The High Court has quashed the assault conviction of Kevin Taylor, a former Garda from Longford, following a judicial review appeal. Taylor was originally convicted in Strokestown District Court in August 2021 of assaulting security staff member Ian Gordon during the execution of a possession order at Falsk, Strokestown, Co Roscommon, on December 11, 2018. The initial conviction resulted in a €200 fine. In March 2024, Taylor appealed to the Circuit Court, where he received a two-month custodial sentence. He subsequently sought a judicial review against the Director of Public Prosecutions, arguing that the prosecution failed to specify the precise factual basis of the alleged assault, violating fair procedure principles. Mr Justice Garrett Simons accepted that CCTV footage did not show Taylor grabbing Gordon's genitals, as alleged, though it did show him laying hands on him. The High Court judge found that the Circuit Court judge had undermined the effectiveness of cross-examination by taking over questioning, depriving Taylor of a fair opportunity to test the complainant's account. Furthermore, the trial judge failed to assess the reasonableness of the force used based on Taylor's asserted belief that he was protecting a disabled man. Mr Justice Simons quashed the conviction and determined it was not in the public interest to remit the matter, noting that Taylor had already served a two-month sentence for contempt in the same proceedings.
Three men, Alan Harte, Alan O'Brien, and Darren Redmond, who were found guilty of false imprisonment and intentionally causing harm to Kevin Lunney, have appealed their sentences, arguing they were excessive and out of kilter with comparator cases. Harte was sentenced to 30 years in prison, O'Brien received a 25-year sentence, and Redmond was sentenced to 18 years with the final three suspended. Harte's legal team described his 30-year term as 'a life sentence by a different name,' while O'Brien and Redmond's lawyers suggested the sentences imposed on their clients were too high and failed to properly consider mitigating factors. At the appeal hearing, Harte's senior counsel, Michael O'Higgins, argued that the sentence was 'out of kilter' with other cases and that the Special Criminal Court had set a headline sentence of 30 years without 'very much surrounding structure indicating how that number was arrived at.' O'Higgins also highlighted comparator cases, including that of former Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan Dowdall and former Formula 1 engineer Stefan Schaufler, to support his argument. Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions, Garret Baker SC, defended the sentences, stating that the Special Criminal Court had 'met fire with fire' in a lawful way by imposing sentences that reflected the 'depravity and horror' of the attack, which he described as 'animalistic, supremely choreographed and meticulously planned.' The matter was adjourned for further consideration.
The jury in the trial of Riad Bouchaker began deliberations at the Central Criminal Court before requesting transcripts of evidence and barristers' speeches. Mr Justice Tony Hunt sent the jury home, instructing them to return the following day when the requested documents will be provided. Bouchaker, 52, of no fixed address, is charged with three counts of attempting to murder children using a 36cm carving knife, causing serious harm to creche worker Leanne Flynn, and assault causing harm to two other children and Frenchman Alan Guille. He is also charged with producing a knife in a manner likely to intimidate. All incidents are alleged to have occurred at Parnell Square East in Dublin City on November 23rd, 2023. Bouchaker has pleaded not guilty to all charges. In his closing remarks, the judge outlined the legal standards for attempted murder, emphasizing that the jury must be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Bouchaker intended to kill. He noted that if the prosecution fails to prove attempted murder, the jury may consider alternative verdicts, such as intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm for the first charge, or assault causing harm for the second and third charges. The judge urged the jury to apply a logical analysis, setting aside emotions, and reminded them that justice is determined in court, not by external actions. The matter remains ongoing as the jury awaits the requested materials to resume their deliberations.
The Workplace Relations Commission hearing concerning employment complaints by Siobhan Fanning and Sandra Breen was adjourned to a later date by Adjudicator Eileen Campbell following the evidence-in-chief of Ms Breen. The applicants, represented by DJM Legal, allege ageist discrimination, unfair dismissal, and breaches of employment rights arising from the merger between Callan Stringer & Co and MG Business Advisory Services Ltd. They claim they were excluded from the business transfer while a younger colleague was retained, despite assurances of continuity. The respondent denies these allegations, attributing the failure to register the women with Revenue to an administrative error during a unique transfer process. The hearing remains at the hearing_or_decision stage, with no final determination, plea, finding, or sentence recorded. The matter is not concluded and awaits further proceedings.
A District Court judge has refused jurisdiction in the case of a woman who admitted stealing €5,500 in cash while working at Paddy Power, stating that taking that amount of money from an employer while in a position of trust was "not a minor matter." Connie Redmond (22), of Longmeadow Apartments, Conyngham Road, Dublin 8, pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to stealing €5,500 in cash from Paddy Power at Upper Baggot Street, Dublin 4, on May 6, 2025. Redmond informed the court that her solicitor was not present due to the ongoing industrial action over legal aid rates. Judge Anne Watkin stated that the case should not proceed without the accused having legal representation. She also said she would be refusing jurisdiction, emphasizing that taking that amount of money from an employer while in a position of trust was not a minor matter. The judge ordered disclosure and adjourned the matter until September 8 for a Book of Evidence to be prepared and directions from another court.
Riad Bouchaker, 52, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, where he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is accused of three counts of attempting to murder children, causing serious harm to creche worker Leanne Flynn, and assault causing harm to two other children and a teenager. The alleged offences occurred at Parnell Square East in Dublin City on November 23rd, 2023. Mr Bouchaker is also charged with producing a knife in a manner likely to intimidate. During his charge to the jury of nine men and three women, Mr Justice Tony Hunt outlined the verdict options. Regarding the first charge, which alleges an attempt to murder a five-year-old girl who suffered a stab wound to the heart resulting in severe brain damage, the judge stated that if the jury is not satisfied of an intent to kill, they may find him guilty of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm. He described a finding of not guilty of any criminal endeavour as a "theoretical option" that was not strongly argued by the defence. For the second and third attempted murder charges, the judge noted that if the prosecution fails to prove its case, the jury could find Mr Bouchaker guilty of assault causing harm, while again characterizing a not guilty verdict as a theoretical possibility. The judge informed the jury that they would begin their deliberations that afternoon. The matter remains at the trial stage, with no final verdict or sentence recorded.
A Kerry firearms dealer has had his conviction for importing and possessing a prohibited component for a WW2-era machine gun overturned on appeal. Judge James O'Donoghue ruled that Patrick O'Mahony Jnr (56) had no 'nefarious intent' in possessing the component. His defence argued that the item was a curiosity to be displayed in a glass case and fell under an exception in the Firearms Act for antique firearms used as a 'curiosity or ornament'. O'Mahony was previously fined €2,000 and had a destruction order made against the component. He appealed, citing his family connection to the weapon and his status as a licensed firearms dealer. Customs officers stopped him at Dublin Airport in 2021 with the component, which was identified as a bolt carrier for a Browning 1919 machine gun. Garda investigations confirmed O'Mahony was a restricted firearms dealer with valid licences. A garda ballistics expert stated the component was prohibited as it could be used in a functioning firearm. However, the judge found no evidence of nefarious intent and allowed the appeal, overturning the conviction.
Michael Geoghegan, a man with a long history of criminal convictions, was jailed for five years after attempting to rob a bookies and two supermarkets. He dropped his phone and €200 at the scenes of the crimes. Geoghegan pleaded guilty to attempted robbery at Boyle Sports and two counts of robbery at Lidl. He had a debt of €7,000 and committed the offences to pay it off. His defence argued that he did not intend to hurt anyone and that the weapon used was an airsoft gun. The court heard that the offences were terrifying for the victims, who believed the weapon was real. Geoghegan's mother wrote a letter stating that he has changed since being in custody and is on a methadone reduction programme. Judge Orla Crowe imposed a headline sentence of eight years, but suspended the final year with conditions, including probation and addiction services.
A truck driver who caused the death of former Garryowen rugby player Mark McMullen three years ago has lost an appeal against his ten-month prison sentence. The Court of Appeal ruled that the driver, Gabor Mihalecz, was speeding and driving a defective lorry with a faulty braking system, which led to the vehicle jackknifing. Mihalecz had pleaded guilty to careless driving causing death and was sentenced to ten months in prison and disqualified from driving for four years. His legal team argued that the initial sentence of 20 months was too high, but the court dismissed the appeal, noting that the braking system defect was the main cause of the accident. The judge acknowledged that the driver's culpability might not be at the highest level, but the sentence was upheld as appropriate.
The mother of a teenage sex assault victim has secured €2,500 in an employment rights case after her employer revoked a part-time remote work arrangement without proper notice. The decision, made under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023, marks the first time a worker has received compensation for not being given four weeks' written notice for the termination of a remote work deal. The worker, who had been granted permission to reduce her in-office days from five to three, was told to return to the office with only one day's notice. She had requested the arrangement to support her daughter, who was sexually assaulted at school and was undergoing medical and legal processes. The tribunal found that the employer breached the act by not following the required notice provisions. The adjudication officer noted the worker was ignored when she asked for clear reasons for the revocation and that the managing director denied the existence of the agreement. The worker described a hostile work environment after the remote arrangement was revoked, including micromanagement and pressure.
A couple will face trial in connection with the alleged murder of a man in north Dublin two years ago. Derek Boyd and Chantelle Harcourt have been arraigned before the Central Criminal Court on multiple charges, including murder, threats, and obstructing justice. Boyd pleaded not guilty to murdering Mark Carroll and threatening his partner, Megan Rock. Harcourt also pleaded not guilty to obstructing the apprehension of the accused. The trial is set to begin and is expected to last three weeks. The judge informed the jury that Megan Rock, who is Mr Carroll's partner, will be a key witness in the case. The accused are from different areas in Dublin, and the trial will be presided over by Ms Justice Melanie Greally.
Jason Bonney and Paul Murphy, convicted of facilitating the murder of David Byrne during the 2016 Regency Hotel attack, are appealing their prison sentences at the Court of Appeal. Both men, who pleaded not guilty and were convicted by the Special Criminal Court, argued their sentences were excessive. Bonney, sentenced to eight-and-a-half years, and Murphy, jailed for nine years, had their bids to overturn convictions dismissed in November. Counsel for Bonney highlighted his unblemished record and argued his involvement was less significant than that of Jonathan Dowdall, who received a headline sentence of eight years for facilitating the Hutch gang. Dowdall was later sentenced to four years imprisonment in October 2022. Counsel for Murphy contended his role was peripheral and he lacked knowledge of the attack's seriousness. The State argued the appellants were integral to a serious criminal endeavour. Appeal judge Mr Justice John Edwards noted that prosocial contributions offer only modest mitigation and that the gravity of the offense mandated significant custody. He stated the court would deliver its judgment on July 3. The matter remains at the appeal stage, with the final decision pending.
The trial of Riad Bouchaker, who is charged with the attempted murder of two girls and one boy, and assault causing serious harm to creche worker Leanne Flynn, at Parnell Square East in Dublin City on November 23rd, 2023, has reached the closing submissions stage. Bouchaker, of no fixed address, has pleaded not guilty to all charges, which also include assaulting two other children and a teenager, and producing a knife in a manner likely to intimidate. The prosecution, led by Karl Finnegan SC, argued that the evidence proves beyond reasonable doubt that Bouchaker intended to kill, citing his use of a 36cm carving knife and repeated targeting of children's upper bodies. Conversely, the defence urged the jury to consider alternative verdicts, asserting that the prosecution failed to meet the high threshold for attempted murder. Counsel highlighted that one boy suffered only a minor laceration and another girl an 8cm scalp wound, suggesting the intent was to cause harm rather than kill. The defence also noted Bouchaker's cognitive issues following 2021 brain surgery, though psychiatrists ruled out an insanity defence. The jury, comprising nine men and three women, has been informed they may return alternative verdicts, such as causing serious harm or assault causing harm, if they find the evidence insufficient for attempted murder. The matter remains before the court for deliberation.
A sports coach accused of sexually abusing four girls in the 1970s and 1980s told gardaí he had never heard of some of the complainants. During his trial, the accused, now 77, claimed that two of the complainants were never in his house and that he had never heard of a third. He was originally charged with 79 counts but pleaded guilty to five of them. The prosecution alleges that the abuse included kissing, inappropriate touching, and attempted rape. The man has pleaded not guilty to the remaining 73 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. The alleged offences occurred between 1971 and 1981, and the complainants came forward to gardai between 2021 and 2022. The prosecution case has now closed, and the jury will reconvene the following day.
Derek Moore, known as 'Del Boy' Hutch, has had his sentencing for causing serious harm to a grandmother further adjourned due to ongoing industrial action by criminal solicitors. Moore pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious harm to Valentyna Linck in 2022. His sentencing was adjourned until October, with Moore remanded on bail. Moore has a long history of convictions, including dangerous driving and drug-related offences. The collision occurred at high speed, with Moore testing positive for cannabis. Ms Linck suffered life-threatening injuries, including a stroke and brain bleed, and has required extensive medical treatment. Moore has been on bail and has not come to garda attention except for one public order matter. He has recently been diagnosed with ADHD and has a bail variation allowing him to go on holiday abroad while awaiting sentencing.
A Lithuanian national, Karolis Peckauskas, has pleaded guilty to engaging in a terrorist plot to attack a Galway mosque. The charge relates to an attempt to damage the Maryam Mosque by fire between November 4 and 5, 2025, with the offence being aggravated by hatred. Peckauskas, along with Darren Gorman and Garrett Pollock, pleaded guilty to the same charge. Charles Flynn remains charged with the same offence. Peckauskas also faces charges related to the possession of offensive weapons and an explosive substance. He has claimed that he cannot receive a fair trial on the explosives charge due to the wording of the Explosives Act. A stay has been imposed on his prosecution on this charge until a High Court judgment is returned. Peckauskas, Gorman, and Pollock will return for a sentencing hearing on October 5.
A serial thief with 142 previous convictions, Mark Holmes, had his jail term reduced by four months on appeal. Holmes, who has a history of theft and drug addiction, was convicted of multiple thefts from Dublin grocery shops. His defense argued that his offenses were linked to a crack cocaine addiction and a chaotic lifestyle. Holmes was initially sentenced to 20 months in total, but the appeal court reduced the two ten-month sentences to eight months each, to be served consecutively. The court heard that Holmes had been engaging with services and schooling while in custody, and had reduced his methadone usage. Judge Fiona O'Sullivan acknowledged the severity of his criminal history but noted his cooperation and progress in treatment. The reduction was made to reflect his engagement with services and his reduced methadone usage while in custody.
A serial thief with 130 previous convictions has been spared additional jail time after admitting to stealing €165 worth of cosmetics from a Tesco store in Dún Laoghaire. Colin Kevitt (33), of Talbot Street, Dublin 1, pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to stealing various cosmetics from Tesco at Bloomfield Shopping Centre on November 23, 2025. Represented by Berna Kennedy BL, Kevitt informed Judge Anne Watkin that he is already serving a 16-month prison sentence for theft. Sergeant Deirdre Ryan highlighted Kevitt's extensive criminal record. Judge Watkin sentenced him to two months' imprisonment, to be served concurrently with his existing sentence. A recognisance of €500 was set in the event of an appeal. The court acknowledged Kevitt's long history of theft-related convictions, but opted not to increase his sentence further.
A sister of one of the four women allegedly abused by their sports coach around 50 years ago testified that her sister was a 'completely different person' the day after the alleged attempted rape. The complainant, who was around 12 years old at the time, described how she stopped wearing skirts and started wearing jeans to protect herself from the alleged abuse. The accused, now 77, has pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of indecent assault and attempted rape. The complainant denied the defense's assertion that she was lying about the abuse. The trial continues with the prosecution alleging that the abuse included kissing, inappropriate touching, and forced oral sex. The defense has challenged the complainant's account, but she maintained that the abuse occurred. The jury has heard that the accused has pleaded guilty to some counts but remains not guilty to others. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Mícheál O'Higgins and the jury.
Ciaran Tate, 29, of Claremorris, Co Mayo, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court for offences committed in November 2024. Following a trial, a jury convicted Tate of aggravated sexual assault, assault causing harm, and false imprisonment, while acquitting him of non-fatal strangulation and making threats to kill. The court heard that Tate, who has no previous convictions, assaulted a stranger in her hotel room after she rejected his advances. Ms Justice Melanie Greally imposed a headline sentence of 12 years, reduced to eight and a half years in mitigation for his lack of prior convictions, co-operation, and remorse. The final 12 months of the sentence are suspended on strict conditions, requiring Tate to engage with interventions addressing sexually harmful behaviour. He is also subject to three years of post-release supervision and a prohibition on contacting the injured party. The judge noted that while Tate expressed horror, his victim empathy was limited due to his tendency to distance himself from the events. The matter was finalised with this sentence.
A French national, Tarak El-Hemissi, sexually assaulted a patient in a Dublin hospital shortly after arriving in Ireland. El-Hemissi, who has a history of paranoid schizophrenia and had stopped taking his medication, pleaded guilty to the assault. The incident occurred while the victim was waiting for a psychiatric assessment. El-Hemissi approached the victim, touched her arm, and then exposed himself, asking her to perform oral sex. The victim managed to alert hospital staff, and El-Hemissi was taken into custody. French authorities have offered to pay for his return to France for treatment. The court heard that El-Hemissi has a long history of mental health issues and has been admitted to psychiatric hospitals in France multiple times. The judge noted that the assault was not at the lower end of the scale, given the victim's vulnerable state as a patient in a hospital. The case was adjourned until October for further reports and sentencing.
A 30-year-old man from Carlow has been jailed for seven years after admitting to grooming, raping, and sexually abusing his partner's 13-year-old niece. The abuse occurred between December 2022 and January 2023 in the home they shared. The victim, who was 13 to 14 years old at the time, described the abuse as starting with inappropriate touching and progressing to oral rape. The court heard that the defendant sent the victim text messages, including one where he wrote, "I like what we have, it's weird I shouldn't really." The abuse ended when the girl confided in her mother. The victim's impact statement highlighted the lasting trauma, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The defendant, who has a history of addiction and violence, expressed remorse and acknowledged his actions. The judge noted the severity of the offenses and the victim's courage in coming forward, sentencing him to seven years for the oral rape and eight years and three months for the sexual assault, both to run concurrently.
A senior Aer Lingus manager, Captain Eamon Kierans, denied that a disciplinary investigation into a pilot he demoted was a 'whitewash' of alleged whistleblower penalisation. The pilot, Declan McCabe, claims the disciplinary process was penalisation for complaining about a senior pilot, Captain Colm Wynne, who was involved in investigating safety reports. During the disciplinary hearing, Captain Kierans was questioned about his knowledge of protected disclosures and admitted he needed to be reminded of what they were. He stated that the disciplinary investigation focused on the incident involving the failed radio navigation beacon and did not consider the protected disclosure. The adjudication officer has adjourned the hearings pending the selection of resumed dates later this year. The parties dispute the most likely reason for the 8 June 2023 event, which was ultimately determined to be a 'low severity' occurrence.
Peter 'Peadar' Keating, a former senior member of the Kinahan Cartel, appeared in the High Court in Dublin following an extradition warrant issued by the UK. Keating, 45, was sentenced in December 2024 at the Old Bailey to four years and eight months for his role in a failed plot to secure a reduced jail term for Thomas 'Bomber' Kavanagh by amassing a weapons arsenal. At the time, Keating was already serving an 11-year sentence in Ireland for directing the attempted murder of a rival Hutch gang member. The UK warrant, issued in November 2022, stated that firearms were sourced from the Netherlands as part of a scheme to demonstrate Kavanagh's cooperation. Kavanagh, a senior Kinahan drug trafficker, was jailed in England in March 2022 for 21 years for importing over £30M worth of drugs. Keating's legal team, led by Keith Spencer BL, highlighted significant issues in the case and applied for legal aid, which was granted. The matter was adjourned to July 8 for further proceedings. The unnamed man pleaded guilty.
Retired businessman Jerry Beades, who failed in an appeal against his conviction for driving a vehicle without a roadworthiness certificate, highlighted the 'unfairness of the system' which does not allow those with an expired certificate to drive to a centre for the purposes of a test. Beades was fined €200 in the District Court for using a CVR vehicle without a certificate of roadworthiness and failing to produce the certificate. He argued that the system is flawed and that he should have been allowed to drive to the test centre. The detective garda stated that the certificate had expired seven months prior to the stop and that it would have been a dereliction of duty to allow Beades to continue to drive. The judge affirmed the order of the District Court but reduced the fine to €10, acknowledging Beades' efforts to obtain the certificate and the financial burden he faced.
A driver accused of refusing to provide a blood sample has had his conviction overturned on appeal. Judge Fiona O'Sullivan allowed the appeal of Dillion Mulligan (25) against his conviction, citing a lack of evidence that he was informed that refusing to provide a sample was a criminal offence. Mulligan was initially convicted in the District Court of failing or refusing to provide a blood specimen under the Road Traffic Act 2010. He was disqualified from driving for four years and fined €300. Garda Christopher McEntagart testified that he stopped Mulligan's car on Merrion Road, observed hazardous driving, and detected the smell of cannabis. He conducted a drugs search but found nothing and administered an oral fluid test, which returned a positive result. Mulligan was arrested and taken to a garda station, where he refused to provide a blood sample. Defence counsel argued that Mulligan had not been adequately informed of the legal consequences of refusal and that there was no evidence he tested positive for a scheduled drug.
A woman has told a Central Criminal Court jury that her sports coach attempted to rape her when she was 12 years old during a summer camp over 50 years ago. The now 79-year-old accused man is charged with 74 counts of sexually abusing four girls in the 1970s and 1980s. He has pleaded not guilty to 73 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. The offences are alleged to have occurred in various locations in the State on dates between 1971 and 1981 when the complainants were aged between 10 and 15 years old. The man pleaded guilty before the jury to a further five counts of indecently assaulting one of these complainants on dates between May and September 1976. The third complainant told the court that the man started paying more attention to her and offered her lifts. The first incident occurred while she was in the car alone with him, where he kissed her and put his tongue in her mouth.
A Mountjoy inmate made 'graphic' threats to two prison officers after he was found unresponsive in his cell following an overdose attempt, a court has heard. Dylan Smith (35) of Captains Road, Crumlin, pleaded guilty to two counts of threatening to kill or cause serious harm to prison officers at the Mater Hospital and Mountjoy Prison on August 19 and 20, 2025. Detective Garda Andrew Harte explained that Smith was found unresponsive in his cell, and when he regained consciousness, he was aggressive and abusive towards hospital staff. Smith made explicit threats against the officers, including stating he would be at the foot of their beds and threatening their children. After being released from hospital and returned to prison, Smith again threatened the officer who found him. His defence counsel, Pieter Le Vert BL, highlighted that Smith had suffered a serious assault in prison and had incurable bladder cancer. He also noted that Smith had received news about his worsening condition on the day of the incident and took drugs in an attempt to end his life.
Industrial action by criminal solicitors has led to the adjournment of numerous cases in the Criminal Courts of Justice due to a dispute over proposed legal aid reforms. Solicitors are protesting a shift to a flat fee model for legal aid cases, replacing the current system of payment per appearance. This has resulted in the adjournment of cases involving legally aided defendants on bail, with defense barristers not attending or being instructed. The impact was felt in multiple courtrooms, including Court 5 and Court 7, where cases were adjourned to October or November. In the Central Criminal Court, 13 sexual offense cases were affected, with solicitors unable to assist due to the ongoing dispute. The court acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the dispute but set trial dates for some cases, expressing hope that the issues would be resolved soon.
Ciprian Constantin, a Romanian national of Roma ethnicity, lost his discrimination claim against Cobh Youth Services CLG, trading as Re-Store, before the Workplace Relations Commission. The adjudicating officer, Lefre de Burgh, rejected the complaint under the Equal Status Act 2000, finding no link to race or ethnicity in the incident. Constantin alleged he was harassed and barred after demanding a refund for a faulty printer he did not have in his possession. The shop's operator denied discrimination, arguing he was lawfully refused service for aggressive behaviour. Evidence from shop worker Saoirse McCarthy indicated Constantin demanded a refund without the item and made threatening remarks. The adjudicator accepted McCarthy's evidence that Constantin's conduct was aggressive, noting that videos provided by Constantin contradicted his claim of remaining calm. She stated that not getting one's way after forcefully demanding it does not indicate discrimination. Constantin eventually secured a refund two weeks after the incident. The matter was decided at the hearing stage, with the adjudicator's decision published today.
Joseph Gifford, a 40-year-old man with 134 previous convictions, has been jailed for 20 months for stealing a tourist's motorbike in Dublin. Gifford pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to taking the motorbike from QPark on May 13, 2024. The victim had arrived in Ireland on a ferry from the Isle of Man and parked his motorbike in the car park. The following morning, he discovered his bike was missing. Gardai obtained CCTV footage showing four individuals entering the car park, with three wearing masks and gloves. Gifford was identified as the fourth person. The motorbike was recovered the next day but was written off. Gifford was arrested in March 2025 and admitted to the crime, but refused to identify the other individuals. The court heard that Gifford has a long-standing addiction issue and is a vulnerable person. His defence highlighted his remorse and willingness to address his addiction. Judge Martina Baxter noted the aggravating factors, including Gifford's extensive criminal history, and sentenced him to 32 months in prison, with the final 12 months suspended for two years.
Riad Bouchaker, 52, is currently on trial at the Central Criminal Court, where he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is alleged to have committed the attempted murder of two girls and one boy, and assault causing serious harm to Leanne Flynn, at Parnell Square East in Dublin City on November 23, 2023. He is further charged with assaulting two other children and a teenager, and producing a knife in a manner likely to intimidate. The prosecution has called all its witnesses and will formally close its case next week. Evidence presented includes testimony from Dr Louise Baker, who stated that one of the alleged victims, a girl who was five at the time of the incident, suffered a knife wound to her heart resulting in a 40-minute cardiac arrest. Dr Baker told the jury the girl now requires 24-hour care for life, has no control over her limbs, and is at risk of scoliosis and muscular spasms. Dr Aoife Mahony confirmed the girl suffers from a severe neurological disorder and dystonia. Professor Ann Brannigan testified that Ms Flynn suffered a major stab wound to her lower back, requiring the removal of her spleen and repair of her stomach. The matter is not concluded; the trial is ongoing, with the next phase scheduled for next week.
A senior Aer Lingus manager who ordered the demotion of a pilot from captain to first officer has expressed feeling 'cheated' upon learning a rumour that the pilot was delivering training for a rival airline in Britain. The pilot, Declan McCabe, is pursuing multiple legal complaints against Aer Lingus, including under the Protected Disclosures Act and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, over his demotion in 2024. The incident in question occurred on 8 June 2023, when McCabe's flight failed to link up with a radio navigation beacon. The airline's chief pilot, Captain Eamon Kierans, testified that McCabe's aircraft was flying in the wrong direction until air traffic control intervened. McCabe disputes the company's findings, claiming he was not required to file a safety report and that the incident was a 'low severity' occurrence. Kierans criticized McCabe for rejecting internal safety systems and for providing inaccurate information. McCabe alleges he was targeted for whistleblowing, citing a prior dispute involving a flight operations safety officer.
A 62-year-old Dublin man accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl at a south Dublin Luas stop has been granted bail, despite Garda objections. The accused, who is legally entitled to anonymity, appeared before Dún Laoghaire District Court charged with the alleged offence. A garda objected to bail under Section 2 of the Bail Act, citing the seriousness of the alleged crime. Gardaí stated they were present at the Luas stop but did not witness the incident. The court heard that gardai had obtained CCTV footage of the alleged incident. The accused was allegedly highly intoxicated at the time and was arrested at his home the following morning. Judge Anne Watkin noted that the alleged assault was at the lower end of the scale of sexual assault offences and that there was insufficient evidence to establish a likelihood of further offending if bail was granted. The accused was granted bail on his own bond of €500, with conditions that he have no contact with the injured party, including through social media.
Two married women have taken a High Court challenge over a decision by the Minister for Foreign Affairs to refuse an Irish passport for their son, who was born with the assistance of a UK fertility clinic. One of the applicants is an Irish citizen living in the UK in a lawful same-sex marriage and is the legal parent to her child, named as 'parent' on the birth certificate but not as mother. The other parent, who gave birth, is named as the mother. The applicants argue that the State does not recognise the parentage, parental rights, and family status of the Irish citizen for citizenship through descent. They seek a High Court declaration that the Irish applicant is the lawful parent to their child under Irish law and an order compelling the department to grant citizenship by descent to their child. The applicant was born in Northern Ireland and the couple engaged in shared motherhood IVF in the UK. The Department refused the passport based on its definition of 'parent'.
A woman described being in a state of panic and shame after allegedly being abused by a former sports coach in the 1970s and 1980s. The complainant, now 79, testified in the Central Criminal Court that she felt ashamed of her behavior and was confused about what she was doing to the coach's wife. The defendant, who cannot be named, is charged with 74 counts of sexually abusing four girls, with the complainant detailing incidents of inappropriate touching and abuse. The second complainant described being touched by the defendant in her bedroom and at a sports facility, expressing feelings of shame and confusion. The defense argued that the abuse occurred only in the office and that the complainant may have been consenting. The prosecution emphasized the prolonged nature of the abuse and the impact on the complainant's life. Additional witnesses, including the complainant's school friends, testified about the abuse and the lack of support from adults. The trial continues with the jury considering the evidence and the defense's claims of consent and diminished responsibility. The unnamed 79-year-old pleaded not guilty.
Aaron McDermott, 33, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for offences committed at Beaumont Hospital on April 7, 2021. The defendant pleaded guilty to the unlawful seizure of a vehicle by force or threat, as well as three counts of making threats to kill or cause serious harm to the driver and two children. Judge Elma Sheahan imposed a sentence of nine years, with the final 12 months suspended on the condition that McDermott engage with The Probation Service for 12 months upon his release. He was also disqualified from driving for two consecutive terms of ten years in relation to dangerous driving and driving without insurance. The court heard that McDermott, who was highly intoxicated, held a knife to an infant and threatened the occupants before driving off at speed, causing a crash that left the victim with a fractured ankle. Judge Sheahan described the dashcam footage as harrowing and noted the severe psychological trauma inflicted on the family, including PTSD and financial distress. While acknowledging McDermott's difficult early life and addiction issues, the judge highlighted his 125 previous convictions and disregard for road traffic laws. McDermott expressed remorse in a letter to the court, stating he was determined to turn over a new leaf.
The trial of Ahmed Abdirahman, a Somali national accused of murdering his former partner Mary Ward in Belfast, is set to proceed after a psychiatric issue in the case has 'melted away'. The court previously raised concerns about Abdirahman's mental health, but the prosecution now states the case is ready for trial. Abdirahman is accused of murdering Ms Ward on September 25, 2024, at her home in south Belfast. The case was delayed due to the defense's failure to engage with a psychiatrist, but progress was made when Abdirahman spoke to a psychiatrist on one occasion. The defense now seeks a trial date, with the court listing the case for mention on July 3 and indicating an early trial date. The prosecution emphasized that there is no issue with Abdirahman's fitness to be tried, and the trial is expected to last three weeks. The case continues with the court preparing for the trial and addressing any remaining legal issues.
Riad Bouchaker denied allegations that he targeted the smallest children during an alleged attack on Parnell Square East, where two five-year-olds and a six-year-old were injured. Bouchaker, who is on trial for attempted murder and assault, claimed he was not in his right state of mind and that he was 'sick'. Detective Garda Kevin Bambrick presented evidence, including CCTV footage and interviews, showing Bouchaker's actions on the day of the incident. Bouchaker was accused of searching for a school, waiting for children, and stabbing them, with a creche worker, Leanne Flynn, intervening and sustaining serious injuries. Bouchaker expressed remorse for the injuries but claimed he was not in control of his actions. The prosecution highlighted the severe injuries to the children and Ms Flynn, emphasizing that the children were not okay and that Bouchaker's actions had lasting effects. Bouchaker's defense argued that his cognitive impairment, due to brain surgery, affected his decision-making. The trial continues with the jury considering the evidence and the defense's claims of diminished responsibility. Leanne Flynn pleaded not guilty.
The High Court is seeking further information from Greek authorities before ruling on the extradition of a Limerick man wanted on a human trafficking charge, after hearing that jails there are effectively 'being run by the prisoners' due to overcrowding. Barristers for Jeremiah O'Brien (56), who is alleged to have attempted to facilitate the smuggling of 66 Middle Eastern people to Italy by speedboat, told the High Court that overcrowding in one Greek prison had been recorded at 164%. Lawyers for the State said that any issues raised about the levels of overcrowding and violence Mr O'Brien could experience if he is surrendered needed to be addressed by the Greek state. It is alleged that Mr O'Brien and two other named persons acted jointly on November 22nd, 2017, to facilitate the transportation of 66 people, without life jackets, from an unknown desert place near Nafplio, Greece, towards Italy. The boat stranded on a rocky shore near Gyalia beach close to Gerolimenas, Greece.
A salesman, Kevin Joyce, who claimed an industry 'rumour mill' made him 'damaged goods' after being unfairly dismissed by Ambu Ltd, has won nearly €40,000 in redress. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ruled that his dismissal in July 2025 was unfair, and Ambu Ltd admitted fault. Joyce, who earned over €160,000, spent over 10 months unemployed after his 'unceremonious dismissal' as territory manager. He alleged that his former employer spread damaging information about him through an email to staff, leading to a 'no-fault' dismissal. Joyce's lawyers highlighted a grievance about a 'disparity' in performance-related pay, with an €18,000 bonus at issue. An external investigator concluded the matter 'needed addressing,' but Joyce was then subjected to a 'no-fault' dismissal. An email to staff announcing his departure read: 'Dear all, today we have decided to part ways with Kevin Joyce with immediate effect.' Joyce stated that the medical device industry is small, and word spread quickly, leading to damaging rumours. He contrasted this with an email sent about a former colleague, which highlighted her achievements.
Aaron Connolly, who was previously convicted of murdering Cameron Reilly but had his conviction quashed on appeal, has been given a date for his retrial at the Central Criminal Court. The retrial is set for November 23, with a management date set for July 24. Connolly's original trial lasted three weeks, and the retrial is expected to extend into a fourth week. The Court of Appeal found that remarks made by the trial judge may have been perceived as disparaging of the defense case and advocacy for the prosecution. Connolly, who is now 26, was remanded on bail with strict conditions, including living with his parents and not leaving the house unaccompanied. The murder of 18-year-old Cameron Reilly occurred on May 26, 2018, in Dunleer, Co Louth. During his trial, Connolly admitted to performing oral sex on Reilly but claimed he left him alive. The original conviction was quashed due to concerns about the trial judge's comments influencing the jury. The retrial will address these issues and determine Connolly's guilt in the murder of Cameron Reilly. Aaron Connolly pleaded not guilty.
An American drugs mule left his contact details with airport staff when the luggage in which he was smuggling 14kg of cannabis went missing, a court has heard. Ulises Mendez (30) had flown in from Chicago and left his contact details with airport staff when he found that his suitcase had gone missing. When the luggage showed up, a scan revealed an anomaly and a search of it revealed several black packages wrapped in t-shirts, which were found to be 14.4 kg of cannabis with an estimated street value of €242,516. Mendez returned to the airport the following day but instead of collecting his luggage, he attempted to get a flight back to the States. He was arrested and brought in for questioning and has been remanded in custody since. Mendez pleaded guilty to having the drugs in his possession for sale or supply at Dublin Airport on January 11, 2026. He has no previous convictions. Garda Emmet O'Byrne told the court that Mendez made full admissions when questioned by gardaí.
Pharma giant Johnson & Johnson has secured a €58,000 reduction in a High Court award of nearly €1 million made to former Limerick hurler Mark Keane, who was injured in 2018 while freeing a work colleague trapped in a machine at their plant in Co Limerick. The High Court awarded Keane €944,000 for injuries to his right hand, arm, and shoulder. Keane, an accomplished hurler, claimed he was 'let down' by the company. Johnson & Johnson accepted responsibility for the nerve damage and injury to his right hand but not for the injury to his right shoulder. The Court of Appeal reduced the payout to €886,000, citing a previous award for a 2014 road traffic incident and adjustments in Keane's expected future earnings. Johnson & Johnson argued that any loss of earnings was partially due to the 2014 accident, leading to a double counting. Keane alleged Johnson & Johnson was negligent and breached their duty of care on September 10, 2018, while he was working as a technician making contact lenses.
Christopher Strickland, a criminal with 99 previous convictions, was jailed for assaulting his girlfriend after receiving 'misinformation' that she was pregnant. Strickland kicked the woman in the face and beat her around the head with a stone. He told gardai he was 'glad' he beat her and that she 'deserved it.' The victim, who has since died from an unrelated illness, was found with blood on her head and lip and swelling on her face. Strickland had blood on him and told gardai he had assaulted his girlfriend. Det Gda Jason O'Carroll agreed that Strickland was given 'misinformation' that the victim might have been pregnant and 'he lost it.' The court heard that Strickland's relationship with the woman was built around substance abuse. He has been clean since going into custody. Judge Fiona O'Sullivan said this was a violent and sustained attack on a 'very vulnerable' woman. She noted Strickland's long history of heroin addiction and his steps towards rehabilitation. Christopher Strickland pleaded guilty.
A man from Dublin has been jailed for three and a half years and ordered not to contact his former partner for 30 years after repeatedly breaching court orders and harassing her by sending messages to their 10-year-old child's phone. Judge Martin Nolan criticized the defendant for making life miserable for his former partner and child, noting that he had been given multiple chances to change his behavior. The man had pleaded guilty to harassment over a week-long period in September 2025. He has a history of breaching court orders, theft, assault, and criminal damage. During the period of harassment, he sent over 300 messages, some of which were aggressive and distressing. The victim described the experience as "hell on earth" and said she and her children faced significant emotional distress. The court heard that the man was also on bail at the time for breaching a court order not to contact the injured party.
A 79-year-old former sports coach is on trial accused of sexually abusing four girls between 1971 and 1981. He has pleaded not guilty to 73 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. The alleged abuse occurred in various locations, including changing rooms, the accused's car, and in the complainants' beds. The prosecution stated that the accused 'exploited his position of authority' and sexually abused the girls 'entrusted in his care.' The first complainant testified that the accused was her coach and visited her parents' house. She described incidents of kissing, inappropriate touching, and forced oral sex. She said the abuse occurred over a 'reasonably prolonged period' and that she was 'very obedient' to the accused. She stated that the abuse 'petered out' when she was around 14 and that she told two friends about it but did not report it until 2020. The trial continues before Mr Justice Mícheál O'Higgins and a jury, with the woman expected to be cross-examined by defence counsel tomorrow.
Sylda Langford, director of conciliation and mediation at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), gave evidence at a trial hearing into complaints brought by applicant Seamus Clinton. The proceedings, presided over by adjudicator Brian Dalton, examine claims under the Employment Equality Act 1998, the Protection of Employees (Provision of Information and Consultation) Act 2006, and the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 against the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. Mr. Clinton alleges he suffered less favourable treatment when not shortlisted for a regional manager post in October 2024, claiming this constituted gender discrimination, whistleblower penalisation, or retaliation for acting as a staff representative. He further alleges penalisation for pursuing an equality claim after his access to a WRC mediation database was revoked in December 2025. Ms. Langford testified that the statistics cited in Mr. Clinton's legal filings, which compared mediation success rates, indicated a suspected data breach of sensitive personal data. She stated the figures were not a routine metric and that revoking access was an immediate mitigation measure, not penalisation. Mr. Clinton's counsel described the agency's response as a "witch hunt," while State counsel argued the access suspension lasted only one month. The tribunal has concluded the hearings, and the adjudicator will issue a decision in due course.
Riad Bouchaker told gardai that his anger over a negative social welfare decision led him to attempt to murder three children in Dublin city centre. He stated that the Department of Social Welfare's refusal to grant him a disability allowance made him feel 'like this country is telling me to leave.' He mentioned that he had an injury in his head and a shoulder injury and could not work. He said he did not counterfeit anything to get the disability allowance and that if the department had helped him, 'this wouldn't have happened.' He also told gardai that he went to a mosque on Talbot Street to leave a bag containing his belongings and his Algerian and Irish passports. He said he was not thinking of going to hurt people when he left the suitcase. The trial jury has been viewing DVDs of Bouchaker's garda interviews from December 20, 2023, at Mountjoy Garda Station. He had been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Clayton Lieghio, a disqualified driver and speeding offender, was jailed for five years after knocking down a pedestrian while performing a wheelie on a scrambler bike. The incident occurred in a 50km/h zone at night, with Lieghio traveling at speeds exceeding 85km/h. The bike was not roadworthy, lacking lights, mirrors, and indicators, and Lieghio was not insured. The victim suffered severe injuries, including head and spinal trauma, and required extensive medical treatment. Lieghio fled the scene and was later arrested. He pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment and had a prior conviction for driving without insurance. The court noted the dangerous nature of his actions and the serious harm caused to the victim, who expressed forgiveness in her victim impact statement.