Overview
- Jason Hennessy Jr, Brandon Hennessy, Kenneth Fitzsimons, and Dean Fitzsimons pleaded not guilty before the three-judge Special Criminal Court.
- The charges stem from an alleged 12 February attack at a house on Sheephill Avenue, Blanchardstown, involving false imprisonment, serious harm, and alleged involvement in criminal organisation activity.
- Prosecutors outlined claims that Barry Moore was beaten with an iron bar, suffered a broken arm, and was branded multiple times with a heated bespoke object spelling ‘RAT,’ with further alleged threats including simulated drowning and the use of a Stanley knife to his ear.
- After Barry Moore declined to give evidence, the court heard his prior statements and a detective’s account noting visible ‘RAT’ burn marks on his head, torso, and back, as well as his arm in a cast.
- Gardaí told the court that threats from criminal elements had been reported, the complainant was remanded overnight on a bench warrant to secure attendance, and the presiding judge warned that pressure on witnesses will not be tolerated.