garda Camon Ryan recounted driving routes to establish timings, noting a 26‑minute trip from the shooting scene to the Leisureplex. Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy testified that O'Byrne died from five gunshot wounds, including chest, head and left leg injuries.
PSNI officers have given evidence at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin in the trial of a man charged with withholding information relating to the November 2012 murder of Northern Ireland prison officer David Black. Vincent Banks (44), of Dublin 7, has pleaded not guilty to the charge. Constables Gary Quinn and Jane Johnston testified about attending the scene on the M1 motorway near Lurgan on November 1, 2012, where a vehicle had come off the road. Witness accounts provided to officers described a shooting and a car believed to have a Sligo registration plate. Constable Catherine Mallon gave evidence of locating a burnt-out vehicle. The prosecution case centres on a Toyota Camry, registered in the Republic, used in Mr Black's killing. The State alleges Mr Banks purchased the vehicle. He also faces a separate charge of IRA membership. The trial before Justice Paul Butler continues.
A 32‑year‑old Dublin man, Thomas Ryan of McKee Park, pleaded guilty to attempting to murder Patrick Charles O'Neill on 26 August 2013 at Glasnevin Avenue, Ballymun. He was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court, where Mr Justice Paul Carney ordered a victim impact report and remanded him in custody for sentencing on 6 May.
A 42‑year‑old man, Andrzej Benko of Ladyswell Road, Mulhuddert, will stand trial on Tuesday for attempting to murder his wife Joanna Benko at their Dublin home on 5 July 2010. He pleaded not guilty. The three‑day trial, before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, will be heard by a jury of two women and ten men.
In the trial of a 30‑year‑old man accused of murdering a father of two in Dublin, the jury has been reviewing additional CCTV footage. The defendant, Eugene Cullen of Derry Road, Crumlin, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Seamus O'Byrne, aged 27, who was shot dead at Tymon Park North, Tallaght, on 13 March 2009. The prosecution argues that Cullen was not the gunman but one of four men who plotted and executed the killing. The jury has examined footage from several city locations, including M50 toll bridge cameras that captured a silver Nissan Primera moving northbound at 8.25 pm and southbound at 10.43 pm on the night of the murder. Additional evidence from the Topaz garage on Fortfield Road in Kimmage, where a silver Nissan entered at 6.27 pm, was also presented.
John Hannigan, 46, of River House, New Quay, Clonmel, was found guilty of murder and assault causing harm to Anthony Fallon, also 46, on 18 January 2012. The trial, held at the Central Criminal Court, lasted eight days. Hannigan claimed he had lost his temper when Fallon would not stop talking and punched him "hard and fast" like Bruce Lee. A post‑mortem revealed 31 rib fractures, collar and breastbone fractures, and blunt force trauma to the head and trunk as the cause of death. Hannigan had called an ambulance before 7 a.m. and later admitted responsibility to the Gardaí. The jury, after four hours of deliberation, returned a unanimous verdict of murder and assault. Judge Paul Carney imposed a mandatory life sentence, remanding Hannigan in custody until 12 May for sentencing on the assault charge. John Hannigan pleaded not guilty.
In the murder trial of a 30‑year‑old Dublin man, Eugene Cullen, the jury heard CCTV footage from Tymon Park North, Tallaght, where Seamus O'Byrne, aged 27, was shot dead on 13 March 2009. The prosecution says Cullen was not the gunman but one of four men who plotted and executed the killing. Detective Garda John O'Connell presented the footage, describing three gunshots at 8.15 pm, followed by a fourth shot, a female scream, and a final shot. A can of Red Bull and parts of a mobile phone were found at the scene. Detective Sergeant Daniel Kelly and Garda Patrick Tarrant travelled to Red Bull factories in Austria and Switzerland and to a Spar shop on Ballymount Road, where they purchased 25 cans with the same batch number and expiry date, indicating an Irish market order of about 1.7 million cans. Eugene Cullen pleaded not guilty.
A Dublin man has pleaded not guilty to withholding information relating to the murder of Northern Ireland prison officer David Black at the Special Criminal Court. Vincent Banks (44), of Smithfield Gate Apartments in Dublin 7, faces a charge of failing to disclose material information between October and December 2012. The prosecution opened its case before the non-jury court on Friday, with counsel outlining evidence that the Toyota Camry used in Mr Black's fatal shooting on the M1 motorway near Lurgan on 1 November 2012 was purchased by the accused. The vehicle was subsequently recovered burnt-out near Inglewood. The prosecution intends to present forensic evidence linking Mr Banks to the vehicle's registration and CCTV footage from a Tallaght retailer. The court heard the car was stored in Carrigallen, County Leitrim, prior to the murder. Mr Banks faces an additional charge of IRA membership on 18 December 2012. The trial continues before Justice Paul Butler on Tuesday.
In the murder trial of 30‑year‑old Eugene Cullen, the State Pathologist Marie Cassidy testified that the deceased, Seamus O'Byrne, suffered five gunshot wounds, including one to the head, three to the back and one in the hip. She noted injuries to the brain, heart and lungs and stated the cause of death was the chest wounds, with head and leg wounds contributing. The prosecution alleged Cullen was not the gunman but part of a four‑man plot. Witnesses described a silver car and a Volkswagen Passat seen near the scene, and a silver Nissan Primera with a flat tyre. Garda investigations involved house‑to‑house enquiries, CCTV footage from an Applegreen station, and the discovery of a left‑handed black glove in a drain. The trial is proceeding before Mr Justice Barry White with a jury of five men and seven women. Eugene Cullen pleaded not guilty.
In a Tipperary murder trial, John Hannigan, aged 46, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Anthony Fallon and to assault causing harm. The trial, held in the Central Criminal Court, began on Friday with a jury of seven men and four women. Hannigan, who lives in River House, New Quay, Clonmel, claimed he had lost his temper when Fallon would not stop talking and punched him "hard and fast" like Bruce Lee. He said they had been drinking with another man, Joseph O'Riordan, who had also beaten Fallon earlier that night. O'Riordan is now in jail after pleading guilty to assault. A post‑mortem found 31 rib fractures and blunt force trauma to Fallon's head and trunk as the cause of death. Hannigan later told gardai he was "just panicking" when he attacked Fallon on a walk through town.
The Special Criminal Court adjourned the trial of Vincent Banks, 44, of Smithfield, Dublin, who pleaded not guilty to withholding information about the murder of prison officer David Black. The trial was set to begin this morning after a successful defence application to adjourn. Banks' counsel, Mr Micheál P. O'Higgins SC, explained that the defence was anxious to obtain PSNI investigation details and that a PSNI inspector had confirmed the disclosure request was under review. A detailed letter was sent to the inspector that morning. Mr O'Higgins requested the trial be postponed to allow the process to close out. The State's counsel, Mr Paul Greene SC, agreed, and Mr Justice Paul Butler adjourned the trial until tomorrow. Banks is also charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, the IRA, and remains remanded on that count. The murder of David Black, 52, occurred on 1 November 2012 when he was shot while driving to work near Lurgan. Dissident republicans claimed responsibility.
In a 2014 trial at the Central Criminal Court, 46‑year‑old John Hannigan of Clonmel pleaded not guilty to murder and assault charges over the death of Anthony Fallon on 18 January 2012. Hannigan testified that he had no role in the killing and that he had been panicking when he told Gardaí he had given Fallon 'Bruce Lee' punches. He described a night of heavy drinking with Joseph O'Riordan, who he said was the one who struck Fallon repeatedly, including with a chair and a kettle. Hannigan claimed he only struck Fallon's shoulder to break up the fight and that he helped Fallon to his apartment and called 999. The prosecution read excerpts from Hannigan's earlier Garda interviews, where he admitted to punching Fallon 'hard and fast', which he denied. The post‑mortem found 31 fractures to Fallon's ribs, and O'Riordan is in jail after pleading guilty to assault.
In a Tallaght murder trial, Sharon Rattigan gave evidence about a shooting that occurred on 13 March 2009. She lived with her partner and two children in Tymon Park North and had planned to leave her son at her mother's house that night. Rattigan said she saw a hooded man in dark clothes with a gun approaching the garden, and that he shot at Seamus O'Byrne, who was then killed. She claimed she ran to stop him, was shot in the leg, and then grabbed the gun, struggling with the attacker who repeatedly struck her. Rattigan said she threw the gun into her car and the man fled. She also attempted to help O'Byrne, who was lying on the ground, before being taken to hospital. The trial is before Mr Justice Barry White and a jury, with Eugene Cullen, 30, pleading not guilty to the murder.
In the Central Criminal Court, John Hannigan, 46, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Anthony Fallon and to assault causing harm. During Garda interviews, Hannigan described punching Fallon "like the film Fists of Fury," claiming he had the ability to kill but no intention. He admitted giving several statements, some of which were lies, and expressed regret, calling the incident a tragic accident. Hannigan denied giving crush‑type injuries, despite the State Pathologist's findings of severe crush injuries and 31 rib fractures. The State alleged Hannigan and Joseph O'Riordan assaulted Fallon at his flat, then violently assaulted him in a car park and helped him into River House where he died. O'Riordan is jailed, having pleaded guilty to assault. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Carney and a jury of eight men and three women.
In a High Court hearing on 25 February 2014, the extradition case of Eric Eoin Marques, 28, was adjourned for one week. Marques, who lives at Mountjoy Square, Dublin, is alleged by the FBI to be the owner and administrator of the anonymous hosting site Freedom Hosting, and is wanted in the United States on charges of conspiring to distribute and advertise child pornography, and of advertising and distributing child pornography. The charges involve images on more than a hundred anonymous websites described as extremely violent, graphic and depicting the rape and torture of pre‑pubescent children. Marques has been in custody since his arrest in August 2013, after bail was refused on the grounds that he was a flight risk and could interfere with evidence. His counsel, Mark Lynam BL, informed the court that Marques intended to apply for legal aid before filing a judicial review.
Vincent Banks, 44, pleaded not guilty at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin on a charge of withholding information that could assist in the apprehension, prosecution or conviction of a person for the murder of Northern Ireland prison officer David Black. The charge alleges that between 10 October and 20 December 2012, Banks failed to disclose such information to Gardai without reasonable excuse. He is also charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, the Irish Republican Army, on 18 December 2012. Counsel for the State, Mr Paul Greene SC, requested the court to sever the indictment and proceed first with the withholding information charge, while remanding the membership count for immediate consideration after the judgment on the first charge. The trial was scheduled to begin today but was adjourned to Thursday, with the court allowing a short delay. The case involves the murder of David Black, a 52‑year‑old prison officer killed on 1 November 2013.
In a 2014 trial, John Hannigan, 46, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Anthony Fallon, 46, in Clonmel on 18 January 2012. Hannigan testified that Joseph O'Riordan had assaulted Fallon in his flat, striking him on the head with a chair and later using a kettle and belt. Hannigan described the scene as a "bloodbath" and "horror show," noting a one‑inch gash and blood spurt. He claimed he only hit Fallon in the chest to break up a fight. The State's case alleges Hannigan and O'Riordan also assaulted Fallon in a car park and transported him to River House, where he died. A post‑mortem found 31 rib fractures and blunt force trauma to the head and trunk as the cause of death. O'Riordan, who pleaded guilty to assault, remains in jail. The case is before Mr Justice Paul Carney and a jury of eight men and three women.
The Court of Criminal Appeal has set aside the convictions of two nightclub doormen from Sligo and Co Mayo who were sentenced in 2011 for assault causing harm. Frankie Murphy of Stephen Street, Sligo, and John Molloy of Creggs Road, Ballina had each received three-year suspended sentences and were ordered to pay €10,000 following their conviction by Sligo Circuit Criminal Court jury in October 2011. The incident occurred in February 2009 at Envy nightclub in Sligo town, resulting in serious injury to the complainant. On appeal, the Court of Criminal Appeal found that the trial judge's charge to the jury had failed to adequately address the separate defences raised by each defendant, including self-defence and accident. Justice Elizabeth Dunne ruled that the convictions were unsafe and should be quashed. The State indicated it would seek further instructions regarding the matter, with the case listed for mention at a future date.
Eugene Cullen, 30, of Derry Road, Crumlin, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Seamus O'Byrne, 27, at Tymon Park North, Tallaght, on 13 March 2009. A jury of five men and seven women was sworn in on 24 February 2014, with the trial set to begin Wednesday and expected to last four weeks.
Francis Lanigan, 47, of Pinebrook, Mulhuddart, Dublin, is awaiting an extradition hearing in the High Court on 28 April. He was arrested in January on an extradition warrant linked to the 1998 murder of John Knocker, who was shot in a Dungannon hotel car park. Lanigan was taken at a Dublin gym where he worked as a self‑employed barber. He initially gave a false name to the Garda and later claimed he had been using the name Kieran McCrory for protection for 15 years. He remains in custody until the hearing.
In a Tipperary murder trial, the State Pathologist, Professor Marie Cassidy, testified that the deceased, Anthony Fallon, suffered 31 rib fractures and other severe injuries. She concluded that Fallon died from blunt force trauma to the head and trunk, with linear wounds on his face and head, extensive bruising, and haemorrhage to the brain. Internal examination revealed fractures to the breast bone, broken collar bone, and a litre of blood in the chest cavity. Cassidy described the chest injuries as likely causing respiratory insufficiency and severe incapacitation. She suggested the injuries were sustained close to where Fallon was found and that multiple assaults may have occurred. The State alleges that John Hannigan and Joseph O'Riordan assaulted Fallon at his flat, then in a car park, before he died at River House. O'Riordan has pleaded guilty to assault; the trial continues before a jury. John Hannigan pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court in Dublin heard that the PSNI will not disclose material relating to the murder of prison officer David Black because it could jeopardise the ongoing investigation. The court was told that defence lawyers for Vincent Banks, 44, are seeking disclosure of PSNI material for a trial of a Dublin man charged with withholding information about the murder. Banks is charged with membership of an unlawful organisation styled the Irish Republican Army and with withholding information in relation to the murder of David Black. His counsel argued that the case against him was an allegation that he bought the Toyota car used in the killing and that nine of the first ten witnesses in the book of evidence are PSNI officers. The defence sought disclosure from the gardai of the PSNI material, claiming a real and serious risk of an unfair trial if the case went ahead without it.
In a murder trial in the Central Criminal Court, Garda Shane Kiely testified that 46‑year‑old John Hannigan of River House, New Quay, Clonmel, had arrived at the scene of a suspicious death on 18 January 2012, the day Anthony Fallon, also 46, was found dead in his flat on Abbey Street. Kiely described Hannigan standing outside the apartment complex when Fallon was lying in the foyer, with a blood‑stained face and swollen injuries. The Garda noted that Hannigan had a graze on a left knuckle and that he was visibly upset, crying and shaking. He also reported seeing blood on the left side of Hannigan's clothing. The State alleges that Hannigan and Joseph O'Riordan assaulted Fallon earlier that morning, then took him to River House where he died of his injuries. O'Riordan has pleaded guilty to assault. The trial is before Mr Justice Paul Carney and a jury of eight men and four women. John Hannigan pleaded not guilty.
A man described by the FBI as the 'largest facilitator of child porn in the world,' Eric Eoin Marques, is seeking a judicial review of the DPP's decision not to prosecute him in Ireland, the High Court heard. Marques, 28, of Mountjoy Square, Dublin, is alleged to have been the owner and administrator of an anonymous hosting site known as Freedom Hosting. He has been in custody since his arrest in August 2023, following concerns he represented a flight risk. The charges relate to images on over a hundred anonymous websites described as extremely violent and depicting the rape and torture of pre-pubescent children. Counsel for Marques, Mark Lynam BL, stated that his client intended to apply for legal aid prior to the judicial review. Counsel for the State, Patrick McGrath SC, noted that investigations into Marques's assets were ongoing. Mr Justice John Edwards expressed concern over the delay in providing a statement of means and ordered the matter to be resolved within days. The court heard that Marques would be available for cross-examination on any disputes regarding his statement of means. Mr Justice Edwards remanded Marques in custody until Tuesday (February 25). If convicted, he could face the remainder of his natural life in prison as the four charges could result in a sentence totalling 100 years.
In a 2014 murder trial, William O'Riordan, a former glass blower aged 39, testified that the accused, John Hannigan, admitted to killing Anthony Fallon, 46, on 18 January 2012. O'Riordan described walking through Clonmel that morning, hearing about an incident on the quay side, and later meeting Hannigan and his brother Joseph O'Riordan. He recounted asking Hannigan if he was involved, to which Hannigan replied, "No. I've nothing to do with it. Why are you asking me?" O'Riordan then claimed Hannigan admitted to killing Fallon. The witness also noted that Hannigan had assaulted Fallon and that the victim was badly beaten before being taken to a shop where he was given alcohol. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul Carney, continued with a jury of eight men and four women. The prosecution argued that Hannigan and O'Riordan assaulted Fallon before he died of his injuries at the scene. The case remained in progress. John Hannigan pleaded not guilty.
A man from Cremona Road Ballyfermot, Keith Wilson (25), is appealing against his conviction for the murder of Daniel Gaynor (24), who was fatally shot in Finglas in August 2010. The case is currently before the Court of Criminal Appeal, where judgement has been reserved. Wilson was found guilty of the shooting and was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2011. During the appeal, Wilson's barrister, Dominic McGinn SC, argued that the reliance on DNA evidence alone was flawed in the absence of other connecting evidence. He contended that the trial judge should have warned the jury about the lack of corroboration. In response, Alex Owens SC for the state maintained that no such warning was necessary and that the method used by gardai to obtain DNA evidence was justified, as Wilson had refused to cooperate. The court, presiding over the appeal, has reserved its decision.
A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court following his conviction for murder in County Cavan. Przemyslaw Trebacz, aged 35, was found guilty of murdering Costel Catalin Cretu at Connolly Court, Cavan between October 13 and 14, 2012. The jury returned a majority verdict of 10-2 after deliberations. Mr Cretu sustained stab wounds to the chest and back and died at the scene. Trebacz had pleaded not guilty to the murder charge but guilty to criminal damage. Mr Justice Michael White imposed the mandatory life sentence, noting the significant impact of the death on the victim's family. A three-year sentence relating to the criminal damage conviction was suspended. The judge referenced a victim impact statement provided by the deceased's brother during sentencing.
A 47‑year‑old Waterford man, Gerald Vollrath, will be sentenced next week for attempting to murder his 83‑year‑old mother, Vera Vollrath, while she lay in a nursing home. The mother died on 9 January 2012 at Killure Bridge Nursing Home, an outcome that had been expected after a severe stroke and Alzheimer's. Gerald admitted placing a pillow over her face for up to two minutes on the night of 8 January, an act that was later pleaded guilty as attempted murder after the murder charge was dropped. He claimed he acted out of compassion, believing his mother would not want to be a burden and that her death was imminent. The court will consider his admission and the circumstances of his mother's frail state before sentencing. The hearing was adjourned for a week. Gerald Vollrath pleaded not guilty.
The Central Criminal Court heard on 17 February 2014 that a jury of seven women and five men had been discharged after five hours of deliberation and could not reach a verdict in the murder trial of 21‑year‑old Michael Kinsella. Kinsella had pleaded not guilty to the killing of 31‑year‑old Adil Essalhi at Tyrrelstown on 6 January 2011. The State alleged that Kinsella and his uncle, Wayne Kinsella, carried out the murder because they believed Essalhi was involved in the killing of their relative Lee Kinsella. The court heard that Essalhi's body was found in a ditch behind Tyrrelstown Plaza, that an attempt had been made to burn the body, and that the post‑mortem examination revealed 58 injuries, 19 chop wounds to the skull and facial bones, and evidence of post‑mortem burning. Two weapons were said to have been used, a machete and a sharp instrument such as a knife. Michael Kinsella was convicted.
A 46‑year‑old Tipperary man, John Hannigan of River House, New Quay in Clonmel, pleaded not guilty to two charges: the murder of Anthony Fallon (46) on 18 January 2012 in Clonmel and an assault on Fallon at a flat on Abbey Street on the same day. He was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, where he was dressed in a grey sweater and black shirt. Mr Justice Paul Carney swore in a jury of eight men and four women, and the trial is set to begin on Tuesday and is expected to last two weeks.
The Court of Criminal Appeal has reserved its judgment on the appeal by Warren and Jeffrey Dumbrell against their second conviction for the murder of Christopher Cawley. The brothers, who pleaded not guilty to killing the 33-year-old at Tyrone Place flats in Inchicore on October 29, 2006, were sentenced to life imprisonment in February 2011. Their initial 2008 conviction was quashed in 2010 as unsafe due to judicial comments, leading to a retrial. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC argued that the trial judge erred by failing to properly direct the jury against conducting internet enquiries and by not warning the jury about the victim's previous convictions for carrying knives, which Jeffrey Dumbrell claimed were relevant to his self-defence claim. The prosecution, represented by Paul Burns SC, countered that the brothers received a fair trial and that the jury was trusted to act judicially. The court heard that Cawley's family witnessed the fatal stabbing. The appeal is currently pending, with the Chief Justice indicating that the judgment will be reserved.
The Central Criminal Court heard the trial of 21‑year‑old Michael Kinsella, accused of murdering 31‑year‑old Adil Essalhi in Tyrrelstown, Dublin, on 6 January 2011. Kinsella pleaded not guilty. The jury has been deliberating for almost two hours and has paused for the weekend. The court noted that Kinsella's uncle, Wayne Kinsella, was convicted of the murder in 2012. Witnesses testified that Essalhi met Wayne and another woman in a Dublin pub, then returned to their Tyrrelstown apartment where a group drank. Essalhi's body was found in a ditch behind Tyrrelstown Plaza, with attempts to burn it. Judge Paul Carney highlighted that key witnesses were alleged liars, and the prosecution, led by Alex Owens SC, argued that a machete and another knife were used, describing the killing as a "Goodfellas‑style execution." The defense, represented by Patrick Marrinan SC, contested the evidence of two weapons and the alleged motive. The jury will resume deliberations on Monday.
Wayne Dundon has failed in an application to adjourn his forthcoming Special Criminal Court trial on a charge of murdering Limerick businessman Roy Collins five years ago. Dundon (35), of Lenihan Avenue, Prospect, and Nathan Killeen (23), of Hyde Road, Prospect, are charged with the murder of Mr Collins (35) at Coin Castle Amusements, Roxboro Road Shopping Centre, Limerick on April 9th, 2009. They are due to stand trial on April 29 next and the trial is expected to last four to five weeks. Presiding judge Mr Justice Paul Butler rejected the application, stating that the potential duration of the trial should not prevent it from proceeding. He noted that the Special Criminal Court does not have a jury and that the trial could be interrupted for two weeks if necessary. Chief Superintendent David Sheehan testified about the threat to proposed prosecution witnesses and the increasing difficulty in ensuring their safety as time passes. He stated that adjourning the case would place a significant strain on garda support and witness cooperation. Justice Butler acknowledged the credible evidence provided by Chief Supt Sheehan and the real concern regarding witness safety. He emphasized the court's duty to ensure a fair trial while addressing potential risks. Counsel for Dundon, Mr Remy Farrell SC, argued that the trial may not conclude within the allocated timeframe and raised concerns about evidence disclosure. Similar concerns were raised by Mr Micheal O'Higgins SC for Killeen. The matter was not adjourned and remains at the trial stage.
The Central Criminal Court heard that 21‑year‑old Michael Kinsella of Swiftbrook Close, Tallaght, denied murdering 31‑year‑old Adil Essalhi at Tyrrelstown on 6 January 2011. Essalhi's body was found in a ditch behind Tyrrelstown Plaza, with attempts to burn it. Kinsella, who was arrested for the murder, said he had never met Essalhi and denied killing or burning him, claiming Essalhi was still alive when left in the living room. He also denied any connection to his uncle Wayne Kinsella, who was convicted of the murder in 2012. Garda interviews and cross‑examinations confirmed Kinsella's denials and that he voluntarily went to Blanchardstown Garda Station on 15 and 16 January 2011. A machete‑type weapon was found beside the body, but no knives were linked to the crime. The trial continues.
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.
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.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Michael Kinsella, aged 21, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Adil Essalhi, 31, in Tyrrelstown on 6 January 2011. The court heard that Kinsella's uncle, Wayne Kinsella, was convicted of the murder in 2012. Donna Mangan, who lived in Tallaght on 16 January 2011, testified that Kinsella visited her apartment with his girlfriend and, according to her, pointed to his chest and whispered, "It was me, I done it." She also claimed he later said, "You should check what we done to that Paki fella – we beat the lungs out of him." Mangan described feeling threatened by Wayne for money, but denied that she fabricated the confession. Another cousin, Jamie Lee Kinsella, recounted that Kinsella had smoked a joint with her and claimed he had killed the victim because he had murdered his uncle Lee Kinsella.
The trial of a 20‑year‑old Dublin man, Craig O'Halloran, for the murder of 32‑year‑old Kevin Kenny on 31 July 2011 at Sarsfield Road, Ballyfermot, has been adjourned. O'Halloran pleaded not guilty. A jury was sworn in, but the trial was postponed because no judge was available. A new trial date will be set.
In the Central Criminal Court, a woman named Natasha Carey, who was eight months pregnant at the time, testified that she witnessed a 21‑year‑old Michael Kinsella with a weapon during a gathering at Martina Deegan's house in Tyrrelstown on the night of January 6, 2011. Carey described the evening as a party where the group drank and displayed photographs of Mr. Adil Essalhi's children. She claimed that Michael, along with Wayne Kinsella and Mr. Essalhi, left the apartment, and that she saw blood on Michael's weapon and on his own neck. Carey also admitted to lying in the Wayne Kinsella trial and to the Gardaí, stating she had altered her story because of personal trauma. The trial, which has already heard that Wayne Kinsella was convicted of murder, continues with these allegations in evidence. The court also heard from Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy that Mr. Michael Kinsella pleaded not guilty.
A Dublin man has been sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to the murder of Christopher Jackson (53), whose body was discovered in a wardrobe in 2012. Bernard Locke (41), from Ramillies Road Ballyfermot, admitted to a single count of murder during the proceedings. The prosecution confirmed that Locke had pleaded guilty immediately after his arrest. Christopher Jackson was stabbed to death in his Dublin flat on 7 September 2012. His body was found wrapped in duvet covers in his own flat on Prussia Street. During garda interviews, Locke admitted to stabbing Jackson through the heart and severing a significant artery, and administering numerous wounds. The victim suffered approximately 70 stab wounds, with the first wound being sufficient to cause death. Locke made efforts to secrete the body, including spraying bleach and shampoo on the walls, which led to police being tipped off. Locke had 40 previous convictions, including one for assault causing serious harm. The victim's daughter, Nadine Clifford, delivered a victim impact statement, expressing her grief and the lasting emotional impact of the crime. The defence argued that Locke's guilty plea should be accepted as a sign of remorse. Mr Justice Paul Carney sentenced Bernard Locke to the mandatory sentence of imprisonment for life from 8 September 2012.
A Dublin man pleaded guilty at Swords District Court to threatening and abusive behaviour following an incident at a public house on September 22nd, 2013. Damien Murtagh, aged 28, of Clonee, Dublin 17, also admitted violent behaviour at Swords Garda Station and refusing to provide gardaí with his name and address. Garda Elaine Duffy gave evidence that Murtagh became verbally abusive in the pub car park after being asked to leave due to intoxication, making threats towards her and other members. The court heard Murtagh had consumed considerable alcohol while attending an All-Ireland football final. He has 21 previous convictions including six for public order offences. His defence solicitor submitted that Murtagh's memory of events remained unclear and he acknowledged his behaviour was unacceptable. Judge Dermot Dempsey remanded him on continuing bail until April for a Probation and Welfare Report, indicating consideration of 240 hours community service in place of two months imprisonment if deemed suitable.
During the trial of 21‑year‑old Michael Kinsella, accused of murdering 31‑year‑old Adil Essalhi in Tyrrelstown on 6 January 2011, Gemma Brady Deegan testified that she saw splashes of blood on Kinsella. She said she was staying at her mother's house when Kinsella's uncle Wayne Kinsella and Essalhi returned around 3 pm, drinking upstairs. Kinsella arrived with a woman, and the group stayed until after midnight, returning 45 minutes later. Brady Deegan claimed Wayne Kinsella was covered in blood in the kitchen and that Kinsella had blood on his clothes. She also described Wayne Kinsella's violent history, including a conviction for murder and an assault on a foreign lady. Brady Deegan confirmed that Kinsella had changed clothes and that a washing machine had been running minutes later. The trial continues. Michael Kinsella pleaded not guilty.
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.
Craig O'Halloran, aged 20, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 32‑year‑old Kevin Kenny on Sarsfield Road, Ballyfermot, on 31 July 2011. He was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court on 10 February 2014. The judge, Mr Justice Paul Carney, called a jury of six men and six women. The trial is scheduled to start on Wednesday and is expected to last two weeks.
A Central Criminal Court jury could not reach a verdict in the murder trial of Anthony Locke, 36, of Dublin, charged with killing Christopher Jackson, 53, on 7 September 2012. The jury, composed of 3 women and 9 men, deliberated for over five hours across two days before the foreman informed Justice Garrett Sheehan that further instruction was required. Justice Sheehan explained that a lack of majority would result in a disagreement verdict, thanked the jury for their care, and remanded Locke in custody while the case was placed on the court list. Anthony Locke pleaded not guilty.
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.
A 21‑year‑old man, Michael Kinsella of Swiftbrook Close, Tallaght, is on trial for the murder of Adil Essalhi, whose body was found in a ditch in north Dublin three years ago. Kinsella pleaded not guilty. The Central Criminal Court was told that Kinsella and another person killed Essalhi somewhere in fields behind Tyrrelstown Plaza between 9 pm and shortly after 9:30 pm on 6 January 2011. Prosecutor Mr Alex Owens SC described how Essalhi had gone drinking with Kinsella's uncle Wayne and a partner, then returned to the duplex apartment where they drank with others, including Kinsella. Owens said the Kinsellas believed Essalhi had murdered Wayne's brother Lee. At about 9 pm Essalhi was asked to leave the apartment and was then "done to death" in the fields. Two weapons were used, a machete and a sharp instrument such as a knife; a machete was found next to the body but no other knife was recovered.
The Central Criminal Court jury has paused its deliberations on the murder trial of Anthony Locke, a 36‑year‑old from Prussia Street, who is accused of killing 53‑year‑old Christopher Jackson on 7 September 2012 and hiding the body in a wardrobe. Locke pleaded not guilty. His brother, Bernard Locke, 41, has pleaded guilty to the murder and is awaiting sentencing. The jury spent nearly two hours on the verdict and will resume tomorrow.
Three men – Eoin Maguire (29), Cornelius Price (32) and Edward Price (24) – appeared before Judge Dermot Dempsey at Balbriggan District Court charged with several offences alleged to have occurred in December 2013. They are charged with assault causing harm to Clifford Whitehouse and James Whitehouse on 20 December 2013 at Bremore Castle, with the production of a Stanley knife on the same day, and with reckless endangerment of a garda at Balbriggan Garda Station on 22 December 2013. Maguire made no reply after arrest, while Price replied that he had said what he had to say. Maguire was granted bail with conditions to sign on three times a week at Drogheda Garda Station, stay away from witnesses, avoid Balbriggan and reappear on 3 April. Price was refused bail and remanded to Cloverhill to appear on 13 February.
In a 2014 hearing, a jury was instructed to consider the case of Anthony Locke, 36, who pleaded not guilty to the murder of Christopher Jackson, 53, on 7 September 2012. Locke was described by the prosecution as having "butchered" Jackson in his own home. The prosecution, led by Conor Devally SC, presented evidence including a grisly account from Dr Curtis and testimony from Barbara Staunton, who lived with Jackson and had a history of heroin addiction. Devally argued that Staunton's testimony was unreliable and that Locke had no motive or prior conflict with Jackson. Defending counsel, Padraig Dwyer SC, highlighted the lack of forensic evidence, DNA, CCTV or phone records, and noted that Locke had no bad blood with Jackson. He also pointed out that Locke had presented himself at a police station in distress, fearing his brother Bernard Locke, who had pleaded guilty to the murder.