Latest news with #Canavan
Sunday World
5 days ago
- Sunday World
Dublin man to appeal life sentence over gangland ‘execution' of Daithi Douglas
Lee Canavan (36) was jailed for life by Special Criminal Court on June 3, 2021 but what has been described as a "carefully planned assassination". A Dublin man jailed for life for his role in the murder of David 'Daithí' Douglas who was 'executed' at a city centre shoe shop in Dublin nine years ago, has appealed his conviction arguing the court was wrong to find that a 'general association' with others linked to the crime was indicative of guilt. Mr Douglas (55) was shot six times in broad daylight as he took a meal break at the counter in his partner's shop, Shoestown in Dublin's Liberties. The semi-automatic pistol used in the murder had its serial number removed and was "brazenly" left at the scene next to the deceased's head, the court heard. Lee Canavan (36) was jailed for life by Special Criminal Court on June 3, 2021. Canavan was the fourth man to be jailed in relation to the murder and his conviction was described by gardaí as "significant". In 2018, gangster Frederick 'Fat Freddie' Thompson (45) was jailed for life by the Special Criminal Court for the murder of Mr Douglas. In 2019, Nathan Foley (26) of Maryland, Dublin 8, was jailed for six years after he pleaded guilty to assisting a criminal organisation by driving one of four cars and buying mobile phones used in the offence. Canavan's half-brother Gareth Brophy (30) was jailed in February 2020 for ten years also by the Special Criminal Court for his role as getaway driver. Lee Canavan In passing judgement, the non-jury court ruled that Canavan was part of a joint enterprise or shared intention to murder Mr Douglas in what was described as a "meticulously planned execution". However, the three-judge court did not agree with the State's contention that Canavan was "the person who literally pulled the trigger", owing to a lack of forensic or identification evidence. Delivering judgement, Mr Justice Michael MacGrath said that four different vehicles had been used in the murder in a "carefully planned assassination". A Mercedes car used in the killing was found burned out near the shooting and a stolen Suzuki Swift was then used to ferry those in the Mercedes away from the burn site. Canavan, with an address at Edenbrook, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14, had pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Douglas, who died after sustaining injuries to his chest, neck, back, torso, elbow and jaw at Shoestown, Bridgefoot Street, Dublin 1, on July 1, 2016. Launching an Appeal against his conviction today, Canavan's senior counsel Michael Bowman argued the court had made an error by convicting Canavan of murder in circumstances where the prosecution opened the case on the basis that his client was the individual who 'literally pulled the trigger'. He also submitted the three-judge court was wrong to find that a general association with others was indicative of guilt. Mr Bowman said Canavan was 'habitually' seen with Freddie Thompson and Gareth Brophy, who was his half-brother. David 'Daithi' Douglas News in 90 Seconds - July 25th 'There is nothing unusual about that. His presence in their company is not of tremendous relevance,' counsel said. He went on to say that Canavan had been stopped 22 times in cars he was not entitled to drive and on 11 of those occasions he had been in the company of Freddie Thompson. 'The presence or absence of him in the company of these people in the vehicles is not extraordinary,' said Mr Bowman. Mr Bowman said the court ultimately took the view that there was enough to convict on the basis of joint enterprise/common design. However, the barrister said there was 'no reference' during the prosecution's opening to joint enterprise/common design. 'The prosecution is very clear, the combination of these events and the inference to be drawn is not common design - it communicates direct involvement,' said Mr Bowman. 'He is literally the person who pulls the trigger, that is the prosecution's opening gambit.' He said the court was given 'an exposition' on joint enterprise and common design at the closing of the case, adding 'but that is a little late in my submission'. Fat Freddie Thompson He said there was 'a very significant difference' between making a determination that the defendant had an involvement in criminality and convicting him of murder. Mr Bowman said there was insufficient evidence of joint enterprise to convict of murder and the case was defended on the basis that the prosecution's case was that Canavan was the shooter. 'It stripped from the prosecution the primary evidence,' he said, adding this created 'an unfairness' and the residual evidence was still not enough to prove 'a tacit agreement to kill'. Mr Bowman also argued the court was wrong not to accede to a defence application for a direction of no case to answer. He said the court also erred in allowing the admission of identification evidence from two members of the gardaí. He submitted the purported identification by the two members of the force were not subject to oversight, processes or safeguards and that neither garda possessed notebooks or contemporaneous notes detailing the manner in which they made their identification, nor could they point out features causing them to identify Canavan in the CCTV. He also said statements from witness James Maughan should not have been admissible during the trial in circumstances where the case was opened on the basis that Canavan was the shooter and 'Mr Maughan was central to that'. He said the court subsequently acknowledged the infirmities in Mr Maughan's evidence after the witness professed to have difficulties with his memory. He said the court had ultimately 'excluded definitively' the evidence of Mr Maughan. In response, Tony McGillicuddy SC, for the DPP, said this case had involved 'planned execution of a man in his own shoe shop'. 'It was planned carefully to secrete certain vehicles in certain places, planned to ensure they were out of the radar,' said the barrister. He said these vehicles then became 'live' later in the afternoon - one as 'the murder vehicle' and the other as the 'getaway' car - for the team involved in the killing. Mr McGillicuddy said the court found Canavan was 'an integral part' of that team on the basis of joint enterprise. He said the fact that counsel for the prosecution opened the case in a particular way or made a particular assertion was 'neither here nor there' and did not carry any weight in terms of safety. 'This was always a case that was a joint enterprise case,' he said. 'It was always a case being run on the basis there were a number of people involved, that it was a team effort.' 'When one looks at the evidence and the inferences to be drawn the court did caution itself at the appropriate points,' he said. He said the court found Canavan was 'centrally involved' in the placement of vehicles in areas not covered by CCTV and fed the meters to ensure they would be available later on. 'In my submission there was ample evidence there to show this wasn't some general scheme of criminality, this was part of a planned operation to execute Mr Douglas,' he said. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy said the court would reserve judgement. A father of one, Canavan was concurrently jailed for five years for the criminal damage to the getaway vehicle, a stolen Suzuki Swift, in Sandymount three days after the shooting. After the guilty verdict was delivered in May 2021, Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Cleary told media outside of court that Canavan's conviction was "very significant" and that gardaí had now convictions for the "whole murder cell". 'This team were very forensically aware,' he said. 'They put a lot of planning and thought into it, they used four cars, two of which were stolen, the two others were legitimate but used as 'spotters', so it was very significant that we were able to get the whole murder cell involved.
Sky News AU
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Sky News AU
‘Shocking and horrific': Gaza conflict continues to claim lives
Nationals Senator has weighed in on the 'shocking and horrific' civilian life loss occurring in Gaza as a result of the conflict. Australia has joined 24 other nations - including the UK and France - in condemning Israel over the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians seeking aid. The statement accuses Israel of an 'unacceptable denial of humanitarian aid', adding the Israeli government's aid delivery model is 'dangerous and deprives Gazans of human dignity'. 'I am very concerned about the civilian deaths occurring in Gaza,' Mr Canavan told Sky News Australia. 'I struggle to see why and how this conflict needs to go on like this.'
Sky News AU
15-07-2025
- Business
- Sky News AU
Australians have ‘had enough' of Labor's out of reach green targets
Nationals Senator Matt Canavan joined Sky News Australia to discuss the Chamber of Commerce pitch, raising concerns over Labor's out-of-reach target. 'Rather than focus on the target ahead of them in 2030, which they are not going to meet, they're now going to set an even greater and bigger target that they are not going to be around for in 2035 or 40,' Mr Canavan said 'I hope the Australian people are seeing through this because this net zero obsession is the principal reason why productivity is in the slumps, it's clearly the reason why electricity prices have risen 31 per cent since we signed up to net zero and gas prices have risen 39 per cent, that's on top of an already major increases over the past couple of decades as we obsessed about this green energy scam. 'The Australian people, they've had enough of paying high bills, high electricity bills, it's flowing through to food prices now, the cost of everything is going up, why don't we focus on using our energy resources again why don't we focus on a target of reducing the cost of living in Australia before we focus on a target of reducing astray emissions which are barely anything of global emissions in any case.'
Time Business News
11-07-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
How Passions Can Support Giving
Andi Sklar is a name that stands for compassion, determination, and a tireless drive to improve lives. Right from the heart of Westport, Connecticut, she channels her energy into supporting causes that matter deeply. For years, Andi has dedicated herself to improving the lives of children and families by backing essential community programs, research initiatives, and health-based services. Her journey is more than a story—it's an inspiration. This article explores how Andi Sklar's passionate involvement has created a ripple effect of positive change, showing how personal passion can lead to powerful giving and tangible community impact. When people speak about giving, they often mention money or resources. But Andi Sklar brings something more—her passion. Her involvement is never surface-level. She dives deep into every project she touches, working from the heart. Her efforts are personal, and that personal connection makes all the difference. From local events in Westport to fundraising campaigns that span the state, she's not just present—she's active, enthusiastic, and involved at every level. Whether it's helping a family find the support they need or backing crucial medical research, Andi Sklar brings a warmth that makes others want to join her mission. Before Andi Sklar became a household name in Westport's charitable circles, she found early inspiration in the powerful mission of Jacob's Cure, a New York City-based organization focused on helping children with Canavan disease. Seeing firsthand how love and advocacy could create life-saving outcomes changed her path forever. Jacob's Cure taught her something essential: change doesn't always start big. It begins with one voice, one heart, and one idea. That experience became her foundation for building community support, understanding the importance of health research, and ensuring every child has a chance to thrive. In Westport and surrounding areas, families know they can count on Andi Sklar. Her programs are not just band-aid solutions—they're about long-term care, planning, and results. She works closely with local nonprofits to develop wellness projects, educational opportunities, and support networks for children and their parents. Her work covers everything from hosting community events to partnering with researchers who develop new treatments for childhood illnesses. She believes in building futures, not just solving today's problems. Her focus is to create an environment where kids feel safe, supported, and empowered. Andi Sklar doesn't work alone. A strong part of her philosophy is collaboration. She believes that a united community can solve even the hardest problems. In Westport, she brings together local leaders, medical professionals, teachers, and parents to ensure that help reaches those who need it most. She also encourages young people to get involved. By guiding the next generation to care about their neighbors, she plants seeds of kindness that will grow for years to come. Because of her leadership, local residents don't just admire her—they follow her example Health has always been one of Andi Sklar's top priorities. Whether it's funding local health programs or supporting national research, she believes in preventing illness and promoting wellness at every age. Her partnerships with healthcare organizations provide real benefits for the people of Westport. She also supports research that looks beyond short-term fixes. From children with rare diseases to families struggling with access to care, her efforts aim to create real solutions backed by science. By blending heart with research, Andi Sklar leads a movement that's both emotional and effective. Another part of Andi Sklar's success is her focus on education. She believes that knowledge is power, and when people understand the issues facing their community, they are more likely to take action. That's why she works so hard to raise awareness about childhood health, research funding, and family support systems. She often speaks at local schools and events, sharing her journey and encouraging others to find their passion. These talks spark hope and remind others that anyone, no matter their background, can become a giver and a doer. Because of her hands-on approach, Andi Sklar is more than a role model—she's a mentor. Young people in Westport see how she turns passion into progress, and they want to do the same. By showing that care and consistency can build a better world, she inspires the next wave of changemakers. Whether it's students organizing food drives or teens starting support groups, her influence is everywhere. She plants the idea that doing good isn't just nice—it's necessary. Some people think that one person can't make much of a difference, but Andi Sklar proves that idea wrong every single day. She doesn't wait for perfect conditions or government support—she steps in and starts helping. Her actions show that passion combined with effort leads to real results. The children who smile because of her programs, the families who find support because of her outreach, and the researchers who continue their work because of her funding all prove that one person truly can create change. Who is Andi Sklar and what is she known for? Andi Sklar is a Westport, CT-based community advocate known for supporting children's health, family well-being, and medical research through active community programs. How did Andi Sklar get started in community work? She was inspired by her early involvement with Jacob's Cure, a nonprofit in New York City, and decided to bring the same dedication to her hometown's causes. What areas does Andi Sklar focus her giving on? She focuses on children's health, wellness initiatives, research support, and creating educational awareness in her local community. How can others support Andi Sklar's mission? People can volunteer, donate to the causes she supports, or attend local events that align with her advocacy work. Why is Andi Sklar's story important today? Her story reminds us that real change begins with individual action. It encourages others to find their passion and use it to give back meaningfully. In a world where many talk about helping, Andi Sklar stands out because she actually does it. Her legacy is written in the lives she has touched, the programs she has built, and the hope she spreads every day. Giving isn't just about money—it's about heart, focus, and follow-through. And Andi Sklar shows us how passions can guide our giving in the most beautiful, powerful ways. If you ever doubt that one person can change the world, look at Andi Sklar. Then start looking for your own way to give. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Sky News AU
09-07-2025
- Business
- Sky News AU
Labor has presided over the ‘worst productivity performance' in the country's history
Nationals Senator Matt Canavan slams the Albanese government's productivity performance record. 'This government has presided over the worst productivity performance in our nation's history,' Mr Canavan told Sky News Australia. 'Productivity has fallen five per cent in the first term of this government.'
