A man has been given a suspended sentence after an automatic monitoring system alerted Google to the presence of 15 files of child abuse material in his cloud storage. Austin Odibei pleaded guilty to possession of child sexual abuse material in April 2019. Judge Orla Crowe sentenced him to 18 months, suspended for three years. The investigating garda outlined that Google notified the relevant authority in America in March 2019 about the suspected presence of CSAM on an individual's Google account. Gardai were notified and a Google account and mobile number were linked to the defendant. His home was searched in April 2019, and several devices, including a phone and a camera, were seized. Garda analysis of the devices recovered 13 files of CSAM, including eleven videos and two images, which were found on the memory card in the camera. Two further videos were found on the phone. The court heard that the victims were not identifiable.
Serial offender Ronaldo Otto, who goes by the name Samantha, has been jailed for five years after sexually assaulting a vulnerable autistic man. Otto, originally from the Philippines, was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 20-year-old autistic man on February 1, 2023, in a laneway in Dublin. The victim, who uses a disability card for the bus, was followed by Otto, who sat beside him and asked for his phone number. Otto then groped the victim and forced him down a laneway, where he performed oral sex on him. The victim reported the incident to his parents and attended the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit. CCTV footage and DNA evidence linked Otto to the crime. Otto had previously been given a suspended sentence for throwing boiling water on a man in 2019, but it was reactivated after he was convicted of another sexual assault in 2022. Judge Orla Crowe noted the victim was vulnerable due to his disability and described Otto's actions as predatory and intimidating.
A 40-year-old father of four has been jailed for four years for storing almost €100,000 worth of cocaine in his home and shed. Paul Dardis was before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, charged with possession of drugs for sale or supply at his home on November 18, 2022. Garda Michael Leahy told the court that gardai carried out a planned search of Dardis's home that day and found a total of €99,169 worth of cocaine at various locations, including his kitchen and bedroom. Most of it was seized from a garden shed, along with mixing agents and €64 worth of heroin. Weighing scales were also found. Dardis later took full responsibility for all drugs found in his home. He said he was storing the cocaine in exchange for a reduction in his own personal drug debt. Gda Leahy agreed with Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha SC, defending, that both Dardis and his partner had mental health difficulties. He said that Dardis showed no signs of wealth and had not come to garda attention since.
A jury will return to the Central Criminal Court to continue deliberations in the trial of Joseph Lawlor, who is accused of murdering his friend Michael Ryan in June 2024. Lawlor claims he acted in self-defence and to protect his property. The trial began in January, and the jury requested a copy of Lawlor's testimony, which detailed the events leading to the fatal stabbing. The jury heard that Lawlor and Ryan had been drinking and had multiple altercations throughout the evening. Ryan was arrested for drink driving and later returned to Lawlor's home, demanding the return of a watch and threatening to use "pineapples" (slang for grenades). Lawlor pursued Ryan to a carpark and stabbed him in the neck, causing his death. The judge instructed the jury that if they found Lawlor's account credible and that he used reasonable force, they must acquit. However, if he used excessive force, the verdict would be manslaughter. If the prosecution proved he did not act in self-defence, the verdict would be murder. Joseph Lawlor pleaded not guilty.
A 45-year-old man who slapped his eight-year-old son over toileting issues in 2018 has been jailed for two years and four months, with the final eight months suspended. The man pleaded guilty to child cruelty and assault causing harm. He has six previous convictions for domestic violence against the boy's mother. Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin described the incident as a breach of parental trust and noted the psychological impact on the boy, who now experiences anxiety. The man self-reported the incident to authorities in 2019. The court heard that the boy's mother did not report the incident to Tusla, and photos of the boy's injuries were shown in court. The man, who represented himself, expressed that he believed the judge was fair and questioned the sentence length. The judge allowed him to appeal the sentence to the Court of Appeal.
PJ Higgins, 47, pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Court to assault causing harm to his brother, Michael Higgins, at their address in Cloongullaune, Swinford, Co Mayo, on July 27, 2022. The defendant admitted to hitting the victim over the head with a shovel, an act Judge Eoin Garavan noted could easily have been fatal. Michael Higgins was taken to Mayo University Hospital unconscious and bleeding, with a CT scan revealing fluid on the brain. He was discharged three days later but reported ongoing headaches, blurred vision, and fear for his life. The court heard the incident arose from an entrenched, longstanding family dispute. Judge Garavan delayed sentencing until the conclusion of two other cases against family members to ensure all background information was available. A probation report placed PJ Higgins at moderate risk of re-offending but noted he accepts responsibility and shows genuine remorse. The judge highlighted that the offence occurred the day before PJ Higgins was due to be sentenced for a previous threat to kill or cause serious harm, for which he served 12 months in custody. Defence counsel argued the act was impulsive rather than premeditated. The matter was adjourned to July 23 to finalise the sentence.
A 25-year-old Dublin man was sentenced to six years in prison, with the final 18 months suspended, for assaulting his pregnant partner and making threats against his ex-girlfriend. The man pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including assault causing harm and making threats to kill or cause serious harm. During the incident in August 2024, he punched, dragged, and kicked his pregnant partner in the stomach, knowing she was pregnant. He had previously been on bail for threatening to petrol bomb his ex-girlfriend's home. The court heard that he had a history of violent behavior, including breaches of protection orders and criminal damage. The victim, who was three months pregnant at the time of the assault, declined an ambulance and did not want to leave her children. The man was arrested after a five-day drugs bender and had a history of addiction. His defense highlighted his mental health issues and history of child sexual abuse, but the court emphasized the seriousness of the assault on a pregnant woman.
The Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) was granted High Court permission to sell three high-end vehicles, a BMW M2, a BMW M3, and an Audi Q7, seized from former Real IRA member Nathan Kinsella. Barrister Daragh Breen BL, representing the CAB, described the cars as assets of "very high worth" and in depreciation. Mr Justice Liam Kennedy granted the application to appoint a CAB receiver to sell the vehicles, with proceeds to be held pending a substantive hearing. The matter was adjourned to next month. Kinsella, of Blackrock, Co Dublin, was not present. In 2024, Kinsella pleaded guilty to three counts of failing to furnish tax returns for capital acquisitions tax in 2018, 2019, and 2020. He was sentenced to one year in prison. Previously, in 2014, the Special Criminal Court sentenced him to two years for membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, for acts committed on September 13, 2012. Kinsella has 17 previous convictions, including road traffic offences and impeding a prosecution.
A man who verbally abused gardai and resisted arrest on a Dublin street had his three-month jail term replaced with 180 hours of community service on appeal. Jason Prenderville, 35, was convicted of obstruction of a peace officer, threatening and abusive behavior, and being intoxicated in a public place. During the incident, he told gardai to leave him alone and had to be restrained on the ground. He has 73 previous convictions and was described as a nuisance by the judge. His defense noted that he now attends AA meetings and has a history of alcohol problems. The judge ruled that community service was more appropriate than imprisonment, emphasizing that Prenderville should abstain from alcohol. The appeal highlighted the severity of his previous convictions and the need for a more proportionate sentence.
Garry Nugent, a former events officer with Cycling Ireland, has been given an 18-month suspended sentence for submitting false quotations to secure sports grants. Nugent, 51, pleaded guilty to two charges of attempting to deceive the Department of Transport. He submitted fake quotations for grants intended to fund tandem bicycles for the Paralympics and timing equipment. Cycling Ireland did not receive the grants, and the charity suffered reputational damage and lost a sponsor. The court heard that Nugent was under pressure due to the pandemic and a tight deadline. Judge Orla Crowe acknowledged the exceptional circumstances but noted that Nugent played an active role in the deception. She imposed a suspended sentence with conditions, including good behavior for three years.
A jury has begun deliberations in the murder trial of Joseph Lawlor, who claims he stabbed his friend, Michael Ryan, in self-defense. Lawlor, 39, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Ryan, who was found dead in a carpark after a dispute. The jury heard that Lawlor and Ryan had been drinking and had multiple altercations. Ryan returned to Lawlor's home after being released from custody for drink driving and accused Lawlor of calling gardai. Ryan threatened to bring others to attack Lawlor's home. Lawlor pursued Ryan to the carpark and stabbed him once in the neck, severing an artery. The judge instructed the jury that if Lawlor used reasonable force in self-defense, he must be acquitted. If the force was excessive, the verdict would be manslaughter. If the prosecution proved Lawlor did not act in self-defense, the verdict would be murder.
Sabouni Abdelhamid, an Algerian man, has been jailed for three years for passport fraud after falsely claiming to be the son of an Irish woman murdered in the 1980s. He used multiple aliases and forged documents to obtain an Irish passport, including a French identification document and a utility bill. Abdelhamid was stopped at Dublin Airport in 2025 after discrepancies were found in his documents. He pleaded guilty to possession of a false instrument and providing misleading documentation. The court heard that Abdelhamid had a previous conviction under a different alias for a similar offence. Judge Orla Crowe noted the sophistication required to carry out the fraud and stated that a headline sentence of six years was warranted, but reduced it to three years due to mitigating factors, including Abdelhamid's guilty plea and his behavior in custody.
Cody Ferguson, a rail engineer, was jailed for five and a half years after being caught with nearly €350,000 worth of cannabis at Dublin Airport. He was arrested in August 2025 after customs officers found 34 packages of cannabis in his suitcase. Ferguson initially claimed he was on holiday in Thailand but later admitted to acting as a drugs courier to pay off a drug debt. He pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis for sale or supply. Ferguson has 11 previous convictions in the UK, including ten for drug offences. His defense highlighted his status as a qualified rail engineer and a father to a seven-month-old baby. Judge Martin Nolan reduced a headline sentence of nine years to five and a half years, taking into account Ferguson's early guilty plea and other mitigating factors.
Detective Garda Joseph Kavanagh used the Pulse system to print documents he believed were being concealed from the High Court in a case involving his partner, Sinead Warren. The case revolves around a search of Warren's home in Dublin 8 in 2016, which she alleges was a ruse to interfere in her personal life and relationship with Kavanagh. Kavanagh told the court he accessed the Pulse system to print draft information sheets related to the search warrant, which he believed were being withheld. The defense argued that the documents were unlawfully acquired and breached data protection laws. The court allowed the documents to be included in the case on grounds of fairness. Warren is seeking damages for alleged breaches of her constitutional rights, negligence, and deceit. The trial continues with further evidence expected next week.
Stephen Markham, a sexual assault survivor, has spoken out about the importance of being vocal if someone experiences a similar incident. He was sexually assaulted by Cezar Toader, an on-bail offender, who followed him home after they met in Dublin City Centre in 2020. Toader, who is part of the Roma community, was sentenced to four years in prison, with the final six months suspended. Markham waived his anonymity and shared his victim impact statement, detailing the emotional and psychological toll the assault had on him, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. He expressed gratitude for the support he received from the community and gardai, and encouraged others to speak out if they are victims of similar crimes. The court heard that Toader had a history of previous convictions and was on bail at the time of the assault. Judge Orla Crowe acknowledged the courage of Markham in coming forward and noted the impact of the crime on the victim. Cezar Toader pleaded guilty.
A jury has been asked to determine whether Joseph Lawlor used reasonable force in stabbing his friend to death after the deceased threatened to throw grenades through his windows. Lawlor, 39, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michael Ryan, 51, who was found dead in a carpark behind Lawlor's home in Dublin. The incident occurred on June 20, 2024, following a night of drinking and altercations between the two men. Ryan accused Lawlor of calling the gardai to have him arrested for drunk driving and demanded the return of an expensive watch. When Lawlor refused, Ryan allegedly threatened to throw grenades through his windows. Lawlor pursued Ryan to the carpark and stabbed him in the neck, causing his death. The prosecution argues that Lawlor created the situation deliberately to use force, citing audio evidence of Lawlor inviting Ryan to a fight. The defence claims that Lawlor acted in self-defence, citing the Criminal Law (Defence and the Dwelling) Act 2011, which allows for the use of reasonable force against trespassers.
A Romanian national, Ionut Danca, was sentenced to five and a half years in prison for killing a Canadian tourist, Neno Dolmajian, in Dublin city centre. Danca delivered a full-force running kick to the victim's head, who was lying on the ground under the influence of alcohol. The judge described the attack as brazen and stated that there was no need or justification for the act. Dolmajian, a 42-year-old Canadian of Armenian heritage, was visiting Ireland and was due to leave the country the day after the incident. The victim's family attended the sentencing hearing via video-link from Canada and described him as a positive and creative person. Danca's co-accused, Madalin Ghiuzan, was sentenced to 12 months in prison, with the sentence suspended for 12 months. The judge noted that the victim's death was a devastating loss for his family and emphasized the need for justice. Danca's defense highlighted his lack of prior convictions and his exemplary work ethic, but the court ruled that the severity of the crime warranted a significant prison term. Ionut Danca pleaded guilty. Madalin Ghiuzan pleaded guilty.
Riley Burke, a 25-year-old Canadian delivery driver, was jailed for five years after being caught with €716,000 worth of cannabis at Dublin Airport. Burke arrived on a flight from Toronto on July 26, 2025, and a suitcase containing cannabis burst open on the luggage belt. Customs officers used a dog to detect a second suitcase, which was also found to contain cannabis. The suitcases did not have Burke's name on them but belonged to two other individuals who were not on the flight. CCTV footage showed Burke waiting for the bags and checking the labels. Burke claimed he had forgotten that he had not checked any luggage and had mistakenly picked up the two suitcases. However, the garda did not accept this explanation. Burke has no previous convictions and has been in custody since his arrest. His defense argued that he was at the lowest rung of the ladder and had no financial interest in the drugs. Burke admitted to having a financial debt and said he was trying to pay it off.
Patrick Harte, 84, appeared at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for sentencing following his conviction on 17 counts of indecent or sexual assault against eight boys between 1969 and 1986. Harte, a former teacher and principal at Sancta Maria Christian Brothers school on Synge Street, pleaded not guilty to all charges and continues to deny any offending. This fourth set of prosecutions brings his total convictions for sexual or indecent assaults to 89, involving 32 victims. During the hearing, Judge Martina Baxter heard victim impact statements detailing long-term mental health effects, including alcohol addiction and trust issues. One victim stated that "nobody cared, nobody has ever apologised." Defense counsel John Griffin BL stated Harte does not accept the jury verdicts and instructed that no plea of mitigation would be entered. Harte addressed the court, attempting to raise issues regarding evidence from a different trial, which the Judge dismissed as irrelevant to this hearing. The court noted Harte's previous sentences, including a three-year term in 2020 and a four-year term in December 2024. Judge Baxter adjourned the finalisation of sentencing to March 18 next.
A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court has heard closing arguments in a case arising from the fatal stabbing of a man in Dublin in June 2024. Joseph Lawlor, aged 39, of Hampton Wood Road in Finglas, Dublin 11, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michael Ryan, aged 51, who died from a stab wound to the neck in a carpark behind Mr Lawlor's home on 20 June 2024. The prosecution contends that Mr Lawlor inflicted the fatal wound with intent to kill or cause serious injury and was not acting in lawful self-defence. The defence argues that Mr Lawlor was entitled to use reasonable force to protect himself and his property after Mr Ryan, a friend with whom he had been drinking, broke into his home, took cash, and made threats. The jury heard evidence regarding earlier physical altercations between the men and a 999 call made immediately after the incident. Mr Justice Patrick McGrath is presiding over the trial, with closing arguments continuing.
Joseph Richards, 35, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to conspiring to murder Robert Sheridan, a 45-year-old father-of-two who was fatally shot at his Ballymun home in October 2018. Prosecutors alleged that Richards, who has 99 previous convictions, was "crack crazy" and acted for payment, enlisting someone known to the victim to lure him to the door. Sheridan, who had received a Garda Information Message warning of threats to his life, sustained fatal gunshot wounds to the face. The court heard that Richards is currently serving a prison sentence of six years and five months. In mitigation, his counsel cited a traumatic upbringing, chronic drug addiction, and recent bereavement. Victim impact statements described the killing as a "cold-blooded execution" and detailed the lasting psychological trauma suffered by Sheridan's children. Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the case to February 24 for finalisation.
Patrick Murphy, a 37-year-old man who admitted to stabbing 20-year-old Jordan Ronan to death outside his home, is now on 23-hour lockup for his own protection after being attacked in prison. Murphy claimed he was defending his family and property when he stabbed Ronan, who was found in his front driveway. Murphy's dog alerted him to the presence of Ronan, and he rushed out of his home armed with a kitchen knife. CCTV footage showed Murphy telling his partner that Ronan was breaking into their car. A jury found Murphy not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. Ronan's partner, Lauren Geraghty, who was six weeks pregnant with their first child, delivered a victim-impact statement expressing her grief and the loss of their future together. Ronan's father, Stephen Packenham, spoke of his son's wish to meet his daughter and the devastation of identifying his body. Sabrina Ronan, Ronan's mother, thanked those who provided first aid to her son. The pathologist testified that the stab wound was 18cm deep and caused cardiac arrest within minutes.
Carl Innos, a 30-year-old Finnish national, was given a suspended sentence for burglary after breaking into a house in Malahide. Innos claimed he broke into the house because he was trying to find a shortcut after wading through a stream on a golf course. The homeowner found Innos in his conservatory and described him as not being aggressive. Innos asked the homeowner to open the internal doors to allow him to leave the house, but the homeowner instead fled and called 999. Nothing was taken during the burglary, and Innos was caught nearby later that day. The court heard that the homeowner's neighbor had recorded Innos breaking into the house on his phone, which was provided to the gardaí and led to his arrest. Innos admitted to the burglary and pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. He had one previous conviction for failing to appear in court. The homeowner said he has yet to regain his previous feeling of safety in his home and has been left with a lingering sense of deep unease.
The Special Criminal Court sentenced Stephen Carberry and Glen Bride to six years in prison for assisting in the disposal of the dismembered remains of Keane Mulready Woods. Both men pleaded guilty to charges of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of the alleged murderer, Robbie Lawlor, by transporting and burning the victim's body parts in a stolen Volvo V40 in north Dublin. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor described the acts as showing "abhorrent inhumanity and disrespect." Carberry, who had a headline sentence of ten years, received a reduced term due to his guilty plea and the requirement to serve a consecutive sentence for a prior drug offence. Bride, who played a lesser role, had his nine-year headline sentence reduced to six years following his guilty plea and expressions of remorse. The court noted that neither defendant was involved in the murder itself. This sentencing follows earlier convictions in the case: Paul Crosby was jailed for ten years for facilitating the murder; Gerard Cruise received seven-and-a-half years with six months suspended for two years for the same offence; and Ged McKenna was sentenced to four years for assisting an offender by cleaning the crime scene. The court acknowledged the severe trauma suffered by the victim's family, who described the disposal of their son's remains as a "constant and unbearable torment."
A 63-year-old man, Michael Donnelly, accused of assaulting his sister during a will dispute had the charge against him dismissed after CCTV footage contradicted key parts of the complainant's account. Donnelly had pleaded not guilty to a Section 2 assault at Woodley Park in 2024. The court heard that the complainant and another sibling arrived at their late mother's house, where Donnelly was living, seeking access to the property. Mobile phone and doorbell footage showed the complainant and another sibling at the doorway filming Donnelly during a heated exchange. The complainant claimed her wrist was struck and that she had difficulty moving her hand. However, the footage showed the phone was in her left hand when it was struck away. The defense highlighted inconsistencies in the complainant's account, noting that she referred to her right hand being struck. Judge Anne Watkin noted the inconsistency between the medical report and the footage and accepted the credibility concerns raised by the defense. She concluded that the charge could not be proven beyond reasonable doubt and dismissed it.
An offender with a high risk of recidivism who was caught with and distributed videos of child sexual abuse has been jailed for three years and six months, with the final nine months suspended. Murilo Dos Santos (36) of North Circular Road, Dublin 1, pleaded guilty last year at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of images of child sexual abuse, known in law as child pornography, and to distribution of the material between November 18, 2020, and January 2021. Detective Garda Donagh Mannix told the court that a search of Dos Santos' home in Christchurch, Dublin, uncovered 66 videos on his phone, which were in contravention of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act. Dos Santos shared these videos with six others between October 2020 and November 2020, including one particularly graphic video involving a child aged between six and 12 months. Other videos involved children aged between eight and 12 years old, some engaged in sexual activity with adults. Gardaí also found that Dos Santos used a sharing app to distribute the material.
A retired detective has expressed shock at discovering a Garda in the bedroom of a woman's apartment during a search warrant execution in a burglary investigation. Sinead Warren, who lived in Dublin 8 in 2016, alleges that gardaí falsely branded her as a 'major criminal' and a 'serious female gouger' in WhatsApp messages. She is seeking damages for breach of her constitutional rights, negligence, and deceit. The High Court is hearing her case against the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána, the Minister for Justice, and the Attorney General. Ms Warren and Det Gda Joseph Kavanagh are described as 'law-abiding citizens of impeccable character.' The search was for a pair of yellow shorts linked to the burglary, and the presence of Det Gda Kavanagh in the bedroom was unexpected. Det Gda Mark Kelly, who was present during the search, stated he was shocked and felt obliged to inform his superior. Ms Warren's barrister questioned the inclusion of personal details in the search report, including the names of her deceased brothers.
David Thomas, 42, of Finglas, Dublin 11, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following an appeal. The State successfully appealed a previous decision to dismiss some charges, leading the Supreme Court to overturn that dismissal. Thomas pleaded guilty to unlawful possession for sale or supply of THC contained in cannabis jellies and unlawful cultivation of cannabis at Prospect Hill, Finglas. The charges related to a November 2022 raid where gardaí found 1,500 cannabis jellies, cultivation equipment, and plants with an estimated street value of €50,000. Judge Elma Sheahan considered aggravating factors, including Thomas's 74 previous convictions, and mitigating factors, such as his reported sobriety and addiction support. She imposed a sentence of four years. The final six months of the sentence were suspended on the condition that Thomas keep the peace and be of good behaviour. The matter was not adjourned; the sentence was imposed. A co-accused was previously sentenced in 2024, while a third man remains before the courts.
A Dublin horse handler, Scott Clarke, has been ordered to perform 150 hours of community service after throwing a vape at an American tourist, causing him to lose a tooth. The incident occurred outside the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin 8 in 2023. Clarke pleaded guilty to assault, which carries a maximum sentence of six months. The victim, who is in his 20s, said he feared for his life and that the incident marred his final holiday with his parents. He has undergone dental surgery and continues to experience nerve pain, spending around US$5,000 on dental implants. CCTV footage showed the victim taking down a sign displaying the charges for the horse and carriage rental, leading to a scuffle. Clarke threw the vape at the victim, hitting him in the mouth. Garda Greg Moroney testified that there was no evidence linking the horse handlers to the incident. Clarke has previous drug convictions but none for violent offenses. His defense highlighted that he is a full-time carer for his father, who is in the advanced stages of cancer.
A murder accused, Joseph Lawlor, told a prosecution barrister that it was '100 percent coincidental' that he threatened to stab his friend, Michael Ryan, hours before doing so. Lawlor claimed he was in fear after Ryan broke into his house and threatened to throw grenades. He said Ryan took a bag containing almost €4,000 in profit from selling Zopiclone tablets. Lawlor followed Ryan outside with a knife and stabbed him in the neck, claiming it was accidental. He described Ryan as a 'capable and dangerous' man and said he feared for his life. The prosecution suggested Lawlor was not scared but wanted to 'send a message' that nobody threatens him. Lawlor denied intending to harm Ryan and said he was trying to scare him away from his house. The trial has heard that Lawlor and Ryan were drinking together and had earlier arguments captured on CCTV. Lawlor pleaded not guilty to the murder of Ryan, who was found dead in a carpark.
Mark Salmon, 32, of West Dublin, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to four charges, having originally faced 16 offences including directing a criminal gang. Defence counsel Dominic McGinn indicated progress had been made, leading to arraignment on lesser counts. Salmon admitted acquiring or possessing property valued at €24,257.44 in 2022 and €60,565.41 in 2023, knowing or being reckless as to whether it was proceeds of criminal conduct. He also pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine worth over €13,000 for supply on March 26, 2024, near Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim, and making a threat to kill or cause serious harm to a man between January 1 and May 20, 2024. The prosecution noted the pleas were offered on a full facts basis, with the drugs charge incorporating threats and criminal damage. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, presiding, granted an application to extend legal aid for a psychological report. The court directed that victim impact statements be prepared. The matter was adjourned for sentencing to May 11, and Salmon was remanded in custody until that date.
A 63-year-old Dublin man who pleaded guilty to multiple sexual assaults on six children over a seven-year period will be sentenced later this month. The victims, including five of his first cousins and a cousin of a cousin, described the defendant as a 'cool older cousin' who groomed them. One victim recounted being sexually assaulted in her bedroom and later again as an adult. The court heard that the abuse caused significant pain and family splits. The defendant has previous convictions for sexual assault and was given a suspended sentence in 2005. His legal team asked for leniency, citing his role in caring for elderly parents and his good work history as an engineer. The judge remanded him into custody for sentencing.
A woman described as a 'law-abiding citizen of impeccable character' has claimed in the High Court that she was wrongly branded a 'major criminal' and a 'serious female gouger' after her relationship with a garda became known. Sinead Warren alleges that following a search of her home, messages circulated on WhatsApp suggested that her long-term partner, Gda Joseph Kavanagh, had been 'caught in the scratcher' with her. She claims that Gda Kavanagh was removed from a Special Crime Task Force and faced intimidation and harassment from his superiors. Ms Warren is seeking damages for breach of her constitutional rights, negligence, and deceit. She alleges that the search of her home was an interference in her personal life and that senior gardaí deemed the relationship inappropriate and set out to interfere. The State denies these allegations. Ms Warren claims that Gda Kavanagh was 'intimidated' and 'harassed' by superiors and that he was informed he 'needed time away from his position'. The non-jury trial continues at the High Court.
A former professional boxer with a stellar career and an unbeaten record has been jailed for over five years for two burglaries in Dublin last year. Tony Bates, originally from Clondalkin, was before the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court where he pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary, assault, trespass, and obstructing a police officer. In one incident, he punched a man and threatened him with a knife during a burglary at an address on Mount Pleasant Avenue Lower. In another, he stole packages from the post room of an apartment block on Grand Canal Street. Garda Andras Leginszki testified that Bates stole keys and packages from the post room and returned later to use the keys to steal more. He was apprehended, charged, and bailed. Garda Alison Egan explained that Bates had gone to a man's home to ask for drugs, became aggressive, and punched him before taking a pack of prescription tablets and threatening him with a knife. A neighbor contacted gardai, who found Bates in possession of another person's driving licence and a bank card.
A man and his cousin are to be assessed for community service after pleading guilty to participating in a prolonged and unusual fraud that began 11 years ago. Simon O'Donnell (43) of Swords, Co Dublin, pleaded guilty to providing false information in a passport application in 2019. His cousin Winnie O'Donnell (59) of Dublin 22 pleaded guilty to providing false information to the Civil Registration Service in 2011. The pair attempted to create a fictitious identity by registering the birth of a 'David O'Donnell' in 1980, with Winnie falsely claiming to be his aunt. The birth certificate was later used in a passport application that was stopped by biometric safeguards. Simon admitted the fraud was to obtain social welfare to pay off people threatening him due to a feud. Winnie admitted there was no such person as 'David O'Donnell' but did not dispute the signature on the form. The court heard that Simon had no previous convictions for deception offences, while Winnie had eight summary convictions for theft and fraud.
A wealthy New Yorker, Henry McGowan, has been found not guilty of murdering his father at a five-star resort in Co Laois by reason of insanity. The 12 jurors accepted evidence from two psychiatrists that McGowan, who was suffering from schizoaffective disorder, was not in control of his actions when he killed his father, John McGowan, at Ballyfin Demesne hotel. Defence counsel Michael Bowman SC argued that the case was tragic, as the father had prioritised his son's well-being over his own. Prosecuting counsel Brendan Grehan SC said John McGowan had travelled from the US to help his son, only to be killed. The trial heard that Henry had a history of mental health issues, including a manic episode in 2022 and a subsequent involuntary admission to a psychiatric hospital in Paris. He had also experienced delusional beliefs, including the idea that his father was an imposter. The jury reached a unanimous verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity after deliberating for just over an hour.
A 23-year-old woman has been fined €500 for driving an electric scooter in a public place in Dublin nearly three years ago, when such vehicles were not legally allowed on Irish roads. Maria Jigala, who resides at Ticknock Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18, pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to driving an electric scooter without insurance on 23 March 2023, in Stepaside Village. She was stopped following a report of a minor collision. Gardai stated that Jigala, who required a Moldovan interpreter, had no previous convictions and had not been in contact with gardaí since the incident. She was described as co-operative at the time. Her defence counsel, Silvia-Maria Crowley BL, explained that her client works as a beauty specialist and needed the ability to drive for work. She had been trying to arrange insurance but had not been successful. Judge Conor Fottrell noted that the case was primarily about the lack of insurance. He imposed a fine of €500, with six months to pay. Other charges, including failing to produce insurance and driving without a licence, were also considered.
Simon O'Donnell and his cousin Winnie O'Donnell were involved in a prolonged and unusual fraud attempt that began 11 years ago. They created a fictitious identity to claim social welfare benefits. Simon pleaded guilty to providing false information in a passport application in 2019, while Winnie pleaded guilty to providing false information to the Civil Registration Service in 2011. The court heard that they registered the birth of a fictitious person named 'David O'Donnell' and submitted the birth certificate as part of the passport application. The passport application was stopped due to biometric safeguards, leading to an investigation. Simon claimed he did it to obtain social welfare to pay off people threatening him due to a feud. Winnie admitted there was no such person as 'David O'Donnell' but did not dispute that the signature on the form looked like hers. The court heard that the fraud was a bet to see if they could be successful in submitting the application. Both defendants expressed remorse and asked the court to consider non-custodial sentences.
The trial of Henry McGowan, accused of murdering his father John McGowan at a five-star resort in Co Laois, has heard that the accused described impulsive behavior such as buying a pink coat in Harrods and renting a Lamborghini in Paris in the lead-up to the murder. Consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr Stephen Monks testified that McGowan was experiencing a relapse of schizoaffective disorder and met the criteria for a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. McGowan, who is independently wealthy, had previously been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and had been treated with antipsychotic medication. His family expressed grave concerns for his mental health, and his father had traveled to Ireland on a 'mission of mercy' to help him. McGowan described his father as an imposter involved in a conspiracy and believed he was ordained by God to kill him. The trial continues with the jury considering the evidence and the possibility of a not guilty by reason of insanity verdict.
Joseph Lawlor, a 39-year-old man from Dublin, has taken the stand in his murder trial, claiming he stabbed his friend Michael Ryan in self-defense after Ryan allegedly threatened to throw grenades through his window. Lawlor told the Central Criminal Court that he only wanted to scare Ryan and make him leave him alone. The trial has heard that both men had been drinking together throughout the day and that they had previously been involved in the sale of sleeping tablets. CCTV footage showed a physical altercation between the two men, and Ryan was arrested for drink driving before returning to Lawlor's home later that night. Audio from a neighbor's Ring doorbell captured Ryan demanding the return of a watch, prompting Lawlor to confront him. Lawlor said that when he heard a bang and saw Ryan in his sitting room, he froze in fear. He claimed that there was a scuffle over a bag and that he fell to the ground. Joseph Lawlor pleaded not guilty.
Izabella Aleksandrowicz, a 50-year-old woman from Swords, pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious bodily harm after she ran over Andrew Brett, a cyclist, in Dublin City Centre. Brett, an experienced marathon runner, was crushed by the front and rear wheels of Aleksandrowicz's SUV as she made an illegal right-hand turn. He suffered severe injuries, including damage to his liver, internal bleeding, and a fractured pelvis. Brett described the accident as the worst day of his life and said he is still tortured by the sound of his breaking bones. He stated that the accident had a monumental impact on him and his family, changing his life forever. Aleksandrowicz remained at the scene and had a full Polish driving license with no alcohol or drugs in her system. The court heard that the road conditions were good and there were no obstructions. Judge Orla Crowe adjourned the case for sentencing and ordered a report from The Probation Service. Aleksandrowicz expressed her sincere apology and said she has been suffering from anxiety since the accident.
Haitham Nofal was fined €800 for driving an uninsured KuKirin e-scooter without a licence and refusing to provide his address. Nofal, who works as a barber, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to the charges. The court heard that the e-scooter, which could travel at more than 20km/h, required a driving licence and insurance. Nofal claimed he was unaware of the legal requirements and had not realized the scooter was illegal. He is preparing for his driving theory test and was willing to complete a driver awareness course. Judge Miriam Walsh imposed fines for driving without insurance, driving without a licence, and refusing to provide his address. Nofal was spared from disqualification, and the fines were set with payment periods.
In the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, four men – Rory Carr, Bruno Tache, David Oloo Omee, and Sean Forde – pleaded guilty to various charges related to a series of violent incidents in Dublin City Centre on February 15, 2025. Carr admitted to three counts of assault causing harm to Quham Babatunde, Adetola Adetuilehim, and a third man in separate incidents, as well as charges of violent disorder and affray. Tache admitted to assault causing harm to Babatunde and another man, along with charges of violent disorder and affray. Omee and Forde admitted to charges of assaulting Adetuilehim causing harm and violent disorder, and affray, respectively. Judge Crowe directed urine analysis for Carr and adjourned the finalisation of sentence for Carr and Tache to March 10. Probation reports were ordered for Forde and Omee, and they were remanded on continuing bail to April 21. Tache was on bail for an offence of money laundering and was also subject to a suspended sentence for drug dealing. Carr was on bail for an offence of drug dealing and was also subject to a suspended sentence of two years for possession of knives from 2023. Omee was on bail for an outstanding offence at the time. The matter was adjourned and never described as concluded or finalised.
Oumar Dao received a fully suspended sentence for stealing €3,764.70 from an elderly man by impersonating an AIB official. Dao, who has 30 previous convictions, including one for money laundering, pleaded guilty to theft. The victim, aged 78 at the time, was tricked into sharing his bank details after clicking on a phishing link. Dao met the victim and collected his card, which was later used to withdraw money and buy food. CCTV footage and car registration details led to Dao's identification. His defence highlighted his educational background and current studies in welding and mechanical engineering. Judge Patricia Ryan described the crime as a "sneaky" and premeditated offence against a vulnerable person. Dao was sentenced to 18 months, suspended on strict conditions, and was required to pay €2,000 to the victim as a practical expression of remorse.
The trial of Stephen O'Sullivan, a Limerick car dealer accused of giving €20,000 to a detective garda in exchange for confidential information about an investigation into his business, collapsed. O'Sullivan had pleaded not guilty to the charge of corruption. The defence requested to call a new witness whose evidence was deemed highly relevant. Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin ruled that the jury should be discharged, as the evidence could not be considered without the new witness. The court heard that O'Sullivan had provided a covert audio recording of a conversation where he gave the detective the money and asked about ongoing investigations. O'Sullivan also alleged that senior gardai were involved in extorting money from him. The case was adjourned for further proceedings, with the judge expressing the need to investigate the matter thoroughly.
Henry McGowan, a 31-year-old US national, described in detail how he strangled his 66-year-old father with his bare hands, putting a full fist into his throat, just over an hour after arriving at a five-star midlands resort. The prosecution's case outlined that McGowan had pleaded not guilty to the murder of his father by reason of insanity. The trial heard that McGowan was under the delusion that the person he was killing was not his father but an imposter. Expert psychiatrists for both the prosecution and defense agreed that McGowan was experiencing a relapse of schizoaffective disorder when he killed his father. The prosecution's barrister, Will Fennelly, outlined that McGowan had previously encountered mental health challenges and had not been taking his medication. McGowan arrived at Dublin airport on November 11, 2024, and was later found at the Ballyfin Demesne hotel where he killed his father. McGowan told gardai that he had killed his father and that he had strangled him in a bathroom. The unnamed accused was found not guilty by reason of insanity.
Steven Penrose, a double killer currently serving a life sentence for two murders, has appealed a High Court decision that Mountjoy Prison acted appropriately in placing him in solitary confinement. Penrose claims that his detention in the Challenging Behaviour Unit is a form of psychological torture and that the prison authorities made false disciplinary reports to justify his placement. He alleges that the governor of Mountjoy Prison made false affidavits and that his detention was a deliberate campaign to break him. Representing himself at the Court of Appeal, Penrose said that the prison service denied him access to structured activities and education and that they viewed his ability to write as a threat. The prosecution, represented by Anne-Marie Lawlor SC, argued that the High Court judge made proper findings of fact and that the prison's actions were justified. The judge noted that Penrose had not provided evidence to support his claims and that the High Court's decision should not be interfered with.
A man who contacted gardaí after seeing a photograph of himself looting from a shop during the Dublin riots has been given a two-year suspended sentence. Daniel Owie, 22, pleaded guilty to burglary after being caught on CCTV footage stealing €600 worth of clothing and runners from Foot Locker. He told gardaí he had an adrenaline rush and joined in the chaos. The court heard that gardaí had circulated over 160 images of people they wanted to speak to, having reviewed over 17,000 hours of CCTV footage. Owie's defense argued that his involvement was brief and that he had no history of violence. The judge acknowledged Owie's remorse and the extraordinary work of the gardaí in reviewing the footage. She set a headline sentence of three years but suspended it in full on strict conditions, giving Owie a chance to avoid jail.
Pedro Cifali, 37, was sentenced at the procedural stage of sentence for attempting to murder Lucia Nezbalova, 43, at her home in Garnish Square, Waterville, Dublin 15, on May 10, 2024. Cifali, a Brazilian national formerly residing in Blanchardstown, pleaded guilty to the charge. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon noted that Cifali allegedly armed himself with a knife, donned a disguise, and tracked Ms Nezbalova using an electronic tag attached to her car. The judge described the attack as unprovoked and premeditated, motivated by jealousy, resulting in life-threatening injuries including stab wounds to the neck, head, stomach, and arms. Ms Nezbalova suffered permanent scars, restricted mobility, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Ms Justice Creedon set a headline sentence of 20 years. Considering mitigation, primarily Cifali's guilty plea and lack of previous convictions, the judge imposed a final sentence of 16 years. Additionally, a further 12 months was suspended on the condition that Cifali engages with probation services. The sentence is backdated to May 15, 2024, when Cifali first entered custody.
Alan Burke, an electrician who had worked as an asset technician at Dublin Airport since December 2023, lost his job after An Garda Síochána revoked his green security clearance on 13 June 2025. Burke claims the revocation was based on a security intelligence check that returned a 'red' status, and that the decision was made without a fair hearing. He argues that the Garda Commissioner acted irrationally and arbitrarily, denying him an oral hearing and failing to provide information for his appeal. Burke maintains he does not pose a threat to national security, is not a member of any illegal organisation, and has never been tried for an offence linked to such an organisation. He has applied to the High Court for permission to challenge the decision and to obtain a declaration that the Commissioner's actions were contrary to fair procedures and natural justice. The case is adjourned to next month.