Latest news with #PublicProsecutions
Irish Post
2 days ago
- Irish Post
Lawyer's bid to prosecute journalist over Sophie Toscan du Plantier case dismissed
A FORMER State solicitor who was involved in the case against Ian Bailey has failed in a legal bid to privately prosecute a journalist who wrote a book about the 1996 murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier. Robert Sheehan, who worked with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in 2001, sought to bring a case against journalist and author Senan Molony, alleging professional vilification through comments made in Sophie: The Final Verdict , a book published in 2024. Mr Sheehan also alleged that comments made by Taoiseach Micheál Martin at the book's launch had damaged his reputation. During the event, Mr Martin reportedly questioned aspects of the Irish justice system's handling of the Bailey case. This week, Judge Ann Watkin of the Dún Laoghaire District Court declined to issue a summons against Mr Molony. The judge found that the journalist's criticisms were directed at the legal process more broadly and did not provide grounds for a criminal prosecution. The DPP had previously determined that the material submitted by Mr Sheehan did not disclose any offence that could be prosecuted in the courts. Mr Sheehan has indicated that he may appeal the decision to the Circuit Court or to the European Court of Human Rights. His complaint centred on remarks in the book and at the launch event that he believes called into question his actions and conclusions while working on the Bailey case. Speaking at the launch in September 2023, Mr Martin is understood to have expressed concern at how the case was handled, saying it was difficult to understand why authorities had not pursued a prosecution. Sophie Toscan du Plantier, a French film producer who was found dead outside her holiday home in West Cork in December 1996. Ian Bailey, a journalist who was long considered the main suspect by gardaí, was never charged in Ireland despite being arrested and questioned twice. In 2019, a French court convicted him in absentia and sentenced him to 25 years in prison. The Irish State declined to extradite him. Mr Bailey died in January 2024 in Co. Cork, at the age of 66. He always totally denied any involvement in the case. More recently, director Jim Sheridan premiered a dramatised film based on the case— Re-Creation —at the Tribeca Film Festival. Mr Sheridan has publicly expressed supreme doubt over Mr Bailey's guilt, describing the situation as a 'double injustice' in which both families had suffered. While acknowledging Mr Bailey's history of domestic violence, Mr Sheridan maintained that this should not be conflated with responsibility for the murder. The murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier, a French film producer found bludgeoned outside her holiday home in West Cork in December 1996, remains one of Ireland's most infamous unsolved crimes.
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Man, 31, dramatically admits role in killing of Sligo farmer, 73, beaten in rural home by 3 men & left to die
A MAN who had been on trial for the vicious killing of farmer Tom Niland dramatically admitted his role in the attack today. John Irving, 31, pleaded guilty to 2 John Irving pleaded guilty to manslaughter Credit: James Connolly 2 Tom Niland died from his injuries 20 months after the incident He became the third person to admit manslaughter over the death of Mr Niland, who suffered brain injuries, a fracture to his eye socket and multiple rib fractures following the assault. He was put on life support but died from his injuries 20 months later. His attackers took his wallet containing €800 or €900 and went to Casey's garage in Ballina, They had left the same garage just hours earlier unable to pay for diesel they had already put into their Vauxhall Vivaro van. READ MORE IN NEWS Francis Harman, the driver of the van, had told the garage owner that he would be back later to pay for the fuel. After Irving, of Shanwar, Foxford, Co Mayo, pleaded guilty this morning to Mr Niland's unlawful killing, Ms Justice Eileen Creedon discharged the jury which began hearing evidence in the trial five days ago. It can now be reported that Harman, 58, of Nephin Court, Killala Road, Ballina Co Mayo and John Clarke, 37, of Carrowkelly, Ballina pleaded guilty to the same offence last week. Irving was further charged with entering Mr Niland's home as a trespasser and causing him serious harm, intentionally or recklessly causing him serious harm and false imprisonment. Most read in Irish News However, the Director of Public Prosecutions indicated that the guilty plea to manslaughter meets the prosecution's case. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon adjourned the matter to October 13. She also ordered victim impact statements from the Niland family and probation and psychological reports for Irving. Defence counsel, Patrick Gageby SC, said his client was anxious to apologise to the court and jury for taking up their time. The three men broke into Mr Niland's home between 6pm and 7pm at Doonflynn, Skreen, They assaulted him, took his wallet and drove to Lough Easkey where they disposed of gloves, the wallet and other items that might link them to the crime. Opening the case last week, prosecutor Tony McGillicuddy SC told the jury that on the day of the break-in, people in Ireland were wearing masks in the midst of a 'TOTALLY DISTORTED' Mr Niland lived alone at Doonflynn, by the N59 between Sligo and Ballina, near Sligo Bay. Looking out from his house, he could see the hills of Shortly after 7pm, having been assaulted, Mr Niland was able to get up and walk towards the home of his neighbours, the Calpins, living across the N59. Anna Calpin told Mr McGillicuddy that she was in her garden with her daughter when they went to see why cars were slowing down on the road. She said: 'As we approached, he [Mr Niland] was standing in the middle of the road with his hands out in front of him, he couldn't see anything and we didn't know who it was. 'When we got closer to him, the first thing we heard was, I was robbed, and then we realised it was Tom.' The witness recalled a lot of blood, telling the court that his face was 'totally distorted', while his eyes were swollen and shut. He had a runner on one foot and a shoe on the other but neither one was laced up. 'HE WAS UNRECOGNISABLE' She recalled Mr Niland telling her that his doorbell rang and when he opened the door, three men wearing masks appeared and pushed him into his hallway. He said they took his wallet containing €800 or €900. Ms Calpin brought Mr Niland into her home and called an ambulance and gardai. Ms Calpin's husband, David Calpin, said he was in his workshop when his daughter came in and said that Mr Niland had been 'robbed and assaulted'. When he saw his neighbour, he recalled: 'He was so badly beaten that his eyes wouldn't even open, he was covered in blood on his face and clothes. He was basically unrecognisable.' Mr Calpin went across to Mr Niland's house where he saw blood 'running down the glass of the front door'.
Sunday World
5 days ago
- Sunday World
Funeral details announced for murdered pensioner Michael Hayes
TRAGIC DEATH | Mr Hayes, (71), died after he was allegedly attacked by Philip Ambrose, (43), of no fixed abode, at Watergate, Limerick City, last Thursday night, July 10 Michael Hayes Mr Hayes, (71), died after he was allegedly attacked by Philip Ambrose, (43), of no fixed abode, at Watergate, Limerick City, last Thursday night, July 10. An online notice announcing Mr Hayes's funeral said the father of four's remains would repose at Cross's Funeral Home, Gerald Griffin Street, Limerick City, from 5pm-7.30pm Thursday, July 17th. Mr Hayes, who is survived by his 'heartbroken sons Tom, Michael, Brendan and Joe, his beloved grandchildren, other relatives and large circle of friends' will be laid to rest at Mount St Oliver Cemetery, Limerick, following his funeral mass at St John's Cathedral, Cathedral Place, at 11am, Friday. 'Michael's family would like to sincerely thank all of the neighbours in Watergate, especially Vinny Lee, for their prompt action on the night,' the notice read. Tributes were paid to Mr Hayes in a corresponding online book of condolences. One of the posts, by John P Hayes, Edward Street, Limerick, read: 'My condolences to the Hayes family on the passing of Michael. I got to know Michael many years back he was a wonderful character I remember the year he dressed up as Santy for the children.' 'It was Christmas week, in Dessie O'Donnells bar on Wickham St in Limerick City, everyone adults and children had an absolutely wonderful time. R.I.P Michael.' Today, Philip Ambrose, who is charged with Mr Hayes's murder appeared before Limerick District Court. Sergeant Denis Waters, Roxboro Road garda station, told the court that Gardai were awaiting formal directions in the case from the Director of Public Prosecutions, and he sought an adjournment until July 29th. Mr Ambrose, who appeared before the court via-video link from Limerick Prison, confirmed his name and that he could hear and see the court proceedings. He told Judge Coolican 'thank you very much' after the judge remanded him in continuing custody to appear before the court again for DPP directions on July 29th. Last Saturday the court heard that Mr Ambrose did not reply when charged by Gardai with Mr Hayes's murder. Mr Ambrose was arrested by Gardaí last Friday morning, a few hours after Mr Hayes was allegedly attacked near his home in Limerick City Centre, at around 11.30pm, last Thursday. Mr Hayes was found with critical injuries at St Michael's Court, Watergate, and despite paramedics and doctors best efforts he was pronounced dead at University Hospital Limerick in the early hours of last Friday. Mr Ambrose's solicitor, Turlough Herbert, Herbert & Co Solicitors, Limerick, said he was not seeking bail, which he said could only be applied for before the High Court. The court was told Mr Ambrose was in receipt of a disability allowance and it granted him free legal aid. Michael Hayes Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 16th
IOL News
6 days ago
- IOL News
Durban man declared unfit to stand trial for alleged murder of pro-Palestine woman
Murder accused Grayson James Beare has been declared unfit to stand trial. Image: Supplied / NPA The Durban Magistrate's Court on Tuesday learned that 45-year-old Grayson James Beare, charged with killing a Durban woman and attempting to kill her entire family for allegedly being pro-Palestine, has been diagnosed with a psychotic disorder and declared unfit to stand trial. Beare allegedly stabbed Halima Hoosen-Preston to death. He also faces two counts of attempted murder against Hoosen-Preston's husband, Shaun, and their 18-year-old son, Adam. On June 2, 2024, he allegedly stormed into the Preston home and attacked Halima, stabbing her 15 times in front of her family in the Glenmore area. Hoosen-Preston's 13-year-old daughter was not physically harmed during the attack. The Hoosen-Preston and Beare families resided in the building and were acquainted with each other. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading As Beare made a brief appearance in court, State senior prosecutor, Calvin Govender, told the court that a medical report from Fort Napier Psychiatric Hospital said Beare would not be able to follow court proceedings and instruct his attorney. Govender added that Beare had been declared unfit to stand trial. He said he would be discussing the report with the Director of Public Prosecutions. Additionally, Govender requested that the matter be referred to the regional court for an inquiry. 'From the available information, the accused was unable to appreciate the wrongfulness of his actions at the time of the alleged offence,' read the report. According to the report, Beare was admitted to this hospital on March 15, 2025, for mental evaluation. He was examined by two State psychiatrists, Dr S Shain and Dr S. V Moodley. During his stay at Fort Napier, Beare had psychiatric interviews, physical and neurological examinations, and a urine multi-drug screening. 'Throughout he was under constant observation by the psychiatric nursing staff,' the report stated. Additionally, the report also revealed that Beare has a tertiary degree and is divorced. Beare has been in custody since his arrest in 2024 and has not applied for bail as he has been waiting for his mental evaluation. His mental state became a point of contention following a State district surgeon's finding that he was fit to stand trial. At the time, his defence challenged this report in an application made in the court, on the basis that the accused had been a psychiatric patient for more than five years, adding that he was not fit to stand trial. The matter was postponed to August 15.
Irish Examiner
7 days ago
- Irish Examiner
Cocaine and cannabis allegedly seized from man in Cork to be sent for forensic testing
A man facing charges in relation to the alleged seizure of cannabis worth €40,000 and cocaine worth over €10,000 at Farranree in Cork had the case against him adjourned on Monday until November 10. On the application of Sergeant John Dineen, the lengthy adjournment was granted by Judge William Aylmer to allow time for the seized materials to be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for examination. Szymon Nakielski, aged 24, of Flowerhill, Rushbrooke Manor, Cobh, Co Cork, was arrested last month and charged by Garda Kian O'Sullivan after it was alleged that he was stopped while driving a car through Farranree. Nakielski is charged with four counts under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Two charges are for having drugs for his own use, namely cocaine and cannabis, and having both drugs for the purpose of sale or supply to others. All charges relate to Knockpogue Avenue, Farranree, Cork, on June 7. He was initially remanded in custody on June 9 with consent to bail but one of the conditions was an independent surety of €5,000 of which a cash lodgement of €3,000 was required. He was later released on bail when there was compliance with all of the conditions. Sergeant John Dineen said directions were awaited from the Director of Public Prosecutions. It is anticipated they will await the outcome of forensic analysis of the alleged cocaine and cannabis.
