Juma Palani, from Sligo, has initiated High Court proceedings to challenge the State's decision to withdraw his jobseeker's and disability allowances. Mr Palani is seeking to overturn determinations made earlier this year by the Criminal Assets Bureau, the Chief Appeals Officer, and the Minister for Social Protection. He claims the State has failed to provide evidence supporting assertions that he engaged in criminal activity, and contends the investigation was conducted unlawfully. Mr Palani's son, Yousef Palani, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in 2023 for the murders of Michael Snee and Aidan Moffitt in Sligo in April 2022, and for stabbing Anthony Burke. Mr Palani's legal representatives argue their client was denied fair procedures and constitutional justice, having received no opportunity to respond to allegations before his allowances were disallowed and repayment demands issued. Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty adjourned the case for hearing the following week.
The murder trial of Diarmuid Phelan, 56, is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. Phelan, a barrister and farmer, has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Keith 'Bono' Conlon, 36, at Hazelgrove Farm in Tallaght, Dublin 24, on February 24, 2022. In closing submissions, State Counsel Roisin Lacey SC argued that Phelan's actions constituted a disproportionate response to a verbal conflict. The prosecution contends that Phelan intended to kill or cause serious injury when he fired a Smith & Wesson revolver at Conlon, who was allegedly turning away to leave. Lacey highlighted testimony from farmhand Pierre Godreu, who described the third, fatal shot as being fired in a different direction than the initial warning shots, suggesting intent. The State emphasized that Conlon was a trespasser engaged in alleged badger baiting, but cautioned the jury that the deceased was not on trial for his criminal behavior. The jury heard evidence that Phelan shouted at Conlon and another man, Kallum Coleman, before firing. Coleman, a key witness, failed to attend trial after leaving the country. The matter remains at the trial stage, with the jury yet to deliver a verdict.
A charity, Kyrie Therapeutic Farm Company Ltd, has obtained leave to challenge a decision by the Minister for Justice that refused €16 million of funding for its proposed therapeutic farm under the now‑closed Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP). The High Court granted the ex‑parte application before Justice Mary Rose Gearty, allowing Kyrie to seek judicial review. Kyrie seeks an order to quash the July 2024 refusal, a declaration that the minister acted unlawfully, reconsideration of the decision and damages. The charity argues that its project, a 57‑acre farm in County Kildare, was a philanthropic donation aimed at mental‑health recovery and that it had already committed €1.6 million, including a €1.3 million purchase of the land. The IIP had rejected the application, stating it was not an appropriate project and that the funding would cover recruitment and operational costs rather than capital expenditure.
A 79‑year‑old man was given a 20‑month suspended prison sentence for indecent assaults on his teenage sister‑in‑law that occurred in 1973. The victim was 13 at the time and the defendant was 29. The judge, Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring, highlighted the significant breach of trust by a family member and the lasting impact on the victim's life, noting that the abuse took 46 years to be formally reported. The sentence was imposed with strict conditions and the judge explained that it would be served in the community. The defendant pleaded guilty, and the court considered his age, health, and prior good character, deciding that custodial imprisonment was not warranted. The judge expressed hope that the defendant's acceptance of responsibility would help the victim move forward.
In a Central Criminal Court case, Cailean Crawford, aged 28, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Thomas McCarthy, who was shot seven times at his mother's home on 27 July 2020. The State alleges a conspiracy to kill McCarthy, with Crawford as the gunman, citing CCTV footage of a blue Ford Fiesta and the use of a van and phone. Crawford's defence argues he was merely involved in drug dealing and that he loaned his van and phone to Charles McClean, who allegedly used them for drug transport. Crawford testified that he was "blamed" as the centre point of a murder he did not commit. Judge Tony Hunt emphasized that the prosecution's case hinges on who had the van and phone after 9 a.m. The jury, consisting of six men and six women, has deliberated for over six hours and will continue tomorrow.
Raquel Vieira dos Santos Silva, a pregnant procurement consultant, began working for eTeam Workforce Ltd on 12 December 2022 under a contract that had no end date. In July 2023 she informed management of her pregnancy and that she would take maternity leave in February 2024. The company later presented her with an addendum that would terminate her contract in February 2024, threatening to withhold her pay for January and February unless she signed. Ms dos Santos Silva refused to sign after legal advice, but was forced to do so under pressure. She started maternity leave on 5 February 2024 and was dismissed on 29 February 2024. The Workplace Relations Commission awarded her €124,800 for gender and pregnancy discrimination and €11,400 for loss of earnings, totalling €136,200. The decision cites the unlawful unilateral change of her contract's end date and the threat of income loss as egregious.
Mary O'Sullivan, aged 52, pleaded guilty to one count of deception, four counts of using a false instrument and four counts of false accounting for taking €16,024 from her non‑profit employer, Leargas, between 2016 and 2019. She oversaw the petty cash process and falsified receipts and accounting records. A 2019 review uncovered irregularities, including altered receipts and incomplete records. O'Sullivan was interviewed by Gardaí, attempted to blame colleagues, claimed she was bullied and that the petty cash book was accurate, and suggested the money was used for budget purposes. She offered €16,000 as restitution. The court imposed a two‑year sentence, fully suspended it, and required her to enter a bond to keep the peace and be of good behaviour, while ordering payment of the restitution to Leargas. The sentence was imposed by Judge Orla Crowe.
A court ruled that the State may stop paying the €100,000‑per‑week cost of maintaining the MV Matthew, a cargo ship seized in September 2023 by the Army Rangers. The ship was used in a major drug haul that yielded 2.2 tonnes of cocaine worth about €157 million. Eight men are to be tried next year at the Special Criminal Court. The judge ordered the State to dispose of the ship, allowing a two‑week stay before the disposal process begins. No defence team objected, but they may raise issues at the next hearing.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Diarmuid Phelan, a barrister and law lecturer, is ongoing. Phelan, 56, has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Keith 'Bono' Conlon, 36, at Hazelgrove Farm in Tallaght, Dublin 24, on February 24, 2022. The prosecution, led by Roisin Lacey SC, argued in her closing speech that Phelan's actions were a disproportionate response to a purely verbal conflict. The State alleges that after Conlon and two others trespassed on the property, Phelan fired three shots from a Smith & Wesson revolver; the prosecution contends the third shot was intentionally aimed at Conlon, who was shot in the back of the head while turning to leave. Conversely, the defence maintains that Phelan accidentally hit Conlon while firing warning shots. Evidence from farmhand Pierre Godreu described the initial altercation as oral and noted that the third shot was fired in a different direction than the first two. Another witness, Hannah Felgner, stated the conflict was verbal and that the trespassers intended to call gardai rather than use physical violence. The jury of nine men and three women is currently hearing the final submissions, with the matter remaining at the trial stage.
A 22‑year‑old man, Brandon Gavin, was sentenced to a mandatory life term in prison for the murder of his former friend, Marius Mamaliga, who was stabbed in the neck on 23 February 2023. The victim's parents, Inga and Victor Mamaliga, delivered an emotional impact statement, describing the loss as a void that will never be filled. Gavin had pleaded not guilty, claiming self‑defence after a drug debt dispute, but the jury found his defence "self‑serving nonsense." Witnesses testified that Gavin had been messaging women on Tinder minutes before the attack and had searched for "prison sentence for murder in Ireland" the day before. Marius was in the driver's seat with two friends when Gavin entered the rear passenger side, reached across, stabbed him once in the neck, and fled. He was taken to hospital in critical condition and died three days later.
Eric O'Driscoll, 22, admitted to possessing a .223 calibre Remington AR‑15 rifle in a Dublin residential area and pleaded guilty earlier this year. He now requests a prison transfer after claiming he witnessed a murder in a cell. The Special Criminal Court heard his request, and the judge adjourned the hearing for logistical reasons. O'Driscoll is expected to be moved to another prison after sentencing. He is also scheduled for trial later this year, along with his brother Glen Ward, who faces related charges.
Cathal Crotty, a 22‑year‑old former soldier from Parkroe Heights, Ardnacrusha, was given a three‑year suspended sentence by Limerick Circuit Criminal Court in June for an unprovoked attack on Natasha O'Brien on O'Connell Street in May 2022. Crotty, who was serving in the Defence Forces at the time, grabbed O'Brien by the hair, punched her to the ground, and continued to hold her hair while striking her face until she lost consciousness. O'Brien suffered a broken nose, bruising, nightmares and panic attacks. After the assault Crotty boasted on Snapchat that he had "two to put her down, two to put her out." He was discharged from the army in July. The Director of Public Prosecution has appealed the suspended sentence on the grounds of undue leniency. The appeal will be heard on 23 January, with counsel for Crotty applying for a second counsel, a request granted by Judge John Edwards. Cathal Crotty pleaded guilty.
In a High Court decision, Tusla and a foster carer secured an adoption order for a 17‑year‑old girl in foster care, overriding her birth parents' objections. The parents denied abandoning the child, noting ongoing supervised contact and regular visits, though the father said his access had been reduced when the girl entered secondary school. The judge, Ms Nuala Jackson, clarified that 'abandonment' in law refers to relinquishing parental rights, not merely physical absence. She cited a precedent where a mother's willingness to let another couple raise her child constituted abandonment of custody. The mother questioned the necessity of adoption as the girl was approaching majority and capable of managing her affairs. The judge emphasized that the adoption order would create a new family relationship supported by the state, and that the girl's expressed fear of the adoption not occurring was a key factor in favouring the order.
Adam Roe-Dwyer (25), of Johnfield Road, Dublin 8, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to one count of assault causing harm to a security officer at Centra, Dame Street, Dublin 2, on March 18, 2022. His co-accused, Ian Lynch (25), of Weaver Street, Dublin 18, had previously pleaded guilty to the same charge and received a two-and-a-half-year suspended sentence earlier this year. Both men admitted to the offence, which involved striking the security guard after he refused entry to a plastic pint glass. The victim sustained two fractures to his nose, requiring surgery and five days of hospitalisation. Judge Patricia Ryan sentenced Roe-Dwyer to a two-and-a-half-year term, suspended in full on conditions. This follows Lynch's earlier sentencing, where he also received a two-and-a-half-year suspended sentence after paying €4,000 towards the victim's losses. Roe-Dwyer also paid €4,000 today. The judge noted the seriousness of the assault but considered mitigating factors, including both men's lack of previous convictions, their cooperation with gardaí, and their apologies. The matter was finalised with the imposition of these suspended sentences.
John O'Brien, 44, with 119 prior convictions, pleaded guilty to stealing an electric scooter from a shop on Dame Street on 31 January 2022. The theft occurred after an argument between shop security, O'Brien and two other men. O'Brien seized the scooter and fled toward Trinity College, threatening the victim with death. The victim pursued him, pleaded for the scooter, and was assaulted by another man who also threatened him. Gardaí later apprehended O'Brien while he was riding the scooter. O'Brien was on bail for other offences at the time and is already serving a sentence. Judge Orla Crowe described the offence as a "mean‑spirited theft", noted his chronic addiction and previous convictions, and imposed a two‑year sentence back‑dated to his guilty plea. The sentence will run concurrently with his current term, with release projected for December 2027 and support structures in place for his eventual release.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, 35‑year‑old Gareth McGrath pleaded guilty to assault causing harm on two occasions (29 July and 8 August 2023) and to threatening to kill a former girlfriend and intimidating her to withdraw a Garda complaint between 14 and 23 August 2023. McGrath, who has 15 prior convictions, was present for sentencing via video link from prison. The victim, who met McGrath during residential addiction treatment, described a brief relationship that turned violent. She reported being punched, thrown to the ground, and cut on the breast with a butter knife, sustaining head injuries, a bruised ear, a hearing deficit, a forehead bump and a chest puncture. She said McGrath pressured her to retract her complaint, but she ultimately maintained her statement. The judge adjourned sentencing to early next year to allow a probation report to be prepared.
A tribunal awarded €10,000 in unfair dismissal compensation to builder Barry Naughton after his employer, Protum Services, terminated him for alleged misuse of a company van and tampering with a dashboard vehicle tracker. The company had installed trackers in 2022 for insurance purposes and claimed Naughton repeatedly disconnected the device, leading to over 1,000 unrecorded miles. Naughton denied unplugging the tracker, arguing that personal use of company vans was common practice and that he had been permitted to use the van for transporting motorbikes and picking up his daughter. The tribunal found the dismissal unfair due to procedural shortcomings, including a lack of natural justice and no appeal, but reduced the award by 50% to account for Naughton's contribution to his own dismissal, resulting in a final €10,000 award.
A 33-year-old man from Claremorris, County Mayo, has been sentenced to four and a half years imprisonment, suspended in full, after pleading guilty to possession of cannabis for sale or supply at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. James Glynn was apprehended in November 2023 following a garda surveillance operation in Tallaght, Dublin, during which officers observed him receiving a suitcase containing 10.7 kilograms of cannabis valued at approximately €215,000. During interview, Glynn disclosed that he had accumulated a €1,000 drug debt whilst relocating from Dublin to Mayo. When he later sought to settle this obligation, he was informed the amount had escalated to €26,000, with additional "tax" imposed. He agreed to transport the drugs to repay the inflated debt under duress. Judge Pauline Codd noted the circumstances as exceptional, describing it as extraordinary that a modest debt could multiply so dramatically at the discretion of higher-level drug traffickers. The sentence includes 12 months' probation supervision and mandatory continuation of counselling.
Patrick Joyce, 30, of Balbriggan, pleaded guilty to two burglary counts and one assault causing harm. The incidents occurred within 500 metres of his home on 7 and 8 March 2024. A neighbour heard a noise, chased Joyce, and recorded him; a bar manager reported Joyce taking a bottle of vodka; and a man was punched by Joyce after a confrontation at his front door. CCTV footage confirmed the assault. Joyce denied the offences but was arrested at 1 a.m. and later admitted guilt. He has 12 prior convictions. Judge Orla Crowe sentenced him to two years' imprisonment for the burglary and two years for the assault, to run concurrently, with the final six months suspended for one year. The sentence was back‑dated to include time already served.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, the State's counsel, Bernard Condon SC, accused Cailean Crawford, 28, of fabricating a story about loaning a van and a phone to Charles McClean in connection with the murder of Thomas McCarthy on 27 July 2020. Condon argued that Crawford's testimony was full of lies and that the evidence showed a coordinated plan involving multiple vehicles and "dry runs" before the execution. He described the alleged gunman's movements and the use of burner phones, and claimed that Crawford's alibi of his grandmother's house was preposterous. Defence counsel Mark Lynam SC countered that the presumption of innocence was paramount, noting that Crawford's criminality did not prove murder and that the evidence did not conclusively link him to the shooting. The jury was instructed to consider the prosecution's case of a group plan and the alleged seven shots that killed McCarthy in his mother's hallway. Cailean Crawford pleaded not guilty.
The High Court dismissed Maureen Kelly's appeal against the Residential Tenancies Board's order that she vacate her Dublin 4 home and pay €60,000 in rent arrears. The RTB had ruled that the landlord, Miracove Holdings Ltd, had validly terminated Kelly's tenancy in June 2021, with an end date of January 2022, and that the landlord intended to sell the property within nine months of termination. Kelly had argued that the RTB erred in finding sufficient evidence of a bona fide intention to sell, citing a lis pendens and the lack of direct knowledge from Miracove directors at the time of the notice. Mr Justice Conleth Bradley upheld the RTB's decision, stating that the evidence satisfied the statutory criteria for termination and that Miracove had decided not to market the property until it was secured and vacant possession had been established. The order requires Kelly to vacate within 42 days of the determination.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court found 40‑year‑old David Dunne guilty of murder after he lured fellow inmate Robert O'Connor into his cell, knocked him to the ground and stamped on his head in a "vicious and unprovoked" assault. The verdict, reached in just under three hours, was unanimous. Dunne had pleaded not guilty, claiming he had no intention to kill and that he acted in self‑defence after O'Connor punched him twice. The prosecution presented CCTV footage showing Dunne and three other prisoners entering the cell, with officers later reporting that Dunne stamped on O'Connor's head more than once and kicked him. A pathologist's report confirmed that the blows caused brain rotation and tearing of nerve cells, consistent with stamping, punching or kicking. Dunne will face a mandatory life sentence when he is sentenced on 16 December.
Lisa Deveney, a marketing executive with Coca Cola HBC Ireland Ltd, has claimed she was demoted upon returning from maternity leave, leading her to resign due to the stress and feeling of being bullied. She had held the position of premium spirits marketing manager since 2018 but was informed on the Friday before her return that she would not be returning to her old role. Instead, she was offered a new position in another department, which she described as a junior role compared to her previous position. Deveney stated that she was not provided with a job specification over the weekend and was only informed of the new role on her first day back. She felt the new role required significantly less experience and involved different responsibilities, which she viewed as a demotion. Deveney experienced an acute stress reaction and a panic attack, leading her to call in sick and eventually resign in March.
Shirley Creighton, 49, of Derham Park, Balbriggan, pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious bodily harm on 12 July 2022 when she struck a woman in her late 80s crossing Bridge Street. The victim suffered a serious leg fracture, required surgery and skin grafts, and her home now needs adaptation. Creighton was not driving fast and did not see the pedestrian. She had recently lost a family member and wished the case to proceed. Judge Dara Hayes adjourned the case to 18 December and directed the Probation Service to assess her suitability for community service. Creighton has no prior convictions, sold her car after the crash, and has expressed remorse, offering a letter of apology and testimonials. She seeks leniency and wishes to retain her licence, arguing she has not driven since the incident and has regained confidence after six months. The court heard her husband and family are respected locally and that she has no further proceedings pending.
Joseph Collins, 27, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to a single robbery at Boyles Sports in Finglas on 27 November 2023. He entered the shop around 7 pm, approached the counter, muttered "Money", and produced a Stanley blade that he placed under the glass, a foot from the cashier's face. Collins handed over €280 before leaving. Garda Dwayne O'Brien obtained CCTV footage that identified Collins, leading to his arrest. Collins has ten prior convictions and a history of alcohol and drug abuse, though he has completed residential rehabilitation at Coolmine Treatment Centre. He expressed deep shame, denied violence, and requested an apology to the cashier and co‑worker. Judge Orla Crowe noted his rehabilitation work and lack of violent history, ordered a probation report, and remanded him in custody until 3 March 2025 when the case will be finalised.
Two brothers, Denis Burns (42) and Gavin Burns (33), were sentenced by Judge Martin Nolan in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for attacking a homeless man who had been lured back to their home at The Beeches, Donaghmede, on 15 June 2023. The brothers, along with a third unnamed man, trapped the victim inside the house, where Denis used a kitchen knife to repeatedly slash the victim's head. The incident lasted about 10 to 15 minutes and left the victim with heavy head bleeding requiring stitches. Both brothers pleaded guilty—Denis to assault causing harm and affray, Gavin to assault causing harm. Judge Nolan imposed a two‑year sentence on each, suspended in its entirety, and ordered them to pay €1,000 each to the victim. The case stemmed from a prior dispute over missing lawnmower and electronic equipment and alleged threats to the brothers' sister.
In a Dublin pub incident, 23‑year‑old Raul Poama, intoxicated, was denied entry to Fibber Magees around 11.40 pm. He punched a manager, causing swelling, then fled. A security guard attempted to apprehend him; Poama screamed, bit the guard on the chest and stomach, leaving bite marks. Neither victim required medical treatment and both declined victim impact statements. Poama pleaded guilty to two counts of common assault on 3 December 2023. Judge Orla Crowe, noting the incident was "unedifying" and "very sorry", imposed a three‑month sentence suspended on strict conditions for two years. Poama had no prior convictions, had brought €2,000 to court as a gesture of remorse, and the judge directed €1,000 to the manager and the remainder to charity. No medical or further legal actions were reported beyond the suspended sentence.
Michael Donoghue, aged 21, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and making threats to kill after pointing a double‑barrel shotgun at unarmed, uniformed Gardaí at Stocking Hill, Rathfarnham, on 20 December 2023. The officers, who were in a marked patrol car and unarmed, described genuine fear for their lives and lasting professional and personal effects. Donoghue's shotgun was later found to be unloaded, but the Gardaí were unaware of this at the time. Judge Orla Crowe imposed a headline sentence of eight years, reduced to a five‑year term with the final 12 months suspended, requiring Donoghue to keep the peace, maintain good behaviour for two years and engage with the Probation Service for 12 months. The case highlighted the officers' shock, fear and ongoing trauma following the incident.
In an appeal hearing, Keith McCormick (23) of La Touche Drive, Bluebell, Dublin 12 and Riverview, Church Road, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15, who pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply on May 12, 2020, and other charges including burglary, unlawful use of a vehicle, possession of stolen property, and driving without a licence or insurance between September 2020 and May 2021, had his sentence reviewed. McCormick, who has 44 previous convictions, was previously sentenced in February to a three-year and two-month prison term with the final 12 months suspended for his role in a series of offences on January 23, 2022, during which a man died. Judge Orla Crowe imposed a global sentence of six years and six months, suspending the final 15 months on strict conditions, including keeping the peace and being of good behaviour for two years and engaging with the Probation Service for 12 months upon release. Adam Murphy (23) of Cherry Orchard Crescent, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was handed a 12-year sentence with the final two-and-a-half years suspended on strict conditions. The matter was adjourned for further consideration.
During a murder trial in the Central Criminal Court, jurors were instructed to disregard any personal impressions of Conor McGregor after the accused, Maurice Boland, claimed he had struck a 26‑year‑old man "like the mixed martial arts star" during an altercation. Boland, aged 37, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in the death of Cian Gallagher, who died eight days after being punched on November 2‑3, 2022. The State's case, presented by Bernard Condon SC, outlined that Gallagher was walking home from a night of drinking when Boland, who had been drinking earlier that evening, approached and punched him. CCTV footage would show the encounter, including the punch that caused fatal injuries. Condon urged the jury to focus on Boland's intent and the manner of the strike, rather than the comparison to McGregor, and to weigh any such remarks at their discretion.
In a High Court decision, a Ukrainian boy who had been taken to Ireland by his mother without his father's consent must be returned to Ukraine. Justice Mary Rose Gearty noted that the boy's fear of death was taken seriously, but found no evidence of a grave risk to him. The court observed that the mother had claimed the move was for the duration of the war, while the father maintained it was only for two months. Text messages supported the father's view, and the judge found no evidence of settlement or consent for a longer stay in Ireland. The judge directed that the boy be returned to Ukraine immediately and that the father provide undertakings regarding the child's future safety. No other legal actions or outcomes were mentioned.
In a Mountjoy Prison murder trial, the jury must decide if David Dunne, 40, honestly believed he was acting in self‑defence when he fatally assaulted fellow inmate Robert O'Connor. Justice Mary Ellen Ring explained that to convict of murder, the jury must be satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that Dunne intended to kill or cause serious injury. If he believed he was defending himself but used more force than a reasonable person would, he would be guilty of manslaughter. The prosecution, represented by Michael Delaney SC, presented CCTV showing O'Connor entering Dunne's cell, an officer witnessing Dunne stamp on O'Connor's head multiple times, and evidence suggesting coordination with other inmates. Dunne's defence, led by Brendan Grehan SC, argued the attack was a spontaneous reaction, not pre‑planned, and urged the jury to disregard alleged conspiratorial signals. The jury will deliberate tomorrow, with possible verdicts of guilty, not guilty, or not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter.
The defence has closed its case after seven weeks of evidence in the trial of law professor Diarmuid Phelan, who denies murdering trespasser Keith 'Bono' Conlon on his farm in Tallaght. Evidence was given that Phelan had reported constant, aggressive trespassers who would not disperse when asked and had said "we will do whatever the f**k we like". A gate on Phelan's land had been spray‑painted with "RIP Bono" in relation to Conlon's death. Phelan, 56, a barrister and farmer, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Conlon, 36, who was shot on February 22, 2022, and died two days later. The jury heard that on the day in question three men – Conlon, Kallum Coleman and Robin Duggan – had trespassed on a wooded area of Phelan's land while hunting. Phelan is alleged to have shouted at two unarmed trespassers to "get back" before firing three shots from his Smith & Wesson revolver.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, 28‑year‑old Cailean Crawford pleaded not guilty to the murder of Thomas McCarthy, claiming he was wrongly blamed for the killing because he had loaned a van to associate Charles McClean on the day of the murder. Crawford said he had lent the van to McClean, who allegedly needed it to collect drugs, and that he had also given McClean a Lyca SIM card used for drug‑related calls. He denied being a "rat" or misleading the jury, stating he would rather be branded as such than be convicted of a murder he did not commit. Prosecutor Bernard Condon questioned Crawford about his fear of McClean, the van's whereabouts, and phone calls made from the SIM. The trial focuses on the hours between 9 am and 12 pm on 27 July 2020, when the van and phone were involved in the incident. The case continues before Mr Justice Hunt and a jury.
Peter Gleeson, a bus driver for Go‑Ahead Ireland Bus Ltd, was dismissed in December 2022 after CCTV footage showed him using a mobile phone while driving. The incident, which occurred on 24 November 2022 near Prosperous, Co. Kildare, involved a van colliding with the bus's side mirror. Gleeson claimed he was uncertain whether he used his phone or radio to report the crash and later drove for another half hour before a tyre blew out. Go‑Ahead's disciplinary officer, Keith McDonnell, deemed the use of a mobile device while driving gross misconduct and dismissed Gleeson immediately. Gleeson's union, SIPTU, argued the sanction was too harsh and that the investigation was flawed, citing a lack of a collective agreement on CCTV use. The Workplace Relations Commission rejected Gleeson's unfair dismissal claim, finding the dismissal proportionate given the risk of distraction and injury. The tribunal noted Gleeson's willingness to return to driving after more than a year.
Harry Archer, a 23‑year‑old former junior cricketer from Kellys Bay Rocks, Skerries, was found with €4,886 worth of cannabis at his home on 18 January 2022. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where Judge Orla Crowe accepted that he is now drug‑free, has not attracted police attention since, and has a job offer. The judge imposed a 12‑month sentence, suspended in full, after noting Archer's "turned a corner" and ordered him to engage with the Probation Service for two years. Archer had 13 prior drug and traffic convictions. He had previously been caught with drugs, had a separate custody case, and had not appeared at the Garda station as promised. The case highlighted repeated attacks on his family home and his past cricket achievements, but the court focused solely on the current possession offence and the suspended sentence imposed.
A 21‑year‑old man, Shane Murray, was jailed for three years and six months for driving a stolen car and striking a cyclist, leaving the victim with a broken leg and ankle. The collision was recorded on Snapchat and shown in court, where the video showed Murray driving on after the impact and shouting "Go, Go, Go" from the front seat. The judge criticised the callousness of uploading the footage and of Murray's failure to stop or check on the cyclist. Murray also pleaded guilty to a robbery the previous month, for which he received an 18‑month sentence; both sentences run concurrently. He was disqualified from driving for four years and had a six‑month suspended portion of the driving sentence. The cyclist, a Croatian courier, required surgery for his fractures. Murray expressed remorse in a letter to the court. The case highlighted the seriousness of reckless driving and the use of stolen vehicles.
Brandon Carey, 24, was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple burglaries and attempted burglaries in Dublin 9 on 31 January 2024. He broke into occupied homes at night, including the house of an 86‑year‑old woman who woke to find him in her bedroom. Carey entered through an open window, left blood on the windowsill, stole a bag of coins, an ID card and a bank card, and demanded money from another 86‑year‑old homeowner before fleeing. He also smashed a kitchen window to gain entry to a third home, leaving blood droplets on the ground. Garda Ben Grimes noted that Carey was initially too intoxicated for questioning but later admitted the crimes. He denied deliberately targeting elderly people, and the court accepted his remorse while noting the violation of homeowners' safety.
Jason Cullen, a 36‑year‑old GAA player from Ballyfermot, was sentenced to an 18‑month suspended term after pleading guilty to assaulting doorman David Barrett at Ryan's Bar on 11 February 2024. Cullen, who had been asked to leave the bar for intoxication, attempted to re‑enter to retrieve his jacket and, while intoxicated and unsteady, threw a single punch that knocked Barrett unconscious. Barrett suffered a cut on the bridge of his nose, swelling and bleeding, and later reported headaches, memory loss and sinus issues. Cullen offered a written apology and €10,000 as a gesture of remorse, which the court accepted. Judge Orla Crowe described the act as a "sucker punch", noted Cullen's otherwise pro‑social life and work history, and imposed a fully suspended sentence on the condition that Cullen hand over the €10,000, keep the peace and behave well for two years.
Allpro Security Services Ireland Ltd, a security provider with about 1,000 staff and indirect support for 250 jobs, secured an interim restraining order from Mr Justice Mark Sanfey to prevent Top Security Ltd from publicising a winding‑up petition it claims is malicious. Allpro, which supplied guards at the former Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum for asylum‑seeker accommodation, had engaged Top Security in June 2023 at €21 per hour. Disputes arose over clock‑in/out records, with Allpro alleging a €5,000 discrepancy and later a €154,000 claim from Top Security. Allpro stopped payments in January 2024, paid €123,000 in March, and contends the petition would cause unjustified reputational damage and stress to employees before Christmas. The court granted the injunction and adjourned the case to Thursday.
During a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, the prosecution alleged that 40‑year‑old David Dunne lured fellow inmate Robert O'Connor into his cell at Mountjoy Prison and stamped on O'Connor's head, causing death by blunt force trauma. The prosecution presented CCTV evidence suggesting coordination with other prisoners and claimed the assault was "vicious and unprovoked." They also argued that O'Connor's brain suffered rotational force injuries. Dunne's defence contended the killing was unintentional, a reaction in the moment, and not premeditated. The defence urged the jury to disregard alleged conspiratorial signals and focus on the evidence. The judge was to charge the jury the following day. The case remains at the murder‑trial stage. David Dunne pleaded not guilty.
During the trial of Diarmuid Phelan, a law professor and farmer, the court heard that a dog warden for South Dublin County Council testified that farmers are fully within their rights to shoot loose dogs that are worrying sheep. The witness explained that a dog that is free and poses a threat to livestock can be shot, and that the farmer must report the discharge to the gardai. Phelan, who is accused of murdering Keith 'Bono' Conlon, denied that he killed the trespasser and said he had shot a loose dog he believed posed a risk to his sheep. He claimed he had only fired warning shots and that the incident occurred after trespassing men threatened him. The jury heard that Phelan had fired three shots from a Smith & Wesson revolver at the trespassers, one of whom was Conlon, who later died from a head wound. The trial continues with further witnesses for the defence. Diarmuid Phelan pleaded not guilty.
Dr Rebecca Murphy, a fixed‑term assistant professor at DCU's nursing school, claims the university breached its own jobs policy by not informing her of a permanent assistant professor vacancy while she was on maternity leave from June 2023 to March 2024. She alleges the HR department engaged in "gaslighting" by telling her she had no right to be told directly about the job, despite the policy stating staff on maternity leave should be notified where possible. The university contends that vacancies were advertised publicly and that Dr Murphy had access to her emails, so she was treated no less favourably. The head of the nursing school, Prof Victoria Lambert, admitted knowledge of the upcoming vacancy but said she would not personally inform staff, citing that it was not standard practice. The Workplace Relations Commission will issue a decision in writing.
Rhonda Hale and her daughter Zoe Sidhu, who worked briefly at a Supermacs restaurant from 28 August to 5 September 2023, claimed they faced racist hostility and hazing because they were from America. They alleged verbal insults, physical aggression, and exclusion by supervisors, including remarks about their American accents and ethnicity. The women filed complaints under the Employment Equality Act 1998, but the Workplace Relations Commission dismissed the cases. The tribunal found the allegations unreliable and concluded no discrimination had occurred. Supermacs' lawyers argued the incidents never happened, and the company said the employees were dismissed for being unsuitable. Both women were let go after a short period, and no evidence of discrimination or harassment was reported to the company during their employment. The tribunal ruled that the complainants were not discriminated against.
Ian Doyle, 33, was on bail for assaulting another partner when he severely beat his current partner in February 2023. He kept her in the house for almost a week, preventing her from leaving with her four‑year‑old daughter, and threatened to cut her throat and eat her liver. Doyle supplied her with paper stitches and painkillers but refused to let her go to the hospital. CCTV footage showed him forcing her back inside when she tried to escape. He also controlled her mobile phone, monitoring calls and sending messages from her account. Doyle pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and false imprisonment. Judge Orla Crowe sentenced him to three years and six months, suspended for six months on conditions of probation and violence‑prevention courses, to run consecutively with his current term due to expire in April 2026. The sentence reflects the prolonged, controlling nature of the abuse and the victim's fear and trauma.
Brian McKee, 29, pleaded guilty to arson that set fire to his partner's family home on 27 July 2018, causing that house and two adjoining terraced houses to be demolished. The fire began on a couch in the living room and spread through the attic, where furniture had been stored, igniting the neighbouring houses. McKee, who had recently stopped drinking, admitted drinking a can of Coors Light and gin and possibly taking cocaine before the incident. He was found outside the house at 5 am, covered in blood, holding a knife, and later detained by Gardaí. The court heard victim impact statements from the owners of the damaged houses, detailing loss of belongings, financial hardship and emotional distress. McKee's defence highlighted his bipolar disorder, past rehabilitation and lack of prior convictions. Judge Pauline Codd imposed a seven‑year prison sentence, suspending six years on conditions including engagement with addiction services and full cooperation with his mental‑health care plan.
David Dunne, 40, pleaded not guilty to the murder of fellow inmate Robert O'Connor on 29 July 2022 at Mountjoy Prison. In Garda interviews after his arrest on 16 November 2022, Dunne claimed he threw a single punch at O'Connor after the latter had approached him, stating he did not intend to kill and that the incident would haunt him. He described O'Connor as a good friend and said he had previously been assaulted in his cell on 27 July. A prison officer's statement that Dunne had "stamped" on O'Connor's head was denied by Dunne. The prosecution presented three Garda interview memoranda and evidence from Dr Francesca Brett, a neuropathologist who examined O'Connor's brain and found hypoxic damage, haemorrhage and axonal injury. The trial is before Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring and a jury.
Apple Distribution International Limited has obtained leave from the High Court to challenge a decision by the Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) to investigate a complaint lodged by the French digital rights group La Quadrature du Net (LQdN). Apple argues that the DPC should have first assessed the validity or admissibility of the complaint before proceeding to a preliminary draft decision. The company seeks declarations that the DPC acted unlawfully, outside its powers, and unreasonably, breaching Apple's right to fair procedure and natural justice. Apple also requests a stay on further steps in the inquiry, which was granted by Justice Mary Rose Gearty. The complaint, filed on 28 May 2018, alleges that Apple processes personal data in a way that infringes the GDPR, a claim Apple denies. Apple contends that the DPC's inquiry was based on a flawed sample subject and that the DPC failed to provide reasons for refusing a standalone decision on validity before continuing the investigation.
In the murder trial of law professor Diarmuid Phelan, a defence psychologist explained that Phelan's decision to fire warning shots at trespassers on his Tallaght farm was a reasonable response to an imminent threat and the limited time for decision making. The psychologist described the dynamics of firearm use, noting that the intentional firing of a Smith & Wesson revolver over the heads of intruders perceived as a threat could result in an unintentional strike. He highlighted the difficulty of accurate shooting with a double‑action revolver under stress, the short barrel's tendency to misalign, and the rapid trigger pull. The expert concluded that Phelan's actions were consistent with the standards of reasonable force, intended to warn before using deadly force, and that the third shot unintentionally struck Keith Conlon, who later died from a head wound. The trial continues before a jury and a judge. Diarmuid Phelan pleaded not guilty.
A 64‑year‑old man was jailed for one year after pleading guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to sexually assaulting his partner's 13‑year‑old granddaughter on 21 May 2023. The victim was present with two other children when the assault occurred. Gardaí reports say the girl sat on the man's lap, he rubbed her bum, then placed a hand up her shorts and pinched her vagina. The man admitted rubbing the victim but denied touching her vagina until the end of the interview, claiming he only did so after a hug. He has four prior convictions, but the investigating garda and his lawyer argued the offences were not of the same nature. The judge noted the assault was a serious, isolated incident and, after considering the man's guilty plea, remorse and low risk of reoffending, sentenced him to one year in custody.