Irish Rail and Tipperary County Council are in a legal dispute at the High Court over a signal mast near the historic Cahir Rail Station, a Gothic revival structure from the 1850s. Irish Rail claims the mast is 130 metres away from the protected building and asserts that it has installed over 700 similar masts nationwide without issues. They are challenging the council's enforcement notice, issued under the Planning and Development Act 2000, which requires the mast to be removed by September. Irish Rail argues that the council incorrectly determined the mast's impact on the protected structure and misinterpreted the curtilage area. They also claim the council acted beyond its authority by suggesting that exempted works lose their exemption if they affect a protected structure's character. Irish Rail states that the protected status now only applies to the station building, not the other nearby structures. The council's warning carries a potential fine of up to €12 million and two years' imprisonment for non-compliance. The case will be heard again at the High Court on July 20.
In the Central Criminal Court, the jury heard that Derek Boyd, who was on a suspended sentence for a prior shooting, allegedly stabbed Mark Carroll to death on 9 June 2024. Boyd's partner, Chantelle Harcourt, is accused of trying to clean the scene before Gardaí arrived. Witness Megan Rock testified that she, Mark, Boyd and another person drank cocaine in Boyd's garden on 8 June, left after Boyd told them to leave, and later returned to the house to see if they could stay the night. Rock said she saw Mark running out of the house with blood on his chest. She also claimed Boyd had pulled her by the hair and threatened her. Boyd and Harcourt have both pleaded not guilty to the charges. The trial will continue tomorrow before Justice Melanie Greally and a jury.
A warehouse worker, Rudolf Csikos, has lost a challenge to his dismissal from Keelings Logistics Solutions after making "extreme" and "unfounded" claims on LinkedIn about the company's working hours being linked to the deaths of two former colleagues. His posts were deemed seriously defamatory, and he was dismissed for gross misconduct. The tribunal upheld the dismissal, noting that there was no evidence to support his allegations. Csikos had previously filed a statutory complaint under the Organisation of Working Time Act, which was rejected by the WRC. The tribunal found that he was not classified as a special category night worker and that his rostering was not restricted to eight-hour shifts. The company's disciplinary officer stated that the posts damaged the company's reputation and led to legal action. The adjudicator concluded that Csikos's statements were unfounded and that his dismissal was proportionate.
A man in his 50s has been convicted and fined €500 for breaching a protection order, despite requesting a deferred case. The man, who resides in Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to breaching a protection order made in January 2025. The order was put in place following the breakdown of his relationship with the injured party, who is his former partner. The breach occurred on March 1, when he verbally abused the injured party and put her in fear. The court heard that the man had no previous convictions and was remorseful, but Judge Conor Fottrell emphasized the seriousness of the breach and the purpose of protection orders. The man was fined €500 and given six months to pay, with the court noting that the breach, although not violent, was still a serious matter.
Brian Dunne (41) of Ringsend, Dublin 4, has been granted bail after appearing before Judge Conor Fottrell at Dún Laoghaire District Court. Dunne is accused of assaulting a Tesco worker and damaging a garda station custody area on July 5. The court heard that Dunne had no legal representation due to the ongoing solicitors' strike over legal aid rates. Garda Rob Brennan stated there was no objection to bail as Dunne was unrepresented. Dunne was ordered to stay away from Baggot Street Upper, sign on daily at Irishtown Garda Station, and be of sober habits. The case highlights the impact of the legal aid dispute on the justice system, with delays in cases and difficulties in securing legal representation. The matter was adjourned to January 4 for further proceedings.
The President of the High Court, Mr Justice David Barniville, has expressed concern over the increasing levels of violence and disruptive behavior directed at judges and court staff in Irish courts. He noted that judges are not immune to the psychological effects of hearing graphic evidence, particularly in sexual offense cases. He called for better support systems, including access to counseling, to help judges cope with the stress of their role. He highlighted incidents of judges being attacked, receiving death threats, and facing intimidation from litigants. Mr Justice Barniville emphasized that judges are human and should not be expected to endure such pressures without support. He also criticized the lack of legal protections against disruptive behavior and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals by unqualified legal advisors. A Wellbeing Strategic Action Plan aims to improve support for judges, including training on handling traumatic evidence and promoting a culture where seeking help is not seen as a weakness. He stressed the importance of public understanding of the judiciary's role to reduce stigma and improve respect for judges.
Mary Kenneally, a seamstress who worked for 17 years at a Cork shop, has won over €76,000 in redress after being unfairly dismissed by her employer. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ruled that Carr Sewing Machines Limited had breached her employment rights by cutting her hours and forcing her out of her job. Kenneally, who was 67 years old, had been offered a full-time position elsewhere but was only given one day a week by the new employer. The tribunal found that the company had no mandatory retirement age and that Kenneally had been treated exceptionally poorly. The WRC awarded her €67,000 in compensation for unfair dismissal and additional sums for breaches of the Payment of Wages Act, the Terms of Employment (Information) Act, and the Organisation of Working Time Act. The case highlighted the employer's failure to provide proper working conditions and the impact of the dismissal on Kenneally's ability to find new employment.
Derek Boyd, a garda accused of murdering his partner Mark Carroll, was on a suspended sentence for the manslaughter of his sister when the alleged killing took place. The Central Criminal Court heard that Boyd and his partner Chantelle Harcourt are accused of impeding the prosecution by cleaning the scene. Megan Rock, Carroll's partner, testified that the evening was initially peaceful but turned violent when Boyd and Carroll had an argument. Rock said that Boyd threatened her and tried to set his dog on her, but she managed to escape. She denied that Carroll was a violent person and said that Boyd had previously shot his sister in a tragic accident. Boyd's legal team argued that he had a suspended sentence and was aware of the consequences of any physical altercation. The trial continues with the jury considering the evidence presented, including the alleged threats and the circumstances surrounding the murder. Derek Boyd pleaded guilty.
The trial of a garda accused of raping his wife and committing child cruelty against two of his daughters has reached closing stages. The 48-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including child cruelty and rape. The alleged offences took place at two locations in the north-west of the country. The prosecution has concluded its case, and the defence has not called any witnesses. A number of witnesses, including the garda's wife and her mother, testified about the alleged abuse and the impact on the family. The garda's wife had sought help from Tusla and gardai, and the case was referred to the DPP for charges. The trial has highlighted the alleged cruelty and the difficulty in obtaining records due to the passage of time. The jury is now considering the evidence presented, including the testimonies of the victims and the garda's actions.
A burglar who claimed to be a plumber when confronted by a security guard after breaking into an office building and damaging two cars has been jailed for 17 months. Patrick Lynch (51) of Rosemount Glade, Dundrum, Dublin 14, pleaded guilty to burglary and damage to an interior door at L Building, Harcourt Street, Dublin 2 on February 8, 2025. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal damage to cars in the basement of the building. Lynch, who has previous convictions, including seven for burglary, was caught by security guards after breaking into the building. One guard saw Lynch on CCTV with a brick and an implement, while the other encountered him in the basement. Lynch told the guard he was a plumber and had left his access card elsewhere. A Tesla and a BMW were damaged in the basement. The car owners did not prepare victim impact statements. Lynch's defense said he had gone downhill after his wife's death and was trying to fund his addiction to pills. He is receiving medical attention in custody.
A serial criminal, Keith Hall, was released from prison for his role in the 2012 manslaughter of Melanie McCarthy-McNamara when he committed arson and robbery in 2025. Hall had previously been sentenced to 20 years for the manslaughter, which was later reduced. The court heard that Hall was involved in events leading up to the shooting, including agreeing to throw a rock to entice people out of a house. In 2025, Hall was caught on CCTV setting a car ablaze and later robbed a Halfords store. He was identified as one of the suspects and had a history of 112 previous convictions. Judge Orla Crowe noted Hall's high risk of re-offending but acknowledged his cooperation with the Probation Service. She imposed concurrent sentences of three years and six months, with the final six months suspended on the condition that Hall engage with the Probation Service.
A 68-year-old man from Donegal, who was convicted of raping and abusing his sisters in the 1970s, was granted anonymity by the court due to a 'culpable delay' in the prosecution. The victims had waived their anonymity, but the court ruled that the defendant could not be named. The man was convicted of multiple counts of rape and indecent assault. His lawyers argued that the delay in prosecution had created a situation where the defendant would face serious public odium. The judge noted the victims' bravery and the long-term trauma they endured. She imposed a seven-year sentence for the rape offences and a two-year concurrent term for the sexual assault charges. The final year of the seven-year term was suspended on strict conditions. The unnamed 68-year-old pleaded not guilty.
A Brazilian brothel-keeper, Ilamar Rodrigues Ribeiro, has had his appeal to reduce his prison sentence dismissed by the court. Ribeiro, who operated a brothel network across rural Ireland and laundered €800,000, was arrested at Dublin Airport in 2023 with child abuse material on his phone. He pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including brothel-keeping, money laundering, and possession of child pornography. The child abuse material, which included images and videos of pre-pubescent children, was described as the most serious category. Judge Patricia Ryan imposed a 10-and-a-half-year sentence in 2025, which included consecutive terms. Ribeiro's lawyers argued that the court should have suspended the sentence for the child abuse material due to his lack of prior convictions. However, Mr Justice Paul Burns ruled that the child pornography charge was of a different nature and required a separate sentence. He stated that the court could not ignore the severity of the offence. The investigation into Ribeiro began after two women came forward with trafficking allegations, leading to the identification of multiple properties used as brothels across Ireland.
The trial of former Irish national swim coach George Gibney, who was extradited from Florida, concluded with the court addressing the long-standing question of 'Where is George Gibney?' The trial, which lasted 11 days, involved 79 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. Gibney, now 77, pleaded guilty to five counts of indecent assault but denied the rest. The court heard from four complainants who detailed the abuse they suffered between 1971 and 1981. The jury found Gibney guilty of 39 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. The trial highlighted the impact of the abuse on the victims, with one complainant describing the abuse as starting when she was 13. Gibney was taken into custody after the verdicts were read, with the court noting the significance of the convictions in addressing the historical abuse.
George Gibney, the former Irish national swimming coach, has been convicted of sexually abusing four girls over 50 years ago. A Central Criminal Court jury found Gibney, now 77, guilty of 39 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. The trial, which lasted 11 days, involved 74 charges, with five counts admitted by Gibney at the outset. The jury deliberated for over seven hours and returned 40 guilty verdicts. Gibney was extradited from Florida to face the historic allegations. The abuse occurred between 1971 and 1981 at various locations, including swimming pools and in his car. The court heard from four complainants who detailed the abuse they suffered. Gibney will face a sentence hearing on July 29, with victim impact statements to be prepared for the sentencing.
Lawyers for Antoin Duffy, who is charged with the murder of Denis Donaldson, have expressed disappointment over further delays in serving the book of evidence in the Special Criminal Court. Duffy, who was brought before the court, had been remanded in custody until today for the service of the book of evidence. The court was previously informed that the book of evidence was not yet complete and was awaiting final statements. Today, Michael Bowman SC for the Director of Public Prosecutions stated that the prosecution was not in a position to serve the book of evidence and that there was still some outstanding material. Brendan Grehan SC for the defence said he was disappointed that the book of evidence was not available today. He noted that his client was present to have the book served on him and that he has a bail application pending in the High Court. The case was adjourned to July 27, with Duffy to be produced on that date.
A man who raped and sexually abused his 10-year-old niece while babysitting her has been jailed for 11 years. The now 35-year-old defendant was convicted of two counts of rape, 10 counts of sexual assault, and one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child. The abuse occurred between May 2019 and April 2021 at the family home in Dublin. The man, who is the girl's uncle, would occasionally stay with the family while homeless. The victim, in a victim impact statement, described the emotional and psychological trauma she endured, stating that the man used her age and innocence against her. The court heard that the abuse took place when the girl's parents were out, and the man was in loco parentis. The victim expressed that she had to live with the consequences of the abuse every day, including suicidal ideation and self-harm. The man, who has no previous convictions, was originally from Romania and has lived in Ireland for many years.
Lois West, a senior Garda analyst, has settled her employment rights claims with the State after a 2.5-year legal battle. The case, which was reopened at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), saw both parties reach a confidential agreement, ending the proceedings. Ms West had previously testified to the Oireachtas about errors in official homicide data and claimed she faced workplace penalties for doing so. Her legal team confirmed the settlement, while the State's legal representatives objected to any public commentary on the outcome. The statutory complaints against the Commissioner of An Garda Siochána, the Government of Ireland, and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform have been withdrawn. The case had faced previous setbacks, including a collapsed inquiry and a change in adjudicators. Ms West had alleged a years-long continuum of whistleblower penalisation, including failure to protect her from harassment and unfair treatment. The adjudicator, Penelope McGrath, expressed relief at the settlement and wished Ms West well in her future.
Tomasz Rozpeda, a Polish national, has been sentenced to six years in prison for manslaughter after killing his friend, Maciej Nowak, on St Stephen's Day three years ago. The Central Criminal Court heard that Nowak suffered 27 injuries to his head and neck, with his brain twisting within his skull, indicating blunt force trauma from an object or flat surface. Rozpeda initially denied involvement but later pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The court was told that both men had consumed substances to excess that night, and that Nowak had a high level of amphetamines and alcohol in his system. Rozpeda's defence highlighted his guilty plea and lack of prior convictions in Ireland, while the court noted the tragic impact on Nowak's fiancée and children. The judge set a headline sentence of nine years but reduced it to six due to Rozpeda's early guilty plea and other mitigating factors. The case was complicated by the lack of clear evidence and the fact that Rozpeda had previously been in contact with Nowak's fiancée to inform her of the incident.
A 48-year-old garda has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including child cruelty and rape, during his Central Criminal Court trial. His 17-year-old daughter testified that she grew up fearing physical punishment if she didn't finish her dinner, with her father using objects like sticks and spoons to enforce compliance. She described several incidents, including one where her father forced her hand into a door after an accident, and another where he hit her with a hairbrush after she refused to brush her hair. The girl also recounted being strangled during a tickling incident and witnessing her father allegedly choke her younger sister. She said her father showed photos of her weight loss to friends and family, making her feel uncomfortable. During cross-examination, she confirmed she had sought therapy and written a journal, but did not discuss it with her mother or grandmother. The trial continues before Mr Justice Sean Gillane and the jury.
A 34-year-old man was jailed for three years after being convicted of sexually assaulting and raping his young cousin between 2005 and 2008. The victim, who was aged between five and eight at the time, described repeated instances of abuse, including a final incident of oral rape. The court heard that the victim had kept the abuse secret for years before making a formal complaint in 2021. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor noted the aggravating factors, including the victim's young age and the power imbalance. She acknowledged the accused's youth at the time of the offences but imposed a three-year sentence. The victim expressed that the abuse had a lasting impact on her life and that she had to remind herself that the family fallout was due to the abuse, not her speaking out. The accused's defence highlighted his stable relationship and positive testimonials from family and friends, but the court found no remorse. The trial concluded with the judge emphasizing the importance of the victim's courage in coming forward.
A couple who fled Ukraine were caught by gardai with €380,000 in cash in the back of their car during a money laundering operation. Ihor Samotos, a Ukrainian national living in Leitrim, was seen receiving a box of cash from a third party in a Santry carpark. His partner, Sabina Kolukhonova, was a passenger in the car. Samotos had limited work opportunities and became involved in the money laundering operation for an organised criminal gang. Both pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering. Judge Martin Nolan noted that Samotos had made the choice to engage in the criminal activity despite his precarious situation. He sentenced Samotos to five and a half years and Kolukhonova to 20 months in prison, taking into account their guilty pleas and lack of previous convictions. The court heard that the couple had come to Ireland separately after the war broke out and had started a relationship. The other man involved in the operation remains before the courts.
A "deviant father figure" who was jailed for life after he "coldly engaged in a remorseless campaign of rape" against his granddaughter and nephew has had his sentence upheld by the Court of Appeal. The court found the sentence of life imprisonment was within the discretion of the sentencing judge, noting the man ruled the family "with an iron fist" and "brutally sexually assaulted these young and vulnerable children" in what it described as an "egregious breach of trust". The 69-year-old patriarch of the family was convicted of 24 charges including two charges of anally raping his granddaughter and 22 charges against his nephew. He had pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. The man's granddaughter was aged between nine and eleven when the abuse occurred, while his nephew was aged between 7 and eleven. The abuser's sentencing hearing was told he did not accept the verdicts of the jury and continues to maintain his innocence.
The Court of Appeal has set a date in December to hear an application by a Polish cage fighter who is seeking to have his conviction for the murder of a 23-year-old man who was beaten unconscious and left to drown in the River Shannon declared a miscarriage of justice. Leszek Sychulec's legal team told the court today that they had written to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) seeking disclosure regarding an article published about a garda allegedly involved in organised crime who is connected to the case. Sychulec, now in his 40s, and his co-accused, Andrzej Gruchacz, had pleaded not guilty to murdering Patryk Krupa at Bogganfin, Athlone, Co Roscommon on June 20th, 2014. Mr Krupa drowned in the Shannon outside Athlone while incapacitated with a head injury from a violent assault. A Central Criminal Court jury deliberated for five hours before reaching unanimous guilty verdicts. The defendants were accordingly given mandatory life sentences by Mr Justice Tony Hunt on June 13, 2016.
The former CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland, Francis O'Donnell, faced disciplinary action after an internal investigation found that he had given inappropriate assistance to a candidate applying for a senior post. The investigation revealed that O'Donnell had forwarded interview questions to the candidate and had advised them on how to amend their cover letter and CV. O'Donnell claimed that he had been mentoring the candidate and that the disciplinary process was an act of whistleblower penalisation. The tribunal heard that an independent investigation by RSM concluded that O'Donnell had given inappropriate assistance to the candidate, who ultimately got the job. O'Donnell denied the allegations and claimed that the process had not been fair, as the confidentiality of the investigation was breached. The tribunal adjourned the hearings until Monday, with the adjudication officer to consider the case under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, the Payment of Wages Act 1991, and the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977.
A veteran lorry driver, John Burkett, was acquitted of failing to remain at the scene of an incident where a young boy made contact with his truck. The court heard that the boy had suffered a fractured shoulder and leg injuries. Burkett had been convicted of failing to remain at the scene and failing to report the accident to gardai, but the appeal court found that the truck had stopped for at least a minute, as shown by tachograph evidence. The judge ruled that the prosecution's case had not been proven beyond reasonable doubt and acquitted Burkett of the charge of failing to remain at the scene. However, he was fined €750 to Crumlin Children's Hospital for failing to report the accident. The court noted that Burkett had no charges related to careless or dangerous driving and that the prosecution's case was not proven beyond reasonable doubt. John Burkett pleaded guilty.
A murder accused, Derek Boyd, boarded a ferry in Belfast just hours after allegedly fatally stabbing Mark Carroll in their shared home in north Dublin, according to a garda CCTV examiner. Boyd is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, charged with Carroll's murder, while his partner, Chantelle Harcourt, faces charges of impeding his prosecution. The prosecution claims Boyd stabbed Carroll with intent to kill or cause serious harm. Harcourt is alleged to have attempted to clean the scene before gardai arrived. CCTV footage showed Carroll, his girlfriend Megan Rock, and the accused spending time together on June 8, 2024, at their home. At 00:55 on June 9, Carroll was seen running from the house clutching his chest, followed by Boyd. Prosecuting counsel stated that no direct evidence of the stabbing would be presented, but jurors were asked to infer it occurred during the seven minutes between the two men's movements. Garda Ronan Kelly detailed Boyd's movements, including his boarding of a ferry in Belfast. Boyd and Harcourt have both pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Court of Appeal has dismissed the appeals against the sentences of Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney, who were convicted of facilitating the Hutch Criminal Organisation in the murder of David Byrne. Both men, who pleaded not guilty, acted as getaway drivers during the 2016 Regency Hotel attack. Mr Justice John Edwards found their roles "far from peripheral" and upheld the Special Criminal Court's 10-year headline sentences. Bonney, who has no previous convictions, received an 18-month mitigation discount, resulting in an effective sentence of eight-and-a-half years. Murphy, who has 67 previous convictions, received a one-year discount, resulting in a nine-year sentence. The judge rejected arguments that their culpability was lower than that of Jonathan Dowdall, who was sentenced to four years for facilitating the gang by providing a room. Dowdall had originally faced murder charges but admitted to the lesser offence. The Court of Appeal noted that the primary sentencing rationales were retribution and deterrence, given the high level of criminality and the threat posed by the Hutch organisation to the rule of law.
Lawyers representing Jozef Puska, who is serving a life sentence for the murder of schoolteacher Ashling Murphy, have told the court that the scope of his conviction appeal may change. Puska's appeal was originally due to be heard on April 23, but was vacated after his barristers withdrew from the case. Senior Counsel John Berry confirmed he would represent Puska, and the Court of Appeal set a new hearing date of July 15. During a case management hearing, Mr Berry indicated that an instruction received in the last two days may change the scope of the appeal. The matter was adjourned to July 10. Puska, who had pleaded not guilty to murdering Ms Murphy, was found by the jury to have stabbed her 11 times in the neck and slashed her once with a blade. A monument now stands where she died. Puska was placed at the scene by the presence of his distinctive green and black bicycle, which was captured on CCTV. His DNA was found on the bike and under Ms Murphy's fingernails.
The eldest daughter of a garda accused of raping his wife and committing child cruelty has testified that she "probably" showed a journal she was keeping to her mother. The daughter, now 24, gave evidence in the Central Criminal Court trial of her father, who has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of child cruelty against her and two counts of raping his wife. She described the family home as having an atmosphere of violence and threats, and she recounted an incident where her father ripped her earrings out when she was 10. She began keeping a journal in June 2024 after starting therapy with Jigsaw, which she titled "the story of my life – trauma edition." Under cross-examination, she said she was certain she did not show her mother the journal before making her statement, but admitted that if her mother had asked, she probably would have. The trial continues before a jury of seven men and five women and Mr Justice Sean Gillane, with the case expected to last two weeks.
The former CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland, Francis O'Donnell, has denied allegations that he pestered and hounded the agency's former HR director, Róisín Bradley, for written assurances regarding his future employment. O'Donnell, who was dismissed from his position in June 2025, refuted claims that he asked Bradley to meet privately and sign a prepared letter in a hotel car park. He described the allegations as "appalling" and denied any such conduct, emphasizing that Bradley was a high-performing individual with whom he had a strong working relationship. O'Donnell's legal team argued that there was a precedent in IFI for previous CEOs returning to their old roles after stepping down, and he cited an email from Bradley in December 2025 to support his claim. The case is being heard under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 and the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, with O'Donnell alleging that the allegations against him were part of an effort to pressure him into ending his investigation into alleged theft and fraud within the organization. The tribunal has adjourned for further proceedings.
A murder trial jury has viewed CCTV footage showing Mark Carroll running from a house in north Dublin clutching his chest, followed by Derek Boyd, the accused in his murder. The footage, presented by Garda Ronan Kelly, showed Carroll arriving at the house on June 8, 2024, and spending time with his girlfriend Megan Rock and Boyd. At 5:30 pm, all three were seen outside the house. At 00:55 on June 9, Carroll was seen running from the house, followed by Rock, and then Boyd. Prosecuting counsel stated that no direct evidence of the stabbing would be presented, but jurors were asked to infer it occurred during the seven minutes between the two men's movements. The footage also showed Boyd leaving the house, shouting, and running back inside. He was later seen climbing over the roof and into a back garden before boarding a taxi. Boyd and his partner, Chantelle Harcourt, have both pleaded not guilty to the charges. The trial continues before Ms Justice Melanie Greally and a jury of seven men and five women.
X Internet Unlimited Company, the applicant, is challenging the Irish media watchdog Coimisiún na Meán in High Court judicial review proceedings. The case, heard before Mr Justice Cian Ferriter, concerns the Commission's decision to refer complaints, received under the EU's Digital Services Act, to its internal supervisory team for potential future investigation. X's counsel, Neil Steen SC, alleged the Commission was "kicking the can down the road," arguing that this internal referral unlawfully broadened the investigation and acted beyond the Commission's powers. X contended that the delay damages its reputation and that the Commission failed to make required pre-decision notifications. The Commission, represented by David Fennelly SC, denied these claims, asserting it has the broader power to appoint an authorised officer to investigate. In a related March ruling, the High Court awarded legal costs against X after it failed to obtain a stay order on the investigation. The judge noted that X understated the public interest in the orderly operation of the complaints process under the Digital Services Act and the Broadcasting Act 2009. X had argued that the ongoing investigation would cause serious and irreparable harm. The matter was adjourned and continues tomorrow before Mr Justice Ferriter.
The jury in the trial of a 77-year-old former sports coach accused of historical abuse is to resume deliberations tomorrow. The accused, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to five counts of indecent assault and not guilty to 73 other counts, including one of attempted rape, related to alleged abuse of four girls between the 1970s and 1980s. The jury has been directed to return not guilty verdicts on 33 counts relating to two complainants. The accused initially faced 29 counts of indecent assault in relation to the first complainant, with 16 of these counts being dismissed. He pleaded guilty to five counts of indecent assault on this complainant between May and September 1976. In relation to the second complainant, the accused denied two counts of indecent assault. He also denied 41 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape against the third complainant, with 17 of the indecent assault counts being dismissed. The accused has pleaded not guilty to one count of indecent assault against the fourth complainant.
The eldest daughter of a garda accused of rape and child cruelty has testified that the family home had an atmosphere of violence and threats, likening it to living in a military barracks. The 24-year-old complainant, who referred to the accused as her father, described incidents of physical and emotional abuse, including being forced to run daily, being physically punished with a spatula, and being subjected to verbal abuse by her father. She also recounted an incident where her father threatened to poison a puppy if it was brought back into the family home. The complainant said she began attending therapy in June 2024, which led to Tusla being involved. She described her father's behavior towards her younger sister as emotional manipulation, including making her eat until she was sick and commenting on her weight. The accused has pleaded not guilty to charges of child cruelty, assault, and rape. The trial continues with the jury of seven men and five women, presided over by Mr Justice Sean Gillane.
Brian O'Connor, a criminal with 167 previous convictions, stabbed a 55-year-old motorist five times with a screwdriver before hijacking his vehicle in Dublin in August 2025. O'Connor pleaded guilty to seizing a vehicle by force and assault causing harm. The victim was threatened with death by O'Connor and another man, who then stabbed him before fleeing in the car. The victim was injured and frightened, and the car was driven recklessly before the men fled. O'Connor, an inmate at Wheatfield Prison, has been in custody since the offence. Judge Orla Crowe adjourned the case until November to allow for a probation report to be prepared. O'Connor's defence highlighted his difficult childhood, drug and alcohol issues, and recent efforts to seek treatment and recovery. He has handed in a letter of apology and is now an enhanced prisoner working in custody.
Ian Hennessy, 40, admitted to damaging his former partner's property while intoxicated and was given a month to compensate her before a judge decides on his sentence. Hennessy pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal damage at Dún Laoghaire District Court, where a television and a clothes horse were damaged. Judge Ann Watkins noted that Hennessy had not shown remorse by compensating his victim more than 18 months after the incident. The judge emphasized that Hennessy, as an adult, is well able to take responsibility. Hennessy's defence highlighted that he had completed treatment for alcohol addiction, has been sober for six months, and has secured full-time employment. The court adjourned the case until July 27, with the judge instructing Hennessy to repay the damage by then before deciding on his sentence.
A tech worker who was promised a €150,000-a-year salary but received only €11,500 over eleven months has been awarded €126,000 in back pay by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). The employee, who left a permanent job to join the tech firm, faced severe financial hardship, including falling behind on mortgage payments, electricity bills, and loan repayments. She was unable to heat her home during freezing weather and faced marital difficulties due to the financial strain. The CEO of the company assured her that wages would be paid in full, but no payments were made beyond the initial €11,500. The WRC found that the worker was owed 11 months of salary at €12,500 per month, less the €11,500 already paid. The adjudicator noted that the company did not attend the hearing, and the decision was based on the worker's uncontested evidence. The case highlights the importance of timely wage payments and the consequences of non-compliance with the Payment of Wages Act 1991.
An asylum applicant who claimed persecution by the Taliban had his refusal quashed after a judge found that inconsistencies in his knowledge of Afghanistan could be due to his young age when he made his application. The applicant, born in 2002, left Afghanistan in March 2021 and arrived in Ireland in October 2022. He applied for international protection, claiming refugee status due to persecution by the Taliban. During his application, he completed a questionnaire and was interviewed by an International Protection Officer (IPO) in January 2024. The IPO found inconsistencies in his account of his region, workplace, and geography, affecting his credibility. The applicant described houses in his village being burnt, but these descriptions were not consistent with external information, and documents he provided could not be verified. The IPO concluded he failed to provide sufficient detail. The applicant, now 24, challenged the decision in the High Court.
The jury in the trial of a former sports coach accused of abusing four girls over 40 years ago has been directed to return not guilty verdicts on 33 counts of indecent assault. The 77-year-old accused man was originally charged with 79 counts but pleaded guilty to five of them. He had pleaded not guilty to 73 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. The alleged offences occurred between 1971 and 1981 in various locations across the country. The judge, Mr Justice Mícheál O'Higgins, directed the jury to return not guilty verdicts on 33 counts following legal submissions and the absence of supporting evidence. The accused man cannot be named for legal reasons. The jury has been instructed to consider the remaining 41 counts after hearing closing speeches from both the prosecution and defence. The prosecution, led by James Dwyer SC, emphasized the difficulty of proving older allegations and the importance of proving the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
A woman has denied allegations that she made a rape claim against her garda husband to get him out of the family home. The 48-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to two counts of raping her in 2009 and 2021, as well as three counts of child cruelty and one of assault against his daughters. The complainant described two incidents of rape, stating she felt numb and ended the marriage. She said she only spoke to gardai after a Tusla investigation. Under cross-examination, she confirmed she was still living in the family home and that the marriage was not finalised. She denied that she made the criminal complaint to get her husband out of the house. The trial continues before a jury in Dublin.
A worker who was denied a reduced working week after being diagnosed with a migraine condition has won €20,000 in an Irish legal first. South Munster Money Advice & Budgeting Service CLG was ordered to pay the sum to the employee, Laura Beresford, on foot of a complaint alleging disability discrimination in breach of the Employment Equality Act 1998. Ms Beresford told the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) that she fell ill in April 2024 and was diagnosed with vestibular migraine, which caused headaches, nausea, and fatigue that significantly impaired her ability to function. After three months out sick, she returned to work in July 2024 and presented a letter from her GP advising that a reduction in her working hours would help her manage the condition. She formally sought a reduction in working hours from a five-day, 35-hour working week to 28 hours over four days, with one day working from home. The arrangement was supported by an occupational health assessment commissioned by her employer.
The former CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), Francis O'Donnell, has told a tribunal that he contemplated suicide after his bosses allegedly pressured him to quit following damaging media leaks and political interference in an internal investigation. O'Donnell described the period as 'very dark and very, very hard' and said he was subjected to harassment and untrue allegations. He claimed that political actors at a high level interfered in the process, and that he was blackmailed by a sitting senator. O'Donnell suspended a senior employee pending an investigation and reported concerns to gardaí twice in 2022. An independent investigation by RSM cleared him of allegations, but he said the report failed to examine evidence he provided. O'Donnell met with ministerial appointees in 2024, during which he was told the protected disclosure matter needed to be 'bottomed out' before a pay increment could be considered. He felt isolated and described being cast as a 'troublemaker'. O'Donnell reported his mental state to IFI occupational health, but felt the organisation was 'extremely negligent'.
On July 1, 2026, the trial of Riad Bouchaker, who attacked a group of children in Dublin, concluded with a detailed account of the events. Leanne Flynn, a creche worker, intervened when Bouchaker pulled a knife from his rucksack and attacked a five-year-old girl. She tackled him, but he stabbed her in the back, causing severe injuries. In the chaos, several children were injured, including one girl who suffered a critical head wound and another with a laceration to the neck. Passersby, including Warren Donohue, Caio Benicio, and Alan Loren-Guille, intervened to stop Bouchaker. Siobhan Kearney helped remove the knife from Bouchaker's grip. A five-year-old girl was found lifeless on the pavement, but she was revived by paramedics and taken to the hospital for emergency surgery. Despite the efforts of medical staff, the girl suffered severe neurological and physical damage, including dystonia and the inability to swallow, requiring lifelong care. Bouchaker, who had a mild cognitive impairment and a benign brain tumour, claimed he was not in his right mind during the attack.
During the trial of Riad Bouchaker, his lawyers argued that the judge should direct a not guilty verdict on two of the attempted murder charges. However, Mr Justice Tony Hunt rejected the application, stating there was sufficient evidence for the jury to reach a safe guilty verdict. The defence did not seek an acquittal for the girl who suffered the most serious injuries but argued that there was a lack of evidence regarding the other girl and the boy. The judge said the jury could reasonably infer that Bouchaker intended to kill, citing the use of a knife towards a small child and the persistence of his actions. He also noted that the boy's injury was likely caused by Bouchaker. The judge agreed to introduce alternative verdicts on the attempted murder charges, allowing the jury to return a verdict of not guilty on attempted murder but guilty of causing serious harm.
A murder trial jury has been informed that CCTV footage shows the moment a man was fatally stabbed and ran from a house in north Dublin with his hand on his chest. Derek Boyd is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, charged with the murder of Mark Carroll, while his partner, Chantelle Harcourt, faces charges of impeding his prosecution. The State alleges that Mr Boyd stabbed Mr Carroll with the intent to kill or cause serious harm. Ms Harcourt is accused of making an effort to clean the scene before gardai arrived, though not successfully. Mr Boyd has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Carroll and to threatening and assaulting Megan Rock. Ms Harcourt has pleaded not guilty to impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Mr Boyd. Prosecuting counsel Sean Guerin SC outlined that Mr Carroll was fatally stabbed on June 9, 2024, at the home of the two accused.
A Ukrainian man, Andrii Pastukh, was jailed after €310,405 in crime cash was discovered hidden in baby food containers, Pringles tubs, suitcases, and a speaker in his Dublin hotel room. Pastukh pleaded guilty to possession of the proceeds of crime at the Clayton Hotel, Clonshaugh, on November 28, 2025. During a garda operation, he was observed handing over a bag to a co-accused, who later travelled to another hotel in Dublin city centre. When gardai searched Pastukh's hotel room, they found the hidden cash. A simultaneous search of another hotel room uncovered over €311,700 in a safe. Pastukh was arrested and handed over his phone and PIN, which led gardai to discover the Telegram app on his device. He initially made limited admissions but later gave a full account across six interviews. Pastukh claimed he came to Ireland from Athens three days earlier and had been instructed to hand over some of the money to the co-accused. The court heard that Pastukh had no previous convictions and that this was his first involvement in such offending.
A 24-year-old drug dealer, Kabir Adeyemo, has been further sentenced for laundering the proceeds of his own criminal activity in a 'crude and obvious' manner. Adeyemo pleaded guilty to multiple charges of having cash believed to be the proceeds of crime between November 2019 and July 2021. Garda Michael Curtin stated that €18,950 was deposited into Adeyemo's bank account during this period, and that he moved the money between his account, betting accounts, and back to his own. Judge Orla Crowe noted that the laundering was not a complex scheme and that Adeyemo was 'a man involved in crime' at the time. She acknowledged that Adeyemo has 58 previous convictions, including four for drug dealing, and that none of the cash was recovered. However, the judge accepted that Adeyemo has 'started to turn his life around' and is now a good father to his six-year-old son. She imposed a sentence of 18 months, with the final six months suspended on strict conditions.
A garda has gone on trial accused of child cruelty and the rape of his wife. The jury at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin heard that the 48-year-old man was allegedly a violent and domineering father and husband who subjected two of his daughters to unreasonable chastisement for most of their childhood. Prosecuting counsel, Dominic McGinn SC, told the jury that the man is alleged to have neglected his eldest daughter for most of her childhood and is charged with child cruelty against her on an unknown date between 2007 and 2013, and again between 2013 and 2020. He is also alleged to have assaulted this complainant causing her harm sometime in late 2021 or early 2022, after she had turned 18. The man is also charged with child cruelty of another daughter on an unknown date between 2015 and 2024. He has pleaded not guilty to two counts of raping his wife on two occasions in June 2009 and November 2021, as well as three counts of child cruelty and one count of assault causing harm.
A 24-year-old man from Dublin has been refused bail after being charged with raping and sexually assaulting a teenage girl in a laneway on September 29, 2025. Appearing before Dún Laoghaire District Court, Judge Anne Watkin refused bail under Section 2 of the Bail Act, citing the seriousness of the alleged offences and the strength of the evidence, including CCTV and DNA evidence. The defence argued the accused was not a flight risk and had cooperated with gardaí. However, the judge noted the complainant was very nervous and that the evidence was compelling. She described the case as one of the most difficult she had dealt with, but ultimately ruled that the seriousness of the charges and the evidence meant bail must be refused. The accused was remanded in custody to Cloverhill Prison until July 7, with legal aid assigned.