Giorgi Bazadye, a 50‑year‑old Georgian resident of Dublin, was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to possessing false Slovakian identity documents. The court heard that he and his adult son had attempted to send a package to Italy containing four high‑quality fake Slovakian national identity cards and four matching driving licences. Gardaí had been alerted by DHL staff who expressed concern about the contents. Bazadye, who moved to Ireland in 2007, has 79 prior convictions, mainly for shoplifting and traffic offences, and his visa was revoked following earlier offences. He is married to a Lithuanian woman and has three young children, the youngest 14 months old. The judge emphasised deterrence and the seriousness of undermining the immigration system when imposing the sentence.
Roman German, a 41‑year‑old fishmonger from Vilinus, Lithuania, was arrested at Dublin Port on 6 December 2022 after a sniffer dog detected a bag containing €420,405 in cash. German had flown into Ireland on 5 December, stayed near Croke Park, then travelled to a security deposit box facility in Dublin 4 where he collected the money. He pleaded guilty to money‑laundering at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Garda Sean Dineen explained that German had no prior convictions in Ireland or Lithuania and that he was acting as a courier, not the owner or beneficiary of the cash, and was to be paid €200 for the service. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC noted German's business had failed and that he had no criminal record. Judge Elma Sheahan, taking into account his guilty plea, family and low re‑offending risk, sentenced him to 18 months' imprisonment, back‑dating the term to the date of his arrest.
George Finglas, who lived on the North Circular Road, Dublin 7, was sentenced to nine years in prison for transporting more than 128 kg of cannabis, worth an estimated €2.56 million, to reduce a gambling debt. He pleaded guilty last year and appealed the sentence as excessive. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Ms Justice Tara Burns, rejected all grounds of appeal, stating the sentencing judge had made no error and the sentence was not disproportionate. In February 2021, Revenue officials discovered two pallets of cannabis at Dublin Port, and Gardaí from the National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau conducted a surveillance operation that led to Finglas's arrest at a commercial premises in Lusk, Co Dublin. Finglas admitted moving the drugs under direction, citing a €25,000 gambling debt and fear of debtors. He had no prior convictions and entered an early guilty plea.
The Court of Appeal has dismissed the appeal of Darren Murphy, who was convicted of the 2012 murder of Eamon Kelly. Murphy, of George's Place, Dublin 1, was found guilty by the Special Criminal Court in November 2021 for acting as a "spotter" in the gang's common design to ambush Kelly. He was sentenced to life in January 2022. The court also found Murphy not guilty of possessing a Glock pistol with intent to endanger life due to insufficient evidence. Murphy's legal team argued that the CCTV identification process was flawed and that Garda witnesses lacked credibility, claiming officers had prior knowledge of the case. Ms Justice Úna Ní Raifeartaigh rejected these submissions, stating the identification process was excellent and that the trial court's findings on witness credibility were not perverse. The appellate court agreed with the trial judge that the evidence demonstrated careful planning and advance surveillance, confirming Murphy's involvement in the joint enterprise. Separately, Sean Connolly, of Bernard Curtis House, Bluebell, Dublin, was jailed for life by the Special Criminal Court in 2015 for the same murder. The appeal hearing concluded with the dismissal of Murphy's bid to overturn his conviction.
Joao Silva Pinto, 25, of Mabbot Lane, Dublin 1, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography on a phone at his address on 18 June 2022. He had downloaded 78 videos, 43 category‑one and 35 category‑two, and 784 CGI anime images, category‑four, from a file‑sharing site and stored them on Google Drive. Gardaí seized his phone and documents during a search, and a warrant had been obtained in February 2022. Judge Martina Baxter, hearing the case in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, noted aggravating factors such as the nature of the material and harm to real child victims, and mitigating factors including his early plea, full cooperation, remorse and family support. She sentenced him to 12 months' imprisonment, suspended in its entirety on strict conditions, and emphasised the need for rehabilitation and deterrence in his sentence structure.
In a Dublin suburb, three brothers – Michael (30), Thomas (39) and Patrick (20) – were caught by Garda helicopter digging up nearly €80,000 in coffee jars at a field in Keatings Park, Rathcoole, on 14 August 2020. The cash, believed to come from burglaries, was found in Lidl coffee jars, with loose cash and a smashed jar, and was damp, suggesting recent excavation. The brothers had earlier approached local businesses to inquire about groundworks on the land and asked that the works be stopped, but were told a builder was removing hedges. They claimed they were building horse fences. Initially charged with money‑laundering, they pleaded guilty to possession of stolen property. The court adjourned sentencing to 4 March 2024 for mitigation pleas. The case involved the "Wall organised crime group" and was investigated with confidential information that the brothers were seeking buried cash. The brothers were arrested and identified on Garda footage.
The 17‑year‑old serving a life sentence for the murder of Urantsetseg Tserendorj shouted "f**k off, get me out of this court" when the Court of Appeal refused to reduce his term. He also shouted insults at staff as they escorted him to the cell. The appeal was dismissed by Ms Justice Tara Burns, who upheld the life sentence with a 13‑year review, citing the pre‑meditated knife attack on a defenseless woman. The appeal had argued the sentence was disproportionate for a 14‑year‑old at the time of the offence and that mitigating factors such as drug addiction had not been adequately considered. The court noted the defendant's intent to rob and the use of a knife, and rejected the claim that the sentence was too harsh. The judge said the defendant must work toward rehabilitation by the review date. Urantsetseg Tserendorj pleaded guilty and was found guilty.
Sean Kemp, 29, raided an Applegreen petrol station in Inchicore on 1 October 2020, brandishing a realistic imitation handgun and demanding cash. He forced staff to fill a bag with €315 before leaving. CCTV identified him and he was arrested, admitting the robbery and apologising. Kemp had a history of 73 convictions and was spending up to €70 a day on drugs, including heroin, methadone and crack cocaine. He used the robbery proceeds to pay a drug debt and claimed the offence was out of character. Judge Orla Crowe sentenced him to a headline five‑year term, reduced to three years and nine months, with the final nine months suspended on strict conditions after noting his rehabilitation work. The court highlighted that drugs were a root cause of his offending. The case was heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Sean Kemp pleaded guilty.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a woman whose husband of 20 years repeatedly raped her with household objects while she was unconscious revealed her shock upon discovering "perverse, indecent, hideous images" of the assaults on his home computer. She described the moment as "like a bomb went off in my head" and said the abuse had altered her past, present and future. The 49‑year‑old man was found guilty of 11 counts of sexual assault, including penetration with a knife, cheese grater, bottle, carrot, banana, cucumber, tulip, wooden spatula, decanter stopper, part of a shoe and bicycle pump, between January 2005 and September 2014. The verdict followed a retrial after the first jury returned not‑guilty on four counts and could not agree on the rest. The woman, now 50, was unconscious and unable to consent during the assaults. She had a drinking problem and was on medication for depression.
The 59‑year‑old teacher, accused of sexual assault, pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to one count of attempted anal rape and eight counts of sexual assault involving six complainants aged 17‑24 between 1991 and 1997. In his testimony, he described a 1997 incident where an 18‑year‑old student stayed at his house and slept in his bed. He claimed the student entered the bed because the house was cold, that he left after the student was dressed, and that he later returned to sleep. He called the student's presence a "major mistake" and denied any sexual contact. He also addressed allegations from other complainants, stating he had no recollection of the incidents and denied sexual interaction, though he later admitted performing oral sex in some cases. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Alexander Owens and a jury.
The jury in the multi‑million euro theft trial of former solicitor Michael Lynn is ready to begin deliberations after Judge Martin Nolan delivered his charge on day 33. Judge Nolan instructed jurors to set aside prejudice and remain dispassionate, noting that most people dislike banks and that reckless behaviour had harmed the state. Lynn, 55, is accused of stealing about €27 million from seven financial institutions between 2006 and 2007, including Bank of Ireland, National Irish Bank, Irish Life and Permanent, Ulster Bank, ACC Bank, Bank of Scotland Ireland and Irish Nationwide Building Society. He pleaded not guilty to 21 counts of theft. The prosecution alleges Lynn obtained multiple mortgages on the same properties without banks knowing other lenders were involved, while the defence claims he had "off‑the‑books" agreements with all banks to use the loan money for overseas property developments, and that the banks were aware of this purpose.
Derek Byrne, 40, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court to eight years and six months in prison for facilitating the attempted murder of Noel Boylan. The court found Byrne guilty of participating in the activities of a criminal organisation with the intention of facilitating the offence, which occurred between May 27 and June 1, 2019. He was identified on CCTV footage purchasing the Toyota Avensis used to transport the gunman. The judge noted that the shooting only became an attempted murder because the weapon jammed. Byrne, who has a history of drug abuse and 78 previous convictions, was already serving a seven-and-a-half-year sentence for unlawful possession of a firearm, having been in custody since December 3, 2019. The new sentence includes a suspended portion of 12 months for three years, conditional on engaging with probation services. The court determined the new sentence should run concurrently with the existing one. Separately, Alan Graham, 51, was previously jailed for 10 years after pleading guilty to facilitating the attempted murder of Lee Boylan, Noel Boylan's son, in a related incident on March 6, 2019.
In a High Court case, Garvagh Homes Limited, claiming ownership of several Dublin 7 properties, sought vacant possession after alleging unlawful occupation by trespassers who allegedly used the sites for raves, poetry readings, boxing, gigs and as a community centre. The developer, represented by Martin Hayden SC and Paul Fogarty BL, argued that the occupants had no legal right, that alcohol was sold, and that serious fire safety concerns existed, citing a Dublin City Council fire safety notice. Some residents denied the trespassing claims and said they had entitlement to reside there. The court, after hearing submissions, granted Garvagh an order requiring occupants to vacate the premises and cease trespassing, but imposed a stay until 8 January 2024 to allow residents time to find alternative accommodation. The judge also upheld previous prohibitions on commercial activities on the site and ordered a map to delineate commercial and residential areas. The case will return for confirmation of the injunctions.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 15 December 2023, former solicitor Michael Lynn, aged 55, faced 21 counts of theft for allegedly siphoning about €27 million from seven banks between October 2006 and April 2007. Prosecutor Karl Finnegan SC portrayed Lynn as a "greedy risk‑taker" who used multiple mortgages on the same properties, claiming the banks were unaware of other lenders. Lynn testified that he had "off‑the‑books" agreements and a secret deal with former Irish Nationwide chief Michael Fingleton to use Irish Nationwide funds for overseas property development. Finnegan argued that the alleged arrangements were "implausible" and that the banks had no knowledge of any conspiracy. Defence counsel Paul Comiskey O'Keeffe BL countered that Lynn's "profit‑share" agreement with Fingleton and the banks' awareness of his borrowing meant no deception had occurred, and that the prosecution's case relied on alleged "undertaking‑only" mortgages that the banks had never formally documented. Michael Lynn pleaded not guilty.
Paul Collopy, 48, of Ennis, Co Clare, had a four‑year suspended sentence for money laundering in 2017. He was caught again laundering €67,900 in July 2014, and the suspended term was reactivated after a further offence in November 2020. In that offence, he was observed tampering with a car's bonnet at Carnally House, Clare Castle, and €16,695 was recovered from the vehicle's air filter. Judge Francis Comerford imposed a five‑year, four‑month sentence in October 2023. Collopy also serves a ten‑year sentence from a 2022 conviction for possession of €50,000 worth of cannabis. The court activated two years of the suspended four‑year term, making it consecutive to the 64‑month sentence, after the judge concluded that Collopy had not learned his lesson. Paul Collopy pleaded guilty.
Stephen Cunningham, 55, of Cushlawn Park, Tallaght, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison, with the final 12 months suspended, after pleading guilty to dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to Paul Sutton, 55, on 25 October 2022. Cunningham reversed his car onto the footpath, striking Sutton who fell to the ground and suffered a shattered knee, requiring two surgeries and six weeks in hospital. The court heard that Cunningham had no evidence of speeding, had been waiting at his home for Gardaí, and had handed over the car keys. He was disqualified from driving for ten years. The judge described the act as a "moment of madness" and noted Cunningham's early guilty plea and previous good character as mitigating factors. No evidence of alcohol or drugs was presented. The incident caused lasting mobility issues for Sutton, who can no longer walk or run.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Lisa Joyce, aged 38, was sentenced to four years in prison on each of two counts of attempted robbery for an incident on O'Connell Street on 21 May 2023. The case involved Joyce dragging a teenage girl by the hair while attempting to rob the girl and her 13‑year‑old cousin. Joyce, who has 100 prior convictions and a history of substance abuse, pleaded guilty and expressed remorse. The judge, Elma Sheahan, set a headline sentence of five years but, after considering mitigating factors such as Joyce's early guilty plea and the impact on the victims, imposed a four‑year term on each count to run concurrently, with no portion suspended. The sentence was back‑dated to the date Joyce entered custody. The court noted that Joyce had no memory of the incident due to intoxication and had expressed depression during detention.
Gheorghita Ilie, 23, pleaded guilty to possession of a realistic imitation firearm after pointing it at a family relative during a dispute over an alleged affair. The incident occurred on June 5, 2021, when Ilie confronted the woman's husband, then returned to his home and produced a black handgun on the steps. The weapon, a 6mm calibre air pistol, was seized and identified as a realistic firearm. Ilie claimed he bought the gun for play and had not worn it on his belt. He apologized, expressed remorse, and acknowledged panic. The court, noting his guilty plea, cooperation, and pro‑social history, imposed a two‑year sentence suspended in full on strict conditions, avoiding custodial time.
A bench warrant was issued for Michael Dunne, 50, after he failed to attend sentencing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for a criminal damage offence involving the Luke Kelly statue, which was damaged with blue paint costing €240. Dunne, who has 51 prior convictions since 1986 including five for criminal damage, had previously pleaded guilty on 12 July 2020. The court had adjourned the case to allow preparation of reports, but when Dunne was absent and his lawyers could not contact him, Judge Orla Crowe issued the warrant. Garda David Kelly had identified Dunne from CCTV footage of the damage, and he had been arrested, though no further evidence was obtained. Dunne's defence lawyer, Katherine McGillicuddy, noted his long‑standing drug addiction and that he had received drugs as a reward for the act, and expressed sincere apologies for the offence. The case highlights the ongoing issue of repeated criminal behaviour and the impact on the local community.
In a Court of Appeal hearing on 15 December 2023, the State argued that a man acquitted of attempted murder in February 2021 was the shooter. State counsel Eilis Brennan SC presented evidence that gloves seized from the accused less than 30 minutes after the shooting contained 19 particles of firearm residue matching those found at the scene. She cited three hours of CCTV tracking two cars before, during and after the incident, including a black Hyundai hatchback that left the scene at 10.55pm and a BMW that was later stopped on the M50. Brennan claimed the CCTV and forensic evidence strongly linked the younger man, aged 28, to the shooting. The appeal court, led by Mr Justice Birmingham, was instructed to review the CCTV footage and transcripts and reserve judgment. The defense argued that the trial judge had erred by directing acquittals, but the appellate judges were to determine whether the evidence was sufficient for a jury. The unnamed respondent pleaded not guilty.
Meta Platforms Ireland issued a formal apology to Wissam Al Mana, the former husband of Janet Jackson, over the publication of false advertisements that used his name and image without consent. The ads, posted by unknown third parties via Facebook's Ads Tool in 2019, were later removed. Mr Al Mana had sued Meta in Dublin in February 2020 for defamation and malicious falsehood, claiming the ads linked him to a cryptocurrency program he had no involvement with. In court, Meta's counsel read a statement acknowledging the harmful impact of the fake ads on Mr Al Mana's reputation, expressing sincere regret, and confirming that such advertisements have ceased. The settlement, approved by Mr Justice Mark Sanfey, included Meta's commitment to implement robust measures to prevent future misuse of personal data. No further settlement details were disclosed in open court. Mr Al Mana, an executive director of the Al Mana Group, remains concerned about potential future misuse of his image.
Rafik Ben Salah, 36, was taken to Dublin Airport for extradition to Spain. While being escorted by Gardaí and Spanish police, he violently resisted, broke free from his bonds, and fled. Pursued by officers, he was eventually detained after a struggle on the stairs. Spanish police refused to board him and left Ireland. A second extradition attempt on 22 December 2022 failed when Gardaí discovered Salah had defecated himself and had self‑harm cuts; the Spanish police and flight captain refused him boarding, leading to withdrawal of the warrant. Salah, who has no fixed abode and has prior convictions in Ireland and Germany, pleaded guilty to attempting to escape Garda custody. Judge Elma Sheahan sentenced him to eight months in prison, back‑dated to his earlier custody, after a headline sentence of ten months was reduced for mitigating factors. The sentence is to be served in Ireland.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a 59‑year‑old man pleaded not guilty to one count of attempted anal rape and eight counts of sexual assault involving six complainants aged 17 to 24 between March 1991 and November 1997 in County Dublin. A former girlfriend of the fourth complainant testified that the accused, a former teacher, had told her in 1998 that he had been abused by the accused, describing the alleged incident as "touching and oral sex." A 45‑year‑old complainant recounted that he and the accused had gone to a pub, drank heavily, and that the accused performed oral sex on him after the accused had pulled down his boxer shorts. A second witness described a similar incident in late 1995, where the accused performed oral sex on him while he slept on the floor. A third witness denied any sexual intimacy with the accused.
In a Dublin trial, former solicitor Michael Lynn, aged 55, denies allegations of stealing about €27 million from seven banks between October 2006 and April 2007. He rejects the prosecution's claim that bank employees conspired to ignore normal lending practice and disputes that he misled the banks. Lynn says he obtained multiple mortgages on the same properties with the banks' knowledge and that he had "off‑the‑book understandings" with former INBS CEO Michael Fingleton. He argues the banks were aware of the purpose of the loans and consented. Prosecuting counsel, Karl Finnegan, accuses Lynn of blaming others, naming names, and maligning their characters to protect himself. Lynn maintains he had no intention to deceive or steal and that he planned to repay the loans through overseas property development. The case proceeds before Judge Martin Nolan and a jury. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.
In a 2023 Central Criminal Court case, Ms Justice Eileen Creedon directed a jury to acquit two men of attempted murder of a 17‑year‑old Dublin teenager, after the defence applied to drop the charges. The accused, aged 32 and 28, were alleged to have attempted to kill the teenager on 24 February 2021 at Eugene Street, Dublin 8, and to have possessed a Beretta pistol. The trial judge found the evidence—CCTV, witness testimony, forensics—insufficient to prove guilt, noting no direct link between the gun found in a burned‑out Hyundai and either defendant, and no DNA, phone or motive evidence. The State has now applied to the Court of Appeal to overturn the acquittal, arguing the judge erred by considering evidence "in isolation" rather than "globally." The appeal will be heard by a three‑judge panel tomorrow. The case remains a circumstantial one with no direct evidence of the defendants' involvement.
In the Dublin District Coroner's Court, a jury was shown extremely graphic footage of the night the Stardust nightclub fire killed 48 people. The court explained that the material, already heard in evidence, would help the jury understand the case. Dr Myra Cullinane warned that the footage was graphic and requested that those not directly involved leave the courtroom. The clips included television recordings, an interview with manager Eamon Butterly who claimed all doors were open, and testimony from witnesses who said doors were chained and locked. Pauline Murray, a survivor, recounted seeing smoke, being pulled by Niall Campbell, and the chaos as the fire spread. She described being burnt, the thick smoke, and the last moments before Josephine Glen died. The inquest will resume on 9 January 2024.
The High Court will rule before Christmas on an application in the largest liquidation in the history of the State, aimed at preventing the Russian parent of two leasing firms from seizing ownership of about 37 highly valuable aircraft. Damien Murran and Julian Moroney, joint liquidators of Dublin‑registered GTLK Europe DAC and GTLK Europe Capital DAC, argue that the aircraft belong to the firms in liquidation and that the parent has no legal entitlement. They seek orders to set aside 'pledge agreements' that the parent claims give it ownership, and declarations that those agreements are void and unenforceable under Irish law, with the liquidators retaining title. The parent, owned by the Russian Federation, has not participated in the proceedings and claims it would not receive a fair hearing in Ireland, a claim rejected by the liquidators. Mr Justice Rory Mulcahy has reserved his decision and will give a ruling early next week.
In a Workplace Relations Commission hearing, Emily Brady, a hearing‑impaired diner, alleged that the Dublin restaurant 777 refused to lower its "obscenely loud" music to accommodate her disability. Brady claimed the manager, Pepé Rodriguez, said no and walked away when she asked for a quieter volume, and that the music was set to match the restaurant's vibe. The restaurant's staff, including waitress Christine Noguera, denied being told of Brady's disability, stating they only heard a request to lower the music. Brady insisted she had disclosed her hearing impairment twice, while the restaurant's solicitor argued that reasonable accommodation was provided and that Brady had not met the burden of proof. The adjudicator closed the hearing, with a decision to be issued in the new year.
During his multi‑million euro theft trial, former solicitor Michael Lynn, aged 55, explained that a High Court order on 15 October 2007 froze his accounts and suspended him as a solicitor. He said he was asked to relocate abroad to "batten down the hatches" amid the 2008 financial crisis. Lynn moved first to London, then Portugal, and later to Brazil in 2011, where he taught English and sought opportunities. He denied evading Gardaí between 2008 and 2011, claiming he had followed legal advice and informed authorities of his whereabouts. Lynn was arrested in August 2013 and spent four and a half years in Brazilian prison before returning to Ireland in March 2018. He is on trial for 21 counts of theft, accused of stealing about €27 million from seven Irish financial institutions between October 2006 and April 2007. The trial is before Judge Martin Nolan and a jury. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.
In a High Court ruling, Mr Justice Rory Mulcahy denied lawyers for French film star Dany Boon the right to supply prosecutors in Monaco with documents related to an alleged €7m fraud. The judge held that Boon's lawyers had not proven that providing the documents complied with the proper administration of justice and that the two defendants, Asia Monaco Investments Ltd and Asia Monaco SARL, would not be unfairly prejudiced. The affidavits, sworn by Ms Xin Zhao, were not formally opened in court and were deemed public. Boon's case involves claims that he was defrauded by Mr Thierry Birles and associated entities, and he has secured various freezing and disclosure orders in Ireland. The defendants opposed the application, citing potential injustice, and the judge noted that had the affidavits been opened, the application would not have been necessary.
An 84‑year‑old widower was attacked by a couple who robbed him for drug money. The pair, who had 104 prior convictions, stabbed the widower with a clawhammer and a kitchen knife, causing severe injuries and financial loss. The widower, aged 79, survived and described the ordeal as a test of faith. The attackers, Christine Ward (36) and Derek Bewley (48), had previously robbed a visually impaired man on the same day, stealing his wallet, iPhone and car. Ward initially denied involvement but was later identified in CCTV footage. Bewley had 79 prior convictions, Ward 25. The court heard the widower's injuries, PTSD, and the financial impact of the robbery. Ward will be finalized on 29 January, Bewley on 1 February. Christine Ward pleaded guilty. Derek Bewley pleaded guilty.
In a trial at the Central Criminal Court, a 59‑year‑old former teacher pleaded not guilty to one count of attempted anal rape and eight counts of sexual assault involving six complainants aged 17 to 24 between March 1991 and November 1997. A former colleague testified that he was shocked when a student arrived at the accused's home after a staff night out and that he later walked in on the accused, a woman, and the student in bed together. The colleague described how he avoided speaking to the student and later found the three of them in bed, with the accused in the middle. A former principal recounted receiving a call about a "sexual contact" incident involving a teacher and a student, and that the accused had been called to the student's home after an allegation of sexual assault. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Alexander Owens and a jury.
Craig Mooney, 28, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two counts of possession of a controlled drug for sale or supply. Garda Kevin Kehoe recounted that on 25 January, a taxi driver reported an intoxicated, "obstreperous" passenger who could not be awakened. Gardaí removed Mooney from the taxi; he became abusive and was arrested. A search of the taxi revealed €725 worth of cocaine and 12 benzodiazepine tablets. A subsequent search of Mooney's residence on 2 February uncovered 2.3 g of cocaine (valued at €149) and 145 g of cannabis (valued at €2,914). Mooney has 32 prior convictions, including arson, road traffic offences and criminal damage. He has been in custody since February. Judge Martin Nolan, noting Mooney's intoxication and lack of wealth, imposed an 18‑month sentence back‑dated to February, taking mitigating factors into account.
Zahir Boudahane, 50, of Balbriggan, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to dangerous driving causing serious injury to William Burke, 32, on O'Connell Bridge on 10 June 2022. Boudahane, a professional truck driver with no prior convictions, was travelling in the bus lane on Bachelor's Walk, broke a red light and made an illegal right turn onto O'Connell Bridge. Burke was crossing the road from the Eden Quay direction when Boudahane's vehicle struck him head‑on, dragging him under the front of the truck. Burke's left leg was severely damaged, leading to a below‑the‑knee amputation and his current use of a wheelchair. The court, noting Boudahane's lack of intoxication, low speed (17 km/h), cooperation at the scene, and the loss of his livelihood, imposed a headline sentence of two years but reduced it to a fully suspended 18‑month sentence.
In a trial at the Central Criminal Court, a 59‑year‑old former teacher faces one count of attempted anal rape and eight counts of sexual assault involving six complainants aged 17 to 24 between March 1991 and November 1997. A friend of the accused, who worked on school musical productions in the 1990s, testified that she was present at a dinner in 1997 with the accused and a student, after which the three returned to the accused's apartment. She claimed the accused told her he had "made a pass" at the student, who had left the house. The witness also disclosed a brief sexual relationship with a 17‑year‑old student in 1995, which the accused reportedly found displeasing. The accused's employment as a teacher at the school from 1987 to 1997 and his role as musical director were confirmed by the school principal. The case is proceeding before Mr Justice Alexander Owens and a jury. The unnamed 17-year-old pleaded not guilty.
During a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 12 December 2023, former solicitor Michael Lynn, aged 55, explained that he had engaged in "off‑the‑book" loan arrangements with bankers, including former Irish Nationwide chief Michael Fingleton. Lynn said he met Fingleton in 2006 to sign a "memo of understanding" that would give Fingleton a stake in the third stage of Lynn's Portuguese apartment development, Cabanas 3. He claimed the memo was drafted by an English lawyer and that other bankers received discounts on apartment purchases, naming Ciaran Farrell of Permanent TSB as one who allegedly benefited from an "artificial deposit" on a Portuguese apartment. Lynn said the off‑book documents were mainly emails sent to bankers' addresses linked to his property companies, Kendar Holdings and Kendar Global. He denied that any other banker agreed to a stake in a development and said the Portuguese project never proceeded after 2007. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.
The inquest heard that Illingsworth and Company Limited supplied Stateroom carpet tiles used on the Stardust nightclub walls, but the company never advertised or recommended them for wall use. The tiles were sold as a "job lot" because they were being discontinued, with the price reduced from £1.28 to 75p. Mr Graham Whitehead, the company secretary, confirmed that the tiles were intended for floor use and that the company had no fire certificate authority. He stated that the tiles were not suitable for walls and that any display of them on walls was purely for show. The tribunal also noted that the tiles were Class 4 in flammability tests, not Class 1 as required, and were a major contributor to the fire's spread. The inquest continues tomorrow.
Clinton Byrne, 41, was sentenced to four years in prison for possessing more than €280,000 worth of heroin for sale or supply. He was arrested on 26 April 2023 after Gardaí searched a house in Clondalkin where he was found with €3,985 in cash, a weighing scale, a half‑kilogram block of heroin and a small amount of cannabis. Gardaí also seized three additional packages of heroin weighing just over 1.5 kg in a car parked by the house, bringing the total street value of the seized heroin to €280,630. Byrne pleaded guilty to possession of heroin and cannabis, claiming he was only holding the drugs for a few hours and that it was an "effing set‑up". He admitted an addiction to gambling and cocaine and a debt that had driven him to the offence. Byrne's brother said his brother was in a psychosis at the time.
Kevin Kelleher, 50, manager of a Dublin pub, pleaded guilty to possession of just under three kilograms of amphetamines, valued at €43,000, found in concealed compartments in the ladies' bathroom and a roof area of a store room. Garda Jamie Greville described a surveillance operation triggered by a tip, with Kelleher identified and arrested after CCTV footage showed him moving the drugs. Kelleher claimed duress and that he was forced to store the drugs. He had no prior convictions and no material wealth. The prosecution argued no evidence of payment, addiction, debt repayment or gang involvement. Judge Orla Crowe imposed a headline sentence of four years, reduced to three years, and suspended the entire term on strict conditions, including keeping the peace and good behaviour for five years.
KC Capital Property Group Limited, developing a nine‑storey building on Cuffe Street, Dublin 2, has challenged a planning requirement that it must install certain fire safety measures. The developer argues that the conditions requiring a 120‑minute fire resistance for structural elements and a sprinkler system are only applicable to buildings 30 metres or taller, and that the proposed building is not that height. The developer appealed the Dublin City Council's decision to include these conditions to An Bord Pleanála, which dismissed the appeal and upheld the council's decision. KC Capital has now brought High Court judicial review proceedings, claiming the board's decision is unreasonable, irrational, contrary to fair procedures, and that it incorrectly concluded the building was 30 metres or more. The case was granted permission to proceed by Ms Justice Niamh Hyland on an ex‑parte basis and is scheduled to return to court in February.
A Workplace Relations Commission hearing heard a complaint under the Employment Equality Act by Sayed Baqur-Hussain against One Complete Solutions Ltd. The applicant, a former account manager, alleges a "culture of racism" contributed to his demotion and final written warning following an incident on August 30, 2022. Mr. Baqur-Hussain admits punching an alleged shoplifter, referred to as Mr. X, but claims self-defence after the man used racist language, made a death threat, and struck a security officer. The company accused him of acting in revenge and failing to de-escalate, resulting in his demotion to security guard. The applicant contends that a non-Indian manager involved in the same incident faced no sanction, citing racial discrimination. Witness Przemyslaw Pindel, a former rostering administrator, testified to a toxic workplace environment, including racist remarks by an account manager and discriminatory overtime policies favouring Irish managers. The company's representative argued the sanctions were based on investigation findings of gross misconduct. The matter is at the charge or pre-trial stage, with the hearing adjourned to resume in the new year. Two further witnesses for the applicant and five to six for the respondent are expected to testify. No final determination has been made.
The Supreme Court will hear Graham Dwyer's appeal against his 2015 conviction for the murder of Elaine O'Hara on January 16. The one-day hearing centres on whether call data records used at trial should lead to a retrial, following declarations that retaining mobile phone data breached rights under the European Charter. Dwyer's lawyers argue the data retention constituted mass surveillance, while the DPP opposes the application. The Supreme Court agreed to hear the case, citing significant issues of general public importance regarding the admissibility of evidence obtained under a 2011 law later struck down by the Court of Justice of the European Union. In a preliminary hearing before Mr Justice Maurice Collins, the judge confirmed a timetable for legal submissions and asked the DPP and Dwyer's team to inquire if the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission wishes to participate. Dwyer, who denies murdering O'Hara, was originally convicted by a jury at the Central Criminal Court. Mr Justice Tony Hunt sentenced him to the mandatory term of life imprisonment, describing the killing as a chilling and premeditated murder following a protracted campaign of manipulation and abuse. Although the Court of Appeal dismissed his conviction appeal last March, finding the call data evidence did not cause a miscarriage of justice, the Supreme Court is now reviewing the legal characterisation of the data's illegality and the scope of legislation governing conviction appeals.
Michael Lynn, a former solicitor from County Wicklow, has begun giving evidence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in his trial on charges relating to approximately €27 million in alleged theft from seven financial institutions. Mr Lynn, aged 55, outlined his professional background to the jury, describing his career path from qualification in 1994 through to establishing his own practice in 1997, which eventually expanded to 15 staff members. He also detailed his involvement in property investment and development, including projects in Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim, and Portugal. The prosecution alleges Mr Lynn obtained multiple mortgages on identical properties without the knowledge of participating banks. Mr Lynn has pleaded not guilty to 21 counts of theft occurring between October 2006 and April 2007. The trial, before Judge Martin Nolan and jury, continues with Mr Lynn's evidence ongoing.
During the Stardust inquest, Detective Superintendent John Courtney presented evidence that, after reviewing over 1,600 statements from the night of the February 14, 1981 fire that killed 48 people, he found no evidence that the blaze was started maliciously. He explained that all 841 attendees and staff were interviewed, and that the four youths seen on the roof had no connection to the fire. Courtney also described the investigative process, noting that statements from those in the curtained area were checked and eliminated as suspects, and that no credible allegations of deliberate arson emerged. He read his testimony and 1981 Garda statements into the record, while other witnesses, including fire officers and survivors, provided accounts of the emergency response and the chaotic evacuation. The inquest will continue tomorrow.
Raul Rodriguez Ramirez, 36, was found guilty of defrauding 18 international students who paid him to secure English language courses in Dublin between June 2020 and June 2021. He used the money to invest in a restaurant that failed during the pandemic, rather than booking the students' courses. The students suffered financial loss, with each losing between €1,100 and €3,800, and endured hardship such as sleeping in a church doorway and being unable to travel home to see a dying mother. Ramirez pleaded guilty and has no prior convictions. Judge Orla Crowe adjourned sentencing to March 21 to allow him to gather the balance of €29,042 to reimburse the victims. He has been in Ireland since his arrest, relying on friends, and has expressed remorse, stating he intends to repay the students fully. The case was heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Noel Robinson, 50, pleaded guilty to possessing 81 Android TV boxes that bypass Sky's subscription system. The boxes, sold from his Ballyfermot home, allowed users to watch Sky without paying the €126 monthly fee. Robinson had no prior convictions and had been a law‑abiding citizen, though he had an alcohol addiction until February 2020. Gardaí seized the boxes after a Sky anti‑piracy investigator identified a listing on Adverts.ie. Robinson cooperated fully during the search and admitted to the offence. The prosecution estimated a potential loss of €102,060 to Sky. Judge Orla Crowe imposed an 18‑month prison sentence, suspended in full for three years on strict conditions. Robinson's profits were €13,625, largely spent on alcohol, and he has two autistic sons and a son who is a chef. The case prompted him to stop drinking.
Joseph Mockler, aged 63, was convicted at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of four counts of indecent assault against two teenage boys aged 14 to 16 between January 1987 and December 1988. The court found that Mockler, a sports coach, had used his position and alcohol to exploit the boys, engaging in repeated inappropriate touching, masturbation and oral sex while they were intoxicated. He was found guilty by a jury of two counts of indecent assault for each boy, though he denied the verdicts. Judge Elma Sheahan imposed a sentence of five years for the first boy and five and a half years for the second, to run consecutively, then reduced the second to three years for proportionality, giving a global sentence of eight years. The final 12 months were suspended on strict conditions, and Mockler will be placed under probation supervision for 12 months after release.
Derek Byrne, 40, of Swords, appeared before the Central Criminal Court at the sentence stage for his role in the attempted murder of Noel Boylan. Byrne pleaded guilty to intentionally facilitating a serious offence by a criminal organisation, specifically the attempted murder of Boylan between May 27 and June 1, 2019, with knowledge of the organisation's existence. He also admitted to participating in the activities of a criminal organisation during a pre-trial hearing. Prosecution counsel Sean Gillane SC noted that Byrne's guilty plea acknowledged his previous false statements to gardai regarding the purchase of a Toyota Avensis used by the gunman. The court heard that the shooter's weapon jammed while pursuing Boylan into a Lidl supermarket, where CCTV captured frightened shoppers, including children, running for cover. Boylan made a full recovery. Byrne, who has 78 previous convictions, is currently serving a seven-and-a-half-year sentence for unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol. His defence counsel, Giollaiosa O'Lideadha SC, highlighted Byrne's severe cocaine addiction and requested the court consider backdating the new sentence to his initial custody date. Mr Justice Paul McDermott remanded Byrne in custody until next Monday, when he will be formally sentenced. Separately, Alan Graham, 51, was previously jailed for 10 years in 2021 after pleading guilty to facilitating the attempted murder of Lee Boylan, Noel's son, in a related incident on the same road in March 2019.
Josh Cummins (19) was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for his role in an organised assault on December 30, 2021. Cummins pleaded guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Alanna Quinn Idris, violent disorder, production of a hurl, and assault causing harm to Louis O'Sullivan. Judge Pauline Codd sentenced him to five years' imprisonment for the serious harm and violent disorder counts, suspending the final two years on strict conditions. He received a concurrent three-year sentence for the assault causing harm count. The court noted Cummins was 17 at the time, had no prior convictions, and there was no suggestion he struck Ms Quinn Idris, who lost vision in one eye. In March, co-accused Darragh Lyons (19) was sentenced to four and a half years for assault causing serious harm to Ms Quinn Idris, having also pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Mr O'Sullivan and violent disorder. The case relies on joint enterprise principles. Two other accused remain before the courts or unidentified. Ms Quinn Idris described the sentence as disappointing but appreciated the custodial outcome.
Patricia Kelly, 61, widow of the late Paul Kelly, founder of the suicide‑prevention charity Console, pleaded guilty before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to one count of failing to keep books of account as a director of the company, contrary to the Companies Act 1990. She admitted that, other than wilfully, she did not maintain proper records of the company's transactions, which are required to determine its financial position accurately and to allow directors to compile annual accounts and enable proper audit. The offence took place between 6 December 2006 and 21 May 2015. The case was originally scheduled for trial next month, with a potential duration of up to ten weeks, but was adjourned to a sentencing hearing on 20 February 2024, later amended to 22 February 2024, with Ms Kelly remanded on bail until that date.