Latest news with #MarkMcCourt
Sunday World
27-05-2025
- Sunday World
Duo to face Special Criminal Court over large haul of ammo, rifle and pistol parts
Mark McCourt and Conor O'Brien will be tried before the three-judge, non-jury Special Criminal Court Two men will be tried before the three-judge, non-jury Special Criminal Court accused of possessing various parts for semi-automatic rifles and pistols and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Mark McCourt (34) of Edencrieve, Newry, Co Down faces 24 counts that on July 19, 2024, he possessed multiple parts for .223 calibre Remington AR-15 semi-automatic rifles at John St, Blackstick, Ardee, Co Louth. It is further alleged that he possessed parts for various pistols, including Lugers and Sig Sauers, along with pistol magazines and ammunition. All alleged offences are contrary to the Firearms Act. Some of the seized haul His co-accused, Conor O'Brien (28) of Kilpatrick, Ardee, Co Louth, is charged with 24 similar offences on the same date and at the same location. Mr O'Brien faces a further count that between 10 February 2023 and 19 July 2024, with knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation, he participated in or contributed to activity intending, or being reckless as to whether such participation could facilitate that criminal organisation in importing firearms and ammunition into the State. Conor O'Brien and Mark McCourt Mr O'Brien is also charged under the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act that on July 19, 2024, he converted, transferred, handled, acquired or possessed €7,450 and $20 Canadian while knowing, believing or being reckless as to whether the cash was the proceeds of criminal conduct. He faces a similar charge for the alleged possession of €9980 in criminal proceeds at The Court, Hazelbrook Square, Dublin 14. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor agreed to an application by the Director of Public Prosecutions to have both men tried before the Special Criminal Court. Neither man was present for today's application, but they will be required to appear before the court at a sitting in June.
Irish Independent
26-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Two to go before Special Criminal Court for firearms offences
Mark McCourt (34) of Edencrieve, Newry, Co Down faces 24 counts that on July 19, 2024, he possessed multiple parts for .223 calibre Remington AR-15 semi-automatic rifles at John Street, Blackstick, Ardee, Co Louth. It is further alleged that he possessed parts for various pistols, including Lugers and Sig Sauers, along with pistol magazines and ammunition. All alleged offences are contrary to the Firearms Act. His co-accused, Conor O'Brien (28) of Kilpatrick, Ardee, Co Louth, is charged with 24 similar offences on the same date and at the same location. Mr O'Brien faces a further count that between 10 February 2023 and 19 July 2024, with knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation, he participated in or contributed to activity intending, or being reckless as to whether such participation could facilitate that criminal organisation in importing firearms and ammunition into the State. Mr O'Brien is also charged under the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act that on July 19, 2024, he converted, transferred, handled, acquired or possessed €7,450 and $20 Canadian while knowing, believing or being reckless as to whether the cash was the proceeds of criminal conduct. He faces a similar charge for the alleged possession of €9980 in criminal proceeds at The Court, Hazelbrook Square, Dublin 14. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor agreed to an application by the Director of Public Prosecutions to have both men tried before the Special Criminal Court. Neither man was present for today's application, but they will be required to appear before the court at a sitting in June.
Calgary Herald
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Calgary Herald
Alberta lawyers express concerns with auto insurance overhaul set to come into affect
Article content Alberta's legislation to overhaul the auto insurance system is set to come into affect pending royal assent and lawyers are expressing their disappointment with the bill for limiting litigation. Article content Article content In late March the province introduced legislation which aims to make Alberta the first province in Canada to adopt a privately delivered 'care-first' auto insurance system. Under the new model, Albertans would have limited ability to pursue legal action, except in select cases, which has been a major concern for many lawyers. Article content Article content The Canadian Bar Association (CBA) Alberta branch said in a press release on Wednesday that it is 'disappointed' that the province had passed the bill without considering public opinion or legal input. Article content Article content 'This is a fundamental change to how care and compensation are delivered,' CBA Alberta president Robert Bassett said. Article content 'Albertans told us they value fairness, accountability and the ability to seek justice. These concerns should have been central in shaping this legislation.' Article content In a statement to Postmedia, the office of the minister of finance said at-fault drivers would be penalized with higher premiums and accident victims will have access to the 'best medical benefits of any insurance system in Canada while paying lower premiums when the system is fully implemented in 2027.' Article content Mark McCourt, an auto accident injury lawyer, has been vocal about his concerns about the auto insurance changes, specifically when it comes to the limited litigation. He said he is also disappointed the bill passed without amendments. Article content Article content 'While I recognize that this bill is open for improvement, regulations can be passed to afford some semblance of fairness for injured Albertans. The reality is a government that's willing to pass a bill as unpopular, unfair and unnecessary as this one is highly unlikely,' McCourt said. Article content Article content He said Albertans will see large increases to their premiums over the next two years and will have their rights to bring injury claims against at-fault motorists disappear. Article content Under the bill, in some cases Albertans who were injured in collisions would be able to sue at-fault drivers for pain and suffering damages if the driver was convicted of an offence under the Criminal Code or Traffic Safety Act.
