Michael O'Toole, a witness at the Stardust inquest, recounted that shortly after the 1981 fire, doorman Michael Kavanagh held a bunch of keys and repeatedly told him the club's doors were padlocked, preventing escape. O'Toole said he could not count how many times Kavanagh made the claim and that the keys were likely those of the Stardust. Kavanagh, who was 20 at the time, had initially told Gardaí he had unlocked the fire exit doors but retracted this statement after O'Toole's father reported Kavanagh's claim that the doors were locked. Kavanagh later admitted he had lied to Gardaí and that he had not opened the doors, feeling he was being made a scapegoat. O'Toole confirmed that Kavanagh's statements were made while they were in his kitchen and that the keys were taken out of his pocket during the conversation. The inquest heard that Kavanagh's repeated assertion of locked doors was a key point in the evidence presented.
In a High Court decision on 10 November 2023, Mr Justice Mark Sanfey quashed a decision by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities that renewable energy companies should not receive compensation when instructed to shut down wind farms due to grid limitations. The case was brought by Energia Group Holdings and its subsidiaries together with GR Wind Farms and its subsidiaries, who argued that the Commission had no authority to make the decision and that it had failed to apply the EU Regulation on compensation for energy‑generating companies. The judge found the Commission's decision fundamentally flawed, irrational, and lacking adequate reasons, and ordered that the decision be set aside. He also directed the parties to consider his judgment before any further orders are made, and noted that the matter would return to the Court later in the month. The case involved Eirgrid Plc as a notice party.
The Central Criminal Court jury, consisting of eight men and four women, has paused its deliberations over the weekend and will resume on Monday at 10.30am. They have spent 11 hours and 39 minutes across three days considering the verdict in the murder trial of Martin Hayes, 34, who denies killing his partner, Amadea McDermott, 27, at her home in Coolock on 20 July 2017. The prosecution alleges Hayes stabbed McDermott and that she had previously been physically abused by him. Hayes claims the stabbing was self‑harm, citing a post‑mortem that the single abdominal wound could be consistent with self‑harm and that no DNA was found on the knife. The jury can return one of three verdicts: guilty of murder, not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter, or not guilty. Justice Paul McDermott has asked the jurors to reach a unanimous decision.
At the Central Criminal Court, a consultant psychiatrist told a jury that a man charged with murder disclosed he was "on a mission from God to kill" his wife during a mental health assessment conducted before her body was discovered. Dr Camilla Curtis of Mayo Mental Health Services stated the accused presented with acute psychotic symptoms and posed a significant risk to himself and others, yet she determined he could not be detained in the low-security adult mental health unit in Castlebar. The man, aged 50, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of Ms Valerie French Kilroy at their home in Kilbree Lower, Westport, County Mayo, between June 13 and 14, 2019. The court heard he was found running naked in a field outside Westport and subsequently confessed to gardaí, stating he had stabbed his wife in the throat with a kitchen knife. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury at the Central Criminal Court.
A Workplace Relations Commission adjudicator ordered a hotel to pay €5,000 compensation to a Brazilian waiter for racial harassment under the Employment Equality Act 1998. The waiter alleged that after reporting a supervisor's positive Covid-19 test in November 2021, the hotel's chef verbally attacked him, followed him through the premises, and told him to "go back to Brazil." The adjudicator, Orla Jones, found that CCTV footage supported the waiter's account, noting that a colleague attempted to hold back the chef. She rejected the hotel's claim that the video did not support the complainant's version, stating the waiter appeared genuine and consistent, while the chef did not attend and his absence was unexplained. The adjudicator concluded the waiter was subjected to harassment connected to his race. She also found significant deficiencies in the hotel's investigation, including the failure to examine all relevant CCTV and the lack of a proper procedure for workplace equality complaints. Consequently, the employer could not prove it took reasonably practicable steps to prevent the harassment. The €5,000 award was deemed just and equitable. Identities were redacted due to overlap with a separate Industrial Relations Act 1967 complaint requiring private hearings.
Two members of the Burke family were removed from the Court of Appeal by gardaí on 10 November after loudly protesting when the presiding judge muted Enoch Burke's microphone during proceedings. The court was hearing a civil application by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission for access to ambient audio recordings made in the Four Courts. Mr Justice John Edwards told Sean and Isaac Burke they were in contempt of court before their removal. Enoch Burke, appearing by videolink from Mountjoy Prison, opposed the GSOC application, arguing the court had jurisdiction to decide the matter. The judge expressed concern about whether the Court of Appeal possessed jurisdiction over recordings made when court was not sitting. Mr Justice Edwards adjourned the case to 8 December to address the jurisdictional question. Simeon Burke, with an address at Cloonsunna, Castlebar, County Mayo, was convicted of a public order offence following a disruption at the court in March 2023.
Noel Gamble, a labourer at Patrick McCaffrey & Sons Ltd, was dismissed after refusing to work on 20 January 2020 following a one‑day work stoppage that he and three colleagues called a "wildcat strike" over pay. The workers had been paid €12.20 an hour in 2008, cut to €11.60 in 2008, and had not seen a raise in 2020, remaining at €12.18. They threatened not to return to work unless management addressed the pay issue. Their foreman, Noel Kerrigan, allegedly told them not to return, a claim he denied. The company's disciplinary process deemed the absenteeism gross misconduct, leading to Gamble's dismissal. The Workplace Relations Commission found the dismissal unfair, awarding him €3,579.45 for loss of earnings and €4,090.80 for notice pay, totalling €7,600. Gamble was the sole worker to challenge the dismissal through the WRC.
The Workplace Relations Commission criticised the Department of Justice after the Prison Service's former HR director, Don Culliton, was re‑classified from witness to co‑accused in a work‑related investigation that also downgraded a potential protected disclosure. Culliton had made four protected disclosures in 2019 alleging the Department had failed to meet legal obligations in investigating a complaint about a prisoner transfer. The WRC found his claim that he was a whistleblower was not well founded and rejected his complaint under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014. The adjudicator noted that the Department altered the terms of reference and changed his status, actions that the WRC described as "flattening the goalposts" and potentially dangerous. The decision highlighted that the Department's handling of the matter was extraordinary and that such changes should not be common practice. The case remains pending further adjudication on other pay discrimination claims involving Culliton and colleagues.
Paul Olunaike, a 34‑year‑old Dublin professional dancer and father of four, pleaded guilty to possessing €13,738 as proceeds of crime in his bank account on 25 August 2020. The court heard that he had allowed his Ulster Bank account to be used for an invoice‑redirect fraud, transferring €4,000 of the laundered money to his mother. Judge Orla Crowe set a headline sentence of two years but adjourned finalisation to 7 March to allow probation services to assess his suitability for community service. If suitable, Olunaike will be ordered to carry out 240 hours of community service instead of an 18‑month custodial sentence. He used the funds to buy a €609 juicer, a €404.99 food processor and an oil extractor machine. The judge noted the offence was an isolated incident, that Olunaike had contributed €2,000 to the prosecution's losses, and that he had not attracted further Garda attention since the incident.
Michael Lynn, a 55-year-old from County Wicklow, is on trial in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court accused of stealing approximately €27 million from seven financial institutions between October 2006 and April 2007. He has pleaded not guilty to 21 counts of theft. During cross-examination, the defence team challenged a former Bank of Ireland senior business manager's testimony regarding loan applications. The witness rejected suggestions that loans could be used for purposes other than property purchases, describing such a proposition as a "fairytale." The defence contended that Mr Lynn intended to use borrowed funds for overseas development projects, including ventures in Carrick-on-Shannon and Portugal. A former Ulster Bank official also denied allegations that Mr Lynn provided him with cash or paid for his travel. The prosecution's case centres on Mr Lynn obtaining multiple mortgages on identical properties from different institutions without their knowledge. The seven lenders involved include Bank of Ireland, Ulster Bank, Irish Life and Permanent, and Irish Nationwide Building Society. The trial continues before Judge Martin Nolan and jury.
Artur Bromirski, 45, pleaded guilty to cultivating 32 cannabis plants in a rented house in Moyville estate, Rathfarnham, worth €25,600. He originally faced a more serious charge of possessing drugs for sale or supply, but that charge was dropped, leaving only the cultivation count. Gardaí found no drug‑dealing paraphernalia, only growing tents, lighting and irrigation equipment. Bromirski claimed the plants were for personal use and that he had been a long‑term user. He had previously lived in Naas, Kildare, and now works as a cleaner at a zoo in Poland. He had no prior convictions and had been subletting the property. The court noted his back injury, his wife's death in 2015, and his receipt of medical marijuana in Poland. Judge Orla Crowe set a headline sentence of three years, reduced to two years, fully suspended, acknowledging his mitigating circumstances and contribution to society.
The Court of Appeal upheld that several Dublin‑registered aircraft leasing firms are entitled to obtain documents from insurers who have refused to provide indemnity for aircraft "unlawfully retained" in Russia. The aircraft, valued at over one billion euro, were not returned after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The firms—SMBC Aviation Capital, Global Aviation, Wilmington Trust SP Services, BOC Aviation, Silver Aviation, CDB Lease Finance and GY Aviation—sued insurers including Lloyds, Swiss Re, Chubb, Global Aerospace, AIG, Tokio Marine and Taiping for not covering losses under "all risks" or "war risks" policies. Insurers denied coverage, arguing the war‑risk cover was not engaged. Mr Justice Denis McDonald had earlier found the plaintiffs entitled to discover certain tranches of disputed documentation, including notices of cancellation for aviation assets in Russia, Ukraine, Crimea and Belarus from 1 February to 31 March 2022.
In an appeal-stage matter before the High Court, Patrick Halpin and Ann Keane, operators of Aberdeen Lodge Hotel in Sandymount, Dublin 4, alleged that the sale of the property by Everyday Finance DAC to Stairway Property Company Ltd under the 1881 Conveyancing Act was unconstitutional and breached the European Convention on Human Rights. The couple, represented by John Kennedy SC and Peter McKenna BL, instructed by solicitor Eugene Carley, sought declarations that the sale was null and void and that the property constitutes their family home. Stairway, represented by Padraic Lyons SC, disputed the family home claim and initiated separate proceedings seeking an injunction for possession, alleging the couple's action was an abuse of process. The State, represented by Brian Conroy SC, and Everyday Finance, which stated it did not understand why it was sued and sought to be let out of the action, also participated. Mr Justice Mark Sanfey agreed to establish a timetable for the exchange of legal documents in both actions. The matter was adjourned and will be next mentioned before the court later this month. The property has been subject to lengthy legal proceedings regarding possession, following the sale of an alleged €24m debt to IBRC to Kenmare Property Finance and subsequently to Everyday Finance.
During the inquest into the Stardust nightclub fire, 19‑year‑old Deborah Osbourne described the blaze as a "living thing" that chased her and her friends. She recounted how she and three companions tried to reach exits five and six, holding hands in a desperate attempt to escape. Thick black smoke and intense heat made visibility impossible, and she described the sensation of her hand sticking to a seat as she tried to stand. Osbourne suffered burns to her head, face, arms and hands, and inhaled smoke that damaged the lining of her lungs. She also recalled finding Sandra Lawless, one of the victims, and hugging her before falling to the floor. Osbourne expressed regret for not taking Lawless with her and described the fire as a "monster" that forced her to fight for survival. The inquest heard additional witness statements about blocked exits, attempts to pull people out, and the chaotic conditions inside the club.
Cathal Murphy, brother of the murdered Ashling Murphy, described the convicted killer Jozef Puska as a "vicious monster" who inflicted "incomprehensible violence" on his victim. Speaking at the Criminal Courts of Justice after Puska's conviction for the January 2023 murder of Ashling while she walked along the Grand Canal in Tullamore, Mr Murphy thanked the jury for their patience and resilience during the trial. He said the verdict delivers justice but will not bring Ashling back or heal the family's wounds, and urged the media to respect their privacy as they continue to grieve. Ryan Casey, Ashling's boyfriend, also thanked the family, friends, community, Gardaí, the prosecution team, the presiding judge Mr Justice Tony Hunt and court support staff for their support and for the thorough investigation that led to the conviction.
An elderly shopkeeper, Tom O'Sullivan, owner of Tom's Lucky Trading, was ordered by the Workplace Relations Commission to pay €19,136 in compensation for sexual harassment after a former employee, Paul Uzell, alleged that O'Sullivan repeatedly touched his bottom and testicles and made sexually suggestive comments. The tribunal found that O'Sullivan's conduct, which he claimed was "funny" and encouraged, was in fact "unwelcome" and created an offensive working environment. O'Sullivan, aged in his late 70s, denied the allegations and argued the claim was opportunistic, noting that it was not raised while he was employed. The adjudicating officer, Brian Dalton, accepted the evidence as credible, noting that the behaviour occurred frequently and crossed personal boundaries. A separate unfair dismissal claim by Uzell was rejected, with the tribunal ruling that he had resigned. The decision also highlighted aggressive exchanges between the parties during a 2021 meeting.
A man on trial for murder told gardaí he had killed his wife after being found naked in a field near Westport, Co Mayo, the Central Criminal Court heard. James Kilroy, aged 50, a park ranger, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of Valerie French Kilroy, an occupational therapist, at their home at Kilbree Lower between 13 and 14 June 2019. Gardaí discovered Mr Kilroy in a field in Derrygorman on the morning of 14 June, where he stated he was on a pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick. He was detained under the Mental Health Act. At Mayo University Hospital, Mr Kilroy told gardaí he wished to make a confession and said he had killed his wife. Gardaí subsequently found Ms French Kilroy's body in a campervan at the property, with evidence of a violent death. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul McDermott, continues before a jury of seven women and five men. Psychiatric evidence will be central to the jury's consideration.
Jozef Puska, aged 33, was found guilty of murdering 23‑year‑old school teacher Ashling Murphy by stabbing her 11 times in the neck on 12 January 2022. The Central Criminal Court jury delivered a unanimous verdict after two hours of deliberation. Puska, who had pleaded not guilty, was taken to prison by officers as the verdict was announced. He will be sentenced to life imprisonment on 17 November. The jury's decision was praised by the Murphy family, who attended every day of the trial. Evidence presented included CCTV footage of Puska's bicycle near the scene, DNA on the bike and under Murphy's fingernails, and his fingerprints. Puska's defence claimed he was attacked by a masked man, a claim rejected by the jury. No motive was offered. The sentencing date was set for 17 November.
In the trial of Jozef Puska, the prosecution presented evidence that Puska stalked and murdered Ashling Murphy on the Grand Canal towpath on 13 January. Puska allegedly dragged Murphy into briars, stabbed her 11 times in the neck and slashed her once, causing fatal blood loss. Witnesses, including teacher Jenna Stack, described seeing a man crouched over Murphy, holding her down, and Puska's DNA was found under Murphy's fingernails. Puska was arrested in Tullamore, questioned in hospital, and during the trial he repeatedly denied involvement, later claiming he had been stabbed elsewhere and that he had confessed to the murder. The court heard conflicting statements and the prosecution urged the jury to reject Puska's lies and convict him of murder.
In November 2023 the Workplace Relations Commission ruled that Oriel House Hotel Ltd must pay €11,000 in compensation to Margaret O'Sullivan, her partner Joseph O'Donovan and her sister Theresa O'Sullivan after the hotel refused them accommodation on 6 July 2021. The family had booked a dinner and overnight stay to celebrate a First Holy Communion. At check‑in the receptionist told them the hotel was overbooked, and after two managers approached them the group was hurried out of the lobby. The hotel offered a €600 cash refund in the car park but no alternative lodging or meal. The tribunal found the hotel's claim that it could not distinguish Travellers from settled guests was implausible and that the family was discriminated against on the basis of Traveller identity.
Senior officials from the Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank denied that they were negligent in their lending to Michael Lynn, who is on trial for 21 counts of theft involving about €27 million taken from seven financial institutions between October 2006 and April 2007. Mr Lynn, aged 55, is accused of obtaining multiple mortgages on the same properties without the banks knowing that other institutions were also financing those properties. Jim Madden, a former Bank of Ireland senior business manager, testified that he acted as a mortgage broker for Bank of Ireland Mortgages and that the 2006 mortgage application was approved and drawn down on 13 December 2006. He said the loan would not have proceeded if the bank had known about Ulster Bank's financing of the same properties. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.
Boris Barcanec, 35, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis, ecstasy tablets and amphetamines for sale or supply at his Dublin 14 home. Gardaí, acting on a confidential tip‑off, searched the house after witnessing a suspected drug transaction outside. They seized over €66,000 worth of drugs: plastic bags of cannabis valued at €62,248, amphetamines worth €2,527, and 156 MDMA tablets worth €1,560, along with drug paraphernalia. Barcanec admitted the cannabis was for sale, that he also used ecstasy, and that he had paid about €20,000 for the cannabis, which he described as poor quality. He claimed to have bought 300 MDMA tablets for around €1,000 the previous weekend. Barcanec, originally from Croatia, said he had been in Ireland for five years, was in debt, and was working as a garden landscaper earning €460 per week. He has no prior convictions. He apologized to gardaí, stating he would "rather do honest work" and expressed remorse.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, a Kenyan woman who had been a close friend of John Ndungu for almost 20 years defended herself after he violently attacked her in her Balbriggan home on 21 June 2020. Ndungu, 42, had been drinking heavily and, after a verbal altercation, grabbed the woman in a chokehold, punched her, and inflicted severe injuries. She elbowed him in the genitals, threw items, and eventually escaped to call the Gardaí. The assault left her with two lost teeth, a fractured eye socket and cheekbone, and a total medical cost of about €4,000. Ndungu pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to a woman. Judge Martina Baxter sentenced him to 30 months in prison, with the final 18 months suspended on the condition of good behaviour and engagement with Probation Services. The woman's victim impact statement highlighted the emotional and physical scars left by the attack.
In the Dublin District Coroner's Court, Tina Brazil, aged 17 at the time, recounted her attempt to escape the Stardust nightclub fire with friend Carol Bissett. Brazil described the scene as a "big ball of smoke" and the crowd's force pulling them apart. She said she held Bissett's hand until it broke, then they were carried in opposite directions. Brazil later learned Bissett had died in hospital. Catherine Moore, also present, described the darkness, screaming, and the doors being locked, noting she was dragged out and cut her hands and legs on glass. Pauline Jenkins testified about a chain‑locked exit and a white van outside. Noeleen Kearney described the fire reaching the ceiling and the chaotic crowd pushing toward exit five. Patrick Coates, 18, recounted thick black smoke, his girlfriend's safety, and their escape through a locked exit. The inquest continues tomorrow.
The jury for the 17‑day trial of Jozef Puska, accused of murdering 23‑year‑old teacher Ashling Murphy, began deliberations after a 25‑minute session. Judge Tony Hunt reminded jurors that a unanimous verdict is required and urged them to base their decision solely on the evidence heard. He explained that if they are not satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt of Puska's guilt, they must acquit, and if they are satisfied, they must convict. The judge highlighted the prosecution's case that Puska stabbed Murphy repeatedly, and noted Puska's own testimony that he was attacked by an unknown man who then stabbed Murphy. He also discussed the alleged confession Puska made in hospital, the reliability of that statement, and the DNA evidence linking Puska to the victim. The jury will receive transcripts of Puska's testimony, witness statements, and expert evidence before returning tomorrow for further deliberation. Jozef Puska pleaded not guilty.
At the Central Criminal Court, a jury has been presented with a bloodied and severely bent knife in connection with the death of Valerie French Kilroy at her rural home near Westport, County Mayo, in June 2019. Park Kilroy, aged fifty, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the charge of murder. The prosecution has indicated that psychiatric evidence will feature prominently in proceedings. The court heard that following the discovery of the deceased's body in a camper van on the property at Kilbree Lower, the accused identified the knife as the instrument he had used. A post-mortem examination determined the cause of death to be ligature strangulation, blunt force trauma, and a stab wound to the neck. The defence's insanity plea requires the jury to consider whether the accused was suffering from a mental disorder at the time that prevented him from understanding the nature or wrongfulness of his actions. The trial, overseen by Mr Justice Paul McDermott, is expected to continue for approximately three weeks.
A 23‑year‑old Dublin man, Josh Reidy, was found guilty of two counts of possessing over €19,000 as proceeds of crime. The money was moved through a smishing scheme, where victims received text messages with fake bank links that redirected their funds to Reidy's accounts. Bank of Ireland recovered all but €900 of the first €19,421 withdrawal and €18,973 of a second €19,877 withdrawal, leaving victims with losses of €900 and €904 respectively. Gardaí traced the transactions to Reidy, who was living on Sundrive Road and later at Landsdowne Gate, Drimnagh. Reidy admitted he had a €3,000 drug debt and had supplied his passport and mobile details to the fraudsters. He claimed he was threatened and physically assaulted by the group, and that his mother was also threatened. The court noted Reidy's good work history and his intention to resume employment in January after paying the €900 owed.
The jury, consisting of eight men and four women, is set to deliberate for a third day on Friday in the trial of Martin Hayes, a grave digger accused of murdering his partner, Amadea McDermott, at her home in Coolock on or about 20 July 2017. Hayes, aged 34, has pleaded not guilty. The prosecution alleges that Hayes told emergency services that McDermott had self‑harmed, but evidence from a former partner and a garda witness suggests he may have forced her to stab herself. Defence counsel Sean Gillane SC argued that the narrative of self‑harm was fabricated and that the post‑mortem indicated the single stab wound could be consistent with self‑harm. Ronan Munro SC noted no DNA from Hayes on the knife. The jury can return a verdict of guilty of murder, not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter, or not guilty. Judge Paul McDermott reminded the jurors that they must be unanimous.
Peter Lynch, 52, received a suspended 22‑month sentence after a violent neighbourhood row in Dublin. He pleaded guilty to assault, assault causing harm, producing a pen in a dispute and threatening behaviour. The incident began when Lynch, driving his van, clashed with a neighbour who was trying to record his registration number. The neighbour clung to the bonnet, and Lynch drove off with him still attached. Lynch had previously pushed a woman and spat at her, and had used a pen as a weapon. He was arrested that night and the case was captured on CCTV and phone footage. Judge Elma Sheahan noted his 24 prior convictions but also mitigating factors such as a 19‑year period of no offence and his business work. The sentence was suspended on strict conditions, with probation supervision for 12 months and a €1,500 offer to each victim within 28 days.
Ross Thompson, 24, of Ballymun, was sentenced to four years in prison for his role in a violent group attack at Mountjoy Prison in December 2018. The incident, which took place in the recreation area around lunchtime, involved Thompson kicking and stamping on an injured inmate who was also stabbed up to seven times, though Thompson was not involved in the stabbing. The court described Thompson's conduct as "utterly reprehensible and lawless" and noted that the victim was stamped 15 or 16 times on the head. Judge Orla Crowe originally set a headline sentence of seven years but reduced it to four years, backdated to July 7, due to Thompson's young age and guilty plea. Thompson also faces a three‑year driving disqualification for a May 2021 incident involving a scrambler bike and a mobile patrol.
Linda Finnegan, aged 51, of Stamullen, was found guilty of fraud under the Companies Act for withdrawing €35,601 from her family's Waldorf Barbers, a business she owned 25 % of. The fraud occurred in March 2019, shortly after her father Liam Finnegan's death from cancer. The court heard that Liam had owned 75 % of the company and had bequeathed that share to two employees, while Linda had a 25 % share. She had initially denied theft charges but pleaded guilty to a fourth count of fraud. The court set a headline sentence of two and a half years, reduced to one year and nine months, fully suspended. The judgment noted her remorse, cooperation with Gardaí, and that the company was liquidated as a result of the fraud. No prior convictions were recorded.
In the Central Criminal Court, Judge Mr Justice Tony Hunt addressed a jury hearing the trial of Jozef Puska, who denies murdering 23‑year‑old school teacher Ashling Murphy. The judge reiterated the legal principles and guided the jury through the evidence presented, including an alleged confession by Puska, DNA found under Murphy's fingernails, interview evidence from Gardaí after his arrest, and eye‑witness testimony at the scene. Puska, 33, has pleaded not guilty to the murder that occurred on 12 January 2022 in Cappincur, Tullamore. The defence has questioned the reliability of Puska's alleged confession, recorded on 14 January when he was in St James's Hospital. The judge noted that while the words spoken were recorded, the defence raised concerns about their truth, accuracy and reliability, citing an expert who suggested Puska may have been confused or experiencing "subtle delirium" due to surgery, pain relief medication, the unfamiliar hospital environment and a language barrier.
The Workplace Relations Commission adjourned the trial of Abdulah Al Jaber's complaint against Dawn Meats Ltd to a future date, yet to be confirmed, when the company's final witness, a training officer, is expected to give evidence and closing submissions will be heard. Adjudicator Gaye Cunningham reversed a prior decision to hold the hearing in private, admitting the press after reviewing correspondence regarding protected disclosures. Al Jaber, appearing through an Arabic interpreter, alleged that hygiene procedures were neglected at the plant in winter 2020 due to pandemic pressures, claiming burgers were picked up from the floor and put back on the line. He also claimed a back injury from carrying heavy meat containers in subzero conditions. Dawn Meats denied these allegations as false and defamatory, with former health and safety manager Richie Phelan testifying that fallen product was never returned to the line. The company argued the protected disclosure was an attempt to embarrass them, while Al Jaber's solicitor argued the privacy decision was a volte-face. Ms Cunningham stated her focus remained on whether Al Jaber was discriminatorily dismissed under the Employment Equality Act 1998, noting she would not compel the CEO to attend. The matter was adjourned, not concluded.
During a multi‑million euro theft trial, former Ulster Bank manager Stephen McCarthy testified that there was no covert or side arrangement between the bank and former solicitor Michael Lynn. McCarthy, who was involved in a €3.65 million loan application for Lynn's purchase of 11 residential investment properties, described a meeting in September 2006 where Lynn requested an undertaking from the bank's solicitor firm. McCarthy said the bank complied only after a different partner would provide the undertaking. He denied any knowledge of hidden information or regulatory inquiries and stated he was unaware of any "flexible lending" or dual approach. McCarthy also clarified that the bank's interest was not in Lynn's €55 million European development plan, which was unrelated to the loan for the apartments. The trial, presided over by Judge Martin Nolan, continues with a jury. Michael Lynn pleaded not guilty.
In the Central Criminal Court, a jury of eight men and four women is in its second day of deliberations over the murder trial of Martin Hayes, 34, accused of killing his partner Amadea McDermott, 27, at her home in Coolock on or about 20 July 2017. The jury has spent 2 hours 35 minutes on the verdict so far and will return tomorrow at 10:30 am to continue. Hayes pleaded not guilty. Defence counsel Sean Gillane SC argued that the narrative of self‑harm was fabricated, citing a post‑mortem that the single stab wound could be consistent with self‑harm and that no DNA from Hayes was found on the knife. The prosecution, represented by Mr Hayes' counsel, maintained that the evidence pointed to a fatal injury inflicted by Hayes, describing his contempt for McDermott.
Christina Smyth, whose husband Jimmy Buckley died in the Stardust blaze, described the night of the fire as a "furnace" when she returned to the club after escaping through a fire exit. She last saw Jimmy sitting at their table while she was on the dancefloor, and later tried to find him again but could not. The inquest heard that the couple had attended the club to watch Jimmy's brother Errol win a disco competition, an event that also marked their daughter Julieann's first birthday. Smyth recalled seeing grey and black clouds roll across the ceiling and the frantic attempts to open doors. She testified that she and her brother‑in‑law Albert were pulled toward exit five, and that the doors were closed and people shouted they could not open them.
In a case heard on 7 November 2023, Judge Martina Baxter directed the Probation Service to assess Amy Bergin, 29, for suitability for community service following her guilty plea to one count of assault at the Cock and Bull Pub, Coolock, on 3 February 2019. Bergin, a former friend of the victim, claimed she and the victim were "reefing the head off each other" during a brief altercation that lasted less than ten seconds. The victim reported a flicking or scraping action, a thrown drink, and a push against her face, resulting in a cut and bruised head. No CCTV or witnesses were available. Bergin has 21 prior convictions, mainly for traffic offences, and no recent Garda attention. The court noted mitigation, including family support, a letter of apology, and a medical report, and adjourned the case to 12 February 2024 for finalisation, while ordering a restorative justice assessment.
In a High Court case that could affect many mortgage holders, Darren Hennessy and Emer Barrett have sued Pepper Finance Corporation Ireland DAC, a so‑called vulture fund that acquired their mortgage from Permanent TSB (PTSB). The couple claim Pepper is charging them an 8.5% interest rate, compared with just over 4.3% they would pay if the loans remained with PTSB. They argue that Pepper's variable rate increases are unjustified, driven solely by profit motives, and that the fund has breached EU consumer contract regulations and the 2013 Central Bank Supervision and Enforcement Act. The plaintiffs seek a declaration that the current rate is unlawful and out of proportion to any legitimate rate, orders to compel Pepper to charge the corresponding PTSB rate, and damages for alleged breaches. The case was adjourned by Mr Justice Mark Sanfey to a later date this month.
Mr Justice David Nolan adjourned High Court proceedings for one week, directing Children's Health Ireland (CHI) to provide outstanding medical records for a young girl with Spina Bifida or explain why they cannot. The girl's family, represented by John Healy SC and Michael Devitt BL, alleged she underwent 'inappropriate' spinal surgery at Temple Street Hospitals, resulting in serious post-operative complications and a split spine. They sought an injunction to compel CHI to release all remaining documentation, including X-ray scans and internal medical reviews, to allow independent expert assessment. CHI, represented by Oonah McCrann SC and Rory White BL, stated it had already provided over 6,600 documents and would supply any additional material if it exists. The judge declined to make formal orders at this stage, noting CHI's assurance that it would furnish the remaining pieces. He emphasized the court's primary concern for the child's welfare and the need to restore trust between the parties. The matter was adjourned to allow CHI to either provide the requested material or give a full explanation to the court regarding any withheld documents. The girl is one of 19 children subject to a report on spinal surgeries at Temple Street.
A jury of seven women and five men has been sworn in at the Central Criminal Court for the trial of a man charged with the murder of his wife in County Mayo. James Kilroy, aged 49, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the charge of murdering Valerie French Kilroy at their home in Kilbree Lower, Westport, between 13 and 14 June 2019. Mr Kilroy, a park ranger, faces the single count of murder. Justice Caroline Biggs informed the jury that proceedings are expected to continue for approximately three weeks, with the trial commencing before Justice Paul McDermott at the Central Criminal Court.
Alex Almajanu, 23, received a fully suspended sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to endangerment, two breaches of Covid regulations, dangerous driving, not holding a driver's license, and criminal damage on the basis of recklessness committed on April 25, 2020. The offences involved fleeing a checkpoint in County Clare and subsequently leading gardaí on a high-speed chase across the midlands, which included driving at 200 km/hr and causing over €13,000 in damage to a patrol car. Judge Orla Crowe described the conduct as "deplorable" and noted that public resources were expended during a national crisis. While acknowledging the defendant's mitigation, including his recovery from drug addiction and role as a father, the judge stated the offences warranted a headline sentence of three years. She imposed a sentence of two years and three months, suspending the entire term for three years on the condition that Almajanu engage with the Probation Service for 12 months. Additionally, he was disqualified from driving for five years. Defence counsel highlighted that the defendant was under the influence of drugs at the time but is now drug-free and caring for his infant daughter.
Jennifer Dunne, 38, of Richmond, Blackrock, Co Dublin, was discharged from proceedings at the Special Criminal Court after the State dropped all nine charges against her. The Director of Public Prosecutions entered a nolle prosequi application, citing the receipt of certain documents, which resulted in the withdrawal of six money-laundering counts and three counts of failing to furnish tax returns. Dunne had been accused of money-laundering offences relating to AIB accounts between 2018 and 2019, and failing to deliver capital acquisitions tax returns between October 2018 and October 2020. Following the order, she was free to leave the court. This development occurred five days after her partner, Nathan Kinsella, 44, also of Richmond, Blackrock, pleaded guilty to three similar counts of failing to furnish tax returns for the same period. Kinsella's case was adjourned to January 22 for sentencing, while six money-laundering charges against him were not pursued by the State. Kinsella was previously jailed by the Special Criminal Court ten years ago after pleading guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Óglaigh na hÉireann, otherwise the Irish Republican Army on September 13, 2012, for which he was sentenced to two years.
In her closing speech to the jury, Anne-Marie Lawlor SC for the Director of Public Prosecutions described Jozef Puska as an 'inveterate liar' and said that his account of trying to save Ashling Murphy was a 'structure of lies and mistruths' that were 'foul and contemptible in their nature'. She pointed to evidence, including DNA found under Ms Murphy's fingernails and Mr Puska's admission to gardai that he killed her, to argue that the only rational conclusion is that he murdered her. Mr Puska's defence, led by Michael Bowman SC, urged the jury to be cautious in interpreting the evidence and suggested that the alleged confession made by Mr Puska may not be reliable due to medical factors. The trial continues with the jury considering the evidence presented by both sides. Jozef Puska pleaded not guilty.
In Waterford, Stephen Keane, aged 33, was convicted of the brutal murder of 60‑year‑old John Lowe on 13 December 2018 and sentenced to life imprisonment. Keane had pleaded guilty to manslaughter but not to murder. He claimed he struck Lowe once with a punch, that Lowe had approached him with a knife, and that he was intoxicated and had no legal advice when he made admissions to Gardaí. The trial judge ruled the Garda notebook entries of Keane's admissions admissible, and the jury found him guilty. Keane appealed, arguing that the admissions were made while he was intoxicated and should have been excluded. The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal, affirming the trial judge's decision that the evidence was admissible and that the judge had correctly applied the law on voluntariness and fairness. The conviction and life sentence remain in force.
During the €27m theft trial of solicitor Michael Lynn, a witness, former Dun Laoghaire INBS branch manager Mark Mulcahy, testified that he was unaware of any relationship between Lynn and former INBS boss Michael Fingleton, and that he had never seen them together. Mulcahy said he had not been instructed by Fingleton to handle Lynn's loans differently and that all loans were processed normally. He recalled being introduced to Lynn in the early 2000s as a potential business partner and handling several mortgage applications for Lynn, but denied any knowledge of a private banker arrangement. The prosecution alleges Lynn secured multiple mortgages on the same properties from several banks without the institutions knowing each other. The case is before Judge Martin Nolan and a jury in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.
A 26‑year‑old man from Finglas, Conor McNally, was jailed for four years after pleading guilty to possession of a sawn‑off shotgun and ammunition found in a backpack he discarded on Glasnevin Avenue on 8 November 2022. Garda Craig Shields and a colleague intercepted McNally on a bicycle, seized the firearm and eight cartridges, and arrested him at Finglas Garda Station. McNally had no admissions during interviews, but a subsequent examination indicated recent handling of a firearm. His defence counsel argued that McNally possessed the weapon to clear a drug debt and to protect himself, citing a handwritten letter that described a traumatic childhood involving his mother's suicide and his father's death. The court noted McNally's 44 prior convictions, including weapons, theft, and drug offences. Judge Pauline Codd, after considering aggravating and mitigating factors, sentenced him to five years' imprisonment, with the final year suspended on the condition of good behaviour and engagement with counselling.
In a case heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Chang Teng Wang, 58, of Finglas, was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing for the death of his 10‑month‑old grandson, Seán Wang. Wang admitted to gardaí that he had vigorously shaken the infant in an attempt to calm him, an act that caused head and neck trauma leading to Seán's death. He pleaded guilty to unlawful killing on 15 August 2019. The Director of Public Prosecution placed the offence in the medium culpability bracket, but Wang's defence argued for a lower sentencing range, citing his full acceptance of culpability, lack of prior convictions, willingness to leave the country, and a very low risk of reoffending. Wang's plea, status as a foreign national, and cooperation with the court were presented as mitigating factors. The case remains pending sentencing next Monday.
In a murder trial heard on 6 November 2023, a 40‑year‑old man who died after a fatal stabbing was still conscious when Garda Colm McMenamin arrived and was able to point to his alleged attacker. The accused, Andrew 'Andy' Cash of Highrath, Clara, Co Kilkenny, is charged with the murder of John Cash at Hebron Road, Kilkenny City, on 3 May 2022. Cash, 30, is also charged with assault causing harm to his sister, Elizabeth Cash, and with producing a knife during a dispute at about 12.30 pm on the same day. He has pleaded not guilty to all three charges. Garda McMenamin described how he witnessed John Cash lying on the ground, still able to turn and point at Cash, and how Cash was arrested at 12.38 pm after shouting abuse. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Eileen Creedon, is expected to last two weeks.
A 25‑year‑old man was sentenced to 10 years in prison for raping and assaulting his 24‑year‑old partner in their shared home in the West of Ireland on 6 October 2021. The court heard that during the attack the man held the woman in a headlock, beat, kicked and kneeled on her, retrieved knives from the kitchen, spat on her after raping her, and forced her to pull down her underwear to "check if she had sex". The woman, who gave a victim impact statement, described the assault as a savage attack that left her with facial injuries and missing hair. She feared for her life and the safety of her young daughter. The judge noted the man's guilty plea and remorse, and imposed a 10‑year sentence, citing the severity of the domestic assault and its impact on the victim's life.
The High Court approved a Personal Insolvency Arrangement (PIA) for 60‑year‑old Patrick Reilly, a company director, allowing him to write off more than €3 million of debt owed to financial institutions and retain his family home in Dublin for a payment of just over €8 000. Under the 24‑month scheme, Reilly will sell two Dublin properties and one in Mountrath, Co. Laois, and will restructure and extend the mortgage on his family home at Clanree Road, Donnycarney. He will also pay a total of just over €8 000 toward his unsecured debts. The PIA will give unsecured creditors a dividend of 0.07 % of what they are owed. No objections were raised, and Mr Justice Alexander Owens deemed the arrangement just and equitable, noting that it will return Reilly to solvency upon completion.