In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Donna Kirwan, daughter of Noel 'Duck Egg' Kirwan, said her father was only guilty of "showing respect" at a childhood friend's funeral. She described him as a hard‑working "grafter" who chose legitimate work over drug sales. The court heard that both her son and daughter contemplated suicide after their father's murder. The victim impact statement was read by a woman from victim support on behalf of Donna. The court also heard that Jason Keating, 27, was present at the scene and facilitated the shooting. Keating had a tracking device on Kirwan's car and was linked to the assailant. Keating pleaded guilty to facilitating a criminal organisation in the murder, and the State withdrew the murder charge, leaving only the facilitation charge pending. The hearing took place before the sentencing of Keating, who was remanded in custody until December 12.
Jason Keating (27), of Rush, Co Dublin, pleaded guilty in the Special Criminal Court to facilitating a criminal organisation in the murder of Noel 'Duck Egg' Kirwan. Keating had previously pleaded not guilty to the murder charge, which has been the subject of a trial since October 2. The State Solicitor informed the court that the DPP directed a new charge under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which Keating admitted. Prosecutors requested a nolle prosequi be entered on the original murder count at the sentencing stage. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with Judges Sinead Ni Chualachain and Cormac Dunne, remanded Keating in custody until November 22 for sentencing. The judge noted the court would require details on Keating's assistance and state of mind. He referenced the recent sentencing of Martin Aylmer (31) to three years and nine months for a similar offence involving the murder of Michael Barr. Mr Justice Hunt described the new charge as useful for providing sentencing flexibility in cases where defendants do not directly commit the act. The matter was adjourned until November 22.
During a search of Jason Keating's family home on Lissadell Road, Drimnagh, Dublin 12, Gardaí discovered an envelope containing €3,200 in cash, three empty mobile phone boxes, a car key, a Ford Focus, and a blue‑grey McKenzie hoodie. The search, executed on 2 May 2017 after a warrant issued on 1 May, was carried out by a team led by Detective Sergeant Maeve O'Sullivan. Keating, aged 27, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Noel 'Duck Egg' Kirwan, who was shot six times on 22 December 2016 in a Ford Mondeo at St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin. The murder is linked to a feud between two criminal factions, though Kirwan had no ties to either side. The Special Criminal Court heard the evidence and the case will continue before the three‑judge panel.
In the murder case of Noel 'Duck Egg' Kirwan, forensic expert Shelina Jilani testified that she could not definitively exclude Jason Keating (27) from being the unknown subject in CCTV footage from Neilstown Shopping Centre taken shortly after the December 22 shooting. Jilani, working for Acume Forensic Ltd, compared three images of Keating taken while he was in Garda custody with the limited facial portion visible in the CCTV. She identified three matching features—a narrow nasal bridge, a full oval face, and abdominal fullness—but concluded that the evidence provided only limited support for identifying Keating. She acknowledged that clothing and lack of unique features made the identification highly subjective and that the CCTV quality was poor. Judge Tony Hunt noted that the footage does not eliminate Keating but also does not implicate him. Jason Keating pleaded not guilty.
The trial of Jason Keating, who has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Noel 'Duck Egg' Kirwan, continued before the Special Criminal Court. Expert witness Professor David Last testified regarding a 'Gotek 7' electronic tracking device found under Mr Kirwan's Ford Mondeo. The prosecution alleges the tracker was placed under the vehicle to monitor movements leading up to the December 22, 2016, shooting in Clondalkin, Dublin 22. Professor Last explained that the device recorded its position 'much more frequently' from 3.13pm on the day of the shooting, indicating the owner was actively commanding location requests. He detailed the device's journey from France to Dublin Port in October 2016, noting it appeared near St Ronan's Drive on December 21 and 22. Under cross-examination, the expert acknowledged that such devices are commonly used to track spouses and that location data can contain errors. The court heard that Mr Kirwan, a 62-year-old with no connection to the criminal factions involved in the alleged feud, was shot six times while sitting in his car with his partner, Bernadette Roe. The trial is presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, sitting with Judges Sinead Ni Chualachain and Cormac Dunne. The matter was adjourned and continues tomorrow.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence that the 62‑year‑old Noel 'Duck Egg' Kirwan was murdered on 22 December 2016 after trading his BMW X5 for a Ford Mondeo, which was later sold at Merlin Car Auctions. Garda Stephen Hughes identified Jason Keating (27) in CCTV from the auction on 20 December, showing Keating and a woman in a green Renault Megane. Keating, who lives on Lower Main Street, Rush, pleaded not guilty to Kirwan's murder. The court also considered evidence that a 'Gotek 7' tracking device was placed under Kirwan's Ford Mondeo on 23 December, having previously tracked his BMW from 8 November. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, continues tomorrow.
In the non‑jury trial of Jason Keating for the murder of Noel 'Duck Egg' Kirwan, the court heard that Kirwan, a 62‑year‑old former car dealer, was shot six times in his Ford Mondeo on 22 December 2016. The vehicle had been purchased from TBCS Ltd on 10 December, with a deposit paid and the car serviced before Kirwan collected it on 13 December. The prosecution argued that a Gotek 7 tracking device, originally fitted to Kirwan's BMW X5 on 8 November, was moved to the Mondeo and pinged from a Clondalkin address until 20 December, then again from St Ronan's Drive. Evidence was also presented that a Renault Megane owned by mechanic Niall Ducken was sold to Keating, and that a parcel from Gotek in Calais was forwarded to the Spy Shop in Leeds. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, Judge Sinead Ni Chualachain and Judge Cormac Dunne. Jason Keating pleaded not guilty.
In a Special Criminal Court murder trial, Noel 'Duck Egg' Kirwan, aged 62, was shot six times by a gunman in the driveway of his Dublin home on 22 December 2016. The attacker, Jason Keating, 27, has pleaded not guilty. Kirwan suffered eight gunshot wounds to his head, right arm, chest and abdomen, including a fatal wound to the chest that damaged a major blood vessel. He was seated in his Ford Mondeo with partner Bernadette Roe when the attack occurred. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan testified that Kirwan's body was examined on 23 December, confirming the wounds and the absence of alcohol or drugs. The prosecution alleges a 'Gotek 7' tracking device linked Keating to the scene. The case is set to continue before Mr Justice Tony Hunt.
The trial of Jason Keating, 27, of Rush, Co Dublin, continued before a three-judge court presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt. Keating has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Noel 'Duck Egg' Kirwan, who was shot six times outside his Clondalkin home in December 2016. Prosecution evidence focused on a 'Gotek 7' electronic tracking device found under Mr Kirwan's car the day after the shooting. Sergeant Damien Gannon testified that the device was attached to the undercarriage with strong magnets. James Kennedy, a Garda telecommunications analyst, explained that the device uses GPS to upload location data to a web server and can send movement alerts to saved mobile numbers. Although the device contained a SIM card from Holland, Kennedy stated he could not decode the internal information and did not retrieve location data from the device's memory. He noted that such trackers are also used for legitimate purposes, such as taxi fleets. In his opening address, prosecution counsel Paul Greene SC alleged the murder arose from a feud between criminal factions, though Mr Kirwan had no connection to either side. The matter is ongoing, with the trial continuing before the court.
In the murder trial of Jason Keating, a witness described how she held Noel 'Duck Egg' Kirwan's hand and spoke to him minutes after he was shot outside his Dublin home. Mr Kirwan, 62, was in his car on St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin, when a gunman fired six shots from a Makarov handgun that was later recovered. The witness, who was in the passenger seat of Mr Kirwan's Ford Mondeo, said she saw him "slumped" over the gear stick and she stayed with him until an ambulance arrived. She also reported that a white van had driven away from the scene. The prosecution's case links a tracking device found under Mr Kirwan's car to the accused, Jason Keating, 27, who has pleaded not guilty. The trial is set to continue before Mr Justice Tony Hunt.
The Special Criminal Court heard that Noel 'Duck Egg' Kirwan, aged 62, was murdered on 22 December 2016 outside his Clondalkin home after being shot six times by Jason Keating, 27, who pleaded not guilty. Kirwan was driving a Ford Mondeo when the assailant, armed with a Makarov pistol, fired at him. Kirwan's partner, Bernadette Roe, was present but unharmed. The prosecution presented evidence that a tracking device had been attached to Kirwan's car weeks before the killing, showing movements from London to Dublin and eventually to St Ronan's Drive. CCTV footage linked a Renault Megane, owned by Keating, to a car auction and a white Peugeot van used by the gunman. The case was presented as circumstantial, with the court to hear further evidence over a four‑week trial.
Lea Peacock, 25, of Rush, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to careless driving causing the death of Jane Dardis at Rush Road, Skerries, on October 25, 2016. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced Peacock to a nine-month suspended sentence and disqualified him from driving for five years. The judge concluded Peacock did not deserve a custodial sentence, noting the accused had no previous convictions, was remorseful, and had cooperated with gardai. Judge Nolan found the explanation that Peacock swerved to avoid a pedestrian to be unbelievable, instead attributing the swerve to the interplay between the driver and the front-seat passenger. The court heard Peacock had consumed four glasses of wine and was travelling at 80km/h in a 60km/h zone. In mitigation, counsel highlighted Peacock's remorse and lack of intentional wrongdoing. The judge expressed condolences to the deceased's family, who described themselves as devastated. The maximum penalty for the offence is two years' imprisonment. The matter was finalised with the imposition of the suspended sentence and driving disqualification.
Michael Kelly, 55, a regular customer of Rush Post Office, attempted to rob the shop on 24 September 2016. After asking for a bag and offering to pay, he returned minutes later with a note threatening the cashier and demanding money in the bag or death. He also told the staff not to alert the Gardaí. The cashier refused, threatened to press the panic alarm, and Kelly left without taking anything. The incident was captured on CCTV and Kelly was arrested about five months later. He pleaded guilty to attempted robbery at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. He has seven prior minor convictions and had not been in Garda attention since 2004. He claimed the act was a "moment of madness" and was drunk, though he had been sober for ten years before relapsing. The judge, recognising his long history of alcohol abuse but also his rehabilitation efforts, imposed a two‑and‑a‑half‑year suspended sentence.
Jason Keating, 26, of Lower Main Street, Rush, Co Dublin, is accused of murdering Noel 'Duck Egg' Kirwan, 62, outside Kirwan's house on St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, on 22 December 2016. The case is being heard in the non‑jury Special Criminal Court. Mr Justice Tony Hunt set the trial date for 1 October 2017, and Keating has been remanded in custody until that date.
Jason Keating, aged 26, was charged with the murder of Noel 'Duck Egg' Kirwan, 62, who was shot in the head and chest outside his Ford Mondeo on St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin, on 22 December 2016. The DPP applied for Keating to be tried at the Special Criminal Court, a non‑jury court, and the application was granted by Judge Isobel Kennedy. The court will now hear the case in the Special Criminal Court, where the ordinary courts are deemed inadequate for effective administration of justice.
The charge against Dublin man Jason Keating, 26, for the murder of Noel Kirwan, 62, outside Kirwan's house on St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin, on 22 December 2016, has been struck out by the Special Criminal Court. The Director of Public Prosecutions applied for the strike‑out, and the presiding judge, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, told Keating he was "free to go". Keating's counsel, Mr Giollaiosa O Lideadha SC, noted difficulties with the original certificate and charge sheet and that the prosecution intends to restart proceedings against him.
A 26‑year‑old Dublin man, Jason Keating of Lower Main Street, Rush, Co. Dublin, is charged with the murder of Noel Kirwan, aged 62, who was killed outside his house on St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, on 22 December 2016. At a brief hearing in which Keating was excused, a State solicitor informed the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions had applied for Keating to be tried before the Special Criminal Court. Judge Tony Hunt, sitting with Judges Cormac Dunne and Ann Ryan, granted the order for a non‑jury trial.
George Simpson, aged 30, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for attempting to rob the Rush Post Office on 28 November 2016. He entered armed with an air pistol and a hatchet, threatened to chop a customer's head off, and smashed a glass panel in front of the tills. Simpson pleaded guilty to attempted robbery, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to rob, production of a weapon, threat to kill or cause serious harm, and criminal damage. The judge, after viewing CCTV footage, noted the incident was frightening for staff and customers, and that Simpson's behaviour was out of character. His final 18 months were suspended, leaving an effective custodial term of four years and six months. Simpson has since moved out of his shared home and has begun attending a psychologist. The case was heard at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
George Simpson, 30, was sentenced later in July after a post office raid in Rush on 28 November 2016. He attempted robbery, possessed an imitation firearm, produced a weapon, threatened to kill or cause serious harm, and caused criminal damage. Simpson entered the post office armed with an air pistol and a hatchet, threatened a female staff member that he would chop off a customer's head if she did not hand over cash, and smashed a glass panel in front of the tills. He shouted "fuck this" and fled. Garda Ross Rowan reported that the staff member hid in the back office, pressed the panic alarm, and did not return until a customer informed gardaí that Simpson had left. Simpson was remanded in custody pending sentencing on 21 July and chose to go to prison. He apologized to staff and customers, admitted the threat, and acknowledged that he would face further punishment. George Simpson pleaded guilty.
A 26‑year‑old man, Jason Keating of Lower Main Street, Rush, was charged with the murder of Noel Kirwan, 62, outside Kirwan's house on St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin, on 22 December 2016. He applied for bail in the High Court on 28 June 2017, but the State objected. Inspector Mark O'Neill argued that Keating would commit further offences if released and might not attend trial. Chief Superintendent Lorraine Wheatley also opposed bail under Section 2(A) of the Bail Act, citing the need to prevent serious offences. Judge Paul Butler rejected the application, and Keating was remanded in custody.
Alesandrs Rodjukovs, 36, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to producing a realistic imitation firearm at Lower Main Street Rush on 7 March 2015. He pointed the gun at a motorist after driving aggressively behind him, causing the victim to fear he would be shot. Rodjukovs claimed fatigue from long work hours and a sleepless baby as the cause of his actions. The judge, Karen O'Connor, noted his illness from Chernobyl radiation exposure, a childhood car‑accident injury that killed his mother, and the death of three close relatives in recent months. She described the offence as a "once off incident" and, after hearing he would not re‑offend, imposed an 18‑month sentence suspended in full on strict conditions. Garda Gerard Maloney reported that a blank semi‑automatic pistol, recovered from Rodjukovs' car, was not capable of firing bullets. The pistol had been brought from Latvia. Rodjukovs cooperated with Gardaí and made full admissions.
The Court of Appeal has reserved judgement on William Jones' appeal against the High Court's refusal to grant injunctions that would have stopped Coolmore Stud's lawyers from warning book distributors and retailers that his book, "The Dark Horse: Inside Coolmore", contained defamatory material. Jones, who worked at Coolmore from 2006 to 2015 and published the book through his own company, Gold Rush Publications, argues that the High Court's decision infringes his freedom of expression and is biased. Coolmore's lawyers, Arthur Cox, had warned Amazon and other bookshops that the book included allegations of bullying and the deaths of two horses, Mountjeu and Jude, and that distributors had withdrawn the book. Coolmore also cited a 2014 agreement that both parties would not make derogatory remarks about each other and that Jones would not disclose records. The High Court found that Coolmore had made this agreement clear to Jones before publication and that any defamatory content would expose distributors to liability.
A 19‑year‑old named Dylan Thomas was sentenced to three years' detention for robbing a group of American tourists in a north Dublin park and for assaulting two gardai. CCTV footage showed Thomas, part of a large group of youths, robbed the tourists of a camera bag and attacked them when they tried to recover it. He later punched and kicked a garda who directed him to leave the area and again assaulted another garda who attempted to search him at the garda station. Thomas pleaded guilty to assaulting Garda Stephen Harte and Garda Keith Delaney, and to the robbery. Judge Melanie Greally imposed a four‑year detention sentence, suspending the final year on strict conditions, including cooperation with the Probation Service, attendance at psychiatric and educational services, and addressing drug, alcohol and anger‑control issues. The court noted Thomas's prospects for rehabilitation and his willingness to engage in positive pursuits.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court case, Christopher Dunne, aged 22, was given a three‑year suspended sentence for assaulting Scott Chapman at a house party on 24 January 2013. Dunne threw a wooden chair at Chapman and then chased him with a kitchen knife, demanding his car keys. Chapman was struck on the face, suffered a cut on his forehead that required six stitches, incurred €300 in medical costs, lost three weeks of wages and bears a permanent scar. Dunne later contacted Chapman via Facebook, apologising and claiming he could not recall the attack due to alcohol and tablets. He offered €1,000 to Chapman as a token of remorse. Judge Melanie Greally accepted Dunne's remorse and insight, suspended the sentence on the condition of 18 months probation and 180 hours community service within 12 months. Dunne has ten prior convictions, including possession of knives and an imitation firearm. The unnamed man pleaded guilty.
George McKelvey, a 57‑year‑old self‑employed carpenter from Kenure Lawns, Rush, Co. Dublin, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to four charges of knowingly filing incorrect income tax returns for the years 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009. He failed to declare his wife Olive's Weight Watchers leader profits, estimated at €309,813, and instead listed her as a homemaker. Revenue assessed him for €96,893 in tax plus €61,213 in interest, giving a total bill of €158,106. McKelvey admitted responsibility for the false returns and cooperated fully during the investigation. Judge Melanie Greally suspended an 18‑month custodial sentence, ordering 240 hours of community work within 12 months, and noted his high level of cooperation and the absence of prior convictions. The case was considered a borderline case, allowing for a non‑custodial disposal.
Evan Smith, 18, was sentenced to two years in prison for robbing and assaulting a deaf and mute couple, Michael and Helen Rush, in Clondalkin on 10 November 2014. Smith followed the couple from a chipper into a laneway, knocked Helen to the ground and stole her handbag, while also cutting Michael above his eye. He pleaded guilty to robbery and assault at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Smith has six prior convictions, including robbery and burglary. The judge, Melanie Greally, described the offence as serious and nasty, noted the couple's injuries and their subsequent fear of going out at night, and highlighted Smith's previous prison time and his efforts to address addiction. The final 12 months of the sentence were suspended on strict conditions, and Smith will remain under Probation Service supervision for a year. The prosecution and defence both acknowledged Smith's lack of awareness of the couple's disabilities and his admission of shame for the attack.
Dylan Thomas, 19, was remanded on bail after pleading guilty to assaulting Garda Stephen Harte and Garda Keith Delaney on 2 May 2015. The incident occurred at Swords Town Park during a public order event. Thomas attacked the officers, punching and kicking them, and was handcuffed and taken to Swords Garda Station. While in custody he continued to be aggressive, striking Garda Harte's knee, which caused cartilage and ligament damage, requiring a brace and physiotherapy. Thomas was described as heavily intoxicated and a former schoolboy boxer. His defence cited a psychologist's report highlighting alcohol, possible cannabis use, and a lack of structure. Judge Melanie Greally adjourned the case to 7 June, ordering a probation report and noting the report's call for intervention.
George McKelvey, a 57‑year‑old carpenter from Dundee who lives in Dublin, admitted that he had failed to declare his wife Olive's income as a Weight Watchers leader between 2002 and 2009. He had filed joint returns with Revenue, but listed Olive as a homemaker with no income, while her profits were estimated at €309,813. Revenue assessed him for €96,893 in tax plus €61,213 in interest, giving a total debt of €158,106. McKelvey pleaded guilty to four charges of knowingly filing incorrect returns for the years 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009. He has no prior convictions. The case was adjourned to 3 May, with a community service report ordered. The article reports only the facts of the admission, the tax assessment, the charges, and the court's adjournment, without any inference about future outcomes or broader implications.
William O'Neill, aged 27, was sentenced to four years in prison for robbing Goldsmiths' Jewellers in Balbriggan on 10 May 2013. He admitted to smashing display cases with a sledgehammer, stealing jewellery worth €15,357 and causing €2,800 in damage. O'Neill also pleaded guilty to an attempted robbery at Rush Newsagents in Drimnagh on 10 November 2013 and to possession of a Taser gun in Crumlin on 30 March 2014. He claimed the weapons were for smashing glass, not for harming anyone, and that the gang intended to split the loot. O'Neill had previously served a sentence at Mountjoy, where he witnessed the killing of inmate Gary Douch, and had a criminal record of 68 convictions. The court noted his history of drug offences, assaults, public order and criminal damage charges. The judge imposed the four‑year term, with no mention of a suspended portion or effective custody details.
Christian Coffey, aged 38, was sentenced to four and a half years in jail for storing cannabis worth €64,658, two Russian semi‑automatic pistols, and 16 rounds of ammunition at a rented container in Lusk, north County Dublin. He pleaded guilty at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 17 October 2013. Coffey had gambling debts exceeding €50,000, including amounts owed to banks and money lenders, and had been described by a judge as a "fully reformed gambler" and a "remarkably decent man". The judge, Martin Nolan, noted Coffey's lack of prior convictions, early guilty plea, strong work record over 20 years, and community contributions through his GAA club. Despite the Director of Public Prosecutions recommending seven to eight years, the judge imposed the four‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence, citing Coffey's mitigation and remorse.
At Balbriggan District Court, Artur Pietrynka (40), of Rush, pleaded guilty to urinating in public, being intoxicated, and using threatening and abusive behaviour on Upper Main Street in Rush on November 22nd. Judge Dermot Dempsey sentenced him to 240 hours of community service work in lieu of a two-month prison term. In a separate matter, Andrew O'Rourke (49) pleaded guilty to stealing €60.70 worth of food from the Noodle Box restaurant in Balbriggan on August 11th last year. Judge Michael Coughlan convicted O'Rourke and fined him €500, allowing six months to pay. Vatalie Raru (33), of Rush, is alleged to have possessed a nun chuck and used threatening and abusive behaviour towards gardai on December 17th. The matter was adjourned, with Raru remanded on continuing bail for a hearing on May 11th at Swords District Court. Additionally, Andrea Bunce (44), of Skerries, is alleged to have stolen stock and cash from Castle News & Toys in May 2013. Her case was adjourned to be heard on May 11th at Swords District Court, where she elected to have the trial at District Court level.
Barry Nolan, 40, was jailed for four months after he broke into Michael Maguire's house at 2.30am, punched him, and repeatedly threatened to kill him. Nolan had earlier visited the house that evening and was denied entry. He punched Maguire in the face, neck and head, kicked him in the ribs and head, and shouted "I am going to kill you." Maguire, who was injured and feared for his life, called 999 and later reported the assault. Nolan pleaded guilty to burglary, making threats to kill or cause serious harm and assault causing harm. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced him to two and a half years, suspending all but four months on strict conditions. Nolan has a history of alcohol misuse and has since sought psychotherapy. He paid €3,500 to help repair Maguire's front door. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
A former deputy head of security at Croke Park has received a fully suspended sentence for the theft of premium season ticket booklets. John Gibson, aged 45, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to stealing seven booklets containing 33 tickets each from the stadium between January and March 2014. The booklets, valued at €9,313, were taken while Gibson worked at the Hogan Stand security desk for Brinks Allied. The court heard the tickets could not be sold individually and therefore held no resale value, with Gibson making no financial gain. He subsequently distributed the booklets among family members and associates. Judge Martin Nolan imposed an 18-month prison sentence suspended in full, noting Gibson's considerable remorse and acceptance that his loss of employment constituted sufficient punishment. The judge described him as a decent man who had made a serious mistake. Gibson, of Rush, County Dublin, had no previous convictions.
Balbriggan District Court heard several matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Noreen McDonagh (21) pleaded guilty to theft and was sentenced to 150 hours of community service in lieu of a one-month prison term. Artur Pietrynka (40) pleaded guilty to urinating in public, intoxication, and threatening behaviour; the case was remanded until April 9th for him to liaise with Probation Services. Niall Skelly (42), charged with failing to comply with gardai, threatening behaviour, obstructing gardai, and theft, was remanded on continuing bail until March 26th, with conditions prohibiting entry to a specific Tesco. Mark Kelly (35), charged with trespass and criminal damage, was refused bail and remanded in custody to Cloverhill to appear on February 25th. Additionally, Vatalie Raru (33), alleged to have swung a nunchuck at gardai, had his case adjourned to March 5th for a hearing date.
Sean McAuley, 20, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of Ketamine, MDMA, and cannabis for sale or supply. Following the completion of voluntary work and a positive Probation Report, Judge Dermot Dempsey struck out the case. In a separate matter, John Butterly, 39, pleaded guilty to assaulting Peter Thompson and producing a baseball bat. Lorraine Butterly, 34, is charged with assaulting three individuals and producing a rolling pin. Peter Thompson, 41, pleaded guilty to assaulting John Butterly. All three were remanded on continuing bail until April 13th for a hearing at Swords District Court. Zacheaus Odinga, 45, pleaded guilty to driving without insurance on Drogheda Street in Balbriggan. Judge Dempsey convicted him, fined him €400, and declined to invoke disqualification under special circumstances. The report also notes that David Cummins, 25, is charged with attempting to steal cash and a can of Coke; his case is scheduled for March 30th. Jade Gannon, 32, pleaded guilty to theft and non-payment of a taxi fare, receiving fines of €100 and €75 respectively. Andrea Bunce, 44, is alleged to have stolen stock and cash; she was remanded on continuing bail until February 12th. John Maxwell, 36, is charged with possession of cannabis; his case was adjourned until March 12th for the service of the Book of Evidence.
Balbriggan District Court heard several cases involving public order offences and criminal damage. Martin Daly, 24, pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour at Curran Park. Judge Michael Coughlan adjourned the matter until March 26th for an updated Probation Report, noting Daly's 28 previous convictions. Chris Iyaba, 24, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to a van at Millfield Shopping Centre. The court adjourned the case until March 5th to allow Iyaba time to pay the full compensation balance. Arturs Palancevics, 19, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to Rush Hardware and being intoxicated. Judge Coughlan applied the Probation Act, citing Palancevics' lack of previous convictions and his payment of compensation. In a separate matter, Catherine Joyce pleaded guilty to assaulting a garda and using threatening behaviour after an incident at Cardy Rock. The charge of being intoxicated was struck out. Judge Coughlan convicted Joyce and fined her €250, describing her conduct as disgusting and inappropriate.
Swords District Court heard several matters involving defendants Emmet Fitzsimons, Antons Marchinkevics, and Gillian O'Donnell. Fitzsimons, 21, pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour in Swords. Judge Dermot Dempsey struck out the case after Fitzsimons paid €250 to the Garda Benevolent Fund, noting the defendant had apologised and completed a security course. In a separate matter, Antons Marchinkevics, 33, pleaded guilty to drink driving and driving without insurance following a crash in Rush. He was disqualified for three years for drink driving and two years for lack of insurance, and fined €400 for each offence. Marchinkevics provided a breath sample of 72mg/100ml. Regarding Gillian O'Donnell, 38, the court issued a bench warrant for her arrest after she failed to appear. She is alleged to have stolen footwear from Tesco Express in Balbriggan and to be in unlawful possession of cannabis. The matter remains at the pre-trial stage with no plea entered or finalisation recorded. Additionally, Caroline Joyce was granted a hearing date of March 23rd for alleged criminal damage and breach of a protection order, though she is not a validated subject in this summary.
Samuel McGuinness, a 24‑year‑old GAA player from Brookfield Park, Rush, pleaded guilty to assaulting Patrick Butterly outside a chip shop on 5 October 2013. Butterly suffered a broken jaw, nine stitches to his eyebrow, three staples to the back of his head, six cracked teeth requiring crowns, and lost 10 kg of weight because he could not eat. He has incurred €42,791 in medical costs, including physiotherapy and bi‑weekly psychologist visits for post‑traumatic stress. McGuinness has complied with the Restorative Justice Programme and has no further Garda contact. He currently has €1,000, which is below Butterly's claim. Judge Dermot Dempsey ordered McGuinness to pay €2,500 in compensation by 26 March; failure to do so will result in a conviction and a €500 fine. The court noted the seriousness of the injuries and the defendant's engagement with the programme.
In a Balbriggan District Court hearing on 22 January 2015, a 27‑year‑old man named Kevin Powney had his case struck out after he completed a community service order. Powney had pleaded guilty to using threatening and abusive behaviour at Rush Train Station on 16 September 2014. The court noted that he had already completed 200 hours of community service for another offence and had 86 hours remaining. Judge Dermot Dempsey had ordered an additional 20 hours of community service in lieu of seven days in prison. Upon completion of the 20‑hour order, the judge struck the case out. The hearing also covered two other cases: Derek Gildea, aged 51, was adjourned for a plea or hearing regarding unlawful possession of a combat knife, and Catherine Joyce, aged 42, was remanded on continuing bail for a case involving assault on Garda Nicholas Duane and intoxication. The court scheduled a further hearing for Joyce next week.
In a case heard at Balbriggan District Court, a 33‑year‑old man named Vatalie Raru of Rush, Co. Dublin, is alleged to have possessed a nunchuck on 17 December and to have used threatening and abusive behaviour towards Gardaí. According to Sergeant Tony Tighe, when Gardaí entered Raru's home, he allegedly emerged with the nunchuck—a wooden piece with a chain used in martial arts—and swung it at the officers. Judge Dermot Dempsey accepted jurisdiction and adjourned the case to 5 February.
Paul McGee, 21, was placed on a 12-month Probation Bond at Balbriggan District Court after pleading guilty to causing criminal damage and breaching a protection order. The charges relate to an incident on July 22nd at Selskar Avenue, Skerries, where Garda Anthony O'Connor alleged McGee kicked in a door and used threatening behaviour. Judge Dermot Dempsey ordered McGee to comply with Probation Services requirements. In a separate matter, Derek Gildea, 51, is charged with the unlawful possession of a combat knife allegedly found at Balbriggan Garda Station on October 24th. His case was adjourned to January 15th for a hearing. Additionally, Thomas Weldon, 32, is alleged to have committed burglary and assault causing harm in Brega on June 14, 2014. His case was adjourned to February 9th at Swords District Court. Finally, Daniel Michalow, 28, is alleged to have breached a protection order in Rush on December 7th by assaulting a woman. Sergeant Tony Tighe requested an adjournment to seek directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions regarding potential further charges. Judge Dempsey adjourned Michalow's case until February 26th.
Artur Pietrynka, 40, of Convent Lane in Rush, pleaded guilty at Balbriggan District Court to urinating on Upper Main Street in Rush on November 22nd. He also admitted to being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour on the same date. Sergeant Tony Tighe testified that Garda Robert Dillon observed Pietrynka urinating in public at 8.45pm, forcing two females to cross the road. Pietrynka allegedly became abusive, shouting at the garda and providing only his first name before walking off. Although Pietrynka has no previous convictions, he received an Adult Caution in 2012 for similar offences. Defence solicitor Donagh McGowan stated that Pietrynka has limited English, claimed he was "caught short," and asserted he was not very drunk. Judge Dermot Dempsey rejected the suggestion that language barriers excused the conduct, remarking that it made the situation worse that the defendant claimed he was not very drunk. The judge described the actions as "animalistic behaviour" in a civilised society. The matter was adjourned until February 12th. The court ordered a Probation Report to assess Pietrynka's suitability for 240 hours of community service in lieu of a two-month prison sentence.
At Balbriggan District Court, Judge Dermot Dempsey struck out cases against Thomas and Alan Larkin after they paid €500 to St Vincent de Paul. Thomas Larkin (36) pleaded guilty to assaulting a youth causing harm, while Alan Larkin (33) pleaded guilty to producing a wheel brace. The court heard the brothers reacted to youths throwing rocks at their car, which contained a baby. Judge Dempsey warned them they cannot take the law into their own hands. Keith Daly (21) pleaded guilty to handling stolen property, specifically a red Carrera mountain bike. He was placed on a 12-month Probation Bond, ordered to comply with Probation Services recommendations, engage in Offence Focus work, and be assessed for training and employment. Julian Donnelly (28) pleaded guilty to possession of €20 of cannabis resin. He was convicted and fined €300. Judge Dempsey noted he had no evidence Donnelly had stopped using drugs since March and warned he was sailing close to a prison sentence. Damien Costello (35) pleaded guilty to stealing €20 of petrol from two service stations. He paid €100 in compensation and was placed on a 12-month Probation Bond. Meanwhile, cases for John Scott (36), charged with dangerous driving and having excessively worn tyres, and Grainne Kealy (56), charged with driving without due caution and attention, were adjourned until January 8th for a plea or to fix a hearing date, as solicitors awaited outstanding statements and photographs.
In a Balbriggan District Court hearing on 27 November 2014, Adam Erity, aged 21, received a nine‑month suspended sentence and a three‑year driving disqualification after pleading guilty to unlawfully taking a Mazda 323 from a house at Chapel Farm, Lusk, on 14–15 October 2012. Erity, who admitted substance abuse at the time, had 23 prior convictions and was arrested and fully admitted the offence. The judge, Dermot Dempsey, imposed the suspended sentence and disqualification. The court also adjourned a separate case involving Charles Hunt, 28, charged with unlawful possession of ketamine, to 11 December 2014. Additionally, Przemyslaw Kutszal, 45, was convicted and fined €250 for assaulting his ex‑girlfriend and €100 for criminal damage, and ordered to pay €400 to Charles Reid for property damage. Noel Drummond, 45, was convicted and fined €200 for holding a mobile phone while driving, with the court noting the fine exceeded the standard fixed penalty.
Balbriggan District Court heard five matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Jennifer Jordan pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and an NCT. She was fined €500 and €100 respectively, with disqualification waived under special circumstances. Liam Daly pleaded guilty to threatening behaviour and intoxication, receiving fines of €300 and €100. Kirian Onyeme pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis; he was convicted, fined €250, and the drugs were ordered destroyed. Jonathan Kendellan pleaded guilty to drink driving. He was convicted, fined €750, and disqualified for six years. Stephen Nyantaki pleaded guilty to intoxication and non-payment of a taxi fare. The matter was adjourned until December 4th for facts to be heard, with continuing bail granted. All defendants were represented by counsel, and recognisances were fixed where applicable.
At Swords District Court, Jason McDonagh (19) pleaded guilty to being in unlawful possession of €20 worth of cannabis herb and was ordered to make a charitable contribution of €250 by December 17th to avoid a conviction. Nermia Ibrahimovic (40) pleaded guilty to the theft of groceries worth €34.91 and was fined €300 with a warning that her liberty is at risk if she reoffends. James English (22) pleaded guilty to the theft of €130.39 worth of cosmetics and was given the benefit of the Probation Act. Mark Cole (34) faced charges of being in unlawful possession of cannabis herb, cannabis resin and cocaine for sale or supply, and the case was adjourned until November 25th. Amy Bergin (20) was found guilty of driving without insurance, without L-plates displayed, without an NCT, and driving on a provisional licence without a qualified driver, and was fined €750 and disqualified from driving for two years. Ryan Montgomery (18) and Dale Monks (19) pleaded guilty to non-payment of a taxi fare of €43 and were ordered to make a charitable contribution of €250 each by November 25th to avoid a conviction. The case of St Margaret, accused of being in unlawful possession of cannabis herb, cannabis resin and cocaine for sale or supply at his home address on April 3rd, and non-payment of a taxi fare of €43, was adjourned.
Balbriggan District Court heard several matters presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey. Damien Costello pleaded guilty to the theft of €20 of petrol from Topaz on the Ballymun Road on May 10th, 2013, and the theft of €20 of petrol from Applegreen Service Station on the M1 at Lusk on July 22nd, 2013. The Judge stated he would consider Costello for 200 hours of community service in lieu of a two-month prison sentence if Probation Services deem him suitable. Costello was remanded on continuing bail to re-appear on December 11th. Jevgenijs Zurila is charged with the theft of two containers of diesel valued at €150 from Bently Bros Ltd in Lusk on August 14th, and trespass at the same business on that date. The case was adjourned until October 30th. Stephen Nyantakyi is charged with being intoxicated at Hamlet Lane in Balbriggan on September 18th. This matter was adjourned until October 23rd. Przemyslaw Kutak is charged with the theft of six bottles of wine valued at €48 from Supervalu in Lusk on September 22nd, and the theft of two bottles of wine valued at €16 from the same store on September 27th. A bench warrant was issued for his arrest. Additionally, seven vehicles, 25 airbags, seven Eco units, and one car radio were forfeited to the State under the Police Property Act following a search in Balbriggan.
Balbriggan District Court heard multiple matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Eoin Maguire, Cornelius Price, and Edward Price, accused of serious assaults and endangering a garda, were remanded on continuing bail with strict conditions to reappear on September 4th after an extension was granted for the Book of Evidence. John Butterly, Lorraine Butterly, and Peter Thompson, charged with assaults involving a baseball bat and rolling pin, were remanded on continuing bail to reappear on September 25th due to the prosecuting garda's injury. Sebestian Knecht was convicted of driving without insurance and possessing a forged insurance disc, receiving a total fine of €850 and a two-year disqualification. Alan Bowe, charged with drink driving, was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on September 26th. Thomas Gaffney, accused of theft and car theft, was remanded on continuing bail until September 11th. Kieran White, who pleaded guilty to stealing wine, was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on July 31st, with the possibility of avoiding a conviction if he pays €75. Mark Donnelly, charged with cannabis possession, was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on September 25th. Stephen Teeling, who pleaded guilty to cannabis possession, was convicted and fined after failing to bring €250 to court, with recognisance fixed for appeal.
Samual McGuinness, a 23-year-old GAA player from Rush, appeared at Balbriggan District Court where his sentencing was adjourned. He pleaded guilty to assaulting Patrick Butterly, causing him harm on October 5th last year, outside a takeaway in Rush. The court heard that the assault resulted in a broken jaw, stitches, and significant medical costs for the victim. Judge Dermot Dempsey noted the severity of the injuries but stated he could not change jurisdiction to the Circuit Court due to the guilty plea. McGuinness's solicitor indicated that the defendant had accepted an apology from the victim and requested a Restorative Justice Programme report. The court was informed of a communication error with Probation Services regarding the report's readiness. Consequently, Judge Dempsey adjourned the case until October 23rd to allow for the Restorative Justice Programme. McGuinness was remanded on continuing bail until that date. The matter remains pending and has not been finalised.
Rafel Dec, 27, of The Green, Main Street in Rush, was arrested for drink driving after his car ended up in a ditch on Whitestown Road. He was found with a breath reading of 84mg/100ml and refused to sign the intoxilyzer certificate at Balbriggan Garda Station on 22 June. Garda Sergeant Tony Tighe testified that Dec fled the vehicle, was arrested at 2.20 am, and later, after being released at 6.20 am, demanded re‑entry to the station to use the toilet. He was refused and urinated outside the station. Dec pleaded guilty to drink driving and a public order offence. Judge Dermot Dempsey fined him €500 for drink driving, €100 for the public order offence, disqualified him from driving for three years, and imposed 100 hours of community service in lieu of a month's prison sentence. The sentence was given in Balbriggan District Court.