An unnamed 16-year-old defendant appeared at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where he pleaded guilty to five counts of sexual assault in the Balbriggan area of Co Dublin. The charges relate to incidents involving four women and one teenage girl last year. The court heard that the first alleged assault occurred on January 20, 2015, when the teenager allegedly grabbed a 39-year-old woman walking to work. Subsequent alleged offences included an incident on January 24 involving a 19-year-old woman, an attack on a 34-year-old woman on January 26, an assault on a 14-year-old girl on February 1, and an incident involving a 35-year-old woman on February 5. The defendant was arrested on February 6, 2015, and admitted the offences during interview. Counsel Tara Burns SC submitted that the teenager had made strong efforts to address the matter. Judge Patrick McCartan imposed a sentence of 12 months detention, suspended for two years. The suspension is conditional upon the defendant completing the recovery programme in which he is currently participating.
Anthony Handley, 64, was jailed for two years after his off‑road jeep, while he was in a brief micro‑sleep, veered off the road and struck a young mother, Olivia Dunne, and her 15‑week‑old daughter, Éabha Dunne, near Balbriggan on 17 January 2014. Olivia Dunne, 31, died instantly; Éabha suffered severe injuries, including multiple broken bones, and remains in a coma with ongoing medical needs. Handley had no alcohol or drugs in his system and had only four hours of sleep the night before. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Patrick McCartan refused a suspended sentence, citing Handley's fatigue as an aggravating factor, and imposed a two‑year custodial term and a ten‑year driving ban. The judge emphasised the need for drivers to remain alert and expressed sympathy for the victims' families. The case highlights the dangers of driving while tired.
David Drumm, aged 49, will face two separate trials in 2017 and 2018 for alleged offences committed while he was CEO of Anglo Irish Bank. He is charged with 33 counts under two bills, including conspiring to defraud depositors and investors by falsely presenting €7.2 billion of deposits as larger than they were in 2008, and an additional charge relating to the EU transparency directive. The first trial is scheduled for 24 April 2017 and is expected to last 12 weeks, though the solicitor warns it could be longer. The second trial, set for 12 January 2018, covers 16 counts of offering unlawful financial assistance to members of businessman Sean Quinn's family and 10 other individuals, plus 14 charges of falsifying documents, and is expected to take about two months. Drumm has not yet entered a plea. His bail conditions were relaxed, allowing him to sign on at a Garda station once per day instead of twice.
Anthony Handley, 64, of Whitethorn Grove, Artane, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to dangerous driving that caused the death of Olivia Dunne and serious bodily harm to Éabha Dunne in Balbriggan on 17 January 2014. Judge Patricia Ryan adjourned the case for sentencing on 10 May, when all evidence will be heard.
Shahzad Hussain, 35, of Woodland Avenue, Mosney, Co Meath, pleaded guilty to killing a man he suspected of having an affair with his wife. He had previously been jailed for life for murdering his wife's cousin and a distant relative, Muhammad Arif, 32, and had received sentences of seven years for seriously injuring his wife, Rashida Bibi Haider, 44, and two years for assaulting her. In July 2014 the Court of Criminal Appeal quashed his murder conviction and ordered a retrial, after a three‑judge panel found a "very real risk of injustice" in the trial judge's explanation of provocation to the jury. The retrial led to a plea of not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter of Mr Arif. Hussain remains in custody awaiting sentencing, which will be set on Friday morning at 11 am.
Jamie Gordon, James Gantley, and David Ward were sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to various charges. Gordon, who admitted to trespassing with intent to commit an offence at an ESB substation on Ninth Lock Road, Clondalkin, on November 3, 2013, received a three-year jail sentence suspended in full on the condition that he keep the peace for five years. Gantley, who pleaded guilty to demanding money with menaces from DX staff, was sentenced to five years, which was suspended in full. Ward, who also pleaded guilty to demanding money with menaces from DX staff and attempting to dishonestly cause a loss to FBD Insurance between July 22, 2013, and January 1, 2014, was sentenced to one year in prison. The court noted Ward's previous conviction in determining his effective custody. All defendants had admitted their respective charges, and the proceedings reached the sentencing stage with no further adjournments recorded for these specific finalisations.
Two cousins, Edward Wall (43) and Patrick Wall (36), were jailed after pleading guilty to burglary at The Park, Highlands, Drogheda, Co. Louth, on 31 October 2014, and to attempted burglary at Gainstown, Co. Meath, on the same date. Both were pursued by the Emergency Response Unit after a car, carrying house‑breaking tools and stolen items, fled from a silver Mazda. The car collided with Garda vehicles; Edward escaped but was arrested, while Patrick was taken from the rear by an armed Garda. The court imposed four‑year sentences on each, suspending the final year, and ordered €500 from each to be paid to the burglary victim. The defendants' prior convictions and the details of the burglary, including the €4,600 damage and the missing €349 Armani watch, were noted in the proceedings. The defendants offered €3,000 each as tokens of remorse. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Patrick McDonagh, 26, of Balbriggan, was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment for causing serious harm to Garda Ciaran Murrihy on 29 August 2015. McDonagh pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment, assaulting Garda Stephen Hughes and Garda Vincent Turley, unlawful use of a vehicle and criminal damage. The seven‑year term was imposed for the most serious charge, with a concurrent sentence of three and a half years for assaulting Garda Hughes. The sentences run from 31 August 2015, the date McDonagh entered custody. Garda Murrihy, who is now wheelchair‑bound, described the incident in his victim impact statement, saying the attack left him feeling "useless" and that McDonagh had "stole my life". McDonagh has 19 prior convictions, including drunk driving, robbery and aggravated burglary. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
In the Central Criminal Court, Dragos Nica, 30, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity for stabbing Michael Gannon, 55, to death on 14 November 2013. Nica admitted to the stabbing and that Gannon died from the wound. He claimed he was poisoned by Gannon's daughter, Jade, and that the poison forced him to act. Garda Sergeant David Kemp recounted that Gannon was babysitting children when Nica entered the house, stabbed him, and fled. Nica later called 999, stating he was poisoned and had to kill to stop it. He was interviewed four times, during which he described feeling a "poison" sting, being angry and despairing, and that he had stopped his medication and smoked cannabis. The jury heard evidence of Nica's acute schizophrenia at the time of the killing. The trial is expected to last three days.
Aaron O'Neill, 20, and his friend Colin Hammond, 21, were found guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of making a false bomb report on Bath Road, Balbriggan, on 13 January 2015. O'Neill had been drinking and taking tablets with Hammond when he decided he did not want to go to work the next day. He paid Hammond to call a pay‑phone outside Hammond's home, claiming an Islamic State bomb would detonate in 12 hours. The hoax caused a motorway closure, disrupted air‑traffic control and forced the evacuation of 300 Intel employees, preventing 4,000 staff from working. Both men had no prior convictions. Judge Martin Nolan described Hammond as "profoundly stupid" and imposed 200 hours of community service in lieu of a two‑year sentence. Judge Melanie Greally later confirmed the order, giving O'Neill one year to complete the work. The case highlighted the serious disruption caused by the hoax call.
Stefan Onofrei, a 35‑year‑old Romanian, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment for stealing €85,000 from the State by claiming social welfare under a false name 463 times between 2009 and 2015. He pleaded guilty to six sample counts of theft of job seeker's benefit, job seeker's allowance, supplementary welfare allowance, emergency means payment, rent property supplement allowance and family income supplement. The Court of Appeal rejected his appeal against the severity of the sentence. The judge noted that Onofrei had originally been charged with 436 counts, each claim constituting a separate offence. He had used a false ID and PPS number, obtained a Lithuanian passport and driving licence, and claimed benefits while his wife was employed. The appeal was dismissed, and the debt to the State remains to be recovered. The case was heard by Mr Justice George Birmingham, Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan and Mr Justice Alan Mahon.
Brian Quinn, a psychiatric nurse aged 47, had been convicted in 2014 of seriously assaulting Lee Harte and assaulting Kurtis Lennon and James Toner Junior, and of producing a knife, after a 2011 incident at a neighbour's 18th‑birthday party. He was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment. Quinn claimed he acted in self‑defence, arguing that he was attacked by a drunken crowd and that any force he used was lawful. The Court of Appeal found that the trial judge had failed to give the jury clear directions on the two‑part test for self‑defence, particularly the subjective element of Quinn's belief and the objective element of reasonable grounds. The appeal was allowed, a retrial was ordered, and Quinn was remanded on bail pending the next hearing on January 28. No other charges were altered or new convictions imposed. Brian Quinn pleaded not guilty.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, 18‑year‑old Paddy Lawrence was found guilty of unlawful taking of a car, handling stolen property, criminal damage and dangerous driving. On 4 March 2015 he stole a Skoda Octavia from a Balbriggan house, then drove it at high speed, causing a collision on Naul Road that smashed into a car driven by Eddie Tiernan. Tiernan's ten‑year‑old son and eight‑year‑old daughter were inside the vehicle; all were hospitalised with minor injuries. Lawrence fled the scene, smirking when Tiernan asked him to help the trapped family escape. He was arrested later that day. The court described the crash as "inevitable" and Lawrence as "incorrigible", sentencing him to four years' imprisonment with the final 18 months suspended. The Skoda was written off and the other passengers were never apprehended. Lawrence has 37 prior convictions.
Aaron O'Neill, 20, and his friend Colin Hammond, 21, both from Balbriggan, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to making a false bomb report on Bath Road on 13 January 2015. O'Neill, after drinking and taking tablets, decided he did not want to go to work the next day and paid Hammond to call 999 from a payphone outside Hammond's home, claiming an Islamic State bomb threat at Intel. The hoax caused a motorway closure, disrupted air traffic control and prevented 4,000 Intel staff from working, costing the company an estimated 6,000 production hours. Judge Martin Nolan described the plan as "profoundly stupid" and ordered Hammond to serve 200 hours of community service instead of a two‑year sentence. O'Neill's case was adjourned to January for a probation report to determine suitability for community service. No prior convictions were recorded for either man.
Brian Quinn, aged 47, was convicted in 2014 of seriously assaulting Lee Harte and assaulting Kurtis Lennon and James Toner Junior, and of producing a knife, after a series of stabbings at a birthday party on 9 October 2011. He was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment by Judge Carmel Stewart. Quinn has now filed an appeal, arguing that the trial judge's directions to the jury on the law of self‑defence were inconsistent. His counsel, Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha, SC, contended that the judge first instructed the jury that an honest belief in the necessity of force was required, then later told them to decide whether the type and amount of force used was reasonable, thereby mixing subjective and objective elements. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Justices Garrett Sheehan, Alan Mahon and John Edwards, has reserved judgment pending further consideration. The appeal concerns only the conviction, not the sentence. Brian Quinn pleaded not guilty.
Colin Hammond, 21, of Balbriggan, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to making false bomb reports that caused a motorway closure, air‑traffic control disruption and the evacuation of 4,000 Intel employees. He had been drinking and taking tablets with a friend who paid him €30 to make the calls because he did not want to work at Intel the next day. Hammond claimed bombs were at Intel and would explode in 12 hours, and when asked who made the call he said "Islamic State." Judge Martin Nolan described him as "profoundly stupid" and sentenced him to 200 hours of community service within 12 months, instead of two years' imprisonment. The court noted that 300 employees were evacuated, 3,700 were prevented from entering the site, the M4 motorway was closed, and air‑traffic control was disrupted before authorities realised the hoax.
In a High Court personal injuries case, Gerald Grimes, a 25‑year‑old from Balbriggan Street, Skerries, lost his claim after slipping in the toilets of Shenanigans Nightclub on 4 March 2012. Mr Justice Anthony Barr ruled that Grimes fell because he was "engaged in horseplay" with a friend, Mr Michael Caldwell, when a jump‑kick caused him to lose balance and fall on a wet floor. The judge found no negligence on the part of the nightclub, Highview Inns Ltd, which is in receivership, and dismissed the claim. Grimes had alleged a dislocated knee, severe pain, and loss of sporting ability, supported by Caldwell's testimony. Evidence from the nightclub's toilet attendant, Mr Elijah Fatiroti, who described the incident as horseplay and noted no liquid on the floor, was preferred by the judge.
Alina Onofrei, a 31‑year‑old Romanian mother of three, was sentenced to a suspended two and a half‑year term for fraudulently obtaining work and welfare benefits in Ireland. She had purchased a fake Lithuanian passport for €800 and used it to secure employment in a supermarket. Between August 2009 and September 2010 she claimed over €8,000 in maternity and illness benefits, presenting a doctor's letter with a false name. The court noted that she could not legally work in Ireland at the time because Romania was not yet an EU member. Onofrei pleaded guilty, had no prior convictions, and cooperated with Gardaí, expressing remorse. The judge suspended the entire sentence, citing her desperate need for employment and her husband's concurrent three‑year prison term for social welfare fraud. No further penalties were imposed beyond the suspended sentence.
In a 2015 case, a 21‑year‑old Dublin man named Colin Hammond pleaded guilty to making false bomb calls that shut down the M4 motorway, disrupted air traffic control and prevented 4,000 Intel staff from working. Hammond, who had been drinking and taking tablets, was paid €30 by a friend who did not want to go to work at Intel in Leixlip. He called 999 twice, claiming bombs would detonate in 12 hours and that "Islamic State" was responsible. The court heard that 300 employees were evacuated and 3,700 were prevented from entering the site, and that the incident cost Intel 6,000 hours of production. Judge Martin Nolan adjourned sentencing to October and indicated a potential sentence of 200 hours of community service in lieu of two years' imprisonment, pending suitability. The case highlighted the disruptive impact of hoax bomb threats on public safety and business operations.
John (Anthony) Kelly, 41, an executive officer with the Revenue, stole nearly €20,000 from the State by pocketing motoring fines for motorists without Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT). He targeted high‑end cars such as Porches and BMWs, stealing a total of €19,350 between March 2005 and January 2006. Kelly pleaded guilty to three counts of theft from the Revenue Commissioners at New Customs House, Dublin, and was sentenced by Judge Desmond Hogan to six years in prison, suspended in full for four years. The judge noted Kelly's financial difficulties and cooperation with Gardaí, and that he had repaid €3,490 to the court, which was ordered to be passed to the Revenue Commissioners. Kelly has since been fired from his position and is now employed elsewhere, having listed the Revenue as a reference when applying for his new job.
Stefan Onofrei, a 34-year-old Romanian national from Balbriggan, was sentenced to three years in prison at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to six sample charges of theft. The charges related to the fraudulent claiming of job seeker's benefit, job seeker's allowance, supplementary welfare allowance, emergency means payment, rent property supplement allowance, and family income supplement between January 9, 2009, and February 10, 2015. Prosecution evidence indicated Onofrei used a false identity to claim social welfare payments 463 times, with the State alleging a total loss of €97,207.24, although his defense disputed the figure, suggesting it was closer to €85,000. Judge Martin Nolan described the conduct as a serious fraud committed over a protracted period, noting that Onofrei engaged in a pattern of behavior to deceive the social welfare system. While acknowledging Onofrei's cooperation with the Garda investigation and his status as a hard-working family man, the judge imposed the custodial sentence. The matter was finalized with this sentence, concluding the proceedings.
Paula Reid, a 51‑year‑old mother of two from Drogheda, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 12 counts of theft between June 2010 and September 2012, having taken €4,790.97 from her former employer, Hugh Burrows & Sons Ltd. She had worked for the company for 30 years and was recently in charge of accounts and payroll. Reid had paid herself a double weekly wage on 12 occasions, a practice described by the Garda as "double‑dip payments." She was suspended from her job in January 2013 and subsequently dismissed. The court, hearing that she had paid back the money by bank draft, sentenced her to 200 hours of community service for six counts and imposed a two‑year suspended sentence in full for the remaining six counts. The judge noted her distressing personal circumstances, including a divorce and her son's serious injury, as mitigating factors.
William O'Neill, aged 27, was sentenced to four years in prison for robbing Goldsmiths' Jewellers in Balbriggan on 10 May 2013. He admitted to smashing display cases with a sledgehammer, stealing jewellery worth €15,357 and causing €2,800 in damage. O'Neill also pleaded guilty to an attempted robbery at Rush Newsagents in Drimnagh on 10 November 2013 and to possession of a Taser gun in Crumlin on 30 March 2014. He claimed the weapons were for smashing glass, not for harming anyone, and that the gang intended to split the loot. O'Neill had previously served a sentence at Mountjoy, where he witnessed the killing of inmate Gary Douch, and had a criminal record of 68 convictions. The court noted his history of drug offences, assaults, public order and criminal damage charges. The judge imposed the four‑year term, with no mention of a suspended portion or effective custody details.
During a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, the defence presented Garda Damien Rogers as a witness. Rogers recounted a 2011 search of an apartment at The Bakery, George's Hill, Balbriggan, where the deceased, Taiwo Jamani, was present. He noted that Jamani's address was Dublin Street and that the premises was a computer business named Data Links owned by Jamani. Rogers claimed he entered a Garda Pulse system entry stating that Jamani and two others should be made suspects of computer and credit card fraud, but he also said no prosecution followed and Jamani had no prior convictions. The trial concerned the 2013 murder of Jamani by 39‑year‑old Jooda Akanbi, who was charged with killing Jamani with a baseball bat on Main Street, Swords. The defence argued that the alleged fraud allegations were unrelated to the murder case. The trial continued into the afternoon. Jooda Akanbi pleaded not guilty.
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, 39‑year‑old Jooda Akanbi pleaded not guilty to the killing of 45‑year‑old Taiwo Jamani on 10 October 2013 on Main Street, Swords. The prosecution closed its case after the defence presented evidence that the fatal blow was delivered in self‑defence. Akanbi testified that he had been threatened by Jamani, who had allegedly tried to coerce him into fraud and had threatened to involve the Gardaí. Akanbi claimed he struck Jamani with a baseball bat after being punched and that the death was caused by the accused's actions. The judge struck the second count of serious harm from the issue paper, stating the death was caused by the accused's own actions. No conviction or sentencing was reported in the article.
In a North Dublin town, a 39‑year‑old man named Jooda Akanbi, of Ashton Avenue, Applewood, Swords, pleaded not guilty to two charges before the Central Criminal Court. He is accused of murdering 45‑year‑old Taiwo Jamani on 13 November 2013 on Main Street, Swords, and of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Jamani on 10 October 2013. Akanbi, wearing a black suit and cream shirt, was arraigned and a jury of five women and seven men was sworn in. The trial is set to begin the following day and is expected to last two weeks.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, John Anthony Kelly, a 41‑year‑old Revenue officer, pleaded guilty to three counts of theft from the Revenue Commissioners. Between March 2005 and January 2006, Kelly stole €19,350 in fines that motorists had paid to recover their cars after being found without Vehicle Registration Tax. He targeted high‑end vehicles such as Porches and BMWs, pocketing the fines instead of forwarding them to the State. The court noted that Kelly had been under significant financial stress, citing personal debts and medical expenses for his wife's fertility treatments. He was dismissed from his position and had applied for a new job, using the Revenue as a reference. Judge Desmond Hogan indicated that Kelly might avoid jail if he continues to repay the stolen money, and he was remanded on bail pending sentencing on 17 July.
Paula Reid, a 51‑year‑old mother from Drogheda, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 12 counts of theft totalling €4,790.97, having stolen nearly €5,000 from her former employer, Hugh Burrows & Sons Ltd, over a period from June 2010 to September 2012. Reid, who had worked for the company for 30 years and was recently in charge of accounts and payroll, paid herself a double weekly wage on 12 occasions, a practice described by Garda Vincent Healy as "double‑dip payments" or "bonus payments of an extra week's wages." She was suspended from her job in January 2013 and subsequently dismissed. Reid initially denied the thefts, attributing the discrepancies to a bank error, but later admitted the wrongdoing and repaid the money via a bank draft. The court noted that the thefts were not well hidden, as the double payments were clearly visible on bank statements.
Anthony Handley, 63, of Whitethorn Grove, Artane, is charged with dangerous driving causing the death of 31‑year‑old primary school teacher Olivia Dunne and serious bodily harm to her five‑month‑old baby Aoibhe. The incident occurred on Dublin Road, Balbriggan, on 17 January. Dunne died after pushing her buggy away from an oncoming vehicle, saving her baby's life. Handley appeared at Balbriggan District Court, was sent forward to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, and remains on bail with a €300 bond. Judge Dermot Dempsey gave him an alibi caution and allowed two senior counsel for defence.
At Balbriggan District Court, Artur Pietrynka (40), of Rush, pleaded guilty to urinating in public, being intoxicated, and using threatening and abusive behaviour on Upper Main Street in Rush on November 22nd. Judge Dermot Dempsey sentenced him to 240 hours of community service work in lieu of a two-month prison term. In a separate matter, Andrew O'Rourke (49) pleaded guilty to stealing €60.70 worth of food from the Noodle Box restaurant in Balbriggan on August 11th last year. Judge Michael Coughlan convicted O'Rourke and fined him €500, allowing six months to pay. Vatalie Raru (33), of Rush, is alleged to have possessed a nun chuck and used threatening and abusive behaviour towards gardai on December 17th. The matter was adjourned, with Raru remanded on continuing bail for a hearing on May 11th at Swords District Court. Additionally, Andrea Bunce (44), of Skerries, is alleged to have stolen stock and cash from Castle News & Toys in May 2013. Her case was adjourned to be heard on May 11th at Swords District Court, where she elected to have the trial at District Court level.
In Swords District Court, Mark Sheehan (25) pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and had his case adjourned until April 13th following a request from the Probation Service for further assessment. Sheehan has 15 previous convictions and was previously given a six-month suspended sentence and a six-year driving disqualification. Michael Reilly (21) pleaded guilty to stealing a remote controlled car and was convicted in his absence. As he did not appear to pay the €250 compensation, Judge Dempsey imposed a default order and fined him €250. Helen McDonnell (25) pleaded guilty to using a false driving licence and stealing groceries. Her case was adjourned until March 30th for a repayment meeting with the furniture store and to provide proof of arrangements. Adrian O'Reilly (50) pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour. Judge Dempsey ordered him to make a charitable donation of €250 to Pieta House and applied Section 1.1 of the Probation Act.
In Swords District Court on 2 March 2015, several cases were heard. Dean Whelan, 27, pleaded guilty to stealing €85 from a Polish shop's cash register to pay a drug debt. He was sentenced to two months' imprisonment, a term that will run concurrently with a three‑year sentence he is already serving. Brendan Donovan, 61, admitted possession of a stolen van that had been listed on Done Deal. He was adjourned until 27 April to arrange €500 compensation for the van owner's tools. Kevin Carroll, 27, failed to appear after pleading guilty to damaging a restaurant window, leading to a bench warrant. Patrick Joyce, 22, was convicted of stealing soft drinks worth €5, fined €100, and warned that a further offence could result in custodial time. Each case was addressed with the specific charges, pleas, and court orders as stated in the article.
In Balbriggan District Court, Derek Guildea, 51, received a four‑month suspended sentence after pleading guilty to unlawfully possessing a combat knife at Balbriggan Garda Station on 24 October last year. The knife, described as a four‑inch blade, was found strapped to his right ankle when he entered the station. Sergeant Tony Tighe reported that Guildea approached the station aggressively, reached for the knife, and was stopped by Garda Paul McGeough before he could fully draw it. Guildea, who has 13 prior convictions, claimed he was bringing the knife to hand it over to the gardai and had no intention of using it criminally. Defence solicitor Fiona D'Arcy explained that he had been dealing with mental health issues and had lost weight due to stress. Judge Dermot Dempsey imposed a two‑year peace bond on Guildea in addition to the suspended sentence.
In Balbriggan District Court on 26 February 2015, two women, Eileen McDonagh (36) and Carolyn Ward (29), were dealt with for stealing €1,782.35 worth of children's clothing from Tesco Extra. McDonagh donated €300 to the Laura Lynn Hospice, leading Judge Dermot Dempsey to apply Section 1.1 of the Probation Act and grant her probation. Ward, who did not attend court and made no donation, was convicted and fined €300. Both had no prior convictions and were described by their solicitor as acting out of desperation with no sophisticated planning. Separately, Ryan Myles (21) was adjourned for a Probation & Welfare Report after pleading guilty to theft of cosmetics and possession of cannabis resin, with 10 prior convictions. A motorist, David Boylan (48), was fined €300 for careless driving after a collision at a crossroads but was not disqualified. Finally, Mathew Lencewicz (21) was convicted of drink driving, fined €200, and received a six‑month driving ban.
Paul Flood, 36, of Balbriggan, pleaded guilty to nine counts of theft totaling €19,332 from Weirs Jewellers in Dublin between April 2010 and September 2012. He admitted using the gift‑card and cash‑point systems to conceal the embezzlement, taking cash from the till while falsifying balances. Flood claimed undiagnosed bipolar disorder and acute depression influenced his actions, a view supported by psychological reports presented at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Martin Nolan accepted the evidence and, noting Flood's lack of prior convictions and mental health condition, imposed a three‑year suspended sentence rather than custodial imprisonment. Flood agreed to repay the stolen amount in instalments and was suspended without pay by Weirs following the discovery of the discrepancies by his supervisor, David McCormack, who reviewed CCTV footage and confronted him. The court found no specific purpose for the stolen money, describing it as "just frittered away.".
Swords District Court heard several matters presided over by Judge Denis McLoughlin. Jandean Hyland, who pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, had his case struck out after paying €750 compensation. Anthony Lambe, convicted of causing criminal damage, was fined €200 and remanded on continuing bail until May 18th to pay the fine. Patrick McDonagh was convicted and fined €250 for theft, while his brother Eddie McDonagh, also convicted of theft, was given the benefit of the Probation & Offenders Act. Karl McQuillian, who pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis, had his case adjourned until May 18th for a Probation & Welfare report to assess suitability for 200 hours of community service in lieu of a five-month prison sentence. Algars Putnins, who pleaded guilty to intoxication, obstruction, and threatening behaviour, was remanded on continuing bail to reappear in May to make a €200 charitable contribution, with the Probation Act to be applied if the donation is made. Martin Maughan, who pleaded guilty to careless driving and failing to give a specimen, was disqualified from driving for four years and fined €300.
Balbriggan District Court heard several matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Noreen McDonagh (21) pleaded guilty to theft and was sentenced to 150 hours of community service in lieu of a one-month prison term. Artur Pietrynka (40) pleaded guilty to urinating in public, intoxication, and threatening behaviour; the case was remanded until April 9th for him to liaise with Probation Services. Niall Skelly (42), charged with failing to comply with gardai, threatening behaviour, obstructing gardai, and theft, was remanded on continuing bail until March 26th, with conditions prohibiting entry to a specific Tesco. Mark Kelly (35), charged with trespass and criminal damage, was refused bail and remanded in custody to Cloverhill to appear on February 25th. Additionally, Vatalie Raru (33), alleged to have swung a nunchuck at gardai, had his case adjourned to March 5th for a hearing date.
Swords District Court heard four matters. Rica Cantaragiu (28) pleaded guilty to driving without reasonable consideration on the R132 at Balrothery in May 2014. She was convicted and fined €150. Wojtek Jedrej (19) pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of drugs and unlawful possession of drugs. He was convicted, fined €400 for the driving offence, and disqualified from driving for four years, with the disqualification postponed until August 1st. He was also convicted and fined €300 for possession. Robert Kinsella (28) pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour in Swords in December 2014. The court ordered a probation report to assess his suitability for 240 hours of community service work in lieu of a two-month prison sentence. Anthony Byrne (21) pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of Ecstasy tablets in Coolock in July 2014. The matter was adjourned for a Probation & Welfare Report to be filed by April 13th.
Two Dublin men, Dean Evans (24) and Edward McGrath (33), were charged with the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly and with firearm offences on 6 March 2013 in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath. A 55‑day trial at the Special Criminal Court collapsed after a failure in evidence disclosure. A third man, Sharif Kelly (44), was also charged with the murder but had remained on bail throughout the trial. At a High Court bail hearing, Mr Justice Michael Moriarty granted bail to Evans and McGrath, despite objections from senior Gardaí, citing the need for justice and the presumption of innocence. The retrial of all three men was fixed for the Special Criminal Court in January 2017. The judge set bail conditions including a curfew, daily Garda sign‑ins, provision of mobile phone numbers and keeping devices switched on, and warned that any breach would bring the matter back before him.
Shane Howarth, 19, was sentenced to three months' imprisonment for stealing a Nokia Lumia mobile phone worth €300 from PC Style on Drogheda Street, Balbriggan, on 11 October 2014. He pleaded guilty before Balbriggan District Court. The theft was captured on CCTV and Howarth was identified after the shop owner discovered the phone missing. He had previously received an adult caution in September 2014 and had no prior convictions. Howarth was offered the chance to pay €300 in compensation but only had €50 in court. Judge Dermot Dempsey noted that Howarth did not appear concerned about paying the compensation and therefore imposed the custodial sentence. The sentence was fixed on recognisance pending appeal. The case was heard by Inspector Neil Curran and defence solicitor Donogh McGowan, who described the crime as opportunistic and foolish. The court recorded that Howarth had consumed alcohol on the day of the offence. The sentence was imposed on 12 February 2015.
Balbriggan District Court heard three matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Jonathan Fitzpatrick, 26, of Balbriggan, pleaded guilty to using threatening and abusive behaviour on Drogheda Street in October last year. He was convicted and fined €200. The judge warned Fitzpatrick that he is sailing close to a custodial sentence and that further convictions would result in custody. Fitzpatrick claimed he could not remember the incident due to intoxication, though the judge noted no apology was recorded in garda files. Alan Boardman, 31, of Lusk, is alleged to have been in possession of cannabis for sale or supply, valued at over €13,000, and to have unlawfully possessed cannabis and PVP in Lusk last August. The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed trial on indictment. The matter was adjourned until April 9th for the service of the Book of Evidence, with Boardman remanded on continuing bail. Nicholas Hampson, 43, of Liverpool, is alleged to have assaulted Edward Connolly causing harm on New Year's Day in Lusk. The State is awaiting medical records to determine DDP directions. The matter was adjourned until April 9th, with Hampson remanded on continuing bail.
During a hearing at Swords District Court, James Heraghty, aged 50, was removed from the courtroom after calling the Gardaí a "gang of thugs" and "dirty liars" and shouting "Make me" at Judge Dermot Dempsey. Heraghty had been charged with assaulting Garda Gavin McGee, obstruction, using threatening and abusive behaviour and being intoxicated on 29 April 2014 at Vauxhall Street, Balbriggan. The Gardaí had detained him after an incident at the Combined Clubs Community Centre where he had shouted at the building and struck the Garda. Heraghty was arrested, brought to the station and later stood up and refused to sit when Judge Dempsey ordered him to. He was warned not to disrupt the court again. Judge Dempsey convicted him of obstruction, assault and threatening behaviour, sentencing him to four months in prison, with the terms run concurrently. The court noted he had 68 previous convictions, including four for assaulting Gardaí. James Heraghty pleaded not guilty.
Swords District Court heard four matters. Gary Daly, 25, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of PVP. He was deemed suitable for 240 hours of community service in lieu of a prison sentence and is currently engaging with the Probation Service. Ann Gavin, 45, pleaded guilty to theft of clothes and theft of perfume and hair dye. Judge Dermot Dempsey convicted her and sentenced her to four months in prison. Babatunde Eyinola, 41, pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and driving without a driving licence. Judge Dempsey convicted him, fined him €400, and disqualified him from driving for one year for the insurance offence, taking the licence charge into consideration. Ailish Hammond, 38, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis herb. Judge Dempsey ordered a probation report to assess her suitability for 240 hours of community service in lieu of a three-month prison sentence. The matter was adjourned until April 20th.
Sean McAuley, 20, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of Ketamine, MDMA, and cannabis for sale or supply. Following the completion of voluntary work and a positive Probation Report, Judge Dermot Dempsey struck out the case. In a separate matter, John Butterly, 39, pleaded guilty to assaulting Peter Thompson and producing a baseball bat. Lorraine Butterly, 34, is charged with assaulting three individuals and producing a rolling pin. Peter Thompson, 41, pleaded guilty to assaulting John Butterly. All three were remanded on continuing bail until April 13th for a hearing at Swords District Court. Zacheaus Odinga, 45, pleaded guilty to driving without insurance on Drogheda Street in Balbriggan. Judge Dempsey convicted him, fined him €400, and declined to invoke disqualification under special circumstances. The report also notes that David Cummins, 25, is charged with attempting to steal cash and a can of Coke; his case is scheduled for March 30th. Jade Gannon, 32, pleaded guilty to theft and non-payment of a taxi fare, receiving fines of €100 and €75 respectively. Andrea Bunce, 44, is alleged to have stolen stock and cash; she was remanded on continuing bail until February 12th. John Maxwell, 36, is charged with possession of cannabis; his case was adjourned until March 12th for the service of the Book of Evidence.
In February 2015 the Special Criminal Court announced that a retrial of three Dublin men—Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44)—would take place on 12 January 2017. The men were originally charged with the murder of 35‑year‑old dissident republican Peter Butterly, who was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, County Meath, on 6 March 2013. Evans and McGrath also faced firearm offences. The first trial, which lasted 55 days, collapsed after a failure in evidence disclosure. The retrial was ordered following the disclosure of privileged material from a statement given by chief prosecution witness David Cullen to Gardaí in July 2013. Cullen, who had previously been a co‑accused, had turned State's witness and was already serving a three‑and‑half‑year sentence for lesser offences.
Balbriggan District Court heard several cases involving public order offences and criminal damage. Martin Daly, 24, pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour at Curran Park. Judge Michael Coughlan adjourned the matter until March 26th for an updated Probation Report, noting Daly's 28 previous convictions. Chris Iyaba, 24, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to a van at Millfield Shopping Centre. The court adjourned the case until March 5th to allow Iyaba time to pay the full compensation balance. Arturs Palancevics, 19, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to Rush Hardware and being intoxicated. Judge Coughlan applied the Probation Act, citing Palancevics' lack of previous convictions and his payment of compensation. In a separate matter, Catherine Joyce pleaded guilty to assaulting a garda and using threatening behaviour after an incident at Cardy Rock. The charge of being intoxicated was struck out. Judge Coughlan convicted Joyce and fined her €250, describing her conduct as disgusting and inappropriate.
Clinton McCahey, 31, of Fancourt Heights, Balbriggan, was sentenced by Balbriggan District Court to a six‑month suspended sentence for blackmail and extortion. He admitted sending two threatening letters to Mrs Eileen Reynolds, the grandmother of his former girlfriend, demanding €10,000. McCahey claimed he was "off his head" on drink and Valium when he wrote the letters and that he had no intention of carrying out the threats. The court noted that he had visited Mrs Reynolds' home, offered an apology, and had a cup of tea with her. He was warned that his life might be threatened if he appeared in court. Judge Michael Coughlan imposed the suspended sentence on the condition that McCahey attend Probation Service appointments, medical appointments, and comply with his doctor's prescription, with the suspension lasting two years. Clinton McCahey pleaded guilty.
Craig Gardiner, 63, of Gibbons Terrace, Balbriggan, was sentenced to four years' imprisonment for possession and distribution of child pornography. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of child pornography at Cyberzone cafe, Drogheda Street, Balbriggan on 1 November 2010 and to three counts of distribution of child pornography between June and September 2010. The judge, Martin Nolan, suspended the final two years of the sentence on the condition that Gardiner undergo probation supervision for two years. Gardiner's offences were discovered after a computer he used at an internet cafe became infected with a suspicious virus. Garda Louisa Gernan reported that two mobile phones seized from Gardiner contained 755 images of child pornography, including 39 images of boys aged two to ten. Emails sent by Gardiner were found to contain 217 similar images. Gardiner had no prior convictions and had briefly fled to Northern Ireland before voluntarily returning.
Swords District Court heard several matters involving defendants Emmet Fitzsimons, Antons Marchinkevics, and Gillian O'Donnell. Fitzsimons, 21, pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour in Swords. Judge Dermot Dempsey struck out the case after Fitzsimons paid €250 to the Garda Benevolent Fund, noting the defendant had apologised and completed a security course. In a separate matter, Antons Marchinkevics, 33, pleaded guilty to drink driving and driving without insurance following a crash in Rush. He was disqualified for three years for drink driving and two years for lack of insurance, and fined €400 for each offence. Marchinkevics provided a breath sample of 72mg/100ml. Regarding Gillian O'Donnell, 38, the court issued a bench warrant for her arrest after she failed to appear. She is alleged to have stolen footwear from Tesco Express in Balbriggan and to be in unlawful possession of cannabis. The matter remains at the pre-trial stage with no plea entered or finalisation recorded. Additionally, Caroline Joyce was granted a hearing date of March 23rd for alleged criminal damage and breach of a protection order, though she is not a validated subject in this summary.
The 55‑day Special Criminal Court trial of Dean Evans (24), Edward McGrath (33) and Sharif Kelly (44) for the murder of 35‑year‑old Peter Butterly collapsed after a failure in evidence disclosure. Judge Deirdre Murphy ruled the court must discharge itself as a jury and order a retrial. The collapse followed the revelation that privileged material from witness David Cullen's 2013 statement had been inadequately disclosed. Cullen, who had testified that he was part of the murder plan and had turned State's witness, had been given a partially redacted statement to the defence, breaching cross‑examination rights. The judge cited the unexplained failure of disclosure as undermining the integrity of the process, leading to the decision to remand Evans and McGrath in custody and Kelly on bail pending a new trial. The original case involved the shooting of Butterly in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, on 6 March 2013. Sharif Kelly pleaded not guilty. Dean Evans pleaded not guilty. Edward McGrath pleaded not guilty.