Karl Dalton, 32, was one of three men who violently robbed a businessman of high‑value phones outside the victim's home in Lucan, Dublin, in February 2019. The robbery involved a stabbing attempt and a wheel‑brace strike, and the victim was shouted "kill him" at the scene. Dalton's fingerprints were found on the victim's car, linking him to the crime. He pleaded guilty to robbery and was sentenced by Judge Melanie Greally to six years' imprisonment, with the final 18 months suspended and a 12‑month probation order. The phones, worth €11,000–€12,000, were not covered by insurance. Dalton appealed the sentence, arguing for greater mitigation, but Judge George Birmingham dismissed the appeal, upholding the original six‑year term and noting Dalton's extensive criminal history and the seriousness of the robbery.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 16 February 2023, Meraj Ahmed, a 27‑year‑old pizza chef from Lucan, was sentenced to 20 months' imprisonment for a knife attack on a housemate. The incident occurred on 18 February 2018 when Gardaí were called to a Lucan property where Ahmed was found with severe hand injuries. Ahmed pleaded guilty to assault causing harm. The court noted that he had attacked the victim with punches and attempted to stab him in the stomach, while the victim defended himself and sustained serious hand injuries. Judge Martin Nolan highlighted Ahmed's guilty plea, lack of prior convictions, work history and cooperation as mitigating factors, but ruled a custodial sentence was unavoidable. The sentence was imposed from the date of the hearing. The case involved a history of conflict between the two men and the victim's injuries were treated at Blanchardstown Hospital. The court did not consider any future appearance of Ahmed.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 16 February 2023, construction worker Josh Keating, aged 22, was sentenced to two years' imprisonment for possession of cocaine for sale or supply and possession of the proceeds of crime amounting to €23,950. Keating, who had no prior convictions, admitted to selling cocaine for the previous 18 months and was found with €4,200 worth of cocaine and €23,950 in cash during a Garda search of his home in Lucan. He cooperated fully with investigators, provided his mobile phone and PIN, and claimed he had been drug‑free since rehabilitation. The judge, citing Keating's lack of prior offences and good work history, imposed the custodial term, noting the mitigation was excellent but the offence warranted imprisonment. The sentence reflects the court's assessment of culpability and the profit made from the drug trade. Josh Keating pleaded guilty.
The fraud trial of former Custom House Capital (CHC) manager Ciara Kelleher heard on day 11 that former CEO Harry Cassidy, John Whyte, Paul Lavery, and John Mulholland have pleaded guilty to charges arising from a Garda investigation. Cassidy, Whyte, and Lavery admitted to conspiring with others to defraud investors and clients of CHC between October 2008 and July 2011. Mulholland, a non-executive director, pleaded guilty to one count of neglect on the part of a director of a body corporate regarding the company's dishonest acts. Kelleher, who pleaded not guilty to one count of conspiring to defraud CHC investors by misleading them about asset placement, remains the sole defendant facing trial. Evidence presented included testimony from Detective Garda David Coyne regarding Kelleher's 2016 arrest and Detective Garda Aidan Deveney, who detailed the retrieval of 2.5 million objects from a server and the use of forensic tools to search over 1.2 million emails. Deveney acknowledged that Cassidy allegedly pressured Kelleher regarding client valuations and fees. The trial continues before Judge Orla Crowe and the jury.
A 34‑year‑old man, Charles McClean of St Mark's Grove, Clondalkin, has been charged with the murder of gangland figure Mark 'Guinea Pig' Desmond, who was shot at least three times at Griffeen Valley Park, Lucan, on 2 December 2016. Mr Justice Paul McDermott set the trial for 29 January 2024, with all disclosure to be finished by 22 May 2023. Desmond, aged 41 at death, had links to dissident republicans and the drug trade in west Dublin. He had earlier faced, but had those charges dropped, the murder of two men in 1999.
Charles McClean, aged 32, of St Mark's Drive, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty in the Central Criminal Court to facilitating a criminal organisation in the fatal shooting of Thomas McCarthy. The indictment alleges that between 25 January and 27 July 2020, McClean, knowing of the organisation's existence, intentionally or recklessly performed an act to aid the murder. Mark Lee, also 32 from Balgaddy, Lucan, admitted the same charge for the period 26–27 July 2020. Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the case to 6 March for mention.
A 32‑year‑old man from Balgaddy, Lucan, pleaded guilty to facilitating a criminal organisation in the murder of Thomas McCarthy in Dublin. Mark Lee appeared briefly at the Central Criminal Court, where he entered his plea. The charge alleges that between 26 and 27 July 2020, with knowledge of the organisation, Lee intentionally or recklessly committed an act to facilitate the murder. Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the matter to 6 March and ordered a probation report.
A man has been sentenced to three years in custody at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following a road incident in Lucan that endangered innocent bystanders. Martin Mongan, aged 47, was convicted by jury of endangerment and dangerous driving arising from an incident on Newcastle Road on 6 May 2018. The court heard that Mongan, embroiled in a family feud originating from a violent incident at a Roscommon funeral in 2017, deliberately drove his truck at a van containing family members he was in dispute with. The collision caused the van to strike an uninvolved car with three occupants who had no connection to the parties involved. Judge Patricia Ryan noted the incident occurred in broad daylight and considered aggravating factors including the repeated nature of the driving at the van. The judge stated a custodial sentence was necessary to mark the seriousness of the offence and its effects on the injured parties.
Samy Taib, aged 21, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, coercive control, endangerment, driving without licence and insurance, and dangerous driving. He had previously been convicted of 22 road traffic offences. The court found the victim endured significant trauma and physical injury, including permanent foot damage. Taib's mental health, diagnosed as paranoid schizophrenia, was cited as a mitigating factor. Judge Elma Sheahan imposed a five‑year prison sentence, crediting time served in Scotland and any time already spent in custody. The final 12 months were suspended for two years, with strict conditions: probation supervision, no contact with the victim, and avoidance of her home and workplace. Taib was also disqualified from driving for six years. The case highlighted the severity of his offences and the impact on the victim's life.
A high‑ranking member of a West African organised crime gang, Junior Boboye, aged 28, was sentenced to six years in prison, with the final year suspended, for his role in an €800,000 money‑laundering and fraud operation. The operation involved the theft of €792,000 from eight businesses through invoice‑redirect fraud, of which €319,000 was recovered. Boboye pleaded guilty to multiple offences for the benefit of a criminal organisation between August 2017 and May 2018, and to 13 counts of money laundering and using false instruments. He was described by the judge as an active lieutenant and recruiting sergeant within the gang. The case also involved other defendants: Emmanuel Olanyian, who received a four‑year sentence with the final year suspended; Taiwo Ajike, who received a suspended one‑year sentence; and Onyebuchi Aduba, who was dealt with under the Probation Act and will not receive a conviction.
An insurance company, Aon Ireland Limited, obtained a High Court injunction preventing former employee Luciana Bernardes De Castro from using or distributing any confidential information related to the firm. De Castro had worked as a Claims Administrator from March 2020 until her resignation in January 2022. In August 2022 she filed a claim with the Workplace Relations Committee, prompting Aon to search her work e‑mails. The company found that she had sent several emails containing sensitive information, including medical data, to her personal account and a third party. Aon alleged that this constituted a breach of her legal obligations. De Castro, who had been living in Liffey Valley Park, Lucan, responded in November that she had no interest in engaging with Aon and had not cooperated with the company. Aon's lawyers, represented by Rosemary Mallon BL, sought the injunction after De Castro declined to provide the undertakings requested.
Samy Taib, 21, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault causing harm, one count of coercive control, endangerment, driving without a licence and insurance, and dangerous driving. The offences occurred between May 2018 and October 2019, involving repeated physical abuse of his former partner, including choking, punching, and driving over her leg. He admitted to running her over with his car on 9 May 2019, causing permanent injury to her foot. Gardaí pursued him after a high‑speed chase on 13 October 2019, seized his black Volvo, and arrested him in July 2019. Taib has 22 prior convictions, mainly traffic offences, and was diagnosed with schizophrenia in early 2020. The case was adjourned to 20 January 2023 for finalisation. The court heard the victim's impact statement describing lasting physical and psychological harm. Taib had moved to Scotland in 2020 and returned to Ireland in April 2022.
Sergio Arriaga, 44, of Lucan, was found guilty of possessing child pornography after a search of his home in April 2013 revealed over 2,700 images and 234 videos of child sexual abuse. The material, downloaded from a peer‑to‑peer network, included images of children as young as two years old. Arriaga pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Elma Sheahan imposed a 20‑month sentence, with the final eight months suspended on strict conditions and requiring Arriaga to be supervised by Probation Services for eight months. He has no prior convictions and is employed full‑time. The judge noted the grotesque nature of the material and the seriousness of the offence, but also considered his early guilty plea and expressions of remorse as mitigating factors. The case had been pending since 2013 due to delays in repairing the hard drives.
Elena Oleinik, 48, an art teacher from Lucan, was jailed for two years after forging hundreds of driver licences and no‑claims bonus documents for a car insurance "ghost broker" known only as 'Mr A'. Arrested during a Garda crackdown on ghost broker policies, Oleinik admitted she had been forging documents since 2014, changing names on licences for foreign nationals and adding years to no‑claims bonuses. She earned about €30 per false document and is estimated to have produced around 700 documents for Mr A, though the court could confirm about 250 based on her bank records. Mr A had paid her €7,600 between March 2017 and September 2018. Oleinik pleaded guilty to six counts of making a false instrument and had no prior convictions. The judge noted her cooperation, early guilty plea and lack of previous convictions, but sentenced her to two years' imprisonment for her extensive involvement in the criminal enterprise.
Paul Keenan, 43, of Lucan, was sentenced to eleven years in prison after Gardaí seized €220,000, drugs, weapons, luxury goods and about ten mobile phones, including encrypted BQ Aquaris models, during searches of his home and a van. He pleaded guilty to possessing the money on 13 March 2019 and 31 March 2021 and to possessing drugs on those dates. The court heard that the van, stopped at a speed check, contained cocaine, cash, and a white bag of €155,000, while Keenan's house held heart‑shaped tablets, pepper spray, a stun gun, ammunition, and designer items. Keenan admitted he was holding money for third parties and denied ever touching a gun. Judge Martin Nolan described him as intelligent and skilled but imposed consecutive five‑ and six‑year sentences for his high level of involvement in money‑laundering and drug offences. The seized money will be frozen for seven years before forfeiture.
Marius Pughineanu, 42, was sentenced to ten months in prison after pleading guilty to possessing an ATM bank reader and criminal damage to an ATM on Main Street, Lucan, on 7 January 2008. He also admitted using two stolen credit cards to purchase PlayStation consoles worth about €1,200 at GameStop stores in September 2007. The court heard that he had absconded twice, including a seven‑year stay in Thailand after bench warrants were issued. Garda Stuart Gleeson presented evidence that the stolen cards were traced to U.S. owners who had not authorised the transactions. Pughineanu was arrested in January 2008 after tampering with a Bank of Ireland ATM, where CCTV showed him removing the front of the machine with a Stanley knife. He has three prior burglary convictions but claims to have reformed, working 45 hours a week as a fire‑proofer and paying taxes.
John Mangan, 54, escaped from Loughlan House open prison in October 2021 and was captured riding a motorcycle at high speed through the Dublin suburbs on a November afternoon. During the chase, which lasted about 20 minutes, he ignored Garda instructions, ran red lights, overtook vehicles, drove the wrong way around a roundabout, and nearly collided with several cars. The pursuit ended when Gardaí, with air support, blocked him on Carpenterstown Road. Mangan pleaded guilty to endangerment, dangerous driving and driving without insurance. He was sentenced to 15 months in prison, to be served consecutively to his existing term, and was disqualified from driving for two years. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court and is expected to be brought before the District Court for the escape charge.
Adrian Short, 45, of Corbetstown, Killucan, was given a 16‑month suspended sentence for possessing seven images and 14 videos of child pornography, including extreme content involving children as young as two years old. The videos showed sexual intercourse between children and adults. Judge Melanie Greally noted that no other material was found on Short's devices and that he had been fully forthright, cooperative and had voluntarily attended a Garda interview. The judge cited Short's early guilty plea, high level of cooperation, lack of prior convictions, personal history, and past trauma as mitigating factors. He was also noted to have a low risk of reoffending according to a probation report. Short must remain under probation supervision for 16 months, submit to monitoring and risk assessments, and continue counselling as directed.
Boy B, now 18, withdrew his appeal against his conviction for the May 2018 murder of 14-year-old Ana Kriegel in Lucan. Originally convicted at age 13 alongside Boy A, he was sentenced to 15 years' detention with a review after 8 years. The appeal hearing, presided over by Mr Justice John Edwards, saw Boy B confirm directly that he wished to withdraw the appeal, bringing an end to four years of proceedings.
Boy B, one of two teenagers convicted of murdering 14‑year‑old Ana Kriegel, withdrew his appeal against his conviction, ending four years of criminal proceedings. The withdrawal was announced at a brief hearing attended by Ana's mother Geraldine and other family members. The Court of Appeal confirmed that Boy B had no appeal against his 15‑year sentence, which includes a review after eight years. Boy B was 13 when he lured Ana to a derelict house where his accomplice, Boy A, beat and sexually assaulted her. Both boys are now 18, but their names are protected by a court order. Boy A has not appealed his conviction or sentence, and no appeal has been lodged on his behalf. The withdrawal marks the end of the proceedings for Boy B.
The Court of Appeal has refused an application by Boy B to introduce fresh evidence in his appeal against the murder conviction of 14-year-old Ana Kriegel. Mr Justice George Birmingham, delivering the ruling of the three-judge court, stated that the application did not meet the threshold for admitting new evidence. He described the move as an attempt to "set at naught" the trial process and run an entirely different case more than three years after the original proceedings. Boy B's lawyers sought to introduce reports from psychologists claiming he was subjected to manipulation and pressure during garda interviews, arguing his mind was "substantially overborne." The court noted it was unusual to challenge the admissibility of interviews at this stage when no such challenge was raised during the trial. The judge highlighted that Boy B's final account to gardai, which admitted he witnessed Boy A assaulting Ana, was consistent with a statement he gave to a friend in June 2018. The court rejected the argument that his legal representation was inadequate. Boy B and Boy A were convicted by a Central Criminal Court jury in June 2019 of murdering Ana at a derelict house in Lucan in May 2018. Boy B was sentenced to 15 years' detention, to be reviewed after eight years. Boy A was sentenced to life imprisonment with a review after 12 years, and eight years imprisonment for aggravated sexual assault. The full appeal hearing is scheduled for October 5.
The Workplace Relations Commission heard that Guinness delivery workers signed a joint declaration that unscheduled keg deliveries were common and continued after 15 colleagues were dismissed. Eleven dismissed workers, including Stanislav Gradinaru, have lodged unfair dismissal claims against STL Logistics, Diageo's subcontractor. The dismissal followed covert surveillance by Diageo security at a Dublin pub, where the company alleged unscheduled, undocumented deliveries between December 2018 and February 2019. HR consultant Brendan McGrath said 20 such deliveries were observed and 70 customers interviewed, none explaining why Guinness trucks stopped at the pub. Gradinaru admitted an unscheduled drop on 15 February 2019, claiming it was at another pub's request, but denied any breach of duty. The adjudicating officer noted his evidence was clear and complete, and a decision on all 11 claims is expected later this year.
Marius Cristea, 56, was sentenced to 20 months in jail for fraudulently claiming €84,099 in jobseeker's allowance over seven years. He worked at a golf club under a false identity while claiming benefits under his own name from 2013 to 2020. Cristea pleaded guilty to eight counts of social welfare fraud at Dodsboro post office between December 2013 and March 2020 and one count of producing a false instrument at Naas Golf Club on 14 January 2019. Garda Anna Masterson explained that after his business failed during the recession, he assumed the identity of a former employee to work at the club and continued to claim benefits. He received cash in hand and claimed an additional €11,000 until March 2020. He has repaid €3,482 to date. Cristea has no prior convictions in Ireland but has historic convictions in Romania.
In a 2022 Court of Appeal hearing, the defence of a 17‑year‑old convicted of murdering 14‑year‑old Ana Kriegel argued that the garda interviews used to convict him were conducted with "manipulation and pressure." The lawyers cited a forensic psychologist's report that the 13‑year‑old's interviews were "inadequate" and "inappropriate" for his age, noting the length, repetition and use of pressure. They sought to introduce this report as fresh evidence to challenge the admissibility of the interviews. The prosecution maintained that the defendant had never disputed his statements to the garda and that the detectives had used "valid" rapport‑building techniques. The court reserved judgment, intending to decide before the end of the legal term in late July, with the substantive appeal to follow. The case remains at the appeal stage, with no further convictions or sentences addressed in the article.
Adrian Short, 45, a former Irish Defence Forces member, pleaded guilty to possessing seven images and 14 videos of child pornography. The case was adjourned to allow an independent risk assessment before sentencing. Judge Melanie Greally ordered the Probation Service to conduct the assessment as part of a probation report to determine if additional safeguards are required. Short was arrested after a warrant was obtained following a referral from the Garda National Protective Bureau. A search on March 29, 2021, found a Samsung Galaxy phone and other devices; the phone held sexually explicit images of children and videos of adults abusing children. Short admitted to accessing the material, including via the Telegram app, and claimed he had been sexually abused by his father as a child. He has been in counselling and the case will be finalised on October 21.
Lacey O'Connor, 30, of Rowlagh Park, Clondalkin, appeared for sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on an offence of perverting the course of justice. She pleaded guilty to giving a false account of the movement of a suspect during the murder investigation in November 2019. O'Connor had told gardai that her then-partner, Anthony Casserly, was with her at the time of the fatal shooting of Wayne Whelan. However, CCTV and mobile phone records contradicted this, showing Casserly left the home during the relevant period. Judge Orla Crowe noted that O'Connor provided false information in a two-page document and sat through seven garda interviews. The judge acknowledged O'Connor's role as the sole carer for a young child, her subsequent co-operation with gardai, and her lack of prior criminal record. While the headline sentence was two years imprisonment, reduced to 18 months in light of her guilty plea, Judge Crowe suspended the sentence in its entirety for four years. O'Connor was bound to keep the peace for that period. This sentencing follows earlier proceedings where Casserly pleaded guilty to participating in or contributing to the murder of Whelan and was sentenced to seven years in January. Christopher Moran also pleaded guilty to being the getaway driver after the shooting. The court emphasized that O'Connor's false statement was exposed through technology and gardai investigation.
Lacey O'Connor appeared at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for sentencing on a charge of perverting the course of justice. In February, she pleaded guilty to giving a false account of a suspect's movements during the November 2019 murder investigation of Wayne Whelan. O'Connor, 30, of Rowlagh Park, Clondalkin, told gardai that her then-partner, Anthony Casserly, was with her at the time of the shooting. However, CCTV footage showed Casserly leaving their home at 7:16pm and returning at 8:04pm, while Whelan was shot at 7:45pm. Mobile phone records also revealed three calls to a burner phone during that period. Casserly, 25, was previously sentenced to seven years in prison for participating in or contributing to Whelan's murder. Christopher Moran, 52, pleaded guilty to being the getaway driver. Judge Orla Crowe noted the seriousness of interfering with a murder inquiry, highlighting that O'Connor provided false information in a two-page document and attended seven garda interviews. Considering mitigating factors, including O'Connor's role as the sole carer for her young daughter and her mother's recovery from addiction, the Judge reserved her decision. The matter was adjourned, with O'Connor remanded on continuing bail for sentencing on June 16.
Dean Boland, 33, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery at a Centra shop in Santry on 7 November 2021. He entered the shop with another man, demanded cash from staff, but the staff refused and a supervisor told them to leave. Boland then removed his mask, took a bottle of Lucozade, and waited for Gardaí. When asked why he had committed the robbery, he replied, "So I could go into custody," and added that he feared for his life. He has a history of chronic drug use and 30 prior convictions. The judge described the incident as "somewhat bizarre" and noted that Boland had removed his mask in front of CCTV. He was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, backdated to his November 2021 arrest. The judge urged that medical help could be sought through other means such as a doctor.
Christopher Moran, 52, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court for impeding the apprehension of an offender in connection with the 2019 murder of Wayne Whelan. Moran pleaded guilty to acting as a getaway driver, a charge proven by the court. Mr Justice David Keane described the killing as a "cold-blooded assassination" and noted that Moran's actions successfully impeded the prosecution of the shooter, as no one has yet been convicted of the murder. The judge set a headline sentence of eight years, reduced to six years due to Moran's guilty plea, cooperation with gardai, and lack of recent convictions. The final 18 months of the sentence were suspended for three years. The sentence was backdated to December 12, 2019. Moran's co-accused, Anthony Casserly, 25, previously pleaded guilty to participating in or contributing to the murder. Last January, Casserly was sentenced to nine years in prison with the final two years suspended. Both defendants had initially pleaded not guilty to murder before the jury was discharged and lesser pleas were accepted by the DPP.
A 64‑year‑old taxi driver, Tajudeen Balogun, was sentenced to 14 months in jail for careless driving that caused serious harm to a German couple on Trinity Street, Dublin, on 6 September 2018. Balogun failed to look ahead before turning right from Dame Street onto Trinity Street, driving straight into the couple as they crossed. The driver's car struck Verena Schneider, who sustained minor bruising, and her husband Benjamin Schneider, who was thrown onto the road, sustaining multiple skull and spinal fractures and severe brain trauma. The court found no evidence of intoxication or speeding. Balogun pleaded guilty; the judge noted his good character and lack of prior convictions but imposed a custodial sentence. The sentence was 21 months, reduced to 14 months with six months suspended, and Balogun was disqualified from driving for four years.
Jonathon Farrelly (33) of Lucan, Co Dublin, pleaded guilty to the false imprisonment of Martin Byrne and his wife Lisa Byrne, violent disorder, and the assault causing harm of John Roche, all occurring on June 9, 2015, at The Towers, Garter Lane, Saggart. Judge Orla Crowe adjourned the matter to allow time for consideration, remanding Farrelly in continuing custody until April 7 for sentence. The court heard that Farrelly was part of a group of seven men, including convicted murderer Declan Duffy and INLA member Dessie O'Hare, who forcibly evicted the Byrne family. Five co-accused were convicted in the Special Criminal Court in 2019. Desmond McGrath (50) of Tallaght, Dublin, who pleaded guilty to the same offences, was sentenced in February 2021 to four years imprisonment with the final 12 months suspended. Additionally, Jim Mansfield Junior was jailed for 18 months last month after being found guilty of attempting to pervert the course of justice for ordering the destruction of CCTV footage. Mansfield was acquitted of a separate charge of conspiracy to falsely imprison Byrne. Prosecution evidence detailed the violent nature of the incident, including injuries to Roche and threats made to Byrne, leading the family to enter the Witness Protection Programme. Defense counsel noted Farrelly was not a ringleader and has rehabilitated from drug addiction.
Boy B, now 17, seeks to introduce fresh evidence and amend grounds of appeal in his murder case. The Court of Appeal heard that the State, represented by Brendan Grehan SC, expects to oppose the application to enlarge grounds and present new evidence. Boy B was convicted with Boy A, both 13 at the time, of murdering 14‑year‑old Ana Kriegel in May 2018. He received a 15‑year sentence, reviewable after eight years, and is currently detained at Oberstown Children Detention Campus. The appeal focuses solely on the conviction, not the sentence. The motion to add new grounds and evidence will be scheduled for hearing, with the case listed for June 17. Boy A has not lodged an appeal. The court will decide whether to address the motion separately or together with the substantive hearing. Boy B's appeal will not challenge the severity of his sentence.
An appeal by Jason Bradley and Dean Bradley against their murder convictions has been dismissed by the Court of Appeal. The brothers were originally sentenced to life imprisonment in July 2018 for the murder of Neil Reilly in Lucan, Dublin, on January 18, 2017. The appeal focused on alleged errors in the trial judge's charge to the jury and the admissibility of witness Danielle Cusack's evidence. Mr Justice John Edwards, presiding at the three-judge Court of Appeal, dismissed all grounds of appeal, stating that the trial was conducted fairly and that the jury's verdicts were safe. Jason Bradley was found guilty of murder and Dean Bradley was acquitted of murder but was previously sentenced to life imprisonment for the same offence. Ryan Bradley was acquitted of murder by the trial judge but pleaded guilty to an offence of impeding the murder investigation and received a fully suspended five-year prison sentence. The court rejected claims that the trial judge improperly charged the jury and that the use of Enhanced Cognitive Interview (ECI) with Ms Cusack was unfair. The appeal was adjourned and never described as concluded or finalised.
Jim Mansfield Jnr, a property magnate, was sentenced by the Special Criminal Court to two years' imprisonment with the final six months suspended for a period of six months, back‑dated to 17 January 2022. The sentence followed a conviction for attempting to pervert the course of justice by directing Patrick Byrne to destroy CCTV footage that showed Mansfield and former employee Martin Byrne leaving Finnstown House Hotel on 9 June 2015, the day Byrne was later kidnapped by republican terrorists Dessie O'Hare and Declan 'Whacker' Duffy. Mansfield, 54, had ordered the footage destroyed to distance himself from the kidnappers and to hide his association with them. He was acquitted of a separate conspiracy charge for falsely imprisoning Byrne. The court noted his lack of prior convictions, his mild intellectual disability, his role as a carer for his 78‑year‑old mother and his generally good character as mitigating factors. Jim Mansfield Jnr pleaded not guilty.
Jim Mansfield Jnr, a property magnate, faces sentencing at the Special Criminal Court for directing Patrick Byrne to destroy CCTV footage that showed Mansfield and former employee Martin Byrne leaving Finnstown House Hotel on 9 June 2015, the day Byrne was kidnapped by Dessie O'Hare and Declan 'Whacker' Duffy. Defence counsel Bernard Condon SC presented a psychologist's report indicating Mansfield operates at a mild intellectual disability or borderline range. Mansfield, 54, was acquitted of a separate conspiracy charge to falsely imprison Byrne. The court noted Mansfield's involvement with the New IRA and INLA in dealing with threats from traveller gangs and his efforts to recover assets lost in a crash. He has no prior convictions except a traffic offence over ten years ago, complied with bail conditions, and is a carer for his 78‑year‑old mother. The sentencing hearing will determine the final imposed term. Jim Mansfield Jnr pleaded not guilty and was found guilty.
In a Dublin Circuit Court hearing on 31 January 2022, Michael Stokes (35), Richard Stokes (26) and Simon Stokes (28) were sentenced to two and a half years' imprisonment each for a violent armed home invasion that took place on 3 June 2015. The three men, all from the same family and living at Kishogue Park, Lucan, entered the home of Michael Ward at Palmer Court, Rush, while Ward was in an upstairs bedroom and his pregnant partner Rachel Tennant was bathing their one‑year‑old child. The attackers shouted "Where is he?" and then assaulted Ward with Stanley knives and a hatchet, striking him with blows and punches. Ward suffered injuries to his arms, face, head and an open tibia fracture, was hospitalised for 12 days and is currently serving time for a separate offence. Michael Stokes pleaded guilty. Richard Stokes pleaded guilty. Simon Stokes pleaded guilty.
Anthony Casserly, aged 25, was sentenced to nine years' imprisonment with the final two years suspended, after pleading guilty to participating in or contributing to the murder of gangster Wayne Whelan, 42, who was shot and left in a burning car on 18 November 2019. Casserly had lured Whelan to a pub under the pretense of watching a soccer match, using their friendship to lower Whelan's guard. The Central Criminal Court heard that Whelan had survived a previous shooting attempt in September 2019 and was cautious about his movements. Casserly's admission of guilt, lack of prior serious convictions and remorse were considered mitigating factors. The judge noted that Casserly's role was an aggravating factor because he used a trusted friendship to facilitate the murder. The sentence was back‑dated to 12 December 2019. The case also involved Christopher Moran, who pleaded guilty to being the getaway driver. The court did not consider any further appeals or subsequent proceedings.
Lihlumelo Kanuka, 21, pleaded guilty to money laundering at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for using her bank details in an invoice‑redirection fraud that transferred €51,399 into her AIB account and then to other accounts. She claimed she was in a short‑lived coercive relationship with the third party who pressured her to continue the scheme after she discovered its nature. Kanuka attempted to cancel her bank cards but feared the man, who allegedly screamed at her. The judge, Melanie Greally, noted her vulnerability, the recklessness of her actions, and her remorse, and imposed a two‑year suspended sentence. Kanuka had no prior convictions and was assessed as low risk of reoffending. The case highlighted the impact of coercive relationships on young people's legal outcomes.
Jim Mansfield Jnr was remanded in custody by the Special Criminal Court after being found guilty of perverting the course of justice. The 54-year-old pleaded not guilty to two charges: conspiring to falsely imprison Martin Byrne and directing Patrick Byrne to destroy CCTV footage. The court acquitted Mansfield on the conspiracy charge, finding insufficient evidence that he knew Dessie O'Hare and Declan Duffy planned to kidnap Byrne. However, he was convicted of perverting the course of justice for ordering the destruction of footage showing him with Byrne on the morning of the kidnapping. Mr Justice Alex Owens stated that while Mansfield knowingly involved O'Hare and Duffy in asset recovery efforts, the court could not exclude the possibility that he was misled regarding the kidnapping plot. O'Hare was jailed for seven years in 2019 and Duffy for six years in 2018 for falsely imprisoning Byrne. Following the verdict, the court refused Mansfield's request to remain on bail and remanded him in custody. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 7.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Wayne Whelan, a 42‑year‑old gangster, was shot at least three times in the head and found in a burning car on 18 November 2019. His sister Hazel Grainger testified that Whelan trusted Anthony Casserly, who lured him to his death under the pretense of watching a soccer match. Casserly, 25, pleaded guilty to participating in or contributing to the murder, while Christopher Moran, 52, pleaded guilty as the getaway driver. The court heard that Whelan's body was in the passenger seat of a Toyota Corolla that was set on fire, and DNA analysis was required to identify him. The hearing focused on the relationship between Whelan and Casserly, the events leading to the murder, and the evidence presented by the prosecution and defence. Casserly is scheduled for sentencing on 31 January. The case remains at the sentencing stage, with no verdict yet.
A long-running dispute between EBS and Betty Martin Financial Services Ltd over the termination of an agency agreement to operate branches in Athlone, Longford and Lucan has been resolved through settlement. BMFS had alleged that EBS unlawfully ended the agreement in 2017 after the company refused to engage in the alleged mis-selling of financial products. EBS denied these allegations and asserted its entitlement to terminate the arrangement. BMFS successfully obtained an injunction from the High Court in 2019, which was upheld on appeal. The matter had been listed for hearing before the Commercial Court. On Tuesday, counsel for BMFS informed the court that settlement discussions had concluded, and both parties agreed the action should be struck out and the injunction vacated. Mr Justice Denis McDonald welcomed the resolution. The hearing would have lasted several weeks. The company, founded by the late Betty Martin of Co Roscommon, is now operated by her children.
Jacob Breaw, aged 24, was sentenced by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to five‑and‑a‑half years' imprisonment for robbery and possession of over €29,000 of cannabis. Breaw's lawyers explained that in an 18‑month period he fell from a law‑abiding life into drug addiction and crime. In May 2019 he was found with a school bag of cannabis in his mother's bedroom during a Garda search; he pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis for sale or supply. In November 2019 he robbed a victim at Cherbury Park, armed with a knife; he pleaded guilty to robbery. Breaw has four prior convictions, including knife possession and public order offences. Judge Melanie Greally noted his remorse, his commitment to drug treatment, and the support of his family. She suspended the final two years of the sentence on the condition that he remain law‑abiding and engage with the Probation Service.
Norense Okungbowa, a 46-year-old bus driver from Lucan, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assaulting a 17-year-old girl in the car park of Finnstown Hotel on September 1, 2018. The court heard that the defendant and the victim had met while she was travelling on his bus. Sergeant Shay Leonard stated that a dispute arose during their meeting, leading the defendant to punch the victim in the back and side while demanding money he alleged she had taken. The victim's impact statement described a loss of security and increased paranoia. Defending counsel, Fiona Murphy SC, highlighted the defendant's lack of prior convictions, his employment with Dublin Bus since 2008, and his expression of remorse. She requested a discharge from indictment under Section 100 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. Judge Martin Nolan adjourned the matter under Section 100 until May 4. The defendant is required to keep the peace, be of good behaviour, pay a €100 fine, and collect €2,000 for potential transfer to the victim. Judge Nolan stated that if these conditions are not complied with, the appropriate sentence is two months imprisonment. The decision was based on the guilty plea, cooperation with gardaí, and the defendant's rehabilitative potential.
The Special Criminal Court will deliver a judgement in the New Year in the trial of property magnate Jim Mansfield Jnr, who denies setting up one of his employees to be kidnapped by a criminal gang. Mr Mansfield pleaded not guilty before the three‑judge, non‑jury court in October last year but due to a number of lengthy adjournments, the trial continued until last month. Mr Justice Alex Owens, presiding, had indicated that a judgement might be delivered today. At a brief hearing this morning Mr Justice Owens said that the court has not concluded its consideration of the evidence and judgement will be delivered on January 17 next. Mr Mansfield Jnr (54), of Tasaggart House, Garters Lane, Saggart, Co Dublin, has pleaded not guilty to conspiring with one or more persons to falsely imprison Martin Byrne on a date unknown between January 1, 2015 and June 30, 2015.
Karl Dalton, aged 24, was convicted of violent robbery of a businessman who had purchased over €10,000 worth of mobile phones for his shop. The robbery took place near the victim's home on 16 February 2019, when Dalton and two other gang members attacked the victim, one attempting to stab him and another striking him with a wheel brace. Dalton's fingerprints were found on a car at the scene, linking him to the crime. He pleaded guilty to robbery and was sentenced by Judge Melanie Greally to six years' imprisonment, with the final 18 months suspended on strict conditions, including 12 months of probation. The victim's phones, valued between €11,000 and €12,000, were taken and the robbery caused a personal loss as the shop's insurance did not cover them. Dalton has prior convictions for drug possession and traffic offences. He has since claimed to have stopped drug use and is employed.
Christopher Moran, aged 51, pleaded guilty to being the getaway driver in the fatal shooting of gangster Wayne Whelan. The Director of Public Prosecutions accepted his plea. Moran's co‑accused, Anthony Casserly, 25, also pleaded guilty to participating in or contributing to Whelan's murder, and his plea was likewise accepted. Whelan was shot dead on 18 November 2019 at Mount Andrew Rise in Lucan, Co. Dublin, and the car he was in was set on fire with his remains inside. Moran was charged under Section 7(2) of the Criminal Law Act 1997 for impeding the apprehension of an offender, while Casserly was charged under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 for involvement in a criminal organisation. The case was heard by Mr Justice David Keane, who discharged the jury after the DPP indicated that pleas to lesser charges would be accepted.
A jury was sworn in to hear the trial of Anthony Casserly, 25, and Christopher Moran, 51, both from Rowlagh Park, Clondalkin, who pleaded not guilty to the murder of Wayne Whelan at Mount Andrew Court, Lucan, on 18 November 2019. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul McDermott, is expected to last four weeks.
In the Special Criminal Court, defence counsel Bernard Condon SC argued that the State's chief witness, Martin Byrne, had lied and was unreliable. Condon said Byrne had told the Criminal Assets Bureau about IRA ties but denied them in court, and later could not recall what he had said. He claimed Byrne's testimony was dishonest and muddled, and that there was no evidence the abduction was intended to evict Byrne from The Towers. Prosecution counsel Shane Costelloe SC maintained that Jim Mansfield Jnr. lured Byrne to a remote office where former terrorist Dessie O'Hare and criminal Declan 'Whacker' Duffy abducted him to evict him from Mansfield's property. Mansfield, 54, pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to falsely imprison Byrne and to perverting the course of justice by directing Byrne's brother to destroy CCTV. The judge, Alex Owens, set a mention for 15 November, with no verdict date announced. The case remains at the hearing stage.
Gerdas Svambaris, aged 20, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to a fully suspended nine‑month imprisonment for possession of the proceeds of criminal conduct after he allowed his bank account to receive over £10,000 that was the proceeds of criminal activity. He was 18 when he agreed to store the money and could not withdraw it because the account was frozen following the lodgement. Svambaris pleaded guilty on 24 April 2019 at AIB, Main Street Lucan. He had no prior convictions. Judge Melanie Greally noted that the origin of the money was not yet established and that the case involved a young man approached by more menacing elements in the criminal underworld. The sentence was suspended in its entirety on strict conditions, and the judge said Svambaris had learned his lesson and was assessed as a low risk of re‑offending. The account was frozen, preventing any loss to parties involved.
The Special Criminal Court has rejected Jim Mansfield Jnr's application to dismiss the case, so the trial will proceed to closing speeches. Mansfield, 54, denies setting up an employee to be kidnapped by a gang and denies conspiring to falsely imprison Martin Byrne between 1 January and 30 June 2015. He also denies attempting to pervert the course of justice by directing Patrick Byrne to destroy CCTV footage related to Byrne's false imprisonment at Finnstown House Hotel between 9 and 12 June 2015. The prosecution will present its closing argument tomorrow, followed by Mansfield's defence. Jim Mansfield Jnr pleaded not guilty.