A round-up of today's court stories in brief
Four for trial under anti-gangland laws
Four Dublin men who have become the first to be prosecuted under new anti-gangland legislation have been sent forward for trial before a judge and jury.
The men are charged with organised crime activities linked to a foiled post office raid in Drumcondra, in north Dublin, on October 16th last.
David Atkinson (41), of Windmill Park, Crumlin, Dwayne Stacey (22), South Circular Road; Philip Kerfoot (38), Ross Road, Dublin 8, and Gerard Carey (33), Kildare Road, Crumlin had been remanded in custody on May 12th last.
They had been charged under the Criminal Justice Amendment Act 2009 that between July 23rd and October 16th, 2009, knowing of the existence of a criminal organisation, they took part in activity with intent to facilitate the commission of a serious offence by that organisation or its members. Judge John Lindsay sent the case for trial at the next term of the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Boy in court over burglary in which woman was traumatised
A second teenager appeared in court yesterday charged with taking part in a burglary in Dublin where an elderly woman was traumatised and suffered a broken finger when an engagement ring was forcibly taken from her.
The boy (aged 15), had been charged at the Dublin Children’s Court with burglary at Gledswood Park, Clonskeagh, on the evening of September 13th last year. Last week, Judge Heather Perrin held that a co-defendant, a boy also aged 15, should be sent forward for trial to the Circuit Court, which can, on conviction, impose lengthier sentences.
Yesterday, Judge Perrin held the second boy should also be sent forward for trial to the higher court. He was remanded on continuing bail to appear again in July, when he is to be served with a book of evidence.
Warrant issued for arrest of woman
A bench warrant was issued in Tallaght District Court for a Dublin woman accused of not sending her son to national school.
The woman, from Jobstown, west Tallaght, is accused of failing to comply with a school attendance notice to get her son to attend his local national school.
There was no appearance from the defendant when her name was called. Judge James McDonnell issued a bench warrant for her arrest.
Former DUP councillor guilty of rape
Former DUP Councillor William Wilkinson was convicted yesterday of raping a woman in her home in Co Derry nearly two years ago. The 33-year-old Ballymena councillor was found guilty of the offence against the woman who was described as a “casual acquaintance”.
The jury of seven men and five women returned to Antrim Crown Court yesterday to resume their deliberations on a charge of rape. They convicted Wilkinson with a majority of 10 to two.
Wilkinson, from Tully Road in Portglenone looked down and repeatedly shook his head when the verdict was delivered.
He was remanded in custody. Judge Geoffrey Miller adjourned sentencing until pre-sentence reports are ready next month.