Court archive
Court reports mentioning Cratloe, Clare
2023-06-12 · Limerick
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 12 June 2023, a 25‑year‑old former male model, Utseoritselaju Uwatse, was sentenced to four years' imprisonment for raping a fellow college student. The victim, who waived anonymity, testified that the offence occurred after a night out in Limerick following a student‑village celebration. CCTV showed Uwatse and the victim hugging before she was taken to a bedroom where he forced sex, claiming it was consensual. She reported that he asked if she was on the pill and that the condom broke. Uwatse was arrested in June 2018 and denied the allegations. The judge, Mr Justice Paul Burns, imposed a headline sentence of four years, noting Uwatse's lack of prior convictions and his "promising future." The court heard the victim's impact statement describing the lasting damage and her feelings of guilt. Uwatse's defence highlighted his background, cooperation with Gardaí, and lack of family in Ireland. The sentence was accepted by the court.
2022-11-09 · Limerick
Elaine Sadlier, 55, is to be extradited to the UK on suspicion of assisting Michael Foran, who pleaded guilty to the 2018 murder of Katie 'June' Jones in West Bromwich. Foran was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 17 years. Keith O'Dwyer also pleaded guilty to assisting Foran and was sentenced to 16 months in jail. Sadlier, of Co Limerick, faces charges under Section 4 of the Criminal Law Act 1967 for allegedly helping Foran leave the scene and arrange accommodation. At the High Court, Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo ordered her extradition, rejecting humanitarian objections based on her role as sole carer for a person with epilepsy and an intellectual disability. The judge noted that while the surrender would cause separation anxiety, the individual could be cared for by a qualified professional. Although the court ordered extradition, the matter was adjourned to January 16, 2023, to allow time for alternative care plans to be organized. An affidavit regarding the care plan update is due by November 30. The maximum penalty for the alleged offence in the UK is 10 years' imprisonment.
2022-10-27 · Limerick
Elaine Sadlier, 55, appeared before the High Court to object to her extradition to the UK, where she is accused of assisting Michael Foran after the 2018 murder of Katie 'June' Jones in West Bromwich. Foran pleaded guilty to the murder and was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 17 years. Keith O'Dwyer also pleaded guilty to assisting Foran and received a 16-month jail sentence. Sadlier, of Co Limerick, is accused of helping Foran leave the scene and arranging his stay in a Liverpool hostel. Her legal team argued that surrendering her would violate Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, as she is the sole carer for a fully dependent disabled person. The Minister for Justice's counsel noted that the maximum UK penalty for assisting an offender is 10 years. Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo described the case as "very sad" and noted a recent bereavement in Sadlier's family. The court was told that if surrender is ordered, an application for postponement will be made. Mr Justice Naidoo adjourned the case to November 9, when he will rule on the matter of Ms Sadlier's possible surrender.
2022-10-05 · Limerick
An Irish woman, Elaine Sadlier, 55, is being sought in the UK on suspicion of assisting Michael Foran in the murder of his ex‑partner, Katie 'June' Jones, whose body was found in a bathtub in West Bromwich in 2018. Sadlier appeared at the extradition court in Birmingham, objecting to surrender under the post‑Brexit Trade and Co‑operation Agreement. A warrant issued on 14 June 2021 accuses her of aiding Foran, who pleaded guilty to the murder and received a life sentence with a minimum of 17 years. Another man, Keith O'Dwyer, was also convicted of assisting Foran and sentenced to 16 months. The court noted CCTV evidence of Sadlier and others transporting luggage in a Range Rover to Liverpool, then to a ferry to Ireland. The matter is adjourned to 27 October, with a submission deadline of 17 October.
2017-11-16 · Limerick
Garry Carroll, a former legal executive who had worked for Connolly Sellors and Geraghty Solicitors from 1978 to 2009, was jailed for three years after admitting to theft, larceny and embezzlement over a ten‑year period. He stole about €260,000 from the firm, and the civil case in 2014 awarded the firm €323,000. In November 2017 the High Court approved an order appointing a receiver over Carroll's pension fund held by Irish Life Assurance, which was due to be paid to him on his 60th birthday in June 2019. The receiver will receive the pension proceeds, less tax and a €25,000 retention for Carroll. Carroll, aged 58, said his actions were driven by a gambling addiction. The court noted that the fraud was uncovered when a property developer complained about a missing mortgage payment, leading to Carroll's confession and subsequent counselling.
2016-07-01 · Limerick
In a High Court case, 32‑year‑old singer Rachel Prior, known as 'Rachy P', was awarded €64,300 in damages after slipping and falling at a Dunnes Stores outlet on Henry Street, Limerick, on 6 December 2008. Prior claimed she fell onto her back after stepping onto a white liquid, suffering neck and lower‑back pain. The court found Dunnes Stores negligent, accepting expert evidence that the floor was shiny and a spill would not have been visible. The judge did not find contributory negligence and described Prior as a truthful witness. Medical evidence showed some injuries had resolved but lower‑back pain would continue. The award included legal costs, with a stay applied pending payment of €30,000 and €20,000 toward costs. Dunnes sought a stay on appeal, but Prior's lawyers opposed it as a tactic.