A Limerick car dealer on trial for alleged corruption has claimed that senior gardai were involved in extorting money from him, a trial has heard. Stephen O'Sullivan (43) is accused of giving or agreeing to give Detective Garda David Bourke a monetary gain as an inducement to reveal confidential information concerning an investigation by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) into his business. He has pleaded not guilty to the single count of corruption at Bruree, Co Limerick, on December 22, 2018. During the trial, David Gilmore, a former detective sergeant, testified that he arrested O'Sullivan in January 2019. O'Sullivan claimed he was being set up and that gardai were trying to extort €120,000 from him. He alleged that Detective Garda Bourke and a superintendent were involved in the CAB investigation and could influence its outcome. O'Sullivan said he felt under extreme pressure and feared reprisals if he made a formal complaint. He also claimed that gardai followed and harassed him, and that the superintendent appeared at his regular eateries.
Eoghan Peavoy, a 54-year-old Dublin man with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, pleaded guilty to harassing a female barrister and another woman. He was in custody for breaching the conditions of a suspended sentence, which included no contact with the victim. Peavoy was released from in-patient psychiatric care in October 2025 but quickly resumed contacting the barrister. His defense argued that Peavoy requires treatment at the Central Mental Hospital, but no beds are available. The court was asked to adjourn the case for further reports on Peavoy's mental health and potential support in custody. Judge Martin Nolan noted the risk of re-offending but agreed to the adjournment. Peavoy's behavior included sending hundreds of emails and letters, some with sexual content, and posting letters to the victim's workplace. The victim did not wish to make a victim impact statement and wanted to move on from the incident. The court considered Peavoy's mental health and the need for ongoing support to prevent re-offending.
A judge has sentenced Dean Hayes, a prolific offender with 129 previous convictions, to ten years in prison for a violent home invasion where he stabbed a doctor multiple times. Mr Justice David Keane noted the extreme violence used and the victim's survival as a matter of luck. Hayes, who spent 90% of his life in custody, burgled a neighboring bungalow in 2009, which the judge called an aggravating factor. The victim, Waleed Mustafa, described the attack as a miracle he survived and suffered severe psychological harm. Hayes was armed with a knife and attacked the doctor in his bedroom while he was watching YouTube. The judge imposed concurrent sentences of 12 years, with the final two years suspended, on the conditions that Hayes engage in a residential drug treatment and a victim empathy programme. Hayes had a chronic drug addiction and a history of recidivism, which the judge highlighted as significant factors in the sentencing. Dean Hayes pleaded guilty.
Niall Syms, a 70-year-old pensioner with a background in IT, was jailed for three years for possessing and distributing over 55,000 images and videos of child sexual abuse material. Syms pleaded guilty to possession and distribution charges, with the distribution arising from the use of BitTorrent technology. The court heard that the material included serious sexual abuse of children as young as four. Syms had no previous convictions but had attended over 400 hours of therapy. His defense highlighted his remorse and rehabilitation efforts, noting that he had lost his marriage and family due to his actions. Judge Orla Crowe noted the sheer number of images as an aggravating factor and the technical proficiency Syms had in distributing the material. The sentence was backdated to January 23, 2026, and the court acknowledged the delay in the case due to a backlog in analysis. Syms' defense argued that the distribution was unintentional due to residual software activity, but the judge emphasized the need for a custodial sentence despite Syms' efforts at rehabilitation.
Lorcan Murphy, a former garda, was sentenced today at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for two counts of assault causing harm under section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997. Murphy had pleaded not guilty to the charges, but a jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict last July. The incidents occurred on June 1, 2021, involving a 17-year-old victim on Essex Street and subsequently at Pearse Street Garda Station. Judge Pauline Codd described the force used as "unjustifiable" and "excessive," noting the victim sustained a fractured skull and brain contusion. In mitigation, the judge acknowledged Murphy's willingness to engage in restorative justice, though the victim declined to participate. She also accepted his remorse, references to his character, and the fact that he has since completed a law degree. Judge Codd imposed a three-year custodial sentence, with the final two years suspended for two years on strict conditions. The court made no order regarding €10,000 offered by Murphy to the victim, citing concerns about the victim's addiction. The judge emphasized that while Murphy acted recklessly rather than intentionally, his conduct was highly reckless and left his career in tatters.
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned sentencing for five men until March 25. Jason Hennessy (29), Brandon Hennessy (22), Kenneth Fitzsimons (45), Dean Fitzsimons (25), and Devon Hennessy were originally charged with causing serious harm and false imprisonment, offences carrying potential life sentences. After victim Barry Moore (34) declined to testify due to fear, the State accepted guilty pleas to assault causing harm, a maximum ten-year offence. Devon Hennessy pleaded guilty to falsely imprisoning Moore and assisting a criminal organisation to inflict serious harm. Counsel for Devon argued he was the least culpable, having intervened to prevent further violence. The other four defendants expressed remorse and apologised to the victim. The court heard that Moore was waterboarded, beaten with a metal bar, and branded with the word 'RAT' seven times on his face and torso. He suffered a fractured elbow and multiple stab wounds. The judges, Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, Judge Sarah Berkeley, and Judge Fiona Lydon, adjourned the matter to March 25 for sentencing.
Ruadhan Tracey, a 44-year-old man who caused the death of a 14-year-old boy in a hit-and-run accident, will have his driving license restored early despite opposition from the victim's family and gardai. Tracey received a 20-month jail sentence in 2014 for careless driving causing death and failing to remain at the scene. The court heard that the disqualification from driving was the only penalty he faced, as his prison term ran concurrently with another sentence. Judge Orla Crowe noted the tragic circumstances of the case and the loss of the 14-year-old boy, but ruled that it was appropriate to restore Tracey's license in May 2027. Tracey, who has since rehabilitated and has not been in trouble since 2018, argued that the license would help him in his new job. The victim's family expressed their opposition, with the father describing the loss as a tsunami that destroyed their lives. The court acknowledged the family's pain but ruled in favor of restoring the license, emphasizing Tracey's efforts at rehabilitation and his current good conduct.
Lawyers for Trinity College have stated they will present statistics to demonstrate that the university is not racist, as they defend an academic's workplace equality claim. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is set to hear a complaint under the Employment Equality Act 1998 from Dr Abhijit Sarkar, a historian who has written on the late colonial period in India. Dr Sarkar claimed that the university's lawyers were attempting to 'gag' him by seeking a direction that he not share legal documents related to his case. Counsel for the university, Clíona Kimber SC, argued that the allegations against Trinity were 'very sweeping' and should not be published widely. She stated that the university would show 'chapter and verse' that it is not a racist institution. Dr Sarkar countered that the email was related to an academic post in modern South American history and that those involved in the hiring process needed to be aware of the legal proceedings. The case was adjourned with the university given until later this month to file submissions.
Jamie Berry and Stephen Mulvey, a recidivist criminal and his nephew, have been sentenced to a combined total of ten years and nine months for conspiring to murder a teenager in Dublin four years ago. Mr Justice Paul McDermott noted that both men were deeply involved in the planning of the ambush, which failed only due to medical intervention. The victim suffered life-threatening injuries from gunshot wounds to his lower cheek, neck, and thigh. Both men pleaded guilty and received reduced sentences of six and a half years, with portions suspended. The judge highlighted the serious nature of the conspiracy, the procurement of a firearm, and the reckless indifference to public safety. Mulvey, with 91 previous convictions, and Berry, with six, were found to have a high level of culpability. The court also noted that the victim, who was 17 at the time, declined to make a victim impact statement. The case was retried after an initial acquittal was overturned on appeal.
A woman who was allegedly sexually abused by seven of her family members has been told by defence counsel that her allegations against one brother are 'hard to believe' because they are not true. Karl Finnegan SC, defending Accused C, cross-examined the complainant, who is deaf, and suggested that she had told different stories to gardai and the jury. The woman, who is giving evidence via video-link and through interpreters, has told gardai that she was raped by Accused C when she was seven years old. Defence counsel argued that this was not possible as Accused C would have been four at the time. The trial continues with seven men on trial for a combined total of 103 charges, including sexual abuse against the complainant and two of her younger sisters. The court has heard that the complainant has challenges communicating timelines and that the trial is being conducted with the assistance of interpreters and symbols. The unnamed 55-year-old pleaded not guilty.
A dangerous driver who crossed four lanes of traffic before jumping from his moving car and fleeing from gardai on foot has had his four-month jail sentence reduced by a month on appeal. Patrick O'Keefe was convicted of dangerous driving, failing to produce insurance, and driving without a licence. He was given a custodial sentence of four months and a driving ban of 15 years. His appeal was based on his addiction issues, residential treatment, and a good relationship with his children. Judge Ronan Munro reduced the sentence to three months, noting that O'Keefe had made some strides but was still 'floating along'. The appeal court heard that O'Keefe had 80 previous convictions and that the garda who witnessed the incident described the dangerous driving as severe.
A former employee of DID Electrical, Magdi Ba, has been sentenced to two years in prison for stealing over €129,000 worth of electronic items from the company over a three-year period. Ba, who had access to the warehouse, sold the stolen goods to a second-hand shop, CEX. The court heard that suspicions were raised when a warehouse manager noticed missing items, and CCTV footage showed Ba in the vault at the time. A detailed investigation by gardai revealed that Ba had sold 371 items, with the total loss to DID Electrical amounting to €129,651. Ba had initially denied the theft but later admitted to taking the items. Judge Orla Crowe described the offense as a 'consistent breach of trust' and emphasized the need for a custodial sentence. Ba had forfeited €67,000 from two bank accounts and his car before being sentenced.
A 35-year-old man who violently attacked his mother in a 'meltdown' over a cigarette has been handed a fully suspended sentence. Keith Walsh pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to his mother, Maura Walsh, and was sentenced to three-and-a-half years, suspended for five years. Judge Martina Baxter noted the unprovoked and protracted assault, during which Walsh used his mother like a 'punch bag'. She directed Walsh to engage in anger management and addiction courses and to be under the supervision of the Probation Services for 18 months. The court heard that Walsh had a history of addiction and mental health issues and had attended a rehabilitation centre. The case was adjourned with the judge emphasizing the need for Walsh to address his issues and provide proof of his rehabilitation.
A former Portlaoise prison guard, Sean O'Brien, has failed in his legal challenge to have his case heard by the Defence Forces tribunal. O'Brien claimed he was fired with 'lethal intent' after helping to stop a 1988 escape attempt by a paramilitary prisoner. However, the High Court ruled that O'Brien was not an official employee of the Defence Forces, which was a requirement for the tribunal. The court also found that O'Brien was out of time to bring his challenge. O'Brien argued that the Defence Forces had controlled the prison since 1973 and that he should be included in the tribunal's terms of reference. However, the court rejected this, stating that the tribunal was established to examine issues within the Defence Forces, not those employed by the Prison Service. O'Brien's case was dismissed, and he was not granted permission to make representations to the tribunal.
Donna Kane, a serial offender with 43 previous convictions, has been given a two-year probation bond after pleading guilty to stealing over €950 worth of goods from Superdrug. Kane had previously breached a probation order and committed further offenses shortly after. However, the court heard that she had not committed any offenses since March 2024 and had engaged with treatment and recovery services. Judge Anne Watkin noted Kane's progress and decided to give her 'one more opportunity' to stay on the right path. Kane's employer provided a character reference, highlighting her reliability and willingness. The judge warned that if Kane committed any further offenses during the probation period, the consequences would be serious. Kane accepted responsibility for her actions and had taken steps to address her issues, including participating in a drug recovery program.
A Workplace Relations Commission adjudicator has found that a 61-year-old Tesco worker was unfairly dismissed following the loss of a €20 note at a Castlebar store in 2023. Declan Kavanagh was suspended in October 2023 pending investigation and subsequently dismissed in January 2024 after a disciplinary process concluded he had misplaced the money. The adjudicator determined that while Mr Kavanagh did not place the money where required, the company's investigation contained critical flaws, notably the failure to search bins where the note may have been located and the non-interviewing of other employees present at the time. The tribunal found no evidence of dishonesty, noting Mr Kavanagh had acknowledged the misplacement from the outset and offered reimbursement. Given his thirteen years of unblemished service and lack of malicious intent, dismissal for gross misconduct was deemed disproportionate. The adjudicator awarded €12,000 compensation for unfair dismissal, concluding a lesser sanction was warranted.
Camila Nascimento Machado, a finance director, has been awarded €30,000 in compensation for unfair dismissal after her employer, Academic Bridge Ltd, presented her with a new contract cutting her pay by 60% four days after she informed her new boss of her pregnancy. The Workplace Relations Commission found that the pay cut was not a genuine redundancy and that the dismissal was unfair. The tribunal ruled that the employer had not followed proper procedures in the selection process and that the pay cut was not a serious alternative. The new owner of the school, Shafikul Islam, had taken over the company and faced significant financial liabilities. Machado was informed of the pay cut and refused to accept it, leading to her termination. The tribunal found that her pregnancy had no bearing on the decision but noted that the employer should have been more cautious in managing her exit. The ruling emphasized that the dismissal was not a genuine redundancy but a retaliatory measure in response to her concerns and pregnancy.
An amateur kickboxer who admits to killing but denies murdering his mother has testified at his trial, claiming he was 'groomed' into a life of drugs and violence by his abusive mother. Luke Donnelly told the Central Criminal Court that he was in fear for his life and 'lost all control' when he stomped on his mother's head after she hit and threatened to kill him. He admitted to using 'deplorable violence' to end his mother's life and had taken a cocktail of drugs before the incident. Donnelly, who has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, described a history of abuse and violence in his home. He said his mother had a relationship with a drug dealer and that he was put 'out on the street' at 14. The trial continues with the jury considering evidence, including CCTV footage and the accused's claim that he was 'Jesus Christ' and that his mother had threatened to kill him.
The corruption trial of Stephen O'Sullivan, a Limerick car dealer, has heard covert recordings of conversations between O'Sullivan and Detective Garda David Bourke. O'Sullivan is accused of giving Bourke €20,000 in exchange for information about an ongoing investigation by the Criminal Assets Bureau into Bawn Motors. The trial revealed that the investigation, codenamed 'Operation Glacier,' was highly sensitive and confidential. Audio surveillance recorded in December 2018 showed O'Sullivan and Bourke discussing the investigation, with Bourke warning O'Sullivan that authorities were planning searches. Bourke also mentioned that the investigation was still ongoing and that there were concerns about a garda leaking information. The court heard that Bourke was not part of the investigation and that the two business partners had supplied cars to the company. The trial continues with further evidence being presented to the jury. Stephen O'Sullivan pleaded not guilty.
The High Court has granted permission for a legal challenge regarding the treatment of a Somali refugee who arrived in Ireland alone at age 16. The applicant, now 18, alleges that Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, incorrectly assessed her as an adult in 2024, resulting in her placement in adult accommodation rather than receiving requisite State supports for a minor. Barrister Michael Conlon SC, representing the applicant through the Irish Refugee Council, submitted to Mr Justice Micheál P O'Higgins that this error left the plaintiff unable to navigate basic supports. The case is brought against the Child and Family Agency, the Chief International Protection Officer, the Minister for Justice, the International Protection Service Accommodation Services, Ireland, and the Attorney General. The Irish Refugee Council seeks a court order compelling the Child and Family Agency to re-assess the teenager's need for assistance and, if necessary, provide an adult aftercare plan under the Child Care Act 1991. It is claimed that the applicant was entitled to a presumption of childhood upon her arrival in March 2024 and that the failure to follow lawful age-assessment procedures breached the International Protection Act 2015. The applicant successfully claimed international protection in 2024 and holds a Temporary Residence Certificate until 2028. The court's decision permits the applicant to establish whether she is entitled to an aftercare support programme, addressing the alleged lack of access to child education and supports during her time in inappropriate adult accommodation.
A man who raped one woman, leaving her a 'fearful shell' of herself, and sexually assaulted another on the same night ten years ago has received a seven-year prison sentence. Luca Fox, 30, pleaded guilty to the sexual assault of one woman and was convicted of two counts of rape of another woman in Co Cork on October 21, 2015. The victim described the devastating impact the rapes had on her life, health, and relationships over the past decade. Fox, who was 20 at the time, was extremely drunk and assaulted both women in their beds. He has no previous convictions and issued an apology to both women through his counsel. Ms Justice Melanie Greally noted the aggravating factor of multiple offending and the location of the incidents, which should have been a place of safety. She imposed a seven-year sentence for the rape offences and a concurrent two-and-a-half-year sentence for the sexual assault.
A murder trial in Dublin has heard that a father, Michael 'Chino' Ryan, was fatally stabbed in the neck by his friend Joseph Lawlor during a physical altercation following a day of drinking. The jury viewed CCTV footage of the incident, which occurred in a carpark near Lawlor's home on June 20, 2024. Ryan, who had previously been arrested for drink driving, returned to Lawlor's home after being released from custody. In the audio recording, Ryan can be heard screaming at Lawlor, calling him a 'dirtbird' and accusing him of stabbing him in the artery. Lawlor has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Detective Garda Ronan Kelly testified that he reviewed the CCTV footage and audio recordings multiple times. The trial continues before Mr Justice Patrick McGrath and a jury.
The Workplace Relations Commission has ordered Ryan's Investments Unlimited Company, trading as Hertz Rent-A-Car, to pay €10,000 in compensation and issue an apology to applicant Kim Murphy. The adjudicator upheld Murphy's complaint of disability discrimination under the Equal Status Act 2000, finding that the franchisee's policy of imposing a €150 valet charge for hair shed by her guide dog, Django, placed her at a particular disadvantage. The tribunal determined that the company's refusal to waive the fee, despite being notified of the guide dog's presence, was unreasonable and failed to accommodate the needs of a person with a disability. Murphy alleged that her husband, Anthony Murphy, was charged for "damage" upon returning a rental vehicle from the Dublin Airport branch in April 2024, despite the dog being a trained service animal. The adjudicator directed the respondent to update its rental policies to accommodate similar customers. Sean Beatty BL represented the applicant, while Eve Bolster BL appeared for the franchisee. The decision constitutes a finalised sentence ordering the specified financial compensation and formal apology.
A jury will hear evidence that a secret recording captured a Limerick businessman accused of corruption giving a detective garda €20,000 in exchange for information relating to a Criminal Assets Bureau investigation. Stephen O'Sullivan, 43, has pleaded not guilty to one count of corruption at Bruree, Co Limerick, on December 22, 2018. The prosecution alleges that O'Sullivan met with Detective Garda David Bourke in a Citroen Berlingo van and made the payment. The court heard that Bourke, who was transferred to Limerick in 1998, was involved in the CAB investigation called 'Operation Glacier'. The jury was told that O'Sullivan met with Gardai in 2022 and claimed he was intimidated or extorted into paying the money. The trial, expected to last up to three weeks, will resume with Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin presiding.
A woman who stole over €1,200 worth of clothing from Marks and Spencer has been fined €1,500 by a judge at Dún Laoghaire District Court. Susan McCullough, 41, pleaded guilty to the theft, which occurred on April 23, 2025. The court heard that the stolen items were of significant value and consisted of various pieces of clothing. Defence counsel, Michael O'Brien BL, explained that McCullough had recently started a new job and was dealing with personal difficulties, including caring for her grandfather, mental health struggles, and grief following the death of her grandmother. The court was informed that McCullough had issues with alcohol at the time and accepted that she had no good excuse for the theft. A letter from her GP outlined her struggles with anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation. Judge Anne Watkin acknowledged the seriousness of the offence but noted the steps McCullough had taken since, including engaging with counselling services.
Gardai discovered a 'cornucopia' of illicit drugs, cash and associated paraphernalia when they inquired into a stolen motorbike after the legitimate owner discovered it for sale online. Dylan Sheridan (23) Lissadel Avenue, Drimnagh, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to having cannabis, ketamine and tablets with a street value of €151,046 at his home on March 20, 2024. He also admitted handling the stolen motorbike, having items connected to a drug trafficking offence and having €33,350 in €50 and €100 notes, on the same date. He has two previous convictions for drug possession and drug dealing dealt with in the District Court. The court heard that the bike had been stolen the previous December and the owner had later found it online for sale. He made contact with the supposed seller of the bike and contacted gardaí. On March 19, 2024, arrangements were made to meet Sheridan opposite his home to buy the bike. During a subsequent search of his home, the bike was found in the front garden under a canvas cover.
A 62-year-old woman died from severe blunt force trauma to the head and suffered multiple fractures to her skull, including one which may have been caused by 'a stomping or kicking type of impact', a pathologist has told the Central Criminal Court. Luke Donnelly (29), of no fixed abode, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of his mother Catherine Henry at her apartment on Bridge Street in Dundalk, Co Louth on a date unknown between May 23 and 24, 2023. The trial jury heard on the day the case opened that Mr Donnelly accepts he caused multiple fractures to his mother's skull and that he left a blood-stained footprint on her back. State pathologist Dr Heidi Okkers today told Garret Baker SC, prosecuting, that she conducted a post-mortem on Ms Henry on May 25, 2023 and found that her hair, hands and face were heavily blood-stained. She said death had been pronounced after 8pm on May 24, 2023.
A Tipperary hospital has issued an apology to the parents of Freddie, a baby who died during birth in 2021, admitting to 'shortfalls' in its duty of care. The incident occurred at Tipperary University Hospital, where the mother, Sinead O'Donnell, attended for ante-natal care and was transferred to the Labour Ward after experiencing pains. A Caesarian Section was performed, but the baby was born without a heart rate or respiratory ability, and resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. The hospital admitted to failures in responding to a CTG scan and delays in attending to the mother, which may have contributed to the stillbirth. The clinical negligence case was brought by the parents against the HSE, alleging breaches of duty and negligence in care. The hospital's letter of apology, issued by Maria Barry, expressed sincere regret for the shortfalls in care that led to the stillbirth of Freddie. The judge in the case extended his deepest sympathy to the couple, acknowledging the tragic loss of their son.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has sanctioned 'emergency measures' to pay psychiatrists more for the preparation of reports on defendants in criminal cases, following severe delays in the progression of trials through the judicial system, the Central Criminal Court has heard. A representative from the Criminal Legal Aid Unit of the Department of Justice agreed that his department would pay the same rates to defence psychiatrists as those offered to prosecution experts until June. The court heard that the Dept of Justice has now set up a task force to address the issue. Mr Justice Paul McDermott, the judge overseeing the trial list at the Central Criminal Court, said the importance of the issue could not be underestimated, 'particularly for victims of violent crime'. He had previously said it is 'completely unacceptable' that the State wasn't in a position to facilitate the trial process in securing psychiatric assessments.
A hit-and-run driver, Ruadhan Tracey, who was banned from driving for 20 years after causing the death of a 14-year-old boy in 2011, has applied to a court for the restoration of his license. Tracey, 44, received a 20-month jail sentence in 2014 for careless driving causing the death of Conor Hickey and failing to remain at the scene of an accident. The court heard that Tracey had borrowed his girlfriend's car and was driving with a friend to buy heroin when the incident occurred. The victim, Conor Hickey, was struck by the car and died the following day. Tracey admitted to taking his eyes off the road and driving off because he had no license or insurance. The victim's family and gardaí are opposed to the restoration of his license. Tracey, representing himself, asked the court to grant his application, stating he had not been in trouble since 2018 and had been offered a job. The case was adjourned to February 3, with the court asking for relevant case law to be presented. Ruadhan Tracey pleaded guilty.
A murder trial jury has viewed CCTV and mobile phone footage of a series of physical altercations that preceded the fatal stabbing of a Dublin father-of-three. Joseph Lawlor, 39, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michael Ryan, 51, in a carpark near his home on June 20, 2024. The prosecution, led by Kevin White SC, stated that CCTV footage shows a series of altercations between the accused and the deceased before Lawlor stabbed Ryan in the neck. Detective Garda Brendan Kearns presented footage of the accused's home, where two ornamental Samurai swords were found on the floor. Garda Ronan Kelly compiled hundreds of hours of CCTV footage, showing Lawlor and another woman purchasing alcohol before the altercations began. The footage captured the physical confrontations between Lawlor and Ryan, which were also recorded by neighbours using their mobile phones. The trial continues tomorrow before Mr Justice Patrick McGrath and the jury, with the issue of whether the accused intended to kill or cause serious injury to the deceased remaining central to the case.
A judge has said that an Italian drugs mule who was rumbled when he went back to Dublin airport to seek out his lost luggage containing €294,000 in cannabis was 'not a criminal mastermind'. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Alfonso Turano had completed a lost luggage form in his real name and replied 'Mamma mia!' when he was told what was in the suitcase. Turano (41) arrived in Ireland the day before the suitcase, which contained 14.7kg of cannabis. The defendant, with an address in Calabro, Italy pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis for sale or supply on March 1, 2025 at Dublin Airport. Today, Judge Ronan Munro handed Turano a four-year sentence, with the final 20 months suspended for 10 years on strict conditions. The judge said the court accepted that Turano was 'not a criminal mastermind', but was also satisfied that the defendant would have known the suitcase contained illicit substances.
An 80-year-old former Scout leader, Noel Sheehan, has argued that two separate trials should have been held due to the serious nature of the allegations made by one of his victims. Sheehan, of Chimneyfields, Glenville, Co Cork, was found guilty of 16 counts of indecent assault against five young boys between 1987 and 1990 and sentenced to four and a half years, with the final six months suspended. His legal team, led by Ray Boland SC, submitted that the trial judge should have held a separate trial for the offences committed against one victim, citing the 'circumstances of cruelty' involved in an attack in a wooded area. The defence argued that the incident was more serious than the other counts, as it occurred outdoors in broad daylight. The prosecution, represented by Katherine McGillicuddy BL, stated that all the incidents were sexual offences involving male children in a Scout troop and that the trial judge was correct to refuse the separate trial application. The court reserved judgment on the appeal, with the three-judge court to consider the matter further. The unnamed 80-year-old pleaded not guilty.
A Laois man, Jason Tuthill, who was caught with nearly €400,000 in cannabis, has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison after the Court of Appeal overturned his original suspended sentence. The court found the initial three-year fully suspended sentence too lenient. Tuthill was convicted of possessing 17kg of cannabis and three kilograms of cannabis herb in 2023. The judge, Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, noted that while there were mitigating factors, such as threats against Tuthill and his family, these did not justify the original sentencing. The court ruled that the headline sentence of eight years should be reduced to five years, with the final two and a half years suspended. The appeal was brought by the Director of Public Prosecutions, who argued that the original sentence was unduly lenient. Tuthill's counsel argued that the sentencing judge considered the circumstances of his life, but the court found that the reduction was excessive.
Garda Keith Lambe, a roads policing officer with 20 years of emergency driving experience, had his careless driving conviction dismissed on appeal. The District Court Appeals Court heard that Lambe was convicted in the District Court of driving without due care and attention in Clonsilla, Dublin 15, on July 4, 2023, contrary to section 52 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961. He was convicted and fined €500. Lambe subsequently lodged an appeal against this conviction. At the appeal stage, Judge Ronan Munro found that Lambe was acting in the execution of his duty when he collided with a civilian driver at a junction while responding to an emergency call. The judge determined that Lambe was not driving in this manner "for the sake of it" and could not be branded as a criminal. Consequently, the conviction was dismissed. The court noted that while the other driver sustained injuries and suffered significant distress, she had done nothing wrong. The judge commended her for her positive steps and wished her a speedy recovery, while affirming that society expects gardai to respond to emergencies and that Lambe's actions did not constitute criminal behaviour.
There is 'no reality' of a trial proceeding as planned for a Somali national charged with the murder of young mother Mary Ward last year as the accused remains 'mute' and there is still no psychiatric report from the defence, the Central Criminal Court has heard. Ahmed Abdirahman (31), originally from Somalia and with a last address at Kinlay house, Lord Edward Street, Dublin, is accused of murdering Ms Ward, who was his former partner, on September 25, 2024, at her house on Melrose Street in south Belfast. The case has come before the courts on a number of occasions, with the legal team for the defence saying that the accused had failed to engage with a psychiatrist who attempted to see him. At the Central Criminal Court this morning, counsel for the State, Antonia Boyle BL, said that the matter was listed for trial on February 23 next, but she asked the court to vacate that date as there was 'no reality to that proceeding'.
A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court heard that a Dublin man, Joseph Lawlor, allegedly stabbed his friend, Michael Ryan, in the neck while wearing a stab-proof vest. Kevin White SC opened the trial, stating that Lawlor and Ryan were friends who had a series of drunken rows. The court heard that Lawlor threatened to stab Ryan and later thrust a large kitchen knife into his neck. CCTV and audio recordings were presented as evidence, showing Lawlor on top of Ryan during a fight and later running out of the garden with the knife. The prosecution argued that Lawlor intended to kill or cause serious injury when he thrust the knife into Ryan's neck. The evidence showed that Ryan tried to fend off Lawlor with a black bag before the attack. The trial continues, with the court needing to determine whether Lawlor's actions were intentional. The judge, Mr Justice Patrick McGrath, is presiding over the case, and the jury will consider the evidence to reach a verdict. Joseph Lawlor pleaded not guilty.
Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin commented that she might not have a job if it were not for the scourge of drugs and the low-level mules who help in the illegal trade. Michael Hayter, a UK national, was jailed for four years for importing nearly €750,000 worth of cannabis through Dublin Airport. Hayter pleaded guilty to having the drugs for sale and importation. He was approached in Cambodia and offered £2,000 to transport the drugs. The judge acknowledged that Hayter was acting as a courier or mule but emphasized that his actions enabled drug dealers to thrive. She set a headline sentence of eight years but reduced it to four years due to Hayter's early guilty pleas and lack of previous convictions. The judge noted that Hayter would be separated from his family during his time in prison. Hayter was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and lost his job. His counsel expressed remorse and stated that Hayter was engaging with addiction support services. The judge accepted that Hayter had no history of offending and lived a pro-social life otherwise.
A man who injured a garda by bending his finger backwards while resisting arrest five years ago has been directed to complete 240 hours of community service. Keith Daly pleaded guilty to assaulting a peace officer and possessing cannabis for sale or supply. During the incident, Daly injured a garda's finger while resisting arrest. A total of 9.6g of cannabis, valued at €192, was also found. Daly has 55 previous convictions, including for assaulting members of An Garda Siochana and drugs offences. Judge Orla Crowe noted that Daly had made considerable progress since the incident and had turned his life around. She directed Daly to complete 240 hours of community service in lieu of a two-year prison sentence. Garda Natasha McAleese testified that Daly was agitated during the incident and attempted to evade arrest. Sgt Kenny was injured during the struggle and later treated in hospital. Daly was identified through a print found on a bag of drugs. His counsel expressed remorse and apologized to Sgt Kenny for Daly's actions.
A court heard that Craig Mains (28) of Hazelcroft Park, Finglas, Dublin 11, and Shane Daly (27) of Woodhazel Close, Ballymun, Dublin 11, were high on laughing gas when they carried out a random unprovoked assault on a woman on Seamus Ennis Road, Finglas, north Dublin, on the evening of July 18, 2021. The woman was pushed to the ground and suffered injuries including a split lip, cuts to her knee, blood on her face and clothing, and a fractured elbow. One of the men took her mobile phone and damaged it. CCTV footage from a nearby funeral home captured the incident. Both men pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and criminal damage of an iPhone. Daly also pleaded guilty to assault. The robbery charges were dropped by the Director of Public Prosecutions. Daly has 23 previous convictions, including one for affray with a suspended prison sentence earlier this month. Mains has five previous convictions, all for road traffic offences. The victim submitted a victim impact report, which the judge said he would take into consideration. Both defendants expressed remorse and offered apologies. Daly handed over €2,000, and Mains brought €1,000 to court. The matter was adjourned to May 12, 2025, for finalisation, with both men remanded on continuing bail to that date.
Ionut Cosmin Nicolescu, a chef convicted of the murder of Frankie Dunne, has appealed his conviction to the Court of Appeal. Nicolescu, who pleaded not guilty to the murder of Dunne at Castle Greine House, Cork, between December 27th and 28th, 2019, was found guilty by a jury and sentenced to life in prison in April 2023. His legal team argues that the trial judge's Section 10 corroboration warning regarding an uncorroborated confession was improper, describing it as a "bullet-point presentation of the prosecution case" rather than a neutral instruction. The prosecution case alleged that Nicolescu violently killed Dunne and subsequently dismembered him, hiding the remains in the property's grounds. While Nicolescu initially accepted the verdict, he later exercised his right to appeal. The defence contended the judge exceeded the narrow scope of the warning by reciting the prosecution's best points. In response, the Director of Public Prosecutions argued the case did not rely solely on the confession and that the judge's instruction was necessary given the confession's retraction. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice John Edwards, reserved judgment on the appeal.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has appealed the leniency of the three-year sentence given to Aaron Brady for conspiring to pervert the course of justice during his capital murder trial. Brady is already serving a life sentence for the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. The DPP's legal team argued that the case raised an important issue of principle, as deterrence is crucial in such circumstances. During the appeal, the judge noted Brady was carrying a water bottle, which could be used as a weapon. Brady was sentenced to three years in prison for perverting the course of justice, but this will not affect his existing life sentence. Brady admitted to recording footage of an interview between gardai and Ronan Flynn, a witness who claimed he heard Brady admit to shooting Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. The footage was later posted on social media, which the judge described as the most outrageous contempt of court. Brady also sent photographs of portions of Daniel Cahill's statement to Dean Byrne, a violent criminal in prison, in an attempt to intimidate witnesses.
Children's charity Barnardos has been accused of attempting to use a technical legal argument to shut down a long-running employment rights dispute after the claimant was given an adjournment when her father died. Tara Smith, who was employed by Barnardos for nearly three decades, was let go in January 2021 on the basis of redundancy, which she argues was unfair. The charity's lawyers moved an application to dismiss her complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 without hearing her evidence. Ms Smith's representative objected to the motion, arguing that it was a disgraceful move by the charity and that the case had already been delayed due to previous legal proceedings. The charity's barrister argued that the legislation provided for the dismissal of a complaint if there was a failure to pursue it for 12 calendar months. The case was adjourned for an exchange of written legal submissions on the application.
A once-aspiring model, Ana Coretchi, has been awarded €80K in damages by the High Court after suffering first-degree burns and scarring on her legs following a laser hair-removal treatment in 2020. Ms Coretchi, who was preparing her portfolio for a full-time modelling career, claimed that the procedure left her with lasting burns and scarring. The court heard that she suffered extensive brown discolouration and skin ulceration, which were confirmed by a GP. A dermatologist consultant noted that she had extensive white hypopigmentation on her posterior thighs, which may be permanent. Ms Coretchi experienced a burning sensation for three weeks and had to put her modelling career on hold due to the injuries. The court awarded her €80K in general damages, noting the impact on her self-view and career path. The judge was satisfied of negligence on the part of the clinic and awarded the damages to the plaintiff.
A trial in the Central Criminal Court heard that Luke Donnelly, 29, admitted to manslaughter but denied murder in the death of his mother, Catherine Henry, 62. His sister, Kathleen Donnelly, testified that their mother was physically, verbally, and emotionally abusive to her children on a daily basis. She also stated that Luke idolised their mother despite her abuse. Luke's father, Gerry Donnelly, recounted incidents where Catherine stabbed him with a steak knife and pushed him down the stairs. Luke had a history of mental health issues and drug use, and his sister described him as being in a trance-like state before the incident. Luke's sister also mentioned that he had gone missing for a few days in November 2023 and had attempted suicide multiple times. The trial continues with the court considering the evidence presented. Luke Donnelly pleaded not guilty.
Brian Grendon, a 48-year-old car dealer from Clondalkin, Dublin, appeared at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court regarding a charge of failing to remit income tax payable under the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. He pleaded guilty to the offence, which carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment or a fine. The prosecution outlined that €27,725 in cash was seized from his home during a search on January 19, 2022. While Grendon denied involvement in organised crime or money-laundering, asserting the funds were legitimate proceeds from car sales, the DPP accepted a defence proposal based on the money reflecting undeclared income. Defence counsel Keith Spencer BL argued for leniency, citing an accountant's report explaining that Grendon was advised to trade in cash due to banking issues with his UK-registered company during the pandemic. Spencer noted Grendon's willingness to perform community service and stated the cash is available for forfeiture to Revenue. Judge Orla Crowe stated the court required confirmation of the specific amount of income tax payable on the seized funds. Consequently, the matter was adjourned for finalisation until February 4. Grendon was remanded in custody on an unrelated matter during the proceedings.
A teenager, Steadfast Akhigne, who was under the influence of a more criminally involved man, has received a suspended sentence for her role in laundering over €100,000 through invoice redirect fraud. Akhigne, 24, pleaded guilty to two charges of money laundering after allowing her bank account to be used. The fraud involved fake emails from suppliers, leading to payments being made into her account. She admitted to providing her bank card and PIN to the man, who used her account to withdraw cash and purchase high-end phones. The court acknowledged her lack of prior convictions and her remorse, noting she was under the influence of the other man. Judge Orla Crowe imposed a 12-month suspended sentence, emphasizing that Akhigne was not the mastermind but played an active role in some aspects of the fraud.
Shane Kelly, 36, of no fixed abode in Edgeworthstown, Co Longford, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court for offences committed in the early hours of February 25, 2025. Kelly pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted rape, one count of oral rape, one count of anal rape, and one count of burglary at the home of Anne Gallagher, a 70-year-old neighbour. Ms Justice Melanie Greally described the attack as pre-meditated, noting Kelly was aware of Gallagher's vulnerability, including her chronic health issues and reliance on mobility aids. The judge stated the harm caused was "life-altering" and that Kelly's culpability was of a "particularly extreme level." Although the Director of Public Prosecution assessed the case in the 10 to 15-year category, Ms Justice Greally set a headline sentence of 18 years. Taking mitigating factors into account, she reduced this to 14 years and six months. The final 18 months of the sentence were suspended on conditions. A Probation Service report indicated Kelly is at medium risk of reoffending and requires intervention for sexual preoccupation, impulsivity, and drug abuse. Gallagher, who waived her anonymity, stated she chose to forgive Kelly to heal, while the court noted the sentence must be punitive given the egregious violation of her home and the use of violence, including manual strangulation.
Cain Hutch, described as the 'ringleader' of a violent pub fracas, has been jailed for three years and nine months. Hutch, 27, pleaded guilty to violent disorder, producing a chair during a dispute, and arson. The incident in the Deputy Mayor pub in Finglas involved an unprovoked attack on three young men in front of children, with CCTV footage showing Hutch punching and throwing a chair. He also admitted to setting fire to a house in Finglas in 2021. The court heard of his 27 previous convictions and his intoxication at the time of the incidents. While the judge acknowledged his difficult background and apology, she emphasized the seriousness of the violence and the presence of children. A one-year sentence for the arson was suspended, and a three-and-a-half-year sentence for the violent disorder was imposed, with the final nine months suspended for one year.
A sushi chef who was dismissed while on sick leave following a miscarriage has been awarded €8,000 in compensation for unfair dismissal. Beacon Sushi Ltd, which operates Michie Sushi in Dublin, was found to have breached the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 following a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). The chef was terminated just days after suffering a miscarriage on 8 December 2024. The company's managing director, Michael Piare, sent a message of condolence but later terminated her employment via WhatsApp. The tribunal found that the company's stated reason for dismissal—breaches of absence reporting policy—was not reasonable given the employee's miscarriage. The adjudicator ruled the dismissal unfair and awarded the worker €8,000 for her losses.