A money mule who allowed scammers to channel almost €3,000 through his Revolut account during two "smishing" frauds has been directed to the Restorative Justice Programme. Josh Pope (22) of Priorsgate, Tallaght, Dublin 24, pleaded guilty to two counts of engaging in handling the proceeds of criminal conduct. The court heard that two separate "smishing" scams in April 2023 resulted in €2,946 being lodged into Pope's Revolut account. One injured party lost €711, while a second victim lost €2,235 after receiving fraudulent text messages and supplying their bank details. Pope had been offered €200 to allow his account to be used and had shown "sympathy" for the victims in his victim impact statement. He is currently studying culinary arts at Maynooth and has no previous convictions. Judge Karen Dowling directed Pope to engage with the Restorative Justice Programme and adjourned the matter to 3 April for an updated report, when the matter is expected to be finalised.
A 'blatant' thief who stole from the same Circle K garage 27 times in six months has been placed on probation at Dún Laoghaire District Court. Andrew Connors (40), of Kilbogget Grove, Cabinteely, pleaded guilty to the 27 theft offences, committed between June and late November at Circle K on the N11 in Cabinteely, Dublin 18. All charges were brought under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud) Offences Act 2001. The court heard Connors repeatedly targeted the Circle K premises, stealing alcohol on almost every occasion. Items taken included cans of Guinness, Smirnoff Ice, Malibu, Captain Morgan and Jameson Ginger. His behaviour was described as 'pretty blatant', often walking out with cans or bottles before staff realised what had happened, without any confrontation. Judge Anne Watkin noted that garages 'are easier targets' for this type of offending. Connors is currently serving a six-month sentence imposed by Judge Martin Nolan in the Circuit Criminal Court following a breach that led to the reactivation of a suspended sentence.
A 29-year-old woman from Coolaney, Sligo, has been sentenced to 21 months in prison after pleading guilty to making a false criminal complaint at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Nicole Chambers alleged that a male prison officer had sexually assaulted her in a hospital cubicle whilst escorting her for medical treatment in August 2020. Hospital CCTV footage, corroborated by the officer's female colleague and medical staff, established that the officer never entered the cubicle and remained outside in accordance with protocol. When confronted with the footage, Chambers initially maintained her account before later retracting the allegation and apologising to the officer and prison service. Judge Martin Nolan described the allegation as malicious and self-serving, noting it had caused profound harm to the victim and could have resulted in a trial absent the camera evidence. The judge acknowledged Chambers' complex psychiatric history and functional neurological disorder but found she understood the distinction between right and wrong. She has 34 previous convictions, including an earlier custodial sentence for making false reports.
A Limerick man, Jeremiah O'Brien (55), who is wanted in Europe on a human trafficking charge, has been remanded in custody with consent to bail. He is alleged to have facilitated the transportation of 66 people from an unknown desert place near Nafplio, Greece, to Italy without life jackets. The boat was found stranded on a rocky shore near Gyalia beach. The State opposed his bail application at the High Court, citing concerns that he might abscond. O'Brien's defence counsel, Simon Matthews BL, stated that his client is a member of the travelling community who sells tools and generators across Europe and that the addresses provided were those of family and friends. Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring noted the seriousness of the allegations but emphasized O'Brien's right to be presumed innocent. She granted bail on his own bond of €500 and an independent surety of €15,000, with conditions including surrendering travel documents, living at his Rathkeale address, and maintaining a curfew. O'Brien must also attend all court dates and not apply for travel documents.
Rhys Murphy, 20, of Tallaght, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to possessing a knife in the early hours of 4 May 2025, an offence under section 9 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act. The court heard that gardaí were flagged down at Glenview Park during a late-night chase, where a knife was observed being thrown from a vehicle. Murphy was identified as the person who discarded the weapon, which was subsequently recovered and produced in court. Although defence counsel Michael Hennessy argued that Murphy was a passenger who instinctively threw the knife after it was handed to him, the judge noted that Murphy made no reasonable explanation for possessing it. Judge Patricia McNamara examined the six-inch knife and commented on its appearance. She described Murphy as pleasant but naive and vulnerable to negative peer pressure, warning that possessing a knife increases the likelihood of its use. The court noted Murphy has previous convictions for traffic matters and theft, but none for weapons. In sentencing, Judge McNamara remanded Murphy on continuing bail until 16 January. On that date, he will appear again before Tallaght District Court to engage voluntarily with the Restorative Justice Programme. The judge advised him to stay out of trouble in the interim, stating the court would review his progress at the next hearing.
A man has been jailed for eight years for his role in an aggravated burglary during which a woman was attacked with a wrench in the bedroom of her home. William Doyle (24) of Knocknarea Road, Drimnagh, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to aggravated burglary on November 20, 2021. His co-accused, who was responsible for the attack on the woman and a second attack on her husband, has previously been jailed for 12 years. Doyle was 19 years old at the time of the burglary and had initially denied the offences and elected for trial. He fled to the UK and was arrested and extradited back to Ireland in July this year. Garda Stephen Daly told the court that the woman woke to an intruder in her bedroom just before midnight. She was attacked with a wrench, requiring stitches to her face and head. Her husband was also attacked with the wrench. The burglars escaped before gardaí could catch them. Doyle was ultimately nominated as a suspect and was arrested in April 2021.
A Dublin man has been jailed for one year for threatening to kill his former partner after the 'red mist descended' when he was made aware of a serious sexual allegation against him. The 26-year-old man pleaded guilty to sending a message of a menacing character by telephone in November 2022. Evidence was heard that the man was arrested in early November 2022 on foot of outstanding warrants and at this point, he became aware of the allegation. He was brought to the Criminal Courts of Justice and received bail. Several hours after he became aware of the allegation, he made the call threatening his former partner. The woman told gardai that he said he was going to kill her and her junkie boyfriend and slice her face. He used his brother's girlfriend's phone and made the call as he was leaving the courts building. Gardai seized the phone and established that the call lasted one minute and six seconds. The woman told the court she is constantly afraid and suffers with anxiety.
A tribunal has ruled that a Portuguese man suffered racial discrimination when polling staff refused to give him a ballot for the local elections in Co Galway. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) upheld a complaint of discrimination under the Equal Status Act 2000 against the returning officer for Co Galway. The tribunal ordered extra training for polling station staff after both Mr da Silva and his wife were told they did not have the right to vote in the local elections, despite living in Ireland for decades. Mr da Silva, a Portuguese national resident in Ireland for 30 years, was told by a poll official that he was only entitled to vote in the European elections. He was surprised and felt embarrassed, as if he had done something wrong. His wife, Maria de Almeida Silva, was also told she was not entitled to vote in the local elections but was later allowed to vote after challenging the poll clerk.
A Brazilian woman who claimed she was threatened and felt forced to bring more than €65,000 worth of cocaine into Ireland has been jailed for two years. Cleoviany Pedrosa (26) carried 35 pellets of cocaine in her luggage but also swallowed over 60 pellets of the drug. She told gardaí that she had initially agreed to transport the drugs because she was under financial pressure but when she tried to change her mind, she was threatened and forced into delivering the drugs. She was promised €3,000 for her role, and her flights and hotel stay were paid for. Pedrosa pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to having cocaine for sale or supply on March 16, 2025. She is a mother of six with no previous convictions. The court heard that customos officers felt Pedrosa was acting suspiciously and stopped her after she got off a flight from São Paulo. Officers found 35 pellets of the drug in her suitcase.
A teenager has been awarded €700,000 by the High Court following the HSE's admission of liability for failures in ante-natal care at Mayo University Hospital in Castlebar during 2009. The girl, now aged sixteen, sued the health authority through her mother over circumstances surrounding her birth. The court heard that a cardiotocography monitor remained unconnected between 2am and 6am on the morning of delivery on November 14th, 2009. The infant was born in poor condition and subsequently transferred to Temple Street Children's Hospital, where an MRI scan revealed diffuse abnormalities consistent with hypoxia ischaemia, a condition involving oxygen deprivation and reduced blood flow. The plaintiff's legal team submitted that midwives failed to commence continuous heart-rate monitoring and did not seek assistance from senior staff when concerning signs emerged. The child was referred to Early Intervention Services and later exhibited a range of neuropsychological difficulties, including fine motor and spatial skill deficits. Mr Justice Paul Coffey approved the settlement, noting the girl's progress in both academic and sporting pursuits.
A veteran Irish executive, Caroline O'Connell, described the stress of discovering she was being demoted from her role as managing director at a multinational company through a company newsletter. She spent 24 years with the firm, which is part of the international translation and localisation group Lionbridge. O'Connell raised concerns about being expected to sit on the dole for a year due to a non-compete clause after being unfairly dismissed from her high-earning position. Her former employer has conceded the unfair dismissal claim, and the Workplace Relations Commission is considering redress, with over half a million euro in dispute. O'Connell's barrister, Stephen Moran BL, argued that she was "unceremoniously ousted" in a "sham redundancy" in November 2024. She claimed she was informed of the job change in a newsletter in July 2024, which was particularly stressful after her long tenure. O'Connell also mentioned that she was given notice of the risk to her role just two days after a grievance process.
Suzanne Mangan, the accused in the murder trial of Maud Coffey, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The Central Criminal Court jury heard that the 53-year-old man admitted to killing his girlfriend at the Horizon Building in Ashtown, Dublin 15, on January 13, 2023. Prosecution counsel Brendan Grehan SC stated that the accused told gardai he killed Ms Coffey, referencing "the devil, the bible and to the killing of Lucifer." Ms Coffey, 41, died from asphyxia and sharp force trauma. The prosecution noted the accused had a history of non-compliance with medication for mental health conditions, including schizoaffective disorder. While the defense's psychiatrist argued the accused met criteria for insanity, the State's consultant forensic psychiatrist, Dr Richard Church, opined the disorder's severity entitled the jury to consider diminished responsibility rather than a full finding of insanity. The defense, represented by Patrick Gageby SC, made formal admissions that the accused killed Ms Coffey. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Burns and a jury of seven men and five women.
Five school bus operators from Tipperary are on trial in the Central Criminal Court for allegedly colluding to distort competition in the provision of school transport services. The prosecution alleges that between 2014 and 2016, the accused engaged in a concerted practice to manipulate tender prices and allocate routes among themselves. Prosecution counsel Dominic McGinn SC stated that the accused discussed bidding strategies and pricing, which led to higher prices for taxpayers. The trial has heard that one of the accused arranged meetings to coordinate efforts, and that there was a degree of coordination among the parties. The prosecution argues that this was not a formal agreement but a form of collusion that distorted the market. The case is not about the importance of school transport for children but about the manipulation of public funds. The trial continues with the jury considering the evidence presented.
A jury has viewed CCTV footage of the moment Patrick Murphy, a father of four, fatally stabbed Jordan Ronan outside his home in what he claimed was an act of self-defence. Murphy has pleaded not guilty to murder, though he admitted stabbing Ronan. The trial heard that Murphy appeared slightly nervous when gardai arrived at his home shortly after the incident and muttered under his breath, calling the situation a 'load of bol****s'. Garda Dara Kelly presented CCTV footage from three houses on Drumcairn Avenue and a Ring doorbell, showing Murphy and Ronan between 3.07am and 3.13am. The footage indicated that Ronan approached Murphy's house, activating convenience lights in Murphy's van before moving to a BMW belonging to Murphy's partner. At 3.12am, Murphy was seen at the front door, and nine seconds later, he was seen standing back from the car. Garda James Cullen arrived at the scene and found Ronan being given CPR by firefighters. A Revolut card registered to Murphy was found on Ronan.
A jury has been sworn in to hear the trial of a 31-year-old man who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his father by reason of insanity. Ross O'Rourke, from Tullow, Carlow, is accused of murdering Stefan Nivelles Posschier at The Stables in Rattin, Kinnegad, Westmeath, between October 24 and 25, 2022. The accused entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. The trial will be presided over by Mr Justice Paul McDermott and will involve a jury of five men and seven women. The trial is expected to last up to four days. Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions is Shane Costello SC, while Michael Bowman SC represents the defence. Evidence will be presented by Dr Ronan Mullaney for the defence and Dr Anthony Kearns for the prosecution. The trial will commence tomorrow.
A High Court judge has expressed concerns about children's unsupervised access to the internet while sentencing a 16-year-old boy for orally raping his six-year-old sister and distributing images of the abuse. The boy had unsupervised access to the internet from a young age and was exposed to pornography. The judge highlighted the damage caused by unchecked internet use and called for action from the tech world and lawmakers. The boy pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including oral rape and distribution of child pornography. The court heard that the victim was taken into care and is now doing well with her foster family. The judge imposed a four-and-a-half-year detention sentence, suspended on the condition that the boy engage with the Probation Service. The judge emphasized the importance of rehabilitation and the need for strict supervision to ensure public safety.
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court sentenced Bayleigh Fox and Saoirse Richardson for the robbery and assault of a trans woman at Devil's Lane, Cabinteely. Fox, 22, pleaded guilty to robbery and assault causing harm aggravated by hatred, while Richardson, 22, pleaded guilty to robbery and assault causing harm. Judge Martin Nolan described the incident as a "savage attack" where the victim was lured to a quiet area and assaulted. The court noted the victim suffered significant physical injuries and psychological trauma, including PTSD. Although the judge found the motive regarding an Xbox unclear, he emphasized the outrageous nature of the attack on a defenceless victim. Both defendants offered mitigation, including early guilty pleas, young ages, cooperation, and participation in rehabilitative programmes for addiction. The judge acknowledged their "close to perfect mitigation" but stated they must endure prison terms. Fox was sentenced to 18 months in prison, and Richardson received a one-year sentence. The prosecution was brought under legislation introduced late last year, highlighting the hate-aggravated nature of the offence against the victim.
Adjudicator John Harraghy has adjourned overnight the Workplace Relations Commission hearing involving Aer Lingus pilot Declan McCabe, who is pursuing statutory complaints under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, and the Payment of Wages Act 1997. Aer Lingus contests these claims. Mr McCabe alleges he felt "under duress" during a safety investigation into a June 2023 navigation incident to attribute the issue to human error rather than a "technical difficulty with the aircraft." He denies management findings that he failed to submit a timely safety report and provided inaccurate information to Air Nav Ireland. Cross-examination focused on whether the aircraft was establishing for the wrong runway and whether this constituted a reportable matter. Mr McCabe stated that evidence pointing to multi-mode receiver issues was withheld from him. He was demoted from captain to first officer in January 2024, a sanction he alleges was predetermined penalisation linked to a 2011 fatigue dispute. The matter was adjourned overnight, with hearings scheduled for two more days this week.
The Court of Appeal has reserved judgment on appeals against the sentences of three men convicted of the gang rape of a 17-year-old student in December 2016. The defendants, Gabriel Gomes Da Rocha, Eduardo Dias Ferreira Filho, and Marcus De Silva Umbelino, were unanimously convicted by a Central Criminal Court jury. In June 2022, Ms Justice Tara Burns sentenced Da Rocha to 20 years, Ferreira Filho to 18 years, and Umbelino to 15 years, suspending the final year of each term. The appeals argue these sentences are excessive. Counsel for Da Rocha and Ferreira Filho contended the trial judge erred in categorizing the offending in the highest band, suggesting a 10-to-15-year range was appropriate given their ages and lack of prior convictions. For Umbelino, who was a minor at the time, counsel argued the reduction for youth was insufficient, citing UK guidelines. The Director of Public Prosecutions maintained the trial judge correctly applied the law and considered mitigating factors. The matter was adjourned pending the court's decision.
A 59-year-old man from Silloge Park, Ballymun, Dublin 11, who claimed he found a bag containing over €19,000 worth of cannabis and three shotgun cartridges in a local park, has been given a fully suspended three-year sentence. Anthony White pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis for sale or supply and unlawful possession of the shotgun cartridges. He told gardai he found the items in an area where bikes are burned and hid them to avoid his brother discovering them. However, Garda Tommy Kinneally stated he did not believe White's explanation. Judge Martin Nolan noted that White was holding the drugs for some small reward and considered his low level of culpability, as well as his personal circumstances. The judge said White was a mature man who would have known his actions were wrong but concluded there was little use in sending him to prison. White has no previous convictions and has been working on a Community Employment scheme.
A 39‑year‑old man was tried at Galway Circuit Criminal Court for a single count of sexual assault that allegedly occurred on 28 October 2019 at a friend's rented accommodation in Galway. The complainant, a young woman, testified that after a night of drinks she and her friend slept in the bedroom, during which the accused allegedly touched her genital area, digitally penetrated her vaginally and rectally, and then left. She reported the incident to her mother and the Gardaí, and was examined at a Sexual Assault Treatment Unit. The accused pleaded not guilty. During cross‑examination the defence questioned the complainant's memory of the events and suggested the alleged activity was consensual, which she denied. The trial, presided over by Judge Brian O'Callaghan, is ongoing before a jury.
A father and son sold a motorhome that had been stolen from the UK and fitted with fake plates eight times to an unsuspecting buyer who used his inheritance to buy it. John Tracey and Jordan Keogh pleaded guilty to handling stolen property. The motorhome had been cloned so that it was unrecognisable as a stolen vehicle. The buyer later discovered the motorhome was stolen and was left out of pocket. Keogh used part of the money to pay off a drug debt. Both men were sentenced to suspended terms, with conditions that they pay the victim back. The court noted that both men had enough experience with vehicles to be suspicious of the motorhome and were seriously reckless in their actions.
Elon Musk and X Holdings Corp, acting as appellants, were granted permission by the High Court to challenge a formal investigation by Comisiún na Meán into whether the X platform contravened Article 20 of the EU Digital Services Act regarding internal complaint-handling systems. Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty also granted a stay on the investigation until the matter is heard next year. The appellants, based in the US, submitted that they are not the provider of the X service in the EU, arguing that X Internet Unlimited Company (XIUC) is the designated provider. They claimed the commission acted beyond its powers by investigating them without determining their status as intermediary service providers. XIUC, which also sought leave for judicial review, argued the commission unlawfully varied the investigation's scope and that the notice lacked legal certainty and specific particulars of suspected contraventions. Ms Justice Gearty granted both applications for leave to seek judicial review and ordered a stay on the investigation pending the hearing scheduled for January. The matter remains at the procedural stage of an appeal, with the investigation suspended rather than concluded.
A 23-year-old who was stopped by gardai with almost €7,000 in crime proceeds in a sock will no longer serve 15 months additional jail time for the offences, after a judge gave him a 'break' and varied his sentence on appeal. Ross Kavanagh was originally sentenced to 15 months in custody for money laundering and drug-related offences. He was found with €6,900 in cash and €1,696 worth of cannabis. His lawyer argued that Kavanagh was the 'breadwinner' of his family and was under pressure. The judge varied the sentence, suspending the six-month term for the sale and supply of drugs charge for 12 months from his release. He also ordered the forfeiture of the cash and the destruction of the drugs. Ross Kavanagh was convicted.
A man who attempted to punch a garda while being taken to Tallaght Garda Station has been sent for a probation report. Deividas Subacius (46) pleaded guilty to threatening and abusive behaviour, intoxication, and violent behaviour on 2 November last year. The court heard that Gardaí were responding to a domestic incident when they encountered Subacius outside an apartment block. He was highly intoxicated, aggressive, and shouted abuse at the officers. During the arrest, he attempted to strike a garda in the back on the way to the station, requiring eight officers to restrain him. Upon arrival at the station, it took eight Gardaí to subdue him and place him in a cell. Subacius has nine previous convictions, including eight for public order and one for assault. Judge Karen Dowling ordered a probation report and adjourned the matter to 6 March, 2026.
A businessman who charged €120 per hour for padel and pickleball lessons sent 'intimidating' and 'threatening' texts to a coach who was left short on his wages after being let go due to low demand, according to a tribunal. William McGlade, founder of 'House of Padel' in Dublin, accused the coach, Andrés Martínez-Cuquerella, of 'lying about the job you're doing' and 'manipulation of your worth' in messages revealed during a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) hearing. Martínez-Cuquerella, who was employed for eight weeks before being terminated in March, has now secured an order for unpaid wages and notice following a rights complaint. His base pay was €14 an hour, with a €30-an-hour premium for coaching, which customers were charged €120 for. He was owed €224 in public holiday pay, €336 for accrued annual leave, and an underpayment of €16 for an hour's coaching.
A man described as a 'suitable dupe' has been jailed for five years after transporting over €830,000 worth of heroin. Stuart O'Brien (46) of Rutland Grove, Crumlin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of heroin for sale or supply on March 15, 2023. Gardai were conducting a surveillance operation in north Dublin after receiving confidential information. O'Brien was seen meeting a co-accused at a service station on the Malahide Road, where he was handed a bag containing heroin. The bag was later transferred to a third man, who was stopped by gardai and found to be in possession of 12 slabs of heroin weighing 5.9kg with a value of €831,000. O'Brien was arrested, but no evidence was obtained during his interview. He has two previous convictions, and the other co-accused has since died. O'Brien's defence highlighted his medical history, including a brain hemorrhage over 20 years ago, and his lack of trappings of wealth or addiction issues. He also noted that O'Brien has a job offer and receives disability benefits when not working.
A Dublin man has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of a woman in an apartment in the capital two years ago. This afternoon, Ms Justice Melanie Greally swore a jury of seven men and five women to hear the trial of Austin Mangan (53), who is charged with the murder of Maud Coffey (41) at the Horizon Building in Royal Canal Park, Ashtown, Dublin 15 on January 13, 2023. Mr Mangan, with a previous address at Hollybank Road in Drumcondra but more recently of the Beaumont area of Dublin, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Ms Justice Greally said the trial will begin tomorrow and is likely to last up to six days. The case has drawn significant public and media attention, given the nature of the charge and the plea. The court is expected to hear detailed evidence over the coming days as the trial proceeds. The accused's mental state will be a central focus of the proceedings, with expert testimony likely to be presented.
A firefighter employed part-time with Cavan County Fire Service has been awarded €15,000 by the Workplace Relations Commission following a successful complaint of penalisation under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. Cian Donohoe alleged that a station officer subjected him to bullying behaviour including removal of personal protective equipment from his locker and derogatory remarks. Mr Donohoe reported concerns to the county's former chief fire officer in April 2022, subsequently taking an eight-month career break. He claimed the behaviour resumed and intensified upon his return, leading to work-related stress and medical absence. Adjudicator Roger McGrath upheld the penalisation complaint, finding the station officer's conduct amounted to coercion and intimidation, and that removal of essential firefighting equipment constituted a material detriment. The adjudicator noted the station officer did not attend the hearing to provide evidence. Mr Donohoe was represented by solicitor Damien Rudden, with the Local Government Management Agency appearing for Cavan County Council.
A robber who carried out a vicious raid on a shop was caught after gardai used CCTV to trace him back to his apartment. Keith Kinlan (50) pleaded guilty to robbery at Spar on Gardiner Street, Dublin 1. He was sentenced to four and a half years, with the final six months suspended. Gardai identified Kinlan through CCTV footage and found him in his apartment the following day. He has 125 previous convictions and was on bail for theft and fraud at the time. His defense argued it was a crime of desperation due to his drug addiction. Judge Orla Crowe acknowledged his drug addiction and rehabilitation efforts, but sentenced him to four years and six months, with the final six months suspended on strict conditions.
Aidan Moore, a survivor of sexual abuse, expressed that today is a victory for all victims of sexual abuse crimes. He acknowledged the courage of the victims and their families, as well as the work of An Garda Siochana and the DPP in bringing justice. Moore highlighted the importance of victims coming forward and being heard, especially in light of the Blackrock Boys documentary that exposed the abuse at Willow Park and Blackrock College. He encouraged others to seek help from organizations such as One in Four and Restore Together. Moore emphasized that sexual abuse remains a live issue and that adults must be proactive in protecting children. He concluded by stating that his presence today is to make a difference in even one person's life, showing that victims are not alone and that justice can be achieved.
Peter Kelly, a former teacher at a Spiritan-run school, has been jailed for 10 years for the indecent assault of eight boys over 30 years ago. Kelly was convicted of 28 counts of indecent assault at Willow Park School, where he was accused of being one cog in a machine of systematic abuse. The victims, now in their early 50s, described the abuse as traumatic and ongoing, with some suffering from psychiatric issues, addiction, and intergenerational harm. Judge Elma Sheahan noted the bravery of the victims and the significant damage caused by Kelly. The abuse occurred in various locations, including classrooms and the school gym, and involved games such as 'The Muppet Show' where Kelly would tickle and molest the children. The victims spoke of the lasting impact of the abuse, including PTSD, insomnia, and panic attacks. Kelly's defense argued that he never owned a passport and that the school had its own disciplinary regime. The judge imposed a global consecutive sentence of 10 years, noting the lack of acceptance of the verdict by Kelly. Peter Kelly pleaded not guilty.
Three men, Anas Altahlh (40), Issa Al Aboud (43), and Mohamad Alsourani (43), were jailed for three years after being found in possession of over €345,000 in cash. The men arrived in Dublin from Denmark and were en route to Istanbul when Gardaí intercepted them on the Drumcondra Road. During the search, Garda Shauna Ferncombe discovered two suitcases containing €206,000 and €135,000, along with an additional €4,900 in a backpack. The men, who are originally from Syria and now reside in Sweden, claimed they were visiting as tourists and to look for work. They had no previous convictions and were assisted by interpreters during the hearing. The court heard that the men were likely acting as couriers for the illicit funds. Judge Martin Nolan stated that the men must have known they were handling illegal money and imposed a three-year sentence, backdated to the date they were taken into custody.
A 60-year-old man is accused of threatening to behead his 91-year-old father during an alleged incident at their home in Rathfarnham earlier this year. Joe Kenny, of Glendoher Drive, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, appeared before Tallaght District Court charged with assaulting his father and causing him harm. He is also accused of producing a knife during the incident in a way that was likely to intimidate. The alleged incident occurred on 21 February last, following which Gardaí were called to the house after reports that the accused had threatened to 'cut the head off' his father during a row. Officers found the 91-year-old man had sustained a laceration to the skin on his neck, which bled but was not classified as a serious injury. It was alleged that the accused had held a six-inch carving knife to his father's throat during the incident. However, the alleged injured party withdrew his statement on 29 November, and the DPP must now consider how the prosecution is to proceed. Judge Patricia McNamara refused jurisdiction due to the seriousness of the charges.
A 34-year-old man was jailed for 21 months after pleading guilty to harassment, trespass, breaching a protection order, and assault. The man was found to have sent hundreds of messages to his former partner through the Revolut app after she blocked him on other platforms. He also turned up unannounced at her home and caused her physical harm. The victim stated that the man's actions left a deep psychological scar and changed her life significantly. The man also assaulted his current partner after discovering he had an affair with the first victim. He was found guilty of assault causing harm and was sentenced to 21 months in prison. The judge noted the impact of the man's actions on both victims and imposed a global sentence, including a 15-year no-contact order with the first victim.
A man with 115 previous convictions, Eoin Jarvis (34), who damaged a car in a Dublin car park, had his eight-month jail term replaced with a fully suspended sentence on appeal. The District Court Appeals Court heard that Jarvis, who has last address at Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, was convicted of damaging property at Park Rite, Parnell Street, Dublin 1, under section 2(1) of the Criminal Damage Act, 1991. Garda Craig White told the court that Jarvis damaged a Nissan Qashqai SUV on July 10, 2024. Defence counsel, Paul Larkin Coyle BL, stated that Jarvis has made considerable progress, is now sober, and has completed treatment with Merchants Quay Ireland. He has a construction course lined up and has not come to garda attention in recent months. Judge Jonathan Dunphy noted Jarvis's progress and decided to fully suspend the eight-month sentence for two years, with conditions including participation in aftercare, addiction counselling, and continued attendance at Merchants Quay Ireland and St James Camino Network services.
A family of five living in a caravan on the side of a busy road in Limerick has been granted High Court leave to challenge a decision by Limerick County Council that they are not homeless. The family, who have no running water or a toilet, were told they were not homeless because they have a roof over their head. They previously refused offers of temporary accommodation due to safety concerns and criminal threats against the father. The family is seeking a court declaration that they are in need of emergency accommodation and a quashing of the council's decision. The court heard that the family has a history of housing applications and has faced discrimination and anti-social behaviour in previous accommodations. The case was adjourned to January for further proceedings.
Dean Joyce, 33, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to one count of threatening to kill and one count of simple assault of his then partner at an address in Tallaght on November 6, 2024. The court heard that Joyce had 341 previous convictions. Prosecution evidence alleged that Joyce pursued his partner, who was eight months pregnant, outside their home while brandishing a hammer, threatening to kill her and their unborn child before forcing her back inside. He allegedly confiscated her phone until the following morning. A further count of production of an article was taken into consideration. Judge Orla Crowe described the conduct as heinous offending towards a woman in advanced pregnancy. While acknowledging Joyce's childhood deprivation and mitigating factors, the judge set a headline sentence of six years, reduced to four years. To incentivise rehabilitation and protect society, the judge suspended the final six months of the sentence, conditional on Joyce remaining under the supervision of the Probation Service during that period. Joyce has been in custody since his arrest.
A former couple who carried out a 'prolonged' three-hour attack on a grandmother, who lost an eye after being struck several times with a hammer and tied up in a bin bag, have had their convictions upheld by the Court of Appeal. Gerard Stokes (44) and Samantha Campbell (36) were convicted of seriously assaulting the woman, falsely imprisoning her, and committing an aggravated burglary. The attack, which occurred at Stokes' home in December 2018, involved Stokes repeatedly hitting the victim with a hammer and threatening to kill her. The woman was tied in a bin bag and subjected to severe injuries, including the loss of her eye. Stokes received a 13-and-a-half-year sentence, with two years suspended, while Campbell received a 12-year term, also with two years suspended. The pair appealed their convictions, arguing that the victim's statement to gardaí should not have been admitted as she was 'in and out of consciousness' at the time. However, the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal, stating that the statement was made voluntarily and was reliable.
Nassar Ahmed, 45, of Ennis, is appealing his murder conviction for the killing of Eoin Boylan, 32, at Gordon Drive, Cloughleigh, Ennis, on April 14, 2020. Ahmed had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, claiming self-defence. However, a jury unanimously found him guilty of murder, rejecting his defence and accepting the prosecution's allegation that he stabbed Boylan three times in a "sneak attack" after inviting him to a fist fight while concealing a knife. In July 2022, Ms Justice Eileen Creedon sentenced Ahmed to the mandatory term of life imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court. During the appeal hearing, Michael Bowman SC, representing Ahmed, argued that the trial judge erred in her ruling on how certain evidence was presented, contending that the verdicts should be set aside. Conversely, Lorcan Staines SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, asserted that the trial judge's ruling was entirely correct. The three-judge Court of Appeal, presided over by Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, reserved judgment and will deliver its decision at a later date. The matter was adjourned.
The DPP accepted pleas of guilty to assault causing harm from four defendants after alleged victim Barry Moore (34) refused to testify. Jason Hennessy Jr (28), Brandon Hennessy (22), Kenneth Fitzsimons (45), and Dean Fitzsimons (25) had been charged with false imprisonment and causing serious harm, offences carrying potential life sentences. The State accepted the lesser pleas, which carry a maximum ten-year sentence, on a full facts basis. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor adjourned the matter for a sentencing hearing on January 26 next year. Mr Moore, who was arrested on a bench warrant, maintained his refusal to give evidence despite warnings of a prison sentence for non-cooperation. The DPP indicated Mr Moore would be released from custody. Devon Hennessy, who previously pleaded guilty to falsely imprisoning and assaulting Mr Moore to enhance criminal gang activities, is not part of this current trial. The court will hear evidence including photographs, medical records, CCTV, and statements made to gardai, as the State seeks to admit these without cross-examination.
A jury has unanimously convicted Christopher Devine of murder, rejecting his claim that he suffered from a substance-induced psychotic disorder due to heavy cocaine and alcohol use. Devine, who shot Michael Tormey five times in the victim's front garden, argued that his mental state diminished his capacity to control his actions. However, the court accepted the prosecution's argument that Devine acted deliberately. The trial revealed that Devine had no psychiatric history and had never taken psychiatric medication. The jury rejected the defense's claim that he was too intoxicated to form an intention to kill. The judge, Ms Justice Melanie Greally, adjourned the case until December 19, when Devine will face a mandatory life sentence. The Tormey family will be invited to make statements on that date. Devine had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The trial heard conflicting expert opinions on whether Devine met the criteria for diminished responsibility or cocaine intoxication. The jury deliberated for over four hours and found Devine guilty of murder.
Serial sex offender Philip Murphy has been jailed for 15 years for the repeated rape and sexual abuse of his younger brother and two young girls over 30 years ago. The judge, Mr Justice Paul Burns, noted that Murphy represents an ongoing danger to society and ordered that he remain under post-release supervision for 10 years. Murphy was convicted of 15 counts of rape and sexual assault, and his half brother, Michael Murphy, was jailed for four years for raping one of the girls. The victims, who were all young children at the time, described the abuse as traumatic and ongoing. Murphy threatened the older girl that he would abuse her younger sister and kill her father if she did not comply with his demands. The judge emphasized that Murphy's actions were gravely wrong and that the victims were not at fault. Michael Murphy was also sentenced for raping a girl when he was around 16 or 17. The victims spoke of the lasting impact of the abuse, including mental health issues and addiction.
Ruth Lawrence, a 46-year-old defendant, was sentenced to two mandatory terms of life imprisonment for the murders of Anthony Keegan and Eoin O'Connor. The Central Criminal Court jury had previously found that Lawrence and her boyfriend, Neville van der Westhuizen, acted as a unit to lure O'Connor to their home, where he was shot. The panel also accepted that Keegan was shot by van der Westhuizen and that Lawrence was equally liable for the outcome under joint enterprise. Lawrence had pleaded not guilty to both counts of murder, which occurred between April 22 and May 26, 2014. Justice Tony Hunt handed down the concurrent sentences, backdating them to October 4, 2022, when Lawrence entered custody. The court heard four victim impact statements detailing the trauma suffered by the families, who noted Lawrence's lack of remorse and her decade-long flight to South Africa, where she changed her name and appearance. Van der Westhuizen is currently serving a 15-year sentence in South Africa for separate offenses, with an application to return him to Ireland for trial to be considered upon his release. The judge acknowledged the vindication for the families after a lengthy legal process.
The Prison Service has been ordered to pay €60,000 in compensation and find a suitable post for a prison officer, Kim Dempsey, who was left out of work with a chronic back injury following a serious assault on duty in 2017. The assault occurred at Midlands Prison in Co Laois, and Dempsey has required ongoing physiotherapy and pain management treatment. Despite re-training and promotion, managers insisted her only options were to retire or take a pay cut to become an administrative worker. Dempsey's lawyers argued that the Irish Prison Service's chief medical officer deemed her unfit for general duties but capable of an office job without a long commute. Dempsey used her leave to gain a qualification for a work training officer (WTO) post, but was not allowed to take up the Cloverhill position due to the need for regular prison office duties. The State argued that Dempsey was not medically capable of returning to any training officer or prison officer role.
The Special Criminal Court adjourned the trial of four men accused of assaulting Barry Moore until Monday morning. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor warned Moore, who appeared via videolink, that he could be imprisoned for refusing to give evidence. Moore stated he would not testify despite understanding the consequences. The DPP argued that Moore's prior statements should be admitted as evidence, asserting they point exclusively to the guilt of the accused. The State alleges that Jason Hennessy Jr, Brandon Hennessy, Kenneth Fitzsimons, and Dean Fitzsimons assaulted Moore in a shed in Blanchardstown on February 12, 2025, branding him with the word 'RAT'. All four defendants pleaded not guilty to charges including false imprisonment, causing serious harm, and participating in criminal organisation activities. Jason Hennessy Jr is further charged with threatening property damage and producing a branding stamp. Brandon Hennessy is charged with producing a steel breaker bar. Dean Fitzsimons is charged with threatening to kill or cause serious harm and producing a metal branding stamp and steel breaker bar. Kenneth Fitzsimons is charged with producing a steel breaker bar and an axe. Devon Hennessy, who is not part of this trial, previously pleaded guilty to falsely imprisoning and assaulting Moore to enhance criminal gang activities. The court will consider medical evidence, CCTV, and blood stains. Ms Justice O'Connor asked the State to continue reviewing Moore's custody arrangements as the trial was adjourned.
A 50-year-old man who assaulted three gardai and threw a gas canister at a Public Order Unit vehicle during the 2023 Dublin riots has been jailed for two and a half years. Don Sheridan, who was not an activist, became involved in the riots after hearing about the stabbing of a five-year-old girl. He pleaded guilty to riot, assaulting gardai, and criminal damage. The court heard that Sheridan was not politically motivated but was swept up in the frenzy. He was captured on CCTV throwing a gas canister and participating in the destruction of property. The judge noted Sheridan's health issues and drinking problem but sentenced him to two and a half years in prison. The riots caused extensive damage and injuries, with gardai deploying 600 officers to restore order.
The Court of Appeal has quashed the original sentence of David Hamilton and resentenced him to eight and a half years for the rape, oral rape, and sexual assault of two female relatives in Meath between 2004 and 2008. Hamilton, who pleaded guilty to the charges, had previously been sentenced to seven and a half years by Mr Justice Tony Hunt at the Central Criminal Court. The Director of Public Prosecutions successfully appealed on the grounds that the original term was unduly lenient. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy noted the prolonged nature of the abuse and the defendant's awareness of its wrongfulness. The new sentence includes a suspended final year, with the suspension remaining in place for life. Jonathan Hamilton, David's brother, was separately sentenced to three years for one count of rape and sexual assault of the older victim in 2005, with the final six months suspended for life. The younger victim stated she was happy with the additional year added to David Hamilton's term, expressing hope to begin healing without fear.
A man with a brain injury from a meat cleaver attack, Wayne McCauley, has been jailed for 18 months for assaulting his mother by bending her finger until it broke. McCauley, 31, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after a row with his mother, who was 63 at the time. The court was told that McCauley grabbed his mother's hand and bent her finger until it cracked, resulting in a fractured metatarsal. He was arrested and made full admissions, stating he was coming down from drugs at the time. McCauley has a long history of previous convictions, predominantly for public order and attempted robberies. His defense highlighted his brain injury and inability to deal with stress, but Judge Martin Nolan noted his long history of offending and sentenced him to 18 months. The judge acknowledged McCauley's remorse but emphasized the cruelty of the act towards his mother. The suspended sentence was given with the hope that McCauley would not hurt his mother again.
A 16-year-old boy who had unrestricted access to a smartphone from an early age has been sentenced to 15 months in Oberstown Detention Centre for raping a 13-year-old girl he had been dating. The boy was convicted of three charges of oral rape and one of rape. The incidents occurred in County Galway, where both children lived with their families. The boy denied the allegations but admitted to watching porn from a young age, which influenced his sexual knowledge. The judge noted the boy's difficult childhood and the impact of technology on young people's development. The boy was sentenced to three years in detention, with 21 months suspended, and placed under probation supervision. He was also ordered to have no contact with the victim and to be registered as a sex offender for three years. The unnamed 13-year-old pleaded not guilty.