A mother was jailed and her son walked free from court on a suspended sentence after being found in possession of almost €30,000 worth of cannabis. Laura Deering (50) and Alan Deering (30) pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis for sale or supply. Gardai discovered 460g of cannabis in an upstairs bedroom and another large package of cannabis hidden under clothes in a wardrobe, which had Alan Deering's fingerprints on it. Laura Deering was sentenced to four years with two years suspended for a period of two years, while Alan Deering was given a four-year sentence but Judge Orla Crowe suspended it in its entirety. Laura Deering took ownership of the cannabis found in the locker and said she had been paid to hold other items. She had previous convictions for drugs offences and was on a suspended sentence at the time of the offence. Alan Deering was not living at the address at the time and has a good work history.
The Central Criminal Court trial of seven men accused of sexually abusing a deaf woman over a 17-year period continues before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs. The accused, aged 32 to 55, deny all charges. Accused C (34) faces 45 counts of rape and anal rape against the complainant between 2001 and 2013, plus charges of sexual assault and rape against two other sisters. Accused A (55) is accused of one count of rape. Accused B (48) faces eight counts of rape, oral rape, and anal rape. Accused D (33) pleaded not guilty to 19 counts of rape and three of anal rape. Accused E (32) denied nine counts of anal rape and seven of rape. Accused F (32) denied five counts of anal rape and rape. Accused G (45) denied one count of rape. The complainant, giving evidence via video-link with interpreters and an intermediary, alleged repeated abuse by her brother, Accused C, including incidents when she was aged 15 and 21. She stated she told him no and felt trapped. The trial, set down for four months, is ongoing.
A detective, Det Garda Eamonn Cunnane, successfully applied to the High Court to argue that an investigation into the incident where he loaned an unclaimed bicycle to a vulnerable elderly neighbour caused his mental and physical deterioration, amounting to an 'injury while on duty'. The detective loaned the bicycle during the Covid pandemic to give it to an elderly, vulnerable man. He was suspended and faced disciplinary action. After being cleared of any wrongdoing, he returned to full-time duty. However, he seeks to overturn a decision by Garda superiors refusing the restoration of full pay for the six-month period of March to September 2024. The court granted the application for leave for judicial review and adjourned the matter to February.
Patrick Byrne, a criminal with a history of violence, was jailed for six years for assaulting his girlfriend over a prolonged period and holding a blade to her throat, before sending her threats from prison to drop the charges. Byrne has 44 convictions and was previously jailed for two years and nine months for an unprovoked assault. The court heard that Byrne assaulted his then partner several times, whipping her with a broom handle, holding a Stanley blade to her throat, and threatening to slit her throat. He also smashed up the house and upended a wardrobe, causing a television to fall on her. Byrne was arrested at a later date and pleaded guilty to one count of assault causing harm, one count of production of a broom handle, and one count of making a threat to kill. While in custody, Byrne sent threatening texts to the woman, urging her to drop the charges.
Gardai investigating a €27,000 'smishing scam' encountered resistance from Facebook, according to court proceedings. Mary Maughan (39) of Dun Laoghaire pleaded guilty to processing the proceeds of crime through her Bank of Ireland account in August 2022. The scam involved a text message from An Post, leading the victim to a fake website where her bank details were stolen. The money was transferred to Maughan's account, with €20,000 lost before the bank intervened. Maughan admitted to being approached by a man on Facebook who promised €400 for using her account. She was later forced to make cash withdrawals with two men, though she did not receive any payment. Detective Garda Cliff Singleton noted Facebook's resistance to garda inquiries. Maughan, who was in financial stress, expressed remorse. Judge Martina Baxter emphasized the need for deterrence in such cases and ordered a Probation Service report for community service and restorative justice.
A man has been jailed for eight months after he struck a child, leaving him needing surgery and in a wheelchair for six months, while driving as an uninsured and unaccompanied learner. Dennis Dunne (26) of Kilmahuddrick Lawns, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to careless driving causing serious bodily harm to the then eight-year-old boy on May 25, 2024. The court heard that the child later required surgery for two bones that were fractured just above his ankle. He was bed bound for a short time and also needed to use a wheelchair for six months. Garda Sean Birkby told David Staunton BL, prosecuting, that a witness to the accident saw three boys on their bikes and scooters on the footpath before she heard a loud bang and a young boy "went up in the air". She saw the child's leg was badly injured and he asked for his mother. The child's father arrived and an ambulance was called. The witness saw the car that was responsible for the accident had driven off.
The Court of Appeal has ruled that Jim Connors (31) should not have received a fully suspended sentence for dangerous driving that caused serious harm to a taxi passenger and fleeing the scene. Ms Justice Tara Burns stated that the sentencing judge failed to impose a proportionate sentence for the serious nature of the offence. Connors, from Carrickmines, Dublin, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm and failing to assist the injured person. Judge Martina Baxter had initially imposed a four-and-a-half-year sentence, which she suspended in full on the condition that Connors keep the peace and be of good behaviour for five years. The DPP appealed, arguing the sentence was unduly lenient. The Court of Appeal agreed that the suspension was inappropriate, noting that the rehabilitation evidence was not exceptional enough to justify the full suspension. The court quashed the original sentence and resentenced Connors to four years and six months in prison, with a ten-year driving disqualification. A bench warrant was issued for Connors' arrest as he failed to appear for the resentencing.
A man who was shot dead in his front garden was struck by five bullets which went through his body, causing bleeding, rib fractures and partial lung collapse, a murder trial has heard. Christopher Devine (44), with an address at Convent Lawns, Kylemore Road, Ballyfermot in Dublin 10 has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Michael Tormey (49) at Thomond Road in Ballyfermot in the early hours of January 9, 2022. The jury has heard that a consultant psychiatrist to be called by the defence will give evidence that the accused was suffering from a mental disorder called substance-induced psychotic disorder at the time. However, it is the State's case that the accused man was not suffering from a mental disorder and instead meets the criteria for cocaine intoxication. State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster told Garret Baker SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, that she carried out a post mortem on Mr Tormey's body in the Dublin District Mortuary on the day of the shooting.
A 51-year-old man who has spent 24 years in prison for the rape and murder of a Connemara schoolgirl has claimed that his conviction was a miscarriage of justice, arguing that he should have the right to retest forensic evidence. Barrister Michael O'Higgins SC launched an appeal on behalf of John McDonagh, who was found guilty in 2001 of the rape and murder of Siobhan Hynes (17) at Tismeain beach in Keeraunbeg. McDonagh, who had pleaded not guilty, was sentenced to life in prison after a three-day trial. At the Court of Appeal, O'Higgins argued that new evidence and improved forensic testing methods could cast doubt on the original conviction. He highlighted a dispute between expert witnesses regarding the forensic evidence and claimed that the State was blocking access to the samples. O'Higgins emphasized that the potential of new testing methods had not been considered during the trial and that the defence expert, Dr Clare Jarman, disagreed with the State's expert, Dr Dorothy Ramsbottom, on the reliability of DNA testing.
A 'vulnerable' mother and cancer survivor, Sarah Jane Byrne, was jailed for four years by the Special Criminal Court for possessing an arsenal of weapons 'secreted' under the stairs of her home. Despite her lawyers' requests for a short sentence, Judge Karen O'Connor emphasized the need for a deterrent and the protection of society from weapons of brutality. Byrne, along with Jamie Moss, pleaded guilty and were considered at low risk of reoffending. Byrne's defense highlighted her mental health and addiction issues, as well as her history of domestic abuse. Gardai discovered firearms, including a sub-machine gun and a shotgun, during a search of her home. Judge O'Connor noted the serious nature of the weapons and the aggravating factors in Byrne's case, including her drug addiction and history of domestic abuse. She also acknowledged Byrne's cooperation and ongoing rehabilitation. Moss, who had an impressive work history, was sentenced to three years and eight months, with the final 20 months suspended. Both sentences are to run concurrently.
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned the trial of four men until January 12 after the alleged victim, Barry Moore, failed to appear for a second time. The defendants, Jason Hennessy Jr, Brandon Hennessy, Kenneth Fitzsimons, and Dean Fitzsimons, are charged with false imprisonment, intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm, and participating in a criminal organisation. The offences are alleged to have occurred on February 12, 2025, at a house in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. Prosecution counsel Garnet Orange SC stated that gardaí remain in communication with Mr Moore but could not advance the trial without his evidence. Defence counsel Michael Bowman SC and John D Fitzgerald SC highlighted that the defendants are in custody and requested the State clarify its position in writing, with Fitzgerald SC warning of a potential bail application if delays continue. The court, presided over by Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, adjourned the matter to January 12 and listed a mention for December 17 to assess progress. Additional charges include Jason Hennessy Jr threatening to damage property and producing a branding stamp; Brandon Hennessy producing a steel breaker bar; Dean Fitzsimons threatening to kill or cause serious harm and producing a branding stamp and steel breaker bar; and Kenneth Fitzsimons producing a steel breaker bar and an axe. All charges remain alleged or contested.
A plasterer has been awarded nearly €17,000 in compensation after his employer, Kenplast Ltd, was found to have breached construction industry pay rules. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ruled that the company had failed to comply with the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2015 and the Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994. Joseph Lennon discovered a discrepancy between his pay and the figures on his Revenue account and sought help from an accountant. The company's accountant initially assured him there was no issue, but Lennon engaged his own accountant, who found inconsistencies. The tribunal heard that the company had not provided sufficient information on payslips and had not met the minimum hourly rate set by the Sectoral Employment Order (Construction Sector) 2023. Adjudicator Kara Turner found that the company had failed to provide a written statement of employment terms and had not implemented necessary benefits such as a pension scheme or sick pay. The total compensation awarded was €16,940.
Stephen Carberry, 47, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to assisting an offender by helping move and dispose of the body parts of murdered teenager Keane Mulready-Woods. The prosecution entered a nolle prosequi on two further charges against Carberry, including facilitating murder for a criminal organisation and setting fire to a vehicle. Presiding judge Ms Justice Karen O'Connor directed a victim impact statement and adjourned the matter until January 19, with Carberry remanded in custody. The court also ordered a urine analysis, a prison medic letter, and an educational report. This follows last week's guilty plea by Glen Bride, 32, to assisting in the movement and disposal of the teenager's remains. In related proceedings, Paul Crosby was jailed for ten years and Gerard Cruise for seven-and-a-half years (with six months suspended) for facilitating the murder. Ged' McKenna was previously jailed for four years for assisting in cleaning the crime scene. Keane Mulready-Woods was murdered in Drogheda in January 2020, with remains discovered in Dublin and Drogheda.
Brian Carroll, 30, of South Circular Road, Dublin 8, was convicted at Tallaght District Court of exposing his genitals to a customer at Nutgrove Shopping Centre on 28 June 2023. The offence, contrary to section 45 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017, was alleged to have occurred when the woman returned to a Three mobile phone store for a follow-up. She testified that Carroll asked her to move around the counter to view an iPad screen, during which she saw his erect penis. Carroll pleaded not guilty, denying the incident occurred and stating he was wearing shorts and a branded T-shirt. He argued there was no possible way the complainant could have seen anything from her position. Defence counsel Seoirse Fennessy BL argued there was no evidence of intent to cause fear or distress, noting Carroll's cooperation in attempting to retrieve CCTV footage, which was unavailable due to a full hard drive. The prosecution contended that intent could be inferred from Carroll's actions. Judge Patricia McNamara found the complainant credible and satisfied to convict Carroll. The matter was adjourned to allow the woman to prepare a victim impact report and for a pre-sentencing probation report to assess Carroll's risk of reoffending. The judge warned Carroll not to come to the attention of Gardaí in the meantime. The case was put back for sentencing on 19 February.
The sentencing of a woman who murdered her four-year-old stepson has been adjourned until January 12 due to the child's mother being unwell. The defendant, who faces a mandatory life sentence, will be identified only by her initials to protect the anonymity of the child. The media has requested to make submissions regarding the anonymity of the accused. The defendant initially pleaded not guilty but later pleaded guilty to murder. The child's father was sentenced to seven years for endangerment and neglect. The trial revealed that the child had suffered multiple injuries, including bruises and a liver laceration, which were consistent with non-accidental injury. The case was adjourned to allow the mother to make a statement and for the media to present its submissions.
A judge has warned the family of a 23-year-old man who sexually assaulted his niece to 'stop the theatrics' in court. The man was found guilty of sexual assault in Dublin in 2023. The victim, now 17, gave an emotional impact statement, expressing her devastation and feeling abandoned by her grandmother, who supported the accused. Judge Martina Baxter criticized the family's behavior, noting that the man's family was not helping him by their actions. The judge praised the victim for her bravery and reminded her of her parents' support. The assault occurred during a family funeral when the girl was staying at her grandmother's house. The man, who has 11 previous convictions, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison. The victim suffered severe psychological effects, including hallucinations and anxiety, and emphasized the importance of coming forward with such experiences. The judge highlighted the aggravating factors, including the location of the assault and the victim's age, and stated that the family has been 'fractured' by the incident.
A Tibetan Buddhist monk is in a legal limbo as the Irish State refuses to grant him an extension to appeal his asylum rejection. The monk, who cannot be named, claims he fled China for political reasons and fears persecution. His legal team argues that extraordinary circumstances, including a bombing in Sudan that delayed his appeal, should be considered. The monk has been in Ireland since 2024 and was denied asylum in January. His legal team is challenging the International Protection Appeals Tribunal's decision, claiming the delay was beyond his control. The High Court has adjourned the matter for further consideration. The monk's legal team submitted that a family member of his legal secretary was killed in the bombing, causing a delay in filing the appeal. The tribunal previously refused an extension, stating it had no jurisdiction to reconsider the case. The monk's situation remains unresolved as the court continues to review his appeal.
A mother of three received an apology from St James' Hospital for the under-reporting of a cervical smear test in 2004, which may have led to her later diagnosis of cervical cancer. The woman claimed that the hospital failed to correctly report abnormal cells in the 2004 test, which could have triggered early intervention. The case was consolidated against the hospital and the HSE, with the hospital admitting a breach of duty in a letter of apology. The apology acknowledged that had the 2004 test been correctly reported, the woman may have been referred for colposcopy and the pre-cancerous cells could have been treated. The court was informed that the matter had been resolved to the woman's satisfaction, and the judge wished her and her husband all the best for the future.
XTX Markets Technologies Ltd, a company owned by billionaire Dr Alexander Gerko, won an appeal against a decision by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) that it had no standing to bring a racial discrimination claim. The High Court ruled that corporate entities may have standing under the Equal Status Act 2000. The company alleged that Aviva Investors Liquidity Funds PLC discriminated against it by refusing to do business due to its association with Gerko, a Russian-born individual. The court found that the term 'person' in the legislation could include corporate entities and referred the matter back to the WRC for a full hearing. The ruling was based on the interpretation of the European directive on racial equality, which includes protections for corporate entities.
A 55-year-old Kerry man, Billy Burns, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his 75-year-old mother, Miriam Burns. The jury rejected his plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, finding that his actions were due to long-term drug and alcohol abuse rather than mental illness. The trial revealed that Burns had a history of violence towards his mother, including breaking her jaw. The prosecution argued that Burns lied about his movements on the day of the murder and destroyed evidence. The court heard that Miriam Burns was described as a 'wonderful' and 'hardworking' woman who was 'always glamourous' and loved to communicate with her family. The judge expressed condolences to the family and acknowledged the 'unimaginable grief' they experienced.
Two men from Carlow have been sentenced for their roles in an attack on a man after a night of drinking and drug use. Philip Moore received four years and three months in prison, with the final 18 months suspended. Shane Coady received a suspended sentence of two years and three months. The victim, Alan Rossiter, was struck, punched, and placed in the boot of a car before being told he was going to be taken up the mountains. Moore was convicted of assault and false imprisonment, while Coady pleaded guilty to assault. The court heard that Moore had previously claimed the victim attacked him, but no evidence supported this. The victim described the attack as traumatic, affecting his quality of life and leaving him in fear. Judge Eugene O'Kelly noted the aggravating factors, including the false imprisonment and the use of violence. Moore's sentence was reduced due to his remorse and efforts to address his addiction. Coady's sentence was suspended due to his guilty plea and probation report indicating he acted under Moore's influence. Philip Moore pleaded not guilty. Shane Coady pleaded not guilty.
Brendan Keating has been jailed for threatening an off-duty garda while the officer was with his infant son in a Carlow shopping centre. Keating pleaded guilty to making a threat to kill or cause serious harm to Garda Aidan Kelly and to assault and possession of a slash hook. The court heard that Keating was on a suspended sentence and had previous convictions for assault and threats. The garda described Keating as 'unpredictable and violent' and expressed concern for his family's safety. Keating's threat was made in public, and he was known to have a history of drug use and mental health issues. Judge Eugene O'Kelly noted the severity of the threat and the impact on the garda's family. Keating's sentence was seven and a half years, with 15 months suspended, resulting in an effective prison term of six years and three months. The judge acknowledged Keating's frustration with bail conditions but emphasized that threatening a garda is unacceptable.
William Donoghue has been jailed for 33 months for breaking a woman's jaw during a New Year's Eve altercation in Carlow. Donoghue was convicted of assault causing harm after punching the woman in the face. The victim, who required surgery and had her jaw wired shut for a month, described the lasting impact on her life, including difficulty eating and feeling unsafe. Donoghue claimed the woman struck him first, but the court rejected his version of events. Judge Eugene O'Kelly noted the aggravating factors, including the victim's vulnerability and Donoghue's physical strength. The judge imposed a three-and-a-half-year sentence, suspending the final nine months due to Donoghue's good family support and the Probation Service's willingness to work with him. The victim expressed that she never received an apology from Donoghue and hopes to never experience such an incident again. William Donoghue pleaded not guilty.
A Brazilian national who swallowed about half a kilo of cocaine pellets before boarding a flight to Ireland has been jailed for 21 months. Antonio Bezerra Dos Santos pleaded guilty to importing drugs into the country at Dublin Airport. She was arrested by customs officers and taken to Beaumont Hospital, where she passed 47 pellets of cocaine over three days. An estimated 400-500g of cocaine with a street value of €32,000 was recovered. Dos Santos claimed she was forced to carry out the drug importation by a criminal organisation in Brazil. She has no previous convictions and was referred to as she/her in court. Her defence highlighted that she struggled to swallow all the pellets and was given a small reward. The judge noted that she is unlikely to re-offend and set a sentence of 21 months, backdated to when she went into custody.
A drug addict with 100 convictions who used to 'roam around the city' has been jailed for three years for targeting and robbing a man in the early hours of the morning. Gerard O'Toole pleaded guilty to one count of robbery. He has 99 previous convictions, including theft, robbery, and assault. The court heard that O'Toole was on bail when he committed the offence. Judge Martina Baxter noted that O'Toole has developed insight into his offending and has maintained it. A probation report highlighted his efforts in dealing with his addiction and his remorse. The judge set a headline sentence of six and a half years but reduced it to five years, suspending the final two years for two years. O'Toole was identified on CCTV footage during the robbery, which showed a disturbing incident. His defence highlighted his difficult childhood and the impact of being placed into care.
A man who engaged in a high-speed garda chase with his 13-year-old child in the car, reaching speeds of 160km/h and colliding with two garda cars, has been jailed for two years and nine months. The incident occurred in March 2023 when the man was driving his Jaguar in a suspicious manner. He reached speeds of 100 km/h on rural roads, drove on the wrong side of the road, and collided with one garda vehicle. The garda driver used his two feet to brake the car, which he managed to bring to a stop on the side of the road. The second collision occurred when the man sped up and collided with another patrol car. The child was cared for by authorities while the man was questioned and released that night. He pleaded guilty to two counts of endangerment, two counts of dangerous driving, and one count of driving without insurance. The man has 24 previous convictions, including robbery, attempted robbery, theft, and road traffic offences.
Kenneth Walsh, 57, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to one count of possessing cannabis for sale or supply at his home in Rathfarnham, Co Dublin, on August 28, 2024. Gardai seized eight cannabis plants valued at €6,400 and €15,192 worth of cultivated cannabis herb during a search of his residence. Walsh alleged he grew the substance for pain relief for himself and a neighbour with terminal cancer, following a serious accident that left him bed-bound. The prosecuting garda noted the large quantity but acknowledged Walsh had no prior drug-related convictions and no evidence of distribution was found. Defence counsel highlighted Walsh's 30-year work history and the inability to obtain a supporting letter from the ill neighbour. Judge Martin Nolan acknowledged the high quality of the seized cannabis but accepted the defence explanation as meeting the threshold of believability. The judge handed down a sentence of two years, which was suspended in full on a number of conditions. Walsh has 21 previous convictions, mostly for road traffic offences dating back to 2013.
A man was sentenced to one year in prison for a personal injury fraud after claiming he was injured in a collision with a reversing car. The incident occurred on Crumlin Road in 2019, where Dan Harna (49) falsely reported that his Audi had been bumped by a Kia. Gardai were called to the scene, but no injuries were reported. RSA insurance later suspected the collision was staged, leading to an investigation. Harna pleaded guilty to dishonestly inducing the insurance company to make a claim. Evidence suggested that Harna's account of having four occupants in his car was false, as witnesses reported only two people were present. The court noted that Harna had a history of nine previous convictions and that the fraud was considered 'amateurish.' Despite mitigation factors, the judge ruled that a prison sentence was necessary to deter similar fraudulent claims.
Pawel Pisarek, a Dublin man, is pursuing a complaint under the Equal Status Act 2000 against An Garda Síochána, alleging discrimination, harassment, and victimisation based on race. He claims that on 17 March last year, Inspector Daragh Jennings at Gorey Garda Station ejected him and his son after they spoke Polish. Pisarek stated he was seeking an explanation regarding the handling of criminal complaints for theft, assault, and death threats, alleging the officer improperly used discretion to issue only an adult caution for the theft. He described the inspector as angry and racist, claiming the officer jumped from his desk and screamed at his son. State counsel Declan Harmon BL applied for the case to be dismissed as frivolous, vexatious, or made in bad faith, noting that the Garda Síochána Ombudsman's Commission (GSOC) had previously terminated its investigation into the matter. Counsel also argued the complaint was filed out of time, as it was submitted in November 2024, exceeding the six-month limit. Pisarek rejected these characterisations, challenging the inspector to a lie detector test and asserting that CCTV footage would support his account. He confirmed there was no physical contact but expressed fear of assault due to the officer's proximity. Adjudicator Louise Boyle adjourned the case, directing that evidence from the State's witnesses be heard at a later date.
The daughter of a cocaine addict who admits to killing but denies murdering his brother-in-law when he opened fire on him with a submachine gun in his front garden has told the trial that her father would think there were people in the walls who were 'coming to get him' when he took the drug and wouldn't recognise his own family. The prosecution's case is that the accused man was not suffering from a mental disorder at the time but met the criteria for cocaine intoxication. The accused, Christopher Devine, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Michael Tormey. Jodie Devine, the daughter, testified that her father had a cocaine issue and that he began taking the drug when she was eight or nine years old. She said that after September 2021, the accused would take cocaine four times a week. She described how her father would avoid his children and become paranoid.
A 26-year-old man from Pakistan has been jailed for 18 months for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and falsely imprisoning her at a house party in Carlow. The man had pleaded not guilty but was convicted by a jury after a trial. The victim testified that the accused man attempted to lift her dress, kissed her, and tried to pull her back into the house after she tried to escape. The jury viewed video footage from the teenager's phone, which showed the men at the party and the victim's discomfort. The accused denied the allegations but was identified through CCTV footage. The victim's impact statement described the trauma she experienced, including nightmares and anxiety. The judge noted the aggravating factors, including the accused's role as the house owner and the victim's age. He imposed a three-year and six-month sentence, suspending the final two years with conditions that the man leave the jurisdiction for ten years after release. The defense acknowledged the verdict but expressed concerns about the impact on the accused's family.
Des Hanley, a 63-year-old gambling addict, has been given a fully suspended sentence for robbing a bookmaker's shop in Carlow. Hanley believed the shop should not have taken his bets and that the money he stole was "rightfully" his. He pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of a firearm with criminal intent. The robbery occurred on the day of The Grand National, and Hanley used an old, non-functional gun to demand money from the shop. The staff member was terrified and suffered panic attacks afterward. Hanley's defense highlighted his chronic gambling addiction, early onset dementia, and mental health issues. The judge acknowledged Hanley's remorse and the mitigating factors, including his guilty plea and the gun's inability to fire. He imposed a four-year suspended sentence with probation supervision for two years. The court noted that Hanley had lost significant sums in the shop and had a history of gambling. The victim impact statement emphasized the lasting trauma on the staff member, who felt unsafe in his home and town. The judge ruled that Hanley's actions were unacceptable despite his personal struggles.
Jason Elliot, a 53-year-old grandfather, has been sentenced to six years in prison for possessing over €700,000 worth of cocaine and MDMA to repay a €20,000 drug debt. Elliot pleaded guilty to possession of drugs and using two vehicles with hidden compartments for trafficking. Judge Martin Nolan noted Elliot's drug addiction and the pressure he faced to repay his debt. The court heard that Elliot was not a previous offender and had a good work history and family life. Gardai found the drugs and hidden compartments in Elliot's home, and he admitted to the debt. His defense highlighted his financial struggles, his consistent work history, and his efforts to address his addiction. The judge acknowledged Elliot's cooperation and lack of prior convictions but emphasized the severity of the drug possession. Elliot's sentence will begin in February 2026, and he will undergo surgery before starting his term. The court also noted Elliot's family support and his positive contributions to the community.
Thomas Murray, a 43-year-old man with 52 previous convictions, has been jailed for six years for carrying out four robberies in Dublin. Murray pleaded guilty to four counts of robbery, including using weapons during the crimes. Judge Martin Nolan noted Murray's long history of offending and his addiction issues but acknowledged his cooperation and current status as an enhanced prisoner. The judge imposed a seven-year sentence, with the final year suspended and probation supervision for nine months post-release. Murray's crimes included using a screwdriver and a knife during robberies at a sweet shop, a café, and two restaurants. He was identified on CCTV and arrested after the incidents. His defense highlighted his difficult life, homelessness, and drug addiction, requesting leniency. The judge acknowledged these factors but emphasized the seriousness of the robberies, including the use of weapons. Murray's sentence was backdated to when he entered custody, and he will begin his jail term in the New Year.
A man who assaulted a former partner while naked in a hotel corridor has been given a suspended sentence. Shane McMorrow (44) of Fairways Park, Finglas, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault of the woman in a Dublin hotel on October 30, 2023. Judge Martin Nolan noted that the incident occurred during an argument after a dinner, with McMorrow following the woman into the corridor, naked, and attempting to drag her back into the room. The woman was left traumatised and humiliated, though the physical injuries were not serious. The judge did not believe McMorrow would reoffend and imposed a two and a half year suspended sentence on strict conditions. Evidence showed that McMorrow had previously smashed the woman's phone. The woman expressed feeling let down by the justice system and described the incident as deeply traumatic. McMorrow's defence highlighted his brain injury and his attendance at counselling, noting his remorse and current stable relationship.
The Central Criminal Court trial of seven men accused of familial sexual abuse continues before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs. The complainant, a deaf woman, gave evidence via videolink regarding Accused C, her 34-year-old brother, who is accused of 45 counts of rape and anal rape over a 12-year period. She alleged he raped her when she was 20 and described another incident where he held her mouth while she slept. Accused C denies all charges, which also include sexual assault and rape of two other sisters. The other six accused are her uncles and brothers. Accused A, a 55-year-old uncle, faces one count of rape; Accused B, 48, faces eight counts including oral rape; and Accused G, 45, faces one count of rape. Accused D, 33, pleaded not guilty to 19 counts of rape and three of anal rape. Accused E, 32, denied nine counts of anal rape and seven of rape. Accused F, also 32, denied five counts of rape and anal rape. All defendants deny the allegations. The trial, set for four months, involves an extended panel of 15 jurors and uses interpreters and an intermediary to assist the complainant.
A mother who killed her three children while suffering from a mental disorder is challenging a coroner's decision to limit medical evidence in the inquests into their deaths. Deirdre Morley, a paediatric nurse, was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the 2020 killings of her children. Her lawyers are seeking a judicial review of the coroner's decision to exclude medical professionals who treated her before the incident from giving evidence. The coroner instead plans to rely on expert testimony from psychiatrists who gave evidence at Morley's trial. Morley's legal team argues that the inquest would be inadequate without assessing her mental state at the time of the killings. The High Court granted an application to expedite the matter, with the case adjourned to December 8.
A banned roads offender has been fined after giving gardaí a false address when they responded to a traffic collision in Tallaght. Kevi Kabeya (35) of Highfield West, College Road, Cork, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to providing false information to a Garda and failing to produce a driving licence. The incident occurred on 30 October last year when gardaí attended a collision involving Kabeya's blue Mercedes. Kabeya gave a false address and failed to produce his licence, despite being a banned driver with 18 previous convictions. His solicitor stated that Kabeya had not intended to deceive gardaí and was unsure of his address at the time. Judge Áine Clancy fined Kabeya €300 for failing to produce his licence and €500 for providing false details, with payment terms of six and 12 months respectively.
A woman who stole just over €4,000 worth of National Lottery scratch cards from her employer because they gave "comfort" to her husband, who was suffering with dementia, has been given a suspended sentence. Sandra McCann (57) of Newbury Drive, Clonshaugh, Dublin 17, pleaded guilty to theft at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The court heard that the HR administrator of Daybreak Store noticed a safe room had been left unlocked, and CCTV footage showed McCann entering the room. Further investigations revealed a mismatch between the activation of scratch cards and their sale, with a total value of €4,330. McCann's solicitor explained that her husband was suffering from dementia at the time and she gave him the cards for comfort. Judge Martin Nolan accepted that McCann's actions were motivated by her husband's condition and imposed a one-year suspended sentence, requiring her to pay €1,000 to her former employer.
A 62-year-old woman, Marcella Duffy, has been given a fully suspended sentence for causing the death of cyclist John Walsh in February 2024. Duffy's car crossed the road and struck Walsh on Malahide Road, leading to his death in hospital. Walsh was described as a devoted father to three young boys and an avid cyclist. His wife delivered a victim impact statement, highlighting the profound loss of her husband and the devastation faced by their family. Judge Martin Nolan noted that Duffy was driving slightly over the speed limit but found no aggravating factors. He emphasized her lack of prior convictions and early plea, resulting in a two-and-a-half-year suspended sentence and a six-year driving ban. The court heard that Duffy remained at the scene and cooperated with gardai. The incident was captured on dash cam footage, and no faults were found with the car or the bicycle. Duffy's defense highlighted her remorse and the impact of the accident on her life. Marcella Duffy pleaded guilty.
A man who admitted to killing but denied murdering his relative with a submachine gun was not found to be suffering from a mental disorder, according to the prosecution. Christopher Devine (44) pleaded guilty to manslaughter but not guilty to murder in the 2022 shooting of Michael Tormey (49) in his front garden. The prosecution argued that the killing was murder and that the accused was under the influence of cocaine, not suffering from a mental disorder. Evidence suggested that Devine had consumed significant quantities of cocaine before the incident. The prosecution will call two psychiatrists as expert witnesses, with one claiming that Devine had a substance-induced psychotic disorder and the other stating that he met the criteria for cocaine intoxication. The trial will continue with the jury considering the issue of diminished responsibility.
A Limerick man is wanted in Europe for allegedly attempting to traffic 66 people from Greece to Italy by speedboat. Jeremiah O'Brien (55) was arrested on an SIS alert related to a European warrant. Detective Garda Tony Keane testified that O'Brien, along with two others, rented a car and a 12m speedboat to transport the individuals, who paid between $4,000 and $6,000 each. The boat was discovered stranded on a rocky shore near Gylalia beach, with the 66 people including 30 adult men, 14 adult women, and 22 children from Iraq, Syria, and Iran. O'Brien denied being in Greece and claimed he had no knowledge of the incident. The court remanded him in custody to appear again on December 9.
A repeat offender with 142 previous convictions has been jailed for one month for threatening and abusive behaviour. Daryl Hoey (35) pleaded guilty to a section 6 threatening and abusive behaviour charge and a section 4 intoxication offence arising from an incident at Bath Place, Blackrock, Dublin on 13 December, 2024. The court heard that Hoey was highly intoxicated, abusive, and caused concern for his own safety and that of others. Defence counsel, Michael O'Brien BL, noted that Hoey had struggled with alcohol addiction for a substantial period of time and had been homeless from the age of 18. He said his client has been sober for around three and a half months and is engaging with probation services. Judge Anne Watkin accepted the submission but pointed out that Hoey had been intoxicated during a separate public-order incident on 3 September last year, showing the behaviour was 'continuing'. She noted that Hoey had been placed on a probation bond earlier in 2025 but went on to commit further offences.
A man who was caught with almost 1.5 million images and videos of child sexual abuse after he began accessing such material as a 13-year-old boy has been jailed for 27 months. Stephen Byrne (26) pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of the images, termed child pornography in law, at his rented home in Terenure, Dublin 6, on March 2, 2022. Detective Garda Mairead McKinney confirmed that 1,440,675 images and videos were found, depicting children in sexually explicit interactions. Byrne admitted accessing such material from the age of 13 through the Dark Web and social media. His defence highlighted his cooperation with gardaí and his attendance at counselling. Judge Martin Nolan noted the significant aggravating factor of the number of images and the length of time Byrne had been offending. He imposed a sentence of 27 months, taking into account Byrne's co-operation and his admissions of guilt, despite acknowledging the severity of the offence.
A 24-year-old Slovenian man who met a 15-year-old girl through the online game Roblox and later harassed her by threatening to leak her sexualised images has been jailed for two and a half years. The man, who cannot be named to protect the victim's identity, communicated with the girl through various social media platforms, during which he convinced her to send him explicit images and videos. He then blackmailed her by threatening to share these images with her family and friends if she did not comply with his demands, including regular phone calls, sharing photos, and allowing him to watch her sleep. The victim described feeling like an object controlled by the man and expressed that the memories of the ordeal would haunt her forever. The man pleaded guilty to harassment and possession of child sexual abuse images, which were found on his phone after his arrest. A psychologist's report indicated that the man had mental health issues, including emotional unstable personality disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, though he was not formally diagnosed with these conditions.
A 25-year-old man, Thomas Osborne, has been jailed for nine years for subjecting a 12-year-old girl to a 'deeply traumatic series of sexual assaults' over a two-month period. Osborne, who pleaded guilty to oral rape, five counts of sexual assault, and inviting the girl to touch his penis, took advantage of being alone with the child and repeatedly assaulted her. The Central Criminal Court heard that the girl, who is entitled to anonymity, gave an articulate and moving account of the harm inflicted on her. Judge Paul McDermott highlighted the breach of trust involved in the repeated offending by a much older man and noted that Osborne had told the girl what he was doing was illegal and not to tell anyone. The judge set a headline sentence of 11 years but reduced it to nine years, taking into account Osborne's guilty pleas, remorse, and lack of prior convictions.
Bridget McDonagh and Catriona McDonnell, both of Finglas, Dublin 11, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to holding an unauthorised collection and acting as collectors without a permit at Rosemount Shopping Centre, Rathfarnham, on 8 November 2024. Garda Elaine Phelan reported that the women were collecting donations while wearing Alzheimer Society of Ireland branded bibs and using a branded bucket, despite the charity having no scheduled event in the area. The women could not produce a Garda permit, and the bucket, which contained coins, was seized. Defence solicitor Padraig O'Donovan stated the women believed they were authorised to collect for a charity coffee morning after correspondence with the Alzheimer Society, though they did not realise a permit was required. The court noted that McDonagh has no previous convictions, while McDonnell has a 2010 conviction concerning a false instrument. Judge Áine Clancy ordered the seized money to be forfeited to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. Regarding sentencing, Judge Clancy described the case as "a difficult one." She convicted McDonnell and fined her €350, allowing 12 months to pay. For McDonagh, the Judge granted the benefit of the Probation Act under Section 1(1), leaving her without a conviction.
A veteran employee of the Ballymaloe Cookery School, Julija Makejeva, has failed in a discrimination claim against the school following a hearing_or_decision at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). Makejeva alleged discrimination on the grounds of family status under the Employment Equality Act 2000, claiming that new management failed to provide the same flexibility regarding working hours that she had previously received under the founder, Darina Allen. The WRC rejected her complaint, with adjudication officer Emile Daly noting that the complaint had a particular objection to the new managers and had made a bullying complaint against one, which was investigated but not upheld. Solicitor David Pearson for the respondent stated that the school made extensive efforts to accommodate Makejeva's childcare needs, but timekeeping became a persistent issue. Management met with Makejeva on several occasions to address her lateness, and in May 2024, a disciplinary process was launched. In June 2024, company director Toby Allen proposed a temporary part-time working arrangement, which Makejeva declined. She received a verbal warning for persistent failure to adhere to her start time. Following the warning, Makejeva's timekeeping improved, and she informed her bosses that her circumstances had changed, allowing her to start at 8.30am. Adjudicator Lefre de Burgh concluded that Makejeva had provided no evidence of discrimination based on any protected ground and found that the reassignment and associated working arrangements did not amount to discrimination on the grounds of family status.
A 44-year-old man, Christopher Devine, who admits to killing a man in west Dublin nearly four years ago but denies murder, will go on trial at the Central Criminal Court. Devine is charged with the murder of Michael Tormey (49) at Thomond Road in Ballyfermot on January 9, 2022. When arraigned before the court, Devine pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The plea was not accepted by the Director of Public Prosecutions, and a jury was sworn to hear the trial. The trial will begin tomorrow morning and is expected to last two weeks. The court heard that Devine had admitted to killing Tormey but denied that it was murder, leading to the trial to determine the charge. The case will be heard before Ms Justice Melanie Greally, who will oversee the proceedings.
Max Corcoran, a 22-year-old high-risk offender, was jailed for three and a half years after slashing a fellow hostel resident while he was sleeping, causing significant facial scarring. Corcoran pleaded guilty to assault causing serious harm in May 2022. The victim, who was homeless, was attacked with a trowel and a Stanley knife, sustaining multiple cuts to his head, face, hands, and arms. He required plastic surgery and has significant scarring. Corcoran initially denied involvement but later admitted to stabbing the victim, claiming he was provoked. He has 17 previous convictions, including assault, criminal damage, and drug offences. A probation report indicated he is at high risk of re-offending. Judge Martin Nolan noted the severity of the attack and the fact that Corcoran had already spent 13 months in custody, imposing a four-and-a-half-year sentence with the final year suspended on strict conditions.