Christopher McNamara, a 21-year-old defendant from Good Shepherd Villas, Pennywell Road, Limerick, is due to stand trial at the Central Criminal Court. He has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of James Boyce, aged 71, which is said to have occurred at St Munchin's Street, St Mary's Park, Limerick, between March 6 and 7, 2011. The matter is currently at the trial stage, with a jury of seven women and five men sworn in for the proceedings. The trial is scheduled to commence on Thursday and is expected to continue until the end of the following week. No findings, sentences, or final disposals have been recorded for this case subject at this procedural stage. The report attributes the charge of murder to the defendant, who contests the allegation. There are no suspended portions, effective custody periods, conditions, or adjournments noted in the available information. The summary reflects the validated facts that McNamara is accused of the killing and has entered a not guilty plea, without asserting a conviction or final outcome.
A 32‑year‑old man, Niall Stapleton of Glebe Lodge, Kilfane, Thomastown, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Siobhan Stapleton, aged 51, who was killed at that address on 25 May 2012. The Central Criminal Court will hear the case, with a jury of seven men and five women sworn in, starting Friday and expected to run until the end of next week.
A 47‑year‑old Gerald Vollrath of Tramore Heights, Tramore, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Veronica Vollrath, 83, at Killure Bridge Nursing Home, Killure, on or about 9 January 2012. The case is set to be heard at the Central Criminal Court, where a jury of seven men and five women will be sworn in. The trial is scheduled to begin on Thursday and is expected to last five days.
In a Dublin murder trial, Simon Griffin, a 36‑year‑old, testified that the accused, Criostoir MacCarthaigh, stabbed David Whyte more than 100 times, describing the act as "to pieces" in a church ruin. Griffin said he had been drinking in his Phibsborough flat that night and that MacCarthaigh was present. He claimed he was forced to help place Whyte in a van, drive to Mill Lane, and then to the ruin where the stabbing occurred. Griffin also said he was told to throw Whyte's phone into a ditch, and that MacCarthaigh later changed clothes at his mother's house before returning to the scene. Griffin admitted to pleading guilty to impeding the investigation and was sentenced to four and a half years in prison in 2011. The trial continues before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury. Criostoir MacCarthaigh pleaded not guilty.
A Polish national pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to the murder of a Romanian man in Co. Cavan in October 2012. Przemyslaw Trebacz, aged 35, of Bramble Rise, Killynebber, is accused of fatally stabbing Costel Catalin Cretu, aged 38, at Connolly Court, Connolly Street, Cavan between 13 and 14 October 2012. He has pleaded guilty to criminal damage relating to a door at the same location on 13 October 2012. The court heard that two witnesses will not give evidence in the trial. Gardaí told the court that one woman's whereabouts remain unknown, whilst another witness is unlikely to appear. A garda described finding the victim on a couch with a stab wound to his chest upon arrival at the apartment. CCTV footage from the date in question was viewed by the jury. The trial is due to resume following an adjournment.
Michael Kiely, 43, of Limerick, is currently on trial at the Special Criminal Court, having pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA. The prosecution alleges that on January 6, 2013, Kiely read a Continuity IRA statement at a graveside oration in Limerick, identifying Irish enlistees in the British Army as "legitimate targets." The statement, signed by "Continuity IRA prisoners, Portlaoise gaol," was recorded by a radio reporter after the event's PA system failed. Prosecution counsel Shane Costelloe BL presented the recording to the court, which also heard evidence from Chief Superintendent Dave Sheehan regarding Kiely's alleged membership. During a search of Kiely's home, gardai found undelivered Christmas cards addressed to prisoners in Portlaoise jail, including one addressed to Rose Lynch, who was jailed for life last April for murder and IRA membership. The trial, presided over by Justice Paul Butler with Judges Margaret Heneghan and Flannan Brennan, is expected to last five days. The court will also consider evidence that gardai invoked Section 2 of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 during interviews, allowing inferences to be drawn from Kiely's refusal to answer certain questions.
A 36‑year‑old Dublin man, Criostoir MacCarthaigh of An Gleann, Baile Phamar, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of David Whyte, a 35‑year‑old man from New Cabra Road. The prosecution alleges that between 24 and 26 September 2008, MacCarthaigh stabbed Whyte more than 100 times, the most serious wound injuring his jugular. The case is based on a post‑mortem that found the excessive stab wounds and on testimony that MacCarthaigh and others were drinking in an apartment on Ulster Street when Whyte was outside. An acquaintance reportedly saw MacCarthaigh with a knife over Whyte's body. MacCarthaigh was then driven to Palmerstown, where he allegedly walked Whyte to a graveyard and repeatedly stabbed him, causing his death. He has pleaded not guilty. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, is expected to last up to 12 days.
The Central Criminal Court heard evidence in the trial of Przemyslaw Trebacz, a Polish national accused of murdering Romanian Costel Catalin Cretu (38) at Connolly Court, Cavan, between October 13 and 14, 2012. Trebacz has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge but pleaded guilty to criminal damage to a door belonging to Brendan Cosgrove at the same address on October 13, 2012. Prosecution witness Gary Malone, a taxi driver and former neighbour of the accused, testified that he was called by Trebacz at approximately 11:00 PM on the night in question. Malone stated that Trebacz and another man entered his vehicle, with Trebacz sitting in the passenger seat. During the journey, Malone heard Trebacz use the phrase 'Soviet attack' and observed him holding a green woolly sock containing a solid object. Malone reported seeing Trebacz kick in a door at Connolly Court before the men left the scene. He further testified that the other man threatened him, stating, 'shut up or you and your family will be next.' Malone subsequently reported the incident to gardai. The court heard that Trebacz had previously mentioned the IRA to Malone. Malone's evidence is ongoing, and the matter remains at the trial stage with no final verdict or sentence recorded.
In a Limerick murder case, Seán Flanagan (28) and his uncle Paul Colbert (46) were sentenced to life imprisonment for the January 18, 2012 stabbing of Gerard McMahon (43) near their home on Lenihan Avenue. The trial, lasting four weeks, found the pair guilty after evidence showed McMahon was attacked from behind while climbing the steps to his cousin's house. Flanagan admitted to stabbing McMahon with a knife, while Colbert claimed to have used a hatchet. Both denied premeditation, citing fear and provocation. A third nephew, Ian Flanagan (24), was convicted of assisting the offenders by hiding their CCTV device, which had been removed from the house and later recovered in a neighbour's property. The jury, after nearly 11 hours of deliberation over three days, returned unanimous guilty verdicts. The sentencing judge imposed a mandatory life sentence on both men, and Ian Flanagan was remanded in custody pending his own sentencing. Seán Flanagan pleaded not guilty. Ian Flanagan pleaded not guilty.
A Romanian woman giving evidence at the Central Criminal Court has denied washing floors following the death of her partner at an apartment in Cavan in October 2012. Florentina Sotir (41) is a witness in the trial of Przemyslaw Trebacz (35) of Bramble Rise, Killynebber, Cavan, who has pleaded not guilty to murder. The prosecution alleges that Trebacz stabbed Costel Catalin Cretu (38) during a break-in at Connolly Court, Connolly Street, Cavan between 13 and 14 October 2012. Under cross-examination, Ms Sotir was questioned about a 26-minute gap between the departure of two men from the apartment and her entry to the lobby. She stated she was attempting to revive Mr Cretu by throwing water on him rather than cleaning. The court heard State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy concluded Mr Cretu died from a fatal chest wound. Trebacz has pleaded guilty to criminal damage. The trial continues.
A 23-year-old man from Dublin appeared at Dublin District Court facing three charges following an alleged assault outside the Four Courts on Sunday. The accused is charged with entering a High Court judge's vehicle contrary to road traffic legislation, and with attacking the judge under assault provisions. A third charge alleges assault causing harm to a security guard at the same location. The defendant was remanded on bail to appear again in January. The prosecution sought additional time to obtain directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions. The defence was granted access to CCTV evidence from the incident. The High Court judge involved previously worked as a senior counsel at the Morris tribunal investigating Garda matters in County Donegal before his recent appointment to the bench.
A 27‑year‑old man, Ciaran Moran, was charged with the murder of Gerard Donnelly, a man believed to have been from Tallaght who was found dead in Phoenix Park after a fire near the Wellington Monument. Donnelly, who had a fractured skull and was identified by dental records and DNA, had been sleeping rough in the park. Moran, who had a bruised eye and cuts on his head, was arrested and detained under Section Four of the Criminal Justice Act. He was charged at Cabra Garda Station and made no reply after caution. The court remanded him in custody for one week to appear again at Cloverhill District Court on 10 December. Legal aid and continued medical attention were granted for Moran during his remand.
In December 2013 a Limerick man, Kieran Lynch, aged 47, was ordered to await the outcome of his appeal after being sentenced to life imprisonment in March 2007 for the murder of his partner Catherine McEnery. Lynch had pleaded not guilty at a Galway sitting of the Central Criminal Court in July 2005. The appeal, heard by the Court of Criminal Appeal, focused on two main points: first, the alleged misdirection by Judge Paul Carney regarding provocation, and second, a motion to introduce fresh evidence about Lynch's recent near‑drowning experience and high‑dose medication that might have made him more susceptible to provocation. Lynch's counsel argued that this evidence could have rendered him more vulnerable to a loss of control. The State's counsel contended that the question was ambiguous and that no exceptional circumstances justified the new evidence. Judge Donal O'Donnell said the court would reserve its judgment. The case remains at the appeal stage.
A witness at the Central Criminal Court has acknowledged inconsistencies between her testimony and statements made to gardaí. Przemyslaw Trebacz, aged 35, of Bramble Rise, Killynebber, Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Costel Catalin Cretu at Connolly Court, Cavan between 13 and 14 October 2012. He has pleaded guilty to criminal damage to a door at the same location on 13 October 2012. The chief prosecution witness told the court she initially stated she did not work during her first fortnight in Ireland, but later acknowledged telling gardaí she began working the day after arrival. She also conceded providing false information regarding how she believed she would be employed. The State Pathologist concluded the deceased sustained two wounds, including a fatal chest injury. Cross-examination of the witness is to resume.
Criostoir MacCarthaigh, a 36-year-old man from An Gleann, Baile Phamar (Palmerstown), has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of David Whyte in the county and city of Dublin. The prosecution alleges that MacCarthaigh murdered Whyte on a date unknown between September 24 and 26, 2008. MacCarthaigh denies these charges, and the matter is currently at the hearing or decision stage. No finding of guilt, sentence, or final disposal has been recorded for this defendant. The case is scheduled to proceed to trial at the Central Criminal Court, with proceedings expected to begin on Thursday. The trial is anticipated to last up to 12 days. This report reflects the current procedural status where the defendant has entered a plea of not guilty, and the matter remains contested rather than concluded.
A woman giving evidence at the Central Criminal Court has described witnessing the stabbing of her partner during an incident at an apartment in Cavan in October 2012. Przemyslaw Trebacz, aged 35, of Bramble Rise, Killynebber, Cavan has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Costel Catalin Cretu, aged 38, at Connolly Court, Connolly Street, Cavan between 13 and 14 October 2012. The defendant has pleaded guilty to criminal damage to a door at the same location on 13 October 2012. The witness told prosecuting counsel that two men forced their way into the apartment, with the taller man stabbing her partner with a knife and subsequently taking money from the premises. She stated that the attacker held a knife to her throat whilst demanding money and that her partner was unresponsive after the incident. The court heard that gardaí were unable to trace a second woman who was present at the apartment. Cross-examination of the witness is scheduled to continue.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Sean Connolly, aged 34, was charged with the murder of veteran criminal Eamon Kelly, who was killed on 4 December 2012 at Furry Park Road, Killester. Connolly also faced charges of IRA membership and possession of a firearm. His counsel, Ms Siobhan Ni Chulachain, informed the court that solicitor Michael Finucane could not take instructions due to Connolly's illness. Consequently, the judge, Mr Justice Paul Butler, postponed the case for two weeks, with a new hearing scheduled for 13 December, and the prosecution requested a video link for the hearing.
A Polish national has pleaded not guilty to the murder of a Romanian man at an apartment in Cavan town in October 2012. Przemyslaw Trebacz, aged 35, of Bramble Rise, Killynebber, is accused of fatally stabbing Costel Catalin Cretu during an incident at Connolly Court. The Central Criminal Court heard that Mr Cretu was present in the apartment to supervise two women engaged in sex work. According to the prosecution, Mr Trebacz and another man entered the apartment and left within minutes, with CCTV evidence supporting this timeline. The court was told that Mr Cretu sustained two stab wounds, including a fatal injury to his chest. A neighbour who worked as a taxi driver allegedly transported the accused to the location that night. Mr Trebacz has admitted to criminal damage to a door at the premises but maintains he acted in self-defence. He has pleaded guilty to the criminal damage charge. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Barry White at the Central Criminal Court, continues.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Seán Flanagan, Paul Colbert, and Ian Flanagan has reached the jury deliberation stage. Seán Flanagan and Paul Colbert, both of Lenihan Avenue, Limerick City, have pleaded not guilty to the murder of 43-year-old Gerard McMahon, who was stabbed to death on January 18, 2012. Ian Flanagan has also pleaded not guilty to two counts of assisting an offender, allegedly by removing a CCTV recorder. Prosecution counsel Michael O'Higgins SC argued that Seán Flanagan and Paul Colbert acted as a cohesive two-man unit, making it legally immaterial which individual inflicted the fatal wounds. Defence counsel presented distinct arguments: Anthony Sammon SC suggested provocation for Paul Colbert, while John Phelan SC contended Seán Flanagan intervened to prevent harm. Brendan Nix SC argued Ian Flanagan acted in panic without specific intent. Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan has begun charging the jury of eight women and four men, who will commence deliberations on Friday. The matter is currently at the trial stage, with no findings, sentences, or finalisations recorded.
The trial of Seán Flanagan, Paul Colbert, and Ian Flanagan continued at the Central Criminal Court before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan. Seán Flanagan and Paul Colbert, both of Lenihan Avenue, Limerick, have pleaded not guilty to the murder of 43-year-old Gerard McMahon, who was allegedly stabbed to death at their front door on January 18, 2012. Ian Flanagan, also of Lenihan Avenue, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of assisting an offender, specifically accused of removing a CCTV recorder. During testimony, Sandra Flanagan, the accused men's mother, stated she lied to gardai about recycling the device to protect her sons from what she described as terrorising questioning. She revealed that her own father was murdered at the same front door 17 years prior. The prosecution, led by Michael O'Higgins SC, has begun its closing speech to the jury, which is scheduled to continue tomorrow. The matter remains at the trial stage with no findings, sentences, or finalisations recorded.
During a Central Criminal Court hearing, 18‑year‑old Tadhg Costello of Richmond Hill, Monkstown, admitted guilt for the attempted murder of 17‑year‑old Josh Leahy, who was stabbed six times in the back after leaving a nightclub on May 30, 2012. Costello had previously pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder, assault causing harm, and unlawful possession of a knife. The jury heard Leahy's testimony of being attacked by a group, the presence of a knife, and the subsequent medical treatment at St. James's Hospital. Prosecutor Mr Paul Burns informed the court that the other two charges would be considered. Judge Paul Butler accepted the plea, remanded Costello on bail, and scheduled sentencing for March 7, ordering victim impact reports for that date. No objection was raised to Costello remaining on bail. The case remains at the trial stage.
In a Swords District Court hearing, Judge Dermot Dempsey dismissed the assault charge against 35‑year‑old chip shop owner Giuliano Di Murro. The case involved a 17‑year‑old teenager who alleged Di Murro had assaulted him at Rivervalley Shopping Centre on 17 February. The teenager claimed Di Murro had told him to leave, that he had been head‑butted, and that Di Murro had punched him, breaking his nose. Di Murro denied the assault, stating he was defending himself against an "aggressive youth" who tried to head‑butt him. Evidence from the teenager, Di Murro's defence barrister, and an independent witness, Mr William Field, suggested the teenager had acted aggressively and that Di Murro had pushed him into a door. Judge Dempsey found the prosecution had no case to meet and ruled that Di Murro was acting in self‑defence, dismissing the charge. The decision was made on 27 November 2013. Di Murro pleaded not guilty.
Tadhg Costello, 18, of Richmond Hill, Monkstown, pleaded not guilty to attempted murder of Josh Leahy, 18, at Johnson's Court on 31 May 2012. He also pleaded not guilty to assault causing harm and unlawful possession of a knife on the same date. Judge Paul Butler adjourned the trial to the next day after a juror fell ill.
A man in his early twenties has had his sentence increased from two years to three years imprisonment following a successful appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions at the Court of Criminal Appeal. The man pleaded guilty in January at Monaghan Circuit Criminal Court to four counts of sexual assault committed at his mother's home in Monaghan during 2011. The victim, aged five at the time, was in the care of the respondent's mother, who worked as a childminder. Mr Justice Nial Fennelly found the original sentence imposed by Judge John O'Hagan fell outside judicial discretion and was unduly lenient. The appellate court determined the offending constituted a mid-range sexual assault and imposed a five-year sentence with the final two years suspended, conditional on probation supervision upon release.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Seán Flanagan, Paul Colbert, and Ian Flanagan continues before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan. Seán Flanagan and Paul Colbert, both of Lenihan Avenue, Limerick, have pleaded not guilty to the murder of 43-year-old Gerard McMahon, who was stabbed on January 18, 2012. Ian Flanagan, also of Lenihan Avenue, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of assisting an offender, allegedly by removing a CCTV recorder. Evidence presented by neurologist Dr Peter Boers addressed Seán Flanagan's fitness for a garda interview following an epileptic seizure on January 25, 2012. Dr Boers testified that while Flanagan was fit for discharge into custody, he may have had some impairment the next morning. However, the doctor agreed he was not unfit to be interviewed, noting that Flanagan responded normally by the evening of that day. The court heard that Flanagan made admissions during the interview. Prosecution counsel Michael O'Higgins SC cross-examined the witness, highlighting that Flanagan's mother had lied to gardai about the location of the CCTV device, which was later recovered from a neighbour's house. The jury has viewed video footage of the seizure and the subsequent interview. The trial is ongoing and was adjourned to continue on Wednesday.
Tadhg Costello, 18, of Richmond Hill, Monkstown, is on trial for the attempted murder of Josh Leahy, 18, at Johnson's Court on 31 May 2012. He has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, assault causing harm, and unlawful possession of a knife. Judge Paul Butler informed the jury that the court had been dealing with the matter in their absence and instructed them to return tomorrow.
A 35-year-old man from Cavan has pleaded not guilty to murder at the Central Criminal Court. Przemyslaw Trebacz, of Bramble Rise, Killynebber, denies the murder of Costel Catalin Cretu at Connolly Court, Connolly Street, Cavan, between October 13 and 14, 2012. Trebacz has admitted criminal damage to a door at the same address on October 13, 2012. His trial is scheduled to commence on Thursday and is expected to run for three weeks.
A trial date has been set for a man accused of murdering two young boys in Co. Mayo. Sanjeev Chadha, aged 43 and residing in Co. Carlow, is charged with the murder of two children at Rosbeg, Westport on 29 July 2013. The Central Criminal Court fixed the trial to commence on 10 November 2014. During proceedings, the defence counsel requested that recordings of garda interviews with the accused be made available to the defence team ahead of trial.
In a Limerick murder trial, a jury was shown a video of suspect Seán Flanagan having an epileptic seizure during a Garda interview. The case concerns the January 18, 2012 stabbing death of Gerard McMahon, 43, at Lenihan Avenue. Flanagan (28) and his uncle Paul Colbert (46) plead not guilty to the murder. Flanagan's brother Ian (24) is charged with removing a CCTV recorder that could be evidence. The video shows Flanagan's seizure on January 25, when a Garda asked if he was okay and noted he seemed drowsy. The Garda called for help; Flanagan was taken to hospital and returned to the station two hours later. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan, continues with a jury of eight women and four men. The court also heard Ian Flanagan's statements about the CCTV device and his uncle's alleged actions. The trial remains ongoing.
The trial of 18‑year‑old Tadhg Costello, accused of attempting to murder fellow teenager Josh Leahy, is ongoing at Johnson's Court and the Central Criminal Court. Costello pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, assault causing harm, and unlawful possession of a knife. Evidence presented by consultant cardio‑thoracic surgeon Paul Burns SC described Leahy's injuries: six stab wounds to the back, a chest drain inserted and removed within a day, and discharge from St James's Hospital on 2 June 2012. Gardaí accounts detail a fight on Grafton Street on 31 May 2012, with Garda Michael O'Shea and others observing a group of men, a knife thrown behind railings, and subsequent recovery by Garda Mark Eccles. Witnesses, including Emmanuel Mihaylov, identified Costello as the knife‑holder. The case remains in legal argument before Justice Paul Butler.
The Central Criminal Court is currently hearing the trial of Seán Flanagan (28) and Paul Colbert (46), both of Limerick, who have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Gerard McMahon. Ian Flanagan (24), also of Limerick, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of assisting an offender, allegedly by removing a CCTV recorder. The court heard evidence from Detective Garda Michael Murphy regarding interviews conducted with Seán Flanagan following his arrest. Flanagan alleged that he stabbed Mr McMahon three or four times after the deceased threatened him, claiming he did not intend to kill him. He stated that a third individual, who he said was armed with a hatchet and knife, was present. Flanagan told detectives that Mr McMahon was still alive when he left the scene. The trial continues before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan and a jury of eight women and four men.
In a Dublin court, 18‑year‑old Tadhg Costello pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, assault causing harm and unlawful knife possession after stabbing Josh Leahy, also 18, at Johnson's Court on 31 May 2012. CCTV of the altercation was shown to the jury. Prosecutor Paul Burns argued that Costello, aged 17 at the time, stabbed Leahy in the back during a confrontation that began after a nightclub visit on 30 May. Leahy testified he was attacked by a group, stabbed seven times, and suffered a punctured lung. Witnesses, including Emmanuel Mihaylov and Garda Philip Gleeson, identified Costello as the knife‑bearing assailant. Costello denied involvement, claiming he had swapped clothing and did not throw the knife. The trial proceeded before a jury of eight women and four men under Mr Justice Paul Butler.
Graham Dwyer, a 41‑year‑old architect from Cork living in Foxrock, has been charged with the murder of 37‑year‑old childcare worker Elaine O'Hara, whose decomposed body was found in the Dublin mountains. The court heard that Gardaí have taken over 300 statements and collected more than 800 exhibits. Dwyer was remanded in custody for another four weeks after the judge confirmed he was entitled to free legal aid. He appeared via videolink before Judge Grainne Malone at Cloverhill District Court, where the judge accepted his statement of means and granted legal aid. Dwyer confirmed he wanted solicitor Jonathan Dunphy to represent him. The case remains at an advanced stage, with a file expected to go to the DPP in the next two weeks. The inquest into O'Hara's death has been adjourned pending criminal proceedings.
In a 2013 appeal, the Court of Criminal Appeal ruled that the six‑month custodial sentence imposed on aviation broker Anthony Lyons for a violent sexual assault was unduly lenient. Judge John Murray explained that the appeal court had decided to allow the Director of Public Prosecutions' challenge to the six‑year sentence with five‑and‑a‑half years suspended that Judge Desmond Hogan had imposed in July 2012. The court noted that the mitigating factors presented could not justify suspending all but six months of the custodial term, given the gravity of the offence. Lyons, 52, had pleaded not guilty to the assault of a 27‑year‑old victim, who was tackled and sexually assaulted on a dark stretch of road. He was arrested after a passer‑by intervened, denied the offence initially, and later admitted it, claiming an "irresistible urge" caused by medication.
Patrick McCann, aged 20, received a 20‑year sentence, with the final three years suspended, for the attempted murder of his friend Luke Wilson, aged 19, at Liffey Gaels GAA club in Inchicore on 13 January 2013. McCann pleaded guilty to attempted murder and to possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. The court heard that Wilson was shot in the arm, neck and face, but the gun jammed twice and McCann fled. Wilson suffered serious injuries, including loss of an eye, cerebral stroke, and permanent arm palsy. McCann had prior convictions for drug possession, sale, theft and burglary, and was on bail at the time of the shooting. The judge noted McCann's long‑term drug and alcohol dependence and a dysfunctional family background as mitigating factors. The sentencing was described by the judge as reminiscent of a "Love/Hate" script.
Tadhg Costello, 18, of Richmond Hill, Monkstown, has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, assault causing harm and possession of a knife in relation to an incident on 31 May 2012 at Johnson's Court, Dublin. A jury of eight women and four men was sworn in for a trial set to begin Thursday, expected to last up to seven days.
The murder trial of Michael Furlong, 36, of Meadowfield, The Moyne, Enniscorthy, collapsed at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin. Furlong had pleaded not guilty to the murder of Patrick Connors, 37, which occurred between 28 and 29 April 2011 at the Carraig Túr apartments in Enniscorthy. Judge Barry White halted the proceedings after concerns were raised about Deputy State Pathologist Dr Khalid Jabbar's opinion on the mechanism of death. The jury was discharged and thanked, and will not serve again for ten years. The trial had begun on 5 November.
The trial of Seán Flanagan, Paul Colbert, and Ian Flanagan continues before the Central Criminal Court, where all three accused have pleaded not guilty. Seán Flanagan and his uncle, Paul Colbert, are charged with the murder of Gerard McMahon, who was stabbed to death in Limerick City in January 2012. Ian Flanagan faces two counts of assisting an offender, allegedly for removing a CCTV recorder. Evidence presented by Detective Garda Pádraig O'Dwyer details a voluntary statement made by Paul Colbert, in which he alleged he attacked the deceased with a hatchet while Seán Flanagan stabbed him. Colbert claimed he acted out of fear after his house was previously shot at and stated he was later warned by Seán Flanagan to deny involvement. He identified himself and Seán Flanagan on CCTV footage and admitted they intended to seriously hurt the victim. The court heard that Colbert initially gave different accounts before confessing, citing fear of his nephews. The matter is currently at the trial stage, with no findings, sentences, or finalisations recorded. The proceedings are ongoing before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan and a jury.
In the Limerick murder trial, CCTV footage captured the area around the time 43‑year‑old Gerard McMahon was stabbed to death on 18 January 2012. The footage shows two individuals leaving the home of the accused men, Seán Flanagan (28) and Paul Colbert (46), shortly after 12.30 am, moving toward McMahon's cousin's house on Lenihan Avenue. A second camera later records the same two people running, then walking back in the opposite direction, and finally entering the accused men's home. The prosecution alleges that Flanagan and Colbert acted in joint enterprise to attack McMahon, who died of stab wounds to his back and head, with fatal injuries to his lung, liver and kidney. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan, continues before a jury of eight women and four men. Ian Flanagan (24), Seán's brother, pleaded not guilty to two counts of assisting an offender for removing a CCTV recording device from the house.
Michael Furlong, 36, of Meadowfield, Enniscorthy, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Patrick Connors, 37, which occurred between 28 and 29 April 2011 at Carriage Túr apartments. Mr Justice Barry White adjourned the trial, citing the prosecution's inability to cross‑examine pathologist Dr Declan Gilsenan until clarification with Deputy State Pathologist Dr Khalid Jabbar. The case will resume before an eight‑man, four‑woman jury on Monday.
During a Limerick murder trial, several unnamed schoolgirls testified in the Central Criminal Court that they heard the Flanagan brothers admit their involvement in the killing of 43‑year‑old Gerard McMahon. The girls, who were in a shopping centre on the evening of 18 January 2012, claimed to have overheard Seán and Ian Flanagan discussing the murder. One girl described the brothers saying they stabbed McMahon and that one had a hatchet while the other had two knives. The testimony was given while the trial was hearing the case against Seán Flanagan (28), Paul Colbert (46) and Ian Flanagan (24). Seán and Paul are charged with murder, and Ian with assisting an offender. The trial is proceeding before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan with a jury of eight women and four men. The State alleges the brothers acted in joint enterprise to attack McMahon outside his cousin's house. The trial continues tomorrow. Ian Flanagan pleaded not guilty. Seán Flanagan pleaded not guilty. Paul Colbert pleaded not guilty.
In a Limerick murder trial, forensic evidence showed DNA matching the deceased, Gerard McMahon, on clothing and shoes belonging to Seán Flanagan (28) and Paul Colbert (46). The DNA was found on a pair of tracksuit bottoms and runners attributed to Seán Flanagan, with a mixed profile indicating two individuals, the major profile matching McMahon's. Blood staining on the tracksuit bottoms was described as airborne, suggesting close proximity during the attack. The State Pathologist confirmed McMahon died from stab wounds to his back, with additional wounds to his head. A small axe found at the accused men's home was deemed capable of incising the head but not stabbing. Seán and Ian Flanagan are brothers; Paul Colbert is their uncle. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan, continues before a jury of eight women and four men. Ian Flanagan pleaded not guilty. Seán Flanagan pleaded not guilty. Paul Colbert pleaded not guilty.
Michael Furlong, 36, of Meadowfield, Enniscorthy, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Patrick Connors, 37, who died between 28 and 29 April 2011 at Carraig Túr apartments. In court, Furlong denied that he killed Connors or used kitchen knives to lacerate his scalp. He also denied breaking Connors' jaw, claiming the jaw was intact when he went to sleep and that Connors had fallen down the stairs. Furlong said he did not stab or assault Connors with a knife and that the blood on a knife found at the scene could not have come from Connors. He stated he had not cried for Connors beyond the first week. The pathologist's report cited sharp and blunt force trauma to the head and acute alcohol intoxication as causes of death. The trial continues.
A 28-year-old student has been further remanded in custody in connection with the death of archaeologist Emmet Connolly, who was fatally stabbed in Cootehill, County Cavan, in late September. Mr Connolly, aged 32 and from Rockcorry, County Monaghan, was discovered at a residence on Lodge View estate in the early hours of 29 September following an incident the previous evening. The accused, Kevin Moran, was charged with murder and made no reply when the charge was put to him. He appeared before Cloverhill District Court for his fourth hearing, where he was further remanded in custody. Consent to High Court bail has been granted but has not yet been taken up. The book of evidence remains incomplete and no plea has been entered. The matter will return before the court on 11 December.
During a Limerick murder trial, an expert witness testified that a CCTV system seized from a house in the city was the same system that had been missing from the home of the accused men shortly after the killing. The electronic engineer gave evidence to the Central Criminal Court in the case of three men charged with the death of a 43‑year‑old man. Seán Flanagan (28) and Paul Colbert (46) of Lenihan Avenue, Prospect, Limerick City, are charged with the murder of Gerard McMahon on 18 January 2012. They have pleaded not guilty to murdering him outside his cousin's house, also on Lenihan Avenue. Ian Flanagan (24) of the same address has pleaded not guilty to two counts of assisting an offender on the same date. He is accused of removing a CCTV recording device from their house, knowing it might form evidence in a prosecution.
The murder trial of Michael Furlong, 36, of Enniscorthy, is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court before Mr Justice Barry White. Furlong has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Patrick Connors, 37, which is said to have occurred between April 28 and April 29, 2011, at Carraig Túr apartments. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Khalid Jabbar testified that the cause of death was sharp and blunt force trauma, with acute alcohol intoxication as a contributing factor. He identified defensive injuries on the deceased's upper extremities, stating they were neither self-inflicted nor accidental. Dr Jabbar noted that two knives examined matched the serrations of specific head wounds. He also reported bilateral jaw fractures, a detached molar, and a blood alcohol level of 161mg per cent. Defence counsel Mr Michael Delaney SC presented psychiatric records indicating a history of self-harm, including attempted suicide and hearing voices, but Dr Jabbar maintained these did not alter his view on the cause of injury. The defence noted that another pathologist, Dr Declan Gilsenan, would disagree with the cause of death and wound infliction. The cross-examination of Dr Jabbar was adjourned to continue the following day.
Janina Griskevica, 54, pleaded guilty in Swords District Court to assaulting store detective David Ellison, possessing a pocket knife, and stealing nearly €50 from Woodies DIY on 25 August. She claimed the knife was for work and that she had no intention to steal, saying she panicked after losing her wallet and thought it was in the shop's toilet. Garda Noel Callan testified that Griskevica punched Ellison when he tried to retrieve the items and that she attempted to take the knife from her pocket when handcuffed. Griskevica had no prior convictions. Judge Alan Mitchell sentenced her to two months for each offence – assault, theft and possession of a knife – and suspended each for six months, ordering €1,000 in compensation. The case concluded with the suspended sentences and no custodial term imposed.
David Lee, a 30‑year‑old from Newtown Court, Northern Cross, was found guilty of assaulting Garda Shane Haughney and using threatening and abusive behaviour at The Estuary Pub in Swords on 25 March. Lee had previously pulled Garda Haughney over several tables in a public house, then struck the officer with an object, causing a laceration to the garda's head. Lee had earlier been involved in an incident at a house in Castlegrange, where he was seen by gardai after speaking to them. He pleaded guilty to the assault. Judge Alan Mitchell sentenced Lee to a four‑month suspended sentence, suspended for one year, and banned him from any premises licensed to sell alcohol in the Dublin area for one year. The judge also ordered that Lee not be under the influence of alcohol in public. Lee has 23 prior convictions and is described by his defence solicitor as a chronic alcoholic heavily addicted to cannabis.
In a High Court hearing on 12 November 2013, the extradition case of Eric Eoin Marques, a 28‑year‑old Irishman, was adjourned for two weeks. Marques is wanted in the United States on four charges of conspiring to distribute and advertise child pornography, and of advertising and distributing child pornography. The alleged offences involve images posted on more than a hundred anonymous websites that the FBI describes as extremely violent and graphic, depicting the rape and torture of pre‑pubescent children, some infants. The websites reportedly have thousands of members who have posted millions of images. If convicted, Marques faces a potential sentence of up to 100 years, which could mean life imprisonment. His lawyers requested the adjournment and the court, with no objection from the State, granted it. Mr Justice John Edwards remanded Marques in custody and scheduled the next hearing for 26 November.
During the murder trial of Seán Flanagan, Paul Colbert and Ian Flanagan, the jury was shown a hatchet found in the home of the accused men on 18 January 2012, the day the 43‑year‑old Gerard McMahon was killed. Garda Josephine Falvey identified the black‑and‑yellow‑handled hatchet, measuring its handle 12.25 inches and blade 5.75 inches, and testified that she had searched the house that day. The hatchet was not immediately visible, lying behind a panel inside the door. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan, has heard that Seán and Ian Flanagan are brothers and that Paul Colbert is their uncle. The State alleges that Seán Flanagan and Paul Colbert acted in joint enterprise to attack McMahon, who was stabbed numerous times as he climbed the steps of his cousin's house. The jury, composed of eight women and four men, continues to hear the case. Ian Flanagan pleaded not guilty. Seán Flanagan pleaded not guilty. Paul Colbert pleaded not guilty.