A man, David O'Shea, who sent threatening voicemails to his landlord, has been given a four-month suspended sentence on appeal. O'Shea, 46, was convicted of threatening to kill and damage property, and was initially sentenced to four months in jail. His appeal was allowed, and the sentence was suspended for three years. The voicemails, which were four minutes long, included threats to burn the landlord's house down and 'reign down terror' on his family. O'Shea's defense argued that the severity of the sentence was too harsh, noting his apology and the impact of the pandemic on his mental health. The judge acknowledged the severity of the offenses but gave credit for O'Shea's plea and his apparent turnaround in life. The judge hoped the decision would not negatively affect O'Shea's employment. The suspended sentence was given with the hope that O'Shea would not lose his job as a result of the conviction.
A tribunal is to decide whether two boat captains, Peter Cullen and Roy Jackson, have the protection of employment law after they challenged their alleged dismissals from the State's national sea floor mapping project. The captains are pursuing rights claims against Dún Laoghaire Powerboat School Ltd, which holds a staff supply contract with the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) for the INFOMAR project. The company denies that the captains have standing to pursue their claims, arguing they were never engaged as employees. The tribunal heard that the company had contractual agreements with the captains as sole traders or as a company and that they were paid in line with these contracts. The captains' representatives argued that the contracts were 'bogus' and that the men were effectively working directly for GSI. The tribunal will determine whether the men are employees of the company, which is crucial for their legal claims. The adjudication officer adjourned the matter and will review the documents before making a determination on the men's status as employees.
A witness testified at a murder trial about his attempts to perform CPR on the lifeless body of a 20-year-old man who was seen running into a lamppost before becoming unresponsive. David Conlon recounted how he heard a loud roar and saw the young man running before hearing a loud smack as he hit the lamppost and fell back. Conlon and his wife went out to assist the injured man, who was found lying flat on his back with his eyes wide open. Conlon's wife called 999, and the dispatcher instructed him on how to perform CPR until emergency services arrived. Patrick Murphy, 37, admitted to stabbing Jordan Ronan but pleaded not guilty to murder. The trial heard that Murphy claimed he stabbed Ronan to protect his family or property. The jury was shown evidence, including the discovery of a single stab wound to the chest, and items found on Ronan, such as Valium tablets and cannabis. The trial continues as the court examines the intent behind Murphy's actions and the circumstances surrounding the stabbing.
A bride who fell from a second-storey hotel window on her wedding night, suffering serious injuries, has resolved her personal injury claim at the High Court. Jackie Sexton (nee Tyrrell) brought a case against Deebert House Hotel Ltd, Kilmallock, Co Limerick, following the incident that occurred in the early hours after her February 29, 2020, wedding. The hotel denied liability, claiming that windows had been properly fitted with restrictors in 2014 and were in compliance with building standards. Ms Sexton alleged negligence and breach of duty, arguing that the hotel failed to ensure her safety. She told the court that she and her husband returned to the hotel around 3:30am and went to room 217. She said she was smoking a cigarette at the window when she fell, and the next thing she remembered was waking up in hospital the following day. Her husband found her missing from the bedroom and heard her moaning from below the window. Ms Sexton suffered multiple fractures, a collapsed lung, and other injuries, which significantly impacted her life and career.
A gunman who claims he was taking 'industrial quantities' of cocaine when he shot his wife's brother-in-law with a submachine gun can be found guilty of manslaughter if a jury determines he had a mental disorder or was so intoxicated that he did not form an intention to kill. Christopher Devine, 44, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The court heard that the accused was suffering from substance-induced psychotic disorder, but the prosecution argued he was not mentally ill but highly intoxicated. The judge explained that the jury could find him guilty of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility or due to intoxication. The trial concluded with the jury beginning their deliberations, and the case will return to court on Monday.
The Special Criminal Court heard the opening of a trial for four men accused of assaulting Barry Moore in February 2025. The State alleges that Jason Hennessy Jr, Brandon Hennessy, Kenneth Fitzsimons, and Dean Fitzsimons assaulted Mr Moore in a shed in Blanchardstown, allegedly branding him with a heated 'RAT' stamp and using a breaker bar and axe. All four accused pleaded not guilty to charges including false imprisonment, causing serious harm, and participating in criminal organisation activity. 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 branding stamp and breaker bar; and Kenneth Fitzsimons is charged with producing a breaker bar and axe. Devon Hennessy, who is not part of this trial, previously pleaded guilty to falsely imprisoning and assaulting Mr Moore to enhance criminal gang activities. Mr Moore, who was brought to court by prison officers, refused to testify, stating he would not give evidence. The prosecution applied to admit his statements to gardai into evidence, with arguments scheduled for Saturday. The matter was adjourned.
A high‑risk sex abuser was jailed for six years after pleading guilty to raping his next‑door neighbour in April 1991. The victim, who had just returned home after surgery, was lured in by the defendant's claim of lost keys. He forced her onto a sofa, dragged her upstairs, and raped her while she was weak and in pain. She later described the assault as humiliating and traumatic, noting that the man used his own key to re‑enter his home. The defendant had prior convictions for sexual abuse of his step‑daughter, for which he served a four‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence with 16 months suspended. In the current case, the judge set a headline sentence of nine years, reduced to seven years with the final 12 months suspended, and imposed probation supervision and a no‑contact order. The sentence was back‑dated to the defendant's December 2024 arrest.
An arsonist who had his manslaughter conviction quashed by the Court of Appeal has been re-sentenced to six years in prison. Dean Boland (37) was originally jailed for eight years in March 2023 after being convicted of the unlawful killing of Ohari Viera in August 2018. Boland had broken into a Dublin residential property, stole a rucksack, and set fire to the building. Mr Viera, who was living upstairs with two others, managed to evacuate safely, but he later returned to the property for an unknown reason and did not return. The fire engulfed the building, and Mr Viera died from cardiac arrest due to smoke inhalation. The Court of Appeal quashed Boland's manslaughter conviction, stating that Mr Viera's return to the fire broke the chain of causation. The case was returned for sentencing on the counts of arson and burglary. Judge Elma Sheahan imposed a six-year sentence on Boland for arson, backdating it to December 2022. She noted Boland's 32 previous convictions and the serious nature of the offence.
A repeat offender, Michael O'Connell (44), of Patrician Villas, Stillorgan, has been referred to probation services and ordered to complete community service reports following his guilty pleas to criminal damage, intoxication in a public place, and threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour. O'Connell pleaded guilty to these charges on 18 September, 2024, and also admitted to causing criminal damage at Dundrum Garda Station on the same date. Gardaí responded to a call at Patrician Villas on that morning, where they found O'Connell throwing a stone at the front door of his former partner's home. He was highly intoxicated and verbally abusive towards the gardaí. O'Connell has 84 previous convictions, including public order, drug, firearms, and road traffic offences. He was previously given a suspended sentence for criminal damage in 2020. His defence highlighted his history of mental health issues, including paranoid schizophrenia, and his reliance on alcohol and drugs. O'Connell is currently on methadone and has been sober for a period of time. The court noted that he has never worked with probation services despite his long history of offending.
A charge of trespassing against Mohammed Bishet (30), of no fixed abode, has been dismissed after a judge found the State had failed to establish the required evidence. Bishet had pleaded not guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to entering a residence at Lansdowne Park, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, as a trespasser on 2 March last year. The charge was under section 11 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994, which requires proof that the accused entered without the owner's consent and with intent to commit an offence or unlawfully interfere with property. Gardaí responded to a call at the property and found the front-door lock broken and the door open. A light was on upstairs, and two males were spotted. Bishet was cautioned and taken to Irishtown Garda Station, where he was later charged. Defence counsel, Silvia Maria Crowley BL, argued that the prosecution had failed to establish lack of consent from the owner or occupier, a core requirement under the law. She noted there was no evidence that Bishet had broken the lock or caused damage.
A 48-year-old man from Dublin has been sentenced to one year in prison at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material. Alan Keating, formerly of County Galway, was arrested following a 2017 investigation initiated by Swiss authorities and Interpol. Gardaí executed a search warrant at his home while he was abroad, seizing a laptop containing 330 images and 719 videos depicting child sexual abuse. Among the most serious material were extreme images showing children bound and confined. A further 23,604 uncategorised files were also discovered. During the search, gardaí located a document outlining inappropriate conduct with children. The court heard Keating had shared files on an online platform on ten occasions. Judge Martin Nolan acknowledged mitigating factors including Keating's early guilty plea, cooperation, clean record, and engagement with therapy following seizure of the device. However, the judge noted the distribution element and the disturbing nature of documentation found. Keating will be placed on the Sex Offender Register.
The High Court has approved a €2.68 million interim settlement for Jeremiah Daly, a 22-year-old man requiring full-time care following birth difficulties in 2003. Jeremiah Daly, acting through his mother, Edwina Daly, of Clogher Drive, Lixnaw, Co Kerry, had sued the HSE alleging mismanagement of his birth at Kerry General Hospital between March 22 and March 24, 2003. The plaintiffs claimed severe and prolonged foetal distress, unacceptable delays in delivery, and a failure to stop administering oxytocin. The HSE denied these allegations, contending that the obstetric care was reasonable and that cardiotocography tracings gave no cause for concern. Previous settlements included a €1.75 million payment in 2015 and a €1 million payment in 2021 for future care. At today's hearing, John Lucey SC informed Mr Justice Paul Coffey that a further €2.68 million interim settlement was agreed for Mr Daly's care over the next ten years. Mr Justice Coffey approved the settlement, commended Edwina Daly for her care, and wished the family well. The matter was adjourned to December 12, 2035.
A judge has given a suspended sentence to a young man who was found guilty of being a money mule in a scam that involved over €20,000 in stolen funds. Judge Martin Nolan told the defendant, Ryan Odusanya (20), that 'stupidity can only get you so far' and warned him that this was his future unless he 'wises up'. Odusanya pleaded guilty to holding €20,000 in criminal proceeds in his bank account on September 5, 2023. He was not involved in setting up or operating the scam, which affected an elderly couple from Kerry and a business owner from Galway. Judge Nolan expressed frustration with young people who commit money laundering offences, saying he was 'getting fed up' with them claiming they were 'young and stupid'. He sentenced Odusanya to 20 months in prison, which was suspended in full. The court heard that Odusanya had responded to an advert on Snapchat offering a small cash reward for the use of a bank account.
The Special Criminal Court remanded Barry Moore, the alleged victim in the trial of four men, in custody to ensure the proceedings commence. Detective Inspector Liam Donoghue told the court that "criminal elements" were attempting to interfere with justice by issuing threats, causing Mr Moore to be "gripped by fear." Although the court expressed sympathy for Mr Moore's position, Ms Justice Karen O'Connor directed his remand to protect the integrity of the trial, which was scheduled to begin the following day. The four accused—Jason Hennessy Jr, Brandon Hennessy, Kenneth Fitzsimons, and Dean Fitzsimons—face charges of false imprisonment, intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm, and participating in the activity of a criminal organisation. The alleged offences occurred on February 12, 2025, at a house in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. Jason Hennessy Jr is further charged with threatening to damage property and producing a branding stamp to intimidate another person. Brandon Hennessy is charged with producing a steel breaker bar in a manner likely to intimidate. Dean Fitzsimons faces charges of making a threat to kill or cause serious harm, and producing a metal branding stamp and a steel breaker bar. Kenneth Fitzsimons is charged with producing a steel breaker bar and an axe. The trial had been repeatedly delayed due to Mr Moore's failure to attend court, leading to the issuance of a bench warrant. The matter was adjourned to allow the trial to proceed.
A man drove through crash barriers seconds before a train was due to cross the junction during a high-speed garda pursuit, a court has heard. Jeffrey Carter (33) drove a car with four passengers at speed through red lights, in the wrong direction in bus lanes and against other car drivers. After failing to stop for an unmarked garda patrol car, Carter rammed the car and then took off at high speed. During the chase around the Sutton and Darndale area of the capital, Carter swerved the car to ram another garda patrol car. During the "escapade" on May 18, 2024, Carter rammed this car three times, a garda witness told the court. Carter drove at speed through Sutton Cross where two foot patrol gardai were carrying out a checkpoint. One of these had to take evasive action to avoid being hit. Carter, who was banned from driving at the time, drove the Renault Laguna car at speed into the crash barriers approaching Sutton DART station. Jeffrey Carter pleaded guilty.
A man who used an e-bike to assault a garda during a covid lockdown has been sentenced to 20 months in prison. In May 2021, Corey Plunkett (32) was outside with other men when gardai approached to disperse them under lockdown restrictions. Plunkett, on an e-bike, began circling the gardai. When a garda attempted to grab him, Plunkett swung the e-bike, striking the garda in the eye and causing a cut that required stitches. The garda made a full recovery. Plunkett was arrested and brought to Monkstown Garda Station, where he was uncooperative and assaulted the garda member-in-charge. He pleaded guilty to the assault and had a previous conviction for a 2019 street assault. His defence stated he had struggled with addictions but has since turned his life around, offering €2,000 as a token of remorse. The judge noted his history of violent behaviour and anger management issues, ordering the €2,000 to be given to the injured garda or a local charity. The 20-month sentence was imposed, with the payment intended as punishment for the defendant.
A prosecution barrister has told a Central Criminal Court jury that Christopher Devine, who is on trial for the murder of Michael Tormey, acted with a functioning mind and full intent when he fired a machine gun at his friend. Garret Baker SC argued that the accused deliberately drove to the victim's house twice and fired two bursts of five bullets, showing clear intent to kill. He dismissed the defense's claim that Devine was suffering from a mental disorder, stating that forensic psychiatrist Dr James Walsh found the accused was suffering from cocaine intoxication, not a mental illness. Baker emphasized that even if intoxicated, the accused's brain was functioning and he had a clear intention to kill. He also criticized the defense psychiatrist's findings as too vague and unreliable. The accused has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The trial continues with the jury considering whether the accused's intoxication diminished his responsibility for the act.
Declan McCabe, an Aer Lingus pilot, is contesting statutory complaints brought by the airline 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. The tribunal heard that Mr McCabe was demoted from command responsibility following a disciplinary finding that he failed to file a timely air safety report regarding an incident on 8 June 2023. On that date, the aircraft he was flying in command from Munich initially failed to pick up a radio navigation beacon at Dublin Airport, though it landed safely after he adjusted its heading. Mr McCabe described the incident as a "non-event" and alleged his demotion was penalisation linked to a 2011 dispute where he reported fatigue. He stated the process was "humiliating" and claimed he filed the report within half an hour of being directed to do so, noting he had delayed due to fear of retribution. Aer Lingus's barrister argued Mr McCabe did not accept his errors. Adjudication officer John Harraghy adjourned proceedings, with hearings set to continue next week, starting with cross-examination of the complainant.
Olayiwola Saheed Akande, a 40-year-old Nigerian national, has lost a High Court judicial review challenging the Minister for Justice's refusal to grant him citizenship. The refusal was based on his failure to satisfy the 'good character' test under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, primarily due to a serious drug conviction. Akande, who arrived in Ireland as a minor in 2000, was charged in 2010 with possession of drugs for sale or supply. He pleaded guilty in 2011 before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court and was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment, with the final three years suspended. He was released after serving two years and 27 days, completing the Community Return Scheme in June 2014. Akande argued that the Minister attached undue weight to his single conviction, which he attributed to financial pressures following his father's death, and that his subsequent exemplary conduct and integration into Irish society should have outweighed the offence. However, Mr Justice Cian Ferriter upheld the refusal, ruling that the Minister properly considered all relevant factors. The judge noted that the decision was not based on a risk of re-offending but on the seriousness of the conviction outweighing the passage of time. The court declined to substitute its own judgment on the merits, affirming that it is for the Minister to determine whether good character is established.
A tribunal has upheld the dismissal of Bernard McMahon, a scrapyard manager, who was accused of using the c-word in a workplace incident involving a junior female employee. McMahon denied calling the employee the c-word, claiming he only spelled it out as a form of banter. The incident, which occurred in December 2023, was reported by the employee, who gave evidence under the pseudonym 'Ms A'. She stated that McMahon asked her if she knew the term used to describe her when she first joined the company and then spelled it out, prompting laughter from those present. McMahon argued that the employee initiated the banter and that there was no indication of distress. However, the tribunal found that McMahon failed to adequately address his employer's concerns during the disciplinary process. The adjudicator noted that McMahon's focus on procedural arguments and quibbling over the exact phrasing of the alleged remark was detrimental to his case.
A Dublin father, Patrick Murphy, is on trial for stabbing 20-year-old Jordan Ronan to death outside his home, claiming he did so to protect his property or family. The prosecution, led by Patricia McLaughlin SC, stated that Ronan suffered a single fatal stab wound to the chest in the early hours of July 26, 2024. Ronan had been with friends earlier in the night, and witnesses said he was intoxicated. As he walked home, he fell behind his friend and was seen running past a house before collapsing. A homeowner found him lying on the ground and called for help. Paramedics discovered a severe chest wound, and Ronan was pronounced dead at the hospital. Murphy admitted to stabbing Ronan but claims self-defense. His defense, led by Ronan Kennedy SC, acknowledged the stabbing but argued it was not premeditated. The trial continues before Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo and a jury. Patrick Murphy pleaded not guilty. Jordan Ronan pleaded not guilty.
Slawomir Gierlowski, a convicted serial sex offender, appeared before the Court of Appeal to challenge his conviction for the May 30, 2011, attack on a young mother at Ballymount Park. Gierlowski, who maintains his innocence, was found guilty by a jury of assault causing harm, false imprisonment, and production of an article. His legal team argued that the case relied on fragile circumstantial evidence and weak forensic material, specifically DNA found on a cigarette packet and a flex. Counsel for the State countered that the evidence must be viewed cumulatively, noting that the flex bore Gierlowski's partial fingerprint and the victim's DNA, while a Marlboro box with his DNA was found near the scene despite his denial of smoking that brand. The Court of Appeal reserved its judgment on this appeal. Gierlowski's current status stems from a July 2021 sentencing where he received a further ten years consecutive to his 2018 sentence of 22.5 years (with four years suspended) for prior attacks, totaling 28.5 years. He was subsequently sentenced to an additional six years for the Ballymount Park offence. The matter remains under appeal, with the court yet to deliver its final decision on the validity of the conviction.
Gerard Nevin, who was convicted of sexually abusing his stepdaughters, had his original four-year prison sentence increased to ten years by the Court of Appeal following new sentencing guidelines. The court found that the seriousness of the abuse, which occurred over a period of eight years, warranted a longer sentence. The victims, who were aged between seven and 16 when the abuse occurred, waived their right to anonymity. The judge noted that the abuse was systematic and calculated, causing significant harm to the victims. The new guidelines placed Nevin's case in the upper range of offending, with a headline sentence of nine to 14 years. The court imposed a 12-year sentence, with two years suspended, and required Nevin to engage in offense and victim-focused work. The case was highlighted as one of the most serious sexual abuse cases due to the prolonged nature of the offending and the vulnerability of the victims. Gerard Nevin pleaded guilty.
A 19-year-old man who participated in the Dublin riots two years ago, throwing glass bottles and burgling a Footlocker and Spar, has received a suspended sentence. The teenager pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including burglary, theft, and rioting. The riots were sparked by a stabbing incident that injured a child and a crèche worker. The Spar shop owner reported significant losses, including €17,150 in stolen goods and €9,000 in repair costs. The teenager was identified through CCTV footage and arrested in November 2024. He admitted to throwing an object at gardaí and expressed remorse, stating he is now working as an apprentice roofer and participating in boxing. His defense highlighted his cooperation, lack of prior convictions, and progress since the incident. The judge imposed a two-and-a-half-year suspended sentence with conditions, emphasizing the need for rehabilitation.
Ramon Terrobias, a 62-year-old defendant, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on March 13, 2021. The matter was heard at the appeal stage, where Judge Martin Nolan imposed a two-year sentence, suspended in full on strict conditions. The court noted that Terrobias was found in possession of 296 files of CSAM, comprising 144 images and 152 videos, seized from his home in Finglas, Dublin 11. During the search, Terrobias made admissions and pointed to the devices containing the material. He told gardai that another member of a Facebook group forwarded him the material, and he claimed he saved it to investigate who was victimising children, rather than for personal gratification. The prosecution acknowledged there was no evidence of distribution or prior offending. Defence counsel highlighted Terrobias' social isolation, describing him as living "effectively as a hermit," and noted his low risk of re-offending. The judge accepted that there were no aggravating features such as distribution or previous convictions. Citing a Court of Appeal precedent favouring non-custodial sentences in the absence of such aggravating factors, the judge imposed the fully suspended sentence based on the mitigation and the defendant's personal circumstances.
A burglar who entered a hotel with a suitcase pretending to be a guest, stole alcohol, and ordered breakfast before charging it to a room has been jailed for three years. Enda Murray (44) of Bellavista Mews, Deansgrange Road, Blackrock, Co Dublin, entered the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire on February 3, 2025, and stole €365 worth of alcohol. Murray, who admitted to committing four burglaries in the Deansgrange and Dun Laoghaire areas between December 2024 and April 2025, has 56 previous convictions, including 14 for burglary. Detective Garda Andrew Diamond detailed how Murray broke into Kelly's Beauty in Deansgrange on April 20, 2025, and was identified through CCTV footage. Murray was removed from the premises by the occupant and admitted to breaking in to charge an electric scooter. He was detained but deemed unfit for interview due to intoxication. Murray also entered a pub by placing a wheelie bin beside the wall, stole alcohol, and smashed some bottles. At Caribou bar, he stole an iPhone valued at €1,000. Enda Murray pleaded guilty.
Carla Gahan, an office worker at Pobal since 2014, won a second equality claim against her employer for disability discrimination after her bosses ignored medical advice and refused to allow her part‑time return to work following long Covid. The Workplace Relations Commission found that Pobal's occupational health adviser had repeatedly stated Gahan was fit for reduced hours, yet the employer insisted on a full‑time return until July 2023. In 2024, adjudication officer Jim Dolan ruled that Pobal had breached the Employment Equality Act by not accommodating Gahan, awarding her €30,000 in full and final settlement. This added to a prior €10,638.84 compensation, bringing the total awarded to €40,638.84. The case highlights the employer's failure to follow medical recommendations and the tribunal's enforcement of equality protections.
In a Dublin trial, Christopher Devine, aged 44, admitted to killing Michael Tormey, 49, but denied murder, pleading guilty to manslaughter. A psychiatrist, Dr John Hillery, testified that Devine suffered from a substance‑induced psychotic disorder caused by cocaine, which diminished his capacity to control himself. Hillery noted Devine's self‑reported "shovelling big shovels of shit up his nose" and erratic behaviour over 18 months of daily cocaine use. He also described Devine's paranoia, fear of being followed, and belief that a firearm had gone missing. Forensic psychiatrist Dr James Walsh disagreed, stating Devine met criteria for cocaine intoxication rather than a mental disorder. The trial, before Justice Melanie Greally and a 12‑person jury, continues tomorrow. The article does not report any verdict or sentencing. Christopher Devine pleaded not guilty.
A 24-year-old man, Lucas Calvert, has been jailed for four years and nine months after being found with 30 kilogrammes of cocaine in his suitcase at Dublin Airport. Calvert, who was homeless at the time, claimed he had no choice but to transport the drugs to pay off a drug debt. He admitted to gardaí that he knew what was in the bag and took full responsibility for it. Calvert had previous drug convictions from the UK and had been remanded in custody since his arrest in June. Judge Martin Nolan noted Calvert's previous convictions and the large quantity of drugs he was caught with. He accepted that Calvert entered early guilty pleas and was a young man, but stated that he deserved a custodial term for his actions.
Kassim Dembele, 28, of Clondalkin, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for assaulting his girlfriend. He pleaded guilty to one count of assault causing harm to the young woman on James Joyce Street on July 30, 2023. Prosecution evidence indicated that following a minor disagreement, Dembele punched and kicked the victim to the head and body as she lay on the ground. The court heard that alcohol did not play a factor in the incident, and the victim suffered swelling, pain, and abrasions, though she has since recovered physically. Judge Orla Crowe noted that despite Dembele having no previous convictions or history of violence, his actions displayed an utter disregard and disrespect. The judge expressed concern that such an attack occurred within a previously good relationship. In determining the disposal, Judge Crowe stated that the offence had to be marked by a partly custodial sentence. She handed down a two-year sentence but suspended the final 12 months of it on strict conditions. Consequently, Dembele will serve one year in custody. The matter was finalised at the sentence stage.
A judge in the Central Criminal Court emphasized the need for more conversations about consent on social media, stating that the days of justifying sexual misconduct by claiming the victim did not fight back have passed. The judge, Ms Justice Mary-Ellen Ring, imposed a three-year sentence on a 21-year-old man for oral rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault committed when he was 17. The victim, who was also 17 at the time, described the incident as occurring in a poorly lit corner of a skatepark. The judge noted the lack of understanding of consent and the impact of the crime on both the victim and the offender. The victim's victim impact statement highlighted the trauma and delays in the legal process. The judge reduced the sentence from six years to three, considering the defendant's youth and lack of prior convictions. The case underscores the importance of consent and the need for better education on the topic.
Judge Martin Nolan has expressed frustration with young people who plead 'young and stupid' when convicted of money mule offences. Ryan Odusanya (20) pleaded guilty to holding over €20,000 in criminal proceeds in his bank account, which was used in an online banking scam targeting an elderly couple from Kerry and a business owner from Galway. Odusanya was not involved in the scam but was lured by an advert on Snapchat offering a small cash reward for using his bank account. His defence highlighted his good family background and academic achievements. Judge Nolan noted the increasing number of such cases and criticized the defendants for knowing that their actions would harm others. He adjourned the sentence and remanded Odusanya into custody until the next hearing.
A jury has been sworn in for the trial of a 37-year-old man charged with the murder of 20-year-old Jordan Ronan in Dublin last year. At the Central Criminal Court today, Patrick Murphy, of Drumcairn Parade, Tallaght, was charged with the murder of Jordan Ronan at Drumcairn Avenue in the early hours of July 26, 2024. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge. Defence counsel is Ronan Kennedy SC, while the prosecution is led by Patricia McLaughlin SC. Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo said the trial is expected to finish by December 19. The trial commences tomorrow before Mr Justice Naidoo and a jury of eight men and four women. The case has drawn significant public and media attention, with the court proceedings expected to last several weeks. The accused has been remanded in custody and is expected to face a range of charges related to the incident. The court has scheduled a number of hearings over the coming weeks to ensure the trial proceeds efficiently.
Media coverage of challenges in securing a psychiatrist for the trial of Ruth Purcell Healy, accused of murdering her six-year-old son, led an Australian-based psychiatrist to offer his services, a barrister told the court. The prosecution had struggled to find a forensic psychiatrist in Ireland to assess the accused, but the overseas professional came forward after reading about the difficulties. The psychiatrist will conduct an initial assessment via video-link and is expected to complete a full evaluation by Easter, with a report by the end of May. The case has highlighted the lack of a reliable system for psychiatric assessments in Ireland, with no legal obligation for HSE-employed psychiatrists to provide such services. The judge expressed frustration with the delays and hopes for a more structured approach. The trial is expected to proceed with a possible date in June or July.
Michael Scott, a farmer who drove over his elderly aunt with a teleporter, had his manslaughter sentence reduced from six years to four years and six months on appeal. The court acknowledged Scott's remorse and lack of prior convictions but noted his "thuggish" behavior toward his aunt. The incident occurred in 2018 when Scott, who had a long-standing land dispute with his aunt, failed to keep a proper lookout while reversing across her yard. The court found that Scott's actions were negligent but not premeditated. His sentence was reduced after considering his character and the impact of the original sentence. Scott was tearful as he embraced his family following the appeal. The case highlights the complex relationship between Scott and his aunt, which had been marked by conflict and tension over land ownership.
A garda, Eoghan McGowan, who assaulted a 17-year-old boy by pouring puddle water over his tracksuit bottoms in a deliberate act of degradation, had his two-month jail sentence overturned on appeal. The incident occurred in 2023 when McGowan, in plain clothes, approached the teenager, searched him, and then poured water over his clothing, calling him names. The victim, who was in the care of the State, reported feeling humiliated and left on the street dirty. McGowan apologized and paid €5,000 in compensation. The appeal court found that the sentence was too harsh and replaced it with 60 hours of community service and an additional €5,000 payment. The judge acknowledged the severity of the act but noted McGowan's guilty plea, remorse, and lack of prior offenses. The case highlights the need for accountability within An Garda Siochana and the impact of such actions on vulnerable individuals. Eoghan McGowan had the case dismissed.
Dean Byrne (32) has lost his appeal against a conviction for conspiring to pervert the course of justice in the trial of garda murderer Aaron Brady. Byrne had attempted to dissuade witness Daniel Cahill from giving evidence by sending his garda statement to a third party. Mr Justice Brian O'Moore dismissed Byrne's appeal, stating that the use of the witness statement was unlawful. Byrne's lawyers had argued that no offence was committed if lawful means were used to dissuade a witness from giving false evidence, but the court found that Byrne had used unlawful means. The Director of Public Prosecutions intends to appeal the leniency of Byrne's two-year sentence. Byrne, who has spent most of his adult life in prison, is no longer in custody but was present for the ruling.
Alex Onuh, 20, was jailed for seven years for a series of knifepoint robberies targeting teenage boys in south Dublin, including a vulnerable teenager with a brain injury. Onuh, who wore a distinctive Moncler jacket during the attacks, pleaded guilty to 15 counts of robbery and four of attempted robbery. Victims were often threatened with knives and forced to reset their phones. One incident involved a 17-year-old being chased and assaulted by Onuh and a gang. The court heard that stolen phones were sold online, and Onuh's defense highlighted his difficult childhood and lack of prior convictions. Judge Elma Sheahan noted the premeditated nature of the crimes and the impact on victims, imposing consecutive sentences with one year suspended on strict conditions.
A man who held down a normal day job for 25 years has been jailed for five and a half years for his role in the distribution of drugs with an estimated street value of over €142,000. On May 26, 2023, gardai raided a house in Dublin City Centre and found five men around a kitchen table with drugs and money. They seized €4,198 in cash and significant quantities of heroin, cocaine, MDMA, ketamine, and cannabis resin, with a combined street value of €15,847. Wicklow resident Roy Gunning (46) was arrested at the scene. A bank card found during the raid was linked to a flat in Santry, where Gunning's passport was also found. A follow-up search of the flat uncovered drugs with a street value of approximately €49,000, including €48,000 worth of MDMA powder and over 370 Zopiclone tablets. Two months later, gardai raided another flat in Santry where Gunning was living and found drugs with a combined street value of nearly €16,000. Roy Gunning pleaded guilty.
A burglar's jail time was halved after his sentence for criminal damage at a Lidl store was replaced with a suspended term on appeal. Thomas Carlyle (50), of no fixed abode in Dublin 2, was convicted of burglary at 'Saint Street Sneakers' and damaging a coin drawer at the Lidl store. He was initially sentenced to four months in prison for both incidents. Carlyle appealed against the severity of his sentence, citing personal circumstances, including drug use. Sergeant Stephen Walsh provided evidence that Carlyle was in possession of a screwdriver and that blood-stained sneakers were found at the scene. Carlyle has 17 previous convictions. Defence counsel Lydia Daly BL argued that Carlyle has stable accommodation arranged for his release and is an enhanced prisoner with a good work ethic. Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin affirmed the four-month sentence for the burglary but suspended the sentence for the criminal damage incident for one year, under conditions of good behaviour and engagement with the probation service.
Aer Lingus pilot Declan McCabe, 53, testified at a tribunal that he delayed reporting an incident where his aircraft failed to pick up a navigation beacon due to fear of retribution from senior staff. McCabe was demoted after the June 2023 incident and is pursuing complaints against the airline under various acts. He explained that the situation did not involve a 'false localiser capture' as per the manual and that he believed safety was not compromised. McCabe claimed he feared retaliation from senior pilot Colm Wynne, who had previously disciplined him over fatigue issues. He later filed an internal safety report, stating he delayed it due to fear of retribution. The tribunal heard that Aer Lingus maintains safety was its priority and that McCabe's decision not to report the incident was his own.
A trial is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court, presided over by Ms Justice Caroline Biggs, involving seven men accused of sexually abusing a deaf woman over a 17-year period between 1996 and 2013. The accused, comprising three uncles and four brothers, all deny the charges. The complainant is giving evidence via video-link with interpreters and an intermediary. She described alleged incidents involving Accused D, who is accused of 22 counts of abuse between 2002 and 2013 and has pleaded not guilty to 19 charges of rape and three counts of anal rape. Accused A, a 55-year-old uncle, faces one count of rape. Accused B faces eight counts of rape, oral rape, and anal rape. Accused C faces 45 counts of rape and anal rape, plus additional charges regarding two other sisters, including sexual assault and rape. Accused E faces 16 counts, Accused F faces five counts, and Accused G faces one count of rape. All defendants have pleaded not guilty or denied the allegations. The trial is set down for four months before a 15-juror panel.
A convicted murderer, Derek Wade, has been granted leave to challenge the Minister for Justice over a separate conviction in Portugal, which is affecting his ability to transfer to an open prison. Wade is serving a life sentence for the murder of Zhi Song and a five-year sentence for attempted robbery. He also received a seven-year sentence for the murder of William Cahill. A European Arrest Warrant issued by Portuguese authorities seeks his surrender to serve a two-year and four-month sentence for thefts committed in 2005. Wade's lawyers argue that the outstanding warrant has caused him prejudice in his efforts to progress within the prison system, particularly in moving to an open prison. The High Court has granted leave for a judicial review, and the case is adjourned to February. Wade's next parole hearing is in December 2026, and his legal team is seeking a decision from the Minister for Justice on transferring the Portuguese sentence to Ireland.
A dental nurse, Ruth Kavanagh, was given a suspended sentence after she broke a red light and knocked down a Leaving Cert student who was walking to school. Kavanagh, who was driving her usual route to work, failed to stop and assist the injured student. The student suffered serious injuries, including broken bones in her foot, and missed two weeks of school. Kavanagh later admitted to the incident and expressed remorse. She had a sum of €5,000 in court as a token of her remorse. The court heard that Kavanagh has a 10-year-old child and is now pregnant with her second child. She has worked as a dental nurse for nine years. The judge imposed a 15-month suspended sentence on the condition that Kavanagh keep the peace and be of good behaviour for two years. The €5,000 was ordered to be paid to the victim. Ruth Kavanagh pleaded guilty.
Lawyers for John McDonagh, a 51-year-old man serving a 24-year prison sentence for the rape and murder of a Connemara schoolgirl, have argued that advances in forensic technology could undermine his conviction. McDonagh was found guilty in 2001 of the rape and murder of Siobhan Hynes (17) at Tismeain beach. Fibres from Hynes's clothing were found on McDonagh's jumper and in his car, supporting the prosecution's case. McDonagh's legal team, led by Michael O'Higgins SC, is seeking to re-examine the forensic evidence using modern technology. They argue that the trial did not consider new testing methods and that some forensic samples were not tested. Expert witnesses will provide evidence in February, and the court is considering whether new testing could affect the outcome of the case. The appeal is based on the potential for new technology to reveal previously unseen details in the forensic evidence. The unnamed 51-year-old pleaded not guilty.
A father-of-six, Christopher Devine (44), has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michael Tormey (49) but guilty to the manslaughter of the deceased, who was shot five times in his front garden in Ballyfermot on January 9, 2022. The trial heard that Mr Tormey suffered severe injuries, including rib fractures and partial lung collapse. The defence is expected to call a consultant psychiatrist who will testify that the accused was suffering from substance-induced psychotic disorder at the time. However, the prosecution argues that Mr Devine was not suffering from a mental disorder but was under the influence of cocaine. Detective Garda Janette O'Neill testified that she found two discharged cartridge cases in the car used by the accused. Detective Sergeant Mark Collander stated that a Heckler & Koch submachine gun, a rare firearm in Ireland, was used in the shooting. Mr Devine told gardai that he was best man at Mr Tormey's wedding but now faces the tragic reality of having shot his friend.
Jamie Malone, 23, of Swords, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to having drugs for sale or supply on November 27, 2024. Judge Martin Nolan suspended a three-year prison sentence in full, imposing conditions that Malone keep the peace and be of good behaviour. The court heard Malone was not the primary target of a National Garda Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau operation targeting Shane Mulvey, 26, of Shankill. Mulvey, who was jailed for eight years last June, pleaded guilty to possessing drugs for sale or supply, possessing the proceeds of crime, and possessing an article in connection with a crime. During the surveillance, Mulvey was observed handing one kilogram of cocaine to Malone in a Swords car park. The drugs were later discovered in a hidden compartment in Malone's vehicle, which had a street value of approximately €72,000. Prosecutors noted that Mulvey's apartment contained further drugs and €66,700 in cash, with total seized drugs valued at €2.6 million. In mitigation for Malone, his counsel highlighted his youth, guilty plea, 12 weeks of rehabilitation, and clean urine analysis. The judge considered these factors alongside Malone's statement that he was forced to transport the drugs due to a debt.
A survivor of sexual abuse at a Spiritan-run school testified in court that the institution tolerated widespread abuse, with 37 identified abusers across Willow Park and Blackrock College. Peter Kelly, 73, was convicted of indecently assaulting eight boys in the 70s and 80s. The victims, now in their 50s, described long-term impacts including addiction, PTSD, and struggles with relationships and mental health. One survivor stated Kelly was 'one cog in a machine of systematic abuse.' The court heard that Kelly used his position to exploit vulnerable children, often in classrooms and during games like 'The Muppet Show.' The judge noted the maximum penalties available at the time were limited, and Kelly was remanded in custody pending sentencing. The case highlights the systemic failures of the school in addressing abuse. Peter Kelly pleaded not guilty.
A judge has refused jurisdiction in the case of a man accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy in a gym changing room. Judge Karen Dowling ruled that the allegation was too serious to be dealt with at the District Court level. The incident occurred on 5 April last year, when the accused allegedly grabbed the boy's genitals over his trousers while smirking. The victim immediately informed staff, and Gardaí were contacted. CCTV footage was obtained, leading to the accused's arrest and interview. Judge Dowling stated that the seriousness of the allegation required the case to be heard in the Circuit Court. The matter was adjourned for six weeks to prepare a book of evidence. The charge relates to an incident under Section 2 of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act 1990, as amended by Section 37 of the Sex Offenders Act 2001.
A driver has appeared before Dún Laoghaire District Court charged with causing the death of cyclist Gretchen Price Martin in Dublin last year. Oleg Popov (47), of Peyton Court, Rathcoole, Co Dublin, is charged with dangerous driving causing the death of Ms Price Martin at Glenageary Road Upper, Glenageary, on 24 April, 2024. He is also charged with driving a mechanically propelled vehicle while a known defect made it dangerous to the public on the same date. Defence counsel, Michael O'Brien BL, told the court that a Romanian interpreter will be required to assist the accused. Judge Anne Watkin adjourned the matter to 10 February next to allow the book of evidence to be prepared. The case is expected to proceed with the preparation of the evidence book before the next court date, and the accused will require interpretation services during the proceedings. The charges relate to the incident that occurred on Glenageary Road Upper, where the cyclist lost her life as a result of the alleged dangerous driving.