A round-up of today's other stories in brief...
Man can appeal rape conviction
A Co Donegal man jailed for attempted rape of a woman while she slept after he climbed up a drain pipe into her house can appeal his conviction to the Supreme Court on grounds it raises points of law of public importance.
The Court of Criminal Appeal yesterday granted Raymond Gormley’s application. The court certified that points of law arose in the case which should, in the public interest, be determined by the Supreme Court. These relate to a suspect’s right of access to a legal representative when the suspect is in Garda custody. The court had previously dismissed Gormley’s appeal to that court against his conviction.
Gormley (28), with an address at the Quiet Moment apartments, Letterkenny, was convicted in 2007 at the Central Criminal Court of attempted anal rape on April 24th, 2005. He denied the charges, and was jailed for six years and directed to be registered as a sex offender.
Accused denies tobacco robbery
A man has gone on trial accused of the false imprisonment of two delivery men and robbing cigarettes and tobacco products worth over €300,000 from them almost four years ago.
Frank Cunningham (62), Moyfenrath, Enfield, Co Meath, has pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to robbery, false imprisonment and possession of a firearm in Blanchardstown in March, 2007.
Man charged over diesel laundering
Dundalk-based Customs officers raided a diesel laundering plant yesterday that was discovered in an isolated warehouse near Rassan, Co Louth. Officers found 25,000 litres of unwashed diesel, bleaching agents and 19,000 litres of toxic-waste residue.
A man in his 20s, with an address in Northern Ireland, was charged with having prohibited goods. He is to appear before Dundalk District Court next month.
Family of missing Athlone woman appeals for help
The family of missing Athlone woman Marie Greene has appealed to the public for help in finding her.
Ms Greene (37), St Mel’s Terrace, Athlone, Co Westmeath, was last seen leaving her home at about 9pm on Sunday. Family friend Darren Maughan said Ms Greene’s mother was extremely concerned about her welfare.
Ms Greene is 165cm (5ft 5in) tall, of slim build and fair complexion. She has medium length brown hair which is normally tied in a pony tail. When last seen she was wearing blue jeans, white runners and a navy fleece. Anyone with information should contact Athlone Garda station at 090-6498550 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800-666111.