Ibrahim Ahmed Gharib, an Egyptian national, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for raping a woman in Dublin just a year after his release from a previous 10-year sentence for a similar crime. The Central Criminal Court heard that Gharib, who had a prior conviction for rape, was found guilty of raping Christina Foley in a builders' shed on Poolbeg Street. During the trial, the victim described the incident, stating that she did not consent to the attack and was in a distressed state when she tried to report it to the Garda Station. Mr Justice Sean Gillane noted the severity of the crime and the victim's impact statement, which highlighted the victim's despair and exacerbated anxiety. Gharib, who claimed the victim was a liar, was placed on the sex offenders' register and had his sentence backdated. The court also heard that the victim had been consuming drugs and was homeless at the time of the attack. The judge reduced the headline sentence from 12 years to 11 years, considering Gharib's isolation and lack of prior violent offenses.
Barry Wheeler, a 49-year-old rickshaw operator formerly of Cabra Drive, Dublin 7, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court for the anal and oral rape of a teenage boy. Wheeler pleaded guilty to these charges, which occurred between August and October 2001 when the victim was aged 14 to 15 and working for Wheeler's business. Mr Justice Tony Hunt noted that Wheeler abused a position of trust and authority, causing profound and lasting effects on the complainant's adult life. Although the court set a headline sentence of 12 years, it reduced this to nine years in mitigation for Wheeler's guilty pleas and cooperation with the investigation. The judge suspended the final year of the sentence on strict conditions, specifically requiring that Wheeler have no contact with the injured party. During sentencing, defense counsel Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha SC highlighted Wheeler's background and stated that if any part of the sentence was suspended, Wheeler intended to return to the United Kingdom, where he has recently resided. The court commended the injured party's fortitude in reporting the abuse, noting that the conclusion of the case would allow the victim to move forward. Wheeler had previously denied involvement to gardai, claiming the allegations were born of malice, but his guilty plea at trial resolved the matter.
A man in his 20s who threatened to throw acid in his wife's face, called her a 'fat bitch,' and punched her in the stomach while she was pregnant has been jailed for three and a half years for sexual assault and coercive control. The Central Criminal Court heard that the man had a history of abusive behavior, including kicking and punching his wife before they married. During their marriage, he continued to use derogatory language and physically abused her, even threatening her life. The woman described the emotional and psychological toll of the abuse, including feelings of betrayal and the lasting emotional scars. The man was found guilty of one count of sexual assault and coercive control. The judge noted the severity of the abuse and the impact on the victim's life, but also considered the man's early guilty plea and cooperation with the gardai. The sentence was backdated to April 23 of this year.
A 51-year-old man from Offaly has been jailed for 11 years for sexually assaulting a five-year-old girl over a 12-month period. The abuse occurred while the girl and her family were living with her grandparents. The girl disclosed the abuse to her mother when she was eight, and the man was later convicted of 12 counts of oral rape. The court heard that the man had an intellectual disability due to a traumatic brain injury sustained in childhood, but the judge ruled that this did not affect his culpability. The victim's parents expressed their support for their daughter and emphasized that the abuse was not her fault. The judge noted the breach of trust, the girl's age, and the prolonged nature of the abuse as aggravating factors. The man was sentenced to 11 years, with five years of post-release supervision. The judge expressed hope that the girl would be able to move forward with the support of her family.
A 47-year-old man has been jailed for 15 years and six months for drugging his daughter and her friends during sleepovers and recording himself raping one of the girls. The man pleaded guilty to multiple counts of rape, sexual assault, child cruelty, and possession of child pornography. The court heard that the man invited his daughter's friend on a sleepover, drugged her with sleeping pills and muscle relaxants, and then raped her in the woods. The man's phone was seized by gardaí, revealing encrypted footage of the rape and child abuse images. The victims, including the man's daughters and their friends, made victim impact statements detailing the severe emotional and psychological trauma they experienced. The judge noted the breach of trust and the deliberate recording of the abuse as aggravating factors. The man expressed remorse and the judge considered his guilty plea and lack of prior convictions as mitigating factors. The sentence was reduced from a headline of 17 years due to the man's cooperation and remorse.
At the Central Criminal Court, an unnamed 45-year-old man was sentenced for the rape and sexual assault of his young daughter. The defendant pleaded guilty to four charges of rape and eight charges of sexual assault, which the State accepted as sample charges representative of a pattern of abuse occurring in their County Wexford home between January 2022 and June 2024. Mr Justice Paul McDermott imposed a headline sentence of 17 years for each rape count and 10 years for each sexual assault count. In mitigation, the judge noted the defendant's early accountability, lack of previous convictions, and good work history. He was sentenced to 13 years for the rapes and seven years and six months for the sexual assaults, all to run concurrently. The final 12 months of the sentence were suspended for three years, placing the defendant under Probation Service supervision to follow all necessary directions and treatments. The judge ordered no direct or indirect contact with the victim, including via social media, unless written permission is granted by the victim's mother until the victim turns 18, or by the victim herself thereafter. The defendant is also prohibited from unsupervised access to anyone under 18 and placed under post-release supervision for eight years. The court heard victim impact statements from the daughter and her mother, who described the abuse as a profound betrayal.
A 55-year-old man who raped and sexually abused his stepdaughter from the age of six has been denied permission to withdraw his guilty pleas and has been sentenced to 12 years and nine months in prison. The man pleaded guilty to two counts of rape, one of attempted rape, and seven counts of sexual assault between 2007 and 2013 in Co Wexford. He initially entered his pleas during the first day of his Central Criminal Court trial in October of last year but later sought to resile from them, an application that was refused. The victim, who was aged between six and 12 at the time of the abuse, has been protected by not naming the defendant. The court heard that the man was in a relationship with the girl's mother and was her de facto stepfather. The abuse included acts such as masturbation, dry humping, and oral sex, and the man would buy the girl toys and sweets as gifts. The abuse stopped for a time before resuming in 2010.
The High Court has granted permission for the publication in a national newspaper of the names of over 300 former Christian Brothers who are now co-defendants in a civil abuse claim. These individuals are not accused of abuse but are being named in the hope that they will come forward. The case was heard by Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty, who granted the motion brought by the plaintiff's legal team. The plaintiff was abused by Christian Brother Liam Coughlan in the 1970s while attending school in Co Kilkenny. Coughlan received two jail terms in 2023 for indecent assault. The court has previously criticized David Gibson, the current head of the Christian Brothers, for an obstructive approach towards civil lawsuits. As an unincorporated association, the Christian Brothers cannot be sued unless a nominee is provided. Gibson has refused to act as a nominee, forcing litigants to take legal action against individual members. The case is being brought by a male survivor of abuse against Coughlan and Gibson. The names of 341 individuals will be published in the Irish Independent.
An unnamed boy, aged 15 at the time of the offence, pleaded guilty to a count of defilement at a home in April 2025. He was originally charged with rape and sexual assault. The Central Criminal Court heard that the boy defiled a 16-year-old girl while she was intoxicated and unwell at a house party. Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo sentenced the now 16-year-old defendant to a period of detention of one year and six months. The judge noted that while all sexual offences are crimes of violence, this incident did not involve gratuitous violence beyond the act itself. A headline sentence of five years for an adult was reduced to two years and three months to account for the boy's youth and immaturity. After considering his personal circumstances, guilty plea, and mitigating factors, the judge determined that a fully non-custodial sentence was not appropriate. Mr Justice Naidoo adjourned the imposition of sentence until October, when the final six months of the 18-month period of detention will be suspended on strict conditions, including that the boy engage with the Probation Service.
A now-21-year-old man who orally raped, sexually assaulted and attempted to rape a girl when they were both 17 has had his conviction upheld by the Court of Appeal. The man had argued that his conviction was unsafe because the victim did not convey to him that she was not consenting. His barristers submitted that because the girl said she would not have sex as the man did not have a condom, this suggested that if he did have one, she may have had sex. The Court of Appeal has upheld the conviction, finding that the trial judge had adequately charged the jury on the issue of consent. In dismissing the appeal, Mr Justice Anthony M Collins said the judge gave "clear and detailed" directions to assist the jury in its assessment of the facts relevant to the appellant's mens rea as well as regards consent and the defence of honest belief. The offences took place in January 2022, when both the man and the victim were 17.
The Court of Appeal has ruled that a six-month prison sentence for Ben Lawlor for the defilement of a 12-year-old girl was appropriate, as the victim factually, albeit not legally, consented and the defendant genuinely believed she was 16. However, the court found that a 14-month sentence was more suitable for a subsequent sexual assault charge, as Lawlor knew the girl was 14 at the time. The appeal court suspended the unserved portion of this sentence. The victim had reported missing in 2023 and was found at Heuston Station. Lawlor had met the girl on a dating app and had sexual contact with her. He later contacted her via social media and met her again, where they engaged in kissing and touching. Lawlor was sentenced to six months for defilement and 12 months suspended for sexual assault. The DPP appealed, arguing the sentences were too lenient. The court acknowledged the victim's harm but noted the defendant's genuine belief in the girl's age and his vulnerabilities. The unnamed 21-year-old pleaded guilty.
Two High Court judges have criticized solicitors for withdrawing their services from cases involving child complainants and serious historic sexual offending, leading to adjournments. Mr Justice Tony Hunt described the situation as 'intolerable,' noting that solicitors were not instructing barristers in several sexual assault cases. This included the sentencing of a Meath defendant for the sexual abuse of a 12-year-old in the 1990s. The court heard that the solicitor had withdrawn services despite the complainant being in counseling. Mr Justice Paul McDermott emphasized that lawyers cannot withdraw from cases on the cusp of finalization and adjourned the sentencing hearing to Friday. The judges expressed frustration over the impact of the withdrawals on the justice process, with Mr Justice Hunt noting that the DPP had been informed of the 'industrial action' affecting the cases. The court highlighted the need for legal advisors to be present and for cases to be concluded, even in the face of such challenges. The unnamed 12-year-old pleaded guilty.
Tom Hassett, a retired post office manager, has been jailed for eight years for the rape and sexual abuse of a girl in the 1980s. Hassett was convicted of two counts of rape and five counts of indecent assault following a trial. The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, described the lasting impact of the abuse on her life, including her relationships, mental health, and confidence. She stated that the abuse had shaped her experiences and that she had carried the burden of the secret for many years. The judge, Mr Justice David Keane, noted the high breach of trust involved in the case and the significant harm caused to the victim. He imposed a headline sentence of 12 years for the rapes but reduced it to eight years, taking into account Hassett's age, health, and otherwise good character. The victim expressed gratitude for the verdict, stating that it confirmed the wrongfulness of the acts and that she was finally heard. Hassett denied the charges and was represented by Vincent Heneghan SC, who highlighted his work history and family life.
The Court of Appeal has upheld the conviction of Kielan Mooney for the repeated rape of a fellow soldier at a Dublin hotel in 2021. Mooney was sentenced to eight and a half years in prison. He had appealed his conviction, arguing that a recording of the victim's distressed 999 call should not have been admitted at trial. The court rejected this argument, stating that the call was relevant and probative evidence. The victim, a serving soldier, had indicated she did not wish to be identified. The trial heard that Mooney had anal and oral raped the woman, and that she had to call for help after the incident. The court noted that the victim's distress was a matter before the jury, and that the reason for her distress was relevant to the case. The appeal was dismissed, and the conviction was upheld. The court emphasized that the probative value of the evidence outweighed its prejudicial effect. Kielan Mooney pleaded not guilty.
A trainee pilot, Chris Brady, was jailed for six years after being convicted of raping a sleeping college student during a night out in Dublin. The victim described the incident as an 'ordinary night out' that turned into a traumatic experience, affecting her studies and mental health. Brady claimed the encounter was consensual, but the court found that the victim was asleep when the rape occurred. The victim's impact statement highlighted the profound emotional and psychological impact of the crime, including the feeling of being exposed and humiliated during the trial. Brady's defense argued that his character, including his involvement in charity and sports, should be considered, but the court emphasized the severity of the crime. The judge noted the 'intrinsically higher level' of the sexual violation of a sleeping person and the 'profound' impact on the victim. Chris Brady pleaded guilty.
Maurice Boland, convicted of murdering Cian Gallagher (26) in Tallow, Co Waterford, is appealing his life sentence imposed by Ms Justice Eileen Creedon in December 2024. Boland, who pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, was found guilty following two Central Criminal Court trials. His counsel, Michael Bowman, argued before the Court of Appeal that the trial judge erred in admitting evidence of Boland bragging he punched the victim "like Conor McGregor." Bowman contended that McGregor's name carried "toxic masculinity" baggage due to concurrent civil proceedings where he was found liable for rape, potentially biasing the jury. The State, represented by Bernard Condon SC, countered that the evidence was "eminently admissible" to demonstrate Boland's intent to cause serious harm and his aggressive state of mind. The court also considered challenges to evidence of Boland's threatening behavior earlier that night. The Court of Appeal, comprising Mr Justice John Edwards, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, and Ms Justice Tara Burns, viewed CCTV footage and heard submissions. The matter was adjourned, with the court reserving judgment to be delivered at a later date.
Two Westmeath brothers who sexually assaulted teenage girls in the mid-nineties have now been identified for the first time. John Owens (72) was jailed for eight years after pleading guilty to nine counts of sexual assault against three teenage girls. His brother, Martin Owens (66), was also found guilty of sexually assaulting two of the victims. The victims, aged 14 to 17, were babysitting for Owens' children. During the trial, it was revealed that Owens groomed the victims and used alcohol to manipulate them. Martin Owens was sentenced to five years and six months, with the final six months suspended. The victims described the lasting trauma and emotional impact of the abuse. John Owens was sentenced to eight years, with a total headline sentence of 15 years reduced due to guilty pleas. The victims expressed relief in finally having their abusers identified and acknowledged their suffering.
A man who sexually abused and attempted to rape the 12-year-old daughter of his deceased friend has been jailed for nine years. The accused, who cannot be named to protect the victim's identity, was convicted of attempted rape, sexual assault, and sexual exploitation. The abuse occurred between January 2021 and September 2021. The victim's mother became friends with the accused after her husband's death. The court heard that the accused made the girl sit on his lap and asked her to kiss him and for sex. He also forced her to touch him and attempted to rape her on her birthday. The accused denied the allegations and claimed the girl was "ill in the head". The judge noted the age gap as an aggravating factor and the vulnerable nature of the victim. The accused has previous convictions and struggles with alcohol. The sentence was reduced from 11 years to nine years, taking into account mitigating factors. The unnamed 51-year-old was acquitted.
A man who was 18 when he raped a 15-year-old girl during a birthday party has been jailed for seven years. Patrick Faulkner (24) was convicted of rape after a trial in Limerick. The victim, who wished to waive her anonymity, told the court that Faulkner told her to get the morning after pill after the attack. The victim was at the party with friends and had consumed alcohol. Faulkner followed her upstairs and raped her despite her repeated protests. The victim later told a friend she had been raped and sent a message to a Snapchat group. Faulkner denied the charge, claiming the girl consented. He has previous convictions for harassment and public order offences. The judge noted the victim's mental trauma and the lack of mitigation due to Faulkner's denial. The sentence was reduced from eight and a half years to seven and a half years, taking into account his cooperation with the investigation and his young age at the time of the offence.
A man who raped his partner's 16-year-old sister and asked why the victim hadn't screamed has been jailed for six years. The 24-year-old Carlow man was convicted of the rape and sexual assault of the teenager at his home in August 2023. The victim described the emotional impact of the attack, including self-harm and feelings of disgust towards her body. The judge noted the age disparity and breach of trust as aggravating factors. The accused denied the allegations and did not express remorse, which limited mitigation. The sentence was suspended for six months, with conditions including good behaviour and engagement with the Probation Service. The victim expressed hope for healing with the support of her family and friends. The accused has a diagnosis of autism and ADHD and has no previous convictions.
A 52-year-old man who repeatedly raped his wife by inserting various objects into her while she was unconscious has argued that a video showing what he says is consensual sexual behaviour during a "date night" should be submitted in support of a conviction appeal. The man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the injured party, was convicted by a jury at the Central Criminal Court in December 2023 of 11 counts of raping his wife between 2006 to 2014. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison with the final year suspended. His legal team submitted that a video found on a laptop he purchased after his other devices had been seized by the gardaí during the investigation in 2019 showed the complainant on all fours in her underwear while the appellant was filming her buttocks. The defence argued that the video could have made a material difference to the defence, as the complainant had given evidence that photos and videos were not a normal part of their sex life.
A naturalised asylum seeker has been jailed for one year after being found in possession of child sexual abuse material, which he distributed on WhatsApp. The defendant, who cannot be named, pleaded guilty to possessing and distributing the material between September 2021 and May 2022. His lawyers argued that his background as a victim of extreme sexual violence and attempted murder in his home country affected his reaction to the material. The court heard that the material included Category 1 child pornography and was distributed to 12 recipients. The defendant's defence highlighted his mental health issues and the need for professional counselling. Despite the mitigating factors, the judge imposed a three-year sentence, suspending the final two years for two years. The court noted that the defendant had no previous convictions in Ireland and that he expressed remorse for his actions. The judge ruled that there was no need for a probation supervision order following the man's release from prison.
A judge has spoken out against the toxic masculinity of social media influencers after sentencing a young man to six years in prison for raping a 14-year-old girl. The defendant, who is now 21, pleaded guilty to raping the girl at a house party in Co Clare in July 2024. The victim, who is now 16, was intoxicated and vulnerable when the defendant lured her into a bathroom and raped her. The judge, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, noted that the defendant's actions had a significant impact on the victim's life and warned against the influence of online pornography and toxic masculinity on young men. The judge reduced the initial sentence of 10 years to seven and a half years, taking into account the defendant's guilty plea and expressions of remorse. The sentence was suspended for 18 months, with conditions including no contact with the victim in perpetuity and a ban on sexual offences for 20 years.
A north African doctor has been jailed for 10 years for the rape, coercive control, and assault of his wife over a three-year period. The 46-year-old man pleaded guilty to charges of assault causing harm but denied two charges of rape and one of coercive control. He was convicted of these charges following a trial at the Central Criminal Court in Sligo. The couple met in north Africa and married in 2010, later having three children. They moved to Ireland in 2017, where the woman did not qualify to work as a doctor and stayed at home. The man worked in various regional hospitals, and the family moved frequently according to his work. The woman testified that her husband used abusive language, isolated her, and imposed financial control. She experienced anxiety and panic attacks due to his behavior. The rape counts relate to two incidents between 2018 and 2019, including one during Ramadan. The court also heard about multiple assaults, including one where the man used a laptop to beat her.
Former Olympic swimming coach George Gibney has accepted the verdicts of the jury who found him guilty of sexually abusing young girls 50 years ago and will not appeal his convictions, his lawyers have said. Gibney, 78, was found guilty of 39 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape of four young swimmers between 1971 and 1981. He was extradited from the United States last year to face the historic allegations. One victim told the court how she had to witness Gibney being "feted and lauded" and "hero-worshipped" by the Irish establishment. The abuse took place at various locations, including Glenalbyn swimming pool and Trojans swim club. The abuse took the form of kissing, inappropriate touching, digital penetration, and forced oral sex.
A convicted sex offender who violently raped his niece and abused her sister has had his 15-year sentence upheld by the Court of Appeal. The man, who cannot be named to protect the victims, pleaded guilty to rape and sexual assault charges. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison with 15 months suspended by Ms Justice Karen O'Connor. The sentence was to be served after a six-year term for offenses against the complainant's younger sister. The man had a previous conviction for sexual assault in 2000. His barristers appealed the sentence, arguing it was too harsh and that more of the term should have been suspended. The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal, stating the judge acted within his discretion. The court noted the seriousness of the offenses, including the brutality of the attack on a young girl. The judge considered the defendant's personal circumstances, including his separation from his wife and the care of a disabled child. The court ruled that the original sentence was appropriate and upheld the 15-year term.
Tracey Jessop, a victim of marital rape, described how she had to defend her reputation against false allegations made by her former husband, Joseph Jessop, during a sentencing hearing. Jessop was jailed for 10 years after being convicted of rape and assault. The court heard that Jessop had a history of violence, including punching and headbutting his wife, and raping her on multiple occasions. Jessop initially claimed that someone else had carried out the assault and later denied the charges, claiming consensual sex. Jessop made false allegations to Tusla and the gardaí, which caused Ms Jessop to live in fear of not being believed. In her victim impact statement, Ms Jessop described the emotional toll of the attacks and the stress of defending herself against false allegations. The judge noted that Jessop used demeaning language and belittled Ms Jessop throughout the trial. He sentenced Jessop to 10 years, reducing the headline sentence of 11 and a half years due to mitigating factors.
The Court of Appeal has dismissed the appeal by Patrick Killally, a 49-year-old man from Edenderry, Co Offaly, who was convicted of sexually abusing two young boys. Killally's legal team argued that evidence regarding a third child, whom a witness described as being confronted by the appellant, was more prejudicial than probative and should have been excluded. However, Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy ruled that the trial judge was correct to admit the evidence, finding it highly probative and relevant to the factual matrix, particularly as it contradicted Killally's claim that he was never alone with the complainants. The court noted that while the evidence was prejudicial, its probative value outweighed that effect. Killally had previously been convicted by a Central Criminal Court jury of three counts of sexual assault against one boy aged six to nine between 1992 and 1996, and 40 counts of sexual assault, attempted anal rape, oral rape, and anal rape against another boy aged 12 to 14 between 2005 and 2007. He does not accept the verdicts. At sentencing, Mr Justice Paul Burns imposed an 11-year prison term, citing the breach of trust and the protracted nature of the abuse. The appeal was rejected, leaving the conviction and sentence intact.
Graham Carey, a truck driver, will be sentenced for incitement to hatred after a livestream in which he referred to refugees as 'rape-ugees' and threatened to throw their 'bleeding corpses into the sea'. The incident followed a local allegation of sexual assault, which was later found to involve a local man. Carey's livestream led to anti-migrant protests and was recorded and shared online. He was found guilty of incitement to hatred and distribution of a recording likely to stir up hatred. During the trial, Carey claimed the alleged assault was set up to target him and that he was a 'political prisoner'. The prosecution highlighted the serious nature of his remarks and the impact on the community. Carey has previous convictions for driving offenses and threatening behavior. The unnamed woman pleaded not guilty.
The Court of Appeal has dismissed the conviction appeal of Paul Kelly, a 47-year-old man from Killarney, Co. Kerry, who was convicted of sexually abusing his younger brother. Kelly, who denied all charges, was found guilty in November 2024 of 12 counts of sexual assault, two counts of oral rape, and 12 counts of anal rape committed between 1995 and 1999. He was sentenced to seven and a half years' imprisonment by Ms Justice Melanie Greally. The appellant's counsel argued that evidence from a witness, who stated the complainant said, "Paul has been raping me for years," should have been excluded or required a corroboration warning because the present perfect continuous tense implied ongoing abuse, despite the abuse ending seven years prior. Mr Justice Charles Meenan rejected this argument, stating that people making statements may not prioritize correct grammar. The court found no material inconsistencies in the evidence and ruled that the trial judge's decision not to issue a corroboration warning was reasonable. The appeal was dismissed, upholding the original conviction and sentence.
The Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal against sentence by three unnamed appellants, upholding their convictions for gang rape. The court ruled that the sentences imposed by Mr Justice David Keane were not excessive and, given the circumstances, were lenient. The appellants, two of whom were 17 and one 18 at the time of the January 2016 offence, lured a vulnerable teenager to a beach in Dublin where they took turns raping her before abandoning her in an isolated location. Following a second trial in March 2022, the jury convicted all three of rape after the first trial resulted in a hung jury. The sentencing judge identified a notional adult headline sentence of 15 years but reduced it to ten years, accounting for the youth of two appellants and the mild intellectual disability of the third. Appellant A was sentenced to nine years, Appellant B to nine and a half years, and Appellant C to ten years. Senior counsel for the appellants argued the sentences were too high given their youth and mitigating factors, while the DPP urged the court to refuse the appeal, highlighting the significant planning and targeting of the victim. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, delivering the judgment, stated that gang rape falls into the highest category of offending where youth does not diminish moral culpability. He affirmed that the refusal to reduce the headline sentence was not open to criticism and that the sentences must be considered lenient. The court also ordered that the appellants remain anonymised in reporting due to their ages at the time of the offence.
The High Court will decide whether to allow the media to publish the names of 340 former Christian Brothers in an effort to encourage survivors of abuse to come forward. The case was brought by a male survivor who was abused by Brother Liam Coughlan in the 1970s. Coughlan was previously jailed for 49 counts of indecent assault. The court heard that the current head of the Christian Brothers, David Gibson, has refused to act as a nominee for the congregation, making it difficult for litigants to bring legal action against the order. The plaintiff is seeking an order to compel the release of information that would help locate former members of the order. The court ordered Brother Gibson to use his powers to gather contact details for former members and adjourned the matter for a sub-service application for newspaper advertisements.
Patrick Maughan, a 27-year-old with a history of violent crimes including rape and sexual assault, was sentenced to an additional two years in custody for stealing a mobile phone during a robbery in Terenure. The victim, a 64-year-old care assistant, was attacked by Maughan and his accomplice, who later fled the scene. The phone was later recovered from Maughan, who was found in a critical condition at the police station. The court considered the severity of the attack, the impact on the victim, and Maughan's extensive criminal record. The judge noted that the sentence would run consecutive to Maughan's existing 13-year sentence. The victim described the lasting physical and emotional effects of the assault, including ongoing pain and a diminished sense of security. Patrick Maughan pleaded guilty.
Ibrahim Ahmed Gharib, a violent rapist who was released from a 10-year sentence in 2024, raped another woman just a year later. Gharib was found guilty of raping and sexually assaulting Christina Foley in a builders' shed in Dublin. The victim was arrested while trying to report the incident at a garda station and later suffered from anxiety and trauma. Gharib had previously been jailed for 10 years in 2018 for raping a student. The court heard that Gharib had a history of criminal behaviour and was released in January 2024. The victim, who waived her anonymity, expressed the impact of the crime on her life and thanked the gardaí and legal team for their support. Gharib's defence argued that he did not accept the verdict but acknowledged the victim's vindication. The court will sentence Gharib later this month.
A 48-year-old man from Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, has been jailed for 11-and-a-half years for the rape of a 16-year-old girl. Richard Murphy was found guilty of rape and oral rape in October 2022 after a trial in Waterford. The victim was in a consensual relationship with Murphy's son when they were in the garden of a house. Murphy arrived and asked the girl for her parents' details, which she fabricated. He then orally and vaginally raped her before telling her not to tell anyone. The victim later informed her friends, who helped her report the crime. Murphy was on bail at the time for other sexual offences involving young girls. The judge described him as a danger to young girls and noted the aggravating factor of his being on bail. The victim's impact statement highlighted the lasting trauma she experienced. The judge imposed a consecutive sentence of 11 years and six months to Murphy's current sentence. The court also extended legal aid in the event of an appeal.
An Algerian national, Mohamed Hallam, has been jailed for six years for a violent predatory sexual attack on a young woman in Donegal. Hallam, who moved to Ireland in 2023, was convicted of sexual assault, assault causing harm, and non-fatal strangulation. The victim, who was heavily intoxicated, was attacked in a dark alleyway after meeting Hallam in a nightclub. She described being choked, pinned down, and sexually assaulted. The court heard that she had bruises and a possible bite mark on her stomach. Hallam initially denied the charges but later accepted the jury's verdict. The judge reduced the headline sentences due to mitigating factors, including Hallam's acceptance of guilt. The victim's impact statement detailed the lasting trauma she experienced. Hallam was ordered to undergo post-release supervision and engage in psychological counselling and a sex offender treatment programme.
A 59-year-old man from Co Galway was jailed for six years after being found guilty of raping and indecently assaulting his younger sister when she was a child. The victim, now in her late 40s, described the abuse as 'torture' and told her brother he 'ruined her life'. The jury convicted him on two counts, but could not agree on 21 other charges, which the DPP will not retry. The man denied all charges and has 24 previous convictions. The court heard that the abuse occurred in their family home, and the brother told the victim her mother would die if she told anyone. The victim's impact statement highlighted the lasting trauma and shame she experienced. The judge sentenced him to seven years for rape and five years for indecent assault, with both sentences to run concurrently. The defence argued the man should be treated as a minor at the time of the offence and that the jury's inability to agree on most charges should be considered.
The Court of Appeal has quashed the defilement conviction of a 34-year-old man, directing a retrial after finding the trial judge "crossed a line" in his jury charge. The appellant, who was 28 at the time of the alleged 2020 offence in Westport, had been convicted by majority verdict of defilement of a 16-year-old girl, while being acquitted of sexual assault. He maintained that he believed the complainant was over 18. Ms Justice Nuala Butler ruled that the trial judge improperly suggested the jury might take a "jaundiced" view of the appellant's age defence if they rejected his claim that no sexual intercourse occurred. This misdirection deprived the appellant of the benefit of his alternative defence. The court rejected a secondary appeal ground regarding the prosecution's use of the term "Bart Simpson defence," deeming it unhelpful but not sufficiently disparaging to render the trial unfair. In November 2025, Judge Eoin Garavan had sentenced the man to two years in prison, with the final 12 months suspended and the custodial element deferred, granting him bail pending appeal. Following the appeal decision, Eilis Brennan, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, requested the matter be remanded to the Western Circuit in early October. The judge granted this application, remanding the appellant on continuing bail until that date.
A man who raped his partner's 16-year-old sister asked why the victim hadn't screamed during the attack, a court has heard. The 24-year-old defendant, who cannot be named to protect the victim's identity, was convicted of the rape and sexual assault of the teenager at his home in August 2023. The victim, who was not present in court, prepared a victim impact statement detailing the emotional distress and self-harm she experienced following the attack. The court heard that the victim tried to shout out during the assault but found she had no voice. She later told her sister, who confronted the accused, and he denied the allegations, asking why the victim had not screamed. The victim later told her mother part of what had happened, leading to a garda investigation. The defendant, who has no previous convictions, has been in custody since his conviction in April. His defence counsel noted that the accused has a diagnosis of autism and ADHD and has not been in trouble with the law previously or since.
Seamus O'Callaghan, a retired Franciscan brother and convicted sex offender, has been jailed for 11 years for raping a teenage boy while working as a teacher in Offaly almost 30 years ago. O'Callaghan, 82, was convicted of one count of anal rape following a Central Criminal Court trial in May. The victim, who was 13 years old at the time, stated that the incident took his childhood away and caused long-term psychological damage. O'Callaghan has 11 previous convictions for indecent assault, all involving teenage boys. Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo noted the significant, long-lasting impact of the abuse on the victim's life and imposed a headline sentence of 13 years, which was reduced to 11 years due to O'Callaghan's age and medical issues. The court heard that O'Callaghan had cooperated with the investigation but his statements were found to be false self-serving denials. The case highlights the long-term consequences of sexual abuse and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.
A 39-year-old man has been sentenced to four years in prison for repeatedly raping his niece over a two-year period when he was a teenager and she was a child. He pleaded guilty to four charges, including rape and oral rape, between July 2000 and July 2002. The victim, who was between six and eight years old at the time, described the abuse as physically painful and emotionally traumatic. She began drinking at 12 and experienced anxiety and panic attacks as a teenager. She later attempted suicide and required hospitalization. The man expressed deep regret in a letter, acknowledging the severity of his actions and suggesting he had been abused as a child. The judge noted the breach of trust and the man's remorse but reduced the headline sentence of seven years to five, with the final year suspended. The victim encouraged others who have been abused to come forward.
The jury in the trial of a garda accused of raping his former wife and of child cruelty towards two of his daughters will continue their deliberations for a fourth day, after being given the option of returning a majority verdict. The 48-year-old defendant has pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to one count of child cruelty of his now 17-year-old daughter on dates between 2015 and 2024. He has also pleaded not guilty to two counts of raping his wife on dates in 2009 and 2021. He has further pleaded not guilty to two counts of child cruelty of his now 24-year-old daughter on unknown dates between 2007 and 2020. He also denies a charge of assault causing harm to this daughter on an unknown date in late 2021 to early 2022, after she had turned 18. All parties in the case have a statutory right to anonymity. The alleged offending took place at two locations in the north-west of the country where the family was living at the relevant times.
The State has dropped the charges against a man whose conviction for rape was quashed by the Court of Appeal. The man (27), who cannot legally be identified, was previously convicted of two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault at an apartment on Middle Abbey Street, Dublin 1, on February 15, 2018. Trial judge Mr Justice David Keane sentenced him to eight and a half years in prison. The Court of Appeal however quashed that conviction, finding that the trial judge had failed to warn the jury of the dangers of convicting after the complainant initially nominated another party as having sex with her and did not refer to the accused. On Wednesday, the case was listed for mention before the Central Criminal Court when lawyers for the Director of Public Prosecutions informed Mr Justice Paul McDermott that the State were entering a nolle prosequi on all counts. Mr Justice McDermott then ordered that the defendant be discharged from all counts. The man has a statutory right to anonymity.
An Offaly man, Patrick Killally, who was jailed for 11 years for the sexual abuse of two children, argued that his trial was unfair due to the admission of evidence about a third party confronting him after hearing him "roaring" at a child to come into a bedroom. Killally was convicted of multiple counts of sexual assault and rape of two boys over different periods. His defense claimed the evidence was more prejudicial than probative, as it was not related to the charges against him. The prosecution argued the evidence had probative value in discrediting Killally's claim that he had never been left to babysit the injured party. The court reserved judgment on the appeal, with the defense emphasizing the lack of evidence that Killally called the child into the bedroom and the other child's testimony that she was not abused.
A High Court judge has ordered that the mother of a child rape victim be brought before him to face allegations that she filmed her daughter's abuser in court and posted it on social media. The woman is alleged to have made a video recording in court of her 17-year-old daughter's rapist and to have posted it on Facebook. The identity of the 30-year-old Carlow defendant cannot be published to protect the statutory anonymity of the victim. The man was jailed for seven years for repeatedly sexually abusing his partner's teenage niece. He had pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault and one count of orally raping the child. The girl told the court that she was 13 when the defendant started "grooming" her. She said she has struggled with anxiety, depression, trauma, and flashbacks as a result of the abuse. Prosecuting counsel brought the case back before the Central Criminal Court seeking an "attachment order" in relation to contempt of court proceedings. The video post was viewed around 300 times but has since been taken down.
The jury in the trial of a garda accused of raping his former wife and committing child cruelty towards two of his daughters will continue their deliberations tomorrow. The 48-year-old defendant has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including one count of child cruelty against his 17-year-old daughter and two counts of raping his wife on dates in 2009 and 2021. He also denies charges of child cruelty against his 24-year-old daughter and assault causing harm. The alleged offenses took place in the north-west of the country, and the defendant is a serving member of the gardai on suspension. After a second day of deliberations, the judge instructed the jury to suspend their discussions for the evening and resume tomorrow. All parties in the case have a statutory right to anonymity.
Seamus O'Hara, a 78-year-old man from Limavady, Derry, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court to concurrent terms totalling ten years imprisonment. In March, a jury convicted him of one count of rape and 35 counts of indecent assault of a child, who was aged between six and 12, at his former family home in Donegal between 1976 and 1983. Mr Justice Paul Burns described the conduct as a "prolonged and orchestrated campaign of sexual abuse" involving grooming-type behaviour. During the sentencing, O'Hara turned to the victim and said, "shame on you," remarks the judge dismissed, stating O'Hara was the one who should be ashamed. The judge noted the severe, lasting impact on the victim, including isolation and mental health issues, while acknowledging the delay in the proceedings. In mitigation, the court considered O'Hara's age, health, and work history. O'Hara has previous convictions in Ireland and Northern Ireland for offences including assault, drink driving, and possession of a firearm. His defence counsel, James McGowan SC, stated O'Hara does not accept the verdict and requested to serve his sentence closer to Derry. The matter was finalised with the imposition of the ten-year custodial sentence.
Lawyers for a garda accused of raping his former wife and committing child cruelty have told the jury that the prosecution's case is "simply incredible." The defendant, a serving garda on suspension, has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including rape and child cruelty. The prosecution argued that the evidence showed a pattern of behavior that crossed the line from reasonable discipline to abuse. The defense, however, questioned the credibility of the witnesses, pointing out inconsistencies in the allegations and the lack of mention of domestic violence in a letter from the accused's ex-partner. The defense also highlighted that the ex-partner had no concerns about the safety of the children and had communicated with the accused about their care. The trial continues as the jury deliberates on the credibility of the evidence and the validity of the allegations.
Gerard McCarthy, 64, of Clonlost, Killucan, Co. Westmeath, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court after pleading guilty to 24 sample counts of rape and 24 sample counts of indecent assault. The offences, which occurred between 1979 and 1985, were committed against his niece, Catriona Mahon, when she was aged between seven and 13. Mr Justice David Keane imposed a sentence of seven years' imprisonment, with the final 12 months suspended on strict conditions for two years. The judge directed McCarthy to participate in a sexual offender's rehabilitation programme if deemed suitable and imposed a two-year post-release supervision order. Aggravating factors included the high degree of breach of trust, the victim's age and defencelessness, and the persistent nature of the offending. Mitigating factors included McCarthy's early admissions of guilt, his signed guilty pleas at the District Court, and his lack of previous convictions. The court acknowledged the victim's courage in coming forward after four decades of silence. McCarthy's defence counsel highlighted his cooperation, medical issues, and a letter of apology expressing shame. The judge affirmed that the shame lay solely with the convicted man and wished the victim well in her recovery.
The trial of a garda accused of raping his wife and committing child cruelty against two of his daughters has reached closing stages. The 48-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including child cruelty and rape. The alleged offences took place at two locations in the north-west of the country. The prosecution has concluded its case, and the defence has not called any witnesses. A number of witnesses, including the garda's wife and her mother, testified about the alleged abuse and the impact on the family. The garda's wife had sought help from Tusla and gardai, and the case was referred to the DPP for charges. The trial has highlighted the alleged cruelty and the difficulty in obtaining records due to the passage of time. The jury is now considering the evidence presented, including the testimonies of the victims and the garda's actions.