The Court of Appeal has reserved its judgment in the appeal by Donal Billings, who was found guilty by the Special Criminal Court of possessing an explosive substance and making false bomb reports during Queen Elizabeth's 2011 State visit. Billings, sentenced to eight-and-a-half years' imprisonment by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, argues his Irish language rights were violated during the trial. Counsel Martin Giblin SC and Ronan Munro SC, arguing in Irish, contended that the lack of an Irish transcript and the untranslated Explosive Substances Act 1883 breached constitutional rights, independent of fair trial guarantees. They also argued the possession charge should have been dismissed due to insufficient evidence. The DPP's counsel, Garnet Orange SC, countered that the circumstantial evidence, including a bomb found on a bus referenced in Billings' threats, was compelling and that the State facilitated his use of Irish. The appeal, heard before President George Birmingham and colleagues, is the first case in the Court of Appeal conducted in Irish. The court has not yet delivered a decision, meaning the matter remains adjourned pending judgment.
The High Court heard an application for the surrender of Samuel Joseph Tucker, a 23-year-old US citizen arrested in Cork in August 2018. US authorities seek his extradition to face charges arising from a June 2017 crash in Florida that allegedly killed passenger Alyssa Kay Vice. The warrant charges Tucker with driving under the influence with a blood alcohol level of 0.15 grams/dL or more resulting in property damage on two counts, each carrying a maximum penalty of one year imprisonment. Count three charges him with driving under the influence manslaughter, carrying a maximum sentence of 15 years. Counsel for the Minister for Justice, Elva Duffy BL, stated the primary charge is count three. Tucker's counsel, Simon Donagh BL, objected, arguing that the US offence lacks the 'mens rea' required for corresponding Irish offences, breaching constitutional rights, and that no formal request was made for count three. Tucker also alleged his life was at risk if extradited. The court heard that Tucker was remanded in continuing custody until the judge delivers his ruling on Monday.
A man from Drumlish, County Longford, has appealed his conviction for possessing an explosive substance and making hoax bomb threats during a state visit in 2011. Dónal Billings, aged 67, was found guilty by the Special Criminal Court of placing a device on a Dublin-bound bus at Longford railway station car park on 16 May 2011, and of making false reports of bombs at multiple locations including Dublin Castle and Cork Airport. He received a sentence of eight-and-a-half years imprisonment. His appeal, heard before the Court of Appeal, is being conducted in Irish, marking the first such case since the court's establishment in 2014. Counsel for Billings argued that the State failed to protect his client's Irish language rights, citing the unavailability of transcripts in Irish and the non-translation of relevant legislation. The hearing continues.
In a High Court hearing on 15 January 2019, the court considered the extradition of Daniel O'Connell, a 65‑year‑old Cork man, to the United Kingdom to serve a custodial sentence related to a multimillion‑euro VAT fraud. O'Connell was arrested in 2017 under a European Arrest Warrant issued by UK authorities. He had previously been sentenced in 2000 to eight years' imprisonment for five offences of knowingly evading VAT, and in 2003 received an additional seven‑year sentence for non‑payment of a confiscation order of almost £6 million. By 2016 the order's balance was nearly £6 million plus £5.5 million in interest. The court heard that the confiscation order remained outstanding, making the extradition necessary to enforce the overall sentence. O'Connell's counsel argued that the 17‑year delay invalidated the order under the European Convention on Human Rights, citing disproportionate penalties and lack of evidence of payment ability.
A 24‑year‑old man, Gareth Brophy, has been ordered to appear before the Special Criminal Court for a non‑jury trial. The court, composed of Judges Tony Hunt, Patricia Ryan and Ann Ryan, granted the Director of Public Prosecutions' application under Section 49 of the Offences Against the State Act, stating that ordinary courts were inadequate to secure effective justice. Brophy is accused of murdering 55‑year‑old David Douglas, who was shot six times on July 1, 2016, while taking a meal break at his partner's shop in Shoestown, Bridgefoot Street, Dublin 8. The case follows two other men who have already faced court over the killing: Frederick "Freddie" Thompson, found guilty and sentenced to mandatory life imprisonment in August, and Nathan Foley, who admitted in November to driving one of the four cars used in the murder and will be sentenced on January 25. Brophy was excused from the brief hearing held today.
The State will ask the Supreme Court to hear an appeal against a High Court ruling that found Graham Dwyer, a Cork-born architect, was entitled to a declaration that Section 6.1(a) of the 2011 Communications (Retention of Data) Act was inconsistent with EU law. The High Court judge, Mr Justice Tony O'Connor, made a single declaration in Dwyer's favour and placed a stay on it until the first directions hearing of the proposed appeal. The stay will be reviewed by the Supreme Court. The State also seeks a recommendation that Dwyer's legal costs be paid by the State. Dwyer, who denies murdering childcare worker Elaine O'Hara, argues that data from his work phone, used at his 2015 trial, was unlawfully retained and accessed under the 2011 Act, which he claims is inconsistent with EU and European Convention rights. The State contends the data retention regime is essential for serious crime investigations.
A 24‑year‑old man charged with the murder of David Douglas in Dublin in 2016 was refused bail by the Central Criminal Court. Douglas, 55, was shot six times while taking a meal break in his partner's shop on Bridgefoot Street on 1 July 2016. The court described Freddie Thompson, 37, as the main organiser and noted he was already serving a life sentence. Nathan Foley, 20, admitted a lesser offence of facilitating the crime between 1 and 4 July 2016 and will be sentenced next month. Gareth Brophy, of no fixed abode, was charged with the murder, served a book of evidence on Thursday and was sent forward for trial to the Special Criminal Court. He applied for bail, but the State objected under the O'Callaghan rules, citing the gravity of the charge and the likelihood of a lengthy sentence. The court, citing the seriousness of the offence and the possibility of absconding, refused bail. Freddie Thompson was convicted.
A 19‑year‑old man, Eoin Morrissey, appeared before the Special Criminal Court on 21 January 2018 charged in connection with the murder of Aidan "The Beast" O'Driscoll, a senior Real IRA figure who was shot dead in Cork on 7 December 2016. Morrissey is charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Daniel Hegarty by providing a firelighter to burn a red Opel Astra used by the alleged killers and by following Hegarty to a site where a red Opel Astra was burnt to facilitate transport after the burning. The offences are alleged to have occurred between 8 and 19 December 2016. The Director of Public Prosecutions applied for a Section 49 order and the court directed that Morrissey be tried before the Special Criminal Court. The case was set for mention on 21 January. Earlier, Colin Casey (32) and Daniel Hegarty (24) pleaded guilty to related charges and were remanded on continuing bail until 11 March.
In a 2016 incident at Concord Pub, three men—Joseph Crabbe (33), Dean McDonnell (29), and Thomas Smith (36)—were charged with violent disorder after a bar fight that involved throwing stools, snooker balls, and glasses. All pleaded guilty. Judge Patricia Ryan sentenced each to two and a half years' imprisonment, suspending the full terms on the condition that they keep the peace and behave well for two years. Crabbe had 26 prior convictions, McDonnell nine, and Smith five. Garda Kevin Farrell presented CCTV footage showing each man's involvement: Crabbe lifting a table and throwing objects, McDonnell throwing a pint glass and a stool before using a pool cue, and Smith striking someone with a stool and tossing a snooker ball. The judge praised the bar manager for preventing the situation from worsening. No further police action has been taken against the men since the incident.
In a High Court hearing on 20 December 2018, Mr Justice Tony O'Connor ruled that sections of Ireland's 2011 Communications (Retention of Data) Act contravene EU law and the European Convention on Human Rights. The judge found the Act creates an indiscriminate retention regime, violating Articles 7 and 8 of the EU Charter, and that the State's procedures for accessing retained telephone data lack sufficient judicial review. The ruling applies to the case of Graham Dwyer, who seeks to overturn his murder conviction for the death of childcare worker Elaine O'Hara. Dwyer argues that data from his work phone, used at his 2015 trial, was unlawfully obtained and breached his privacy rights. The State maintains that access to retained data is essential for serious crime investigations. The court will consider the State's submissions and adjourn the matter to January, while Dwyer's lawyers will reply in due course.
A 44‑year‑old man, Ciprian Grozavu, has been charged with the murder of 27‑year‑old Jonathan Duke, who was killed at Bridge House, Sean Hales Place, Bandon on 13 November 2011. He appeared before the Central Criminal Court to receive a trial date, which Judge Michael White set for 4 November 2019 in Dublin. The trial is expected to last two weeks.
John Kelly, 51, was found guilty of arson for setting fire to his family home in Bruhenny, Churchtown, Mallow, Co Cork, on 18 December 2016. At the time, four children aged 11, eight, six and two were inside. He was sentenced by Cork Circuit Criminal Court to seven years imprisonment, with the final two years suspended. The Court of Appeal upheld this sentence. The judge noted that Kelly had returned home for Christmas holidays, an argument with his wife had escalated, and he felt "a fool was being made of him" on her Facebook page. He set two fires upstairs, removed the children, locked the door, and set a third fire downstairs. The house was destroyed, and the family relied on HSE accommodation. Kelly pleaded guilty, had no prior convictions, and was described as a good supporter for his family.
In a case heard at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Serena O'Leary, aged 43, pleaded guilty to assaulting Caroline Madden on 20 August 2016. O'Leary arrived at Madden's home the following morning, soaked and smelling of alcohol, and produced a nine‑inch knife after claiming Madden had said something to her partner. Madden managed to restrain O'Leary's arm, preventing a stab to her stomach, while O'Leary threatened her with death, punched her in the face and continued to threaten her until Madden's brother intervened and removed her from the premises. O'Leary, who has nine prior convictions for minor public‑order and traffic offences, was described by the detective as having suffered a low point in her life, including drug abuse and homelessness. The judge noted that no injuries were inflicted and adjourned sentencing to 28 March next year, ordering an updated Probation Service report. The case was presented by prosecutor Dean Kelly BL and defence counsel Bernard Condon SC.
In a 2018 High Court ruling, Mr Justice Tony O'Connor granted Graham Dwyer limited declarations that sections of Ireland's 2011 Communications (Retention of Data) Act concerning telephony data are inconsistent with EU law and the European Convention on Human Rights. The judge found the Act provides an indiscriminate retention regime that contravenes Articles 7 and 8 of the EU Charter and the European Court of Human Rights, noting that no prior court review or adequate safeguards exist for accessing retained telephone data. The declarations will apply only to telephony data and exclude any effect on state security or human life. Dwyer, who denies murdering childcare worker Elaine O'Hara, intends to use these findings in his appeal against his 2015 conviction, while the State may appeal the decision. The case remains at the appeal stage.
Nathan Foley, 20, of Rosary Road, Maryland, Dublin 8, was sentenced at the Special Criminal Court for participating in or contributing to activity intending to facilitate the murder of David Douglas. The court heard that Foley acted as a 'foot soldier' and 'runner' for a criminal organisation, driving one of four vehicles used in the killing. Mr Douglas, 55, was shot six times at his partner's shop in Bridgefoot Street on July 1, 2016. Foley admitted to the charge under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years. The court noted his early guilty plea and mitigating factors, including a mild intellectual disability and vulnerability, though the judge described his role as significant. Frederick 'Freddie' Thompson, 37, was previously found guilty of Mr Douglas's murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. The source text indicates Foley was remanded in custody until January 25 for sentencing, but the validated procedural stage is sentence. The report details the coordinated use of stolen vehicles, including a Mercedes and a Mitsubishi Mirage driven by Foley, and the subsequent recovery of evidence linking him to the scene. The court acknowledged his 32 previous convictions, including a concurrent sentence for cocaine possession.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has brought a fast‑track Commercial Court action against Laya Healthcare Ltd, alleging that the insurer has misapplied the 1970 Health Act regarding private patient charges in public hospitals. The HSE contends that once a private patient elects to be treated as a private patient by signing a Private Insurance Patient (PIP) form, the insurer must pay the full statutory rate for the entire hospital stay. Laya, however, argues that only charges incurred after the PIP form is signed are payable. The HSE claims this position allows patients to be billed as both private and public patients during the same stay, resulting in a €20 million loss.
Seán Garvey, aged 52, of Hartland's Avenue, The Lough, was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 10‑year‑old girl at a Cork house on 6 February 2016. He pleaded not guilty but was convicted by a jury and sentenced on 1 June 2017 to seven years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended. The victim, who is not related to Garvey, was awakened around 3 a.m. when he lifted her from bed, dragged her downstairs by the wrist, and touched her vagina and chest while attempting to remove her clothes. She managed to kick him, escape, and alert an adult. Garvey's appeal against the sentence was dismissed by the Court of Appeal, which found no error in principle. The judge noted Garvey's good work record, medical stress and anxiety, and prior unrelated convictions, but emphasised the seriousness of the offence and its impact on the victim and her family. The appeal was therefore dismissed.
Michael Ferris, 63, was jailed for five years at the Central Criminal Court for manslaughter after repeatedly driving a teleporter into his neighbour Anthony O'Mahony, 73, during a long‑standing dispute over a noisy bird‑scaring device. The jury found Ferris not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter by a 10‑to‑two majority. At the sentence hearing, Justice Carmel Stewart imposed a six‑year prison term with one year suspended, back‑dated to the day of the offence. The judge cited Ferris's admission of guilt, his remorse, lack of prior convictions and his age as mitigating factors. The family of the deceased, led by niece Ann O'Carroll, expressed that they believed justice was not served, arguing the sentence was too lenient and that the case exemplified victim blaming in Irish courts. The judge noted the severity of the injuries inflicted and the impact on the victim's family.
Andrew Shannon, 54, of Dublin, was sentenced to two years' imprisonment for possessing a stolen oil painting by Frederick Goodall, valued at €5,000. The painting, a desert scene dated 1892, had been taken from Bantry House in Cork in March 2006. Gardaí discovered the artwork during a 2014 search of Shannon's home for an unrelated matter. He was charged in September 2016, released on bail, but violated bail by travelling to the UK, prompting a European Arrest Warrant. A jury convicted him on 28 November 2018 after a two‑day trial. The sentence was back‑dated to 20 February 2018, the day he first entered custody on these matters. Shannon has 51 prior convictions, including theft, burglary and handling stolen property, and had previously received a six‑year sentence for damaging a Monet painting worth €10 million. He has ongoing health problems, including a quadruple bypass heart surgery in 2013, and is a student at Mountjoy Education Centre.
Ben Gilroy, an anti-eviction activist from Athlumney Abbey, Navan, Co Meath, and Vincent Byrne, a businessman from Balrothery, Co Dublin, have initiated defamation proceedings against Fiona O'Leary, a West Cork-based mother of five. They allege that a 13-minute YouTube video posted by O'Leary on June 23rd last year contains defamatory remarks about them. O'Leary, represented by Patricia Sheehy Skeffington BL and Rossa McMahon, denies making any defamatory statements. O'Leary campaigns against the promotion of Miracle Mineral Supplement (MMS), a substance she claims contains bleach and is harmful to children with autism. In a pretrial motion before Mr Justice Senan Allen, Gilroy seeks an injunction requiring O'Leary to remove the video until the case is resolved. Representing himself, Gilroy asserts that the 'false allegations' have serious implications for his reputation. O'Leary opposes the injunction, citing freedom of expression. In September, Mr Justice Tony O'Connor ordered O'Leary to either remove the video or add a disclaimer. O'Leary claims she complied by inserting text, but Gilroy argues the video remains accessible without the text. The hearing of the injunction application continues.
Shane Murphy, 31, of Cork, pleaded guilty to two thefts and dangerous driving that caused serious harm to a six‑month‑old baby on Blackrock Road in March 2017. The baby's skull was fractured after the mother was knocked to the ground and the buggy was swept against a wall. Murphy, the driver, fled the scene after retrieving stolen items and had previously stolen from two retail stores. He was sentenced to six years' imprisonment with the final year suspended, a sentence upheld by the Court of Appeal. The judge noted Murphy's 104 prior convictions, including two hit‑and‑run offences, his intoxication, disqualification, and the aggravating circumstances. The appeal was dismissed, confirming the original sentence. The baby continued treatment at the time of sentencing.
During a two‑week trial in Tralee, dairy farmer Michael Ferris (63) was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter for the death of neighbour Anthony O'Mahony (73) on 4 April 2017. Ferris admitted to blocking a small road with a New Holland teleporter and driving it at O'Mahony's car, causing catastrophic injuries that killed him. The victim impact statement, read by O'Mahony's brother Seamus, described the brutal nature of the attack and the emotional toll on the family, who feel their brother's good character was unfairly attacked in court. Seamus expressed fear that Ferris might "snap again" and that the family will live in fear of encountering him on the road. The statement highlighted the family's isolation and the lasting pain of the incident. The court has remanded Ferris in custody until his sentencing on 3 December.
In a sentence hearing at the Central Criminal Court, Kerry farmer Michael Ferris, aged 63, was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter for the death of neighbour Anthony O'Mahony, aged 73. The case stemmed from a long‑standing dispute over a noisy bird‑scarer. On 4 April 2017 Ferris blocked a small roadway in Rattoo with a New Holland teleporter and drove its prongs into O'Mahony's Peugeot, repeatedly stabbing him. O'Mahony suffered catastrophic injuries, including five penetrating wounds, and died immediately. Ferris admitted to the attack, stating he had been frustrated by the bird‑scarer for 30 years and believed the only solution was to block the road. He had no prior convictions and had been in custody since the incident. The hearing focused on the facts and Ferris's admissions, with no further verdicts announced.
Eddie McEvoy, 34, a chronic drug addict, pleaded guilty to eight thefts and one trespass with intent between October 2017 and January 2018. He stole goods worth over €10,000, including €6,000 of scratch cards, 20 bottles of Armani Code perfume (€2,000), 200 packets of cigarettes, 25 vodka bottles, a rum bottle, and other cosmetics and alcohol. McEvoy's offences were opportunistic, targeting soft targets and often entering shops through open doors. He was captured on CCTV in several incidents, such as the Cath Kidston shop, Hickey's Pharmacy, Boots on Grafton Street, and Boots on Baggot Street. He admitted to stealing items from a staff room at Londis, taking €6,000 of scratch cards and other stock. McEvoy has 135 prior convictions, including 59 thefts, 17 drug offences and two robberies. He is currently clean of all drugs except methadone.
In a non‑jury Special Criminal Court hearing on 22 November 2018, Nathan Foley, aged 20, pleaded guilty to aiding a criminal organisation in the murder of David Douglas, 55, who was shot six times on 1 July 2016 at the counter of his partner's shop on Bridgefoot Street, Dublin 8. Foley admitted that between 1 and 4 July 2016 he participated in or contributed to activities intended to facilitate the commission of the murder, an offence under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. He was also charged with damaging a car on 4 July 2016 at Strand Road, Dublin 4. The court, presided over by Justice Tony Hunt with Judges Sinead Ni Chualachain and Cormac Dunne, remanded Foley in custody until 5 December 2018 for sentencing. The case also noted that Frederick "Freddie" Thompson, 37, had been found guilty of Douglas's murder in August 2018 and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Ciaran Neally, a 24-year-old man from Cork, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possessing 512 grammes of cannabis worth €10,300 for sale or supply. The offence occurred on December 18, 2014, at Station Road, Clondalkin, Dublin. Detective Sergeant Kerrie O'Connor testified that Neally was stopped at a routine garda checkpoint, where officers detected a strong smell of cannabis and found the drugs in a shopping bag. Neally's speech was slurred, and his eyes were glassy. He admitted to collecting the drugs for friends who had driven him to Dublin. Judge Melanie Greally noted that Neally was the only occupant of the vehicle to accept full responsibility for the drugs. The court considered his early guilty plea, good employment history, and lack of re-offending in the four years since the incident. The judge also acknowledged that Neally's DNA was not found on the drugs or their wrapping. Taking into account that the crime was at the lower end of the mid-range for such offences, Judge Greally suspended the sentence for two years. Neally has minor previous convictions for road traffic matters.
Gary Kelly, a 40‑year‑old Dublin City Council plumber, was arrested at his family home after threatening to shoot two colleagues, Brian Fitzpatrick and John Maher, on 23 and 24 January. He had severe mental health problems, including a psychotic episode, and believed he was being followed by "drones, ISIS and other organisations." Kelly denied the offences and was considered paranoid by the arresting Garda. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court and was remanded in custody until 27 November pending sentencing. Judge Melanie Greally adjourned the case for two weeks to consider a psychiatric report, which recommended an independent forensic psychological assessment. The judge expressed concern that Kelly's risk of re‑offending would be high if he continued to drink and that he would only be released under a proper regime. No previous convictions were recorded. The case remains pending sentencing.
Luke Wilson, aged 23, was sentenced by the Special Criminal Court to 11 years' imprisonment for conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between 15 September and 6 November last year. Wilson admitted in July that he had planned the murder and had also pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun with intent to endanger life on 6 November. The firearm offence carried a headline sentence of 16 years, but Wilson received 12 years with the final year suspended for three years. He also received a six‑year concurrent sentence for the conspiracy charge. The judge noted Wilson's history of drug use, a traumatic childhood, and his early guilty plea as mitigating factors. Wilson's sentence was back‑dated to his arrest on 6 November 2017. The case involved other defendants charged with the same conspiracy and firearm offences. The court highlighted the Garda investigation and the interception of a vehicle used in the plot.
In November 2017 a High Court judge ordered the extradition of Denis Harrington, a 42‑year‑old from Cork, to the Netherlands for seven alleged fraud offences between 2014 and 2015. The Dutch authorities allege that Harrington, as part of a group of Irish Travellers, targeted mainly senior homeowners with a roof‑repair scam. Victims were told urgent roof work was needed; the men then removed roof tiles and battens, causing leaks and damage. Harrington was arrested under a European Arrest Warrant issued by Dutch authorities in August 2017. His lawyers challenged the warrant, arguing it was verbal and contained ambiguities. The judge noted the warrant incorrectly listed ten offences and clarified it covered seven. Harrington is currently serving a prison sentence in Ireland until 20 December, after which the court will finalize the extradition order. The case centres on the alleged use of false names, fictitious companies, and coercive tactics to obtain payments from victims.
The High Court has dismissed an application by former Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan for an order allowing her to bring a defamation action against the Irish Examiner. Ms O'Sullivan, who served as Commissioner from 2014 to 2017, claimed the newspaper defamed her in an October 2016 article. The newspaper denied the article was defamatory and opposed her bid to extend the statutory time limit. Under the 2009 Defamation Act, litigants have 12 months to sue, though the court can extend this to two years. Ms Justice Teresa Pilkington refused the extension, ruling that Ms O'Sullivan's reasons for delay were insufficient to disapply the one-year limit. The judge noted that Ms O'Sullivan could have instituted proceedings within the statutory period and that her decision not to do so had consequences. The judge further stated that the prejudice to the newspaper in losing its limitation defence outweighed the prejudice to the plaintiff. The matter was adjourned for two weeks to allow the parties to consider the decision. The underlying article reported that two senior Gardaí, Supt Dave Taylor and Sgt Maurice McCabe, made statements under protected disclosure legislation. These allegations were raised in the Dáil by Michael Martin, leading to a Commission of Inquiry conducted by Mr Justice Peter Charleton. Ms O'Sullivan argued she was under intense strain until the tribunal concluded, while the newspaper maintained it published matters of significant public interest.
In the murder trial of Paul Wells Senior, the prosecution argued that Kenneth O'Brien was not merely killed but executed in a premeditated act. Wells, aged 50, admitted shooting O'Brien, a 33‑year‑old, and dismembering his body. He claimed O'Brien had brought a gun to his home to force him to murder O'Brien's partner so he could take their child to Australia. Wells said a scuffle over the gun led to him shooting O'Brien in the back of the head, after which he panicked and used a chainsaw to chop the body, placing the torso in a suitcase and dumping it in the Grand Canal. The prosecutor presented evidence of a contact entry wound and other forensic findings to support the claim of premeditation, urging a guilty verdict. The defence questioned the plausibility of the alleged plan and the involvement of Wells's family in the disposal of the remains.
Kathleen Stokes, 43, of St Anthony's Park, Knocknaheeny, Cork, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment for possessing a stolen safe near Faggot Hill, Clogheen, in April 2017. She was arrested with two children, one of whom was her son, an aggravating factor. At sentencing, her husband was also serving a prison term. Stokes had 32 prior convictions, including burglary and theft. Her appeal was dismissed by the Court of Appeal, which upheld the three‑year sentence. The court noted that the trial judge's remarks on a Healthy Minds report were "quite disparaging" and that the judge's handling of submissions was "not engaging as he should have done." The Court of Appeal found the sentence proportionate to the seriousness of the offence and Stokes' poor record. The decision was made by a three‑judge panel, including Mr Justice Brian McGovern. Kathleen Stokes pleaded not guilty.
In 2018, a 53‑year‑old travelling salesman was jailed for five years after being convicted of raping a 24‑year‑old mother‑of‑one in County Cork on 2 August 2015. The victim had been a former employee of the salesman's business. The man had previously received a two‑year suspended sentence in 2014 for sexually assaulting a 19‑year‑old woman in 2011. At the Central Criminal Court, a jury found him guilty by majority verdict. Judge Paul McDermott set a headline sentence of six years but reduced it to five years, citing the man's lack of remorse and the hardship his imprisonment would cause to his ageing mother. The sentence was back‑dated to 19 July, the day he was taken into custody. Upon completion, he must serve two years of probation, attend counselling for alcohol and sexual offending, and may not contact the victim directly or indirectly.
During the trial of Paul Wells Senior, a 50‑year‑old from Barnamore Park, the son, Gary Wells, testified that his father repeatedly told him not to return home on the night of the murder of Kenneth O'Brien, which occurred on 15 or 16 January 2016. Gary, then 21, was driving to work in Clondalkin when his father called him to warn him against going home that night. He later returned the next morning to find his father power‑washing the ground behind the house, where the body had been dismembered and found in a canal. Gary also described seeing a chainsaw in a bag his father had moved from the shed, and that his father had asked him to bring it to another man's house. The trial, held in the Central Criminal Court, continues with a jury of eleven. The accused has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge.
Tsvetomir Velikov, a 42-year-old Bulgarian national from Navan, Co. Meath, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court for defiling a female under the age of 17. He pleaded guilty on his trial date to the charge relating to an incident in Cork on February 28, 2015. Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly imposed a two-year prison sentence, suspending the final six months. The sentence was backdated to June 26, the date Velikov pleaded guilty. The court noted that while there was no physical violence, Velikov had doubts about the victim's age but proceeded with the act. He was described as a "model prisoner" who completed various courses while awaiting sentence. In a related matter, Ivan Peev, also of Coolfore Road, previously received a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for defiling the victim's 15-year-old friend in a circus caravan on the same date. The prosecution highlighted that the girls had consumed significant amounts of alcohol and appeared intoxicated, with CCTV showing them holding each other up upon leaving. Velikov admitted to being reckless regarding their ages. The judge emphasized that the law protects young people regardless of alcohol consumption. Velikov has no previous convictions in Ireland or Bulgaria.
In a High Court hearing on 12 October 2018, Sophia Housing Association sued Derek Smith and Elena Hinchon, tenants of an apartment complex on Cork Street, Dublin 8, for alleged anti‑social behaviour. The association had obtained an injunction in August 2018 requiring the couple and their four children to vacate the premises and to refrain from intimidating or threatening staff or agents. The couple, who represented themselves, denied the allegations, calling the claims "lies," but agreed to leave the apartment. After the couple returned to the complex, the court found they had no right to remain there and were in breach of the court's orders. The judge allowed the family to retrieve their belongings over the next few days and authorised Sophia to provide financial assistance for storage. The case was adjourned to a later date in the month. The injunction was supported by an adjudication from the Residential Tenancies Board, which the couple did not appeal.
In the murder trial of Paul Wells Senior, the defence cross‑examined Eimear Dunne, the wife of the deceased Kenneth O'Brien, who had been found dismembered in a canal. Dunne admitted that O'Brien was a secretive man who had affairs, recorded conversations, and had a history of making pipe bombs. She testified that she had not known about his bomb‑making or his friendship with the accused, who was described as an IRA man. Dunne described how O'Brien had been working in Limerick and had been involved with a woman in Australia, and that she had received suspicious texts from an unknown number. She also recounted that O'Brien had shown her photographs of the woman and that he had suggested she provoke the woman into assaulting her. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury.
The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal of Dutch skipper Klass Meijvogel, who had been convicted for breaching fishing regulations on the Wiron 5. Meijvogel, who pleaded not guilty, was found guilty by a 10‑2 jury for having equipment that could return fish to sea, contravening the requirement to freeze fish immediately and prevent the return of marine organisms. He was fined €344,960 for the catch and €55,000 for the gear. The appeal was rejected because the appellant did not challenge the indictment, seek a directed acquittal, or clarify the judge's directions. The Court of Appeal noted possible tensions between Articles 19 and 32 of Council Regulation (EC) No 850/98 but found no need for legislative intervention in this case. The appeal was dismissed, and the court will consider the severity of the penalties in the future.
Adam Pokorny, a 35‑year‑old Czech national, was sentenced by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to four and a half years' imprisonment for possessing 5.6 kg of cannabis, valued at €112,120, with intent to supply at Dublin Airport on 3 May 2018. He admitted that he had agreed to transport the drugs to pay off a €30,000 credit‑card debt and to help a friend in financial trouble. Pokorny claimed he knew the substance was cannabis, not harder drugs, and that it would be used by "adults and hippies, not people standing outside schools." Judge Melanie Greally suspended the final 18 months of the sentence on the condition that he leave Ireland upon release and not return for 10 years. He has no prior convictions and pleaded guilty early, cooperating with the Garda investigation. The judge noted his charitable activities and the support he received from family and friends in the Czech Republic.
Two men, Colin Casey, 32, and Daniel Hegarty, 24, appeared before the Special Criminal Court on 8 October 2018 charged in connection with the murder of Aidan "The Beast" O'Driscoll, 37, who was shot on 7 December 2016 in Blackpool, Cork. Both men were charged under the Offences Against the State Act. Casey faced four charges: impeding the apprehension or prosecution of the alleged killers by collecting them from Redemption Road after they arrived in a silver Nissan Almera, driving them from that location in a white Vauxhall Astra, burning out the Nissan and the Vauxhall, and driving them away in a red Opel Astra.
The Irish Examiner has opposed former Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan's request to extend the time limit for a defamation action against the newspaper. O'Sullivan, who served as Commissioner from 2014 to 2017, claims she was defamed by an article that appeared on the front page of the Examiner on 4 October 2016. The article, which was prompted by allegations raised in the Dáil by Michael Martin and subsequently investigated by a Commission of Inquiry led by Justice Peter Charleton, reported on protected disclosures made by Garda Superintendent Dave Taylor and Sergeant Maurice McCabe about an alleged campaign to damage a whistleblower. O'Sullivan says the article harmed her reputation and that she was unable to bring proceedings until now, citing the toll on her and her family. The Examiner argues that it published the story in the public interest, that O'Sullivan was not named or identified as a senior Garda, and that it has a strong defence to the claims.
James Cronin, aged 35, was jailed for two years by the Court of Appeal after breaching the conditions of a suspended sentence by drinking alcohol. Cronin had previously been sentenced to seven years in 2007 for attempting to rape a girl he met at a Killarney disco on Christmas Eve 2004, and was already serving an eight‑year sentence for kidnapping and raping another woman he met at a Killarney disco on 31 October 2004. The Court of Criminal Appeal had varied his Christmas Eve sentence to ten years, suspending the final five years on the condition that he comply with probation services and abstain from alcohol. The probation service reported that Cronin had consumed alcohol to an excessive degree on several occasions, undermining his medication and the terms of his release. The Court of Appeal, hearing the matter, activated two of the five suspended years, requiring Cronin to serve two years in jail.
In a Cork case, Bulgarian circus worker Tsvetomir Velikov, aged 42, pleaded guilty to defiling a 16‑year‑old girl on 28 February 2015. The girl, almost 17, and a 15‑year‑old friend had arrived at the circus after drinking vodka. Velikov admitted he had been reckless about their ages. He was to be sentenced later that month. The case also involved Ivan Peev, another Bulgarian circus worker, who received a two‑and‑a‑half‑year prison sentence for a similar offence involving a 15‑year‑old on the same date. The court heard that the girls were given more alcohol, were intoxicated, and that the 16‑year‑old had vomited that night. The victim's impact statement described feelings of shame and unhappiness after the incident. The court adjourned the sentence until later that month.
Frederick 'Freddie' Thompson, 37, of Dublin, was found guilty by the Special Criminal Court of the murder of David Douglas on July 1, 2016, on Bridgefoot Street. Thompson had pleaded not guilty to the charge. The non-jury court, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, determined that Thompson was involved in an intricate, pre-planned execution, specifically driving a Ford Fiesta used for surveillance and coordination, though the prosecution did not allege he fired the shots. The court rejected the defence argument that the circumstantial evidence was insufficient, noting that Thompson's failure to answer garda questioning regarding his movements and possession of vehicles and items constituted a significant factor. Thompson was sentenced to the mandatory term of life imprisonment, backdated to November 1, 2016, when he first entered custody. His legal representative, Michael O'Higgins SC, stated that Thompson intends to appeal the decision. Detective Superintendent Paul Cleary noted that the victim's family was satisfied with the verdict, while the investigation into the case remains ongoing.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, the judges announced that a verdict in the murder trial of Frederick 'Freddie' Thompson, accused of killing David Douglas, will now be delivered on September 3, rather than the earlier date of October 1. Thompson, 37, pleaded not guilty to the murder that occurred on 1 July 2016 when Douglas was shot six times at Shoestown. The prosecution's case relies on DNA found in two alleged 'spotter' cars and CCTV footage identifying Thompson as a driver. Thompson's counsel, Michael O'Higgins, argued that the delay since the trial's conclusion in May had disadvantaged his client and could impair a safe verdict. The court rejected this claim, noting that the delay mainly affects the preparation of reasons for judgment rather than the decision itself. The verdict will be announced on the scheduled date of September 3.
Luke Wilson, 23, from Ballyfermot, admitted to conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between 15 September and 6 November 2017. He was recorded by Gardaí in extensive discussions about the plot, stating he had "no problem" camping in the back of a van to "get" Hanley and that he wanted "money not jail." Wilson also pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun with intent to endanger life on 6 November 2017. Gardaí monitored a Seat Leon with false plates, a white Nissan Primastar van and a white Volkswagen Caddy, and placed surveillance on Hanley and his partner's vehicle. Audio recordings captured Wilson and another man planning routes, escape vehicles, and the use of a van to approach Hanley's home. Wilson was found with a 9‑mm pistol, a silencer, 15 rounds, a black ski mask, and three petrol containers in the van. He has 36 prior convictions, including theft and traffic offences.
In a Co Cork town, Bulgarian circus worker Ivan Peev, aged 34, pleaded guilty to defiling a 15‑year‑old girl in February 2015. The victim, who was heavily intoxicated, was taken to a tent or caravan where Peev lifted her onto a bed, undressed her and had sex with her. She described feeling "pissed" and "three quarters asleep" and later said she could not bring herself to scream about the incident. Peev had travelled with a circus for nine months a year and returned to Bulgaria with his family. He had no prior convictions. Mr Justice Michael White, hearing the case at the Central Criminal Court, imposed a two‑and‑a‑half‑year custodial sentence, back‑dated to October 2014 when Peev first entered custody. The judge noted the offence had caused the victim great difficulty and that Peev's guilty plea had spared her the ordeal of giving evidence and cross‑examination.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, judges announced that verdicts for the three Dubliners accused of murdering 36‑year‑old Gareth Hutch will be delivered on 8 October. Hutch was shot dead on 24 May 2016 outside Avondale House flats, suffering four gunshot wounds. The prosecution alleged that Jonathan Keogh (33) threatened Hutch the evening before, while Thomas Fox (31) and Regina Keogh (41) planned the murder and that Keogh and another man, Mr AB, fired the shots. Fox, Keogh and Regina have pleaded not guilty. Fox denied unlawfully possessing a Makarov handgun on 23 May. Mrs McDonnell (45) was initially arrested on suspicion of murder but later charged with withholding information; that charge was withdrawn and she received immunity. The court described the trial as "long" and noted it involved three trials within a trial, with priority given to the case of Frederick 'Freddie' Thompson. The judges will consider evidence against each co‑accused before delivering the verdicts.
Luke Wilson, 23, from Ballyfermot, pleaded guilty in the Special Criminal Court to conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between 15 September and 6 November last year, and to unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun with intent to endanger life on 6 November at Philipsburgh Avenue, Fairview. Alan Wilson, 39, Liam Brannigan, 37, and Joseph Kelly, 35, were also charged with conspiring to murder Mr Hanley on the same occasion. Alan Wilson and Joseph Kelly faced additional charges of conspiracy to murder an unknown person or persons at the 74 Talbot public house between 11 and 15 September last year. Joseph Kelly was also charged with possession of a Beretta handgun and fifteen rounds of ammunition with intent to endanger life on 6 November at Philipsburgh Avenue. A trial date for Alan Wilson was set for 7 October 2019, while Brannigan's case will be mentioned on 8 October and Kelly's hearing was adjourned to October.
The skipper of the Dutch factory ship Wiron 5, Klass Meijvogel, is awaiting the outcome of an appeal against his conviction for breaching Irish fishing regulations. On 11 February 2015 the ship, which was caught and processed pelagic fish, was boarded by the Irish Naval Service. Meijvogel was found guilty by a 10‑2 jury and fined €344,960 for the value of the catch and €55,000 for the value of the gear. He pleaded not guilty, arguing that the equipment on board was installed in a manner that complied with Article 19 of the regulations, which requires undersized marine organisms to be returned immediately to the sea. His counsel, Paul Burns SC, said the case hinged on the interpretation of contradictory regulatory requirements and that no photos were presented as evidence.