A jury has been discharged in the trial of Stephen Silver at the Central Criminal Court following difficulty raised by one juror. Mr Silver, aged 46, a motorbike mechanic from Aughavard in Foxford, Co Mayo, faces a charge of murdering Garda Colm Horkan, aged 49, at Castlerea, Co Roscommon on 17 June 2020. He has pleaded not guilty to capital murder and guilty to manslaughter. The original jury of twelve was sworn in on Monday and the prosecution opened its case on Tuesday. However, when proceedings resumed on Wednesday morning, a juror indicated an inability to continue serving. Justice Tara Burns determined it inappropriate to proceed with eleven jurors and discharged the entire panel. Both prosecution and defence agreed this course was preferable. A fresh jury panel was expected to be sworn in later that day to commence the trial afresh.
A 35-year-old man charged with the attempted murder of a pub manager in Baldoyle has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity at the Central Criminal Court. The accused is alleged to have stabbed the victim 19 times at The Elphin Pub on Baldoyle Road on 28 January 2021. Two forensic psychiatrists giving evidence for the prosecution and defence have told the jury that the accused was experiencing profound psychosis at the time of the alleged incident. Both experts diagnosed the man with a psychotic disorder and testified that severe delusions—including false beliefs about the victim's involvement in an unsolved murder—had severely impaired his judgement. The psychiatrists stated that his condition would have prevented him from understanding the nature of his actions. Both doctors recommended that a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity should be considered. The prosecution and defence have agreed on the facts of the case, with the jury to determine whether the requisite intent was present. The unnamed 35-year-old was acquitted.
A 35-year-old man charged with the attempted murder of his former employer at a public house in Baldoyle has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity at the Central Criminal Court. The accused is alleged to have stabbed the manager of the Elphin Pub on the Baldoyle Road on 28 January 2021, inflicting 19 stab wounds across the victim's shoulders, chest and hands using three separate knives. The victim also sustained a serious cardiac injury requiring surgical intervention. During trial, the prosecution and defence agreed on the factual circumstances of the incident. Evidence heard indicated the accused, who formerly worked as a barman at the establishment, told gardaí he believed his former boss was responsible for an unsolved murder in Mauritius. The defence presented that the accused was experiencing psychotic delusions and paranoia in the weeks preceding the assault. Two medical reports for both prosecution and defence were to be considered regarding the accused's mental state at the time of the alleged offence.
The High Court was asked to appoint a provisional liquidator to investigate GWD Forestry Limited, a Dublin‑registered forestry company that allegedly received €30 million from investors and is insolvent. Investors and creditors are concerned that the company's attempts to enter voluntary liquidation were not carried out in accordance with Irish company law. A second creditors' meeting is scheduled for later in the week. Investor and creditor Mr Franco Bertellino petitioned the court to appoint Mr Declan de Lacey of PKF O'Connor Leddy Holmes as provisional liquidator to mitigate risks, including preventing any improperly convened creditors' meetings. Mr Bertellino claims he has not received any return on his investment and that a liquidator appointed at the creditors' meeting might be biased toward the directors. The application was heard by Mr Justice Brian O'Moore, who directed that the company be notified of the appointment request and adjourned the matter to Thursday's sitting. The court noted the urgency of the claim.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Leon Thompson, aged 21, pleaded guilty to a robbery at a Londis shop in Clondalkin on 16 February 2019. He entered the shop at 8.20 pm armed with a hatchet, threatened two male employees, and stole €400 from the till. While fleeing, he fell over a display of KitKat bars. Thompson's claim that he had "scant memory" of the incident was noted, and he was not cooperative during the Garda interview, though he admitted to buying the distinctive runners that matched prints found at the scene. Judge Orla Crowe, recognising Thompson's juvenile status at the time, imposed a three‑year prison sentence, noting that a headline sentence for an adult would have been six years. The judge highlighted the hatchet use and the impact on staff as aggravating factors, while acknowledging Thompson's remorse and lack of prior convictions. The sentence was delivered today.
In January 2023, Liam Byrne, aged 41, was sentenced to 20 months' imprisonment after threatening to stab Gardaí and assaulting them with a wooden pole and knife at his mother's home in Dublin. Byrne had previously been barred from the house but was allowed back after promising to stay clean. The incident followed a June 2022 court case where he pleaded guilty to making a threat to kill a Garda and producing a knife. Byrne's lawyer linked his violent escalation to the traumatic discovery of his father's murder in 2000, which led to severe drug addiction. He had reportedly rehabilitated a year earlier, worked in construction, and assisted at a vaccination centre, but relapsed and was intoxicated during the offence. He is now awaiting assessment for residential treatment.
In a High Court case, the County Kerry Coursing Club and Ballybeggan Park Company Limited resolved a dispute over access to the former Tralee Racecourse grounds for hare coursing. The club had been locked out of Ballybeggan Park since 18 June after new locks were installed, prompting the club to sue the company. The court heard that the club, the largest shareholder, claimed the company had no right to deny sporting access and alleged a sale of the land for €5 m was undervalued. The company denied wrongdoing, citing security concerns and a desire to frustrate the sale. After negotiations outside court, Mr Justice Brian O'Moore was informed the parties had settled amicably. The settlement was based on conditions to be fulfilled, and the court adjourned the case generally, allowing re‑entry if needed. No further details were disclosed.
On 9 December 2020, security guard Ciaran Kelly was on duty at a client site when a visitor, visibly distressed, asked to use a toilet before signing in. Kelly let the visitor pass and called his supervisor, who told him not to let the visitor down. Kelly believed the visitor might soil himself if delayed. That evening, the Securitas area manager suspended him. Kelly claimed the disciplinary process misrepresented facts and that the company had already decided to terminate him. The Workplace Relations Commission found Securitas had breached the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977, ordering the company to pay Kelly €21,216. The commission noted the dismissal was not a proportionate or justified last resort, and no reinstatement was ordered. The case highlights the balance between security protocols and employee rights.
The Central Criminal Court heard that an 18‑year‑old teenage rapist, who has had 12 Garda interactions in a West of Ireland town since moving there four months ago, is now facing a trial for sexual assault. The court was told by a Tusla official that all State services are working together to assist with his rehousing. The defendant, who was previously sentenced in May 2022 to a five‑year prison term suspended for three years on strict conditions, was remanded in custody for the new charge. He is also before the District Court for failing to notify Garda of his address under the Sex Offenders Act. A Probation Service official explained that the main issue is suitable accommodation, and that Waterford County Council is willing to conduct a housing assessment pending his release.
At the Central Criminal Court, Stephen Silver, aged 46, a motorbike mechanic from Foxford, County Mayo, pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Garda Colm Horkan on June 17, 2020, at Castlerea, County Roscommon. He has pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The prosecution opening alleged that following an encounter on the main street in Castlerea, Mr Silver engaged in a struggle with the uniformed officer, seized his firearm, and discharged it multiple times, causing fatal injuries. The court heard that Mr Silver told gardai at the scene that the deceased had attempted to attack him. The defence intends to raise issues of bipolar disorder and diminished responsibility due to mental health difficulties. The trial, before Ms Justice Tara Burns and a jury of twelve, is expected to last six weeks. The main disputed issue concerns Mr Silver's state of mind at the time of the incident.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 31 January 2023, 46‑year‑old Zbigniew Zadecki was sentenced to 27 months' imprisonment for assault causing harm. The offence occurred on 23 April 2020 in Phoenix Park's Fountain Road, where Zadecki, a qualified carpenter with 22 prior convictions, attacked a victim who was stamped on, punched, kicked and suffered a ruptured eye. Video evidence from Zadecki's phone showed the attackers laughing and the victim bleeding heavily. Zadecki pleaded guilty, admitting he believed the victim and a friend were Gardaí and that they were thieves. The judge, Martin Nolan, described the assault as savage and merciless, noting that any provocation was minor and did not justify the violence. Zadecki's accomplice is yet to stand trial for his role in the attack. No victim impact statement was presented. The court highlighted Zadecki's homelessness and alcohol addiction as contributing factors.
Charles McClean, aged 32, of St Mark's Drive, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty in the Central Criminal Court to facilitating a criminal organisation in the fatal shooting of Thomas McCarthy. The indictment alleges that between 25 January and 27 July 2020, McClean, knowing of the organisation's existence, intentionally or recklessly performed an act to aid the murder. Mark Lee, also 32 from Balgaddy, Lucan, admitted the same charge for the period 26–27 July 2020. Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the case to 6 March for mention.
A man accused of murdering his mother in a house fire in Donegal has had his trial date set for April 8, 2024 at the Central Criminal Court. Geunter Lohse, aged 61, is charged with the murder of Ruth Lohse at Coolvoy, Doochary on April 12, 2022. The defendant appeared before Mr Justice Paul McDermott via videolink on January 31, 2023, when the trial date was fixed. The trial is expected to last approximately one and a half weeks. The court heard that psychiatric evidence will be necessary, with a preliminary report already received and a full report anticipated within several months. Mr Justice McDermott remanded Mr Lohse in custody and scheduled case management for May 5, 2023, directing that all disclosure be completed by that date.
The Special Criminal Court will start a full‑day opening for the trial of Brendan Treanor and James Flynn, accused of a credit union robbery that led to the death of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. Treanor, 34, and Flynn, 32, are charged with conspiracy to steal a car key and robbery of €7,000 at Lordship Credit Union on 25 January 2013. Aaron Brady, 31, is already serving a 40‑year sentence for Donohoe's murder and the burglary. Treanor's counsel intends to sever the conspiracy and robbery charges, a move also supported by Flynn's counsel.
Dermot Alastair Mills, a former Irish Rail manager, withdrew his claim under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 after a tribunal hearing. Mills had alleged that he was penalised for whistleblowing on accounting matters in 2014 and that his €121,000‑a‑year role was reduced to managing a small debt portfolio. He said he had been given responsibility for capital budgets worth a quarter of a billion euros, then was "bullied" and had to take sick leave in 2013. Mills claimed he raised concerns, made a protected disclosure to the Transport Minister in December 2014, and that subsequent investigations found no wrongdoing. Irish Rail accepted the disclosure but denied penalisation, arguing the Workplace Relations Commission could only decide on the extent of any alleged penalty. The case was withdrawn following a settlement reached between Mills and Irish Rail, and the tribunal closed the hearing. The withdrawal was described as an immediate compromise by the adjudicating officer.
The Workplace Relations Commission has dismissed the unfair dismissal claim of care worker Varghese Matthew. In a decision published Monday, adjudicating officer Janet Hughes found that Matthew's dismissal by Donegal Home Care Ltd, trading as Home Instead Senior Care, was reasonable. The case concerned an incident on 1 April 2020 at Ballywaltrim House in Raphoe, Co Donegal, where a patient with an intellectual disability was found on an excrement-strewn floor after being locked in his room overnight. Matthew alleged he was instructed by a staff member to act as a doorkeeper and stay outside the room, a direction he claimed originated from an HSE employee. He stated he only discovered the door was locked after the other worker left. The tribunal found no malice or deliberate neglect on Matthew's part but determined his actions were based on "unquestioning adherence" to that direction. The officer concluded that speaking to the service user through a glass panel for four hours reached a threshold of gross misconduct due to incompetence and a failure to provide sound professional judgment. Although the officer noted Matthew was effectively a "scapegoat" and that the employer's investigation was delayed and limited, she upheld the dismissal, finding it reasonable for the employer to conclude Matthew's primary responsibility was to the service user, not to staff instructions.
Mark Boyd, 34, of Finglas, was sentenced to 16 months' imprisonment after pleading guilty to assault causing harm at his former partner's home on 23 September 2018. On that day he was intoxicated, kicked in the door, entered the house, and violently attacked the woman, pulling her to the ground, striking her face and head, and causing a burst lip, bruising under her eyes and on the bridge of her nose. She escaped to a bedroom, then to the street, while Boyd also assaulted a man across the road, leaving him with minor injuries. The judge noted Boyd's nine prior convictions, his guilty plea, and mitigating factors such as the time elapsed since the offence and attempts at rehabilitation. The court imposed a 16‑month jail term, refusing a defence request for non‑imprisonment. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
During the Custom House Capital trial, the jury heard that staff were told reversing a transaction was part of the valuation process. Susan Fennell, who prepared client valuations, explained that valuations were reviewed by her line manager Ciara Kelleher, head of private clients John Whyte, and CEO Harry Cassidy before being sent to clients. She described a pop‑up message that prompted staff to contact Mr Lavery or finance to "back out" or reverse an amount. Fennell said she followed these instructions, noting that the phrase "do the magic" was used to request a quick reversal. She also said she had no visibility of the projects for which money was notionally allocated. The trial continues tomorrow before Judge Orla Crowe and a jury. Ciara Kelleher pleaded not guilty. Custom House Capital pleaded not guilty.
In a 2023 Court of Appeal hearing, Chris Kelly, aged 32, received a six‑year jail term with the last year suspended for possession of a firearm, a longer sentence than his co‑accused Kealan Madden, who had 13 prior convictions and was sentenced to five years with the final 12 months suspended. Kelly pleaded guilty to possession of a handgun on 20 May 2020 at Ballinlaw, Slieverue, Co Kilkenny, where Gardaí stopped him and two other men. The vehicle was searched, revealing a semi‑automatic pistol and 47 rounds of ammunition, all of which had been modified for live fire. Kelly resisted arrest and was forcibly removed. Madden, seated in the rear, was found with a dark green sock containing a tray of ammunition.
A 32‑year‑old man from Balgaddy, Lucan, pleaded guilty to facilitating a criminal organisation in the murder of Thomas McCarthy in Dublin. Mark Lee appeared briefly at the Central Criminal Court, where he entered his plea. The charge alleges that between 26 and 27 July 2020, with knowledge of the organisation, Lee intentionally or recklessly committed an act to facilitate the murder. Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the matter to 6 March and ordered a probation report.
Dean Paget, 36, pleaded guilty to attempting to murder his former partner Lisa Ward, who was 32 weeks pregnant, and to intentionally ending the life of their unborn child. At the Central Criminal Court, CCTV footage showed Paget repeatedly kicking and punching Ward as they walked along Dame Street toward a tent on Montague Lane on 25 April 2021. He shouted, "I'll rip her out of you," and later called the unborn child a "bastard." Ward, aged 32, was taken to the Rotunda Hospital in a distraught state; medical tests found no fetal heartbeat and a placental abruption likely caused by the assault. Paget's 68 prior convictions include robbery, violent behaviour and drug offences. He expressed remorse during the hearing, apologised to Ward, and was remanded in custody pending sentencing on 7 February. Ward's statement described the lasting emotional pain and her loss of hope for a child.
Shaun Groome's appeal against his 15-year sentence for assault causing serious harm has been dismissed. In December 2021, Groome pleaded guilty to the 2015 attack on Ciarán Murphy at Coolcor, Co Offaly, where Murphy was stabbed 16 times and set alight, suffering burns to 96% of his body and losing his ears. The trial judge, Judge Martin Nolan, described the violence as exceptional and noted Groome's murderous intent, reducing a 20-year headline sentence to 15 years without a suspended portion. Groome's counsel argued the plea discount was insufficient, citing mitigating factors including remorse and addiction. However, the Court of Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice George Birmingham, rejected this, noting the plea was entered only after Groome was extradited from the UK. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy stated the sentence was within the margin for exceptional cases and the discount was appropriate. Groome's co-accused, David Keena, who was 17 at the time, was jailed for five years in October 2020 for his role in the attack, which involved providing petrol. The court upheld the original sentencing, finding the trial judge correctly weighed the mitigating circumstances against the severity of the injuries.
Sinead O'Farrell, mother of four children aged 10, 8, 6 and 5, has applied to the High Court for injunctions to prevent Fingallians GAA Club from barring her family from club activities. She claims that she, her husband Jason and their children were banned after a dispute over a U‑9 football tournament in Newry last year. The dispute involved the club's head coach, Richie Herity, and led to the removal of volunteer coaches in September. O'Farrell alleges that club officials have communicated that her family should leave the club and that they were asked to refrain from attending until a meeting. She seeks injunctions restraining officials from interfering with her children's right to attend the club and declarations that any ban is unlawful. Mr Justice Brian O'Moore granted short service of the proceedings to several club officials, with a returnable hearing scheduled for the following Thursday.
A jury of six men and six women has been sworn in at the Central Criminal Court for the trial of a man charged with the murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan. Stephen Silver, aged 46, of Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, pleads not guilty to capital murder in relation to the death of Det Gda Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon on 17 June 2020. He has entered a guilty plea to manslaughter. Justice Eileen Creedon advised the jury that proceedings are expected to extend over six weeks. The defence is expected to raise matters concerning bipolar disorder and diminished responsibility on grounds of mental health difficulties. The trial, led by Justice Tara Burns, commences tomorrow at 11am before the sworn jury.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Gavin Deering, 24, was jailed for one year after a hotel room bust at the Maldron Hotel in Tallaght. Gardaí had been surveilling Deering, who was seen entering and leaving the hotel while dealing drugs. He pleaded guilty to possessing €15,000 worth of cannabis for sale or supply and to having a controlled drug, cocaine, in his possession on 4 July 2021. Deering had 28 prior convictions, all traffic offences. Judge Martin Nolan noted that a clean record might have allowed a suspended sentence, but given Deering's history, he imposed a three‑year sentence, suspending the final two years on conditions of good behaviour for two years after release. The court seized a large wrapped package of cannabis, weighing €15,568, and a small amount of cocaine, valued at €106.
Gavin Blanchfield, 40, was sentenced to a six‑year suspended term after pleading guilty to eight counts of possessing ammunition, bullet heads, cartridges, gunpowder and primers without the correct firearm certification. The judge noted that Blanchfield had no sinister intent and had no prior convictions, which helped avoid imprisonment. He was found to have an "ammunition factory" at his Tallaght home, with 9.99 kg of gunpowder and equipment seized, and firearms that he legally owned but lacked the required licence for the ammunition. Garda investigations traced his activity on a public forum where he advertised and discussed ammunition. The court ordered forfeiture and destruction of all seized items, and Blanchfield's licence was revoked, effectively ending his gun‑owning hobby. The judge described the decision to spare him prison as a "close run thing.".
Keith Riggs, aged 38, set fire to the Depaul Hostel in Dublin 7 on 26 March 2022, causing €2.8 million in damage and leaving 22‑year‑old Shauna O'Brien permanently blind, unable to speak and suffering chronic nerve damage. Riggs pleaded guilty to two counts of arson and one of endangerment. Judge Dara Hayes sentenced him to 11 years' imprisonment, with 18 months suspended, back‑dated to 27 March 2022. The suspended period is subject to strict conditions, including supervision by the Probation Service and engagement with community mental health services. The sentence reflects the serious injuries to O'Brien, the impact on her two children and family, and the cost to Dublin City Council of repairing the hostel and rehousing residents. Riggs' history of mental health issues and expressions of remorse were considered mitigating factors. The court noted that the fire caused four hospitalisations and significant damage to the hostel's infrastructure.
Patrick McInerney, a former employee of the Irish Wheelchair Association, was forced into retirement at 66 without objective justification, a decision upheld by the Workplace Relations Commission as age‑based discrimination. He received €31,830 in compensation. Separately, Michael O'Mahony, a counsellor at the University of Limerick, was terminated at 68 after a dispute over his employment status and a mandatory retirement policy. He was awarded €50,000 in compensation for discriminatory dismissal on grounds of age. Both cases were brought under the Employment Equality Act 1998, and the tribunal found the employers' actions to be discriminatory, ordering the respective payments. The awards total over €80,000 for the two workers. The tribunal's decisions were published in 2023.
A human trafficking trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has been adjourned following the unavailability of a complainant. The witness, who has been giving evidence via video link with the aid of an interpreter, was scheduled to face cross-examination but became unable to attend. Judge Patricia Ryan informed the jury that the witness may remain unavailable for more than a week and discharged the jury for the day, with proceedings expected to resume the following afternoon. The State alleges that Natalia Nogueira Da Silva, aged 32, of Cairn Hill View, Drumlish, County Longford, and Ivanilce Vailones Fidelis, aged 46, of Castle Manor, Racecourse Road, Roscommon, trafficked two vulnerable Brazilian women for exploitation between 2015 and 2020. Ms Vailones Fidelis has denied eighteen charges, including human trafficking and money laundering offences. Ms Da Silva has admitted thirty-five charges but denies one count of human trafficking in 2019.
At the Central Criminal Court, Noel Lennon, 49, of Dundrum, Dublin, appeared regarding the alleged murder of Isaac Horgan, who died after being stabbed in the leg at his home in Markievicz House, Townsend Street, Dublin 2, on March 29, 2021. Lennon pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea accepted by the State. He is also charged with impeding his own apprehension at Spring Garden Lane, Dublin 2, on the same date. Counsel for Lennon stated that a psychiatric report was pending, preventing the case from proceeding. Mr Justice Hunt noted it was "rather sad" that no family members were present to make a victim impact statement, though he confirmed the opportunity remained. Lennon was remanded in custody until April 17. Co-accused Lisa Lee, 41, of Little Britain Street, Dublin 7, is charged with impeding Lennon's apprehension. Her counsel noted she had missed a probation service call. Mr Justice Hunt directed Lee to continue signing on and contact the probation service, warning she could face a custodial sentence. He granted her bail, describing it as a "last chance saloon," and emphasized that any misconduct or failure to sign on would result in severe consequences. The matter was adjourned to April 17.
A car parts manufacturer in Sligo Town has been ordered to pay €10,000 to a worker with an anxiety disorder following a discrimination finding by the Workplace Relations Commission. The adjudicating officer found that G. Bruss Gmbh Dichtungstechnik, which employs around two hundred people on the Finiskiln Road, failed to reasonably accommodate the complainant when it implemented a mandatory face mask policy during the Covid-19 pandemic. The complainant provided a medical certificate confirming she could not wear face coverings due to her condition, but the company declined to accept it or forward it to its occupational health doctor. The adjudicator described the case as unprecedented, noting that unlike other mask-policy discrimination cases, medical evidence of disability was established and the employer's failure to provide reasonable accommodation was clearly demonstrated. The company had maintained its position was grounded in public health concerns and denied discrimination. The order includes compensation for loss of earnings.
Hyde Court Property Company Owners Management Company Ltd, which runs the Hyde Court apartment complex in Dublin 2, has obtained a temporary injunction from the High Court to prevent former director Michael Noonan from dealing with, reducing or transferring funds in an AIB bank account that the company claims were misappropriated by Noonan between July and August 2016. The company alleges that Noonan withdrew more than €115,000 for personal use and that the money was frozen by a 2021 court order following a Garda investigation and criminal prosecution. Noonan, who was removed as director in 2016, has pleaded guilty to theft and false accounting and is due to be sentenced by the Circuit Criminal Court next week. The injunction is intended to preserve the frozen funds until the criminal proceedings conclude, as the company fears the order will lapse once Noonan is sentenced.
During the trial of Ciara Kelleher, a jury heard that Custom House Capital (CHC) made unauthorised transfers from client accounts to cover a €11.7 million shortfall in a €100 million German property investment. Ms. Angela Mahon, a former CHC operations head, testified that CHC's CEO, Harry Cassidy, had used client funds for other property projects and that transfers from PRSA accounts in 2007 were made without client authorisation. Mahon claimed she raised concerns with senior staff, was dismissed, and later reported the matter to the financial regulator. The evidence also involved emails and documents showing that CHC and its affiliated European Pensioner Trustee Company (EPT) had shared client information and that Mr. Mulholland used pension funds to influence client decisions. The case focuses on the alleged conspiracy to defraud investors by misrepresenting the use of their assets. Ciara Kelleher pleaded not guilty. Custom House Capital pleaded not guilty.
Peter Monks, 32, of Balbriggan, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to his then-partner on 30 November 2019 after returning home intoxicated from a night out. He punched, kicked, bit and pulled her hair, causing serious stress and bruises. The victim fled to a neighbour's house, later returned to find Monks sleeping, then was attacked again with a shoe. Gardaí recorded the injuries and arrested Monks. Monks admitted drinking heavily and could not recall details. He had 20 prior convictions. Judge Martin Nolan, after hearing counsel's request not to imprison him, imposed a custodial sentence of two years with the final 16 months suspended. The court noted the victim's recovery and Monks' mental health concerns, including a suicide attempt and a letter from his sister. The case remains at the sentencing stage.
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, a defence barrister has proposed that a Brazilian woman alleging she was trafficked to work as a prostitute was in fact already a sex worker who chose to come to Ireland for that purpose. The complainant, giving evidence via video link with an interpreter, has previously stated she worked as a hairdresser in Brazil. During cross-examination on the second day, the defence counsel for Ivanilce Vailones Fidelis put multiple propositions to the woman, including that she was free to leave accommodation, controlled her own clients, and that her work profile was voluntarily managed. The defence also presented social media evidence from the woman's Instagram and Tinder accounts showing photographs from her time in Ireland. The complainant maintained she had no support network and was instructed to obey orders, with hopes of completing three months before being released. Natalia Nogueira Da Silva, of Drumlish, County Longford, has admitted charges including organising prostitution and money laundering but denied one human trafficking count. Vailones Fidelis pleaded not guilty. Da Silva pleaded not guilty.
A former solicitor, now a judge, is alleged by a former employee to have continued running his private firm three years after his appointment to the District Court bench. The employee will present this claim to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). Solicitors for the firm argue that the judge left the practice four years before the constructive dismissal claim arose and that he has no involvement in the matter. The judge, who cannot be named by WRC order, will receive written notice of the allegation before the unfair dismissal hearing proceeds. At a brief hearing, the solicitor's representative, Jason Murray BL, requested that the WRC chairman subpoena the judge, but later asked for the subpoena to be adjourned, proposing to write to the judge and invite him to a hearing in April. Murray stated that text messages showed the judge's continued involvement.
In an appeal-stage procedural matter, Wilson's Hospital secondary school applied to the High Court to correct factual inaccuracies in a document relied upon against teacher Enoch Burke. Counsel for the school stated that two errors in a statement sworn by board chair John Rogers had emerged: the meeting regarding a student's transition was attended by only one parent, not both, and the then-principal, Niamh McShane, was present only briefly rather than for the duration. Mr Justice Conor Dignam agreed the school should correct these errors and adjourned the application to Tuesday's sitting. Burke was not present and had not been notified in advance. This application coincided with the expiration of a deadline set by Mr Justice Brian O'Moore for Burke to purge his contempt of a September injunction requiring him to stay away from the school. Burke, who was jailed for 108 days last September for similar non-compliance, did not formally indicate compliance. Justice O'Moore previously ordered a fine of €700 per day for continued refusal, deeming imprisonment "not immediately attractive." Burke claims his dismissal and the injunction breach his constitutional rights regarding his objections to using a student's preferred pronouns. The contempt ruling and costs are due for review on February 10, while Burke's appeal against various High Court decisions is scheduled for the Court of Appeal next month.
Two 27‑year‑old semi‑professional footballers from Scotland, Liam Callaghan and Craig Johnston, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and obstruction after a "shameful attack" on a 52‑year‑old man in Dublin on 8 December 2019. The victim's eye socket was fractured and his head was struck by a box, causing him to bounce off the ground. The court heard that the men had no prior interaction with the victim and that an earlier altercation at a bar had no relevance to the attack. Both men brought €6 000 to court as a token of remorse, which the victim accepted. Judge Orla Crowe imposed a two‑year prison sentence on each, suspended in full on the condition of keeping the peace for two years, and directed the men to hand over the gesture of remorse to the victim.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Judge Martin Nolan sentenced 27‑year‑old Silmara Onofre to two years' imprisonment for possessing €66,297 worth of cocaine. Onofre, who had an address in Brazil, swallowed 78 pellets weighing 0.949 kg to smuggle the drug into Ireland. She was stopped by customs at Dublin Airport on a flight from Portugal, arrested, and taken to Beaumont Hospital where she passed the pellets under medical supervision. Onofre pleaded guilty and claimed she was manipulated, exploited and financially desperate. The judge described her as a "disposable" drug mule who took a "considerable risk" and noted that some people in Ireland have an "unending appetite for cocaine." The sentence was back‑dated to the day she was taken into custody, 17 April last.
A man from Buncrana, County Donegal has been sentenced to five years imprisonment, with the final two years suspended for two years, following his conviction for rape. Francis Bourne, aged 47, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to raping a woman at her home in Donegal in November 2016. The woman was asleep when the offence occurred. During sentencing, the court heard that the complainant has since experienced nightmares, depression and suicidal ideation. Mr Justice Paul McDermott imposed strict conditions including a prohibition on any contact with the woman. In mitigation, the court considered Bourne's guilty plea, expression of remorse, lack of previous convictions and voluntary work in his community. A psychological assessment indicated medium risk of reoffending. The investigation began after the woman reported the matter to gardaí in June 2017, and subsequent evidence included admissions made by Bourne via text message.
A woman giving evidence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has described coming to Ireland with hopes of improving her circumstances and saving money to start a business. The witness, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, told the jury she arrived under what she characterised as an employment arrangement with expectations of financial gain. The woman was testifying in the trial of Natalia Nogueira Da Silva, of Drumlish, County Longford, and Ivanilce Vailones Fidelis, of Roscommon, who are accused of human trafficking. The State alleges both defendants trafficked two vulnerable Brazilian women for exploitation. During cross-examination, the witness clarified aspects of her initial complaint to gardaí and addressed questions regarding her immigration status and residency application. Ms Da Silva has pleaded guilty to organising prostitution and money laundering offences, and has admitted facilitating illegal entry to the State. She maintains her not-guilty plea to human trafficking. Ms Vailones Fidelis has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including human trafficking, organising prostitution, and money laundering. The trial continues before Judge Patricia Ryan and a jury.
In a 2023 appeal, the State argued that a 34‑year‑old man was wrongly acquitted of rape and sexual assault of a six‑to‑seven‑year‑old girl in 2005. The jury had been directed by Judge David Keane to find the man not guilty, citing UK case law that a person who invites another to touch them cannot be convicted of assault. The State cited Fairclough v Whipp and DPP v Rogers, arguing that the alleged victim's touching was voluntary and that the man's alleged actions did not constitute an active assault. The State also noted the victim's statement that the man "kind of just stopped" during the alleged assault, suggesting agency. Counsel for the respondent, Fiona Murphy, countered that the victim's touch was initiated by invitation and that no force was used, challenging the State's reliance on the UK cases.
The Court of Appeal dismissed a 39‑year‑old man's appeal against a three‑year prison sentence, with 18 months suspended, for his role in a sophisticated drug‑dealing scheme that imported cannabis disguised as nappies. The appellant, Damien Cahill of Railway Close, Kilsheelan, was convicted in July 2021 for possessing cannabis for sale or supply on 22 September 2017. He had previously supplied cocaine, a fact the court noted as evidence of a recidivist pattern. Cahill admitted he had ceased cocaine but continued to use cannabis, and the court found no evidence of rehabilitation or completion of addiction treatment. The judge upheld the original sentence, citing the seriousness of the offence and the lack of error in the sentencing decision. The appeal was therefore rejected.
Ruzmond Muwaniri, 34, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for assaulting three people in the St Stephen's Green area on 1 and 2 February. He admitted punching a woman, causing a broken nose, and striking two men in the face. The judge noted Muwaniri's history of mental illness, including schizophrenia, and his previous conviction for assaulting his girlfriend. He had spent two years in the Central Mental Hospital and was homeless upon release. Muwaniri denied recollection of the attacks but admitted the incidents when shown CCTV footage. He has 80 prior convictions, 16 for assault causing harm. The court ordered him to keep the peace for one year after release and comply with Probation Services. The sentence was back‑dated to 2 February 2022. Ruzmond Muwaniri pleaded guilty.
Michael Delaney, 36, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment in June 2022 for hijacking a car and violently assaulting a Good Samaritan, Zolt Tolmowski, who offered him a lift. Delaney had a 12‑13 year driving ban and was on bail at the time. The Court of Appeal quashed the original sentence and re‑sentenced him to seven years' imprisonment, with the final 12 months suspended. The new sentence includes five years for the hijacking, three years for assault causing harm, and 12 months for violent disorder, with the latter suspended. Delaney's concurrent sentences for dangerous driving, driving without insurance, driving without a licence and failing to supply a urine specimen remain at four months each. The Court noted his 99 prior convictions and his participation in rehabilitation programmes while incarcerated. The decision was made after the State appealed the original sentences as unduly lenient. Michael Delaney pleaded guilty.
Pádraig McMahon, a technical support manager at Opentext Ireland Limited, lost his job in a redundancy scheme in June 2020. He argued that the selection process was unfair, citing a lack of transparency and no prior warning that his role was at risk. The Workplace Relations Commission found that while a valid redundancy situation existed, the process was not carried out fairly or transparently, and that alternatives to redundancy were not considered. Consequently, Mr McMahon was awarded a compensatory sum of €41,400, equivalent to 11 months' remuneration less the statutory redundancy payment. His separate claims of gender‑based pay discrimination, disability discrimination and victimisation were dismissed because he failed to establish a prima facie case in each. The adjudicating officer noted that the company's redundancy matrix was vague and did not meet the required standard of transparency.
In an appeal-stage ruling, the High Court ordered teacher Enoch Burke to pay a daily fine of €700 for each day he refuses to comply with a court order to stay away from Wilson's Hospital secondary school. Mr Justice Brian O'Moore issued this decision on Thursday, granting Burke until the following day to decide on compliance. The judge noted that Burke had previously been jailed for 108 days for contempt but was released without purging the sentence. Following his release, Burke allegedly returned to the school campus on January 5th, claiming he was there to teach, despite being told he was in breach of the order. The school sought either asset sequestration or fines due to his repeated refusal to comply. Mr Justice O'Moore determined that a daily fine was the correct response to Burke's ongoing defiance, noting that returning him to prison was not immediately attractive and asset sequestration was unlikely to ensure compliance. The fine commences on Friday and may be increased if ineffective. The judge rejected Burke's arguments that the order breached his constitutional rights or criminalised his religious beliefs, stating that High Court orders remain valid until set aside by superior courts, where appeals are pending. The matter is adjourned for review on February 10th, with legal costs to be addressed separately.
Two peace activists, retired soldier Edward Horgan (78) and civil servant Dan Dowling (39), were found guilty of trespassing on a taxiway at Shannon Airport. They had previously been acquitted of criminal damage for marking an American naval plane. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, after a ten‑day trial, returned guilty verdicts on the summary trespass charges. Judge Martina Baxter, who praised their conduct, imposed no custodial sentence but ordered each to pay €5,000 to the Clare Haven Refuge for women within 12 months. She also required them to maintain good behaviour and keep the peace for a year. The judge highlighted their lack of prior convictions and good work histories, and noted their intention to protest peacefully. The men accepted the verdict. No further penalties were imposed.
In the Special Criminal Court, Gerard Hutch, Paul Murphy, and Jason Bonney face charges related to the murder of David Byrne during a boxing weigh-in at the Regency Hotel on February 5, 2016. All three defendants have pleaded not guilty. Mr. Hutch is accused of the murder, while Mr. Murphy and Mr. Bonney are charged with participating in or contributing to the murder by providing access to motor vehicles. The matter is currently at the sentencing stage, although the source text details the defense counsel's closing speech, arguing that the prosecution's case relies heavily on the testimony of Jonathan Dowdall, whom they described as a proven liar and perjurer. Counsel Brendan Grehan SC contended that the audio recordings presented by the prosecution did not contain unambiguous admissions of guilt by Mr. Hutch. He argued that the recordings suggested Mr. Hutch was involved in post-incident mediation rather than the attack itself. The defense emphasized that Mr. Hutch is not charged with firearms offenses and that the prosecution's case stands or falls on the credibility of Mr. Dowdall. The court has not yet delivered a verdict or sentence in this report.
A woman giving evidence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has described being moved between rural towns weekly while allegedly trafficked for sexual exploitation. The complainant, who cannot be named, told the trial she was relocated from locations including Portarlington, Enniscorthy and Tralee, and kept a knife for protection following violent incidents with clients. She said she received instructions via phone and messaging apps from two women regarding services to be provided and payment collection, with no option to refuse work or relocation. Natalia Nogueira Da Silva, aged 32, of Drumlish, County Longford, has pleaded not guilty to human trafficking between March and May 2019, but guilty to organising prostitution, facilitating illegal entry to the State, and money laundering charges. Ivanilce Vailones Fidelis, aged 46, of Roscommon, denies all eighteen counts against her, including two counts of human trafficking and fourteen counts of money laundering. The prosecution alleges both defendants exploited vulnerable Brazilian women through debt bondage. The trial continues at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.