In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 15 December 2023, former solicitor Michael Lynn, aged 55, faced 21 counts of theft for allegedly siphoning about €27 million from seven banks between October 2006 and April 2007. Prosecutor Karl Finnegan SC portrayed Lynn as a "greedy risk‑taker" who used multiple mortgages on the same properties, claiming the banks were unaware of other lenders. Lynn testified that he had "off‑the‑books" agreements and a secret deal with former Irish Nationwide chief Michael Fingleton to use Irish Nationwide funds for overseas property development. Finnegan argued that the alleged arrangements were "implausible" and that the banks had no knowledge of any conspiracy. Defence counsel Paul Comiskey O'Keeffe BL countered that Lynn's "profit‑share" agreement with Fingleton and the banks' awareness of his borrowing meant no deception had occurred, and that the prosecution's case relied on alleged "undertaking‑only" mortgages that the banks had never formally documented. Michael Lynn pleaded not guilty.
Paul Collopy, 48, of Ennis, Co Clare, had a four‑year suspended sentence for money laundering in 2017. He was caught again laundering €67,900 in July 2014, and the suspended term was reactivated after a further offence in November 2020. In that offence, he was observed tampering with a car's bonnet at Carnally House, Clare Castle, and €16,695 was recovered from the vehicle's air filter. Judge Francis Comerford imposed a five‑year, four‑month sentence in October 2023. Collopy also serves a ten‑year sentence from a 2022 conviction for possession of €50,000 worth of cannabis. The court activated two years of the suspended four‑year term, making it consecutive to the 64‑month sentence, after the judge concluded that Collopy had not learned his lesson. Paul Collopy pleaded guilty.
Stephen Cunningham, 55, of Cushlawn Park, Tallaght, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison, with the final 12 months suspended, after pleading guilty to dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to Paul Sutton, 55, on 25 October 2022. Cunningham reversed his car onto the footpath, striking Sutton who fell to the ground and suffered a shattered knee, requiring two surgeries and six weeks in hospital. The court heard that Cunningham had no evidence of speeding, had been waiting at his home for Gardaí, and had handed over the car keys. He was disqualified from driving for ten years. The judge described the act as a "moment of madness" and noted Cunningham's early guilty plea and previous good character as mitigating factors. No evidence of alcohol or drugs was presented. The incident caused lasting mobility issues for Sutton, who can no longer walk or run.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Lisa Joyce, aged 38, was sentenced to four years in prison on each of two counts of attempted robbery for an incident on O'Connell Street on 21 May 2023. The case involved Joyce dragging a teenage girl by the hair while attempting to rob the girl and her 13‑year‑old cousin. Joyce, who has 100 prior convictions and a history of substance abuse, pleaded guilty and expressed remorse. The judge, Elma Sheahan, set a headline sentence of five years but, after considering mitigating factors such as Joyce's early guilty plea and the impact on the victims, imposed a four‑year term on each count to run concurrently, with no portion suspended. The sentence was back‑dated to the date Joyce entered custody. The court noted that Joyce had no memory of the incident due to intoxication and had expressed depression during detention.
Gheorghita Ilie, 23, pleaded guilty to possession of a realistic imitation firearm after pointing it at a family relative during a dispute over an alleged affair. The incident occurred on June 5, 2021, when Ilie confronted the woman's husband, then returned to his home and produced a black handgun on the steps. The weapon, a 6mm calibre air pistol, was seized and identified as a realistic firearm. Ilie claimed he bought the gun for play and had not worn it on his belt. He apologized, expressed remorse, and acknowledged panic. The court, noting his guilty plea, cooperation, and pro‑social history, imposed a two‑year sentence suspended in full on strict conditions, avoiding custodial time.
A bench warrant was issued for Michael Dunne, 50, after he failed to attend sentencing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for a criminal damage offence involving the Luke Kelly statue, which was damaged with blue paint costing €240. Dunne, who has 51 prior convictions since 1986 including five for criminal damage, had previously pleaded guilty on 12 July 2020. The court had adjourned the case to allow preparation of reports, but when Dunne was absent and his lawyers could not contact him, Judge Orla Crowe issued the warrant. Garda David Kelly had identified Dunne from CCTV footage of the damage, and he had been arrested, though no further evidence was obtained. Dunne's defence lawyer, Katherine McGillicuddy, noted his long‑standing drug addiction and that he had received drugs as a reward for the act, and expressed sincere apologies for the offence. The case highlights the ongoing issue of repeated criminal behaviour and the impact on the local community.
The jury at the Central Criminal Court continues deliberating in the trial of a woman charged with murdering her former lover. Nicola Brennan, aged 33, denies the murder of Juris Viktorovs, a 36-year-old Latvian national, at Ballyconnell, County Cavan, on 10 February 2022. The jury of eight men and four women has spent five hours and ten minutes in deliberation across two days, beginning Thursday afternoon. They are scheduled to resume Monday morning at 10am. The prosecution's case rests primarily on eyewitness testimony and forensic evidence, while the defence has challenged the reliability of the witness account and urged the jury to consider inconsistencies in the evidence presented. Mr Justice Paul McDermott has directed the jury that the prosecution must prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, and that murder requires proof of both the infliction of the fatal wound and intent to kill or cause serious harm. Nicola Brennan pleaded not guilty.
In a Court of Appeal hearing on 15 December 2023, the State argued that a man acquitted of attempted murder in February 2021 was the shooter. State counsel Eilis Brennan SC presented evidence that gloves seized from the accused less than 30 minutes after the shooting contained 19 particles of firearm residue matching those found at the scene. She cited three hours of CCTV tracking two cars before, during and after the incident, including a black Hyundai hatchback that left the scene at 10.55pm and a BMW that was later stopped on the M50. Brennan claimed the CCTV and forensic evidence strongly linked the younger man, aged 28, to the shooting. The appeal court, led by Mr Justice Birmingham, was instructed to review the CCTV footage and transcripts and reserve judgment. The defense argued that the trial judge had erred by directing acquittals, but the appellate judges were to determine whether the evidence was sufficient for a jury. The unnamed respondent pleaded not guilty.
Meta Platforms Ireland issued a formal apology to Wissam Al Mana, the former husband of Janet Jackson, over the publication of false advertisements that used his name and image without consent. The ads, posted by unknown third parties via Facebook's Ads Tool in 2019, were later removed. Mr Al Mana had sued Meta in Dublin in February 2020 for defamation and malicious falsehood, claiming the ads linked him to a cryptocurrency program he had no involvement with. In court, Meta's counsel read a statement acknowledging the harmful impact of the fake ads on Mr Al Mana's reputation, expressing sincere regret, and confirming that such advertisements have ceased. The settlement, approved by Mr Justice Mark Sanfey, included Meta's commitment to implement robust measures to prevent future misuse of personal data. No further settlement details were disclosed in open court. Mr Al Mana, an executive director of the Al Mana Group, remains concerned about potential future misuse of his image.
Rafik Ben Salah, 36, was taken to Dublin Airport for extradition to Spain. While being escorted by Gardaí and Spanish police, he violently resisted, broke free from his bonds, and fled. Pursued by officers, he was eventually detained after a struggle on the stairs. Spanish police refused to board him and left Ireland. A second extradition attempt on 22 December 2022 failed when Gardaí discovered Salah had defecated himself and had self‑harm cuts; the Spanish police and flight captain refused him boarding, leading to withdrawal of the warrant. Salah, who has no fixed abode and has prior convictions in Ireland and Germany, pleaded guilty to attempting to escape Garda custody. Judge Elma Sheahan sentenced him to eight months in prison, back‑dated to his earlier custody, after a headline sentence of ten months was reduced for mitigating factors. The sentence is to be served in Ireland.
In a case heard by the Workplace Relations Commission, a landlord, Dr Rashid Karshan, was found liable for minor discrimination under the Equal Status Act 2000 after his maintenance man, referred to only as Mr G, told tenant Rachel Few that the landlord did not "do HAP" and behaved intimidatingly. Ms Few had requested that Mr G fill out HAP forms on 25 January 2023, but he was unenthusiastic and later claimed the landlord would accept HAP if a new letting agreement was signed. The tribunal noted that delays caused by Mr G and bureaucratic hurdles left Ms Few without HAP for February and March, costing an estimated €874. Dr Karshan denied any issue with HAP, stating he was willing to accept it but faced excessive queries from authorities. The adjudicator, Michael McEntee, upheld the complaint in part, describing Mr G's conduct as "minor discrimination" and holding Dr Karshan vicariously liable.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a 59‑year‑old man pleaded not guilty to one count of attempted anal rape and eight counts of sexual assault involving six complainants aged 17 to 24 between March 1991 and November 1997 in County Dublin. A former girlfriend of the fourth complainant testified that the accused, a former teacher, had told her in 1998 that he had been abused by the accused, describing the alleged incident as "touching and oral sex." A 45‑year‑old complainant recounted that he and the accused had gone to a pub, drank heavily, and that the accused performed oral sex on him after the accused had pulled down his boxer shorts. A second witness described a similar incident in late 1995, where the accused performed oral sex on him while he slept on the floor. A third witness denied any sexual intimacy with the accused.
In a Dublin trial, former solicitor Michael Lynn, aged 55, denies allegations of stealing about €27 million from seven banks between October 2006 and April 2007. He rejects the prosecution's claim that bank employees conspired to ignore normal lending practice and disputes that he misled the banks. Lynn says he obtained multiple mortgages on the same properties with the banks' knowledge and that he had "off‑the‑book understandings" with former INBS CEO Michael Fingleton. He argues the banks were aware of the purpose of the loans and consented. Prosecuting counsel, Karl Finnegan, accuses Lynn of blaming others, naming names, and maligning their characters to protect himself. Lynn maintains he had no intention to deceive or steal and that he planned to repay the loans through overseas property development. The case proceeds before Judge Martin Nolan and a jury. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.
In a 2023 Central Criminal Court case, Ms Justice Eileen Creedon directed a jury to acquit two men of attempted murder of a 17‑year‑old Dublin teenager, after the defence applied to drop the charges. The accused, aged 32 and 28, were alleged to have attempted to kill the teenager on 24 February 2021 at Eugene Street, Dublin 8, and to have possessed a Beretta pistol. The trial judge found the evidence—CCTV, witness testimony, forensics—insufficient to prove guilt, noting no direct link between the gun found in a burned‑out Hyundai and either defendant, and no DNA, phone or motive evidence. The State has now applied to the Court of Appeal to overturn the acquittal, arguing the judge erred by considering evidence "in isolation" rather than "globally." The appeal will be heard by a three‑judge panel tomorrow. The case remains a circumstantial one with no direct evidence of the defendants' involvement.
In the Dublin District Coroner's Court, a jury was shown extremely graphic footage of the night the Stardust nightclub fire killed 48 people. The court explained that the material, already heard in evidence, would help the jury understand the case. Dr Myra Cullinane warned that the footage was graphic and requested that those not directly involved leave the courtroom. The clips included television recordings, an interview with manager Eamon Butterly who claimed all doors were open, and testimony from witnesses who said doors were chained and locked. Pauline Murray, a survivor, recounted seeing smoke, being pulled by Niall Campbell, and the chaos as the fire spread. She described being burnt, the thick smoke, and the last moments before Josephine Glen died. The inquest will resume on 9 January 2024.
The High Court will rule before Christmas on an application in the largest liquidation in the history of the State, aimed at preventing the Russian parent of two leasing firms from seizing ownership of about 37 highly valuable aircraft. Damien Murran and Julian Moroney, joint liquidators of Dublin‑registered GTLK Europe DAC and GTLK Europe Capital DAC, argue that the aircraft belong to the firms in liquidation and that the parent has no legal entitlement. They seek orders to set aside 'pledge agreements' that the parent claims give it ownership, and declarations that those agreements are void and unenforceable under Irish law, with the liquidators retaining title. The parent, owned by the Russian Federation, has not participated in the proceedings and claims it would not receive a fair hearing in Ireland, a claim rejected by the liquidators. Mr Justice Rory Mulcahy has reserved his decision and will give a ruling early next week.
In a High Court hearing on 14 December 2023, the case concerning a teenage boy with Autism Spectrum Disorder and a moderate intellectual disorder was resolved. The boy, whose identity is protected, had been unable to secure a suitable school placement and had brought judicial review proceedings against the Minister for Education and Skills, the National Council for Special Education and the Attorney General. Mr Michael Lynn SC, representing the boy, informed Ms Justice Niamh Hyland that an interim school place had been obtained following discussions between the parties. The court welcomed the settlement and noted that a more permanent, geographically convenient placement might be found in the future. The boy had previously been placed in a residential setting by the HSE, which had worked well but did not meet his educational needs.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has begun deliberating in the trial of a woman charged with murdering her former lover in Ballyconnell, County Cavan. Nicola Brennan, aged 33, denies the charge of murdering Juris Viktorovs, a 36-year-old Latvian national, by stabbing him on 10 February 2022. The prosecution case relies on eyewitness testimony and forensic evidence, including blood found on the accused's clothing. The defence has challenged the reliability of the primary witness and questioned whether the evidence proves guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The jury of eight men and four women spent nearly two hours considering their verdict before adjourning. They are scheduled to return to court tomorrow. Justice Paul McDermott instructed the jury that the prosecution must prove its case to the standard of beyond reasonable doubt, and that murder requires proof of intent to kill or cause serious harm.
Abdisalan Abdulkadir Yusuf, a 25‑year‑old Somali‑Swedish national, was denied bail by the High Court after he fled Sweden to avoid serving a three‑year prison sentence for violent offences committed during a riot over the burning of the Quran. Yusuf was arrested in Dundalk, Co. Louth, on a European Arrest Warrant issued in April 2022 for gross sabotage of emergency services and attempted gross violence against police. He had travelled to Ireland in August 2023 without a passport, allegedly using a Swedish national identity card, and was found at a petrol station speaking to a sibling. The judge cited his flight risk, the seriousness of the offences, and the length of the sentence left to be served as reasons for refusal. Yusuf remains in custody until a full hearing on his surrender to Sweden on 7 February 2024.
Google agreed to give Tánaiste Micheál Martin the names, email addresses and telephone numbers of accounts linked to defamatory "scam" adverts that used his image. The ads appeared on legitimate sites such as the Irish Times and Irish Independent and promoted a cryptocurrency scheme called "Immediate Edge." Martin, who is also Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, had obtained court permission to sue Google Ireland Ltd and its parent Google LLC for the identity of those behind the ads. The High Court, hearing the case on Thursday, ordered Google to provide the requested information within 21 days, including details of any financial accounts or services used to pay for the ads and IP addresses from which the accounts were accessed. Google will notify account owners before disclosing the data and will not be liable for any incorrect information.
Eir has been ordered by the Workplace Relations Commission to reinstate 65‑year‑old Thomas Doolin to his former role as a desktop support agent and to pay him for the period he was out of work from 1 July to 30 November. Doolin, who represented himself, claimed he was forced into retirement when he reached the company's mandatory retirement age of 65, a policy the company said was implemented in April 2020 to maintain an age balance and manage succession planning. The adjudicator, Breiffni O'Neill, found that Doolin's job was office‑based, that he had a strong relationship with the company, and that the retirement order was unfair. No compensation was awarded, but the reinstatement order entitles Doolin to his salary for the period he was unemployed. Eir has appealed the ruling to the Labour Court.
In a Workplace Relations Commission hearing, Emily Brady, a hearing‑impaired diner, alleged that the Dublin restaurant 777 refused to lower its "obscenely loud" music to accommodate her disability. Brady claimed the manager, Pepé Rodriguez, said no and walked away when she asked for a quieter volume, and that the music was set to match the restaurant's vibe. The restaurant's staff, including waitress Christine Noguera, denied being told of Brady's disability, stating they only heard a request to lower the music. Brady insisted she had disclosed her hearing impairment twice, while the restaurant's solicitor argued that reasonable accommodation was provided and that Brady had not met the burden of proof. The adjudicator closed the hearing, with a decision to be issued in the new year.
During his multi‑million euro theft trial, former solicitor Michael Lynn, aged 55, explained that a High Court order on 15 October 2007 froze his accounts and suspended him as a solicitor. He said he was asked to relocate abroad to "batten down the hatches" amid the 2008 financial crisis. Lynn moved first to London, then Portugal, and later to Brazil in 2011, where he taught English and sought opportunities. He denied evading Gardaí between 2008 and 2011, claiming he had followed legal advice and informed authorities of his whereabouts. Lynn was arrested in August 2013 and spent four and a half years in Brazilian prison before returning to Ireland in March 2018. He is on trial for 21 counts of theft, accused of stealing about €27 million from seven Irish financial institutions between October 2006 and April 2007. The trial is before Judge Martin Nolan and a jury. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.
In a High Court ruling, Mr Justice Rory Mulcahy denied lawyers for French film star Dany Boon the right to supply prosecutors in Monaco with documents related to an alleged €7m fraud. The judge held that Boon's lawyers had not proven that providing the documents complied with the proper administration of justice and that the two defendants, Asia Monaco Investments Ltd and Asia Monaco SARL, would not be unfairly prejudiced. The affidavits, sworn by Ms Xin Zhao, were not formally opened in court and were deemed public. Boon's case involves claims that he was defrauded by Mr Thierry Birles and associated entities, and he has secured various freezing and disclosure orders in Ireland. The defendants opposed the application, citing potential injustice, and the judge noted that had the affidavits been opened, the application would not have been necessary.
An 84‑year‑old widower was attacked by a couple who robbed him for drug money. The pair, who had 104 prior convictions, stabbed the widower with a clawhammer and a kitchen knife, causing severe injuries and financial loss. The widower, aged 79, survived and described the ordeal as a test of faith. The attackers, Christine Ward (36) and Derek Bewley (48), had previously robbed a visually impaired man on the same day, stealing his wallet, iPhone and car. Ward initially denied involvement but was later identified in CCTV footage. Bewley had 79 prior convictions, Ward 25. The court heard the widower's injuries, PTSD, and the financial impact of the robbery. Ward will be finalized on 29 January, Bewley on 1 February. Christine Ward pleaded guilty. Derek Bewley pleaded guilty.
In a trial at the Central Criminal Court, a 59‑year‑old former teacher pleaded not guilty to one count of attempted anal rape and eight counts of sexual assault involving six complainants aged 17 to 24 between March 1991 and November 1997. A former colleague testified that he was shocked when a student arrived at the accused's home after a staff night out and that he later walked in on the accused, a woman, and the student in bed together. The colleague described how he avoided speaking to the student and later found the three of them in bed, with the accused in the middle. A former principal recounted receiving a call about a "sexual contact" incident involving a teacher and a student, and that the accused had been called to the student's home after an allegation of sexual assault. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Alexander Owens and a jury.
Craig Mooney, 28, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two counts of possession of a controlled drug for sale or supply. Garda Kevin Kehoe recounted that on 25 January, a taxi driver reported an intoxicated, "obstreperous" passenger who could not be awakened. Gardaí removed Mooney from the taxi; he became abusive and was arrested. A search of the taxi revealed €725 worth of cocaine and 12 benzodiazepine tablets. A subsequent search of Mooney's residence on 2 February uncovered 2.3 g of cocaine (valued at €149) and 145 g of cannabis (valued at €2,914). Mooney has 32 prior convictions, including arson, road traffic offences and criminal damage. He has been in custody since February. Judge Martin Nolan, noting Mooney's intoxication and lack of wealth, imposed an 18‑month sentence back‑dated to February, taking mitigating factors into account.
Zahir Boudahane, 50, of Balbriggan, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to dangerous driving causing serious injury to William Burke, 32, on O'Connell Bridge on 10 June 2022. Boudahane, a professional truck driver with no prior convictions, was travelling in the bus lane on Bachelor's Walk, broke a red light and made an illegal right turn onto O'Connell Bridge. Burke was crossing the road from the Eden Quay direction when Boudahane's vehicle struck him head‑on, dragging him under the front of the truck. Burke's left leg was severely damaged, leading to a below‑the‑knee amputation and his current use of a wheelchair. The court, noting Boudahane's lack of intoxication, low speed (17 km/h), cooperation at the scene, and the loss of his livelihood, imposed a headline sentence of two years but reduced it to a fully suspended 18‑month sentence.
During the 1981 Stardust nightclub fire, survivor James Feery described flames advancing along walls and ceilings like a flamethrower, causing smoke to fill the hallway to an exit. He recalled hearing a shout of "Fire" and seeing people panic toward the main door while bouncers fought the blaze with extinguishers. Feery reported that exit doors three, four, five and six were chained and locked, as told by former doorman Noel Quigley, and that furniture was stacked against some doors. He described the front door being shut, the hall filling with fumes, and people collapsing. When the doors finally opened, a surge of smoke was sucked out, and Feery was pushed out into the street, where he saw others with burnt clothing and cars passing by. The inquest heard additional witness statements describing the fire's spread and the chaos inside the club. The hearing continues tomorrow at the Rotunda Hospital.
The Court of Appeal upheld the Minister for Justice's refusal to allow an Indian woman, who married an EU national in 2012, to remain in Ireland. The Court found the Minister's decision lawful, noting that in a 2018 interview the woman admitted the couple had never lived together and had married because she needed a visa. She also said the man's girlfriend became pregnant while they were married. The lawyers later denied that the marriage was solely for a visa, citing family disapproval and the man's infidelity, which led to a child in 2013. The couple had sought to renew the woman's residence card in 2017, but the Minister refused in 2018. The High Court dismissed the appeal in 2022, and the Court of Appeal rejected the appeal in 2023, finding no error of law and confirming the Minister's decision. The woman was not entitled to an oral hearing before the refusal.
At the Central Criminal Court, defence counsel has urged a jury to acquit Nicola Brennan of murdering Juris Viktorovs in Ballyconnell, County Wicklow, on 10 February 2022. Colman Cody SC submitted that the evidence against his client does not establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt and that she had no motive to kill the deceased. He highlighted inconsistencies in the prosecution's main witness, noting that Brenda Kane made no mention of seeing Ms Brennan stab Mr Viktorovs during three initial interviews, only describing this during a later cognitive interview. Mr Cody also contended that forensic evidence, including blood on Ms Brennan's clothing, could be explained by her assisting in moving the body. He submitted that the level of intoxication present, together with the chaos of the circumstances, meant the jury could not be satisfied that Ms Brennan possessed the necessary intent for murder. Mr Justice Paul McDermott will continue his charge to the jury. Ms Brennan, aged 33, has pleaded not guilty to murder.
A newly‑hired HR manager was dismissed while still on probation from an unnamed research foundation after a long‑serving employee, Ms X, refused to cooperate and posted large‑print signs in the reception area, including one that read "No Irish need apply." The manager, who was the only non‑Irish person on the administrative staff, claimed she was "steadfastly resisted" and that the board failed to support her during her probation review in October 2022. Ms X, described as a "law unto herself," had a history of rude and abusive behaviour toward senior board members and had previously encouraged women to be "aggressive, difficult and complicated." The Workplace Relations Commission found the dismissal unfair, noting that the posters were a form of harassment and that the board should have taken disciplinary action. The adjudicator, Michael McEntee, recommended the former employer pay the manager €55,000, equivalent to one year's salary, as compensation for the unfair dismissal.
In a trial at the Central Criminal Court, a 59‑year‑old former teacher faces one count of attempted anal rape and eight counts of sexual assault involving six complainants aged 17 to 24 between March 1991 and November 1997. A friend of the accused, who worked on school musical productions in the 1990s, testified that she was present at a dinner in 1997 with the accused and a student, after which the three returned to the accused's apartment. She claimed the accused told her he had "made a pass" at the student, who had left the house. The witness also disclosed a brief sexual relationship with a 17‑year‑old student in 1995, which the accused reportedly found displeasing. The accused's employment as a teacher at the school from 1987 to 1997 and his role as musical director were confirmed by the school principal. The case is proceeding before Mr Justice Alexander Owens and a jury. The unnamed 17-year-old pleaded not guilty.
During a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 12 December 2023, former solicitor Michael Lynn, aged 55, explained that he had engaged in "off‑the‑book" loan arrangements with bankers, including former Irish Nationwide chief Michael Fingleton. Lynn said he met Fingleton in 2006 to sign a "memo of understanding" that would give Fingleton a stake in the third stage of Lynn's Portuguese apartment development, Cabanas 3. He claimed the memo was drafted by an English lawyer and that other bankers received discounts on apartment purchases, naming Ciaran Farrell of Permanent TSB as one who allegedly benefited from an "artificial deposit" on a Portuguese apartment. Lynn said the off‑book documents were mainly emails sent to bankers' addresses linked to his property companies, Kendar Holdings and Kendar Global. He denied that any other banker agreed to a stake in a development and said the Portuguese project never proceeded after 2007. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.
The inquest heard that Illingsworth and Company Limited supplied Stateroom carpet tiles used on the Stardust nightclub walls, but the company never advertised or recommended them for wall use. The tiles were sold as a "job lot" because they were being discontinued, with the price reduced from £1.28 to 75p. Mr Graham Whitehead, the company secretary, confirmed that the tiles were intended for floor use and that the company had no fire certificate authority. He stated that the tiles were not suitable for walls and that any display of them on walls was purely for show. The tribunal also noted that the tiles were Class 4 in flammability tests, not Class 1 as required, and were a major contributor to the fire's spread. The inquest continues tomorrow.
Clinton Byrne, 41, was sentenced to four years in prison for possessing more than €280,000 worth of heroin for sale or supply. He was arrested on 26 April 2023 after Gardaí searched a house in Clondalkin where he was found with €3,985 in cash, a weighing scale, a half‑kilogram block of heroin and a small amount of cannabis. Gardaí also seized three additional packages of heroin weighing just over 1.5 kg in a car parked by the house, bringing the total street value of the seized heroin to €280,630. Byrne pleaded guilty to possession of heroin and cannabis, claiming he was only holding the drugs for a few hours and that it was an "effing set‑up". He admitted an addiction to gambling and cocaine and a debt that had driven him to the offence. Byrne's brother said his brother was in a psychosis at the time.
Kevin Kelleher, 50, manager of a Dublin pub, pleaded guilty to possession of just under three kilograms of amphetamines, valued at €43,000, found in concealed compartments in the ladies' bathroom and a roof area of a store room. Garda Jamie Greville described a surveillance operation triggered by a tip, with Kelleher identified and arrested after CCTV footage showed him moving the drugs. Kelleher claimed duress and that he was forced to store the drugs. He had no prior convictions and no material wealth. The prosecution argued no evidence of payment, addiction, debt repayment or gang involvement. Judge Orla Crowe imposed a headline sentence of four years, reduced to three years, and suspended the entire term on strict conditions, including keeping the peace and good behaviour for five years.
The Central Criminal Court heard closing arguments on Tuesday in the trial of a woman accused of fatally stabbing her housemate in Ballyconnell, County Cavan, in February 2022. Nicola Brennan, aged 33, denies murdering Juris Viktorovs during an incident at a shared residence. The defence argued that the sole eyewitness to the alleged stabbing gave inconsistent accounts across multiple garda interviews and court testimony, and therefore cannot be relied upon to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Prosecution counsel countered that independent evidence supports the eyewitness version and highlighted contradictory statements made by the accused in emergency calls and police interviews as indicative of culpability. The jury of twelve was instructed to consider the effect of alcohol intoxication on the accused's state of mind. Closing arguments continue. Nicola Brennan pleaded not guilty.
KC Capital Property Group Limited, developing a nine‑storey building on Cuffe Street, Dublin 2, has challenged a planning requirement that it must install certain fire safety measures. The developer argues that the conditions requiring a 120‑minute fire resistance for structural elements and a sprinkler system are only applicable to buildings 30 metres or taller, and that the proposed building is not that height. The developer appealed the Dublin City Council's decision to include these conditions to An Bord Pleanála, which dismissed the appeal and upheld the council's decision. KC Capital has now brought High Court judicial review proceedings, claiming the board's decision is unreasonable, irrational, contrary to fair procedures, and that it incorrectly concluded the building was 30 metres or more. The case was granted permission to proceed by Ms Justice Niamh Hyland on an ex‑parte basis and is scheduled to return to court in February.
A 54-year-old man has been sentenced to nine years imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court for the rape and sexual abuse of four siblings over a twelve-year period. The offender, who cannot be named, pleaded guilty to eight sample charges relating to one brother, including oral rape, anal rape, and sexual assault committed between 1999 and 2005 when the victim was aged six. He further pleaded guilty to six counts of sexual assault against the brother's older sibling, and to offences against both sisters occurring in 1993 and 1997. The abuse came to light following a complaint to gardaí by one of the victims, whereupon the other siblings disclosed their experiences. The judge imposed a headline sentence of thirteen years, reduced to eleven years in light of the guilty pleas and cooperation with gardaí. The final two years were suspended on strict conditions, with a two-year post-release supervision order imposed. The sentencing heard victim impact statements describing the lasting trauma inflicted on all four siblings.
Teacher Enoch Burke, the applicant, was ordered to remain in Mountjoy prison for the festive period after refusing to provide an undertaking to comply with a High Court order to stay away from Wilson's Hospital School. During a fraught appeal-stage hearing, Mr Justice Mark Sanfey directed Mr Burke and his family to leave the courtroom for interrupting proceedings. Mr Burke alleged that his imprisonment resulted from judicial decisions and claimed the school was covering up evidence, while criticizing several judges, including Mr Justice George Birmingham, Ms Justice Marie Whelan, and Mr Justice Brian O'Moore. Counsel for the school board, Rosemary Mallon BL, stated the board was reluctantly seeking to maintain the status quo. The judge ruled that Mr Burke must remain incarcerated until he purges his contempt, noting he could secure release by providing undertakings at any time. The judge described the conduct as an orchestrated campaign to disrupt proceedings and a flagrant breach of court orders. The matter was adjourned to a date in February for a further review. Mr Burke was previously jailed in September for deliberately failing to comply with a permanent injunction granted by Mr Justice Owens in July, which restrained him from attending the school. The school board alleges his presence caused severe disruption, a claim he denies. He is separately appealing his dismissal from his post as a German and History teacher.
A Workplace Relations Commission hearing heard a complaint under the Employment Equality Act by Sayed Baqur-Hussain against One Complete Solutions Ltd. The applicant, a former account manager, alleges a "culture of racism" contributed to his demotion and final written warning following an incident on August 30, 2022. Mr. Baqur-Hussain admits punching an alleged shoplifter, referred to as Mr. X, but claims self-defence after the man used racist language, made a death threat, and struck a security officer. The company accused him of acting in revenge and failing to de-escalate, resulting in his demotion to security guard. The applicant contends that a non-Indian manager involved in the same incident faced no sanction, citing racial discrimination. Witness Przemyslaw Pindel, a former rostering administrator, testified to a toxic workplace environment, including racist remarks by an account manager and discriminatory overtime policies favouring Irish managers. The company's representative argued the sanctions were based on investigation findings of gross misconduct. The matter is at the charge or pre-trial stage, with the hearing adjourned to resume in the new year. Two further witnesses for the applicant and five to six for the respondent are expected to testify. No final determination has been made.
The Supreme Court will hear Graham Dwyer's appeal against his 2015 conviction for the murder of Elaine O'Hara on January 16. The one-day hearing centres on whether call data records used at trial should lead to a retrial, following declarations that retaining mobile phone data breached rights under the European Charter. Dwyer's lawyers argue the data retention constituted mass surveillance, while the DPP opposes the application. The Supreme Court agreed to hear the case, citing significant issues of general public importance regarding the admissibility of evidence obtained under a 2011 law later struck down by the Court of Justice of the European Union. In a preliminary hearing before Mr Justice Maurice Collins, the judge confirmed a timetable for legal submissions and asked the DPP and Dwyer's team to inquire if the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission wishes to participate. Dwyer, who denies murdering O'Hara, was originally convicted by a jury at the Central Criminal Court. Mr Justice Tony Hunt sentenced him to the mandatory term of life imprisonment, describing the killing as a chilling and premeditated murder following a protracted campaign of manipulation and abuse. Although the Court of Appeal dismissed his conviction appeal last March, finding the call data evidence did not cause a miscarriage of justice, the Supreme Court is now reviewing the legal characterisation of the data's illegality and the scope of legislation governing conviction appeals.
Michael Lynn, a former solicitor from County Wicklow, has begun giving evidence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in his trial on charges relating to approximately €27 million in alleged theft from seven financial institutions. Mr Lynn, aged 55, outlined his professional background to the jury, describing his career path from qualification in 1994 through to establishing his own practice in 1997, which eventually expanded to 15 staff members. He also detailed his involvement in property investment and development, including projects in Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim, and Portugal. The prosecution alleges Mr Lynn obtained multiple mortgages on identical properties without the knowledge of participating banks. Mr Lynn has pleaded not guilty to 21 counts of theft occurring between October 2006 and April 2007. The trial, before Judge Martin Nolan and jury, continues with Mr Lynn's evidence ongoing.
During the Stardust inquest, Detective Superintendent John Courtney presented evidence that, after reviewing over 1,600 statements from the night of the February 14, 1981 fire that killed 48 people, he found no evidence that the blaze was started maliciously. He explained that all 841 attendees and staff were interviewed, and that the four youths seen on the roof had no connection to the fire. Courtney also described the investigative process, noting that statements from those in the curtained area were checked and eliminated as suspects, and that no credible allegations of deliberate arson emerged. He read his testimony and 1981 Garda statements into the record, while other witnesses, including fire officers and survivors, provided accounts of the emergency response and the chaotic evacuation. The inquest will continue tomorrow.
At the Central Criminal Court, Matthew Cummins appeared on appeal regarding the reactivation of his suspended sentence. The State sought to activate the two-year suspended portion of his nine-year term, which was imposed in September 2021 for impeding the apprehension of an offender. This followed Cummins' guilty plea and sentencing on December 5 last year at Tullamore Circuit Criminal Court, where he received two-and-a-half years' imprisonment for criminal damage, with the final year suspended. Cummins, who has 69 previous convictions, had previously admitted to helping Sean Davy, a convicted murderer, by attempting to burn the victim's body to destroy evidence. James Davy, Cummins' co-accused in the original 2014 incident, also had his murder conviction overturned in 2021 and was re-sentenced to nine years with two suspended. Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford revoked the two-year suspension but substituted it with a one-year jail term, backdated to December 5 last, with no portion suspended. She noted Cummins' good behaviour and course completion in prison, granting him a further chance despite his high risk of reoffending. Sean Davy remains serving a life sentence for murder.
Raul Rodriguez Ramirez, 36, was found guilty of defrauding 18 international students who paid him to secure English language courses in Dublin between June 2020 and June 2021. He used the money to invest in a restaurant that failed during the pandemic, rather than booking the students' courses. The students suffered financial loss, with each losing between €1,100 and €3,800, and endured hardship such as sleeping in a church doorway and being unable to travel home to see a dying mother. Ramirez pleaded guilty and has no prior convictions. Judge Orla Crowe adjourned sentencing to March 21 to allow him to gather the balance of €29,042 to reimburse the victims. He has been in Ireland since his arrest, relying on friends, and has expressed remorse, stating he intends to repay the students fully. The case was heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Noel Robinson, 50, pleaded guilty to possessing 81 Android TV boxes that bypass Sky's subscription system. The boxes, sold from his Ballyfermot home, allowed users to watch Sky without paying the €126 monthly fee. Robinson had no prior convictions and had been a law‑abiding citizen, though he had an alcohol addiction until February 2020. Gardaí seized the boxes after a Sky anti‑piracy investigator identified a listing on Adverts.ie. Robinson cooperated fully during the search and admitted to the offence. The prosecution estimated a potential loss of €102,060 to Sky. Judge Orla Crowe imposed an 18‑month prison sentence, suspended in full for three years on strict conditions. Robinson's profits were €13,625, largely spent on alcohol, and he has two autistic sons and a son who is a chef. The case prompted him to stop drinking.
Joseph Mockler, aged 63, was convicted at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of four counts of indecent assault against two teenage boys aged 14 to 16 between January 1987 and December 1988. The court found that Mockler, a sports coach, had used his position and alcohol to exploit the boys, engaging in repeated inappropriate touching, masturbation and oral sex while they were intoxicated. He was found guilty by a jury of two counts of indecent assault for each boy, though he denied the verdicts. Judge Elma Sheahan imposed a sentence of five years for the first boy and five and a half years for the second, to run consecutively, then reduced the second to three years for proportionality, giving a global sentence of eight years. The final 12 months were suspended on strict conditions, and Mockler will be placed under probation supervision for 12 months after release.
In a High Court judicial review, investigative website 'The Ditch' seeks to overturn a refusal by the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO) to provide the 2022 annual donation statement of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar before it is presented to the Houses of the Oireachtas. The Ditch claims it requested the statement in August 2023 and was denied, with SIPO arguing that providing the material would "hamper" its compliance function. The Ditch argues the refusal blocks its right under the 1997 Electoral Act to access donation statements and denies it fair procedures. It also seeks access to other politicians' 2022 donation statements. Represented by Michael Conlon SC, the Ditch requests the High Court to quash SIPO's refusal and declare that SIPO has erred in applying the Act. Justice Niamh Hyland granted the case to proceed, with a hearing scheduled for February.