Ibrahim Ahmed Gharib, an Egyptian national, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for raping a woman in Dublin just a year after his release from a previous 10-year sentence for a similar crime. The Central Criminal Court heard that Gharib, who had a prior conviction for rape, was found guilty of raping Christina Foley in a builders' shed on Poolbeg Street. During the trial, the victim described the incident, stating that she did not consent to the attack and was in a distressed state when she tried to report it to the Garda Station. Mr Justice Sean Gillane noted the severity of the crime and the victim's impact statement, which highlighted the victim's despair and exacerbated anxiety. Gharib, who claimed the victim was a liar, was placed on the sex offenders' register and had his sentence backdated. The court also heard that the victim had been consuming drugs and was homeless at the time of the attack. The judge reduced the headline sentence from 12 years to 11 years, considering Gharib's isolation and lack of prior violent offenses.
Paul Rowland, a man who attempted to strangle his partner in her own home, has been jailed for six years. Rowland, who had denied the charges, was convicted of intentionally or recklessly strangling his partner on January 29, 2025. The court heard that the victim had asked Rowland to leave the property but he refused, and the incident occurred in the presence of their infant child. Judge Mary Morrissey noted the high moral culpability in the case and the fact that Rowland had been drinking and was physically and emotionally abusive towards his partner. She set a headline sentence of six and a half years but reduced it to six years, taking into account Rowland's homelessness, his time in custody, and his lack of remorse. The victim's impact statement highlighted the lasting trauma she experienced, including chronic pain and the impact on her children.
Fabio De Oliveira Monteiro, a 28-year-old man from Carlow, has pleaded guilty to allowing his bank account to be used to launder €9,650 stolen from a woman through a phishing scam. The victim was tricked into deleting her banking app by a caller posing as her bank, resulting in €19,300 being stolen from her account. Monteiro admitted to providing his account details in exchange for €400, as he was in financial difficulty due to his mother's medical bills and a small drug debt. The court heard that Monteiro has nine previous convictions for road traffic offences and is considered to be at the bottom of the criminal chain in the operation. His defense argued that Monteiro was a victim of others who preyed on his desperation for cash. The judge remanded Monteiro on bail for sentencing next November, noting that he has since secured new employment and is unlikely to come to further garda attention.
Martin Lyons, a 31-year-old man with 146 previous convictions, has been jailed for three years for threatening to burn down the family home of a Carlow pub owner while armed with a clawhammer. Lyons was on bail at the time of the incident, which occurred in March 2024. He entered the pub claiming that a former employee owed him money and threatened to burn down the owners' home. The court heard that Lyons had significant addiction issues with alcohol and drugs, and had spent time in a residential treatment unit. His defense highlighted his remorse and the support he receives from his family, including his parents and children. The judge set a headline sentence of five years but reduced it to three years, suspending the final 12 months for two years on the condition that Lyons engages with the Probation Service and maintains his sobriety. Martin Lyons pleaded guilty.
Sabrina Keogh, aged 40 and resident of St Mary's Park, Carlow, pleaded guilty to the murder of Darren Quigley outside a house in Carlow town on 21 October 2024. Mr Justice Paul McDermott remanded her in custody until 6 October, when she will be sentenced to a mandatory life imprisonment term for murder. The judge also ordered impact statements from members of the victim's family.
A man who raped his partner's 16-year-old sister and asked why the victim hadn't screamed has been jailed for six years. The 24-year-old Carlow man was convicted of the rape and sexual assault of the teenager at his home in August 2023. The victim described the emotional impact of the attack, including self-harm and feelings of disgust towards her body. The judge noted the age disparity and breach of trust as aggravating factors. The accused denied the allegations and did not express remorse, which limited mitigation. The sentence was suspended for six months, with conditions including good behaviour and engagement with the Probation Service. The victim expressed hope for healing with the support of her family and friends. The accused has a diagnosis of autism and ADHD and has no previous convictions.
Andrew Delaney, a violent criminal who fired an improvised 'slam bang' gun at another man, had his sentence increased but the balance suspended by the Court of Appeal. Delaney, who wore a balaclava and shouted 'I will kill you' before firing the gun, was initially sentenced to five years with two suspended. The State appealed, arguing the sentence was too lenient. The Court of Appeal ruled the sentence had a frailty in principle and increased it to six years and six months, with the remainder suspended. Delaney had pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition, and was also sentenced for possessing benzocaine and being a passenger in a stolen vehicle. The court noted the premeditated nature of the attack and the lack of cooperation with gardaí. Delaney's previous convictions for assault and criminal damage were also considered. The court emphasized the seriousness of the offense and the need for a higher sentence. However, as Delaney secured a place in a residential treatment center, the court suspended the remaining portion of the sentence to allow him to complete the program.
A Carlow man, Patrick Connors, was jailed for three years and nine months after a fatal crash in 2014. The Ford Puma he was driving was found to be unroadworthy, with failed NCT, no working handbrake, and rusted brakes. Connors was speeding at 111 km/h in an 80 km/h zone when he lost control, leading to a collision that killed his uncle, Patrick Doran. The court heard that Connors fled to the UK after the incident and was brought back via a European Arrest Warrant. Judge Mary Morrissey acknowledged the impact of the tragedy on the Doran family and noted their compassion towards Connors despite the loss of their loved one. The judge also considered aggravating factors, including Connors' previous convictions and his flight from the jurisdiction. The sentence included a suspended portion and a 10-year driving ban. Patrick Connors pleaded guilty.
Ibrahim Ahmed Gharib, a violent rapist who was released from a 10-year sentence in 2024, raped another woman just a year later. Gharib was found guilty of raping and sexually assaulting Christina Foley in a builders' shed in Dublin. The victim was arrested while trying to report the incident at a garda station and later suffered from anxiety and trauma. Gharib had previously been jailed for 10 years in 2018 for raping a student. The court heard that Gharib had a history of criminal behaviour and was released in January 2024. The victim, who waived her anonymity, expressed the impact of the crime on her life and thanked the gardaí and legal team for their support. Gharib's defence argued that he did not accept the verdict but acknowledged the victim's vindication. The court will sentence Gharib later this month.
A Dublin teenager who was the driver of a car involved in a spate of burglaries in Carlow almost two years ago has been jailed for two years. The 18-year-old pleaded guilty to burglary and criminal damage at a housing estate in Killerig, Tullow, and other incidents. He has a number of previous convictions, including many related to stealing and driving stolen cars. The court heard that the teenager had a difficult upbringing, with his father dying when he was a toddler and his mother being abusive. Judge Mary Morrissey acknowledged his difficult background and noted that he had pleaded guilty, which saved the victims from having to give evidence. She set concurrent sentences totalling 36 months and suspended the final 12 months on strict conditions, including engaging with the Probation Service and mental health services. The judge wished him the best of luck and acknowledged his potential.
A man who raped his partner's 16-year-old sister asked why the victim hadn't screamed during the attack, a court has heard. The 24-year-old defendant, who cannot be named to protect the victim's identity, was convicted of the rape and sexual assault of the teenager at his home in August 2023. The victim, who was not present in court, prepared a victim impact statement detailing the emotional distress and self-harm she experienced following the attack. The court heard that the victim tried to shout out during the assault but found she had no voice. She later told her sister, who confronted the accused, and he denied the allegations, asking why the victim had not screamed. The victim later told her mother part of what had happened, leading to a garda investigation. The defendant, who has no previous convictions, has been in custody since his conviction in April. His defence counsel noted that the accused has a diagnosis of autism and ADHD and has not been in trouble with the law previously or since.
A High Court judge has ordered that the mother of a child rape victim be brought before him to face allegations that she filmed her daughter's abuser in court and posted it on social media. The woman is alleged to have made a video recording in court of her 17-year-old daughter's rapist and to have posted it on Facebook. The identity of the 30-year-old Carlow defendant cannot be published to protect the statutory anonymity of the victim. The man was jailed for seven years for repeatedly sexually abusing his partner's teenage niece. He had pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault and one count of orally raping the child. The girl told the court that she was 13 when the defendant started "grooming" her. She said she has struggled with anxiety, depression, trauma, and flashbacks as a result of the abuse. Prosecuting counsel brought the case back before the Central Criminal Court seeking an "attachment order" in relation to contempt of court proceedings. The video post was viewed around 300 times but has since been taken down.
A Brazilian brothel-keeper, Ilamar Rodrigues Ribeiro, has had his appeal to reduce his prison sentence dismissed by the court. Ribeiro, who operated a brothel network across rural Ireland and laundered €800,000, was arrested at Dublin Airport in 2023 with child abuse material on his phone. He pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including brothel-keeping, money laundering, and possession of child pornography. The child abuse material, which included images and videos of pre-pubescent children, was described as the most serious category. Judge Patricia Ryan imposed a 10-and-a-half-year sentence in 2025, which included consecutive terms. Ribeiro's lawyers argued that the court should have suspended the sentence for the child abuse material due to his lack of prior convictions. However, Mr Justice Paul Burns ruled that the child pornography charge was of a different nature and required a separate sentence. He stated that the court could not ignore the severity of the offence. The investigation into Ribeiro began after two women came forward with trafficking allegations, leading to the identification of multiple properties used as brothels across Ireland.
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.
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.
A man from Tullow has been jailed for 21 months after €5,000 worth of cannabis was found hidden behind a couch in his home. Michal Plecha (50) of Shroughaun Close, Tullow, pleaded guilty at Carlow Circuit Criminal Court to possessing cannabis valued at €5,100 and amphetamine valued at €525 on November 27, 2024. He also admitted to possessing a stolen chainsaw and bicycle. The court heard that a warrant was secured to search his home, where the drugs were found in a sportsbag behind the couch. A digital weighing scale, plastic bags, and €900 in cash were also discovered. Plecha claimed the cash was for buying a car, but gardaí suspect it is from drug trafficking. The stolen items were found in his home, and Plecha said he had bought the chainsaw second-hand and that a friend had left the bike behind. His defence accepted that his engagement with The Probation Service had been inconsistent.
A Carlow man who admitted to storing over €20,000 worth of cannabis in a shed to feed his own addiction has received a three-year suspended sentence. Colm Cody (41) of Augha, Bagenalstown, pleaded guilty at Carlow Circuit Criminal Court to possessing cannabis, MDMA, and cocaine at his home on November 28, 2023. He has no previous convictions. Detective Sergeant Stephen Delaney explained that a warrant was obtained to search Cody's home based on garda intelligence. Cody was not present, but his daughter was, and the gardaí waited for him to return. A small amount of cannabis and MDMA was found in Cody's bedroom, while the larger quantities were discovered in the shed. Cody accepted responsibility at the scene and later told gardaí that the cannabis in his bedroom was for his own use, to help manage stress and depression. He admitted to agreeing to store the cannabis to feed his addiction but denied selling the drugs. His defence argued that he was under threat, with someone warning him that his daughter was at home all day.
William McCarthy (38) of Carlow pleaded guilty to assaulting an Irish Rail ticket inspector and burglarizing a Carlow GAA club. The assault occurred on September 14, 2024, when McCarthy refused to show his ticket and attacked the inspector on the Waterford/Heuston line. The victim suffered injuries including a broken finger and bruising to his face and was treated in hospital. McCarthy also pleaded guilty to criminal damage and theft from the Éire Óg Clubhouse, where he had previously burgled the premises four times. The damage to the cigarette machine was estimated at €2,000, with €2,830 worth of cigarettes and vapes stolen, along with €1,520 in cash. The victim's impact statement highlighted the emotional and financial toll of the assault, including difficulties paying his mortgage and the need for counseling. McCarthy's defense argued that his actions were driven by addiction and desperation to pay off a debt. The judge remanded McCarthy in custody and adjourned sentencing until next week.
At the High Court, the State successfully applied for a stay on a Carlow District Court order that had annulled compliance notices issued to Slaney Duck Eggs, operated by John Fitzgerald. The matter was adjourned to next month for hearing. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine is challenging a December 2025 decision by Judge Catherine Hayden, which overturned two compliance orders blocking the sale of duck eggs due to Salmonella concerns. The Department alleges that serious public health risks were identified following inspections linked to a cluster of rare Salmonella Hesserak cases. Officials sampled three duck houses in July 2024, with five samples testing positive for Salmonella Hesserak and four for Salmonella Typhimurium. Consequently, the Department served notices prohibiting the sale or supply of the eggs. Fitzgerald appealed, arguing that the Department's sampling procedures did not strictly apply to ducks and that positive results could stem from environmental contamination rather than the farm. Judge Hayden allowed the appeal, finding the Department's internal standards were not mandatory for ducks. Today, Conor Doherty SC secured the stay, preserving the compliance notices pending the full hearing next month.
Dion Timmons pleaded guilty to money laundering after €12,374.64 was deposited into her account in 23 transactions, including payments linked to a social welfare fraud. Judge Mary Morrissey reduced a headline sentence to 16 months and adjourned the case for a Probation Service assessment on whether community service could be ordered in lieu of prison.
A jury convicted Paul Rowland of intentionally or recklessly strangling his former partner in Carlow. The woman described the lasting impact of the assault in a victim impact statement; Judge Mary Morrissey adjourned sentencing to next May and remanded Rowland in continuing custody.
A Carlow Circuit Criminal Court jury found Colvin O'Brien not guilty of assault charges involving two gardaí and of threatening and abusive behaviour. O'Brien had pleaded guilty to being intoxicated in a public place, and Judge Mary Morrissey placed him on a 12-month probation bond.
An 18-year-old who was a juvenile at the time pleaded guilty to burglary and criminal damage after acting as the driver in a series of incidents in Carlow. Judge Mary Morrissey adjourned the case to next July for sentence.
William McCarthy admitted criminal damage to a wall and cigarette machine and theft of cigarettes and cash at Éire Óg Clubhouse in Carlow. The Carlow Circuit Criminal Court adjourned the case while a victim impact statement and governor's report are prepared; a sentence date is still to be fixed. William McCarthy pleaded guilty.
Joe Curtin was jailed for 26 months after pleading guilty to one robbery and two attempted robberies in Hanover Park, Carlow. The court heard that three incidents occurred within ten minutes and that Curtin had 75 previous convictions. Judge Mary Morrissey treated the early guilty plea, cooperation and remorse as mitigation while describing his moral culpability as high.
Dion Timmons pleaded guilty to money laundering after €12,374.64 was deposited into her account in 23 transactions connected to a social welfare fraud and other payments. Judge Mary Morrissey adjourned sentence to next Thursday to consider documents submitted on Timmons's behalf; she was remanded on continuing bail.
The Court of Appeal has refused bail to four accused individuals linked to an alleged Lithuanian organised crime group, rejecting their appeals against a High Court decision. Jonas Pavillions, Alexandres Kuznecovas, and Stacey Walsh are charged under section 73 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006, with committing serious offences for the benefit of a criminal organisation. Ausra Motriuk faces charges of money laundering under section 7 of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act, 2010, and participating in an organised crime group under section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006. Pavillions is additionally charged with drug possession, supply, and two counts under section 9(1) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act regarding two billhooks and a machete. Kuznecovas is also charged with drug possession and supply. Counsel argued that the appellants were not flight risks, noting Motriuk's passport is with the Gardaí and Pavillions offered a Carlow address. The State contended that the alleged offences carry penalties of up to 15 years and that the group's access to false documents posed a risk. Delivering the judgment, Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy stated the Court of Appeal found no error in the High Court's refusal of bail. Consequently, the appeal was rejected, and the four accused remain remanded in custody.
Paul Rowland was convicted of strangling his then-partner at her home in County Carlow in January 2025. The woman testified that Rowland, who was intoxicated, grabbed her by the neck and strangled her, causing her to fear for her life. She managed to escape and barricaded herself and her son in a bedroom before contacting the gardaí. Rowland was found not guilty of the two assault charges but was convicted of the strangulation charge. The court heard that Rowland had previously tripped the woman and pushed a pool table into her, causing injuries. The jury deliberated for nearly three hours before convicting him. Rowland was remanded in custody for sentencing in March. The court acknowledged the woman's account of the incident and the severity of the strangulation charge, which was a new offense added to the Non-fatal Offences Against The Person Act in 2023. Rowland denied the allegations and claimed he was not intoxicated, but the gardaí confirmed he was unfit for questioning due to his level of intoxication.
A serial offender, Joe Curtin, has been remanded in custody pending sentencing for a mugging and two attempted robberies in Carlow town. Curtin, who has 75 previous convictions, admitted to the crimes in court. The incidents occurred within ten minutes of each other in Hanover Park at 8:30 pm. The first victim was punched and had his belongings taken. A second victim was approached by Curtin, who became aggressive when refused. A third man intervened, and Curtin attempted to take his phone but was unsuccessful. The gardaí were alerted and Curtin was arrested. The court heard that Curtin's addiction to alcohol and drugs, as well as his mental health issues, were central to his offending. His defense argued for structured recovery programs. The judge adjourned the case for sentencing. The prosecution emphasized the need for Curtin to receive help, while the defense highlighted his willingness to remain drug-free. Joe Curtin pleaded guilty.
A Workplace Relations Commission adjudicator awarded a care worker €21,153.50 for unfair dismissal, ruling that the employer failed to follow adequate probation procedures during the appeal stage. The complainant alleged she was targeted for taking maternity leave and for reporting that her manager's brother was on holiday while on sick leave. She also claimed her manager made adverse comments regarding contraception and pregnancy, remarks the manager denied. The adjudicator found insufficient evidence to corroborate these specific allegations or to link the dismissal to protected grounds or disclosures. However, the tribunal concluded the dismissal was automatically unfair because the performance management process lacked outside involvement during a breakdown in the working relationship, and the subsequent appeal was cursory with unsatisfactory reasoning. The worker, hired in February 2023, failed her final probation review in January 2024. The adjudicator assessed her losses at over €40,000 but reduced the award by 50% due to a failure to mitigate losses. The decision was anonymised to protect vulnerable service users. Paul Gough of Beauchamps Solicitors represented the employer, while Cathy McGrady BL, instructed by Farrell McElwee Solicitors, represented the complainant.
Ross O'Rourke, aged 31, was found not guilty by reason of insanity after stabbing his father, Stefan Nivelle Posschier, 65, 18 times during a psychotic episode in October 2022. A jury of five men and seven women returned a unanimous verdict. O'Rourke claimed he believed his father was linked to criminals and the IRA and that he had received coded messages urging him to kill. Psychiatrists for both sides agreed he suffered from a schizophrenic disorder at the time of the killing. Dr Dearbhla Duffy, at a hearing, stated he continues to lack capacity for informed decisions and needs ongoing inpatient care at the Central Mental Hospital. Mr Justice Paul McDermott ordered his commitment for treatment, with reviews every six months. The family of the deceased remains in grief. The case highlights the application of the special verdict under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006.
A Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) adjudicator, Séamus Clinton, has initiated a case against the State, alleging mistreatment and gender-related discrimination. He filed complaints 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. A preliminary hearing at Lansdowne House in Dublin heard that the dispute relates to a competition issue. Clinton, a former trade union official appointed to the WRC in 2022, presides over employment rights disputes and discrimination claims. Counsel for the State, Stephen Hanaphy BL, requested an adjournment to consider submissions filed on Wednesday, citing the case's unique nature and the enhanced version of the claim. Michael Kinsley BL, for the complainant, agreed to the adjournment, noting that the claim had been dramatically enhanced. The original complaint included age discrimination and a claim against the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER), but these have been dropped, focusing now on gender discrimination. The case also involves alleged victimisation and whistleblower penalisation.
A 62-year-old man who sexually abused three children over several years had his sentence increased from five years and three months to eight years in prison after the Court of Appeal ruled the original sentence was unduly lenient. The man, who cannot be named to protect the victims, admitted to five charges of indecent assault. The Court of Appeal noted that the abuse was not a one-time incident but occurred repeatedly over a long period. The assaults involved digital penetration and genital touching, and the perpetrator exploited his position as a trusted neighbor and employee. The victims were preteens, while the perpetrator was significantly older, and the court emphasized the cruel exploitation of the age difference. The judge noted that the abuse was pre-planned and occurred when the victims were away from adults. A psychological report indicated the perpetrator had an intellectual disability, but the court ruled that this did not mitigate his culpability. The unnamed 62-year-old pleaded guilty.
A man who stabbed his 'friendly and soft-hearted' father 18 times during a psychotic episode has been found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity. Ross O'Rourke, who had a previous address in Tullow, Carlow, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to murdering his father, Stefan Nivelle Posschier, in Kinnegad, Co Westmeath in 2022. The jury returned a unanimous verdict in just 29 minutes, with the judge describing the trial as 'extremely difficult, especially for those who have lost a loved one.' Psychiatrists agreed that O'Rourke was suffering from a schizophrenic mental disorder at the time of the killing and met the criteria for the special verdict under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006. The trial heard that O'Rourke developed a delusion that his father was mixed up with criminals and the IRA and that he posed a threat to his life. He stabbed his father to death and then drove to a hospital, where he told his grandmother he had killed her son.
A fire drill delayed jury deliberations in the trial of a man who stabbed his father to death during a psychotic episode. Ross O'Rourke, 31, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to murdering his father. Psychiatrists agreed he was suffering from a mental disorder and met the criteria for the special verdict. O'Rourke believed his father was involved with criminals and the IRA and heard voices telling him to kill him. He stabbed his father 18 times. His defense described his father as a kind and warm-hearted man. The prosecution argued O'Rourke intended to kill his father but the psychiatrists concluded he was unable to understand the wrongfulness of his actions due to his mental state. The jury was told to return on Monday after the fire drill.
A 31-year-old man who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his father by reason of insanity told his grandmother that he had killed her son when she was lying in her bed in a hospital ward. Ross O'Rourke (31) of Tullow, Carlow, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of his father, Stefan Nivelles Posschier (65). During the opening of the trial, Shane Costelloe SC said that expert psychiatrists for both the prosecution and defence are in agreement about the accused's mental state at the time of the murder. The court heard that Ms Kingston, the grandmother of the accused, was in her bed in the hospital ward on October 25, 2022, when O'Rourke told her that he had killed her son. Gardai found the body of the deceased under plastic tarpaulin held down with bricks. The prosecution's case is that the accused caused the death of his father, and the court will hear evidence from expert consultant psychiatrists about the accused's mental state at the time.
A jury has been sworn in to hear the trial of a 31-year-old man who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his father by reason of insanity. Ross O'Rourke, from Tullow, Carlow, is accused of murdering Stefan Nivelles Posschier at The Stables in Rattin, Kinnegad, Westmeath, between October 24 and 25, 2022. The accused entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. The trial will be presided over by Mr Justice Paul McDermott and will involve a jury of five men and seven women. The trial is expected to last up to four days. Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions is Shane Costello SC, while Michael Bowman SC represents the defence. Evidence will be presented by Dr Ronan Mullaney for the defence and Dr Anthony Kearns for the prosecution. The trial will commence tomorrow.
Two men from Carlow have been sentenced for their roles in an attack on a man after a night of drinking and drug use. Philip Moore received four years and three months in prison, with the final 18 months suspended. Shane Coady received a suspended sentence of two years and three months. The victim, Alan Rossiter, was struck, punched, and placed in the boot of a car before being told he was going to be taken up the mountains. Moore was convicted of assault and false imprisonment, while Coady pleaded guilty to assault. The court heard that Moore had previously claimed the victim attacked him, but no evidence supported this. The victim described the attack as traumatic, affecting his quality of life and leaving him in fear. Judge Eugene O'Kelly noted the aggravating factors, including the false imprisonment and the use of violence. Moore's sentence was reduced due to his remorse and efforts to address his addiction. Coady's sentence was suspended due to his guilty plea and probation report indicating he acted under Moore's influence. Philip Moore pleaded not guilty. Shane Coady pleaded not guilty.
Brendan Keating has been jailed for threatening an off-duty garda while the officer was with his infant son in a Carlow shopping centre. Keating pleaded guilty to making a threat to kill or cause serious harm to Garda Aidan Kelly and to assault and possession of a slash hook. The court heard that Keating was on a suspended sentence and had previous convictions for assault and threats. The garda described Keating as 'unpredictable and violent' and expressed concern for his family's safety. Keating's threat was made in public, and he was known to have a history of drug use and mental health issues. Judge Eugene O'Kelly noted the severity of the threat and the impact on the garda's family. Keating's sentence was seven and a half years, with 15 months suspended, resulting in an effective prison term of six years and three months. The judge acknowledged Keating's frustration with bail conditions but emphasized that threatening a garda is unacceptable.
William Donoghue has been jailed for 33 months for breaking a woman's jaw during a New Year's Eve altercation in Carlow. Donoghue was convicted of assault causing harm after punching the woman in the face. The victim, who required surgery and had her jaw wired shut for a month, described the lasting impact on her life, including difficulty eating and feeling unsafe. Donoghue claimed the woman struck him first, but the court rejected his version of events. Judge Eugene O'Kelly noted the aggravating factors, including the victim's vulnerability and Donoghue's physical strength. The judge imposed a three-and-a-half-year sentence, suspending the final nine months due to Donoghue's good family support and the Probation Service's willingness to work with him. The victim expressed that she never received an apology from Donoghue and hopes to never experience such an incident again. William Donoghue pleaded not guilty.
A 26-year-old man from Pakistan has been jailed for 18 months for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and falsely imprisoning her at a house party in Carlow. The man had pleaded not guilty but was convicted by a jury after a trial. The victim testified that the accused man attempted to lift her dress, kissed her, and tried to pull her back into the house after she tried to escape. The jury viewed video footage from the teenager's phone, which showed the men at the party and the victim's discomfort. The accused denied the allegations but was identified through CCTV footage. The victim's impact statement described the trauma she experienced, including nightmares and anxiety. The judge noted the aggravating factors, including the accused's role as the house owner and the victim's age. He imposed a three-year and six-month sentence, suspending the final two years with conditions that the man leave the jurisdiction for ten years after release. The defense acknowledged the verdict but expressed concerns about the impact on the accused's family.
Des Hanley, a 63-year-old gambling addict, has been given a fully suspended sentence for robbing a bookmaker's shop in Carlow. Hanley believed the shop should not have taken his bets and that the money he stole was "rightfully" his. He pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of a firearm with criminal intent. The robbery occurred on the day of The Grand National, and Hanley used an old, non-functional gun to demand money from the shop. The staff member was terrified and suffered panic attacks afterward. Hanley's defense highlighted his chronic gambling addiction, early onset dementia, and mental health issues. The judge acknowledged Hanley's remorse and the mitigating factors, including his guilty plea and the gun's inability to fire. He imposed a four-year suspended sentence with probation supervision for two years. The court noted that Hanley had lost significant sums in the shop and had a history of gambling. The victim impact statement emphasized the lasting trauma on the staff member, who felt unsafe in his home and town. The judge ruled that Hanley's actions were unacceptable despite his personal struggles.
A 62-year-old woman, Marcella Duffy, has been given a fully suspended sentence for causing the death of cyclist John Walsh in February 2024. Duffy's car crossed the road and struck Walsh on Malahide Road, leading to his death in hospital. Walsh was described as a devoted father to three young boys and an avid cyclist. His wife delivered a victim impact statement, highlighting the profound loss of her husband and the devastation faced by their family. Judge Martin Nolan noted that Duffy was driving slightly over the speed limit but found no aggravating factors. He emphasized her lack of prior convictions and early plea, resulting in a two-and-a-half-year suspended sentence and a six-year driving ban. The court heard that Duffy remained at the scene and cooperated with gardai. The incident was captured on dash cam footage, and no faults were found with the car or the bicycle. Duffy's defense highlighted her remorse and the impact of the accident on her life. Marcella Duffy pleaded guilty.
Conor O'Brien, 24, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court for his role in the fatal stabbing of Darren Quigley at New Oak Estate, Carlow, on October 21, 2024. O'Brien pleaded guilty to possession of a knife in a public place with the intention of causing injury, contrary to section 9(5) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990. A co-accused is separately charged with the murder of Mr. Quigley. Mr Justice Paul McDermott described O'Brien as an active participant who helped set up the confrontation, rather than an idle bystander. The judge set a headline sentence of six years but reduced it to four years and six months, taking into account O'Brien's early guilty plea, remorse, and cooperation. The final year of the sentence was suspended for two years, making O'Brien a suitable candidate for probation supervision with family support. A further charge of possessing a metal bar was taken into consideration. The sentence was backdated to October 2024. The court acknowledged the devastating impact on the Quigley family, including two young children who lost their father.
A Carlow father and son, Michael Slater Senior (61) and Michael Slater Junior (36), have been sentenced for multiple assault charges. Both pleaded guilty to three charges of assault causing harm to three victims at Heatherhill Square on August 28, 2024. Slater Jnr further pleaded guilty to producing a wooden bat and issuing threats to his partner and her sister, and to assault causing harm to his partner on October 21, 2024. Slater Snr received a six-month suspended sentence for an earlier assault, which was backdated to when he was first remanded in custody last November. Judge Eugene O'Kelly imposed a three-year suspended sentence on Slater Snr, taking into account his guilty plea and troubled background. For Slater Jnr, Judge O'Kelly set a headline sentence of four and a half years and a concurrent term of three years and nine months, which was suspended on strict conditions. The sentence was backdated to when Slater Jnr was first remanded in custody last November. The matter was adjourned for the submission of victim impact statements, but none were provided. Both Slaters were described as having a history of violent tendencies, with Slater Jnr having previous convictions for assault causing harm and serious harm. The court heard that the assaults occurred during the wake of Slater Jnr's stillborn child, with the second assault involving the use of a weapon and resulting in the victim requiring surgery to repair a broken jaw. The sentences were described as consecutive, leading to a total of ten and a half years for Slater Jnr, with the final four years suspended on strict conditions.
Marcus Hannon, 29, of Carlow, pleaded guilty at Carlow Circuit Criminal Court to threatening to kill his sister Lauren Hannon and assaulting her partner Cian Comerford during a family row on 13 March 2024. He doused the three of them in petrol, causing Lauren to swallow some liquid; none sustained injuries. Hannon, previously convicted of violent disorder, criminal damage and production of an article, had been on remand since the offence. He had earlier been acquitted of the manslaughter of his father, Marcus "Murt" Brennan, after a 2018 trial. The court set a headline sentence of five years, reduced to three years and nine months, with the final 12 months suspended on strict conditions, including 18 months of Probation Service engagement upon release. The sentence was back‑dated to March 2024. The case highlighted the family's troubled background and ongoing psychological support for Hannon in custody.
Justin Doyle, 29, of Carlow, was on temporary release from a four‑year prison term when he repeatedly called the home of a woman he claimed owed him money for a drug debt. Over a two‑week period he threatened to "chop you up" if she did not pay, and made further harassing calls, including one in which he said she had only paid €4,650. The woman had already paid a total of €15,600 by November 2024. Doyle had previously been convicted of demanding money with menace at Kilkenny Circuit Criminal Court and had 110 prior convictions. At Carlow Circuit Criminal Court he pleaded guilty to four counts of demanding money with menace. Judge Eugene O'Kelly sentenced him to six years in prison, suspending the final two years on the condition of probation and compliance with the Probation Service for two years. The sentence was back‑dated to November 2024 when Doyle first entered custody.
The High Court trial of a civil action brought by John Bowe against Supt Rory Sheriff, the Garda Commissioner, the Attorney General, and Ireland continues before Mr Justice Micheál Ó Higgins. Sgt Mick Dee, an applicant in the proceedings, testified regarding an incident outside Bunclody, Co Wexford, on December 5, 2014, following a high-speed pursuit. Sgt Dee stated he believed Mr Bowe was carrying a knife and behaving in a threatening manner, prompting him to alert Supt Sheriff. Supt Sheriff subsequently struck Mr Bowe on the head with a baton. Under cross-examination, Sgt Dee accepted that Mr Bowe did not have a knife, attributing his initial belief to a gut reaction. Mr Bowe claims wrongful and violent assault, alleging he was diagnosed with functional neurological disorder, claims which are denied by the defendants. Witness Det Sgt Noel McSweeney testified that he observed the officers and Mr Bowe walking together without dragging, and noted a cut on Mr Bowe's head. Mr Bowe was previously convicted of dangerous driving arising from the chase but acquitted of a cannabis possession charge. The matter is at the trial stage and has not been finalised; the proceedings continue.
Conor O'Brien, 24, appeared at the Central Criminal Court for sentencing following his guilty plea to possession of an article in a public place with the intention of causing injury, contrary to section 9(5) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990. The offence, dated October 21, 2024, involved carrying a knife at New Oak Estate, Carlow. A further charge regarding the possession of a metal bar was taken into consideration. O'Brien is alleged to have accompanied a co-accused to the home of Darren Quigley, where Mr Quigley was allegedly stabbed to death. Prosecution evidence stated O'Brien admitted bringing the weapons to lend 'moral support' and pushing the co-accused off the victim. The co-accused is separately charged with murder. Defence counsel Kathleen Leader SC argued O'Brien was under the influence of alcohol and drugs, had cooperated with the investigation, and is a suitable candidate for probation supervision with family support. Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the matter to November 17 for sentencing.
A 22-year-old man from Carlow has been sentenced to two years in prison for two counts of oral rape and one count of sexually assaulting his younger cousin between January 2017 and June 2018. The defendant, who was aged between 13 and 14 at the time of the offences, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court. The victim, who was aged between 10 and 11, disclosed the abuse to her mother in 2018, but no further action was taken at the time. The abuse came to light again in 2022 when Tusla notified gardaí of the disclosure. In a victim impact statement, the young woman described the lasting emotional trauma she has experienced, including nightmares and feelings of guilt and shame. The court heard that the defendant told the victim not to disclose the abuse, or she would get into trouble. Mr Justice Patrick McGrath noted the defendant's actions were a gross breach of trust and had long-term effects on the victim. He reduced the headline sentence of eight years to two years and ten months, suspending the final ten months to encourage engagement with the Probation Service's assessment and treatment programme. The defendant's guilty plea and lack of previous convictions were taken into account. Defence counsel highlighted the defendant's difficult upbringing, isolation, and history of mental health issues.