Keith Blackburn, 52, of Lusk, was found guilty of failing to comply with a Garda direction, using violent behaviour at Lusk Garda Station and threatening and abusive behaviour on 6 December 2013. He claimed to be an officer of the court and believed he had the power to arrest a Garda sergeant. Sergeant John Cannon testified that Blackburn called to enquire about a bench warrant he thought was 'live', but there was none. Blackburn repeatedly dialled 999, threatened Sergeant Cannon, set off a fire alarm and refused to leave the station. He was arrested and placed in custody. The judge described his claims as 'fictitious court orders' and ordered him to stay away from all Garda stations. Blackburn received a four‑month suspended sentence and a one‑year probation order, with a warning that any breach would lead to imprisonment.
At Balbriggan District Court, Judge Dermot Dempsey handed down a sentence to David Lawrence, who pleaded guilty to driving without insurance, no tax, and no NCT. Lawrence was sentenced to four months, which was suspended, and remanded on a peace bond for one year. He was also disqualified from driving for two years and fined €100 for driving without a licence. In a separate matter, Sean Lynch, charged with assault causing harm, had his case adjourned until September 1st for hearing at Swords District Court. Three men—Eoin Maguire, Cornelius Price, and Edward Price—were further remanded on continuing bail as DPP directions were not ready. They face charges including assault causing harm, production of an article, and reckless endangerment of a garda. James Ward, facing seven charges for inducing lodgements and payments related to non-existent tickets and phones, had a bench warrant issued for his arrest after failing to appear. Wojtek Jedrej, charged with possession of a knife and driving under the influence, was remanded for a May 16th hearing. Stephen Teeling, charged with possession of cannabis, was also remanded for a May 16th hearing.
Albin Morkowski, a 20‑year‑old Meath footballer, was found guilty of possession of ecstasy tablets at Swords District Court. He claimed the tablets were given to him by a man on a bus and that he thought they were Viagra. Morkowski admitted the explanation was ridiculous but showed the bag to friends who did not recognise the pills. Garda David Smith observed Morkowski discard a plastic bag containing ten ecstasy tablets worth €100 behind a concrete pillar on Thornleigh Avenue at midnight on 23 June 2013. Morkowski signed the garda's notebook admitting the drugs belonged to him and that he intended to give them to friends. The alleged supply charge was struck out. Judge Dermot Dempsey ordered Morkowski to pay €500 to court and complete 100 hours of voluntary work before reconsidering the case in June. The case was adjourned to 9 June.
Damien Murtagh, a 28-year-old from Clonee, Dublin, was sentenced at Swords District Court after pleading guilty to charges arising from an incident on September 22, 2013. He admitted to using threatening and abusive behaviour and being intoxicated at The Old Boro pub in Swords. Additionally, he pleaded guilty to violent behaviour at Swords Garda Station and refusing to provide his name and address to gardai. Judge Dermot Dempsey noted that Murtagh is on his second community service order, warning him that this is his final chance. Instead of a two-month prison sentence, the court imposed a total of 240 hours of community service work. Garda Elaine Duffy testified that Murtagh, who was highly intoxicated, threatened to kill her and other officers. The defence solicitor stated that Murtagh had consumed significant alcohol while watching the All-Ireland final and agreed his behaviour was appalling. The court acknowledged Murtagh's history of 21 previous convictions, including six for public order offences, before finalising the sentence.
James Marry, 25, of Balbriggan, was found guilty of unlawful possession of 51 Ecstasy tablets for sale or supply, worth €300, after he hid them in his underwear and fled from Gardaí on Drogheda Street. He had three prior drug‑related convictions, including suspended sentences, and works as a carer for his mother. The Swords District Court, following a recommendation from Probation Services, imposed 240 hours of community service in lieu of a four‑month prison term for the offence.
Balbriggan District Court heard several pre-trial matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Edwin Akandu, 45, is charged with driving without insurance. His solicitor stated he is a named driver on his partner's policy, but she refuses to provide the certificate. The Judge ordered Chill Insurance to furnish the document to Garda Keith Horgan, warning of a warrant for non-compliance, and adjourned the case until May 22nd. Michelle Ferris, 38, is alleged to have drink driven, failed to wear a seat belt, and driven without a licence. Following receipt of disclosure, she was remanded on continuing bail to appear before Swords District Court on June 9th. Joseph Cruise, 20, is alleged to have breached a protection order. He was remanded on continuing bail to re-appear before Balbriggan District Court on May 16th. Stephen Teeling is charged with unlawful possession of cannabis. The Judge granted a disclosure order and remanded him on continuing bail to return on April 24th for a plea or hearing date. Gavin Deegan, 24, is also charged with unlawful possession of cannabis. He was remanded on continuing bail to re-appear before the court on April 24th. All defendants are currently at the charge or pre-trial stage, with no pleas entered or findings made.
Richard Walsh, 24, was sentenced to six months in prison after being convicted at Swords District Court for a series of public order offences committed in August 2013. The offences included threatening, abusive and violent behaviour towards Garda officers at Waterside estate and Swords Garda Station, as well as urinating outside the station. Walsh had previously claimed he was assaulted by Garda officers who tried to remove a bottle of alcohol from him, and he responded by calling the officers "f**king pigs" and threatening that he would "hope you get raped" and that his family would be raped. He also spat at Garda officers and attempted to head‑butt one. The judge found Walsh's evidence unreliable and noted his history of six prior convictions and failure to attend probation appointments. The sentence was imposed after the court heard that Walsh had stopped drinking following a serious health incident.
Swords District Court heard four sentencing matters presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey. Dean Fagan, 19, pleaded guilty to using threatening and abusive behaviour, failing to comply with garda direction, and being intoxicated. The judge imposed four months detention for failing to comply with garda direction and two months for threatening behaviour, taking intoxication into consideration. Robert Doyle, 20, pleaded guilty to being intoxicated, using threatening and abusive behaviour, and failing to comply with garda direction; his case was struck out after he paid a charitable donation. Brian Johnson, 27, pleaded guilty to the unauthorised taking of a vehicle and handling stolen property. He was convicted and sentenced to a suspended nine-month term for the vehicle offence, remanded on a peace bond for two years, and given a three-month custodial sentence for handling stolen clothes. Robert Krzemien, 42, pleaded guilty to driving while under the influence of alcohol. He was convicted, fined €400, and disqualified from driving for three years, effective July 1st.
In Balbriggan District Court on 27 March 2014, David Donnelly, aged 20, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Jennifer Coffey in Lusk Graveyard on 5 August 2012, fracturing her nose. He received a six‑month suspended sentence and was bound to the peace for two years. Donnelly also pleaded guilty to harassing Coffey's father, Michael, on 6 April 2013, and was ordered to a probation bond for 18 months and to comply with Probation Services. He was required to complete a Victim Awareness course and take prescribed medication. The court noted his high risk of re‑offending if he does not adhere to treatment. Separately, Sean Lynch, 26, was remanded on continuing bail for assault involving a lit cigarette in a victim's eye, with the case adjourned to 24 April pending further disclosure. Paul Boylan, 35, was charged with possession of false number plates; his case was scheduled for a hearing on 9 June at Swords District Court.
Swords District Court heard three matters involving alleged drug possession and criminal damage. Derek Boylan, 32, of Swords, is alleged to have unlawfully possessed cocaine and cannabis for sale or supply at his home in May 2013. Defence solicitor Patrick Jackson sought to have the case struck out due to delays in the Book of Evidence, arguing the State exceeded the 42-day preparation limit. Judge Dermot Dempsey acknowledged the delay but remanded Boylan on continuing bail until April 7, marking the date as peremptory against the State, meaning the case could be struck out if the evidence is not ready. Athula De Silva, 44, of Ashbourne, Co Meath, is charged with trespass, threatening and abusive behaviour, and intoxication at a Swords address in December 2013, and with causing criminal damage to a car wing mirror in January 2014. His case was adjourned, and he was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on May 26. In a separate matter, charges against Karen O'Connor, 22, of Raheny, for unlawful possession of cannabis for sale or supply in May 2013 were struck out at the direction of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
In a Swords nightclub incident on 25 November 2012, Cillian Mahoney (22) was charged with assault causing harm to security staff Craig Hand and Igor Chachotail. Hand, supervising a 21st birthday party, reported that Mahoney, allegedly smashing glasses, became agitated, was restrained, and eventually punched Hand in the nose, causing a broken septum and requiring stitches. Chachotail claimed he was dragged down stairs by Mahoney, sustaining a broken coccyx. Pat Feeney, another bouncer, stated he saw "bottles, glasses and fists flying" but could not identify the combatants. Garda Laura Mahon noted Mahoney was unsteady, slurred, and claimed excessive vodka consumption, admitting he did not remember the night. Judge Dermot Dempsey, after reviewing evidence and CCTV, found Feeney's testimony unreliable and dismissed both assault charges against Mahoney. The case concluded with no convictions. Cillian Mahoney pleaded not guilty.
Guigin Zhang, director of Riverside Chinese Takeaway in Swords, was convicted and fined for employing illegal workers. She was charged with employing one worker without a work permit on 7 May 2013 and two other workers without permits on 5 January 2013. Inspector Ray Curran visited the takeaway on 7 May, discovered the first unauthorized employee, and asked Ms Zhang about others. She identified the two additional workers who had worked without permits on 1 January. Ms Zhang cooperated fully and had no prior convictions for similar offences. Her solicitor confirmed that no employees are currently working without permits and that the business is not very profitable. Judge Dermot Dempsey, aware that the maximum penalty for each offence is €4,000, fined Ms Zhang €300 for the first offence and €200 for the second offence, taking the third offence into consideration. The takeaway remains in operation under her management since August 2012.
Swords District Court heard three matters. Owen Mooney, 43, pleaded not guilty to drink driving and driving without insurance. Judge Dermot Dempsey convicted him, rejecting his claim he was not the driver. Mooney was sentenced to five months in prison and fined €750 for drink driving, with a six-year disqualification. He received a concurrent four-month prison sentence and eight-year disqualification for driving without insurance. Ivo Ignatenki, 26, pleaded guilty to drink driving and having no insurance. He was sentenced to three months in prison, suspended, and bound to the peace for two years. He was fined €750 and disqualified for six years for drink driving, and fined €200 with a two-year disqualification for no insurance. Raymond O'Hara, 47, is alleged to have committed burglary at Portmarnock Hotel. The matter was adjourned because the injured party was unavailable. Judge Dempsey remanded O'Hara on continuing bail to reappear on April 28th.
Swords District Court heard several matters presided over by Judge Dempsey. David Wheatley, who pleaded not guilty to causing criminal damage at the home of Thazman Byrne, was convicted after the judge accepted CCTV evidence. He was fined €400, bound to the peace for one year, and ordered to stay away from Ormond Close and have no contact with the victim. Dawid Morkowski pleaded guilty to trespass at St Colmcille's Parochial House and was remanded on continuing bail for a Probation & Welfare Report. Mark Gavin pleaded guilty to the theft of Nike runners and was similarly remanded on continuing bail for a report. Shane Lynch pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis and was ordered to provide €500 to the court. Karlos Verbickas pleaded guilty to trespass and the theft of two bicycles and an iPhone; he was sentenced to five months in prison. Brian Murphy pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening behaviour; his case was struck out after he paid a €200 charitable donation. Gareth O'Connell, who also pleaded guilty to the same offences, was convicted and fined €300 for intoxication and €100 for threatening behaviour after failing to pay the full donation.
Darren Fagan, a former sheet‑metal worker aged 24, was sentenced by Judge Dermot Dempsey at Swords District Court to five months' imprisonment and a ten‑year driving disqualification after pleading guilty to driving without insurance on 2 October 2013 at Barryscourt Road, Coolock. Fagan had 18 prior convictions, including five for no insurance, and was also found to be driving without a licence. Garda Janice Gray reported that Fagan had stopped in Coolock for the offence, apologised, and claimed he had bought the car for his partner to take their child to school. Fagan's solicitor noted that he had been dismissed from his metal‑sheet job in 2008, was hoping to become a gym instructor, and wanted to move to Germany where his sister lives. Judge Dempsey deemed community service unsuitable given Fagan's record, fined him €200 for the licence offence, and fixed recognisance pending appeal.
At Balbriggan District Court, Peter Flood (32) pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after allegedly headbutting his former partner, breaking her nose. Judge Dermot Dempsey sentenced Flood to 240 hours of community service work in lieu of a six-month prison term, bound him to the peace for two years, and ordered him to continue anger management and drug treatment. In a separate matter, David El Masri (32) pleaded guilty to custody of equipment for making copies and ten charges of copying movies for sale. Judge Dempsey struck out the case after El Masri paid €500 to Balbriggan St Vincent de Paul and ordered the destruction of counterfeit material. Neil O'Brion (27) pleaded guilty to using threatening and abusive behaviour towards gardai. His case was struck out following a €500 donation to AWARE charity. Finally, Bridget McDonagh (27), who is alleged to have committed social welfare fraud by concealing allowances, was remanded on continuing bail. The judge granted the State eight additional weeks to complete the book of evidence, with McDonagh scheduled to reappear on May 8th.
A 21‑year‑old man from Mooretown Road, Swords, pleaded guilty at Swords District Court to using threatening and abusive behaviour and being intoxicated outside The Wright Venue on 28 October. He shouted insults at gardai, calling them 'pricks' and 'wankers', and told them to 'go fuck your mothers' while a fight erupted at the nightclub. The court noted he had seven prior convictions, including a suspended four‑year drugs sentence. Judge Dermot Dempsey sentenced him to 240 hours of community service instead of a two‑month prison term.
Swords District Court heard several matters presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey. James Maguire pleaded guilty to using threatening and abusive behaviour and obstructing a garda. He was convicted and sentenced to three months in prison, suspended for two years, and fined €200. Wayne Reid admitted cultivating two cannabis plants and possessing cannabis herb. He received 240 hours of community service work in lieu of a two-month prison sentence. Austin O'Reilly was charged with harassing and intimidating people while begging. The case was dismissed after the defence successfully argued that the prosecuting garda failed to provide evidence regarding a licence or permit. Geoffrey Melia pleaded guilty to being intoxicated, using threatening and abusive behaviour, and causing criminal damage at Swords Garda Station. He was convicted and sentenced to four months in prison. Additionally, a bench warrant was issued for Paul McGoldrick, who was found guilty in his absence of unlawful possession of cocaine, for the purpose of sentencing.
Rory Grant (48) pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of an intoxicant and having no insurance on May 20, 2013, at Chieftain's Drive in Balbriggan. Judge Patrick Clyne sentenced him to four months, suspended for two years, for the driving offence, and a concurrent four-month sentence, suspended for two years, for the insurance offence. Grant was also disqualified from driving for four years. Stephen O'Shaughnessy (23) pleaded guilty to trespass, theft of alcohol, and handling stolen property. The matter was adjourned until May 1st, with the judge requiring O'Shaughnessy to cooperate with Probation Services and provide €376 in compensation. Sean Lynch (26) is alleged to have assaulted a person by sticking a lit cigarette in their eye at Home Nightclub in Balbriggan on July 31, 2011. He was remanded on continuing bail, and the case was adjourned until March 27th. Billy Atete (44) pleaded guilty to failing to provide a breath sample at Balbriggan Garda Station on February 2. He was fined €250 and disqualified from driving for four years.
Swords District Court heard five matters. Henry Afeni (49) pleaded guilty to making a gain or causing loss by deception at TK Max in Swords. Judge Patrick Clyne suspended a five-month sentence for two years and proposed 100 hours of community service, adjourning the case until April 28 for a Probation Report. Debra Maguire (44) pleaded not guilty to handling stolen goods but was found guilty; the court ordered a Probation & Welfare report and adjourned sentencing until April 28. Robert Trnovec (38) pleaded guilty to drink driving and received a two-year disqualification and a €250 fine. Anne-Marie McGill (50) pleaded guilty to theft of a cardigan; the judge applied the Probation Act. Declan Fitzsimons (34) pleaded guilty to using threatening and abusive behaviour; the judge proposed a €500 charitable donation to avoid a conviction, with a default fine of €500, and set a deadline of April 28.
In Balbriggan District Court, Philip Dunne (28) of Woodland Court, Rush, faced charges of failing to give a blood sample, criminal damage, and dangerous driving on November 14th. His case was adjourned until March 27th following a disclosure order request by his solicitor, Fiona Darcy. Aaron Conway (20) of Aghaneen Park, Dundalk, pleaded guilty to possession of counterfeit cigarettes for sale without excise duty. His case was struck out after he made a €300 charitable donation to Balbriggan St Vincent De Paul Society. Mark Duignam (37) of Palmer Court, Rush, had his four-month suspended sentence activated after breaching bail conditions. He was previously convicted in May 2013 for theft of €57 worth of groceries from Supervalu in Lusk. Judge Coughlan sentenced him to four months in prison. Noel Orange (30) of Reynoldstown, The Naul, was charged with refusing to give a blood sample on January 31st. His case was adjourned for hearing, with a remand on continuing bail to appear before Swords District Court on March 10th. William O'Gorman (39) of Baron's Hall House, Balbriggan, was charged with theft of a track suit top from St Vincent de Paul on February 14th. His case was remanded on continuing bail until March 28th, with free legal aid granted. Balbriggan Sunday Market was an applicant in a case involving possession of counterfeit cigarettes for sale without excise duty and refusal to give a blood sample, with charges admitted and a guilty plea.
Michael Daly, 35, of Coolock, was sentenced by Swords District Court to four months in prison for stealing 98 boxes of hair products worth €4,272 from Irish Global Logistics on 28 November 2010. He pleaded guilty to the theft and to entering a building and possessing a black balaclava and gloves with intent to commit theft on 19 June 2013 at Unit D2 Metro Point Business Park. Garda Stephen Harte testified that he saw Daly moving boxes from a trailer into a red Transit van at the Corporate Park and that the items were recovered and resellable. Garda Eamonn Oakes reported that a call at 23:45 on 19 June alerted him to a male attempting to access Unit 2; the unit's shutters were damaged and a total of €998 of damage was caused. Daly was also convicted of criminal damage and sentenced to four months in prison, to run concurrently with the theft sentence.
A 20‑year‑old man named Robert Doyle was arrested after becoming highly intoxicated and aggressive towards security staff at a McDonald's in Swords on Christmas Eve. He had paid for a burger and chips but was evicted because of his drunken state. Doyle pleaded guilty to being intoxicated, using threatening and abusive behaviour and failing to comply with garda direction. The judge agreed that if Doyle pays €400 to St Patrick's School's Calcutta fund, the matter could be struck out, and the case was adjourned until March 31 for payment.
Swords District Court sentenced five defendants at the sentencing stage. Nerijus Dumbris pleaded guilty to drink driving and dangerous driving; he was sentenced to four months in prison, fined €250, and disqualified from driving for three years for drink driving and five years for dangerous driving. Florin Amarrii pleaded guilty to theft; he was convicted, fined €100, and ordered to pay €30 expenses to the security officer. Ciara Tynan pleaded guilty to theft and intoxicated, threatening, and abusive behaviour; she received a four-month suspended sentence, was placed on a one-year Peace Bond, ordered to stay away from the injured party, and fined €100. Aidan McDonnell pleaded guilty to failing to comply with garda direction and pushing a garda; he was convicted and fined €350. Daniel Betley pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of pepper spray; he was ordered to complete 200 hours of community service in lieu of a two-month prison sentence. All matters were finalised with sentences imposed.
A Dublin man pleaded guilty at Swords District Court to threatening and abusive behaviour following an incident at a public house on September 22nd, 2013. Damien Murtagh, aged 28, of Clonee, Dublin 17, also admitted violent behaviour at Swords Garda Station and refusing to provide gardaí with his name and address. Garda Elaine Duffy gave evidence that Murtagh became verbally abusive in the pub car park after being asked to leave due to intoxication, making threats towards her and other members. The court heard Murtagh had consumed considerable alcohol while attending an All-Ireland football final. He has 21 previous convictions including six for public order offences. His defence solicitor submitted that Murtagh's memory of events remained unclear and he acknowledged his behaviour was unacceptable. Judge Dermot Dempsey remanded him on continuing bail until April for a Probation and Welfare Report, indicating consideration of 240 hours community service in place of two months imprisonment if deemed suitable.
John Joyce, a 19‑year‑old from Swords and Coolock, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving on the M1 motorway at Swords on 15 September 2013. He was driving an Audi A4 at speeds up to 200 km/h, forcing other motorists to take evasive action and causing a patrol car to travel at 170 km/h in pursuit. Garda Connor Tumbleton testified that Joyce continued at high speed and could not be kept up by the patrol car until it caught up and stopped him. Joyce also failed to stop for Gardaí on the same date. The Swords District Court, presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey, sentenced him to a four‑month suspended term, fined him €500, disqualified him from driving for two years, and imposed a one‑year suspension on the custodial sentence. He was also ordered to pay recognisance in the event of an appeal.
Swords District Court heard four matters presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey. Valerie Quaid, who pleaded guilty to being intoxicated, failing to comply with garda direction, and using threatening and abusive behaviour, failed to appear after a previous order for a Probation & Welfare Report. Consequently, the judge imposed the default sentence of one month in prison and issued a bench warrant for her arrest. Laura Sheils pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and without insurance. She received a three-month suspended sentence, was disqualified from driving for five years for the disqualification offence, and for a further three years for driving without insurance. Edward Byrne pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis herb. The judge convicted him and imposed a fine of €200. Sebestian Knecht did not appear in court. The judge proceeded on a not guilty plea and convicted him of using an altered driving licence, being in custody of a false insurance disc, and driving without insurance. A bench warrant was issued for his arrest for the purpose of sentencing. Recognisances were fixed in the event of an appeal for Quaid and Sheils.
At Balbriggan District Court, James Ward, 43, faced seven charges alleging he induced individuals to make lodgements totaling €2,270 into his AIB account for goods such as Electric Picnic tickets, a Samsung Galaxy phone, and an iPhone. Ward's solicitor informed Judge Dermot Dempsey that the defendant suffered a stroke and could not attend. The Director of Public Prosecutions directed trial on indictment, and the matter was adjourned until April 10th. Jackie Gallagher, 53, was charged with the theft of €50 from a house in Lusk. Sergeant Tony Tighe provided evidence of arrest and charge. Judge Dempsey granted a disclosure order and remanded Gallagher on continuing bail to appear on March 6th for a plea or hearing date. Wojtek Jedrej, 19, was charged with possessing a sharply pointed knife in Balbriggan. His solicitor requested an adjournment as further charges may be put to him. Judge Dempsey agreed to adjourn the case until April 3rd. Jerry Flynn, 25, was charged with theft of fuel, violent behaviour, and dangerous driving. His case was adjourned until May 12th to be heard at Swords District Court.
Swords District Court heard several matters involving drink driving and drug possession. Helen Ikechukwu, 35, of Lusk, pleaded guilty to drink driving on February 16, 2013, in Balbriggan. Judge Dermot Dempsey convicted her, fined her €300, and imposed a six-month driving disqualification. Darren Koohof, of Wexford, was convicted in his absence of being drunk in charge of a vehicle in Skerries on October 30, 2013. Judge Dempsey noted a previous 2007 conviction and issued a bench warrant for Koohof's arrest for sentencing. Edward Byrne, 28, of Donabate, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis on May 2, 2013. Judge Dempsey adjourned the case until February 10 to hear the facts. Additionally, Laura Sheils, 23, of Swords, had her case adjourned until February 10 due to illness; she is alleged to have driven while disqualified and uninsured in June 2012. Keith Donoghue, 33, of Dublin 17, had his case adjourned until March 3; he is alleged to have attempted to drive while drunk and committed dangerous driving in August 2013.
A 21‑year‑old man, Richard Woodruffe, pleaded guilty in Swords District Court to using threatening and abusive behaviour and being intoxicated outside The Wright Venue nightclub on 28 October. He shouted insults at Garda Alan Carroll, calling the officers 'go fuck your mothers', 'pricks' and 'wankers', claiming he was intoxicated because of the stress of pending drugs charges. Woodruffe, who has seven previous convictions including a four‑year suspended sentence for drug offences, was arrested at about 3 a.m. after a fight erupted. Defence solicitor Fiona Darcy said he was embarrassed, apologised and offered to do community service. Judge Dermot Dempsey ordered a Probation & Welfare report to assess suitability for community service, required Woodruffe to apologise to the Garda, and remanded him on continuing bail with the case adjourned to 3 March.
A man from Bailieborough in County Cavan was convicted at Swords District Court following an incident outside a fast food shop in the early hours of 27 October 2012. Liam O'Reilly pleaded guilty to being intoxicated, using threatening and abusive behaviour, and refusing to provide his name to gardai on Main Street, Swords. Garda Stephen Harte told the court that O'Reilly, who was highly obnoxious and intoxicated when approached by members, initially refused to give his details before falsely claiming to be a member of An Garda Siochana and stating his father was a Garda Sergeant. The defence solicitor, Ms Fiona Darcy, submitted that O'Reilly, who works for a charity organisation, had made an error in judgement due to excessive alcohol consumption. Judge Dermot Dempsey convicted O'Reilly, imposing a fine of €350 for threatening and abusive behaviour and €300 for refusing to provide his name.
Michael Fay, aged 22, was sentenced by Swords District Court to an eight‑month suspended custodial term and a ten‑year driving disqualification after pleading guilty to two counts of dangerous driving, non‑payment of a taxi fare, and criminal damage. The dangerous driving incidents occurred on 26 October 2013 at Jugback Lane and involved Fay driving a moped in a dangerous manner, failing to stop for Garda officers, and later driving onto a green area in Castlegrange Estate. Garda Conor Tumbleton and Garda Brian Reidy testified that Fay was pursued on foot after he left a footpath. On 8 December 2013, Fay refused to pay a €17 taxi fare and was abusive; he later urinated in a Garda cell, causing €88.75 of damage. The court imposed a suspended four‑month prison term for each dangerous driving charge, disqualifying Fay from driving for four years and an additional six years, respectively, and fined him €200 for the damage.
Swords District Court sentenced Kevin McCabe to four months in prison and disqualified him from driving for six years after he pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and a licence. Judge Dermot Dempsey noted McCabe's 11 previous convictions, including two prior disqualifications, and imposed a €200 fine. In a separate matter, Josephine Farrell pleaded guilty to contravening a safety order by allegedly threatening a man. The court applied the Probation Act, citing evidence that Farrell, who has bipolar disorder, had missed medication for three days. Darragh Quinn pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis herb. The charge was struck out after the court ordered €400 in his possession to be paid to Swords Foroige Youth Group. Additionally, Paul Kehoe was disqualified for four years and fined €400 for failing a breath sample, with a further €100 fine for lacking an NCT. His disqualification was postponed until June 1st. Finally, Danny Bowers, alleged to have driven without insurance and while drink driving, had his case adjourned until February 17th because the prosecuting garda was unavailable to give evidence.
Sean Smith, 18, of Dundalk, was convicted at Balbriggan District Court of selling cigarettes without excise duty paid. He pleaded guilty to the charge, which involved displaying various brands at Balbriggan Sunday Market. Judge Dermot Dempsey fined him €350 and ordered the destruction of the cigarettes. In separate matters, James Maguire, 43, of Balbriggan, is alleged to have used threatening and abusive behaviour and obstructed a garda in Skerries. His case was adjourned to March 3rd at Swords District Court, and he was remanded on continuing bail. Jade Gannon, 30, of Skerries, is charged with criminal damage, having no insurance, being intoxicated, using threatening and abusive behaviour, and failing to pay a taxi fare. Her case was also adjourned to March 3rd at Swords District Court, with the court remanding her on continuing bail. All proceedings were heard before Judge Dempsey.
Liam Kinahan, 30, an engineering student from Dromiskin Cross, Co. Louth, was convicted and fined at Swords District Court for causing €2,000 worth of damage to his ex‑girlfriend's 2012 Volkswagen Golf. On 5 January, outside The Gallery Apartments in Donabate, Kinahan called to his ex‑girlfriend's apartment, was refused entry, shouted, and then kicked the car, damaging both wing mirrors, denting a door and the car booth. He admitted the damage, paid €2,000 to cover the costs, and pleaded guilty. Sergeant Bob Kavanagh gave evidence of the arrest, charge and caution. The ex‑girlfriend had asked the Gardaí to withdraw the charges. Kinahan, with no prior convictions, apologized, citing drunkenness and anger. Judge Dermot Dempsey fined him €200, noting the conviction could affect his travel rights and offering a charitable donation alternative, which Kinahan declined.
Kenneth Maher, a 41‑year‑old international lorry driver from La Chapelle‑Launay, France, was convicted at Swords District Court for careless driving and interfering with his vehicle's tachograph. On 11 January he was stopped on the M1 near Dublin Airport after travelling at 120 km/h in a 100 km/h zone. Garda Michael Lavelle noted Maher admitted using a magnet on his gearbox that interferes with the tachograph's electronic control unit, affecting the recordings, brakes and steering. Maher claimed he had only recently started using the magnet due to financial difficulties and to earn extra hours. The judge, Dermot Dempsey, was surprised by the claim that the magnet could have endangered a family. Maher pleaded guilty, expressed genuine regret and was fined €400 for careless driving and €150 for tachograph interference, but was not disqualified from driving under special circumstances. The court highlighted the importance of the tachograph for safety.
In a Swords District Court hearing on 21 January 2014, Cillian Mahoney, aged 22, was charged with assaulting two men outside The Wright Venue nightclub on 25 November 2012. The court adjourned the case to 24 March, noting that Garda interviews had been completed and the case was ready for hearing. Judge Dermot Dempsey remanded Mahoney on continuing bail pending the March hearing. In a separate matter, Fortunato Nardoni, 28, was subject to a bench warrant for failing to appear in court over a no‑insurance driving charge dated 10 December 2012. Judge Dempsey issued the warrant after Nardoni did not attend. A third defendant, David Fortune, 32, was charged with possession of a knife on 26 December 2013. A bench warrant was issued after he failed to appear, and the court adjourned his case to 17 February, remanding him on his own bond. All proceedings were conducted under the jurisdiction of Swords District Court.
James Marry, 25, was found in unlawful possession of 51 ecstasy tablets on 27 October 2010 in Balbriggan. He hid the tablets in his underwear and fled from Gardaí before being searched. Marry pleaded guilty and has three prior drug convictions, including suspended sentences. He is a carer for his mother. Judge Dermot Dempsey questioned whether a custodial sentence was necessary, noting Marry had been given chances already. The judge requested a Probation & Welfare Report to decide if 140 hours of community service could replace a four‑month prison term.
Kevin Marry, a 42‑year‑old father of two from Balbriggan, pleaded guilty in Swords District Court to unlawful possession of cannabis herb for sale or supply. He had €1,500 worth of cannabis, which he used to increase appetite while battling leukaemia and kidney failure. Marry, who has been in remission since 2009, said he would not commit further offences and expressed a desire to join the kidney transplant list in March. Judge Dermot Dempsey sentenced him to a six‑month suspended term and bound him to the peace for two years, rejecting community service.
Swords District Court sentenced three defendants in separate matters. Marcin Andrejczat, 38, of Swords, pleaded guilty to drink driving on December 4, 2012, on Rathbeale Road. Judge Dermot Dempsey convicted him, fined him €500, and disqualified him from driving for three years. The disqualification was postponed until June 1 to allow Andrejczat to settle his affairs. Daniel Whelan, 36, of Coolock, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cocaine valued at €110 at The Wright Venue in Swords on June 17, 2012. Judge Dempsey imposed 240 hours of community service in lieu of a two-month prison sentence, as Whelan was deemed suitable by Probation Services. Thomas Weldon, of Balbriggan, pleaded guilty to hit and run, careless driving, and failing to keep his vehicle at the scene following an incident on February 17, 2013. Judge Dempsey convicted Weldon of careless driving and fined him €300. The judge declined to disqualify Weldon, noting Garda O'Rourke's testimony that Weldon is a carer for his parents with health problems. All sentences were handed down at the sentencing stage.
In a Swords District Court hearing, Thomas Dennis, aged 21, was fined €1,500 for failing to report a hit‑and‑run that occurred on 16 December 2012. The incident involved a woman, hairdresser Shauna Weldon, whose right ring finger tip was severed when Dennis drove off in his car while she had her hand in the door. Dennis discovered the severed finger the next day, consulted his father, and only then reported the incident to the Gardaí. He pleaded guilty to the offence of failing to report a hit‑and‑run. Judge Dermot Dempsey noted that the State had not pursued more serious charges and imposed the maximum fine of €2,000, ultimately sentencing Dennis to a €1,500 fine payable over four months. No other penalties were imposed. The case concluded with recognisance pending any appeal.
A man from Donaghmede was convicted of using threatening and abusive behaviour towards gardai at a County Dublin beach in July 2013. Anthony O'Connor, aged 24, was part of a group consuming alcohol at Portmarnock Beach on 8 July when gardai requested he surrender the cans. He became abusive to both members of an garda síochána and members of the public during the interaction. O'Connor, who works as a student fitness instructor and has nineteen previous convictions, pleaded guilty to the charge at Swords District Court. Judge Dermot Dempsey imposed a community service sentence of 200 hours as an alternative to one month's imprisonment. His defence solicitor indicated O'Connor had struggled with excessive drinking and apologised for his conduct during the incident.
In a burglary case, Raymond O'Hara, a resident of St Mary's Mansions in Dublin 1, was charged with breaking into the Portmarnock Hotel at Golf Links on 11 December 2012. He allegedly attempted to access the cash register and took several bottles of alcohol before leaving. The Director of Public Prosecutions directed a summary disposal of the case. Defence solicitor Patrick Jackson sought a hearing date and requested CCTV footage. Judge Dermot Dempsey remanded O'Hara on continuing bail to re‑appear before Swords District Court on 27 January for the case to be heard. Separately, Martin Maughan, 42, of St Margaret's Park in Ballymun, was convicted in his absence of driving without insurance and without a licence after he reversed into his driveway when Garda Keith Delaney saw him. Maughan, who has 97 previous convictions, had a bench warrant issued for his arrest for sentencing.
Four defendants appeared before Balbriggan District Court, presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey, where all matters were adjourned. Alan Bathe, 29, is charged with criminal damage, unauthorised carriage in a vehicle, and arson, allegedly involving a car crash into a garden wall and subsequent fire in Balbriggan. The Director of Public Prosecutions directed summary disposal, and the case was adjourned until January 30th. Thomas Ward, 43, pleaded guilty to inducing a woman to pay €280 for a non-existing product. Despite a previous compensation order, Ward presented only €250. The judge granted him one final opportunity to pay the balance, adjourning the matter until February 6th. Christopher Russell, 53, pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and threatening and abusive behaviour in Rush. A medical report was requested, and the case was adjourned for hearing on February 13th. Daniel O'Neill, 20, is charged with trespass, threatening and abusive behaviour, violent behaviour, and possession of a rock at Swords Garda Station. He was remanded on continuing bail and ordered to re-appear at Swords District Court on March 3rd.
Arvis Jakobsons, 26, of Swords, pleaded guilty to criminal damage after smashing the front and bathroom doors of his ex‑partner's house on Main Street, Rush. Gardaí were called when the ex‑partner reported the intrusion. The damage was estimated at €400. Judge Dermot Dempsey demanded Jakobsons pay for the repairs, which he did by contributing €250 in court. After the payment, the charge was struck out. Separately, Stephen O'Shaughnessy, 23, of Stamullen, pleaded guilty to trespass, theft of alcohol, and handling stolen property. He was remanded on continuing bail, required to pay €426 in compensation, and was ordered to appear again on 28 February 2014. Finally, Niall Byrne, 31, of Balbriggan, was disqualified from driving for four years and fined €500 after Garda Derek Dalton seized his car for lacking insurance and tax, following a prior two‑year disqualification in 2012. All proceedings were held at Balbriggan District Court.
Swords District Court heard four matters. Adrian Vaduva, 41, pleaded guilty to stealing a purse containing €848 and bank cards from Balbriggan Post Office. Judge Dempsey sentenced him to six months in prison, noting he failed to assist Gardaí with enquiries regarding an alleged accomplice. Luke Purcell, 18, pleaded guilty to stealing €70 worth of petrol. He was convicted and fined €200 after failing to provide a charitable donation. Clive Barry, 36, pleaded guilty to drink driving with a blood alcohol level of 209mg/100ml. He was disqualified for three years, with the mandatory disqualification postponed until January 1st. Mark Power, 33, pleaded guilty to driving without insurance, lacking a licence, and leaving the scene of a collision. The matter was adjourned until next May for a Probation & Welfare report, with Power remanded on continuing bail.
An unemployed hairdresser, Aine Penrose, aged 29, was found guilty of drink driving at Swords District Court on 4 June. She drove her car with her three children—aged seven, nine and one—while under the influence of alcohol. Penrose claimed she was terrified of her ex‑partner, who is the father of one of her children, and had no phone credit to call a taxi. She said she had gone to the beach with her children and the ex‑partner, had a few drinks, and when returning to his house, her son was bullied by his brother, leading to an argument. Garda Jonathan Kirk observed her swerving and failing to signal at a roundabout; her breath test showed 58 mg/100 ml. The judge found her guilty, disqualified her from driving for two years effective February, and fined her €250.
A 28‑year‑old serial burglar, Florin Marticie, was found guilty of trespassing and sentenced to six months in prison. He claimed he did not know why he was arrested and said he was only going to a bus stop after finishing a morning's work for a friend. Marticie denied involvement in an attempted break‑in at a house in Ardla, Skerries, on 8 August. Detective Garda Vincent Healy reported that two men were seen near the house after the alarm went off, and that a pot plant had been thrown at a back window. Marticie was arrested after the Garda saw him walking past the bus stop. The court heard he had three previous convictions for burglary and theft and was currently serving a sentence.
Paula Reid, 50, of Drogheda, is accused of stealing €19,604 from Hugh Burrows & Sons Ltd, a knitwear manufacturer in Balbriggan, over a four‑year period from November 2008 to December 2012. She faces 64 theft offences. The case was presented at Balbriggan District Court where Sergeant Tony Tighe gave evidence of her arrest, charge and caution. Judge Dermot Dempsey directed a trial on indictment and remanded Reid on continuing bail to re‑appear on 26 January next year. The court also heard the case of Gunars Baumanis, 45, who was convicted of dangerous driving, hit and run, failing to remain at the scene and displaying a false tax disc. Baumanis was given a three‑month suspended sentence, a four‑year driving disqualification for dangerous driving, a six‑month disqualification for failing to stop, a €300 fine for the offence and a €100 fine for failing to report the incident. Gunars Baumanis pleaded guilty.
In a Swords District Court hearing, Judge Dermot Dempsey dismissed the assault charge against 35‑year‑old chip shop owner Giuliano Di Murro. The case involved a 17‑year‑old teenager who alleged Di Murro had assaulted him at Rivervalley Shopping Centre on 17 February. The teenager claimed Di Murro had told him to leave, that he had been head‑butted, and that Di Murro had punched him, breaking his nose. Di Murro denied the assault, stating he was defending himself against an "aggressive youth" who tried to head‑butt him. Evidence from the teenager, Di Murro's defence barrister, and an independent witness, Mr William Field, suggested the teenager had acted aggressively and that Di Murro had pushed him into a door. Judge Dempsey found the prosecution had no case to meet and ruled that Di Murro was acting in self‑defence, dismissing the charge. The decision was made on 27 November 2013. Di Murro pleaded not guilty.