Court archive
Court reports mentioning Balrothery, Dublin
2026-04-24 · Dublin
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court sentenced Dubliner Michael McGinley to a global term of three years for escaping from lawful custody and unlawfully using a vehicle. McGinley pleaded guilty to both charges. The court heard that on April 23, 2024, while remanded at Balbriggan Garda Station, McGinley asked to be taken out for a cigarette. He subsequently ran and cleared a six-foot perimeter wall, evading capture for two months until his arrest in Athboy, Co Meath, on June 19, 2025. He also admitted to driving a Hyundai stolen from Co Kerry on April 21, 2025. Judge Orla Crowe noted that while the escape was not pre-planned or sophisticated, McGinley hid for a significant period. Acknowledging his youth and potential for rehabilitation, the judge imposed a three-year sentence, with the final six months suspended on strict conditions. She also directed 12 months of probation supervision following his release. The sentence was backdated to June 19, 2025, when he entered custody. The matter was finalised with the imposition of this sentence.
2025-10-08 · Dublin
A man caught transporting nearly €500,000 worth of cannabis has been sentenced to three years and three months imprisonment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Conor Delaney, formerly of Dublin 15, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis for sale or supply following his arrest at Larch Hill, Santry on March 25, 2021. Gardaí conducting a surveillance operation observed Delaney receive two boxes from a van driven by co-accused Glen Stankard, who was previously sentenced to six years with the final three and a half years suspended. Analysis of the seized packages revealed 24.8 kilograms of cannabis valued at €496,384. The defence submitted that Delaney, now living in Donegal, had successfully rehabilitated from drug addiction and was drug-free. Judge Martin Nolan acknowledged the defendant's rehabilitation efforts and family support but noted his difficulties stemmed from his own choices. The judge imposed a headline sentence of six years before reducing it to three years and three months.
2024-03-12 · Dublin
Two men, Zhenmin Lin, 38, and Ervins Sermulis, 45, were convicted in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for possessing and transporting €620,000 worth of cannabis. They pleaded guilty to having the drugs for sale or supply and to having cash they believed to be or being reckless about whether it was proceeds of crime. The drugs were found in a taxi and a vehicle transporter in Balrothery, Balbriggan, after a Garda surveillance operation. Lin admitted involvement due to gambling debt, while Sermulis said he had been paid to transport the drugs from the UK and had a prior cocaine problem. Both men were sentenced to five and a half years' imprisonment. The judge noted their good mitigation, work history, and unlikely re‑offending, but said they had committed misjudgements because of personal needs. The sentence reflects their equal roles in the transport chain.
2022-10-11 · Dublin
John Hanley, a 45‑year‑old tile shop co‑owner in Coolock, was sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to knowingly permitting the importation of drugs. On 10 October 2020 a pallet containing €1.94 million worth of cannabis was delivered to his shop on Malahide Road and signed for by a shop worker. Gardaí raided the premises and seized the drugs. Hanley told the court that he had accepted the delivery because he believed he was targeted due to his legitimate business and that he did so out of fear for his safety and that of his family. He claimed no other shop staff were aware of the drugs and that he had been threatened by individuals to hold them. Hanley had two prior convictions for minor offences.
2022-07-06 · Dublin
Glen Stankard, 26, was jailed for two and a half years after pleading guilty to possession of cannabis for sale or supply. He drove a van that contained 25 packages of cannabis weighing 24.8 kg, valued at €496,384, and €6,000 in cash. Garda Detective Peter Ronan testified that Stankard moved the drugs from one van to another during a surveillance operation, wearing the insignia of a courier company he had previously worked for. Stankard admitted he had been asked to move the drugs to reduce a debt and was aware that something illegal was being moved, but did not know the contents. The judge imposed a headline sentence of ten years, reduced to six years with the final three and a half years suspended, and directed Stankard to follow Probation Services for two years after release. The court noted his low‑level role, his rehabilitation efforts, and the high value of the drugs as aggravating factors.
2020-07-09 · Dublin
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, a judge praised a survivor of child sexual abuse for her courage in coming forward. Ms Jennifer Lydon McElwaine, who was aged six to eleven when abused, waived anonymity to name her father, Raymond McElwaine, who pleaded guilty to eight counts of indecent assault and sexual assault between 1988 and 1994. She described the lasting impact of the abuse, noting how her father's control and manipulation affected her and her mother, and how she felt unheard as a child. Ms Lydon McElwaine highlighted her father's lack of remorse and his attempts to manipulate her into silence. The judge acknowledged her early bravery and her ongoing concern for other children, and adjourned sentencing to allow a probation report while remanding her in custody until October 8, 2020. The hearing also covered the father's admissions during Garda interviews and the court's assessment of his low risk of re‑offending.
2019-02-01 · Dublin
In an appeal-stage pretrial motion, Mr Justice Senan Allen dismissed anti-eviction activist Ben Gilroy's application for an injunction under section 33 of the 2009 Defamation Act. Gilroy, who remains jailed in Mountjoy Prison for contempt of court after failing to complete 80 hours of community service, sought to compel autism rights campaigner Fiona O'Leary to remove a YouTube video pending the outcome of his defamation action. The judge found that Gilroy failed to meet the legal threshold for the order, noting that whether the video conveys defamatory meanings is a matter for a jury to decide. The court observed that a jury might view the case as "greatly over pleaded" and stated it could not conceive the Court of Appeal interfering with a jury verdict finding the video non-defamatory. O'Leary, represented by Patricia Sheehy Skeffington BL, denies the post contains defamatory remarks. Businessman Vincent Byrne, of Balrothery, Co Dublin, is a co-applicant in the suit against O'Leary. Following the ruling, the judge addressed concerns regarding statements Gilroy made in an interview, noting O'Leary could bring a motion if necessary. The judge then adjourned the case to a date in late April.
2018-11-29 · Meath
Ben Gilroy, an anti-eviction activist from Athlumney Abbey, Navan, Co Meath, and Vincent Byrne, a businessman from Balrothery, Co Dublin, have initiated defamation proceedings against Fiona O'Leary, a West Cork-based mother of five. They allege that a 13-minute YouTube video posted by O'Leary on June 23rd last year contains defamatory remarks about them. O'Leary, represented by Patricia Sheehy Skeffington BL and Rossa McMahon, denies making any defamatory statements. O'Leary campaigns against the promotion of Miracle Mineral Supplement (MMS), a substance she claims contains bleach and is harmful to children with autism. In a pretrial motion before Mr Justice Senan Allen, Gilroy seeks an injunction requiring O'Leary to remove the video until the case is resolved. Representing himself, Gilroy asserts that the 'false allegations' have serious implications for his reputation. O'Leary opposes the injunction, citing freedom of expression. In September, Mr Justice Tony O'Connor ordered O'Leary to either remove the video or add a disclaimer. O'Leary claims she complied by inserting text, but Gilroy argues the video remains accessible without the text. The hearing of the injunction application continues.
2018-07-17 · Dublin
Gerard Lawlor, 68, of Balrothery, Tallaght, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 11 counts of fraudulently claiming €167,874 in social welfare payments from 2005 to 2015. The fraud was uncovered when his ex‑wife was audited by Revenue, revealing that Lawlor had claimed pre‑retirement, adult dependence, and jobseeker allowances while not living with his partner and while self‑employed. He also received rent payments for a co‑owned property and sold and purchased properties during the period. Lawlor, a father‑of‑three with no prior convictions, cooperated with Gardaí and entered an early guilty plea. He was sentenced to a wholly suspended three‑year term on 15 June 2017, a decision upheld by the Court of Appeal after the Director of Public Prosecutions appealed for a custodial sentence.
2018-06-29 · Dublin
Gerard Lawlor, 68, of Balrothery, Tallaght, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 11 counts of fraudulently claiming €167,873 in social welfare payments from 2005 to 2015. The fraud was uncovered during a Revenue audit of his former wife's dieting company, which revealed that Lawlor had been claiming pre‑retirement payments for himself and adult dependent allowances for his estranged wife. On 15 June 2017 Judge Karen O'Connor imposed a wholly suspended three‑year sentence with strict conditions, citing a reluctance to imprison Lawlor because it would be detrimental to the life of his sisters, who rely on his support. The Director of Public Prosecutions has requested a review of the sentence on the grounds that it was unduly lenient. The Court of Appeal has reserved its judgment. The case remains at the appeal stage, with no further outcome reported.
2017-06-15 · Dublin
Gerard Lawlor, 67, of Balrothery, Tallaght, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 11 counts of fraudulently claiming €167,873 in social welfare payments from 2005 to 2015. The fraud was uncovered during a Revenue audit of his former wife's dieting company, revealing that he had claimed pre‑retirement payments for himself and adult dependent allowances for his estranged wife. Lawlor had also failed to declare self‑employment and property transactions. He has no prior convictions and is now receiving a state pension of €183 a week, reduced by €28 to repay the debt. A probation report highlighted that his sister, Patricia, could not care for their severely disabled sister without his help. Judge Karen O'Connor, after hearing the report, imposed a three‑year suspended sentence on strict conditions, citing the detrimental effect imprisonment would have on his sisters' care. The sentence was suspended in full, with no custodial term imposed.
2017-04-25 · Dublin
Gerard Lawlor, 67, of Balrothery, Tallaght, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 11 counts of fraudulently claiming €167,873 in social welfare payments from 2005 to 2015. The fraud was uncovered during a Revenue audit of his former wife's dieting company, revealing that Lawlor had claimed pre‑retirement payments for himself and adult dependent allowances for his estranged wife. He failed to declare self‑employment, property sales, and work in a garage with his father and brother. Lawlor has no prior convictions and is now receiving a state pension of €183 a week, reduced by €28 to repay the debt. He has paid €11,000 to the department as a token of remorse and has no assets. Lawlor, who lives rent‑free in his sister's home after selling investment properties at a loss, has asked for a non‑custodial sentence to continue caring for his disabled sister.
2015-11-10 · Dublin
Colin Foley, 45, avoided jail after swinging bolt cutters at a 73‑year‑old parking warden, Michael Griffiths, in Tallaght. Foley had already received a €120 speeding fine that day and found a parking ticket on his van. He drove to the main street, stopped, and confronted Griffiths, who was working for APCOA. Foley took bolt cutters from his van, approached the warden, and, after a brief exchange, swung the cutters, knocking a radio from Griffiths' hand. Foley then fled, later turning himself in after a drink. He pleaded guilty to production of a weapon and theft. The court, noting Foley's financial difficulties and prior convictions, imposed a one‑year suspended sentence and ordered him to pay over €1,000 to the victim within a year. No jail term was imposed.
2015-03-12 · Dublin
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.
2015-02-16 · Dublin
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.
2014-07-17 · Dublin
Balbriggan District Court heard multiple matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Eoin Maguire, Cornelius Price, and Edward Price, accused of serious assaults and endangering a garda, were remanded on continuing bail with strict conditions to reappear on September 4th after an extension was granted for the Book of Evidence. John Butterly, Lorraine Butterly, and Peter Thompson, charged with assaults involving a baseball bat and rolling pin, were remanded on continuing bail to reappear on September 25th due to the prosecuting garda's injury. Sebestian Knecht was convicted of driving without insurance and possessing a forged insurance disc, receiving a total fine of €850 and a two-year disqualification. Alan Bowe, charged with drink driving, was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on September 26th. Thomas Gaffney, accused of theft and car theft, was remanded on continuing bail until September 11th. Kieran White, who pleaded guilty to stealing wine, was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on July 31st, with the possibility of avoiding a conviction if he pays €75. Mark Donnelly, charged with cannabis possession, was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on September 25th. Stephen Teeling, who pleaded guilty to cannabis possession, was convicted and fined after failing to bring €250 to court, with recognisance fixed for appeal.
2014-07-15 · Dublin
Swords District Court handed down sentences to several defendants. John Budgie McDonagh pleaded guilty to stealing a leather jacket and tools worth €87 from TK Maxx on February 11th. Judge Dermot Dempsey convicted him and imposed a six-month prison term, noting he was beyond probation. Co-accused Owen McDonagh pleaded guilty to stealing shoes valued at €54.99 from the same store on the same date. He received a five-month sentence suspended for two years. Stephen O'Doherty pleaded guilty to taking a car without permission and burglary on August 5th, 2013. Judge Dempsey sentenced him to eight months in prison to run concurrently with a term he is already serving. Lisa Jenkins pleaded guilty to three thefts from TK Maxx totaling €842. She was remanded on continuing bail until October 6th for a Probation & Welfare report. Caroline McAleer pleaded guilty to driving without insurance on October 19th last year and was remanded on continuing bail to re-appear on September 1st for facts to be heard. Neil Curran is alleged to have assaulted Peter Lynch causing harm; the DPP directed trial on indictment, and he was remanded on continuing bail. Co-accused Jennifer Quinn, charged with assaulting Mr Lynch and using threatening behaviour, was remanded on continuing bail to re-appear on September 1st for a plea or to fix a hearing date.
2014-07-04 · Dublin
Balbriggan District Court heard various matters. James Reid pleaded guilty to hit and run, failing to stop, failing to provide information, failing to keep the vehicle at the scene, failing to report the incident, and having no tax. Judge Dermot Dempsey convicted Reid, fined him €400 for the hit and run offences, fined him €100 for no tax, and disqualified him from driving for six months. Piotr Boryslawski pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis. The judge ordered him to pay €300 to the Molly McNally Trust Fund by month's end, stating the charge would be struck out if paid. Several defendants were remanded on continuing bail. James Walsh, charged with cultivating cannabis, was adjourned to September 18 for service of the Book of Evidence. Gareth Lokko, alleged to have breached a barring order and caused criminal damage, was remanded to July 24. Kevin Harmon, alleged to have assaulted another man causing harm, was remanded to September 25 for DPP directions. Lorna Daly, alleged to have stolen petrol and used a false registration plate, was remanded to July 24 for a plea. Jandean Hyland, charged with assault causing harm, was remanded to July 31. Stephane Mbama, alleged to have dangerous driving and driving without insurance, was remanded to July 31. Michael Bollard, alleged to have breached a safety order, was granted bail with conditions and adjourned to July 17.
2014-06-27 · Dublin
Balbriggan District Court heard several matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Catherine Smith pleaded guilty to theft of €213 worth of gardening items from a Tesco supermarket. The judge indicated he would apply the Probation Act if she makes a charitable contribution. Marek Laska pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis for sale or supply and possession of digital weighing scales. The judge applied the Probation Act, ordering him to attend HOPE and assist other drug users, avoiding a conviction. Linda Murphy pleaded guilty to stealing four blank cheques from her employers. The case was adjourned until September 11th to allow her to provide the remaining €160 in compensation, with a warning of a custodial sentence if unpaid. John Paul Fitzgerald pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis resin. He was convicted, fined €400, and ordered to destroy the drugs, with the judge warning he is close to a prison sentence. James Walsh, alleged to have cultivated cannabis plants, was remanded on continuing bail to re-appear on July 3rd for a plea or trial. Ann McGann was convicted of attempting to drive while intoxicated. She was disqualified from driving for three years and fined €300.
2014-06-13 · Dublin
At Balbriggan District Court, Edwin Akandu pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified, having no tax or insurance, and lacking a driving licence. He was convicted and sentenced to four months in prison, with an additional six-year disqualification for the uninsured offence. Judge Dempsey noted Akandu had driven just over a year after receiving a previous four-year ban. In a separate matter, Tony Thunder pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to a window in Skerries. The court marked the case peremptory, granting him until July 10th to provide €200 in compensation. Tina Power pleaded guilty to drink driving after giving a urine reading of 297mg/100ml. She was fined €500 and disqualified from driving for three years. James Heraghty, who is alleged to have assaulted a garda, used threatening behaviour, and obstructed an officer, was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on September 26th while the State clarifies CCTV footage. Keith O'Gorman, alleged to have assaulted another man at Balbriggan Harbour, was also remanded on continuing bail to appear on July 12th for the hearing of his case.
2014-05-23 · Dublin
Balbriggan District Court heard several matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Martin Lawrence pleaded guilty to the theft of €30 worth of items from a Skerries supermarket. The court applied the Probation Act and warned him to stay away from the store. Mark Donnelly, charged with unlawful possession of cannabis for sale and supply, was adjourned until June 19th pending DPP directions. Linda Hess, charged with unauthorised taking of a vehicle and driving without insurance, was remanded on continuing bail to re-appear on June 5th. James Heraghty, alleged to have assaulted a garda, used threatening behaviour, and obstructed a garda, was remanded on continuing bail to re-appear on June 12th. Dayne Barnwell, alleged to have assaulted a bouncer causing a fractured ankle, was remanded on continuing bail until June 26th. Additionally, Tony Thunder, charged with criminal damage, failed to appear; the case was adjourned until June 12th for gardai to caution him. All defendants were processed at the charge or pretrial stage, with no convictions recorded in this report.
2014-02-10 · Dublin
Swords District Court heard four matters presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey. Valerie Quaid, who pleaded guilty to being intoxicated, failing to comply with garda direction, and using threatening and abusive behaviour, failed to appear after a previous order for a Probation & Welfare Report. Consequently, the judge imposed the default sentence of one month in prison and issued a bench warrant for her arrest. Laura Sheils pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and without insurance. She received a three-month suspended sentence, was disqualified from driving for five years for the disqualification offence, and for a further three years for driving without insurance. Edward Byrne pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis herb. The judge convicted him and imposed a fine of €200. Sebestian Knecht did not appear in court. The judge proceeded on a not guilty plea and convicted him of using an altered driving licence, being in custody of a false insurance disc, and driving without insurance. A bench warrant was issued for his arrest for the purpose of sentencing. Recognisances were fixed in the event of an appeal for Quaid and Sheils.
2013-11-21 · Dublin
A 23‑year‑old man, Martin Daly of Balbriggan, was charged with unlawful possession of heroin and Diazepam, obstruction of a Garda, attempted swallowing of heroin bags, threatening and abusive behaviour, assaulting a Garda, and possession of a stolen laptop. He was remanded on continuing bail to appear before Balbriggan District Court on 16 January next year. A 34‑year‑old man, Aidan McDonnell of Lusk, was charged with disorderly conduct and pushing a Garda. He was remanded on continuing bail to appear before Swords District Court on 3 February next year. A 37‑year‑old man, Sebestian Knecht of Swords, was charged with using an altered driving licence, possessing a false insurance disc, and driving without insurance. He was remanded on continuing bail to appear before Swords District Court on 3 February next year. All three cases were heard by Judge Dermot Dempsey.