A man who became a trusted family friend has been jailed for 14 years for the sexual abuse of two young daughters in Galway. Benedick Joel (46) was convicted of 24 counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted anal rape on dates in 2017 and 2018. The court heard that Joel, referred to as 'Uncle Ben' by the children, was a family friend who initially engaged in 'body checks' on the girls and later sexually abused them. Both victims, now in their 20s, reported the abuse in 2022. Joel denied the allegations and has no previous convictions. The victims described the long-term emotional and psychological impact of the abuse, including depression, anxiety, and self-harm. The judge emphasized the breach of trust and the serious degradation of the offences, imposing a global sentence of 15 and a half years, with the final 18 months suspended to encourage rehabilitation.
Dave Gibney, a former press officer at the Mandate trade union, alleged that a leak by the union's general secretary, Gerry Light, scuppered a potential €1 million deal for Debenhams staff. The deal, proposed by KPMG, would have provided payments to Mandate members, saved 300 jobs, and included a one-third share in the profits of the stock sell-off. Gibney claimed that Light leaked the details to RTÉ, leading KPMG to withdraw the proposal. The leak was attributed to Light's conversation with RTÉ's Ingrid Miley, which resulted in the deal being abandoned. Gibney stated that the Debenhams team within Mandate was wrongly blamed for the collapse of the proposal. The following day, former Debenhams staff occupied stores, leading to KPMG blaming the occupations for the deal's failure. Gibney's allegations were part of a broader dispute involving the union and the Workplace Relations Commission. Lorna Langan, a Mandate member, is pursuing legal action against the union, citing protected disclosures and the financial impact of legal fees.
A violent criminal with 123 previous convictions, Jordan Carroll, has been jailed for over three years for stabbing an English tourist in Dublin's Temple Bar. Carroll, who pleaded guilty to possession of a steak knife, assault causing harm, and violent disorder, was involved in an attack on a tourist celebrating a friend's birthday. The victim was stabbed after a verbal dispute, with Carroll retrieving a knife and lunging at him. Carroll's accomplices fled the scene, but a bloodstained knife was recovered. The court heard that Carroll had a traumatic upbringing marked by violence and criminal exposure. Despite his extensive criminal history, the judge reduced the headline sentence of six years to three years and nine months due to mitigation, including an early guilty plea and cooperation with gardaí. The victim's impact statement highlighted ongoing physical and psychological effects from the attack.
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Andrew Cash Senior, aged 58, of Whitechurch Heights, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, was sentenced to two years imprisonment after pleading guilty to providing false information to Irish Passport Services. His daughter-in-law, Mary Cash, aged 35, formerly of Portlaoise, County Laois, received a fully suspended sentence of two and a half years for her involvement in the same offence, committed on 12 June 2019 at Balbriggan Passport Services office. The court heard that Cash Senior and Mary Cash assisted in obtaining a fraudulent passport application under a false name for Andrew Cash Junior, who has since fled the jurisdiction. Mary Cash travelled to Sligo using an assumed identity to acquire a birth certificate necessary for the application. Investigation revealed that a senior member of An Garda Síochána had also been implicated in stamping the false documents. Judge Roderick Maguire noted Cash Senior's 31 previous convictions but acknowledged his absence from garda attention since 2019 and efforts at self-improvement.
A court has ruled that a now 20-year-old man who raped his then girlfriend when they were both teenagers cannot be identified, despite the State's objections. The defendant, who was 16 at the time of the offence, was convicted of rape but acquitted of sexual assault. The court heard that the victim was visibly distressed and crying when she was dragged to the toilet by the defendant. The defendant denied the rape and claimed the sexual activity was consensual. The court imposed a custodial sentence of three and a half years, with the final year suspended for two years. The judge noted the defendant's disregard for the victim's lack of consent and placed him under probation supervision and on the sex offenders register. The court also made a Gilchrist order to prevent the publication of any details that might identify the defendant, citing a culpable delay in charging him as a child. The unnamed 20-year-old pleaded not guilty.
A 19-year-old woman accused of biting her friend and damaging property after allegedly inhaling 'fast gas' has been sent forward for trial after a judge refused jurisdiction in the District Court. Abbie Glynn appeared before Dún Laoghaire District Court charged with assault causing harm and two counts of criminal damage, including damaging a television and a curtain pole. Gardaí alleged that Glynn bit the woman on the arm, causing bruising and breaking the skin, and also kicked her and struck her on the arms and hit her head off a television. She is also charged with pulling down and damaging a curtain pole. Judge Anne Watkin noted that the curtain pole's removal during the incident would have been intimidating for the injured party and said she would refuse jurisdiction. She granted Glynn bail on several conditions, including daily sign-on at a garda station, a curfew, and no contact with the injured party. Glynn was remanded on bail to appear again before the court on September 1.
A man knocked his friend unconscious, put him in the recovery position, and continued socialising in a Dublin pub, a court has heard. Brian McKeown struck his friend four times, with the last blow hitting his head, outside the Swallows Pub in Clondalkin following the funeral of a mutual friend. McKeown put him in the recovery position and told others inside the pub what had happened. The injured party was taken to hospital, where he required emergency surgery for serious head injuries and spent several weeks in a coma. McKeown pleaded guilty to assaulting the other man causing him harm. He admitted striking the injured party, who he said had been threatening towards him. McKeown also said he believed the injured party had a knife. The injured party said he has lost confidence in crowded spaces and his way of socialising has changed. McKeown was remanded on continuing bail, and the court directed the Probation Service to carry out a risk assessment on him. The case was adjourned to July for finalisation.
A woman who stole over €3,000 worth of designer goods from Arnotts in Dublin over a six-month period had her three-month jail term replaced with a fully suspended sentence on appeal. Nicola Caffery stole several pairs of Chanel sunglasses and other items from the Dublin shop from October 2024 to April 2025. She had originally pleaded not guilty in the District Court but later lodged an appeal against the severity of her sentence. Sergeant Stephen Walsh told the court that Caffery was identified after entering Arnotts and selecting designer goods. Defence counsel asked that the immediate sentence of custody be set aside and replaced with a fully suspended sentence. Judge Christopher Callan decided to suspend the three-month sentence for a period of two years on the condition that Caffery maintains contact with the probation services and continues her treatment. He also imposed conditions that she complete a course of education and must stay away from Arnotts, with €1,000 in compensation to be paid. Nicola Caffery was convicted.
A man who smashed his neighbour's window and engaged in anti-social behaviour had his three-month jail term replaced with a fully suspended sentence on appeal. Karl Hiney broke his neighbour's living room window and damaged another after having 'issues' with them. He was also convicted of being intoxicated in a public place and using threatening and abusive behaviour. Hiney was later lodged an appeal against the severity of his sentence. Sergeant Shay Leonard told the court that Hiney made admissions to breaking a window and was conveyed to a garda station. Defence counsel said that Hiney had a long history of mental health problems and had issues with his neighbours over the years. Judge Christopher Callan said that he understood the context in which the incident happened with regard to Hiney's mental health and decided to suspend the three-month sentence for a period of two years on the condition that Hiney engage with the Probation Service and continue with counselling and psychotherapy courses. Karl Hiney pleaded guilty.
An engineer at an explosives and blasting firm facing a probe into his 'excessive use' of a company fuel card told his bosses he left his work jeep running 'all weekend', a tribunal has noted. Thomas Giles failed in a case at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) challenging his sacking from Kemek Ltd for gross misconduct. The company said it had 'no alternative' but to sack Mr Giles. Mr Giles was a technical service engineer on the road for the Enfield, Co Meath firm, which specialises in the deployment of explosives in the quarrying and construction sectors. He had been issued with a leased Toyota Land Cruiser as a company car – along with a fuel card – but began to face questions on fuel usage starting in 2022. Mr Giles was confronted with the figures on his fuel usage during a series of investigation meetings in March 2024, showing that he was using more than twice as much fuel as his colleagues.
Gary O'Shaughnessy, 39, of Mullingar, Co Westmeath, has been committed to the Central Mental Hospital for inpatient care and treatment following a trial at the Central Criminal Court. The jury returned unanimous verdicts of not guilty by reason of insanity on two charges: the alleged attempted murder of his brother, Mark (42), and intentionally or recklessly causing him serious harm. The alleged offences occurred at the same address between May 15 and 16, 2024. O'Shaughnessy had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to both counts. The court heard evidence that the accused struck his vulnerable, partially blind brother with a hammer and cut his neck with a knife. Prosecution and defence psychiatrists testified that O'Shaughnessy was suffering from schizophrenia at the time, which prevented him from knowing the nature and quality of his acts or refraining from them. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, relying on a report by consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr Dearbhla Duffy, was satisfied that O'Shaughnessy suffers from a mental disorder and requires inpatient care. The judge ordered his commitment to the Central Mental Hospital in Portrane, Co Dublin, pursuant to section 5(3) of the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006. This commitment will continue until a further order is made under section 13 of the Act. The judge described the case as "terribly sad" and noted the verdict aligned with the medical evidence.
A woman who participated in a €27,500 smishing scam after being contacted on Facebook has been given a suspended sentence and ordered to take part in restorative justice. When gardai asked Facebook to assist in the investigation, they were met with resistance. Mary Maughan pleaded guilty to processing the proceeds of crime through her bank account. The victim was scammed after clicking a link in a text message that appeared to be from An Post. The money was transferred into Maughan's account, and she was asked to make cash withdrawals with two men. She felt intimidated but did not face any threats. Facebook was said to have not assisted gardai in their inquiries. The judge noted the need for deterrence in such cases and sentenced Maughan to 12 months, suspended on conditions, taking into account her cooperation with gardai and genuine remorse.
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court sentenced Dubliner Michael McGinley to a global term of three years for escaping from lawful custody and unlawfully using a vehicle. McGinley pleaded guilty to both charges. The court heard that on April 23, 2024, while remanded at Balbriggan Garda Station, McGinley asked to be taken out for a cigarette. He subsequently ran and cleared a six-foot perimeter wall, evading capture for two months until his arrest in Athboy, Co Meath, on June 19, 2025. He also admitted to driving a Hyundai stolen from Co Kerry on April 21, 2025. Judge Orla Crowe noted that while the escape was not pre-planned or sophisticated, McGinley hid for a significant period. Acknowledging his youth and potential for rehabilitation, the judge imposed a three-year sentence, with the final six months suspended on strict conditions. She also directed 12 months of probation supervision following his release. The sentence was backdated to June 19, 2025, when he entered custody. The matter was finalised with the imposition of this sentence.
The Court of Appeal has fixed November 5 as the hearing date for Alan Wilson's application to change his guilty plea to not guilty and to extend the time to lodge an appeal against his conviction. Wilson, who is representing himself, confirmed under oath that his handwritten affidavits were true. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy ordered Wilson to file submissions by June 25, while the Director of Public Prosecutions has been granted three months to respond. Wilson was originally jailed for six years by the Special Criminal Court in July 2019 for conspiring with others to murder Gary Hanley between September 15 and November 6, 2017. He pleaded guilty to this charge, as did co-accused Joseph Kelly. Kelly, who was recorded instructing the plot, was sentenced to six years for the conspiracy and 12 years for possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life. The matter remains at the procedural stage of an appeal hearing date being set, and the case has not been concluded or finalised. Wilson had previously submitted a letter of apology to the court, expressing regret for aiding a gang and his actions in the alleged murder plot.
A member of the national executive of the trade union Mandate has had her suspension lifted by a High Court injunction, allowing her to stand for re-election. Lorna Langan claimed her suspension was due to her attempts to highlight alleged wrongdoing at the union. She argued that fair procedures were not followed, as she was not informed of the reasons for her suspension and was not given an opportunity to make representations. The High Court granted an interlocutory injunction, lifting the suspension and allowing her to participate in the election. The judge noted that Ms Langan had not been suspended in accordance with fair procedures and that she was eligible to contest the election as she was temporarily unfit for work due to medical reasons but had a job offer. The union had argued that Ms Langan was ineligible as she was unemployed, but the court ruled otherwise.
An appeal brought by Jozef Puska against his conviction for the murder of schoolteacher Ashling Murphy has been rescheduled for July. Puska is serving a life sentence for stabbing Ms Murphy 11 times in the neck and slashing her once with a blade in January 2022. The appeal was delayed after Puska changed his barristers shortly before the original hearing date. The new date for the appeal was set for July 15, with a case management hearing scheduled for May 15. Puska, who was identified by CCTV footage and DNA evidence, had pleaded not guilty to the murder. The court heard that Puska's DNA was found on the murder weapon and under Ms Murphy's fingernails, indicating she had fought back. The appeal will be heard by the Court of Appeal, with the judge noting the need for an early hearing date.
Jonathan Gill, with an address on the Malahide Road in Clontarf, Dublin, appeared before the High Court in connection with extradition proceedings sought by authorities in Northern Ireland. The 44-year-old is wanted by the PSNI in relation to the murder of Robbie Lawlor, shot dead in Belfast on 4 April 2020, and for alleged possession of a 9mm self-loading pistol between 2 and 5 April that year. During today's hearing before Mr Justice Sean Gillane, Gill's barrister submitted that evidence proposed in the case would not be admissible under EU law, though it would be valid in UK courts. The judge scheduled a bail application for the following Wednesday, with Gill remanded in custody until that date. The extradition hearing has been fixed for 3 June. Gill was arrested on foot of a warrant issued by Belfast Magistrates' Court on 31 March.
A criminal attempted to rob three shops on the same Dublin street in under five minutes but left each one empty-handed. Michael O'Toole, 41, pleaded guilty to three counts of attempted robbery at two Paddy Power premises and a Spar on Talbot Street on October 17, 2023. He also pleaded guilty to possession of stolen property and theft. O'Toole used an uncapped syringe during the robberies and fled each time without success. He has 86 previous convictions, 12 from the Circuit Court. Gardai found stolen items from an Airbnb in Dublin, including iPads and a laptop, which were traced to O'Toole via CCTV footage. He was arrested but refused to answer questions. His defence argued that he had drug addiction issues and was making progress in custody. Judge Martina Baxter ordered a probation report and additional urine analysis, adjourning the case until December 17, 2026.
A judge described an assault as "very disturbing" in which the victim was punched, pulled to the ground, and kicked. Aidan Daniels, 30, and Adam Kelly, 21, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to cause bodily harm. CCTV footage showed Kelly punching and kneeing the victim, who was then dragged by his hoodie and leg. The victim was kicked and stamped on multiple times while on the ground. Kelly has 38 previous convictions, including theft and drug dealing, and was on a suspended sentence. Daniels has 18 previous convictions, including possession of a flick knife and aggravated burglary. Both were arrested and bail was refused. Their defence argued that the assault was out of character and that they were remorseful. Judge Martina Baxter ordered reports from prison governors and adjourned sentencing to May 1 next.
A student who failed to repay €5,000 from a money laundering scheme has been given a year to make amends before a judge decides on his sentence. Michael Adeleke, 23, pleaded guilty to receiving €4,982 in an online bank transfer knowing it was the proceeds of crime. He was contacted on Snapchat and agreed to set up a bank account to make money. Judge Anne Watkin said Adeleke had not made any effort to repay the victim in three years and was not truly remorseful. She gave him one final chance to show genuine remorse and adjourned the case for 12 months. The judge warned that if he came to garda attention, a custodial sentence would be imposed. A probation report and a community service suitability report were ordered, and the case was adjourned to April 26, 2027 for sentencing.
A man charged in connection with the seizure of cocaine worth an estimated €504,000 has been refused bail. Anthony O'Callaghan was arrested at his home following a search and drug seizure. The package containing the drugs was tracked using an Apple AirTag and collected after the accused was directed to intercept an An Post driver in a Tesco car park. The court heard that the sender had placed an Apple AirTag inside the package, allowing a Spanish phone number to track its location. O'Callaghan approached the driver and asked for the package after providing the required details. The garda said there was no suggestion of wrongdoing by the An Post driver. The judge described the case as a "very significant drug charge" and refused bail under Section 2 of the Bail Act, citing the seriousness of the charges and the strength of the evidence. O'Callaghan was remanded in custody to appear before Cloverhill District Court.
A woman who gave her Revolut account details to two men at a rave has avoided a jail term for money laundering. Rebecca Williamson, 25, pleaded guilty to the offence between September 6th and 8th, 2023. She admitted she was intoxicated and did not think about the consequences of giving her details. Judge Martina Baxter noted that Williamson's actions facilitated criminal activity, but she played a lower-level role. A headline sentence of two and a half years was considered, but it was suspended for 12 months. The judge acknowledged her cooperation, remorse, and early guilty plea. Gardai found €13,900 deposited into her account via card top-ups, which was immediately transferred to others. Williamson said she received threatening calls and feared for her safety. Her counsel argued that the incident was an isolated event and that she had been employed since 16 and was reliable. The court ordered a €1,000 donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Lidl has been ordered to pay €28,000 to a warehouse employee who was denied light duties after suffering a hernia. Lukasz Swiercz, a stock picker, was told there was no work for him after he returned to work with a medical note restricting him to light duties. Lidl did not adjust his role and sent him home, claiming there was no available position. He was referred to occupational health after a letter from his solicitor. Lidl later stated that light duties were too restrictive and offered a phased return. Swiercz returned to work in September 2025, lifting lighter items before resuming his usual duties. The adjudication officer ruled that Lidl failed to provide reasonable accommodation and that its actions amounted to disability discrimination. Compensation was awarded for six months' financial loss and to act as a deterrent. Lidl's refusal to engage with Swiercz and its disciplinary approach were also factors in the award.
A pensioner who cultivated cannabis plants with an estimated street value of €50,000 has avoided a jail sentence. James Berkeley was caught growing cannabis in his Dublin home on two occasions in 2015 and 2017. The court heard that Berkeley had a sophisticated growing operation, including heating and water piping. He admitted cultivating the plants for his own use and said he used cannabis to help with his pain and depression. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia and psychosis in the UK and has been self-medicating with cannabis. His defence highlighted his health issues and his good employment history. Judge Orla Crowe noted that Berkeley had set up a "sophisticated enough operation" but said there was no evidence he had profited from his actions. She suspended a three-year custodial sentence on the condition that he keep the peace and be of good behaviour. James Berkeley pleaded guilty.
A driver who was stopped by gardai for using his phone was found to be carrying €108,000 in Alprozalam tablets. Robert Freer (39) was found with 54,000 tablets in the boot of his car and a small quantity of cocaine in his home. He had 15 previous convictions for public order and road traffic offences. His defence said he became involved in drug dealing to help a family member with a drug debt and that he was experiencing significant mental distress at the time. Judge Orla Crowe said Freer's reasons for getting involved in the offence were "utterly misplaced and reprehensible" and imposed a three-year prison term, which was backdated to when Freer first went into custody last month.
A 42-year-old man pleaded guilty to making serious threats against his girlfriend's ex-partner, including decapitation and dismemberment, during a series of calls in November 2022. The defendant, who had no previous convictions, identified himself on the calls and made the threats in Polish. He claimed he knew the complainant's address and could arrive within 20 minutes to carry out the threats. The injured party recorded the calls, which were later transcribed by gardai. The defendant admitted to the threats during an interview in September 2023 and expressed regret. The court heard that the threats were made while the defendant was drinking and were allegedly in response to the injured party allegedly harassing his girlfriend. The injured party stated he still feels intimidated and affected by the incident. The defendant's counsel requested non-custodial options, citing his guilty plea and apology. The court directed the preparation of a probation report and adjourned the case to July.
A tenant, Philip Lalor, was jailed for 12 months after assaulting his landlord and brandishing a knife in a dispute over leaving a shared accommodation in 2020. Lalor, a repeat offender with 20 previous convictions, was convicted of two counts of assault causing harm, one of producing a Stanley knife, and two counts of threatening and abusive behaviour. The landlord and his wife went to the house to ask Lalor to leave, leading to a confrontation where Lalor choked the landlord and later brandished a knife. Lalor fled through a window but was apprehended by gardai. He resisted arrest and was taken to a cell for his own safety. The landlord described the incident's lasting impact, including stress-related issues and a demotion at work. Lalor's counsel argued for mitigation, citing his regret and willingness to engage with Probation Services. The judge imposed a two-year global sentence, suspending the final 12 months on strict conditions.
Lorna Langan, a suspended member of the Mandate union's national executive, is seeking an injunction to allow her to stand for re-election. She claims her suspension was due to her highlighting wrongdoing within the union, over which a formal complaint has been made to gardaí. Langan alleges that the NEC was misled into approving an excessive redundancy payment for a staff member. She needs a decision on her application before the union's delegate conference. Her legal team argued that fair procedures were not followed, as she was not informed of the suspension reasons or given an appeal process. The union's legal representative countered that the urgency for the hearing was created by Langan herself. The case is set to be heard in the High Court, with the conference scheduled for Monday in Portlaoise.
Frances O'Brien, a repeat offender, had her jail term for assaulting a garda replaced with a fully suspended sentence on appeal. O'Brien, who had not come to garda attention in two years, was originally sentenced to three months for assaulting a garda and another three months for trespassing. Her appeal highlighted her current stability, including being drug-free, pregnant, and in a different stage of life. Her defence presented letters from Tusla and her mother-in-law, emphasizing her commitment to her children and a stable future. Judge Christopher Callan noted the change in her behavior and suspended the six-month sentence for two years, with conditions that she remain drug-free and avoid garda attention. The judge emphasized that the decision did not condone her actions but acknowledged her efforts toward rehabilitation. Frances O'Brien was convicted.
Sean Friel, a 37-year-old e-scooter rider, had his jail term for obstruction suspended on appeal, though his conviction was upheld. Friel was observed riding against traffic in Dublin City Centre while smoking a suspected joint. Gardai attempted to stop him, detecting a strong smell of cannabis and believing he had a joint in his mouth. Friel fled, but no CCTV footage was found to corroborate the gardai's account. Friel's defence argued that the gardai failed to preserve evidence and did not inform him of the penalties for non-compliance. The court accepted the gardai's evidence, finding Friel had fled upon seeing them. Friel claimed he did not have a joint and that a foot pursuit did not occur. Judge Christopher Callan suspended the four-month sentence for 18 months, noting Friel's efforts to turn his life around and his improved health.
Josh Killeen, 19, of Tallaght, Dublin, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to two counts of endangerment and possession of a stolen motorbike. The charges relate to incidents on November 3, 2024, January 31, 2025, and March 9, 2025. Prosecution evidence alleged that Killeen, a disqualified driver, led gardaí on high-speed chases, including one where his vehicle flipped on the M50, and another where he drove a stolen van at 120 km/h in a 50 km/h zone. He was also alleged to have been caught with a stolen motorbike. Judge Orla Crowe described the conduct as serious dangerous driving that endangered the public and gardaí. Acknowledging Killeen's remorse, family support, and developmental challenges, the judge imposed consecutive sentences totalling three years. She suspended the final 12 months of the term on strict conditions, resulting in an effective custody period of two years. Additionally, Judge Crowe disqualified Killeen from driving for four years. The matter was finalised with this sentencing.
A man who acted as a 'money herder' in a cash laundering scheme has been jailed for 18 months. Duke Amaechi (28) pleaded guilty to nine counts of possessing the proceeds of crime by withdrawing €18,000 from various accounts between June 2020 and May 2021. He was sentenced to three years, with the final 18 months suspended on strict conditions. Detective Garda Michael Harney described Amaechi as slightly above money mules in the chain and noted that he was not part of an organised crime group. The investigation into money laundering and smishing fraud revealed that Amaechi withdrew money from multiple accounts and moved it between banks. His home was searched in 2022, and items such as phones and a BMW were seized, but no money was found. Amaechi has previous convictions, including one for robbery. His defence highlighted his early guilty plea, lack of wealth, and good family background. The judge noted his role as a courier and the seriousness of his actions, but acknowledged mitigating factors, leading to the suspended sentence.
A 15-year-old boy caught with over €80,000 worth of illegal tablets has been placed on a probation bond for six months. The now 17-year-old pleaded guilty to possession of the drugs for sale and a mobile phone in connection with the offence. Gardaí found the tablets in a sports bag near Violet Hill Park after observing suspicious activity. The teenager's phone contained messages related to drug dealing, and he accepted responsibility despite not admitting to gardaí initially. His defence argued he was being used by others and that he had a supportive mother and was engaged with a youth service. The court ordered him to engage with the Probation Service and noted that the incident was isolated. Judge Orla Crowe adjourned the case for six months and said the matter lies in his hands.
A 21-year-old digital marketing worker charged with assault causing harm to his former girlfriend has been granted bail. Daragh Fennell is accused of kicking her repeatedly in the leg during an incident in 2024. The court heard that no injuries were reported, and the parties are no longer in a relationship. Judge Anne Watkin ordered no contact with the injured party. Fennell, who has lived abroad in Thailand and Iraq, has family in Iraq and connections in Spain. Conditions for bail include daily sign-on at Stepaside Garda Station and surrendering his passport. Legal aid was granted, and Fennell is to appear again in July for a plea. The court noted the complaint was made 18 months after the incident, and gardaí had no objection to bail.
A father of four who became aggressive on St Patrick's Day after watching Liverpool lose the Carabao Cup final has received the benefit of the Probation Act. Jonathan Lambe (38) pleaded guilty to public order offences at Tallaght District Court. Gardai arrived at the venue after reports that Lambe had been aggressive towards staff and verbally abusive to a member of the public. His defence said he had "far too much to drink" and was disappointed about Liverpool's loss. Judge John Brennan noted the guilty plea and gave Lambe the benefit of the Probation Act, meaning no conviction was recorded. After the judge made a comment about supporting Liverpool, Lambe laughed and raised his fist in the air, saying: "Yeah, the real Reds.
Dubliner Conor Wallace (34) has been sentenced to three years in prison, with the final year suspended for two years, following his guilty plea to coercive control between May 2021 and December 2022. The court heard that Wallace subjected his then-partner to a prolonged period of controlling, abusive and violent behaviour, including during the Covid-19 lockdown. After the relationship ended in December 2022, Wallace continued to harass the victim through numerous emails, texts and calls, and even threw a bottle through her window in December 2023. Separate charges of criminal damage and harassment were taken into consideration in sentencing. The court heard that Wallace lied about his personal circumstances, including claiming to have no family and fabricating stories about his health, in order to manipulate the victim into giving him money. The victim, who was present in court with supporters, described Wallace as a 'complete fraud' and stated that his actions left her psychologically damaged and in a 'state of fear'. Judge Orla Crowe noted that Wallace showed an utter lack of empathy and that the victim demonstrated an extraordinary level of kindness. The sentence was reduced from four years to three years to account for mitigating factors, including Wallace's guilty plea and his attempts to address his alcoholism. The suspended portion of the sentence is conditional on Wallace keeping the peace, engaging with the Probation Service, and disclosing any future intimate partner relationships to the Probation Service. He is also prohibited from having any contact with the injured party.
A payroll worker who stole €7,832 from a charity within two months of starting her job has received a 12-month suspended sentence. Denise McGreevy (32) pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to theft by overpaying herself. Garda Jason O'Carroll explained that McGreevy was responsible for payroll and accounts for the charity's 12 staff. She claimed she had made a mistake in overpaying herself, but it was later discovered that there were four overpayments, including one that was reversed. McGreevy repaid the money and was fired in March 2023. It was also found that there was an irregularity in petty cash, which she also repaid. The court heard that McGreevy still maintains the overpayments were mistakes. Judge Orla Crowe noted that McGreevy had made a "huge breach of trust" and imposed a 12-month suspended sentence on strict conditions.
A senior civil servant with a visual impairment has won €30,000 for disability discrimination after his department's IT team took over a decade to provide him with a suitable work laptop. Paul Hill had developed a visual impairment in his teens and needed assistive technology to perform his work. The tribunal found that the Department of Social Protection had failed to provide him with reasonable accommodation from 2012 to 2024. Mr Hill was left using the same laptop from 2014 to 2021, and the IT team claimed the machine was too old to support the accessibility software. The adjudication officer found that the Department had discriminated against Mr Hill and ordered them to pay €30,000. Adjustments were made, including a new laptop and office modifications, but the exact configuration Mr Hill wanted was not possible for the Department to procure.
A serial offender who breached a protection order, stole alcohol, and acted in a threatening and abusive manner in public had his 13-month jail sentence replaced with a fully suspended sentence on appeal. The man, who had 31 previous convictions, was found guilty of multiple offenses, including theft, failure to appear in court, and using threatening behavior. His defense highlighted a probation report showing that he had made significant progress in addressing his alcohol addiction and was committed to residential treatment. The court acknowledged his change in behavior but noted that he remained at a high risk of reoffending. Judge Christopher Callan decided to suspend the 13-month sentence for two years, with conditions that the defendant must enter the supervision of the probation service, address his substance misuse issues, and avoid contact with the injured party. The court emphasized the need to balance the severity of the offenses with the potential for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
A Romanian serial sex offender, Liviu Tenea, who committed two counts of aggravated sexual assault on a vulnerable woman in Leinster, failed to convince the Court of Appeal that his 19-year sentence was excessive. Tenea, who had a prior conviction in Spain, targeted a drunk woman, tricked her into his car, and drove her to an isolated location where he brutally raped her twice. The court found that Tenea showed no remorse or insight into the harm caused, and his actions were planned and executed with malice. The judge emphasized that the victim was an 'easy target' due to her intoxication and isolation. The court upheld the 19-year sentence imposed by the Central Criminal Court, noting that Tenea's guilty plea did not mitigate the severity of the crime due to the strength of the evidence against him. The victim suffered extreme harm, and the court ruled that the sentence was appropriate given the nature of the offence and Tenea's history of violence.
A youth who was 16 when he murdered his friend, Glen 'Ossie' Osborne, is appealing his life sentence. The Court of Appeal heard that since his incarceration, the youth has assaulted a prison officer and sold heroin to fellow inmates. The defendant, who admitted to the murder, was sentenced to life with a review after ten years by Mr Justice Paul McDermott. However, the Supreme Court ruled that life sentences for child offenders should only be imposed in exceptional cases. The youth's defense argued that the murder was impulsive and not premeditated, and that the defendant showed genuine remorse. The court noted that the youth had a history of drug abuse and a turbulent upbringing, and that his transfer to an adult prison had a significant impact on his behavior. The defense requested that a significant portion of the sentence be suspended, emphasizing the need for rehabilitation and support upon release. The court reserved judgment and directed that a governor's and education report be prepared, acknowledging the desire of both families for closure in the legal process. The unnamed 22-year-old pleaded guilty.
The Court of Appeal has upheld the life sentence imposed on Christopher O'Sullivan for his role in the killing of Timothy Hourihane. O'Sullivan, 43, pleaded guilty to manslaughter at the Central Criminal Court in Cork in 2023. Mr Justice Paul McDermott originally sentenced him to life imprisonment, citing his history of violent offending as an aggravating factor. O'Sullivan's legal team, led by Michael Bowman SC, argued on appeal that the sentence constituted impermissible preventative detention and that the correct headline sentence should have been between 15 and 18 years. They also contended that the disparity between O'Sullivan's sentence and that of co-accused James Brady, who was jailed for 11 years, was unjustified. Delivering judgment, Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy rejected these arguments, finding that O'Sullivan exhibited an "extremely high level of culpability" in a "severe and vicious attack." She noted that his post-offence conduct, including setting the victim's tent on fire and lying to gardai, further aggravated the offence. The judge affirmed that the sentencing judge was entitled to consider O'Sullivan's 48 previous convictions and his high risk of reoffending, concluding that a determinate sentence would not adequately address public safety concerns. The appeal was dismissed, and the life sentence stands.
Slawomir Gierlowski, a predatory serial sex offender, failed to overturn his conviction for attempted rape and sexual assault in a Dublin park. Gierlowski, who has a long history of violent and sexual offenses against women, was found guilty of attacking a fourth victim in 2010. His defense argued that the circumstantial evidence against him was weak and that the trial judge improperly influenced the jury. However, the Court of Appeal dismissed these arguments, stating that the weight of the circumstantial evidence was a matter for the jury to decide. The court also rejected claims that the trial judge had improperly charged the jury or that the evidence was too tenuous to be considered. Gierlowski's fingerprints and DNA were found to match evidence from the crime scene, and the court upheld the conviction. The victim was attacked in a secluded part of the park, where the assailant attempted to strangle her and sexually assault her before fleeing the scene.
Two men have been jailed for a combined nine years following the discovery of cannabis grow houses in Co Galway. Aloyzas Bukantus, 45, of Church Street, Edgeworthstown, Co Longford, pleaded guilty at Galway Circuit Criminal Court to possession of drugs for sale or supply and money laundering. Tomas Dumbliavskas, 31, from Lithuania, pleaded guilty to cultivation of cannabis. The offences occurred on 13 March 2024 at properties in Skehana South near Ballinasloe and Tallavnamraher, Creggs. Gardaí executed simultaneous search warrants, recovering cannabis plants and herb with a combined estimated value of €415,000. Dumbliavskas was discovered hiding in a partition wall; Bukantus was present at the other premises. Judge Eoin Garavan sentenced Dumbliavskas to four years, suspending the final twelve months on condition he leave the jurisdiction within two weeks of release. Bukantus received seven years, with the final year suspended for two years, and was placed under probation supervision for one year post-release.
A paedophile who was repeatedly caught with high volumes of child abuse material, including violent images of infants being tied up and abused, has failed to have his five-and-a-half-year jail term reduced on appeal. David McGrath, 32, was jailed for five and a half years by Judge Elma Duffy at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in February last year. She imposed consecutive sentences totalling eight-and-a-half-years but suspended the final three years for a period of six years on strict conditions. McGrath had appealed his jail term, arguing the sentence was "disproportionate" and represented an error in principle. Dismissing McGrath's appeal, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy said the sentencing judge had made no error and acted within her margin of discretion. He said the cumulative sentence was neither excessive nor disproportionate and no error in principle had been identified. McGrath has two previous convictions for possession of child pornography from 2017 and is deemed as being at high risk of reoffending. The unnamed 32-year-old pleaded guilty.
The High Court has refused to order the State to intervene in the case of a father who has alleged that the Polish state "abducted" his daughter after the child's mother took her there without his consent. The man, who cannot be named, has been separated from his daughter for 750 days and described the period as "horrific and frightening". He had sought orders from the High Court directing the Irish State to assist in the location of his child in Poland and for her safe return. A court in Poland has previously ordered the child's return to Ireland and the Polish Supreme Court later dismissed an action by the Polish child ombudsman opposing that order. However, the ombudsman then filed an "extraordinary complaint" against the order, which could cause further delay to the missing child's return. The father, who represented himself, took the action against the Taoiseach, the Minister for Justice and the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The child's mother took the girl to Poland in March 2024 without his consent.
The Court of Appeal refused to reveal the identity of a former TD who provided a character reference for Daniel Ramamoorthy, a convicted sex offender. Ramamoorthy was sentenced to two years and four months for sexually exploiting a 13-year-old boy and possessing child pornography. His lawyers argued the sentence was excessive, but the court dismissed his appeal, noting he showed no remorse or acceptance of fault. The judge highlighted the aggravating factors, including the age of the victim and breaches of trust. Although numerous testimonials spoke to Ramamoorthy's pro-social life, they did not address the nature of his crime. The court rejected the suggestion that the sentencing judge failed to consider rehabilitation. The judge also noted that the TD's reference, like others, did not mention the victim or the crime. Ramamoorthy continues to maintain his innocence in the sexual exploitation case.
A 24-year-old Wicklow man was sentenced today at the Central Criminal Court after being convicted of eight counts of sexual assault following a trial last December. He had previously pleaded guilty to two further counts of sexual assault before the trial commenced. The offences, which occurred between December 2015 and July 2017, involved the defendant, then aged 13 to 15, abusing a girl aged 10 to 11 who was fostered by his mother. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon set a headline sentence of four years, reducing it to three years in light of mitigating factors including his early guilty pleas and lack of previous convictions. She suspended the final year of the sentence on conditions, including two years of Probation Service supervision post-release. The judge also ordered that the media must not identify the offender, despite the victim's wish to waive her anonymity, citing the defendant's age at the time of the offending. Defence counsel had argued for a suspended sentence, highlighting the defendant's youth, remorse, and community support. The court noted the victim's impact statement, which described lasting psychological harm. The matter was finalised with the imposition of the custodial sentence and the anonymity order.
A 19-year-old woman who was sexually abused, orally raped, and threatened at knifepoint by her father as a child has told a court that she plans to build an 'amazing life' for herself. The woman delivered her victim impact statement during the sentencing of her 39-year-old father, who was jailed for 16 years and six months. The abuse occurred between 2017 and 2021 in the family home in Limerick when the girl was aged between 11 and 15 years old. The man was convicted on 25 charges, including attempted rape, oral rape, sexual assault, and threatening to kill her. The woman stated in her victim impact statement that she tried to take her own life in May 2024 and that if it were not for her brother, she would not be here today. She said she is no longer in fear of her father and that she is leaving all the evil darkness with him. The judge described the case as serious and imposed an 18-year sentence, suspending the final 18 months on strict conditions. The unnamed 19-year-old pleaded not guilty.
An Air Corps corporal with almost 40 years of exceptional and meritorious service has been granted permission by the High Court to challenge a decision refusing his promotion to sergeant. Peter Dunne, 58, who is based at Casement-Baldonnel Aerodrome, Dublin, was refused the promotion on the basis there were no relevant vacancies for him to fill, despite the officer in charge of the Air Corps endorsing his promotion and recognising his 'selflessness' and commitment to the core values of the organisation. Mr Dunne joined the Defence Forces in 1988 and the Air Corps in 1989, and has distinguished service, including being a chef in the Corps and being promoted to corporal in 2005. He applied for promotion to sergeant on account of meritorious service and distinguished conduct, which was supported by testimonials from senior staff.