Onkar Singh was jailed for his role in a highly organised operation in which 426kg of cannabis worth €8.5 million was found in a Dublin storage unit. The Dutch national pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis for sale or supply and possession of criminal proceeds; the court imposed an eight-year term with the final two years suspended and required him to leave the jurisdiction after release.
Tomas Cypas has received the mandatory life sentence for murdering Juris Kokenbergs in Lucan. A jury convicted him by a majority verdict after hearing that an assault followed an argument involving an alleged lewd request, while the defence had argued for manslaughter. Tomas Cypas pleaded not guilty.
Michael Poole was convicted of 14 counts of raping Lisa Brown and eight counts of indecent assault after abusing his niece while babysitting her. The court heard Brown tried twice to report the abuse and was rebuffed; Mr Justice Patrick McGrath sentenced Poole to 12 years, with the final two suspended. Michael Poole pleaded guilty.
Lee Hyland, 40, of Millrose Estate, Bluebell, Dublin, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to endangerment and dangerous driving. The court heard that on July 12, Hyland led gardaí and a helicopter on a high-speed chase along the N7. He allegedly drove the wrong way down a dual carriageway, broke red lights, and mounted a footpath, forcing other motorists to take evasive action. The pursuit ended when Hyland fled on foot and was apprehended. Judge Orla Crowe noted that Hyland had 22 previous convictions, including four for dangerous driving, and was disqualified from driving at the time of the offence. She observed that he only pleaded guilty on his trial date and remarked on the significant garda resources deployed. The judge imposed an 18-month custodial sentence, suspending the final six months for two years. Additionally, Hyland was disqualified from driving for a further four years.
Alex Nyamhamba received a two-and-a-half-year sentence, with the final 15 months suspended, after pleading guilty to assault causing harm at a Sandyford builder's yard. The court heard he punched a customer eight to ten times during a traffic dispute, breaking two front teeth and knocking out two others.
Marian Dumitru, a 39-year-old appellant, had his three-month custodial sentence overturned and replaced with a fully suspended term on appeal. Dumitru was previously convicted in the District Court of an assault at Store Street Garda Station, contrary to section 2 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997. He was also charged with intoxication in a public place and threatening and abusive behaviour on Beresford Place. The District Court of Appeal heard that Dumitru was arrested on September 9, 2023, after being observed in a highly intoxicated state. Sergeant Tom O'Connor testified that Dumitru spat at a garda while in a cell, an act the court described as abhorrent. O'Connor noted Dumitru has 65 previous convictions. Defence counsel Lydia Daly BL argued that Dumitru, who had previously lived in homeless accommodation, had completed a detox program and requested a suspended sentence to allow him to engage with probation services. Judge Alec Gabbett accepted the appeal against the severity of the sentence. He suspended the three-month jail term for a period of 24 months, leaving the sentence hanging over the defendant. The judge also imposed a condition requiring Dumitru to attend addiction counselling.
Eduard Hupalov was fined €300 and disqualified from driving for two years after pleading guilty to drink driving on Belgard Road. Gardaí said he had glassy eyes and slurred speech, while testing found 61mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath within three hours of driving. Eduard Hupalov was convicted.
Stephen Silver, a 49-year-old motorbike mechanic from Aughaward, Foxford, Co Mayo, appealed his conviction for the murder of Garda Colm Horkan. Silver, who pleaded not guilty to killing the garda knowing or being reckless as to whether he was acting in the course of his duty, argued that the State's psychiatric evidence contradicted the legal test for insanity under the Criminal Law (Insanity Act 2006). His counsel contended that the prosecution expert's testimony regarding Silver's capacity to form intent improperly excluded the possibility of diminished responsibility. The prosecution rebutted this, stating the expert merely identified purposeful actions as one factor in assessing mental capacity and that the trial judge's direction was appropriate. The appeal hearing was presided over by Mr Justice John Edwards, with Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy. The court reserved judgment, meaning the matter was adjourned and not concluded. Silver was originally sentenced in April 2023 by Ms Justice Tara Burns to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 40 years. The trial evidence included conflicting psychiatric opinions on whether Silver's bipolar disorder contributed to his actions when he shot Garda Horkan eleven times in Castlerea, Co Roscommon, on June 17, 2020.
The Court of Appeal dismissed Randi Gladstone's challenge to his convictions for rape, sexual assault and false imprisonment. The court rejected arguments about withdrawn good-character evidence and the trial judge's directions, finding no unfairness or lack of balance. Randi Gladstone pleaded not guilty.
A man in his 20s was refused bail at Dún Laoghaire District Court after being accused of assaulting a seven-year-old boy, allegedly causing a broken nose and fractured cheekbone. The judge cited the seriousness of the alleged injuries, evidence concerns and possible witness interference before remanding him in custody.
An unnamed 41-year-old manager pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to one count of assaulting an 18-year-old au pair under Section 2 of the Non-fatal offences against the person Act 1997 in his Dublin home in August 2020. Judge Orla Crowe described the incident as a serious breach of trust, noting the 22-year age disparity. Although the judge set a headline sentence of five months, she reduced this to four months imprisonment and indicated she could impose 80 hours of community service if deemed appropriate by The Probation Service. However, the matter was adjourned to May to allow for a Probation Service report. The court also ordered that €11,000 offered by the defendant as an expression of remorse be paid to the investigating garda. Defence counsel described the act as a "moment of insanity" and offered a further €11,000. The victim, who forgave the defendant in a statement, had previously secured a €9,000 award from the Workplace Relations Commission for sexual harassment, a finding the couple denied. The press was barred from naming the defendant to protect the anonymity of the WRC proceedings.
An unnamed 36-year-old man has been jailed after pleading guilty to defilement, sexual exploitation and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child involving a vulnerable 16-year-old girl in Dublin in 2021. The Central Criminal Court heard that he offered money and drugs as inducements and had groomed the girl. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor imposed a three-and-a-half-year sentence, suspending the final six months, and the man is now on the sex offenders' register.
Former school principal Patrick Harte was jailed for a further four years after conviction on 17 counts of indecent or sexual assault against boys. Judge Martina Baxter said the offences were repetitive, involved a breach of trust and showed no remorse or prospect of rehabilitation; all sentences were concurrent and none was suspended. Patrick Harte pleaded not guilty.
A psychiatric report remains outstanding for Ahmed Abdirahman, who is accused of murdering his former partner Mary Ward in south Belfast. The Central Criminal Court heard that two recent video-link consultations were cancelled by the prison and that at least one or two further consultations are needed. The judge adjourned the case to March 25 and requested explanations for the cancellations.
The State is still trying to establish whether a Somali national accused of murdering Ukrainian teenager Vadym Davydenko is a juvenile. The unidentified accused, whose case is proceeding on the basis that he is a minor, appeared by video link at the Central Criminal Court after being sent forward for trial. Tusla is still trying to determine his age and the matter was adjourned to later this month.
A 19-year-old who was a juvenile when charged pleaded guilty after reaching more than 180 km/hr during a garda pursuit and crashing into a heavy goods vehicle. Judge Orla Crowe referred him to the Probation Service for assessment and adjourned sentencing while he remains on continuing bail.
Nathan Roche had an eight-month sentence replaced on appeal after he assaulted a McDonald's worker during a dispute over a drink at Dundrum Town Centre. Judge Jonathan Dunphy imposed a 12-month probation bond on the assault charge, took the other matters into consideration and ordered €2,000 compensation for the injured worker. Nathan Roche was convicted.
Kevin Keenan has been jailed after pleading guilty to three sexual assaults on a teenage boy between 2004 and 2006. The Central Criminal Court heard Keenan used the victim's sexuality to blackmail and pressure him. Mr Justice Paul McDermott imposed five years and six months, suspending the final 18 months under strict conditions.
Khed Alkhedr has been jailed for money laundering after a customs dog alerted to his luggage at Dublin Airport. Officers found €142,690 and £60 concealed in clothing. Judge Orla Crowe imposed three years, backdated to his first day in custody, after finding he played an active role in the money laundering. The unnamed man pleaded guilty.
Sunday Onwukaike, 49, of Saggart, Dublin, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for possession of drugs for sale or supply. He pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis with a market value of €13,000 or more at an address in Lucan on July 27, 2024. The court heard that gardaí carried out a controlled delivery of a parcel intercepted by customs, which contained 11kg of cannabis valued at €211,910. Onwukaike signed for the parcel and was arrested, indicating he was paid €1,000 to collect it. Judge Elma Sheahan noted the offence carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, but departed from this in exceptional circumstances. Considering his guilty plea, lack of prior drug convictions, family circumstances involving a child with complex needs, and remorse, the judge set a headline sentence of five years. She imposed a sentence of three years imprisonment, suspending the final six months on strict conditions. Onwukaike, who has two previous road traffic convictions, was jailed for two and a half years.
Michael McDonagh and Georgina McCarroll were sentenced after pleading guilty to demanding money with menaces from a German tourist in Temple Bar. McCarroll also admitted stealing his iPhone. Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain imposed three years and six months on McCarroll and three years on McDonagh, suspending 18 months of each sentence and placing both under Probation Service supervision.
Conor O'Brien, 29, of Kilpatrick, Ardee, Co Louth, was sentenced to 11 years in prison by the Special Criminal Court for facilitating a criminal organisation's importation of restricted weapons and possessing firearms components. O'Brien pleaded guilty to six charges, including participating in the importation of firearms and ammunition between February 2023 and July 2024, and possessing various firearm parts in suspicious circumstances. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor set a headline sentence of 15 years, the maximum penalty, before reducing it to 11 years with the final 12 months suspended for one year, citing his guilty plea as a mitigating factor. The court ordered the forfeiture and destruction of seized firearms and ammunition. The matter regarding the forfeiture of seized cash was adjourned to hear further submissions next week, as money laundering charges against O'Brien are no longer being pursued. His co-accused, Mark McCourt, 34, of Edenreive, Newry, Co Down, was previously jailed for 12 years after pleading guilty to similar charges of facilitating the organisation's efforts to import restricted weapons and possessing firearms components. Detective Inspector Shane McCartan stated that O'Brien played a crucial role in the organisation, which distributed weapons to criminal gangs in Derry, Armagh, Dublin, and Limerish.
The Workplace Relations Commission rejected printer Declan Walshe's unfair-dismissal claim against Poolville Ltd, trading as Labelcraft. Adjudicator Catherine Byrne found his relationship with colleagues and his manager was 'entirely dysfunctional', caused by his failure to manage workplace relationships with humility, and upheld the dismissal.
Patrick Murphy, 38, was sentenced to ten years in prison at the Central Criminal Court for the manslaughter of Jordan Ronan. The jury had previously returned a unanimous verdict of manslaughter, aligning with Murphy's plea, after finding him not guilty of murder. Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo set a headline sentence of 14 years, which was reduced to ten years due to the guilty plea and other mitigating factors. The final sentence includes a suspended portion of one year for a two-year period, with the term backdated to July 26, 2024. The judge noted that Murphy failed to call an ambulance for the victim, who died from a stab wound to the chest. Murphy, who has 31 previous convictions including knife possession, claimed he was defending his property after Ronan accessed his van. The victim's father, Stephen Packenham, stated the family does not accept the verdict, describing the evidence as overwhelming and criticizing the outcome. The court also heard evidence regarding an alleged prison assault on Murphy, which resulted in facial injuries requiring stitches, though no aspersions were cast against the victim's family.
Sean McGovern has pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to two charges of directing a criminal organisation. The charges concern activity connected to the murder of Christopher 'Noel' Kirwan and surveillance of James Gately. McGovern, who was extradited from the United Arab Emirates last summer, is due to be sentenced on April 27, when victim impact evidence is expected to be heard.
Laurance Connors admitted assaulting and abusing a garda who approached his van after it was parked on double yellow lines at Sandycove Point. The District Court ordered probation and community service assessments, including restorative driving programmes, before a September 14 finalisation hearing. Laurance Connors pleaded guilty.
Ahmet Ramic, 26, of Tallaght, Dublin 24, was sentenced at Tallaght District Court after pleading guilty to driving without a licence and dangerous driving at Killakee Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, on January 22, 2025. The incident involved Ramic speeding past an unmarked Garda patrol car before crashing into a ditch. Judge Brendan O'Reilly noted that Ramic had three previous convictions, including two for lack of insurance, but accepted that he had completed a restorative justice road safety programme and secured employment. For the charge of driving without a licence, the court imposed a €1,000 fine, a one-month driving disqualification, and a four-month custodial sentence suspended for two years. Regarding the dangerous driving allegation, the judge convicted Ramic of the lesser offence of careless driving and imposed a €4,000 fine, payable within 12 months. The judge highlighted the serious consequences of road danger, noting 36 deaths on Irish roads this year, while acknowledging Ramic's cooperation and immediate apology at the scene. A recognisance of €300 cash was fixed in the event of an appeal. The proceedings concluded with these specific fines, disqualifications, and suspended sentences being handed down.
Kelsey Peyton, 24, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to assisting an offender. The court heard that on November 27, 2024, she was driving a vehicle containing 14kg of cocaine, valued at almost €1 million, which was concealed in a hidden compartment. Prosecution stated she had recently begun a relationship with Shane Mulvey, who was jailed for eight years last June after pleading guilty to possessing drugs for sale or supply, possessing proceeds of crime, and possessing an article in connection with a crime. Jamie Malone, 23, who drove the van used in the transaction, received a suspended three-year prison sentence last December after pleading guilty to having drugs for sale or supply in Swords. Judge Jonathan Dunphy described Peyton as a "somewhat naïve and immature defendant" who acted recklessly. He imposed a sentence of 12 months, suspended in full on strict conditions. These conditions require Peyton to make a €1,000 donation to Merchant's Quay within six months to assist those suffering with addiction difficulties. The judge noted she is at low risk of re-offending and considered her remorse and lack of previous convictions.
Dylan Reilly received four years in prison, with the final year suspended, after pleading guilty to possessing cannabis and cannabis resin for sale or supply. Gardaí found more than €334,000 worth of drugs at a Wexford house after a traffic stop, and the court ordered the drugs destroyed and the car forfeited.
Deirdre Buttner admitted three deception counts after claiming Deserted Wife's Benefit and Carer's Allowance while living with a partner. The court heard the combined welfare loss was €112,000 and that a repayment plan had been proposed; Judge Orla Crowe adjourned sentencing for a year and remanded Buttner on continuing bail. Deirdre Buttner pleaded guilty.
Brandon Abrahams (33) of Belvedere Place, Dublin 1, has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for participating in a criminal organisation and committing nine related offences, including money laundering, possessing proceeds of crime, and possessing a false instrument. Abrahams admitted guilt to these charges, which occurred between 2022 and 2024. He was found to have benefited from an An Post smishing scam, in which €500,000 was stolen from about 30 accounts to benefit about 50 criminals. During a Garda raid in 2024, a laptop containing extensive personal debit card information was discovered. Abrahams was also involved in creating sophisticated fake documents, including UK driving licences and utility bills, which were used to set up accounts in financial institutions and sold to other fraudsters. A total of €147,230 passed through his accounts during the relevant period. Abrahams has 55 previous convictions, mainly for road traffic offences, theft, deception, drugs, and criminal damage. His co-accused, Kim Porter (31) of Casement Park, Finglas, Dublin 11, pleaded guilty to 10 related offences, including money laundering, deception, enhancing a criminal organisation, possession of cocaine, and making off from a hotel without paying for her stay. Evidence in her case was heard earlier this week and was adjourned to July for finalisation. Judge Martina Baxter noted concerns about Abrahams' assertions regarding his relationship with Porter and his claims of suffering from PTSD, gambling, and drug addiction, which she found lacking in evidence. She also highlighted his lack of honesty and high risk of re-offending. Abrahams' sentence was backdated to September 2024, with no portion suspended.
A former garda whose identity is protected to protect the victim pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to coercion in January 2016 and harassment between March 2016 and November 2017. The court ordered a victim impact statement and a probation report ahead of sentencing in May.
Madison Jenkins, who had no previous convictions, pleaded guilty after customs officers found 15 packages of cannabis in her suitcase at Dublin Airport. The court heard she had travelled from Bangkok via Abu Dhabi, and Judge Elma Sheahan put the case back for finalisation on March 25 while the prosecution examined her account.
The Workplace Relations Commission found that Karen McVeeney was sexually harassed by a manager's remarks at an Energie Fitness Christmas party and suffered gender discrimination. Adjudicator Catherine Byrne awarded €5,500 for the breach and a further four weeks' wages for a late contractual document, bringing the company's total order to €7,612.
The Court of Appeal has adjourned the appeal proceedings of Boy A, one of two boys convicted of the 2018 murder of Ana Kriegel, to July 10 for mention. Boy A, who was 13 at the time of the crime, was sentenced in 2019 to life imprisonment with a review after 12 years for the murder, alongside a concurrent 12-year sentence for aggravated sexual assault. His legal team, represented by Niall Nolan BL, requested additional time to assemble necessary records, describing the upcoming hearing as requiring "document-heavy analysis." Counsel stated that custody progress records were "crucial" to the appeal, noting limited responses to requests for hard data and reports previously directed by the trial judge. The appeal follows a March 2025 Supreme Court ruling by Ms Justice Iseult O'Malley, which established that life sentences for child murder convictions should only be imposed in exceptional cases where the child's actions were akin to those of an adult. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy granted the request for more time and approved the appointment of documentary junior counsel. She adjourned the matter to July 10, indicating an expectation that a hearing date will be fixed at that point. The case involves the conviction of Boy A and Boy B, who lured the teenager to an abandoned house in Lucan, where she was assaulted and killed.
Jenifer Devine, 43, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to withholding information regarding the murder of her brother-in-law, Michael Tormey. The court heard that Devine stayed in two hotels with her husband, Christopher Devine, during a Garda manhunt. Christopher Devine, 44, had previously pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter; a jury convicted him of murder in December, finding he was not suffering from a substance-induced psychotic disorder. Devine admitted to booking accommodation at the Osprey Hotel in Naas and The Glenview Hotel in Wicklow between January 9 and 13, 2022, which hindered police efforts to locate her husband. Defense counsel Michael Bowman SC argued that Devine was in an emotionally abusive relationship and acted under extreme distress, requesting a suspended sentence. Prosecution counsel Garret Baker SC noted the maximum penalty is five years. Ms Justice Melanie Greally remanded Devine on continuing bail until April 16, when she will be sentenced. The matter was adjourned.
Nigel Kennedy was charged after an incident at McIntosh Park, Cabinteely, that left a man in his 50s in serious condition in hospital. The charges include dangerous driving, assault causing harm, violent disorder and robbery; Dún Laoghaire District Court remanded Kennedy in custody and listed a possible bail application for March 18.
Niall Smith was jailed after pleading guilty to cultivating cannabis at a Tallaght grow house where gardaí seized €68,149 worth of plants and seeds. Judge Jonathan Dunphy set a seven-year sentence after mitigation and suspended the final 12 months for two years.
Glen McLoughlin pleaded guilty after gardaí found €15,078 worth of MDMA and weighing scales in his wardrobe during an eviction search. Judge Orla Crowe imposed an 18-month sentence and suspended it fully for three years.
Ross O'Neill pleaded guilty to rioting after CCTV showed him throwing a piece of wood towards gardaí during disturbances at the former Crown Paints site in Coolock. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court ordered a probation report and remanded him in custody until June.
Donatas Sadauskas pleaded guilty to making a false statement about a Mercedes Benz theft after initiating an insurance claim for a car he never owned. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court imposed an 18-month sentence and suspended it for three years.
John Peters pleaded guilty to assault, assault causing harm and criminal damage to his former girlfriend's phone during incidents in 2022 and 2023. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court adjourned sentencing for a probation report and remanded him in custody.
The Workplace Relations Commission heard Michael Ehigiato was rostered for long hours by BGS Security Ltd but received €2,000 cash-in-hand during about three months of work. His union representative alleged systematic wage theft and racial discrimination; the company is in liquidation.
The Court of Appeal has rejected Stephen 'Rossi' Walsh's application for a certificate of miscarriage of justice. Walsh, a convicted child rapist with former addresses at Belgrave Road, Rathgar, Dublin 6, and Coologmartin, Donadea, Co Kildare, argued that the State acted unlawfully by bringing him back to court in November 2024 to seek additional post-release supervision conditions. He had previously been sentenced to ten years in jail in February 2010 for raping a nine-year-old girl, and later received a consecutive 12-year sentence in December 2011 for sexual assault and defilement, with the final two years suspended. In the 2024 proceedings, Mr Justice Paul Burns refused the State's application to vary conditions under the Sex Offenders Act, 2001, ruling the statute did not permit the request. Walsh subsequently claimed this constituted a miscarriage of justice under section 9 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1993. However, the three-judge panel, led by Mr Justice John Edwards, found that the State's unsuccessful application was a legitimate procedural step, not a second sentencing. The court emphasized that inconvenience does not equate to a miscarriage of justice, which requires inappropriate deprivation of liberty. Consequently, the appeal was dismissed, and Walsh's convictions remain extant.
Aisling Cunningham pleaded guilty after directing abusive remarks at gardaí outside a Dún Laoghaire McDonald's while intoxicated. Judge Conor Fottrell imposed a €100 fine and a 12-month probation bond requiring her to avoid illegal drugs and engage with addiction supports.
Paul McCarton pleaded guilty to offences including possessing articles for use in theft, handling stolen property, possessing a knife, theft and public order offences in Tallaght. Judge Áine Shannon ordered probation and welfare reports and a restorative justice assessment before sentencing.
Craig Johnson received a six-year sentence, with the final 18 months suspended, after pleading guilty to arson and burglary offences in Dublin. The court heard that a spark caused the fire at Peruke and Periwig and that he left an antique shop empty-handed.
John Dunne, 35, of Ballymun, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to aggravated burglary, assault causing harm, trespass, and criminal damage to nine vehicles on September 5, 2024. Judge Orla Crowe described the incident as a violent violation of a family home, noting Dunne armed with a lump hammer and threatening the homeowner with a knife. The judge stated the aggravated burglary warranted an 11-year headline sentence but imposed eight years, considering Dunne's guilty plea and difficult background. Concurrent four-year sentences were imposed for the other offences. The final nine months of the eight-year term were suspended on strict conditions, requiring Dunne to engage with the Probation Service for 18 months upon release. Dunne has 43 previous convictions, and his defence counsel attributed the offending to addiction following the loss of his family home. The court accepted his apology to the victims, who included a young child present during the attack.
Ross Deegan pleaded guilty to assaulting broadcaster Brendan Courtney causing harm after voluntarily contacting gardaí to identify his involvement. Judge Martina Baxter directed a probation report, adjourned finalisation to July 22 and ordered Deegan's €1,500 gesture of remorse sent to the Mater Hospital.
John Halpin and Nicole Fallon pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following a Christmas 2024 hit-and-run in Blanchardstown that caused the deaths of Anthony Hogg and Georgina Hogg Moore. Their sentence hearing was adjourned to May 21.