A round-up of other courts news in brief
Man (47) gets three years for threat to kill
A Dublin man with 229 previous convictions has received a three-year sentence for threatening to kill his partner’s cousin.
Seán Buckley (47), of Kilworth Road, Drimnagh, is already serving a 10-year sentence for a series of armed robberies in 2005 and has convictions for robbery, burglary and larceny dating back to 1977.
He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assaulting his partner’s cousin and threatening to kill her at Mulligan’s pub, Stoneybatter, on May 16th, 2004. Judge Ryan backdated the sentence to 2007.
Addict in gun trial remanded
A drug addict who was caught handing over a Glock pistol to a convicted armed robber has been remanded in custody before sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Ian Dowdall (31), of Downpatrick Road, Crumlin, was caught carrying the gun in a pillowcase and had just handed it over to Joseph Flynn when armed gardaí intervened.
Flynn (36) of Huband Road, Bluebell, was sentenced to six years in prison last January for his role.
Dowdall pleaded guilty to possession of the gun on St Vincent’s Street on December 14th, 2007. Judge Katherine Delahunt said she would take time to consider a sentence and remanded Dowdall in custody until later this month.
Jury in rape trial discharged
A jury in the Central Criminal Court trial of a man accused of raping a teenager in Co Wexford two years ago has been discharged because a judge is not available to hear the case.
The man (44) had pleaded not guilty to raping and sexually assaulting a then 18-year-old woman on August 13th, 2006.
Mr Justice Paul Butler discharged the jury, which had been sworn in earlier in the week, and adjourned the case for mention next Monday when a new trial date may be set.
Judgment reserved on extradition
The High Court has reserved judgment on a bid by a Co Meath-based man to prevent his extradition to England on charges of attempting to pervert the course of justice. The man had sent a controversial DVD to a judge and jury foreman during a trial relating to bomb attacks in London.
Sheffield-born Anthony John Hill (60) was arrested by gardaí at his home in Carrick Street, Kells, last month on foot of a European arrest warrant.
His extradition is being sought in relation to his alleged actions during the trial of several people on conspiracy charges related to the July 7th, 2005, attacks on the London underground and a London bus.
After also hearing arguments on behalf of Mr Hill and the State, the judge reserved his decision and said he hoped to give it early next month.
Judge urged to consider will
A High Court judge has been urged to consider the contents of a woman’s will when deciding who is entitled to a half share of her €450,000 Lotto win.
Kay Ellison won the money a year before her death.
Mr Justice Eamon de Valera was urged to consider Ms Ellison was “speaking from the grave” through her will in that she did not bequeath €225,000 to her nephew, taxi driver Gary Ellison.