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2026-02-27 · Dublin
Lisa Gannon was granted bail after being charged with theft alleged to involve €256 of clothing from Penneys at The Square Shopping Centre. Her bail requires her to stay away from the shopping centre, and the case was adjourned to the Criminal Courts of Justice.
2026-02-27 · Dublin
Craig Kennedy's four-month sentence after dangerous driving and criminal damage involving a scrambler bike and a garda patrol car was halved on appeal, with two months suspended subject to engagement with Men Overcoming Violent Emotions. Craig Kennedy was convicted.
2026-02-27 · Dublin
Derek Smith received a three-year sentence after pleading guilty to burglary, criminal damage and theft at a Ballymun building site. Judge Orla Crowe suspended the final three months for a year after hearing that the tools had been recovered following a search of Smith's address.
2026-02-27 · Dublin
Jibola Moses Akanni has been refused bail by the Court of Appeal while he awaits a conviction appeal. He was convicted of two rapes and sexual assault involving a 17-year-old at a Dublin city-centre apartment and is serving an eight-and-a-half-year sentence; the court said his appeal issues were wide-ranging rather than clear-cut.
2026-02-27 · Dublin
At a murder trial, Tomas Cypas denied murdering Juris Kokenbergs in Lucan. The jury heard evidence about DNA staining found on Cypas's footwear and heard his account of the confrontation; the trial was due to continue before Mr Justice Paul McDermott. Tomas Cypas pleaded not guilty.
2026-02-27 · Dublin
The WRC heard that former senior Aer Lingus cabin crew member Alan O'Neill was dismissed for gross misconduct after a dispute with a passenger who wanted to use the toilet during refuelling in Marseilles. Evidence included claims of aggressive and unprofessional conduct, while O'Neill said he felt triggered by swearing. The hearing was adjourned for cross-examination and his evidence.
2026-02-27 · Dublin
Brian Carroll was convicted of exposing his genitals to a customer at a Three store in Nutgrove and received a five-month prison sentence suspended in full for 12 months at Tallaght District Court. Brian Carroll pleaded not guilty.
2026-02-27 · Dublin
Bernard Browne received a consecutive two-year sentence for sexually assaulting and indecently assaulting a boy at a Dublin school between January 1990 and February 1991. The former caretaker was already serving nine years for similar offences against three boys. Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin cited grooming, breach of trust, the age gap and the profound impact on the victim.
2026-02-27 · Dublin
Joseph Lawlor was sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering Michael Ryan in Finglas after a jury rejected his claim that the stabbing was carried out in self-defence.
2026-02-27 · Cavan
Eight Zimbabwean healthcare workers were awarded €30,420 each after a Workplace Relations Commission adjudicator found particularly egregious non-payment of wages by Unity Healthcare Services Ltd, following promised care jobs that never materialised.
2026-02-26 · Dublin
Dziugas Odinas pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and endangerment after a high-speed pursuit involving 12 garda vehicles and the Garda national air support unit. He also pleaded guilty to possession for sale or supply of MDMA, Ecstasy tablets and Alprazolam tablets. Judge Sarah Berkeley adjourned the case to May 11 for finalisation and remanded him in custody.
2026-02-26 · Dublin
Gary Darcy was convicted of trespassing and possessing a stolen grey Cube pedal cycle worth €700. On appeal, Judge Geoffrey Shannon suspended the final six months of his nine-month prison sentence on condition that Darcy continues to engage with probation services.
2026-02-26 · Dublin
Daniel O'Neill was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to assaulting a woman causing her harm. Garda Thomas Conneely found O'Neill strangling her outside her home. Judge Orla Crowe suspended the final three months for two years and ordered him to have no contact with the injured party.
2026-02-26 · Dublin
The murder trial of Tomas Cypas heard his 999 call for an ambulance after he found his friend Juris Kokenbergs cold and not breathing. Cypas has pleaded not guilty to murdering Kokenbergs at Old Bridge Park, Lucan. The jury heard that Cypas admitted hitting him and will consider his intent; the trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
2026-02-26 · Dublin
Nicolae and Florin Mazarache have been ordered to pay the State's legal costs after losing their appeal over Covid-era fixed penalty notices issued after they travelled to Dublin Airport. The Court of Appeal held that questions about the notices and any prosecution belonged in the District Court; Ms Justice Nuala Butler made the opposed costs order.
2026-02-25 · Dublin
Shane Flynn, 46, of Markievicz House, Dublin 2, pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine, heroin, cannabis and tablets worth €396,441 for sale or supply. He was on bail for a similar offence when the drugs were found in a van and a Glasnevin house. Judge Orla Crowe imposed a consecutive three-and-a-half-year sentence.
2026-02-25 · Dublin
Robert Gaffney, 27, of Pinewood Green Road, Balbriggan, Dublin, pleaded guilty to two money-laundering charges involving a bank account and a Revolut account. The court heard that more than €44,000 moved through the accounts while he had no legitimate income. Judge Orla Crowe imposed a three-year sentence with the final six months suspended.
2026-02-25 · Dublin
Patrick Maughan, 38, of St McCullen's Park, Balbriggan, Dublin, lost an appeal against a four-month sentence for handling stolen tools worth €6,120 at Balbriggan Sunday Market. The District Court Appeals Court heard he had 46 previous convictions. Judge Sarah Berkeley affirmed the original order and Maughan was taken into custody. Patrick Maughan pleaded guilty.
2026-02-25 · Dublin
Stephen Connolly, 67, of Hampton Wood Drive, Finglas, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to having a kilogramme of cocaine worth €70,000 and €129,930 in criminal proceeds. The court heard he stored and moved drugs and cash after forced retirement. Judge Orla Crowe imposed a five-year prison sentence.
2026-02-25 · Dublin
Shawndell Gaston, 31, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to importing cannabis at Dublin Airport after travelling from New York with his mother. The court heard 48 packets worth €424,000 were found in their suitcases. Judge Martin Nolan jailed Gaston for four years; Hellasha Tingman is due to be sentenced separately.
2026-02-25 · Dublin
Tomas Cypas pleaded not guilty to murdering Juris Kokenbergs at Old Bridge Park, Lucan, Co Dublin. The prosecution case is that Kokenbergs died from stomping on the head. Cypas admits hitting Kokenbergs over the weekend, while the jury must decide his intent; the trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
2026-02-25 · Dublin
A 22-year-old man who cannot be named for legal reasons received a three-year term for a knife robbery at Dean Swift Square, Dublin 8. The court heard he and others assaulted a man, stole his phone and wallet, and left him with a deep calf wound. The term is consecutive to a nine-year sentence for a separate attack on a woman, with the final 12 months suspended. The unnamed 22-year-old pleaded guilty.
2026-02-25 · Dublin
Evidence at the Workplace Relations Commission heard that senior Aer Lingus flight attendant Alan O'Neill allegedly refused a passenger access to a toilet during a delayed Marseilles-to-Dublin flight. Witnesses differed on the delay, but one said the passenger was crying when he eventually used the lavatory. The evidence arose during O'Neill's unfair-dismissal complaint, which remains ongoing.
2026-02-25 · Dublin
Michael Doran, 39, of Whitechurch Way, Ballyboden, Dublin 16, was refused bail after being accused of trying to take a car at a Circle K garage. He faces charges of unauthorised taking, driving without insurance, driving without a licence and criminal damage. Judge Áine Clancy ordered him into custody pending a Cloverhill District Court appearance.
2026-02-24 · Dublin
Owen Maughan, a 40-year-old appellant from Castlerea, Co Roscommon, has withdrawn his appeal against the severity of his sentence following a hearing in the District Court Appeals Court. Maughan was previously convicted in the District Court of 12 charges of theft, contrary to section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001, for stealing over €1,498 worth of alcohol, groceries, and meat products. The offences occurred between July 8, 2024, and April 15, 2025, with seven incidents specifically at an Aldi store in Terenure, Dublin. He was sentenced to consecutive terms totalling 18 months, with the final three months suspended. During the appeal, a garda sergeant detailed Maughan's 54 previous convictions and his pattern of repeat offending at the same location. The defence argued that Maughan struggled with alcohol and drug addictions and had been clean in custody. Judge Martina Baxter initially described the offending as "prolific" and adjourned the matter to await a urine analysis report. However, the case was subsequently recalled, and Maughan's solicitor informed the court that the appeal was being withdrawn. Judge Baxter vacated her order for the urine analysis and affirmed the original District Court order.
2026-02-24 · Dublin
Brandon Gavin's appeal against his murder conviction was heard before the Court of Appeal, where his legal team argued that evidence of his Tinder activity and messages to a third party was prejudicial and inadmissible. Gavin, of Swords, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Marius Mamaliga (19) at Forest Court, Swords, on February 23, 2023, but was convicted by a Central Criminal Court jury in November 2024. He was subsequently sentenced to the mandatory term of life imprisonment by Ms Justice Eileen Creedon. The defence contended that the admitted material cast Gavin in an unfavourable light and suggested a propensity for criminal conduct unrelated to the charged offence. Conversely, the State argued the evidence was probative in refuting Gavin's claim of self-defence, which he alleged was necessitated by a €2,500 drug debt and threats from the deceased. The prosecution maintained the killing was premeditated, noting Gavin searched for prison sentences for murder the day prior and interacted with Tinder minutes before the attack. The trial jury had unanimously rejected the self-defence argument as "self-serving nonsense." The three-judge appeal panel, presided over by Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, reserved judgment on the matter, meaning the appeal has not yet been concluded.
2026-02-24 · Dublin
Dean Paget, 37, of Carnlough Road, Cabra, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for a robbery committed on December 3, 2020. Paget pleaded guilty to one count of robbery at Castleknock Road. A count of assault causing harm was struck out, while two counts of making a threat to kill and production of an article were taken into consideration. Judge Orla Crowe imposed a four-and-a-half-year jail term, which dates from his guilty plea in January. As Paget is currently serving a 13-year sentence for the attempted murder of his former partner, he will not serve additional time for this offence. Prosecution evidence alleged that Paget and co-accused Megan Creighton attacked a man recovering from hip surgery near the Dublin canal. Creighton, 37, of Blanchardstown, was jailed for three years in 2022. The victim reported a bite mark to his nose and abrasions, stating he believed he was going to die. Defence counsel Anne-Marie Lawlor SC highlighted Paget's remorse and the delay in bringing charges. Judge Crowe described the incident as a sustained, physical, violent robbery, setting a headline sentence of six years before reducing it to four and a half years based on mitigating factors.
2026-02-24 · Dublin
Bakuani Diasivi, 26, of Cardy Rock Crescent, Balbriggan, Co Dublin, pleaded guilty to affray after punching an 11-year-old boy on a Dart while on bail. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard Diasivi had 24 previous convictions but no previous convictions for violence. Judge Orla Crowe imposed an 18-month sentence suspended on strict conditions and directed a €1,000 payment to the boy's family.
2026-02-24 · Dublin
A bus driver who ran a red light and knocked down an e-scooter rider has asked the court not to disqualify him from driving, as his career depends on his license. Svetoslav Trifonov (46) was driving along Malahide Road when he hit Fiona Pekaar (32), who suffered multiple injuries and required two surgeries. Trifonov pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious harm and has no previous convictions. His defense highlighted his impeccable driving record and the impact a disqualification would have on his career and family. The court heard that the victim still suffers physically and emotionally from the incident. Judge Orla Crowe adjourned the case to March 4 for finalisation, as she considers whether to disqualify Trifonov from driving.
2026-02-24 · Dublin
Lawyers for the Director of Public Prosecutions have informed the High Court that there is a reasonable degree of urgency in the case of a convicted child rapist who is alleged to have breached the conditions of his release. The man, who was sentenced to 15 years in 2009 with the final two and a half years suspended, was required to undergo counselling and be supervised by the Probation Service for 10 years after his release. The case was listed for mention before the Central Criminal Court, and the court was informed that the defendant may have breached his release conditions. Prosecuting counsel requested that the case be listed again to clarify jurisdictional matters. The court agreed to list the case for mention on March 10, noting the urgency of the matter. The unnamed man pleaded guilty.
2026-02-24 · Dublin
A scaffolder is set to face trial tomorrow, accused of murdering a man in west Dublin in 2024. Tomas Cypas (35), who resides at Foxborough Road, Lucan, Co Dublin, was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court this afternoon. He has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Juris Kokenbergs (49), who was killed at Old Bridge Park, Lucan, Co Dublin on October 28, 2024. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon informed the jury panel that the accused is a resident of Dublin and works in the scaffolding trade. The judge swore in a jury of eight men and four women to hear the trial, which will begin tomorrow before Mr Justice Paul McDermott. The trial is expected to last two weeks. The court proceedings will focus on the circumstances surrounding the alleged murder and the evidence presented by the prosecution.
2026-02-24 · Dublin
A man has been sentenced to seven years in prison at the Central Criminal Court after pleading guilty to conspiracy to murder. Joseph Richards, aged 35 and from Lanesborough Square in Finglas, was convicted in connection with the death of Robert Sheridan, 45, who was shot at his front door in Ballymun on 5 October 2018. Mr Justice Paul McDermott found the killing was meticulously planned and involved considerable coordination to lure the victim to answer the door. Richards, who initially faced a murder charge, will serve the seven-and-a-half-year sentence, with six months suspended, after completing his current prison term, resulting in an effective sentence exceeding twelve years. The judge noted Richards has ninety-nine previous convictions and acknowledged his guilty plea and efforts to address drug addiction while imprisoned. The victim's family delivered impact statements describing the lasting trauma caused by his death.
2026-02-23 · Dublin
A 63-year-old Dublin man who was seen as the 'cool older cousin' by six children he groomed and sexually assaulted has been jailed for seven years. The man pleaded guilty to 10 sample counts of indecent and sexual assaults, which occurred between 1983 and 1990, and again in 2000. The abuse took place at his family homes in Dublin and Cork. The victims, who were his cousins and a cousin of a cousin, described the abuse as 'shameless exploitation.' Judge Orla Crowe noted the predatory nature of the offences and the breach of trust. One of the victims, who was aged nine to 11 when the abuse occurred, described being frozen in fear and feeling guilty for years. The court heard that the defendant had previously received a suspended sentence in 2005 for sexual assault. Judge Crowe set a headline sentence of nine years but reduced it to seven years, taking into account the defendant's remorse and health issues. The victims' impact statements highlighted the lasting trauma and the breakdown of family relationships.
2026-02-23 · Dublin
A motorist who dragged a garda during a chase, leaving him with multiple injuries, has been given a suspended five-year sentence. Dylan Walsh (33) pleaded guilty to endangerment, damaging a garda vehicle, and driving without insurance. The incident occurred in May 2024 when Walsh, who was intoxicated and suffering from mental health issues, refused to stop for gardai and dragged one of them for six meters before ejecting him. The garda sustained injuries to his arm, neck, head, and elbow and was out of work for five months. Judge Pauline Codd noted the aggravating factor of the charge being against a garda and the serious injuries sustained. Walsh has 12 previous convictions, mainly for road traffic offences. The judge took into account his mental health issues, his remorse, and the Probation Service's report indicating a medium risk of re-offending. Walsh was ordered to be disqualified from driving for 10 years and to engage with the Probation Service for three years. The injured garda described significant financial and psychological effects, and his career path has changed due to the incident.
2026-02-23 · Dublin
A 36-year-old man who raped his former partner in a hotel room and threatened to gouge her eyeball out with a spoon has been jailed for nine years. The Central Criminal Court heard that the victim was left fearing for her life. The man was convicted of sexual assault, rape, and threats to kill the woman at a Dublin hotel. He has over 70 previous convictions, but no prior sexual offence convictions. Mr Justice Paul Burns noted the intimate relationship between the pair was an aggravating factor and described the rape as 'appalling'. He imposed a headline sentence of 11 years, but suspended the final year for three years on condition the man remains under probation and undertakes recommended courses. The victim described how the crimes changed her life and left her in fear for her life. The man denied all offending at interview and initially claimed they had not had sex in the hotel. In her victim impact statement, the woman said she had washed her skin with bleach and was terrified to socialise.
2026-02-23 · Dublin
A drunk man who was found asleep halfway out of a car in a church car park and later urinated in a station cell has had his three-month jail term fully suspended on appeal. Ross Giffney (37) was convicted of obstruction of a peace officer, using threatening language, and criminal damage for urinating in the custody area. He was sentenced to four months in custody with one month suspended. On appeal, Judge James O'Donoghue decided to fully suspend the sentence for two years, telling Giffney that if he stepped out of line, the sentence would be activated. The judge also said Giffney must pay the invoice for the cleaning of the garda cell. Defence counsel said her client was remorseful for his actions and had drink on him on the night. Garda Ben Grimes told the court that Giffney had to be roused from sleep by gardai and that he was a danger to himself and others.
2026-02-23 · Dublin
A repeat sex offender, Randi Gladstone, has argued that his trial was unfair after he was forced to withdraw his claims of good character, which led to the jury being informed of his previous convictions for serious offences. Gladstone was convicted in January last year of rape, sexual assault, and false imprisonment in a holiday complex in Co Dublin. He had previously been deported from the UK and had 19 prior convictions, including rape and kidnapping. Gladstone's legal team argued that the trial judge's clarification on false imprisonment and the introduction of his previous convictions unfairly prejudiced his case. The court heard that Gladstone lured an 18-year-old woman into his room, where he raped and falsely imprisoned her. The appeal will be heard by a three-judge court, with a decision expected on March 10. Randi Gladstone pleaded not guilty.
2026-02-23 · Dublin
A man found with cocaine worth €100,000 was selling the drug to repay "sinister parties" who had used a pipe bomb to intimidate him after he racked up gambling debts in the hundreds of thousands of Euro, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has heard. Craig Harris (34) came forward from the District Court on signed pleas to possession of cocaine for sale or supply. He received a five-year sentence from Judge Pauline Codd in July 2023 with four years suspended. When gardai searched his home, a pipe bomb was found near Harris's car. Judge Codd accepted evidence that Harris owed money to other sinister parties and acknowledged that the father of three fully co-operated with the garda investigation and expressed remorse and shame for his involvement in the offence. She said that Harris's gambling addiction was the root cause of the offending but that it did not justify the lengths he went to in order to support that habit. Harris was sentenced to 10 years in prison with the final two years suspended.
2026-02-23 · Dublin
A driver who tailgated a stolen motorbike, leading to a fatal collision, has been jailed for three years. Andres Grans De Lima Sores (38) pleaded guilty to careless driving causing the death of Calvin Gilchrist (19) and failing to remain at the scene. The incident occurred on Finglas Road, Dublin, when Sores, driving a car, tailgated the motorbike for nearly 500 metres. Both vehicles crossed to the wrong side of the road, and an oncoming taxi attempted to avoid the collision but was involved in a crash with the motorbike. Mr. Gilchrist sustained serious cranial injuries and died in hospital. Sores fled the scene and was identified months later through CCTV footage. The court heard that Mr. Gilchrist was riding a stolen motorbike without a helmet, and his actions contributed to the tragedy. Judge Pauline Codd noted the serious nature of the case and the impact on Mr. Gilchrist's family, who expressed deep sorrow over his loss. Sores was also banned from driving for seven years and received a suspended sentence for leaving the scene.
2026-02-23 · Tipperary
A dentist who defrauded the HSE of €58,000 over 17 years has been jailed for one year and ordered to pay €100,000. Jerome Kiely (47) pleaded guilty to multiple counts of deception, including one sample count of dishonestly inducing the HSE to provide a payment for dentures. The court heard that Kiely had two bank accounts containing over €1.5 million, which were frozen. Judge Martin Nolan noted that Kiely had mental health issues and a history of depression, and his wife asked the court not to jail him. Despite this, the judge imposed a three-year sentence, with two years suspended, and ordered Kiely to pay €100,000 to the HSE. The judge acknowledged Kiely's remorse and his good work history but emphasized the seriousness of the case. Kiely's reputation as a dentist has been destroyed, and the court noted that he may not be able to practice again.
2026-02-23 · Dublin
Twin brothers Sean Farrell and Eric Farrell, aged 21, appeared before the Central Criminal Court on a charge of murder relating to the death of Ionel Nicolae Diaconu in Tallaght, Dublin 24, on December 11, 2023. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the murder charge but guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter. The Director of Public Prosecutions accepted that the manslaughter pleas met the case. Defence counsel noted that the brothers were 19 at the time of the incident and have no significant previous convictions, requesting the court to consider probation reports. The defendants are currently held in custody at Castlerea Prison. Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the matter to May 18 for a sentence hearing and ordered the preparation of two probation reports. The judge remanded the Farrell twins in custody until that date. Regarding the victim's family, prosecution counsel stated that Mr Diaconu's relatives do not live in Ireland and have previously attended proceedings remotely. The court did not record a final conviction or sentence at this stage, as the case remains adjourned for sentencing.
2026-02-23 · Dublin
Sammy Hutch (50), a member of the Hutch family who is not involved in gangland activities, has been jailed for six additional years for possessing an improvised pipe bomb. Hutch, who is currently serving a six-and-a-half-year sentence for robbery, was caught by gardai in April 2024 with the device at his home. The bomb was found to be ready to use, and the court heard that Hutch had texted an accomplice about attaching it to gas meters. Judge Patricia Ryan noted the aggravating factors, including the nature of the device and the alleged unlawful purpose. Hutch has 103 previous convictions, including burglary, theft, and drug-related offences. His defence highlighted his long history of drug abuse and his efforts to get clean. The judge reduced the headline sentence of nine years to six years, which will run consecutive to his existing sentence. Hutch's family and a letter from a local horse and pony club were presented in court, and legal aid was requested for an appeal.
2026-02-23 · Dublin
A 4'10" creche worker who said her employer stopped rostering her because she needed a step to reach the nappy changing table has lost a workplace safety case. Rosaria Wada Fulguera Tenorio, a Bolivian national on a student visa, worked at the Dublin creche group from March to October 2024, when she said she was taken off the roster and told her workplace was "overstaffed". In her evidence, Ms Fulguera Tenorio said that because of her height, 147cm, or 4'10", she was getting back pain due to the height of the furniture in the baby room. She said she wanted to find a solution that would let her do the job, and that her previous employers had assisted her by providing "a small step" as an accommodation. Links Childcare refused the request in April 2024 on the basis it would be a trip hazard. Instead, her employer ordered her to stop changing nappies and have her colleagues do it instead. Ms Fulguera Tenorio said this led to tension with her co-workers and that she was left feeling "humiliated".
2026-02-23 · Dublin
Sean McGovern, 39, appeared by video-link from Portlaoise Prison before the Special Criminal Court, where he is accused of the murder of Noel Kirwan on December 22, 2016, at St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin, Dublin. The accused, who has a previous address at Kildare Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12, also faces charges of directing the activities of a criminal organisation in connection with that murder between October 20 and December 22, 2016. Additional allegations include directing a criminal organisation regarding the surveillance of James Gately between October 17, 2015, and April 6, 2017, and facilitating a criminal organisation in a conspiracy to murder Mr. Gately. During the trial proceedings, his barrister, Sean Guerin SC, stated that significant work had been completed between legal parties and suggested the case might not ultimately require a trial date, though he could not confirm this immediately. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, presiding over the three-judge, non-jury court, adjourned the matter to March 16 for an update. No plea, finding, or sentence was recorded at this stage, and the matter remains ongoing.
2026-02-20 · Dublin
Shane Murphy, a 36-year-old man with a history of 60 previous convictions, had his six-month jail sentence overturned on appeal and replaced with a fully suspended sentence. Murphy was convicted of theft and threatening behavior after stealing wine from a crêperie and later using threatening language in public. His defense argued that the original sentence was unduly severe, citing his engagement with homeless support and detox programs. The court acknowledged his difficult circumstances but noted his extensive criminal history. Judge James O'Donoghue suspended the sentence for two years, with conditions that Murphy must enter probation, seek rehabilitation if needed, and avoid alcohol. The judge warned that if Murphy failed to comply, he would serve the full nine-month sentence. The appeal highlighted the need for a balanced approach to sentencing, considering both the severity of the offenses and the defendant's efforts at rehabilitation.
2026-02-20 · Dublin
Dylan Mangan, the lead assailant in an extortion plot, failed to convince the Court of Appeal to reduce his five-year sentence for threatening two victims with violence and demanding €20,000. Mangan, who has 18 previous convictions, was identified through CCTV and was in possession of a phone used to contact the victims. His defense argued that the sentencing judge failed to consider the principle of parity with his co-accused, Des Smyth, who received a four-year sentence with part suspended. The Court of Appeal rejected the appeal, noting that Mangan's level of involvement was significantly greater than Smyth's and that the judge had a rational basis for the disparity in sentences. The court emphasized that Mangan was the principal perpetrator and had a more substantial criminal history. The threats involved slitting the throats of children and burning down homes, with the victims having no connection to the drug debt. The appeal was dismissed, with the court upholding the original sentence. Dylan Mangan pleaded guilty. Des Smyth pleaded guilty.
2026-02-20 · Dublin
Jason Whelan and Vivian Hanley, a couple with a history of drug use and debt, pleaded guilty to possessing over €230,000 worth of drugs at their home in Finglas. They admitted to being under duress and fear due to threats, and the drugs did not belong to them. Hanley, who has 15 previous convictions for road traffic offenses, has taken steps to address her drug addiction and is now in education and employment. Whelan, who became addicted to cocaine during lockdown, claims to be clean and has a work history. The court acknowledged their vulnerable positions and the threats they faced, adjourning sentencing until May for a probation report and urine analysis. The judge considered the possibility of deviating from the mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, given their low position in the drug world and their efforts to improve their lives.
2026-02-20 · Dublin
A man accused of falsely imprisoning and strangling a woman had his bail revoked after refusing to sign on at Pearse Street Garda Station, claiming the conditions there infringe his human rights. Elric Kibangou Diansa (36), originally from France and residing in Dublin since November 2024, had previously been granted bail for charges of false imprisonment and intentionally or recklessly strangling a woman on June 20, 2025. Gardaí had objected to bail under the O'Callaghan principles, citing the seriousness of the charges, the alleged breach of bail conditions, and concerns about possible interference with the injured party. The court heard that Mr Kibangou Diansa had not provided a new address and was believed to be couch surfing. He stated he stopped signing on because he was required to wait between two-and-a-half and three hours at Pearse Street Garda Station, which he described as overcrowded and dirty, with vomit on the floor and drunk people spitting in the waiting area. He claimed it was a breach of his human rights and civil liberties.
2026-02-20 · Dublin
Joseph Lawlor was found guilty of murdering Michael Ryan by a Central Criminal Court jury, despite his claim that the stabbing was a coincidence. The jury rejected his self-defence argument after deliberating for eight hours and 57 minutes. Lawlor will be sentenced to life imprisonment next week. His second trial followed the collapse of the first due to late evidence disclosure and allegations of coaching a witness. During the trial, enhanced audio revealed Lawlor threatening Ryan, undermining his self-defence claim. CCTV and neighbour recordings showed multiple altercations between the men. Lawlor claimed he stabbed Ryan in self-defence after Ryan threatened to throw grenades through his windows. The jury did not accept his claim of reasonable force or honest belief in the need to attack Ryan.
2026-02-19 · Dublin
A man has failed to convince an appeal court that his conviction for "egregious" driving on the M50 was a case of mistaken identity and will be jailed for five months. Freddie Hegarty was convicted in the District Court of four counts of dangerous driving and was sentenced to five months imprisonment for the first count, along with a ten-year driving disqualification and a €1,000 fine. He later lodged an appeal against his conviction. Garda David Jordan testified that during a pursuit, Hegarty drove a BMW through a red light, accelerated hard, and cut off road users on the M50. He said that he saw the registration of the car and notified colleagues on the radio that there was a vehicle driving dangerously. Garda Jordan said that during the pursuit, which lasted for about 10 to 15 minutes, the car accelerated hard, veering left and right and cutting off road users. He said that the car went through a red light and eventually proceeded to Connolly Memorial Hospital.