A Kerry firearms dealer has had his conviction for importing and possessing a prohibited component for a WW2-era machine gun overturned on appeal. Judge James O'Donoghue ruled that Patrick O'Mahony Jnr (56) had no 'nefarious intent' in possessing the component. His defence argued that the item was a curiosity to be displayed in a glass case and fell under an exception in the Firearms Act for antique firearms used as a 'curiosity or ornament'. O'Mahony was previously fined €2,000 and had a destruction order made against the component. He appealed, citing his family connection to the weapon and his status as a licensed firearms dealer. Customs officers stopped him at Dublin Airport in 2021 with the component, which was identified as a bolt carrier for a Browning 1919 machine gun. Garda investigations confirmed O'Mahony was a restricted firearms dealer with valid licences. A garda ballistics expert stated the component was prohibited as it could be used in a functioning firearm. However, the judge found no evidence of nefarious intent and allowed the appeal, overturning the conviction.
Michael Geoghegan, a man with a long history of criminal convictions, was jailed for five years after attempting to rob a bookies and two supermarkets. He dropped his phone and €200 at the scenes of the crimes. Geoghegan pleaded guilty to attempted robbery at Boyle Sports and two counts of robbery at Lidl. He had a debt of €7,000 and committed the offences to pay it off. His defence argued that he did not intend to hurt anyone and that the weapon used was an airsoft gun. The court heard that the offences were terrifying for the victims, who believed the weapon was real. Geoghegan's mother wrote a letter stating that he has changed since being in custody and is on a methadone reduction programme. Judge Orla Crowe imposed a headline sentence of eight years, but suspended the final year with conditions, including probation and addiction services.
A couple will face trial in connection with the alleged murder of a man in north Dublin two years ago. Derek Boyd and Chantelle Harcourt have been arraigned before the Central Criminal Court on multiple charges, including murder, threats, and obstructing justice. Boyd pleaded not guilty to murdering Mark Carroll and threatening his partner, Megan Rock. Harcourt also pleaded not guilty to obstructing the apprehension of the accused. The trial is set to begin and is expected to last three weeks. The judge informed the jury that Megan Rock, who is Mr Carroll's partner, will be a key witness in the case. The accused are from different areas in Dublin, and the trial will be presided over by Ms Justice Melanie Greally.
Jason Bonney and Paul Murphy, convicted of facilitating the murder of David Byrne during the 2016 Regency Hotel attack, are appealing their prison sentences at the Court of Appeal. Both men, who pleaded not guilty and were convicted by the Special Criminal Court, argued their sentences were excessive. Bonney, sentenced to eight-and-a-half years, and Murphy, jailed for nine years, had their bids to overturn convictions dismissed in November. Counsel for Bonney highlighted his unblemished record and argued his involvement was less significant than that of Jonathan Dowdall, who received a headline sentence of eight years for facilitating the Hutch gang. Dowdall was later sentenced to four years imprisonment in October 2022. Counsel for Murphy contended his role was peripheral and he lacked knowledge of the attack's seriousness. The State argued the appellants were integral to a serious criminal endeavour. Appeal judge Mr Justice John Edwards noted that prosocial contributions offer only modest mitigation and that the gravity of the offense mandated significant custody. He stated the court would deliver its judgment on July 3. The matter remains at the appeal stage, with the final decision pending.
The trial of Riad Bouchaker, who is charged with the attempted murder of two girls and one boy, and assault causing serious harm to creche worker Leanne Flynn, at Parnell Square East in Dublin City on November 23rd, 2023, has reached the closing submissions stage. Bouchaker, of no fixed address, has pleaded not guilty to all charges, which also include assaulting two other children and a teenager, and producing a knife in a manner likely to intimidate. The prosecution, led by Karl Finnegan SC, argued that the evidence proves beyond reasonable doubt that Bouchaker intended to kill, citing his use of a 36cm carving knife and repeated targeting of children's upper bodies. Conversely, the defence urged the jury to consider alternative verdicts, asserting that the prosecution failed to meet the high threshold for attempted murder. Counsel highlighted that one boy suffered only a minor laceration and another girl an 8cm scalp wound, suggesting the intent was to cause harm rather than kill. The defence also noted Bouchaker's cognitive issues following 2021 brain surgery, though psychiatrists ruled out an insanity defence. The jury, comprising nine men and three women, has been informed they may return alternative verdicts, such as causing serious harm or assault causing harm, if they find the evidence insufficient for attempted murder. The matter remains before the court for deliberation.
Derek Moore, known as 'Del Boy' Hutch, has had his sentencing for causing serious harm to a grandmother further adjourned due to ongoing industrial action by criminal solicitors. Moore pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious harm to Valentyna Linck in 2022. His sentencing was adjourned until October, with Moore remanded on bail. Moore has a long history of convictions, including dangerous driving and drug-related offences. The collision occurred at high speed, with Moore testing positive for cannabis. Ms Linck suffered life-threatening injuries, including a stroke and brain bleed, and has required extensive medical treatment. Moore has been on bail and has not come to garda attention except for one public order matter. He has recently been diagnosed with ADHD and has a bail variation allowing him to go on holiday abroad while awaiting sentencing.
A serial thief with 142 previous convictions, Mark Holmes, had his jail term reduced by four months on appeal. Holmes, who has a history of theft and drug addiction, was convicted of multiple thefts from Dublin grocery shops. His defense argued that his offenses were linked to a crack cocaine addiction and a chaotic lifestyle. Holmes was initially sentenced to 20 months in total, but the appeal court reduced the two ten-month sentences to eight months each, to be served consecutively. The court heard that Holmes had been engaging with services and schooling while in custody, and had reduced his methadone usage. Judge Fiona O'Sullivan acknowledged the severity of his criminal history but noted his cooperation and progress in treatment. The reduction was made to reflect his engagement with services and his reduced methadone usage while in custody.
A serial thief with 130 previous convictions has been spared additional jail time after admitting to stealing €165 worth of cosmetics from a Tesco store in Dún Laoghaire. Colin Kevitt (33), of Talbot Street, Dublin 1, pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to stealing various cosmetics from Tesco at Bloomfield Shopping Centre on November 23, 2025. Represented by Berna Kennedy BL, Kevitt informed Judge Anne Watkin that he is already serving a 16-month prison sentence for theft. Sergeant Deirdre Ryan highlighted Kevitt's extensive criminal record. Judge Watkin sentenced him to two months' imprisonment, to be served concurrently with his existing sentence. A recognisance of €500 was set in the event of an appeal. The court acknowledged Kevitt's long history of theft-related convictions, but opted not to increase his sentence further.
A French national, Tarak El-Hemissi, sexually assaulted a patient in a Dublin hospital shortly after arriving in Ireland. El-Hemissi, who has a history of paranoid schizophrenia and had stopped taking his medication, pleaded guilty to the assault. The incident occurred while the victim was waiting for a psychiatric assessment. El-Hemissi approached the victim, touched her arm, and then exposed himself, asking her to perform oral sex. The victim managed to alert hospital staff, and El-Hemissi was taken into custody. French authorities have offered to pay for his return to France for treatment. The court heard that El-Hemissi has a long history of mental health issues and has been admitted to psychiatric hospitals in France multiple times. The judge noted that the assault was not at the lower end of the scale, given the victim's vulnerable state as a patient in a hospital. The case was adjourned until October for further reports and sentencing.
A senior Aer Lingus manager, Captain Eamon Kierans, denied that a disciplinary investigation into a pilot he demoted was a 'whitewash' of alleged whistleblower penalisation. The pilot, Declan McCabe, claims the disciplinary process was penalisation for complaining about a senior pilot, Captain Colm Wynne, who was involved in investigating safety reports. During the disciplinary hearing, Captain Kierans was questioned about his knowledge of protected disclosures and admitted he needed to be reminded of what they were. He stated that the disciplinary investigation focused on the incident involving the failed radio navigation beacon and did not consider the protected disclosure. The adjudication officer has adjourned the hearings pending the selection of resumed dates later this year. The parties dispute the most likely reason for the 8 June 2023 event, which was ultimately determined to be a 'low severity' occurrence.
Peter 'Peadar' Keating, a former senior member of the Kinahan Cartel, appeared in the High Court in Dublin following an extradition warrant issued by the UK. Keating, 45, was sentenced in December 2024 at the Old Bailey to four years and eight months for his role in a failed plot to secure a reduced jail term for Thomas 'Bomber' Kavanagh by amassing a weapons arsenal. At the time, Keating was already serving an 11-year sentence in Ireland for directing the attempted murder of a rival Hutch gang member. The UK warrant, issued in November 2022, stated that firearms were sourced from the Netherlands as part of a scheme to demonstrate Kavanagh's cooperation. Kavanagh, a senior Kinahan drug trafficker, was jailed in England in March 2022 for 21 years for importing over £30M worth of drugs. Keating's legal team, led by Keith Spencer BL, highlighted significant issues in the case and applied for legal aid, which was granted. The matter was adjourned to July 8 for further proceedings. The unnamed man pleaded guilty.
Retired businessman Jerry Beades, who failed in an appeal against his conviction for driving a vehicle without a roadworthiness certificate, highlighted the 'unfairness of the system' which does not allow those with an expired certificate to drive to a centre for the purposes of a test. Beades was fined €200 in the District Court for using a CVR vehicle without a certificate of roadworthiness and failing to produce the certificate. He argued that the system is flawed and that he should have been allowed to drive to the test centre. The detective garda stated that the certificate had expired seven months prior to the stop and that it would have been a dereliction of duty to allow Beades to continue to drive. The judge affirmed the order of the District Court but reduced the fine to €10, acknowledging Beades' efforts to obtain the certificate and the financial burden he faced.
A Mountjoy inmate made 'graphic' threats to two prison officers after he was found unresponsive in his cell following an overdose attempt, a court has heard. Dylan Smith (35) of Captains Road, Crumlin, pleaded guilty to two counts of threatening to kill or cause serious harm to prison officers at the Mater Hospital and Mountjoy Prison on August 19 and 20, 2025. Detective Garda Andrew Harte explained that Smith was found unresponsive in his cell, and when he regained consciousness, he was aggressive and abusive towards hospital staff. Smith made explicit threats against the officers, including stating he would be at the foot of their beds and threatening their children. After being released from hospital and returned to prison, Smith again threatened the officer who found him. His defence counsel, Pieter Le Vert BL, highlighted that Smith had suffered a serious assault in prison and had incurable bladder cancer. He also noted that Smith had received news about his worsening condition on the day of the incident and took drugs in an attempt to end his life.
Industrial action by criminal solicitors has led to the adjournment of numerous cases in the Criminal Courts of Justice due to a dispute over proposed legal aid reforms. Solicitors are protesting a shift to a flat fee model for legal aid cases, replacing the current system of payment per appearance. This has resulted in the adjournment of cases involving legally aided defendants on bail, with defense barristers not attending or being instructed. The impact was felt in multiple courtrooms, including Court 5 and Court 7, where cases were adjourned to October or November. In the Central Criminal Court, 13 sexual offense cases were affected, with solicitors unable to assist due to the ongoing dispute. The court acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the dispute but set trial dates for some cases, expressing hope that the issues would be resolved soon.
Joseph Gifford, a 40-year-old man with 134 previous convictions, has been jailed for 20 months for stealing a tourist's motorbike in Dublin. Gifford pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to taking the motorbike from QPark on May 13, 2024. The victim had arrived in Ireland on a ferry from the Isle of Man and parked his motorbike in the car park. The following morning, he discovered his bike was missing. Gardai obtained CCTV footage showing four individuals entering the car park, with three wearing masks and gloves. Gifford was identified as the fourth person. The motorbike was recovered the next day but was written off. Gifford was arrested in March 2025 and admitted to the crime, but refused to identify the other individuals. The court heard that Gifford has a long-standing addiction issue and is a vulnerable person. His defence highlighted his remorse and willingness to address his addiction. Judge Martina Baxter noted the aggravating factors, including Gifford's extensive criminal history, and sentenced him to 32 months in prison, with the final 12 months suspended for two years.
Riad Bouchaker, 52, is currently on trial at the Central Criminal Court, where he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is alleged to have committed the attempted murder of two girls and one boy, and assault causing serious harm to Leanne Flynn, at Parnell Square East in Dublin City on November 23, 2023. He is further charged with assaulting two other children and a teenager, and producing a knife in a manner likely to intimidate. The prosecution has called all its witnesses and will formally close its case next week. Evidence presented includes testimony from Dr Louise Baker, who stated that one of the alleged victims, a girl who was five at the time of the incident, suffered a knife wound to her heart resulting in a 40-minute cardiac arrest. Dr Baker told the jury the girl now requires 24-hour care for life, has no control over her limbs, and is at risk of scoliosis and muscular spasms. Dr Aoife Mahony confirmed the girl suffers from a severe neurological disorder and dystonia. Professor Ann Brannigan testified that Ms Flynn suffered a major stab wound to her lower back, requiring the removal of her spleen and repair of her stomach. The matter is not concluded; the trial is ongoing, with the next phase scheduled for next week.
A senior Aer Lingus manager who ordered the demotion of a pilot from captain to first officer has expressed feeling 'cheated' upon learning a rumour that the pilot was delivering training for a rival airline in Britain. The pilot, Declan McCabe, is pursuing multiple legal complaints against Aer Lingus, including under the Protected Disclosures Act and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, over his demotion in 2024. The incident in question occurred on 8 June 2023, when McCabe's flight failed to link up with a radio navigation beacon. The airline's chief pilot, Captain Eamon Kierans, testified that McCabe's aircraft was flying in the wrong direction until air traffic control intervened. McCabe disputes the company's findings, claiming he was not required to file a safety report and that the incident was a 'low severity' occurrence. Kierans criticized McCabe for rejecting internal safety systems and for providing inaccurate information. McCabe alleges he was targeted for whistleblowing, citing a prior dispute involving a flight operations safety officer.
A 62-year-old Dublin man accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl at a south Dublin Luas stop has been granted bail, despite Garda objections. The accused, who is legally entitled to anonymity, appeared before Dún Laoghaire District Court charged with the alleged offence. A garda objected to bail under Section 2 of the Bail Act, citing the seriousness of the alleged crime. Gardaí stated they were present at the Luas stop but did not witness the incident. The court heard that gardai had obtained CCTV footage of the alleged incident. The accused was allegedly highly intoxicated at the time and was arrested at his home the following morning. Judge Anne Watkin noted that the alleged assault was at the lower end of the scale of sexual assault offences and that there was insufficient evidence to establish a likelihood of further offending if bail was granted. The accused was granted bail on his own bond of €500, with conditions that he have no contact with the injured party, including through social media.
Aaron McDermott, 33, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for offences committed at Beaumont Hospital on April 7, 2021. The defendant pleaded guilty to the unlawful seizure of a vehicle by force or threat, as well as three counts of making threats to kill or cause serious harm to the driver and two children. Judge Elma Sheahan imposed a sentence of nine years, with the final 12 months suspended on the condition that McDermott engage with The Probation Service for 12 months upon his release. He was also disqualified from driving for two consecutive terms of ten years in relation to dangerous driving and driving without insurance. The court heard that McDermott, who was highly intoxicated, held a knife to an infant and threatened the occupants before driving off at speed, causing a crash that left the victim with a fractured ankle. Judge Sheahan described the dashcam footage as harrowing and noted the severe psychological trauma inflicted on the family, including PTSD and financial distress. While acknowledging McDermott's difficult early life and addiction issues, the judge highlighted his 125 previous convictions and disregard for road traffic laws. McDermott expressed remorse in a letter to the court, stating he was determined to turn over a new leaf.
The trial of Ahmed Abdirahman, a Somali national accused of murdering his former partner Mary Ward in Belfast, is set to proceed after a psychiatric issue in the case has 'melted away'. The court previously raised concerns about Abdirahman's mental health, but the prosecution now states the case is ready for trial. Abdirahman is accused of murdering Ms Ward on September 25, 2024, at her home in south Belfast. The case was delayed due to the defense's failure to engage with a psychiatrist, but progress was made when Abdirahman spoke to a psychiatrist on one occasion. The defense now seeks a trial date, with the court listing the case for mention on July 3 and indicating an early trial date. The prosecution emphasized that there is no issue with Abdirahman's fitness to be tried, and the trial is expected to last three weeks. The case continues with the court preparing for the trial and addressing any remaining legal issues.
Riad Bouchaker denied allegations that he targeted the smallest children during an alleged attack on Parnell Square East, where two five-year-olds and a six-year-old were injured. Bouchaker, who is on trial for attempted murder and assault, claimed he was not in his right state of mind and that he was 'sick'. Detective Garda Kevin Bambrick presented evidence, including CCTV footage and interviews, showing Bouchaker's actions on the day of the incident. Bouchaker was accused of searching for a school, waiting for children, and stabbing them, with a creche worker, Leanne Flynn, intervening and sustaining serious injuries. Bouchaker expressed remorse for the injuries but claimed he was not in control of his actions. The prosecution highlighted the severe injuries to the children and Ms Flynn, emphasizing that the children were not okay and that Bouchaker's actions had lasting effects. Bouchaker's defense argued that his cognitive impairment, due to brain surgery, affected his decision-making. The trial continues with the jury considering the evidence and the defense's claims of diminished responsibility. Leanne Flynn pleaded not guilty.
An American drugs mule left his contact details with airport staff when the luggage in which he was smuggling 14kg of cannabis went missing, a court has heard. Ulises Mendez (30) had flown in from Chicago and left his contact details with airport staff when he found that his suitcase had gone missing. When the luggage showed up, a scan revealed an anomaly and a search of it revealed several black packages wrapped in t-shirts, which were found to be 14.4 kg of cannabis with an estimated street value of €242,516. Mendez returned to the airport the following day but instead of collecting his luggage, he attempted to get a flight back to the States. He was arrested and brought in for questioning and has been remanded in custody since. Mendez pleaded guilty to having the drugs in his possession for sale or supply at Dublin Airport on January 11, 2026. He has no previous convictions. Garda Emmet O'Byrne told the court that Mendez made full admissions when questioned by gardaí.
Christopher Strickland, a criminal with 99 previous convictions, was jailed for assaulting his girlfriend after receiving 'misinformation' that she was pregnant. Strickland kicked the woman in the face and beat her around the head with a stone. He told gardai he was 'glad' he beat her and that she 'deserved it.' The victim, who has since died from an unrelated illness, was found with blood on her head and lip and swelling on her face. Strickland had blood on him and told gardai he had assaulted his girlfriend. Det Gda Jason O'Carroll agreed that Strickland was given 'misinformation' that the victim might have been pregnant and 'he lost it.' The court heard that Strickland's relationship with the woman was built around substance abuse. He has been clean since going into custody. Judge Fiona O'Sullivan said this was a violent and sustained attack on a 'very vulnerable' woman. She noted Strickland's long history of heroin addiction and his steps towards rehabilitation. Christopher Strickland pleaded guilty.
A man from Dublin has been jailed for three and a half years and ordered not to contact his former partner for 30 years after repeatedly breaching court orders and harassing her by sending messages to their 10-year-old child's phone. Judge Martin Nolan criticized the defendant for making life miserable for his former partner and child, noting that he had been given multiple chances to change his behavior. The man had pleaded guilty to harassment over a week-long period in September 2025. He has a history of breaching court orders, theft, assault, and criminal damage. During the period of harassment, he sent over 300 messages, some of which were aggressive and distressing. The victim described the experience as "hell on earth" and said she and her children faced significant emotional distress. The court heard that the man was also on bail at the time for breaching a court order not to contact the injured party.
Riad Bouchaker told gardai that his anger over a negative social welfare decision led him to attempt to murder three children in Dublin city centre. He stated that the Department of Social Welfare's refusal to grant him a disability allowance made him feel 'like this country is telling me to leave.' He mentioned that he had an injury in his head and a shoulder injury and could not work. He said he did not counterfeit anything to get the disability allowance and that if the department had helped him, 'this wouldn't have happened.' He also told gardai that he went to a mosque on Talbot Street to leave a bag containing his belongings and his Algerian and Irish passports. He said he was not thinking of going to hurt people when he left the suitcase. The trial jury has been viewing DVDs of Bouchaker's garda interviews from December 20, 2023, at Mountjoy Garda Station. He had been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Clayton Lieghio, a disqualified driver and speeding offender, was jailed for five years after knocking down a pedestrian while performing a wheelie on a scrambler bike. The incident occurred in a 50km/h zone at night, with Lieghio traveling at speeds exceeding 85km/h. The bike was not roadworthy, lacking lights, mirrors, and indicators, and Lieghio was not insured. The victim suffered severe injuries, including head and spinal trauma, and required extensive medical treatment. Lieghio fled the scene and was later arrested. He pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment and had a prior conviction for driving without insurance. The court noted the dangerous nature of his actions and the serious harm caused to the victim, who expressed forgiveness in her victim impact statement.
Denise O'Brien (42) of Fels Point, Dan Spring Road, Tralee, Co Kerry, appeared before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after taking a bench warrant last week. She is accused of 98 counts of fraud, including deception, forgery, and using a false instrument, under the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. Oisin Clarke BL, defending, explained that his client did not appear on June 15 because she believed the court date was set for June 18, citing a rail ticket she had purchased for that date. He also mentioned that she had been previously in hospital. Counsel requested that the court readmit her to bail. Judge Orla Crowe set an arraignment date of November 16, when O'Brien is due to enter a plea. The judge noted her history of non-attendance but agreed to re-admit her to bail on her own bond of €100. She must sign on daily at a local garda station, provide her phone number, surrender her passport, and refrain from applying for any other travel documents.
A judge has refused to release transcripts of the criminal trials of Michael Shine to the lawyer overseeing a scoping inquiry into how the case was handled, until the complainants have been notified. Shine, who worked at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda from 1964 to 1995, was convicted in 2017 and 2019 of sexually assaulting nine complainants. The Government approved an independent scoping exercise in response to requests from Dignity4Patients. Senior counsel Lorcan Staines, the independent facilitator, applied for the release of trial transcripts, but Judge Patricia Ryan ruled that the court could not go against Supreme Court precedent, which states that complainants must be informed before transcripts are released. Staines argued that the information would not be made public, but the judge emphasized that complainants should be aware of where their details are going. The judge allowed the release of indictments on a limited basis. Staines said he had spoken to many complainants and that his report is due soon.
The vice-principal of a Muslim school has won €40,000 for constructive dismissal after he said his position became untenable due to a power struggle among the administrators of the Clonskeagh Mosque in Dublin. Noureldin Abdelgawwad filed a complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 against the Al Maktoum Foundation, which operates the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland. He claimed that after the death of the founder and the formation of a new board, there was a rupture in the organization, leading to a breakdown in trust and professional interference. Abdelgawwad said his salary was withheld and that he resisted handing over student data to the new board, fearing a breach of data rights. He was repeatedly pressured by the CEO and eventually quit. The adjudicator noted a complete breakdown in trust and awarded him €40,000 for financial losses and an additional €1,000 under the Payment of Wages Act.
Brian Grendon is to face a non-jury trial in the Special Criminal Court alongside two co-accused for directing a criminal organization and drug-related offenses. Grendon is charged with 12 offenses, including directing the activities of a criminal organization in the importation and distribution of controlled drugs and money laundering. He is also charged with importing cocaine and possessing the drug for sale or supply. His co-accused, Noel Smyth and Paul Kelly, face charges of contributing to the activities of a criminal organization and drug offenses. The State applied for the trial to be held in the Special Criminal Court, and the court granted the application. The trial is set to proceed with the three-judge court, and the matter was adjourned to June 29.
A Sligo man, Barry Young, has appeared in court in Dublin following an arrest warrant from Northern Ireland, where he is wanted for the murder of gangland figure Robbie Lawlor in 2020. Young, 41, faces charges of murder and possession of a 9mm self-loading pistol with intent to endanger life. He is the second individual to be brought before the extradition court as part of a joint Garda-PSNI investigation into Lawlor's murder. The PSNI believe Lawlor's murder was linked to a drugs feud involving criminal elements in Dublin, Sligo, and Drogheda. Detective Sergeant Aoife Cronin confirmed Young's identity based on the warrant and informed him of the charges. Young's legal team requested a video link appearance for the next court date, and he was remanded in custody until then.
Riad Bouchaker, 52, is standing trial at the Central Criminal Court before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury of nine men and three women. He has pleaded not guilty to the alleged attempted murder of two girls and one boy, assault causing serious harm to creche worker Leanne Flynn, and other assaults on children and a teenager at Parnell Square East in Dublin City on November 23, 2023. The jury heard evidence from Sergeant Ben Geoghegan regarding Bouchaker's first police interview on December 20, 2023, conducted with a French-Arabic interpreter and his solicitor present. During the interview, Bouchaker stated he did not want to kill and described the incident as a mistake, saying he found himself with a knife and blood. He expressed a desire for the gardai to do whatever they wanted, citing a belief that the outcome was in the hands of God. Prosecution counsel Karl Finnegan SC noted that Bouchaker was interviewed seven times in total. The trial is ongoing, with the jury scheduled to hear the second interview next, followed by the final interview and memos of other sessions. The matter remains at the trial stage, with no final verdict or sentence recorded in this report.
Almost 200 witnesses are involved in the case of Michael Kelley, a former US soldier charged with the murder of Co Kerry sheep farmer Mike Gaine. A nine-week trial is set to begin in the Central Criminal Court in Dublin in January 2027. Kelley, 54, is charged with murdering Gaine, 56, at Carrig, Kenmare, Co Kerry, between March 20 and 21, 2025. The court was told that there are 191 witnesses in the book of evidence, and the case is estimated to last up to nine weeks. Kelley is currently in custody in Cork Prison, and video arrangements have been made for his appearance on video-link. His defense team has informed the court that his solicitor, Patrick Mann, is applying to cease acting for him, and Frank Buttimer has been retained as his new solicitor. The trial was set for January 11, 2027, in the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, as the court could not allocate a case of this length to Cork.
A thief who threatened to shoot a taxi driver during a Christmas Eve hold-up has been jailed for an offence described as having a 'particular meanness' to it. David Delaney (26) pleaded guilty to theft at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. He had 13 previous convictions and was on bail at the time of the incident. The taxi driver was targeted in the early hours of December 24, 2023, when Delaney demanded €90 or threatened to shoot him. Delaney also took the taxi driver's dash cam. His defense highlighted his difficult background and current efforts in custody. The judge noted the impact on the taxi driver, who suffered anxiety and stress, and imposed a two-year sentence with six months suspended. Delaney's sentence will be consecutive to his current two-year term for robbery.
A knife-wielding burglar with over 200 previous convictions will be sentenced later this year for a series of break-ins across Dublin. Andrew Cleary (50), who has no fixed abode, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to multiple counts of burglary, theft, trespass, and criminal damage, as well as one count of aggravated burglary, between October 2024 and July 2025. The incidents occurred in various locations, including Sandymount, Killiney, Rathgar, Rathmines, and Ranelagh. Three gardai testified that Cleary entered homes and stole high-value items to sell and fund his drug addiction. In one incident in Ranelagh, a man was working from home when he heard creaking floorboards and saw Cleary entering the room with a knife, demanding money. The victim handed over his wallet and locked the door as instructed. In another incident in Killiney, a monitoring company alerted the homeowner to an activated security alarm. The homeowner viewed footage on his phone and saw Cleary and another man breaking into his home, smashing windows and taking keys. Gardai later apprehended Cleary with stolen items.
A 20-year-old man from Balbriggan, Co Dublin, who was involved in looting during the Dublin riots, was described as a 'follower, not a leader' in court. Faraj Odukoya pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary related to the theft of items from three shops on Mary Street and O'Connell Street. Detective Garda Aoife Farrelly explained that Odukoya was not involved in the initial breach of the stores but entered after the initial break-in and stole items, including Nike runners. The total losses to the affected shops were significant, with Footlocker O'Connell Street losing over €435,200, Mary Street Footlocker losing approximately €323,000, and Lifestyle Sports losing €313,990. Odukoya was identified through CCTV footage during the investigation in 2025, and no evidential value was obtained from his interview. The court heard that Odukoya entered an early guilty plea, and his actions were motivated by opportunism. He is currently in custody and will be sentenced next month for a separate matter. The judge noted that the court will consider the principles of totality and proportionality when determining his sentence.
The Court of Appeal has ruled that the privacy rights of Kevin Braney, a former leader of the New IRA in Dublin, were not breached when gardaí used a surveillance device to listen in on him conversing with members of a criminal gang at a KFC restaurant. Braney was found guilty of murder in February 2019 by the Special Criminal Court for the killing of dissident republican Peter Butterly in 2013. The court dismissed Braney's appeal, with Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy stating that the grounds raised were not proven. Braney's legal team had argued that gardaí did not obtain proper authorisation before using the listening device and that the recording should not have been admitted as evidence. However, the court upheld the use of the device under the Criminal Law (Surveillance) Act 2009, noting that the superintendent believed an emergency justified the action. The court also rejected arguments that the audio evidence was of insufficient quality and that the testimony of David Cullen, a former accomplice who became a witness, should have been excluded.
The Supreme Court will hear an appeal by Dean Byrne, a Dublin man with over 120 convictions, challenging his 2024 Special Criminal Court conviction for conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. Byrne was sentenced to two years for allegedly conspiring with Aaron Brady to dissuade witness Daniel Cahill from testifying in Brady's murder trial. The Court of Appeal previously rejected Byrne's bid to overturn this conviction, finding he used unlawful means by sending the witness's Garda statement to a third party. The Supreme Court will now consider whether it can ever be lawful to persuade a witness not to give evidence. Meanwhile, Aaron Brady, who pleaded guilty to two offences related to efforts at perverting the course of justice during his trial, was sentenced to three years. Brady is serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 40 years for the 2013 murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. Byrne's appeal raises a question of public importance regarding the legality of witness persuasion, while his prior record includes an 18-year sentence for aggravated burglary in Tipperary.
A 24cm carving knife recovered from the scene of a stabbing in Parnell Square was shown to the jury in the trial of Riad Bouchaker, who is accused of attempted murder and assault. Detective Sergeant Padraig Cleary testified that the knife was found in a backpack discarded at a bus stop near the scene. The knife was later retrieved from the Garden of Remembrance by a member of the public. Medical witnesses described the severe injuries sustained by a child who was stabbed and required emergency treatment. Dr Michael Boyle testified that the child was in critical condition and required immediate transfusion and transport to the hospital. The trial also heard that Bouchaker was arrested after a 28-day assessment for post-traumatic amnesia. The accused has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the trial is expected to last up to five weeks. The jury was shown evidence including the knife, a jacket with bloodstains, and strands of hair from the alleged victims.
A serial offender with an 'appalling' 137 previous convictions has been given a fully suspended sentence for a series of theft and public order offences. Judge Derek Cooney noted that the defendant, Margaret Connors (41), has struggled with addiction and has made efforts to address it. Connors pleaded guilty to theft, handling stolen property, and public order offences. She stole alcohol and groceries from a supermarket and was found in possession of stolen items. Connors also admitted to stealing from a store and engaging in threatening behavior. She has a long criminal history and accepted responsibility for her actions. Her defense highlighted her addiction and homelessness. Judge Cooney acknowledged her difficult background and the impact of her addiction but warned that if she reoffended, she would face serious consequences. He suspended her sentences for 12 months, emphasizing that her recovery depends on her commitment.
A consultant testified in the Central Criminal Court that doctors 'went against protocols and just ran with things' as they tried to save the life of a five-year-old girl who had been stabbed in the heart on a Dublin city center street. Dr Michael Boyle described the scene where the girl was found with no pulse and grey skin. He and other doctors worked to stabilize her before transporting her to the hospital. The girl was taken to Temple St Hospital despite the lack of a cardiothoracic surgeon there. Dr Boyle said he believed the girl was dead when he saw her. The trial of Riad Bouchaker, who is accused of attempting to murder the girl and others, is ongoing. The doctors' quick actions were crucial in the girl's survival, and the case highlights the urgency and challenges faced in such emergency situations.
A couple's convictions for female genital mutilation (FGM) of their one-year-old daughter were declared a miscarriage of justice by the Court of Appeal. The couple, who were the first in Ireland to be convicted of FGM, spent two years in prison before their convictions were overturned due to an unfair trial. New evidence from a Swedish FGM expert, Prof Birgitta Essen, showed that the child had not undergone FGM. The Court of Appeal found that the trial was unfair due to inaccuracies in the translation of the parents' testimony. The DPP dropped the charges after the new report agreed with Prof Essen's findings. The judge ruled that the couple was factually innocent and granted a certificate of miscarriage of justice. The case highlighted the importance of expert medical testimony and the need for accurate translation in legal proceedings. The couple's conviction was overturned, and the court emphasized the need for medical professionals to report concerns without fear.
A tribunal upheld the dismissal of Alan O'Neill, a senior Aer Lingus flight attendant, who was accused of abusing his power by refusing a passenger access to the onboard bathroom, leading to the passenger being reduced to tears. The tribunal found that O'Neill's actions amounted to gross misconduct, and the airline decided to terminate his employment after 12 years of service. The incident occurred during a flight from Marseilles to Dublin, where O'Neill allegedly refused the passenger access to the bathroom on safety grounds. The passenger was reportedly upset and swore at O'Neill, leading to a confrontation. O'Neill was accused of using an angry and unprofessional tone, and the passenger was temporarily banned from flying. The tribunal heard that O'Neill claimed he was under personal strain and that the passenger triggered him. The airline's legal team argued that the disciplinary process was fair and that the dismissal was a reasonable response. The tribunal concluded that the disciplinary process was fair and that the dismissal was warranted.
A 19-year-old man, Calum McDonagh, was jailed for two years and six months for being a passenger in a stolen car that struck and killed a pedestrian in Dublin. McDonagh, who has 91 previous convictions, including dangerous driving and unauthorized vehicle use, pleaded guilty to allowing himself to be carried in the stolen vehicle. The incident occurred on July 17, 2024, when the car hit Michael Farrelly, who died at the scene. Gardai pursued the car for 4.2km before stopping it, where they found the victim. McDonagh was identified through CCTV and forensic evidence, including glass shards on his clothing. He admitted to being in the passenger seat and attempted to get out of the car after the collision. The court heard from the victim's brother, who described the tragedy as destroying their lives. McDonagh's defense highlighted his neurodiversity and adverse childhood, leading to a suspended six-month portion of the sentence.
A Romanian national, Costel Raducan, was jailed for 11 years after being convicted of burglary, rape, and attempted anal rape. The victim described the traumatic experience of being attacked in her own home by a man who had posed as a taxi driver. Raducan broke into her home and raped her after she had been left alone. The victim had to undergo a sexual assault examination and faced significant emotional and psychological trauma. Raducan denied the charges and claimed the victim had consented to the sexual act. The judge described the case as 'the stuff of nightmares' and noted the premeditated nature of the attack. The victim's impact statement highlighted the lasting effects of the crime on her life, including fear, panic attacks, and career setbacks. The court acknowledged the severity of the crime and the need for justice for the victim.
A man who raped a friend at an IPAS centre was jailed for five and a half years after the court dismissed his claim that he was 'not reading the signals correctly' as a 'very weak response'. The defendant, who has a wife and children in Nigeria, pleaded guilty to the rape that occurred in Co Westmeath on June 15, 2025. The victim had gone to the defendant's room after he told her he had brought clothes back from Dublin for her. During the attack, the victim protested, and the defendant later apologised and sent messages to her. The victim recorded their calls and shared them with the defendant's roommates, who then informed the centre manager and gardai. The defendant was transferred to a new IPAS centre and interviewed by gardai, where he falsely claimed a relationship with the victim. The court heard the victim's impact statement, detailing the severe emotional trauma she experienced.
A 31-year-old man was jailed for assault causing harm and making threats to kill his pregnant partner during a brutal 20-minute attack. The victim, who was four months pregnant, described being kicked in the stomach, punched, and choked by the defendant, who repeatedly threatened to kill her and the baby. The assault occurred in July 2025, and the victim was found in a parked car with her children and a support worker, showing signs of severe bruising and swelling. The defendant, who had 98 previous convictions, including drug and road traffic offences, was arrested and later taken to a garda station, where he joked about not being able to stand up in court. The victim's impact statement highlighted the trauma she experienced and the loss of trust in her former partner. The defendant, who claimed to be in treatment for addiction, apologized and expressed a desire to stay away from the victim and her family. The unnamed 31-year-old pleaded guilty.
Riad Bouchaker, 52, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, having pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is accused of attempting to murder three children and assaulting others causing harm, including creche worker Leanne Flynn, at Parnell Square East on November 23, 2023. Additional allegations include assaulting two other children and an adult male, and producing a knife in a manner likely to intimidate. The trial, expected to last up to five weeks, is currently at the evidence stage. Firefighter Brian Mulvaney described the chaotic scene, noting a girl in pink shoes receiving CPR and Ms. Flynn with a severe back laceration. Advanced paramedic David Hosback detailed emergency treatment for the girl, while Detective Garda Aaron Grattan described seizing Bouchaker's belongings. The jury was sent home for the day due to a juror's personal matter, and the trial was adjourned to continue tomorrow. No findings or sentences have been recorded, as the matter remains under active trial proceedings.
A judge has warned a pregnant woman that she will face jail if she steals again, after rejecting her claim that she was distracted by funeral arrangements following the death of her father-in-law. Emma Baker (33), of Heather Lawn, Ballinteer, Dublin 16, pleaded guilty to stealing €423.76 worth of clothing from Marks & Spencer and a pair of Puma Club 2 Era runners worth €70 from Elverys Sports at Dundrum Town Centre. Defending counsel, Michael O'Brien BL, told Dún Laoghaire District Court that the offences occurred on August 12, 2025, the same day Baker learned that her father-in-law had died. Judge Anne Watkin responded: "And because of that she decided to take a pair of shoes?" Mr O'Brien said Baker had funeral arrangements on her mind at the time. The judge replied: "She didn't have only funeral arrangements on her mind. She had a pair of shoes on her mind." Mr O'Brien said Baker had no issues with drugs or alcohol, was unemployed and was heavily pregnant.
Trade unionist Brendan Ogle is pursuing a new case under workplace equality law against Unite after a disability discrimination action was dismissed by the Labour Court last year. A second statutory complaint by Mr Ogle under the Employment Equality Act 1998 against Unite the Union is listed for hearing at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) next week. The allegation at the centre of the complaint is understood to be one of workplace victimisation linked to Mr Ogle's disability discrimination case at the WRC in 2024. Mr Ogle had alleged in a complaint under the Employment Equality Act 1998 that he was sidelined at work in summer 2022 after being treated for a "very aggressive" throat cancer, which saw him lose four and a half stone in weight while "living off fluids for six months". The WRC rejected the case following a 10-day hearing in Dublin, during which over a dozen witnesses gave evidence – including Mr Ogle and senior Unite officials based in Ireland and the UK.