Maurice Magner, a 44-year-old man from Co Cork, has been jailed for 17 years for coercive control, two counts of rape, one count of oral rape, two counts of anal rape, and three counts of sexual assault committed against his partner between 2019 and 2021. The victim described a regime of oppression, including being left without light and heat, being forced to stand in a hot press, and being subjected to physical and sexual abuse. Magner controlled all aspects of her life, including her finances, social contacts, and personal choices. The court heard that the victim was also denied basic pain medication and sanitary products after giving birth. During the trial, Magner broke down in tears. Justice Tony Hunt described the offenses as "sustained and deliberate" and emphasized the lack of consent in the sexual assaults. The judge imposed a 17-year sentence, with the final two years suspended on the condition that Magner agrees not to contact the victim. Maurice Magner was found guilty.
Denise O'Brien (42) of Fels Point, Dan Spring Road, Tralee, Co Kerry, appeared before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after taking a bench warrant last week. She is accused of 98 counts of fraud, including deception, forgery, and using a false instrument, under the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. Oisin Clarke BL, defending, explained that his client did not appear on June 15 because she believed the court date was set for June 18, citing a rail ticket she had purchased for that date. He also mentioned that she had been previously in hospital. Counsel requested that the court readmit her to bail. Judge Orla Crowe set an arraignment date of November 16, when O'Brien is due to enter a plea. The judge noted her history of non-attendance but agreed to re-admit her to bail on her own bond of €100. She must sign on daily at a local garda station, provide her phone number, surrender her passport, and refrain from applying for any other travel documents.
A number of cases scheduled for hearing at the District Court Appeals Court were adjourned today due to the ongoing withdrawal of legal aid services by solicitors. Both appellants and counsel informed the presiding judge, Fiona O'Sullivan, that their solicitor was not available when their cases were called. One solicitor present in court explained that they had withdrawn their services from legal aid cases. Judge O'Sullivan acknowledged the solicitor for providing this information to the court. It was reported that solicitors had refused to carry out criminal legal aid work in the Central and Circuit courts during Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of last week. This action was in response to a dispute over proposed legal aid reforms that involve changes to solicitor fees. The ongoing legal aid dispute has caused significant disruption to the court system, with several appeals being affected and further delays expected unless a resolution is reached.
Gary Byrne and James Reilly, both convicted sex offenders, were jailed for 10 years each for drugging and attempting to rape a teenager in 2016. The men lured the victim to their home under the pretense of a house party before giving him an intoxicant, rendering him unable to move. They sexually assaulted him on the street and again in their home, with Reilly attempting to anally rape him. The victim suffered severe and lasting harm, leading to a loss of identity and self-worth. The court noted the aggravating factors, including the men's previous convictions and the use of an intoxicating substance. Both men were sentenced to 11 years with the final year suspended, and a three-year post-release supervision order was imposed. The victim expressed a desire for the men to be identified and encouraged others to come forward if they had been sexually assaulted.
A judge has refused to release transcripts of the criminal trials of Michael Shine to the lawyer overseeing a scoping inquiry into how the case was handled, until the complainants have been notified. Shine, who worked at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda from 1964 to 1995, was convicted in 2017 and 2019 of sexually assaulting nine complainants. The Government approved an independent scoping exercise in response to requests from Dignity4Patients. Senior counsel Lorcan Staines, the independent facilitator, applied for the release of trial transcripts, but Judge Patricia Ryan ruled that the court could not go against Supreme Court precedent, which states that complainants must be informed before transcripts are released. Staines argued that the information would not be made public, but the judge emphasized that complainants should be aware of where their details are going. The judge allowed the release of indictments on a limited basis. Staines said he had spoken to many complainants and that his report is due soon.
The vice-principal of a Muslim school has won €40,000 for constructive dismissal after he said his position became untenable due to a power struggle among the administrators of the Clonskeagh Mosque in Dublin. Noureldin Abdelgawwad filed a complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 against the Al Maktoum Foundation, which operates the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland. He claimed that after the death of the founder and the formation of a new board, there was a rupture in the organization, leading to a breakdown in trust and professional interference. Abdelgawwad said his salary was withheld and that he resisted handing over student data to the new board, fearing a breach of data rights. He was repeatedly pressured by the CEO and eventually quit. The adjudicator noted a complete breakdown in trust and awarded him €40,000 for financial losses and an additional €1,000 under the Payment of Wages Act.
Brian Grendon is to face a non-jury trial in the Special Criminal Court alongside two co-accused for directing a criminal organization and drug-related offenses. Grendon is charged with 12 offenses, including directing the activities of a criminal organization in the importation and distribution of controlled drugs and money laundering. He is also charged with importing cocaine and possessing the drug for sale or supply. His co-accused, Noel Smyth and Paul Kelly, face charges of contributing to the activities of a criminal organization and drug offenses. The State applied for the trial to be held in the Special Criminal Court, and the court granted the application. The trial is set to proceed with the three-judge court, and the matter was adjourned to June 29.
A 26-year-old man has been jailed for 10 years for raping a 14-year-old girl in Co Meath in September 2022 and later mocking her with degrading social media messages. The man had previously met the girl through social media, where they chatted for about a year before the rape. During the attack, he told the girl that if she had screamed, he would choke her to death. The man also got a tattoo of the safe word they had agreed on, which he used as a reminder of the rape. In messages to an account set up by the girl's then-boyfriend, the man referred to the girl as a "slut" and said the tattoo was a reminder of her weakness. The court heard that the man had a history of consuming violent pornography, which led to distorted expectations around sex. The victim described the experience as a betrayal of trust and said she felt her vulnerability was mocked. She also expressed fear that she would never be loved again. The unnamed 22-year-old pleaded guilty.
A Sligo man, Barry Young, has appeared in court in Dublin following an arrest warrant from Northern Ireland, where he is wanted for the murder of gangland figure Robbie Lawlor in 2020. Young, 41, faces charges of murder and possession of a 9mm self-loading pistol with intent to endanger life. He is the second individual to be brought before the extradition court as part of a joint Garda-PSNI investigation into Lawlor's murder. The PSNI believe Lawlor's murder was linked to a drugs feud involving criminal elements in Dublin, Sligo, and Drogheda. Detective Sergeant Aoife Cronin confirmed Young's identity based on the warrant and informed him of the charges. Young's legal team requested a video link appearance for the next court date, and he was remanded in custody until then.
Riad Bouchaker, 52, is standing trial at the Central Criminal Court before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury of nine men and three women. He has pleaded not guilty to the alleged attempted murder of two girls and one boy, assault causing serious harm to creche worker Leanne Flynn, and other assaults on children and a teenager at Parnell Square East in Dublin City on November 23, 2023. The jury heard evidence from Sergeant Ben Geoghegan regarding Bouchaker's first police interview on December 20, 2023, conducted with a French-Arabic interpreter and his solicitor present. During the interview, Bouchaker stated he did not want to kill and described the incident as a mistake, saying he found himself with a knife and blood. He expressed a desire for the gardai to do whatever they wanted, citing a belief that the outcome was in the hands of God. Prosecution counsel Karl Finnegan SC noted that Bouchaker was interviewed seven times in total. The trial is ongoing, with the jury scheduled to hear the second interview next, followed by the final interview and memos of other sessions. The matter remains at the trial stage, with no final verdict or sentence recorded in this report.
A young man who had sex with a 14-year-old girl and filmed her has been given a suspended 18-month sentence for defilement and producing child sexual abuse material. The 20-year-old from Limerick pleaded guilty to three counts of defilement and one count of producing child pornography. He claimed he thought the girl was 16 years old, but the victim maintained she told him she was 14. The court heard that there was no evidence of force, coercion, degradation, or humiliation. The judge set a headline sentence of three and a half years but reduced it to 18 months, taking into account the defendant's guilty plea, his youth, and his personal circumstances. The sentence was suspended for two years on conditions, including attending counseling. The victim's impact statement highlighted the lasting mental health effects of the incident, and the defendant's father testified about his son's traumatic childhood and caregiving responsibilities.
Almost 200 witnesses are involved in the case of Michael Kelley, a former US soldier charged with the murder of Co Kerry sheep farmer Mike Gaine. A nine-week trial is set to begin in the Central Criminal Court in Dublin in January 2027. Kelley, 54, is charged with murdering Gaine, 56, at Carrig, Kenmare, Co Kerry, between March 20 and 21, 2025. The court was told that there are 191 witnesses in the book of evidence, and the case is estimated to last up to nine weeks. Kelley is currently in custody in Cork Prison, and video arrangements have been made for his appearance on video-link. His defense team has informed the court that his solicitor, Patrick Mann, is applying to cease acting for him, and Frank Buttimer has been retained as his new solicitor. The trial was set for January 11, 2027, in the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, as the court could not allocate a case of this length to Cork.
A 70-year-old man was sentenced to seven years in prison for the repeated sexual abuse of his daughter between 1994 and 1996. The Central Criminal Court heard that the abuse occurred in the child's bedroom while her mother was working nights. The victim, who was between six and eight years old at the time, came forward with the allegations in 2023 after encountering her father unexpectedly. The accused denied all wrongdoing and attributed the allegations to the victim's mental health issues. The court heard that the family lived in fear of the accused, and the victim described the lasting impact of the abuse on her life, including panic attacks and isolation. Ms Justice Melanie Greally noted the breach of trust and the severity of the abuse, which occurred in the victim's home. The judge acknowledged the accused's cooperation with gardai and his efforts at rehabilitation but emphasized the need for a long prison sentence. The unnamed 70-year-old was convicted.
A thief who threatened to shoot a taxi driver during a Christmas Eve hold-up has been jailed for an offence described as having a 'particular meanness' to it. David Delaney (26) pleaded guilty to theft at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. He had 13 previous convictions and was on bail at the time of the incident. The taxi driver was targeted in the early hours of December 24, 2023, when Delaney demanded €90 or threatened to shoot him. Delaney also took the taxi driver's dash cam. His defense highlighted his difficult background and current efforts in custody. The judge noted the impact on the taxi driver, who suffered anxiety and stress, and imposed a two-year sentence with six months suspended. Delaney's sentence will be consecutive to his current two-year term for robbery.
A knife-wielding burglar with over 200 previous convictions will be sentenced later this year for a series of break-ins across Dublin. Andrew Cleary (50), who has no fixed abode, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to multiple counts of burglary, theft, trespass, and criminal damage, as well as one count of aggravated burglary, between October 2024 and July 2025. The incidents occurred in various locations, including Sandymount, Killiney, Rathgar, Rathmines, and Ranelagh. Three gardai testified that Cleary entered homes and stole high-value items to sell and fund his drug addiction. In one incident in Ranelagh, a man was working from home when he heard creaking floorboards and saw Cleary entering the room with a knife, demanding money. The victim handed over his wallet and locked the door as instructed. In another incident in Killiney, a monitoring company alerted the homeowner to an activated security alarm. The homeowner viewed footage on his phone and saw Cleary and another man breaking into his home, smashing windows and taking keys. Gardai later apprehended Cleary with stolen items.
A 20-year-old man from Balbriggan, Co Dublin, who was involved in looting during the Dublin riots, was described as a 'follower, not a leader' in court. Faraj Odukoya pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary related to the theft of items from three shops on Mary Street and O'Connell Street. Detective Garda Aoife Farrelly explained that Odukoya was not involved in the initial breach of the stores but entered after the initial break-in and stole items, including Nike runners. The total losses to the affected shops were significant, with Footlocker O'Connell Street losing over €435,200, Mary Street Footlocker losing approximately €323,000, and Lifestyle Sports losing €313,990. Odukoya was identified through CCTV footage during the investigation in 2025, and no evidential value was obtained from his interview. The court heard that Odukoya entered an early guilty plea, and his actions were motivated by opportunism. He is currently in custody and will be sentenced next month for a separate matter. The judge noted that the court will consider the principles of totality and proportionality when determining his sentence.
The Court of Appeal has ruled that the privacy rights of Kevin Braney, a former leader of the New IRA in Dublin, were not breached when gardaí used a surveillance device to listen in on him conversing with members of a criminal gang at a KFC restaurant. Braney was found guilty of murder in February 2019 by the Special Criminal Court for the killing of dissident republican Peter Butterly in 2013. The court dismissed Braney's appeal, with Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy stating that the grounds raised were not proven. Braney's legal team had argued that gardaí did not obtain proper authorisation before using the listening device and that the recording should not have been admitted as evidence. However, the court upheld the use of the device under the Criminal Law (Surveillance) Act 2009, noting that the superintendent believed an emergency justified the action. The court also rejected arguments that the audio evidence was of insufficient quality and that the testimony of David Cullen, a former accomplice who became a witness, should have been excluded.
The Supreme Court will hear an appeal by Dean Byrne, a Dublin man with over 120 convictions, challenging his 2024 Special Criminal Court conviction for conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. Byrne was sentenced to two years for allegedly conspiring with Aaron Brady to dissuade witness Daniel Cahill from testifying in Brady's murder trial. The Court of Appeal previously rejected Byrne's bid to overturn this conviction, finding he used unlawful means by sending the witness's Garda statement to a third party. The Supreme Court will now consider whether it can ever be lawful to persuade a witness not to give evidence. Meanwhile, Aaron Brady, who pleaded guilty to two offences related to efforts at perverting the course of justice during his trial, was sentenced to three years. Brady is serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 40 years for the 2013 murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. Byrne's appeal raises a question of public importance regarding the legality of witness persuasion, while his prior record includes an 18-year sentence for aggravated burglary in Tipperary.
A 24cm carving knife recovered from the scene of a stabbing in Parnell Square was shown to the jury in the trial of Riad Bouchaker, who is accused of attempted murder and assault. Detective Sergeant Padraig Cleary testified that the knife was found in a backpack discarded at a bus stop near the scene. The knife was later retrieved from the Garden of Remembrance by a member of the public. Medical witnesses described the severe injuries sustained by a child who was stabbed and required emergency treatment. Dr Michael Boyle testified that the child was in critical condition and required immediate transfusion and transport to the hospital. The trial also heard that Bouchaker was arrested after a 28-day assessment for post-traumatic amnesia. The accused has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the trial is expected to last up to five weeks. The jury was shown evidence including the knife, a jacket with bloodstains, and strands of hair from the alleged victims.
Luke Donnelly, an amateur fighter, was sentenced to six and a half years in prison for the manslaughter of his 62-year-old mother, Catherine Henry. The Central Criminal Court heard that Donnelly, who had a history of drug use and mental health issues, kicked his mother to death after she allegedly threatened him. The court was told that Donnelly had walked over his mother's lifeless body and showed no attempt to seek help. Mr Justice Paul McDermott noted the severity of the violence and the breach of a safety order that had been in place against Donnelly. Donnelly had previously been found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. His family expressed deep divisions, with some members condemning his actions and others defending him. The judge emphasized the need for Donnelly to address his drug addiction and mental health issues, and the sentence included a suspended portion to allow for community supervision. Donnelly's criminal history included drug-related offenses, and the judge acknowledged his efforts at rehabilitation while emphasizing the seriousness of his actions.
A serial offender with an 'appalling' 137 previous convictions has been given a fully suspended sentence for a series of theft and public order offences. Judge Derek Cooney noted that the defendant, Margaret Connors (41), has struggled with addiction and has made efforts to address it. Connors pleaded guilty to theft, handling stolen property, and public order offences. She stole alcohol and groceries from a supermarket and was found in possession of stolen items. Connors also admitted to stealing from a store and engaging in threatening behavior. She has a long criminal history and accepted responsibility for her actions. Her defense highlighted her addiction and homelessness. Judge Cooney acknowledged her difficult background and the impact of her addiction but warned that if she reoffended, she would face serious consequences. He suspended her sentences for 12 months, emphasizing that her recovery depends on her commitment.
A consultant testified in the Central Criminal Court that doctors 'went against protocols and just ran with things' as they tried to save the life of a five-year-old girl who had been stabbed in the heart on a Dublin city center street. Dr Michael Boyle described the scene where the girl was found with no pulse and grey skin. He and other doctors worked to stabilize her before transporting her to the hospital. The girl was taken to Temple St Hospital despite the lack of a cardiothoracic surgeon there. Dr Boyle said he believed the girl was dead when he saw her. The trial of Riad Bouchaker, who is accused of attempting to murder the girl and others, is ongoing. The doctors' quick actions were crucial in the girl's survival, and the case highlights the urgency and challenges faced in such emergency situations.
A Prison Service officer, Norman Mullen, has won compensation after the Prison Service failed to show up for a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) hearing. Mullen was awarded three weeks' wages for the breach of his employment terms. He had been moved from a 'no nights' roster without his agreement or notice. The WRC tribunal found that the Prison Service had acted in breach of the Terms of Employment (Information) Act. The adjudicator noted that the Prison Service did not appear at the hearing and that Mullen's evidence was accepted in full. The tribunal ordered the Prison Service to ensure compliance with the Act and to provide notice of contract changes. Mullen's case highlights the importance of proper communication and adherence to employment terms in the workplace.
A couple's convictions for female genital mutilation (FGM) of their one-year-old daughter were declared a miscarriage of justice by the Court of Appeal. The couple, who were the first in Ireland to be convicted of FGM, spent two years in prison before their convictions were overturned due to an unfair trial. New evidence from a Swedish FGM expert, Prof Birgitta Essen, showed that the child had not undergone FGM. The Court of Appeal found that the trial was unfair due to inaccuracies in the translation of the parents' testimony. The DPP dropped the charges after the new report agreed with Prof Essen's findings. The judge ruled that the couple was factually innocent and granted a certificate of miscarriage of justice. The case highlighted the importance of expert medical testimony and the need for accurate translation in legal proceedings. The couple's conviction was overturned, and the court emphasized the need for medical professionals to report concerns without fear.
A tribunal upheld the dismissal of Alan O'Neill, a senior Aer Lingus flight attendant, who was accused of abusing his power by refusing a passenger access to the onboard bathroom, leading to the passenger being reduced to tears. The tribunal found that O'Neill's actions amounted to gross misconduct, and the airline decided to terminate his employment after 12 years of service. The incident occurred during a flight from Marseilles to Dublin, where O'Neill allegedly refused the passenger access to the bathroom on safety grounds. The passenger was reportedly upset and swore at O'Neill, leading to a confrontation. O'Neill was accused of using an angry and unprofessional tone, and the passenger was temporarily banned from flying. The tribunal heard that O'Neill claimed he was under personal strain and that the passenger triggered him. The airline's legal team argued that the disciplinary process was fair and that the dismissal was a reasonable response. The tribunal concluded that the disciplinary process was fair and that the dismissal was warranted.
A 19-year-old man, Calum McDonagh, was jailed for two years and six months for being a passenger in a stolen car that struck and killed a pedestrian in Dublin. McDonagh, who has 91 previous convictions, including dangerous driving and unauthorized vehicle use, pleaded guilty to allowing himself to be carried in the stolen vehicle. The incident occurred on July 17, 2024, when the car hit Michael Farrelly, who died at the scene. Gardai pursued the car for 4.2km before stopping it, where they found the victim. McDonagh was identified through CCTV and forensic evidence, including glass shards on his clothing. He admitted to being in the passenger seat and attempted to get out of the car after the collision. The court heard from the victim's brother, who described the tragedy as destroying their lives. McDonagh's defense highlighted his neurodiversity and adverse childhood, leading to a suspended six-month portion of the sentence.
A Romanian national, Costel Raducan, was jailed for 11 years after being convicted of burglary, rape, and attempted anal rape. The victim described the traumatic experience of being attacked in her own home by a man who had posed as a taxi driver. Raducan broke into her home and raped her after she had been left alone. The victim had to undergo a sexual assault examination and faced significant emotional and psychological trauma. Raducan denied the charges and claimed the victim had consented to the sexual act. The judge described the case as 'the stuff of nightmares' and noted the premeditated nature of the attack. The victim's impact statement highlighted the lasting effects of the crime on her life, including fear, panic attacks, and career setbacks. The court acknowledged the severity of the crime and the need for justice for the victim.
A veteran Coast Guard rescue helicopter crewman, Adrian O'Hara, won €50,000 in compensation for disability discrimination after being grounded for five months despite being cleared for duty. O'Hara, who worked as a winch operator, suffered a degenerative shoulder condition and was advised by a specialist to return to work by March 2024. However, CHC Ireland DAC conducted a risk assessment that concluded he could not return to flying duties due to his medical restrictions. O'Hara argued that the risk assessment was a 'paper exercise' and that a practical assessment should have been conducted. He continued to report for work until May 2024, when he was placed on medical leave. A subsequent practical assessment confirmed he was fit to return to work. O'Hara filed a grievance, which was upheld, and the tribunal ruled that CHC discriminated against him by delaying his return to work and failing to consult him on reasonable accommodations. The adjudication officer ordered CHC to review its processes for returning staff to work after medical absences.
A man who raped a friend at an IPAS centre was jailed for five and a half years after the court dismissed his claim that he was 'not reading the signals correctly' as a 'very weak response'. The defendant, who has a wife and children in Nigeria, pleaded guilty to the rape that occurred in Co Westmeath on June 15, 2025. The victim had gone to the defendant's room after he told her he had brought clothes back from Dublin for her. During the attack, the victim protested, and the defendant later apologised and sent messages to her. The victim recorded their calls and shared them with the defendant's roommates, who then informed the centre manager and gardai. The defendant was transferred to a new IPAS centre and interviewed by gardai, where he falsely claimed a relationship with the victim. The court heard the victim's impact statement, detailing the severe emotional trauma she experienced.
A 31-year-old man was jailed for assault causing harm and making threats to kill his pregnant partner during a brutal 20-minute attack. The victim, who was four months pregnant, described being kicked in the stomach, punched, and choked by the defendant, who repeatedly threatened to kill her and the baby. The assault occurred in July 2025, and the victim was found in a parked car with her children and a support worker, showing signs of severe bruising and swelling. The defendant, who had 98 previous convictions, including drug and road traffic offences, was arrested and later taken to a garda station, where he joked about not being able to stand up in court. The victim's impact statement highlighted the trauma she experienced and the loss of trust in her former partner. The defendant, who claimed to be in treatment for addiction, apologized and expressed a desire to stay away from the victim and her family. The unnamed 31-year-old pleaded guilty.
A 22-year-old man charged with threatening to kill his former partner lost an appeal against a High Court decision that upheld a District Court judge's refusal to hear formal submissions from his solicitor before refusing him bail. The man was charged with assault causing harm, making threats to kill, and breaching a safety order in Wicklow on April 20, 2026. During his bail application in the District Court, he denied the allegations, leading to his remand in custody. His legal team argued that the District Court judge failed to hear his submissions, but the High Court upheld the remand. The Court of Appeal dismissed the habeas corpus appeal, stating that the issue was moot as the original order was spent within eight days. The High Court judge was entitled to conclude that the bail hearing was fair, and the appellant had the opportunity for a full hearing in the High Court. The appeal was dismissed, and the man remained in custody.
Riad Bouchaker, 52, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, having pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is accused of attempting to murder three children and assaulting others causing harm, including creche worker Leanne Flynn, at Parnell Square East on November 23, 2023. Additional allegations include assaulting two other children and an adult male, and producing a knife in a manner likely to intimidate. The trial, expected to last up to five weeks, is currently at the evidence stage. Firefighter Brian Mulvaney described the chaotic scene, noting a girl in pink shoes receiving CPR and Ms. Flynn with a severe back laceration. Advanced paramedic David Hosback detailed emergency treatment for the girl, while Detective Garda Aaron Grattan described seizing Bouchaker's belongings. The jury was sent home for the day due to a juror's personal matter, and the trial was adjourned to continue tomorrow. No findings or sentences have been recorded, as the matter remains under active trial proceedings.
A judge has warned a pregnant woman that she will face jail if she steals again, after rejecting her claim that she was distracted by funeral arrangements following the death of her father-in-law. Emma Baker (33), of Heather Lawn, Ballinteer, Dublin 16, pleaded guilty to stealing €423.76 worth of clothing from Marks & Spencer and a pair of Puma Club 2 Era runners worth €70 from Elverys Sports at Dundrum Town Centre. Defending counsel, Michael O'Brien BL, told Dún Laoghaire District Court that the offences occurred on August 12, 2025, the same day Baker learned that her father-in-law had died. Judge Anne Watkin responded: "And because of that she decided to take a pair of shoes?" Mr O'Brien said Baker had funeral arrangements on her mind at the time. The judge replied: "She didn't have only funeral arrangements on her mind. She had a pair of shoes on her mind." Mr O'Brien said Baker had no issues with drugs or alcohol, was unemployed and was heavily pregnant.
Trade unionist Brendan Ogle is pursuing a new case under workplace equality law against Unite after a disability discrimination action was dismissed by the Labour Court last year. A second statutory complaint by Mr Ogle under the Employment Equality Act 1998 against Unite the Union is listed for hearing at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) next week. The allegation at the centre of the complaint is understood to be one of workplace victimisation linked to Mr Ogle's disability discrimination case at the WRC in 2024. Mr Ogle had alleged in a complaint under the Employment Equality Act 1998 that he was sidelined at work in summer 2022 after being treated for a "very aggressive" throat cancer, which saw him lose four and a half stone in weight while "living off fluids for six months". The WRC rejected the case following a 10-day hearing in Dublin, during which over a dozen witnesses gave evidence – including Mr Ogle and senior Unite officials based in Ireland and the UK.
A senior Aer Lingus manager, Captain Conor Barrett, has explained that a second error in a disciplinary investigation report, which appeared to support a pilot later demoted by the airline, was due to a spelling mistake. The error occurred in a passage where he wrote: "A review of the safety manual and the operating manual indicates a strong structure to believe this viewpoint." This was in reference to the view of pilot Declan McCabe, who argued that the company safety manual allowed him to use his judgment to file a report after an incident on a flight into Dublin airport. Captain Barrett clarified that the word 'believe' was a mistake and should have been 'belie'. Earlier, a typographical error had also been highlighted by adjudicator John Harraghy as significant and unexplained. On Wednesday, Barrett stated that when he used the word 'belies' elsewhere in the report, he meant something different. The tribunal was hearing the 11th day of evidence in a whistleblower penalisation claim brought by McCabe.
A man charged with an alleged terrorist plot to destroy a Galway mosque has claimed he cannot get a fair trial due to the wording of the Explosives Act. The High Court has reserved its judgment in the case brought by 39-year-old Karolis Peckauskas of Newfoundwell Road, Drogheda, Co Louth. Mr Peckauskas is charged with possession of an explosive substance – four threaded pipe end caps and six litres of hydrogen peroxide – under such circumstances as to give rise to a reasonable suspicion that he did not have it in his possession for a lawful object at O'Moore Place, Portlaoise, Co Laois on November 4 last year. Mr Peckauskas has not entered a plea in relation to the charge and a stay has been imposed on his prosecution until the resolution of his High Court challenge. Papers lodged by Mr Peckauskas' legal team claim that the wording of Section 4 of the Explosives Act places an "impermissible burden" on the applicant.
A man who claimed that his apologies after raping his girlfriend at work were for "poor sexual performance and breaching workplace rules" rather than for sexual assault has been jailed for five years. The 29-year-old defendant, who cannot be identified to protect the victim's anonymity, was convicted by a jury at a third trial in the Central Criminal Court of raping the woman in January 2020. The court heard that the couple were in the early stages of a romantic relationship, and the victim had not felt ready for a sexual relationship. The accused man locked the door of a shower cubicle and raped her after she returned to work. The victim later confided in a colleague and gardai were called. The defendant made admissions to a colleague and was arrested. He later claimed that his apologies were for poor sexual performance and breaching workplace rules. The victim described the adverse effects on her physical and mental health and relationships.
Dozens of retail theft cases were heard in Dún Laoghaire District Court as part of 'Operation Táirge', a garda initiative targeting repeat offenders in south Dublin. One defendant, Patrick Connors (24), who is already serving a 22-month jail term, was sentenced to three months in prison for stealing €12 worth of alcohol from a Centra store. Connors, who has over 70 previous convictions, pleaded guilty to theft on July 30, 2025. His sentence will run concurrently with his existing term. Connors' case was one of 41 matters heard in court on Wednesday. Most of the cases were for mention only, with Judge Anne Watkin adjourning proceedings for approximately eight weeks for disclosure, including CCTV evidence. Some defendants failed to appear, leading to bench warrants, while others attended and were given dates for further hearings. A number of defendants appeared without legal representation amid ongoing action by criminal defence solicitors over legal aid fees. Judge Watkin reminded those without legal representation that they needed to know how they intended to plead ahead of their next court date.
A doctor who was cycling in Dublin city centre shortly after a number of children were injured with knives described treating a five-year-old girl who had a stab wound over her heart and appeared to have no pulse. Peter Harper, a consultant anaesthetist at Temple St Children's Hospital, was directed by a member of the Dublin Fire Brigade to the child, who had been stabbed in the chest. Paramedics were already performing chest compressions, and Dr Harper inserted a breathing tube. He said the child needed to be taken to an operating theatre immediately because chest compressions would not achieve anything unless blood loss was stopped. The child had no pulse, looked pale, and it was likely her heart had been perforated, causing cardiac arrest. Dr Harper contacted his colleagues at Temple Street to prepare the theatre and find a cardiothoracic surgeon. Dr Lisa Corley, a paediatric registrar at the Rotunda Hospital, had already ordered blood, which Dr Harper used to perform a transfusion in the ambulance on the way.
A 39-year-old woman from Dublin pleaded guilty to three counts of making threats to kill or cause serious harm and to the production of a samurai sword at her home in May 2021. During the incident, she threatened to cut the legs off of gardai and her former partner while waving the sword out of an upstairs window. The woman, who cannot be named to protect the anonymity of her children, was in a highly distressed and agitated state, reportedly intoxicated and behaving erratically. She had a history of mental health issues, was prescribed antidepressants, and had a history of suicidal ideation. The court heard that she had 25 previous convictions, including 21 for road traffic offences and one for a drugs offence and robbery. The woman's relationship with her former partner was described as volatile, and he was also taking drugs. The woman later left the property and went to live with her mother, while her two younger children are currently in care.
A number of cases listed at the Central and Circuit Criminal Court were adjourned today due to the withdrawal of legal aid work by solicitors. Counsel acting for the defence in the affected cases told presiding judge, Mr Justice Paul McDermott, that they were not attended by a solicitor and did not have instructions. A number of individual defence solicitors acting were present in court, with one telling the judge when the case they were instructed in was called, "with the greatest respect to the court, I'm withdrawing my services". Mr Justice McDermott thanked the solicitors who were present. While dealing with the Central Criminal Court's case management list, the judge said the court expected that if individual solicitors are going to withdraw their services, they should "come to court and indicate that, not simply as a matter of courtesy to the court", but also so the court could "address in advance any proposed withdrawal of service". The unnamed accused pleaded guilty.
Riad Bouchaker, 52, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, having pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is alleged to have attempted to murder two girls and one boy, assaulted creche worker Leanne Flynn causing serious harm, assaulted two other children and an adult male, and produced a knife in a manner likely to intimidate. The incident occurred at Parnell Square East on November 23, 2023. During cross-examination, defence counsel suggested to witness Catherine Carbery that Bouchaker's intention may have been to terrify and intimidate rather than stab, though she maintained she believed he was injuring a child. Another witness, Alison Carbery, stated she definitively saw the knife plunged into a child's torso. Carlos Antonio Lopes dos Santos testified that he saw Bouchaker strike a girl in the stomach or chest area. Former garda Adam Kealy described finding Bouchaker prone on the ground, restrained by a fire officer, and noted he was later sedated at Mater Hospital. The trial is presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury of nine men and three women. The defence has not yet entered a final plea or received a sentence, as the matter is currently at the trial stage. The proceedings are expected to last up to five weeks and continue before the court.
The Court of Appeal has rejected Patrick Murphy's claim that his murder conviction was unsafe due to the jury's 'extremely brief' deliberation. Murphy, who stabbed his daughter's neighbour to death in a 'drunken rage', was sentenced to life in prison in December 2024. He had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The Central Criminal Court jury unanimously convicted him of murder after rejecting the defence's argument of provocation. Murphy's counsel argued that the jury's quick decision raised concerns about the safety of the conviction and the right to full deliberation. However, the court dismissed the appeal, stating the jury deliberated for over three hours and reached a verdict based on the evidence. The judge noted that the issue of provocation was straightforward and that the jury's decision was sound. The trial revealed that Murphy had a history of 15 previous convictions, mostly for traffic and public order offences.
A woman, Elisabeta Silaghi, who has 21 previous convictions, including six for theft, was warned by a judge that she would be sent to prison 'for as long as I can' if she reoffended. Silaghi pleaded guilty to stealing €885 worth of groceries from Dunnes Stores. The judge noted that this was Silaghi's seventh theft conviction and that her last theft conviction resulted in a fine. Rather than imposing a custodial sentence, the judge placed Silaghi on a probation bond. Silaghi was directed to notify the Probation Service of any change of address or phone number. The judge warned the defendant that she had been given a final opportunity to avoid prison, saying, 'One more time and it's jail.' Silaghi is raising her five-year-old child alone, is unemployed and reliant on social welfare. David Nally BL, defending, said his client was pleading guilty, was very apologetic and had accepted responsibility for her actions.
A senior Aer Lingus manager, Captain Colm Wynne, told a tribunal that a 'spelling mistake' on his part reversed the meaning of his finding in a disciplinary probe involving a pilot, Declan McCabe. McCabe was demoted from training captain to flight officer in 2024 and told he would 'never' be allowed to conduct training again as a disciplinary sanction. The tribunal heard that McCabe disputes the company's view that he was obliged to file a safety report after an incident involving an Airbus A320. McCabe said the relevant Aer Lingus manual left it up to his judgment to decide whether to report it. The tribunal heard that a senior manager in flight operations, Captain Colm Wynne, wrote to McCabe about an inquiry from Air Nav Ireland, but McCabe wrote directly to the regulator without copying Wynne on the correspondence. McCabe said he was concerned about 'retribution' from Wynne about filing safety reports arising from an earlier dispute with his employer. The case has been adjourned overnight.
A violent criminal, Gerard Stokes, who carried out a three-hour hammer attack on a 'Good Samaritan' grandmother, leaving her blind in one eye after tying her up and threatening to kill her, had his jail sentence increased by two years following a successful appeal by the State. Stokes and his co-accused, Samantha Campbell, were convicted of inflicting what a judge described as a 'punishment beating' on the woman over alleged missing drugs. The Court of Appeal found that Stokes' 13-and-a-half-year jail term, with two years suspended, was unduly lenient and resentenced him to 14-and-a-half-years, with one year suspended. However, the court ruled that Campbell's ten-year sentence was not too lenient. The court heard the victim lost an eye in the attack and now uses a prosthesis. The judge noted that both defendants 'participated willingly' in the attack and the jury accepted that this was joint enterprise.
Mr Justice Paul McDermott criticized the Law Society of Ireland for failing to inform the courts of the proposed withdrawal of legal aid work by solicitors, calling it 'highly discourteous'. The judge expressed disappointment that the court had not been notified of the action by solicitors or the Law Society. He emphasized the need for formal notification from a representative body, such as the Law Society, if such action was to be taken. The judge noted the potential impact on trials, including murder cases, jurors, and families. Solicitors were reportedly withdrawing services in a dispute over legal aid reforms involving solicitor fees. McDermott urged solicitors to inform the court in advance and not leave it to barristers to handle the situation. The comments were made ahead of the swearing in of a Central Criminal Court jury, with concerns that the trial may not proceed as scheduled.
An on-bail criminal with 117 previous convictions has been jailed for robbing an iPhone after gardaí used the 'find my phone' feature to track him down. Carl McGuinness went to an ice-cream parlour in Ranelagh in South Dublin on the evening of February 11, 2025, carrying a hammer. He told the shop manager to open the till and banged the hammer on the counter several times. The injured party told McGuinness that she couldn't open the till. The defendant then leaned across the counter and tried to open the till, accidentally triggering the panic alarm. An investigating garda told Simon Donogh BL, prosecuting, that McGuinness then grabbed the woman's iPhone 13, worth approximately €550, before escaping on a bike. Gardai responded to the panic alarm, arriving at the shop quickly. They used the 'find my phone' feature to track the phone and found McGuinness nearby. The court heard that the defendant attempted unsuccessfully to flee and when searched, the iPhone and the hammer were found on his person.
An Afghan man, Rahimullah Hotak, who laundered €45,000 by making payments to accounts in six different countries while receiving social welfare in Ireland, has been given a fully suspended sentence. Hotak, who pleaded guilty to money laundering, made 45 separate payments totaling €45,208.53 between January 2020 and April 2021. The court heard that the amount was 'totally out of proportion' to the funds he would have had access to at the time as a 19-year-old. Hotak's defence counsel noted that he recognises Ireland's support and hopes to return to Afghanistan with his family. The court also heard that Hotak was arrested but made no admissions. Judge Orla Crowe noted the troubling features of the case, including the source of the money, and adjourned the case to assess Hotak's risk of re-offending. Hotak has no previous convictions and the Probation Service has deemed him to be at low risk of re-offending. Judge Crowe handed down a sentence of 18 months, which she suspended for a period of three years on a number of conditions.
The Court of Appeal granted the Irish Times access to character references for Daniel Ramamoorthy, a convicted sex offender, including one from former TD Jim Glennon. Ramamoorthy was convicted of sexually exploiting a 13-year-old boy at a Christian children's camp. Glennon later apologized for his involvement, calling the crime 'vile and of the most egregious nature'. The Irish Times applied for access to the references, arguing that public interest and open justice required their disclosure. The court agreed, noting that the references were part of the administration of justice. Ramamoorthy, a motivational speaker and entrepreneur, was jailed for two years and four months for the sexual exploitation offence. He pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material. The court criticized the character references for not addressing the victim or the nature of the crime. Glennon's apology and disavowal of the reference were highlighted, with the court emphasizing the importance of transparency in the justice process.