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2026-05-07 · Dublin
Clive McCarthy has been sentenced to 240 hours of community service for attacking pub security staff with a hammer. McCarthy, 45, was identified and arrested after returning to The Bloody Stream pub in Howth with a friend, armed with a hammer. He had previously been refused entry and later assaulted a security guard and a female customer. McCarthy was intoxicated and had a history of 18 previous convictions. The court heard that the victims suffered superficial injuries and that McCarthy issued threats, claiming he would shoot and kneecap the staff. Judge Orla Crowe noted that McCarthy had taken tentative steps to address his addiction and was now caring for his brother. She imposed community service in lieu of a two-year sentence, giving him two years to complete it. The judge acknowledged that McCarthy's behavior was inexcusable but considered his probation report and current responsibilities in her sentencing decision. Clive McCarthy pleaded guilty.
2025-10-17 · Dublin
An Indian national, Ayyappan Govindaraj, 41, was sentenced to 20 months' imprisonment for unlawfully assisting two other men to enter Ireland. The court heard that on 7 June 2024, an immigration officer at Dublin Airport was approached by the two men who claimed to have lost their passports. Govindaraj presented an Indian passport and a genuine seaman's book, claiming he was to join a vessel, but the officer found no evidence of such a ship and noted the men had no return flight. The men were initially denied entry but were later allowed to apply for international protection; however, they have not been seen since leaving the airport and did not apply for protection. The judge, Patricia Ryan, noted no financial gain or coercion and backdated the sentence to the arrest date. The case is one of the first prosecuted under the Immigration Act's section 4. Ayyappan Govindaraj pleaded guilty.
2025-02-17 · Kerry
During the Central Criminal Court hearing, Daniel Blanaru (37) was described as sounding "desperate" and "panicked" when he spoke to his brother on a phone call, telling him to "go quick" to his home because he believed he had stabbed his partner, Larissa Serban (26). The court heard that the accused had also mentioned catching Larissa in bed with someone else. Narcisa Serban, Larissa's sister, testified that she arrived at the scene with her partner at about 5:30 am, finding Larissa in a "pool of blood" with "foam" at her mouth and a stiff body. She reported that Gardaí initially denied entry and later searched the house. The evidence will continue before Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury. Daniel Blanaru pleaded not guilty.
2024-11-29 · Dublin
Adam Roe-Dwyer (25), of Johnfield Road, Dublin 8, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to one count of assault causing harm to a security officer at Centra, Dame Street, Dublin 2, on March 18, 2022. His co-accused, Ian Lynch (25), of Weaver Street, Dublin 18, had previously pleaded guilty to the same charge and received a two-and-a-half-year suspended sentence earlier this year. Both men admitted to the offence, which involved striking the security guard after he refused entry to a plastic pint glass. The victim sustained two fractures to his nose, requiring surgery and five days of hospitalisation. Judge Patricia Ryan sentenced Roe-Dwyer to a two-and-a-half-year term, suspended in full on conditions. This follows Lynch's earlier sentencing, where he also received a two-and-a-half-year suspended sentence after paying €4,000 towards the victim's losses. Roe-Dwyer also paid €4,000 today. The judge noted the seriousness of the assault but considered mitigating factors, including both men's lack of previous convictions, their cooperation with gardaí, and their apologies. The matter was finalised with the imposition of these suspended sentences.
2024-11-27 · Dublin
In a Dublin pub incident, 23‑year‑old Raul Poama, intoxicated, was denied entry to Fibber Magees around 11.40 pm. He punched a manager, causing swelling, then fled. A security guard attempted to apprehend him; Poama screamed, bit the guard on the chest and stomach, leaving bite marks. Neither victim required medical treatment and both declined victim impact statements. Poama pleaded guilty to two counts of common assault on 3 December 2023. Judge Orla Crowe, noting the incident was "unedifying" and "very sorry", imposed a three‑month sentence suspended on strict conditions for two years. Poama had no prior convictions, had brought €2,000 to court as a gesture of remorse, and the judge directed €1,000 to the manager and the remainder to charity. No medical or further legal actions were reported beyond the suspended sentence.
2024-10-31 · Waterford
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ruled that it had no jurisdiction to consider John Malone's complaint under the Equal Status Act 2000 that he was denied entry to Silverstream Priory because he mentioned his father was a Traveller. Malone, aged 53, claimed he had been invited to stay at the monastery's guest house in July 2022 and offered a place, but that the prior's attitude changed after he disclosed his Traveller heritage. An internal email from the prior expressed doubts about Malone, and the master of novices later stated that Malone's conduct at a retreat made it "not advisable" for him to join, citing his age and lack of engagement. The WRC found the complaint "not well founded" and dismissed it, noting it had no authority to adjudicate the matter. The case remains unresolved.
2024-02-16 · Dublin
Sandra Adams, a member of the pressure group The Countess, claimed she was denied entry to a National Women's Council of Ireland (NWCI) meeting on 9 June 2022 because of her religious beliefs, alleging discrimination under the Equal Status Act 2000. The NWCI argued that a risk assessment had to be escalated after a press release by The Countess threatened a transgender board member, raising concerns about potential disruption and harm. Witnesses testified that Adams would have been admitted if not for the press release, and that the NWCI's decision was based on safety rather than religious discrimination. The tribunal found no evidence of discrimination, concluding that the refusal was on non‑discriminatory grounds. Adams' claim was dismissed, marking the second loss for a Countess activist in similar disputes.
2024-02-09 · Dublin
Alexander Ortauf, an 18‑year‑old South African who had lived in Bristol, was denied entry to Ireland in February 2020 after an immigration officer discovered he intended to meet a 13‑year‑old girl he had met online. The officer called the girl from Ortauf's phone and realised she was very young, leading to his denial of permission and alerting Gardaí. Gardaí found about 20 images and ten videos of a sexual nature of the child on his phone. Ortauf pleaded guilty to one count of possessing child pornography and one count of using information and communication technology to facilitate the sexual exploitation of a child. He had no prior convictions. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court sentenced him to a fully suspended term of two and a half years, with the judge noting his youth and lack of previous convictions as mitigating factors. The sentence was suspended in full, with no custodial time imposed.
2023-06-28 · Dublin
In a June 2023 decision, the Workplace Relations Commission awarded €2,000 to Sophia Brennan after she was denied entry to KOA Asian Restaurant in Malahide with her guide dog Tim. Brennan, who had a letter from Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and a guide‑dog card, described the staff's refusal as humiliating and said the dog was called "not hygienic" and could be left "out back." The proprietor had claimed staff allergies and that children might be scared of dogs, but Brennan said none of this was communicated to her that evening. The tribunal found the restaurant had discriminated against her under the Equal Status Act, ordered the proprietor to pay compensation, and required the management to become acquainted with equality legislation. The hearing was conducted without the restaurant's presence, and the decision was made by adjudicating officer Penelope McGrath.
2023-05-10 · Ireland
In a decision published on 10 May 2023, the Workplace Relations Commission rejected Ashley Moran's claim that a Bus Éireann driver had "swung a punch" at him during a face‑mask dispute. The tribunal found the driver's evidence that he was attempting to take Moran's camera more credible than Moran's allegation of a punch. It concluded that Moran was not discriminated against, but was refused entry because he had engaged in "abusive behaviour". Moran had previously tried to board a bus without a mask in February 2022, was asked to wear one, and later presented a medical note exempting him from masks. The driver denied throwing a punch, accepted that he had tried to take Moran's phone, and said he feared Moran might have a knife. The tribunal deemed Moran's claim of threat and the alleged punch to be unsubstantiated, noting that the CCTV footage made it implausible that Moran felt threatened on the second occasion.
2023-03-30 · Dublin
In a Workplace Relations Commission hearing, Sophia Brennan claimed she was discriminated against when she and her husband were denied entry to KOA Kitchen of Asia in Malahide with her guide dog Tim. Brennan said the staff refused them, citing health and safety and claiming Tim was "not hygienic," and suggested leaving the dog in the yard. She described feeling humiliated and dirty. The restaurant's proprietor had previously stated that staff allergies and children's fears were concerns, but Brennan said none of this was mentioned to her that evening. The restaurant had indicated it could accommodate them if prior notice had been given, but Brennan argued she is not obliged to inform a restaurant of her guide dog. The adjudicator noted the restaurant's absence and that it had sent a "tainted apology" via correspondence, concluding a clear case of discrimination pending a final decision.
2022-03-02 · Dublin
During the first pandemic lockdown, Jessica Bowes claimed she was denied entry to a Dunnes Stores in Clondalkin because she was a single mother. She alleged a security guard told a manager, "I have a single mother here, can I let her in?" and that she was stopped from entering the shop. Bowes said she had been in a fast‑track queue for essential workers, was told to wait in a yellow social‑distancing circle, and that the guard's remarks made her feel "physically sick, degraded." Dunnes Stores argued the incident was a misunderstanding, noting the guard had no knowledge of her family status and that the manager had not stopped her. The adjudicating officer found Bowes had not established a prima facie case of discrimination and upheld the store's defence, rejecting her claim. The hearing concluded with the officer stating no prohibited conduct had occurred.
2021-10-13 · Dublin
Brandon Brannock, aged 19, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment, with the final year suspended, after pleading guilty to endangering traffic and criminal damage to a car in Ballymun on 6 December 2019. He was 17 when the offence occurred. The court heard that during a high‑speed pursuit in the middle of the day, Brannock's vehicle left the ground on speed ramps, crossed to the wrong side of the road repeatedly, broke a red light and narrowly missed an elderly woman. He crashed into a parked car, causing significant damage, and fled with three male passengers to a nearby house where they were refused entry by a man at the door. Brannock was disqualified from driving for four years. He has 32 prior convictions, including drug and road traffic offences, and the judge noted his youth and the stress and fear caused to others. The incident was not pre‑meditated.
2021-03-02 · Dublin
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Nathan Harold, 26, was sentenced to three-and-a-half years' imprisonment for robbery and assault. The offence occurred on 22 November 2019 at Camden Place, Dublin city centre, when Harold, then on bail, approached an intoxicated man, Cathal Doyle, who had been refused entry to a nightclub. Harold punched Doyle repeatedly, knocked him to the ground, and stamped on him as he was leaving. Doyle's phone and wallet were taken. Harold had no fixed address, previously lived on Ratoath Avenue, Finglas, and had 55 prior convictions, including theft, drug possession and public order offences. He pleaded guilty, expressed remorse, and was described by the judge as having seized an opportunity to prey on Doyle. The court imposed the sentence accordingly.
2021-02-24 · Dublin
Milo Stuart, 26, pleaded guilty to criminal damage, assault causing harm and production of an article after breaking into his ex‑girlfriend's Dublin apartment on 6 November 2018. He had psychiatric issues at the time, had refused admission to a psychiatric hospital two days before the incident, and had not contacted the victim since. The court heard that Stuart had no prior convictions and that the victim had worked for a catering company run by Stuart's mother, with whom she had a turbulent relationship. During the incident Stuart broke the victim's door, took her phone, held a knife to her stomach, and forced her into a bathroom where she was injured. Gardaí arrested him after the scene. Judge Martin Nolan, noting Stuart's psychiatric state and guilty plea, ordered 150 hours of community service in lieu of a one‑year prison term.
2021-02-23 · Dublin
Raynessa De Sousa, a 27-year-old Brazilian woman, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to having drugs for sale or supply at Dublin Airport on September 20, 2020. The court accepted that she swallowed 88 pellets of cocaine, weighing 792 grammes with an estimated street value of €55,447, while travelling from Sao Paulo to Dublin. Prosecution evidence indicated that De Sousa was refused entry due to a lack of a visa and subsequently identified the drugs in her stomach. She stated she was promised €1,200 for the transport but claimed she was threatened into ingesting the pellets after attempting to back out. Defence counsel highlighted her lack of prior convictions, her mental health struggles, and the threats faced by her family in Brazil. Judge Martin Nolan acknowledged that De Sousa was desperate for money and accepted that she wanted to withdraw from the scheme but was prevented by threats. The judge noted it was unlikely she would re-offend. De Sousa was jailed for two years.
2020-07-23 · Dublin
In July 2019 a 75‑year‑old man was seriously injured when Dean Quigley, aged 23, twice broke into his apartment. The first incident involved Quigley kicking and hitting the door after being refused entry, then entering the flat, taking a knife, and assaulting the victim. The second assault, in October 2019, saw Quigley punch the man in the head, stomach and back, hold him in a headlock and threaten to kill him if he told anyone. The victim, who remained in fear for five days, was found by his daughter and taken to hospital where he suffered a brain bleed, ligature marks on his neck and severe bruising to his chest. Quigley pleaded guilty to trespassing, criminal damage and assault, was remanded in custody and sentencing was adjourned to October 2020 for a probation report.
2020-07-13 · Dublin
A High Court judge has ordered an inquiry into the detention of a 33-year-old Chilean student held in the Dochas Centre at Mountjoy Prison. Ms Estefany Carolina Alquinta Gonzalez arrived in Dublin on 2 July to begin an English language course at a Dublin school. She was refused entry at the airport on grounds that she posed a threat to the State's fundamental policy interests, and was subsequently placed in solitary confinement. Ms Gonzalez, represented by Rosario Boyle SC and Aoife McMahon BL, denies posing any security or public policy risk. Evidence presented to Mr Justice Charles Meenan indicated she had pre-arrival contact with the Department of Foreign Affairs regarding entry requirements. Ms Gonzalez claims she held all required documentation, including her passport, proof of funds, and accommodation details in County Roscommon. The judge directed the inquiry under Article 40 of the Constitution on Monday and adjourned the matter to Tuesday.
2020-06-25 · Dublin
In a drunken brawl on 24 April 2018, Natalie Mulligan (33), Mark Connolly (25) and Stephen McNamee (25) pleaded guilty to three assault‑causing‑harm charges after a derogatory remark about Mulligan's weight triggered a fight. The incident began when Paul O'Kelly, a graphic designer, was denied entry to a pub in Rathmines. O'Kelly approached Mulligan, who was eating a kebab, and made a comment about her weight. A confrontation ensued, involving members of a local GAA club. The trio then attacked O'Kelly in the car park of Rathmines Garda Station, punching and kicking him while he lay on the ground. CCTV footage showed the assault, leading to the defendants' remorse and acceptance of responsibility. O'Kelly suffered nerve damage to his thumb, required surgery, and has undergone counselling. Sentencing was adjourned to October, with the court awaiting the victim's wishes regarding restitution. The defendants had no prior convictions and expressed genuine remorse. The case remains at the sentencing stage.
2019-06-19 · Ireland
Two High Court actions concerning the Minister for Education's refusal to enrol two young children with complex educational needs in the July Provision Scheme were settled. The children, who attend mainstream primary schools, were denied entry because they did not have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder or a severe or profound general learning disability, the only conditions that qualify for the scheme. The families argued the refusals were irrational, unreasonable and breached the children's rights under the European Convention on Human Rights and the 1998 Education Act. The settlement provides the families with a payment equivalent to the amount normally paid to children who qualify for home‑based July Provision. The payment can be used for tuition at home or another suitable scheme and will continue until the children reach 18 or until the scheme is abolished, at which point they may apply to a new scheme. The agreement also includes an order for costs.
2019-04-04 · Dublin
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 4 April 2019, Keith Curran, 40, pleaded guilty to a one‑punch assault that fractured the skull of a 32‑year‑old male outside The Clock pub on 18 June 2017. The victim, who suffered permanent hearing loss, loss of smell and taste, and ongoing headaches, had been refused entry to the pub due to intoxication. Curran, who had no prior convictions, was sentenced to 240 hours of community service instead of a three‑year jail term. Judge Melanie Greally noted the assault occurred after a verbal disagreement fueled by alcohol, and that the victim had known Curran's family. She credited Curran's guilty plea, cooperation and remorse, and ordered the community service to be completed within 12 months.
2018-10-11 · Dublin
In a murder trial, Anthony Walsh, 31, admitted killing Dermot Byrne, 54, on 16 July 2017 in Swords, Co Dublin. Walsh pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to theft of Byrne's bank card, keys and lighter. Byrne had spent the evening at St Colmcille's GAA club, Estuary Bar, a bookmaker, and Harp Bar, where he was refused entry. At 2.10 am, outside the Harp Bar, Byrne attempted to pull a cigarette from Walsh's mouth; a brief altercation followed. Byrne was later found at 2.50 am, stripped of clothes and surrounded by blood. A pathologist recorded over 100 injuries, including facial fractures, rib fractures and bruising, and declared death from traumatic brain injury, intoxication and blood inhalation. Walsh's defence acknowledged unlawful killing and removal of Byrne's property. The trial continues before Justice Eileen Creedon.
2017-07-14 · Dublin
Alan Foley, a 46‑year‑old bouncer at Colossus Casino in Dublin, was convicted of assault causing harm after he kicked Robert O'Donnell, a casino member, during a verbal altercation. CCTV showed Foley flicking his leg at O'Donnell, who had been denied entry for his friends. Foley pleaded guilty to the assault on 16 December 2015. The judge, Karen O'Connor, deemed the offence a reckless act and imposed a one‑year sentence, which was suspended in full. Foley was ordered to pay €3,000 to O'Donnell, who suffered a ruptured left testicle and was hospitalized for pain but later recovered. Foley, who has no prior convictions and 20 years of security experience, expressed remorse and accepted the apology and payment as a token of contrition. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
2017-04-28 · Limerick
During a trial for the murder of 26‑year‑old Shane Murphy, Dylan Hayes (22) and Ger Hogan (33) pleaded not guilty. The case centers on an argument that occurred moments before the fatal stabbing at The Grove, Pallasgreen, on 30 April 2015. Sharon Kelly, who had been dating the victim for three months, testified that a group was drinking at her home that night and that she had refused entry to Hayes, calling him "out of his head." She claimed Hayes believed a previous night's alleged rape attempt on her girlfriend, Jodie Byrnes, and that she herself had called Hayes a "junkie," an insult she said had inflamed him. Kelly also alleged that she saw Hogan and Hayes stab Murphy repeatedly with a knife and a screwdriver, a claim Hogan's counsel disputed, insisting his client was punching. The trial continues before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of five women and seven men.
2017-02-03 · Limerick
During the second day of the 57‑year‑old Arnis Labunskis's trial, witness Igars Makulens testified that the accused told him he needed to get rid of the body after a morning visit to the flat where 39‑year‑old Dainius Burba was murdered on 21 or 22 April 2015. Makulens said the accused's daughter had called him early that morning, asking him to check on her father's home. He knocked on Labunskis's door, was denied entry until he claimed the daughter had sent him, and then was told the man was upstairs and dead. Labunskis allegedly said he had hit Burba, had a mobile phone and passport in his hands, and told Makulens to hide them and get rid of the body. The witness was cross‑examined by Michael Bowman SC, who questioned whether Labunskis had suggested the body be taken to the woods or that the police be called. Labunskis has pleaded not guilty.
2017-02-01 · Dublin
The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court adjourned the trial of George Cristo, 43, of Blanchardstown, after a Pakistani witness living in the United States expressed concern that he might be denied entry to Ireland if he travelled there to give evidence. The witness, who works in America, is not currently on the list of countries whose residents are banned from entering the United States under President Donald Trump's executive order, but he fears the order could be expanded. Judge Melanie Greally agreed to postpone the case, and Cristo will appear again on February 15 to receive an update on the situation.
2016-10-10 · Dublin
Mark Carlyle, 27, of Derry Park, Crumlin, Dublin 12, pleaded guilty to violent disorder outside a Harcourt Street nightclub on 23 September 2014 after being refused entry. He was sentenced by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to five years' imprisonment, with the final 18 months suspended, on 15 December 2015. Carlyle's appeal against the severity of the sentence was dismissed by the Court of Appeal on 10 October 2016. Mr Justice Alan Mahon, sitting with Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan and Mr Justice John Edwards, upheld the sentence as a "substantial sentence" justified by the circumstances. The Court noted that Carlyle had initiated a violent altercation with security staff, pulling one member away from colleagues and punching him eight or nine times, and had thrown a security barrier in a crowded area.
2016-04-08 · Dublin
Paul Rice, 25, of Tallaght, was jailed for two years after taking part in a violent assault on a bouncer at Copper Face Jacks nightclub on 23 September 2014. He pleaded guilty to violent disorder. The incident began when a group of six men, including Rice, were refused entry to the club. They returned with four other men and, after being denied entry again, Rice and another man dragged a bouncer across the street and punched him 17 times, delivering nine punches. The bouncer suffered a cut ear and facial bruising. Rice was identified on CCTV footage and arrested. He had 11 prior convictions, including public order offences. The judge, Terence O'Sullivan, noted the attack was pre‑meditated and extremely violent, and sentenced Rice to three years' imprisonment with the final year suspended. The sentence effectively amounts to a two‑year custodial term.
2016-03-16 · Dublin
Niall McGlynn, a 30‑year‑old Trinity Law School graduate, was sentenced to two years in prison with the final six months suspended. He pleaded guilty to two counts of assault and one count of assault causing harm for attacking a bouncer at the Czech Inn in Temple Bar after being denied entry, and for punching Garda Brian Cleary in the mouth at North King Street. He also pleaded guilty to robbery at Paddy Power in Swords. The judge credited him for three months already spent in custody and suspended the last six months of the sentence. McGlynn was described as very drunk during the nightclub incident, and the court noted his serious gambling addiction. He had not practised law after graduating from Trinity College. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
2015-11-11 · Dublin
The High Court has opened an inquiry into the legality of the detention of professional boxer Jamie Kavanagh, who is charged with violent disorder following his father's funeral in Dublin last year. The alleged incident occurred outside a Hotel at Harcourt Street in Dublin city‑centre on 23 September 2014 when it is alleged door staff at a hotel allegedly refused entry to a group of people including Mr Kavanagh. The 25‑year‑old lightweight, from Mourne Road, Drimnagh, in Dublin but who is now living in London, had been in Ireland for a fight that took place last Saturday. He was arrested at Dublin Airport on Monday evening before he was due to return to London. Mr Kavanagh appeared before Dublin District Court on Tuesday. He was refused bail by Judge Michael Walsh.
2015-10-12 · Dublin
Four women who say they were forced to work without pay in a Magdalene Laundry have taken High Court action to overturn decisions that excluded them from the State's Magdalene Laundry Scheme, a compensation programme set up in 2013. The court heard that the women were admitted to An Grianan Institution, a separate facility on the same convent grounds, rather than to the St Mary's Refuge Magdalene Laundry. They argue that, while residents at An Grianan, they performed unpaid labour at the laundry each weekday and received little education, which harmed their lives. The women claim the exclusions are unreasonable, irrational and violate their constitutional rights to justice and fair procedures. Their applications were allowed to proceed, with a hearing scheduled for early December.
2015-04-13 · Dublin
Stephen Nangle, 31, of Maple House, North Circular Road, Dublin, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after an incident on 30 March 2013 at Forestwood Avenue, Ballymun. He had come to see his two‑year‑old son but was refused entry by the mother, Sarah Jane McSherry, who was at home with her son and her mother. Nangle attempted to force the door open, pushed Ms McSherry against a wall, kicked her, followed her into the apartment, banged her against furniture and pulled her hair. A neighbour intervened and warned him that the Gardaí were on their way. A Garda who arrived noted clumps of hair pulled from Ms McSherry's head. Nangle disputed her account, claiming self‑defence, but accepted his guilt. Judge Mary Ellen Ring sentenced him to two years and six months in prison, with the last 12 months suspended, and ordered that he stay away from Ms McSherry for three years after release.
2015-03-05 · Dublin
Barry Nolan, 40, was jailed for four months after he broke into Michael Maguire's house at 2.30am, punched him, and repeatedly threatened to kill him. Nolan had earlier visited the house that evening and was denied entry. He punched Maguire in the face, neck and head, kicked him in the ribs and head, and shouted "I am going to kill you." Maguire, who was injured and feared for his life, called 999 and later reported the assault. Nolan pleaded guilty to burglary, making threats to kill or cause serious harm and assault causing harm. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced him to two and a half years, suspending all but four months on strict conditions. Nolan has a history of alcohol misuse and has since sought psychotherapy. He paid €3,500 to help repair Maguire's front door. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
2015-02-24 · Tipperary
In 2015 the Supreme Court dismissed an appeal by Mrs. Mary Stokes, mother of John Stokes, who had been refused admission to CBS High School, Clonmel. The school's policy gave preference to children of former pupils, Catholics, and those who had attended a local feeder school. John met the latter two criteria but not the first, as his father had not attended the school. After a lottery he was not admitted and attended another school. Mrs. Stokes argued the policy discriminated against Traveller children. The Equality Tribunal found the rule disproportionately affected Travellers and ordered the school to offer John a place and review its policy. The school appealed to the Circuit Court, which set aside the Tribunal's order, and the case progressed through the High Court, where the decision was upheld. The Supreme Court held that there was insufficient evidence to show the rule caused a particular disadvantage to Travellers and therefore dismissed the appeal.
2014-11-25 · Laois
Ming Liu, a Chinese national serving a four‑year sentence for a drugs offence at Portlaoise Prison, has taken his case to the High Court after his solicitor, Ms Eileen McCabe, was repeatedly denied entry to the prison because she set off the metal detector. Ms McCabe had travelled to Portlaoise to meet Liu to discuss whether he could qualify for remission of his sentence. Prior to the meeting she passed through the detector multiple times, each time the alarm triggered, despite her having no metal objects. Security staff informed her she could not enter, citing a strict policy that prohibits anyone who triggers the detector from entering the prison. Ms McCabe offered to undergo a body search or use a handheld detector, but was told the policy could not be altered.
2014-10-16 · Dublin
In October 2014 a Laois man, Conor Moonen, aged 20, was ordered to pay €9,000 to Paul McNevin, a doorman at the Academy nightclub on Abbey Street, Dublin. Moonen, a DCU student at the time, and his group were denied entry to the nightclub. After being told to wait in the back of the queue, they were again denied entry. Moonen struck the doorman, fracturing a facial bone and dislocating an eye socket. McNevin later said he was lucky to avoid more serious injuries and that the assault forced him to give up door work, costing him €10,000. Moonen pleaded guilty to assault causing harm at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 20 January 2013. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a two‑year suspended sentence, with the condition that Moonen pay the compensation, and declined a jail term due to his lack of prior convictions.
2014-01-21 · Dublin
Liam Kinahan, 30, an engineering student from Dromiskin Cross, Co. Louth, was convicted and fined at Swords District Court for causing €2,000 worth of damage to his ex‑girlfriend's 2012 Volkswagen Golf. On 5 January, outside The Gallery Apartments in Donabate, Kinahan called to his ex‑girlfriend's apartment, was refused entry, shouted, and then kicked the car, damaging both wing mirrors, denting a door and the car booth. He admitted the damage, paid €2,000 to cover the costs, and pleaded guilty. Sergeant Bob Kavanagh gave evidence of the arrest, charge and caution. The ex‑girlfriend had asked the Gardaí to withdraw the charges. Kinahan, with no prior convictions, apologized, citing drunkenness and anger. Judge Dermot Dempsey fined him €200, noting the conviction could affect his travel rights and offering a charitable donation alternative, which Kinahan declined.