A judge has described it as 'outrageous' that solicitors who had left the criminal legal aid panel instructed another solicitor not to represent their client at a contested bail hearing. Patrick Daly (57) of Burton Park, Leopardstown Road, Dublin 18, appeared in custody before Dún Laoghaire District Court, where gardaí objected to bail on the grounds that he was a flight risk. Mr Daly faces five charges, including failing to appear in court, two counts of being intoxicated in a public place, refusing to provide his name and address to a garda, and causing €80 worth of criminal damage by urinating in the custody area at Dundrum Garda Station. Judge Watkin asked solicitor Andrew Vallely, who was present in court, to speak to the accused and consider representing him for the bail application. Mr Vallely initially told the court that he was reluctant to step in because the accused was already represented by another solicitors' firm.
Judge Anne Watkin discussed the challenge of balancing fairness with public safety as she dealt with a case where the accused had no legal representation due to ongoing industrial action by solicitors. The case involved Felipe Gonzalez Tadilha Nunez (26) of Mount Pleasant Avenue Lower, Dublin 6, who was accused of throwing two bags of suspected drugs into the Grand Canal and fleeing from gardaí. He appeared in custody before Dún Laoghaire District Court, charged with obstructing Garda Lee McEnroe under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Judge Watkin noted that Nunez had no solicitor because his was participating in the industrial action over criminal legal aid fees. She stated that she had to be more lenient in his case but also emphasized the need to ensure dangerous individuals were not released onto the streets. Nunez was granted bail on his own bond, subject to daily check-ins at Rathmines Garda station, surrendering his passport, and not applying for other travel documents. The court warned that failure to comply with these conditions would result in custody.
A former State agency communications officer, Seanán Ó Coistín, has detailed his experiences of 'microaggressions' against the Irish language during his time at the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). On his first day, he was directly questioned by a senior manager about his political affiliations after discovering he was a native Irish speaker. Mr Ó Coistín described a series of incidents, including being told that errors in the Irish version of an annual report would be published regardless. He also highlighted the lack of Irish language competency within the agency, stating that after his departure, there would be more Polish, Spanish, French, and Italian speakers than Irish speakers. Mr Ó Coistín is pursuing a complaint under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), arguing he was penalised as a whistleblower for sending an email criticising the lack of Irish language ability. He expressed frustration with the FSAI's handling of the situation and the lack of adherence to the Official Languages Act.
Graham Carey, a truck driver, will be sentenced for incitement to hatred after a livestream in which he referred to refugees as 'rape-ugees' and threatened to throw their 'bleeding corpses into the sea'. The incident followed a local allegation of sexual assault, which was later found to involve a local man. Carey's livestream led to anti-migrant protests and was recorded and shared online. He was found guilty of incitement to hatred and distribution of a recording likely to stir up hatred. During the trial, Carey claimed the alleged assault was set up to target him and that he was a 'political prisoner'. The prosecution highlighted the serious nature of his remarks and the impact on the community. Carey has previous convictions for driving offenses and threatening behavior. The unnamed woman pleaded not guilty.
A retired Irish‑speaking Garda sergeant from Donegal, Paul Wallace, has been granted permission by the High Court to challenge the Garda Commissioner's refusal to reinstate his Ghaeltacht allowance, which he claims costs him €249.38 a month in pension payments. Wallace, who served as a Garda from 1985 and was promoted to sergeant in 1993, was allocated to several stations in Gaeltacht areas, including Glencolmcille and Bun Beag, and later to Letterkenny. He received the allowance for four years from 2003 and applied for its restoration in 2007, but was refused because Letterkenny was not designated as a Gaeltacht area at that time. He argues the Commissioner erred in law by failing to consider all relevant factors and by treating Letterkenny unfairly. The case, his second this year, was adjourned to November by Justice Mary Rose Gearty after a judicial review was granted by Paul McGarry SC.
The Court of Appeal has dismissed the conviction appeal of Paul Kelly, a 47-year-old man from Killarney, Co. Kerry, who was convicted of sexually abusing his younger brother. Kelly, who denied all charges, was found guilty in November 2024 of 12 counts of sexual assault, two counts of oral rape, and 12 counts of anal rape committed between 1995 and 1999. He was sentenced to seven and a half years' imprisonment by Ms Justice Melanie Greally. The appellant's counsel argued that evidence from a witness, who stated the complainant said, "Paul has been raping me for years," should have been excluded or required a corroboration warning because the present perfect continuous tense implied ongoing abuse, despite the abuse ending seven years prior. Mr Justice Charles Meenan rejected this argument, stating that people making statements may not prioritize correct grammar. The court found no material inconsistencies in the evidence and ruled that the trial judge's decision not to issue a corroboration warning was reasonable. The appeal was dismissed, upholding the original conviction and sentence.
A Carlow man, Patrick Connors, was jailed for three years and nine months after a fatal crash in 2014. The Ford Puma he was driving was found to be unroadworthy, with failed NCT, no working handbrake, and rusted brakes. Connors was speeding at 111 km/h in an 80 km/h zone when he lost control, leading to a collision that killed his uncle, Patrick Doran. The court heard that Connors fled to the UK after the incident and was brought back via a European Arrest Warrant. Judge Mary Morrissey acknowledged the impact of the tragedy on the Doran family and noted their compassion towards Connors despite the loss of their loved one. The judge also considered aggravating factors, including Connors' previous convictions and his flight from the jurisdiction. The sentence included a suspended portion and a 10-year driving ban. Patrick Connors pleaded guilty.
Alan Vial and Nikita Burns, convicted of the murder of Robert Robin' Wilkin at Sliabh Liag in Donegal, have appealed their convictions to the Court of Appeal. The trial heard that the pair allegedly beat Mr Wilkin with a rock and threw his body over the cliffs. Vial's counsel argued that his client was prejudiced by hearing his co-accused's admissions, which blamed Vial for the fatal blows, and contended they should have been tried separately. He maintained Vial denied striking the victim and lacked independent evidence of guilt beyond his co-accused's statements. Burns's counsel argued her incriminating statements were involuntary due to intoxication and should have been excluded. The Director of Public Prosecutions countered that there was ample evidence of Vial's guilt and that private statements are admissible. The prosecution noted the trial judge's warnings to the jury were impeccable. The court, comprising Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, Ms Justice Tara Burns, and Mr Justice Charles Meenan, reserved judgment. The matter was adjourned pending the decision.
The Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal against sentence by three unnamed appellants, upholding their convictions for gang rape. The court ruled that the sentences imposed by Mr Justice David Keane were not excessive and, given the circumstances, were lenient. The appellants, two of whom were 17 and one 18 at the time of the January 2016 offence, lured a vulnerable teenager to a beach in Dublin where they took turns raping her before abandoning her in an isolated location. Following a second trial in March 2022, the jury convicted all three of rape after the first trial resulted in a hung jury. The sentencing judge identified a notional adult headline sentence of 15 years but reduced it to ten years, accounting for the youth of two appellants and the mild intellectual disability of the third. Appellant A was sentenced to nine years, Appellant B to nine and a half years, and Appellant C to ten years. Senior counsel for the appellants argued the sentences were too high given their youth and mitigating factors, while the DPP urged the court to refuse the appeal, highlighting the significant planning and targeting of the victim. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, delivering the judgment, stated that gang rape falls into the highest category of offending where youth does not diminish moral culpability. He affirmed that the refusal to reduce the headline sentence was not open to criticism and that the sentences must be considered lenient. The court also ordered that the appellants remain anonymised in reporting due to their ages at the time of the offence.
A man who was convicted of using threatening or abusive behaviour at the GPO in Dublin has withdrawn his appeal, telling a court that he had other convictions and that it "wouldn't make a difference". Gerry Carrick (52), who is currently serving a jail sentence for a separate matter, told the court that he wished to withdraw the appeal. Carrick, with an address in Knowth Court, Poppintree, Dublin 11, was convicted in the District Court of using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour or words in a public place on January 21, 2026 at the GPO on O'Connell Street, contrary to section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994. He was sentenced to two months imprisonment. Today, Carrick told the District Court Appeals Court that he had other convictions and that it "wouldn't make a difference". Carrick's case was only listed for mention today, not for hearing. Judge Ronan Munro told him that by striking out the appeal, Carrick would begin serving his sentence while in custody.
The High Court will decide whether to allow the media to publish the names of 340 former Christian Brothers in an effort to encourage survivors of abuse to come forward. The case was brought by a male survivor who was abused by Brother Liam Coughlan in the 1970s. Coughlan was previously jailed for 49 counts of indecent assault. The court heard that the current head of the Christian Brothers, David Gibson, has refused to act as a nominee for the congregation, making it difficult for litigants to bring legal action against the order. The plaintiff is seeking an order to compel the release of information that would help locate former members of the order. The court ordered Brother Gibson to use his powers to gather contact details for former members and adjourned the matter for a sub-service application for newspaper advertisements.
Derek Boyd was found guilty of murder by a Central Criminal Court jury after fatally stabbing Mark Carroll in his north Dublin home. The prosecution argued that Boyd's actions were not in self-defense, and the jury rejected the defense's claim that Carroll had returned to the house to make peace. Boyd fled to Scotland shortly after the killing and later returned to Ireland to surrender. The court heard that Boyd had previously been convicted of manslaughter for the death of his sister and was on a suspended sentence at the time of the murder. Judge Melanie Greally will sentence Boyd to life imprisonment, with the trial set to continue on July 28. The case also involved Boyd's girlfriend, Chantelle Harcourt, who was accused of obstructing the prosecution. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on the assault charge against Boyd and Harcourt, but they unanimously found Boyd guilty of murder. Chantelle Harcourt pleaded not guilty. Derek Boyd pleaded not guilty.
The Waterford Intellectual Disability Association (WIDA) has been ordered to pay over €320,000 in compensation to Fiona O'Neill, a senior manager, for alleged bullying and harassment by the former chairman. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) found that WIDA penalized O'Neill in a most egregious manner while being fully aware of her protected disclosures. The case involved allegations that the chairman attempted to replace O'Neill and that the external HR consultant's reports went beyond their terms of reference. The WRC awarded the highest sum ever under the Protected Disclosures Act, and directed WIDA to quash the reports, cease the interim CEO position, and offer O'Neill a full apology. The new board of WIDA has conceded all allegations and offered an unequivocal apology.
Dozens of criminal cases were adjourned in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court due to a dispute between defense solicitors and the Government over a new legal aid payment model. Judge Orla Crowe adjourned nearly 50 cases, including first appearances, pleas, and sentences, to the next court term in October. The dispute centers on a new payment scheme that provides a single payment of €520 per client, as opposed to the previous system where solicitors received payments for each court appearance. The Department of Justice claims the new scheme will reduce abuse of the system and the number of adjournments. Solicitors are protesting the change, and some accused individuals were in custody while others were on bail. Trials that were ongoing continued without disruption. The unnamed accused pleaded guilty.
The sentencing hearing for Ross Deegan, who assaulted broadcaster Brendan Courtney, has been adjourned to allow for the preparation of an updated probation report. Deegan, 22, of An Riasc, Finglas, pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Courtney on February 27, 2025, at Usher's Quay in Dublin. The incident occurred when Mr Courtney was walking home along the quays around 9.30pm. He approached a car after believing the occupants were addressing him, only to be assaulted by Deegan and a co-accused. Mr Courtney sustained a concussion and a fracture to his eye socket and was hospitalized the following day. Judge Martina Baxter ordered the preparation of a probation report and remanded Deegan on continuing bail. The judge requested that the probation officer review CCTV footage of the incident. The court viewed footage showing Deegan running at Mr Courtney and punching him multiple times. The co-accused is also before the courts. Deegan voluntarily contacted gardai on March 5, 2025, to admit his involvement in the assault. The case has been adjourned to October.
A 17-year-old boy has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of a man in Tipperary last year when he was just 15. At the Central Criminal Court, the teenager, who cannot be named due to his juvenile status, was charged with murder on March 10, 2025, but pleaded not guilty to that charge and guilty to manslaughter. Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions, Dean Kelly SC, stated that the plea was acceptable to the State and noted that the boy was 15 at the time of the offence. He requested that a probation report be prepared and asked the court to set a sentencing date. Mr Justice Tony Hunt fixed the sentencing for September 28, with the defendant remanded on bail to appear back before the court on July 29. The judge also directed that victim impact reports be prepared in the case. The court may review the sentencing date on July 29.
A Bulgarian national, Elizaveta Vasileva, stole €11,000 from a heavily pregnant woman just one week after arriving in Ireland. The victim had withdrawn the money to fund the birth of her child in Romania. Vasileva followed the woman out of the bank and stole the envelope containing the cash. Passersby intervened, leading to Vasileva's citizen's arrest. She claimed she found the envelope on the floor and intended to return it. Vasileva pleaded guilty to theft and was sentenced to nine months in prison. The court acknowledged her guilty plea and the mitigating factors, including her psychological difficulties and the fact that she was a foreign national. The victim suffered a miscarriage and required hospitalization after the incident, which caused her significant stress.
Patrick Maughan, a 27-year-old with a history of violent crimes including rape and sexual assault, was sentenced to an additional two years in custody for stealing a mobile phone during a robbery in Terenure. The victim, a 64-year-old care assistant, was attacked by Maughan and his accomplice, who later fled the scene. The phone was later recovered from Maughan, who was found in a critical condition at the police station. The court considered the severity of the attack, the impact on the victim, and Maughan's extensive criminal record. The judge noted that the sentence would run consecutive to Maughan's existing 13-year sentence. The victim described the lasting physical and emotional effects of the assault, including ongoing pain and a diminished sense of security. Patrick Maughan pleaded guilty.
A 21-year-old man from Westport, Co Mayo, who is currently serving a 10-month sentence, has been spared additional jail time for stealing an electric scooter valued at €773. Edward Collins pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to stealing the Kukirin G2 Max e-scooter from Beechwood Court in Stillorgan on January 10 last year. Judge Anne Watkin noted that Collins has 14 previous convictions, including seven for theft and fraud, and six for road traffic offences. He also had 15 charges dismissed under the Probation of Offenders Act in January 2025. The judge acknowledged that the Probation Service had worked with Collins for about a year. Collins is currently serving consecutive sentences of seven months and three months, totaling 10 months. The three-month sentence relates to driving without insurance or a licence. His defence highlighted that Collins developed a cocaine addiction at 17 after associating with the wrong crowd. Judge Watkin placed him under the supervision of the Probation Service for 12 months, requiring him to report in person, notify of any address changes, and avoid illegal drugs.
Anthony Cooney, a 38-year-old chronic drug addict, was jailed for nine and a half years for two violent car hijackings. During the first incident, Cooney held a knife to the throat of a 70-year-old woman and threatened to kill her. In the second, he used a fork to threaten a couple, stabbing the driver and demanding money. The stolen car was later involved in a collision with a commercial van, causing significant damage. Cooney was arrested at the scene and was too intoxicated to be interviewed. He later admitted to the hijacking and apologized. The judge noted the severity of the offenses and the trauma inflicted on the victims, emphasizing that Cooney's actions were deplorable and required a long prison sentence. Cooney was also disqualified from driving for eight years.
A 27-year-old man, Cal Murphy, who was accused of driving with cannabis in his system, had his case dismissed on appeal. Judge Ronan Munro decided to dismiss the charge against Mr Murphy at the District Court Appeals Court, but commended the prosecuting garda for his actions. Mr Murphy was previously convicted in the District Court of driving while having a quantity of cannabis in his system, equal or greater than the specified amount, under section 4(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Act 2010. He received a community service order of 240 hours and a four-year driving disqualification. He later appealed his conviction. Garda Ian Galvin testified that he stopped Mr Murphy's Audi A3 on Charlemont Street, Dublin 2, on December 13, 2023, after detecting the smell of cannabis and finding a grinder in the car. A roadside oral fluid test indicated the presence of cannabis, and a blood sample later showed levels of 63.1ng/ml of cannabis metabolite.
Derek Boyd, 31, of Finglas, Dublin 11, and Chantelle Harcourt, 34, of Darndale, Dublin 17, are currently on trial at the Central Criminal Court. Boyd has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mark Carroll, 34, at his home on June 9, 2024, and to assaulting Megan Rock. Harcourt has pleaded not guilty to impeding the apprehension or prosecution of the person who committed the murder. The jury, comprising seven men and five women, began deliberating on Monday afternoon and has spent five hours over two days in the jury room. On Monday evening, the foreman reported that the jury had not reached a verdict on any of the three counts. Ms Justice Melanie Greally adjourned the deliberations, instructing the jurors to return to court at 10.30am the following morning. In her charge, the judge warned the jury against using Boyd's previous conviction for the manslaughter of his sister to infer a propensity for violence, labeling such reasoning impermissible. She clarified that this prior conviction, for which Boyd was sentenced to five years with three suspended, may only be considered if relevant to the evidence, such as his state of mind or flight from the jurisdiction. The judge outlined the legal framework for self-defense under the Criminal Law (Defence and the Dwelling) Act 2011, emphasizing the requirement for proportionate force. The jury may return verdicts of guilty of murder, not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter, or not guilty for Boyd, and guilty or not guilty for Harcourt.
An ESB worker has been ruled out of time to pursue a claim for €42,000 in alleged unpaid overtime, according to a tribunal. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) found that Peter Lavelle, a training officer, was too late to challenge a 2023 pay policy change at ESB Networks DAC under the Payment of Wages Act 1997. Lavelle's union, Connect, argued that he was short by €42,000 between November 2023 and July 2025 due to a decision to stop paying overtime for travel time. Lavelle had previously received overtime payments for travel to training sites, but this changed in November 2023. ESB management claimed the figures were exaggerated and that the overnight arrangements significantly reduced the need for travel. The tribunal ruled that Lavelle's complaint was out of time and outside its jurisdiction, noting that the ESB had clearly communicated the decision to stop overtime payments for travel in November 2023.
A prisoner who attempted to shoot Gerry the Monk's brother has been sentenced for possessing drugs in prison. Michael Carroll, serving a 22-year sentence for attempted murder, was jailed for two counts of possessing cannabis and heroin for supply in his cell. The drugs, concealed between his legs, had a combined value of €3,720. Carroll, who has 54 previous convictions, claimed the drugs did not belong to him and were held for others due to a drug debt. He has completed violence prevention courses and is involved in restorative justice. Judge Orla Crowe noted the egregious nature of the offence and the high number of previous convictions. She reduced the headline sentence of three years to two years, taking mitigating factors into account. Carroll's current release date is in 2038. Michael Carroll pleaded guilty.
The Court of Appeal has reduced the prison sentence of Mihail Stingu, who burgled a house, stole a car, and dragged the owner along the ground. The original sentence of 14 years was deemed too high by the Court of Appeal, which imposed a global sentence of ten years and nine months, with the last six months suspended. Stingu, who was on bail for previous criminal damage offences, entered a home in Drogheda, stole items, and stole a car, dragging the owner for ten metres. The homeowner suffered serious road rash burns. The Court of Appeal found that the sentencing judge had erred in setting the headline sentence for burglary at 14 years before considering mitigating factors. The judge noted that the offence was not at the most extreme end and warranted a headline sentence of 11 years. Stingu was also sentenced for four years and nine months for the criminal damage offences. Mihail Stingu pleaded guilty.
The Court of Appeal declared Osgur Breatnach's 1978 conviction for the Sallins mail train robbery a miscarriage of justice. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, sitting with Mr Justice John Edwards and Mr Justice Paul Burns, granted the certificate based on Breatnach's asserted factual innocence and a newly discovered fact regarding John Fitzpatrick's alibi. The Director of Public Prosecutions did not dispute that Fitzpatrick's alibi constituted a newly discovered fact. Breatnach, who was originally sentenced to 12 years in prison by the Special Criminal Court, had his conviction quashed in 1980 after the Court of Criminal Appeal ruled his confession was obtained under oppression. He spent 18 months in custody before release. In his affidavit, Breatnach stated he had "no hand, act or part" in the robbery, a claim the DPP did not contest. Counsel Patrick Gageby SC argued that Fitzpatrick's alibi, which was never tested in court because Fitzpatrick disappeared before being charged, cast substantial doubt on all related convictions. The court found the threshold for a miscarriage of justice certificate was met. Mr Justice Edwards ordered that costs follow the event, as the applicant was completely successful. Breatnach, speaking outside court, described himself and the other "Sallins Men" as victims of serious crimes and renewed his call for an independent public inquiry into their treatment.
Ibrahim Ahmed Gharib, a violent rapist who was released from a 10-year sentence in 2024, raped another woman just a year later. Gharib was found guilty of raping and sexually assaulting Christina Foley in a builders' shed in Dublin. The victim was arrested while trying to report the incident at a garda station and later suffered from anxiety and trauma. Gharib had previously been jailed for 10 years in 2018 for raping a student. The court heard that Gharib had a history of criminal behaviour and was released in January 2024. The victim, who waived her anonymity, expressed the impact of the crime on her life and thanked the gardaí and legal team for their support. Gharib's defence argued that he did not accept the verdict but acknowledged the victim's vindication. The court will sentence Gharib later this month.
A 21-year-old man accused of breaching a barring order appeared in Tallaght District Court by video link from Cloverhill Prison. He claimed that a GP had not referred him for a psychiatric assessment, stating that his case was not unique enough. The judge ordered that the assessment be carried out, emphasizing that court directions must be followed. The defendant's mother was in court and expressed concern about her son's mental health, stating that medication was not sufficient. She told her son to keep his head down and do his bit, saying she was doing her job as a mum. The judge remanded the man in custody until July 27 to allow the psychiatric report to be completed. The case highlights the importance of following court orders and the challenges faced by families in accessing appropriate medical care for their loved ones.
All cases scheduled for hearing in the District Court of Appeals today were adjourned to a later date. This was partly due to the ongoing withdrawal of legal aid by solicitors and the absence of parties involved in the cases. The court also set new dates for over 80 cases that were listed for mention today, many of which were impacted by a Supreme Court decision on drink driving cases. Following a High Court ruling in July 2025 that overturned a man's drink-driving conviction due to issues with the chain of custody of his blood sample, the Director of Public Prosecutions appealed to the Supreme Court. The High Court decision was overturned by the Supreme Court in June of this year, allowing many pending cases to proceed. Most of the appeals listed for mention today were adjourned to October and November to set hearing dates.
Paolo Nascimento, who murdered Grainne Dillon in 2002, is challenging the State's refusal to transfer him to Portugal to care for his ill mother. Nascimento, currently on parole, seeks an order from the High Court to quash the Parole Board's refusal to transfer his sentence. Portugal imposes a fixed 25-year sentence for murder, as opposed to Ireland's life sentence with potential for parole. The Parole Board has refused the transfer three times since 2006 due to Portugal's lack of post-release monitoring. Nascimento's legal team argues that the refusal violates his rights as an EU citizen and prevents him from reuniting with his family. The High Court granted leave to challenge the refusal and adjourned the matter to November. Nascimento's mother, his closest living relative, is too sick to travel to Ireland, and he seeks a declaration that the Parole Board unlawfully fettered its discretion. Paolo Nascimento pleaded guilty.
A 48-year-old man from Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, has been jailed for 11-and-a-half years for the rape of a 16-year-old girl. Richard Murphy was found guilty of rape and oral rape in October 2022 after a trial in Waterford. The victim was in a consensual relationship with Murphy's son when they were in the garden of a house. Murphy arrived and asked the girl for her parents' details, which she fabricated. He then orally and vaginally raped her before telling her not to tell anyone. The victim later informed her friends, who helped her report the crime. Murphy was on bail at the time for other sexual offences involving young girls. The judge described him as a danger to young girls and noted the aggravating factor of his being on bail. The victim's impact statement highlighted the lasting trauma she experienced. The judge imposed a consecutive sentence of 11 years and six months to Murphy's current sentence. The court also extended legal aid in the event of an appeal.
The defence for Derek Boyd's girlfriend, Chantelle Harcourt, argued that there is no evidence she was aware of the severity of the injury to the deceased, Mark Carroll, when she gave a statement to gardai. Harcourt faces charges of impeding Boyd's prosecution, with the prosecution claiming she knew about the events and lied to gardai. Boyd testified that he used a knife in self-defence after Carroll threatened him, but the prosecution claims it was a premeditated attack. Defence counsel John Byrne SC stated that lying to gardai is not a crime unless it impedes the arrest of the principal offender. He argued that there was no evidence Harcourt witnessed the altercation or knew the extent of the injury. The defence also highlighted CCTV footage supporting Harcourt's claim that she was upstairs during the incident. Byrne questioned the prosecution's assertion that Harcourt and Boyd conspired to cover up the events, stating there was no evidence of this. He concluded that the jury should acquit Harcourt if they could not be satisfied she was trying to frustrate gardai's actions. Chantelle Harcourt pleaded not guilty. Derek Boyd pleaded not guilty.
An Algerian national, Mohamed Hallam, has been jailed for six years for a violent predatory sexual attack on a young woman in Donegal. Hallam, who moved to Ireland in 2023, was convicted of sexual assault, assault causing harm, and non-fatal strangulation. The victim, who was heavily intoxicated, was attacked in a dark alleyway after meeting Hallam in a nightclub. She described being choked, pinned down, and sexually assaulted. The court heard that she had bruises and a possible bite mark on her stomach. Hallam initially denied the charges but later accepted the jury's verdict. The judge reduced the headline sentences due to mitigating factors, including Hallam's acceptance of guilt. The victim's impact statement detailed the lasting trauma she experienced. Hallam was ordered to undergo post-release supervision and engage in psychological counselling and a sex offender treatment programme.
A pharmacist who was dismissed within weeks of disclosing her pregnancy has won €50,000 in compensation for discrimination. The Workplace Relations Commission has ordered Rose Finlay Pharmacy (Tullamore) Ltd to pay the sum to Dikeledi Nkele Mushapho, who lost her supervising pharmacist role last year. Ms Mushapho said she was treated poorly after informing her employer of her pregnancy in February 2025. She claimed that her performance was unfairly scrutinized following the arrival of a productivity consultant at the workplace. Ms Mushapho said she was told she had to take a demotion or face dismissal. She was eventually dismissed in March 2025 after refusing the demotion. Adjudication officer Conor Stokes found that her dismissal was discriminatory and based on her pregnancy. He noted that Ms Mushapho was a credible witness and that her employer failed to provide any exceptional circumstances justifying her dismissal. The decision highlights the breach of the Employment Equality Act 1998 by the employer.
Patrick Fishy' Fitzgerald, 49, withdrew his appeal against a seven-year prison sentence at the Court of Appeal after judges warned him of the full range of their powers. The appeal concerned a sentence handed down in July 2025 by Ms Justice Eileen Creedon at the Central Criminal Court. Fitzgerald had pleaded guilty to facilitating a serious offence for a criminal organisation, specifically providing getaway vehicles for the attempted murder of Gary Carey in November 2021. The court found his assistance crucial to the gang's actions. Ms Justice Creedon set a headline sentence of 12 years, reduced to nine years after mitigation, with the final two years suspended subject to conditions. This term was ordered to run consecutively to a separate seven-and-a-half-year sentence Fitzgerald was already serving for aggravated burglary, in which he was part of a gang that terrorised a family, including a six-year-old child. During the appeal hearing, Mr Justice McCarthy, sitting with Ms Justice Tara Burns and Mr Justice Alexander Owens, noted the panel believed a sufficient reduction had already been given and highlighted the risk regarding the suspended portion. Following advice from senior counsel Bernard Condon, Fitzgerald instructed his lawyer to seek permission to withdraw the appeal. The court granted the application, describing Fitzgerald's decision as prudent given the possibility of an unfavourable intervention. The matter was adjourned to allow for the withdrawal process, and the original sentence remains in effect.
A 59-year-old man from Co Galway was jailed for six years after being found guilty of raping and indecently assaulting his younger sister when she was a child. The victim, now in her late 40s, described the abuse as 'torture' and told her brother he 'ruined her life'. The jury convicted him on two counts, but could not agree on 21 other charges, which the DPP will not retry. The man denied all charges and has 24 previous convictions. The court heard that the abuse occurred in their family home, and the brother told the victim her mother would die if she told anyone. The victim's impact statement highlighted the lasting trauma and shame she experienced. The judge sentenced him to seven years for rape and five years for indecent assault, with both sentences to run concurrently. The defence argued the man should be treated as a minor at the time of the offence and that the jury's inability to agree on most charges should be considered.
The High Court has rejected arguments against the extradition of Jonathan Gill to Northern Ireland to face a murder charge related to the killing of Robbie Lawlor. Mr Justice Patrick McGrath did not issue an extradition order but remanded Gill in custody until July 29. Gill is accused of participating in a joint enterprise to murder Lawlor in 2020 as part of a gang feud. His lawyers argued that the UK courts would not provide the same protections as the Court of Justice of the European Union regarding evidence from the Encrochat system. However, the judge said the UK legal system would ensure a fair trial. Gill remains in custody, having previously been denied bail. The court will consider the extradition order after Gill and his legal team have time to review the judgment.
Erin Nugent, a veteran manager at HIV Ireland, is facing disciplinary action after being accused of bullying and transphobia by a colleague, Rebecca de Havilland. Nugent is also pursuing a complaint under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, alleging she was penalised for raising concerns about the use of public funds. The tribunal heard that Nugent questioned de Havilland's worth in the organisation and made insensitive remarks about her health status. De Havilland, a 68-year-old trans woman living with HIV since 1987, described the workplace environment as hostile and the meetings as battles. The investigation found allegations against Nugent, including questioning de Havilland's health and worth. HIV Ireland's former treasurer, Hugh Nolan, stated that an investigation recommended disciplinary action. The case has been adjourned to the autumn, with Nugent expected to give her evidence. The tribunal will consider whether Nugent's actions were discriminatory or bullying.
A teenager with 30 previous convictions who was caught on CCTV stamping on an unidentified man's head and using a bicycle as a weapon during a group attack has been jailed. Adam Farrell pleaded guilty to assaulting an unknown person with intent to cause bodily harm. The court heard that the victim left the scene after the assault and gardai have been unable to identify him. Farrell's defense highlighted his difficult background, including a leg injury and the loss of an older brother. The judge noted the viciousness of the attack and sentenced Farrell to two and a half years' imprisonment, with the final 12 months suspended. The ruling underscores the seriousness of the assault and the need for accountability, despite the lack of a formal complaint from the victim.
A former teenager with 81 previous convictions who was on bail when he punched a homeless man in a 'cowardly, savage attack', causing serious injuries, has been jailed for six years. Shane Murray, then 19, assaulted Damien Merrigan on a Dublin street three years ago but fled the country after being identified. Mr Merrigan, who was homeless, died in July 2025. The court heard that major force was required to fracture the skull and facial bones. Murray pleaded guilty to assault causing serious harm in 2023. Judge Jonathan Dunphy noted the unprovoked nature of the attack and that the victim was vulnerable. The judge inferred that an implement was used, and that Murray left the scene, highlighting a disregard for the victim and the criminal justice system. The judge accepted Murray's expression of remorse and suspended the final two years of the eight-year sentence on strict conditions. Murray has a difficult background, including addiction issues and a history of drug offences.
A Dublin teenager who was the driver of a car involved in a spate of burglaries in Carlow almost two years ago has been jailed for two years. The 18-year-old pleaded guilty to burglary and criminal damage at a housing estate in Killerig, Tullow, and other incidents. He has a number of previous convictions, including many related to stealing and driving stolen cars. The court heard that the teenager had a difficult upbringing, with his father dying when he was a toddler and his mother being abusive. Judge Mary Morrissey acknowledged his difficult background and noted that he had pleaded guilty, which saved the victims from having to give evidence. She set concurrent sentences totalling 36 months and suspended the final 12 months on strict conditions, including engaging with the Probation Service and mental health services. The judge wished him the best of luck and acknowledged his potential.
A man accused of breaching a protection order by repeatedly slapping his wife on the back of the head has been granted bail after a judge found there was no evidence that he was likely to intimidate her. The man, in his 40s, appeared before Judge Anne Watkin at Dún Laoghaire District Court charged with breaching the order. It is alleged that he slapped his wife a number of times on the back of the head and shouted at her, putting her in fear. Garda Michael Grennan objected to bail, but Judge Watkin granted it, noting that the complainant could have declined to attend for any number of reasons. The conditions of bail include that the accused must reside at a new address, notify gardaí of any change, provide them with his phone number, and stay away from the family home. He was also ordered to have no contact with the applicant. The case was adjourned for eight weeks for disclosure, and legal aid was granted to the defence solicitor.
A separated husband was spared a conviction despite allegations that he threatened to throw his former wife out of a window. The court decided against conviction after hearing that the man would not be able to travel to the US for work if he had a criminal record. The woman alleged that the defendant repeatedly pressured her to drop the protection order and threatened to throw her out the window. However, the court found that a conviction would have serious consequences for the defendant's livelihood, as he worked in a role closely connected with US companies. Judge Derek Cooney noted that the defendant had no previous convictions and that both parties had moved on. He warned that nothing like this should ever happen again and struck out the case, leaving the man without a recorded conviction. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.
A serial offender who engaged in a spree of burglaries, ransacking office properties and stealing electronic goods, has been jailed for three and a half years. Mark Byrne, 41, had more than 150 previous convictions when he burgled a number of unoccupied premises in Dublin city centre. He was seen on CCTV footage entering buildings and returning with accomplices to steal more goods. Patrick Higgins and Nikita Ring were also before the court for sentencing in relation to burglaries they committed with Byrne. Byrne pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary, while Higgins and Ring pleaded guilty to their respective offences. The court heard that Byrne and his accomplices caused significant damage to the businesses involved. Judge Martin Nolan jailed Byrne for 51 months, with the final nine months suspended on conditions. Higgins was jailed for 21 months, and Ring received two years with the final six months suspended. The court heard that Byrne has a difficult past with addiction issues and has been in custody since July 2025.
A robber who drove his car at a man, breaking his leg, has been jailed for two years for this and for robbing a car in a separate incident. Evan Campbell, 27, was jailed for the 2023 offences, with Judge Jonathan Dunphy noting he has since made excellent progress in his rehabilitation. The court heard that Campbell drove his car at a man, pushing him against a fence and breaking his leg. The co-accused stole the man's wallet, bank cards, and €150 in cash. Campbell later committed another robbery, where he and two others argued over the value of a car and made off in the victim's car, which had to be written off. Campbell pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery and has 40 previous convictions. Aoife O'Leary BL, defending, said her client committed the offences at a time when his drug addiction was spiralling and his mental health was suffering. Judge Dunphy noted that Campbell has achieved a great deal towards rehabilitation and has not re-offended since 2023.
The trial of Derek Boyd, 31, and Chantelle Harcourt, 34, continues before the Central Criminal Court. Mr Boyd has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mark Carroll, 34, at his home in Finglas on June 9, 2024, and to assaulting Megan Rock. Ms Harcourt has pleaded not guilty to an offence of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of a person. In closing submissions, the prosecution alleged that Mr Boyd carried out a determined, murderous attack on Mr Carroll, who had returned to the house to resolve a previous row. The defence argued that Mr Boyd acted out of instinct to protect himself against a trespasser who was threatening him. The jury heard that Mr Boyd was serving the suspended portion of a sentence for the manslaughter of his sister at the time of the alleged offence. The defence counsel suggested that Mr Boyd's subsequent departure to the UK was motivated by the threat of returning to prison for that prior conviction. The trial is ongoing and has not been finalised; it is scheduled to continue on Monday before Ms Justice Melanie Greally and a jury.
Two Somali nationals have been awarded legal costs after the State failed to enforce return orders within the required six-month period, according to a High Court ruling. Mr Justice Anthony Barr ruled that the applicants were entitled to their costs for judicial reviews against the Return Orders, as the State did not act within the statutory timeframe. The judge noted that the matter had become moot, rendering the judicial review proceedings inoperable. The Chief State Solicitor had previously informed the applicants that the matter could be struck out without an order on costs, but the applicants pursued their claim, arguing that the State's inaction was responsible for the delay. The judge emphasized that the State's failure to execute the return orders made the proceedings moot and entitled the applicants to their costs. The ruling highlights the importance of timely enforcement of legal orders and the consequences of State inaction.
The Court of Appeal has quashed the defilement conviction of a 34-year-old man, directing a retrial after finding the trial judge "crossed a line" in his jury charge. The appellant, who was 28 at the time of the alleged 2020 offence in Westport, had been convicted by majority verdict of defilement of a 16-year-old girl, while being acquitted of sexual assault. He maintained that he believed the complainant was over 18. Ms Justice Nuala Butler ruled that the trial judge improperly suggested the jury might take a "jaundiced" view of the appellant's age defence if they rejected his claim that no sexual intercourse occurred. This misdirection deprived the appellant of the benefit of his alternative defence. The court rejected a secondary appeal ground regarding the prosecution's use of the term "Bart Simpson defence," deeming it unhelpful but not sufficiently disparaging to render the trial unfair. In November 2025, Judge Eoin Garavan had sentenced the man to two years in prison, with the final 12 months suspended and the custodial element deferred, granting him bail pending appeal. Following the appeal decision, Eilis Brennan, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, requested the matter be remanded to the Western Circuit in early October. The judge granted this application, remanding the appellant on continuing bail until that date.
A Somalian woman, Muna Sharif (47), has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for assisting a fellow national in entering Ireland illegally. Sharif, who works as a healthcare assistant in Birmingham, UK, pleaded guilty to providing a fraudulent Swedish passport and helping Asia Mohammad Ahmed enter the country. The court heard that Sharif and Ahmed had travelled from Düsseldorf, Germany, but disembarked separately at Dublin Airport. Ahmed presented a passport with a mismatched photo and claimed asylum, while Sharif was observed in the baggage hall and seen taking a suitcase with a name matching the passport. Records showed that Sharif had booked and paid for Ahmed's flight using a bank card found on her at her arrest. A WhatsApp thread between Sharif and the genuine owner of the passport was also discovered, in which Sharif offered 1,500 Swedish Krona for its use. Sharif claimed she was helping her sister, Ahmed, escape a forced marriage in Somalia, but there was no DNA evidence to support this.
The High Court adjourned a dispute between tenant Muhammad Amjad and landlord Imtiaz Khan, principal of IMK Property Investment Ltd, following a written settlement agreement. Mr Justice Micheál O'Connell remarked that "sanity has broken out" after hours of negotiation, agreeing to adjourn the matter to October. The case, which was expected to last four days, involved allegations by Mr Amjad that he was threatened with a hammer and explicit threats to strike him if he did not vacate the property within three minutes during an attempted eviction in February. Mr Amjad claimed his children were traumatised and that the lease termination notice was invalid. Mr Khan and IMK Property denied all wrongdoing, stating the claims were "extremely serious and entirely untrue." They submitted that the tenancy was terminated due to the extensive nature of repairs required for safety and welfare reasons, citing non-compliance with regulations found by Fingal County Council. Mr Khan denied carrying a hammer or issuing threats, noting no incident was reported to gardaí. The judge had previously urged both sides to settle, warning of reputational damage. Outside court, Mr Amjad's solicitor stated he was "delighted" with the settlement. The matter was adjourned, not concluded.