A round-up of some the other news from the courts.
Birth injury action settled for €360,000
An action for damages brought on behalf of a seven- year-old boy who suffered a shoulder injury at birth has been settled for €360,000.
Daniel Crossan, Firhouse, Co Dublin, had sued the National Maternity Hospital at Holles Street, Dublin, through his mother, Therese Crossan, arising from the circumstances of his birth there on June 9th, 1998.
The defence denied negligence.
Dr John O'Mahony SC, for Daniel, said complications arose during the course of the delivery. At birth, Daniel's left upper limb was noted to be limp.
As a result of the negligence of the defendant, it was claimed, the boy has been left with severe impairment of shoulder, arm, hand and finger function. He had to have an operation eight months after his birth and now had poor dexterity in his left hand, it was claimed.
He was unable to use his left hand to eat or drink, had difficulty supporting himself and could not break a fall.
Mr Justice Éamon de Valera yesterday approved the settlement of the action.
Nursing home breaches admitted
The chairman of the board of trustees of a nursing home has pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to charges of breach of safety regulations arising from a fatality there.
Leslie Shiels pleaded guilty on behalf of Simpson's Hospital, Ballinteer Road, Dundrum, to failing to prepare an assessment of risk regarding health and safety associated with the cleaning of a lift pit and failing to provide a system of work for cleaning it on January 12th, 2004.
Judge Desmond Hogan adjourned sentencing to April 2006 when details of the offences will also be given in evidence.
The case arises from an incident on January 12th, 2004, resulting in the death of Shaun Kerrigan.
'Drugs mule' jailed for six years
A "classic drug mule" who transported cocaine valued at €103,761 into Ireland has been jailed for six years by Judge Desmond Hogan at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Akintokunbo Benson (24), Camberwell Church Street, London, was stopped at Dublin airport after he had flown in from Lagos, Nigeria, via Frankfurt on January 12th this year.
Garda Stephen Boyce told Kerida Naidoo, prosecuting, that a search of his suitcase revealed two blocks of cocaine concealed in the lining. He pleaded guilty to possession for sale or supply.
Benson said he had been asked to bring the drugs to Dublin by "a friend" and had been promised £3,000.
Man had gun and rounds in his attic
A Dublin man has been jailed for two years and nine months at the Special Criminal Court after pleading guilty to possessing a revolver and six rounds of ammunition at his home.
Gareth Kelly (24), Wheatfield Avenue, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty to possessing the .38 special calibre Colt detective revolver and six rounds of ammunition on March 14th this year.
Det Supt Diarmuid O'Sullivan told Paul Burns SC, prosecuting, that he had found the revolver, which was loaded, in the attic of the house. It had been wrapped in a balaclava.
Kelly told gardaí he had found the revolver and the balaclava in a park and had it for his protection against drug dealers.
Mr Justice Joseph Finnegan ordered that the revolver and ammunition be destroyed.