A Workplace Relations Commission adjudicator rejected cleaner Donna Ash's unfair dismissal complaint against Skerries Golf Club after finding the redundancy was genuine. The decision said honorary secretary Donnacha Neary's credibility was somewhat undermined when he initially tried to swear an oath using a work diary instead of a Bible. Despite shortcomings in the process, the club showed a sizeable saving from outsourcing its cleaning function.
Dún Laoghaire District Court dismissed a €200 keg-theft charge against Niall Kelly after Judge Anne Watkin found a gap in the CCTV chain of custody. Kelly was separately placed on a €500 peace bond for 12 months after being accused of abusive behaviour towards a hospital worker. His defence said symptoms of Huntington's disease could be mistaken for intoxication, while the judge accepted the medical circumstances as mitigation but not an excuse for abuse. Niall Kelly pleaded not guilty.
The Workplace Relations Commission directed Madhu Foods Limited, trading as Guru Indian Cuisine, to pay Vasantkumar Barot €79,213.72 after his employer entered no defence to his employment-rights complaints. Barot said he paid €15,000 for a work permit and worked more than 90 hours a week, with average hourly pay of €1.61 in 2024. Adjudicator Brian Dalton made awards for wage arrears and working-time breaches, and found that an inference of racial harassment had been raised and not rebutted.
The Workplace Relations Commission rejected Alan O'Connor's discriminatory-dismissal complaint against Byrne and King Meats Ltd, trading as Dempsey and Byrne Craft Butchers, after finding that no dismissal took place. The adjudicator accepted that the employer had genuine safety and insurance concerns and was seeking a safe and insurable pathway back to work. It nevertheless directed payment of €9,711.15 for unlawful deduction of wages and other employment-rights breaches.
The Workplace Relations Commission heard that Aer Lingus pilot Tom O'Riordan said he would go on hunger strike unless the airline disclosed fume-related issues to staff and met demands that included payments exceeding €3 million. Human resources legal case manager Carmel Byrne said gardaí were called during the February 2024 stand-off. Aer Lingus denies his allegations and says no passengers or crew were exposed to any safety risk. The evidence forms part of the airline's defence of O'Riordan's whistleblower penalisation complaint.
Fashion design tutor Sharon Darcy alleged that safety concerns at Project Fashion included children tripping over extension leads and needles going through their fingers. She says she was constructively dismissed after workplace grievances were not resolved and a promised pay rise was disputed. Project Fashion disputes her complaint. The adjudication officer closed the hearing and will issue a written decision.
Antoin Duffy, who was extradited from Scotland, appeared before the Special Criminal Court charged with the murder of former Provisional IRA and Sinn Féin official Denis Donaldson. He also faces a separate attempted-murder charge involving Liam McGinley and four firearms-related charges. The three-judge, non-jury court ordered that all six charges be tried there after the Director of Public Prosecutions certified that the ordinary courts were not adequate.
Judge John Brennan described as a very sad situation the case of a long-term couple heard at Tallaght District Court after a woman said her partner breached a protection order and insulted her. The judge accepted her evidence that she was followed into a kitchen and called vicious and a bitch. Taking account of the accused's age, health and lack of previous convictions, he applied section 1(1) of the Probation of Offenders Act and said he was satisfied the accused had learned his lesson.
A native Irish speaker, 39-year-old Derek Mulligan, has been found not guilty of murdering his grandfather by reason of insanity following a majority verdict by a Central Criminal Court jury. The jury accepted the evidence of two psychiatrists who testified that Mulligan was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia at the time of the incident. Mulligan had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of his grandfather, Derek Burns, who died from severe injuries sustained on December 19, 2023. The court also heard that Mulligan was found not guilty by reason of insanity on additional charges, including damaging property, making threats, and assaulting two individuals. The trial revealed that Mulligan had a history of mental health issues and had experienced significant trauma, including sexual abuse in his childhood. The court ordered Mulligan's commitment to the Central Mental Hospital for psychiatric assessment, with a return date scheduled for March 31. The judge exempted the jury from service for the next five years due to the difficulty of the case.
Mr Justice Tony Hunt ruled that Riad Bouchaker is fit to stand trial over charges arising from the Parnell Square East incident, including the attempted murder of two girls and one boy and assault causing serious harm to a care worker. The judge said Bouchaker has cognitive limitations but can understand the charges and mount a defence with accommodations. A three-week Central Criminal Court trial was set for June 8, with fitness to remain under review.
Dean Whittaker (33), an appellant with an address in Ballymun, Dublin, has appealed against the severity of his ten-month prison sentence for possessing cocaine and diamorphine for the purpose of unlawful sale and supply, contrary to section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. Whittaker was initially charged with possession of controlled drugs and obstructing or impeding a garda member on March 28, 2023. He was convicted in the District Court and later lodged an appeal. Garda Pierce O'Dwyer testified that Whittaker initially resisted arrest before being restrained and later admitted to dropping off drugs for sale and supply, while possessing a burner phone. Whittaker has 84 previous convictions, including drug-related, assault, and obstruction offences. Defence counsel stated that Whittaker has taken significant steps to change his behaviour, including engaging with the Star Project and the job centre, and has been clean of substances for 12 months. She requested the judge to consider suspending the jail term to provide motivation for Whittaker to turn his life around. Judge Cephas Power noted that the offending was at the 'top end' of the District Court level and was not inclined to interfere with the sentence at this stage. The case was re-mentioned for Whittaker to provide additional letters and urine analysis. The matter was adjourned for further mention in the new court term.
Former prison officer Aaron Sheridan received a fully suspended sentence after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of prescription drugs for sale or supply and having proceeds of criminal conduct. Gardaí found more than 900 Alprazolam tablets and cash at his Ballymun home. A separate allegation concerning €118,000 in allegedly unexplained bank-account movements was taken into consideration without a plea. Judge Orla Crowe imposed two years, suspended for four years on strict conditions, and called it a chance of a lifetime.
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Michael Kelly ran at an umpire swinging punches during an underage hurling match in Irishtown. Kelly pleaded guilty to a section 2 assault after causing Paul Keane to fear he would be struck, although the court heard he did not strike him. Unidentified people later assaulted Keane, causing concussion; the court heard those injuries were not attributable to Kelly. Judge Orla Crowe continued Kelly's bail and adjourned sentence to April 13 while an apology and €1,000 payment are considered.
Karl Phipps pleaded guilty to possessing €260,000 of cannabis for sale or supply after helping move boxes intercepted during a surveillance operation. The court heard he had a lesser role in a transnational organisation's importation effort; a five-year sentence was imposed with the final year suspended and backdated to his custody date.
David Doyle admitted theft, criminal damage, public intoxication, threatening behaviour, resisting arrest and two counts of failing to appear in court. Despite a negative probation report, Judge Derek Cooney deferred custody, imposed a probation bond and ordered full engagement with probation, warning that further offending would mean prison. David Doyle pleaded guilty.
Solicitor Joseph McNally told the Workplace Relations Commission that staff shortages after a law-firm merger left him dealing with upset clients instead of business development. Ferrys partner Barry O'Donoghue disputed McNally's account, while Ferrys Solicitors LLP denies the alleged sham redundancy; the complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 was adjourned to May.
Cloverhill Prison agreed to facilitate a 90-minute virtual appointment between a psychiatrist and Ahmed Abdirahman, who is accused of murdering Mary Ward. The Central Criminal Court adjourned the case to April 22 for an update on the psychiatric report.
John English pleaded guilty after stealing €25 of Smirnoff vodka from Tesco in Dún Laoghaire days after leaving prison. Judge Anne Watkin remanded him on bail with strict reporting, probation and treatment conditions, warning that a breach would lead to jail; the case was adjourned for a probation report.
Carl McGuinness was remanded in custody after being charged with robbing a staff member at a Ranelagh ice cream parlour. Gardaí told the court they tracked him using the location finder on the allegedly stolen iPhone 13 and found a hammer when they stopped him.
An unnamed 35-year-old Dublin man was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to a global term of nine years and two months after pleading guilty to six counts of child cruelty committed between 2016 and 2020. The court heard allegations that he subjected his six children to severe neglect and abuse, including repeatedly locking the oldest boy in a chest freezer, bathroom, and closet, as well as holding his head underwater. The children, aged between 10 months and eight years at the time of care in January 2020, were found living in filthy, cold conditions with inadequate food and clothing. The man's then-partner, the children's mother, was separately sentenced to two-and-a-half years in 2025 after pleading guilty to child neglect. During the sentencing hearing, the Director of Public Prosecutions entered a nolle prosequi on three counts of sexual assault and two further counts against the man, meaning those specific allegations were not proceeded with. Judge Elma Sheahan cited the repeated nature of the cruelty, the profound breach of parental trust, and the children's dependency as aggravating factors. The man, who has 20 previous convictions primarily for public order offences, has since undergone drug treatment. The children are now placed in three separate foster homes.
Andrew Connor avoided prison after Dublin Circuit Criminal Court suspended a six-year sentence in full for possessing cannabis for sale or supply. The judge treated his extensive and complex health problems as exceptional, while noting the value of the drugs was aggravating.
Two psychiatrists told the Central Criminal Court that Derek Mulligan was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia when he caused fatal injuries to his grandfather Derek Burns. Mulligan has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to murder, while the court also heard evidence that the release of Michael Ferry had caused him to 'spiral'; the trial continues.
The Workplace Relations Commission directed Dehac Retail Ltd to pay Amanda Butler €40,000 after finding she was dismissed without cause or procedural fairness. Adjudication officer Patricia Owens found ample evidence supporting a view that the company was unhappy with Butler's witness evidence and sought to retaliate when she returned to work.
Bryan Butler received a three-year-and-six-month sentence, suspended in full, after pleading guilty to attempted robbery at a convenience store in Cabinteely while wearing a children's clown mask. Judge Orla Crowe imposed conditions that he remain drug free and not come to further garda attention after hearing evidence of his rehabilitation.
Madison Jenkins was jailed for two-and-a-half years after pleading guilty to possessing cannabis worth €520,000 for sale or supply. The court heard that, although she claimed pressure and features of duress, messages on her phone discussed the use, purchase and sale of ketamine and indicated she had free movement in Bangkok.
An unnamed Somalian refugee was sentenced to two years, with the final year suspended, after admitting he used false documents to bring his sister and six-year-old son into Ireland through a family re-unification visa. The court found the planned scheme was a once-off offence and was not carried out for profit.
PJ Lyons received a global eight-year sentence after pleading guilty to an arson attack on a house in Castlepark, Ballybane, where Mary Sweeney and her four children were asleep. The family escaped through an upstairs window, were treated for smoke inhalation and lost their possessions; Judge Brian O'Callaghan described the risk to their lives as shocking.
Five men were sentenced at the Central Criminal Court for an alleged assault on Barry Moore, which involved waterboarding, beatings, and branding with the word "RAT." Ms Justice Karen O'Connor described the conduct as shocking, noting it bypassed any notion of humanity. The defendants were originally charged with causing serious harm and false imprisonment, offences carrying potential life sentences. After Mr Moore refused to give evidence, the State accepted guilty pleas to assault causing harm, a maximum ten-year offence. Devon Hennessy (30), who pleaded guilty early and allegedly tried to intervene, received the shortest sentence of three years. Jason Hennessy (29) and Dean Fitzsimons (26) received headline sentences reduced to eight and a half years each due to late pleas. Kenneth Fitzsimons (46) was jailed for eight years. Brandon Hennessy (23) received a six-year sentence to run consecutively to an existing term expiring in February 2028. All sentences, except Brandon Hennessy's, were backdated to February 17, 2025. The judge noted that four defendants entered guilty pleas only after the trial began and when Mr Moore was summoned by warrant, limiting the weight given to their remorse.
Matthias Kelly was given a 12-year sentence, with the final two years suspended, after pleading guilty to attempting to murder Fiona Timmermans during a knife attack in Dublin. Concurrent sentences were also imposed for burglary, threats to kill, criminal damage and producing a knife.
The Central Criminal Court fixed November 2 as a notional trial date for a Somali national accused of murdering 17-year-old Vadym Davydenko. The accused cannot be identified while the case proceeds on the basis that he is a minor, and legal issues around his age continue.
A judge said a judicial review may be needed if prison access problems prevent a psychiatrist from assessing Ahmed Abdirahman, who is accused of murdering Mary Ward. Counsel said the psychiatrist left one prison visit after staff were 'dismissive and rude', while video consultations were cancelled.
Workplace Relations Commission adjudicator Breiffni O'Neill awarded former Lionbridge EMEA managing director Caroline O'Connell €142,984 after the company conceded unfair dismissal. He rejected Lionbridge's argument that she had failed to mitigate her losses, finding her efforts to find new work reasonable given her seniority and the relatively few openings at that level.
The Court of Appeal dismissed Sean Kinneavy's conviction appeal, rejecting his argument that a jury's disagreement on two sexual-assault counts made its convictions on 47 other counts and two rape counts perverse. Kinneavy maintains his innocence; he was previously sentenced to nine years for rape offences and a concurrent eight years for sexual assaults.
Graham Travers admitted possessing cannabis, cocaine and pills worth almost €39,000 for sale or supply at his Finglas home. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court departed from the presumptive 10-year minimum after hearing about his bereavement, addiction, debt, guilty plea and charity work, and suspended a two-year sentence in full.
Eamonn Gray, a 38-year-old mechanic from Clonee, Dublin, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to possession of cannabis with a street value of €118,760 on September 26, 2024. Judge Martin Nolan jailed Gray for two and a half years. Prosecution evidence indicated that Gray accepted a controlled delivery of nearly six kilogrammes of cannabis from a garda disguised as a delivery man. Although the package was addressed to another name, a warrant was secured to search Gray's home, where the drugs and a custom receipt were found. Analysis of Gray's seized phone revealed tracking information for the package. Gray admitted to owing a drug debt and stated he was coerced into accepting the delivery under threat. Defence counsel Mark Lynam SC argued that Gray was a vulnerable individual with a cocaine addiction who was effectively a "sitting duck" for those who threatened his family. Judge Nolan accepted that Gray was immediately cooperative and had been exploited due to his debt and vulnerability. The judge acknowledged Gray's strong work record and low risk of re-offending but imposed the custodial sentence.
Lee Somers was jailed after pleading guilty to possessing 29 kilogrammes of cannabis worth €597,000 at Dublin Airport. He left the luggage on a carousel after arriving from Canada, telling staff his conscience had intervened; Dublin Circuit Criminal Court accepted he was under some duress but had made a serious decision.
Joshua Rush pleaded guilty to manslaughter after a kick caused Charles McCaughley to fall and suffer a fatal brain injury on Fairview Strand. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court adjourned sentencing-related matters while gardai seek more information about McCaughley's background.
Stefano Gianluca Macari was jailed after pleading guilty to robbing and assaulting an American doctor in Dublin. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that he kicked the injured man and later lied about a child, family employment and testimonials used in mitigation. Judge Martina Baxter imposed seven years and three months, suspending the final three months subject to conditions including engagement with the Probation Service.
The Court of Appeal dismissed Trevor Richardson's challenge to one of his 55 sexual-assault convictions. The three-judge court found the discrepancies in the complainant's evidence were not out of the ordinary and said credibility and reliability were matters for the jury. Richardson's further complaint about the trial judge's summary of the defence case was also rejected. Trevor Richardson was found guilty.
The Workplace Relations Commission heard evidence in an unfair dismissal claim brought by solicitor Joseph McNally against Ferrys Solicitors LLP. McNally alleges he was subjected to a "sham" redundancy following his termination in October 2024, arguing he was told he had "no future" in the firm. Giving evidence, Ferrys partner Barry O'Donoghue stated that the firm had allocated a total of €180,000 to a personal injuries marketing initiative, comprising a €60,000 annual Google Ads budget, a €40,000 salary for McNally, and €80,000 in fees to his company, Venus Bell Ltd. O'Donoghue claimed the venture failed because the budget was not spent for months and the website was not ready by the fourth quarter of 2024. He noted that the firm had incurred €100,000 in costs with "nothing to show for it" and that the website generated non-fee-earning inquiries. Ferrys terminated its commercial agreement with Venus Bell Ltd on 20 September 2024 for "failure to deliver," and McNally was made redundant the following month. McNally's counsel, Tiernan Lowey BL, submitted that the redundancy was a "sham" and that the appeal process was "unfair and prejudicial." The case is continuing.
Maria Muntean, 37, pleaded guilty to robbery and endangerment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court regarding a fake taxi scam in March 2023. The court heard that Muntean drove a vehicle while her son, Damit Rostas, lured a 19-year-old victim into the car. When a garda patrol appeared, the victim was pushed from the moving vehicle. Rostas was sentenced to 27 months in custody last year for his role. Muntean, who has 50 previous convictions, admitted the charges. Defense counsel Gregory Murphy BL submitted that Muntean acted as a follower, apologized on her behalf, and requested a suspended sentence, citing her care responsibilities for seven children, including one with serious medical issues. Judge Martin Nolan described the offense as serious and concluded that Muntean could not avoid a custodial term given her record. However, acknowledging the impact on her children, the judge adjourned finalisation until May to allow time for care arrangements to be made. Muntean was remanded on continuing bail pending the adjourned sentencing.
Darren White, 49, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 13 counts of cash robbery at Dublin City hotels between August and December 2005 and one count of robbery of a Londis shop in 2006. The validated procedural stage is an appeal. White had previously pleaded guilty to the first count in May 2007 and was granted bail, but he failed to appear for sentencing and travelled to the UK. He was apprehended in April 2025 following a road traffic matter. Judge Martina Baxter noted that White had rehabilitated, raised a family, and engaged in community work. She determined that a custodial term was not appropriate given the breadth of his rehabilitation. The court imposed a 10-year sentence, which was suspended for 10 years, and ordered White to carry out 240 hours of community service. The matter was adjourned.
The Special Criminal Court heard that Abdullah Khan, who pleaded guilty to eight charges, described himself as a Salafi jihadist and was part of a wider like-minded group. The prosecution said he set fire to the Black Forge Inn and later stabbed Garda Gary Lynch in Dublin while attacking with a knife. Sentencing was adjourned to April 20 and Khan was remanded in continuing custody.
Anthony Kavanagh was sentenced after admitting his role in an arson attack outside an Inchicore apartment where a baby and child were inside. He bought and poured petrol in return for drugs, while another man ignited the fire; the judge imposed a partly suspended sentence and probation supervision.
Conor O'Brien, 29, of Kilpatrick, Ardee, Co Louth, was sentenced to 11 years' imprisonment, with the final year suspended, after pleading guilty to importing guns and ammunition. At the Special Criminal Court, Ms Justice O'Connor noted that O'Brien used his dual citizenship to purchase firearms in America for sale in Ireland. He also pleaded guilty to five counts of possessing firearms components in suspicious circumstances, including AR-15 barrels and pistol frames, contrary to the Firearms Act 1964. The court ordered the forfeiture and destruction of these items. Although O'Brien was originally charged with two counts of money laundering involving sums of €7,450 and €9,980, the Director of Public Prosecutions dropped these charges. The State indicated it would not pursue forfeiture of the cash, and the court ordered the funds be returned to O'Brien. O'Brien was part of a criminal organisation led by Mark McCourt, 34, of Edenreive, Newry, Co Down. McCourt was previously sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment by the Special Criminal Court after pleading guilty to facilitating the importation of restricted weapons and possessing firearms components between February 2023 and July 2024. Detective Inspector Shane McCartan stated that O'Brien was central to the organisation, which distributed weapons to gangs in Derry, Armagh, Dublin, and Limerick.
Ejike Francis Ogubefi and Steven Silvester were sentenced after convictions for directing a criminal organisation and laundering or attempting to launder money through multiple accounts. The court described a sophisticated international operation and imposed nine years on Ogubefi and seven and a half years on Silvester.
Patrick Kearns failed to overturn his conviction after two axes and two retractable knives were found in a car stopped in Dublin. Judge Alec Gabbett rejected the defence account, but imposed a fully suspended nine-month sentence, community service and addiction-treatment counselling.
A Dublin mother told the court that learning her nephew had repeatedly sexually abused her son was the day innocence left the family home. The unnamed 24-year-old pleaded guilty to 19 counts involving the boy and was sentenced to seven years, with the final year suspended.
Housseyn Chaoui admitted criminal damage and public-order offences after pushing a shopping trolley into Aldi's glass entrance at Belgard Road, Tallaght, when he discovered he was barred. Judge Peter White described the reaction as foolish and juvenile and suspended a two-month prison sentence for 12 months. Housseyn Chaoui pleaded guilty.
CJ Losty drove a stolen car through green areas where children were playing, across footpaths and the wrong way on the M3 while fleeing gardai, reaching more than 160km/hr. He pleaded guilty to endangerment and dangerous-driving charges and received a three-year global sentence, with the final year suspended, plus a six-year driving ban.