In a Central Criminal Court trial, Gary Watson, aged 35, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Warren O'Connor, 24, which occurred on 16 January 2010 at Hole in the Wall Road, Donaghmede. Prosecutor James Dwyer SC presented evidence that a noise dispute at a neighbouring apartment led to an altercation involving Watson, the Coyles, and O'Connor. The confrontation escalated in the car park, where Watson allegedly brandished a knife. Witnesses, including a neighbour named Mr Foy, testified that Watson shouted "get that into you" as he stabbed O'Connor. Pathology confirmed a fatal stab wound to the neck. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Michael White, is expected to continue for over two weeks with a jury of twelve. The prosecution seeks to prove Watson's guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The case remains in the early trial stage.
An apprentice electrician from Donaghmede has received a non-custodial sentence after pleading guilty to causing serious harm to a schoolmate at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Adam Clarke (20) punched the victim at a nightclub on Francis Street, Dublin 8, on 3 July 2016, in an incident motivated by jealousy. The assault left the injured party permanently deaf in one ear and hospitalised for five days with a complex head fracture. Judge Melanie Greally imposed 240 hours of community service in lieu of a three-year prison term and ordered Clarke to pay €10,000 compensation. The judge noted the victim's hearing loss has significantly impacted his academic progress, sporting ability, and career prospects. Clarke, who initially showed no remorse during garda interview, later visited the victim in hospital and expressed contrition. The court considered his youth, early guilty plea, lack of prior convictions, and a probation report indicating low re-offending risk when determining the sentence.
Catherine Gaffney, aged 52, was found guilty by a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court jury in June of stealing three Chanel handbags from Brown Thomas on Grafton Street on 28 March 2015. The handbags, valued at €10,150, were discovered missing during a stock take and CCTV footage showed Gaffney hiding them in her own bag. She was arrested after Gardaí identified her as a suspect. Gaffney had 35 prior convictions for shop‑lifting offences and six for larceny, and was on bail for another offence at the time of the theft. She had previously been convicted of further crimes. Her defence lawyer noted her family responsibilities and her efforts to address an alcohol problem. Judge Cormac Quinn sentenced her to two years in prison, suspending the final year of that term.
Adam Clarke, 20, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to causing serious harm to Ownie O'Connell at the Tivoli Theatre, Francis Street, Dublin 8, on July 3, 2016. The prosecution alleged that Clarke, an apprentice electrician, punched the victim in a fit of jealousy after seeing him kiss a mutual acquaintance. Mr O'Connell was knocked unconscious, suffered a scalp cut, and was left permanently deaf in his left ear with tinnitus. He was hospitalized for five days. Clarke, of Donaghmede, has no previous convictions. During his Garda interview, he reportedly showed no remorse, stating he had no regrets because it was a great night. However, he later visited the victim in hospital, accepting he had delivered an unprovoked assault and expressing that he was sorry and jealous. In a victim impact statement, Mr O'Connell detailed how the impairment affected his education, social life, and ability to play football. Defense counsel Dominic McGinn SC submitted that Clarke's initial attitude did not reflect his character, citing testimonials describing him as placid and remorseful. He noted Clarke had €2,000 in court as a concrete indication of genuine remorse and argued against custody. Judge Melanie Greally adjourned the case to November 2 next and remanded Clarke on continuing bail.
Renato Gehlen, 36, of Dorset Square, Dublin 1, is charged with murdering his wife, Anne Colomines, 37, on 24 October 2017 at their home. His trial at the Central Criminal Court is set to begin on 25 March next year. In the same court, Gary Watson, 34, of Millbrook Avenue, Kilbarrick, Dublin 13, faces trial for the 2010 murder of Warren O'Connor at Hole in the Wall Road, Donaghmede. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy scheduled his trial for 20 May 2019.
In the Central Criminal Court, Ciara Tynan, the girlfriend of the 33‑year‑old Wesley Mooney, testified that the accused, 20‑year‑old Martin Keenan, was a professional bare‑knuckle fighter and questioned why he did not use his fists when he stabbed Mooney on the decking outside Keenan's home. Tynan denied the defence's suggestion that Keenan was defending himself after discovering the couple burglarising his house. Prosecutor Garnet Orange SC re‑examined Tynan, asking her about the claim that Keenan moved toward the victim before being stabbed. The defence, represented by Séamus Clarke SC, questioned Detective Sergeant Alan Brady about the bare‑knuckle fighter allegation, to which Brady replied that he had not seen any videos of Keenan on YouTube. Brady also confirmed that the deceased had 59 prior convictions, including burglary, threatening to kill, and possession of an imitation firearm with criminal intent, but no assault convictions. Martin Keenan pleaded not guilty.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Martin Keenan, who has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Wesley Mooney (33) at St Joseph's Park, Dunsink Lane, north Dublin on June 5, 2016, continued before Mr Justice Paul Butler and a jury. During cross-examination, the defence challenged the character of the deceased and the circumstances leading to the incident. Ciara Tynan, identified as the deceased's girlfriend, denied allegations that Mr Mooney was aggressive or that he moved towards the accused prior to being stabbed with garden shears. However, she acknowledged that CCTV footage played in court showed Mr Mooney raising his middle finger at staff at a Tesco Express around 9.50pm, though she maintained this gesture did not constitute aggression. She also rejected the defence suggestion that the couple was committing a burglary in the accused's home. The prosecution and defence are presenting evidence regarding the events outside the accused's home in Finglas. No verdict has been reached, and the trial is ongoing, with proceedings scheduled to continue this afternoon.
In the Central Criminal Court, Martin Keenan, aged 20, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Wesley Mooney, aged 33, which occurred on 5 June 2016 at St Joseph's Park, Dunsink Lane, Dublin. Ciara Tynan, the deceased's girlfriend, testified that she and Mooney had been traveling to a trailer owned by a man named Davy 'Good-looking' and had been invited to St Joseph's Park by a man in a car who claimed the front door was open. Tynan said they entered a bedroom, the owner returned shouting, and she claimed the accused stabbed Mooney after the owner left. She described herself as shouting for help, but the ambulance arrived an hour later. During cross‑examination, Tynan denied any burglary and said she had no convictions. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Butler and a jury of ten men and two women.
Two teenage cousins, aged 16 and 17, will be sentenced on March 22 for assault causing harm to a 14‑year‑old boy at Father Collins Park, Donaghmede, on 9 April 2016. The victim, who knew the attackers, had a falling out with the 14‑year‑old cousin shortly before the incident. While walking with a friend, the 14‑year‑old confronted the victim, accusing him of spreading rumours about wanting to kill him. The victim denied the claim and tried to walk away, but was punched in the cheek three times. The older cousin then punched him once in the mouth, causing him to fall. A group of about seven boys surrounded the victim, preventing escape. The victim left with four top teeth missing and required extensive medical care. Neither cousin has prior convictions, and their parents were notified and interviewed voluntarily. The unnamed 17-year-old pleaded guilty.
A man has been sentenced to two years' imprisonment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following a burglary at Carndonagh Park, Donaghmede, Dublin, in June 2017. Mark O'Mahony (33) of St Donagh's Road, Donaghmede, pleaded guilty to burglary and to possessing property belonging to another person found at the scene. The court heard that the householder discovered O'Mahony asleep in his kitchen armchair in the early morning and retained him until gardaí arrived. O'Mahony, who was in an exceptionally intoxicated state, had also taken approximately €100 in cash from a bag in the kitchen. Judge Martin Nolan noted the non-violent nature of the offence and described the burglary as inept. The sentence was backdated to June of the previous year when O'Mahony entered custody. The defendant has eighty-six previous convictions.
Declan Cosgrave, a 53-year-old painter, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to possession of cannabis resin, cannabis, and cocaine worth €1.9m at his home in Donaghmede Park, Dublin 13. Judge Cormac Quinn imposed a seven-year prison term, suspending the final two years for a period of two years. The judge directed that Cosgrave undergo Probation Service supervision for two years upon release. During sentencing, the court acknowledged mitigating factors, including Cosgrave's plea, cooperation with gardai, medical conditions, and an alleged element of coercion. Cosgrave's defense counsel, Blaise O'Carroll SC, argued that the defendant was vulnerable and coerced into storing the drugs to settle a debt, citing his history of cocaine use and chronic sleep apnoea. The judge noted the significant value of the drugs as an aggravating factor but considered Cosgrave's lack of prior serious convictions and his vulnerable state when he took possession of the substances. The matter was finalized with this sentence, which includes the specified suspension and supervision conditions.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, aged 20, pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment and dangerous driving in Dublin. He was charged with leading a high‑speed chase that forced parents and schoolchildren to take evasive action near a Donaghmede school, and with driving a Toyota Prius at up to 120 km/h, overtaking on the wrong side of the road, causing a two‑car collision, side‑swiping a Garda car and bypassing a road block. The court noted his previous road traffic and drug convictions. Judge Patrick Quinn sentenced him to three years' imprisonment but suspended the sentence in full, citing his early plea, employment, completion of a barber training course and the potential for a "make or break point" in his life. The judge also disqualified Fitzpatrick from driving for five years. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 17 February 2016. The sentencing decision was made on 18 December 2017.
Terence Gavin, 25, was found guilty of fraudulently claiming job seekers allowance for two years under a false name and also claiming other state benefits in his own name. He admitted to stealing €8,100 from the Department of Social and Family Affairs at An Post, Donaghmede Shopping Centre between October 2010 and July 2012. Gavin has ten prior convictions, including burglary and theft. Garda Gareth Ryan explained that social welfare officials had flagged a suspicious claim made under the name "Alan McDonagh," which Gavin had used. CCTV footage from the post office identified him when the claim was paid. The judge, Melanie Greally, noted Gavin's difficult upbringing and limited work history but emphasized the seriousness of his dishonesty. She ordered him to complete 240 hours of community service within 12 months, with one year to be served in default, and imposed a one‑year suspended sentence on strict conditions.
In 2015, seven men pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary at the Corcoran family home in south Tipperary. Five of them—Patrick Gately, Dean Byrne, John Joyce, Patrick Joyce and Thomas Flynn—received sentences ranging from 12 to 20 years, with varying suspended portions. The men appealed in 2017, arguing that the sentences were too severe. Counsel highlighted each defendant's background, remorse, and the nature of the offence, noting the presence of a machete, firearms, and threats against children. The Court of Appeal reserved judgment, with the judges acknowledging the seriousness of the crime and the impact on the Corcoran family. The appeal focused on the proportionality of the sentences and the application of remission, without addressing any subsequent outcomes. The case remains at the appellate stage.
In 2013, five men—Patrick Gately (29), Dean Byrne (23), John Joyce (22), Patrick Joyce (24), and Thomas Flynn (22)—pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary at the Corcoran family home in south Tipperary. Judge Thomas Teehan sentenced them on 1 October 2015: Gately and Byrne received 20‑year terms with the last four years suspended; Joyce received 15 years with four suspended; Patrick Joyce received 14 years with four suspended; Flynn received 12 years consecutive to a sentence already served. All five have appealed the severity of their sentences. The Court of Appeal set a hearing for 2 March, with submissions lodged except for Gately, who had a legal‑aid certificate transferred to a new solicitor. The appeal will consider whether the sentences are too harsh. The case remains at the appeal stage.
John Joyce, 24, of Donaghmede, was sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment after pleading guilty in Dublin's Circuit Criminal Court to threatening to kill Garda Adrian Cahill on 27 November 2013. The threat was made while the pair were on patrol following a call about a suspicious man in Donabate. Joyce refused to be searched, was arrested, and then became physically aggressive toward Cahill, shouting that he would attack Cahill's wife and "shoot him like his mate in Dundalk." The threat referenced the death of former colleague Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, who was gunned down in January 2013. Joyce had 78 previous convictions. His defence lawyer, Ms Fiona Murphy, described him as angry and frustrated, and said he accepted he was in the wrong and wished to apologise. Judge Patrick McCartan noted Joyce's conduct was an "utter disregard" for the Garda and that the threat was made in a nasty manner, referencing a fallen colleague.
Robert Lawlor, 31, of Donaghmede, was jailed for possessing €3,420 that had been dyed blue after a cash‑box robbery at McDonald's Donaghmede on 23 March 2013. He pleaded guilty to possession of stolen property at Belcamp Gardens on 26 March 2013. Judge Martin Nolan originally sentenced him to 32 months in prison on 27 July 2015. On appeal, the Court of Appeal set aside that sentence and imposed a new 36‑month term, with the final 12 months suspended. Lawlor was required to post a €100 bond and remain of good behaviour for 12 months after release. The appeal considered that his earlier 16‑month sentence for a separate offence was too divergent from the 32‑month sentence for possession, and that his co‑accused received a comparable sentence. The court noted Lawlor's willingness to rehabilitate and accepted his statement that he would be bound by the bond.
Robert Lawlor, a 31‑year‑old Dublin father of three, was sentenced to 16 months in jail for possessing a stolen Ford C‑Max. He had previously been disqualified from driving and was caught driving the vehicle by a Garda at Airside Retail Shopping Centre, Swords. The Garda followed him to Bewleys Hotel on Clonshaugh Road, where CCTV captured him driving the car into the carpark while wearing blue latex gloves. DNA evidence linked Lawlor to the same gloves found when the stolen car was recovered two weeks later at another location. Lawlor pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possessing the stolen vehicle, which had been taken from a premises on Griffith Avenue in March 2012 and had registration plates from a vehicle stored in a County Clare garage. His 124 prior convictions include dangerous driving, public order offences and a five‑year sentence for drug possession.
Two men, Vincent Kirwan, 38, and Mark Shortt, 42, were arrested after robbing a petrol station at the Topaz garage in Donaghmede Shopping Centre on 23 June 2013. They used an imitation gun found in a field and were heavily intoxicated; Shortt approached the counter while Kirwan covered his face with his hands as a disguise. Shortt demanded cash, pulled the air pistol, and the robbery yielded €100. Garda Ronan Murphy testified that the pair fled toward a nearby McDonald's, were later spotted on Kilfenore Drive, and arrested. Both pleaded guilty to robbery. Judge Martin Nolan, hearing the case in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, suspended four‑year sentences for each, citing their alcoholism and the one‑off nature of the offence. Kirwan had prior public order convictions; Shortt had none. The judge emphasised the seriousness of producing a replica firearm and the potential for serious consequences when confronted with guns.
In March 2012, Edward Byrne (23), his cousin Martin Morgan (23), and Stephen Byrne (20) attacked Polish worker Lukasz Rzeszutko in Coolock, killing him. The men pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. A jury convicted Morgan of murder; he received life imprisonment. Byrne was sentenced to 12 years, Stephen Byrne to nine years with three suspended. Byrne appealed the severity of his sentence. The Court of Appeal found the sentencing judge had erred by rejecting evidence from two witnesses and had not adequately considered mitigating factors such as Byrne's guilty plea, lesser role, and rehabilitation efforts. The court reduced Byrne's sentence to 10 years. Byrne and Morgan had earlier lost appeals against conviction on grounds of defective search warrants and joint enterprise issues, which the Court of Appeal dismissed. The final judgment upheld the convictions but adjusted Byrne's custodial term.
In a High Court ruling on 19 February 2015, Mr Justice Paul Gilligan committed five water‑meter protesters to prison for contempt of court after they breached a 20‑metre exclusion zone around GMC Sierra installation sites. The court found the protesters' actions amounted to harassment and intimidation of GMC Sierra workers, who had been threatened during meter installation. Damien O'Neill (46) of Coolock and Paul Moore (age not stated) were sentenced to 56 days' imprisonment, the second finding of contempt against them. Mother‑of‑three Bernie Hughes (age not stated) of Finglas, father‑of‑two Derek Byrne (36) of Donaghmede, and father‑of‑three Michael Batty (64) of Raheny were sentenced to 28 days' imprisonment, though Batty's committal was stayed until Tuesday due to his health‑related absence from Ireland. The judge awarded GMC Sierra costs for the five respondents. No other protesters were found in contempt, and the court denied relief to two others.
The High Court found five water‑meter protesters in contempt of court for entering a 20‑metre exclusion zone around water‑installation works, as ordered on 5 November 2014. The five named protesters were Damien O'Neill, Paul Moore, Bernie Hughes, Michael Batty and Derek Byrne. Mr Justice Paul Gilligan said a decision on whether to fine or imprison them would be made at 2 p.m. that afternoon. The court was told that the protesters had been previously ordered not to approach the contractors' vehicles or the entrance and exit of the company's premises. Two other protesters, Mark Egan and Richie Larkin, were not found to have breached the order, and the application for relief against them was refused. All the named protesters were present in court, except Michael Batty, who was excused due to chronic asthma. The company had secured the orders after its workers reported harassment and threats while installing meters in certain areas.
The High Court reserved judgement on a contempt of court case involving seven water‑charge protesters who may face jail or a fine for allegedly breaching a 20‑metre exclusion zone around water‑meter installation sites in Dublin. The court heard affidavits and viewed video footage supplied by GMC Sierra Ltd, the meter‑installation company, which claimed the protesters had entered the exclusion zone and interfered with workers. The seven named protesters were Damien O'Neill, Paul Moore, Bernie Hughes, Mark Egan, Richard Larkin, Michael Batty and Derek Byrne. GMC's lawyers presented surveillance footage from operatives and from a Facebook page, showing the protesters allegedly removing safety barriers and confronting workers. The court also heard an affidavit from Eoin Corrigan of First Pulse Ltd, who described threatening behaviour but admitted no video evidence existed. The case was scheduled for a decision by Judge Paul Gilligan on Thursday morning.
Paul Gibbons, 29, pleaded guilty to robbery at a Spar on Malahide Road, Artane, on 23 December 2013. He and two others entered the shop armed with knives, demanding money. Gardaí were alerted after a staff member tackled the raiders; the robbers fled, but Gibbons was arrested shortly after. The robbery yielded €347. Gibbons, who was on social welfare and had lost access to his ten‑year‑old son due to unpaid maintenance, said the act was the "most stupid thing" he had ever done. He cooperated with the investigation and made admissions. Judge Martin Nolan, considering his cooperation and the circumstances, sentenced him to three years' imprisonment, suspended in full. No other charges were brought against the two co‑raiders, and Gibbons has not been involved in further criminal activity since his arrest.
Three Dublin water‑meter protesters—Paul Moore, Damien O'Neill and Terence Sheridan—were found to have breached a High Court order that barred them from entering a 20‑metre exclusion zone around sites where GMC Sierra Ltd was installing meters. The court committed each man to 28 days' imprisonment for contempt of court, but suspended the sentences for six months on the condition that they comply with the order. The judge also awarded costs to the contractor. The article reports that the protesters had not denied entering the zone and that the court considered affidavits and witness statements but not video evidence. No violence was alleged against workers, and the fourth protester, Derek Byrne, was not sentenced. The case highlights the court's insistence on respecting its orders.
Ciaran Gilford, aged 27, was sentenced to four years' imprisonment for assault causing serious harm after striking Stephen Doyle, 42, with a glass at the Wright Venue in Swords on 1 December 2012. Doyle suffered post‑traumatic stress disorder, permanent scarring and numbness in his left jaw. The court noted that Gilford's attack was unprovoked and followed an alleged argument over pints. Judge Mary Ellen Ring suspended the final 18 months of the sentence because of Gilford's guilty plea and cooperation with gardaí. Gilford was ordered to continue medication for ADHD and depression while in custody, and he paid €3,000 to Doyle as compensation. He also agreed to keep the peace and maintain good behaviour for the duration of his sentence. The court recorded that Doyle received stitches, was on a liquid diet and is awaiting further surgery for scar revision. Gilford's prior minor convictions for intoxication were also noted.
Mark Tierney, aged 43, was prosecuted for failing to pay nearly €300,000 in taxes over five years. He pleaded guilty to ten counts of not paying VAT between 2006 and 2010 and two counts of filing incorrect tax returns. Tierney, who worked as a courier for TNT, issued invoices that included 21 % VAT but did not remit the tax to Revenue, and he misrepresented his income on tax returns. He currently owes €147,797 in income tax and €135,844 in VAT, including penalties and interest, and has not repaid any of the money. At sentencing, Judge Mary Ellen Ring, after considering a probation report that found Tierney had a high degree of insight and a low risk of re‑offending, imposed 220 hours of community service within 12 months in lieu of a two‑year jail term.
A man from Donaghmede was convicted of using threatening and abusive behaviour towards gardai at a County Dublin beach in July 2013. Anthony O'Connor, aged 24, was part of a group consuming alcohol at Portmarnock Beach on 8 July when gardai requested he surrender the cans. He became abusive to both members of an garda síochána and members of the public during the interaction. O'Connor, who works as a student fitness instructor and has nineteen previous convictions, pleaded guilty to the charge at Swords District Court. Judge Dermot Dempsey imposed a community service sentence of 200 hours as an alternative to one month's imprisonment. His defence solicitor indicated O'Connor had struggled with excessive drinking and apologised for his conduct during the incident.
A Dublin District Court heard today that a dispute involving former developer Tom McFeely and recruitment firm MCR Personnel Ltd had been resolved, resulting in the striking out of proceedings that threatened a three-month jail term. The action, which had spanned approximately two years before the court, concerned an outstanding debt of €24,288 for services rendered. MCR's solicitor informed Judge Mary Collins that the parties had reached agreement, and the case was withdrawn. The matter had previously involved detailed cross-examination of McFeely's financial circumstances and alleged assets across multiple jurisdictions. The resolution came days before further questioning regarding financial matters was scheduled to resume at Dublin District Court.