A 68-year-old man from Donegal, who was convicted of raping and abusing his sisters in the 1970s, was granted anonymity by the court due to a 'culpable delay' in the prosecution. The victims had waived their anonymity, but the court ruled that the defendant could not be named. The man was convicted of multiple counts of rape and indecent assault. His lawyers argued that the delay in prosecution had created a situation where the defendant would face serious public odium. The judge noted the victims' bravery and the long-term trauma they endured. She imposed a seven-year sentence for the rape offences and a two-year concurrent term for the sexual assault charges. The final year of the seven-year term was suspended on strict conditions. The unnamed 68-year-old pleaded not guilty.
The trial of former Irish national swim coach George Gibney, who was extradited from Florida, concluded with the court addressing the long-standing question of 'Where is George Gibney?' The trial, which lasted 11 days, involved 79 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. Gibney, now 77, pleaded guilty to five counts of indecent assault but denied the rest. The court heard from four complainants who detailed the abuse they suffered between 1971 and 1981. The jury found Gibney guilty of 39 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. The trial highlighted the impact of the abuse on the victims, with one complainant describing the abuse as starting when she was 13. Gibney was taken into custody after the verdicts were read, with the court noting the significance of the convictions in addressing the historical abuse.
George Gibney, the former Irish national swimming coach, has been convicted of sexually abusing four girls over 50 years ago. A Central Criminal Court jury found Gibney, now 77, guilty of 39 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. The trial, which lasted 11 days, involved 74 charges, with five counts admitted by Gibney at the outset. The jury deliberated for over seven hours and returned 40 guilty verdicts. Gibney was extradited from Florida to face the historic allegations. The abuse occurred between 1971 and 1981 at various locations, including swimming pools and in his car. The court heard from four complainants who detailed the abuse they suffered. Gibney will face a sentence hearing on July 29, with victim impact statements to be prepared for the sentencing.
A man who raped and sexually abused his 10-year-old niece while babysitting her has been jailed for 11 years. The now 35-year-old defendant was convicted of two counts of rape, 10 counts of sexual assault, and one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child. The abuse occurred between May 2019 and April 2021 at the family home in Dublin. The man, who is the girl's uncle, would occasionally stay with the family while homeless. The victim, in a victim impact statement, described the emotional and psychological trauma she endured, stating that the man used her age and innocence against her. The court heard that the abuse took place when the girl's parents were out, and the man was in loco parentis. The victim expressed that she had to live with the consequences of the abuse every day, including suicidal ideation and self-harm. The man, who has no previous convictions, was originally from Romania and has lived in Ireland for many years.
A 48-year-old garda has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including child cruelty and rape, during his Central Criminal Court trial. His 17-year-old daughter testified that she grew up fearing physical punishment if she didn't finish her dinner, with her father using objects like sticks and spoons to enforce compliance. She described several incidents, including one where her father forced her hand into a door after an accident, and another where he hit her with a hairbrush after she refused to brush her hair. The girl also recounted being strangled during a tickling incident and witnessing her father allegedly choke her younger sister. She said her father showed photos of her weight loss to friends and family, making her feel uncomfortable. During cross-examination, she confirmed she had sought therapy and written a journal, but did not discuss it with her mother or grandmother. The trial continues before Mr Justice Sean Gillane and the jury.
A 34-year-old man was jailed for three years after being convicted of sexually assaulting and raping his young cousin between 2005 and 2008. The victim, who was aged between five and eight at the time, described repeated instances of abuse, including a final incident of oral rape. The court heard that the victim had kept the abuse secret for years before making a formal complaint in 2021. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor noted the aggravating factors, including the victim's young age and the power imbalance. She acknowledged the accused's youth at the time of the offences but imposed a three-year sentence. The victim expressed that the abuse had a lasting impact on her life and that she had to remind herself that the family fallout was due to the abuse, not her speaking out. The accused's defence highlighted his stable relationship and positive testimonials from family and friends, but the court found no remorse. The trial concluded with the judge emphasizing the importance of the victim's courage in coming forward.
A "deviant father figure" who was jailed for life after he "coldly engaged in a remorseless campaign of rape" against his granddaughter and nephew has had his sentence upheld by the Court of Appeal. The court found the sentence of life imprisonment was within the discretion of the sentencing judge, noting the man ruled the family "with an iron fist" and "brutally sexually assaulted these young and vulnerable children" in what it described as an "egregious breach of trust". The 69-year-old patriarch of the family was convicted of 24 charges including two charges of anally raping his granddaughter and 22 charges against his nephew. He had pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. The man's granddaughter was aged between nine and eleven when the abuse occurred, while his nephew was aged between 7 and eleven. The abuser's sentencing hearing was told he did not accept the verdicts of the jury and continues to maintain his innocence.
The jury in the trial of a 77-year-old former sports coach accused of historical abuse is to resume deliberations tomorrow. The accused, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to five counts of indecent assault and not guilty to 73 other counts, including one of attempted rape, related to alleged abuse of four girls between the 1970s and 1980s. The jury has been directed to return not guilty verdicts on 33 counts relating to two complainants. The accused initially faced 29 counts of indecent assault in relation to the first complainant, with 16 of these counts being dismissed. He pleaded guilty to five counts of indecent assault on this complainant between May and September 1976. In relation to the second complainant, the accused denied two counts of indecent assault. He also denied 41 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape against the third complainant, with 17 of the indecent assault counts being dismissed. The accused has pleaded not guilty to one count of indecent assault against the fourth complainant.
The eldest daughter of a garda accused of rape and child cruelty has testified that the family home had an atmosphere of violence and threats, likening it to living in a military barracks. The 24-year-old complainant, who referred to the accused as her father, described incidents of physical and emotional abuse, including being forced to run daily, being physically punished with a spatula, and being subjected to verbal abuse by her father. She also recounted an incident where her father threatened to poison a puppy if it was brought back into the family home. The complainant said she began attending therapy in June 2024, which led to Tusla being involved. She described her father's behavior towards her younger sister as emotional manipulation, including making her eat until she was sick and commenting on her weight. The accused has pleaded not guilty to charges of child cruelty, assault, and rape. The trial continues with the jury of seven men and five women, presided over by Mr Justice Sean Gillane.
The jury in the trial of a former sports coach accused of abusing four girls over 40 years ago has been directed to return not guilty verdicts on 33 counts of indecent assault. The 77-year-old accused man was originally charged with 79 counts but pleaded guilty to five of them. He had pleaded not guilty to 73 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. The alleged offences occurred between 1971 and 1981 in various locations across the country. The judge, Mr Justice Mícheál O'Higgins, directed the jury to return not guilty verdicts on 33 counts following legal submissions and the absence of supporting evidence. The accused man cannot be named for legal reasons. The jury has been instructed to consider the remaining 41 counts after hearing closing speeches from both the prosecution and defence. The prosecution, led by James Dwyer SC, emphasized the difficulty of proving older allegations and the importance of proving the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
A woman has denied allegations that she made a rape claim against her garda husband to get him out of the family home. The 48-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to two counts of raping her in 2009 and 2021, as well as three counts of child cruelty and one of assault against his daughters. The complainant described two incidents of rape, stating she felt numb and ended the marriage. She said she only spoke to gardai after a Tusla investigation. Under cross-examination, she confirmed she was still living in the family home and that the marriage was not finalised. She denied that she made the criminal complaint to get her husband out of the house. The trial continues before a jury in Dublin.
A garda has gone on trial accused of child cruelty and the rape of his wife. The jury at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin heard that the 48-year-old man was allegedly a violent and domineering father and husband who subjected two of his daughters to unreasonable chastisement for most of their childhood. Prosecuting counsel, Dominic McGinn SC, told the jury that the man is alleged to have neglected his eldest daughter for most of her childhood and is charged with child cruelty against her on an unknown date between 2007 and 2013, and again between 2013 and 2020. He is also alleged to have assaulted this complainant causing her harm sometime in late 2021 or early 2022, after she had turned 18. The man is also charged with child cruelty of another daughter on an unknown date between 2015 and 2024. He has pleaded not guilty to two counts of raping his wife on two occasions in June 2009 and November 2021, as well as three counts of child cruelty and one count of assault causing harm.
A 24-year-old man from Dublin has been refused bail after being charged with raping and sexually assaulting a teenage girl in a laneway on September 29, 2025. Appearing before Dún Laoghaire District Court, Judge Anne Watkin refused bail under Section 2 of the Bail Act, citing the seriousness of the alleged offences and the strength of the evidence, including CCTV and DNA evidence. The defence argued the accused was not a flight risk and had cooperated with gardaí. However, the judge noted the complainant was very nervous and that the evidence was compelling. She described the case as one of the most difficult she had dealt with, but ultimately ruled that the seriousness of the charges and the evidence meant bail must be refused. The accused was remanded in custody to Cloverhill Prison until July 7, with legal aid assigned.
A sports coach accused of sexually abusing four girls in the 1970s and 1980s told gardaí he had never heard of some of the complainants. During his trial, the accused, now 77, claimed that two of the complainants were never in his house and that he had never heard of a third. He was originally charged with 79 counts but pleaded guilty to five of them. The prosecution alleges that the abuse included kissing, inappropriate touching, and attempted rape. The man has pleaded not guilty to the remaining 73 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. The alleged offences occurred between 1971 and 1981, and the complainants came forward to gardai between 2021 and 2022. The prosecution case has now closed, and the jury will reconvene the following day.
A sister of one of the four women allegedly abused by their sports coach around 50 years ago testified that her sister was a 'completely different person' the day after the alleged attempted rape. The complainant, who was around 12 years old at the time, described how she stopped wearing skirts and started wearing jeans to protect herself from the alleged abuse. The accused, now 77, has pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of indecent assault and attempted rape. The complainant denied the defense's assertion that she was lying about the abuse. The trial continues with the prosecution alleging that the abuse included kissing, inappropriate touching, and forced oral sex. The defense has challenged the complainant's account, but she maintained that the abuse occurred. The jury has heard that the accused has pleaded guilty to some counts but remains not guilty to others. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Mícheál O'Higgins and the jury.
Ciaran Tate, 29, of Claremorris, Co Mayo, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court for offences committed in November 2024. Following a trial, a jury convicted Tate of aggravated sexual assault, assault causing harm, and false imprisonment, while acquitting him of non-fatal strangulation and making threats to kill. The court heard that Tate, who has no previous convictions, assaulted a stranger in her hotel room after she rejected his advances. Ms Justice Melanie Greally imposed a headline sentence of 12 years, reduced to eight and a half years in mitigation for his lack of prior convictions, co-operation, and remorse. The final 12 months of the sentence are suspended on strict conditions, requiring Tate to engage with interventions addressing sexually harmful behaviour. He is also subject to three years of post-release supervision and a prohibition on contacting the injured party. The judge noted that while Tate expressed horror, his victim empathy was limited due to his tendency to distance himself from the events. The matter was finalised with this sentence.
A 30-year-old man from Carlow has been jailed for seven years after admitting to grooming, raping, and sexually abusing his partner's 13-year-old niece. The abuse occurred between December 2022 and January 2023 in the home they shared. The victim, who was 13 to 14 years old at the time, described the abuse as starting with inappropriate touching and progressing to oral rape. The court heard that the defendant sent the victim text messages, including one where he wrote, "I like what we have, it's weird I shouldn't really." The abuse ended when the girl confided in her mother. The victim's impact statement highlighted the lasting trauma, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The defendant, who has a history of addiction and violence, expressed remorse and acknowledged his actions. The judge noted the severity of the offenses and the victim's courage in coming forward, sentencing him to seven years for the oral rape and eight years and three months for the sexual assault, both to run concurrently.
A woman has told a Central Criminal Court jury that her sports coach attempted to rape her when she was 12 years old during a summer camp over 50 years ago. The now 79-year-old accused man is charged with 74 counts of sexually abusing four girls in the 1970s and 1980s. He has pleaded not guilty to 73 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. The offences are alleged to have occurred in various locations in the State on dates between 1971 and 1981 when the complainants were aged between 10 and 15 years old. The man pleaded guilty before the jury to a further five counts of indecently assaulting one of these complainants on dates between May and September 1976. The third complainant told the court that the man started paying more attention to her and offered her lifts. The first incident occurred while she was in the car alone with him, where he kissed her and put his tongue in her mouth.
A 62-year-old Dublin man accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl at a south Dublin Luas stop has been granted bail, despite Garda objections. The accused, who is legally entitled to anonymity, appeared before Dún Laoghaire District Court charged with the alleged offence. A garda objected to bail under Section 2 of the Bail Act, citing the seriousness of the alleged crime. Gardaí stated they were present at the Luas stop but did not witness the incident. The court heard that gardai had obtained CCTV footage of the alleged incident. The accused was allegedly highly intoxicated at the time and was arrested at his home the following morning. Judge Anne Watkin noted that the alleged assault was at the lower end of the scale of sexual assault offences and that there was insufficient evidence to establish a likelihood of further offending if bail was granted. The accused was granted bail on his own bond of €500, with conditions that he have no contact with the injured party, including through social media.
A 79-year-old former sports coach is on trial accused of sexually abusing four girls between 1971 and 1981. He has pleaded not guilty to 73 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. The alleged abuse occurred in various locations, including changing rooms, the accused's car, and in the complainants' beds. The prosecution stated that the accused 'exploited his position of authority' and sexually abused the girls 'entrusted in his care.' The first complainant testified that the accused was her coach and visited her parents' house. She described incidents of kissing, inappropriate touching, and forced oral sex. She said the abuse occurred over a 'reasonably prolonged period' and that she was 'very obedient' to the accused. She stated that the abuse 'petered out' when she was around 14 and that she told two friends about it but did not report it until 2020. The trial continues before Mr Justice Mícheál O'Higgins and a jury, with the woman expected to be cross-examined by defence counsel tomorrow.
Maurice Magner, a 44-year-old man from Co Cork, has been jailed for 17 years for coercive control, two counts of rape, one count of oral rape, two counts of anal rape, and three counts of sexual assault committed against his partner between 2019 and 2021. The victim described a regime of oppression, including being left without light and heat, being forced to stand in a hot press, and being subjected to physical and sexual abuse. Magner controlled all aspects of her life, including her finances, social contacts, and personal choices. The court heard that the victim was also denied basic pain medication and sanitary products after giving birth. During the trial, Magner broke down in tears. Justice Tony Hunt described the offenses as "sustained and deliberate" and emphasized the lack of consent in the sexual assaults. The judge imposed a 17-year sentence, with the final two years suspended on the condition that Magner agrees not to contact the victim. Maurice Magner was found guilty.
Gary Byrne and James Reilly, both convicted sex offenders, were jailed for 10 years each for drugging and attempting to rape a teenager in 2016. The men lured the victim to their home under the pretense of a house party before giving him an intoxicant, rendering him unable to move. They sexually assaulted him on the street and again in their home, with Reilly attempting to anally rape him. The victim suffered severe and lasting harm, leading to a loss of identity and self-worth. The court noted the aggravating factors, including the men's previous convictions and the use of an intoxicating substance. Both men were sentenced to 11 years with the final year suspended, and a three-year post-release supervision order was imposed. The victim expressed a desire for the men to be identified and encouraged others to come forward if they had been sexually assaulted.
A 26-year-old man has been jailed for 10 years for raping a 14-year-old girl in Co Meath in September 2022 and later mocking her with degrading social media messages. The man had previously met the girl through social media, where they chatted for about a year before the rape. During the attack, he told the girl that if she had screamed, he would choke her to death. The man also got a tattoo of the safe word they had agreed on, which he used as a reminder of the rape. In messages to an account set up by the girl's then-boyfriend, the man referred to the girl as a "slut" and said the tattoo was a reminder of her weakness. The court heard that the man had a history of consuming violent pornography, which led to distorted expectations around sex. The victim described the experience as a betrayal of trust and said she felt her vulnerability was mocked. She also expressed fear that she would never be loved again. The unnamed 22-year-old pleaded guilty.
A young man who had sex with a 14-year-old girl and filmed her has been given a suspended 18-month sentence for defilement and producing child sexual abuse material. The 20-year-old from Limerick pleaded guilty to three counts of defilement and one count of producing child pornography. He claimed he thought the girl was 16 years old, but the victim maintained she told him she was 14. The court heard that there was no evidence of force, coercion, degradation, or humiliation. The judge set a headline sentence of three and a half years but reduced it to 18 months, taking into account the defendant's guilty plea, his youth, and his personal circumstances. The sentence was suspended for two years on conditions, including attending counseling. The victim's impact statement highlighted the lasting mental health effects of the incident, and the defendant's father testified about his son's traumatic childhood and caregiving responsibilities.
A 70-year-old man was sentenced to seven years in prison for the repeated sexual abuse of his daughter between 1994 and 1996. The Central Criminal Court heard that the abuse occurred in the child's bedroom while her mother was working nights. The victim, who was between six and eight years old at the time, came forward with the allegations in 2023 after encountering her father unexpectedly. The accused denied all wrongdoing and attributed the allegations to the victim's mental health issues. The court heard that the family lived in fear of the accused, and the victim described the lasting impact of the abuse on her life, including panic attacks and isolation. Ms Justice Melanie Greally noted the breach of trust and the severity of the abuse, which occurred in the victim's home. The judge acknowledged the accused's cooperation with gardai and his efforts at rehabilitation but emphasized the need for a long prison sentence. The unnamed 70-year-old was convicted.
A Romanian national, Costel Raducan, was jailed for 11 years after being convicted of burglary, rape, and attempted anal rape. The victim described the traumatic experience of being attacked in her own home by a man who had posed as a taxi driver. Raducan broke into her home and raped her after she had been left alone. The victim had to undergo a sexual assault examination and faced significant emotional and psychological trauma. Raducan denied the charges and claimed the victim had consented to the sexual act. The judge described the case as 'the stuff of nightmares' and noted the premeditated nature of the attack. The victim's impact statement highlighted the lasting effects of the crime on her life, including fear, panic attacks, and career setbacks. The court acknowledged the severity of the crime and the need for justice for the victim.
A man who raped a friend at an IPAS centre was jailed for five and a half years after the court dismissed his claim that he was 'not reading the signals correctly' as a 'very weak response'. The defendant, who has a wife and children in Nigeria, pleaded guilty to the rape that occurred in Co Westmeath on June 15, 2025. The victim had gone to the defendant's room after he told her he had brought clothes back from Dublin for her. During the attack, the victim protested, and the defendant later apologised and sent messages to her. The victim recorded their calls and shared them with the defendant's roommates, who then informed the centre manager and gardai. The defendant was transferred to a new IPAS centre and interviewed by gardai, where he falsely claimed a relationship with the victim. The court heard the victim's impact statement, detailing the severe emotional trauma she experienced.
A man who claimed that his apologies after raping his girlfriend at work were for "poor sexual performance and breaching workplace rules" rather than for sexual assault has been jailed for five years. The 29-year-old defendant, who cannot be identified to protect the victim's anonymity, was convicted by a jury at a third trial in the Central Criminal Court of raping the woman in January 2020. The court heard that the couple were in the early stages of a romantic relationship, and the victim had not felt ready for a sexual relationship. The accused man locked the door of a shower cubicle and raped her after she returned to work. The victim later confided in a colleague and gardai were called. The defendant made admissions to a colleague and was arrested. He later claimed that his apologies were for poor sexual performance and breaching workplace rules. The victim described the adverse effects on her physical and mental health and relationships.
The Court of Appeal granted the Irish Times access to character references for Daniel Ramamoorthy, a convicted sex offender, including one from former TD Jim Glennon. Ramamoorthy was convicted of sexually exploiting a 13-year-old boy at a Christian children's camp. Glennon later apologized for his involvement, calling the crime 'vile and of the most egregious nature'. The Irish Times applied for access to the references, arguing that public interest and open justice required their disclosure. The court agreed, noting that the references were part of the administration of justice. Ramamoorthy, a motivational speaker and entrepreneur, was jailed for two years and four months for the sexual exploitation offence. He pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material. The court criticized the character references for not addressing the victim or the nature of the crime. Glennon's apology and disavowal of the reference were highlighted, with the court emphasizing the importance of transparency in the justice process.
A man who raped and sexually assaulted his younger cousin as a teenager has been jailed for five years. Paul O'Callaghan, now 57, was convicted of rape and indecent assault on multiple occasions between 1985 and 1986. The victim, who has since died, disclosed the abuse to her father in the late 1990s, and O'Callaghan expressed remorse and sought counseling. The victim made a formal complaint in 2016, and her victim impact statement highlighted the lasting emotional and psychological trauma she endured, including alcohol addiction, nightmares, and mental health struggles. O'Callaghan's defense highlighted his guilty pleas and lack of previous convictions. Judge Patrick McGrath noted the severity of the abuse, the young age of the victim, and the breach of trust as aggravating factors. He sentenced O'Callaghan to 12 years, reduced it to six years due to his age at the time of the offenses and mitigating factors, and suspended the final year on conditions.
Arthur Bradford, a Ghanian man, was jailed for six and a half years for raping an intoxicated woman he approached at a nightclub in Dublin. He was convicted by a Central Criminal Court jury last month. The victim, who wished to remain anonymous, described waking up in a house she had never been to, with her underwear inside out and feeling as if she had had non-consensual sex. CCTV footage showed Bradford approaching her while she was unsteady on her feet. Bradford claimed the encounter was consensual. The victim's impact statement highlighted the trauma and lasting effects of the rape, including on her relationships and education. Bradford, who has 21 previous convictions, including for theft and money laundering, was subject to a deportation order. The judge noted the traumatic impact on the victim and imposed a six-and-a-half-year sentence, encouraging Bradford to engage in offence-focused work while in custody.
Martin Ward (64) was jailed for 12.5 years for repeatedly raping and sexually abusing his partner's niece when she was at her most vulnerable. Ward was found guilty of 27 counts of sexual abuse, including three counts of rape, nine counts of oral rape, and 15 counts of sexual assault. The abuse occurred between 2000 and 2004 when the girl was sent to live with Ward and his partner. The victim, Martina Ward, waived her anonymity and described the abuse as having stolen her childhood. She stated that Ward manipulated her and caused her profound trauma, including PTSD and ongoing mental health issues. Ms Justice Melanie Greally noted the breach of trust and the severity of the abuse. The judge set a headline sentence of 16 years but reduced it to 12.5 years considering mitigating factors such as Ward's lack of related convictions and his community work. Ward has eight previous convictions for road traffic offences and made no admissions during the trial.
Tom White (76) was jailed for six years for repeatedly sexually abusing a young girl over 50 years ago when they were neighbors in Limerick. White was found guilty of 10 counts of indecent assault between 1971 and 1976. The victim, who wished to remain anonymous, described the abuse as having ended her childhood and shaped her life for 50 years. White had regular access to the girl's home and made lewd comments and physical abuse. The court heard that the abuse occurred several times a week and was described as 'opportunistic'. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon noted the breach of trust and the severity of the abuse. The judge set a headline sentence of 10 years but reduced it to six years considering mitigating factors such as White's age, health issues, and the long intervening period since the crimes were committed. White has a long work history and has been married for about 50 years.
A 44-year-old man from Offaly was jailed for six years after being found guilty of raping his best friend while she slept beside her grandchild in a Moses basket. The victim testified that she awoke to find the accused on top of her, having sex with her. She managed to push him off and left the room, only for the accused to return and attempt to re-enter the house. The victim later reported the incident to the gardaí and was treated at a Sexual Assault Treatment Unit, where she was found to have bruising and a small cut. The accused, who has eight previous convictions, claimed the sex was consensual. The victim described the emotional toll of the assault, including feeling like a "zombie" and losing quality time with her dying brother. She expressed that the rape had "shattered my sense of security in my home" and that she felt "dirty" despite scrubbing herself.
Mark Salmon (33), a drug dealer, was jailed for ten years for making threats to kill and damage property, as well as possessing cocaine and proceeds of crime. Salmon threatened a mother that he would get 'junkies' to rape her son if she failed to repay a €157,000 debt. Presiding judge Mr Justice Patrick McGrath noted the severity of the threats and Salmon's role in the drug trade. Salmon had pleaded guilty to the charges and the court considered mitigating factors such as his early guilty plea and efforts at rehabilitation. The court also noted that Salmon had previously been involved in criminal activities and had a history of intimidation. The victim's mother had to leave her home and her son fled the country due to fear. Salmon was also found in possession of €35,000 worth of cocaine and had unexplained income from criminal activities. The court ordered the forfeiture of cash and the destruction of the drugs seized.
A Lithuanian man with a history of violent convictions has been sentenced to nine and a half years in prison for raping a woman and threatening to "cut her face off and eat her" shortly after they met. Tasas Ruzas (42) was found guilty of rape, anal rape, and making a threat to kill or cause serious harm following a trial in the Central Criminal Court. The incident occurred after a day of drug and alcohol use with the victim, who had initially met Ruzas in Dublin city centre. During the assault, Ruzas punched the victim, raped her without a condom, and then anally raped her. The victim managed to escape and call for help. Ruzas has numerous previous convictions in Ireland, Lithuania, and the UK, including theft, assault, and dangerous driving. The judge noted the extreme humiliation and degrading nature of the sexual offences and the violence inflicted on the victim, who suffered a fractured eye.
A 28-year-old man's rape conviction was quashed by the Court of Appeal due to the trial judge failing to warn the jury about conflicting evidence. The complainant initially told friends that a different man had sex with her, but the trial judge did not address this in his instructions to the jury. The defendant was found guilty of two counts of rape and one of sexual assault, but the appeal court ruled that the conviction should be overturned. The court noted that the complainant's evidence was inconsistent and that the jury should have been warned about the conflicting accounts. The appeal court emphasized the importance of ensuring that juries are properly instructed on the need for corroboration in cases with conflicting evidence. The defendant was remanded in custody to appear before the Central Criminal Court.
The Women of Honour CLG has initiated a High Court judicial review against Defence Minister Helen McEntee, Ireland, and the Attorney General, challenging the State's refusal to fund the group's legal teams for a tribunal investigating bullying, harassment, and sexual assault allegations within the Defence Forces. The group, represented by Mark Harty SC, argued that the State's decision creates a "fundamental inequality of arms" and "fundamental unfairness." They submitted that while the State and the Defence Forces, who are the subjects of the complaints, are fully funded, the complainants face potential cost denial despite being voluntary participants assisting the tribunal's fact-finding. Mr Harty contended that denying funding acts as a structural barrier to participation and renders the right to representation illusory, as witnesses may face reputational scrutiny. He further argued that the State cannot rely on tribunal limitations to avoid ensuring effective participation. The tribunal, which began this week, is scheduled to continue for 33 days. In her decision, Ms Justice Sara Phelan put all respondents on notice and adjourned the matter to appear before the judicial review list again at the High Court next week.
An Indian business student, Rishabh Mahajan, was jailed for four months after sexually assaulting a woman and brazenly masturbating in public multiple times in Dublin. Mahajan pleaded guilty to four counts of offensive conduct of a sexual nature and one count of sexual assault. The court heard that Mahajan targeted vulnerable women working alone at night and that his behavior was brazen and public. Judge Martina Baxter noted that Mahajan had no entitlement to remain in Ireland and was subject to a deportation order. She imposed a total of 16 months in prison, with the final 12 months suspended on strict conditions. Mahajan was also registered as a sex offender. The court heard that Mahajan had arrived in Ireland to study but had used cannabis and alcohol, which affected his behavior. His family is not in Ireland, and he is now homeless. The court emphasized the need for Mahajan to address his risk factors and develop insight into his offending.
An 80-year-old former Scout leader, Noel Sheehan, has had his appeal against his conviction for indecently assaulting five young boys rejected by the Court of Appeal. Sheehan had argued that the trial should have been split into two due to the severity of the attack on one of the victims. However, the court ruled that the connection between Sheehan and all the complainants through his leadership of a scout troop was of particular relevance. Sheehan was found guilty of 16 counts of indecent assault and sentenced to four and a half years, with the final six months suspended. The court dismissed the appeal, noting that the alleged offence against the victim in the woods was more serious but still of a similar nature to the other counts. The court found that the trial judge was correct to refuse the defense application for a separate trial, as all the incidents occurred at scouting events involving sleepover elements. The unnamed 80-year-old pleaded not guilty.
David Smyth (55) has been jailed for four and a half years for distributing and possessing child abuse material. The case came to light through an undercover sting operation by a US special agent who interacted with an alias believed to be used by Smyth on the Kik app. Gardai traced the IP address to Ireland and searched Smyth's home, recovering four images of child sexual abuse material from his phone. Smyth denied any involvement and claimed another person had access to his phone. The court heard that Smyth had a difficult childhood and had worked with various organisations to give back to his community. Judge Jonathan Dunphy noted the seriousness of the charges, the number of files, and the use of an alias to engage with the undercover agent. He imposed concurrent sentences totalling four and a half years, acknowledging Smyth's cooperation with the investigation and his previous good work history. The judge also highlighted the harm caused to the children in the images and the demand created by viewing such material. David Smyth was convicted.
An 81-year-old former teacher, Barra Connolly, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for 97 sexual offences against four teenage pupils over 20 years ago. The Central Criminal Court in Waterford heard that Connolly was found guilty of 23 counts of rape, 73 counts of sexual assault, and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material. The abuse occurred at his home in Chapel Street, Lismore, Co Waterford, between 1997 and 2006. The victims, aged between 13 and 17 at the time, were given keys to Connolly's house and subjected to various forms of abuse, including touching, oral and anal rape. Gardai discovered 984 items of child sexual abuse material on his devices. The court was told that the victims experienced long-term emotional and psychological trauma, including suicidal ideation and mental health issues. Connolly, who has no previous convictions, does not accept the jury's verdict. The judge noted the grooming of the boys and the prolonged duration of the abuse as aggravating factors.
Gavin Cooke was jailed for eight years for participating in a burglary while on bail, during which a homeowner was threatened with a metal bar and her daughters were in fear of being raped. Cooke pleaded guilty to burglary after the indictment was amended. The court heard that the burglar threatened the woman with a metal bar, demanding cash, and the other two men went upstairs where the woman's daughters were. The woman gave the man €50, but he continued to demand cash. The Audi used in the crime was found on fire nearby, with Cooke's name and prisoner number stitched into the garment. Cooke has 69 previous convictions, including robbery and drugs offences. The judge noted the long-term psychological harm to the woman and her daughters and imposed an eight-year sentence, to be served consecutively to his current sentence.
A 55-year-old man is appealing his combined 15-year prison sentence at the Court of Appeal. He pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to one count of rape and one count of sexual assault against his niece, occurring between 2012 and 2018. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor sentenced him to 11 years, with the final 15 months suspended, on October 31, 2023. This sentence is to be served consecutively to a six-year term imposed by Judge Eugene Kelly at Waterford Circuit Court on October 26, 2023, for four counts of sexual assault against the niece's sister. The man's counsel, Colman Cody SC, argued the sentences were excessive and that a greater portion should have been suspended to incentivize rehabilitation, citing mitigating factors including his guilty plea, cooperation, and personal circumstances. The Director of Public Prosecutions, represented by Vincent Heneghan SC, contended the sentences were appropriate and within judicial discretion, noting the violence of the offenses. The court reserved judgment on the appeal.
Youssef Shehata, 23, was jailed for four years after being convicted of raping a Spanish national in her Dublin apartment in 2022. The victim, who had a medical condition requiring her to avoid vaginal sex, had consensual sex with Shehata but was in pain afterward. Shehata then proceeded to have sex with her despite her objections, leading to her reporting the incident to gardaí. The victim's impact statement described the emotional and psychological trauma she endured, including anxiety attacks, nightmares, and a loss of self-identity. Shehata's defense argued that he was a good young man with a supportive family and that the offense was an aberration. The judge acknowledged Shehata's immaturity and the support he had from his family but noted the severity of the crime. A headline sentence of seven years was considered, but the judge suspended the final year on strict conditions, including probation supervision. The judge expressed sympathy for the victim and hoped she would recover through therapy.
A 21-year-old man, who was convicted of oral rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault when he was 17, has appealed his conviction, arguing that the victim did not clearly express a lack of consent. The appeal claims that the victim's statement about not having sex without a condom suggests she may have consented if one had been used. The victim had kissed the appellant before the incident, and the case hinges on the interpretation of consent. The trial judge had emphasized that consent must be active and that silence does not imply consent. The appeal also challenges the admissibility of a statement the appellant made during a garda interview and the lack of CCTV footage. The court has reserved judgment on the appeal, with the case awaiting a decision from the Court of Appeal.
A 52-year-old man from Galway was sentenced to 13 and a half years in prison for raping and sexually abusing his two younger sisters over a period spanning several decades. The man had denied the charges but was found guilty by a Central Criminal Court jury. He was convicted on multiple counts of rape, indecent assault, and sexual abuse against both sisters, with the abuse beginning when the older sister was as young as 11 and the younger sister as young as eight. The older sister delivered a victim impact statement, detailing the profound and lasting effects of the abuse on her life, including struggles with alcohol, mental health, and her relationship with her children. She credited the Irish justice system for allowing her to speak out and begin the healing process. The younger sister also shared her experience of living with shame, guilt, and mental health issues, expressing relief at finally being able to move forward.
An 83-year-old church pastor was sentenced to 12 and a half years in prison for raping and sexually abusing a child in his congregation over several years. The man was found guilty of one count of attempted rape, one count of oral rape, and three counts of sexual abuse. The victim, who was between eight and 11 years old during the abuse, described the lasting trauma she experienced, including hyper-vigilance, nightmares, and memory loss. She expressed that the church, which should have been a place of safety, became a place of fear. The defense asked the court to consider the man's age and his long history of religious work, but the judge emphasized the breach of trust and the severity of the abuse. The sentence was reduced by 18 months, which was suspended on strict conditions. The victim's statement highlighted the profound impact of the abuse on her life and her determination to reclaim her future.
Neil Elliott, a man in his sixties, was jailed for four years for raping a 16-year-old boy on a Waterford beach. Elliott met the boy through a dating app and had sexual contact with him despite the boy being under the care of the State. The boy reported the incident to gardai, and Elliott was arrested. The court heard that Elliott claimed he believed the boy was 17 and that the boy initiated contact. The victim described the incident as traumatic, leading to mental health issues. Elliott pleaded guilty and expressed remorse. The court noted the age disparity and the vulnerability of the victim. The judge imposed a sentence of five years, with the final year suspended, and ordered Elliott to engage with the Probation Service. The court acknowledged Elliott's guilty plea and lack of prior convictions.
The jury in the longest-running familial abuse trial in the history of the State has found one man guilty of two counts of raping his deaf niece. The 48-year-old defendant, referred to as Accused B, was convicted of two counts of rape on two occasions between 2008 and 2014. The jury is still deliberating on two further counts against him, as well as 16 additional charges against the other five defendants. The trial, which began last October, involves six men aged between 33 and 55, who face a combined total of 20 charges, including 16 related to the main complainant, who is deaf. The abuse is alleged to have occurred over a 19-year period between 1995 and 2014. The trial has seen some charges withdrawn by the Director of Public Prosecutions, but the jury is continuing its deliberations. The court heard that the defendant admitted to gardaí that he had sex with his niece when she was in her early 20s, and the jury found him guilty of two counts of rape at her grandparents' house. The unnamed 48-year-old pleaded not guilty.