A serial arsonist, Colm Dowling (68), was jailed for 15 months after attempting to set a garda's car on fire using vegetable oil and causing over €7,000 in damage to a commercial premises. Dowling pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal damage and has eight previous convictions, including four for arson. He was found with a lighter and vegetable oil near the garda's car, which had charred tissue and vegetable oil on the windscreen. In another incident, he repeatedly drove a van into a gate, causing damage to the registration plate and wing mirror. The business owner found the damage suspicious and checked CCTV footage. Dowling was identified through the footage and later returned to retrieve the broken registration plate. He has a history of alcoholism and mental health issues, including major depressive disorder. His defence argued that his actions were due to a relapse and a sense of grievance. The judge noted the targeted nature of his offending and imposed a two-year sentence with nine months suspended.
Meta has been granted permission to challenge a potential fine of up to €430 million from the Data Protection Commission (DPC) over data processing issues. The company argues that the DPC acted outside its powers by expanding the investigation beyond the original complaint to all Facebook users. Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd applied for judicial review, and the court granted a stay on the fine until next year. The case stems from a 2018 complaint about access to personal data stored in a 'Hive' digital warehouse. Meta claims the DPC overstepped by suggesting the complainant's request had a 'general application' for other users. The court will hear the case again in January. Meta seeks a declaration that the DPC acted beyond its powers and a quashing of the draft decision. The judge ruled in favor of Meta, putting a stay on the DPC's findings pending the outcome of the case.
A 64-year-old man, Richard O'Brien, who sexually abused and raped his sisters, niece, and daughters, is appealing his conviction, arguing that allowing victims to give evidence via video link was unfair. O'Brien was convicted of 63 counts of rape, sexual assault, and indecent assault against five victims between 1975 and 2011. His appeal focuses on the fairness of allowing some victims to give evidence by video link, as the defence claims the jury was deprived of seeing the witnesses in person. O'Brien's counsel argued that the medical reports did not justify the use of video link for some victims and that the lack of consent for certain rape counts was not adequately established. The prosecution countered that the judge had discretion in allowing video evidence and that the jury had an adequate opportunity to assess the witnesses' demeanour. The court will reserve judgment on the appeal.
Seven men, aged 32 to 55, are on trial at the Central Criminal Court, accused of 98 counts of sexually abusing a deaf woman between 1996 and 2013. All defendants deny the charges. The complainant, giving evidence via video-link with interpreters and an intermediary, alleged that Accused E (32) anally raped her at two locations. Accused E faces 16 counts of sexual abuse, nine counts of anal rape, and seven counts of rape. Accused A (55) is accused of one count of rape; Accused B (48) faces eight counts including rape and oral rape; and Accused G (45) is charged with one count of rape. Three brothers are also accused: Accused C (34) faces 45 counts of abuse, 22 counts of rape, and 23 counts of anal rape; Accused D (33) pleaded not guilty to 19 charges of rape and three counts of anal rape; and Accused F (32) denied five counts comprising anal rape and rape. Additionally, Accused C is charged with sexual assault of Complainant 2, two counts of rape and one count of anal rape of the same victim, and one count of anal rape of Complainant 3. The trial continues before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury.
Patrick Skipton (42) was jailed for seven years after being found guilty of demanding money with menace and harassment. He initially demanded €50,000 from a victim who had held money for him during the pandemic, which he spent on drugs. The victim, with help from family, paid the amount. Later, Skipton harassed the victim again, demanding €40,000. The victim, who had since become clean and was working, was pressured to sell his car. Skipton's associate collected €6,230 from the sale, and the victim was ordered to take out a loan. However, the victim alerted gardaí, leading to Skipton's arrest. Skipton has a history of drug use and multiple convictions. He expressed remorse and is now clean. The judge noted the victim impact statement, which described the "reign of terror" inflicted by Skipton, and sentenced him to nine years, with two years suspended.
Darragh Quigley, 26, of Carndonagh Road, Donaghmede, pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of Gretta McCullough, 64, on November 16, 2023, at Chatham Row, Dublin 2. At the sentence hearing in the Central Criminal Court, the court heard that Quigley followed Ms McCullough and her husband from the Powerscourt Centre before striking her from behind with a seven-inch knife. The blade passed through the back of her head, entering on the left and exiting on the right. Ms McCullough, who was watching the Christmas lights switch-on, removed the knife herself and handed it to her husband. She described the attack as random and unprovoked, stating it permanently altered her sense of safety. Quigley, who has no previous convictions but a history of mental health issues, told gardai the act was random and he had gone into town with a knife. Defence counsel Padraig Dwyer SC submitted that Quigley had ceased taking his antipsychotic medication and suffered from bipolar affective disorder. Mr Justice Paul Burns described the incident as a truly shocking and extremely serious offence. He remanded Quigley in custody today until January 19, when he will be sentenced.
A paramedic in Letterkenny has secured an award of €32,000 for racial discrimination from the Workplace Relations Commission following her dismissal over an incident at a petrol station. The EMT was fired for gross misconduct after allegedly permitting a patient to smoke during a journey, whilst her white colleague faced only a letter of concern for the same incident. The adjudicator found both staff members had acquiesced to the patient's request, yet received markedly different disciplinary outcomes. The employer attempted to shield the colleague under whistleblower protections, a defence the tribunal deemed misconceived. The adjudicator determined the disparity in treatment, coupled with the complainant's prior documented hostility toward the dismissed employee, raised an inference of discrimination on racial grounds. The employer failed to provide fair process, the tribunal noted, as the dismissed worker was denied knowledge of her accuser's identity or opportunity to respond to allegations. The tribunal ruled discrimination occurred under the Employment Equality Act 1998.
Two men, Philip Disney (30) and Sean Carlyle (32), who were sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Vincent Parsons during a Stag night in 2019, have failed in their appeal to overturn their convictions. The attack, described as 'extraordinarily savage,' occurred near the Killinarden Inn on August 24, 2019, after Mr. Parsons became 'messy' and irritated Disney during a night out. The trial heard that following an altercation, the two men followed Mr. Parsons in a van and fatally assaulted him on a nearby green area. During the sentencing, Mr. Parsons' wife, Clare, expressed how his death had 'fallen apart' the lives of their two children. The Court of Appeal dismissed all grounds raised by Disney and Carlyle, including claims that evidence was prejudicial or that the trial judge made errors in rulings. The court upheld the conviction, noting that the CCTV footage was properly admitted and that the jury was correctly not discharged. The appeal also failed to challenge the admissibility of evidence, including statements made by the defendants during searches and interviews.
A jury is set to return to the Central Criminal Court to continue deliberations in the trial of Patrick Murphy (37), who is accused of stabbing 20-year-old Jordan Ronan to death outside his home in what he claims was an act of self-defense. Murphy has admitted to stabbing Ronan but has pleaded not guilty to murder. The jury heard that Ronan suffered a single fatal stab wound to the chest during an encounter in the early hours of July 26, 2024. CCTV footage showed Ronan entering Murphy's van and then Mr Murphy's partner's BMW, where the fatal incident occurred. Gardai found a Revolut card belonging to Murphy on the deceased's body. The prosecution argued that Murphy's use of force was disproportionate, noting that he armed himself with a knife, ran out of his house, and deliberately stabbed Ronan in the chest, with the blade penetrating 18cm into his chest cavity. The defense, however, argued that Murphy acted out of panic in the heat of the moment after his home was invaded by an intruder.
A woman who posted on Facebook expressing hope for the safe return of a missing man, while she had in fact helped dump his body in a quarry, was described as 'pure evil' by the victim's mother during a sentencing hearing. Linda Ring detailed the devastation her family faced after her son Stephen Ring was killed and his body was discarded in Carrigfoyle Quarry. Jane Corcoran, who had pleaded guilty to impeding the apprehension of another individual and assisting in moving the remains, was sentenced to be heard again in February. The court heard that Corcoran had posted on social media while knowing the victim was dead and had lied to gardai. The victim's mother expressed deep anger and sorrow, stating that Corcoran's actions were unforgivable and that she would be haunted by what she did. Corcoran had a previous conviction for theft and faces a maximum sentence of ten years. The victim's family described Stephen as a loving and generous individual, and his death has left them in deep grief.
The Court of Appeal ruled that it would be 'unjust' to jail a former Bank of Ireland employee who stole almost €200,000 and attempted to set the bank branch on fire, despite finding her original sentence too lenient. Maureen McCormack, who stole the money to pay for IVF treatment debts, was sentenced to community service and a suspended prison term. The Director of Public Prosecutions sought a review of the sentence, arguing that it was unduly lenient. The Court of Appeal found that the sentences imposed were too lenient and should have included custodial sentences. However, the court decided not to impose custodial sentences at this stage, as McCormack had successfully completed her community service and made restitution. The court noted that the sentences were not an indicator for similar cases but rather an exception. McCormack had paid over €115,886.82 in compensation and had a successful work history. The incident came to light when a fire broke out in the bank's storeroom, and an inspection of the vault revealed a significant shortfall in the money. Maureen McCormack pleaded guilty.
A trial is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court involving seven men, aged 32 to 55, accused of 98 counts of sexually abusing a deaf woman between 1996 and 2013. The complainant, who gave evidence via video-link with interpreters, alleges abuse by her three uncles and four brothers. All accused deny the charges. Accused A (55) faces one count of rape; Accused B (48) faces eight counts of rape, oral rape, and anal rape; and Accused G (45) faces one count of rape. Four brothers are also charged: Accused C (34) faces 45 counts of rape and anal rape, plus separate charges regarding two other sisters, including sexual assault and rape. Accused D (33) pleaded not guilty to 19 counts of rape and three of anal rape. Accused E (32) denied nine counts of anal rape and seven of rape. Accused F (32) denied five counts of anal rape and rape. The trial, set down for four months, continues before a 15-member jury after a pause due to the complainant's hospitalization.
Daryl Smith (22) was jailed for seven years for arson and reckless discharge of a handgun during a feud between crime gangs. He was captured on CCTV setting a house on fire and later firing a handgun at another home. Smith's own home was later attacked in retaliation. The court heard that much of the evidence against him was found on his phone, including videos of firearms and cash. Smith's defense highlighted his difficult background and youth, arguing for a reduced sentence. The judge noted the crimes were part of a gang feud and sentenced Smith to seven years, taking into account his guilty pleas and potential for rehabilitation. Smith's co-accused, Jordan Domican, was previously sentenced to seven and a half years for facilitating the criminal organization.
A driver who crashed a car into an articulated lorry at high speed and walked away from the scene while his friend lay dead in the passenger seat was jailed for six and a half years. Jake Kelly, who was driving at 162km/h on a road with a 60km/h speed limit, was helped out of the car by the truck driver but then left the scene. The body of his friend, Ross Rice, was discovered hours later. The court heard that Kelly had no idea if Rice had survived the crash and later told gardai he thought Rice might have been in the fields nearby. The victim's family described the loss as devastating, with Rice's mother having died in 2020 and Rice having an 11-month-old baby with his partner. Judge Martina Baxter noted the tragic circumstances and the irony that Rice had been banned from driving, yet Kelly drove his car without a licence. Kelly was found to be remorseful and has been diagnosed with a major depressive disorder. Jake Kelly pleaded guilty.
An ex-accountant with nearly 18 years of service at a Dundalk arcade and bingo hall operator has claimed she was unfairly made redundant despite being told by her employer that the business was 'flying'. Siobhán McDonagh, who earned over €50,000 as a financial controller, is seeking nearly €40,000 in lost earnings through a complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977. She alleges that her employer, James P McCann Ireland Ltd, provided no justification for her redundancy. The tribunal heard that the company, which once had interests in 12 businesses, is now in 'extreme financial difficulties' with only two arcades remaining in Dublin. Ms McDonagh said she was 'laughed at' when she asked about a redundancy lump sum, and was told to claim it from the State. She claimed the company was 'doing well' at the time of her dismissal. The company's managing director, Seoirse McCann, stated that the business was in financial trouble and that the redundancy was necessary to reduce costs. The case highlights the dispute over whether the redundancy was justified or unfair.
A serial car-jacker, Shane Ward, was jailed for three and a half years after being identified through a live-stream of his crimes. Ward, who has 63 previous convictions, committed two car-jackings in Dublin, with the second occurring shortly after his release on bail. During the first incident, Ward and his accomplices approached a couple in a parked car, claiming to be gardai, and stole their vehicle. The second incident involved a taxi driver on Dame Street, where Ward assaulted the driver and stole the vehicle. The court heard that Ward was clearly identifiable in the live-stream footage. The victims described the emotional and physical impact of the crimes, with the taxi driver suffering lasting trauma and financial loss. Ward's defense highlighted his difficult upbringing and current efforts in addiction counseling. The judge noted the severity of the offenses and imposed a five and a half year sentence with two years suspended on strict conditions. Shane Ward pleaded guilty.
A 38-year-old man from Avondale Heights, Rathdrum, has been sentenced to six months in prison after being caught driving on the M50 while under seven active driving bans. Stephen O'Brien pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to driving without insurance and without a licence on 18 November last year. Garda Shane Hogan stated that O'Brien has 33 previous convictions, 31 of which are related to road traffic matters. Nine of these convictions are for driving without insurance and seven for driving without a licence. The court heard that O'Brien has been disqualified from driving nine times, with seven of those disqualifications currently in place. His defence solicitor, Patricia Camilon, said O'Brien works as a tree surgeon and had been relying on an unreliable driver to get to work. O'Brien has since sold his car and accepted that he should not have driven. Judge Conor Fottrell described O'Brien as a serial offender and said he had no choice but to impose a custodial sentence.
Patrick Murphy, a father of four, is on trial for stabbing Jordan Ronan to death, claiming it was in self-defense. Prosecution barrister Patricia McLaughlin SC argued that Murphy used disproportionate force and took the law into his own hands. The defense, led by Ronan Kennedy SC, claimed Murphy acted out of fear for his family's safety after an intruder entered his home. The jury was shown CCTV footage showing Ronan entering Murphy's van and then his partner's BMW, where the fatal stabbing occurred. The prosecution emphasized that Murphy's actions were not justified, while the defense argued Murphy was protecting his family from a perceived threat. The judge instructed the jury on the possible verdicts, including murder, manslaughter, or not guilty, and asked them to deliberate on the intent and proportionality of Murphy's actions.
Patrick Murphy, a father of four, is on trial for stabbing Jordan Ronan to death, claiming it was in self-defense. Prosecution barrister Patricia McLaughlin SC argued that Murphy used disproportionate force and took the law into his own hands. The defense, led by Ronan Kennedy SC, claimed Murphy acted out of fear for his family's safety after an intruder entered his home. The jury was shown CCTV footage showing Ronan entering Murphy's van and then his partner's BMW, where the fatal stabbing occurred. The prosecution emphasized that Murphy's actions were not justified, while the defense argued Murphy was protecting his family from a perceived threat. The judge instructed the jury on the possible verdicts, including murder, manslaughter, or not guilty, and asked them to deliberate on the intent and proportionality of Murphy's actions.
Matthew Fadeyi, a father of three from Navan, Co Meath, appeared before the Court of Appeal to challenge his conviction for rape. He was convicted of one count of rape following a retrial in May 2024, after a jury failed to reach a verdict in his initial 2021 trial. The incident, alleged to have occurred in August 2018, involved sexual intercourse in the back of a car with a significantly younger acquaintance. Fadeyi was sentenced by Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo to six years and six months in prison, with the final year suspended. His counsel, Barra McGrory KC, argued the trial was prejudiced because gardaí failed to take statements from the victim's parents, who discovered emergency contraception pills. Counsel suggested this omission prevented testing the consistency of the complaint, claiming the victim might have altered her account under pressure. The State, represented by Ronan Kennedy SC, rejected this as "transcript trawling," noting the defence had not raised this issue during the original trial and had admitted evidence of recent complaint. The State emphasized that the victim disclosed the incident to others immediately. Ms Justice Tara Burns reserved judgment, meaning the matter was adjourned and not concluded.
A Dublin man, Austin Mangan, is on trial for the murder of his girlfriend, Maud Coffey, with psychiatrists differing on whether he qualifies for a not guilty by reason of insanity verdict. A defence psychiatrist testified that Mangan was suffering from a severe relapse of schizoaffective disorder and met the criteria for the insanity defence. However, a UK psychiatrist argued that while Mangan had a mental disorder, he was capable of refraining from killing. Mangan, who has a history of mental illness and multiple hospital admissions, told the psychiatrist he had stopped taking medication prior to the incident and was under the influence of alcohol. He claimed he believed his girlfriend was mocking him and that he heard Lucifer laughing at him. The psychiatrist concluded that Mangan was unable to refrain from committing the act, but the prosecution's expert disagreed. The trial continues with the court considering the expert testimonies.
The Court of Appeal has ruled that a Riverstown man's drugs sentence was unduly lenient, yet he will serve no additional time in custody. James Murphy, aged 66, was convicted in 2021 of participating in a joint enterprise to supply cocaine valued at €281,148, which was seized by gardaí at a McDonald's car park in Drogheda in November 2015. He was originally sentenced to seven years with the final year suspended. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed on grounds of undue leniency. Mr Justice Brian O'Moore found the sentencing judge's treatment of Murphy on equal terms with his co-accused was "seriously flawed" and increased the sentence to ten years, the mandatory minimum. However, noting Murphy had already completed his original sentence and was released into the community, the judge suspended the final four years of the revised sentence for twelve months, contingent on no further offences. James Murphy pleaded not guilty.
A man described as a 'manipulative monster' with a history of violence against women has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his eight-year-old daughter and attempted murder of his partner. Muhammed Al Shaker Al Tamimi, who pleaded guilty to the crimes, was given a consecutive ten-year sentence for the attempted murder of his partner, Aisha Al Katib, which will be served before the life sentence. The court heard that Al Tamimi, who had previously held Aisha against her will and forced her to have sex without her consent, stabbed his daughter in front of Aisha, who was paralyzed and unable to move. Aisha described the moment as one of the most traumatic of her life, with Al Tamimi smiling directly at her as he cut his daughter's throat. The judge emphasized the domestic violence aspect of the case and the extraordinary level of violence, stating that the sentences were appropriate.
The Court of Appeal has ruled that the combined sentences of 35 years imposed on a notorious rapist were justified, as the offences are at 'the highest level of gravity.' Michael Murray, who was found guilty in 2021 of making death threats against his lawyers and harassing his victim, had appealed the severity of his 16-year sentence. The court dismissed the appeal, stating that there were no mitigating factors and that the sentences were justified given Murray's re-victimisation of his rape victim, the attack on the lawyers involved, and his 'appalling criminal record.' Murray, who has 34 previous convictions, including those for common assault, carrying firearms, robbery, and aggravated burglary, was sentenced to nine years for the threat to one lawyer and seven years for the threat to another. The judge ordered that these sentences be served consecutively to each other, for an effective operative sentence of 16 years. The court emphasized that the sentences were necessary to ensure that the punishment was 'condign but proportionate' and that the totality principle was correctly applied. Michael Murray pleaded not guilty.
Kaide Fowler, a drug dealer who endured a 'sad life' marked by poverty and neglect, has been jailed for four and a half years for drug dealing and money laundering. Fowler, who has a history of drug use and criminality, admitted to selling heroin, cannabis, and cocaine and possessing large sums of cash believed to be from the proceeds of crime. His wife, Catriona Hyland, received a suspended sentence for her role in the drug-related activities. Fowler's defence highlighted his difficult upbringing, including drug use by his parents and significant neglect. Despite his previous convictions, the court acknowledged his efforts to rehabilitate, including being drug-free in prison and attending school. Judge Martin Nolan noted Fowler's long-standing drug-related convictions but emphasized the need for custodial sentences due to the seriousness of his crimes. Kaide Fowler pleaded guilty. Catriona Hyland pleaded guilty.
Lee Byrne and Sam Garvey, who committed a 'senseless and violent' robbery in Dublin, have been jailed for one year after reoffending despite being given a chance by a judge. Both pleaded guilty to the robbery, which involved a victim being attacked and robbed on Phibsborough Road. Judge Elva Duffy initially adjourned the case for 12 months, giving them an opportunity for rehabilitation, but after they reoffended, she imposed a custodial sentence. Byrne and Garvey were involved in assaults and criminal damage, with Byrne serving a two-year sentence and Garvey in custody until next May. The victim suffered serious injuries and continues to feel the emotional impact of the attack. Both men expressed remorse and sought to address their addiction issues, but the court ruled that their reoffending made a custodial sentence necessary. The case highlights the challenges of rehabilitation for individuals with substance abuse issues.
A 'high risk' convicted rapist has been jailed for four years after a woman discovered him raping her with a carrot. The 63-year-old man, who has previous convictions for rape and sexual assault, pleaded guilty to raping the woman with an object in his home on dates between September and October 2023. The woman, who was a close friend of the man following the breakdown of her marriage, said her life has spiraled out of control since the incident. The court heard that the man was aware of her vulnerable position and took advantage of it. The woman's victim impact statement described the rape as having a 'tremendous' impact on her life, leading her to drink more to 'block out' the incident. The man, who has multiple health issues including mental health and addiction problems, wrote a letter of apology and is willing to engage with the Probation Service for his rehabilitation. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon imposed a six-year sentence, suspending the final two years on strict conditions.
A man who stabbed his 'friendly and soft-hearted' father 18 times during a psychotic episode has been found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity. Ross O'Rourke, who had a previous address in Tullow, Carlow, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to murdering his father, Stefan Nivelle Posschier, in Kinnegad, Co Westmeath in 2022. The jury returned a unanimous verdict in just 29 minutes, with the judge describing the trial as 'extremely difficult, especially for those who have lost a loved one.' Psychiatrists agreed that O'Rourke was suffering from a schizophrenic mental disorder at the time of the killing and met the criteria for the special verdict under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006. The trial heard that O'Rourke developed a delusion that his father was mixed up with criminals and the IRA and that he posed a threat to his life. He stabbed his father to death and then drove to a hospital, where he told his grandmother he had killed her son.
Derek Moore (AKA Hutch), a convicted killer with a long history of dangerous driving and drug use, was driving at 158km/h and under the influence of cannabis when he struck a Ukrainian grandmother, Valentyna Linck, in Dublin. Moore pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious harm and driving under the influence. The collision left Linck with severe injuries, including facial and head trauma, a stroke, and a brain bleed. She spent a month in a coma and requires ongoing rehabilitation. Moore's driving was described as 'completely outrageous' by the judge, who ordered a probation report and adjourned the case for further proceedings. Moore, who has 44 previous convictions, including manslaughter and assault, was disqualified from driving for five years at the time of the incident. The court heard that Moore was high on cannabis and had a history of drug use, which contributed to his reckless behavior. The victim's medical costs and loss of income were estimated at over €250,000.
Jason O'Driscoll, convicted of the murders of Anthony Burnett and Joseph Redmond in Co Louth in 2012, had his appeal reheard today before a reconstituted Court of Appeal panel. The matter was previously adjourned after it emerged that one of the original judges, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, had presided over O'Driscoll's 2017 trial. O'Driscoll, who pleaded not guilty and was sentenced to life imprisonment in October 2018, argues that the conviction is unsafe due to flawed expert vehicle identification evidence and a tweet from a prosecution expert's account. Defence counsel Seán Guerin contended that the evidence from Acuity Forensics lacked scientific validity and that the tweet, which congratulated the Gardaí on the conviction, acted as a "marketing tool" undermining the expert's independence. The prosecution, represented by Patrick Gageby SC, maintained that the vehicle identification was part of the circumstantial evidence and that the tweet did not indicate a lack of impartiality. The court has reserved judgment on the appeal.
A chef was sentenced to three years in prison after being caught with over half a million euros worth of cannabis. Lin Yan, 40, pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply in March 2025. Gardai received information from customs that a drugs detection dog had detected cannabis in a pallet. The pallet was delivered to an address in Palmerstown, but no one was there to receive it. Yan answered a call and signed for the delivery. Gardai kept him under surveillance and found cannabis in the pallet. Yan was arrested and the drugs were analyzed, revealing a total value of €571,000. Yan has no previous convictions and was employed as a chef in Ireland. His defense argued that he was on the lowest rung of the drug ladder and had been taken advantage of. The judge considered these factors and sentenced him to three years in prison.
A man was jailed for two years after being caught with nearly €400,000 worth of cannabis at Dublin Airport. Aidas Bauraitis, 25, pleaded guilty to importing cannabis for sale or supply in April 2025. Customs officers noticed Bauraitis acting suspiciously and found 19.9kg of cannabis in his bag. Bauraitis admitted collecting the bag in Bangkok and said he was in financial difficulty, supporting his family. His defense highlighted his cooperation, remorse, and lack of previous convictions. The judge noted the value of the drugs as an aggravating factor but considered Bauraitis's financial pressure and his position on the lowest rung of the drug ladder. He was given a six-year sentence with four years suspended. Bauraitis intends to return to Lithuania after his release.
A chronic drug addict with 245 previous convictions was jailed for four years after attempting to rob a shop with a knife. Carl Byrne, 37, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possession of drugs for sale or supply. He entered a shop with another man, took items, and threatened staff with a knife. Gardai found drugs in his possession during a separate incident. Byrne's defense highlighted his long-term addiction and early guilty plea. The judge noted his extensive criminal history and chronic drug problem but considered his remorse and early plea. She sentenced him to three years and nine months for the attempted robbery and two concurrent sentences for drug possession, with the final nine months suspended for one year.
A judge has dismissed a charge of intimidation and begging against Nutu Rostas (27), who was accused of disturbing churchgoers during a Christmas service in south Dublin. The case was heard in Dún Laoghaire District Court, where Mr Rostas appeared charged with begging and obstructing pedestrians at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour on 29 December, 2024. Garda witnesses testified that they arrived at the scene shortly after 11am and observed Mr Rostas near the church entrance with a cup, shouting something that could not be clearly heard. Some patrons reportedly avoided him as they entered the church. However, under cross-examination, the garda admitted he could not hear exactly what was said and acknowledged that people were able to move around Mr Rostas. He also stated that his perception of the accused's aggression was based on distant observations. Judge Anne Watkin ruled that the evidence did not meet the required standard to prove intimidation or obstruction, leading to the dismissal of the charge.
A tribunal hearing involving Aer Lingus pilot Declan McCabe, who was demoted from captain to first officer following an incident on 8 June 2023, has been adjourned to the new year by Adjudicator John Harraghy. McCabe is contesting statutory complaints brought under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, and the Payment of Wages Act 1997 at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). McCabe claims the incident, which involved a failure to link up with a navigation beacon on approach to Dublin airport, was a 'non-event' and that the use of the word 'apologies' by his first officer was a reflection of his 'manners' as a 'well-educated, posh Belvedere boy'. Aer Lingus denies the complaints and has argued that McCabe failed to submit a timely air safety report and provided 'inaccurate information' to air traffic control. McCabe alleges the demotion was part of a 'predetermined' process aimed at penalising him, linked to a 2011 dispute over fatigue. The matter was adjourned and will resume in the new year.
A fire drill delayed jury deliberations in the trial of a man who stabbed his father to death during a psychotic episode. Ross O'Rourke, 31, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to murdering his father. Psychiatrists agreed he was suffering from a mental disorder and met the criteria for the special verdict. O'Rourke believed his father was involved with criminals and the IRA and heard voices telling him to kill him. He stabbed his father 18 times. His defense described his father as a kind and warm-hearted man. The prosecution argued O'Rourke intended to kill his father but the psychiatrists concluded he was unable to understand the wrongfulness of his actions due to his mental state. The jury was told to return on Monday after the fire drill.
At the High Court, Mr Justice Max Barrett ordered John Magnier, JP Magnier, and Katherine Wachman to pay estimated €4 million in legal costs following their failed 19-day challenge to the sale of a Tipperary estate. The applicants had sought to enforce a purported €15 million 'handshake deal' with Richard Thomson-Moore, while the Barne Estate defendants alleged no such agreement existed and subsequently sold the land to Maurice Regan for €22.25 million. In a costs hearing, the judge awarded exceptional costs at the higher legal practitioner-client level, stating that the plaintiffs had 'lied' in their accounts and changed their story when initial evidence was found to be 'demonstrably untrue.' The judge described this conduct as a 'disrespect' of the court and the defendants. Counsel for the Magnier side, Paul Gallagher SC, rejected allegations of 'lawfare' and described his client as a man of honour, while opposing counsel Martin Hayden SC argued the Magnier side acted on a false premise. The Magnier side has indicated an intention to appeal the judgment delivered last September. The matter was adjourned regarding the appeal process, and the judge noted no criticism of the legal teams on either side.
A criminal who assaulted, raped and coercively controlled his partner during a six-week relationship in which she endured 'violence and extreme degradation' will remain in prison after a court today rejected his appeal against conviction. Dean Ward (38), also known as Dean Alexander Fowkes, was convicted following a trial in June 2022 of twelve offences, including four assaults, one false imprisonment, one making a threat to kill, two counts of production of articles, three counts of rape and one count of coercive control on dates between June 11 and July 17, 2019. Ward, who was jailed for 17 years, does not accept the verdict of the jury and continues to maintain his innocence. He was also jailed in 2016 for four years for falsely imprisoning and assaulting a young mother in November 2015. Survivor Ms Sinéad O'Neill, who was the victim in both cases, was also convicted in the trial. At Ward's sentence hearing, Ms O'Neill told the court she had led a quiet, happy life and had wanted someone to share it with. 'It only took him six weeks to destroy me,' she said. The matter was adjourned at the appeal stage.
Ionut Danca has admitted to killing a Canadian tourist, Neno Dolmajian, in Dublin City Centre in July 2024 and has been allowed to remain on bail ahead of sentencing. Danca pleaded guilty to the unlawful killing of Dolmajian, who was assaulted on 23 June 2024 and died nine days later. His co-accused, Madalin Ghiuzan, pleaded guilty to assaulting Dolmajian. The Director of Public Prosecutions has accepted the pleas. Danca, a construction worker from Romania, had previously been charged with murder, while Ghiuzan had a manslaughter charge. It is expected that the murder and manslaughter charges will be dropped at the sentencing hearing. Both men have been on bail and have complied with all conditions. The case is listed for sentencing on 9 February, with the deceased's family invited to make statements to the court.
Court of Appeal President Ms Justice Caroline Costello has fixed a hearing date for Jozef Puska's appeal against his conviction for the murder of Ashling Murphy. The appeal is scheduled for April 23 and 24, 2026. Puska, who pleaded not guilty to murdering Ms Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore, Co Offaly on January 12, 2022, was convicted by a jury and is serving a life sentence. His legal team indicated that submissions are advanced but await two relevant Court of Appeal judgments. Ms Justice Costello noted that waiting indefinitely was not viable and set the date to progress the listing of cases. The appeal is expected to last two days. Puska has been granted legal aid for the appeal. In related matters, his brothers Marek and Lubomir Puska were each sentenced to 30 months in prison for withholding information. Their wives, Viera Gaziova and Jozefina, received sentences of 24 and 21 months respectively for burning evidence. Additionally, Puska's partner, Lucia Istokova, pleaded guilty to withholding information and was sentenced to 20 months. These sentences were handed down earlier this year, prior to the start of the relatives' trial.
One of the getaway drivers involved in the Regency Hotel attack, during which Kinahan Cartel member David Byrne was killed, has suffered a stroke while in custody, a court has heard. Jason Bonney (55) and his co-accused Paul Murphy (64) were tried alongside Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch in 2022. Hutch was acquitted of the murder, but Bonney and Murphy were convicted of facilitating the murder by the rival Hutch criminal organisation. Their appeals against the convictions were dismissed in November, and they planned to appeal their sentences. Their cases were listed before the Court of Appeal, but Bonney's barrister informed the court that he had suffered a stroke in custody and requested a medical report from his treating consultant. Murphy's barrister stated that both men have been in custody since April 2023 and that their legal teams are seeking a hearing date for their sentence appeals. Ms Justice Caroline Costello noted that if Bonney's stroke was relevant to the case, information from the treating doctor was needed. Paul Murphy pleaded not guilty.
A Workplace Relations Commission adjudicator awarded Karen McHale, a Mayo University Hospital clerical worker, €58,681.60 for constructive dismissal. The adjudicator found that the hospital's grievance management process was "fundamentally flawed." Ms McHale alleged she was subjected to "toxic behaviour" and was ordered to attend mediation with a colleague without being provided a copy of the grievance he had filed against her. Her barrister, Michael Francis Forde BL, submitted that management sided with the complainant, leaving Ms McHale isolated and bypassed in the reporting structure. The hospital's employee relations manager, Rory Kavanagh, admitted the hospital did not provide the complaint copy but argued Ms McHale failed to exhaust internal avenues before resigning on 17 March 2024. Adjudication officer Conor Stokes rejected this, stating a reasonable employer would have concluded the process was flawed. He determined Ms McHale was left with no option but to resign. The award includes €41,831 for the loss of a pension lump sum following 23 years' service. Ms McHale was represented by Aileen Feely of JV Geary Solicitors.
Josh Tierney, a 22-year-old soccer coach from Balbriggan, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply at an address in north Balbriggan on May 31, 2024. The prosecution alleged that gardai seized several bags of suspected cannabis, valued at €17,673, during a search warrant execution. Tierney admitted to possessing the drugs to pay a debt owed to a relative. Judge Jonathan Dumphy noted that while the case reached the custodial sentence threshold, exceptional circumstances allowed for a departure from the mandatory ten-year minimum. The judge considered aggravating factors, including the seriousness of the charge, Tierney's previous convictions, and a moderate risk of reoffending, alongside mitigating factors such as his early guilty plea and admissions. Testimonials described Tierney as a valuable member of Balbriggan Football Club. The court sentenced Tierney to two years and nine months in prison, suspending the final eighteen months for two years. Consequently, he will serve fifteen months in custody. Additionally, Tierney was placed under the supervision of probation services for two years post-release.
A man who set his ex-girlfriend's car on fire has been sentenced to sixteen months in prison. Kevin Kinsella (35) of Annesley Close, Ballybough, Dublin 3, pleaded guilty to one count of arson committed in the Summerhill area of Dublin on July 2, 2024. He has 21 previous convictions. Garda Shane Costello testified that Kinsella was standing beside the car with flames coming from it and had a lump hammer in his hand. The court heard that Kinsella had a strong smell of petrol on him and had singed and burned the hair on his arms and some of his clothing. The damage caused to the car was €4,500. The injured party's insurance paid €3,000 in compensation, and Kinsella was repaying the rest of the money. His defence highlighted his guilty plea, remorse, and contributions to society. Judge Martin Nolan noted that Kinsella has a strong work history and has contributed to his local area and community. He said that there was good mitigation in the case and sentenced him to sixteen months in prison.
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court sentenced three defendants connected to a 'jugging' theft scheme. Margarita Maughan nee McDonald, 35, pleaded guilty to four money laundering offences and possession of proceeds of crime. The court heard that approximately €192,000 passed through accounts in her name between 2013 and 2020 while she claimed jobseekers allowance. Judge Orla Crowe described the activity as a 'family enterprise' where female relatives played a vital role in surveillance and transport. Acknowledging that Maughan was not the primary target of the investigation and accepting her sincere regrets, the judge imposed concurrent sentences of 18 months on each count, suspended in full on the condition that she keep the peace and be of good behaviour for three years. Separately, Michael McDonald, 24, pleaded guilty to possession of proceeds of crime, including a Ford Focus and designer goods. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a two-year suspended sentence. Additionally, Patrick McDonald was jailed in October 2024 after pleading guilty to possessing cash that was the proceeds of crime. The prosecution alleged that male relatives carried out the thefts while female relatives assisted with surveillance and logistics. None of the stolen money has been recovered.
A mother has claimed that her baby is becoming ill due to the withdrawal of breast milk after the child was taken into care by the Child and Family Agency. The mother says the baby has rejected formula milk, is vomiting after feeds, and has not met weight markers. She is seeking a High Court order to allow breastfeeding to resume for the baby's health. The court heard that the mother had tested negative for opiates and that the prescribed medication was safe for breastfeeding. The judge described the application as unusual and noted that the case would require further affidavits before a decision could be made. The mother expressed concern over the lack of response from the CFA and the impact on the baby's wellbeing.
At the Special Criminal Court in Dublin, seven men were sentenced for their roles in a conspiracy to import controlled drugs between February 27th and March 14th, 2024, contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. All defendants pleaded guilty to the charges. The court, presided over by Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, determined that the group had engaged in a serious conspiracy involving extensive planning and reconnaissance in west Cork. The judge noted the defendants had underestimated local communities and law enforcement. The headline sentence of 18 years was reduced by one-third to reflect the guilty pleas. Kiumaars Ghabiri, an Iranian national resident in the Netherlands, along with Spanish nationals Mario Angel Del Rio Sanz and Anuar Rahui Chairi, who remained on land, each received 11 years imprisonment. Spanish national Angel Serran Padilla, who took to sea, was also sentenced to 11 years. His countryman Pedro Pablo Ojeda Ortega received 10 years. Juan Antonio Gallardo Barroso and Serbian national Aleksander Milic, the youngest of the group, were each sentenced to eight years. The combined sentences total 70 years.
The trial of five bus operators accused of colluding to inflate school transport tender prices is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. Raymond Heney, Andrew Walsh, Noel Browne, Larry Hickey, and Anthony Flynn have all pleaded not guilty to alleged offences under the Competition Act 2002. The single charge against each accused alleges that between November 1, 2014, and December 31, 2016, they engaged in a concerted practice to prevent, restrict, or distort competition in the provision of school transport services. The prosecution alleges the men coordinated their bids to drive prices higher, affecting public funds. In his closing speech, defence counsel Dermot B Cahill SC argued that Heney acted as a consultant to assist other operators with administrative processes, stating that without him, there would be fewer drivers available to transport children to school. He contended that the accused were not a faceless corporation but local individuals supporting their trade. Conversely, prosecution counsel Dominic McGinn SC argued that the evidence showed a concerted practice to distort the market and load the dice against taxpayers. The jury is instructed to consider the evidence against each accused separately while viewing the overall context. The trial continues before Mr Justice David Keane.
The Court of Appeal has adjourned sentencing appeals for two defendants convicted of murder while under 18, following a Supreme Court ruling restricting life sentences for child offenders. In the first case, a 19-year-old man was found guilty by a jury in 2022 of murdering Urantsetseg Tserendorj in Dublin in 2021, after pleading guilty to manslaughter. His counsel argued the case lacked the 'exceptional circumstances' required for a life sentence, citing lack of premeditation. The DPP countered that the attack was intentional and brutal. In the second case, a defendant who was four months shy of 18 pleaded guilty in 2020 to the murder of Cameron Blair in Cork. His lawyer argued his immaturity and lack of planning precluded a life sentence, while the DPP highlighted the use of a large knife. The Supreme Court previously ruled that life sentences for children are only appropriate in exceptional cases and that part-suspended sentences are permissible if detention continues past age 18. The three-judge court reserved judgment in both matters, meaning the appeals were adjourned rather than concluded.
A 31-year-old man who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his father by reason of insanity told his grandmother that he had killed her son when she was lying in her bed in a hospital ward. Ross O'Rourke (31) of Tullow, Carlow, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of his father, Stefan Nivelles Posschier (65). During the opening of the trial, Shane Costelloe SC said that expert psychiatrists for both the prosecution and defence are in agreement about the accused's mental state at the time of the murder. The court heard that Ms Kingston, the grandmother of the accused, was in her bed in the hospital ward on October 25, 2022, when O'Rourke told her that he had killed her son. Gardai found the body of the deceased under plastic tarpaulin held down with bricks. The prosecution's case is that the accused caused the death of his father, and the court will hear evidence from expert consultant psychiatrists about the accused's mental state at the time.