Court archive
Court reports mentioning Oldtown, Dublin
2025-11-14 · Dublin
In a Dublin nightclub on 17 August 2019, Jason Aquino (29) smashed a pint glass into another man's face during a verbal dispute. The victim suffered serious eye injuries, requiring six days in hospital and ongoing treatment. Aquino was arrested, initially denied the incident, but accepted responsibility after CCTV evidence. He pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, violent disorder and production of an article. The court, hearing the victim's impact statement, imposed a headline sentence of eight years, reduced to four years, with the final 12 months suspended on strict conditions. Aquino was ordered to pay €20,000 to the victim within three months. The judge noted Aquino's lack of prior convictions and his remorse, but emphasised the reckless nature of his conduct and the lasting harm to the victim. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the assault and the victim's life‑changing injuries.
2025-03-04 · Dublin
Dylan Deegan (26) and Evan Campbell (26) were jailed for 33 months after pleading guilty to importing €80,000 worth of cannabis into Ireland at Dublin Port on 26 November 2022. Deegan, from Oldtown Avenue, Santry, had 65 prior convictions, mainly minor offences and a previous drug offence, and said he transported the drugs to reduce a €7,000–€12,000 debt caused by his addiction. Campbell, from Beauvale Park, Artane, had 35 prior convictions, including drug‑dealing, and claimed a €5,000 debt would be cleared by the transport. Judge Martin Nolan noted that both men were "authors of their own misfortune" and had been exploited by third parties who took advantage of their vulnerable situations. The men were caught "red‑handed" at Dublin Port after disembarking from a ferry from Holyhead, where eight vacuum‑packed bags of cannabis were found hidden in the car doors.
2021-10-04 · Dublin
Anthony Keogh, a 64‑year‑old farmer and former director of Keogh's Crisps, was charged with unlawfully possessing and cultivating 39 cannabis plants in his greenhouse, valued at €7,800. He pleaded guilty on 9 July 2020. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Keogh grew the plants out of curiosity about their medicinal benefits, describing the activity as a "gardening experiment." Judge Melanie Greally had initially proposed an eight‑month prison sentence but, after Keogh met the judge's conditions—including a bond to keep the peace, good behaviour for the adjourned period, and a €200 contribution to the Father Peter McVerry Trust—discharged him under Section 100 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. The case was therefore dismissed without conviction, and Keogh was released from the indictment. The Gardaí had found the plants during a search warrant, noting they were seedlings and unlikely to enter drug circulation. The prosecution described the circumstances as "very unusual.".
2021-07-14 · Dublin
Anthony Keogh, 64, a former director of Keogh's Crisps and a farmer, admitted to growing 39 cannabis plants in his greenhouse without a licence, claiming it was a "gardening experiment" to explore medicinal benefits. The plants, valued at €7,800, were seized during a Garda search on 9 July 2020 after a suspected grow house was identified. Keogh, who had no prior convictions, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession and cultivation of cannabis. The court noted the plants were mostly seedlings and unlikely to enter drug circulation. Judge Melanie Greally described the case as unusual, proposed an eight‑month imprisonment sentence but deferred it to 4 October, requiring Keogh to post a bond, maintain good behaviour, and contribute €200 to the Father Peter McVerry Trust. If these conditions are met, she will discharge him under Section 100 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006.
2020-11-16 · Dublin
In a High Court sentencing hearing, Mr Justice Tony Hunt imposed a mandatory life sentence on Sebastian Barczuk, 32, for the murder of his former flatmate, Michal Kurek, 33, who was found dead in a country lane in Ballyboughal on 4 August 2017. Kurek's body bore 62 stab wounds, including 25 to his back, and a Nokia 105 phone was recovered from his pocket. Barczuk was convicted by an 11‑1 jury after a trial that presented evidence of DNA on the phone, cell‑site data linking the accused's phone to the area at the time of the discovery, and CCTV footage of a Fiat Punto associated with Barczuk. The judge noted an "air of mystery" surrounding the motive and described the case as tragic, while acknowledging the evidence pointed toward Barczuk's guilt. The sentence was back‑dated to 6 April 2018, when Barczuk entered custody. Sebastian Barczuk pleaded not guilty.
2020-10-08 · Dublin
In a Central Criminal Court case, a jury found Sebastian Barczuk, aged 32, guilty of murdering his former flatmate Michal Kurek, aged 33, who was homeless and had addiction difficulties. Kurek was discovered on 4 August 2017 in a country lane in Ballyboughal, north County Dublin, with 62 stab wounds, including 25 to the back. Evidence included a Nokia 105 phone found in Kurek's jeans, still powered on, and DNA from the phone that matched Barczuk. Cell‑site data showed both phones connected to a site near Ballyboughal at the time of the discovery. CCTV footage of a blue Fiat Punto, sold by Barczuk to a woman on 2 August, was also presented. The jury deliberated nearly 13 hours over four days and returned a majority verdict of 11‑1. Barczuk was sentenced to life imprisonment, with the judge reserving the sentencing date for 2 November. Sebastian Barczuk pleaded not guilty.
2020-10-05 · Dublin
In the Central Criminal Court, Mr Justice Tony Hunt charged a jury on 5 October 2020 to decide the verdict in the murder trial of Sebastian Barczuk, aged 32, who is accused of stabbing his former flatmate, Michal Kurek, aged 33, 62 times and dumping the body in a country lane in north County Dublin between 3 and 4 August 2017. The jury, consisting of seven men and five women, had spent 1 hour 45 minutes deliberating before retiring for the evening. Mr Hunt outlined the principles of criminal law—presumption of innocence, burden of proof, and proof beyond a reasonable doubt—emphasising that the prosecution must eliminate all reasonable possibilities of innocence. He noted that no direct eyewitness evidence existed and that the case relied on circumstantial evidence, including DNA from a mixed profile on Kurek's Nokia phone that matched Barczuk's DNA, cell‑site data from both phones, and CCTV footage of a Fiat Punto linked to Barczuk. Sebastian Barczuk pleaded not guilty.
2020-10-02 · Dublin
In the trial of Sebastian Barczuk, 32, accused of murdering his homeless friend Michal Kurek, 33, the defence counsel Dominic McGinn SC argued that the prosecution had presented "less than half a story." He highlighted that the state could not establish when, where, why or how Kurek was killed, nor could it prove a motive between the two men who were described as "like brothers." McGinn pointed out gaps in the evidence, such as the lack of analysis of the angles of the 62 stab wounds, the absence of a clear sequence of events, and the uncertainty over whether one or more attackers were involved. He questioned the reliability of the DNA and CCTV evidence linking Barczuk's car and phone to the scene, noting that the data could have been used by others. McGinn concluded that the prosecution's case relied on speculation and that a not‑guilty verdict was the correct outcome given the reasonable doubt. Sebastian Barczuk pleaded not guilty.
2020-10-01 · Dublin
In a Central Criminal Court trial, Sebastian Barczuk, aged 32, stands accused of murdering his former flatmate Michal Kurek, aged 33, by stabbing him 62 times in August 2017. The State's counsel, Lorcan Staines SC, described Barczuk as a "proven and admitted liar" and urged the jury to scrutinise his statements, noting inconsistencies in his accounts of the time and place of Kurek's death and his ownership of a Fiat Punto. Evidence presented included the discovery of Kurek's body with 62 stab wounds, a Nokia 105 phone still powered on, and DNA linking Barczuk to the victim's phone. The prosecution highlighted circumstantial evidence such as cell‑site data, limited phone activity, and Barczuk's repeated false statements to Gardaí. The case focuses solely on the murder charge, with no discussion of subsequent outcomes or appeals. The defence will present its closing argument the following day. Sebastian Barczuk pleaded not guilty.
2020-09-29 · Dublin
In the Central Criminal Court, Sebastian Barczuk, aged 32, pleaded not guilty to the murder of his homeless friend Michael Kurek, aged 33, who was found with 62 stab wounds in Ballyboughal on 4 August 2017. The jury heard that Barczuk's phone connected to a Ballyboughal cell site at 00:53, one minute after Kurek's phone did so at 00:52. DNA from a Nokia 105 phone recovered from Kurek's jeans matched Barczuk's profile in a mixed sample, with a lower amount of DNA belonging to Barczuk. Barczuk denied travelling to Ballyboughal, stabbing Kurek, or being present at the scene, stating "I haven't been there" and "I'm innocent." Gardaí presented CCTV of a blue Fiat Punto, allegedly owned by Barczuk, moving through the area, and testimony that the vehicle was sold to him by Ms Ewa Raczka two days before the body was found. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, continues with a jury of twelve.
2020-09-28 · Dublin
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, 32‑year‑old Sebastian Barczuk pleaded not guilty to the murder of his former flatmate, 33‑year‑old Michal Kurek, who was found dead with 62 stab wounds in Ballyboughal on 4 August 2017. Barczuk, who described Kurek as a close friend and "like a brother," claimed he was shocked by the death and denied any involvement. He said he had known Kurek since 2010, that they lived together for two years, and that Kurek was homeless at the time of his death. Barczuk was arrested on 4 April 2018 after Gardaí interviewed him in Duleek and Balbriggan. The trial is ongoing, with the jury hearing evidence of Barczuk's statements, phone activity, and a possible connection to a Fiat Punto sold to him on 2 August 2017. The case remains at the investigative stage, with no verdict yet reached.
2020-09-25 · Dublin
In the Central Criminal Court, the jury heard mobile‑phone cell‑site analysis linking the accused, Sebastian Barczuk, and the deceased, Michal Kurek, on the days surrounding the murder. The accused's phone connected to a cell site near Ballyboughal at 00.53 on 4 August 2017, the same time the deceased's phone used a Ballyboughal site at 00.52. Barczuk's phone made a data connection at a Ballyboughal site at 00.55, and the last activity on his phone was at 1.53 am in Dunboyne. The jury also viewed CCTV footage of a blue Fiat Punto travelling from Clonsilla Inn on 3 August to Ballyboughal on 4 August, and heard testimony that the vehicle was sold to Barczuk on 2 August. The prosecution presented the phone‑call timeline, showing multiple calls and texts between the two men on 3 August, and the defence argued that cell‑site analysis is not an exact science. Sebastian Barczuk pleaded not guilty.
2017-10-04 · Dublin
Christopher Geraghty, 48, of Oldtown, Santry, Dublin, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of control substances for sale or supply. He was found in possession of 27 bars of PVP, a drug described in court as "poor man's cocaine", worth €242,984. Gardaí searched his residence on 15 October 2014 and discovered the white powder, which Geraghty and the supplier believed to be cocaine. He was arrested, cooperated during questioning, and was held in custody until 27 March 2015, a period taken into account at sentencing. Judge Karen O'Connor sentenced him to four years imprisonment, with the final 24 months suspended, and imposed a 24‑month probation period. The sentence was mitigated by his health problems, addiction, family support and early plea. He had previously served a ten‑year sentence in 2005 for the manslaughter of Anthony Jordan.
2017-03-09 · Dublin
Michael Martin, aged 37, was sentenced to 13 years for falsely imprisoning an 11‑year‑old girl he lifted from a green area near her home in Co. Laois. He was found guilty on 4 March 2015 and originally received a 17‑year term with the last four years suspended. On appeal the Court of Appeal deemed the sentence excessive and re‑sentenced him to 14 years, suspending the final three years for five years. The appeal judge noted the girl was physically lifted into a silver Nissan and that her ten‑year‑old brother's quick action prevented a more serious outcome. Martin had 92 prior convictions, including sexual assault and abduction, and pleaded guilty. He was required to enter a five‑year good‑behaviour bond after release. The court emphasised the gravity of the offence and the need to protect children.
2017-01-20 · Dublin
Michael Martin, aged 37, was convicted of false imprisonment of an 11‑year‑old girl who was lifted from a green area near her hall door in Oldtown, Cullohill, Co. Laois on 4 March 2015. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced by Judge Keenan Johnson at Portlaoise Circuit Criminal Court to 17 years' imprisonment, with the final four years suspended, on 5 November 2015. Martin has now filed an appeal arguing that the sentence was overly punitive, disproportionate to the circumstances, and that the judge placed too much emphasis on aggravating factors and insufficiently on mitigating factors. His barrister, Kevin White BL, also contended that the judge erred in holding Martin failed to fully cooperate with the Gardai and that the judge's emphasis on protecting society was inappropriate. The appeal is pending before the Court of Appeal. The case remains at the sentencing stage, with no further verdict or outcome reported.
2016-12-12 · Dublin
Michael Martin, 37, was convicted of false imprisonment of an 11‑year‑old girl near Oldtown, Cullohill, Co. Laois, and sentenced by Judge Keenan Johnson at Portlaoise Circuit Criminal Court to 17 years' imprisonment, with the final four years suspended. The sentencing took place on 5 November 2015. Martin has lodged an appeal against the severity of the sentence. In the Court of Appeal, Mr Justice George Birmingham set a hearing for 20 January, but Martin was not present for the procedural matter. Michael Martin pleaded guilty.
2016-03-09 · Ireland
Word Perfect Translation Services (WPTS) brought a legal action against the Garda Commissioner after the commission awarded a €5 million, four‑year contract for face‑to‑face language interpretation services to three rival firms: Forbidden City (Translation.ie), Language Training and Translating Ltd (Context), and Natalia Cotov (Accord Translations). WPTS had supplied interpreters to Gardaí since 2007 under a Department of Justice and Law Reform framework agreement and claimed that the award to the rivals breached EU public procurement regulations, alleging a lack of adequate reasons for the selection, unequal treatment of bidders, and discrimination against WPTS. The case was scheduled for the Commercial Court but was struck out on the consent of the parties before a hearing. Mr Justice Brian McGovern, who had previously denied WPTS an injunction, described the resolution as "good news." The article does not disclose any settlement terms or further procedural steps.
2015-11-10 · Dublin
Michael Moran, 78, of Oldtown, Nurney, pleaded guilty in the Central Criminal Court to three charges of raping his grandniece between October 2003 and June 2009 and to seven charges of raping his niece between January 1983 and March 1989. Judge Margaret Heneghan sentenced him to ten years, suspending the final three years on conditions. The court noted that the victims, aged 41 and 23, had suffered repeated sexual assault, with the older victim recalling assaults beginning when she was eight and the younger beginning when she was eleven. Moran admitted to the assaults and claimed the victims had instigated intercourse, but the judge described his actions as causing great suffering and trauma. He had entered an early guilty plea, expressed remorse, and had been of previous good character. The sentence reflected the seriousness of the repeated rapes and the impact on the victims.
2015-03-09 · Dublin
James Walsh, 57, of Wyanstown, Oldtown, Co Dublin, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to cultivating cannabis plants at his home on 20 June 2013. The court, presided over by Judge Martin Nolan, suspended a two‑year prison sentence on the condition that Walsh keeps the peace for that period. During a planned search, Gardaí discovered 23 plants in a "grow tent" in a small bedroom, equipped with specialised lighting, heating and an air vent. The plants were at harvesting stage and were estimated to be worth €20,800 on the street. An additional 16 early‑stage plants were found in a greenhouse, valued at €12,800, and two more plants were located in the living room. Walsh said he would use cuttings from these plants to avoid buying seeds, and that he intended to smoke the plants and produce cannabis oil for medicinal use.
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.
2013-11-21 · Dublin
In a case heard at Balbriggan District Court, 19‑year‑old Scott Chapman was charged with failing to stop at a Garda checkpoint, dangerous driving and driving without insurance after he drove a red Honda Civic at 110 km/h through Lusk village on 4 May. He fled on foot after the checkpoint and was arrested shortly thereafter. Chapman pleaded guilty. The judge, Dermot Dempsey, disqualified him from driving for two years and fined him €300 for dangerous driving, and for an additional six months' disqualification and €300 fine for driving without insurance. The court did not impose a custodial sentence, citing the teenager's lack of prior convictions and the brief nature of the offence. The decision was influenced by the defendant's father's testimony, but the judge emphasised that the outcome was based on the facts presented, not the father's remarks.