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.
A 63-year-old Dublin man who was seen as the 'cool older cousin' by six children he groomed and sexually assaulted has been jailed for seven years. The man pleaded guilty to 10 sample counts of indecent and sexual assaults, which occurred between 1983 and 1990, and again in 2000. The abuse took place at his family homes in Dublin and Cork. The victims, who were his cousins and a cousin of a cousin, described the abuse as 'shameless exploitation.' Judge Orla Crowe noted the predatory nature of the offences and the breach of trust. One of the victims, who was aged nine to 11 when the abuse occurred, described being frozen in fear and feeling guilty for years. The court heard that the defendant had previously received a suspended sentence in 2005 for sexual assault. Judge Crowe set a headline sentence of nine years but reduced it to seven years, taking into account the defendant's remorse and health issues. The victims' impact statements highlighted the lasting trauma and the breakdown of family relationships.
A car salesman accused of theft for buying a customer's trade-in for a higher price in an "around the corner" deal has won €10,000 for unfair dismissal. The employee, Alex Collins, was fired in November 2024 by Cork City motor dealership Kevin O'Leary Silversprings Ltd, trading as the Kevin O'Leary Group. His complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 was upheld by the Workplace Relations Commission in a decision published today. Mr Collins considered himself "a high-performing employee", as he had passed probation after joining in August 2023 and earned around €60,000 in 2024 prior to his dismissal – roughly doubling his basic annual salary of €30,000 with what he made on commission. Mr Collins came under scrutiny after a customer complained that he had been asked to park a car he intended trade-in "around the corner", company sales manager Dermot O'Sullivan said in evidence. The customer had called it "an unusual way of doing business", Mr O'Sullivan said. He said it "raised concerns about deviations from standard procedures".
A former British Army soldier, Noel Long (77), is seeking to have his life sentence for murder overturned, arguing that the evidence was insufficient to prove intent. Long, who has 31 previous convictions, was found guilty in August 2023 for the 1981 murder of Nora Sheehan, whose body was discovered in Shippool Woods, Co Cork. His legal team claims that the prosecution failed to prove that Long did more than assault the victim with slaps and punches to the head and face. They also argue that there was a prejudicial delay in bringing the case and that DNA evidence should not have been presented to the jury. During the appeal hearing, Long's legal team submitted that the trial judge, Mr Justice Paul McDermott, made errors in his charge to the jury regarding the definition of 'serious injury' and in not withdrawing the murder charge after the defense's evidence. The defense argues that the force described by the pathologist was not enough to prove intent to cause serious injury. Noel Long pleaded not guilty.
The Court of Appeal was told it is a mystery how over 300 physical exhibits from the 1981 murder of Nora Sheehan were lost, including a vaginal swab that could have yielded further DNA evidence. Noel Long, now 77, was convicted of the murder in 2023 after a DNA match between semen found on the victim and DNA from his clothing. Long's defense argued that the 42-year delay in bringing the case breached his right to a fair and expeditious trial. They also claimed that the loss of exhibits, including the vaginal swab, prejudiced his case. The prosecution countered that the delay was not sufficient to presume prejudice and that the DNA evidence was crucial to the conviction. They emphasized that the case was not dropped in 1981 but was revived after a DNA breakthrough in 2008. The trial judge ruled that the delay was not enough to affect the fairness of the trial, and the prosecution argued that the evidence was compelling enough to secure a conviction despite the passage of time.
A software salesman who was dismissed from his high-paying job and later resorted to fast food deliveries has lost his case against his former employer, Solarwinds Software Europe DAC, over alleged retaliation for reporting corruption. Ali Izzy was fired in 2024 after revoking a €500,000 discount on a software deal with the Saudi Arabian government, which he claimed was part of a corrupt side deal. His complaints under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 and the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 were dismissed by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). The tribunal found that while Izzy had a reasonable belief in wrongdoing, his actions in blocking the deal constituted misconduct, justifying his dismissal. Izzy alleged that his former boss, Abdul Rehman, had a history of corruption and had attempted to bribe him. However, Rehman denied these claims, and the WRC did not rule on the truth of Izzy's allegations. The tribunal concluded that Izzy's actions were not protected under whistleblower laws and that his dismissal was not retaliatory.
Noel Long, a former British Army soldier and convicted sexual offender, has launched an appeal to overturn his murder conviction for the 1981 killing of Nora Sheehan. Long, now 77, was found guilty in 2023 based on DNA evidence linking him to the victim, as well as other physical evidence such as fibres and paint fragments. His legal team, led by Michael Delaney SC, has raised three main grounds for appeal: the admissibility of DNA evidence, the delay in bringing the case, and the trial judge's handling of the jury charge. Delaney argued that the arrest of Long under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939 was unlawful and that the subsequent search of his car and blood sample were invalid. The prosecution, represented by Seoirse O Dunlaing SC, defended the admissibility of the evidence and the trial judge's decisions. The appeal hearing, which is expected to last three days, continues with the Court of Appeal considering whether the conviction should be overturned based on the legal arguments presented. Nora Sheehan pleaded not guilty.
A 63-year-old Dublin man who pleaded guilty to multiple sexual assaults on six children over a seven-year period will be sentenced later this month. The victims, including five of his first cousins and a cousin of a cousin, described the defendant as a 'cool older cousin' who groomed them. One victim recounted being sexually assaulted in her bedroom and later again as an adult. The court heard that the abuse caused significant pain and family splits. The defendant has previous convictions for sexual assault and was given a suspended sentence in 2005. His legal team asked for leniency, citing his role in caring for elderly parents and his good work history as an engineer. The judge remanded him into custody for sentencing.
A cleaning supervisor, Edel Kelly, has been left jobless after being banned from a PepsiCo factory in Carrigaline, Cork, following a dispute over hygiene. Kelly, who worked for Mount Charles, a contract cleaning firm, was banned in April 2025 after flies were found during an audit. She claimed the audit was not properly explained to her and that the site ban was unjustified. Kelly had worked at the factory for three years and said there were no prior issues with her team's work. She argued that the site ban effectively ended her employment as Mount Charles had no alternative roles for her in Belfast. Kelly is also pursuing a separate complaint under the European Communities (Protection of Employees on Transfer of Undertakings) Regulations 2003, alleging that Bidvest Noonan, the new cleaning contractor, breached the regulations by refusing to transfer her into its employment. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) hearing heard that PepsiCo's human resources lead confirmed Kelly was an employee of Mount Charles and that she had no appeal process with Pepsi to clear her name.
Lawyers have argued that an alleged informal and somewhat vulgar working environment at Apple meant a worker should not have been sacked after a colleague complained about him using derogatory language. Vinicius dos Santos, a legal specialist at Apple's offices in Cork, was sacked for gross misconduct after a colleague, Robertha Abreu, complained about his inappropriate remarks. The tribunal heard that dos Santos used derogatory language towards a female contract worker, referring to her as "this thing" and "this dumb one" in Portuguese. Abreu also accused him of calling her and the contractor "tramps" and "whores" in Portuguese. Dos Santos was also accused of making a remark about "fluffy puffy" to another worker. The defense argued that the working environment was informal and that the language used was part of the culture among Portuguese speakers. The prosecution, however, argued that the language used was inappropriate and made Abreu feel uncomfortable. The case was adjourned for further evidence, with the adjudication officer stating she would hear from both dos Santos and Abreu in the next hearing.
A tribunal has ruled that the 'beep test' used by Cork Fire Brigade to assess aerobic fitness for prospective firefighters discriminates against women and benefits younger candidates. The test, which has been in use for 40 years, was challenged by Terézia Foott, a part-time firefighter in her 40s who failed to advance in a recruitment competition for a full-time position in November 2023. Ms Foott, a qualified sports therapist and personal trainer, passed all other elements of the fitness test but did not meet the required score on the beep test. The tribunal found that the test's 'one-size-fits-all' standard was indirectly discriminatory against women and gave younger candidates an advantage. Ms Foott argued that she met the required standard for her age and gender, and she later achieved a higher VO2 max score in a separate test. The tribunal ruled that the use of the beep test without adjusting for age and gender was discriminatory and ordered Cork Fire Brigade to pay €8,000 in compensation, €4,000 for gender discrimination and €4,000 for age discrimination.
A Ukrainian refugee described how she awoke to find her ex-partner pinning her down and demanding to be told the truth about her 'lover' before attempting to murder her by stabbing her 15 times. Viktoriia Pavlenko said former soldier Hryhorii Sryotenko had 'absolutely mad eyes' before launching the attack. Sryotenko (51) pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of Ms Pavlenko on January 13, 2024. The victim described how life improved in Ireland but 'everything changed completely' on the day of the attack. She said she met Sryotenko in Ireland and they were neighbours. Initially, their relationship was good, but he became jealous and accused her of things she never did. The couple separated in November 2023 but still lived in the same house. On the day of the attack, she awoke to find Sryotenko in her bed with a knife. He stabbed her multiple times before her son intervened. Ms Pavlenko was taken to hospital and spent weeks recovering. Detective Garda Anthony Wharton detailed that Sryotenko had mental health issues and believed his partner was unfaithful.
A Dutch teacher who sold his house to secure bail for a compatriot accused of drug smuggling appeared before the Special Criminal Court. Ali Ghasemi Mazidi, aged 50 and resident in the Netherlands, faces charges of conspiracy to import controlled drugs valued at approximately €60 million between February and March 2024. David Kuiper, aged 53, offered himself as an independent surety of €30,000 for Mr Mazidi's High Court bail. During proceedings, the State's counsel challenged Mr Kuiper's credibility, noting he appeared unaware of the specific charges against the accused and lived abroad, making supervision difficult. Mr Kuiper testified he had known Mr Mazidi for two decades and trusted him implicitly. The court heard that seven co-accused have already pleaded guilty to the charge. Mr Mazidi, Sean Curran of Aughnacloy, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, and Raul Tabares Garcia remain awaiting trial. Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with two fellow judges, adjourned the matter to February 13.
A man who raped one woman, leaving her a 'fearful shell' of herself, and sexually assaulted another on the same night ten years ago has received a seven-year prison sentence. Luca Fox, 30, pleaded guilty to the sexual assault of one woman and was convicted of two counts of rape of another woman in Co Cork on October 21, 2015. The victim described the devastating impact the rapes had on her life, health, and relationships over the past decade. Fox, who was 20 at the time, was extremely drunk and assaulted both women in their beds. He has no previous convictions and issued an apology to both women through his counsel. Ms Justice Melanie Greally noted the aggravating factor of multiple offending and the location of the incidents, which should have been a place of safety. She imposed a seven-year sentence for the rape offences and a concurrent two-and-a-half-year sentence for the sexual assault.
An 80-year-old former Scout leader, Noel Sheehan, has argued that two separate trials should have been held due to the serious nature of the allegations made by one of his victims. Sheehan, of Chimneyfields, Glenville, Co Cork, was found guilty of 16 counts of indecent assault against five young boys between 1987 and 1990 and sentenced to four and a half years, with the final six months suspended. His legal team, led by Ray Boland SC, submitted that the trial judge should have held a separate trial for the offences committed against one victim, citing the 'circumstances of cruelty' involved in an attack in a wooded area. The defence argued that the incident was more serious than the other counts, as it occurred outdoors in broad daylight. The prosecution, represented by Katherine McGillicuddy BL, stated that all the incidents were sexual offences involving male children in a Scout troop and that the trial judge was correct to refuse the separate trial application. The court reserved judgment on the appeal, with the three-judge court to consider the matter further. The unnamed 80-year-old pleaded not guilty.
Ionut Cosmin Nicolescu, a chef convicted of the murder of Frankie Dunne, has appealed his conviction to the Court of Appeal. Nicolescu, who pleaded not guilty to the murder of Dunne at Castle Greine House, Cork, between December 27th and 28th, 2019, was found guilty by a jury and sentenced to life in prison in April 2023. His legal team argues that the trial judge's Section 10 corroboration warning regarding an uncorroborated confession was improper, describing it as a "bullet-point presentation of the prosecution case" rather than a neutral instruction. The prosecution case alleged that Nicolescu violently killed Dunne and subsequently dismembered him, hiding the remains in the property's grounds. While Nicolescu initially accepted the verdict, he later exercised his right to appeal. The defence contended the judge exceeded the narrow scope of the warning by reciting the prosecution's best points. In response, the Director of Public Prosecutions argued the case did not rely solely on the confession and that the judge's instruction was necessary given the confession's retraction. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice John Edwards, reserved judgment on the appeal.
The owner of a Dublin city head shop caught selling cannabis herb had a "mistaken belief" she wasn't breaking the law, a court has heard. Charlene Flynn (37) was present during the search and told gardai she was the owner of the shop, which was part of a franchise that also operated a premises in Cork city. She was arrested in September 2022 and interviewed. She told gardai that cannabinoid oil and CBD products, which she said were regulated under EU food law, were seized by gardai on the day of the search. Ms Flynn said that the products had a level of THC, the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis, of under 0.2 per cent and said that "to my knowledge the products are within the legal requirements". Flynn of Hollytree Square, Ballymun later pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of drugs for sale or supply at 'Funky Skunk' on June 2, 2022.
An online Workplace Relations Commission hearing into an Unfair Dismissals Act complaint by Donna Ashe against Skerries Golf Club was adjourned for a written decision. Adjudication officer Conor Stokes warned the club's honorary secretary, Donnacha Neary, of potential perjury prosecution after Neary attempted to swear a religious oath using a book that was not the Holy Bible. Neary subsequently gave evidence under a secular affirmation. Neary testified that a finance subcommittee identified a potential annual saving of €7,500 by outsourcing cleaning services, characterizing the dismissal as a genuine redundancy arising from a structural business decision. He denied that performance issues triggered the dismissal, despite a May 2024 WhatsApp message from a committee member complaining about cleaning standards and threatening new hires. Ms. Ashe, a part-time cleaner earning €12.70 an hour, was dismissed in October 2024. Her barrister, Christian Douglas, argued the redundancy was a sham and the process grossly unfair, noting Ms. Ashe was not offered reduced hours. The tribunal heard details of two meetings in September 2024, including a five-minute final meeting where the decision was communicated. Stokes is to deliver his decision in writing at a later date.
The Court of Appeal has reserved judgment in the appeal against the murder convictions of Michael Dooley, Thomas Dooley Jnr, and Patrick Dooley. The three men, who pleaded not guilty, were found guilty by a jury in 2024 of murdering Thomas Dooley at Rath Cemetery in County Kerry on October 5, 2022. Prosecutors alleged the attack was an 'honour killing' carried out with 'focused and murderous ferocity' using bladed weapons. All three appellants received life sentences from Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring in July 2024. During the appeal, counsel for Michael Dooley argued he was misidentified and the case should have been withdrawn from the jury. Counsel for Thomas Dooley Jnr contended his arrest was unlawful, while Patrick Dooley's lawyers challenged the admission of evidence regarding a weapon. The DPP countered that circumstantial evidence, including CCTV of vehicles fleeing the scene and the discovery of Michael Dooley in a van, supported the convictions. The court heard that the misidentification issue was extensively addressed in the trial judge's directions. The matter was adjourned as the court reserved judgment.
Three appellants, Thomas Dooley Jnr, Patrick Dooley, and Michael Dooley, appeared before the Court of Appeal to challenge their convictions for the murder of Thomas Dooley at Rath Cemetery, Tralee, on October 5, 2022. The State alleged the men participated in an honour killing using bladed weapons. All had pleaded not guilty. At trial, five defendants received life sentences, while a male teenager was found guilty of murder but not sentenced, as he was expected to seek judicial review. Thomas Dooley Jnr was also convicted of assault causing harm to Siobhán Dooley. Today, the court jailed him for four-and-a-half years for that assault, backdated to November 16, 2022, to run concurrently with his life sentence. Counsel for Thomas Dooley Jnr argued his arrest and detention were unlawful, while counsel for Patrick Dooley contended a leading question regarding a sword was improperly admitted. The appeal continues tomorrow before the three-judge court. The matter was adjourned and is not concluded.
Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has paused an investigation into its chief executive, Kenny Jacobs, following a High Court challenge to his suspension. Jacobs was suspended on December 23 after allegations of discriminatory behavior, which he described as "baseless." He claims he was "ambushed" and "humiliated" when told to leave work and not communicate with staff. DAA is resisting legal action from Jacobs, who is seeking to overturn his suspension and halt the investigation. The case is set for an urgent hearing, with both sides agreeing to file affidavits. Jacobs claims the stress from the suspension has been "immense" and that he was left "shell-shocked" after the meeting with the board. The High Court will determine the next steps in the legal dispute.
The WRC reported on two distinct employment matters involving applicants Ali Izzy and Fernando Oliveira. In September, Ali Izzy, a former software salesman at Solar Winds Software Europe DAC, alleged he was dismissed for insubordination after his ex-boss approved a €500,000 discount in a side deal with a supplier described as having a history of corruption. Izzy claimed he was left without work and resorted to food delivery. The WRC is currently considering his case. In October, Ryanair lawyers challenged the filings of flight attendant Fernando Oliveira, pointing to phantom legal rulings potentially generated by AI. Oliveira initially denied this but later acknowledged he may have used AI. The tribunal deemed the phantom citations egregious and an abuse of process. Following this, the WRC published guidelines stating parties must take full responsibility for submissions and that AI tools should not be relied upon as legal advice. In a separate October case, a chef who admitted using ChatGPT to draft a statement was found to have made a misrepresentation regarding a sexual harassment complaint, which was rejected. These rulings highlight the tribunal's scrutiny of AI-assisted legal submissions and the ongoing adjudication of complex employment disputes.
The Court of Appeal has upheld the murder conviction of Lee Canavan, who was jailed for life by the Special Criminal Court in June 2021 for his role in the 2016 killing of David 'Daithí' Douglas. Canavan, who pleaded not guilty, was found to have participated in a joint enterprise to murder Mr Douglas at Shoestown, Bridgefoot Street, Dublin 1, on July 1, 2016. The appellate court dismissed his argument that the prosecution wrongly relied on him being the triggerman, ruling that the case was properly based on common design. Canavan was also concurrently sentenced to five years for criminal damage to a getaway vehicle. This appeal follows earlier convictions in the case: Frederick 'Fat Freddie' Thompson was sentenced to life in 2018; Nathan Foley pleaded guilty to assisting a criminal organisation and received six years in 2019; and Gareth Brophy was jailed for ten years in 2020 for acting as a getaway driver. The court affirmed that Canavan's involvement in the meticulously planned execution was established by evidence of his movements with four vehicles and his participation in the attempted arson of a stolen Suzuki Swift.
At the Special Criminal Court in Dublin, seven men were sentenced for their roles in a conspiracy to import controlled drugs between February 27th and March 14th, 2024, contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. All defendants pleaded guilty to the charges. The court, presided over by Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, determined that the group had engaged in a serious conspiracy involving extensive planning and reconnaissance in west Cork. The judge noted the defendants had underestimated local communities and law enforcement. The headline sentence of 18 years was reduced by one-third to reflect the guilty pleas. Kiumaars Ghabiri, an Iranian national resident in the Netherlands, along with Spanish nationals Mario Angel Del Rio Sanz and Anuar Rahui Chairi, who remained on land, each received 11 years imprisonment. Spanish national Angel Serran Padilla, who took to sea, was also sentenced to 11 years. His countryman Pedro Pablo Ojeda Ortega received 10 years. Juan Antonio Gallardo Barroso and Serbian national Aleksander Milic, the youngest of the group, were each sentenced to eight years. The combined sentences total 70 years.
The Court of Appeal has adjourned sentencing appeals for two defendants convicted of murder while under 18, following a Supreme Court ruling restricting life sentences for child offenders. In the first case, a 19-year-old man was found guilty by a jury in 2022 of murdering Urantsetseg Tserendorj in Dublin in 2021, after pleading guilty to manslaughter. His counsel argued the case lacked the 'exceptional circumstances' required for a life sentence, citing lack of premeditation. The DPP countered that the attack was intentional and brutal. In the second case, a defendant who was four months shy of 18 pleaded guilty in 2020 to the murder of Cameron Blair in Cork. His lawyer argued his immaturity and lack of planning precluded a life sentence, while the DPP highlighted the use of a large knife. The Supreme Court previously ruled that life sentences for children are only appropriate in exceptional cases and that part-suspended sentences are permissible if detention continues past age 18. The three-judge court reserved judgment in both matters, meaning the appeals were adjourned rather than concluded.
Serial sex offender Philip Murphy has been jailed for 15 years for the repeated rape and sexual abuse of his younger brother and two young girls over 30 years ago. The judge, Mr Justice Paul Burns, noted that Murphy represents an ongoing danger to society and ordered that he remain under post-release supervision for 10 years. Murphy was convicted of 15 counts of rape and sexual assault, and his half brother, Michael Murphy, was jailed for four years for raping one of the girls. The victims, who were all young children at the time, described the abuse as traumatic and ongoing. Murphy threatened the older girl that he would abuse her younger sister and kill her father if she did not comply with his demands. The judge emphasized that Murphy's actions were gravely wrong and that the victims were not at fault. Michael Murphy was also sentenced for raping a girl when he was around 16 or 17. The victims spoke of the lasting impact of the abuse, including mental health issues and addiction.
XTX Markets Technologies Ltd, a company owned by billionaire Dr Alexander Gerko, won an appeal against a decision by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) that it had no standing to bring a racial discrimination claim. The High Court ruled that corporate entities may have standing under the Equal Status Act 2000. The company alleged that Aviva Investors Liquidity Funds PLC discriminated against it by refusing to do business due to its association with Gerko, a Russian-born individual. The court found that the term 'person' in the legislation could include corporate entities and referred the matter back to the WRC for a full hearing. The ruling was based on the interpretation of the European directive on racial equality, which includes protections for corporate entities.
A banned roads offender has been fined after giving gardaí a false address when they responded to a traffic collision in Tallaght. Kevi Kabeya (35) of Highfield West, College Road, Cork, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to providing false information to a Garda and failing to produce a driving licence. The incident occurred on 30 October last year when gardaí attended a collision involving Kabeya's blue Mercedes. Kabeya gave a false address and failed to produce his licence, despite being a banned driver with 18 previous convictions. His solicitor stated that Kabeya had not intended to deceive gardaí and was unsure of his address at the time. Judge Áine Clancy fined Kabeya €300 for failing to produce his licence and €500 for providing false details, with payment terms of six and 12 months respectively.
A veteran employee of the Ballymaloe Cookery School, Julija Makejeva, has failed in a discrimination claim against the school following a hearing_or_decision at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). Makejeva alleged discrimination on the grounds of family status under the Employment Equality Act 2000, claiming that new management failed to provide the same flexibility regarding working hours that she had previously received under the founder, Darina Allen. The WRC rejected her complaint, with adjudication officer Emile Daly noting that the complaint had a particular objection to the new managers and had made a bullying complaint against one, which was investigated but not upheld. Solicitor David Pearson for the respondent stated that the school made extensive efforts to accommodate Makejeva's childcare needs, but timekeeping became a persistent issue. Management met with Makejeva on several occasions to address her lateness, and in May 2024, a disciplinary process was launched. In June 2024, company director Toby Allen proposed a temporary part-time working arrangement, which Makejeva declined. She received a verbal warning for persistent failure to adhere to her start time. Following the warning, Makejeva's timekeeping improved, and she informed her bosses that her circumstances had changed, allowing her to start at 8.30am. Adjudicator Lefre de Burgh concluded that Makejeva had provided no evidence of discrimination based on any protected ground and found that the reassignment and associated working arrangements did not amount to discrimination on the grounds of family status.
Luka Mikaidze, a disqualified driver, has been fined €500 for using a fake driving licence during an altercation in Tallaght. Mikaidze admitted to using a false licence and was arrested after gardai discovered it was in a different name. He was disqualified from driving in December 2023 and has eight previous convictions. Defence counsel highlighted that Mikaidze immediately admitted to the false licence and was apologetic. His partner attended court to support him. Judge Áine Clancy fined him €500 and allowed 12 months to pay. The court heard that Mikaidze was disqualified from driving and had a history of road-traffic matters and theft offences. The incident occurred on 16 July last year when gardai were called to an altercation involving Mikaidze and a woman. Luka Mikaidze pleaded guilty.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court unanimously convicted 55‑year‑old Billy Burns of murdering his 75‑year‑old mother, Miriam Burns, rejecting his plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. The jury found that the cause of the killing was not mental illness but Burns' long‑term drug and alcohol abuse and anger towards his mother. The trial, lasting one week, heard that Burns had been aggressive towards his mother since his teens, had once broken her jaw, and had denied any involvement in her death to Gardaí, lied about his movements on the day, and tried to destroy evidence. Two psychiatrists disagreed on whether Burns qualified for a special verdict; the jury rejected the defence's claim after six hours and eight minutes of deliberation. The verdict was delivered by Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, who adjourned the matter to Friday when Burns will face a mandatory life sentence.
A 43-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering his only brother during a family funeral in Co Kerry. Fergus O'Connor was found guilty of murder by a jury in October, rejecting his claim of self-defence. The court heard that O'Connor had multiple grievances with his 42-year-old brother Paudie, including disputes over money, land, and relationships. Despite the defence's extensive argument for self-defence, the court rejected it. Paudie died from a 17cm stab wound to the chest, which penetrated vital organs. The trial revealed that the men had attended their cousin's funeral and were drinking in Castleisland. A toxicology report showed Paudie's alcohol level was far above the legal limit. O'Connor claimed his brother made remarks about a woman and had acted improperly with his ID. Paudie's partner, Liz O'Donovan, described the impact of his death on her and their children, highlighting his warmth and generosity. The court noted O'Connor's 15 previous convictions, including drink driving.
A garden centre was ordered to pay €5,000 in compensation for disability discrimination after an autistic job applicant was subjected to an unpaid trial shift without being informed of the conditions. The applicant, a 27-year-old man with autism, was misled into working a full day without pay, leading to confusion, humiliation, and a lasting impact on his confidence and self-worth. The Workplace Relations Commission found that the garden centre failed to accommodate the applicant's needs and conducted an informal, unstructured trial without proper supervision. The tribunal noted that the company's recruitment practices were inadequate and that the trial was discriminatory. The adjudicator ruled that the company was on notice of the applicant's disability and ordered a review of hiring practices to ensure compliance with the Employment Equality Act 1998.
Adeleke Adelani, 27, of Riverside View, Lower Main Street, Letterkenny, Co Donegal, has been sentenced to a consecutive 21-month prison term for laundering €100,397 in criminal cash in November 2019 and in January 2020, and for laundering the proceeds of crime on dates between October 2018 and February 2021. Adelani pleaded guilty to these charges. The court heard that €124,000 passed through his bank accounts, with only €3,500 accounted for, primarily from social welfare payments. The State's case is that Adelani was not involved in setting up the invoice redirection scams but was a recruiter for money mule bank accounts to facilitate the thefts. The court heard that the money ended up in the bank account of a 41-year-old Dublin woman who received a suspended prison sentence in March 2022. Adelani admitted to withdrawing cash and purchasing high-value items. Gardai found 50 images of other people's bank accounts on his phone. Adelani has previous convictions for assault, false imprisonment, burglary, and production of an article. He is currently serving a partially suspended seven-year sentence with a release date in November 2029. The judge stated that Adelani was 'up to his neck in money laundering' and that he was procuring bank accounts for substantial rewards. The 21-month sentence will run consecutive to his existing sentence.
Helen O'Leary, 75‑year‑old sister of the deceased Miriam Burns, told the jury that she had spoken to Miriam on the phone three weeks before Miriam's death, saying she would have to let her son Billy "go", but Miriam did not want to hear it. O'Leary described Billy as having a manic episode linked to bipolar disorder at the time of the killing, shouting and talking to himself, and being drug‑addicted. She recalled that Miriam had called her upset, saying Billy had "gone out the door" and was "the worst ever that night". O'Leary also said Billy had called her a "fu**ing bitch" and that his siblings were afraid of him. The trial heard two consultant psychiatrists: Eugene Morgan, who said Billy qualified for a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity, and Stephen Monks, who said Billy understood the nature of his actions.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Billy Burns, 55, who is accused of murdering his mother, Miriam Burns, 75, by reason of insanity, continued before Justice Karen O'Connor. Mr Burns has pleaded not guilty to the charge. State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster testified that the deceased died from asphyxia by manual strangulation associated with blunt force trauma to the head. She reported extensive trauma, including bruises on the head, face, neck, back, and legs, a fractured nasal bone, and bruising consistent with multiple blows. Evidence of petechial haemorrhages and neck bruising indicated manual strangulation, while abrasions suggested defensive injuries or suffocation. Dr Bolster stated that no significant natural illness, drugs, or alcohol contributed to the death. The prosecution alleges the fatal injuries were inflicted on August 12 or 13, 2022, while the body was found on August 15. Defence psychiatrist Eugene Morgan stated Mr Burns meets the criteria for the special verdict due to bipolar affective disorder, whereas prosecution psychiatrist Dr Stephen Monks argued he understood the nature of his actions. The matter is ongoing and has not been finalised.
Two consultant psychiatrists have given conflicting opinions on whether Billy Burns, 55, who killed his mother Miriam Burns, 75, in August 2022, qualifies for a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. Dr Eugene Morgan, the defence's psychiatrist, testified that Burns was hypomanic at the time of the murder and later deteriorated to mania, with a diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder. He argued that Burns' mental illness meant he did not understand the nature or wrongness of his actions and could not refrain from them, satisfying the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006. In contrast, Dr Stephen Monks, the Director of Public Prosecutions' psychiatrist, concluded that Burns' mania, though present, did not remove his capacity to understand the wrongness of his act and therefore did not support a special verdict. Both doctors were cross‑examined by the defence before Justice Karen O'Connor and a jury of eight men and four women.
The President of the Court of Appeal, Ms Justice Caroline Costello, noted that several cases involving young offenders sentenced to life for murder are likely to be reviewed following a Supreme Court ruling that life sentences for child killers should only be imposed in exceptional circumstances. Two 17‑year‑olds have applied for extensions to challenge their sentences. Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha SC seeks more time for his client, who received a life sentence for the 2018 murder of Adam Muldoon, stabbed 183 times. Mr Ó Lideadha said many similar applications exist, but the DPP will advise the court. Solicitor Patrick Geraghty, representing the DPP, explained that the Supreme Court held life sentences with review are not recognised in law and that the DPP is examining cases where a review is possible. Mr Geraghty cited the case of a teenager convicted for the murder of Cameron Blair, noting it has been adjourned to December 5 for further consideration. The unnamed accused pleaded guilty.
David O'Sullivan, aged 22, was sentenced to nine years in prison for raping two girls aged 14 and 10 whom he groomed via Snapchat. He was also found in possession of 1,629 files of child sexual abuse material, including 915 videos and 714 images. Justice Melanie Greally imposed a headline sentence of 11½ years for the rapes and possession, suspending the final two and a half years on condition that O'Sullivan keep the peace, engage in sexual offence treatment and refrain from contacting either victim for 50 years. The court heard that O'Sullivan had met the first victim in June 2022, lied about his age, and had repeatedly attempted to groom and assault her, including a sexualised encounter in a shopping centre in February 2023. He also groomed a second 10‑year‑old in August 2024, sending explicit images and meeting her in secluded locations, where he orally and vaginally raped her. David O'Sullivan pleaded guilty.
The High Court has granted Ducalla Limited, trading as Bunsen Burger, leave to challenge a decision that classified its outlets as a fast‑food establishment, a classification that led to the refusal of a visa permit for a non‑national chef de partie. Ducalla argues that Bunsen is a full‑service restaurant, with over 75% of customers receiving table service, and that the food is cooked to order rather than pre‑cooked or quickly prepared. The company contends that the department's review decision, which upheld the earlier refusal, was unreasonable and irrational, citing a lack of evidence that the food met the fast‑food definition. Ducalla also claims the department breached fair procedures and natural justice by failing to engage adequately with the applicant over the chef role and by not providing sufficient reasons for applying Section 4 of the Employment Permits Regulations 2024. The case is adjourned to January for further proceedings.
In a 2025 Supreme Court ruling, Justice Iseult O'Malley held that a life sentence for a child convicted of murder may only be imposed in exceptional cases where the child's intent and actions mirror those of an adult, and that sentencing courts lack jurisdiction to review detention terms for child offenders. Following this decision, the Court of Appeal granted Boy A, a 14‑year‑old convicted of murdering 14‑year‑old Ana Kriegel and of aggravated sexual assault, an extension to appeal his life sentence with a 12‑year review and a separate 12‑year sexual assault sentence. The extension was granted because the Director of Public Prosecutions did not object. Boy A and Boy B were convicted in 2019 for the 2018 murder at a derelict house in Lucan. The Court also heard a similar request from another former juvenile offender now an adult, and scheduled a further hearing for December 5.
The High Court has agreed to hear a judicial review brought by Angela Redic, who claims a State "cover up" in the death of her 25‑year‑old daughter, Mary. Redic says the inquest into Mary's death, found in her Cork apartment in September 2024, was not conducted lawfully and that she is entitled to documents withheld by the State. She is suing the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána, Cork City Coroner, Cork City Council, Sophia Housing Association and Cantillons Solicitors. Redic argues the coroner's short inquest in May was based on unverified facts and that Gardaí were negligent. The case will be heard over two days, with a hearing set for December 4, 2025.
A 61-year-old man has appealed his conviction for repeatedly sexually abusing his teenage sister-in-law, arguing that evidence regarding his temper created undue prejudice. The appellant, identified as Barry McDonagh, was found guilty by a jury of 17 counts of rape and one count of sexual assault following a Central Criminal Court trial in June 2024. He was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison by Ms Justice Caroline Biggs in October 2024. The abuse occurred between 1999 and 2000 when the victim, who waived anonymity, was aged 15 to 16. In the Court of Appeal, counsel for the appellant argued that testimony about the man's violent temper, including allegations he broke his wife's ribs, was irrelevant and highly prejudicial. The Director of Public Prosecutions countered that this evidence was necessary to explain the victim's fear and lack of resistance. The appellant also claimed the judge erred in failing to discharge the jury after a question referencing a holiday to Tunisia. The three-judge court, led by Mr Justice Peter Charleton, reserved its judgment, meaning the matter was adjourned and not concluded.
In a High Court personal injury case, the wife of Dr Martin Lawlor, a 49‑year‑old consultant psychiatrist who died after being hit by a taxi on 15 December 2018, secured a settlement. The case was brought against taxi driver Denis McSweeney, who had been convicted of hit‑and‑run and sentenced to four years' imprisonment, later reduced on appeal. McSweeney, now deceased, was replaced by Axa Insurance in the proceedings. Judge Emily Egan ordered the settlement, struck out the case, and awarded costs to the plaintiff. Dr Helen Murphy Lawlor, represented by senior counsel, alleged that McSweeney knowingly collided with her husband, left the scene recklessly, and showed no concern for his condition. The judge described the matter as "very, very sad" and expressed condolences to the Lawlor family. The case was resolved with the settlement and the striking out of the action.
A barman at Old Conna Golf Club, James Keegan, has filed an employment rights claim with the Workplace Relations Commission, alleging that several of his female co‑workers have received higher pay and better conditions despite his seniority. Keegan, who has worked part‑time at the club since January 2018, says the club hired three women after him who earned higher wages and had more favourable working hours. He has requested rosters and payscales for these employees and has tried to raise the issue with the club's general manager, former manager and president before taking sick leave in April 2025 due to workplace stress. The club's solicitor said it was unclear why Keegan was comparing himself to groundsmen if his complaint is a gender equality claim. The tribunal adjourned the hearing, with parties to exchange documents, and noted the case is unlikely to be re‑listed before year‑end.
David Kearney, 39, was sentenced to ten years in prison for a series of sexual offences against a girl who was aged 11 to 16 during the period from April 2019 to October 2023. He pleaded guilty to twelve counts of sexual abuse, including rape, oral rape, anal rape and the use of communication technology to facilitate the exploitation of a child under 17. Kearney's crimes were committed while he was living a double life as a family man, partner and father, and a drug user and sexual abuser. The court noted that the victim, now 17, had endured severe emotional trauma and that Kearney's appreciation of his wrongdoing was limited. The judge imposed a 10‑year custodial sentence, suspended 18 months, with conditions including therapeutic programme participation, no contact with the victim, and probation supervision for 18 months after release. The sentence was reduced from an initial 11½‑year term after mitigation arguments.
In the Special Criminal Court, lawyers for 42‑year‑old James Leen argued that mobile phone evidence supports his innocence. Colm Smyth SC requested an adjournment to allow a mobile‑phone expert to examine devices seized by the gardai. Smyth said the prosecution's case hinges on alleged phone conversations linking Leen to three machines that were imported into Ireland, one of which contained the seized drugs. He contended that further analysis would show Leen was involved with only two of the machines and had no connection to the third. The court agreed to postpone the trial to 19 December to give the defence time to compile its report. Leen faces five charges, including directing a criminal organisation, importing crystal meth, and possession of methamphetamine at Ballyseedy Garden Centre. The State alleges the drugs were imported from Mexico, stored at Ballyseedy, and then moved to Cork for export to Australia.
Ali Izzy, a former software salesman for Solar Winds Software Europe DAC, testified to the Workplace Relations Commission in Cork on 17 September 2025. He claimed that his ex‑boss, Middle East regional sales director Abdul Rehman, had arranged a "side deal" with a distributor known for corruption and approved a 62% discount—amounting to more than €500,000—on a technology licence for the Saudi government. Izzy said the discount was "crazy" and "unnecessary", and that Rehman had no authority to grant it. He alleged that a distributor had tried to bribe him in 2021 and that Rehman had been aware of the attempt. Izzy was dismissed on 22 July 2024 after a disciplinary process over his revocation of the discount. He has since applied for over 100 jobs and claims his reputation has been ruined. Solar Winds confirmed his annual salary was €197,062 at dismissal. The tribunal will hear closing submissions later.
A Workplace Relations Commission hearing in Cork, presided over by Adjudicator Tom O'Driscoll, has been adjourned overnight. The case involves statutory complaints under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 and the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 brought by former salesman Ali Izzy against Cork-headquartered Solar Winds. Izzy alleged he was dismissed in summer 2024 following a company probe into his management of business with clients in Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Bahrain. He claimed a middle-man for a distributor offered him a €10,000 bribe related to a contract with an Arab government ministry, where a significant discount was allegedly applied. Solar Winds defended the dismissal, citing complaints of insubordination from former Middle East sales director Abdul Rehman. Rehman testified that Izzy refused to process an approved discount and revoked quotes, stating he had not received written proof of any bribe offer. Solar Winds' disciplinary officer Samantha Bengston stated the decision was based on Izzy overriding senior management directives. Counsel for Izzy argued that Rehman was aware of improper actions by the middle-man and that the discount was improperly large. The tribunal heard evidence regarding the financial details of the deal and the internal disciplinary process. No final decision was reached, and the matter was adjourned overnight.
American Kevin Yungman, 32, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court for raping a 19-year-old woman in June 2018 in an Airbnb on Usher's Quay, Dublin city centre. Yungman pleaded guilty to the single charge of rape, which involved causing the victim to pass out by squeezing her neck. Mr Justice Hunt imposed a six-year prison sentence, with the final 12 months suspended on strict conditions. The sentence was backdated to August 2024, when Yungman entered custody in the United States following his arrest and extradition to Ireland. The judge noted that the headline sentence was eight years, reduced due to mitigation including the guilty plea and the difficulty of serving time in a foreign jurisdiction. Aggravating factors included the asphyxiation of the victim. Conditions of the suspended portion include a perpetual ban on direct or indirect contact with the victim. Additionally, Yungman is ordered to leave the jurisdiction upon release and is prohibited from returning for 10 years. The court acknowledged the victim's recovery and the support provided by Yungman's family, who expressed remorse and accountability during the proceedings.