Paul Flaherty, 32, was convicted by a jury at the Central Criminal Court for sexually assaulting a woman he met on Tinder at his home in Tallaght on 31 August 2015. The victim had made it clear she was not interested in sexual contact, yet Flaherty forced her to remove her trousers, threatened to kill her and allegedly strangled and touched her genitals. He denied the charges, claiming the encounter was consensual role‑play and that the victim had initiated contact. The trial judge, Mr Justice Michael White, sentenced him to five years imprisonment, describing his behaviour as "disgusting". The Court of Appeal upheld the conviction but reduced the sentence to two‑and‑a‑half years imprisonment, noting the offence could not be described as a minor sexual assault. No prior sexual convictions were recorded for Flaherty. The appeal decision was made by Mr Justice George Birmingham, joined by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy.
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned the trial of Laurence Murphy and Ray Kennedy, who both pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation. The court heard that Dave Cullen, a State's witness in the Peter Butterly murder case, was not prosecuted for alleged perjury due to fears he would not return to Ireland from a protection program abroad. Cullen had previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in suspicious circumstances. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Tara Burns, was paused after the defence requested documentation regarding the decision not to prosecute Cullen. The matter was adjourned until tomorrow. In related proceedings, Kevin Braney was found guilty of premeditated murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. Frank Murphy, brother of the accused Laurence Murphy, pleaded guilty to impeding the apprehension of Cullen and was jailed for three years, with the final year suspended. Michael McDermott, who played a role in the murder, has also been jailed. The court noted that Cullen's evidence was used in the convictions of four individuals for Butterly's murder.
Craig Courtney, 23, of Tallaght, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to three money‑laundering counts involving €10,000, €14,600 and the transfer of a car's ownership between February and March 2017. He had four prior convictions. During a Garda search of his home, officers found €1,115, an iPhone, Prada runners, a Rolex watch, an An Post deposit book with €10,000, and additional cash hidden in a painting and under cushions. The book was linked to a €14,895 Volkswagen Golf purchase and a €14,600 credit‑union cheque that was allegedly used to buy a car. Judge Martin Nolan, noting Courtney's cooperation and the seriousness of the offence, imposed a two‑year custodial sentence. Courtney's defence highlighted his youth, family support, drug‑free status and a plea for community service instead of imprisonment. The case remains at the sentencing stage.
Eddie Farnan, 37, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, threatening to kill Lisa Power and criminal damage on 2 June 2017. He dragged her by the hair, swung her, threw her across a room, and placed his hands around her throat. The attack ended when he began hitting himself in the face and Power grabbed her baby and fled. A medical report found bruising on her neck and whiplash. Power still suffers daily headaches, nightmares and panic attacks. Judge Karen O'Connor imposed a suspended sentence of two years and nine months, suspended entirely on conditions. She noted Farnan had no prior violence history and had made significant rehabilitation efforts. The judge warned that any future violence would trigger the full custodial term. The case was heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Paul Flaherty, 30, will await the Court of Appeal's decision on his five-year sentence for sexually assaulting a woman he met via Tinder. Flaherty was found guilty by a jury at the Central Criminal Court last December of sexually assaulting the victim at his home in Tallaght, Dublin, on August 31, 2015. During the appeal hearing, Michael O'Higgins SC argued that the trial judge should have assessed which specific offence was proved beyond reasonable doubt, noting that the prosecution failed to break down the acts into separate charges. Counsel stated that if Flaherty was only guilty of forcibly removing clothing, it would be a lower-end offence, whereas attempted strangulation would be more serious. He highlighted a "serious issue" regarding the jury's findings on attempted strangulation and genital touching. Conversely, Eilis Brennan SC for the DPP argued the trial judge was clear in sentencing, citing bruising on the victim's neck and her distressed state as evidence of a violent assault at the higher end of the scale. The trial judge, Mr Justice Michael White, had previously noted the victim clearly rejected sexual contact. President of the Court of Appeal Justice George Birmingham stated he would deliver the judgement on October 24. Consequently, the matter was adjourned until that date.
Michael Doherty, a 39‑year‑old former wine and school lunch delivery businessman, was sentenced to a suspended three‑and‑a‑half‑year prison term for robbery after a judge noted his efforts to rehabilitate. On 31 March 2017, Doherty entered a Maxol station on Newcastle Road in Lucan, threatened staff with a claw hammer, and when the till would not open he struck it and stole about €400. He fled in a black car that Gardaí linked to him, leading to his arrest. Doherty pleaded guilty to the robbery of Kim Heffernan. He had 24 prior convictions, mainly for road traffic offences, and the prosecution and defence agreed the robbery was out of character. Counsel argued that the breakdown of his marriage had devastated him, leading to drug abuse and business failure, and that he committed the robbery to fund his addiction.
Sarah Clarke, a 25‑year‑old mother of one, was sentenced to six years' imprisonment for possessing heroin and cocaine for sale or supply. The drugs, worth €553,000 in heroin and €34,600 in cocaine, were found in her apartment in Tallaght after a Garda search. Clarke admitted she was aware that drugs were stored there to pay a €5,000 debt, but claimed she did not know the contents or value. She pleaded guilty on 17 October last year and had no prior convictions. Judge Martin Nolan accepted her early guilty plea, cooperation with Gardaí, personal circumstances and lack of previous convictions as mitigating factors. He suspended the final three years of the sentence on the condition that she keep the peace and be of good behaviour during incarceration and for three years after release.
An accused man was observed meeting two individuals convicted in connection with the fatal shooting of dissident republican Peter Butterly one day after the killing, the Special Criminal Court heard today. Surveillance officers told the non-jury court that on March 7, 2013, Laurence Murphy was seen at a fast-food outlet in Charlestown Shopping Centre in Dublin alongside Kevin Braney and Frank Murphy. Butterly, aged 35, was shot dead on March 6, 2013, outside a public house in Gormanston, County Meath. Braney was sentenced to life imprisonment earlier this year following conviction for the premeditated murder. The prosecution contends the group gathered for a debrief regarding the previous day's events. Murphy, of Bettystown, County Meath, and Ray Kennedy, of Blanchardstown, Dublin, have pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA on that date. Kennedy faces an additional charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice. The trial continues.
Dermot Richardson, a 53‑year‑old south Dublin county councillor, was sentenced to a suspended two‑and‑a‑half‑year term for assaulting Tony Greene, Greene's new partner, on the night of 11–12 March 2017 at Richardson's former family home in Tallaght. Richardson head‑butted and punched Greene, knocking out two front teeth and causing serious injuries that required dental surgery costing €3,740. In court, Richardson pleaded guilty, apologised and admitted his actions were "totally out of order." Judge Martin Nolan, noting the victim's severe injuries and Richardson's community standing, imposed a suspended sentence on the condition that Richardson pay €7,500 to Greene – €2,000 immediately and €5,500 within 18 months – and that the money be disposed of by the court if Greene declined it. The judge emphasised that the sentence was a punishment rather than a custodial sentence, and that Richardson was unlikely to repeat such behaviour.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the trial of Ray Kennedy (39) and Laurence Murphy (62), who have pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA on March 6, 2013. Kennedy is also charged with perverting the course of justice by destroying a mobile SIM card. The prosecution presented the statement of Eithne Butterly, widow of dissident republican Peter Butterly, who was shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co Meath, on that date. Mrs Butterly told gardai that Kennedy was a "good friend" to both of them and that her husband had received five death threats, including one from Alan Ryan. She stated her husband told her he was meeting Kennedy at 2pm on March 6, 2013, though Kennedy maintains the meeting was scheduled for 2.30pm. The court heard that four men—Kevin Braney, Edward McGrath, Sharif Kelly, and Dean Evans—have already received life sentences for the murder, while Michael McDermott and Frank Murphy have also been jailed for their roles in the killing. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Tara Burns, Judge Sarah Berkeley, and Judge Michael Walsh, resumes tomorrow.
Ray Kennedy (39) and Laurence Murphy (62) are on trial at the Special Criminal Court, having pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh Na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on March 6, 2013. Mr Kennedy is also charged with carrying out an act intending to pervert the course of justice by destroying a mobile telephone SIM card. The prosecution alleges the pair were involved in the "meticulously planned killing" of dissident republican Peter Butterly (35), who was shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co Meath, on that date. Testimony from Detective Garda Alan Waters indicated that Mr Kennedy arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting, claiming he was meeting his "friend" Mr Butterly. The prosecution suggests Mr Kennedy destroyed the SIM card to destroy evidence. While the current trial is ongoing, four other men—Kevin Braney, Edward McGrath, Sharif Kelly, and Dean Evans—have already received life sentences for Mr Butterly's murder. Additionally, Michael McDermott (60) and Frank Murphy (59), who played roles in the murder, have also been jailed. The trial resumes before Justice Tara Burns, sitting with Judges Sarah Berkeley and Michael Walsh.
Laurence Christie, 31, of Tallaght, Dublin, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to possessing cocaine and cannabis for sale or supply at his home on December 22, 2017. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a two-year custodial sentence, stating he could not consider a non-custodial option because Christie intentionally involved himself in the affair due to his own addiction problem. The prosecution presented evidence that a search of Christie's residence, following a garda tip-off, revealed just under 200g of cocaine valued at €13,416, 2kg of cannabis valued at €39,914, and €795 in cash. While Christie initially denied using drugs or owing money in interview, Sergeant Darren Coller testified that Christie later admitted "off the record" to having a cocaine addiction, running up a debt, and holding the drugs under threat to pay it off. Defense counsel Damien Colgan SC highlighted that Christie is now drug-free, employed, and a responsible family man with two children. Judge Nolan acknowledged Christie's cooperation and positive references but maintained that the sentence reflected the seriousness of the offense and the defendant's personal culpability. The matter was finalized with the imposition of the custodial sentence.
Businessman James Mansfield Jnr, aged 52, was charged in the Special Criminal Court with conspiring to falsely imprison Martin Byrne and attempting to pervert the course of justice by directing Patrick Byrne to destroy CCTV footage. The alleged false imprisonment of Byrne took place between 1 January and 30 June 2015, while the attempt to destroy footage occurred between 9 and 12 June 2015 at Finnstown House Hotel. Mansfield was arrested by Garda Sergeant Eamon O'Neill at Clondalkin Garda Station under a warrant endorsed by the court. He was cautioned, presented with a true copy of the charge sheet, and remanded on bail to appear again on the following Monday. The court heard no reply from Mansfield during the arrest or when the charge sheet was handed to him.
The Special Criminal Court heard the opening of the prosecution case against Ray Kennedy and Laurence Murphy, who have pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh Na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA. Kennedy, 39, is additionally charged with carrying out an act intending to pervert the course of justice by destroying a mobile telephone SIM card. The trial concerns the killing of dissident republican Peter Butterly in March 2013. Prosecution counsel alleged that Kennedy arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting, having arranged a meeting with the victim, and subsequently destroyed a SIM card. It was further alleged that Murphy's vehicle passed the location two days prior to the incident and that he attended a debriefing meeting afterwards. The court heard that four other men have already received life sentences for the murder, while Michael McDermott and Frank Murphy, the latter being Laurence Murphy's brother, have also been jailed for their roles in the killing. David Cullen, whose plea to a lesser charge was accepted in 2014, turned State's witness. The trial is ongoing before a three-judge panel and resumes tomorrow.
Dubliner Annie Trieu (29) pleaded guilty to one count of laundering money at Tallaght district credit union between September 13 and September 31, 2017. The court heard that Trieu withdrew €34,587 from her account, as instructed by her former partner, and deposited part of the money into her credit union account in four separate lodgements. Her lawyer stated that Trieu was subjected to domestic violence by her former partner, including incidents where she presented to hospital battered and bruised. A detective described Trieu as a 'puppet' in the scam, noting she was not involved in the initial email scheme. The court heard that the email scam involved General Hardware Supplies Ltd in Co. Cavan and Ballytherm Ltd in Co. Limerick, with suspicions arising when Ballytherm confirmed they had not received payment. Gardaí traced the money to Trieu's account. Judge Pauline Codd noted Trieu was 'blinded by love' for her former partner. She was sentenced to eighteen months imprisonment, but the sentence was suspended in full, taking into account her guilty plea and the violent nature of her relationship with her former partner.
The Court of Appeal has dismissed the appeal of Paul Flaherty, upholding his conviction for sexually assaulting a woman he met via Tinder. Flaherty, 31, was found guilty by a jury at the Central Criminal Court of sexually assaulting the complainant at his home in Tallaght, Dublin, on August 31, 2015. He was sentenced to five years' imprisonment by Mr Justice Michael White, who described Flaherty's behaviour as "disgusting" and noted that he ignored the victim's clear lack of interest in sexual contact. Flaherty, who denied the charge, alleged the encounter was consensual and that he was engaging in role-play at the victim's suggestion. His counsel, Michael O'Higgins SC, argued the trial should have been halted due to investigative delays and issues regarding the complainant's credibility, and that the jury's verdict was perverse. However, President of the Court of Appeal, Mr Justice George Birmingham, sitting with Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, rejected these submissions. The court held that the trial judge was correct in refusing to stop the proceedings and that credibility assessments were matters for the jury. The panel found no evidence that the verdict was unsafe or that the trial was unsatisfactory, noting that differing outcomes on various counts did not indicate jury confusion. Consequently, the appeal was dismissed and the original conviction stands.
Stephen Keane, a 30‑year‑old former British Army land sergeant who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for a series of offences committed on 25 August 2018. He pleaded guilty to impersonating a Garda at BoyleSports, unlawfully seizing a vehicle at Firhouse Shopping Centre, and robbery at Dwan's Off‑Licence. Keane admitted that he had been suffering from PTSD and had developed a heroin and crack cocaine addiction after his service, which he said motivated his desperate actions. He was given a six‑year prison term with the final three years suspended, conditional on engaging in probation, offence‑ and victim‑focused work and drug treatment. The judge noted his remorse and the frightening impact of his conduct on victims, while acknowledging his addiction and drug debt as driving factors. Keane has 68 prior convictions in Ireland and the UK.
Kathleen Kiely, 32, of London, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to handling stolen property and handling assorted stolen jewellery on January 21, 2018. She was caught attempting to sell €90,000 worth of damaged gold jewellery, traced to a burglary in Lucan, to a cash-for-gold shop in Tallaght. Judge Karen O'Connor sentenced Kiely to two years' imprisonment but suspended the entirety of the sentence on strict conditions. The court noted aggravating factors including premeditation and impact on the victim, balanced by mitigating factors such as her guilty plea, good character, and status as a mother. Her former partner, Michael Maughan, 25, of Tallaght, also pleaded guilty to handling assorted stolen jewellery on the same date. Judge Melanie Greally sentenced Maughan to four years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended. The prosecution highlighted that gardaí had placed the shop under surveillance after receiving information about the planned sale. Defence counsel argued Kiely was influenced by Maughan and was not the primary target of the investigation. No previous convictions were recorded for Kiely. The matter was finalised with these sentences imposed.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 29 July 2019, Keith McDonnell, aged 29, pleaded guilty to criminal damage to his Mountjoy Prison cell on 21 May 2013. The offence followed the suicide of his former partner, after which McDonnell reportedly "lost his head" and caused over €1,700 worth of damage, including a smashed washbasin, damaged waste pipes, a 22‑metre glass viewing panel, a modesty screen door, a laminated mirror and a spyhole. McDonnell, who had 68 previous convictions, had been serving a separate sentence for criminal damage at the time. Judge Melanie Greally, noting his guilty plea and efforts at rehabilitation, imposed an 18‑month sentence and suspended it in full for 18 months. The court heard that McDonnell had fled to the UK in 2014, returned to Ireland last year to address outstanding warrants, and that the death of his former partner had had devastating effects on him.
Dominik Kaczmarek, 27, of Maplewood Green, Springfield, Tallaght, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of 3,944 MDMA tablets found in his home on 8 October 2018. He had agreed to hold €39,000 worth of ecstasy tablets for €500 because of a gambling debt. Judge Martin Nolan noted Kaczmarek's gambling problem, his willingness to hand the drugs to third parties, and his good work record and cooperation with Gardaí. He had four prior convictions for minor road traffic offences but no relevant previous convictions. Garda Vincent Jaffray reported the tablets were found in a bedroom drawer and a jacket pocket, along with a weighing scale. Kaczmarek was jailed for two years, with the judge refusing a fully suspended sentence. The case highlighted his gambling addiction and his desire to turn his life around.
Alan Keogh, a 42‑year‑old self‑employed truck driver from Tallaght, was sentenced to 16 months' imprisonment after pleading guilty to 11 counts of failing to file VAT and income tax returns between 2010 and 2016. He had initially complied with tax obligations, registering for VAT in 2004 and filing returns until 2008, but cancelled his registration in 2009 claiming his business was no longer viable. Despite this, he continued to receive payments from GLS, a parcel delivery company, and subcontracted work to other drivers, with payments made to an AIB account in his name. Revenue officials found him liable for €375,732, and investigations revealed he had not maintained proper bookkeeping or declared subcontractor payments. Keogh had no prior convictions and was described by his employer as a hard worker. The judge accepted that he had complied fully with the tax code and would have been entitled to tax relief, but deemed a 16‑month sentence appropriate.
Michael Connors, 26, of Marlfield Crescent, Tallaght, pleaded guilty to burglary at Commons Road, Shankill, on 21 April 2018, and to unlawful use of a vehicle at Whitehall Road, Dublin 12, on 22 April 2018. He was sentenced by Judge Elma Sheahan to four and a half years' imprisonment, with the final six months suspended on strict conditions. The court noted that Connors, while unlawfully at large from custody, broke into a house, stole a car's keys, avoided contact with the house's son, and caused €500 of damage to a gate while attempting to exit. He has 40 prior convictions, including 13 for burglary, and had previously pleaded guilty to escaping custody on 10 November 2017 and 20 April 2018.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, 19‑year‑old John Gallagher was sentenced to an additional 21 months in prison for a knife‑point robbery that left a taxi driver unable to work nights. The judge cited the victim's impact statement, noting the driver's mental scars and loss of earnings. Gallagher had previously received a three‑year term for two similar robberies, and the new sentence is consecutive, with the final 15 months suspended on strict conditions. Gallagher pleaded guilty to robbery of €200 and a mobile phone from Nitesh Bhagat on 20 October 2018, and to a separate robbery at a Tallaght pharmacy on 22 May 2018. He had earlier convictions for road traffic offences. The court heard that the victim suffered bruises and a nick on his hand and neck, and that he was now too afraid to work at night.
John Doyle, 38, of Tallaght, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for trespassing at a Centra store in Kiltalown on March 2, 2018, with the intention of committing theft. Doyle pleaded guilty to the charge. Judge Melanie Greally imposed a two-year prison sentence, suspending the final 12 months. The judge stated that acting as Doyle did during the national emergency of Storm Emma justified a custodial sentence, describing the incident as serious anti-social behaviour that brought shame on his community. She considered Doyle's remorse, rehabilitation efforts, and positive references. Doyle, who has 111 previous convictions, was found with cigarettes after throwing trolleys to obstruct gardai. Co-accused David Berney, 37, previously received an 18-month suspended sentence for his role in the incident. The court noted that while Doyle was not present when the shop shutters were cut, he entered after being beckoned by others. The matter was previously adjourned in March to allow for a Probation Service report, during which time Doyle was remanded on continuing bail.
Eileen Ryan, 26, was found guilty of driving with unrestrained children, dangerous driving, driving without insurance and refusing a blood test. On 25 March 2018 she drove a car with a pregnant woman and two children aged two and five, without seat belts, at speeds over 120 km/h, breaking red lights and driving on the wrong side of the road. Garda Michael Brisbane chased the vehicle, which threw glass bottles at the patrol car and swerved. Ryan was abusive, smelled of alcohol and had slurred speech. She had four prior District Court convictions. She is currently an outpatient at a psychiatric facility, on medication for depression, and the case is adjourned for sentencing in October pending a probation report. The court will hear the sentencing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
An out‑of‑work butcher, Jason Mahony, 35, of Avonbeg, Tallaght, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to handling stolen property and money laundering. The offences relate to a break‑in at McLoughlin's butchers in Ballyfermot on 13 May 2016, when €15,861 was stolen. Mahony admitted that between 13 and 16 May he handled €9,705 in cash found in a rental car at Tymonville Lawn, where his former partner lived, and that he deposited €3,460 in his bank account, including a large amount of one‑ and two‑euro coins. Garda Detective Ronan Coffey presented evidence that the account was frozen and that €2,566 remained, leaving €904 unaccounted for. Mahony, who has prior theft convictions, was homeless at the time of the offence. He has since begun working at another butcher's shop, handed €500 to the court, and said he will pay the remaining €404 by September.
Sean Banks, a 19‑year‑old from Tallaght, was found in possession of a 12‑gauge double‑barrel shotgun, cannabis, cocaine and a stolen BMW motorbike at his home. Gardaí raided the house after a tip that drugs were stored there. Banks initially denied the presence of drugs but later admitted responsibility for €725 worth of cannabis and cocaine. The shotgun, stolen in a burglary in Kildare, was discovered under a bed with one cartridge. The motorbike, stolen two months earlier in Stepaside, had no ignition or registration plate. Banks pleaded guilty to possession of the gun, drugs and the stolen motorbike. Judge Martin Nolan, noting Banks' youth, prior minor convictions and cooperation, imposed a three‑year sentence, suspended in full on strict conditions. The case was heard in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, with the judge emphasising the seriousness of the firearm possession but also recognising the defendant's potential for reform.
John Gallagher, aged 19, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two knifepoint robberies in Tallaght, one on 22 May 2018 at Springfield Medicare Pharmacy and another on 19 October 2018 in a taxi at Greenhills. In the taxi incident, he produced a knife to the driver's throat, demanded €130, and fled after receiving the cash. Gallagher claimed he was intoxicated, on drugs, owed money, and had been threatened that he would be shot in front of his children if he did not repay. He has two children and prior road‑traffic convictions. The court, after hearing the prosecution and defence, rejected a request for an adjournment and a probation report. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a three‑year custodial sentence for each robbery, to run concurrently, noting the seriousness of the knife offence and the potential for reform.
In a 2019 Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Jack Hall Ellis, 21, pleaded guilty to unlawfully killing his friend Luke O'Reilly, 20, in a drunken "one punch" assault on Halloween night 2017. Ellis admitted he was acting in drunkenness and anger, having consumed seven to ten double shots of Captain Morgan rum, and punched O'Reilly from behind as they left a pub. O'Reilly fell, hit his head, suffered traumatic brain injuries and died in hospital two weeks later. Ellis was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended. The judge noted the unprovoked nature of the assault, Ellis's early guilty plea, lack of prior violent convictions, remorse, and supportive family as mitigating factors, while emphasizing the seriousness of one‑punch attacks and the need for deterrence. The sentence reflected the low‑middle range of offending for the offence.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 6 June 2019, the family of Bryan Cassidy, who was stabbed to death by his 21‑year‑old stepson Adam Nolan, presented a victim impact statement. The statement criticised the Irish mental health system for failing two families, noting that Nolan had been sent home from Tallaght Hospital after an A&E visit where he claimed he had to kill Cassidy. Despite a family history of mental illness and a diagnosis of drug‑induced psychosis, Nolan was discharged and later stabbed Cassidy on 7 February 2018. Nolan pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity and was committed to the Central Mental Hospital pending a report. The court, with counsel Sean Gillane SC and defence Brendan Grehan SC, heard statements and medical testimony, and Justice Eileen Creedon ordered Nolan's commitment under the Criminal Law Insanity Act.
A 50‑year‑old woman, Grace Miano, was found unfit to stand trial for the murder of 27‑year‑old Limbani "Robert" Mzoma, a Malawian national, who was killed on 1 November 2018 at Miano's home in Foxrock, Dublin. Miano, originally from Kenya, has schizophrenia and was admitted to the Central Mental Hospital (CMH) on 15 November 2018 after earlier treatment at Tallaght Hospital in July 2017. Two forensic psychiatrists, Dr Ronan Mullaney and Dr Paul O'Connell, examined her and reported that she suffers from schizoaffective disorder and paranoid schizophrenia, with persistent auditory hallucinations, delusional beliefs and poor insight. They concluded she could not plead, instruct counsel or form a proper defence. Judge Eileen Creedon therefore committed Miano to the CMH until 20 June, ordering a further psychiatric assessment by an approved medical officer.
In a 2019 Central Criminal Court hearing, Richard O'Mara, aged 31, was convicted of two counts of rape against a 17‑year‑old schoolgirl who attended his sister's eighteenth birthday party. The first rape occurred in a field where O'Mara forced the victim onto the ground, removed her clothing and raped her. The second rape took place in his family house, where he again forced her to lie on a couch, removed her jeans and underwear and raped her. O'Mara pleaded not guilty but was found guilty by a jury after a two‑and‑a‑half‑week trial. Justice Tara Burns sentenced him to 14 years' imprisonment, suspending the final two years on strict conditions. The sentence reflected the seriousness of the offences, the victim's young age, the two separate rapes and the lack of remorse shown by the accused. No prior convictions were recorded for O'Mara.
During Storm Emma, Mohammed Smew (26) entered the Centra supermarket in Tallaght, Dublin, with a sledgehammer and participated in a looting that caused significant damage to the shop and the local community. He pleaded guilty to burglary and possession of a sledgehammer at Kiltalawn on 2 March 2018. Judge Melanie Greally sentenced him to a headline term of four and a half years, reduced to three years with the final 18 months suspended, citing his guilty plea, lack of serious prior convictions, educational background, remorse, and commitment to reform. The judge noted his family's respectable professional background and that the incident was an aberration. Smew had already spent seven months in custody and was credited for this time. The court also heard letters and testimonials from family, friends, and Griffith College supporting his case. The incident involved a large group, a con saw cutting a hole in the shop's steel shutter, and a Garda's attempt to apprehend the suspect.
A 21‑year‑old man, Adam Nolan, was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the murder of his mother's partner, Bryan Cassidy, 52, on 7 February 2018. Nolan had been admitted to Tallaght Hospital after a visit to A&E where he said he had to kill the man. He was diagnosed with drug‑induced psychosis, sent home, and advised to seek treatment for drug misuse. Two weeks later he stabbed Cassidy to death. The Central Criminal Court heard that the original diagnosis was later replaced with schizophrenia, a condition for which Nolan had a genetic vulnerability. During the trial, forensic psychiatrists testified that Nolan was acutely psychotic at the time of the killing and that he had homicidal ideations. The jury, after 27 minutes of deliberation, returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity, and Nolan was committed to the Central Mental Hospital for treatment.
Dubliner Sean Carroll (35) pleaded guilty to two charges of attempted robbery at St Stephen's Green West on June 23, 2017, and a separate offence of assault causing harm outside a pub in Kilmacud, south Dublin on February 19, 2017. The charges were admitted, and Carroll was sentenced at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Greally imposed concurrent four-year sentences for each robbery, which were suspended on the condition that Carroll engage in offence and victim awareness work with the Probation Service. For the assault charge, a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence was imposed and suspended on the condition that he keep the peace for that period. The court heard that Carroll had a history of drug abuse involving cocaine and heroin at the time of the offences but has since made significant improvements in his life, including completing residential drug treatment and living in accommodation under the Peter McVerry Trust. The matter was adjourned following the sentence.
Michael Doherty, a 39‑year‑old former wine and school‑lunch delivery businessman, was sentenced in October for an armed robbery of a Maxol petrol station in Lucan. On 31 March 2017 he entered the station, threatened staff with a claw hammer, demanded the till be opened, struck it when it did not, and stole about €400. He fled in a black car that Gardaí linked to him, leading to his arrest. Doherty pleaded guilty to the robbery of Kim Heffernan. Prosecutor Diana Stuart noted his 24 prior convictions were mainly traffic offences, while defence counsel Sarah‑Jane O'Callaghan argued the robbery was out of character, citing the collapse of his marriage, drug abuse, and business failure as contributing factors. Judge Melanie Greally ordered a Probation Service report, adjourned sentencing to 16 October, and remanded Doherty on continuing bail until that date.
Kathleen Kiely, 31, of London, pleaded guilty to handling stolen property at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after attempting to sell €90,000 of stolen gold jewellery to a cash‑for‑gold shop in Tallaght. Garda surveillance had been placed on the shop following tips that two men would call. Kiely entered the shop the day before the offence, asking the owner how much he would pay for 18‑carat gold, claiming her husband had some to sell. She was stopped by Gardaí who found a second bag containing badly damaged gold jewellery, originally valued at €90,000 but reduced to €37,000 due to damage. The jewellery was traced to a burglary in Lucan. Kiely had no prior convictions and was influenced by her former partner, Michael Maughan, 25, who also pleaded guilty to handling stolen jewellery. Maughan was sentenced to four years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended, and a probation report was ordered.
The Court of Appeal has reduced the sentence of David Burke, who was found to have the greatest culpability in the fatal assault on Dale Creighton in Tallaght in 2014. Burke, along with four others, pleaded guilty to manslaughter after murder charges were dropped during trial. The original sentencing judge, Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy, imposed a ten-year term on Burke with the final two-and-a-half years suspended, citing his role in setting the agenda. However, President of the Court of Appeal, Mr Justice George Birmingham, sitting with Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, re-sentenced Burke to ten years imprisonment with the final three years and three months suspended. This results in a net jail term of six years and nine months, a reduction of nine months. The court determined that the original divergence from the next most culpable offender, Ross Callery, was excessive. Callery, who was also found to have high culpability, received a ten-year sentence with the final four years suspended, leaving a net term of six years. Other participants included Aisling Burke, jailed for one year for violent disorder; James Reid, given a wholly suspended two-year sentence for possession of a knife; Graham Palmer, sentenced to ten years with five suspended; Jason Beresford, sentenced to ten years with four suspended; and Gerard Stevens, sentenced to ten years with seven suspended. The appeal focused on parity and relativity among the multiple defendants.
In 2017, Keith Hearne, aged 30, was sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment for raping Dominique Meehan at a gaming convention in Blanchardstown. He pleaded guilty to two counts of rape, one of oral rape and one of false imprisonment. Hearne's appeal argued that his psychiatric illnesses should have reduced the sentence, but the Court of Appeal found he had no active symptoms at the time of the offence and therefore his mental state did not affect culpability. The court upheld the 12‑year term, noting the severity of the violent, premeditated attack and the presence of weapons and sadomasochistic items in his rucksack. The appeal was dismissed, and Meehan expressed relief that the sentence was maintained, though she remains affected by the assault.
Gerard O'Neill, 66, was placed on a two‑year probation bond after pleading guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possessing and distributing 225 child‑pornography videos found on his seized laptop, hard drive and CDs. The videos, dated between 15 April and 13 May 2015, included 214 scenes of pre‑teen boys with other children or adults and 11 scenes of boys with exposed genitalia. O'Neill, who had no prior convictions, was arrested in March 2018. The judge ordered him to attend a sex‑offender treatment programme, obey all directions of his probation officer, avoid contact with anyone under 18 unless supervised, and reside at an address agreed with his officer. He was also required to apologise and was warned that any breach could lead to further action. The court will review his progress on 12 May 2021.
In April 2019, John Brock, aged 46, was sentenced to eight and a half years for possessing 167 kg of explosives in a black Skoda Fabia. The explosives, weighing 23–24 stone, could have caused significant death, injury and damage. Brock had previously been convicted in 2008 for firearms and ammunition. During sentencing, he agreed to an undertaking to dissociate from unlawful organisations and to refrain from further offences, and he posted a €100 bond. The judge, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, suspended the last 18 months of the sentence for three years, back‑dated to the time Brock entered custody. The court found Brock and John Roche, aged 55, were in joint control of the explosives, though the judge could not be satisfied that their involvement extended beyond transportation. Brock's sentence was reduced by the agreed undertaking.
Larry Behan, 41, pleaded guilty to knowingly rendering assistance to the IRA in the possession of explosives at his father's quarry on 13 April 2016. He opened the gates to two men, John Roche and John Brock, who removed 57 kg of homemade explosives and 38 kg of Kemegel industrial explosives. Behan had no prior convictions, cooperated with Gardaí, and admitted his role immediately after arrest. The judge, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, described the case as "unusual" with "exceptional circumstances" and imposed a headline sentence of two years' imprisonment, suspended for two years on a €100 bond. Behan must keep the peace and be of good behaviour during the suspension. The court noted his lack of political association and his genuine fear for himself and his family. The case remains an ongoing criminal proceeding, with no further verdicts announced.
In 2017, Keith Hearne, aged 30, was sentenced to 12 years for raping Dominique Meehan at the ArcadeCon gaming convention. Hearne pleaded guilty to two counts of rape, one count of oral rape and one count of false imprisonment. The sentencing judge, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, noted the seriousness of the offence and the evidence of sadomasochistic items found at the scene. Hearne's defence argued that his psychiatric history – Asperger's syndrome, ADHD, dyslexia and bipolar disorder – and lack of prior convictions should have been considered as mitigating factors. The Court of Appeal heard that only one mitigating circumstance had been considered. The DPP maintained the sentence was proper and proportionate to the heinous nature of the crime. Meehan, 27, expressed relief at the sentence but said it was too light and that her life had changed dramatically since the assault.
Two men, John Brock (46) and John Roche (55), were found in joint control of 167 kg of explosives in a black Skoda Fabia on Naas Road. The explosives, weighing 23–24 stone, included ammonium nitrate fuel mix and 38 rolls of Kemegel industrial explosives, and were deemed capable of causing death, injury and damage. Both pleaded not guilty to possession of 57 kg of homemade explosives. The non‑jury Special Criminal Court convicted them and sentenced Roche to seven years' imprisonment and Brock to eight and a half years. Brock was offered an 18‑month reduction if he dissociated from dissident organisations. The court noted the men's involvement was limited to transportation and that Roche had no prior convictions, while Brock had a previous firearms conviction. No further charges were pursued.
In April 2016, Larry Behan, 41, owner's son of a quarry in Rathcoole, opened the quarry gates to IRA members John Roche and John Brock, allowing them to take 57 kg of homemade explosives and 38 kg of Kemegel industrial explosives. Behan had previously found the explosives while cleaning an old shed and believed they would be disposed of. He was arrested on 14 April for possession of an explosive substance but later pleaded guilty in March 2019 to knowingly rendering assistance to the IRA in the possession of explosives. The Special Criminal Court heard that Behan was naive, had no prior convictions, and was taken advantage of, fearing for his life. He was remanded on continuing bail until 29 April 2019. The case was heard by a three‑judge panel, including Mr Justice Tony Hunt.
Stephen Keane, 30, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Court to impersonating a Garda, unlawfully seizing a vehicle and robbery. On 25 August 2018, he entered BoyleSports in Firhouse, presented a badge and claimed to be an undercover Garda, demanding CCTV footage and access to the back of the bookmakers. After the manager refused, he left. Later that day he approached a car outside Firhouse Shopping Centre, told the driver to exit, claimed to have a gun, and then drove off with the vehicle. He then entered Dwan's Off‑Licence, pointed a gun at an employee, demanded money and stole €395 and three packs of cigarettes. Keane said the gun was a broken airsoft gun and that he had a drug debt. He has 68 prior convictions in Ireland and the UK. The judge remanded him in custody and adjourned sentencing for 8 July.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, John Roche (55) and John Brock (46) were found guilty of possessing 167 kg of explosives in the boot of a car on Naas Road, Dublin 12, on 13 April 2016. The court noted the explosives included 57 kg of ANFO and thirty‑eight 2.5 kg rolls of Kemegel industrial explosives, amounting to roughly three‑quarters of the 227 kg of ANFO used in the Omagh bombing of 15 August 2008, which killed 29 people. Detective Sergeant Tom Power compared the Naas Road bomb to other large bombs, such as a 30 kg ANFO keg found in Finnstown House hotel and a 50 kg ANFO keg in Kilcurry Church, both in May 2014. The court also heard that 18 detonators were found under the front passenger seat. Mr Brock had a prior firearms conviction from 2008, while Mr Roche had no prior convictions. The sentencing was adjourned to Friday morning. John Brock pleaded not guilty.
Michael Rae, 39, was convicted of arson and criminal damage after petrol bombing a family home and vehicle at Knockmore Park, Tallaght, on 26 May 2017. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced on 14 June 2018 to five years' imprisonment, with the final year suspended, by Judge Melanie Greally. The Court of Appeal upheld the sentence. The appeal judge, Mr Justice George Birmingham, noted that the victim saw Rae near the driveway that night, that CCTV captured him filling a plastic bottle with petrol, setting it alight and throwing it at the house, and that the attack caused damage to the vehicle, a wall and a window. Rae had 29 prior convictions, including two for non‑arson criminal damage and 15 for traffic offences, and was intoxicated on the night of the attack. The appeal was dismissed.
In 2015, Waquil Alatise, a 52‑year‑old Master's student, collapsed in front of a woman's car in Clondalkin and later claimed she had hit him while she was on her phone. He admitted making a false statement to Gardaí and pleaded guilty in February 2019. The court found his premeditated behaviour caused the victim significant distress and called the offence "most serious." Alatise was sentenced to 16 months in prison, with the final four months suspended on the condition of keeping the peace for four months after release. He had previously filed a civil claim with the Personal Injuries Assessment Board, which he withdrew. The victim, a careful driver with 20 years of licence, said the ordeal had shaken her confidence and left her nervous on the roads. Alatise has no prior convictions in Ireland or the UK.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, John Roche (55) and John Brock (46) were found guilty of possessing 167 kg of explosives in a black Skoda Fabia. Gardaí discovered four plastic bags of homemade explosives and 18 detonators under the front passenger seat on Naas Road. Roche claimed he had no knowledge of the explosives and denied being at Behans Quarry, but the judge deemed his denials "totally incredible" and concluded he had full control of the vehicle's contents. Brock, a front‑seat passenger, also denied knowledge but was found to have been aware of the bulky load. Both men were remanded pending sentencing, with the court noting they acted in concert to transport the explosives, contravening the Explosive Substances Act 1883. John Roche pleaded not guilty. John Brock pleaded not guilty.