Court archive
Court reports mentioning Bunratty, Clare
2025-10-14 · Dublin
Kieran O'Dea, aged 40, was sentenced to four years and nine months in custody after pleading guilty to possession for sale or supply of cannabis at Dublin Airport on 18 August 2024. He travelled to Thailand to collect drugs to repay a debt of €8,000 and was told by creditors that failure to comply would have consequences. O'Dea claimed he believed the bag contained clothing and a small amount of cannabis, but customs officers found 24 kg of cannabis, worth an estimated €480,000. He had a history of drug addiction since 2017, had previously been convicted of drug dealing and possession, and had attempted rehabilitation. The judge noted his efforts to overcome addiction but highlighted the substantial quantity of drugs involved in this offence.
2025-03-19 · Dublin
Gemma Greene, 28, of Coolock, was sentenced to two years' imprisonment and a four‑year driving disqualification after a high‑speed pursuit on the M50 on 1 March 2021. She pleaded guilty to recklessly driving in the direction of a Garda, two counts of dangerous driving and had four prior convictions, including two for road traffic offences. During the chase, Greene drove a white Mercedes at speeds up to 200 km/h, ignored stingers and pursued by Garda helicopters, and live‑streamed the incident from her mobile phone. She was arrested at 6.50 pm, detained and charged. The court noted her prior warning of a threat to her life, her cocaine use on the day, and her statement that she had "nothing to live for." Judge Nolan imposed the custodial term, citing the high speeds, the hour‑long pursuit and the danger posed to the Garda who had to take evasive action.
2025-03-07 · Dublin
Colm Bergin, aged 26 and a qualified dog trainer, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for two robberies in Artane on 17 November 2023. In the first incident, he approached a commuter around 8:30 am, demanded his mobile phone and threatened to have his Pit‑bull bite him, then stole €25 and left on a bicycle with the dog on a lead. In the second, he confronted another commuter at a bus stop, demanded all his belongings, and when the man refused, set his dog on him. The dog bit the victim's leg twice or three times, causing bleeding. Bergin also stole the victim's backpack, which contained a laptop and wallet, and used the victim's card to make purchases. The victim suffered lasting physical and psychological harm, reporting difficulty walking for six months, back pain, anxiety and nightmares.
2025-02-28 · Dublin
Four men – Adam Baker (25), Clayton Lieghio (23), Glen Lieghio (28) and Jamie Boyd (25) – were sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for an affray that took place on 24 October 2021 at Priorswood Inn, Priorswood. The incident was discovered when Garda Alan Roche reviewed CCTV footage as part of a separate investigation. The court heard that a verbal disagreement escalated into a 60‑second brawl involving a large group, with each man throwing objects or striking others. All four pleaded guilty. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a 12‑month sentence on Clayton Lieghio, back‑dated to February 2024, an 18‑month suspended sentence on Jamie Boyd, a 10‑month sentence on Adam Baker, and an 18‑month suspended sentence on Glen Lieghio. The court noted each defendant's prior convictions, personal circumstances and mitigating factors presented by their counsel, but no victim impact statements were provided.
2025-02-12 · Clare
Gemma Greene, 27, of Bunratty Road, Coolock, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to endangerment for recklessly driving toward a Garda on the M50 on March 1 2021, forcing the officer to take evasive action. The incident, which was live‑streamed on social media, involved a car chase at junction 9 northbound. Prosecutor Maddie Grant said the State accepted the plea on the basis of recklessness. Defence counsel Gregory Murphy noted the client had not attracted Garda attention since and was experiencing personal difficulties at the time. Judge Martin Nolan set a sentencing date of March 19.
2024-03-07 · Dublin
Derek Delaney, a 60‑year‑old former Irish Defence Forces soldier who served 43 years and five tours in Lebanon, was sentenced by Judge Martin Nolan at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 20 months in prison for indecent assault of his sister between 1982 and 1988 and to a concurrent 15‑month sentence for assault causing harm to his former partner on 2 July 2023. Delaney admitted the indecent assault occurred when he was in his early twenties and his sister, aged nine to eleven, was sexually abused at a family home on Bunratty Road, Coolock. He also admitted head‑butting and knocking his partner unconscious after an argument, citing jealousy. The judge reduced the headline sentence of two to four years on mitigating factors, including Delaney's long military service. Derek Delaney pleaded guilty.
2024-01-22 · Limerick
Vicky Hehir and Warren Hehir were sentenced at the Special Criminal Court after pleading guilty to money laundering charges linked to the Keane organised crime group. Vicky Hehir, 30, admitted to laundering €12,000 in cash for renovations at a Limerick City home and one charge relating to €59,000 for works at Kilmurry Court. The court found her involvement was solely due to her marriage and placed her offending at the lower end of the scale. She was sentenced to two years in prison, fully suspended, on conditions that she refrain from contact with organised crime groups and reside away from the Garryowen and Kilmurry areas. Her husband, Warren Hehir, 33, pleaded guilty to handling €59,000 in cash and a Rolex watch, both alleged to be proceeds of criminal conduct. The judge noted his mid-level status within the gang and 54 previous convictions. He received a headline sentence of seven years and three months, reduced to five years and three months, with the final 12 months suspended. Conditions require him to refrain from contact with organised crime and demonstrate a law-abiding lifestyle. The court also ordered the forfeiture of two seized Rolex watches and all seized money. Sandra Hehir, Warren's mother, previously pleaded guilty to laundering over €100,000 at her home, though she was not sentenced in this specific hearing.
2023-11-27 · Limerick
Vicky Hehir (30), also known as Victoria O'Halloran, of Bruach na Sionna, Castleconnell, Co Limerick and her husband Warren Hehir (33) of the same address appeared before the three-judge court for their sentence hearing today. Both pleaded guilty to one charge of money laundering in relation to the €59,000 for the works carried out at Kilmurry Court. The court heard that Warren Hehir didn't engage with gardai during his detention other than to answer one question in relation to renovations at Kilmurry Court, in which he said "I got the work done." Mr Justice Michael MacGrath, sitting with Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge James Faughnan, remanded Warren Hehir in custody and Vicky Hehir on continuing bail until January 22 2024, when they will be sentenced. "The court takes a serious view of the offending of both defendants," added Mr Justice MacGrath. Sandra Hehir (54), with an address at Assumpta Park, Island road, Limerick City, pleaded guilty last month before the Special Criminal Court to laundering over one hundred thousand euro in crime cash at her home. The court heard that the property at Kilmurry Court was being purchased on behalf of Warren and Vicky Hehir. An order to freeze the couple's financial accounts in various institutions was sought on foot of the search and other items were found. The court heard that Warren Hehir has 54 previous convictions which include money laundering in the context of drug dealing, robbery, criminal damage and the possession of a firearm and ammunition. The matter was adjourned until January 22 2024.
2022-10-13 · Dublin
Graham Keating, 23, pleaded guilty to affray after a fight that spilled into the lobby of the Clayton Hotel, Santry, on 1 January 2020. He was sentenced to nine months' imprisonment by Judge Martin Nolan, who noted Keating's history of 18 prior convictions, mainly for minor public‑order offences, and his severe difficulty with alcohol. Garda Jessica Hardington reported that Keating moved from a bus shelter outside the hotel toward a group of four men, then followed them, pushing, shoving and punching. The altercation escalated to eight men, and Keating entered the crowded lobby, where he shouted threats and attempted to grab a stick. He fled before Gardaí arrived, was arrested, and admitted to being intoxicated. Keating claimed he had gone to the hotel for safety and was remorseful, with his defence citing intoxication as a mitigating factor. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the offence and Keating's prior record.
2022-07-08 · Clare
A catering worker with 18 years of service at the Roche factory in Clarecastle, Co Clare, has been awarded a redundancy payment of over €15,000 after the Workplace Relations Commission ruled it was reasonable for her to refuse a transfer that would have required a lengthy commute by bus. Niamh Ryan's claim under the Redundancy Payments Act was upheld, with the commission finding that the proposed move would have involved significant extra travel time, costs, and disruption to her personal life. The company, Corporate Catering Services Ltd, argued that Ms Ryan unreasonably refused two offers of alternative employment, including a role in Bunratty and a position working across two sites. However, the adjudicating officer noted that the new location would have required significant extra travel time, possibly different shifts, and disruption to her personal life, with no compensation offered for the inconvenience.
2021-05-07 · Dublin
A Dublin woman charged with dangerous driving following an alleged chase involving Garda vehicles on the M50 motorway has launched a second High Court judicial review action challenging bail conditions imposed by the District Court. Gemma Greene, aged 24, of Coolock, Dublin, contests conditions including a curfew, requirement to sign on daily with gardaí, and a prohibition on driving mechanically propelled vehicles. She argues the District Court lacked jurisdiction to impose or vary these conditions and claims they breach her presumption of innocence. Ms Greene's legal representatives submitted she had previously complied with initial bail requirements and that gardaí did not seek the driving prohibition. Ms Justice Niamh Hyland granted permission to bring the action on Friday and placed a stay on the contested bail conditions, subject to Ms Greene remaining in the jurisdiction. The Director of Public Prosecutions neither opposed nor consented to the application. This represents Ms Greene's second such action; a separate judicial review concerning earlier bail conditions is also ongoing. Both matters will return before the High Court in June.
2021-03-03 · Clare
The Bunratty Castle Hotel, near Shannon Airport, has lodged a High Court judicial review to overturn a WRC finding that it discriminated against Ms Nora Ward, a Traveller, and was ordered to pay €15,000. The hotel argues the WRC heard the complaint without its representatives present, citing misdirected emails and a failure to notify the hotel of an adjourned hearing. It claims it was denied a first‑instance hearing and that correspondence was sent to an incorrect email address. The WRC's decision, based on Ms Ward's complaint under the Equal Status Act, alleged the hotel was dismissive and failed to engage appropriately. The hotel seeks to quash the decision and have the complaint determined in accordance with law. The case is set to return to court in May.
2021-01-27 · Clare
Veronica O'Connor, 41, of Bunratty Road, Coolock, was found guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of permitting the sale of controlled drugs from her home on 22 February 2017. The house was raided by gardaí, who discovered heroin worth €2,412 and 48 Diazepam tablets. Two non‑residents and O'Connor's two children were present when the police entered, though O'Connor herself was not in the house; she was found in a car outside speaking with her brother. The court noted that O'Connor had two prior convictions for road traffic offences and was on methadone treatment, having relapsed into heroin use. The judge, Martin Nolan, sentenced her to two years imprisonment, suspending the entire term on the condition that she keep the peace and behave well for two years. The children were removed from her care and placed in state care.
2020-05-27 · Dublin
A detective testified in the Special Criminal Court that he was on first-name terms with Paul Norton (31), accused of possessing a loaded handgun and 31 rounds of 9mm ammunition at Stardust Memorial Park in Coolock, Dublin on October 5th, 2019. Norton has pleaded not guilty. The trial heard that the State's case relied on identification, as there was no DNA evidence. It is alleged that during a high-speed chase, Norton dropped a bag containing a loaded Beretta 92, a full magazine with 15 rounds, and 15 additional rounds. Detective Garda Keith Cassidy stated he could identify Norton due to familiarity with his family and friends, and noted that Norton had nicknamed him 'Paudge' after a character from the TV series 'Red Rock'. During the chase, Norton exited a VW Passat, which had sustained tire damage, and was identified by Cassidy and another detective. The trial continues.
2020-05-26 · Dublin
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Paul Norton, 31, pleaded not guilty to unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun and 31 rounds of 9mm ammunition found at Stardust Memorial Park on 5 October 2019. The State's case relied on recognition evidence, as no DNA was recovered. The prosecution alleged that during a high‑speed chase, Norton dropped a bag containing a 9mm Beretta 92 with a single round in the chamber, a full magazine of 15 rounds, and an additional 15 rounds. Defence counsel Michael Bowman questioned the forensic evidence, noting that forensic samples from the bags were contaminated and that DNA from a forensic scientist was found. He also highlighted that DNA from two other men, BD and EN, was identified on the Passat and a bottle of Corona beer, respectively.
2020-05-21 · Dublin
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Paul Norton, aged 31, pleaded not guilty to unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun and 31 rounds of 9mm ammunition found in a black drawstring bag at Stardust Memorial Park, Coolock, on 5 October 2019. Gardaí Detective Jason Flynn recounted a high‑speed chase that began when a navy blue Passat was spotted in a cul‑de‑sac off Bunratty Road. The vehicle collided with a traffic island, and Norton exited the car. Flynn pursued Norton into the park, where Norton dropped the bag while attempting to escape. The bag contained the handgun, a full clip of ammunition, and an additional round in the breech. No forensic evidence linked the weapon or ammunition to Norton, and he was arrested on 13 October 2019. The trial was scheduled to continue the following day.
2020-05-20 · Dublin
Paul Norton, aged 31, pleaded not guilty to unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun and 31 rounds of 9mm ammunition after he dropped a bag containing the weapon and ammunition while being chased by Gardaí through Stardust Memorial Park, Coolock, on 5 October 2019. The prosecution, represented by Mr John Byrne JC, argued that the State's case relied on visual identification. Gardaí Jason Flynn and Keith Cassidy pursued a parked Volkswagen Passat that failed to stop, leading to a high‑speed chase of 4.5 kilometres. The occupants fled into the park, where Det Gda Flynn chased Norton on foot for about 160 metres, observed him stumble and drop the bag, and secured it. No forensic or DNA evidence linked the firearm, ammunition or vehicle to Norton; the case was based on visual identification. Detailed maps and photographs of the scene and pursuit route were entered into evidence.
2019-05-09 · Clare
Keith O'Reilly, aged 28, was convicted in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for possession of four handguns, a submachine gun and ammunition, endangerment, and four counts of dangerous driving. The trial followed a high‑speed Garda pursuit that ended when his car hit a curb and spun near a bus stop. O'Reilly escaped, retrieved a bag containing the weapons and ammunition, and was later arrested. The firearms were found to be in working order, with the machine gun loaded and ready, and three handguns, including a Glock, also loaded. Judge Karen O'Connor sentenced him to eight and a half years for possession, suspending the final 12 months on strict conditions, and to four years for endangerment and three months for each dangerous driving count, all concurrent. The sentence reflected the multiple loaded firearms, the significant ammunition, and the risk posed to the public during the incident.
2019-02-14 · Clare
A 26‑year‑old Dublin man, Keith Gilroy, was sentenced to five years in prison for transporting a loaded Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum revolver and 11 rounds of ammunition, after being on bail for drug offences. He had previously pleaded guilty to possessing €2,590 of cocaine and over €40,000 of cannabis and crack cocaine, and to laundering €4,415. Gilroy admitted to holding drugs for others to offset a debt of €30,000 and to supplying "grass" to creditors. Gardaí found him lying in bed at the Sean O'Casey Avenue address, where they seized €15,347 of cannabis, crack cocaine worth €25,309 and €4,415 in cash. He was also intercepted in a taxi with a shoebox containing the loaded revolver and ammunition in July 2018. Judge Melanie Greally, noting his candid admissions and early guilty pleas, imposed an eight‑year sentence with the final three years suspended, and ordered 12 months of post‑release supervision.
2018-12-14 · Dublin
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, the partner of a father-of-six who was stabbed by a lifelong friend recounted the traumatic impact on her children, who witnessed their father lying in a garden covered in blood as emergency services attempted to save him. The partner, aged 50, described her life being shattered, her anxiety, panic attacks, and nightmares after the incident. She noted that her children, aged three to ten at the time, no longer feel the same bright, bubbly energy they had before, having seen their father's death. The court heard that the victim, Mark Richardson, was stabbed in the chest by Paul Keating, who was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. Keating was remanded in custody until his sentencing. The partner's testimony highlighted the profound emotional damage to her family and the loss of a male role model for her children.
2018-12-13 · Dublin
A Dublin man, Robert Ward, aged 24, was sentenced to three years in prison for fraud after he altered a €11,321 cheque taken from a flooring company and attempted to lodge it at AIB on Swords Road, Santry, on 13 June 2014. He also admitted using a €5,221 cheque as a false instrument at an AIB branch on St Brigid's Road, Artane, on 12 May 2014. Gardaí arrested eight people in connection with the fraud offences. Judge Melanie Greally sentenced Ward to four years, suspended the final 12 months, and credited him for seven months already spent in custody. Ward had previously pleaded guilty to stealing a safe containing €500 from Teo's Takeaway in Coolock on 27 March 2017. He has 106 prior convictions, including 18 for theft and three for Circuit Court offences.
2018-10-08 · Dublin
A court heard that Jonathan Goulding (28), also known as Goulding Aka Farrell, pleaded guilty to burglary at Mr Price, Coolock Retail Park, on March 27, 2017, and dangerous driving around the Malahide area, Dublin, on October 2, 2014. The charges were admitted, and the case was at the charge_or_pretrial stage. Goulding has 48 previous convictions, including burglary, theft, and a seven-year sentence for a past drugs offence. The court heard that during the burglary, Goulding held a screwdriver in a menacing way towards the shop staff. In the dangerous driving incident, he was involved in a high-speed chase, drove the wrong way on a dual carriageway, and caused multiple vehicles to take evasive action. Judge Melanie Greally noted that Goulding had been in the throes of drug addiction at the time of the offences. She commended his successful rehabilitation, including completing a drug treatment programme and taking up full-time employment in construction. The judge imposed a fully suspended three and a half year prison term and a two-year driving ban. Conditions included remaining sober and substance free and continuing to attend AA meetings. The matter was adjourned.
2018-01-22 · Dublin
At a hearing_or_decision in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Jonathan Goulding (28) and Goulding AKA Farrell pleaded guilty to burglary at Mr Price, Coolock Retail Park, on March 27, 2017. Both defendants admitted the charges and entered pleas of guilty. The matter was adjourned, and no sentence was imposed. Judge Melanie Greally adjourned sentencing until October 8, 2018 and requested a report from Tiglin for that date. The court heard that Goulding, who was a chronic drug user at the time of the offence, is now drug free and progressing well in a residential treatment programme at Tiglin. The incident involved Goulding picking up a screwdriver in the shop and asking a staff member if he thought he would stab him. No one was physically injured during the incident. The court was informed that this was the first time Goulding had made an effort to address his issues, and his defence asked the court to allow him to complete the treatment programme prior to sentencing. The court heard that the burglary was committed to feed his drug habit at the time. Garda Kevin Hynes confirmed the details of the incident, and the defence agreed that the incident, while frightening, did not result in any physical harm. The matter was adjourned and not finalised.
2015-02-05 · Dublin
Michael Mongan, 38, of Whiteclare Avenue, Baldoyle, Dublin 13, was arrested after he walked into a Garda station to complain that his fraudulent Social Welfare claim had been suspended. He had used a false identity, claiming to be Robert Anthony Gavin, to obtain €2,905 in welfare payments between 4 December 2009 and 10 March 2010 while also claiming benefits under his own name. Mongan pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to using a false identity to steal almost €3,000 from the State over a three‑month period. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced him to two years in prison but suspended the sentence in full on the condition that he keeps the peace for two years. The judge cited Mongan's guilty plea, cooperation with Gardaí and the short duration of the false claim as reasons for the suspension. Mongan has not yet repaid the money to the State and has four previous convictions, including shoplifting and deception.
2014-05-01 · Limerick
Thomas McMahon, 31, of Limerick, pleaded guilty to membership of the Irish Republican Army on 7 February 2013 alongside Noel Noonan, 34. Both were remanded on continuing bail for sentencing on 27 June. McMahon, a father of two and former chef, had previously been allowed to travel to Lithuania to attend a family wedding, with the court varying bail conditions in June and October of the previous year and again in January of the current year. On the day of the hearing, his counsel requested a final trip to Lithuania to visit his in‑laws, asking that McMahon's passport be returned and that the sign‑on conditions be removed from 2 May to 16 May. Prosecutor Tara Burns objected, citing Garda concerns that McMahon was a flight risk and that a substantial custodial sentence might be imposed.
2014-01-31 · Limerick
The Special Criminal Court has granted 31-year-old Thomas McMahon, a Limerick man charged with IRA membership, permission to travel to Lithuania for a third time. The court acceded to an application to ease his bail restrictions until February 10, allowing him to visit his Lithuanian wife. McMahon, of Ros Fearna, Murroe, and his co-accused, 34-year-old Noel Noonan of St. Patrick's Hostel, Clare Street, were arrested in February 2013 near Cahir, Co Tipperary, during an investigation into dissident republican activities. Both men face charges of membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA. While Detective Inspector William Hanrahan of the Special Detective Unit objected to the application, citing the upcoming trial date of March 25 and concerns over McMahon's potential non-return, he acknowledged that McMahon had previously returned his passport within 24 hours. Presiding Judge Paul Butler noted McMahon's prior compliance and granted the variation. Counsel Michael Bowman BL confirmed the bail surety was present and requested the suspension of signing-on and residency conditions from February 1 to February 10. The matter remains at the pre-trial stage, with the trial scheduled for March 25.
2013-10-24 · Limerick
The Special Criminal Court has granted 31-year-old Thomas McMahon permission to travel to Lithuania for a second time this year, despite objections from gardai. Mr McMahon, of Ros Fearna, Murroe, is on bail on a charge of membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA. He faces this charge alongside co-accused Noel Noonan (34), of St. Patrick's Hostel, Clare Street. Both men were arrested in February near Cahir, Co Tipperary, by the Special Detective Unit during an investigation into dissident republican activities. The court, presided over by Mr Justice Paul Butler, acceded to an application by counsel Mr Michael Bowman BL to vary bail restrictions until November 6th to allow Mr McMahon to attend a family wedding. Detective Inspector William Hanrahan stated that gardai objected because they could not monitor Mr McMahon while he was abroad, noting he is due to stand trial in March next year. However, the judge noted the variation was for a very limited period and that Mr McMahon had returned from a previous visit. The court agreed to the variation, noting the bail surety was present. The matter remains at the pre-trial stage, with the trial scheduled for next year.