Cezary Halicki, 22, of Balbriggan, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession and distribution of child pornography. In April and December 2022, he was found with 12 videos depicting children aged 10 to 14 engaged in sexual activities, and he had forwarded these videos to others on four occasions. Garda Stephen Murphy explained that the case began when the US National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children alerted authorities to a suspicious video, leading to an IP trace to Halicki's home and a warrant for a December search. The search seized a laptop and three mobile phones, revealing 16 videos and messages in which Halicki expressed a desire for younger victims. A psychological report concluded he is not attracted to children. Judge Martin Nolan, noting Halicki's lack of prior convictions, education, and remorse, sentenced him to two years' imprisonment suspended for two years, imposed one year of probation supervision, and ordered his placement on the sex offenders register.
Sharif Kelly, 54, of Balbriggan, Co Dublin, has failed in his bid to pursue a conviction appeal before the Supreme Court regarding the 2013 murder of dissident Republican Peter Butterly. Kelly, who pleaded not guilty, was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Special Criminal Court in April 2017. The court heard that Dean Evans, who pleaded guilty to the murder, fired the three fatal shots into Butterly at the Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co Meath, while Kelly was the getaway driver. Kelly's earlier Court of Appeal challenge in April 2022 was dismissed, with judges unimpressed by his objections to the evidence of protected witness David Cullen. Cullen, who turned State's witness, had previously pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol at the scene and was sentenced in July 2014 to seven years in prison, with three and a half years suspended. Kelly's lawyers also sought to introduce fresh evidence concerning Garda Joseph Doyle, who was later jailed for corruption and deception offences. The Supreme Court refused leave to appeal, determining that issues regarding the admissibility of accomplice-type evidence are primarily for the trial court to analyse and that the Court of Appeal correctly applied established principles governing fresh evidence.
A 27-year-old fitness instructor from Donabate has been sentenced to six and a half years' imprisonment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following his conviction for drug trafficking. The man pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis on 26 May 2023 in the Balbriggan area of North Dublin. An intelligence-led garda operation led to his arrest after he collected a hired van from a gym in Finglas and travelled to Cavan, where he collected drugs before being stopped by gardaí near Balbriggan on his return journey. Approximately 186 kilograms of cannabis herb and 291 bars of cannabis resin, valued at just under €3.9 million, were recovered from the vehicle. The defendant, who had no previous convictions, told gardaí he had experienced financial difficulties and accepted a one-off payment to transport the van, claiming ignorance of the quantity involved. Judge Martin Nolan departed from the mandatory minimum ten-year sentence, citing the defendant's early plea, cooperation, employment history, and low likelihood of reoffending.
Shirley Creighton, 49, of Derham Park, Balbriggan, pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious bodily harm after striking a woman in her late 80s who was crossing Bridge Street. The victim suffered a serious leg fracture, required surgery and skin grafts, and had her home adapted for independent living. CCTV showed the victim was halfway across the road when Creighton began her manoeuvre. Judge Dara Hayes, considering the seriousness of the offence, the victim's vulnerability, and Creighton's good character and post‑incident conduct, imposed a nine‑month custodial sentence but substituted it with 100 hours of community service to be completed within 12 months. Creighton had not driven for six months after the crash, had sold her car, and expressed remorse, with her family and local community holding her in high esteem. The court accepted her willingness to undertake community service and her request to retain her driving licence.
Adam Doyle, 31, of Balbriggan, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm after a verbal argument with Evan Somers on Dame Street, April 2022. CCTV footage shown in court showed Doyle walking away, followed by Somers, then Doyle punching him, causing Somers to fall and suffer a fractured eye socket and ankle fractures, requiring surgery and six days in hospital. Doyle had previously handed himself in after the footage aired on RTE's Crimecall, claiming no homophobic element. He admitted full responsibility, offered a letter of apology and €13,000 as a token of remorse, and presented a psychological report indicating low re‑offending risk. Judge Orla Crowe accepted the evidence, noted the serious consequences for Somers, and imposed an 18‑month suspended sentence, requiring Doyle to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for two years, with the sentence re‑entered if he attracts garda attention.
Patrick Joyce, 30, of Balbriggan, pleaded guilty to two burglary counts and one assault causing harm. The incidents occurred within 500 metres of his home on 7 and 8 March 2024. A neighbour heard a noise, chased Joyce, and recorded him; a bar manager reported Joyce taking a bottle of vodka; and a man was punched by Joyce after a confrontation at his front door. CCTV footage confirmed the assault. Joyce denied the offences but was arrested at 1 a.m. and later admitted guilt. He has 12 prior convictions. Judge Orla Crowe sentenced him to two years' imprisonment for the burglary and two years for the assault, to run concurrently, with the final six months suspended for one year. The sentence was back‑dated to include time already served.
Shirley Creighton, 49, of Derham Park, Balbriggan, pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious bodily harm on 12 July 2022 when she struck a woman in her late 80s crossing Bridge Street. The victim suffered a serious leg fracture, required surgery and skin grafts, and her home now needs adaptation. Creighton was not driving fast and did not see the pedestrian. She had recently lost a family member and wished the case to proceed. Judge Dara Hayes adjourned the case to 18 December and directed the Probation Service to assess her suitability for community service. Creighton has no prior convictions, sold her car after the crash, and has expressed remorse, offering a letter of apology and testimonials. She seeks leniency and wishes to retain her licence, arguing she has not driven since the incident and has regained confidence after six months. The court heard her husband and family are respected locally and that she has no further proceedings pending.
Leonard Merdanj, 42, of Westbrook Park, Balbriggan, was sentenced by Judge Martin Nolan to an additional two‑year prison term for possessing €380,000 worth of cannabis. The sentence runs consecutively to his existing nine‑year term for rape, which is set to expire in June 2028. Merdanj had pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis for sale or supply on 21 April 2017 at the same address. Gardaí searched his home following a confidential tip‑off, finding about 19 kg of cannabis in several locations, some wrapped in blankets. Merdanj admitted the possession during an interview and had previously been convicted twice. Defence counsel argued he was used by a third party to store the drugs because of debt and a drinking problem, and that his only role was to allow the use of his home. He is a father of two and a certificate from Albania confirmed no convictions there.
Owen Maughan, 22, was sentenced to the mandatory term of life imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of 65-year-old Christopher Hall. Maughan, of Dun Saithne Avenue, Balbriggan, pleaded guilty to the sole count of murder during a pre-trial hearing last month. The court heard that Maughan murdered Mr Hall at his home in Dun Saithne Green, Balbriggan, Co Dublin, between November 23 and 24, 2021. The sentence was backdated to July 4, 2022, when Maughan entered custody. Mr Justice Paul McDermott noted the focus rightly fell on the victim and his family. Prosecution evidence indicated Maughan had harassed and tormented the vulnerable victim, who had a brain injury, including directing him to ATMs to withdraw cash. A postmortem identified seven stab wounds to the neck and blunt force trauma to the head. Maughan has 39 previous convictions. Defence counsel stated Maughan was under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time and expressed remorse. The victim's daughter, Rebecca Hall, described the actions as "nothing but evil" and "senseless."
Owen Maughan, 22, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to the murder of Christopher Hall, 65, at his home in Dun Saithne Green, Balbriggan, Co Dublin. The single charge on the indictment alleged that Maughan murdered Mr Hall between November 23 and 24, 2021. Although the pre-trial hearing before Mr Justice Paul McDermott was scheduled to last two and a half weeks, Maughan indicated his wish to be arraigned and entered a guilty plea during the proceedings. The prosecution was led by senior counsel Garret Baker, while Philipp Rahn SC headed the defence team. Following the plea, the judge directed the preparation of a victim impact report. Maughan was remanded in custody until July 8, when it is expected that he will be sentenced to the mandatory term of life imprisonment. The court did not impose a final sentence at this stage, but rather adjourned the matter for sentencing after the report is completed.
In a 2016 hijacking, 29‑year‑old Ryan Cannon stabbed a taxi driver seven times, leaving the victim severely injured and bleeding on a road. The driver, who had parked outside a McDonald's in Airside Retail Park, was attacked after two men entered his cab. Cannon forced the driver to drive, then stabbed him while the driver tried to escape. The cab was later found burnt out in Balbriggan. Cannon, who had previously been convicted of drug and public‑order offences, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and unlawful seizure of a vehicle. The court, noting the victim's extensive injuries and the use of a knife, imposed a four‑year prison sentence on Cannon, with no part of the sentence suspended. The judge highlighted the seriousness of the offence and the victim's forgiveness, but did not reduce the custodial term. The case was heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 7 May 2024, two men, Gavin Mangan (47) of Bracken Close, Balbriggan, and Owen Kelly (37) of Seville Place, Dublin 1, were sentenced for a burglary that took place on 20 August 2022. The pair entered an elderly man's home armed with an imitation firearm and a meat cleaver, demanding money and taking €850 in cash. The victim was described as profoundly affected and fearing for his life during the incident. Mangan, who has 93 prior convictions, was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment with the final six months suspended. Kelly, with 87 prior convictions, received a sentence of eight years, with the final year suspended under a number of conditions. Both men have long‑standing drug addictions and were in custody before sentencing. The court noted their difficult childhoods and the presence of CCTV footage of the robbery. The combined jail term for the two offenders totals fourteen‑and‑a‑half years. Gavin Mangan pleaded guilty. Owen Kelly pleaded guilty.
Two men, Zhenmin Lin, 38, and Ervins Sermulis, 45, were convicted in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for possessing and transporting €620,000 worth of cannabis. They pleaded guilty to having the drugs for sale or supply and to having cash they believed to be or being reckless about whether it was proceeds of crime. The drugs were found in a taxi and a vehicle transporter in Balrothery, Balbriggan, after a Garda surveillance operation. Lin admitted involvement due to gambling debt, while Sermulis said he had been paid to transport the drugs from the UK and had a prior cocaine problem. Both men were sentenced to five and a half years' imprisonment. The judge noted their good mitigation, work history, and unlikely re‑offending, but said they had committed misjudgements because of personal needs. The sentence reflects their equal roles in the transport chain.
A 53‑year‑old man, Eoghan Peavoy, pleaded guilty to two counts of harassment against a barrister between February 2019 and August 2022. He sent a series of increasingly threatening, vulgar and sexually suggestive text messages, emails, voicemails and WhatsApp messages, including threats of violence and claims of fantasies about killing the victim and her children. He also contacted the victim's father, colleagues and other family members. The victim described living in fear, having to print photos of the man for her childminder and removing her work website to protect herself. Peavoy, diagnosed with schizophrenia, had been involuntarily detained under the Mental Health Act multiple times. At sentencing, a judge imposed a five‑year prison term suspended on strict conditions, directing him to take prescribed medication, remain in inpatient care if discharged, and have no contact with the victim or her family for five years and thereafter.
Ryan Murphy, 25, of Lusk, Dublin, pleaded guilty to knowingly making a false report to Gardaí and money laundering. He claimed a robbery in Balbriggan on 2 April 2020, alleging masked men took his bank cards and deposited €32,000 into his account. Gardaí found no CCTV evidence of such men and discovered an unusual €31,912 lodgement. Murphy admitted lying about the robbery, citing a €500 drug debt and fear of the criminals. He had provided his bank details via Snapchat, hoping to receive €3,000–€4,000, but never received money. The account was frozen upon receipt of the funds; he sought to "un‑freeze" it by filing a robbery complaint. Judge Martin Nolan described the crime as "pure stupidity" and imposed a two‑year suspended sentence, deciding Murphy did not deserve jail at this stage.
William Connors, aged 30, pleaded guilty to providing false documents for a fake passport application. He supplied his birth certificate and other papers to a third party who used them to apply for a passport at a Garda station in Kildare in January 2020. The application was certified by a Garda who is now facing charges. The Passport Office detected that the photos did not match Connors' previous passport and launched an investigation. Connors has 19 prior convictions, all for road‑traffic offences. He was sentenced by Judge Martin Nolan to a two‑year term, suspended on conditions, after the court accepted his remorse and the minor nature of his earlier offences. The case is part of a broader investigation involving several co‑accused, including the certifying Garda, who are due to stand trial next year.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 17 January 2024, a 23‑year‑old man named David Mbaya was sentenced to two years and ten months in prison for possessing €189,000 worth of cannabis for sale or supply at his home. The cannabis, weighing 9.4 kg, had been delivered to his Balbriggan address by gardaí after a sniffer dog detected it at Foyne's Logistics, Dublin Airport. Mbaya pleaded guilty on 3 October 2022. Judge Martin Nolan noted that had Mbaya been older he might have faced a longer sentence, but he considered his youth and described him as intelligent and capable of reform. Mbaya had previously been convicted of nine minor road‑traffic offences and was living with his sister, hoping to return to landscaping work and regain contact with his two children. The delivery had a strong smell, and Mbaya signed for it before being arrested. The drugs were analysed by Forensic Science Ireland.
Derek Guildea, 61, of Balbriggan, was sentenced to two and a half years' imprisonment for making 4,819 nuisance 999 calls between January 2021 and October 2022. He pleaded guilty to three counts of persistently calling emergency services to cause annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety. The calls were directed at the Garda emergency control room, the National Ambulance Centre and the 999 answering service, and included threats to a paramedic and to a call taker, saying he would kill the paramedic's children. The judge noted the sheer volume of calls disrupted ambulance and fire brigade responses and caused fear among emergency personnel. Guildea's sentence was suspended for 18 months on conditions that he desist from contacting emergency services unless a genuine need arises, and the sentence was back‑dated to his October 2023 arrest. He has 18 prior convictions and was diagnosed with a terminal illness in 2008. The court highlighted that alcohol was a core issue in his conduct.
The Court of Appeal has dismissed the appeal of Darren Murphy, who was convicted of the 2012 murder of Eamon Kelly. Murphy, of George's Place, Dublin 1, was found guilty by the Special Criminal Court in November 2021 for acting as a "spotter" in the gang's common design to ambush Kelly. He was sentenced to life in January 2022. The court also found Murphy not guilty of possessing a Glock pistol with intent to endanger life due to insufficient evidence. Murphy's legal team argued that the CCTV identification process was flawed and that Garda witnesses lacked credibility, claiming officers had prior knowledge of the case. Ms Justice Úna Ní Raifeartaigh rejected these submissions, stating the identification process was excellent and that the trial court's findings on witness credibility were not perverse. The appellate court agreed with the trial judge that the evidence demonstrated careful planning and advance surveillance, confirming Murphy's involvement in the joint enterprise. Separately, Sean Connolly, of Bernard Curtis House, Bluebell, Dublin, was jailed for life by the Special Criminal Court in 2015 for the same murder. The appeal hearing concluded with the dismissal of Murphy's bid to overturn his conviction.
Zahir Boudahane, 50, of Balbriggan, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to dangerous driving causing serious injury to William Burke, 32, on O'Connell Bridge on 10 June 2022. Boudahane, a professional truck driver with no prior convictions, was travelling in the bus lane on Bachelor's Walk, broke a red light and made an illegal right turn onto O'Connell Bridge. Burke was crossing the road from the Eden Quay direction when Boudahane's vehicle struck him head‑on, dragging him under the front of the truck. Burke's left leg was severely damaged, leading to a below‑the‑knee amputation and his current use of a wheelchair. The court, noting Boudahane's lack of intoxication, low speed (17 km/h), cooperation at the scene, and the loss of his livelihood, imposed a headline sentence of two years but reduced it to a fully suspended 18‑month sentence.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, truck driver Zahir Boudahane (50) pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious injury to 32‑year‑old William Burke on O'Connell Bridge on 10 June 2022. Boudahane, unfamiliar with the city centre, was driving in the bus lane on Bachelor's Walk when he broke a red light and made an illegal right‑hand turn onto O'Connell Bridge. Burke, crossing from the Eden Quay direction, was struck head‑on. He was dragged under the front of the vehicle, with the front wheel passing over his left leg and the rear wheel over his foot. Burke later reported seeing bones exposed and blood everywhere; Garda Cathal Keon described the injury as effectively "de‑gloved." Burke was treated at Mater Hospital, underwent urgent surgery, and ultimately had a below‑knee amputation. He now uses a wheelchair. Boudahane's dashcam showed a speed of 17 km/h; breath tests found no drugs or alcohol.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, a Kenyan woman who had been a close friend of John Ndungu for almost 20 years defended herself after he violently attacked her in her Balbriggan home on 21 June 2020. Ndungu, 42, had been drinking heavily and, after a verbal altercation, grabbed the woman in a chokehold, punched her, and inflicted severe injuries. She elbowed him in the genitals, threw items, and eventually escaped to call the Gardaí. The assault left her with two lost teeth, a fractured eye socket and cheekbone, and a total medical cost of about €4,000. Ndungu pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to a woman. Judge Martina Baxter sentenced him to 30 months in prison, with the final 18 months suspended on the condition of good behaviour and engagement with Probation Services. The woman's victim impact statement highlighted the emotional and physical scars left by the attack.
A 43‑year‑old man, Neilus Cooney, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for repeatedly punching a woman in her own home and threatening to slice and kill her. He also threatened to kill two Gardaí who came to the woman's aid after she fled and called for help. Cooney, who was armed with scissors, threatened a Sergeant from the Emergency Response Unit and claimed to have a firearm. He pleaded guilty to assault, causing harm, and threatening to kill the woman and a Garda. The judge imposed a headline sentence of four years, reduced to three years with six months suspended, and ordered him to keep the peace, undergo probation supervision for one year, and attend addiction services. The court noted his significant medical issues, remorse, and early plea as mitigating factors. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Paschal Kelly, aged 57, has failed in his appeal against conviction for a €92,000 post office robbery committed in September 2014. The Court of Appeal dismissed his challenge on all grounds, upholding his 18-year sentence imposed by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in 2018. Kelly, with last addresses in Cootehill, County Cavan, and Castlepollard, County Westmeath, was convicted of offences including false imprisonment, robbery, burglary and threatening to kill three women during the crime. The gang entered the home of postmistress Susan Lawlor in Malahide, bound her, her daughter and a student guest with cable ties, and transported them to Bayside Post Office in Sutton where the robbery occurred. Mr Justice John Edwards upheld the trial judge's admission of CCTV evidence and garda identification testimony, finding the evidence reliable and the conviction safe. Kelly's legal team indicated a sentence appeal remains pending. He has 60 previous convictions including robbery and assault.
A Workplace Relations Commission hearing involving Pauline Whelan, a creche worker alleging constructive dismissal by Helga Sweetman trading as Helga's Preschool in Balbriggan, was adjourned. Whelan, represented by Sinn Féin TD Louise O'Reilly, claims she suffered stress preventing her from seeking work. The respondent's barrister, Dominic Wilkinson BL, argued that without medical expert testimony, any compensation award would be limited to four weeks' earnings. Adjudicating officer Breiffní O'Neill noted the lack of a doctor or psychiatrist and cited the 2000 Employment Appeals Tribunal decision in Liz Allen v Independent Newspapers, where a psychiatrist's evidence was pivotal. O'Neill stated that Wilkinson could not cross-examine written sick notes and suggested Whelan seek a witness summons for her GP, though O'Reilly expressed reluctance to serve such a summons. Wilkinson proposed a medical assessment by an expert for the creche, which O'Neill said required Whelan's consent. The adjudicator declared the matter had reached an impasse regarding the doctor's attendance and adjourned the case to a later date yet to be confirmed by the WRC. No final determination was made.
David Lawlor, Patrick J Sweeney, Martin O'Toole, and Paul Beirne are on trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, having pleaded not guilty to 17 counts each, including false imprisonment, assault causing harm, aggravated burglary, arson, criminal damage, violent disorder, robbery, and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. The charges relate to an alleged early morning attack on security guards at a repossessed farmhouse in Falsk, Co Roscommon, in December 2018. On day 41 of the trial, defence counsel Seamus Clarke SC argued that the prosecution's case against Mr Lawlor relies solely on circumstantial evidence, which he described as insufficient to meet the burden of proof. Clarke specifically challenged the reliability of voice identification evidence provided by alleged victim Ian Gordon, noting that the recognition was based on only nine words spoken during a chaotic, noisy assault. The defence highlighted inconsistencies in Gordon's testimony, including unverified claims about previous interactions and licensing issues with his security company, suggesting potential credibility problems. Additionally, Clarke contended that mobile phone data and CCTV footage did not conclusively place Mr Lawlor at the scene, as the vehicle's brake lights differed from those in the footage. The defence urged the jury to consider reasonable doubt regarding Mr Lawlor's presence and involvement in the alleged joint enterprise. The trial continues.
Darren Murphy, of George's Place, Dublin 1, appealed his conviction for the 2012 murder of Eamon Kelly at the Court of Appeal. In November 2021, the Special Criminal Court found Murphy guilty of murder, acting as a "spotter" in a common design, while acquitting him of possessing a Glock pistol due to insufficient evidence. In January 2022, a three-judge court imposed a life sentence on Murphy. His legal team argued that the identification process from CCTV footage was flawed, citing credibility issues with Garda witnesses who had previously accessed Pulse records regarding Murphy. They contended that the Special Criminal Court erred in admitting the footage and assessing its weight. The State responded that the identification procedure was transparent and that witness credibility was properly assessed by the trial court. The appeal also referenced Sean Connolly, who was jailed for life in 2015 for the same murder. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice George Birmingham with Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and Ms Justice Úna Ní Raifeartaigh, reserved its judgment in the matter.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, 60‑year‑old Andrew Edward avoided jail for his role in a "classic invoice redirection fraud." Edward, of Dun Saithne Court, Balbriggan, had allowed an ex‑colleague to use his bank account, believing the colleague trustworthy. He pleaded guilty to money laundering on 4 March 2021 and had seven prior traffic convictions. Garda Barry Griffin reported €19,095 was transferred into Edward's account, flagged as suspicious, with €17,625 recovered; about €1,500 was withdrawn and not recovered. Edward admitted to permitting the use of his account and keeping €200 for himself. Rebecca Smith BL defended him as a married family man with medical issues, noting his remorse and cooperation. Judge Martin Nolan described the case as a reckless invoice redirection fraud, imposed a nine‑month sentence, and suspended it in full on strict conditions.
Erik Nemes, a 22-year-old college student from Skerries, Co Dublin, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for possessing the proceeds of crime. Judge Martin Nolan handed Nemes a one-year sentence, which was suspended in full. Nemes pleaded guilty to possessing €14,470 as the proceeds of crime at Bank of Ireland in Balbriggan on December 14, 2018. The funds were originally intended for the college fees of a UCD medical student from New Zealand, who discovered the money had been diverted to an account in Nemes's name. Prosecution evidence indicated Nemes provided his bank details to a friend under the pretext of obtaining discounted goods, before being pressured to withdraw cash and purchase iPhones. Judge Nolan noted that Nemes knew it was a criminal enterprise. The court ordered that €1,000 brought by Nemes be paid to the injured party within one month. Nemes, who studies engineering and technology at Drogheda Institute of Further Education, has no previous convictions. Defence counsel highlighted his difficult background and cooperation with gardaí, while the prosecution agreed he was unlikely to reoffend. A victim impact statement from the student's father, who suffered anxiety and had to replace the lost fees, was submitted to the court.
The family of Richard Gracey, a 64‑year‑old cargo loader who died after falling five metres from a plane at Dublin Airport on 24 November 2018, has asked that families receive more information about workplace deaths without waiting for a prosecution to finish. Gracey, who worked for Swissport Ireland since 2005, was unloading an Air France Boeing 777 when he fell headfirst onto the tarmac. The court heard that the main deck loader was 2.7 metres from the aircraft door, a gap that should have been no more than three inches, and that a yellow safety net was not attached correctly. Swissport admitted it had failed to provide adequate fall‑prevention measures and was fined €250,000. The judge noted that if the loader had been flush to the plane, the fatal accident would not have occurred, and the family's impact statement described profound grief and anger at the loss of a meticulous, safety‑conscious worker.
Four men are standing trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 53 charges arising from an alleged attack on security personnel during a property repossession at Strokestown, County Roscommon, in December 2018. Patrick Sweeney of Ramelton, County Donegal, Martin O'Toole of Claremorris, County Mayo, Paul Beirne of Boyle, County Roscommon, and David Lawlor of County Meath have each pleaded not guilty to charges including aggravated burglary, false imprisonment, assault causing harm, arson, criminal damage, violent disorder, robbery and animal cruelty. A security guard testified that approximately 30 masked individuals arrived at the property armed with weapons, assaulted four security staff, set vehicles alight and fatally injured a guard dog. The witness further told the court of previous hostile encounters with one of the defendants at other eviction sites. The trial is ongoing.
Peter Monks, 32, of Balbriggan, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to his then-partner on 30 November 2019 after returning home intoxicated from a night out. He punched, kicked, bit and pulled her hair, causing serious stress and bruises. The victim fled to a neighbour's house, later returned to find Monks sleeping, then was attacked again with a shoe. Gardaí recorded the injuries and arrested Monks. Monks admitted drinking heavily and could not recall details. He had 20 prior convictions. Judge Martin Nolan, after hearing counsel's request not to imprison him, imposed a custodial sentence of two years with the final 16 months suspended. The court noted the victim's recovery and Monks' mental health concerns, including a suicide attempt and a letter from his sister. The case remains at the sentencing stage.
Kevin O'Keefe, 37, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to three burglaries, two thefts, criminal damage, unlawful use of a car and dangerous driving on 15 August 2017. The offences were committed in Howth, Co Dublin, where he stole €164 worth of goods from a pharmacy, an iPad from a restaurant, car keys and a phone from a pub office, a staff member's mobile phone from behind a bar, and caused €100 worth of damage to a car at a hire company. O'Keefe, who has 98 prior convictions, told the court he wants to turn his life around and apologized to those affected. Judge Martin Nolan, noting his cooperation and admissions, imposed the custodial sentence and disqualified him from driving for two years. No victim impact statements were presented.
A man from County Cavan is appealing his conviction for a post office robbery in Dublin during which three women were tied up and abducted. Paschal Kelly, aged 56, was convicted in 2018 of robbery, false imprisonment, threatening to kill, and other offences relating to a €92,000 theft from Bayside Post Office in Sutton in September 2014. He was sentenced to 18 years. The Court of Appeal heard arguments on the strength of evidence against him. The State's counsel cited DNA evidence recovered from discarded clothing found at the scene and a bottle in the getaway vehicle, alongside CCTV footage and garda identifications of the driver. The defence challenged the quality of CCTV footage, arguing the jury should have been instructed not to make visual identifications themselves and questioned the reliability of mixed DNA profiles as evidence of guilt. The Court of Appeal reserved judgement.
In a case heard on 12 May 2021, Thomas Kenny, aged 61, pleaded guilty to eight counts of possession of clothing bearing registered trademarks. Gardaí seized a large quantity of counterfeit apparel from his home, including jumpers, hoodies, track bottoms, shorts and t‑shirts with logos of Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, Superdry, Puma and North Face. The items were largely mouldy, having been stored for over a year, and were described as poor quality with inconsistent sizing. Kenny explained that he had purchased a "job lot" in February 2020 but was unable to sell the goods because of the COVID‑19 lockdown. Judge Pauline Codd, noting his lack of prior convictions and his cooperation, imposed a €250 fine and ordered the destruction of the evidence, stating that the goods were not of a type that could easily deceive discerning buyers of luxury or branded goods. She described Kenny as "certainly not any kind of criminal mastermind.".
Scott Knight, 48, was sentenced to a fully suspended three‑year prison term for forging documents to obtain a fake passport to visit his UK girlfriend. The court noted his earlier 1996 murder conviction, later reduced to accessory to murder, and his five‑year sentence. Knight also has convictions for weapons smuggling in France, narcotics possession linked to a Belgian illegal organisation, drug dealing, and possession of drugs. He admitted to providing false documents for a passport application in 2015, using a stolen identity and false birth certificate and student ID. The offence was discovered when Knight applied to renew his own passport in 2019, where facial recognition matched his photo to the fraudulent application. Judge Pauline Codd imposed the suspended sentence, ordered two years of probation supervision, and required attendance at all appointments. Knight has cooperated with Gardaí and has engaged in drug‑free treatment for 16 months. The unnamed accused pleaded guilty.
Ross Gaffney, aged 20, was sentenced next month after breaking into Balbriggan Garda Station armed with a curtain pole and damaging a patrol car. He pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary and criminal damage on 15 October 2020. Gaffney has no prior convictions and has been under psychiatric care since his teens, including admission to a psychiatric unit in 2020. He was arrested after gardaí subdued him while he shouted for a sergeant and held the curtain pole. CCTV showed him entering the staff car park, striking a garda car three times, then entering the station through a back entrance. No victim impact statements were filed, and the gardaí involved did not take time off. The court ordered further reports, a probation assessment, and a urine analysis, and adjourned the case to 16 December for finalisation. The judge described the case as "highly unusual.".
Alex Weir, 28, of Gibbons Terrace, Balbriggan, was found guilty of possessing cannabis and cocaine in his shed, with the drugs valued at €85,500. He had no prior convictions and was described by his defence as intellectually disabled and on the autistic spectrum. Garda Aaron Shanahan explained that a search warrant was issued after a confidential tip, and that Weir admitted the presence of drugs in the shed, handing over six small bags of cocaine and later two bags containing cannabis and cocaine. The court, led by Judge Melanie Greally, considered Weir's particular difficulties and needs, deciding he was unsuitable for custodial imprisonment. Consequently, a four‑year prison sentence was imposed, fully suspended on strict conditions, including abstaining from non‑prescription drugs. The judge noted Weir's early guilty plea, cooperation with Gardaí, lack of previous convictions, and his dependence on family support. The case highlighted the court's focus on Weir's vulnerability and the mitigating factors presented by his defence.
Odinas Dziugas, 22, was sentenced to one year in jail at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for 11 counts of fuel theft from petrol stations on the M1 motorway between 6 and 21 August last year. He drove a grey Toyota Corolla, changing its registration number on several occasions, to fill up at Circle K in Dunshaughlin, Applegreen in Balbriggan and Applegreen in Castlebellingham, Co Louth, and also removed containers from his boot. The total value of the stolen diesel was €1,636. Dziugas pleaded guilty and had six prior minor theft convictions. Judge Martin Nolan, citing the defendant's desire for a "free journey", backdated the sentence to 9 May, when Dziugas entered custody. His defence lawyer noted an apology letter and family support, hoping the jail term will change his behaviour.
Dean Lawlor, 34, of Balbriggan, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assaulting a neighbour on 25 May 2020 after a drink together. He also admitted assault causing harm to another neighbour who tried to help. Lawlor had 22 prior convictions, including threatening and abusive behaviour. The victim woke up bruised, with no memory of the assault, and was taken to A&E. CCTV footage showed Lawlor beating the woman, hitting her face, attempting to smash her head off a counter, and pushing her against a wall. A neighbour and the victim's children witnessed the attack. Lawlor was arrested the next day, initially claiming self‑defence. Judge Martin Nolan accepted the guilty plea and sentenced Lawlor to 40 months' imprisonment, back‑dated to his initial custody.
A blind homeless woman, aged 39 and known as Rosemarie Fearsaor or Maria Rosita Apacha Marchega, pleaded guilty last year to five counts of stealing about €40,000 in welfare benefits between 2011 and 2015. She later claimed a wish to change her plea to not guilty, but the DPP was not notified. In court she represented herself, refusing a solicitor or barrister. Judge Martin Nolan, after noting the case had been adjourned 14 times and the accused's uncooperative behaviour, imposed a fully suspended three‑year sentence on strict conditions, including a bond to keep the peace. The judge warned that refusal to accept the bond would lead to custody. The woman interrupted the judge during sentencing, initially refusing the bond but later agreeing to abide by it. The State alleged she also claimed over £50,000 in UK benefits under false identities, and that she had used multiple names and false documents.
A man convicted of perverting the course of justice in connection with a 2013 dissident Republican murder has appealed his conviction at the Court of Appeal. Raymond Kennedy was sentenced to eighteen months imprisonment in May 2022 after the Special Criminal Court found him guilty of destroying a mobile phone SIM card on the day Peter Butterly was shot dead at Gormanston, County Meath. Kennedy's legal team argued he was unlawfully detained when gardaí instructed him to remain at the scene and that he should have been cautioned before making admissions about the device. The Director of Public Prosecutions' counsel contended Kennedy approached gardaí voluntarily and was afforded procedural fairness, including the option of a formal interview at a station. Justice John Edwards reserved judgment on the appeal. Four men have previously received life sentences for Mr Butterly's murder. Raymond Kennedy pleaded not guilty.
John Hanley, a 45‑year‑old tile shop co‑owner in Coolock, was sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to knowingly permitting the importation of drugs. On 10 October 2020 a pallet containing €1.94 million worth of cannabis was delivered to his shop on Malahide Road and signed for by a shop worker. Gardaí raided the premises and seized the drugs. Hanley told the court that he had accepted the delivery because he believed he was targeted due to his legitimate business and that he did so out of fear for his safety and that of his family. He claimed no other shop staff were aware of the drugs and that he had been threatened by individuals to hold them. Hanley had two prior convictions for minor offences.
Philip Daly, a 52‑year‑old former fisherman from Balbriggan, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to three burglary offences committed in 2020. He was found at a Supermacs in a Texaco service station on 24 May 2020, wearing underpants on his head, and had also broken into a hairdresser on 2 February 2020. Earlier that year he had been convicted of a burglary at the same Texaco station, for which he received a two‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence with the final 18 months suspended; he has served that term and is now under probation supervision. Judge Orla Crowe adjourned the case to clarify why sentencing had proceeded on one count separately and ordered an updated probation report and fortnightly drug testing. Garda Stephen O'Toole described how Daly jumped a fence, prised open the emergency door, and later returned to the station after a panic alarm.
Glen Guildea, 28, of Balbriggan, was jailed for two and a half years after a court hearing in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. He pleaded guilty to possessing more than €87,000 worth of cannabis, cocaine and ketamine for sale or supply. The offence was discovered when Gardaí observed him handing a plastic bag of 910 g of cannabis, valued at €18,218, to a driver of a white Volkswagen Polo while he was walking with his partner and five‑month‑old son. The bag was taken to the car boot, and a bin lorry helped the police catch him. A warrant search of his home found additional cannabis, ketamine and cocaine, weighing scales and two mobile phones. Guildea claimed he had a drug debt and was coerced into moving drugs, stating he had been threatened and that he had previously done this twice. He had two earlier convictions for criminal damage dating back to 2009.
Patrick McDonagh, 33, of Balbriggan, was one of eight men who attacked Martin Collins in a family feud on 7 February 2015. The attackers used two cars to ram Collins' vehicle, then assaulted him with golf clubs, baseball bats and slash hooks. While Collins was on the ground, McDonagh repeatedly stabbed him in the shoulder with a screwdriver, as other assailants struck him with weapons. Collins' brothers and his young son witnessed the assault, which left Collins with a broken arm, stab wounds and head cuts. He later required a plate in his arm and remains on painkillers. McDonagh had pleaded guilty to affray in April and was already serving a sentence for theft. In February 2016 he received seven years for driving a stolen car at a Garda. Judge Elma Sheahan sentenced McDonagh to three and a half years' imprisonment for the affray, to commence after his current term.
Edward McDonnell, a convicted sex offender aged 57, was sentenced to nine years' imprisonment by the Special Criminal Court for unlawful possession of a Grand Power G9 semi‑automatic pistol. The pistol was found in a car driven by Stephen Little, 48, who was also charged with possession of the weapon in suspicious circumstances. Little was sentenced to six years. McDonnell's appeal to the Court of Appeal was dismissed. The appeal argued that the disparity between McDonnell's nine‑year sentence and Little's six‑year sentence was an error, citing differences in plea timing, previous convictions and alleged involvement in a revenge plot for the murder of Sean Little, 22, who was shot dead in May 2019. The Court of Appeal, with Mr Justice McCarthy presiding, found no basis for the disparity and upheld the nine‑year sentence. Stephen Little pleaded guilty.
James Mohite, 23, pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering after a Dublin company mistakenly paid €6,370 and two smaller sums into his bank account when it was believed to be a supplier's. The company's owner discovered the error, contacted Gardaí, and provided bank documents. A search of Mohite's Balbriggan home revealed a bank document linking him to the fraudulent account. Mohite admitted his account had been hacked and that he had supplied his details to a third party, who promised €1,000. He had no prior relevant convictions except for driving without insurance. Judge Elma Sheahan, after considering mitigating factors such as his early guilty plea and family background, imposed a two‑year prison sentence suspended in full for two years, conditional on Mohite keeping the peace and behaving well.
Michael Joyce, aged 24, was sentenced to seven and a half years' imprisonment for assault causing serious harm to his cousin Christopher McDonagh, aged 35, on 24 January 2021. The incident occurred after Joyce and another man, both settled Travellers, had been drinking while watching a Conor McGregor fight. Video evidence showed Joyce repeatedly punching, kicking and stomping on McDonagh, who lay on the ground, before striking him with a fire extinguisher. McDonagh suffered dental and facial injuries, a serious brain injury and ongoing cognitive issues. Joyce pleaded guilty to one count of assault causing serious harm and had 38 prior convictions, including assault. The judge noted Joyce had taken drugs that night and became furious, describing the attack as prolonged and intentional. The sentence was back‑dated to the date Joyce entered custody for the offence.
In a 2020 incident, Charlene Lynham, 38, knocked on her former partner Colm Black's apartment door while intoxicated and stabbed him in the torso with a knife. The attack left a small wound; Lynham later claimed she had stabbed him "good enough." The struggle caused Lynham to wound her own hand when others wrestled the knife away. She pleaded guilty to assault causing harm. Black, who refused medical treatment and later recovered fully, did not provide a victim impact statement. Lynham had no prior convictions. The court considered her intoxication and lack of criminal history, and Judge Martin Nolan imposed a suspended two‑year sentence and ordered her to pay Black €2,000 within a year. The case was heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.