Patrick Paget, 30, of Ballymun, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to two robberies and an attempted robbery of personal belongings at Abbey Street, Dublin, on January 18, 2017. Judge Patrick Quinn imposed a 20-month sentence, with the final 15 months suspended, and credited any time Paget spent in custody. The judge described the offences as "cowardly" but noted Paget's significant rehabilitation efforts, stating he had done "Trojan work" and remained out of trouble since his last offence. The sentence was suspended on the condition that Paget remains drug and alcohol free and attends NA meetings. Prosecution evidence highlighted Paget's 128 previous convictions, including 25 under the Larceny Act, and an 18-month prison term for burglary in 2015. Defence counsel submitted that Paget has been drug-free for 23 months and has stable accommodation with his partner and child. Co-accused Paul Coady, 27, of Cabra, also pleaded guilty to the same offences on the same date, as well as an attempted robbery at Tesco Express, Aungier Street, on January 20, 2018. Coady, who has nine previous convictions for minor offences, was not sentenced at this stage and will be sentenced in October.
Patrick Hutch, aged 26, was released from the Special Criminal Court after the State dropped the murder charge for David Byrne's death at the Regency Hotel on 5 February 2016. The court heard that the shooting occurred during a boxing weigh‑in, with armed men in disguise and tactical garda uniforms entering the hotel. The prosecution alleged Hutch was the man in a wig, part of a shared intent to commit the offence, though he denied owning assault rifles. The Director of Public Prosecutions entered a nolle prosequi, and Judge Tony Hunt discharged Hutch. Hutch's counsel maintained his client's not‑guilty plea and contested the case. Family members of Byrne condemned the outcome as disgraceful. The case was further complicated by the death of Detective Superintendent Colm Fox, whose death was treated as a personal tragedy and not suspected foul play. The court had also considered evidence of emails between four gardai and notes from the late superintendent. Patrick Hutch pleaded not guilty.
Sean O'Kelly, 24, was sentenced to six years in jail for arson that endangered an elderly woman, her granddaughter and a ten‑week‑old great‑grandson. He set two cars on fire in a driveway, melting the front door and forcing the family to seek refuge in the back garden. The court heard that the blaze could have spread, posing catastrophic risk. O'Kelly also vandalised six other cars, stole items, and was convicted of robbery, burglary and criminal damage on the same night. He admitted to arson in an underground carpark, causing an estimated €90,000 in damage, later settled for over €76,000. He has 24 prior convictions, including theft and firearms offences. The judge imposed consecutive sentences totalling 12 years, suspended the final six years on strict conditions, citing his rehabilitation efforts and lack of offences since 2017. The court considered his drug addiction, his apology letters, and the testimonies in his favour. Sean O'Kelly pleaded guilty.
Slaven Tokic, 40, was arrested after he punched Andy Lynch in the face at Dublin's Portobello Bar, claiming Lynch had laughed at his penis while he was urinating. Tokic said Lynch had pointed at him and laughed, and that they were both leaving the bathroom when the incident occurred. Lynch reported that Tokic punched him, knocking out two front teeth and splitting his lip. Tokic pleaded guilty to assault causing harm at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. He has no prior convictions. The case was adjourned to February next year, with Tokic remanded on continuing bail. The judge considered a potential settlement of €4,000 with the victim and discussed future dental costs. Tokic is a Croatian national living in Ireland for five years, recently married, with an eight‑month‑old daughter and a new house. The court played CCTV footage showing Tokic swinging twice at Lynch, with one punch connecting with the face.
Glen Carolan, 21, pleaded guilty to robbing a McDonald's in Santry on 1 May 2018, claiming he was forced to do it or be killed. He admitted using a knife to threaten staff and taking €513, along with his clothes and the knife, to the people who instructed him. Carolan said he had accumulated debt from drug addiction and gambling and was told his family home would be "smashed up" if he did not pay. He apologized to the staff and to Gardaí, describing the situation as a "do or die" one. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where Judge Melanie Greally noted his lack of prior convictions and the high level of threat used. She remanded him on continuing bail until 8 May to allow time for engagement with the Probation Service and to attend all appointments.
Tony Ward, 40, of Castlecurragh Park, Mulhuddart, Dublin, was convicted at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for endangerment, dangerous driving, assault causing harm and unlawful seizure of a vehicle. The offence occurred on 29 August 2017 between Dublin city centre and Finglas when Ward hijacked a taxi, threatened the driver with a knife, and forced the vehicle into a high‑speed chase that ended with the taxi colliding with two Garda cars. Garda Ciaran Garry was injured, suffering a large wound to his left arm that required 30 stitches. Ward pleaded guilty, was sentenced to three and a half years' imprisonment, with the final 21 months suspended on the condition of good behaviour and compliance with probation for 12 months. He was also disqualified from driving for two years and credited for time already spent in custody.
Brandon Crosbie, aged 20, was sentenced to three-and-a-half years' imprisonment for a series of reckless driving offences committed on 24 April 2017 in Ballymun and Finglas. He pleaded guilty to three counts of reckless endangerment, one count of driving without insurance and more than a dozen related counts. Garda Carl McSweeney described how Crosbie drove a Hyundai at high speed toward a patrol car on Longdale Terrace, forced the officer to take evasive action, then crashed head‑on into a car, causing €400 of damage and frightening the other driver. Crosbie subsequently wove through traffic, hit a car stopped at a red light, and rear‑ended a taxi on St Margaret's Road, propelling it forward. He was arrested at the scene and expressed remorse. The Court of Appeal upheld the original sentence, noting Crosbie's 47‑count criminal record and the possibility of a higher sentence, but dismissed the appeal for an increase.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Tony Carrick, aged 41, received a partially suspended sentence for robbing Aoife O'Reilly at a Finglas petrol station. Carrick demanded the time, seized her wallet, and fled in a car. O'Reilly chased him, ending half inside and half outside the vehicle. The driver shouted threats and punched her, while Carrick threatened to kill her if she left. The driver drove 200 yards with O'Reilly's legs dangling, then forced her out and left. Carrick, already serving a five‑and‑a‑half‑year term for burglaries and an attempted car‑jacking, pleaded guilty to robbery and endangerment on 13 December 2016. Judge Karen O'Connor added the new sentence to run consecutively, bringing his total to eight years, with the final two‑and‑a‑half years suspended. The driver involved in both incidents is now deceased. Carrick's 110 prior convictions include assault, burglary, robbery and unlawful possession of ammunition.
Sean O'Kelly, aged 24, admitted to endangering three generations of a family when he set two cars on fire in their driveway, forcing an 80‑year‑old woman, her granddaughter and a ten‑week‑old great‑grandson to seek refuge in the back garden. The heat from the blazing cars melted the front door shut, and the family feared they would have to choose between saving the infant or the grandmother if the house caught fire. O'Kelly also vandalised six other cars and stole items from them on the same night. He pleaded guilty to one count of endangerment, one count of robbery, two counts of burglary and six counts of criminal damage. Separately, he admitted arson of two cars in an underground carpark, causing an estimated €90,000 of damage, for which an insurance settlement of over €76,000 was later made. The court noted O'Kelly's 24 previous convictions, his rehabilitation from drug addiction, and his apology letters.
A 29-year-old man from Ballymun pleaded guilty to burglary at Copper Face Jacks nightclub in Dublin on 27 May 2017. Jason Whelan admitted stealing approximately 20 bottles of spirits valued between €700 and €900 from the premises. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Whelan entered the nightclub on three occasions and took bottles from behind the counter. CCTV footage captured him committing the thefts, and he was subsequently identified and arrested. Whelan has 91 previous convictions, including 43 for burglary offences. In a letter to the sentencing judge, he expressed remorse and stated his intention to become an honest member of society and positive father figure. His counsel noted Whelan is currently drug-free and receiving methadone treatment. Judge Melanie Greally acknowledged the sincerity of his expressed commitment to rehabilitation and adjourned sentencing to 13 March pending probation and prison reports.
The Special Criminal Court has decided that Patrick Hutch's trial will not resume next month as previously indicated. Judge Tony Hunt confirmed that the case would be listed again on December 3, giving the court more than ten days to handle the matter. Senior prosecutor Sean Gillane explained that the disclosure of the final report into the death of lead investigating Garda Detective Superintendent Colm Fox had not yet been handed to the defence due to an "unanticipated difficulty" on the prosecution side. Gillane said the report was based on a significant amount of documentation and that the December dates previously mentioned would not be productively used, though he requested the listing on December 3 be maintained. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins said the material would be received as soon as possible and that the dates would not be used. Patrick Hutch pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court will resume the Regency Hotel shooting trial in December, with the first session scheduled for December 3. Senior prosecuting counsel Sean Gillane SC confirmed that the final report on the death of lead investigating Garda Detective Superintendent Colm Fox has been received and will be reviewed early next week. The report contains extensive material that the court must examine. Patrick Hutch, aged 26, is listed for trial in December; his defence counsel, Justin McQuade BL, noted that the defence had been told the report would be available around October 22, which has caused frustration. Hutch is accused of murdering David Byrne, aged 34, at the Regency Hotel on February 5, 2016, and of possessing three AK‑47 assault rifles. He has pleaded not guilty to the murder and denies the rifle possession.
A 21‑year‑old Dublin man, Michael McDonagh, was jailed for one and a half years after acting as a look‑out in a 2014 hijacking of a black Toyota Yaris at Hampton Wood, Finglas. The shop manager, listening to his car radio at 7.10 am, noticed McDonagh and two other men. One of the men broke the car's driver‑side window with a screwdriver, and the victim was pulled out of the car and kicked after slipping. McDonagh, from Carton Road, Poppintree, Ballymun, pleaded guilty to the hijacking but later took a bench warrant. He had 39 prior convictions, including public order offences, thefts and criminal damage. The court noted his peripheral role, lack of routine, drug use, and lack of a fixed abode. Judge Melanie Greally gave him a three‑year sentence with the final 18 months suspended, ordering him to engage with addiction services and education or training courses.
Ronald Lawlor, 36, who had been disqualified from driving for 15 years, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison, with the final 12 months suspended, for leading Gardaí on a high‑speed chase. He had 164 prior convictions, mainly for road traffic offences, and was found guilty of endangerment, dangerous driving, damage to a Garda patrol car and refusing a breath test. During the chase, he drove at speeds up to 140 km/h, drove the wrong way around a roundabout, collided with a Garda car causing about €3,000 in damage, and threw a beer can out the window. He was arrested after refusing an alcohol test. The judge imposed a ten‑year driving ban and ordered him to work with the Probation Service on alcohol misuse and, if suitable, a road safety programme. Lawlor claimed he had stopped drinking four months earlier and suffers from depression.
Tony Ward, 40, of Castlecurragh Park, Mulhuddart, Dublin, pleaded guilty at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to endangerment, dangerous driving, assault causing harm and unlawful seizure of a vehicle. On 29 August 2017, he and another man hijacked a taxi at 2:45 am, demanding a ride to Ballymun. Ward, wearing blue rubber gloves, forced the driver to stop, then re‑entered the taxi, unbuckled the seatbelt, and threatened the driver with a four‑inch knife. He ordered the driver out, threatened to stab him, and after the driver escaped, Ward slashed the driver's finger. The taxi then drove off at high speed, pursued by Garda Keith Spackman. At Mellowes Crescent, the taxi rammed two Garda cars and struck a Garda, who was knocked down, sustaining a large laceration to his left arm that required 30 stitches. Ward, who had been drinking and had taken cocaine that evening, is aware the incident could have ended differently.
Dean Creedy, a 28-year-old first-time offender from Ballymun, Dublin, was sentenced at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for the attempted robbery of a post office on Ballymun Road on November 11, 2017. Creedy pleaded guilty to the charge. Prosecution evidence indicated that he held a knife to the throat of an 83-year-old postmaster, demanding money, before fleeing when the victim stated he could not open the safe. The victim, who suffered no injuries, did not file a victim impact report. Creedy surrendered to gardaí nine days after the incident after seeing CCTV footage on RTE's Crimecall. He told officers he committed the crime to repay a €600 drug debt and had previously attempted suicide due to the pressure. Judge Melanie Greally described the act as aberrational behavior driven by desperate circumstances, noting Creedy's remorse, lack of prior convictions, and current drug-free status. She suspended a five-year prison sentence for a period of five years. The judge acknowledged the incident was outrageous given the victim's age but highlighted the victim's fortitude and the absence of lasting consequences. Defense counsel John Moher BL submitted testimonials and a letter of remorse, arguing Creedy was unlikely to reoffend.
In a court hearing on 15 October 2018, James Manning, aged 49 and resident of Belclare Avenue, Ballymun, pleaded guilty to possession of 177 kg of cannabis, valued at €3.5 million, found in his van after Gardaí stopped him for driving while using a mobile phone. Garda Thomas Barrett explained that a Garda in Offaly had suspected the van, followed it to Dublin, and upon stopping Manning for mobile‑phone use, searched the vehicle and discovered 15 cardboard boxes of cannabis. Manning, who has 29 prior convictions including false imprisonment, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, and a dangerous driving conviction, was arrested and has remained in custody. Judge Francis Comerford sentenced him to nine years' imprisonment, with the final three years suspended for a period of three years, citing Manning's early guilty plea and mitigating circumstances. A forfeiture hearing for the van is scheduled for later in the month.
Paul Kelly, a 42‑year‑old mechanic from Santry, was fined €3,000 and disqualified from driving for four years after he ran over Daniel Ryan, a 60‑year‑old man, as Ryan was pulling out of a driveway near Dublin Airport on 26 October 2016. Ryan suffered multiple fractures to his abdomen and limbs, a pulmonary embolism, and was in an induced coma for two days. He has since lost the ability to play golf, cycle long distances, or walk in the hills, and reports ongoing panic attacks, nightmares and sleep difficulties. Kelly pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention, causing serious bodily harm. The court noted the lack of street lighting on Collinstown Lane and accepted that Kelly's momentary lapse of judgment led to the accident, but also acknowledged his cooperation and remorse after the incident. The judge gave him 12 months to pay the fine and imposed the driving disqualification.
Kevin Hannaway, a 70‑year‑old from Belfast, was sentenced by the Special Criminal Court to three years and nine months in prison for aiding the IRA in interrogations that led to arrests. The court reduced the original six‑year sentence because of his age and serious PTSD, which includes anxiety attacks, heart problems, nightmares and physical symptoms triggered by prison conditions. Hannaway was one of several men interned at a secret base in Derry in 1971 where he endured inhumane treatment, including white noise and deprivation of sleep, food and drink. The European Court of Human Rights described that treatment as inhumane and degrading. The court also sentenced his co‑accused: Seán Hannaway to five years and six months, David Nooney to three years and nine months, Edward O'Brien to 16 months, and Eva Shannon to four years. All five were granted legal aid for appeal. Eva Shannon was found guilty. Kevin Hannaway was convicted.
The trial of Patrick Hutch, accused of murdering David Byrne at the Regency Hotel, was adjourned until September to allow the court to review an interim report on the death of Detective Superintendent Colm Fox and to analyse electronic data. The adjournment also gives the defence time to read the report. The Special Criminal Court had previously said the final report would be ready by the end of September. Fox was found dead on 10 February in his office at Ballymun Garda Station; his firearm was recovered and foul play was not suspected. Hutch, 25, pleaded not guilty and denies owning three AK‑47 rifles. The court, presided over by Justice Tony Hunt, remanded Hutch in custody until the case is listed again in September, marking the seventh adjournment. The prosecution has compiled extensive documentation and witness statements, but outstanding matters remain regarding the mobile phone, two USB devices and a laptop used in the inquiry.
In a Dublin burglary on 28 November 2017, Matthew Fahy (40) and two accomplices, disguised as Gardaí, entered a family home in Castleknock. They presented themselves as police, produced an imitation handgun, and demanded cash from the occupants, who included the homeowner, his wife, their seven‑year‑old son, the homeowner's brother, the brother's partner and a lodger. Fahy escaped through the back door, pursued the child who had run out, and forced him back into the house. The burglary lasted about two minutes and no one was injured. Fahy pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary and possession of an imitation firearm. On 25 July 2018, Judge Melanie Greally sentenced him to seven years' imprisonment, with the final 18 months suspended, to run consecutively with a term he was already serving. The sentence reflected Fahy's guilty plea, cooperation, drug‑addiction history and the trauma inflicted on the family. No other arrests were made.
Ross Thompson, 19, was jailed for 16 months after deliberately driving a Toyota Yaris at a Garda patrol car three times during a high‑speed chase. Thompson, who had no valid licence or insurance, repeatedly drove over the median strip, broke red lights, entered residential green areas and drove on the wrong side of the road. He performed numerous hand‑brake turns and, in three instances, positioned the vehicle to face the patrol car head‑on before driving straight at the officers. He pleaded guilty to two charges of endangerment and one of dangerous driving. Garda Robert English noted that Thompson's driving frightened other road users and that no one was injured or damaged. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced Thompson to 16 months in prison, consecutive to his current term, and disqualified him from driving for six years. Thompson is due for release in December 2019.
The Special Criminal Court heard CCTV footage of alleged gunmen and vehicles linked to the murder of Gareth Hutch. Prosecutors identified a silver Skoda Octavia, a black BMW, a silver Honda Civic, a black Toyota Avensis and a white Ford transit van as connected to Jonathan Keogh (32) and Thomas Fox (31). They claimed Keogh threatened Hutch the evening before the shooting, Fox and Regina Keogh planned the murder, and Keogh and another man, Mr AB, were the shooters. Footage showed the black BMW leaving Wellington Street and parking in Avondale House carpark, the Honda Civic arriving at Champions Avenue, and the Skoda Octavia arriving from Ballymun. The fatal shooting was captured as Hutch entered his car at 9.56 am. After the shooting, Keogh and AB fled in the BMW, which later burned out at Dubber Cross. The trial continues with the accused pleading not guilty.
Anthony Ward, 27, was sentenced to five years in prison, with the final 18 months suspended on condition of compliance with the Probation Service, after pleading guilty to two robberies in Santry in April 2018. Ward, who had 125 previous convictions, robbed a Spar shop on Shanowen Road at 12:40 pm, taking €250 and threatening the shop assistant with a knife. The next morning he entered a Maxol Service Station on Swords Road, demanding money and taking the assistant's wallet; a struggle left the assistant with two cut fingers. Gardaí identified Ward via CCTV and arrested him after a vehicle stop. Ward's lawyer noted his long‑standing drug problems, early guilty plea, remorse, and supportive pregnant partner, while the judge highlighted his difficult prison experience and respectable background in structuring a rehabilitative sentence.
Ronald Lawlor, 36, who had been disqualified from driving for 15 years, led Gardaí on a high‑speed chase in Dublin's Belmayne area. Garda Neil Plunkett reported that Lawlor, with 164 prior convictions mainly for road traffic offences, ignored warnings and drove at speeds up to 140 km/h, even driving the wrong way around a roundabout and colliding with a Garda patrol car, causing nearly €3,000 in damage. During the pursuit, Lawlor threw a beer can out of the window and refused to provide a breath sample after his arrest. He pleaded guilty to endangerment, dangerous driving, damage to a Garda vehicle and refusal to give a breath sample. Judge Melanie Greally remanded him in custody until 3 October, ordered a probation report, and noted his intention to abstain from alcohol, while emphasising the seriousness of his offences and the need for future management of his drinking.
The Regency Hotel shooting trial was adjourned for a further three weeks to allow analysis of electronic data and to give the defence time to review an interim report into the death of Detective Superintendent Colm Fox. The Special Criminal Court noted that the final report on Fox's death will be completed by the end of September. The trial, which had previously been delayed multiple times, is now scheduled to resume in three weeks. Patrick Hutch, aged 25, remains not guilty of the murder of David Byrne, aged 34, at the Regency Hotel on 5 February 2016, and denies possession of three AK47 assault rifles. The prosecution's case identifies Hutch as the man dressed as a woman who, while not shooting Byrne, was part of a shared intention to commit the offence. The court will list the matter for mention before the end of term.
On 17 December 2017, Andrew Peel of Coultry Drive, Ballymun, Dublin, after a "three‑day bender", attacked neighbours in their homes. He struck Kim Hutchinson with a golf club, breaking a bone in her arm, and hit David Tyson with a cue ball, rendering him unconscious and hospitalised. Peel's behaviour was described as "out of character" and "not the person they knew". He pleaded guilty to criminal damage, burglary and assault causing harm. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, hearing victim impact statements, found Peel intoxicated that night. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a 33‑month sentence, back‑dated to the arrest, noting Peel's history of drug possession, assault, knife possession and car theft. Peel has since worked as a courier, assisted homeless soup runs and is training for social care. The court highlighted his mother's testimony of his long‑standing mental health and drug problems. Peel was sentenced to 33 months in custody.
In a case heard at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Dean Creedy, aged 28, pleaded guilty to attempting to rob a post office on Ballymun Road on 11 November 2017. He admitted that, driven by a €600 debt to drug dealers and a desire to self‑medicate with cannabis after stopping anti‑depressants, he had approached the post office with a knife. While the postmaster was collecting his pension, Creedy held the knife to the throat of an 83‑year‑old pensioner, threatening to cut him if money was not handed over. The victim suffered no injuries and did not file a victim impact report. Creedy had no prior convictions, expressed remorse, and had previously attempted suicide due to drug‑related pressure. Judge Melanie Greally remanded him on continuing bail, adjourned the case to 17 October for sentencing, and required a urine test to confirm he was drug‑free.
Three judges of the Special Criminal Court have retired to consider their verdicts in a trial involving five defendants accused of IRA membership and related offences. The State's case relies on recordings from bugs in a Dublin house where an alleged IRA inquiry was held, and on belief evidence from Detective Chief Superintendent Anthony Howard, who claimed privilege over the material. Defence counsel argued that the belief evidence was untested, that the State had not called expert voice‑recognition evidence, and that the privilege claim weakened the prosecution's case. Each defendant—David Nooney, Seán Hannaway, Edward O'Brien, Kevin Hannaway, and Eva Shannon—pleaded not guilty to membership or assistance charges. The judges will announce their decision on 29 June, with the trial stage remaining a verdict‑making hearing rather than a sentencing or appeal proceeding.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, a prosecutor presented audio recordings from a bugged Dublin house, claiming they proved an IRA inquiry took place on 7–8 August 2015. The recordings allegedly captured four accused—David Nooney, Kevin Hannaway, Seán Hannaway and Eva Shannon—conversing about the inquiry. The prosecutor argued the voices were identifiable and that the term "IRA" appeared repeatedly, supporting the claim of an unlawful organization. Defence counsel challenged the authenticity of the recordings, noting the lack of expert testimony, possible editing, and unclear voice identification. They also questioned the prosecution's assertion that IRA activity is automatically unlawful, citing examples of decommissioning and political aims. The accused pleaded not guilty to membership and assistance charges, and the court was instructed to consider the evidence as reliable. The case remains at the hearing stage.
The Special Criminal Court rejected the defence's applications in the trial of three men accused of IRA membership and a man and woman accused of assisting in interviews for the organisation. David Nooney (53), Seán Hannaway (48) and Edward O'Brien (42) pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation, the Irish Republican Army, on 8 August 2015. Kevin Hannaway (69) pleaded not guilty to knowingly rendering assistance to the IRA by helping Hannaway interview persons involved in IRA‑organised criminal activities on 7 and 8 August 2015, and Eva Shannon (60) pleaded not guilty to the same offence on those dates. After the prosecution closed its case, the defence sought to have the case dismissed or to obtain a not‑guilty verdict. Justice Isobel Kennedy, Judge Gerard Griffin and Judge Gerard Haughton refused these applications, allowing the trial to proceed.
The Special Criminal Court is reviewing defence applications in a trial involving three men accused of IRA membership and a man and woman accused of assisting IRA interviews. David Nooney, 53, Seán Hannaway, 48, and Edward O'Brien, 42, plead not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation, the Irish Republican Army, on 8 August 2015. Kevin Hannaway, 69, and Eva Shannon, 60, plead not guilty to knowingly assisting an unlawful organisation by helping interview people involved in IRA‑related criminal activity on 7 and 8 August 2015 at Riverwood Park, Castleknock. The prosecution closed its case the day before, after which defence counsel filed applications arguing the case should not proceed. The court listened to the defence submissions and the State's counter‑arguments, with Justice Isobel Kennedy, Judge Gerard Griffin and Judge Gerard Haughton noting they needed time to consider the material and would rule the following afternoon.
Sean Marlow, 64, a former DCU electrical engineering lecturer, was found guilty of criminal damage to a woman's new car after striking it with a bicycle lock. The incident occurred on Collins Avenue, Ballymun, on 28 August 2017, when Marlow, riding in a cycling lane, collided with the car's bonnet and wing mirror, causing €1,130 worth of damage. The woman, who had a 12‑year‑old daughter, was stopped at a traffic light when the collision happened and later reported the event to Gardaí. Marlow, who has bipolar disorder and no prior convictions, compensated the victim and pleaded guilty. Judge Melanie Greally, noting his cooperation, early plea, remorse, and good work record, applied section 1(2) of the Probation Offenders Act, granting him probation and leaving him without a criminal record.
The prosecution has closed its case in the trials of five accused individuals before the Central Criminal Court. David Nooney, Seán Hannaway, and Edward O'Brien are accused of membership of an unlawful organization, specifically the Irish Republican Army (IRA), on August 8, 2015. All three men are pleading not guilty to these charges. Kevin Hannaway is accused of knowingly rendering assistance to the IRA by assisting in interviews related to IRA-organized criminal activities at Riverwood Park, Castleknock, on August 7 and 8, 2015. He is also pleading not guilty. Eva Shannon is accused of assisting in interviews carried out by the organization. Defence counsel Vincent Heneghan SC, representing Ms Shannon, applied for an acquittal, arguing that the only alleged evidence of her involvement was a recording of a female voice saying the word "no," which he contended does not constitute compelling evidence of assistance. The court, presided over by Justice Isobel Kennedy with Judges Gerard Griffin and Gerard Haughton, heard these defence applications. The matter is currently at the pre-trial stage, with defence applications continuing. No final judgment, sentence, or conviction has been recorded for any of the accused, and the proceedings remain ongoing.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 8 June 2018, Detective Chief Superintendent Anthony Howard testified that he believes three men—David Nooney (53), Seán Hannaway (48), and Edward O'Brien (42)—are members of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). The men are charged with membership of an unlawful organisation. Two other defendants, Kevin Hannaway (69) and Eva Shannon (60), are pleading not guilty to assisting the IRA by interviewing persons involved in IRA‑related criminal activities on 7 and 8 August 2015 at Riverwood Park, Castleknock. Howard explained that he had reviewed Garda material on the three men and was satisfied that they were members of the IRA at that time. He stated he would claim privilege over the material, citing protection of life and state security, and would hand it over only if directed by the court. The trial is presided over by Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy with Judges Gerard Griffin and Gerard Haughton.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, the court ruled that the identification of two defendants accused of IRA offences was not 'dock identification'. Detective Sergeant Padraig Boyce, of the Special Detective Unit, had identified several individuals, including the accused, in more than a dozen photographs for Tara Burns SC. The defendants – Kevin Hannaway (69) and Eva Shannon (60) – pleaded not guilty to assisting an unlawful organisation, the IRA, during interviews at Riverwood Park, Castleknock, on 7 and 8 August 2015. Other co‑accused – David Nooney (53), Seán Hannaway (48) and Edward O'Brien (42) – also pleaded not guilty to membership of the IRA on 8 August 2015. The prosecution argued that Gardaí used surveillance devices to listen to conversations in the house, which were related to failed IRA operations. Det. Sgt. Boyce testified that the photographs showed the defendants and that he had spoken to Ms. Shannon on the day, confirming her name.
Derek Hickey, aged 30, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for stealing iPads and a laptop from the Law Society of Ireland on Blackhall Place, Dublin, on 17 July 2017. He entered through an ajar side door, stole the items, caused damage, and fled. The theft occurred after 6 pm when most staff had left. Maura Butler, who was working in her office, witnessed the intruder and later reported that he had fled after seeing her. CCTV identified Hickey, who was arrested the next day and admitted to the theft, stating he had sold the stolen items to a Chinese shop. He had previously spent four months in custody for this offence. The judge noted his long history of offending but also his guilty plea, remorse, and cooperation. He had been offered a 20‑week residential rehabilitation programme and had attended treatment for heroin addiction. The sentence took into account the time already served.
In a case heard at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, 38‑year‑old Justin Murray was found guilty of stealing €500 from mass donations at the Church of Our Lady of Victories in Ballymun on 6 November 2016. He had cycled to the church, entered the premises, and taken money from the collection envelopes before being seen by a parishioner and fleeing on foot. Garda Ross Brierley identified him from CCTV footage and arrested him the following day at a shopping centre. Murray's bicycle, which had a sticker reading "Justin Murray," was later found on the church grounds. He has 77 prior convictions, including ten thefts and 20 burglaries. Judge Elma Sheahan adjourned his sentencing for one year, noting his drug‑free status and desire to rehabilitate, and ordered updated urine analysis and reports. The final sentence will be consecutive to his current term, with release not until July 2019.
Patrick Dunne, 30, of Santry Lodge, Ballymun, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to robbing Briarswood Stores in Blanchardstown on 29 September 2017. He entered the shop with a scarf over his face and two five‑inch screwdrivers, demanding the cashier open the till. He took €195 in coins from the till. Garda Brendan O'Hora identified him from CCTV and fingerprints. Dunne has 95 previous convictions, including theft, burglary and criminal damage, and was already serving a four‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence for brandishing an imitation firearm in Ballymun. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a two‑year prison sentence, noting Dunne's drug addiction and the possibility of a positive change. The judge said he would not extend Dunne's custody beyond the sentence, hoping he will "turn the corner.".
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in a trial concerning alleged IRA membership and assistance. Edward O'Brien, 42, of Finglas, Dublin, is pleading not guilty to membership of an unlawful organization, namely the IRA, on August 8, 2015. The prosecution alleges gardai used surveillance to record interviews regarding failed IRA operations at a house in Castleknock. O'Brien's counsel objected to the admissibility of his interview under Section 2 of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act, 1998, which permits inferences from a refusal to answer questions. Evidence was heard in a voir dire. Detective Garda Michael Morris testified that O'Brien stated he was not an IRA member but made no comment regarding his movements on August 7 and 8, or involvement in interviewing another man. Four co-accused are also arraigned. Kevin Hannaway, 69, and Eva Shannon, 60, both of Belfast, are pleading not guilty to knowingly rendering assistance to the IRA by assisting in interviews at Riverwood Park on August 7 and 8, 2015. David Nooney, 53, of Ballymun, and Seán Hannaway, 48, of Belfast, are pleading not guilty to IRA membership on August 8, 2015. The trial continues before Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, sitting with Judges Gerard Griffin and Gerard Haughton.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the ongoing trial of David Nooney, 53, of Ballymun, Dublin, who is pleading not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation, namely the IRA, on August 8, 2015. Prosecution counsel Tara Burns SC presented testimony from Detective Garda Ronan Judge, who stated that Nooney failed to answer questions during an interview at Irishtown Garda Station on August 9, 2015. The detectives invoked Section 2 of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act, 1998, allowing the court to draw inferences from his refusal to respond to allegations regarding a trusted role with senior IRA members and securing a safe-house in Blanchardstown. In a subsequent interview, Nooney stated he was not an IRA member. The prosecution alleges gardai used surveillance devices to record interviews at Riverwood Park, Castleknock, conducted to further an unlawful objective. Four co-accused are also arraigned: Kevin Hannaway, 69, and Eva Shannon, 60, both of Belfast, plead not guilty to knowingly rendering assistance to the IRA on August 7 and 8, 2015. Edward O'Brien, 42, of Finglas, and Seán Hannaway, 48, of Belfast, plead not guilty to IRA membership on August 8, 2015. The trial continues before Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, sitting with Judges Gerard Griffin and Gerard Haughton.
A 26‑year‑old man from North Strand Road, Dublin, was sentenced to one year in prison for his part in a taxi hijacking that took place on 28 August 2017 in Cabra. Daniel Barry pleaded guilty to unlawful seizure of a vehicle at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. He was not considered the "prime mover" of the offence, having been cooperative after arrest and making admissions. Barry was involved in the hijacking after a co‑accused threatened the taxi driver with a knife and forced the driver to drive away. Barry entered the hijacked taxi as the accomplice drove off and tried to evade Gardaí. He was arrested after being chased to Aylward Green. The judge imposed a three‑year sentence, suspending the final two years, and noted Barry's good behaviour and steps toward reform while in custody. The taxi driver did not give a victim impact statement.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Garda Gary Dillane was bitten by Cedrick Chitsime, a 29‑year‑old man from Phibsborough, after Dillane responded to a domestic incident. Chitsime, who had no prior convictions, attacked Dillane at the victim's apartment, punching him, scratching his face, and attempting to gouge his eye. Dillane was treated for bruising, cuts, and a thumb bite, and later learned Chitsime was HIV‑positive after providing a blood sample. Dillane received precautionary HIV medication for a month and was later cleared of infection. Chitsime pleaded guilty to assaulting Dillane, was sentenced to 18 months in prison with 13 months suspended on strict conditions, and was described by the judge as having acted aggressively and persistently. The case highlighted the use of pepper spray to subdue the assailant. The court noted Chitsime's lack of apology but accepted his guilty plea as an indication of remorse.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Kevin Hannaway (69) of Collin Mill, Belfast, and Eva Shannon (60) of Oakman Street, Belfast, pleaded not guilty to charges of knowingly aiding an unlawful organisation, the Irish Republican Army (IRA), by assisting in interviews with individuals involved in IRA‑organised criminal activities. The alleged interviews took place at Riverwood Park, Castleknock, Dublin 15, on 7 and 8 August 2015. Additionally, Edward O'Brien (42) of Hazelcroft Road, Finglas, Dublin 11, David Nooney (53) of Coultry Green, Ballymun, Dublin 11, and Seán Hannaway (48) of Linden Gardens, Belfast, pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation on 8 August 2015. The prosecution, represented by Tara Burns SC, argued that Gardaí, acting on confidential information, used surveillance devices to record conversations in the house at Riverwood Park. After reviewing the audio recordings, the prosecution planned to present evidence on voice attribution.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Declan Hendley, a 49‑year‑old former community worker, pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm in a public place with the intention of intimidating a security guard at a Centra shop on Poppintree Parade, Ballymun, on 25 May 2015. The court found that Hendley had brought an air‑soft AK‑47 type imitation gun to the shop after a verbal altercation with the guard, who was attempting to move a group of young people outside. Hendley had threatened the guard with a pole during a brief physical confrontation, then returned ten minutes later with the imitation firearm, which was found to be non‑functional. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a two‑year sentence, suspending the final 14 months on strict conditions. The case highlighted Hendley's 29 prior convictions, mainly for road traffic offences, and his claim that the incident was a "moment of utter madness.".
Patrick Dunne, aged 30, was jailed for robbing a Centra shop on Coultry Road, Ballymun, on 12 September 2017. He entered the shop in a black jacket with his hood up before 8 pm, waited in line with his hand in his jacket, and then pointed a realistic imitation firearm at a shop assistant. He demanded the cashier open the till, threatening to shoot if he did not comply. The cashier eventually opened the till and Dunne took €880, placing it in a blue plastic bag. While the robbery was underway, two Gardaí were in the back of the shop checking CCTV footage for another investigation. They drew their firearms, called out "Armed Gardaí," and chased Dunne out of the shop. He was arrested and later pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced him to four and a half years' imprisonment, back‑dating the term to 12 December 2017.
A 36‑year‑old labourer, Aidan O'Hara, was sentenced to 27 months' imprisonment for assaulting his ex‑girlfriend, Jessica Ayodeji, in their car while driving around Dublin. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that O'Hara, of Hand Caravan Park, dragged Ms Ayodeji back into the vehicle after she tried to escape at traffic lights, and that he had also pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and failing to remain at the scene of a collision on the same day. The court noted that O'Hara had 14 prior convictions, including assaults, drug offences, burglary and criminal damage, and that he had a history of violent conduct toward partners. He was also banned from driving for two years. The judge highlighted that O'Hara had cooperated with Gardaí, shown remorse, and completed an alternative to violence course while in custody. The sentence was back‑dated to the time he entered custody in July 2017.
Darragh Newman, 23, received a two‑year suspended sentence for his role in a theft scam organised by a well‑known Dublin criminal group. He provided the gang with his bank account details, allowing them to defraud businessman Joe Carey of €7,995 after Carey responded to a fake online ad for a teleporter. Gardaí tracked Newman via Facebook and obtained CCTV footage of him withdrawing the money over two days. Newman, a former DIT student, had pleaded guilty to theft in 2016 and had four prior minor traffic convictions. The court found Newman knowingly acted dishonestly, but noted his remorse and potential for reform. Judge Martin Nolan suspended the sentence for two years and ordered the €7,000 to be handed over to the Gardaí for restitution to Carey. The case remains an ongoing investigation into the broader criminal enterprise.
At the Special Criminal Court, tributes were paid to Detective Superintendent Colm Fox, who died suddenly at Ballymun Garda Station. The tributes were led by Sean Gillane SC, senior prosecuting counsel in the trial of Patrick Hutch for the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel. The trial, scheduled to resume, was adjourned until Monday. Gillane described Fox as a gentleman, fiercely intelligent, modest, and a respected officer who never raised his voice. He praised Fox's dedication to public service and expressed condolences to his family and colleagues. Michael O'Higgins SC echoed the admiration, noting Fox's universal respect and affection. Judge Tony Hunt, with Judges Patricia and Ann Ryan, joined the sentiments and requested the adjournment. Patrick Hutch, 25, remains pleading not guilty to Byrne's murder and denies possession of three AK‑47 rifles. The case involves a raid during a boxing weigh‑in where armed men, including a woman‑dressed suspect, entered the hotel.
During a pre‑trial session at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, a judge and lawyers paid moving tributes to Garda Superintendent Colm Fox, who died tragically at Ballymun Garda Station on Saturday night. Prosecutor Paul O'Higgins SC recalled knowing Fox from his early days as a garda, describing him as a most decent man both professionally and in his dealings with people. Defender Brendan Grehan SC called him a "top cop", a pleasure to work with who always drew the best from his team. Judge Karen O'Connor noted the sadness of the death and expressed her thoughts with Fox's family.