At Balbriggan District Court, Tom Maughan pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour. Judge Dermot Dempsey sentenced him to 150 hours of community service work in lieu of a month in prison, following a Probation Service assessment. Stephen Nyantaki, who had previously pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and non-payment of a taxi fare, failed to appear for sentencing, resulting in a bench warrant for his arrest. Niall Skelly, charged with the theft of groceries, was remanded to February 19th and granted bail with a condition to refrain from entering the relevant Tesco supermarket. Thomas Gaffney, alleged to have unauthorisedly taken a car, bicycle, and truckster, and stolen chicken fillet rolls, was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on January 8th for a plea or hearing date. Derek Gildea, charged with unlawful possession of a combat knife, had his case adjourned to December 18th as he was not present in court. Additionally, Brendan Donovan, alleged to be in possession of a stolen Ford Transit van, was granted a hearing date of January 5th at Swords District Court.
Swords District Court heard four matters. Jandean Hyland pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after allegedly headbutting a victim at a nightclub. Judge Dempsey ordered Hyland to pay €1,250 in compensation by February 23rd to avoid a conviction. Keith Hammond pleaded guilty to using violent and threatening behaviour at a Garda station. The case was remanded until January 15th to assess suitability for an Adult Caution. Arthur Creedy pleaded guilty to theft for using a receipt to refund stolen runners. Judge Dempsey sentenced him to one month in prison, stating he would not increase his current sentence. Patrick Clarke was found guilty of driving without a licence and no tax after the judge proceeded in his absence. He was fined €200 for no tax and €100 for driving without a licence. A charge of no insurance was dismissed. All proceedings were handled by Judge Dermot Dempsey.
Two men, Jason Keogh (50) of Laytown, Co Meath, and Niall O'Leary (42) of Castledermot, Co Kildare, each pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply at Bettystown, Co Meath, on 20 July 2011. They were each sentenced to 13 years' imprisonment, with the final three years suspended, by Judge Michael O'Shea at Trim Circuit Criminal Court in 2012. The Court of Appeal dismissed their appeals against the sentence. The case stemmed from a Garda National Drugs Unit surveillance operation in Swords, Co Dublin, where Keogh was seen collecting seven blue barrels of cannabis from an industrial estate and transporting them to a rented house in Bettystown. A search warrant led to the discovery of about 100 kg of vacuum‑packed cannabis, estimated at €1.2 million street value. Keogh and O'Leary were paid €5,000 and €2,500 respectively for their roles.
Swords District Court heard several matters presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey. Ivans Zinkevics, 49, pleaded guilty to trespassing, intoxication, and threatening behaviour. He was sentenced to 240 hours of community service in lieu of a two-month prison term, following a positive probation report. Mairead McRory, 34, admitted to drink driving after a collision. Judge Dempsey convicted her, fined her €750, and disqualified her from driving for three years, a disqualification postponed until March. Tom Costello, 22, pleaded guilty to theft. Despite 47 previous convictions, the judge granted him a final opportunity, convicting him and sentencing him to four months in prison, suspended for two years. Cathy Lawrence, 22, pleaded guilty to using a false driving licence to secure furniture finance. The matter was not concluded with a standard sentence; instead, she was ordered to pay €350 to The Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre. In a separate procedural stage, Calin Scintei, 22, was charged with handling stolen brandy and possessing a foiled bag. His case was adjourned, with a hearing date set for January 26.
Emma Cowley, a 23‑year‑old Montessori worker from Swords, pleaded guilty to assaulting Garda Miriam O'Donovan on 16 August at Swords Garda Station. Cowley was intoxicated, used threatening and abusive language, and struck the Garda on the right side of her face with an elbow, causing a sore jaw. She called the Garda a "dirty lesbian slag" and told her to "go f**k yourself." The incident was reported by a taxi driver who had seen Cowley asleep in the back seat. Cowley appeared late for her hearing at Swords District Court, where Judge Dermot Dempsey postponed the case to Balbriggan District Court. After Cowley paid €500 to the Garda Benevolent Fund, the judge struck the case out, warning her to behave better in the future. The case was dismissed without further proceedings. Emma Cowley had the case struck out.
In a case heard at Swords District Court, 19‑year‑old Alla Ahmad was sentenced to three months in prison for assaulting Sergeant Anthony McNulty at Swords Garda Station. Ahmad, who was intoxicated and had a cut lip from an earlier altercation at Airside Retail Park, spat blood from the cut into McNulty's face and mouth. McNulty was forced to take a course of HIV anti‑viral tablets and was unable to work. Ahmad pleaded guilty to intoxication, threatening and abusive behaviour at the retail park and to assaulting the sergeant. The judge also fined him €200 for public order offences and imposed recognisance pending appeal. Ahmad, a full‑time mechanical engineering student who has applied to join the Irish Defence Forces, offered a face‑to‑face apology to McNulty. The judge warned that such behaviour would not be tolerated.
Swords District Court handed down sentences to four defendants. Adam Errity, 21, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis herb for sale or supply. Judge Dermot Dempsey sentenced him to three months in prison, noting his 21 previous convictions. Robert Nolan, 46, pleaded guilty to a hit and run, failing to report the incident, and failing to remain at the scene. He was convicted and fined €100, avoiding disqualification. Ehigie Omoruyi, 44, pleaded not guilty to breaching a safety order and stabbing his ex-partner in the right arm. The court convicted him and suspended a six-month prison sentence. Martin Power, 58, pleaded not guilty to drink driving. Judge Dempsey convicted him, fined him €400, and disqualified him from driving for two years. All matters were finalised at the sentencing stage.
Deirdre Griffin, aged 25, was found in possession of a bar of cannabis resin worth €1,476 after her ex‑boyfriend could not pay for diesel he had added to his van. She was living in her car at the time of the offence and had a history of six road‑traffic convictions. Griffin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court and was given an 18‑month sentence, which the judge suspended in full on strict conditions. The judge noted her efforts to turn her life around, her stable relationship with a new partner, and her drug‑free status. Her former partner, Christopher O'Toole, received a five‑year suspended sentence for possession of €26,000 of the controlled drug PVP ("snow blow") found in the van, of which Griffin had no knowledge. The court considered the circumstances of her living situation and her past caregiving role for her mother, who died of cancer in 2004.
At Balbriggan District Court, Judge Dermot Dempsey handled several matters. Martin Daly pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour. He was remanded on continuing bail until January 22nd for a Probation Report and urine analysis, with the Judge warning that failure to provide satisfactory results would result in custody. Derek Gildea, charged with unlawful possession of a combat knife, was remanded on continuing bail until December 4th to enter a plea or fix a hearing date. Shane Howard pleaded guilty to stealing a Nokia Lumia phone. He was remanded on continuing bail until February 5th to pay €300 compensation and undergo a Probation report to assess suitability for 200 hours of community service in lieu of a three-month prison sentence. Deborah Byrne pleaded guilty to stealing €53 worth of items; she was convicted and fined €100. Finally, James Marry and Jonathan Marry, both charged with threatening and abusive behaviour and intoxication, had their cases adjourned until January 8th as further charges may be brought.
A man from Killeshandra in County Cavan has had his sentence reduced by three years following a successful appeal at the Court of Appeal. Malachy Boyle, aged 45, was originally sentenced to ten years imprisonment with three years suspended in July 2010 for transporting cannabis valued at over €400,000 from England to Ireland in his lorry. He had pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possessing 47 kilograms of cannabis resin and 10.7 kilograms of cannabis herb discovered at Airside Retail Park in Swords, County Dublin in October 2009. The Court of Appeal found the original sentence excessive and disproportionate. The presiding judge noted that Boyle had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, displayed significant remorse, and was a man of good character who had been on temporary release since December 2013, working in the community. The court imposed a new sentence of seven years with two years suspended, dating from July 2010.
Jason Beasley, aged 38, a former G4S employee, avoided jail after pleading guilty to theft and possession of an unlicensed firearm. He admitted to discovering a disassembled 12‑gauge SKB sawn‑off shotgun in his garden shed in 2002, later bringing it into his Swords home after a series of burglaries. Gardai searched his house in January 2012 following a CCTV‑recorded theft of €54 from a parking meter; they found the gun in a spare room. Beasley had been employed by G4S collecting meter money but was not on duty during the theft. He lost his job and had no prior convictions. Judge Patrick McCartan, noting the weapon's notoriety and Beasley's role in a security firm handling cash, imposed a three‑year sentence suspended in full. The court accepted his cooperation and admissions, and the judge expressed that the authorities had no concerns about future offending.
Christopher O'Toole, 39, was arrested after Gardaí discovered over €26,000 worth of drugs in his van following an accidental over‑fill of diesel at a petrol station. Garda Stephen Hughes reported finding a trail of white substance leading to a radio, where a large bag of white powder and a cannabis resin bar were located. The powder was identified as the controlled drug PVP. Additional PVP was found in the engine bay and a black laptop bag, with a total street value of €26,000, and cannabis valued at €1,476. O'Toole pleaded guilty to possession of over €13,000 worth of a controlled substance for sale or supply. He has 31 prior convictions, including drug dealing and possession. Judge Mary Ellen Ring imposed a five‑year suspended sentence, conditional on O'Toole keeping the peace, maintaining good behaviour for four years, and remaining under Probation Supervision for 12 months. The case was heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
John Joyce, aged 28, was sentenced to five months in prison and disqualified from driving for 15 years after pleading guilty to driving without insurance and without a licence on Templeview Avenue, Clarehall, Dublin 13, on 11 November last year. This was his 13th offence of driving without insurance. Garda Michael McCallion testified that Joyce had been observed driving a Ford Focus, jumped out of the car, and ran into a house, explaining that he had no insurance. Joyce has 80 previous convictions, including 12 for driving without insurance. Defence solicitor Fiona D'Arcy noted that Joyce had been assaulted in June while attempting to rescue a taxi driver from a hijack, sustaining serious leg injuries. She appealed to Judge Dermot Dempsey not to imprison him, citing his role as best‑man at his brother's forthcoming wedding and his leg injury.
Swords District Court heard five matters presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey. Keith McNamara, 22, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of €1,100 worth of cannabis herb and a further possession charge. The judge described the alleged sales as a 'commercial enterprise' and remanded McNamara on continuing bail until December 8th for a restorative justice report. Donal O'Hara, 22, pleaded guilty to threatening and abusive behaviour towards gardaí; he was convicted and fined €300. Peter Lumsden, 53, pleaded guilty to trespassing in a manner likely to cause fear at his ex-girlfriend's home. He was convicted and sentenced to five months in prison, suspended for three years, with a condition prohibiting any direct or indirect contact with the victim. Mark O'Toole, 26, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis for sale or supply. The case was adjourned until December 8th to hear the facts, and O'Toole was remanded on continuing bail. Michael Casey, 44, was found guilty of driving under the influence of cannabis and Xanax. He was convicted, fined €750, and disqualified from driving for four years, with the disqualification postponed until February 28th.
Swords District Court heard several matters. Dwaine O'Connell, 26, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of €3,000 worth of cannabis resin for sale or supply and €350 of cannabis herb. Judge John Coughlan sentenced him to eight months in prison, but O'Connell appealed the sentence after recognisance was fixed. Jandean Hyland, 26, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, but the case was adjourned until December 1st because the victim was not in court and jurisdiction issues needed resolution. David Bennett, 32, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm; his case was adjourned until November 11th for Judge Dermot Dempsey to determine compensation to avoid a prison sentence. Andrew Cooley, 21, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen and was disqualified from driving for four years and fined €75; a separate charge of making off without payment of a taxi fare was struck out. Kevin Harris, 24, is alleged to have driven under the influence of an intoxicant; his case was adjourned until December 22nd for hearing.
Ciaran Gilford, aged 27, was sentenced to four years' imprisonment for assault causing serious harm after striking Stephen Doyle, 42, with a glass at the Wright Venue in Swords on 1 December 2012. Doyle suffered post‑traumatic stress disorder, permanent scarring and numbness in his left jaw. The court noted that Gilford's attack was unprovoked and followed an alleged argument over pints. Judge Mary Ellen Ring suspended the final 18 months of the sentence because of Gilford's guilty plea and cooperation with gardaí. Gilford was ordered to continue medication for ADHD and depression while in custody, and he paid €3,000 to Doyle as compensation. He also agreed to keep the peace and maintain good behaviour for the duration of his sentence. The court recorded that Doyle received stitches, was on a liquid diet and is awaiting further surgery for scar revision. Gilford's prior minor convictions for intoxication were also noted.
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.
In a case heard at Swords District Court, 36‑year‑old Jacek Nawara was sentenced to six months' imprisonment for a savage assault on his housemate on Christmas Day 2012. Nawara punched the victim in the face, then sat on her and banged her head off the ground, leaving her with a suspected brain injury. The victim incurred medical bills of €450 and lost earnings of €2,800. Nawara had offered €3,000 to reimburse loss of earnings but the court deemed it a reimbursement, not compensation. He was required to pay an additional €5,000 for pain and trauma, which he could not afford. Judge Dermot Dempsey expressed surprise that the Director of Public Prosecution had consented to summary disposal, noting the seriousness of the assault. The sentence was handed down with recognisance pending appeal. Jacek Nawara pleaded guilty.
Swords District Court heard several matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Brian Clarke, 28, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to Swords Educate Together School. He was convicted and sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years. The court ordered him to reside at his sister's address, notify gardai of any change, and pay €200 compensation by February. Dean Whelan, 27, pleaded guilty to theft from a shop. The case was adjourned until December 15th for a Probation report and urine analysis; the judge warned of custody if the report is unsatisfactory. Tracey Brookes and Karen Dooley, accused of theft from three stores, elected trial by jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. They were remanded on continuing bail to re-appear on December 2nd for service of the Book of Evidence. Adam Meehan, 21, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cocaine and methoxyphenamine tablets. The case was struck out after he complied with an order to pay €400 to charity and complete 240 hours of voluntary work, avoiding a conviction. David Lawrence, 19, charged with intoxication and threatening behaviour, had his case adjourned until November 17th pending receipt of CCTV footage.
In a Swords District Court hearing on 14 October 2014, Mark and Kathleen Mohun of Estuary Road, Malahide were ordered to demolish a 14.9‑square‑metre extension they had built without planning permission. The couple had previously failed to comply with an enforcement notice issued in April 2013 that required removal of the unauthorised structure within one month. They had applied for a retention permit in June 2013, which Fingal County Council refused, and they did not appeal to An Bord Pleanala. Planning Inspector Conor Cooney confirmed the extension was not exempt from permission as it exceeded 12 square metres. Judge Dermot Dempsey fined the Mohuns €500, ordered them to pay €2,000 in costs to the council, and required the removal of the extension. The couple appealed the decision, but the judge warned that continued non‑compliance would lead to further consequences. The court noted Mr Mohun's unemployment and his son's Leaving Certificate studies.
Swords District Court heard several matters presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey. Sean Brennan, 32, pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour outside Wright's Cafe Bar on June 7th. He was ordered to complete 240 hours of community service work in lieu of a two-month prison sentence. Thomas Nicholson, 23, was charged with the theft of an €18,000 mini digger from Balbriggan on March 6th. The matter was sent forward for trial at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, and Nicholson was remanded on continuing bail. Gary Daly, 25, pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of PVP, valued at €1,300, found at his home on November 16th last year. The court adjourned the case until December 15th to allow for a Probation and Welfare report to assess his suitability for a 240-hour community service order in lieu of a four-month prison sentence. James Egan, 29, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a blood, urine, or breath sample at Ballymun Garda Station on December 12th last year. He was convicted, fined €600, and disqualified from driving for four years, with the disqualification postponed for five months until March 30th. Aldona Pastuhova, 42, was charged with having a dog off its lead in a public place. The case was adjourned until November 17th due to the unavailability of the prosecuting garda.
Balbriggan District Court heard multiple matters. Keith Daly pleaded guilty to handling stolen property but was remanded on continuing bail pending a probation report, with the case adjourned to December 11. Lorna Daly, John Scott, and Grainne Kealy were remanded on continuing bail; Daly faces alleged charges of making off without paying and using a false plate, while Scott and Kealy face alleged dangerous driving and careless driving charges, with their cases adjourned to December 11. Denise Creagh pleaded guilty to theft and was convicted, fined €100, and warned of potential custody for future offences. James Whelan pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis and failing to display L-plates; the unaccompanied driving charge was struck out, and he was fined €175. Roberts Trascenko pleaded guilty to drink driving, was convicted, fined €400, and disqualified for two years. Chris Lyaba pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage, and his case was adjourned to January 22 to allow time for compensation. Genadijs Ogurcovs was charged with theft from two shops, and his case was adjourned to October 23 for a plea or hearing date.
In a Swords District Court hearing on 6 October 2014, Austin O'Reilly, aged 48, pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour at Jugback Green on 14 June. He was found to have called a neighbour a 'f**king rat', shouted at the Gardaí 'f**k off, you useless p**cks', and head‑butted the Garda car's cage after his arrest. O'Reilly, who has 20 prior convictions, was also fined €200 for intoxication. Judge Dermot Dempsey, noting O'Reilly's lack of a proper apology to Garda Keith Delaney, imposed a two‑month custodial sentence, suspended for one year, for the threatening and abusive conduct. The judge declined to order community service, instead suspending the custodial term while retaining the fine for intoxication.".
David Lee, 32, pleaded guilty to breaching a protection order and threatening to smash a house in Swords on 19 August 2013. He was convicted and fined €100 by Judge Dermot Dempsey. Lee, who has 25 previous convictions, apologized and has not been near the house since. His defence solicitor, Fiona D'Arcy, said he hopes to get a job as a bicycle courier. Paul McGee, 21, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage and breaching a protection order at his parents' home on 22 July. He was adjourned until 18 December for a probation report; he has five previous convictions and is attending counselling. Geoffrey Melia, 24, pleaded guilty to stealing a bottle of vodka from a Balbriggan supermarket in March. He was fined €200; he has four previous convictions and has stopped drinking. Lisa Jenkins, 41, pleaded guilty to three thefts from a Swords department store, totalling over €800.
Balbriggan District Court heard several matters presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey. Kieran White pleaded guilty to stealing a bottle of wine from Supervalu. After making a €75 donation to the Molly McNally Trust Fund, the court applied Section 1.1 of the Probation Act. Piotr Boryslawski pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis found under his car seat. Following a €300 charitable donation, the charge was struck out. Valerie Dalton, alleged to have been drink driving, was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on September 11th. Paul McGee, charged with criminal damage and breach of a protection order, was remanded on continuing bail for a hearing on October 6th. Eddie McDonagh and Patrick McDonagh, both alleged to have stolen a steel tube from a boat, were remanded on continuing bail to reappear on September 4th. McDonagh also faces allegations of careless driving and not paying a taxi fare, while Patrick McDonagh is alleged to have not paid a taxi fare. All these cases remain at the pre-trial stage with no final sentences passed.
Swords District Court heard several matters. Alex Mooney and Rory Kirwan pleaded guilty to intoxication and threatening behaviour at the Malahide Festival. Judge Dermot Dempsey agreed to strike out charges against both defendants after they each made a €300 charitable donation. Patrick Mongen was convicted of driving without a licence and fined €75. Aslam Khan, alleged to have assaulted a woman, breached a barring order, and committed careless driving and criminal damage, was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on September 2nd. Adam Meehan pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cocaine and methoxyphenamine tablets. The matter was adjourned to October 20th, with the judge indicating a specific course of action if Meehan proves completion of voluntary work and makes a €400 donation. Kadesh Tracey, charged with unlawful possession of benzodiazepine, obstructing and assaulting a Garda, criminal damage, and failing to stop for gardai, failed to appear, resulting in a bench warrant for his arrest.
In a Swords District Court hearing, Jacek Nawara, 36, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to his housemate on Christmas Day 2012. The victim, still suffering dizziness and requiring ongoing GP care, has incurred €450 in medical bills and lost €2,800 in earnings after being unable to work for two months. Nawara was ordered to produce compensation and an up‑to‑date medical report, with the case adjourned to 20 October for further facts to be heard.
In Balbriggan District Court, several cases were heard. Garreth Lokko, 23, pleaded guilty to breaching a safety order by shouting and kicking into his ex‑girlfriend's house, was fined €100 and paid €20 compensation for door damage. Hayden Holloman, 19, admitted unlawful possession of €300 worth of cannabis, was fined €300 after failing to complete voluntary work. Michael O'Brien, 19, was charged with possession of an orange emergency shatter hammer and €150 worth of criminal damage; a bench warrant was issued after he missed court. Janet Murphy, 33, was charged with intoxication and failed to appear, leading to a bench warrant. Paul Dargle, 18, faced drink‑driving and dangerous driving charges, with a hearing set for September 26. Lorna Daly, 32, was charged with petrol theft and use of a false plate; a bench warrant followed her absence. Peter Rogers, 61, was convicted of intoxication in a public place and fined €75.
Peter Mulligan, a 49‑year‑old businessman from Glasgow living in Dublin, pleaded guilty in Swords District Court to assaulting a 40‑year‑old woman in the car park of Skerries Train Station on 19 November 2012. He claimed the headbutt was not intentional, arguing that the woman had swore at him and that her car had made contact with his. Mulligan paid the victim €750 and donated €500 to Fingal Bereaved by Suicide. The victim suffered bruising above her left eye. Mulligan, who has no prior convictions, is a consultant in sales and marketing and runs a business that collapsed in 2011. Judge Dermot Dempsey struck the case out after the compensation was paid. The incident occurred in front of Mulligan's nine‑year‑old daughter. The court noted the argument involved finger‑wagging and a face‑to‑face confrontation. The case was dismissed following the financial settlement.
Swords District Court heard several cases presided over by Judge Dempsey. Mark Jackson was found guilty of attempting to drive under the influence of alcohol after crashing a car in Rathbeale Road; he was fined €750 and disqualified for three years, with the disqualification postponed until January 8th. Jason Harford pleaded guilty to possessing a window-breaking implement and cannabis; he received a three-month suspended sentence for the implement and a €150 fine for the drugs. Sean Brennan pleaded guilty to intoxication and abusive behaviour; the court remanded him on bail until October 13th for a probation report, with 240 hours of community service proposed in lieu of a two-month prison sentence. Edward Doherty pleaded guilty to intoxication and abusive behaviour; he was convicted and fined €200, with a warning regarding future custodial sentences. Philip Garland pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis and was convicted and fined €200. Mark Sheridan, alleged to have threatened to kill another man and possessed an imitation firearm, was remanded on continuing bail until September 8th for service of the Book of Evidence. Ivans Zinkevics, alleged to have committed trespass and intoxication offences, was remanded on continuing bail until September 15th for a hearing.
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.
Swords District Court handed down sentences to several defendants. John Budgie McDonagh pleaded guilty to stealing a leather jacket and tools worth €87 from TK Maxx on February 11th. Judge Dermot Dempsey convicted him and imposed a six-month prison term, noting he was beyond probation. Co-accused Owen McDonagh pleaded guilty to stealing shoes valued at €54.99 from the same store on the same date. He received a five-month sentence suspended for two years. Stephen O'Doherty pleaded guilty to taking a car without permission and burglary on August 5th, 2013. Judge Dempsey sentenced him to eight months in prison to run concurrently with a term he is already serving. Lisa Jenkins pleaded guilty to three thefts from TK Maxx totaling €842. She was remanded on continuing bail until October 6th for a Probation & Welfare report. Caroline McAleer pleaded guilty to driving without insurance on October 19th last year and was remanded on continuing bail to re-appear on September 1st for facts to be heard. Neil Curran is alleged to have assaulted Peter Lynch causing harm; the DPP directed trial on indictment, and he was remanded on continuing bail. Co-accused Jennifer Quinn, charged with assaulting Mr Lynch and using threatening behaviour, was remanded on continuing bail to re-appear on September 1st for a plea or to fix a hearing date.
Swords District Court heard several matters involving defendants who pleaded guilty or faced allegations. Jason Kirwin, 27, pleaded guilty to driving without insurance, while disqualified, and without a licence. Judge Conal Gibbons noted his 79 prior convictions and ordered a Probation Report, adjourning the case to September 15th. Stephen O'Doherty and David Fagan pleaded guilty to the unauthorised taking of a car; Fagan also admitted burglary. Both were remanded on continuing bail to reappear on July 15th for sentencing. Rebotilwe Mohlala pleaded guilty to theft and received the benefit of the Probation Act after making a charitable donation. Graham Doyle pleaded guilty to theft; his case was struck out after compensation was paid. Philip Garland, alleged to be in unlawful possession of cannabis, had his case adjourned to July 21st for a plea or hearing date, with the judge remanding him on continuing bail.
Swords District Court heard several matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Jerry Flynn pleaded guilty to theft of petrol and dangerous driving. He received a three-month suspended sentence, a €200 fine, and a two-year driving disqualification. He was remanded on a one-year peace bond, conditional on paying €58.94 to Great Gas and €140 compensation to the attendant. Damien Krywult pleaded guilty to two counts of dangerous driving. He was convicted and fined €300 for each offence, with a total two-year driving disqualification. Jeffrey Carter pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and without a licence. He was sentenced to five months in prison, fined €200, and disqualified from driving for two years. Gary Fitzgerald was convicted in his absence of driving without insurance and without an NCT. He was fined €500 for the insurance offence and €250 for the NCT offence, and disqualified from driving for two years. Gabriel Akinsanya pleaded guilty to theft. The judge indicated he would consider 240 hours of community service in lieu of a four-month prison sentence only if Akinsanya completes 40 outstanding hours from 2003. He was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on September 15. Kim Howard, charged with theft, was remanded on continuing bail until October 6 for a mention.
Raymond O'Hara, 47, a grandfather with 215 convictions, pleaded guilty to burglary at Portmarnock Hotel in December 2012. He entered through a fire door at 7 am, went behind the bar and removed €280 worth of alcohol, an act captured on CCTV. O'Hara, a chronic heroin addict, is currently serving a prison sentence. Judge Dermot Dempsey sentenced him to six months in prison, concurrent with his existing term. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the burglary and O'Hara's extensive criminal history.
Balbriggan District Court heard several matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Catherine Smith pleaded guilty to theft of €213 worth of gardening items from a Tesco supermarket. The judge indicated he would apply the Probation Act if she makes a charitable contribution. Marek Laska pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis for sale or supply and possession of digital weighing scales. The judge applied the Probation Act, ordering him to attend HOPE and assist other drug users, avoiding a conviction. Linda Murphy pleaded guilty to stealing four blank cheques from her employers. The case was adjourned until September 11th to allow her to provide the remaining €160 in compensation, with a warning of a custodial sentence if unpaid. John Paul Fitzgerald pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis resin. He was convicted, fined €400, and ordered to destroy the drugs, with the judge warning he is close to a prison sentence. James Walsh, alleged to have cultivated cannabis plants, was remanded on continuing bail to re-appear on July 3rd for a plea or trial. Ann McGann was convicted of attempting to drive while intoxicated. She was disqualified from driving for three years and fined €300.
Raymond Hoey, 45, was disqualified from driving for two years after driving under the influence on 6 November 2013. He had been drinking wine with his wife at dinner when an argument broke out, prompting him to drive away. His wife called the Gardaí, who stopped him at 7:35 pm at Glasmore Park, Swords. Hoey was arrested, gave a blood sample showing 139 mg/100 ml, and was later convicted and fined €400. Judge Dermot Dempsey postponed the disqualification until 1 December and allowed a postponement of the penalty. The case was heard in Swords District Court.
Swords District Court heard multiple matters. Charges against Shane Langan and Kieran Kennedy for mutual assault were withdrawn following an agreement on the division of blame. Sean Cullen, alleged to have breached a protection order, was remanded on continuing bail with strict conditions, including residing at his father's house and remaining sober. Thomas Nicholson, charged with stealing an €18,000 mini digger, was remanded on bail for DPP directions. Luke Nestor pleaded guilty to theft; the judge ordered 200 hours of voluntary work before considering conviction. Jason Mitchell pleaded guilty to cannabis possession and was convicted and fined €200. Mateusz Sniezek pleaded guilty to drink driving and was disqualified for three years, with the ban postponed until December 1st. Oksana Smirnova pleaded guilty to failing to provide a sample; she was convicted, fined €650, and disqualified for four years. Brendan Hill pleaded guilty to public order offences and was fined €300 in total.
Albin Morkowski, a 20‑year‑old footballer from Meath, was found guilty of possession of ecstasy tablets at Swords District Court. He had thrown a bag of the drugs, claiming they were Viagra, and said a Polish man on a bus had given them to him. Garda David Smith recorded the incident, noting Morkowski admitted the drugs were his and that he intended to give them to friends. Morkowski had previously been found guilty of possession; an allegation of supply was struck out. He had paid €500 as a charitable donation and submitted a letter stating he had completed 100 hours of voluntary work. Judge Dermot Dempsey was not satisfied with the letter and ordered that the GAA club member who wrote it appear in court on 16 June to verify the voluntary hours before the case could proceed. The case was adjourned to that date.
Swords District Court heard several matters involving defendants Rebotilwe Mohlala, Keith McNamara, and Mariam Aroh. Mohlala, 39, pleaded guilty to the theft of €22.98 worth of goods from Tesco Extra in Millfield on June 21st, 2013. Judge Dermot Dempsey indicated he would consider applying the Probation Act if a €200 charitable donation was paid. The matter was adjourned until July 7th to allow the defendant time to arrange the funds. McNamara, 22, pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of €1,100 worth of cannabis herb and the drug itself, found at his home on May 18th, 2013. He claimed he was selling to friends to afford his own use. Judge Dempsey described this as a commercial enterprise. McNamara was remanded on continuing bail for an updated restorative justice report on September 8th. Aroh, 38, was charged with non-display of L-plates, having no driving licence, and giving a false date of birth. She pleaded guilty to the first two charges but contested the false details. Judge Dempsey found her guilty of giving a false date of birth. She was fined €100 for the L-plates offence and €100 for the false date of birth, with other charges taken into consideration.
Balbriggan District Court heard several cases during its recent sittings. Richard Devine (21) had his case struck out after he admitted to assaulting Shane Christy and causing criminal damage to his car in Rush, Co Dublin on May 3rd, 2013. Devine, who was drunk at the time, paid €800 in compensation and completed 200 hours of voluntary work. Judge Dermot Dempsey accepted these actions and struck the case out. Pat Dwyer (60) pleaded guilty to driving while under the influence of alcohol at Miller's Lane in Skerries on December 22nd, 2013. He was fined €400 and disqualified from driving for three years. Eoin Maguire (29), Cornelius Price (32), and Edward Price (24) were remanded on continuing bail to re-appear before the court on July 17th when they are expected to be served with the Books of Evidence. They are charged with assault causing harm to Clifford Whitehouse and James Whitehouse, and production of a Stanley knife on December 20th, 2013. Cornelius Price and Edward Price are also charged with reckless endangerment of a garda at Balbriggan Garda Station on December 22nd, 2013. Thomas O'Donnell (24), Michael O'Brien (18), and Brian Stokes (21) were remanded on continuing bail for charges of unauthorized carriage in a car. Salius Peciulaitis (30) pleaded guilty to driving without insurance, driving while disqualified, and drink driving at Dublin Street in Balbriggan, as well as violent behaviour at Balbriggan Garda Station on February 22nd. He was given a four-month suspended sentence, disqualified from driving for six years, and fined €750. Neil Phipps (28) was remanded on continuing bail for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions regarding an alleged assault causing harm to Brian Cranny.
In Swords District Court, Judge Dermot Dempsey applied the Probation Act to 34‑year‑old Natasha Reilly, who breached a Protection Order by being drunk and threatening to "smash the face" off her victim. Reilly had been remanded in custody since 19 May and had detoxed, completed an anger‑management course and remained in custody to address her chronic alcoholism. She is now focused on staying sober and rebuilding her relationship with her children. The court also heard other cases: a 32‑year‑old woman, Jennifer Reilly, was remanded on continuing bail for alleged theft of two pairs of shoes; a 22‑year‑old man, Jamie Bowbrick, was given further time to pay a €350 charitable donation after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis and obstruction; a 38‑year‑old woman, Gillian O'Donnell, was remanded on continuing bail for alleged theft of a pair of boots; a 28‑year‑old man, Mark Jackson, was remanded on continuing bail for.
Balbriggan District Court heard several matters presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey. The case against Debbie Whelan, 26, of Chieftain's Road, was withdrawn after the alleged injured party refused to co-operate with gardai. Whelan had been charged with the production of an article, namely a wheel brace, during an incident on July 8th, 2013. In a separate matter, Gillian O'Donnell, 38, was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis. Her case was adjourned until September 29th to Swords District Court. Adam Wal, 29, of Chapel Place, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and driving without insurance on August 24th last year. Judge Dempsey sentenced Wal to four months in prison, suspended for one year. He was also disqualified from driving for three years for the disqualified driving offence and a further four years for driving without insurance, in addition to a €750 fine. Joseph Cruise, 20, of Hazelstown in Rush, pleaded guilty to breaching a protection order on March 15th. The court heard he had been shouting for hours before arrest. Judge Dempsey convicted Cruise and fined him €100, fixing recognisance in the event of an appeal.
Thomas McDonagh, aged 21, was sentenced to four months in prison by the Swords District Court for carrying out a bogus charity collection. He deceived three local businesses – Excel on Main Street, Advance Pitstop and a shoe repair shop – into giving him €30, claiming it was for the charity Fighting Words. McDonagh pleaded guilty to three counts of dishonestly inducing the shopkeepers to give money with the intention of making a gain for himself on 1 March. Garda Alan McGrath noted that McDonagh had told the police he had permission for the collection. The money was returned to the Gardaí. McDonagh has 16 previous convictions and has completed an honours Leaving Certificate; his solicitor said he is planning to take a Level 6 Business course. Judge Dermot Dempsey, who had previously given McDonagh a probation order, was not impressed and did not consider community service suitable. He fixed recognisance in the event of an appeal. ENDS.
Swords District Court heard several matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Julie Delaney pleaded guilty to possessing a security de-tagger for use in a theft at Lifestyle Sports. She was convicted, fined €150, and the device was ordered destroyed. Drew Lynch pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of heroin at Jacko Park. Judge Dempsey warned him he was 'sailing close' to a prison sentence before convicting him and imposing a €300 fine. Natasha Reilly, alleged to have breached a protection order by threatening a victim, was remanded in custody with consent to bail. Strict conditions were imposed, including surrendering her passport, staying away from the Broadmeadow address, and providing a satisfactory address. She is to reappear on May 26th. Michael McDonagh, charged with dangerous driving and driving without insurance, was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on July 14th. Additionally, Simon Morrissey's case for being drunk and abusive to gardai was struck out after he donated €200 to St Vincent de Paul.
In a Skerries car‑park incident on 19 November 2012, 49‑year‑old Peter Mulligan, a Glasgow‑born consultant, headbutted a 40‑year‑old woman after a dispute over a parking space. Mulligan claimed the headbutt was unintentional and that the woman had swore at him and called him a "f**king asshole" after her car had allegedly contacted his. He pleaded guilty to assault before Swords District Court. The victim suffered bruising above her left eye. Mulligan, who had no prior convictions, had set up a business in Ireland in 2005 that collapsed in 2011. Judge Dermot Dempsey ordered him to pay €750 in compensation to the victim and an additional €500 as a charitable donation. Mulligan was remanded on continuing bail to appear again on 21 July. The case remains at the pleading stage.
Frances O'Brien, a 54-year-old mother of five from Balbriggan, was granted the benefit of the Probation Act at Balbriggan District Court after pleading guilty to using a false instrument. The charge alleged that she used a false charity card to collect for the Irish Cancer Society's fundraising campaign for Today FM's Shave or Dye initiative at Gainsborough Avenue in Malahide on November 2nd, 2013. A bench warrant was executed against O'Brien following her failure to appear at Swords District Court. During the hearing, it was stated that O'Brien and her granddaughter were claiming to collect on behalf of her daughter, who had a broken leg. Gardai seized €95.42 from O'Brien upon her arrest. Defence solicitor Donagh McGowan described the act as a "terribly stupid thing to do" and noted that O'Brien has no previous convictions. Judge Patrick Clyne ordered that the seized funds be made payable to the Irish Cancer Society. Ray D'Arcy, also listed as a defendant in connection with the same alleged false instrument charge, had no plea, finding, or sentence recorded in the validated facts provided for this specific court outcome.
In Swords District Court, four brothers, John Lawrence (23), William Lawrence (22), Stephen Lawrence (21), and Christopher Lawrence (20), pleaded guilty to failing to comply with garda direction and being intoxicated in a public place on April 20th at Hogs & Heifers Bar and Grill in Swords. They were ordered to make a €800 charitable donation to avoid a conviction. The court heard that the men were celebrating the birth of Christopher's baby and were intoxicated. Judge Patrick Clyne informed the court that the men are currently unemployed and that if they make the donation, the case will be struck out. Anbridas Stabinis (42) pleaded guilty to the theft of two bottles of vodka from Dunnes Stores in The Pavilions Shopping Centre in Swords on March 20th. He was given a 14-day suspended sentence and bound to the peace for two years. Darrell Ferguson (21) and Shane Murphy (22) were remanded on continuing bail to re-appear before the court on May 27th after being charged with assaulting another man causing him harm. Patrick Kerley (21) had his case struck out after making a €250 charitable donation to Fingal Bereaved by Suicide.
Balbriggan District Court heard several matters, including the sentencing of Karl Robinson. Robinson pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and while disqualified at Station Road in Lusk on June 29, 2013. Judge Dermot Dempsey ordered him to complete 240 hours of community service in lieu of a three-month prison sentence, following a Probation Services consultation. He was also disqualified from driving for four years. In separate proceedings, Patricia Ferris, alleged to have refused or failed a breath sample at Balbriggan Garda Station on April 21, was remanded on continuing bail for a hearing at Swords District Court on June 9. Emma Nevin, charged with selling counterfeit cigarettes at Balbriggan Sunday Market on April 27, was also remanded on continuing bail for a plea hearing on June 9. Debbie Whelan, alleged to have produced a wheel brace during an argument on Chieftain's Road on July 8, 2013, was remanded on continuing bail for a hearing on May 16. Finally, Bridget O'Leary pleaded guilty to the theft of €54.81 worth of groceries from Tesco in Balbriggan on October 8, 2013. She was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on June 12 for the facts of the case to be heard.
In Swords District Court, Henry Afeni (49) admitted to making a gain or causing loss by deception at TK Max in The Pavilions Shopping Centre in Swords on December 8th, 2013. He was sentenced to 100 hours of community service in lieu of a five-month prison sentence. Raymond O'Hara (47) pleaded guilty to burglary at Portmarnock Hotel on December 11th, 2012, and his case was adjourned to June 23rd for the facts to be heard and sentencing. Declan Fitzsimons (34) admitted to using threatening and abusive behaviour at Cedar Grove in Ridgewood, Swords on January 1st. Judge Dermot Dempsey imposed a conviction and fined him €500, noting that Fitzsimons had the opportunity since February to make a charitable donation. Debra Maguire (44) was found guilty of handling stolen goods worth €363.55 at The Pavilions Shopping Centre in Swords on November 17th, 2013, and was sentenced to 100 hours of community service in lieu of a five-month prison sentence. All cases were at the sentence stage.