A man convicted of rape, assault and coercive control has been sentenced to 17 years imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court. Dean Ward targeted the woman through an online dating site in May 2019, moving into her home in Killybegs, County Donegal, where he subjected her to a six-week campaign of violence and psychological control. Justice Kerida Naidoo imposed an 18-year sentence for the most serious rape offence, suspending the final year, and a concurrent four-year term for coercive control. Ward, formerly of Wexford, was convicted in 2022 of twelve offences including three counts of rape, assaults, false imprisonment and making threats to kill. The judge found the victim's consent to sexual intercourse was secured through fear and force. Following his arrest by armed gardaí in July 2019, Ward maintained his innocence. Outside court, the victim spoke of receiving support from An Garda Síochána and encouraged others in abusive relationships to seek help. Ward has previous convictions for assault and false imprisonment dating to 2016.
A 43-year-old truck driver from Ballyshannon, County Donegal, has been sentenced to seven years' imprisonment by the Court of Appeal after his original suspended sentence was deemed unduly lenient. Ciaran Lawn pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance for sale or supply following his arrest in December 2019 near Ardee, County Louth, while transporting drugs valued at approximately €900,000. The Director of Public Prosecutions successfully appealed the three-year wholly suspended sentence imposed by Dundalk Circuit Criminal Court in July 2021. At the Court of Appeal hearing in March, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, sitting with the Court President and another judge, imposed a seven-year custodial term with the final three years suspended. The court determined an appropriate headline sentence for the offence would not be less than ten years. Gardaí recovered vacuum-sealed packages containing cannabis and cocaine from a van during the operation.
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, a 21-year-old student pleaded guilty to handling the proceeds of crime and money laundering following a fraud scheme in which victims' emails were hacked and their money redirected to his bank account. The defendant allowed his Bank of Ireland account to be used by an unknown third party between 2020 and 2021. A recently retired woman from the south-west had her pension fund of €71,892.41 transferred into the account in May 2020, but it was recovered within four days. However, other victims lost money that was never returned: a water filtration company shareholder lost €5,000, a Kinsale restaurant owner lost €1,339, a midlands pharmacist lost €3,251, and a Donegal construction company lost €1,100. Judge Pauline Codd adjourned sentencing to October 7 to allow for a probation report and to give the defendant time to raise additional compensation funds. He had lodged €500 in court.
Two men have been given a provisional trial date of January 23, 2023 at the Special Criminal Court in connection with the death of a Drogheda teenager. Paul Crosby, aged 25, of Rathmullan Park, Drogheda, County Louth, and Gerard Cruise, aged 47, with addresses in Dublin 1 and Rathmullan Park, face charges relating to an alleged murder at a house in Rathmullan Park on January 12 or 13, 2020. The trial had been scheduled to commence on April 25, but the court heard that substantial additional disclosure to the defence would be necessary before proceedings could advance. Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions informed the three-judge court of this requirement, and legal representatives for both defendants did not oppose the adjournment. Presiding Justice Tony Hunt fixed the new provisional date during proceedings at the non-jury court.
Two men charged with the murder of Keane Mulready Woods will not stand trial next month as gardaí continue their investigation into the teenager's death and dismemberment. The Special Criminal Court heard on Thursday that the prosecution has already disclosed some information to the defence but substantial additional disclosure would be necessary before the trial could proceed. The hearing was originally scheduled for 25 April this year. Paul Crosby, aged 25, of Rathmullan Park, Drogheda, County Louth, and Gerard Cruise, aged 47, with addresses in Dublin 1 and Rathmullan Park, face charges relating to a death alleged to have occurred at a house in Rathmullan Park on 12 or 13 January 2020. Neither man's legal representatives objected to the trial delay. The court will hear further submissions regarding timing on the originally scheduled trial date.
A man convicted of robbing a university student on the Dublin City University campus in February 2021 has received a fully suspended sentence from Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Alex Cullen, aged 27, and Alan Giles, aged 30, both of Finglas, pleaded guilty to robbery following a vicious attack on the first-year student as he returned to his accommodation. The victim was punched and kicked during the incident and had his phone and cards stolen. Two other students intervened and the men left the scene. Judge Melanie Greally noted the assault was "highly vicious and violent" and appeared drug-fuelled. She sentenced Cullen to five years imprisonment, suspended entirely on condition he comply with Probation Service directions for one year. Giles was remanded on continuing bail pending finalisation of his case on 1 July. Both men were ordered to pay €1,000 compensation to the victim. The victim, from Donegal, has since returned to his studies.
My Tax Back Limited, an Irish tax preparation company, has launched High Court proceedings against Google Ireland Limited over the suspension of its Google Ads account. The applicant alleges that Google unlawfully suspended its advertising on March 11, 2022, citing breaches of terms of service, while the company disputes these assertions and claims its services fall under an exemption. My Tax Back estimates it is losing €9,500 daily and argues it is unlikely to survive if the dispute lasts more than six months. Represented by Arthur Cunningham BL, the company seeks an injunction to allow it to advertise pending a full hearing, declarations that the suspension was unlawful and its services are not restricted, enforcement of its advertising agreement, and damages for alleged breach of contract. The matter was heard by Mr Justice Senan Allen on an ex parte basis. The judge granted the applicant permission to serve short notice of the injunction proceedings on Google. The case was adjourned and will return before the Court next week.
A High Court judge has ordered Gerry Adams to pay the legal costs incurred by the BBC in two pre-trial motions relating to his defamation action against the broadcaster. The case concerns the BBC's 2016 Spotlight programme and subsequent article reporting allegations that Mr Adams sanctioned the killing of former Sinn Féin official Denis Donaldson in County Donegal in 2006. Mr Adams denies involvement in the death and claims the allegations are false and defamatory. The BBC denies the defamation claim. Ms Justice Emily Egan dismissed Mr Adams' application to strike out sections of the BBC's defence and ruled that the broadcaster was entitled to discovery of certain documents relating to Mr Adams' alleged IRA membership and involvement with its army council. However, the judge rejected the BBC's application for discovery of materials relating to a 1987 press conference. Justice Egan stayed the costs order pending the outcome of the full defamation trial.
A man from Ballyshannon, County Donegal, has been remanded in custody following a Court of Appeal decision to quash his suspended sentence. Ciaran Lawn (43) had received a three-year wholly suspended sentence in July 2021 after pleading guilty to possession of a controlled substance for sale or supply. The offence occurred on December 15, 2019, when gardaí observed him moving approximately €840,000 worth of cannabis and €59,000 of cocaine near Ardee, County Louth. The Director of Public Prosecutions successfully appealed the sentence as unduly lenient. The Court of Appeal found that wholly suspended sentences required exceptional circumstances, which the court deemed absent in this case. Lawn's defence had submitted he was a courier living on social welfare with significant mental health issues at the time of the offence. His case will return before the court on May 12.
Philip Cooke, aged 34, was arrested by Gardaí on a mobile patrol in Dublin after displaying nervous and agitated behaviour while walking. Garda Paula Carter observed him holding his jacket in a manner suggesting concealment and noted his hurried demeanor. When questioned, Cooke admitted possession of cocaine and claimed he had "a lot" of drugs. He then opened his jacket to reveal a blue shopping bag containing eight smaller bags of suspected cocaine, later confirmed by analysis to be worth €61,684. Cooke pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to having the drugs for sale or supply on Greencastle Road, Coolock, on 14 December 2020. He had no prior convictions. The court, considering his cooperation, family circumstances, and engagement with the Probation Service, imposed a headline sentence of five and a half years, reduced to a four‑year custodial term with the final 18 months suspended on strict conditions, including 12 months of probation after release.
A man from Ballyshannon, County Donegal, will face arrest if he fails to attend the Court of Appeal this week following the quashing of his suspended sentence for drug trafficking. Ciaran Lawn, aged 43, of Derrykillew, had received a three-year wholly suspended sentence from Dundalk Circuit Criminal Court in July 2021 after pleading guilty to possession of a controlled substance for sale or supply. He was apprehended on 15 December 2019 near Ardee, County Louth, while transporting approximately €840,000 worth of cannabis and €59,000 of cocaine. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed the sentence as unduly lenient. A three-judge panel, led by Court President Mr Justice George Birmingham, agreed and quashed the original sentence. The court found that wholly suspended terms require exceptional circumstances, which were absent in this case. A bench warrant has been issued for Lawn's arrest should he fail to attend court for re-sentencing.
The Workplace Relations Commission ruled that bus driver Simon Logue was unfairly dismissed by Boyce Coach Travel Ltd after pruning tree branches at a client's home. Logue, who represented himself, alleged he obtained permission from the service user's mother to clear the obstruction. He filed complaints under Section 8 of the Unfair Dismissals Act and Section 7 of the Terms of Employment Act. Logue stated that the client's father complained to the HSE about him "interfering" with property, leading to his dismissal. Adjudication officer Shay Henry found that disciplinary procedures were not at the required standard, noting no written notice was given and Logue was denied the opportunity to represent himself. The officer accepted Logue's evidence that he spoke with the mother before pruning, describing his actions as ensuring health and safety. The officer ruled the dismissal unfair, awarding Logue €15,600 in compensation, equivalent to a year's salary. Additionally, the company was ordered to pay €200 for failing to provide a written contract. Peter Boyce, the company owner, was identified as the applicant in the case records, though the adjudication focused on the employer's liability for the unfair dismissal.
Two men have had their convictions for rape upheld by the Court of Appeal. Boakye Osei, formerly of Burnfoot in County Donegal, and Kelvin Opoku, formerly of Letterkenny, were each sentenced to nine years' imprisonment in March 2020 following their conviction at the Central Criminal Court for the rape of a woman in February 2015. The appellants challenged their convictions on three grounds: that the trial judge should have discharged the jury following questioning about the complainant's alcohol consumption, that video-link evidence should not have been permitted, and that mobile phone material had not been adequately disclosed to the defence. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice George Birmingham alongside Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, rejected all grounds of appeal. The court found the trial judge's rulings on disclosure, video evidence, and witness questioning to have been proper and appropriate. The judges concluded they were not persuaded the trial was unfair or the verdicts unsafe. Boakye Osei pleaded not guilty. Kelvin Opoku pleaded not guilty.
The High Court in Dublin has ruled that the BBC is entitled to discover documents former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams may hold concerning his alleged IRA membership and involvement with the organisation's Army Council. Ms Justice Emily Egan rejected Mr Adams' argument that such discovery would be unduly burdensome, noting she doubted a clandestine organisation would retain formal documentation. However, the court dismissed the BBC's application for discovery of materials relating to comments Mr Adams allegedly made at a 1987 press conference regarding consequences for informers. The ruling came in Mr Adams' defamation action against the broadcaster over a 2016 Spotlight programme claiming he sanctioned the 2006 killing of Denis Donaldson near Glenties, County Donegal. Mr Adams denies the allegation. The judge also rejected his bid to strike out the BBC's defences of qualified privilege and fair publication on matters of public interest, determining these issues should proceed to jury trial.
A man has been sentenced to four years in prison at the Central Criminal Court for cleaning up and removing blood-stained evidence from his Drogheda home where teenager Kean Mulready Woods was murdered in January 2020. Gerard McKenna, aged 52, of Rathmullen Park in Drogheda, pleaded guilty to obstructing the apprehension or prosecution of persons guilty of the murder, contrary to the Criminal Law Act 1997. Mr Justice Paul McDermott imposed a headline sentence of seven years before mitigation, reduced to five years and three months with the final fifteen months suspended. The sentence was backdated to May 2020. The judge acknowledged McKenna was not present during the killing but emphasised the seriousness of disposing of material evidence. Evidence revealed extensive blood-staining throughout the property despite attempts to clean and redecorate. The court heard McKenna had acted under threat from a dangerous criminal figure. The judge noted McKenna's guilty plea, remorse, and personal circumstances as mitigating factors.
Gerard McKenna, aged 52, of Rathmullen Park in Drogheda, County Louth, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court following his guilty plea in November to obstructing the investigation into the murder of 17-year-old Kean Mulready Woods. The court heard that McKenna cleaned and painted his house and removed evidence after the teenager was killed there between 12 and 14 January 2020. Blood-stained items recovered from the scene and a nearby burn site included a ballistic vest, an axe, rubber gloves and part of a sofa, all bearing the victim's DNA. The Defence submitted that McKenna had surrendered his house under duress from an organised criminal group and had no prior knowledge of the murder. The prosecution outlined that despite extensive cleaning efforts, forensic evidence remained throughout the property. McKenna was not present during the killing and has seven children with his wife and one from a subsequent relationship.
Bargainprop Ventures Limited, the owner of the Bargaintown chain, secured a High Court injunction to force the Gibneys and others to vacate Unit 3, Greencastle Parade, Dublin 17. The court heard that Bargainprop had acquired the premises in 2021 from a receiver appointed by MARS Capital Finance Ireland DAC, after the property had been in receivership since 2016. Bargainprop's solicitors claimed that the Gibneys, former owners, and other occupants had refused to leave and had unlawfully created a leasehold interest in favour of Toro Grande Trading Limited. Bargainprop presented correspondence allegedly from the Gibneys that was described as "extraordinary, eccentric and absurd", containing a quote from the Book of Hebrews and thumb‑prints in a red liquid. The judge, Mr Justice Senan Allen, granted the injunction, noting that no explanation had been given for the Gibneys' claim to ownership or the alleged lease. The defendants were not present at the hearing but were notified of the application in advance.
Donegal County Council has applied to the High Court for an injunction to enforce the suspension of Councillor Frank McBrearty Jnr from attending council meetings until the end of February. The independent councillor was suspended on 31 January following allegations of disorderly conduct at council proceedings. Counsel for the council told Mr Justice Senan Allen that Cllr McBrearty, who disputed the suspension, attended a meeting the following week and allegedly disrupted it, causing adjournment. The council seeks to prevent him from attending, speaking, or participating in any council or committee meetings until 27 February, and from attending meetings at Aura Leisure Centre in Letterkenny. The judge granted permission to serve short notice of proceedings on Cllr McBrearty of Raphoe. The matter will return to court later in the week. Cllr McBrearty, elected since 2009, gained prominence following the Morris Tribunal's 1996 findings regarding alleged garda misconduct.
A man convicted of his role in a rental deposit scam affecting six potential tenants in Dublin has been ordered to complete community service rather than face imprisonment. Robert Long, with an address in Carndonagh, County Donegal, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to six counts of theft and two counts of deception relating to offences committed between July and August 2017. The scheme involved advertising a Dublin apartment on Daft.ie under false pretences, with victims paying deposits after meeting a man using a false name. Long acted as the sitting tenant during viewings, though gardaí established he was not the primary instigator and did not financially benefit. The court heard nearly €11,000 was obtained from the victims. Judge Melanie Greally imposed 240 hours of community service to be completed within eighteen months, in lieu of a two-year custodial sentence. Long had brought €10,700 to court for victim compensation, with one outstanding payment expected within three months or to be redirected to a homeless charity.
The Court of Appeal has upheld the 10-year sentence imposed on Thomas Patton (53) for 24 counts of indecent assault of his cousin at an address in Co Donegal between April 1, 1984, and January 1, 1990. Patton had pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court but was found guilty on all counts by a jury in July 2019. He was sentenced to 10 years by Judge Melanie Greally. The appeal against the sentence was dismissed by the Court of Appeal, with Mr Justice George Birmingham stating that the offending was of 'exceptional seriousness' and that consecutive sentences were 'entirely appropriate'. Hugh Hartnett SC, for Patton, argued that the custodial term was 'excessive and disproportionate' and that the sentencing judge failed to consider aspects of rehabilitation. Mr Cooney, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, stated that a higher sentence would still have been within the judge's discretion given the seriousness of the offending. The matter was adjourned at an earlier hearing, but no finalisation was reached in this stage of the appeal.
A Chinese national who lived under an assumed identity for eight years has received a fully suspended four-year sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Wenzi Wang, aged 39, of Blanchardstown, Dublin, obtained a legitimate Northern Irish birth certificate belonging to another person in 2009 and used it to secure an Irish passport under the name Sau Kee Lee. He subsequently acquired a driving licence, taxi licence, Public Service Card and mortgage using the false identity. Wang pleaded guilty to providing a false birth certificate in connection with a passport application at a Garda station in County Donegal in May 2009, and to six counts of deception between October 2010 and April 2017. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of providing false information to a registrar and to possessing an air rifle and garda-style apparel. Judge Pauline Codd noted Wang had paid taxes and committed no offences whilst using the false name. His wife remained unaware of his true identity until 2017. The judge imposed strict conditions on the suspended sentence.
A man has been sentenced to ten years imprisonment following his conviction at the Central Criminal Court in Sligo on 31 counts of sexual assault and rape offences against a teenage boy in County Donegal between 1995 and 2000. The 59-year-old, with an address in Ballina, Falcarragh, was found guilty by jury after a trial that represented the fourth legal proceeding in the case. Earlier trials had been discharged for legal reasons or resulted in hung juries. The complainant, now aged 39, described enduring six years of "complete torture" through the protracted court process since first reporting the matter to gardaí in October 2015. He testified four times during proceedings. Mr Justice David Keane imposed a headline sentence of thirteen years, reduced to ten years to account for mitigating factors including the defendant's lack of prior convictions. A three-year post-release supervision order was also imposed. The defendant intends to appeal his conviction, and has been registered as a sex offender.
The BBC is seeking discovery of documents relating to former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams's alleged association with the IRA in defending a defamation claim brought by Mr Adams in the High Court. The BBC also seeks materials concerning Mr Adams's alleged knowledge of IRA discipline and a 1987 press conference statement. Mr Adams is suing the corporation over a 2016 BBC Spotlight broadcast and subsequent website article, which he alleges falsely claimed he sanctioned the 2006 killing of former Sinn Féin official Denis Donaldson near Glenties, County Donegal. Mr Adams denies involvement in Mr Donaldson's death. The BBC denies defamation, arguing the broadcast and article constituted responsible journalism on a matter of public interest. Mr Adams's counsel sought to strike certain defences from the BBC's pleading, arguing they are bound to fail given subsequent information about alternative suspects. Justice Emily Egan heard pre-trial motions on the matter, with proceedings continuing.
Nikkita Brogan, 24, of Letterkenny, Co Donegal, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for her role in a violent taxi hijacking. The validated procedural stage for this report is an appeal, as the case was previously sent to the Court of Appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions to clarify a procedural matter regarding the service of books of evidence. Brogan pleaded guilty to the unlawful seizure of a vehicle at Rutland Grove, Crumlin, on May 6, 2019. She admitted to unbuckling the taxi driver's seatbelt and assisting in reattaching the gearstick knob while two men assaulted the driver. Judge Melanie Greally handed down a 32-month sentence, suspending the final 12 months on conditions. Brogan has been in custody since January. The court noted her remorse and rehabilitation efforts. The two male accomplices, Peter and Jason Collins, were sentenced in December 2019 for robbery, assault causing harm, and unlawful seizure of a car. Peter Collins received four and a half years' imprisonment, while Jason Collins received three and a half years, with the final 12 months suspended. Brogan has 76 previous convictions, mainly for shoplifting, and was on bail for theft offences at the time of the incident.
The High Court at Letterkenny has ordered the extradition of a 36-year-old man to face serious charges in the United Kingdom. Oliver Lown, formerly residing in Ipswich, Suffolk, is wanted by UK authorities on twelve counts, including alleged sexual activity with animals, making child abuse material, perverting the course of justice, and drugs offences. Mr Justice Paul Burns dismissed legal arguments against the extradition warrant, rejecting submissions that the European Arrest Warrant system was flawed following Brexit arrangements. The judge found the warrant and supporting documentation from UK prosecutors sufficiently clear and reliable. Mr Lown will be surrendered on all charges except one count of possessing extreme pornographic material, which has no equivalent Irish offence. He was remanded in custody for a minimum of fifteen days before his surrender within a subsequent ten-day period. A pending drugs-driving charge at Letterkenny District Court was deemed insufficient grounds to delay the extradition process.
A man has been convicted at the Central Criminal Court in Sligo of sexually abusing a child over a five-year period in Donegal. Liam Carr, aged 59 and with an address in Ballina, Falcarragh, County Donegal, was found guilty of 31 counts including sexual assault, anal rape and oral rape of the boy between September 1995 and September 2000. The jury could not agree on four further counts. The case reached trial four times after legal issues and previous jury disagreements. The victim, now aged 39, described the legal process in a statement read to the court as six years of "complete torture" since first approaching gardaí in October 2015. He stated he had given testimony on four separate occasions. Defence counsel indicated Carr does not accept the verdicts and intends to appeal his conviction. The case has been adjourned for sentencing on 17 January 2022.
Stephen O'Connor of Carndonagh, Dublin, has had his wholly suspended sentence upheld by the Court of Appeal. O'Connor pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of firearms contrary to the Firearms Act 1964 following the discovery of two loaded semi-automatic pistols stored inside a Henry Hoover at his address in September 2019. At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Elma Sheahan imposed a four-year sentence, suspended in full, citing O'Connor's lack of previous convictions, mental health difficulties, and vulnerability to exploitation by a criminal figure. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed on grounds of undue leniency, arguing the sentence should not have been entirely suspended. The three-judge Court of Appeal panel, led by President Mr Justice George Birmingham, rejected this application. The court found the decision to fully suspend the sentence was exceptional and appropriate given the extent of O'Connor's mental health problems, including serious suicide attempts following the deaths of two brothers.
A 52-year-old man from Rathmullan Park, Drogheda, has pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to cleaning up and removing evidence from a murder scene. Gerard McKenna admitted to obstructing the apprehension or prosecution of another person in connection with the death of 17-year-old Kean Mulready Woods, who was killed in January 2020. The teenager's dismembered remains were discovered across Dublin in the days following his disappearance on 12 January. McKenna's guilty plea relates to actions taken between 12 and 14 January 2020 at or near his Drogheda address, with intent to impede the investigation. The offence is contrary to the Criminal Law Act 1997. Mr Justice Paul McDermott ordered psychological and probation reports before sentencing. McKenna was remanded in custody and the case listed for mention on 28 February 2022.
Two men convicted of rape have appealed their convictions at the Court of Appeal, arguing the trial judge erred in questioning a witness about the complainant's level of intoxication. Boakye Osei, formerly of Burnfoot, County Donegal, and Kelvin Opoku, formerly of Letterkenny, County Donegal, were found guilty by jury at the Central Criminal Court and sentenced to nine years imprisonment in March 2020. Their counsel submitted that the judge's direct question regarding the complainant's alcohol consumption was inappropriate in a case where capacity to consent was central to the prosecution case, and that the jury should have been discharged. Defence teams also raised concerns regarding incomplete disclosure of mobile phone material prior to trial and the complainant's use of video-link evidence rather than attending court in person. The Director of Public Prosecutions countered that the judge's question was minor and within judicial discretion, and that the disclosure matter was straightforward. Judgment has been reserved. Boakye Osei pleaded not guilty. Kelvin Opoku pleaded not guilty.
A 43-year-old man from Ballyshannon, Co Donegal, appeared before the High Court on 26 October 2021 to contest his extradition to Northern Ireland on six alleged terrorism offences. The defendant, represented by counsel John Berry, challenges two of the charges, contending they have no equivalent under Irish law. These charges relate to attending a place used for terrorist training and receiving training in explosives manufacture. The State's counsel Karen Nolan argued both offences fall within the scope of the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005. The alleged conduct dates from August to November 2014 and centres on discussions about pipe bombs, potential targets, and recruitment strategy, based on covert police recordings. Justice Caroline Biggs indicated she would rule on the legal correspondence issue on 10 November before addressing remaining matters. The defendant was remanded on continuing bail pending that date.
The Director of Public Prosecutions has appealed a suspended sentence imposed on a man convicted of unlawful possession of firearms at the Court of Appeal in Dublin. Stephen O'Connor, aged 45, of Carndonagh, was handed a four-year suspended sentence in May by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to storing two loaded semi-automatic pistols concealed within a vacuum cleaner at his home on 7 September 2019. The State argues the suspension should not have been imposed in full, though it does not challenge the four-year term itself. The trial judge heard that O'Connor, who has no previous convictions, agreed to conceal the weapons when approached by a criminal associate during a period of gangland activity in Dublin. His legal counsel submitted that he was exceptionally vulnerable at the time, suffering serious mental health difficulties and previous suicide attempts, and had been exploited. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice George Birmingham, reserved judgement, describing the case as very serious.
The Court of Appeal has dismissed the appeal of a 53-year-old man, upholding his conviction for the historic sexual abuse of his cousin. The appellant, who pleaded not guilty, was convicted by a jury in July 2019 on 24 counts of indecent assault committed at an address in Co Donegal between April 1, 1984, and January 1, 1990. He was acquitted on charges relating to a second complainant. Judge Melanie Greally originally sentenced him to an effective operating sentence of ten years' imprisonment, comprising four years for offences committed when he was a minor and six years for later offences, ordered to run consecutively. The appellant argued that the trial judge erred by failing to sever the indictment for separate trials, failing to discharge the jury during cross-examination of a defence witness, and failing to provide an appropriately strong corroboration warning. In a written judgment, Mr Justice George Birmingham, joined by Mr Justice John Edwards and Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, dismissed these grounds. The court found that the trial judge properly dealt with the jury discharge application and that the verdicts indicated the jury heeded the corroboration warning. The judges also upheld the decision not to split the indictment, noting the offences formed a series of similar character. The court concluded there were no doubts about the fairness of the trial or the safety of the verdict.
The Central Criminal Court is set to resume with several high-profile matters, including the appeal of Aaron Brady. Brady, 30, was convicted by an 11-to-1 majority jury verdict for the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe in January 2013. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 40 years, plus a concurrent 14-year sentence for robbery. His appeal is expected in 2022. Other upcoming trials include that of Sameer Syed, 37, accused of murdering his wife Seema Banu and their two children in Rathfarnham in October 2021; his trial is scheduled for June 15, 2022. Michael Scott, 55, faces trial on January 11, 2022, for the alleged murder of Chrissie Treacy in Portumna in 2018. Stephen Silver, 44, is charged with the murder of Garda Colm Horkan in Castlerea in June 2020; his trial is also set for June 15, 2022. Additionally, an appeal by Boy B regarding the 2018 murder of Ana Kriegel is expected before the Court of Appeal. Boy B and Boy A were found guilty in 2019; both were 13 at the time, denied the offences, and were remanded to Oberstown Detention Centre.
The Court of Appeal has reduced the jail sentence of an unnamed 51-year-old man who pleaded guilty to the sexual assault of his step-daughter, then aged 11, and to producing and distributing child pornography. The appellant challenged the severity of the original six-year sentence imposed by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in July 2020, arguing that the final term of six years and nine months, with nine months suspended, was excessive. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice George Birmingham with Mr Justice John Edwards and Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, upheld the categorisation of the offences in the mid-range but determined that the headline sentence for the two child pornography offences was too high. Consequently, the sentence for those offences was reduced by six months to five years and six months. The original three-year sentence for the sexual assault conviction remained unchanged. The court also imposed a post-release supervision order of six years, with the condition that the appellant receive psychological counselling. The appeal was successful in reducing the total effective custody period, reflecting the court's assessment that the original sentencing did not adequately balance the gravity of the conduct with the specific circumstances of the pornography charges.
A Dublin man has lost his appeal against conviction for membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army. The Court of Appeal dismissed all grounds of appeal by Ciaran Maguire (32), who was sentenced to four years and 11 months imprisonment following his conviction by the Special Criminal Court in May 2018. Maguire and his co-accused Kevin Braney (46) were convicted of membership following an incident in July 2017 when they travelled to County Meath and threatened an accident victim, warning him they were members of the IRA and would shoot him if he did not withdraw an insurance claim against his former employer. On appeal, the court upheld the lawfulness of Maguire's arrest, the admissibility of surveillance evidence, and the inferences drawn from his interview with gardaí. The appellate judges found that court interventions during cross-examination of a key witness were not unfair. The appeal was dismissed.
A man from Raphoe in County Donegal has had his prison sentence doubled by the Court of Appeal following two attacks on his neighbour's home and an assault that left her with a broken jaw. Leon Kelly was originally sentenced to two-and-a-half years, with twelve months suspended, by Letterkenny Circuit Court in November 2020 for assault causing harm and criminal damage. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed on grounds of undue leniency. The court heard that Kelly rammed his vehicle into his neighbour's car and home on 13 April 2019, causing €13,000 in damage and breaking the woman's jaw. He subsequently fled across the River Finn into Northern Ireland but was apprehended by the PSNI and returned. Eight days later, he attacked the same property again with his Volkswagen Passat. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy increased the sentence to three years imprisonment, finding the original term did not reflect the gravity and violence of the offences. Leon Kelly pleaded guilty.
Two men have been scheduled to stand trial at the Special Criminal Court in April 2022 on a charge of murdering teenager Keane Mulready-Woods. Paul Crosby, aged 25, of Rathmullan Park in Drogheda, County Louth, and Gerard Cruise, aged 47, with addresses in Dublin 1 and Rathmullan Park, are accused of the killing at a house in Rathmullan Park on 12 or 13 January 2020. The trial, which is expected to last six weeks, will be heard before three judges without a jury. The teenager's dismembered remains were discovered at multiple locations in Dublin and Drogheda in January 2020, with his torso found subsequently in March 2021. A further mention of the case is scheduled for December to address disclosure matters, and legal representatives indicated a possible application for separate trials.
Nikkita Brogan, a 24-year-old woman from Letterkenny, Co Donegal, appeared at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court regarding her role in a taxi hijacking. She pleaded guilty to the unlawful seizure of a vehicle at Rutland Grove, Crumlin, on May 6, 2019. Prosecution evidence, including dashcam footage, alleged that Brogan, seated in the back, released the driver's seatbelt to allow two men to drag the 60-year-old driver from the vehicle and assisted in reattaching the gearstick knob. The men, who have already been sentenced for robbery and assault, allegedly choked and punched the driver. Brogan admitted to unclicking the seatbelt but denied threatening the victim. Her defense counsel, Paul O'Carroll SC, noted that the case had been delayed by a procedural matter referred to the Court of Appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions to clarify the service of books of evidence. He also highlighted Brogan's 76 previous convictions, primarily for shoplifting, and her current three-month term for theft. Judge Melanie Greally observed that past leniency had not improved Brogan's conduct. The matter was adjourned until November 12 to allow a probation report to be prepared, with the balance of the plea in mitigation to be heard on that date.
The Director of Public Prosecutions has appealed an 18-month custodial sentence imposed on a Donegal man, arguing it was unduly lenient. Leon Kelly, aged 34, pleaded guilty at Letterkenny Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm and criminal damage following incidents in April 2019 at Beechwood Grove, Lifford. The victim sustained a broken jaw and lost a tooth during an unprovoked assault. Kelly twice rammed his vehicle into the victim's car and home in what the court heard stemmed from a dispute over money. Following the first incident, Kelly fled and attempted to cross the River Finn into Northern Ireland, where he was apprehended by the PSNI. He rammed the home again eight days later. The DPP contends the original sentence failed to reflect the gravity of the offences, citing Kelly's use of a vehicle as a weapon while under the influence of alcohol as an aggravating factor. The Court of Appeal, comprising Mr Justice Séamus Woulfe, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, and Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, reserved judgment.
A man from Carndonagh, County Donegal, has pleaded guilty to involvement in a rental deposit fraud at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Robert Long, aged 32, admitted six counts of theft and two counts of deception relating to a scheme that defrauded six prospective tenants of approximately €11,000 between July and August 2017. The scam centred on an apartment at Longboat Quay, Grand Canal Dock, which Long did not have authority to rent. He acted as the sitting tenant while an unidentified accomplice, known to victims as Jack Lyndsey, posed as the landlord and collected deposits from people who responded to online advertisements. Long has no previous convictions and made €10,700 available to fully compensate the victims. Judge Melanie Greally accepted that Long was not the primary instigator and derived no financial benefit from the enterprise. Sentencing has been adjourned to October 29th pending a Probation Service report and assessment for suitability for community service. Long was remanded on continuing bail.
Paul Crosby and Gerard Cruise, accused of murdering 17-year-old Keane Mulready-Woods, appeared at the Special Criminal Court where they were formally served with a notice confirming their trials will proceed in the non-jury court. The men are charged with the murder of Mr. Mulready-Woods at a house in Rathmullan Park, Drogheda, on 12 or 13 January 2020. Mr. Crosby, 25, of Rathmullan Park, is currently in custody, while Mr. Cruise, 47, remains on bail under terms previously set by the High Court. Mr. Justice Tony Hunt directed the accused to return to court on July 19, when a trial date may be set. The matter is at the procedural stage of trial preparation, with no plea, finding, or sentence recorded. Allegations state that Mr. Mulready-Woods was last seen alive in Drogheda on 12 January 2020. The following day, dismembered body parts were found in a sports bag in Coolock, Dublin, and two days later, further remains were discovered in a burning car in Drumcondra. The torso was located 14 months later in March 2021 during a search of waste ground at Rathmullan Park. The court proceedings described are limited to the service of the trial notice and the scheduling of a future hearing; the case has not been concluded or finalised.
Paul Crosby and Gerard Cruise, both accused of murdering 17-year-old Keane Mulready-Woods, will stand trial at the non-jury Special Criminal Court. The Director of Public Prosecutions applied for the transfer, and Mr Justice Tony Hunt granted the request at the three-judge court. Neither accused entered a plea, and no findings or sentences were recorded at this procedural stage. The DPP alleged that Crosby, 25, of Rathmullan Park, Drogheda, and Cruise, 47, with addresses in Dublin 1 and Rathmullan Park, committed the murder at a house in Rathmullan Park between January 12 and 13, 2020. Crosby is currently in custody, while Cruise is on bail. Both men are required to attend court on June 18, though no specific trial date has been set. The matter was adjourned for that date and is not yet concluded. Background details indicate the victim was last seen alive in Drogheda on January 12, 2020. Subsequently, dismembered body parts were found in a sports bag in Coolock, Dublin, and further remains were discovered in a burning car in Drumcondra. The torso was located 14 months later in an overgrown ravine at Rathmullan Park during a search on March 11.
A man from Dublin has appealed his conviction for membership of an unlawful organisation after a trial in the Special Criminal Court in 2018. Ciaran Maguire, aged 32, and co-accused Kevin Braney were found guilty of IRA membership following an incident in Co Meath on 13 July 2017, when the two men allegedly threatened a construction worker and demanded he withdraw a workplace injury claim against his former employer. The victim had suffered fractures to his arm, wrist and pelvis in a roof accident. Maguire was sentenced to four years and eleven months imprisonment. His counsel raised grounds of appeal this week, including claims regarding the lawfulness of his arrest, the admissibility of surveillance evidence, and alleged unfair trial procedures. The Director of Public Prosecutions' office contested these submissions. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice John Edwards, reserved its decision.
A man has been sentenced to nine years in prison by the Central Criminal Court for the rape of a woman in her Donegal home on August 9, 2017. The 38-year-old pleaded guilty to oral rape during an attack lasting approximately ninety minutes. Additional charges of attempted rape, two counts of sexual assault and criminal damage were taken into consideration. Mr Justice Michael White described the offence as falling into the most serious category, citing the breach of trust between long-standing friends, the level of violence employed and the extended duration of the assault. The court noted a second man was present during the incident. The woman provided a victim impact statement detailing the psychological harm she has sustained. The defendant was also imposed a one-year post-release supervision order.
A 45-year-old man from Carndonagh has received a suspended sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of firearms. Stephen O'Connor was convicted of holding two semi-automatic pistols and ammunition concealed in a Henry Hoover vacuum cleaner at his home on 7 September 2019. During sentencing, the court heard that O'Connor, described as vulnerable and struggling with mental health difficulties, had been approached repeatedly by a criminal acquaintance and agreed to store the weapons to "get them off his back". A search of a van behind his residence uncovered the loaded handguns, which were found to be in working order. Judge Elma Sheahan imposed a four-year sentence, suspended in full for four years, subject to strict conditions. The judge acknowledged O'Connor's vulnerabilities and lack of previous convictions while noting the offence occurred during significant gangland activity in Dublin. He was ordered to sever all contact with persons involved in criminal activity.
Robert Wynne, 37, a legitimate nutrition supplements supplier, was jailed for 21 months after pleading guilty to possession of prescription‑only steroids—Metogen, TrenaGen, Clenbuterol and Enegen—without a prescription. He had bought the substances in Northern Ireland and supplied them to friends and acquaintances from his home and two business premises. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court noted his prior convictions for assault and endangerment, for which he had received suspended sentences, and emphasised that the drugs were dangerous and required proper supervision. Judge Martin Nolan highlighted Wynne's lack of qualifications to advise on the substances and his deep involvement in the illicit enterprise. The court ordered the forfeiture of €20,000 found in a locked cash box, and Gardaí seized small amounts of cocaine, zopiclone, and a mix of steroids valued at about €10,000, along with €15,710 of muscle‑bulking and fat‑burning drugs across all locations.
Wenzi Wang, 38, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to charges including providing a false birth certificate for a passport application in Co Donegal in May 2009, six counts of deception in Co Dublin and Co Meath between 2010 and 2017, two counts of giving false information to a registrar in Co Dublin, and possession of an air rifle, ammunition, and Garda Síochána-resembling apparel at his address in November 2017. Prosecution evidence alleged Wang lived under the false name Sau Kee Lee for eight years after purchasing another person's Northern Irish birth certificate to obtain an Irish passport and other documents. Defence counsel submitted that Wang was a model citizen who paid taxes and committed no other offences while using the alias. The court heard that an investigation began after Wang registered his second child's birth under his real name, leading to a search of his home where false documentation and the disputed items were found. Wang admitted to gardaí that he bought the apparel for a Halloween costume and the air rifle from a friend, never using it. Judge Pauline Codd ordered a report from the Probation Service and adjourned the matter for finalisation to July 5. The matter was adjourned and not concluded.
A man has pleaded guilty to orally raping a woman in her Donegal home on August 9, 2017, during an attack lasting approximately 90 minutes. The Central Criminal Court heard that the 38-year-old defendant, who had known the victim for seven years, called her that evening requesting to visit for drinks. He arrived with another man whose case remains before the courts. During the evening, the defendant attempted to ply the woman with alcohol before sexually assaulting her and dragging her into the bedroom. The woman screamed throughout the ordeal and was in considerable pain. Both men eventually left, and she contacted gardaí. A charge of attempted rape, two counts of sexual assault, and criminal damage were taken into consideration. The victim read a statement describing how the defendant exploited her vulnerable circumstances, noting she has since achieved over three years of sobriety. The defendant initially denied being present but later maintained he had no memory of the night after viewing CCTV footage. His DNA was recovered as evidence.
The High Court in Dublin is examining two separate challenges to mandatory hotel quarantine requirements for people arriving in Ireland from designated countries. Counsel for the applicants argued that the measures breach constitutional rights to liberty and amount to unlawful detention. One applicant is a healthcare worker based in Letterkenny, County Donegal, who returned from South Africa on 9 April and has since tested negative for Covid-19 twice. The second applicant, a fully vaccinated healthcare worker from Dublin, returned from Dubai on 10 April. Both cases raise questions about the proportionality of the scheme and whether individual circumstances receive adequate consideration. The State's medical adviser, Dr Darina O'Flanagan, defended the quarantine measures as necessary and proportionate responses to pandemic risks, particularly regarding variants. Mr Justice Brian O'Moore is hearing the inquiry and indicated he would deliver a decision shortly after proceedings conclude. The hearing resumed on Saturday morning for State submissions.
Lidl Ireland and Lidl Ireland Gmbh, acting as applicants, brought defamation proceedings against the Irish Farmers Association (IFA), its President Tim Cullinan, and Vice-President Brian Rushe. The applicants alleged that the IFA published media advertisements and statements claiming Lidl's own-brand milk is not Irish and that the chain misled customers. Lidl contended these allegations were untrue and defamatory, seeking an injunction under Section 33 of the 2009 Defamation Act to prohibit further publication of such claims pending the full dispute. The applicants stated they source their 1-litre milk from Arrabawn in County Donegal and their 2 and 3-litre cartons from Strathroy in Northern Ireland, which sources milk in Ireland. They rejected accusations of creating a "fake dairy" or "phantom farm," clarifying that "Coolree Creamery" is a registered trademark rather than a physical creamery. Lidl also denied engaging in branding strategies to drive down prices paid to farmers, noting that farmers are paid via milk processors. The matter came before Mr Justice Senan Allen, where Lidl sought ex-parte permission to serve short notice on the defendants. The judge adjourned the action to a date in April, following the court's Easter vacation.