Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 4400False imprisonment, causing serious harm, participating in a criminal organisation · Co. Dublin · 12 Feb 2025

Alleged victim refuses to testify at Special Criminal Court trial over 'RAT' branding in Blanchardstown

Four men are on trial at the Special Criminal Court accused of holding Barry Moore in a shed in Blanchardstown, assaulting him and branding him with the letters 'RAT'. Mr Moore refused to give evidence, and the prosecution applied to admit his earlier statements to gardaí.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court5 Dec
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
14 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe alleged victim told gardaí he was beaten, waterboarded, threatened with rape and branded with 'RAT' while held hostage in a shed. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe alleged assault took place in a shed at the back of Jason Hennessy jnr's home on Sheephill Avenue in Blanchardstown. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenMr Moore said he went to the house on February 12th. (irishtimes.com)
  • weaponA branding object with the letters 'RAT' was allegedly heated on a gas stove and used to brand Mr Moore. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationA detective garda saw burn marks with the letters 'RAT' on Mr Moore's face and forehead in hospital. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeThe four accused are charged with false imprisonment and causing serious harm, among other offences. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeAll four accused pleaded not guilty. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeDevon Hennessy previously pleaded guilty to falsely imprisoning and assaulting Mr Moore. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe trial of four men opened at the Special Criminal Court on Friday. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtBarry Moore refused to give evidence when called. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtMr Moore was brought to court by prison officers after being arrested on a bench warrant. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe prosecution applied to admit Mr Moore's statements to gardaí into evidence. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe trial is before Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge Fiona Lydon. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe group allegedly accused Mr Moore of giving information to people they were not friendly with. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 5 Dec2025
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Man who was allegedly branded ‘RAT’ on body refuses to give evidence at trial

    Trial opened at the Special Criminal Court; the alleged victim refused to give evidence and the prosecution applied to admit his garda statements.

    victim, Barry Moore, 34, male, irish (judged from name)Barry Mooreaccused, Jason Hennessy jnr, 28, male, named, irish (judged from name)Jason Hennessy jnraccused, Brandon Hennessy, 22, male, named, irish (judged from name)Brandon Hennessyaccused, Kenneth Fitzsimons, 45, male, named, irish (judged from name)Kenneth Fitzsimonsaccused, Dean Fitzsimons, 25, male, named, irish (judged from name)Dean Fitzsimonsconvicted, Devon Hennessy, male, named, irish (judged from name)Devon Hennessy