Ireland Crime

Court of Appeal (Mr Justice McCarthy, Ms Justice Kennedy, Ms Justice Burns) dismissed all grounds of appeal against conviction, including challenges to DNA evidence from a Kangoo van, phone records, and CCTV footage. The three men confirmed they will proceed with appeals against sentence, listed for 13 February 2026.

Reports that the Court of Appeal on 13 January 2026 rejected all grounds and dismissed the convictions appeals of Alan Harte, Alan O'Brien and Darren Redmond. It gives their sentences and states that they will appeal the sentences, with the matter listed for 13 February.

Court of Appeal hearing where the DPP's counsel urged the court to uphold the convictions; the three-judge panel (Mr Justice McCarthy, Ms Justice Burns, Ms Justice Kennedy) reserved its decision. Defence argued DNA evidence from a van destroyed by fire in Garda custody should not have been admissible and that the trial court erred in refusing to adjourn over phone records.

Court of Appeal ordered Harte to pay the State's costs after his appeal against the DPP's decision to try him in the Special Criminal Court was found to be moot; the three-judge panel found no reason to depart from the normal costs procedure.

Reports the Court of Appeal costs order against Harte on 4 February 2025 after his appeal failed. Adds that the legal issues were held to be moot and that the High Court had refused an extension of time for his judicial review.

Reports that the Court of Appeal adjourned the three-day appeal for three months after barristers raised issues over admissibility of DNA evidence from a van destroyed in garda custody, phone records, and CCTV footage obtained in breach of the law.

Details the second day of the appeal hearing, including defence arguments that the Renault Kangoo van was not properly preserved in Garda custody (no secure storage, no CCTV, no access log, tracking device removed by a surveillance team) and the DPP's response that the DNA evidence remains admissible.

Reports the High Court ruling dismissing Harte's judicial review of his Special Criminal Court conviction and sentence. Gives the sentences of two co-accused and the details of the 2019 attack.

The High Court reserved its decision on Harte's constitutional challenge arguing that Section 40 of the 1939 Act, which prevents an accused from knowing whether an SCC conviction was by majority or unanimous decision, breaches the Irish Constitution.

Sean Quinn's public response to the Garda search of his home; details of company records (seven years of emails, texts, memos from 2015) handed to Gardaí; Quinn's denial of involvement in the harassment campaign; the search took place at 10.30am on Wednesday 20 April 2022 with a search warrant.

Reports on the execution of a search warrant at Sean Quinn's home, details of items seized, his solicitor's complaints about the process, and background on the QIH name change to Mannok and the 2019 kidnapping of Kevin Lunney.

High Court (Mr Justice Charles Meenan) directed Harte's judicial review challenging section 40 of the 1939 Offences Against the State Act be heard on notice to the DPP, State and SCC; judge said the case did not have much merit; leave application adjourned to May.

The High Court adjourned Harte's constitutional challenge to his SCC conviction and sentence, directing it be heard on notice to the DPP. The judge said he did not think the case has much merit. The challenge targets Section 40 of the 1939 Offences Against the State Act, which prevents an accused from being told whether the SCC verdict was unanimous or by majority.

Reveals Alan Harte's identity (previously 'YZ') after the High Court lifted a gagging order; details his 180 previous convictions, his 2014 trial over the death of Peter Gunn, and Mr Justice Hunt's sentencing remarks describing Harte as the 'ringleader' who inflicted most of Lunney's serious injuries.

Reports the High Court lifting Alan Harte's anonymity order, provides his full sentencing (30 years), co-accused sentences (O'Brien 25 years, Redmond 18 years with 3 suspended), and the full trial account of the attack including the Stanley knife, wooden bat, bleach, and QIH carving.

Reports the High Court lifting Alan Harte's anonymity order, provides sentencing details (30 years for Harte, 25 for O'Brien, 18 for Redmond with three years suspended), and recounts trial evidence including the specific injuries inflicted on Kevin Lunney.

Names Alan Harte (40) as the convicted 'ringleader' after the High Court lifted his anonymity order; confirms sentencing details (30 years for Harte, 25 for O'Brien, 18 for Redmond with 3 years suspended); provides addresses and describes the specific injuries inflicted including a Stanley knife, wooden bat, bleach, and QIH carved into the chest.

Reports a Court of Appeal hearing where the DPP argued the anonymity order for YZ should be lifted because his other proceedings were not expected to start until July 2022. The hearing was adjourned to 21 January 2022 for further submissions. Also confirms sentencing details: YZ 30 years, Alan O'Brien 25 years, Darren Redmond 15 years.

Reports the filing of notices of appeal by the three convicted men, details the expected grounds of appeal (admissibility of phone records, CCTV, DNA from a Kangoo van, SCC jurisdiction), and notes the connection to the Graham Dwyer data retention case and the ECJ/Supreme Court proceedings.

The DPP has asked the Court of Appeal to lift the anonymity order on YZ, arguing circuit court proceedings against him are not expected to start soon. The hearing before Mr Justice Birmingham was adjourned to 21 January 2022. The article also confirms the sentences: YZ 30 years, Alan O'Brien 25 years, Darren Redmond 15 years.

Detailed trial report covering the evidence presented, the acquittal of Luke O'Reilly, the judge's reasoning, and the sentences for YZ (30 years), Alan O'Brien (25 years), and Darren Redmond (18 years, three suspended).

Reports the sentencing of three convicted men (YZ: 30 years; Alan O'Brien: 25 years; Darren Redmond: 18 years with 3 suspended) and the acquittal of Luke O'Reilly, plus a location-by-location feature on the abduction route.

Reports the sentencing of three convicted men at the Special Criminal Court, with combined sentences exceeding 70 years. Identifies YZ as the ringleader who drove the car and used a Stanley knife, and confirms the attack was organised by the late Cyril McGuinness.

Reports the verdict: YZ, O'Brien and Redmond found guilty; O'Reilly acquitted. Details the trial evidence including mobile phone data, CCTV, DNA in a Renault Kangoo, and the judge's reasoning for acquitting O'Reilly on the basis of reasonable doubt.

Sentencing by the Special Criminal Court: YZ (ringleader) jailed 30 years, Alan O'Brien 25 years, Darren Redmond 18 years (last 3 years suspended). Judge described the attack as 'premeditated brutality' and 'calculated savagery' planned by a serious criminal organisation.

Community impact of the conviction; confirms three men convicted and jailed at the Special Criminal Court; investigation statistics (1,591 statements, 1,226 tasks, 245 CCTV); further individuals to be reported to the DPP; directors still under protection with threat level at its highest.

Reports the High Court's decision to extend YZ's anonymity order until 18 January 2022 ahead of sentencing, and provides further trial evidence details including YZ's specific role as driver and primary assailant, and the SCC verdict by Mr Justice Tony Hunt.

Reports on a High Court application to extend YZ's anonymity pending sentencing. Provides additional trial findings: YZ was the driver of the car and was responsible for inflicting most of Lunney's serious injuries. YZ and two co-accused are due to be sentenced on Monday.

Sentencing hearing details: victim impact statement by Kevin Lunney, prosecution and defence submissions on appropriate sentences, background on each convicted man, and the court's decision to reserve sentence to 20 December 2021. Also notes that YZ may be identified from 13 December 2021.

Reports on the sentencing hearing for three of the four convicted defendants, noting that one defendant was acquitted, and that Kevin Lunney will have the opportunity to address the court with a victim impact statement.

Reports three convictions at the Special Criminal Court and Commissioner Harris's statement that further charges are being prepared for the DPP, with the joint investigation task force with PSNI continuing and multiple lines of inquiry ongoing.

Reports the delivery of verdicts by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, the judge's reasoning on each accused, the acquittal of Luke O'Reilly, and the scheduling of sentencing for 22 November 2021. Provides detailed account of the evidence including CCTV, DNA, and the victim's testimony.

Special Criminal Court delivered verdicts on 8 November 2021: O'Brien, Redmond and YZ convicted; O'Reilly acquitted. Court found attack organised by late Cyril McGuinness and 'almost certain he did not act alone.' Sentencing set for 22 November 2021. Lunney and his employer Mannok issued statements thanking authorities.

Reports the verdict: three of four defendants found guilty, Luke O'Reilly acquitted. Identifies the unnamed defendant (YZ) as the Audi driver and the person who inflicted most of the injuries. Confirms trial details (40 days, Special Criminal Court, three-judge panel under Mr Justice Tony Hunt).

Kevin Lunney and his employer Mannok issued statements following the guilty verdicts at the Special Criminal Court. The presiding judges noted the likely involvement of other parties, and an ongoing investigation into those who procured the attack continues.

Kevin Lunney's public statement following the verdict; three convicted (O'Brien, Redmond, YZ) and one acquitted (O'Reilly); sentencing set for 22 November 2021; Cyril McGuinness identified as alleged coordinator who died November 2019; Chief Supt Alan McGovern's comments on PSNI cooperation; ongoing investigations.

Reports the trial verdict: Luke O'Reilly acquitted on the basis of reasonable doubt as to whether he knew what would happen to Lunney, while three co-accused were convicted. Provides detailed account of the assault as given by Lunney in evidence.

Reports the guilty verdicts for YZ (40) and Alan O'Brien (40) at the Special Criminal Court; judgment for Darren Redmond and Luke O'Reilly still being delivered.

Provides Kevin Lunney's detailed first-person testimony of the abduction, the journey in the car boot, and the specific injuries and humiliations inflicted at the Cavan location, including the use of a horse box, bleach, a Stanley knife, and a wooden object to break his leg.

Reports the initial Special Criminal Court verdict: YZ, Alan O'Brien and Darren Redmond convicted; Luke O'Reilly acquitted. Includes statements from Lunney and Mannok (formerly QIH) welcoming the convictions and noting the ongoing investigation into those who procured the attack.

Judge Tony Hunt began delivering verdicts in the 40-day Special Criminal Court trial; described Lunney as 'most impressive witness'; court satisfied the incident amounted to false imprisonment and assault causing serious harm; identified blue horse box in yard owned by Luke O'Reilly; no verdict indicated yet.

Reports the Special Criminal Court verdicts: O'Brien, Redmond and YZ convicted on both counts; O'Reilly acquitted on reasonable doubt. YZ identified as driver of the black Audi and responsible for most injuries. Sentencing set for 22 November 2021. Ongoing Garda investigations noted.

Confirms the four defendants and their addresses, details of the torture (Audi A4 boot, horse trailer, Stanley knife, wooden bat), the 40-day trial duration, and the postponement of verdicts from 22 October to 8 November 2021.

The Special Criminal Court delayed verdicts from Friday 22 October to Monday 8 November 2021. The trial opened in June and lasted 40 days. The article provides updated ages and addresses for the four accused and details of the trial evidence.

Reports on the final day of the trial with defence submissions for Luke O'Reilly; the court is set to deliver its verdict on 22 October 2021.

Reports on closing submissions for Luke O'Reilly, confirms verdict date of 22 October, notes that Cyril McGuinness (Dublin Jimmy) is now deceased, and details O'Reilly's defence arguments regarding the bleach purchase and his business contacts with McGuinness.

Reports the closing of the trial with defence counsel Michael Lynn SC's submissions for Luke O'Reilly, the prosecution theory that Cyril McGuinness (now deceased) coordinated the attack, and the court's expected verdict date of 22 October 2021.

Reports the closing of the trial after 40 days, defence submissions for Luke O'Reilly, the four accused and their addresses, and the scheduled verdict date of 22 October 2021.

Covers the final day of the trial with closing submissions for Luke O'Reilly by Michael Lynn SC, details of the prosecution theory involving the deceased Cyril McGuinness, CCTV evidence of O'Reilly buying bleach, and the defence request for directed acquittals. Verdict set for 22 October 2021.

Defence closing speeches delivered for YZ, Alan O'Brien, and Darren Redmond; Luke O'Reilly's closing speech scheduled for Friday. Defence challenged the provenance of DNA in the van, the reliability of mobile phone location data, and the identification of Redmond on CCTV.

DPP's closing speech in the Special Criminal Court; Sean Guerin SC described the evidence over eight weeks, the DNA link to a Kangoo van, O'Reilly's ownership of the yard, and McGuinness's role as the alleged organiser who asked O'Reilly to get bleach to destroy forensic evidence.

Closing arguments by DPP's counsel at the Special Criminal Court; four accused named (YZ, O'Brien, Redmond, O'Reilly); full description of injuries and abduction sequence given.

NSU officers gave evidence about the van; DNA evidence on the van discussed; defence to raise a legal issue regarding the van the following day.

Reports the Special Criminal Court rejecting a defence application to adjourn the trial on the basis of conflicting CJEU rulings on mass retention of mobile phone data, and rejecting a procedural suggestion about witness oaths. Confirms the four accused have pleaded not guilty and provides further detail on the torture as described by Mr Lunney.

Reports the Special Criminal Court rejecting a defence application to adjourn the trial over EU law questions on mass retention of mobile phone data, and also rejecting a procedural suggestion about witness oaths. Provides further detail on the torture inflicted on Kevin Lunney.

Reports on forensic evidence presented at the Special Criminal Court trial, including luminol and DNA findings in the Renault Kangoo van and horse trailer, examination of bleach bottles from Luke O'Reilly's home, and the van's destruction in a fire at a garda storage centre in Cavan in early 2020.

Reports evidence presented at the ongoing Special Criminal Court trial: a forensic casebook found at the home of accused YZ, the victim's detailed account of the assault, and the identities and addresses of the four accused.

Trial evidence about a forensic book found at the home of accused YZ; Kevin Lunney's account of the assault given to the court; details of the four accused and their addresses; presiding judges identified.

Reports trial progress: prosecution expected to close case next week; details of evidence presented including mobile phone contacts, CCTV footage of vehicles between Dublin and Cavan, and DNA from a Renault Kangoo van; Kevin Lunney's testimony describing the assault including being cut with a Stanley knife, doused in bleach, leg broken with a wooden bat, and QIH scored into his chest.

Trial update: prosecution evidence expected to conclude the following week; defence has not indicated whether it will call evidence. Details of phone evidence, CCTV, DNA from a Renault Kangoo van, and Lunney's testimony about the assault are reported.

Reports on the progress of the Kevin Lunney trial with the prosecution indicating it will close its case the following week. Describes evidence presented including mobile phone data, CCTV footage of vehicles, and DNA from a Renault Kangoo van. Kevin Lunney's testimony about the assault is detailed, and the presiding judges are identified.

Reports that the prosecution expects to close its case the following week; details of evidence presented including phone mast data, CCTV of vehicles, and DNA from a Renault Kangoo van; Lunney's testimony describing the assault; names, ages and addresses of the four accused; identification of the presiding judges.

Trial evidence about the Renault Kangoo van allegedly used by the abductors, CCTV analysis linking the van to two accused, forensic DNA evidence on the van, PSNI examination of a burnt-out BMW, and Lunney's testimony describing the torture he suffered.

Reports on mobile phone evidence presented by Senior Intelligence Analyst Edel Hannigan at the Special Criminal Court, showing contacts between phones attributed to the accused and the deceased organiser Cyril McGuinness in the days before and on the day of the abduction. Also details the prosecution's account of the assault on Lunney.

Trial evidence phase: phone contact charts presented by Senior Intelligence Analyst Edel Hannigan showing calls between accused phones and McGuinness's phone in the days surrounding the abduction; victim's account of the assault repeated to the court.

Trial update: defence withdrew objections to admissibility of identification evidence after hearing about the new separated-viewing CCTV identification method. Evidence from Garda Keogh, Garda Ward and Sgt Leech given, including identification of YZ, Alan O'Brien and Darren Redmond, and search findings at Luke O'Reilly's properties including bleach bottles and a recently placed white trailer.

Pre-trial evidentiary ruling admitting mobile phone and CCTV evidence; Mr Lunney's account of the assault given to the court; four accused identified with ages and addresses; specific restrictions on phone data and two CCTV locations ruled inadmissible.

Reports the court's ruling to admit mobile phone and CCTV evidence, the defence's rejected arguments about mass surveillance, and Lunney's detailed account of the assault including being cut with a Stanley knife, doused in bleach, having his leg broken with a wooden bat, and having QIH scored into his chest.

Pre-trial ruling on admissibility of CCTV and mobile phone evidence; court excluded some footage from Derrylin, Co Fermanagh and Co Longford; defence privacy arguments rejected.

Reports on a legal argument at the Special Criminal Court trial regarding the admissibility of CCTV and mobile phone evidence, with defence counsel raising constitutional and EU privacy rights issues and criticising prosecution characterisation of the defence's position.

Reports the Special Criminal Court trial of four accused on 2 July 2021, where defence counsel challenged the admissibility of CCTV evidence and the court adjourned to rule on mobile phone and CCTV evidence the following Thursday.

Four accused, including one known as YZ, have pleaded not guilty. Defence counsel challenged garda access to CCTV footage, and the court will rule next Thursday on admissibility of mobile phone and CCTV evidence.

DPP barrister Sean Guerin SC argues against defence bid to exclude CCTV footage, calling the defence's editing theory 'fanciful' and 'preposterous'; trial ongoing before Mr Justice Tony Hunt with Judges Gerard Griffin and David McHugh.

Covers a legal argument at trial about the admissibility of CCTV evidence, with the DPP's counsel dismissing the defence's privacy-based challenge and alleging fanciful suggestions of footage tampering.

DPP opposes defence motion to exclude CCTV on privacy grounds; Lunney gives detailed account of the assault; trial ongoing before Special Criminal Court with Judge Tony Hunt presiding.

Defence barristers Michael O'Higgins SC and Giollaiosa O'Lideadha SC argued that gardai's use of private CCTV as a proxy surveillance system breached privacy and constitutional rights under the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR, and that the footage should be excluded. The trial is before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, Judge Gerard Griffin and Judge David McHugh.

Defence legal arguments challenging the admissibility of CCTV evidence on grounds of privacy rights, the Data Protection Act 2018, and GDPR at the Special Criminal Court trial.

Reports defence legal arguments at the Special Criminal Court challenging the admissibility of CCTV evidence on privacy and data protection grounds, and provides further detail on the assault as described by Mr Lunney to the court.