A 44-year-old man, Christopher Devine, who admits to killing a man in west Dublin nearly four years ago but denies murder, will go on trial at the Central Criminal Court. Devine is charged with the murder of Michael Tormey (49) at Thomond Road in Ballyfermot on January 9, 2022. When arraigned before the court, Devine pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The plea was not accepted by the Director of Public Prosecutions, and a jury was sworn to hear the trial. The trial will begin tomorrow morning and is expected to last two weeks. The court heard that Devine had admitted to killing Tormey but denied that it was murder, leading to the trial to determine the charge. The case will be heard before Ms Justice Melanie Greally, who will oversee the proceedings.
Max Corcoran, a 22-year-old high-risk offender, was jailed for three and a half years after slashing a fellow hostel resident while he was sleeping, causing significant facial scarring. Corcoran pleaded guilty to assault causing serious harm in May 2022. The victim, who was homeless, was attacked with a trowel and a Stanley knife, sustaining multiple cuts to his head, face, hands, and arms. He required plastic surgery and has significant scarring. Corcoran initially denied involvement but later admitted to stabbing the victim, claiming he was provoked. He has 17 previous convictions, including assault, criminal damage, and drug offences. A probation report indicated he is at high risk of re-offending. Judge Martin Nolan noted the severity of the attack and the fact that Corcoran had already spent 13 months in custody, imposing a four-and-a-half-year sentence with the final year suspended on strict conditions.
Chengwen Guo, the Irish representative of a transnational crime organisation, was jailed for seven years for his involvement in a €10 million 'zombie' iPhone fraud. Guo owned several mobile phone shops called Murray Mobile and was involved in a scheme where fake iPhones were sent to Apple for repair, and genuine replacements were sent to Hong Kong to be sold outside the EU. The court heard that Guo also sold counterfeit Apple products in his shops. A significant quantity of counterfeit goods, including power adaptors and phone cases, were found during a search of his stores. Guo's co-accused, Lukasz Lupa, was also jailed for his role in the scheme. The court noted that Apple lost considerable value due to the fraud, and Guo was found to have used his stores to sell counterfeit Apple products. The court ordered the forfeiture of the cash sums involved and the Audi, which was in the possession of Guo's wife. Chengwen Guo pleaded guilty.
Kian Pettit, the former head of compliance in Europe for the crypto exchange Gemini, has claimed that he was sidelined and forced out of his job after warning the company that its operating model would fall foul of EU crypto trading regulations. Pettit alleged that Gemini's model of executing trades at a guaranteed price would violate the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), which requires exchanges to provide price improvement to customers. He said that the company's leadership decided to move operations to Malta, where they could operate under a more friendly regulator. Pettit claimed that he had no input in the decision and that his role was reduced to handling compliance work for small regulated businesses in Ireland. Gemini denied the allegations, stating that there was no evidence of illegality and that Pettit's claims did not stack up. The tribunal heard that Pettit had not invoked the company's grievance process before resigning, which could affect the success of his constructive dismissal claim. The case was adjourned for further consideration.
Lucas Valadares, a 42-year-old man, was jailed for 15 months after distributing and possessing child abuse material. Valadares pleaded guilty to one count of distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material. An investigation in 2018 led to the seizure of devices containing over 5,300 images and videos, including child exposure and sexually explicit content. Messages in a WhatsApp group revealed Valadares shared the material with others. He was arrested in 2021 but was not charged until 2024 due to delays in the investigation. Valadares has no previous convictions and moved to Ireland from Brazil over 20 years ago. Judge Martin Nolan emphasized the seriousness of the offence and noted the delays were partly due to limited garda resources. He imposed a 15-month sentence, considering Valadares' lack of sophistication in the crime and his steady work history.
Jake Kelly, 22, was sentenced to seven years in prison for dangerous driving that resulted in the death of his friend, Ross Rice, in a crash in July 2023. Kelly was driving at a speed of 162km/h on a road with a 60km/h speed limit when his car crashed into the back of an articulated lorry. The passenger side of the car was covered in tarmacadam, which poured out of the lorry upon impact. Ross Rice died instantly from blunt force injuries. Kelly was helped out of the car by the truck driver and then walked away from the scene. He later told gardaí he was unsure if Rice had gotten out of the car and thought he might have been in the fields nearby. Kelly pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death, failing to report an accident, and driving without insurance. He was on bail for other offences at the time. The court heard that Kelly had a history of addiction in his family and had been severely depressed since the incident.
Michael McDonagh, a 49-year-old banned roads offender with over 200 previous convictions, was jailed for three years after driving the wrong way down the hard shoulder of the Naas dual carriageway. McDonagh pleaded guilty to endangerment, dangerous driving, and driving without a licence or insurance. He stole a car and evaded gardai by speeding at high rates, breaking red lights, and driving on the wrong side of the road. The pursuit lasted seven minutes, with McDonagh reaching speeds of up to 120km/hr in a 60km/hr zone. Gardai broke off the chase due to the danger. McDonagh was extradited from the UK in 2024 and has been in custody since. Judge Martin Nolan noted the dangerous and reckless nature of the driving and imposed a three-year sentence, along with a five-year driving disqualification.
Edward Bradbury, a solicitor, has been granted permission to challenge an order that he pay €500 to the District Court 'poor box' after he was unable to attend a hearing. Bradbury was acting for a bailed defendant in a criminal case when he was required to attend another court in Dublin on the same day. He asked a colleague to represent the client, but the case was adjourned because the defendant wished for Bradbury's office to be present. Later, Bradbury received an email from the court stating that he had been fined €500 to be paid to the poor box. Bradbury's solicitors argued that the judge did not have jurisdiction to impose such a penalty and that the fine was issued without formal notification. Bradbury submitted that the poor box is a common law creation and has no place in the supervision of a member of a regulated profession. The High Court granted leave to pursue the challenge, and the matter was adjourned to the New Year.
A 70-year-old German pensioner, Joachim Ruckweld, was sentenced to two years and three months in prison for importing over €280,000 worth of cocaine into Ireland. Ruckweld pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to importing the drugs at Dublin Airport in November 2024. Garda evidence revealed that 20 packages containing 4kg of cocaine were found in his luggage after an X-ray detected an anomaly. Ruckweld claimed the suitcase belonged to him and contained coffee beans, but he admitted he did not know what was inside. He stated he was instructed to meet someone in Ireland and had no prior criminal record. The court noted that while Ruckweld was naïve, he was aware of the wrongfulness of his actions. Judge Dara Hayes emphasized the negative impact of the drug trade and imposed a sentence with six months suspended on strict conditions.
Luka Mikaidze, a disqualified driver, has been fined €500 for using a fake driving licence during an altercation in Tallaght. Mikaidze admitted to using a false licence and was arrested after gardai discovered it was in a different name. He was disqualified from driving in December 2023 and has eight previous convictions. Defence counsel highlighted that Mikaidze immediately admitted to the false licence and was apologetic. His partner attended court to support him. Judge Áine Clancy fined him €500 and allowed 12 months to pay. The court heard that Mikaidze was disqualified from driving and had a history of road-traffic matters and theft offences. The incident occurred on 16 July last year when gardai were called to an altercation involving Mikaidze and a woman. Luka Mikaidze pleaded guilty.
Lukas Kaunietis, a Lithuanian man, has received a one-year jail sentence for causing thousands of euros in damage at Dublin Airport after missing his flight. Kaunietis pleaded guilty to three counts of criminal damage and one count of using threatening behavior. The court heard that he smashed computers, glasses, and a metal barrier post at Terminal One. Stills from CCTV footage showed over €9,452 in damage. Kaunietis was arrested by gardai and was co-operative during the incident. Judge Martin Nolan noted that Kaunietis was upset about missing his flight and lost control, causing significant damage and inconvenience. Kaunietis has no previous convictions and entered an early guilty plea. His defense counsel stated that he is a construction worker who had been employed in Belfast and intended to return to Lithuania upon release. The sentence was backdated to March 17 last year, and Kaunietis has been in custody since that date.
Ronaldo Lupo (24) of Rusheeney Avenue, Clonsilla, has been jailed for an additional four months for his role in a fraud conspiracy involving falsely posing as driver theory test candidates. Lupo pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy between September 2018 and June 2022. He was previously jailed for two years and nine months for assaulting two women at a party. The court heard that Lupo sat 10 driver theory tests and was paid €250 each time, totaling €2,500. The fraud involved 124 tests, with all accused being from eastern Europe. A person would pay €2,000–€2,500 for a test to be taken on their behalf, with a false Romanian identity document presented. Judge Martin Nolan noted that Lupo was part of a group exploiting others to pass their driving tests. The judge said Lupo would serve an additional four months in prison, extending his sentence. Defence counsel Oisin Clarke BL said Lupo expressed remorse for his actions.
A man and woman who were due to be sentenced for student accommodation fraud in south Dublin have failed to appear in court. Michael Ward (33) and Melissa Collins (26) were scheduled to appear before the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court but did not show up. Judge Martin Nolan issued a bench warrant for their arrest. Ward, from Moyne Park, Moyne Road, Baldoyle, previously pleaded guilty to stealing €1,800 from a bank account between September 9, 2022, and September 18, 2022, in an unknown location within the State. Collins, from Cherryfield Walk, Hartstown, pleaded guilty to stealing €600 from a bank account on July 27, 2022, in an unknown location within the State. The District Court previously heard that the case involves fraud against a number of international students in south Dublin. The case has drawn attention due to the nature of the fraud and the involvement of international students.
John Stokes, an on-bail offender, has received a fully suspended 12-month sentence for causing serious injury in a head-on collision. Stokes was driving at high speed on Lower Lucan Road, leading to a collision that left a woman with a fractured spine. He pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious harm and was on bail for another offense at the time. Judge Elma Sheahan noted that Stokes had failed to appear for sentencing and was on bail for another offense. Stokes has since been working and is engaging with therapeutic services. Conditions of the suspended sentence include engaging with probation services, providing urine analysis, and being disqualified from driving for 12 months. The court heard that Stokes was a learner driver and was not under the influence of intoxicants. Victim impact statements highlighted the physical and mental health struggles faced by the victims, with the woman who suffered spinal injuries having to change jobs and struggle with rent payments.
A woman in her 40s has had a year added to her prison sentence after admitting to a series of alcohol-related public-order offences, including an incident where she tried to bite and head-butt a garda. The woman pleaded guilty to multiple charges before Tallaght District Court, where Judge Patricia McNamara noted the numerous matters before her. The new terms will run consecutively to the custodial sentence she has been serving since September 2025. The offending spanned from early 2023 to late 2024 and involved repeated incidents of intoxication, abuse, and disturbances on her residential road. Defence counsel highlighted that the woman is a full-time carer for her mother with dementia and has struggled to remain in residential addiction treatment. Judge McNamara expressed disappointment that the woman has not been able to address her alcohol addiction. The most serious incident involved the woman attempting to bite and head-butt Garda Conor Lavin. Judge McNamara imposed a five-month sentence for this incident, along with additional terms for other incidents. The total additional 12 months was ordered to run consecutively to her existing sentence.
A former Christian Brother, Jack Manning (89), has had his prison sentence extended by one year for indecently assaulting two additional boys in the 1970s while working as a teacher in a Dublin school. Manning, who is already serving a four-year sentence for abusing eight boys between 1973 and 1974, was found guilty of four counts related to the new abuse allegations. The victims were aged between seven and eight at the time. Judge Martin Nolan emphasized the betrayal of trust by Manning, who held a position of authority, and noted the significant trauma experienced by the victims. The judge stated that the additional sentence was necessary due to Manning's continued harmful behavior. Both victims expressed the long-term impact of the abuse on their lives, including trust issues and emotional distress. The court heard that Manning had a history of 22 previous convictions and that the abuse occurred in a hostile classroom environment. The victims requested anonymity, and the court ensured their identities were protected.
A bench warrant has been issued for Barry Moore, the alleged victim in the trial of four men accused of assaulting and falsely imprisoning him in a Dublin house. The men, including Jason Hennessy Jr, Brandon Hennessy, Kenneth Fitzsimons, and Dean Fitzsimons, are charged with false imprisonment, causing serious harm, and participating in a criminal organization. The prosecution case relies heavily on Moore's testimony, which has not been presented in court. The Special Criminal Court granted the application for a bench warrant after Moore failed to appear. The trial has been advanced quickly, and the court is concerned about the lack of progress without Moore's attendance. The court has adjourned the matter for a week to allow for further preparation. The case involves the production of a branding stamp, an axe, and a steel bar during the assault. The court emphasized the importance of proceeding with the trial and avoiding unnecessary delays.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court unanimously convicted 55‑year‑old Billy Burns of murdering his 75‑year‑old mother, Miriam Burns, rejecting his plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. The jury found that the cause of the killing was not mental illness but Burns' long‑term drug and alcohol abuse and anger towards his mother. The trial, lasting one week, heard that Burns had been aggressive towards his mother since his teens, had once broken her jaw, and had denied any involvement in her death to Gardaí, lied about his movements on the day, and tried to destroy evidence. Two psychiatrists disagreed on whether Burns qualified for a special verdict; the jury rejected the defence's claim after six hours and eight minutes of deliberation. The verdict was delivered by Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, who adjourned the matter to Friday when Burns will face a mandatory life sentence.
Sean McGovern has been granted legal aid to cover a team of four barristers in his trial for murder and directing a criminal organization. The Special Criminal Court approved the application after the State did not make any observations. McGovern, who was extradited from the United Arab Emirates, faces charges related to the murder of Noel Kirwan and directing a criminal organization. The court noted that the matter was likely to be complex and emphasized the need for the trial to proceed. McGovern's legal team requested the same representation as the Director of Public Prosecutions, which was granted. The court adjourned the matter for mention in the New Year and directed that video link facilities be made available for McGovern. The court previously expressed concerns about the lack of detail in McGovern's application and emphasized the need for due diligence in the use of public funds.
Conor Rafferty (21), of Castlegrange Close, Clondalkin, received a fully suspended four-year sentence at the sentence stage for assault causing harm to David Druzinec (29). Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring imposed the sentence after Rafferty pleaded guilty to the offence, having previously been acquitted of the murder of Josip Strok (31) by a jury. The judge suspended the sentence in full, imposing conditions that Rafferty must be of good behaviour, follow probation service directions, and attend recommended courses for 12 months. She warned that any breach would trigger the four-year custodial term. The court noted Rafferty was the least culpable of the three accused, acting on misinformation from Mark Lee (44), of no fixed abode, who was convicted of Mr Strok's murder following a trial and is serving a life sentence. Anthony Delappe (19), of Melrose Avenue, Clondalkin, was also convicted of the murder and is serving a life sentence. The judge highlighted Rafferty's early guilty plea, remorse, and rehabilitation efforts, including his apprenticeship as an electrician, as mitigating factors. Aggravating factors included the use of a half-crutch and the involvement of multiple assailants. The judge emphasized that Rafferty's actions were driven by a misguided notion of intervening for younger children, rather than shared anti-immigrant views with Lee.
Glen Bride, 32, of Kilbarrick, Dublin 5, pleaded guilty in the Special Criminal Court to assisting in the transportation and disposal of body parts of murdered teenager Keane Mulready-Woods. The court adjourned the matter to January 26 for sentencing. The DPP entered a nolle prosequi regarding two further charges against Bride involving criminal organisation facilitation and arson. Previously, Paul Crosby was jailed for ten years and Gerard Cruise received a seven-and-a-half-year sentence, with the final six months suspended for two years, after both pleaded guilty to facilitating the murder. Ged' McKenna was jailed for four years after pleading guilty to assisting in the clean-up of the crime scene. Bride's plea related to actions on January 15, 2020, intended to impede prosecution. The matter remains at the sentencing stage, with the specific date set for January 26.
A man convicted of sexually assaulting his younger cousin over a four-year period has had his conviction overturned by the Court of Appeal and will face retrial. The 29-year-old, who cannot be identified to protect the complainant, was sentenced to five and a half years imprisonment following conviction on ten counts of sexual assault at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The alleged assaults occurred during a holiday in Leitrim and subsequently at a Dublin residence between 2007 and 2011, when the complainant was aged six to ten years old. The accused maintained his innocence throughout proceedings. In his judgement, Mr Justice Peter Charleton found that the trial judge's charge to the jury contained problematic language regarding the standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt. The judge's references to being "fairly sure" and a ruler analogy were deemed to have undermined an otherwise adequate instruction, potentially lowering the threshold for conviction. The Court of Appeal determined the conviction must be set aside. The matter is scheduled for mention at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 28 November 2025.
Anthony Ainscough, an on-bail offender, was given a fully suspended sentence after punching an off-duty garda in a Dublin nightclub. Ainscough pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, which occurred during a confrontation where he believed the garda had spoken to his girlfriend. The incident was captured on CCTV, and the garda required medical treatment for a broken nose and tooth. Ainscough, who has previous convictions and was on bail at the time, was intoxicated and did not know the garda was off-duty. His defense highlighted his remorse, noting he had €10,000 in court as a token of apology and would provide additional funds. The court acknowledged his guilty plea and suspended the sentence, emphasizing the need for him to address his behavior.
A master of a fishing vessel, Gerard Caulfield (55) of Abbey Street, Howth, Co Dublin, was fined €2,000 for exceeding the haddock quota while fishing off the south coast of Ireland. He pleaded guilty to charges under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006. The court heard that Caulfield was responsible for ensuring quotas were not exceeded and that catch data was accurately recorded. An inspection of the vessel, the Endeavour, on February 28, 2023, found that the haddock quota had been exceeded by 4.5 tonnes, with a market value of over €8,200. The court was told that the quotas are in place to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks and protect the fishing industry for future generations. Caulfield, who has no previous convictions, claimed he had a genuine misunderstanding of the quotas and was working with new crew members who had language barriers. His defence also highlighted his financial situation, noting he is a single man living with his elderly mother and currently earns €23,000 per year.
Fergal Doherty, a repeat offender with a history of road traffic violations, avoided jail after reversing into a supermarket customer, causing a fractured elbow. Doherty pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious bodily harm in Dalkey, where he had a blood alcohol level just below the legal limit. CCTV footage showed him reversing into the victim, who was walking through the car park. Doherty, who has 20 previous convictions, including 15 for road offenses, was disqualified from driving for two years and received a ten-month suspended sentence. The court acknowledged his guilty plea and the fact that his alcohol level was under the legal limit, but noted the need for him to take greater care while driving. The victim did not prepare a victim impact statement, and the court emphasized the importance of safe driving practices.
A Portuguese dentist, Andreia Funicio, was jailed for a sustained campaign of harassment against her ex-partner, which included creating fake online dating profiles and Instagram accounts in her name. This led to numerous men contacting the victim, causing significant distress and trauma. Funicio admitted to harassment between December 2022 and March 2023. Judge Martin Nolan described the harassment as calculated and intense, resulting in the victim experiencing suicidal thoughts. Funicio received a two-year and three-month suspended sentence, reduced from four and a half years, due to her guilty plea and caregiving responsibilities. The court ordered her to have no further contact with the victim for 20 years. The victim detailed the emotional and psychological impact of the harassment, including feeling targeted in a narcissistic smear campaign and struggling with her mental health. Funicio's actions were found to be premeditated and aimed at damaging the victim's reputation and sense of safety.
A man who repeatedly stabbed his friend without any clear reason has been sentenced to three years in prison. Gerard Baird (39) of Kilbarron Road, Coolock, Dublin 5, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm on October 31, 2021, at an address in Beaumont, Dublin. The incident occurred during a social gathering where both men had consumed alcohol. Baird was leaving the victim's home with a bike and a can of alcohol when the victim noticed he had a knife. Baird called the victim a "rat" and stabbed him multiple times in the stomach, chest, and neck. The victim was seriously injured and required surgery but has since made a full recovery. Baird remained at the scene and called emergency services using the victim's phone. He later told gardai that the victim was stabbed after answering the door. Baird has a long history of criminal convictions, including burglary, assault, and public order offences. The court heard that he has serious alcohol issues and was homeless at the time of the incident.
The Court of Appeal has issued new sentencing guidance for sexual assault offences after finding that the sentence imposed on Gerard Nevin was too lenient. Nevin, 42, pleaded guilty to 22 counts of sexual assault committed between 2012 and June 2020 against his stepdaughters, Catalina Grancea and Alexa Grancea. The charges included 12 counts relating to Catalina Grancea, involving inappropriate touching of her buttocks, breasts, and thigh. In November 2024, Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin imposed a global sentence of six years, with the final two years suspended. The State appealed, arguing the reduction from a nine-year headline sentence was excessive and that the suspension lacked evidential basis. Mr Justice Peter Charleton agreed, stating that the six-year sentence does not meet the gravity of the offences, which he described as systematic and calculated. The court noted that without the new guidance, the trial judge's approach was not sufficiently informed. The matter was adjourned to December 4 for re-sentencing in light of the new analysis, which places the offending in the upper range with a recommended headline sentence between nine and 14 years.
A Brazilian man has been jailed for two years after using his skateboard to strike a man outside a chipper in Dublin, causing him a fractured skull and a brain bleed. Aquila Batista (33), who has no fixed address and no previous convictions, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm on September 2, 2022. The incident occurred near Parnell Street, Dublin 1, when Batista attempted to engage in conversation with the victim's girlfriend inside the chipper. After she pushed him away, a verbal altercation ensued. Batista later returned on his skateboard and struck the victim on the head. The victim required reconstructive surgery and was left with a permanent facial scar. Batista remained at the scene and was also taken to the hospital for minor cuts. He claimed self-defence during his interview. The court heard that the victim has since moved out of Dublin and has physically recovered, though the attack affected his confidence and mental health. Judge Martin Nolan noted the attack appeared to be motivated by revenge or bad temper.
Ronaldo Lupo, 24, of Clonsilla, Dublin 15, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for two counts of assault causing harm. He pleaded guilty to the charges, which relate to incidents on December 30, 2023, where he allegedly assaulted Abby Tierney and Lauren Boyle-Hanney. The court heard that Lupo was intoxicated and his detention was suspended as he was initially unfit for interview. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a sentence of two years and nine months, backdated to February 1 last, when Lupo went into custody. The judge noted Lupo's history of similar offending and his lack of self-control, while acknowledging mitigation factors including his guilty pleas, remorse, and medical issues. Lupo has 52 previous convictions, including three for assault causing harm. The victims described feeling terrified and suffering physical and psychological trauma. The matter was finalized with this custodial sentence.
Aidan Grogan, 28, of Tallaght, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to possession of cocaine, driving without insurance, driving without a licence, and giving a false name to gardaí. The offences arose from an incident on 30 December 2022, when Grogan was stopped on Katharine Tynan Road for erratic driving. Gardaí discovered he was uninsured and unlicensed, and he provided false details. Although he initially failed a roadside drug test, a subsequent test at Tallaght Garda Station was negative, so no drug-driving charge was brought. During a search in custody, gardaí found €350 worth of cocaine concealed in his clothing. His solicitor, Padraig O'Donovan, stated that Grogan is on social welfare, has two children, and has completed treatment for cocaine addiction at Cuile Mhuire. Judge Áine Shannon imposed a four-year driving ban and a €300 fine for the no-insurance offence, allowing three months to pay. The charges for driving without a licence and giving false details were taken into consideration. Acknowledging Grogan's engagement with treatment and his transition out of addiction, Judge Shannon ordered a probation report. The matter was adjourned to 13 February 2026 for finalisation.
The State has argued that the fully suspended sentences given to Jim Connors, a serial driving offender who caused a serious crash and later committed further offences, were too lenient. Connors, who had 36 previous convictions, including road traffic offences, was serving a six-year driving ban when he crashed into a taxi, leaving a passenger with serious injuries. He received a four-and-a-half-year suspended sentence for dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm and four-year suspended sentences for three counts of leaving the scene to escape liability. The sentences were concurrent and suspended for five years. The State also challenged a three-year suspended sentence for reckless endangerment, which occurred a month after the taxi crash. Connors had additional charges, including drug driving and driving without insurance. The State's counsel argued that the sentences were unduly lenient given the severity of the offences and Connors' disregard for court orders. Connors' defence highlighted his cooperation, mental health issues, and rehabilitation efforts. The Court of Appeal reserved its decision until December 1.
The Court of Appeal has upheld a State appeal against the leniency of the sentence imposed on Ian Doyle, a 34-year-old defendant from Crumlin. Doyle pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assaulting a woman causing her harm and threatening to kill or cause serious harm in February 2023. He was on bail for assaulting a different partner at the time. The original sentence, set by Judge Orla Crowe, was three years and six months, with six months suspended, running consecutively to an existing term expiring in April 2026. The Court of Appeal, led by Mr Justice Alexander Owens, concluded the original sentence was too lenient. The court resentenced Doyle to five years' imprisonment for the two counts, to run concurrently with each other. This new term is consecutive to the sentence Doyle is currently serving for the other matter, as the offences were committed while he was on bail. Mr Justice Owens stated that the five-year term reflects the gravity of the offending and the intimate relationship context, noting it is greater than what would have been imposed had Doyle not been on bail. The court rejected any suspension of the custodial element, citing the seriousness of the assault and the lack of sufficient mitigation.
Conor McGregor has been granted permission to serve legal papers on Sky News for alleged defamation following his civil trial last year, where he was found liable for the rape of Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotel. At the High Court, Paul O'Higgins SC, representing McGregor, successfully applied to Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty to serve plenary summons papers on Sky News UK, Sky News Ltd, and Sky News Ireland. The application was made due to the one-year time limit for defamation cases, which is set to expire on November 22, 2025. O'Higgins stated that a Sky News reporter allegedly called McGregor a rapist during a media scrum outside the Four Courts in Dublin. McGregor was ordered to pay nearly €1.5M in legal costs after the jury awarded Hand almost €250K in damages. McGregor denied the assault and lost his appeal, with new witness evidence withdrawn on the first day of the appeal. He is now awaiting a decision from the Supreme Court on whether to hear his appeal.
Career criminal Robert 'Roo' Redmond has lost his appeal against his conviction for the murder of Barry Wolverson. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice Brian O'Moore, dismissed the bid, ruling that there was no risk of contamination to a North Face jacket containing gunshot residue that strongly supported Redmond's position as the shooter. Redmond, of Kilbarrack, Dublin 5, is serving life imprisonment for the 2020 murder of Wolverson, a father-of-eight, at Madigan's Yard, Swords. He had denied the charge. His co-accused, Bernard Fogarty, of Coolock, Dublin 5, was also sentenced to life imprisonment for the same murder. Redmond's legal team argued the jacket evidence should have been excluded due to improper storage by gardaí, claiming potential contamination. However, the court accepted the Director of Public Prosecutions' submission that the contamination argument was speculative. Mr Justice O'Moore noted that forensic evidence indicated the jacket's wearer was the shooter, a finding not directly disputed during cross-examination. The court found no error by the Special Criminal Court and confirmed adequate evidence placed Redmond at the scene. The appeal was dismissed in its entirety.
A 24-year-old man, Valeriu Melnic, has been jailed for eight years for the manslaughter of his sister's partner, Ion Daghi, following a fatal stabbing in Co Kildare in May 2024. Melnic told gardai he was so drunk he couldn't remember the incident, but the court found his self-induced intoxication was an aggravating factor. The jury rejected the defence's claims of intoxication and provocation as mitigating factors, though they found him not guilty of murder. During the trial, evidence showed that Melnic had threatened to kill Mr Daghi before stabbing him in the chest with a kitchen knife. The judge noted that Melnic had armed himself with a knife and initiated the altercation. He also acknowledged the victim's mother's heartrending impact statement, describing the loss as irreplaceable. Melnic had pleaded guilty to manslaughter but not guilty to murder. The judge considered his guilty plea and cooperation with gardai as mitigating factors but noted his lack of insight into his wrongdoing.
Patrick Quinn, a recidivist conman with 49 previous convictions, received a fully suspended 18-month sentence for deceiving a recruitment firm by taking €1,100 for accountancy work he never completed. Quinn, who was found five years after the crime through a Crimecall appeal, pleaded guilty to one count of deception. The court heard that Quinn, a chronic gambler, had misrepresented his qualifications and failed to complete the work, leading to the firm's strike-off. Despite his extensive criminal history, Quinn has been in recovery and attended Gamblers Anonymous. The judge acknowledged the seriousness of the offense but noted Quinn's efforts to lead a prosocial life and ordered the €1,100 to be returned to the victim. The suspended sentence reflects the judge's consideration of Quinn's rehabilitation and the impact of the crime on the victim's business.
A 24-year-old man with a long criminal history was jailed for two years and six months after pleading guilty to money laundering. Eoin Wiley had €41,920 pass through his bank account despite only receiving €120 per week in social welfare. He had 155 previous convictions for various offences, including assault and driving violations. Detective Garda Keith Colman described Wiley as a recidivist offender known to gardai. His bank records showed multiple deposits from unknown third parties, and cash was withdrawn from ATMs. The Department of Social Protection confirmed Wiley received Jobseeker's Allowance and was not employed. Although arrested for money laundering, no evidence emerged during his interview. He was charged and entered a signed plea. His defence highlighted his ADHD diagnosis, drug issues, and family responsibilities. Judge Orla Crowe suspended the final three months of his sentence.
The full cost of the damage to James 'Mago' Gately's Dublin home, which was seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB), has yet to be calculated, the High Court has been told. Gately's house, which he renovated at a cost of €440K, was sold at auction for €308K. The court heard that the property was severely damaged after the CAB seized it, and repairs were made before the sale. David Dodd BL, for CAB, requested an adjournment to calculate the repair costs. The court previously ruled that Gately and his former partner, Charlene Lam, had funded their lavish lifestyle with proceeds of crime. Lam, who vacated the property before the damage occurred, is entitled to €11K from the sale. The case continues with the matter adjourned for mention next month. Gately, who has never been convicted of serious offenses, has been linked to organized crime but has survived multiple attempts on his life.
Adrienne Doyle, a mother-of-two, is challenging Bristol Myers Squibb's attempt to claw back parental leave payments she received in error. The tribunal heard that the company's eligibility criteria for enhanced parental leave was not communicated to Doyle at the time of her application, leading to an overpayment. The company initially demanded she repay €20,800 within three months, a request Doyle found unreasonable. The company later revised the amount to €2,000 less but still seeks repayment. Doyle argues that the company's failure to disclose the criteria constituted an error, and she is seeking a ruling that the payments were properly made. The tribunal is considering whether the company's actions were justified and whether the repayment demands are excessive. The case highlights the importance of clear communication of company policies to employees.
Aaron Waddington, 36, of Louglinstown Park, Loughlinstown, Co Dublin, was sentenced to three years in prison at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to the burglary of a 94-year-old man's home on March 14 last. Judge Martin Nolan reduced a headline sentence of five years to three years, taking into account Waddington's guilty plea and mitigating factors, including his immediate departure when confronted by the victim. The sentence was backdated to March of this year, when Waddington first went into custody. The court heard that Waddington entered the property by smashing a window with a brick, cutting his leg and leaving a blood trail that linked him to the crime. He stole two watches before being stopped nearby. The victim, who struck the intruder with a shoehorn, described Waddington as "docile." A victim impact statement noted the elderly man's ongoing distress and anxiety. Waddington has a history of offending, including drugs, road traffic offences, criminal damage, and theft. His defence counsel highlighted his drug addiction and remorse, noting he is a father of three.
A woman who was coerced into stealing nearly €15,000 from her employer has received a fully suspended sentence. Carla Keegan (28) told gardai that masked men threatened to hurt her brother if she didn't carry out the theft. On February 10, 2024, Keegan took the cash from the safe of the Paddy Power bookmakers in Clondalkin and left it at an undisclosed drop-off point before returning to work. Later that day, she contacted the shop's security manager and confessed. She said two masked men had approached her and told her that her home was under surveillance. One of the men handed her a note referencing her brother, who was in custody, warning that they would be able to get to him easily. Keegan attended by appointment with gardaí and gave a version of her movements after leaving the shop, which was supported by CCTV footage. Carla Keegan pleaded guilty.
Jamie Robinson (25) of Windmill Avenue, Crumlin, has been jailed for two years for his role in the Dublin riots on November 23, 2023. Robinson pleaded guilty to one count of theft at a Gala store on Abbey Street and one count of rioting at Dame Street. He was under a suspended sentence for criminal damage at the time of the offences and has 24 previous convictions. During the riots, which followed a stabbing that injured a five-year-old girl and others, Robinson was seen looting eight packets of cigarettes from the Gala store and helping to place rubbish on the street, which was later set on fire. Garda footage showed Robinson entering the store with other looters, who smashed the glass door and damaged the shop shutters. The store owner described the damage as devastating, with items such as cigarettes, wine, spirits, and confectionary stolen, and the total cost of damage estimated at €87,500.
An offender who was on temporary release when he took part in an assault that left the victim with a serious brain injury has been jailed for five years. John Connors (28) of Upper Rathmines Road, Rathmines Co Dublin, pleaded guilty on a trial date to assault causing serious harm to Christopher McDonagh on January 24, 2021. His co-accused, Michael Joyce (28), was previously sentenced to seven and a half years in May 2022. The court heard that gardai arrived at an apartment complex and found Joyce and Connors heading upstairs with blood on Joyce's hands and a cut to his forehead. Inside the apartment, two fire extinguishers and bloodstains were found. Mr McDonagh was discovered in the back garden with a serious head injury and lost 11 teeth. Connors was arrested but initially deemed unfit for interview due to intoxication. He was eventually interviewed four times and commented that the video footage of the assault was 'disgusting'.
Adeleke Adelani, 27, of Riverside View, Lower Main Street, Letterkenny, Co Donegal, has been sentenced to a consecutive 21-month prison term for laundering €100,397 in criminal cash in November 2019 and in January 2020, and for laundering the proceeds of crime on dates between October 2018 and February 2021. Adelani pleaded guilty to these charges. The court heard that €124,000 passed through his bank accounts, with only €3,500 accounted for, primarily from social welfare payments. The State's case is that Adelani was not involved in setting up the invoice redirection scams but was a recruiter for money mule bank accounts to facilitate the thefts. The court heard that the money ended up in the bank account of a 41-year-old Dublin woman who received a suspended prison sentence in March 2022. Adelani admitted to withdrawing cash and purchasing high-value items. Gardai found 50 images of other people's bank accounts on his phone. Adelani has previous convictions for assault, false imprisonment, burglary, and production of an article. He is currently serving a partially suspended seven-year sentence with a release date in November 2029. The judge stated that Adelani was 'up to his neck in money laundering' and that he was procuring bank accounts for substantial rewards. The 21-month sentence will run consecutive to his existing sentence.
A Californian gambling addict has been jailed for four years after being caught trying to smuggle nearly €300,000 worth of cannabis through Dublin airport. Jacob Napolitano (28) arrived in Ireland on an Aer Lingus flight from Los Angeles last May when a customs officer became suspicious of his behaviour. An X-ray scan of his bags revealed multiple vacuum-packed packages containing cannabis, with a total weight of just over 17 kilos. The estimated street value of the drugs was €288,842. Napolitano pleaded guilty to the charge of unlawful importation of a controlled substance. He told gardai that he had a gambling problem and had accrued a US$10,000 debt. He claimed he did not pack the bag but knew it contained cannabis. His defence highlighted that he came from a good family and that his parents and siblings had travelled from California for the sentence hearing.
On 22 January 2025, Ahmed Ramic, 26, of Brookview Court, Tallaght, crashed a DriveYou car‑sharing vehicle into a ditch on Killakee Road, Rathfarnham, after Garda Mark Cullen, in an unmarked patrol car, attempted to stop it. Cullen had been patrolling because several DriveYou cars had been reported stolen. He followed the vehicle for about a minute at speed before it left the road and crashed. Ramic had initially pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving under section 53, but the court accepted a plea to the lesser section 52 careless driving charge. Defence counsel argued Ramic was unaware of the unmarked Garda car and that the vehicle belonged to his former girlfriend's father. The court found the driving reached the threshold for careless but not dangerous driving, spared Ramic a second disqualification, and remanded him to a restorative‑justice driving‑awareness programme with the case adjourned to 13 February. The judge noted Ramic's remorse and disappointment.
On 22 March, Stephen Hall, 40, was arrested near the Cheeverstown Luas stop after Gardaí observed him leaving the Glenveagh Properties building site with a stolen generator. The generator, valued at about €500, had been taken minutes earlier. Hall pleaded guilty to possessing the stolen generator, trespassing on the site and having cannabis at locations in Tallaght. Gardaí also found a small amount of suspected cannabis worth €20. He was remanded to Green Street courthouse for a drug‑treatment programme and probation assessment.
In November 2025 the Workplace Relations Commission ruled that Charlene Maleady's constructive dismissal complaint was statute‑barred because she filed it more than six months after resigning in September 2023. Maleady, an international relations worker who rose from intern in 2011 to a €67,000‑a‑year national protection and programme officer, said she was demoted and isolated after former chief of mission Lalini Veerassamy was reassigned in 2023 following staff complaints. She alleged that Veerassamy's management style increased working hours, pressured staff, and humiliated her, and that she was branded a "troublemaker" and "racist" by colleagues. Maleady claimed she had sought help from UN HR and occupational health, but her role was largely reassigned during maternity leave. The tribunal found no jurisdictional issue but dismissed the claim as late.
Omar Ahmed, 30, was sentenced to four years in prison after a court found him in possession of 23.1 kg of cannabis worth €420,080 at Dublin Airport. Ahmed arrived on a flight from Doha on 7 July and was arrested when the drugs were discovered in his luggage. He pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply and admitted responsibility for the suitcase, though he claimed he believed it contained phones and gold. Ahmed has three prior convictions in the United Kingdom and had been in custody since his arrest. His defence argued he had no financial interest in the drugs and was acting under financial duress, but the judge accepted that he was transporting the drugs for a financial reward. The judge departed from the mandatory minimum of ten years, citing Ahmed's guilty pleas and mitigation, and imposed a four‑year sentence backdated to the time he entered custody.